ã€ŠSeirei Tsukai no Blade Danceã€‹


 Volume 1, 1 - You Are My Contracted Spirit

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 1 - You Are My Contracted Spirit</h4>

    Part 1

    In a quiet forest where the sun''s rays shine through the leaves-

    *Ssh¡ª*

    The sound of water resounded through the trees.

    Kamito opened his mouth wide in shock and stood stock still.

    There was a girl. In front of his eyes was a naked girl.

    On top of that, he thought, she was a cute girl.

    She hadrge eyes with ruby pupils and lustrously moist cherry-red lips.

    Her white skin was as smooth as milk and dazzling.

    Her beautifully slender legs disappeared below the water''s surface.

    However, what caught his eye more than anything was her zingly crimson red hair that clung to her gorgeous, porcin-like body.

    However, she was naked---Stark naked.

    "..."

    Kamito felt a cold sweat begin to form on his back.

    Not good. Naked is not good.

    ......Speaking of which, he ought to run away.

    The rational part of his brain was certainly telling him to run.

    However, his body wouldn''t move.

    It was as if he was enchanted. The scene was just too surreal.

    The girl¡ª

    Her moist and beautiful eyes blinked as she looked at the intruder who had appeared quite suddenly.

    Her expression was nk. It seemed like she had yet to fully grasp the situation.

    She had not even covered her small, developing breasts yet.

    *Tick.*

    A water droplet fell from the young girl''s bangs.

    With that sound, Kamito finally regained his senses.

    "Ah¡ªErr...," Kamito stumbled over his words.

    He tore his gaze from the naked girl who was still standing motionlessly.

    "I guess I should say...this is a huge ident, ok? It is definitely an unfortunate ident for the both of us..."

    At this time, the boy made two fatal errors:

    The first was that he started to stumble through making excuses. The best choice for him, of course, was to take advantage of the fact that the girl was dazed and run away immediately.

    And the other error was¡ª

    "Even though this is an ident, I have seen you like this. I must apologize."

    Up to this point, he was still fine, but then he continued...

    "However, don''t worry. I am a healthy boy, but I don''t have that kind of interest."

    Looking at the young girl''s developing chest, he said¡ª

    "I have no interest in the naked body of a kid."

    He stepped on a gigantdmine.

    An icy silence fell.

    The girl slowly raised her arm, red hair coiling around its length.

    Her shoulders shook slightly.

    It wasn''t because she was cold, however, Kamito was oblivious to that fact.

    "Sixteen¡ª"

    The girl''s delicate lips mumbling something, and Kamito lifted his eyebrows.

    "I-I-I am sixteen!!!"

    The instant she yelled this, the young girl''s red hair stood on end.

    "Huuh!?" Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise,

    "Sixteen!? For real? A sixteen year-old with such a pitiful chest¡ª"

    He quickly covered his mouth. It was already toote.

    "Unforgivable," the young girl said in a low, cold voice, "D-Definitely unforgivable......you-you-you peeping demon, pervert, lewd beast!"

    "You''re quite knowledgeable to know words like lewd beast," Kamito replied as he narrowed his eyes.

    At this time, he noticed that the trees were making a low, whisper-like rustle.

    Is that the wind? he mused, No, that''s-

    "Guardian of the crimson ze, keeper of the undying hearth!"

    "Now is the time to abide by our blood contract;e forth and do my bidding!"

    From the young girl''s lips sprang an incantation in spiritnguage.

    At that instant, apanied by the sound of air rushing into a vacuum, a whip of mes manifested in the hand of the girl.

    An elementalist! Kamito realized as he stared at the girl.

    An elementalist controls something that exists from a different dimension apart from this world; a ce called "Astral Zero."

    Elementalists were princess maidens, girls who have made contracts with the spirits living in that other ce.

    They can use different types of spirits and freely wield their powers.

    It seemed that the girl in front of Kamito had contracted with a fire-type spirit.

    That the young girl was an elementalist wasn''t something to be that surprised about.

    After all, this was the area where the country''s excellent elementalists were gathered.

    Nevertheless, it''s surprising that she can use an elemental waffe, Kamito thought.

    The way spirits are summoned and formed upon being summoned into this world can be broken down into two main groups:

    The first is a form that appears as a lump of divine power; mass-less and of an indeterminate form. It is purely the summoning of a spirit''s power and is used primarily as a battery for when spirit magic is used.

    The other summoning form is the pure form that summons a part of the spirit''s existence.

    This summoning requires tremendous amounts of divine power and, on top of that, is very difficult to control. So, those capable of summoning a spirit''s existence are said to be the elite amongst the ranks of elementalists.

    Even further, the girl before his eyes was not just using a spirit, but was using that spirit''s power in a highly-optimized elemental waffe.

    What that means is that...would I now be in a potential life or death situation? As the thought suddenly hit him, Kamito was stunned.

    Where the me whip touched the water''s surface a gush of white steam rose.

    "You...you have guts." The girl murmured in a trembling voice.

    Her face was red. Was it due to her anger or her embarrassment over the situation?

    "Really, you have some nerve to p-peek while I, ire Rouge, am taking my bath," She stammered.

    "W-Wait, that is a misunderstanding! Let me exin it in full first!" Kamito shook his head in panic.

    "I will not listen to your excuses. Turn into cinders, you pervert!" the girl yelled.

    The me whip ignited furiously in the girl''s hand and moved as if it was licking the water surface.

    "Oh no..." Kamito propelled his body into the dense bushes nearby.

    Nearly at the same time, the metounge brushed its way over his head.

    The idle red residue that remained on the trees which had been cut was like the lingering punchline of a joke. The cut surface of the tree trunks were surprisingly smooth, without any trace of having been touched by fire. The attack had been so fast that the mes did not have the time to ignite the trees.

    The hair on Kamito''s forehead fluttered down around his mouth while cold sweat started to form on his forehead.

    Um, this is a joke, right? I''m not going to die like this, am I? Kamito nervously thought.

    *Zing*, *biyutsu* ¨C There was an endless dance of crimson shes cutting both horizontally and vertically in the forest. The surrounding bush was mowed down in the blink of an eye. Having lost his cover, Kamito hurriedly dashed away.

    "Don''t dodge, pervert, I can''t hit you!" the girl called out.

    "Don''t ask for the impossible, and I''m not a pervert!" Kamito threw back.

    Kamito screamed out; at the same time, the whip swung downwards towards his feet, causing a violent spark to m onto the ground. Rising from the ground, the whip immediately sprang in the direction of the woods, causing more trees to be cut down.

    Fortunately among all the unluckiness Kamito was experiencing, the girl¡ªire''s- aim was quite bad.

    This stands to reason though, as one hand was hiding her chest from being seen. In order to conceal her most important part she had squatted in the pond. However, considering how well she was able to handle her whip in such a position, she should normally be quite skilled at using it.

    "How conceited despite being a pervert, please obediently turn into cinders!" ire shouted again at Kamito.

    "I''m saying that I''m not a pervert! But by the way," Kamito stopped and turned around, there was something he had noticed for some time... "you need to cover yourself properly. The gaps between your fingers aren''t able to hide thempletely."

    "...eh?" Instantly, ire''s facial expression froze. And¡ª "Kyaaaaaaaaaah!"

    Blushing deeply and screaming in a strangely cute voice¡ªshe quickly hid her chest with both of her hands.

    "Ah, idiot!" Kamito involuntarily eximed.

    ire had let go, and lost control of the me whip, and it cleanly severed the trees behind her.

    The huge trees slowly crashed towards her. However, ire did not notice them. Her eyes were closed in embarrassment while she kept embracing her naked chest.

    Damn! Kamito eximed as he kicked off the ground.

    Running with all his strength towards the pond, Kamito jumped towards ire and grabbed her shoulders.

    "Wha¡ª!?" ire''s red pupils dted widely.

    Kamito ignored her outburst and aggressively pushed her down into the water.

    The moment ire''s hand touched the water, a gush of steam rose, and the me whip disappeared.

    Immediately after, the nearby trees collided with the water''s surface.

    *Duuuun!*

    The sound of the trees falling was deafening and createdrge water columns.

    Absorbing the heat of the mes, the now-warm pond water poured down like a heavy rain.

    *A few secondster*

    "Ooh..." Making a seductive noise, ire slowly opened her eyes.

    Her expression was that of shock, her eyes blinked in wonder.

    Kamito leaned on ire and found himself staring into her eyes.

    Their faces were so close that if someone were to push on his back lightly, their lips would likely touch.

    ire''s crimson hair clung closely to her nape. Her moist lips were cherry red.

    Her delicate doll-like face was in front of Kamito''s eyes.

    For a short moment it looked like he was subconsciously captivated by her. Kamito quickly shook his head.

    "...Um, are you alright? Are you hurt?" he asked.

    ire nodded. It seemed as if she had not fully absorbed the situation yet.

    Kamito sighed, then tried to stand up.

    *Funyuu.*

    His hand had touched something soft underwater.

    "Hwaaah!"

    What is that? Mud? he thought.

    *Funyu*. *Munyu*[1].

    "Hm, ya, hwaaa" From ire''s moist lips came a shallow, sweet voice. Her submerged naked body twitched for some reason.

    "Um..this is?" Havinge this far, Kamito finally arrived at a certain conclusion. A certain......awfully frightening conclusion.

    No, wait, calm down. This can''t be...that, right?

    It couldn''t be. It could be no such thing. He desperately tried to deny such a possibility.

    When I looked at hers earlier, they weren''t so...

    "Wh..Wha.. Wha..Whattt.... are..you...do..ing" ire''s lip trembled, shaking involuntarily. She was blushing with tears in her eyes.

    Apparently, it wasn''t a lump of mud that he had been touching.

    "You, pervert¡ª!"

    "Gwah!"

    Because he got kneed hard in the stomach, Kamito copsed into the pond''s water.

    *Gugugugugu....!*

    With a rising heat haze behind her, ire slowly stood up. The me whip, which was a manifestation of her me spirit, was once again in her hand.

    The water in the pond instantaneously started to boil, bubbles frothing to the surface all around.

    "No..No, it''s a misunderstanding! Wait, if you do that, I''m really gonna die....." Kamito pleaded.

    "Sh..Shut up pervert, you will die here!"

    With an almost ear-splitting, deafening sound, Kamito''s body was cast high into the air.

    Part 2

    A few minutester...

    "Ugh..."

    Kamito slowly woke into consciousness, the forest unfolding before his eyes.

    He tried to get up¡ªsuddenly, he realized that something was coiled around his neck.

    It was a leather ck whipmonly used for torturing. What is this thing, Kamito thought as he tried to take the whip off.

    "You finally woke up, you peeping-tom pervert."

    The whip around his neck tightened.

    "Gweh!? Release me..." Kamito coughed. He then looked upward and saw¡ª

    The scarlet-haired young girl ¨C ire Rouge, stood above him with her hands on her waist. She gazed down at Kamito with a raised eyebrow.

    This time, thankfully, she was not naked. She had changed into an adorable school uniform. It''s pattern was of ck lines on a pure white field. This was the Areishia Spirit Academy''s uniform.

    A ribbon decorated the front of her uniform. A talisman was sewn in the ce where a button would normally rest. Between the gap of her knee-length stockings and her pleated skirt, her beautifully slender legs stuck out brilliantly. Tiny ribbons tied her crimson hair on both sides. This was the so-called twintail hairstyle. Judging from her still-wet hair, it seems that Kamito had not lost consciousness for that long.

    Keeping Kamito''s neck bound tightly, ire puffed up her small chest.

    "Well, be grateful. I went easy on you and didn''t try to kill you outright," ire huffed.

    "That has to be a lie. You definitely intended to kill me," Kamito retorted.

    "What are you talking about? If I had been serious, you would have been in cinders by now," ire calmly stated.

    She just said something quite frightening really calmly, Kamito nervously thought.

    By the way, cinders are the soft ash residue that is left behind when firewood is incinerated.

    "I beg for your forgiveness, spare me from bing cinders. After all, I helped you!" Kamito pleaded.

    "Well, yes, I am a fair woman of noble rank, so I''ll give you credit for your help. Even so, you are a higher grade than an average pervert, so you are a high-grade pervert," she snapped.

    "In the end the pervert designation doesn''t change," Kamito dejectedly sighed, "By the way, isn''t a high grade pervert even worse of a designation than an average pervert?!"

    "I bet you were only pretending to help me! You...you touched my breast!"

    Recalling what happened, ire''s face suddenly turned beet red.

    Seeing such a reaction from her, Kamito had an idea.

    ...This girl, could it be that she is that kind of person?

    "So it seems that mdy is the type of pervert that has a hobby of whipping men." Kamito teased ire nonchntly.

    "What!? That is not true! I''m not a pervert!" The response was immediate as Kamito expected. ire shook her head and her cheeks instantly became bright red all the way to her ears.

    "Then do you enjoy being whipped?" Kamito slyly continued.

    "Wha...what..are...you..saying?" ire''s eyes spun as steam puffs rose from her head. She is unsurprisingly flustered.

    Oh, as I expected, Kamito smiled bitterly, This girl is really, really innocent.

    Most likely it wasn''t only ire that was this innocent. After all, Areishia Spirit Academy is a school where elementalist princess maidens are gathered. Only pure maidens are capable of exchanging feelings with the spirits from Astral Zero. Among those princess maidens, those who retain enough divine power tomand a contracted spirit are girls from the lines of kings or lords of ancient and honorable families whose elementalist blood has been strengthened through the marriages of many generations.

    To maintain the purity of their bodies and hearts, these girls are raised in environments that arepletely separated from contact with males starting in childhood: the so-called elite education for elementalists has no ce for men. Therefore, all the girls attending the academy are super innocent princesses who are unustomed to dealing with men.

    Finding ire''s unexpectedly easy-to-spot weakness, Kamito had the thought to y a prank on her.

    From a kneeling position, Kamito looked up at the embarrassed bright-red face of ire.

    "Th¡ªthen, there is something I have meant to say since I woke up." Kamito yfully stammered.

    "Wh...what is it, you pervert?" ire replied warily.

    "I can see your panties from this angle."

    "Fuwah!" Tears began to float in her crimson eyes. ire hastily pressed down the fringe of her skirt with both hands.

    "You...you saw it?" ire sniffed.

    "Only a nce and you are, quite unexpectedly, a very daring girl. Your panties are the same color as your hair." Kamito bluffed.

    "You...you lie! They are not red! They are white, white!" ire shouted.

    "Ah, so they are white." Kamito nodded sagely.

    "...Eh!?" Realizing that she had been tricked, ire bit down on her front lip¡ª

    "U-Uuuuuuuuuh~" ire started to cry.

    At this sudden unexpected reaction, Kamito panicked. "No, you''re the pervert, a dirty youngdy, who reveals the color of her own panties", he had nned to say to tease her more but, as expected, he was starting to feel guilty and like a bad person.

    Taking the chance while ire was still crying, Kamito removed the whip from around his neck.

    "My bad, I went a bit too far with my prank. Sorry." Kamito stood up and ced his hand on ire''s head. ire stopped crying, and looked puzzled. "It is my fault that I saw you naked while you were bathing. I have also touched your breasts as well. However, those actions were not intentional. Please believe me."

    "Wha-what....."

    Seeing the truth of his words in his eyes, ire could not help but to avert her eyes.

    "....What-what is this? If you are not a pervert, then why are you here?"

    A question that is not the easiest to answer for Kamito. This forest is under the jurisdiction of Areishia Spirit Academy, known as the Spirit Forest. There would be no reason for a man to be in the grounds of the academy. Even if he was not a pervert, the fact that he was where he should not be could not be contested.

    "I was summoned by Greyworth." Kamito told ire.

    "Greyworth...the academy''s headmistress!?" ire questioned suspiciously. Indeed, why would the headmistress summon a male to the academy?

    "I''m not lying. Look, here''s the evidence." Kamito continued. He took out a letter from within his coat. The letter was signed by the renowned headmistress. It was also stamped with the emblem seal that symbolizes the five great Elemental Lords.

    "Is that, the first-rank emblem seal of the Empire!?" ire cried out, shocked. The first-rank emblem seal is produced by sealing spirits with a special technique into a seal. This seal is rated as the highest among the emblem seals issued by the Empire and is said to bepletely impossible to counterfeit. Of course, it is something that is rarely seen but as an elementalist, ire could certainly tell that it was the real thing.

    "It seems to be authentic. But why would the headmistress call a man to the academy?" ire asked.

    "Well, for the answer to that question you''d have to ask Greyworth, that old hag. Being summoned was troublesome for me, too." Kamito sighed.

    "''That...that old hag!?''" ire''s face stiffened.

    The Dusk Witch, Greyworth, is a greatly respected individual by princess maidens who aim to be Spirit Knights. It is also said that she is as popr in the Ordesia Empire as the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell. Even after she retired a decade ago from the Twelve Knight Generals, the most elite force of Spirit Knights known as the "Numbers," her legendary status as a Witch is still one to be feared and revered to the highest degree.

    Well, for me, she is nothing but a nightmare, Kamito thought as he tucked the letter back into it''s pocket. "Greyworth is an old acquaintance of mine. I came all the way here but the academy ground is extremelyrge and so I have lost my way."

    Areishia Spirit Academy''s grounds is incredibly vast. After all, besides the academy-town at the foot of the hill it also includes the entire spirit forest that surrounds it.

    "Could it be that you were misled by the spirits in the forest? That''s some." ire snickered.

    ".....Yeah, that''s how it is," Kamito nodded, feeling a bit dejected.

    Existing in various locations of the continent, spirit forests connect with Astral Zero through Gates. These forests are inhabited by the spirits that have wandered into this dimension. Most of the spirits have no interest in humankind and as such are harmless. There are also spirits who enjoy ying pranks; they deliberately mislead travelers who stray into the forest. Kamito was confused by the spirits'' whispers and went deeper and deeper into the forest, therefore losing his way.

    "Anyway, I''m really d that I met someone. It would not be fun to be a victim of the forest. Which way should I go to get to the academy?" Kamito asked.

    "Which direction...I shall tell you that it takes two hours to get to the academy from here by foot," ire replied knowledgeably.

    "What, that far!?" Kamito yelped.

    If he was to walk for such a long distance by himself he would most likely once again be tricked by the spirits. Since there was a student of the academy present, he had thought that the academy was closer than that.

    Hmm? Why was this girl taking a bath at this kind of ce? Kamito wondered.

    Today is indeed a bit hot, nheless, instead ofing all this way, there should be showering facilities inside of the academy. There are only girls in the school so there would be nothing to be embarrassed about.

    Kamito asked this question of ire. ire dug her hands into her wet twintail hair and tried tob it.

    "I was here for the purification ritual for a spirit contract. Being a spring next to a shrine the water here has the highest of purification qualities. You do know that spirits like a woman who has a pure mind and body?"

    "Spirit contract?" Kamito mused.

    The moment he heard those words, a throbbing pain came from the back of his left hand, which was covered in a leather glove. Kamito grimaced from the sharp pain.

    "A bit further into the forest from here there is an ancient holy sword in a shrine. Rumor has it that a powerful sealed spirit is locked away there. Since the founding of the academy not a single princess maiden has sessfully formed a contract with it. It surely sounds like a very proud and noble spirit," ire said.

    Sealed spirits: they are not the normal spirits that reside in Astral Zero and move into this dimension. Among the ranks and types of spirits, there are some who are sealed into weapons or armor by powerful, ancient elementalists. Most of these sealed spirits have brought about terrible disasters to humankind and are dreadful beings called Djinn or Ifreet by ancient societies.

    Of course, they are not meant to be employed by elementalists. Those strong elementalists of the past sealed these spirits in weapons or armor so that they could never be summoned ever again and deal more harm to the world around them.

    "Don''t tell me you n to form a contract with a sealed spirit?" Kamito said, stunned.

    "That''s right! Do you have a problem with it?" ire retorted.

    "Stop, it is too dangerous!"

    "Hmm, you seem to know a bit about sealed spirits even though you are not an elementalist. I am quite aware of the dangers, but I need a powerful spirit no matter what," ire muttered, biting her tightly closed lips.

    Seeing her determination in her expression, Kamito snapped back on the lecture he had on the tip of his tongue.

    "Don''t you already have a contract with that me spirit? That is also a powerful spirit, isn''t it? Won''t it be fine if you just raise it instead?" Kamito wheedled.

    A me spirit is not very rare, but there are only a handful of elementalists who can control a fire spirit and be capable of using elemental waffen in the whole Empire. On another note, elementalists whom have formed a contract with multiple spirits are so rare that they are an extreme minority. Discord between the contracted spirits can cause deterioration of the bnce of divine power. Without enough talent, one would not be able to control them.

    "Scarlet is an important partner. But¡ª" I need more power¡ª. ire calmly shook her head. "-I have a goal. To achieve it, I must have a strong spirit."

    Part 3

    ire''s fluffy crimson twintails swung back and forth over her back as she led Kamito deeper into the forest. Although ire''s leather loafers looked quite difficult to walk in, ire was a well trained elementalist; her steps were light and lively.

    "Here it is," ire muttered.

    Her well-proportioned feet stopped walking. With her hands on her hips, ire looked back at Kamito with a re.

    "Why are you following me, you pervert-peeping maniac?"

    "Without your guidance I don''t know the way to the academy. As I have said several times, I am not a pervert-peeping maniac. My name is Kamito, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Fufufu, what a weird name. Are you from Quina?" she replied.

    Quina is an empire in the eastern region of the continent. It is said that Quina''snguage, culture, and the rtionship between people and spiritsrgely differ from that of Ordesia.

    "No, I am not from Quina. I was born on a far-away, remote ind in a very small vige."

    Kamito intentionally obscured his own statement. Certainly, he was born in an ind country in the east, but therger half of his childhood was not spent there.

    "Your name also has quite a unique taste, ire Rouge." Kamito hinted.

    "Do not call my name in a friendly manner," ire snapped. "Anyway, my name is a strange name."

    "Really? I think it is a nice name."

    "Wha-what are you saying, st-stupid!"

    ire blushed, suddenly turned back around and briskly walked in the direction she had indicated earlier.

    ire Rouge¡ªobviously the name is a pseudonym.

    Most of the students attending the Areishia Spirit Academy were the youngdies of noble families who have been trained as potential elementalists since childhood. However well-versed he was in the noble families, Kamito had never heard of the Rouge family. ire was hiding her noble family name. She must have some reason to do so, but Kamito had no intention to delve deeper.

    Everyone has some secrets they want to hide, Kamito thought. Kamito nced down at his left hand covered by the leather glove. Even I have mine, too...

    ire kept walking through the forest. Kamito quickly moved to follow her swaying crimson twintails. Losing sight of ire inside the forest now would only bring trouble for himter. Kamito was well-aware of the dangers of spending a night inside the Spirit Forest.

    "Is that dress the academy''s uniform?" Kamito asked.

    "Yeah." ire nodded coldly as she kept moving.

    Areishia Spirit Academy uniforms are pretty sturdy and can also serve as a protective garment. They have undergone spirit blessings and have the added effect of raising sacred attributes. The uniform could also function nicely as a ceremonial dress for contracting with or summoning spirits.

    "What, are you saying that it doesn''t suit me?"

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders. "No, it suits you gorgeously," he answered. "Honestly speaking, I am charmed by it."

    Fine feathers make fine birds; Kamito nned to mock her with caustic words such as those, but the uniform did fit her so perfectly that Kamito couldn''t help but topliment her.

    "Wh-Wha-What are you saying!? Stop being an idiot!" ire stammered cutely.

    *Kaatsu* ire blushed deep red, while *Pyun-Pyun* waving her whip around in agitation.

    "Uwahh, Calm down!" Kamito pleaded.

    "Wasn''t it because you said some weird thing?"

    "What I said was weird? I simply spoke the truth! I got it, I understand, so please stop pulling out your whip for every little thing."

    Phew, if I didn''t need her as a guide...but what a bothersome princess. Dodging the swinging whip, Kamito sighed in his mind.

    *******

    The shrine that held the holy de stood quietly in a clearing in the forest.

    ire easily removed the ward that forbade entry and stopped walking, then turned to Kamito.

    "From here onwards it will be really dangerous, so, as amoner, you should stay away."

    "If you know that it''s dangerous, why not stop?" Kamito asked.

    "As I was saying, I need to contract with a strong spirit." ire calmly shook her head and stepped into the shrine.

    Disregarding her warnings, Kamito followed her. As foring all the way, it was true that he needed a guide, but more importantly he was just worried about ire.

    After all, sealed spirits were the strongest of the strong and at the same time have a wild nature. They prefer destruction and chaos; given the chance, they would even murder the elementalist that employs their power.

    They are not something that can be managed by humans¡ªthat is why they have been sealed away.

    Being only sixteen years of age with such an innate talent for wielding a spirit, ire might as well be called a prodigy. However, if by any chance, she was to release the sealed spirit and fail to control it, what would happen?

    Although she was just a girl he met by chance, Kamito couldn''t leave her alone.

    "Why did you follow me? I cannot guarantee what will happen to you." ire warned.

    "Don''t you have the absolute confidence to tame it?" Kamito snarkily answered.

    "Of-Of course I do!"

    "Then there''s no problem if Ie along." Kamito shrugged his shoulders, prompting ire to turn away from him.

    "....Suit yourself."

    The inside of the shrine was misty and dark and had a heavy atmosphere. ire frowned slightly at the smell of mold mingling in the air.

    "mes, let there be light."

    A tiny fireball immediately formed from ire''s fingertips; a basic spirit spell that draws on the power of a me spirit. The flickering light of the fireball dimly illuminated the walls of the shrine. The shrine looked like a cavern filled with stctites.

    The sword was at the innermost area of the shrine.

    "That is the sword that the sealed spirit resides in?" Kamito muttered. ire nodded quietly in confirmation.

    An unsheathed sword was standing hilt-up in a huge stone. It was an undoubtedly an antique which was most likely hundreds of years old but it had no rust on its length nor dents on its edge. Delicate ancient runes were engraved on the t of the de, radiating a dim blue light.

    "A sword that has existed from even before the academy was founded, The Sacred Sword of Severian," ire muttered reverently.

    "The Sacred Sword of Severian? The one that yed Demon King Solomon?" Kamito asked, shocked.

    Demon King Solomonmanded seventy-two powerful spirits, brought chaos and destruction to the continent and was the only recorded male elementalist in history.

    It was said that the one that slew the Demon King was the sword of Severian.

    "Idiot, there''s no way that''s the real thing." ire stated like she was amazed. "A Sacred Sword of Severian stabbed into a stone can be found everywhere in the Empire. Some remote viges even have one for the revitalization of the vige. Anyhow, even if it is not the real deal, since it is a rune sword, there might be a powerful spirit sealed in it."

    "...Indeed. Certainly, the real thing would not be in such a ce..." Kamito finished.

    ire walked towards the sword determinedly.

    "Hey..."

    "You stay back." ire snapped as she gestured to Kamito who had been approaching. ire clenched the hilt of the holy de.

    "Don''t strain yourself."

    "...Got it."

    Kamito decided to watch over ire from the edge, where the light barely reached. The sealed spirit might be provoked by the presence of more than just one person. A heavy silence filled the surroundings.

    "...Let''s do this, ire Rouge." Breathing deeply, ire murmured to herself. Her voice trembled a bit; it seemed that she was nervous after all, Kamito noted.

    "Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Ancient Holy Sword!"

    "Thou Shall ept Me as Thy Master and I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"

    From her cherry-red lips flew a fluent incantation for a contract ritual in spiritnguage. Her crimson hair stood on its ends. A crashing wind started to swirl inside the shrine.

    Holding his breath, Kamito watched her intensely. Once the contract has been spoken and the spirit recognized ire as its master, a spirit seal would be engraved somewhere on her body. The contract vows would then enter their conclusion. As he watched, a dreadful gust of wind swept through the shrine.

    "...eh?" Kamito involuntarily stuttered.

    ire was unfazed, however, as she calmly recited her contract vow.

    Dazzling light radiated from Severian''s holy de in her hand.

    I can''t....believe it, She was exchanging a contract with the sealed spirit!?

    Preventing himself from being swept by the wind, an astonished Kamito was dumbstruck.

    From the holy de stabbed in the stone came an overwhelmingly tremendous amount of divine energy. If ire was an average elementalist, she would have already passed out.

    "Thrice I Command Thee, Exchange Vows With Me!"

    ire''s vow reverberated inside the shrine in that instant.

    *Clink!*

    "Pulled-Pulled out. I pulled it out," she said.

    "...What, seriously!?"

    Brandishing the sword she pulled from the stone at her feet, ire eximed her joy. However, in the next second¡ª

    The ancient runes engraved in Severian¡¯s de suddenly shone violently!

    "...huh!?"

    ire involuntarily released the de from her hand¡ª

    The holy de thrust itself back into the ground. With a sh, it sted itself into bits.

    "Kyaaaaah!"

    A short shriek flew, then ire copsed onto the ground.

    "Hey, are you okay!"

    Kamito quickly ran towards ire.

    "Wha-What? What exactly has...."

    ire held her temple and slowly got up, then looked around restlessly.

    "My-My sealed spirit?"

    "Wait, I...can sense something terrible," Kamito warned.

    Sweat was flowing intensely down the back of Kamito''s neck. His face was showing the terror he felt as he looked up at the shrine''s ceiling. Near the rock ceiling was the sword, swinging while floating in the air.

    It''s not the shattered holy sword. However, it was a rough steel de that looked very sharp.

    "Is that the sealed spirit of the sword!?" ire asked.

    "So it was of the sword spirit ss. Looks like it is rather irritated," Kamito replied.

    "How do you know so much? You are not even an elementalist!"

    "It is in to see. No matter how you look at it, that doesn''t seem to be someone who pledges allegiance to his master."

    "...Umm, indeed so." ire meekly nodded uncharacteristically.

    The floating sword nted, pointed its tip downwards and suddenly became motionless.

    Then¡ª

    "Get down!" In that instant Kamito pushed ire down to the ground. A buzzing sound of an insect grazed his ear and continued past.

    "Wai-Waa-Wait, where are you touching me!? I''ll turn you into cinders!"

    With her face deeply red, ire beat on Kamito''s chest repeatedly.

    "Idiot, stop rampaging!" Kamito quickly moved his body away and looked in the direction that the sword spirit had flown to.

    Fragments of rocks fell down with ttering sounds. The shrine''s stgmites had been cleanly sliced off.

    "It is remarkable to be able to release a spirit of such rank¡ª" Kamito red with half opened eyes towards ire. "...but the spirit haspletely gone berserk."

    "Shu-Shut up. The-The taming of it starts now."

    "You...." Kamito was stupefied by her silliness, but he was in no situation to quarrel with her.

    The spirit sword released a chattering noise while flying back towards them. Inside the shrine they couldn''t move freely and even their range of sight was restricted.

    Kamito grabbed ire''s hand and stood up. Touching each others'' soft skin made Kamito''s heart flutter but he did not show any reaction on his face.

    "Hwaah."

    "Stop making such cute reactions at every little thing. Let''s flee," Kamito said.

    "Wha.. whaa. whatt.. Cute.. what, me? Kyaa!"

    "Let''s run outside!"

    Kamito grasped ire''s hand while they both ran in the direction of the shrine''s exit.

    The spirit sword did not immediately chase after them. Maybe it has not yetpletely awakened. With this opportunity they might be able to run away.

    The moment they were out of the shrine, the sh of the sword grazed in front of their eyes. Kamito''s cut forelocks fell and danced in the breeze. The spirit sword let out a tremendous roar, decisively knocking down the surrounding trees in session.

    "Crazy! What a wild spirit, just like a certain princess I know," Kamito sighed.

    "Alwa-Always, you''re noisy..." Feeling slightly awkward, ire deliberately coughed, then stood up. "What a rebellious child.....I''ll give you a proper spankingter."

    Her pair of crimson eyes were burning with a fierce determination, yet somehow she said some lines of provocation. Rolling up the fringe of her skirt, she then took out the leather whip coiled around her thigh, hitting it hard on the ground. Kamito''s heart skipped a beat at the brief sight of her white underwear, but he said¡ª

    "Are you insane!? Your opponent is a high rank sealed spirit!"

    "It will be an easy victory. Amateurs like you please stay back!"

    "Where are you getting all of your confidence? Whatever, let''s run away!"

    ire shook off Kamito''s hand that was grabbing her wrist. "No, you escape yourself. I will absolutely make this spirit mine."

    "You, for what reason¡ªdo you need a strong spirit that badly?"

    ".....You will never understand." ire averted her eyes.

    "I need...power, I need a powerful spirit that will not lose to any other spirit!"

    "Guardian of the crimson ze, keeper of the undying hearth!"

    "Now''s the time to abide by the blood contract,e forth and do my bidding!"

    ire recited the summoning spell of her me spirit. A crimson me surged and she was engulfed by an intense heat.

    "The hunting begins, Scarlet!"

    Together with scorching mes a red Hell Cat appeared. Instead of fur, it was zing with scarlet-colored mes that were wrapped around the beast''s body.

    Is that the real form of her me spirit!? Kamito wondered.

    Indeed, she was not all talk. She truly is a prodigy.

    For a spirit to be manifested in beast form is proof that it is a high ranking spirit. Scarlet might just be an affectionate name, perhaps it was not the true name of the spirit. Without a doubt, it was a high ranking spirit that carries a true name.

    ire wielded her whip, the hell cat growled with a frightful roar and then rushed towards the sword spirit. Dancing sparks scattered and the atmosphere trembled at the roar of the beast. The floating spirit sword spun towards the Hell Cat, cutting the trees in its way.

    "Scarlet, go get it!"

    In response to ire''s shout, the Hell Cat leaped. High above the floating sword it jumped and its sharp zing ws swung down at the sword. With a high pitched shrill sound, intense sparks scattered from the contact and the spirit sword dropped to the ground.

    ire ran at the same time. It was not a fatal hit. The spirit sword rose and flew back into the air in a split second, rolling over itself while drawing an arc in the air.

    The me spirit chased after it, trying not to let it escape. Roaring loudly, it made a great leap again.

    Violent sparks scattered once again. ire struck hard at the ground with her leather whip, slowly pressing forward against the sword spirit. It looked like the leather whip was not meant for battle, rather for signaling instructions to the spirit.

    At the fierce attacks of Scarlet, the spirit sword''s movement stopped¡ªAt that instant,

    "Eat this¡ªSearing Fireball!"

    ire released a huge fire ball from her palm.

    Fireball is a high level fire spirit magic spell that uses ultra-hot mes and can terribly burn up the object of its ire, leaving itpletely traceless and unrecognizable. The spell''s power is determined by the elementalist''s own divine energy and the contracted spirit''s strength inbination.

    The released fireball drew an arch in the air, then exploded in a st that even Scarlet was caught in. The shockwave of the explosion knocked down the trees in the immediate surroundings and fallen tree trunks radiated from the explosion center.

    What terrible power... Kamito thought. As he shielded himself from the flying stones that were blown into the air by the spell, Kamito marveled at the power exhibited by ire.

    Such power was not one that would normally be in the hands of one so young.

    Inside the swirling fire, the Hell Cat''s figure reared. Naturally, the Hell Cat cannot possibly be harmed by a zing fire because of its base nature.

    The spirit sword hovered motionlessly in the air. It seemed that it had not received any damage either. Naturally, ire didn''t think that she would bring down a high ranking spirit with just spirit magic, but she should be able to get its attention.

    "Scarlet!" ire eximed.

    The me spirit''s ws attacked the spirit sword again. Its scourging hot ws could melt normal steel. If its opponent were an average spirit, it would be instantly eradicated. However, the spirit sword quickly moved to intercept the ws and the attack was stopped by the steel edge of the de.

    In an instant, the strange sound of metal-on-metal scratching reverberated in the trembling atmosphere.

    "Wh...What?...." Kamito suppressed both his ears with his hands.

    Receiving the full impact of the sound, ire''s face distorted from pain and she crouched down.

    The spirit sword had released a weird sound and then transformed. Its shape changed from an average long sword to that of a huge bastard sword in a sh.

    "What!?"

    ire''s me spirit took an unexpected strike, it couldn''t avoid the big swing of therge sword. The Hell Cat''s body was severed into two and it vanished into the void together with its mes.

    With only one hit, Scarlett had lost the strength to manifest in this world.

    ...Damn! Isn''t this thing in apletely different league? It seems that it has finallypletely awakened. Kamito cursed, then nced at ire¡ª

    ire had copsed on the ground, and her stunned nk eyes were fixed upward at the void where the me spirit had disappeared.

    Having finished off the me spirit in one swing, the spirit sword aimed its next attack at ire.

    The huge bastard sword flew at the crouching girl¡ª

    "ire!" Kamito shouted, and started to run. Without reason, his own body just moved before he knew it.

    "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

    Diving in front of ire, he thrust his palm toward the bastard sword. Not his left hand enclosed by the leather glove ¨C it was his right hand.

    ...No choice but to do this!

    "Oh Noble Spirit Sealed in Thy Ancient Holy Sword!"

    "Thou Shall ept Me as Thy Master and I Shall Be Thy Sheath!"

    Sweat rushed down from his forehead as he started to recite the incantation for spirit contracts, one which he had sworn to never utter again. The spinning tip of the sword pierced the skin of his palm. Red blood gushed intensely from it.

    ...Gwaah, Gah!

    Crushing amounts of divine energy swirled around him, the gravel and dirt surrounding them whirled up from the strength of the wind. He almost lost consciousness from the sharp pain, but he knew that if he fainted, ire, who was behind him, would surely be cut in half.

    "Thrice I Command Thee!"

    "...No way, a spirit contract!?" A surprised sound came from ire''s throat.

    Kamito''s heels sank into the ground. The sound of his breaking bones resounded underneath his scalp.

    "Exchange Vows With Me!"

    Withstanding the terrible sharp pain, Kamito finished thest words of the contract ritual.

    Instantly, the body of the spirit sword radiated with a pale blue light.

    What!?

    Intense shes of light and thunderous sounds crashed into his brain.

    Part 4

    He slowly opened his eyes and found ire Rouge''s face in his vision. Draped onto his face was her twintailed hair.

    It seemed that she was shouting something but he couldn''t hear it clearly. Probably the sound sts from the spirit had messed up his ears.

    ...Looks like I''m still alive.

    Wearily lying on the ground, Kamito let out a breath of relief. The chance of sess against a spirit of such rank was very low, but it looked like his gamble had paid off.

    Raising his eyebrow, he grimaced from the pain that crashed throughout his whole body and raised his right hand slowly.

    In his right hand which had been stabbed by the spirit sword-instead of a wound, an emblem of two swords crossing each other had been engraved upon it.

    It was the proof of the spirit contract¡ªthe spirit seal.

    Aah, I did it... Kamito murmured as he stared at the carved seal on the back of his hand.

    A sharp sense of guilt bit at his heart. He had broken the promise with her...

    However, in order to save ire, it had been the only method with any degree of sess.

    ire noticed that Kamito had woken up; her hands were at the nape of his neck and her face moved closer to his, so close that he could feel her breath. With her clear crimson eyes, she stared at Kamito. Her cherry-colored lips trembled weakly.

    "...Why? You''re a male. How can you contract a spirit!?"

    Kamito did not answer and slowly stood up. Not used to being ignored, the annoyed ire raised her eyebrows.

    "My-My sword spirit!?"

    "My bad. Just a moment ago, I contracted with it." Kamito sighed and showed her the back of his right hand where the spirit seal had been engraved.

    "Wha-Whaa-Wha-Whaaaat!" ire wore a stunned expression with her mouth wide open.

    Well, a natural reaction to the situation, I guess...

    Kamito felt a faint ache in his heart. Of course, he could clearly understand such a response from ire. Originally, contracting with a spirit was a privilege that was granted to none other than pure maidens.

    The history of males whom could contract spirits belonged solely to one person historically. This male brought chaos and destruction to the world and so he was called the Demon King Elementalist.

    It would be natural for ire to fear him, since he was a male who could tap the same power of spirit contracts as the Demon King.

    Kamito stood up and quietly turned around.

    He did not regret the contract. This was the only way he could think of that would have allowed him to save ire.

    Kamito was about to leave, but a voice called him from behind.

    "Wait, wait I say!"

    Turning around, he saw that ire, with her hands on her hips, was ring intensely at him.

    "You stole...my spirit...take responsibility for it!"

    "Huh?" Kamito frowned...It didn''t make any sense to him.

    At such a reaction from Kamito, ire impatiently brushed her twintail.

    "I should have been the one to have obtained that spirit, so I am saying that you have to take responsibility for denying me the spirit."

    "Responsibility?"

    Responsibility is a very heavy word. Because of that unexpected word, Kamito had be even more confused.[2]

    ...What was the girl saying?

    "Therefore...."

    ire snapped her whip and then she pointed her index finger toward Kamito.

    "You have to be my contracted spirit!"

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü These are sounds of touching and squeezing

    2. ¡ü Normally while using the Japanesenguage, when a girl tells a guy to take responsibility it carries the implication of marriage. Hence Kamito''s confusion.

 Volume 1, 2 - Areishia Spirit Academy

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 2 - Areishia Spirit Academy</h4>

    Part 1

    Areishia Spirit Academy.

    In this institution, all the princess maidens from across the empire are gathered and trained into full-fledged elementalists.

    With a beautiful garden behind its castle walls, the school building, lined with elegant spires seemed very much like the pce of a princess. ¡ªIn fact, this was nearly entirely correct. Out of all the students attending this academy, almost all of them are genuine and proper nobledies.

    "However, to unexpectedly have such a terrible encounter..."

    Kamito muttered to himself as he walked along the red carpet covered hallway on the second floor of the school building.

    "Lost inside the forest, I wound up contracted to a sealed spirit, and furthermore..."

    Since Kamito snatched the sealed spirit from her, that crimson haired young girl apparently had her eyes on him.

    After that¡ªire Rouge guided Kamito to the academy school building.

    That was good, but apparently her im that Kamito was to be her personal contracted spirit was serious. Round and round, the whip was coiled around Kamito. Rather than being guided, it might be more appropriate to say that he was being dragged, and they walked through the forest in that fashion.

    Regardless, Kamito had no obligation to y along with the princess. Taking the opportunity when ire went to the restroom, he unwound the whip and escaped.

    "Ah, you escaped, you traitor!"

    Such a voice can be heard from inside the restroom¡ª

    (What? What made you think I wouldn''t run away...)

    That young girl was an outstanding elementalist, but hermon knowledge of society was that of a naivedy.

    "Anyways, before I am found by that girl again, I need to hurry up and meet Greyworth."

    Proceeding down the hallway, Kamito let out a small sigh.

    ... Depressed.

    After all, so far nothing good had ever resulted from getting involved with that witch.

    (... But, I can''t ignore this.)

    Kamito took out a sheet of paper from his breast pocket.

    Forty days ago, he had received a letter from Headmistress Greyworth.

    If, what was written on it is true¡ª

    He might finally get some clues about that girl.

    Nevertheless, Kamito could not deny the possibility that it was just some bait to lure him here.

    (... It is useless to ponder on it. After all, the other party is that Witch.)

    And, here Kamito stopped in his tracks.

    In front of him was the thick, wooden front door: the Headmistress'' Office.

    As Kamito was about to knock on the door¡ª

    "Headmistress, I can''t agree with this!"

    Suddenly, a voice could be heard from inside the room.

    A high pitched, young girl''s alto voice.

    It seemed that they were upied currently.

    (... It can''t be helped, I''ll kill some time outside for a while.)

    While Kamito was moving away from the door¡ª

    "Why should we wee the likes of a man to this sacred academy of princess maidens?!"

    He stopped his foot steps...

    (...Mm, man?)

    That perked up his ears.

    "Because I said that we need him here. Isn''t that reason enough for you?"

    It was a constrained voice. But, it carried so much power that Kamito trembled even hearing it through the door. What a fearful voice from the witch no matter how many times one hears it.

    "Ar-Are you suggesting that weck the strength?"

    "Nonsense. I''m not belittling the power of your chivalric orders, but, He is special"

    "... You mean the fact that he canmunicate with a spirit despite being male?"

    "Yes, but that is not all of it."

    "What do you mean¡ª"

    And, the girl suddenly closed her mouth.

    Silence fell for a brief moment. Then¡ª

    "Who is there?!"

    (Darn it.) Apparently they''d noticed that someone was eavesdropping.

    Kamito quickly attempted to leave¡ª

    *Bang* ¨C suddenly, the office door was violently opened.

    From the door which was kicked open, there appeared¡ª

    With a beautiful slender leg which was swung up high, a pony tailed beautiful young girl.

    A pair of sharp, long eyes. A dignified, handsome feature.

    She wore a silver breastte on top of her uniform, and it looked like the outfit of a valiant knight.

    Inside the leaf pleated skirt, a pair ofce underwear flew into his sight.

    "ck!?"

    "Wha... Y-You, Insolent Person!"

    The young girl kicked Kamito with her whole strength in his stomach which caused him to involuntarily blurt out.

    "Guoh!"

    The sudden attack caught him off guard, blowing Kamito away.

    In an instant, the young girl shortened the distance between them and pressed Kamito down on the floor, unsheathing the de at her hip.

    Then she thrust it violently, pointing the edge of her de onto his cheek.

    "..."

    Shooting a cold piercing look.

    Then, those clear, reddish-brown colored eyes widened.

    "You... are you... actually a man!?"

    The stern face of the girl blushed and became bright red.

    That time¡ª

    "Fnn, aren''t you quite behind schedule, Kazehaya Kamito?"

    A displeased voice came from the back of the office.

    Kamito, who was still being held down by the young girl, slowly raised his eyes.

    Over there¡ªthere was the figure of a witchpletely unchanged from three years ago.

    Her ash-blonde hair was gently waving.

    Her beauty extolled the seductiveness of an alluring adult.

    Beneath her small pair of sses, her eyes, the same gray as the color of her hair, were staring in his direction.

    (... So you came out, witch!)

    Kamito spat out bitterly in his head.

    Dusk Witch¡ªGreyworth Ciel Mais.

    With the appearance of a bewitching, carnivorous, beautiful woman, she was an experienced Spirit Knight that boasted the title of being one of the twelve Knight Generals of the Empire.

    The rumor that the highest ranked elementalist may transcend her age might have been real.

    "¡ªIt has been three years, Kamito. Looking at your face, it seems you have changed."

    "... You just don''t change, Dusk Witch."

    To the sarcastic response while he was still pressed down on his back, the witch let out a smile.

    "Kazehaya Kamito!? Then, this guy..."

    The ponytail young girl raised her eyebrow.

    "Hey, isn''t it about time that you let go of me?"

    Kamito squinted his eyes and murmured towards the young girl sitting on his chest.

    "What is that? You shameless, rude person!"

    "After all, I am saying it for your own sake."

    "... What do you mean?"

    "Well, how to say it... since some time ago, your thigh has been touching my body."

    Her moderately tight thigh felt soft. It was a pity that he had to point that out, but it wasn''t rubbing so much that he would enjoy the side benefits under such a situation either.

    "......~Wa!?"

    The stern young girl''s face blushed burning hot red.

    Standing up quickly while holding down her skirt, she swung down her de mercilessly.

    Within a hair''s breadth, Kamito dodged it by twisting his body.

    "Wha-What are you doing!?"

    "You-You indecent... I will make you into a marinated salmon, in an instant!"

    "Wait, calm down! I''m not a salmon!"

    *Zing*¡ª a sharp sh, Kamito''s forelock was cut.

    Serious. Not even a shred of doubt in her eyes.

    (... Um, in this one day, how many times have I almost been killed?)

    An unlucky day. Or is it because of the curse of the Dusk Witch.

    (Are all the girls of the academy like this?)

    Being driven to the wall. Kamito felt the seriousness of the threat to his life¡ªat that time.

    "Sheath your de, Ellis. Any personal struggle in this academy is prohibited."

    "... Uh!"

    Greyworth''s voice called out, the girl named Ellis stopped instantly.

    "H-Headmistress... I''m just¡ª"

    "Do I need to say the same thing twice? Ellis Fahrengart."

    "... No, um, I apologize."

    Ellis, while ring intensely at Kamito, reluctantly sheathed her de.

    Greyworth pushed up her sses and then smiled.

    "So, you are already at that age. Well, to be pushed down by Ellis'' delicate body hidden under the armor, most boys would not be able to control themselves."

    "H-Headmistress!?"

    "Wait, please don''t say anything that will cause a misunderstanding! I''m¡ª"

    Kamito quickly objected. But, his eyes unintentionally went in the direction of Ellis'' breasts¡ª

    ... Indeed. She was wearing her armor so it was hard to tell, but certainly, ire Rouge''s pitiful breasts were iparable to hers.

    "Y-You, w-where are you looking to!"

    "My bad..."

    Kamito quickly averted his eyes.

    "Guh, if you weren''t the headmistress'' guest, I''d have made you into a Pot-au-feu already!"

    "... Why a Pot-au-feu!"

    Although he didn''t understand her metaphor, it sounded scary.

    "Ellis, you can go now. It''s unpleasant to have people flirt in front of my eyes."

    Greyworth''s cold voice informed her.

    "I-I can''t leave you alone in the same room with... this man. If he impudently lusts towards the headmistress..."

    "There is no such thing!"

    Kamito interrupted strongly.... What was this girl saying?

    "Well, it does not matter if that''s the case. I''m always wearing my lucky underwear."

    "What..."

    "Mm, Your face became red,d, quite cute. By the way the color is¡ª"

    "I don''t want to hear it!"

    "Just kidding. Why are you blushing?"

    "Guah!"

    The Dusk Witch giggled with pleasure, Kamito directed looks filled with killing intent towards her.

    "B-But, the headmistress should not to be alone together with such a guy without guard¡ª"

    "Ellis Fahrengart."

    To that calm tone of voice , Ellis'' shoulders trembled.

    "Do I need to repeat what I am saying twice?"

    "Um, I apologize!"

    Greyworth, how frightening; with her voice trembling, Ellis nodded, and left the hallway swiftly.

    Part 2

    Finally released, Kamito stood up letting out a sigh of relief.

    Brushing the dirt from his coat, he set foot inside the office.

    After Kamito closed the door behind him, Greyworth shrugged her shoulders.

    "She is the daughter of the ducal House of Fahrengart. An excellent knight, but somewhat stubborn."

    "Is that girl a student here, too? She was wearing armor on top of her uniform."

    "She is the leader of the Sylphid Knights, a party which manages any disturbances to the order of the academy."

    "Like a public moralsmittee. In that case, they should manage it more strictly."

    Kamito remembered, what happened inside the forest when he met the crimson haired young girl.

    ... To leave her atrge was bad, in all sorts of ways.

    "Fu, I''ll take that into consideration. By the way Kamito, why are you so grimy. As if you were attacked in the Spirit Forest?"

    ".....No, I was scratched by a cat. A tomboyish hell cat girl."

    Kamito answered impatiently with a bitter face, and Greyworth shrugged her shoulders again.

    "You''d better be careful, rumors say that within the inner depths of the Spirit Forest that even the Spirit Investigation Association would not enter, are S-rank spirits still slumbering. Once you encounter one, your life is forfeited¡ªin your case, can you manage to tame it?"

    "Please stop. I don''t want to associate myself with an S-rank spirit again."

    "Yeah. As you are now, you would probably be a mincemeat in five seconds."

    "Not even one second. Actually, with a contracted spirit I mightst for seven seconds."

    "Fu¡ª with a contracted spirit?"

    Greyworth directed her grayish eyes towards Kamito''s right hand.

    "That wound? Is that also a scratch by the cat?"

    "This is¡ª"

    The wound¡ªon the right hand, that was where the spirit seal was engraved a while ago.

    Kamito clicked his tongue inwardly¡ªNo, after all he couldn''t possibly hide it from the Dusk Witch.

    "Well, how to say it. It is just happenstance. I made a contract with a particr sealed spirit. It was ultra-violent, had I failed the contract, I would not be standing here right now."

    "Ha, what a change of heart, that you have contracted with a spirit other than her."

    The grayish eyes, inside the sses, glistened sharply.

    "Finally you decided to say farewell to that ghost, is that it?"

    "... Guh!"

    At that mocking tone, Kamito couldn''t help but get agitated.

    "She is not a ghost! She is..."

    Kamito took out the paper in his coat''s pocket, then pped it onto the front desk.

    The beautiful witch did not waver in the slightest. A detestable calmness.

    Kamito bit his lips, then asked Greyworth.

    "This, you sent this to me. Is it true?"

    "Ah, it''s true. Witches don''t tell lies."

    "It was... Indeed, you haven''t told a lie. But, you''ve never spoken the truth either."

    Kamito spat out what he wanted to say.

    "... Well whatever. Tell me what you know."

    "Oh boy, is that the attitude of someone asking a witch? You were cuter three years ago."

    "The cat changed into a tiger in three years. Do not think it will stay as your pet forever."

    "A cat does not change into a tiger and never will."

    Greyworth intentionally shrugged her shoulders and fixedly looked into Kamito''s eyes.

    Kamito was involuntarily ovee by the pressure of that overbearing stare.

    "The thing written there is true. Your contracted spirit is alive."

    "... Guh!"

    Kamito swallowed his breath.

    A Witch does not speak the truth. But, she never tells a lie either.

    "Her... Restia, where is she now?"

    Kamito raised his voice, leaning his body onto the office desk.

    The witch without moving her eyebrow, thrust a bundle of documents to the tip of Kamito''s nose.

    "... What are these?"

    "Agreement Terms. Sign here."

    "This doesn''t make any sense. What do you mean?"

    "There is nothing you couldn''t understand. For what purpose do you think I summoned you here? Did you take it that I, the Dusk Witch, will simply let you have the information out of goodwill?"

    "I understand fully that you have nothing but malice."

    Kamito snatched the bundle of documents, then pped it onto the desk.

    Bundled with a clip, Areishia Spirit Academy''s Admission Notification.

    It was written there. No doubt¡ªKamito''s public Background Profile.

    "What kind of a joke is this?"

    "Today you will be admitted into the academy. Don''t worry, I''ve already taken care of all the necessary procedures."

    "How can I be calm! What do you mean by this, exin!"

    "I need you. That''s all."

    "What?"

    The witch''s words were always unexpected. Like a midsummer breeze.

    "What are you talking about? I mean, this academy is a garden of pure maidens."

    "No problem. Such a thing is no big deal with my authority."

    "That would be a problem in itself! Now is different from three years ago."

    Provoked by Kamito¡ª

    "Don''t get the wrong idea,d. You don''t have any right to choose."

    Greyworth told him in a shockingly cold voice.

    "... Gu!"

    "Till now I have allowed you to roam freely. Originally, the elementalist must be managed by the organization. You know that, right?"

    "That is¡ª"

    In the Ordesia Empire, elementalists are given various privileges, but in exchange they must be registered with the organization. If there exist stray elementalists that harbor ideologies that are against the empire, it will be extremely dangerous to the nation.

    "They will sniff out your existence sooner orter. Don''t underestimate the country''s Spirit Knights, we don''t know how it would have been three years ago, but with your current slump you will lose for sure; besides¡ª"

    Then, a demonic grin floated from Greyworth.

    "There''s a slight chance that I might carelessly b out the secret."

    "... What carelessly? In short this is ckmail."

    "It helps a lot that you understand so quickly."

    "So shameless."

    Kamito threw a loathsomement, Greyworth as if in regret shrugged her shoulders.

    "Fu, why are you so dissatisfied? One man in an institution of maidens where real princesses are gathered. Isn''t it like a marvelous luxury harem?"

    "Oh, please, I''m¡ª"

    "If you like, you may take one student from the academy and do whatever you like to her. For example, Ellis Fahrengart from earlier¡ªwho is seriously stubborn, but she is of the type to be ultra obedient once well trained. I am sure she will respond to whatever perverted radical y you have in mind."

    "Am I a sex deviant?!"

    "A joke. There is no way that I have such authority."

    "I can never understand your jokes..."

    Kamito moaned holding his temple.

    "Why did you summon me now? What do you n to do with me?"

    "d that we can get to the point directly."

    "Since it is useless to oppose a Witch."

    A casual reply, Greyworth let out a smile¡ª

    "In two months, the de Dance will be held in Astral Zero. I have put you up as an entrant there."

    "What did you say?"

    ¡ªde Dance.

    Once every few years, it is thergest kagura[1] ritual carried out in Astral Zero.

    Elementalists gather from the continent, and perform de Dance as an offering for the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    So to speak, it''s a grand martial battle festival of fellow elementalists.

    The country of the victorious team will be given a few years of divine protection by the Elemental Lords, a guaranteed prosperity for the country. Together with a general assembly for the champion¡ª

    A single Wish will be granted.

    "Win the cup, Kamito. Nevertheless, as of now it might be impossible for you."

    "I¡ª"

    Kamito bit his lips, strongly clenching his fist.

    Not his right hand where the spirit seal was engraved¡ªIt was his left hand covered by the ck leather glove.

    *Zukiri*, A sharp pain ran through his chest.

    "I-I have decided that I will never participate in the de Dance again."

    "No, you willpete. Otherwise, there will be trouble."

    Greyworth ced both of her hands onto the office desk, calmly shaking her head.

    "Because, nobody but you can win against the Strongest de Dancer."

    "Wh... at...!?"

    The moment that he heard that name, Kamito''s face froze.

    The Strongest¡ªthe elementalists that are given this title, currently, there was only one in the whole continent.

    Three years ago, a mere fourteen year old young girl dominated the de Dance''s individual matches.

    "¡ªThat is right. She has returned."

    Greyworth''s grayish pair of eyes, peered into those of Kamito''s.

    "The Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell."

    Trantor''s notes and references

    1. ¡ü Kagura Éñ˜S[¤«¤°¤é], "god-entertainment" refers to a specific type of Shinto theatrical dance.

 Volume 1, 3 - My Classmate is a Princess

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 3 - My ssmate is a Princess</h4>

    Part 1

    Stubborn footsteps resounded in the academy hallway.

    A sleeved uniform had been provided directly to Kamito, who was following the swaying ponytail.

    The uniform Greyworth prepared was custom-designed for his personal use. The fundamental color was the same as that of the other students, pure white, but the dress below it was certainly not a skirt. The cloth of his pants, which was incorporated with holiness, was worn nicely like a gentleman.

    (Damn, the size is perfect...she knew it from the very beginning.)

    Kamito cursed Greyworth in his head.

    "The instructors'' building and the students'' building are connected on the second floor''s hallway. The cafeteria is located on the first floor."

    Guiding him through the school building was the girl from before, Ellis Fahrengart.

    While Kamito was changing into his uniform, Greyworth seemed to have summoned her.

    At first, she openly showed a displeased face, but maybe because of her serious personality, she did not abandon him midway and dutifully continued to guide him.

    The school building''s design was recklesslyplex and in order to create afortable space for spirits, it has adopted the standard of thetest spirit engineering architectural style. Anyway, it was definitely a design that had given little consideration for the people using it.

    Staring at Ellis'' swaying ponytail, Kamito recalled the conversation from earlier. In the end, although he wasn''t pleased that things had gone the way the witch had predicted¡ª

    Hearing that name, which was mentioned, Kamito was left with no other choice.

    Ren Ashbell¡ªsuddenly appeared three years ago, The Strongest de Dancer.

    And, that Ren Ashbell''s contracted spirit is¡ª

    A darkness spirit in the form of a young girl.

    "..."

    While walking, Kamito dropped his gaze to his left hand which was covered with a leather glove.

    (...No, it can''t be her. Because, she is¡ª)

    Kamito shook his head. Trying to deny it rationally¡ªbut could it be... mixed thoughts were in his mind.

    (...Well whatever. I''ll make sure of it with my own eyes. For now I''ll dance in your palm, Greyworth.)

    "You..."

    Then Ellis, who was walking in front of him, suddenly stopped.

    Facing him with her hand on her waist, she sternly scowled at Kamito.

    "Are you listening or what? It''s for your own sake that I''m exining these things."

    "...Um, my bad. I was thinking of something."

    "Mm, thinking of something?"

    For some reason, Ellis'' face became red, and she quickly walked towards him.

    "Y-You, what kind of things were you thinking while looking at my back!"

    "W-Wait, Don''t swing your de here!"

    The de was swung at point nk range, and Kamito quickly dodged it.

    (Perhaps... this girl is also...)

    It appeared that it was amon problem that all the students of this academy had no immunity to men.

    Maybe the reason that she was walking so fast since before, was because she was conscious of the fact that Kamito was a man.

    "Listen, don''t misunderstand anything! I have not epted you. I''m guiding you because I have no choice, but toply with the headmistress'' orders!"

    "Ah, I get it. But don''t treat me like an enemy either. As of today I''m a student of this academy like you."

    "I''ll never ept you. The fact that there is a man such as you who is an elementalist, there is no way I would ept it!"

    Returning on her heels, Ellis began to walk quickly.

    "All things considered, why would the headmistress want a man transferred here..."

    ...It seemed that he was being disliked a lot.

    (Well, it can''t be helped. This is my fate as the only man in this garden of maidens.)

    It''s as if a lion had been released on a herd of rabbits.

    Naturally, the overly boxed princesses would be wary of a man of the same age.

    The de Dance will be held two monthster.

    He had to obtain their trust gradually in this school life.

    (Hmm, yeah. Speaking of life.)

    Suddenly, something came to his mind.

    "Hey, Ellis."

    "What."

    Ellis turned around in a sullen mood.

    He thought she might rage because of him calling her by her first name so casually, but apparently she didn''t.

    "From today onwards, where should I live?"

    There was no male dormitory in this academy, and there''s no way that he would be given a room in the female dormitory. Would that meanmuting to the school from the academic city at the foot of the mountain?

    "Don''t worry about it, the academy has prepared a splendid lodge at great expense for you. A part of the endowment had been especially allocated for the construction cost."

    "What a strangely thorny way of speaking."

    ...Well whatever. It''s certainly better than being homeless or living outside in the Spirit Forest.

    "It can be seen from this window¡ªthere it is."

    Kamito looked in the direction Ellis was pointing at.

    "...Um, where is it?"

    Looking around the vast grounds, it seems he can''t find any lodging house there.

    "Look well, over there at the corner of the za square"

    Ellis was pointing towards¡ª

    "That''s... my house?"

    A splendid building with arge roof.

    More spacious than an ordinary residence house, there were many rooms inside.

    Beside it was an exclusive bathing area. Mangers have been piled up near its entrance.

    "Is-Isn''t that a stable!"

    Kamito yelled loudly.

    "Are those eye sockets empty? Look closely."

    "What?"

    (Um, am I seeing something wrong?)

    He only saw the stable.

    No, it was a stable at best. After all, they are soothing their horses in that ce.

    (Mm?)

    ¡ªAnd then, Kamito finally discovered it.

    Next to the stable, where wooden nks had been put together and were erected, there was actually a lodge.

    Here and there, different lengths of nks had been nailed down together.

    The roof was ky. A sudden gust of strong wind would destroy such a lodge.

    "Ah, maybe¡ªthat one?"

    "Yeah."

    Ellis simply nodded.

    "Where''s the splendid lodge! It seems like it has been built in three days!"

    "Three hours. Do not underestimate the power of my contracted spirit."

    "You built it?! I mean, wasn''t it built at a high price?"

    "A high price indeed, I wasted my time because of you. Are you unsatisfied?"

    "I''m full of dissatisfaction. It''s almost harassment towards me."

    "There''s a proper bed, made of straw."

    "I''m getting the same treatment as a horse..."

    "Fu, You have a strong sense of pride. Of course a horse is more worthy of caring for than you."

    With the ponytail at her nape brushing on her shoulder, Ellis said clearly.

    Somehow, he wanted to cry.

    "The restroom? The bath?"

    "You can use the back of the lodge as restroom. Unfortunately, you''ll need to share the bath."

    "Shared bath... with the horses."

    Kamito grumbled.

    "Are youining?" Ellis scowled at him.

    "Look, even in the highly unlikely event that you try to invade the academy''s restroom, my contracted spirit would turn you into a saut¨¦ mushroom."

    "Sounds delicious. So, you really like to cook?"

    "Yes, It''s a hobby. Someday an ideal gentleman will take my hands for marriage, and to please him with my cooking, I''m usually training for it."

    "Really, um, if there is a chance, please let me try it too. At least, I have a fine pte."

    "Yes. If there''s a chance, I would like to demonstrate my proud cooking... What? Who are you to think that I would do something like that for you!?"

    *Zing*¡ª In a sh the de was swung, and Kamito dodged it by a thin margin.

    "...You. Forget about cooking, these are not the kind of hands for marriage¡ª"

    "Uh..."

    Kamito retorted with half an eye closed. Maybe being self-conscious, Ellis quickly nced away.

    "Another thing, being the leader of the knights, aren''t you messing up the order the most?"

    "Shu-Shut up. It was because you said something strange!"

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders, then turned towards the corridor again.

    "Let''s leave the topic of the dormitory for now. Where''s my ssroom?"

    "The Raven ss. Where extraordinary problematic children are gathered, a perfect ss for you."

    "Extraordinary problematic children?"

    "It''s exactly as it sounds....Mm, Why are you looking so bitter?"

    "No, I happen to know something about it."

    Kamito remembered in his head, the crimson haired young girl he encountered inside the forest.

    Seriously? No way! ¡ªThat stroke of uneasiness, he couldn''t shake it away.

    "Are you also from the Raven ss?"

    Kamito tentatively asked a question.

    The term "extraordinary problematic child" fit this young girl perfectly.

    "As if... I''m from the superior ss Weasel!"

    In an instant, the sword was swung in a sh.

    Kamito was expecting it this time, and only the forelocks had slightly been cut.

    "...T-The Fahrengart secret sword skill was fended off."

    "....As such, don''t casually swing at me with your hidden sword skills!"

    Climbing up the staircase and walking through the long corridor, Kamito finally saw his ssroom.

    Arge wooden double leaf door with an abstract spirit shaped carving was there.

    Areishia Spirit Academy''s ssrooms were arranged a floor apart from each other. Because ssrooms close to each other would likely duel or create some othermotion immediately.

    "All the students attending here are princesses from noble families. There are some who hold a grudge against each other. Although, as a regtion of the academy, personal disputes are prohibited; frequent incidents like dueling have never stopped."

    While sighing, Ellis sped her fist strongly.

    "We the Sylphid Knights will protect this peaceful academy from the perpetrators."

    "No, the one who is disturbing this peace is you¡ª"

    ¡ªWas what he was about to say, but Kamito shut his own mouth.

    As she spoke, the side of Ellis'' face was extremely serious.

    He thought that she was a reckless girl who swung her de on every asion¡ªhis impression of her changed a little.

    She possesses the pride of a knight.

    The male elementalist, whose mere existence would bring disturbance to the academy.

    From the point of view of the leader of the knights, who maintains public morals, she naturally couldn''t ept Kamito.

    Despite all of it, she could sincerely face and talk to him.

    A bit stubborn, but at heart, she was honorable.

    "...Hm, why are you ring at my face?"

    Ellis suspiciously frowned her eyebrows.

    "Well, I''m sorry for the various teasing from some time ago."

    "...? Wh-Why you, suddenly!"

    Her embarrassed reaction seemed somehow strangely cute.

    Part 2

    Looking inside therge auditorium ssroom, no one was there. During this time everyone was out. Perhaps they are all engaged in practical training outside in the training field area.

    "It''s okay from here, I''ll hear the restter from my ssmates. Thanks for your guidance."

    "Fu, such gratitude is unnecessary. If there was a failure to properly guide you, you might deliberately lose your way to the toiletter."

    "You really have no faith in me......"

    At thisparatively caustic line from the departing Ellis, Kamito let out a deep sigh.

    Judging from his experience so far on the first day, it would be a tall order to gain the trust of his ssmates.

    While muttering, Kamito stepped into the empty ssroom.

    Then, at that moment *swoosh* a sh sounded in the air¡ª

    "Gueh!"

    A whip forcefully coiled around Kamito''s neck.

    Being caught by the rough sudden attack, he had been pulled and thrown down in the corridor.

    (Wh-What!?)

    *Cough* Looking around himself while coughing¡ª

    "Kazehaya Kamito!"

    Over his head, a familiar voice of a young girl descended upon him.

    ...Honestly, a voice he didn''t want to hear.

    "Y-Yo-You have escaped from me, despite being my contracted spirit!"

    "Hugh, ug"

    "Defying me!"

    "Guh!"

    Feigning ignorance and trying to whistle, the thing around his neck tightened.

    (This sucks.....)

    Thrown down t onto his back, in front of ire¡ª

    A zing red haired beautiful young girl with her folded arms looking down to Kamito.

    The blowing winds from the window caused her uniform''s pleated skirt to float in the air.

    "ire, you...."

    A deep groan came from Kamito''s throat.

    "What, do you intend to reason your way out?"

    "No, from here, I can slightly see your panties."

    "Wha!"

    ire''s face blushed, then she quickly restrained her skirt.

    "Pe-Pe-Pe-Pervert~!"

    *Gogogogogogogogogo......!*

    A heat haze was rising from ire''s body.

    No. It was not a heat haze. It was apletely burning Astral Zero''s me.

    "It seems, you really want to be turned into cinders, Kamito?"

    "Wai-Wait, not yet!"

    Kamito felt that his life was seriously in danger, and quickly shook his head.

    "ck is too early for you."

    "...............gu!"

    *Strike*¡ª then ire''s whole body solidified.

    From her neck to the tip of her ears, it turned deep red liked boiled octopus¡ª

    "It-It''s not ck! It is always white, ck is....rarely, what have you made me say, idiot!"

    *Fwump*........She seemed to have overheated.

    Losing her strength, she sunk down to the floor.

    Being overly boxed into an ideal princess was her greatest weakness.

    .......Is it really okay for an elementalist to be so naive?

    "Uugh, this is the second time...... I can''t be a bride anymore"

    With both of her knees on the floor, ire began weeping gloomily.

    ......Somewhat, it looked like he had done something terrible.

    "My bad....don''t cry, ok?"

    Kamito stood up, then approached ire while she red at him.

    .....Frightening. She could have burnt a person with merely her re.

    She wiped her tears with her uniform sleeve, then clenched her leather whip tightly.

    "Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Wh-What?"

    "I-I''m quite generous, so I''ll give you one chance to exin."

    Although her tone was calm, obviously her voice was trembling.

    ........Extremely angry.

    "Earlier, why did you escape?"

    "No, it''smon sense that I would think of escaping."

    Kamito unintentionally replied immediately.

    An answer¡ªthat he immediately regretted.

    "......I got it. There''s only death for a fugitive ve."

    "Wa-Wait, calm down. From a spirit, I have be a ve?!"

    "ve, you''re my ve spirit!"

    "A new species of spirit was born. How about announcing it to the Spirit Research Agency?"

    By the way, in whichever Spirit Forest of the continent, these species of spirit were yet to be discovered.

    "Ch-Cheeky ve¡ªNo, a ve spirit isn''t it!"

    "Uwah, I gi.....give, give up, seriously I''ll die!"

    Forcefully, the whip on his neck ruthlessly tightened, and his consciousness was likely to fly away.

    (The knight group, what are they doing! A murder is about to happen inside the academy!)

    Looking around in the corridor with no sign of any student.

    "By the way¡ª"

    Then, ire''s face got closer. Looking rather displeased, she said,

    "Sometime ago, you were speaking with the knight group''s Ellis Fahrengart, you seemed to be getting along well with her. What does that mean?"

    *Cough*, "How could you call that getting along together? She was just guiding me."

    "Guide? Why?"

    "Because today, I have specially transferred into this academy."

    "What?..... You have transferred? Here at Areishia Spirit Academy?"

    ire spread open her eyes, then looked to Kamito''s uniformed figure, which she only just noticed now.

    "No way....you are a man!"

    "Aa. But, you have seen me contracting a spirit."

    Kamito nodded, then showed his right hand where the spirit seal was imprinted.

    "I''m a male elementalist. That''s why Greyworth summoned me here. "

    "........"

    Therefore, ire¡ª

    Lost in thought, she put her finger on her cherry colored lips.

    "Really, what........a transfer student......"

    *Pfft* *pfft* She murmured something to herself.

    (......If she stays quiet, she looks just like a normal, ordinary cute girl.)

    And, while staring at the side of her face, Kamito thought.

    ire suddenly raised her head, then turned to face him.

    "Um, because you are here, perhaps, you are also in the Raven ss?"

    "Yeah......does that mean, you are in the same ss?"

    "Yeah. I''m also from the Raven ss!"

    ire spoke with a seemingly cheerful voice. Somehow she seemed awfully happy.

    Her smiling face would charm anyone who was unaware.

    "Say, since it has turned out this way, I''ll give you another chance Kamito."

    "What chance?"

    "Contract. Without a doubt, this time be my exclusive contracted spirit Kamito."

    "Wh-Why do I have to do that?"

    "Fu, It''s natural! Because you snatched the spirit that should have been mine."

    Puffing up with her unfortunate chest, ire pointed her index finger in front of his eyes.

    As always, she put forth an arrogant reason.

    (......An annoying girl)

    Kamito is really quite irritated. Particrly, with no gratitude for saving her life, he had been called a thief.

    ¡ªFor such an arrogant princess, some proper punishment was needed.

    "Okay. I''ll bind a spirit contract with you, alright."

    Helplessly, Kamito purposely nodded his head.

    "........Eh? Um, so, atst you have finally be obedient."

    She thought that he would be more resistant. Due to the unexpected response, ire nodded as though quite bewildered.

    "In that case¡ª"

    Slowly, Kamito raised ire''s chin by his fingertip.

    "Ha? Wha-Wha-What are you doing?"

    "Doing? A spirit contract, a high level humanoid spirit contract..... you understand?"

    "A......."

    ire''s face froze.

    A high level humanoid contract.

    In short, it was¡ª

    "A contract sealed by a kiss, isn''t it?"

    Kamito said it, and ire''s face blushed red.

    "Uh, not, to that extent¡ªyou don''t have to go that far, I mean, that."

    In a panicky irritable tone, she shook her head furiously.

    "Eve-Even without any such formality, I don''t mind...."

    "Are you scared?"

    "I-I''m not particrly scared! Um, but, that......"

    "Then close your eyes."

    Kamito mischievously whispered to a shrinking ire''s ears.

    "Eh, wait......hiwaaaa!?"

    (.......She is totally green in such things.)[1]

    Such a cute reaction, of course I would want to bully her.

    Slowly, bringing his face closer to her thin cherry color lips.

    "Um, sorry, I apologize......so.....forgive me"

    "Toote¡ª"

    "Su, so...kyauu!"

    ire gave up then closed her eyes.

    (An obedient girl.....)

    Kamito smiled bitterly in his mind.

    Of course, he did not seriously n to contract by kiss.

    It was a thorough revenge for being tormented by her, but he was not so devilish as to go that far to mistreat a young girl.

    Time to let her off¡ªthen, as he was about to detach his body, at that moment¡ª

    "Hey, you."

    He was tapped from behind on his shoulder.

    Kamito slowly, timidly turned around.

    In that ce¡ª

    "What are you doing, here in this sacred institute Areishia Spirit Academy?"

    A gentle smile floated from the beautiful woman standing there.

    She seemed to be in her mid-twenties. Long ck hair, and wearing a pair of green ck rimmed sses.

    She was dressed in a dark grey suit with a long sleeved white robe on top of it.

    "I''m the one in charge of the Raven ss, Freya Grandol. I''ve heard of you from the headmistress. The Academy''s first ever male elementalist."

    Wearing a smile that looked like it was pasted on her face, the beautiful woman introduced herself.

    However, her eyes were not smiling.

    "Now, why did you make our princess cry, bastard?"

    Part 3

    Kamito rose up onto the tform, causing some quiet murmurs within the ssroom.

    That a male elementalist had transferred in, the rumors seemed to have already spread around. But they don''t often get the chance to meet a young boy of the same age, so they couldn''t hide their anxiety and curiosity from him.

    "Is that a male elementalist¡ª"

    "He has such vicious looks, like he will kill someone with them."

    "Seems like he has already raped ire Rouge."

    "Wh-What is rape?"

    "I-I don''t know, but....so-something, perverted!"

    "However, his delinquent look, is quite cool ?."

    "Don''t be fooled by his outward appearance. Because every man is a perverted beast."

    "Rumor has it that he was also having an affair with Ellis Fahrengart."

    "Eeh, with that super-serious leader of the knights? By the way, what is an affair?"

    "I don''t know but..... so-something, indecent!"

    .......*whisper* *whisper*.

    (.......What are they talking about nonsensically?)

    Looking around the ssroom built like an old theater, Kamito let out a sigh.

    The number of students was fourteen or fifteen. Everyone had been brought up as a princess. Almost all of them were looking towards Kamito with interest, but some of the girls seemed really scared.

    (Well, It was an expected reaction from them.)

    After all, whenever anyone heard about a male elementalist, the first thing that came into their mind was the name of the ancient demon king who brought disaster and chaos to the continent......In other words, an excessively bad image.

    Inside the ssroom, while being showered with sharp nces like needles, Kamito had the urge to immediately run away.

    Among them the specially intense re¡ªcame from the red haired girl in the front row.

    ire''s re that could burn people merely by her sight was fixed on Kamito.

    "Burn, Burnt, Burning......"

    She grumbled with different forms of the word.

    Apparently, from a while ago up until now, she still seemed angry. ¡ªObviously.

    For that, Kamito reflected whether he had overdone it.

    (If I don''t properly apologizeter...)

    "Obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders, obliterate into cinders....."

    .......don''t know whether he would be forgiven when he apologizes.

    "Stop chirping. Be quiet. Do you bunch want to lose credit?"

    The professor in charge, Freya Grandol, hit the desk with the ss list and the ssroom became silent.

    She was not a teacher of practical skills but a special lecturer and also a member of the spirit research agency who is traveling in every region of the Spirit Forest of the continent performing field work.

    "Here, you, hurry up and introduce yourself."

    The eye sses worn by the beautiful woman gave her an intellectual appearance, but if she opened her mouth, it would expose her true colors.

    Well, to put it nicely, she had a daring andrgehearted disposition. At least, she didn''t seem to be a bad person.

    Kamito stepped forward in front of the podium, and briefly introduced himself.

    "I am Kazehaya Kamito, sixteen years old. However, as you can see, I''m a male elementalist......so, don''t be afraid and let us get along with each other, thanks."

    It was too simple, but he had nothing else to say.

    For secrets that can''t be said, there were plenty.

    The ssmates reaction were¡ª

    "Like, ordinary......right?"

    "Yeah, ordinary. Not much of a demon king."

    (.....oh?)

    "However, seems like, I have fallen for him ?."

    "A, see. An aloof look, doesn''t he make you want to protect him?"

    The once quiet ssroom was filled with buzzing again.

    (Wh-What is this fluffy sweet feeling?)

    Due to the unexpected reaction of the young girls, Kamito was puzzled.

    He thought that he would be greeted with chilly eyes or even despising eyes.

    However, the reactions that he felt earlier from all of the girls were very light.

    Guessing Kamito''s doubt, Ms. Freya whispered into his ear.

    "Ah, the princesses here have different senses to themoners. After all, they are constantly handling the most puzzling neighbor to humans: ''the spirits''. Well, rather than criticizing you as a male elementalist, they are just curious in many ways about a young boy of the same age."

    (Really? Is that how it is¡ª)

    Since it was put that way, it might be a little easier.

    "U-Um, Kamito.....you?"

    And, one of the girls timidly raised her hand.

    "Ye-Yeah, What?"

    "Um, umm, wha-what''s your favorite food?"

    "Eh? Well, anything.....if anything, I like Gratin"

    "Ordinary!" "Quite Ordinary!" "I thought he would say Nyoitaimori!" "Cute!"

    *h h h*.

    ".....What''s this. A Nyoitaimori?"

    Starting with that girl, one by one, they poured questions towards him.

    "Where is your home town?" "Your three sizes?" "Which ce do you wash first in a bath?"

    .....Princess, It was almost sexual harassment.

    However, the one who was asking the question was blushing red all the way to her ears.

    "Have you decided on your team yet?"

    "Team?"

    "Of course the team for thising de Dance"

    "Aa¡ª"

    The de Dance that would be held two monthster was going to be in the format of a five person team group battle. Kamito, as one person, couldn''t enter by himself, he needed to find other elementalists and form a team.

    "As of now, I don''t have a team yet. I''m going to start looking for my other fellow teammates now."

    In two months, whether he would find such people, he didn''t know.

    "Is it true, that you have tamed the sword sealed spirit that no one else has been able to contract?"

    "Wh?"

    Kamito''s eyebrow frowned in surprise. It looked like words of the event from this morning had already went around in the academy.

    Who on earth¡ª

    "Yeah, and I am the one who tamed this Kamito that tamed the spirit!"

    Slowly rising, ire puffed up her almost nonexistent chest proudly.

    "......as I thought, you!"

    The princesses shrieked together in excitement.

    "Kamito, what''s your rtionship with ire?"

    "Master and her ve spirit!"

    "Total nonsense. Don''t answer it for me!"

    Kamito quickly retorted against ire who was answering it with her hands on her hips.

    "What, an insolent ve spirit."

    "When did I be your ve spirit!"

    Watching the interaction between these two people, the girls became more and more excited.

    The situation was about to be out of control¡ª

    *Bam*. Ms. Freya struck her desk. The ssroom settled down.

    "Arg. Girls, cut it out! You, hurry up and choose your favorite seat."

    "Ye-Yes.....!"

    Freya sent a lifeboat, Kamito dly rode on it.

    Of course, he preferred to sit as far from the red haired princess as possible. He started walking towards one of the seats in the back.

    At that moment. *Pashii*, a torturing leather whip coiled around his neck.

    "Arg!"

    With his neck being strangled, in that way, he had been pulled backward.

    *Cough* *cough*, "What are you doing!"

    "Where are you going? Your seat is next to me."

    "Hah, who will sit in such a dangerous seat? Uooooh¡ª"

    While his neck was being strangled, Kamito tried to move forward.

    "Hm, trying to oppose me. I''ll show you who''s the master!"

    *Scratch scratch scratch scratch*...........!

    Kamito tried to unfasten the whip, ire skillfully controlled her whip and prevented him from doing so.

    "dddd.....da, mn......"

    He couldn''t breathe. More and more oxygen ceased to circte in his brain, at that time.

    *Swoosh* the sound of a gust of wind, Kamito''s body was suddenly released.

    "Oooowahh.......!"

    Kamito lost his bnce and tripped over the staircase.

    What on earth happened¡ª

    ".......h!?"

    Turning around, in front of him standing stabbed into the floor was a sharp arrow.

    Not a metal arrow. It''s a clear ice arrow sparkling from the reflection of the sunlight.

    (......Is this, an elemental waffe?)

    The same as ire''s me whip, the incarnation of their spirit was turned into its weapon form.

    Who was it...?

    "A disgrace, ire Rouge."

    An elegant voice was heard in the highest part of the ssroom.

    Kamito staying down on the ground, looked up and there¡ª

    An extravagant tinum blonde beautiful young girl, standing with her hands on her hips.

    A high ss princess, as featured in a painted picture. Her skin is as white as the first snow.

    The color of her pupils is a fine emerald green in pale radiance.

    A charming smile appeared, calmly looking down at ire.

    ".......W-What do you want, Rinslet Laurenfrost?!"

    ire growled in a deep voice. A dangerous color floated in her ruby eyes, it seemed like she would bite at any moment.

    "Give up, because he had already said that he wants to sit next to me."

    *Hmmp*,bing her tinum blonde hair, dered the princess.

    (I have not said anything of that sort¡ªAnyway, it was a big help.)

    Kamito was about to stand up when the blonde haired princess gracefully came down the stairs.

    She bent down in front of Kamito, and stared at him as though evaluating his value.

    As the adorably beautiful girl was intently staring at him, Kamito''s eye unintentionally diverted.

    "Hmm, the face is not so bad."

    Rinslet seemed satisfied, nodded and-

    "Hey! You, do you want to be my servant?"

    "What?"

    Suddenly, she said something unexpected.

    "Do-Don''ty your hands on him as you please, this guy is my ve spirit!"

    ire ran up on the stairs, and immediately grasped Kamito''s arm.

    "When did I be yours."

    "Shut up!"

    ire suddenly yanked his arm.

    The upper arm touched her breast, Kamito''s heart involuntarily beat faster.

    Although it was almost nonexistent¡ª She was still a sixteen year old young girl.

    A reasonable stic feeling was all that was needed and his heart would be pounding.

    But¡ª

    *Fuyoyon~*

    On his other arm, an utterly other dimensional sensation could be felt!

    "Ah, he does not belong to you, does he?"

    Rinslet held Kamito''s left arm tightly with both hands.

    Different from ire''s pitiful assets, over here there is a considerable...sense of existence.

    (Wai-Wait, this is.......!)

    Pressed from both sides with a soft feeling, Kamito''s face suddenly became hot.

    "Re-Release, you fool!"

    "What did you say, t chest!"

    A crackling spark scattered from the two princesses ring at each other.

    *Funyu*. *Fuyon~*. Fukyun~*.

    ......Though it felt great, but if they don''t release his arms first, it seemed like his heart would burst.

    And, at that time.

    "Owawawah, m-mdy, don''t give more hardship to Mr. transfer student!"

    From above the ssroom, A young girl in maid clothes came running down.

    (.....What the? A maid?)

    Kamito spreads his eyes, staring at the young girl''s appearance.

    A waving long skirt with frills. A short bob trim cut ck hair. A white brim that nicely suits her is resting on top of her head.

    No matter how you look at it, she''s a fine maid.

    (........Why is there a maid here in this academy!?)

    Since she called her "mdy", it seems she is this blonde princess'' maid.

    But in any case, she seemed to have a more normal personality. Without a doubt, at least she would intervene against this sour dispute. Kamito embraced a dim hope, but at that time...

    "Princess......Kyaaaaah!"

    The maid fell.

    In the middle of the stairs, it was an impressive fall.

    "Carol!?"

    Rinslet''s face became pale.

    (......Damn!)

    Kamito shook off the two people''s arms, and jumped kicking off the floor.

    "Hiaaaaaaah!"

    Somehow, he caught the screaming and falling maid''s flying body. He wrapped his arms around the young girl so as to prevent her head from being hurt, and they tumbled down the stairs.

    The two people hugging each other while rolling down, finally stopped.

    ".......Hm, are you hurt¡ª"

    He opened his mouth to say that¡ªand then Kamito''s thoughts froze.

    In his front. *Fuyon~*, there wererge soft things.

    Under the neat and tidy cloth of the maid, melonsrger than that of Rinslet.

    "U......Um,.........uaah, I''m sorry!"

    *Fuwa~* Tears began to float in the young maid''s ck pupils.

    *Kaatsu* her face blushed, and while being panicked she tried to stand up¡ª

    "He-Hey......mo-mogugugu~!"

    The nose of Kamito was pressed more and more by her breast.

    (I''m in trouble.....I can''t breathe...)

    "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

    At the sight of two people intertwined with each other, the ssroom''s young girls raised an excited scream.

    "Pe-Pervert!" "As I thought a lewd beast!" "Reincarnation of the demon king!"

    "N-No, I''m.........mogugugu.....!"

    Hurriedly attempting to deny, his voice was being absorbed by the well rounded breast.

    *Gogogogogogogogo.........!*

    ".......?"

    Suddenly, A rumbling sound could be heard from above.

    ......An earthquake. Perhaps.

    Somehow, it has a very, very bad sensation.

    Looking up from the valley of the breasts¡ª

    There, the shape of ire holding a zing me whip.

    "Thi-Thi-This perverted spirit~!"

    "Wait, It can''t be helped no matter how you look at it...."

    "Shu-Shut up, please turn into cinders!"

    (Why is it that it always bes like this.....)

    While Kamito groaned hopelessly, the whip ruthlessly swung at him with no mercy.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü Green as in "inexperienced"

 Volume 1, 4 - The Wolf, the Cat and the Knight

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 4 - The Wolf, the Cat and the Knight</h4>

    Part 1

    Good grief. I have suffered quite a lot sinceing here.

    One hour had passed since then. Slowly rubbing the pain in his back away, Kamito walked through the courtyard of the academy.

    Although he had not been turned into cinders after receiving a hit from that me whip, maybe ire had held back some of her power. Still, it didn''t change the fact that it was quite painful.

    ire must have been getting harshly admonished by Ms. Freya in the punishment room.

    Having eluded those female ssmates who had enthusiastically pursued him, Kamito finally obtained a moment of peace.

    Unlike other students, he had no sses for the afternoon. After all, he had entered the school just now and had not registered for the courses.

    Areishia Spirit Academy operated on a credit system in which the students could freely choose their preferred courses so long as they could meet the requirements. Because of the enormous diversity of the contracted spirits of the students, a uniform curriculum wouldn''t be able to fully develop the potential of each and every princess maiden.

    "For the time being, I''ll make some preparations for school life starting tomorrow."

    Kamito finally reached his specially prepared dormitory, a hut erected on the side of the stable.

    Its appearance now looked even worse than when it was seen from the window. On top of that, it had the smell of cattle.

    The door opened with a squeak. Kamito timidly stepped in.

    "Hmm, surprisingly, it''s not too bad."

    Kamito expressed his impression of the interior.

    First of all, the bed was clean. Looking from the inside, the room itself was spacious. Straw bed, table, chair, cab and other furniture were prepared after all. Cooking utensils were present as well. Anyhow it wouldn''t be too troublesome living here.

    Kamito immediatelyid down on the straw bed, and although it prickled his back a bit, the smell of sun dried straws was good for afortable sleep.

    "Oh, well, no matter how I look at it, I just need to endure it for two months."

    Lying still on the bed, Kamito fixed his eyes on his left hand, covered by the ck leather glove.

    Two months from now, the de Dance would be held in Astral Zero.

    Before that, he must find four more teammates in order to enter the contest.

    It was not clear what Greyworth would have him do.

    But there was something he had to check with his own eyes.

    A name that was deeply tied to the fate of his own self.

    Participating in the contest of the de Dance 3 years ago, the Strongest de Dancer.

    That apanying her was a spirit of darkness that took the form of a human girl.

    Who on earth were they?

    Ren Ashbell shouldn''t exist in this world anymore. Besides Greyworth, only a very small number of people were aware of this.

    Even though one was just an impostor who gained the title of Strongest de-Dancer by fraud, it couldn''t be for this reason that the witch took this much trouble to summon him here. Greyworth must be holding a huge secret.

    No matter what, to find out the truth, the only way was to directly cross des with her in the de Dance in two months.

    "But, in your current state, you won''t be able to defeat her." Greyworth had said.

    That is most likely true. The witch was not lying. But surely she was not telling the truth either.

    In the end, it alles down to ''the current state''.

    But in merely two months, he had to regain what was lost in the past three years.

    "..."

    ....*Guu*, suddenly his stomach growled.

    Feeling exhausted, Kamito lowered his arm that was raised towards the roof.

    After all, he had not had anything to eat since wandering into the Spirit Forest this morning.

    However, he decided to endure his empty stomach.

    The reason was that he was out of money. Although there were restaurants for the students in the academy, the price was surprisingly high. This had already passed the level of a school for high ssdies, a school for princesses indeed.

    What''s the point of one cup of soup being as expensive as a normal folk''s sry?

    "It can''t be helped. Maybe I''ll ask Ellis to show me around the academic town tomorrow."

    One should be able to find cheaper and delicious restaurants in the academic town at the foot of the hill.

    With the cooking utensils, he could also just buy the materials and cook it on his own. For the fire all he needed to do was to go to the Spirit Forest and catch some low level fire spirits.

    "Bacon and mushroom pasta sounds really good..."

    He got more hungry by thinking about food.

    "Should I go to the Spirit Forest and collect some mushrooms now?"

    As he started to seriously entertain that thought, from somewhere, the smell of delicious soup flowed in.

    "....Hmm?"

    Frowning, Kamito got up from the bed.

    It seemed the smell wasing in from the gap of the half opened door.

    Twitching his nose to inhale the smell, Kamito opened the door...

    In front of him was a bowl of soup that gave off white steam.

    Filled with a lot of onions and chicken with bones, the soup looked delicious.

    "...Am I imagining things, or is this the kindness from heaven for my unending misfortune?"

    Drawing a nk because of the hunger, Kamito reached out with his hands towards the bowl without any suspicion.

    Suddenly the bowl rose up a bit.

    He stretched out his hand again.

    Once again the bowl was raised.

    Then in front of the Kamito was the face of that princess with tinum-blonde hair.

    Her name should be Rinslet Laurenfrost if he remembered correctly.

    Behind her, the girl Carol in a maid''s uniform stood courteously.

    "What''s the meaning of this?"

    Kamito asked with half-closed eyes[1].

    "Fuu, you must be hungry, right? Kazehaya Kamito?"

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded honestly.

    "Bark, woof, and then swear that you will be my ve, and I''ll let you have this bowl of soup."

    Rinslet held the bowl still, and puffed up herrge chest.

    "I refuse. Bye Bye."

    *Bang*.

    "Ahh, wait, wait a second. Listen to what I say, you insolent person."

    *Bang!* *Bang!* The door was kicked repeatedly.

    It would be troublesome if she breaks it. Kamito opened the door again.

    "What''s that? Are you going to let me have the soup now?"

    "Right away if you lick my foot... Ah, why are you closing the door again!"

    Rinslet quickly stuck her foot into the gap of the door, like a veteran debt collector.

    "Ouch! That hurts!"

    That looked painful... What the hell was she here for anyway?

    "Are you alright, mdy?"

    Worried about Rinslet, the Maid, Carol, asked.

    Kamito had no choice but to open the door, Rinslet red at him with tears in her eyes.

    "How can you be so insolent after I offered my hands of kindness towards you?"

    "No, you... Hands of kindness?"

    It appeared that she was serious. Slowly, Kamito''s head starts aching.

    (Sheesh, all the princesses of this academy are so troublesome.)

    Kamitoined inside his mind.

    "Ah¡ª"

    After Rinslet got a glimpse of the inside of the hut, her face started to twitch.

    "Ah, you, why are you living inside a stable?"

    "The stable is next door. This is my dormitory. Home is where you make it."

    "..."

    "Stop looking at me with such pity. It makes me feel sad."

    Her face looked like that she was seriously concerned about it. Kamito''s attitude softened a little bit.

    "Rather than living in a condition like this, you shoulde to my house. I''ll specially hire you as a servant."

    "Ah, mdy, I believe he will look great if we dress him as a maid."

    Carol showed her support with a big smile. (This girl is troublesome as well.)

    Well, even so, it seemed as if Rinslet was genuinely worried about his circumstances.

    "Your sympathy is appreciated, but I don''t n to throw away my pride." Kamito shook his head.

    Displeased, Rinslet perked up her lips.

    "So you don''t like bing my servant?"

    "That''s right. It is no use to try to cate me."

    "So full of yourself, even though you wag your tail at ire Rouge."

    "When did I wag my tail at her?" Kamito grumbled with half-closed eyes. Well, many people might think the same¡ª

    Could it be that this princess was trying to get close to Kamito mainly out of her rivalry with ire?

    (Yare yare, such an unexpected annoyance.)

    Kamito let out a heavy sigh.

    "I got it. That''s fine with me if that''s how you want it." Rinslet cleared her throat, and ced the bowl on the ground.

    "Hmm?"

    "I''ll leave the soup here. From the very beginning it was because Carol cooked too much of it and it will be a shame to waste the leftovers. You should be grateful for my benevolence."

    "Eh?"

    (This youngdy, by any chance)¡ª

    Rinslet turned around elegantly and was about to leave.

    "Ahh, Wait, Rinslet!"

    Kamito suddenly called out.

    Rinslet winced and stopped in her steps.

    "Wh-What is that? Suddenly calling other people''s first name¡ª"

    "I can''t be your servant, but we can be friends."

    "Eh?"

    Rinslet''s emerald green eyes open wide.

    "Thank you for being worried anding to see me."

    "Wh-Wha, you, you insolent. Of-Of course that''s not true."

    Rinslet suddenly blushed and turned her face away.

    "Fufu, mdy is so..."

    Carol covered her mouth and giggled.

    Part 2

    Right at that moment¡ª

    "Rinslet Laurenfrost!"

    A voice, with which had be familiar to Kamito, suddenly passed into his ears.

    ire was walking towards them, her red twintails swaying.

    It appeared that Ms. Freya''s admonishing session was finally over.

    "Don''t feed my contracted spirit without permission, you thieving dog."

    "You... Who are you calling a thieving dog!?"

    Here we go again, Kamito let out a tired sigh.

    "What''s that? Isn''t your family crest a dog?"

    "Why you¡ªLaurenfrost''s family crest is a proud White Wolf!"

    "White Wolf? Changing it into a Chihuahua fits you better."

    "...!"

    Provoked by ire''s words¡ª

    "ire Rouge... You really got my dander up." Rinslet said with a suppressed voice.

    In a sh, a fog-like chill hung around them. The temperature dropped dramatically.

    "Wait, you can''t be calling your spirit¡ª"

    Kamito hastily called out, but it was toote.

    The cold wind swirled. Rinslet''s hair flew up, rippling.

    ¡ªOh freezing beast with Ice-teeth, merciless hunter of the forest.

    ¡ªNow is the time to abide the contract of blood, hasten to my side asmanded!

    As soon as Rinslet finished chanting the summoning spirit spell, a gust of ice storm engulfed all of the surroundings.

    Amid the roaring and swirling blizzard, a figure appeared.

    A beautiful wolf, with a coat of silver white fur.

    Its body exuded a freezing chill.

    "This is..."

    "It is the contracted spirit of mdy, the demon ice spirit Fenrir." Carol said with a smile.

    The imposing aura that white wolf carried, was definitely iparable to a low level spirit.

    In regards to ranking between spirits, the white wolf was unmistakably higher than mid-level. To have made contracts with spirits of this level, this youngdy was definitely not an ordinary person.

    "Well, your dog is still the same, with its coat color barely meritable."

    ire shook her twintails in disdain.

    "You... You called it a dog again, You t chest! I absolutely will not forgive your insult to the family of Laurenfrost!"

    Covered with the chilling air, the white wolf roared, and dashed toward ire.

    "Who are you calling t chest!? Come, Scarlet!"

    ireshed at the ground with her whip. A scorching hell cat immediately appeared from the twirling rising mes.

    It appeared that ire had long conjured up her spirit already.

    "¡ªHey you two! No fighting with your spirits here!"

    Kamito cried out. The horses in the stables neighed in fear.

    "I will not forgive you for putting your hand on my ve. I''ll end it here today, you thieving dog."

    "I''ll surely steal your servant and make him mine!"

    Sparks burst out between the two girls.

    If one listened to these lines only, it sounded like two women in love, fighting over a man.

    "The twodies look like lovers fighting over a man!"

    "Carol, you don''t have to say that." Kamito looked at the maid standing next to him with squinted eyes.

    "By the way, is it really OK to not stop them?"

    "That''s right. They have always been like this."

    "These two girls have always been behaving like this towards each other...?"

    "Yes, the rtion between the twodies is very good."

    "Is this irony?"

    Kamito grumbled with a sigh.

    "You have always been an eyesore, ire Rouge!"

    "You are the same, Rinslet! Why do you have to always cause me trouble!"

    Demon ice spirit Fenrir¡ª

    me spirit Scarlet¡ª

    The two spirits suddenly jumped up in the air and shed.

    Ice and Fire collided, sending a storm bursting around.

    From Kamito''s point of view, the levels of the two spirits were almost the same. But it seemed that ire had an advantage in the skill of mastering the spirits.

    However, the me spirit in hermand was apparently quite spent out.

    (Because she was beaten up by the sword spirit a few hours ago¡ª)

    Receiving such arge amount of damage, she couldn''t possibly have recovered by taking a short break.

    Kamito observed the fighting of the two spirits.

    (Eh? What?......A burning smell?)

    Kamito frowned and looked around.

    When the sight came into his eyes, his expression suddenly froze.

    It was burning.

    Kamito''s hut was burning fiercely.

    The straws that were stocked next to his hut had caught the sparks of the me spirit and started burning.

    "Ah, mmmmmmm-my home!"

    Hearing the cries of Kamito, ire quickly turned towards him.

    "Rinslet! Pause! We got a fire!"

    "It is no use to distract me... Huh? It really is burning!"

    The hut on fire burned more and more violently. Sooner orter the stables would catch fire too.

    "My home¡ª"

    "Calm down. A fire of this scale, I''ll put it out in no time¡ªFenrir!"

    Rinslet cried out, the ice demon white wolf instantly came back to her side.

    Just as one thought that, the white wolf suddenly disappeared in the air, and in Rinslet''s hands, a huge Ice Longbow appeared.

    Elemental waffe¡ªthe second purified form of the spirit.

    "Oh freezing ice fang, pierce your target! Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet drew an ice arrow and shot.

    The arrows turned into countless shards of ice and rained down, causing the burning mes to instantly be extinguished.

    "Well, with me here it is a piece of cake!"

    Rinslet stroked her long tinum blonde hair and puffed up her chest proudly.

    "......"

    Kamito stood motionlessly with a dumbfounded stare.

    By raining-down ice arrows, the hut was smashed into pieces.

    "Kohon", Rinslet let out a dry cough.

    "...Seems like I went a bit too far."

    "This is not called a bit! Don''t you have any control over your power?"

    "You... Shut up! From the very beginning it was you who lit it up!"

    Ignoring the stunned Kamito, those two engaged in an argument again.

    At that moment¡ª

    "What are you doing!"

    The footsteps of several people running from the middle court could be heard.

    One of them was the ponytail girl in a silver breastte.

    Ellis Fahrengart, themander of the Sylphid Knights, whom was in charge of upholding the Academy''s discipline.

    Behind her there were two girls in the same attire.

    ire clicked her tongue, and Rinslet also didn''t bother to hide her face of displeasure.

    "It is prohibited to fight due to private matters in school... What!?"

    The hastily running steps suddenly stopped.

    Her eyes widened, looking dazed at the pile of rubble that was Kamito''s home.

    ck smoke slowly rose from the charred rubble.

    "This is...... What on earth is this?!"

    Ellis questioned Kamito, her voice charged with fury.

    She drew the sword that hung at her waist, pointing it at Kamito''s throat.

    "You, you hate the house that I made! Is that it? Is this your act of protest?!"

    "No... There is absolutely no such thing! This is because¡ª"

    Kamito quickly exined.

    "It was this stupid dog who blew it up to dust."

    "Before that, this pitiful chest lit it on fire!"

    Hearing the voices from behind, Ellis turned around.

    ire and Rinslet, pointed their fingers at each other in usation.

    "... So that''s how it was. It was your work, just like always."

    Ellis sighed with an expression that said ''I understand''.

    "Knightmander, your greeting is more enthusiastic than usual."

    "It is the usual greeting, isn''t it? Problematic students of the Raven ss?" Ellis looked sharply at Rinslet.

    Soon, the girls from the Knight brigade who were following Ellis finally caught up.

    A girl with tea colored hair tied in braids, and another girl with ck hair in a tomboy style.

    As soon as they saw ire and Rinslet, the two girls put on expressions like they had bitten some bitter worm.

    "...Hell cat ire! And Ice Wolf Rinslet!"

    "What did they do again this time, these guys from the lowly Raven ss?"

    In the eyes of the girls inly floated a contemptuous look.

    "...What did you say?"

    "What did you utter just now?"

    ire and Rinslet red at the two girls at the same time.

    But the girlspletely ignored them, focusing their eyes on Kamito instead.

    "Are you that newly transferred male elementalist?"

    "Oh, not bad. Very handsome."

    The girl with braids looked at Kamito up and down like she was evaluating his value.

    The girl''s scrutiny made Kamito shrink away in difort.

    "Wait, this guy is my ve spirit that I caught!"

    "I tamed Kazehaya Kamito: he is my servant!"

    ire and Rinslet arbitrarily dered their ownership of Kamito at the same time.

    The knight girl with braids sniffed with disdain, and said: "s, because nobody wants to form a team with you, you use your sex appeal to seduce the transfer student. Such a fitting style for countryside nobles."

    "You dare to call me a countryside noble!"

    Rinslet''s face suddenly turns livid.

    It appeared that the girl stepped on a mine that should not have been stepped on.

    "Sure I did. The Laurenfrost family has only a big-name, they are really just country bumpkins."

    "You... You... You...!"

    "M-Mdy. Please calm down¡ª"

    "Fu-Fufu-Fu,...Carol, I am quite calm."

    Rinslet revealed a bright smile... Although she tried to bedylike, her face was still quite scary.

    Another girl knight turned to ire, and scorned: "As for ire Rouge, although she is a noble, isn''t she the sister of a traitor? Really, why did the Academy ept this person for admission¡ª"

    At that instant, ire suddenlyshed at the ground with the whip.

    "¡ªShut up. Or I''ll turn you into charcoal cinders."

    ire snarled with a suppressed voice, her voice trembling, her red eyes quietly burning with anger.

    (...ire is the sister of a traitor?)

    Kamito frowned.

    (...What on earth is the meaning of this?)

    The two girls felt the sudden change of atmosphere and fell silent.

    "You went too far." Ellis chided the two, then turned to ire.

    She cleared her throat and said: "In short, I will report this instance to the knight headquarters. The charge will be using spirits to start a small fire and causing property damage. We''ll give you notice for the specifics of the punishment at ater time. Please refrain from doing such stupid things again. We are busy, you know?"

    "Let''s go." Ellis said and was about to lead the other two away.

    However, from behind came a voice.

    "Hold on! Ellis Fahrengart, are you trying to run away?"

    "What?"

    Ellis stopped, and turned back to ire who called out to her.

    "What did you say just now?"

    The calm tone of voice was full of anger. Ellis''s hand was on the hilt of the sword at her waist.

    "Oh, you heard it? I did not expect the Sylphid Knights to be cowards."

    "ire Rouge, do you think I''ll just let it go if someone insults the Sylphid Knights?"

    Ellis unsheathed her sword. The other two drew their swords at the same time.

    "I''ll return that line intact right back at you. You may insult me as you please, but I will not forgive anyone who insults my sister."

    ire struck the ground with her whip.

    "I request a duel, Ellis Fahrengart, with the other two as well."

    "Let me join as well, ire Rouge. It is the Laurenfrost family''s injunction to take revenge at those who dare to smear the Laurenfrost family name."

    Rinslet ruffled her hair, and showed an undaunted smile.

    At this point, Ellis pointed the tip of her sword towards these two.

    "Well, it will stain the name of the Sylphid Knights if we are used of running away. I ept the request. I can''t stand the mess of your Raven ss any longer."

    "Hey, isn''t it prohibited to fight for private matters?"

    At such a precarious intense moment, Kamito instinctively spoke out.

    "It is forbidden to fight for private matters within school grounds. Anyway, I have no intention of doing it here."

    "What do you mean?"

    Ignoring Kamito who was tilting his head, Ellis turned to ire.

    "The time will be 2am tonight, in front of the Gate. I''ll leave it to you to decide the format."

    "...One-on-one is too much trouble. How about a three-man match."

    "That will do."

    Ellis nodded and put away the sword, then turned around and left.

    ire red at the back of the knights and cursed viciously:

    "Well, I will let you regret this, especially that short haired girl. I''ll definitely kick her ass!"

    "Such a good opportunity. I have disliked the bunch from the Knights since long ago."

    "Rinslet, try not to be a burden."

    "Huh? Who are you saying that to?"

    "...Why you two. After destroying the hut, now you are having a duel. Please take mercy on me."

    Kamito sighed deeply. Then suddenly he realized.

    (Battle as a team of three. So, who will be the third person?)

    "As it turns out¡ª"

    ire ced one hand on her waist, and pointed a finger at Kamito.

    "It is time to show us your strength, ve spirit!"

    "Ahhh... I knew this is how it would be..."

    In front of rubble heap that was his former home, Kamito slumped his shoulders in dejection.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü An expression one shows when humoring another especially when it is too bothersome to go against the other.

 Volume 1, 5 - Claireâ€™s Feelings

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 5 - ire''s Feelings</h4>

    Part 1

    (...Sigh, I have totally gotten myself into something troublesome.)

    While walking on the stone pavement of the academy, Kamito sighed quite the number of times today. In front of his eyes was the culprit with her red twintailed hair swaying about.

    As before he had an empty stomach, he had lost his house and to make matters worse that was the oue from a duel by fellow elementalists.

    ...No matter what the circumstances, this is beyond misfortune. It has to be none other than the Dusk Witch''s curse.

    "Unh, are you grumbling? How unmanly!"

    ire turned around and snapped her fingers.

    "My house."

    "U..."

    Kamito groaned with his eyes half-opened. ire averted her eyes to look far away.

    "Pyromaniac. Criminal."

    "...I... I get it! I also feel a little bad!"

    She blushed and pouted her lips. It seemed she was at least aware of her crime.

    As it was the right moment, Kamito tantly sighed.

    "Oh boy, the homeless me will have to sleep out in the Spirit Forest."

    "......"

    "Sleeping at night in the Spirit Forest is seriously a suicidal act. But it can''t be helped, after all, my house has beenpletely burnt down."

    Kamito dropped his shoulders unnaturally for ire to see.

    ire gnawed her lips. And then, she tip-toed¡ª

    And stared into Kamito''s eyes, motionlessly.

    Her face was near. Kamito was involuntarily startled as his nostrils were lightly tickled by the scent of a girl.

    "...Okay then. I...I''llpensate you, properly!"

    "Compensate?"

    Kamito''s face somehow twitched with a bad premonition.

    Part 2

    ¡ª Kamito was brought to the front of the female dormitory of the Raven ss.

    Although it was called a dormitory, it was not a normal building. It was an elegant mansion akin to the residences of upper aristocrats.

    "...Eh, what''s this?"

    "For a while, I''ll allow you to freeload in my room. Please be grateful."

    "Huh?"

    ...What did she suddenly propose, this high-ssdy.

    "After all, if I left you outside, Rinslet woulde meddling. And because you are my ve spirit, it is natural for me, the elementalist, to take care of you."

    ire informed him, bending her empty chest.

    "No, that''s not it... you are still a girl of age and I may do something, did you not consider that?"

    "D...Do you n to do something to me?"

    ire red. Kamito shook his head horizontally.

    "Scarlet will stand watch. If you try to do something...cinders."

    "Isn''t it a vition of the dormitory rules? A guy like me, entering the female dormitory."

    "It''s alright, because you will be treated as my contracted spirit. The same as Scarlet."

    "That ispletely not alright."

    Kamito retorted with his half-opened eyes, ire was fidgeting with her hair irritatedly and thrust her finger.

    "Ahh,e on, do you want to stay? Or do you want to turn into cinders? Which?"

    "... Why are there only those two choices?"

    Kamito dropped his shoulders and sighed in resignation.

    ire''s room was on the second floor of the aristocrat residence-like female dormitory.

    "Don''t make too much noise, because the dormitory secretary is super scary."

    "Y...Yes...pardon my intrusion."

    For ire, who is ideally pictured as arrogant, to be afraid of the dormitory secretary, his interest got piqued a little.

    While thinking of that, he timidly stepped into the room.

    No matter how rough her personality was, ire was a girl.

    In addition, she was an outstandingly, pitifully beautiful girl; even Kamito could not help but admit that.

    As expected, when he entered the room, he grew tense.

    "¡ªme, illuminate."

    ire recited the spirit magic and the room was lit up.

    ire''s room was¡ª

    "......"

    In senseless disorder.

    There was a copsed mountain of arge number of books. Clothes were left crumpled, plush toys and small items and so on, were scattered here and there till there was no ce left to stand.

    It did not look like a room of a pedigree high-ssdy.

    "...You should at least do some cleaning."

    "U...Usually, Scarlet does the cleaning. Come on, quickly get in."

    ire kicked Kamito''s back, sending him to the middle of the room.

    "Ouch...good grief, you actually use such a powerful fire spirit to clean the room, if the elementalists across the world hear about it, they''ll all cry you know."

    "Hmm, Scarlet is different from you, she is clever you know. She also burns the trash."

    "Ahh, I see. It is good as long as it''s convenient."

    As soon as they were arguing, a hell cat, dded in mes, manifested and started to put the room''s trash together and tidy up.... Indeed, there seemed to be a ce where the wastepaper was incinerated.

    "...Are you fine with just that?"

    If that fire spirit of ire grew, it could match up with even arge dragon type.

    ...What a sorrowful sight? Was it being made to do things like cleaning the room?

    "Thank you, Scarlet. Good girl."

    *Suri suri*.[1] *Nade nade*.[2]

    Meow. Meow.

    "Are you a cat!?"

    Kamito retorted, without thinking, to the fire spirit fawning happily.

    (...That proud spirit has beenpletely tamed...)

    Well, if one was gently stroked like that by ire, whose outward appearance at least was that of a beautiful girl, it was understandable to bepletely attached.

    For now, since there was no ce to stand, Kamito too helped with the cleaning.

    A long time ago, because of Greyworth working him hard, housework became his forte.

    He started carrying the books that were in a huge pile at his feet to put aside at a corner of the room.

    Then, he caught sight of the titles written on the books'' front cover.

    ''The Count And The Naughty Princess'', ''Tease Me More, Master!'', ''The Princess Abducted By Pirates''... Indeed these are what teenage girls like. There were ten-odd such romance novels, which were intended for teenagers.

    "Hmm, so you like this kind of stuff. That was a little unexpected."

    "...D... Don''t look!"

    *Bofun.*

    The pillow, ire threw,nded a direct hit on Kamito''s face, and he toppled over and was squashed by the books.

    "If you don''t want anyone to look, you should have tidied up. I feel that it''s no big deal to like such novels."

    "S...Shut up, it...it''s not like I like them!... Err, yea, I borrowed them from a friend, so I have no choice but to read them!"

    "Hmm, I see. You borrowed fourteen volumes worth of novels that you do not like."

    "S...Shut up!!"

    *Poka poka poka*.[3]

    ire got partially teary and hit Kamito. It was weak, possibly due to her being embarrassed.

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and ced his hand on the floor to stand up.

    And, just then, that hand came in contact with¡ª

    (...Hn?)

    A cloth that was somewhat nice to touch.

    Was it silk? It was soft, silky and very nice to touch.

    Unintentionally, he grabbed it. At its edges, white flutters were attached to it.

    (¡ª..., white flutters!?)

    With his face twitching, he stared at his hand.

    Kamito''s hand tightly grasped an undergarment attached with fineces.

    ...Surprisingly, it was a rather mature silk panty.

    Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

    "Hn, what are you doing?"

    "Owaa!?"

    Kamito got flustered and stuffed it into his pocket.

    ¡ª..., what was he going to do stuffing it in!

    (What am I doing! Doesn''t this make me a real pervert?!)

    "What? Why are you so shocked?"

    ire frowned and drew her face near with suspicion.

    "N...No, it''s nothing!"

    Kamito stood up while shaking his head. Was there a topic he could distract her with? He looked around... then he realized.

    "...By...By the way, about this room, don''t you have a roommate?"

    Even if this was a dormitory of the academy attended by princesses, the room was a little too big for one person to be living in it.

    With the room so messed up, wouldn''t the roommate girl get angry?

    Speaking of which, was it good to take in a guy without even getting permission from her roommate?

    Thereupon, ire tightly bit her lips and looked downwards.

    "I don''t. Nobody wants to be in the same room as someone like me."

    "...? Don''t tell me, you do not have a single elementalist partner?"

    "W...Who needs things like partners. As long as I have a strong spirit, I, alone, am more than enough."

    ire folded her hands and dered so; she looked like she was pretending to be tough with all her might.

    (...Why is it so?)

    This person sure had a hard personality but, as an elementalist, her ability was top ss.

    He thought with such ability, she could ignore any team, however.

    "But without gathering 5 people, you can''t enter into the de Dance."

    "...I... I''ll manage it somehow. If I have to, I''ll somehow gather up just that number of people."

    ire averted her line of sight awkwardly.

    It seemed like she did not want to touch on this topic.

    "Ig...Ignoring that, you are hungry, right?"

    ire cleared her throat forcefully.

    "Hn, Ah... your long-awaited soup, which you blissfully received, was wrecked."

    It was a certain somebody''s fault, Kamito red scornfully at ire.

    "Hmm, it can''t be helped. Today, I''ll specially feed¡ªtreat you."

    "Did you say feed? Did you say that?"

    "It was your imagination. Come on, bring out that table."

    While sighing, Kamito took out the table.

    ire started lining up arge amount of canned food, taken from the shelves.

    Canned tuna. Yakitori. Salted cod. Vegetables boiled in soy sauce. Beef stew....etc.

    Kamito was dumbfounded and looked down on the pyramid of cans. Canned foods were preserved foods that soldiers carry with them on a long campaign. It was at least not dinner for a high-ss youngdy attending the academy.

    "...W...Why is it nothing but canned food? It is definitely bad for the body, you know."

    "What a foolish question, it''s because I like canned food."

    "No, no matter how much you like it, having just canned food is just¡ª"

    "What, it''s no problem, after all I like them. If you have anyints, then I won''t give them to you."

    ire embraced the mountain of canned food with a sullen face. That face of hers was subtly red.

    With that, he got it.

    ...Aha. That''s right.

    "You can''t cook, right?"

    After directly pointing it out, ire stiffened her back.

    "Th...Th...Th...That''s not it!"

    "That reaction revealed it all. Even if the mouth lies, the body is honest."

    "D...Don''t speak so lewdly, idiot!"

    "To misinterpret a very normal speech, I think that you''re the lewd one. You read too much of those novels. ire is a lewd youngdy."

    "U..uuuu!"

    Tears flowed out faintly from her red eyes, ire bit down on her mrs.

    ...He''s done it. He had teased her a little too much.

    (...What should I say, I unintentionally ridiculed her.)

    The result of going overboard was frightening. Kamito honestly apologized.

    "S...Sorry... It was my bad. I said a little bit too much."

    "....!"

    ire was groaning. Like a wild animal of the feline family.

    "S..Such a re... how about, to make it up to you, I''ll make dinner?"

    With that, ire, with her bristled hair, opened her eyes.

    "You can cook?"

    "Well, it''s pretty much my forte. Do you have seasonings?"

    "Such things are at the shared space at the front of the dormitory."

    "Okay, if I arranged things a little, even these canned foods will be something like a cuisine. As for the fire¡ª"

    "Scarlet."

    ire snapped her fingers and Scarlet breathed out a small fire ball.

    The fire ball drifted lightly in the air and stayed still on top of Kamito''s hand.

    "...This is convenient."

    "I know!"

    ¡ªAnd with that, after a few minutes.

    In the room, the sound of something being fried resounded.

    Spinach, bacon and sliced garlic were fried with butter.

    Next to the frying pan, there was pasta just enough for two, boiling in a pot.

    "If I recall right, she said she likes it al dente."

    He chewed one piece of pasta to check.

    "Hn, this is just right. ire, where are the cutlery¡ª"

    He put down the frying pan and turned around... There was no one in the room.

    "...Eh? Where is she?"

    He looked around the room restlessly.

    The hell cat, lying down near his feet, purred and reached out its forelimb.

    Once the fire was extinguished, he looked at the front of its forelimb¡ª

    From the other side of the door in the room, a faint water sound could be heard.

    "Oh, she''s showering."

    The shower installed in the room was a type of spirit device, which used the power of the water spirit.

    To be clean in both mind and body at any time was¡ªthe irond rule of elementalists.

    Kamito, feeling relieved, ignited the fire once again¡ª

    (... Shower!?)

    He turned around again.

    (W...Why... is she so thoughtlessly defenseless at such a vital moment!)

    "..."

    Kamito swallowed his saliva.

    *Saaaaaaa*¡ª

    Once he was aware of it, the sound of running water, which resounded in the room, sounded strangely bewitching.

    Even if she has a child-like chest, she is still a sixteen year old girl.

    Furthermore, her face, without ttery, was cute. Extremely cute.

    Her chest was quite a shame but... nevertheless, it was there.

    Suddenly, the memory of meeting her in the forest this morning revived.

    Her beautifully nude body, with red hair clinging to it.

    That properly stic sensation his hand touched.

    (Waaa, don''t recall it, me!)

    He shook his head, shaking off his worldly desires.

    At that moment.

    "Kyaaa!"

    He heard a shriek from the bathroom.

    Kamito was taken aback and came to his senses.

    (... A scream?)

    Perhaps she lost control of the water spirit, causing cold water toe out.

    (No, an elementalist of her level should not fail in controlling the spirit device¡ª)

    "Nooooooooo!"

    *Bam!* The bathroom door suddenly opened and ire dashed out.

    "Wha..!?"

    Her dripping wet hair disheveled¡ª

    She ran nude towards him in a straight line.

    "... Hey, what''s with your appearance¡ª"

    Then, Kamito''s hair froze.

    She was¡ªnot nude.

    She was nude, but she was not exactly nude.

    Transparent jelly-like water was twining itself slimily around her smooth, bare body!

    "What''s wrong!? What the heck is¡ª"

    "...K...Ka...Kamito, he...lp me...!"

    In front of his eyes was ire, who copsed on the floor and was gasping in agony.

    "...No, don''t look... idiot....Aaaa!"

    *Biku, bikun!*

    ire turned red and her nude body was jumping about like it was convulsing.

    (...Sorry. It is impossible to not get excited!)

    Kamito got flustered and averted his line of sight. On the other hand, hearing the heavy breathing, stimted his imagination.

    "Ah... Hyaa... don''t...do... that..."

    It seemed that the water spirit of the spirit device went wild. ire was frantically trying to control it, but there was no way she could do it in that condition.

    "Hold on, I''ll help you right now!"

    Kamito closed his eyes and concentrated.

    "Unruly spirit of water,ply with mymand and settle down!"

    While he softly murmured the spirit words of Chinju, his right hand was charged with divine power¡ª

    "ire, grab my hand!"

    "No, ahh...h!"

    While ire lets out a hot long breath, she somehow reached out her hand.

    The moment the tip of their fingers touched.

    *Paan!*

    The water spirit, which was running wild, had its form dissolved and immediately returned into water.

    ire stayed copsed on the flooded floor and with her face flushed; she was breathing roughly.

    Her untied red hair clinging onto her skin was strangely erotic.

    Kamito turned away in a fluster.

    "What''s wrong? With an elementalist of your level, how did such¡ª"

    "U... Erm, when I was using the shower, the water spirit suddenly went crazy... such a thing has never happened before."

    While ire moaned, she slowly got up.

    "Fo...For the time being, why don''t you wipe your body. You will catch a cold after all."

    Kamito, with his face turned away, took out and handed over a handkerchief from his pocket.

    "Th...Thank you..."

    ire nodded and epted it¡ª

    ....

    "Hey, Kamito"

    "Hn. What is it?"

    "What is the meaning of this?"

    ire''s voice trembled.

    Moreover, somehow the room''s temperature had rapidly risen.

    "Ah"

    Kamito finally realized it.

    ....That was right. What was in his uniform''s pocket was not a handkerchief.

    That was something he hid in a fluster a while ago.

    That silky panty.

    *Gogogogogogogogogogogo....!*

    In ire''s hand, an earnest ming ball of spirit magic was born.

    "Wa...Wait, calm down. You''re mistaken, this is a mistake, if I exin, you''ll¡ª"

    "Shut up! T...Turn into cinders, you pervert¡ª!"

    Part 3

    "Kamito, get me another serving!"

    "...You sure can eat. You''ll get fat, you know."

    It was minutes after that event. The table was lined up with numerous tes of Kamito''s home cooking.

    There was tuna potato sd to go with the spinach-and-bacon pasta. Pumpkin potage with gratin from the canned salmon, and for dessert, there was fruit yogurt.

    They were made using the canned food, of which a great amount was found on the shelf as ingredients; however, ire seemed full of praise. The act of her gleaming her eyes and stuffing her cheeks with pasta was somewhat awfully cute.

    The fire spirit, in the form of a hell cat, was also devouring the canned tuna beside ire.

    Spirits can maintain their own existence, so they do not need material sustenance. However, among the high ranking spirits, there were also some rare ones that like human food. Although, it was only as a luxury.

    "No problem, I have a constitution that doesn''t get fat."

    ire ced pasta on the te and said that with a nonchnt face. Certainly, using spirits consumed physical strength, so it was true that there were a lot ofdies with a slender figure.

    "Hey, don''t eat the dessert early. Despite being a high-ssdy, you have bad manners."

    "Unh, shut up! That''s up to me, right, you panty thief!"

    "Guu....."

    Kamito groaned. Once she said that, he could not say anything back.

    "You are demoted from ve spirit to panty thief spirit."

    "... What kind of spirit is that?"

    Somehow, another new variety of spirit was born.

    "You really are the worst. O...Of all things, you stole my number one favorite panty!"

    "I have been saying it wasn''t on purpose!"

    "What? Are you being defiant?"

    ire red.

    "...No, sorry."

    Kamito bowed his head in embarrassment. Well, no matter how much he thought about it, it was his own fault this time.

    While ire put the tuna potato sd into her mouth, she caught a nce of him.

    "Well, I''ll recognize your cooking skills at least. This is very delicious. If you make meals for me every day, I''ll promote you to cooking spirit."

    "I''m grateful for that. By the way, those are almost like words of proposing."

    Upon pointing that out. ire''s face turned bright red.

    "D...Don''t be an idiot! Do you want to be turned into cinders? Come on, do you want to be turned into cinders?

    "I..I get it, so stop pointing the fork at me."

    "Hmm... n...next time you say such idiotic things, I''ll really burn you!"

    ire pouted her lips and turned away.

    Kamito sighed in relief while he cut and divided the salmon gratin.

    "...If only there was some soy sauce, this would be much better, but..."

    "What''s that? Food?"

    "It''s a seasoning circted in my hometown. Well, you can''t get it here though."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and said that¡ª

    "Hometown, huh...."

    ire murmured with her eyshes slightly lowered.

    Somehow¡ªshe had an awfully lonely expression.

    After that, for a short while, there was only the sound of cutlery being used.

    After eating that satisfying dinner, ire''s mood also got a little better.

    Somehow, there was a calm atmosphere.

    Kamito suddenly raised his head and looked at ire.

    ¡ªHe felt that it could be asked now.

    He had wanted to ask her, since meeting her this morning in the forest, but did not have a chance to.

    "By the way, you¡ª"

    "What?"

    ire ced down her cup of ck tea.

    "Why do you want such a powerful spirit?"

    It was a simple question.

    Despite using a spirit such as Scarlet, she still risked harming her body to reach out to a sealed spirit. He wanted to know the reason for that.

    "..."

    ire¡ª

    Cast her slightly perplexed eyes down and murmured.

    "There''s someone I want to meet no matter what."

    "Someone you want to meet...?"

    Kamito dropped his sight to his left hand, concealed in his ck leather glove.

    What he lost three years ago, an irreceable, important bond which was there¡ª

    (So, she''s the same as me...)

    The scar engraved at the back of his hand ached.

    ire sighed and inserted her hand into the neckband of her uniform.

    "...Yeah, I''ll say it. Something that I can''t help but hide."

    What she took out from her chest was a small pendant with silver chains.

    At the very center, a shiny crimson red spirit crystal was inserted in it.

    Kamito saw a crest engraved there¡ªand raised his voice in surprise.

    "A me lion... the crest of Elstein duke family!?"

    ire silently nodded.

    The Elstein duke family. The grand nobles who had served the royal family for generations ever since the founding of the Ordesia Empire.

    It was the noblest of the nobles, turning out one of the five princess maidens, who stood at the top among all elementalists, ¡ª Queen, who served directly under the five great Elemental Lords.

    No¡ªthat should have been so.

    ¡ªTill four years ago, when that incident urred.

    Rubia Elstein.

    The one who brought a great unprecedented cmity to the Ordesia Empire¡ªThe Cmity Queen.

    She too, same as the girl in front of him, had burning-like crimson red hair.

    "Don''t tell me, you''re..."

    "Yes, I am the Cmity Queen¡ªRubia Elstein''s¡ªlittle sister."

    ire looked straight into Kamito''s eyes and nodded.

    "..."

    ire Rouge. He had thought that it was an alias.

    But, by no means¡ª

    (... I see. What she cast away was the Elstein family name.)

    In thisrge continent, there was no one who did not know about that incident.

    Four years ago, the Queen, serving under the Fire Elemental Lord¡ªRubia Elstein, suddenly snatched the strongest me spirit, Laevateinn from the shrine and disappeared.

    After learning of the Queen''s treachery, the outraged Fire Elemental Lord got fired up and went into a frenzy.

    It burned everything rted to Elstein duke''s territory, including the Ordesia Empire''snd, the empire took enormous damage. And that did not put the Elemental Lord''s anger to peace, about a year after that, no matter what method was used, not a single fire could be lit within the Ordesia Empire.

    Nobody knew why the fire Queen disappeared.

    The Ordesia citizens furiously cursed her and, filled with hatred, called her-

    ¡ªThe Cmity Queen.

    "I want to meet my elder sister. When I meet her, I want to hear the truth."

    For that, she had to get strong.

    She had to obtain the strongest spirit.

    With the reward given to the winner of the de Dance¡ª

    For the sake of obtaining the right of granting just one desired Wish.

    ire''s expression was filled with a tragic determination.

    "Besides¡ª"

    ire slightly looked down and muttered.

    "This round''s de dance has that Ren Ashbell participating."

    "...!? Kehoo, kehoo¡ª"

    Once that name came out from ire''s mouth, Kamito reflexively coughed.

    "...? What''s wrong?"

    "Aaah, that''s bad..."

    Ren Ashbell was the winner of thest de Dance.

    She suddenly appeared three years ago, the strongest de dancer.

    That de dance was splendidly vivid. At the finals, even with Numbers candidates of elementalists, she overwhelmed them.

    Due to her dedicated de dance, the Fire Elemental Lord''s rage was finally appeased.

    "Three years ago, I saw her de dance at the assembly hall. I also feel that I want to be like that, a noble, strong elementalist."

    ire blushed and looked down a little embarrassed.

    "Ever since that day, I''ve always admired her...."

    "...I see."

    Kamito looked at ire with aplicated expression¡ªcalmly grasping his fist tightly.

    ...After that, it was a strangely quiet time.

    They tried to talk about anything a number of times, but all of it did notst long.

    ire yawned cutely after eating up the dishes on the table. After filling her stomach, she seemed drowsy. Well, she did use a spirit of Scarlet''s level twice in one day, so it was natural.

    "Wake me up when it''s time. If you do something funny, cinders."

    "...Wait. Does that mean I have to stay awake for the whole time?"

    Kamitoined, and in front of him, ire was making sleeping breaths.

    She had an astonishing ease at falling asleep.

    "...Good grief, you''ll catch a cold!"

    Kamito carried ire''s petite body up like a princess.

    He carried her to the bed in the corner of the room.

    Scarlet walked and jumped onto the bed.

    (...Even so, this girl''s sleeping face is truly angel-like.)

    While looking at the face, making the gentle sleeping noise, Kamito smiled bitterly.

    When he put ire to the bed, her cherry lips faintly moved.

    "Elder Sister....Father...Mother..."

    (Sleep-talking... huh?)

    He seemed to have somewhat heard something he should not.

    Certainly, after the incident of the Cmity Queen disappearing, Elstein duke family''s territory should have been seized and the duke and his wife imprisoned in the Balsas prison¡ª

    "...Hn, Kamito."

    "...!?"

    He was shocked when his name was called suddenly.

    "Ahh, what are you doing, pervert...idiot."

    "...What kind of dream is she having!?"

    Kamito muttered while sighing, as he stared at his hand.

    After that day three years ago, he hid his left hand with a leather glove.

    (You and I are the same, ire.)

    (These three years, I have stayed alive to get back my important person.)

    Due to his error, he had lost her, his former contracted spirit¡ª

    Part 4

    At the same instant, in every room of the female dormitory ire lived in, a little incident urred.

    The spirits used in the spirit devices in the kitchen, bathroom and etc. suddenly began to go out of control.

    After the spirit investigation party investigated the dormitory, it brought it to an end with meager words that the incident was of an unknown cause¡ª

    In the darkness illuminated by the blue moon¡ªa ck-winged angel gently alighted at the academy tower.

    It was a ck haired girl, dressed in a jet ck dress.

    The girlnded gently on the roof of the female dormitory and smiled pitifully.

    "¡ªI wanted to meet you, Kamito."

    On the girl''s palm, wriggling lumps of darkness were floating.

    "But you''re still not the true you."

    She reached her hands to the empty sky and the darkness colored orbs drifted and disappeared in the night sky.

    "That''s why, I''ll offer up my memories."

    The girl chuckled.

    Like a cruel little girl.

    Like a pure demon.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü The sound/feeling of a cat skimming over your cloth

    2. ¡ü Petting and fondling sound

    3. ¡ü Sound of being hit

 Volume 1, 6 - The Blade Dance at Midnight

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 6 - The de Dance at Midnight</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªIt was 2 am. The time when the academy students slept and forest spirits began stirring.

    On the stone paved path illuminated by the moonlight, Kamito was walking alongside ire.

    "The academy at night has an atmosphere that is very different, "

    "Of course, night is the time for spirits."

    ire kept facing front and bluntly replied. Solid sounds of walking resounded loudly.

    Since some time ago, ire had not said much. She might be tense about the duel with the Knights.

    "Where are you nning to do it?"

    Private battles should be prohibited within the academy ording to academy regtions. Is there a ce for a duel outside?

    "Over there¡ª"

    ire abruptly stopped.

    In front of what she was pointing, there was a gigantic stone circle.

    Its ground was dimly shining in bluish-white.

    "That''s the¡ªAstral Gate!"

    "Yea, the gate that connects this world with the Astral Zero. The reason why the academy was built in such a remote ce."

    "...I see."

    He was surprised that there was a Gate within the academy premises. That stone circle was perhaps a prehistoric ruin, which was used with an unknown art. It probably had a function to stabilize the unstable Gate.

    "Isn''t it dangerous? There are spirits that cannot be controlled by humans roaming about in the Astral Zero."

    "You see, that Gate connects to a safe area where there are only low-level spirits. If not, the academy wouldn''t leave it alone, right?"

    ire murmured "stupid," and stepped into the middle of the stone circle.

    She recited the words of opening the gate in the spiritnguage and the blue light on the ground further increased its brightness.

    "Come on, you, faster! Get on too."

    Led by ire, Kamito hurriedly jumped on top of the formation of lights.

    At that moment, his field of vision was filled with a white sh.

    He had a feeling that his whole body was attacked with dizziness. And then¡ª

    ...

    ¡ªAfter opening his eyes, a scenery of another world spread out.

    There was a deep dark forest with twisted trees standing tall.

    Shining brilliantly in the night sky was a blood-like red moon.

    There was a pale purple smoke-like fog shrouding nearby.

    Astral Zero¡ªanother world, which spirits live in.

    "If it''s here, nobody can disturb us. Even if we were injured, it would not be serious, so this ce is often used by the academy students for duels."

    A situation in which such a thing urred, the physical body of humans possessing divine powers would be treated the same as spirits, this meant that there''s almost no physical damage received.

    Naturally, this was not absolutely safe. Pain was felt normally; in exchange of the physical body not receiving damage, the mind would suffer an equal damage.

    To fall into a lethargic state was still a good thing, but in the case of receiving a serious injury, one would receive severe memory impairment and the destruction of the mind, there was also the possibility of not regaining consciousness.

    "¡ªme, illuminate."

    ire recited the spirit magic and a small fire ball was born on her palm, dimly lighting up a narrow open path in the middle of the forest.

    "Let''s go, Kamito."

    ire gently brushed her twintails and calmly walked.

    "Do we have a chance of winning?"

    "That depends on your ability....Honestly, it might be a little hard."

    "Is that so?"

    Kamito was surprised. For an elementalist of ire''s level, it was unexpected of her to say such a thing.

    "Putting aside the other two, Ellis is strong. She isn''t the Knights leader just for show. Besides, Scarlet exhausted some strength from this morning''s fight with the sealed spirit. Rinslet''s ability is¡ªwell, at least I recognize it, but her teamwork is the worst."

    "...That was a surprisingly calm battle strength analysis. I thought you were the more impulsive type."

    "You, what do you see me as?"

    "A dangerous fellow, who instantly swings a whip¡ªOuch!"

    *Pashii*¡ª A whip was promptly swung down onto Kamito''s back.

    ...After walking a while, there was a historic ruin of a gigantic theater in the forest.

    It was something from when Astral Zero and the human world were one¡ªa long gone mythical era.

    The crumbling looking stone gate greeted the two. It seemed that here was the stage for the duel.

    "First of all, you, the sword elementalist, are the attacker. Rinslet and I will provide cover."

    "I''ve got the most dangerous role! Isn''t it your duel?"

    "What! Do you have aint? Alright, if that''s the case, I''ll let you choose a position. Attacker or cinders, which do you like?"

    "I get it. I''ll be the attacker."

    "A wise decision."

    ire nodded seemingly satisfied.

    "By the way, you can properly handle that contracted sword spirit, right?"

    "Hn, ahh...probably."

    "...Probably? What do you mean?"

    ire''s eyes lifted up with danger. Kamito backed off in a panic.

    "Well, you see, isn''t it bad if it was summoned poorly and went out of control? That''s why, I have not summoned it even once since I contracted it this morning."

    That was somewhat of an exnation¡ªhe thought. Actually, it was half of the exnation.

    The truth was that, by contracting with another spirit, he felt guilty in regards to her.

    He felt a sense of betrayal about using a new contracted spirit.

    "You seeded in contracting in just one try, therefore there should be little chance of losing control but¡ªwell, it is a sealed spirit with a history and it certainly won''t be funny if anything happened."

    However, ire seemed to have agreed for once.

    "For the time being, try releasing your elemental waffe. You are able to do that, right?"

    "A...aahh... Yeah."

    The releasing of an elemental waffe was not something anyone could do but¡ª

    (Can''t seem to get into the mood, it can''t be helped¡ª)

    Kamito closed his eyes and concentrated his consciousness to the spirit seal engraved on his right hand.

    ""Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil¡ª""

    He recited the summoning in the spiritnguage and the crest of two swords crossing faintly shined.

    The path with a contracted spirit would be normally connected¡ªhowever,

    (What?)

    ...It was strange. He could not feel the presence of such a powerful sealed spirit.

    No¡ªhe could pick up its presence, but it was as if something wasn''t right, like gears not fitting together.

    ""¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!""

    At that moment, small particles of light gathered at Kamito''s palm.

    And then, what appeared was¡ª

    "..."

    One short sword.

    To be more precise, it was a small sword almost like a knife.

    ...*Shin*. An awkward silence arrived.

    "...Is that the sword spirit''s elemental waffe?"

    ire said with her face twitching.

    For an incarnation of the powerful sealed spirit that cut down Scarlet in one blow¡ª

    ...Honestly, it was too shabby.

    "D...Don''t judge it by its appearance, it might actually have an amazing ability."

    "Y...eah, that certainly may be true!"

    ire nodded for a moment while having a stiff expression.

    Kamito tried cutting a buckwheat tree as a test.

    *Bekii*. The short sword very easily broke and vanished.

    "..."

    "...Ahh, how should I say it, it''s probably that."

    Kamito bore the frozen ire''s gaze and calmly opened his mouth.

    "To tell you the truth, this is the first time I''ve used a contracted spirit in three years. I have yet to regain that feeling."

    "...Huh?"

    ire nkly opened her mouth to that shocking confession.

    "You''re lying... after all, didn''t you easily tame that sealed spirit!?"

    "That time was because I was frantically trying to save you. To be honest, I don''t really understand myself how I seeded in contracting it."

    No matter how powerful a spirit one contracted with, there was no point if one could not fully draw out that power. When an inexperienced elementalist contracted a spirit beyond his means, it was often the case that its power would be too much to handle.

    (...However, for my case, it''s a little different.)

    Kamito stared at his left hand, inserted in a leather glove.

    (Probably, within my sub-consciousness, I thought about her.)

    ¡ªTherefore, he could not connect the path with the new spirit.

    "Wh..Wha..What''s with that..."

    He heard a dead groan. After lifting her head, ire was tightly grasping a leather whip, used for training animals, with her shoulders trembling.

    "No, I mean, um, my battle strength iscking..."

    "What do you mean! I am counting on your battle strength!"

    *Pishii!* *Pishii!* *Pishii!*

    "Ouch! Wait..stop!"

    A tempest of unforgiving whips descended onto the escaping Kamito.

    Then, there¡ª

    "What in the world are you doing? ire Rouge."

    From the other side of the dark tree grove, that voice was heard.

    ire stopped her whipping and sullenly turned around.

    The ones who appeared were Rinslet and the maid Carol.

    "You''rete, Rinslet."

    "Aah, ady getting dressed takes time."

    Rinslet proudly brushed her extravagant tinum blonde hair.

    "...? What, is Carol here too?"

    "Of course, as mdy''s supporter."

    After Kamito heard that, Carol brought out a g, seemingly from nowhere and began swinging it.

    "By the way, why were you whipping Kazehaya Kamito?"

    Rinslet ced her index finger at her chin and frowned dubiously.

    That was¡ªbefore ire answered, Carol interrupted.

    "Mdy, that''s something unrefined to listen to."

    "What do you mean?"

    "That was a form of a slightly unusual love. In a unique way, that was a perverted y."

    "Ehh! Is that right, you two!?"

    "T...Th..T..That''s not it! W...What are you saying, you stupid maid!"

    ire''s face became bright red as she denied it.

    ...Indifferently, he wanted the fuse-blowing whipping to stop, as it hurt.

    (...Why am I already worn out before the duel.)

    Kamito began to seriously think about the absurdity of his life. At that moment.

    "¡ªYour side seems to be all present, Raven ss."

    A frigid voice descended from right above.

    "...!?"

    The four of them looked upwards together.

    There, above the crumbling theater wall was¡ª

    A figure of a gant female knight with her blue hair fluttering in the gentle breeze.

    Beside her, two knights, also wearing the same silver armor, were standing.

    He heard their names from ire. The one with the short hair was Rakka. The one with the braiding was Reishia.

    "¡ªEllis Fahrengart, for how long were you here!"

    "By the way, you wouldn''t by any chance be waiting for a chance to appear at a cool moment, right?"

    "Wha... T...There''s no such thing! I just only got here!"

    After Kamito pointed it out with his half-opened eyes, Ellis was frankly disturbed and ended up almost falling.

    ...Somehow, that was a rather deplorable look for a Knights'' leader.

    Ellis sharply red at Kamito and the rest, and drew her sword from her waist.

    "Let''s go, Raven ss. Let''s finish this duel by day break¡ª"

    At that moment. The illumination of arge me lit the stage of the theater.

    The one shined on by that illumination¡ª

    "That''s¡ª!?"

    Arge eagle was spreading its enormous wings and making an appearance in the red night.

    "Let me introduce to you, Kazehaya Kamito. This is my contracted spirit¡ªdemon wind spirit, Simorgh!"

    With a howl like the wind¡ªTherge eagle, d in wind, swooped down.

    Part 2

    At a point of an attack in-ce of a greeting, ¡ª

    The demon wind spirit glided closer and dived with its aim at the ground, where the four were.

    An ear-splitting thunderous roar. Stone paving came unstuck andrge amounts of earth and sand were whirled up.

    A strong wind, brought forth from the force of the explosion, hit Kamito and his body was easily blown away.

    "...Gahaa!"

    He was thrown into a wall. With that bone shattering impact, he stopped breathing for a moment.

    Even if one received an attack of a spirit of a purified form, the physical body cannot be hurt, however, the physical damage from a crashing impact and fragments of rubble were different. Small rocks fluttering up in the squall were cutting at Kamito''s whole body. While covering his forehead with both his hands, Kamito clicked his tongue.

    (...What destructive power! If I took a blow directly, I''ll faint.)

    That demon wind spirit... Simorgh.

    Comparing just destructive power, it might surpass even ire''s Scarlet.

    (That''s right, where''s ire?)

    He stood up and surveyed his surroundings, his two allies were at their respective positions.

    ire was providing direct cover from a mid-distance. Rinslet was providing rear support with a long distance attack.

    Carol was...waving a g at the outside of the theater where she had escaped to.

    The thunderous wind that was blowing violently stopped. At that interval, Kamito began to run¡ª

    "Not yet, Kamito!"

    "...!?"

    At the same time ire shouted, the roar of the demon wind spirit resounded.

    From an emptyrge hole in the ground, arge demon bird pped its wings¡ª

    "What are you doing, quickly release your elemental waffe!"

    "Hn, even if you say that¡ª"

    At that moment, a cluster of wind that held an enormous mass gouged the earth while rushing over.

    The stone paving came ripping off in a straight line. Kamito quickly jumped sideways.

    While tumbling on the ground, he quickly recited the summoning of the spiritnguage in his mouth.

    The spirit seal faintly glowed, but as before, the path with the contracted spirit was not connected.

    (... It''s no good, huh!?)

    Just as he was about to give up, a glowing short sword was constructed in his palm.

    It was the same unreliable elemental waffe, but it was better than nothing.

    "Are you just escaping? Kazehaya Kamito, I have misjudged you!"

    Ellis, with a pony-tail hair swaying, alighted onto the ground.

    "Ahh! I just have to fight, right¡ª"

    Kamito prepared the short sword and charged towards Ellis. The first to strike wins. If he defeated the elementalist first, then the summoned contracted spirit would vanish¡ª

    "Kamito, behind you!"

    ire''s voice came from behind him¡ªKamito jumped straight to the side.

    The wing of the demon wind spirit mowed down at the ce Kamito was at just now.

    "... What speed!"

    Among the five grand spirits, the ones boasting of being the fastest were the wind-attribute spirits. And Ellis waspletely controlling one of them.

    The demon wind spirit, dancing in the night sky, turned in an arc¡ªand swooped down.

    Kamito jumped again. The demon wind spirit that crashed into the ground blew up arge quantity of earth and sand¡ªand then it immediately transformed into countless des of the wind and cut into Kamito''s arms.

    "...Kuu!"

    Tremendous pain was running in his right arm. Actually, it did not mean that his arm was cut off¡ªbut that pain was violently jolting his consciousness.

    (¡ªWell, I never thought it''d turn into the des of wind with that timing.)

    Kamito was astonished in his mind. Ellis''spetency as an elementalist was something substantial.

    "Kamito, I''ll cover you!"

    At the same time as her voice, a zing me illuminated the night sky red.

    ire wielded Scarlet''s elemental waffe¡ªmetounge.

    The me sh mowed down all the attacking des of the wind in an arc¡ª

    "I won''t let you interfere with the leader!"

    The braided hair knight, Reishia, attacked ire.

    The elemental waffe held in her hand was a transparent ice sword¡ªit seemed she was also an ice elementalist like Rinslet.

    Nheless, her spirit''s rank waspletely no match for Rinslet''s Fenrir. It seemed she had thepetency to release her contracted spirit into its elemental waffe, but she had not made it hers yet.

    She was not good enough to be a worthy adversary for ire¡ªKamito concluded so and adjusted his direction to Ellis, who was in front of him.

    In that moment, simultaneous with a violent sting sound, the ground in front of him was beingpletely gouged.

    "...!?"

    "Huh, try taking on my elemental waffe¡ªRock Breaker!"

    The short-haired knight, Rakka, shouted in a spirited tone.

    Her specialized weapon was arge hammer with a long handle, which was easily being swung about by the thin arm of a girl.

    Kamito jumped and backed away, getting some distance between them. She seemed more hot-blooded than Reishia.

    While keeping his distance, he was chasing Ellis, who was within his sight¡ª

    Ellis had linked with Rakka''s attack and was already moving.

    As expected of the Knights'' leader, Ellis''manding ability was high.

    First, she was to use her demon wind spirit tounch a preemptive attack to cause chaos on the battlefield. Next was to strike ire on mid-guard with Reishia and Kamito on advance-guard with Rakka. While the two were pinned down, Ellis with the most battle strength would attack Rinslet on rear-guard. That was the so-called strategy.

    (... Before attacking Ellis, firstly, I have to do something about this fellow.)

    Kamito nimbly stepped in and let loose a sh. The sh of the silver sword shallowly cut Rakka''s arm.

    As it was an attack from an elemental waffe, blood did not flow out¡ªbut pain should be felt in the same way.

    "This guy...!"

    Rakka''s face was dyed in anger. She aimed at the top of Kamito''s head and swung her Rock Breaker down.

    There was a thunderous roar. The ground was gouged and rubbles were whirled up. It was probably a spirit of the earth attribute. As expected, its destructive power is great, but its movement was arge swing, making it easy to avoid.

    "Chii, how restless!"

    She too seemed to have yet to master her elemental waffe. Or perhaps, her contracted spirit''s rank in contrast to herpetency was too great¡ªThe spirit she was supposed to be using was manipting her.

    "Don''t run, fight properly, male elementalist!"

    "This doesn''t mean that I''m just running away. In a group battle, you should pay more attention to your surroundings."

    "What?"

    "A capable hunter is taking aim."

    At that moment, an ice arrow came flying and pierced the girl''s chest.

    Rakka was shily blown away and bounced on the ground.

    The elemental waffe, Rock Breaker, turned into particles of light and vanished.

    "Fuu, nice shot!"

    Kamito turned behind where the voice came from.

    On the outer wall of the theater, there was the appearance of Rinslet brushing her hair.

    "... Why are you, the support position, standing at such a conspicuous ce?!"

    "Ah, it''s natural for me to be at a more conspicuous ce than ire!"

    "Th...That stupid dog...! You were moving around and sniping, right!"

    ire shouted like she was gnawing.

    "Fuu, as a worthydy of the noble Laurenfrost family, I won''t be satisfied if I''m not at the most conspicuous ce at a dance party."

    "That''s mdy!"

    Carol was delightfully swinging a g from above ground.

    "Hmm, you''re prettyposed, Raven ss!"

    ¡ªAt that moment, at the back a strong squall was winding up.

    Spreading its wings, the demon wind spirit roared and flew with its aim at Rinslet.

    "A good target! Freezing ice fang, pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet quickly released the Freezing Arrow¡ª

    The demon wind spirit immediately transformed to the countless des of wind and rushed at Rinslet.

    "Kyaa!"

    "Rinslet!?"

    In front of ire, who nned to rush over, the braided hair knight blocked her way.

    She quickly entered into the range of the whip in the gap that ire lost her focus and shed with her ice sword. The moment she got into the range, a sword was overwhelmingly advantageous. ire was gradually pressured.

    "Why you! How dare you do this to Rakka!"

    "Kuu¡ªKamito, chase Ellis!"

    "Ahh!"

    ire was in a predicament, but Ellis ought to be stopped now.

    Ellis was running on the stairs of the theater. Her intention was topletely take out Rinslet.

    Kamito aimed at Ellis''s legs and threw the short sword. He concluded that it was dangerous to ignore her¡ªEllis jumped to the side and got into the audience seating.

    In the vicinity, a high-pitched sound reverberated. The elemental waffe short sword hit the wall and got smashed up.

    "Hmm, that''s a pretty fragile elemental waffe."

    While Ellis said that, she called the demon wind spirit to her hand.

    And then¡ª

    "¡ªEvil winds, pierce through my sworn enemy''s heart, be a demonic spear and lodge within my hand!"

    The moment she recited the releasing in the spiritnguage¡ªwinds blew violently and in her hand a very long spear appeared.

    It was a ceremonial long spear and delicate patterns were engraved on its handle.

    Its tip, illuminated by the red moonlight, was d in sharp winds and was faintly making wind sounds.

    Her pony-tail hair, which reached her waist, was agitatedly swaying and flowing in the wind.

    Ellispletely spun the spear in one hand and stared at Kamito with a cold expression.

    "This is my elemental waffe¡ªRay Hawk."

    Kamito¡ª

    "...Beautiful."

    Without a thought, let out such a voice.

    "Hah, you too understand¡ªthe beauty of this Ray Hawk."

    Disying her truly prided spear, Ellis loosened her cheeks, slightly delighted.

    "Idiot, I mean you! Don''t make me say that, it''s embarrassing."

    "Wha..? Me..!?"

    Ellis turned bright red and became flustered.

    "Hey, y...you''re mocking me, right? Kazehaya Kamito!"

    "No, I''m just normally entranced."

    "E...Entranced... Ah....."

    Ellis''s face increasingly redden... as if purging evil thoughts, she shook her head.

    "Ehh...Such a practical joke... As I thought, you are mocking me!"

    "No, you really are beautiful¡ªOwaa!"

    Being enraged, Ellis thrust her spear with her face bright red.

    As a result of losing herposure, it was easy to dodge.

    However, when the demonic spear tip grazed the side of his abdomen, at that moment¡ª

    The des of winds were released and cut his whole body.

    (Guu...!?)

    In response to the sharp pain, Kamito clicked his tongue in his mind.

    (¡ªThat elemental waffe can create the des of wind, huh!)

    While bearing the pain attacking his whole body, Kamito jumped away to the back in one go.

    That demonic spear could create the des of wind, so there also was no point in evading with a paper-thin difference.

    However, Ellis jumped again and released a stream of attacks like a tempest.

    "Are you trying to escape... you insolent guy! I''ll turn you into tiramisu[1]!"

    "What? Is candy-making also your forte? You cute sullen youngdy."

    "I...I am currently practicing making candies. For the sake of the gentleman that I''ll marry in the future¡ªEh... What did you make me say! And who''s the sullen youngdy!"

    Ellis pierced the theater wall with all her might in one blow and fragments of rubble flew around.

    (...This person, she''s seriously strong!)

    As expected of someone who served as the Knights leader in this academy that gathered elementalists.

    It was a beautiful de dance like modeling after kagura, which spirits enjoyed themselves in.

    The wound in his left hand ached.

    He understood that his senses were gradually getting sharper.

    The serious de dance was causing his blood to boil.

    His body was recalling the sensations from three years ago.

    (However, it wasn''t something like this.)

    It was irritating that his legs did not move as he wanted. His instinctive ability to read his opponent''s movements was also falling.

    (I¡ª)

    "You, don''t run!"

    Releasing a sharp thirst for blood and being d in gales, Ellis came attacking.

    It was not a clever thrust. It was a blow with all her might to decide the match.

    However, there was a fatal chance born¡ª

    "Freezing Ice Fang, pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet, who had recovered and was awaiting for a chance to snipe, released her Freezing Arrow without dy.

    Simultaneously¡ª

    "Dance, crimson me that invites ruins¡ªHell ze!"

    After ire settled Reishia, she released her me attribute elemental waffe.

    "...!?"

    Ellis opened both her eyes in surprise.

    The timing was perfect. The released ice fang and infernal me went straight at their target¡ª

    *Pariiiin!*

    They collided with each other in the air.

    "...Wha!?"

    Kamito''s face twitched.

    Ellis, in front of him, was also standing still, dumbfounded.

    "Hey, Rinslet! Why did you get in my way!"

    "W...What? You''re the one who should not get in my way."

    At that moment, the two of them began to quarrel.

    "T...Those two..."

    Kamito forgot that he was in the midst of the duel and deeply sighed.

    (...They have the ability, yet their teamwork is really all over the ce.)

    "¡ªHow foolish, to fall out among yourselves!"

    Ellis Fahrengart raised her elemental waffe spear once again.

    Thunderously, a strong wind, unseen before, was winding up.

    "T..To make a mockery of me by saying that I''m beautiful, I''ll make you regret¡ª"

    There was already nowhere to run to. Kamito resigned his fate, at that time¡ª

    "Wait, Ellis! Something is strange..."

    "What? Now then you''re begging for your life."

    Stopping mid-way¡ªEllis shut her mouth.

    It seemed she noticed it too.

    "What, this presence is...?"

    The atmosphere of the vicinity was heavy. That sensation, like one''s back turning chilly, was¡ª

    "What?"

    "What is this?"

    ire and the others seemed to have noticed it too. They looked up at the hazy night sky and tilted their heads in confusion.

    Suddenly, a thunder-like sound roared.

    And then¡ªfrom a tear in the sky, that appeared.

    Part 3

    That was¡ªa giant jaw, floating in the sky.

    It had neither head nor body nor a tail. It was an eerie jaw with just rows of teeth lined up making a chattering sound.

    "That''s,...don''t tell me,... a demon spirit!?"

    The sudden appearance of that spirit made Kamito groan and terrified him.

    A demon spirit¡ªthat was something with a spirit make-up that greatly differed from humans, and thus, that was a grotesque spirit that can never be tamed by elementalists.

    "A demon spirit, why is it at such a ce...?"

    At that moment.

    "Vo...Ruoooooooon¡ª"

    The demon spirit''s rising ear-splitting roar caused the girls to cower.

    There was a tremendous sense of intimidation. That divine power felt on his skin wasparable to a rank Aarchdemon-ss spirit.

    Moreover¡ª

    (It''s... going berserk?)

    Kamito dropped his voice and carefully observed the demon spirit in sky.

    A demon spirit was certainly a grotesque being, but it''s unlikely that it would be going berserk without a reason.

    (...What''s going on?)

    Groaning within his mind¡ªKamito recalled.

    That reminded him, before the duel¡ªthe water spirit of the spirit device in ire''s room had went out of control.

    It was a phenomenon that was normally unimaginable, but if the water spirit was in a frenzy at that time, it was natural that ire also could not control it....Was that phenomenon something rted?

    Besides¡ª

    (ire said that powerful spirits don''t appear frequently in this area.)

    For the appearance of that demon spirit to be by chance, it was too unnatural.

    (What the heck¡ª?)

    The jaw floating in the sky mowed down many trees of the forest, and bit and crushed the ancient historic ruins to tiny pieces. The smashed-up rock fragments rained down from high in the sky.

    "ire Rouge, for now, we''ll stop the duel. Is that alright?"

    "...I understand."

    ire obediently nodded at Ellis''s words.

    Everyone in this ce understood the danger from that demon spirit.

    It did not mean that that was summoned in a purified form like contracted spirits.

    If bitten by those teeth, the human body and so forth will be like mere scraps of paper.

    "We''re taking refuge. I''ll take the rear, you all carry the fainted two."

    Ellis prepared the Ray Hawk and gantly got down to the center of the historic ruins.

    "No, I''ll take the rear. That is not something an ordinary elementalist can do one way or another."

    The way of fighting spirits and fighting human elementalists werepletely different. Of course, this didn''t mean that the girls didn''t learn how to fight spirits but¡ªit was an opponent too dangerous for Ellis to fight alone.

    "Stop the jokes. What can you, who can''t even fully use his contracted spirit, do?"

    "That''s..."

    Kamito firmly groaned. Certainly, it was not an opponent he could fight with that unreliable elemental waffe.

    "There''s no time to talk. Leave this to Ellis, let''s hurry!"

    Rinslet whistled and Fenrir, in a white wolf appearance, came giving both fainted Reishia and Rakka a lift. Carol also came running.

    "ire, what are you doing daydreaming!"

    Rinslet pulled ire''s sleeves.

    ¡ªire was looking downwards like she was thinking about something and she suddenly raised her head.

    "Ellis, I''ll take the rear."

    "What?"

    Ellis opened her eyes. ire whipped her leather whip and called out her contracted spirit, the hell cat.

    "..."

    ire''s red pupils became nailed onto the figure of the demon spirit, raging like a storm.

    ...It was like she waspletely entranced.

    In response to ire''s appearance¡ªKamito realized and was taken aback.

    (This fellow, don''t tell me¡ª)

    ire was obsessed with obtaining a powerful spirit.

    For the sake of knowing the truth concerning her sister, Rubia Elstein, she needed power.

    Therefore, she still reached out to the dangerous sealed spirit.

    "You, don''t tell me¡ªYou n to make that your contracted spirit!?"

    "..."

    ire did not answer. She just motionlessly gazed at the demon spirit in the sky¡ª

    "That''s crazy! That''s a demon spirit, furthermore it''s in a frenzy!"

    Kamito shouted, ire swung her twintails and finally turned around.

    "...It''s a once in a lifetime chance."

    She bit her lips and muttered with an expression like she had thought hard over it.

    "Firstly, there''s no such thing as encountering a spirit of that level in the Spirit Forest. Besides, it''s not like there weren''t any elementalists who contracted demon spirits."

    "You mean Greyworth? She''s a witch."

    "I too may have the qualities of a witch."

    "Stop doing something stupid, you''ll die."

    Kamito grabbed ire''s arm, who was nning to dash anytime.

    ire sternly red at Kamito.

    "Don''t get in my way. My reasons to want a strong spirit, I''ve told them to you, right?"

    "Ahh, I understand. But that''s no good. Your skills can''t manage it."

    "...Shut up, let go! You weakling, be silent!"

    ire shook Kamito''s arm and shouted.

    Within her ruby pupils, ring at Kamito, genuine hatred surfaced.

    "Despite snatching my sealed spirit! You can only use a weak elemental waffe, what qualifications do you have to say something?"

    "That''s¡ª"

    Kamito looked downwards. It was natural for ire to be irritated. While he had indeed contracted with such a powerful spirit, he couldn''t pull out its powerpletely.

    "What?... I was expecting a little something."

    ire awkwardly averted her eyes.

    "I''ll handle that alone. You all please escape."

    "ire Rouge, you¡ª"

    "Ellis, try to protect everyone. I don''t want to think about it, but if I¡ª"

    ire did not speak after that.

    And then¡ª

    "¡ªScarlet!"

    She called her partner, me spirit''s name and ran towards the demon spirit, devouring the forest.

    "ire!"

    Kamito held out his hand in a fluster.

    At that moment, the demon spirit roared.

    A lump of shock struck. The trees in its vicinity were thoroughly blown off.

    "Winds, grant us the hand of divine protection¡ªWind Wall!"

    Right away, Ellis recited the spirit magic and protected everyone at the back.

    (Damn, ire¡ª)

    While defending against the pebbles that were blown off, Kamito followed ire with his eyes.

    ire was¡ªdancing in the air.

    She got on the winds like sparks dancing in the air.

    In her hand was her me spirit released into its elemental waffe¡ªmetounge, which she was grasping.

    The zing crimson killing sh cut off the evening darkness.

    irended onto the ground and while running through the gaps of the tree grove, she drew closer to the demon spirit.

    The demon spirit opened its giant jaws and made chattering sounds with its lined-up rows of teeth.

    (...It''s no good, this is too reckless!)

    The girl, ire Rouge, that Kamito knew was an excellent elementalist, possessing calm judgment and an insight for tactics at least in a battle.

    However, she had lost sight of herself now.

    Her feelings for her sister, Rubia Elstein, caused her to lose her calm judgment.

    Her anger towards her sister, who betrayed her. Yet, her overwhelming love¡ªcaused a great number of conflicts to be mixed and that changed into a craving for great power.

    "How tenacious! Be mine!"

    The me whip dance splendidly. Her red twintails danced in the dark night.

    That was¡ªelementalist, ire Rouge''s de dance.

    "..."

    Beautiful¡ªhe thought.

    Despite being at such a time, Kamito, for a moment, was fascinated by that appearance and forgot everything.

    ...It was the same as that time.

    That time when she was fighting that rampaging sword spirit alone.

    Kamito calmly clenched his fist and turned behind. And then¡ª

    "Ellis, Rinslet, I''ll entrust the rest to you."

    "Wha... are you an idiot!?" "Are you an idiot!?"

    Both of them shouted at the same time. His ears shrilled.

    "...Ah, I''m an idiot. Truly an idiot."

    If Greyworth was here, she would have had relentlessly poured abusive words.

    To take back the precious thing he lost, he had lived with lifeless eyes for these past three years.

    Yet, he was recklessly giving his life away for such a thing.

    However¡ª

    "I am her contracted spirit."

    Therefore¡ª

    "That''s, hm, I have to help her, that tomboy hell cat girl."

    "Wait, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    Kamito shook off Ellis''s hand that nned to stop him and began running.

    The crimson me was dancing with the demon spirit in a de dance.

    It was no good for that noble me to be extinguished. ¡ªHe did not want her to die.

    After all, she was¡ªa normal girl.

    Full of conceit, hot-tempered.

    Putting on a strong front, easily lonely.... truly kind.

    Liking canned foods and romance stories¡ª

    Merely a princess found anywhere.

    "Oooooo...oon¡ª"

    The demon spirit roared.

    It released a shock wave blowing away the forest and ire was thrown onto the ground.

    "¡ªire!"

    Part 4

    "...Ah...Aah, Ah..."

    ire was thrown onto the ground and cowered.

    The grotesque demon spirit made a creaky sound with its giant jaw.

    It seemed¡ªlike it wasughing.

    She nned to escape, but her legs were shivering and did not move.

    It was frightening. While she was fighting, her senses became paralyzed. However, presently¡ª

    "Y...You are not scary, therefore, be my manservant!"

    The demon spirit, floating in the air, had no reason to even respond to that jeer but¡ªit loudlyughed.

    ire''s body trembled and spontaneously, she closed her eyes. The roots of the teeth did not bite at the same time. Towards an unfamiliar thing, instinctive fear bound her body.

    ¡ªAt that moment. The metounge in ire''s hand suddenly vanished.

    It was not that she canceled the release of her elemental waffe. Scarlet opposed ire''s will and voluntary returned to the form of a hell cat.

    "Scarlet!? Why...?"

    ire muttered in a blurry voice.

    Was she finally being abandoned by even her contracted spirit¡ª

    However, the hell cat, d in mes softly growled and kicked the ground and flew up.

    "...!"

    At that moment, ire finally understood. Scarlet¡ª

    "Noo¡ªScarlet!"

    ire''s scream resounded.

    Scarlet did not stop. It bared its ferocious fangs and rushed at the demon spirit.

    It was a red hot me that even melted steel. However, it was not effective against the demon spirit.

    In an instant, the demon spirit''s teeth mercilessly bit and crushed Scarlet''s body.

    It screamed with agony. The me spirit, which was bitten and crushed, vanished in the sky like a whirlpool winding.

    "...Ah...Scar...let..."

    ire, as if all her body strength left her, sank down to the floor there.

    Following reason, she knew that she should be escaping.

    It was ast chance Scarlet made for her.

    Despite that, her legs were trembling bit by bit. She could not even stand.

    The extreme deep despair paralyzed ire''s whole body.

    (Because of me, Scarlet¡ª)

    In the nk eyes, where the me vanished, tears overflowed.

    (...I''m an idiot. Kamito stopped me and yet¡ª)

    (¡ªdespite being unable to win, I plunged in alone.)

    She was unsightly defeated.

    Her contracted spirit, which was precious to her like family, was also lost.

    While the demon spirit was making the chattering sound, it slowly descended.

    Those sinister teeth that just ate and tore up Scarlet¡ª

    "No..."

    Tears flowed along her cheeks. A stiff voice came out from deep in her throat.

    "Save me... Save me¡ªNee-sama[2]!"

    She closed her eyes in despair and at that time.

    "ire!"

    She heard his voice.

    Part 5

    "Oooooooooooo!"

    While making his war cry, Kamito rushed towards the demon spirit.

    The spirit seal, engraved on his right hand, emitted a bluish-white glow.

    "¡ªDispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!"

    "¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    While running with mud sshing, he recited the summoning.

    At his palm, particles of light were born and transformed into the form of a sword¡ª

    However, it was not good like this. Against the demon spirit that brought down Scarlet''s level of spirit in one blow, that short sword cannot be effective.

    (¡ªI beg you, lend me your power, you stubborn spirit!)

    (¡ªCome on, I know you''ve got more power than that!)

    The wound on his left hand sharply ached.

    Again, the opened path with the contracted spirit was closed¡ª

    However, without minding it, Kamito continued to pour divine power into the spirit seal on his right hand.

    It was an intense overload. Pain like burning was running throughout his arm''s nerves.

    (¡ªSorry, Restia. What I need now isn''t you.)

    Yes¡ªwhat he needed was not the past.

    It was the power to protect her here and now.

    From the spirit seal on his left hand, violent shes of lightning surged.

    That sensation from three years ago was resurrected.

    Everytime he kicked the ground to speed up, his whole body''s sensation sharpened.

    Just that demon spirit''s movement was seen as slow motion.

    (Recall it, that feeling¡ª)

    The sensation of the de dance¡ªwhere he danced together with his partner, the darkness spirit.

    (I am¡ª)

    Kamito kicked the ground and jumped high up.

    (I am the Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell!)

    At that moment, a conspicuous dazzling sh was born in his palm.

    From the spirit seal on his right hand, a huge amount of divine power came surging out.

    The path to that sealed sword spirit was connected!

    At the next moment, in Kamito''s hand; he was grasping arge broadsword.

    It was too gigantic for normal people to wield¡ªthe Demon yer.

    And then¡ª

    "¡ªBegone, you overgrown jaw."

    The swing of the lump of the steel cut the demon spirit jaw cleanly in half.

    Part 6

    The rain that began falling soaked ire''s back.

    Her red twintails withered and closely clung onto her bare skin.

    "ire..."

    Kamito called out to her back, which was cowering on the ground.

    "Hmm... it''s good that you''re safe."

    "It''s...not good..."

    ire muttered in a shivering voice.

    "My... My Scarlet..."

    She turned around and from her red pupils, a drop of tear came out.

    "You¡ª"

    "You''rete... Idiot! Despite being my contracted spirit."

    "Ahh. My bad..."

    Kamito awkwardly looked away.

    "Why?"

    "Eh?"

    "You have such great power and yet, at the beginning, why¡ª?"

    ire firmly grabbed Kamito''s uniform cor¡ª

    "..."

    She weakly removed her hand.

    "...No. It''s because I''m weak."

    She let out such a defeated voice.

    "It''s because I''m weak, that I couldn''t protect Scarlet. It''s because I''m weak¡ª"

    ¡ªShe could not stop her sister.

    "If I had more, more power, such..."

    While being struck by rain, ire repeated that with a nk expression.

    "Oi, get yourself together!"

    Kamito grabbed ire''s shoulder¡ª

    (...Eh?)

    His body nted.

    His field of vision was growing dark....His consciousness suddenly went far away.

    It seemed that the strike of the previous elemental waffe had thoroughly exhausted his divine power.

    (Damn, what a greedy... spirit...)

    While cursing in his mind, Kamito lost consciousness.

    Trantor''s notes and references

    1. ¡ü Tiramisu is an italian cake and desert

    2. ¡ü Nee-sama is an honorable way of referring to an elder sister in the japanesenguage. The term is difficult to properly trante to English and so has been left as is

 Volume 1, 7 - Contracted Spirit Est

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 7 - Contracted Spirit Est</h4>

    Part 1

    .....He remembered that he was taken into a ck room.

    A room like a prison cell without windows.

    He recalled being taken by people in ck, also on that day he met her for the first time¡ª

    It was eight years ago when the young boy became The Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell.

    Before that, he was at an orphanage.

    It was no ordinary orphanage. It was a so called "Instructional School" of a town that didn''t exist on any maps.

    From every part of the continent, young girls with talents as an elementalist were gathered from orphanages or relief institutions, and received special training in the secret facility. Those who were raised there were exceptional assassins. The emotions of the girls were killed by the crazy education, and nothing but killing techniques using spirits were thoroughly drilled into them.

    On that day eight years ago, a young boy who was taken in by the Instructional School was able tomunicate with the spirits.

    The Demon King''s Reincarnation¡ªcalled a miracle child by the training instructor, that young boy was trained with the highest priority.

    He was subjected to assassination training of the highest caliber, as well as handing to him their treasured spirit, one of the most powerful Pir Spirits.

    Formerly, a sealed spirit because of the Demon King, the darkness spirit.

    But, four years ago, a freak ident of unknown origin suddenly destroyed the Instructional School.

    Thanks to the incident, the hideous truth of the Instructional School was brought to light, and the aristocrat faction in charge of the scheme was purged; its existence was erased from all the records of the Ordesia empire.

    The young boy escaped with his contracted spirit.

    Running away from his pursuers, he disguised himself as a girl. Originally the young boy had well equipped features; his voice had yet to break, and nobody thought that he was a boy.

    Also, three years ago. The strongest de dancer magnificently debuted.

    Winning the de Dance, in order to fulfill her one and only Wish.

    But, it was¡ª something humans must never wish for.

    Part 2

    Kamito opened his eyes and found himself lying in bed.

    Birds were chirping outside the window. Bright morning light entered into the room.

    He strongly felt that he had a very nostalgic dream, but couldn''t remember what it was about.

    His head hurt. Kamito slowly turned his head and sat up. Then he noticed.

    What he was wearing was not the Areishia Spirit Academy school uniform. It seemed that someone had helped him into pajamas. The freshly washed clothes were veryfortable.

    "By the way... where am I?"

    Kamito looked around the room.

    Theyout of the room was very familiar. This must be the dormitory of the academy.

    However, this was not ire''s room. It was impossible for her room to be so clean. The furniture and household items looked very upscale and was polished spotless. The room was like a luxury hotel. It did feel like a girl''s room, but with a different perspective from ire''s.

    He moved his arms to get out of bed¡ªbut a sharp burning pain shot up from his right hand.

    Grimacing from the intense pain, Kamito finally remembered.

    (At that time, I......)

    In order to protect ire, Kamito had surpassed the limit to release the contracted spirit''s power.

    Conjuring up a powerful elemental waffe was of course good. But since the spirit was too strong, his divine energy was exhausted all at once, and he had passed out.

    (Right,...How was ire?)

    Kamito was going to get up from bed, but at that moment¡ª

    (Hm?)

    Something squirmed inside the sheets.

    "Wow! What... What the hell!?"

    Kamito bounced up and quickly yanked the sheets aside.

    Something unbelievable was there.

    A silver-haired girl.

    And she was naked, stark naked.

    No, more precisely she was notpletely naked; she had ck knee socks on.

    A knee socks wearing, nude, silver-haired girl was there.

    ...Silence for about a full half minute.

    "...Who are you?" Asked Kamito. His head was spinning, and he couldn''te up with any other questions.

    "Est." The girl expressionlessly replied. It was a cold and mechanical-sounding voice.

    "Est... so that''s your name?"

    "Right. Human vocal organs are incapable of pronouncing my true name, so call me Est."

    "Well, Est."

    "Yes."

    One would blink in amazement at the clear violet eyes of the beautiful silver-haired girl.

    She seemed to be younger than Kamito.

    Her body was very petite, maybe even smaller than ire''s.

    "Uh... Why... are you... in my bed?"

    "Because I belong to you, my master."

    The girl answered with no hesitation.

    "......"

    Cold sweat flowed down from Kamito''s forehead.

    ...Wait. Calm down. He had no memory of such a thing. Wrong, isn''t the fact that he didn''t remember anything about it even worse?

    (Why am I in bed with a naked girl? Kazehaya Kamito, were you really such a despicable pervert that stripped innocent little girls and then brought them to bed?)

    (NO! Absolutely not!)

    "Hey, Est."

    "Yes, master."

    "Why are you calling me master? Please briefly exin."

    "Because master is my master. Was there any self-contradiction? "

    Est replied expressionlessly.

    "Or would you like me to call you differently?"

    "For now, anything other than master."

    "Well, esteemed brother."

    "No."

    "Daddy."

    "Even worse!"

    "...Onii-chan?"[1]

    "...Uh... no!"

    Kamito averted his eyes slightly. Involuntarily, he felt that thest one was quite good.

    "My bad. Kamito, please call me Kamito."

    "Got it. I''ll call you Kamito."

    The knee-socks wearing nude silver-haired girl nodded.

    Kamito... Kamito... my master is Kamito... the girl murmured, as if constantly chewing these words.

    Kamito''s head gradually started aching. What is with this girl?

    "Why are you wearing nothing but knee socks? Isn''t it odd?"

    "Are you saying that I should take the socks off!?"

    Est''s normally expressionless face showed a sign of wavering for the first time.

    "Actually demanding me to show my bare feet... Kamito is such a pervert."

    "No, aren''t you naked? What is this mysterious sense of embarrassment?"

    Kamito sighed. Oh, well, perhaps it was due to cultural difference.

    At this point, suddenly the sound of someoneing up the stairs was heard through the door.

    "...Oh, no! Someone ising!"

    It would be bad, regardless of whom, for anyone to see this situation.

    "Hide somewhere now!"

    "Why?"

    "No questions! Hurry up!"

    "Oui[2], roger that."

    Est wiggled deep into the sheets.

    "Why there out of all ces!"

    *Snip*¡ª

    At this instant, the door opened.

    "Kamito, you woke up!"

    Rinslet''s maid Carol appeared. She was carrying a basin and towels.

    "Carol!? That you are here means this is¡ª"

    "The room of mdy, Rinslet."

    Carol smiled.

    I see. Indeed she was a daughter of the Laurenfrost family. No wonder the room was so different from ire''s.

    "By the way, why am I in Rinslet''s room?"

    "Mdy was very worried because you fainted and had you carried here. She and I took care of you."

    "......So that''s why. Thank you."

    Kamito felt very grateful. That girl was surprisingly a good person.

    Carol walked over towards the bed.

    (...Oh, no!)

    The moment Kamito put on the alert posture, Est squirmed in the sheets.

    Kamito''s body suddenly involuntarily froze.

    (Hey... Hey! Come on. Please stay still!)

    "You woke up, Kazehaya Kamito."

    *Snip*¡ª this time the uniformed Rinslet came in.

    Although he thought Rinslet would breathe a sigh of relief, but she put two hands upon her waist, and red sharply at Kamito.

    "...I was so startled because you suddenly fainted."

    "Ah, My bad. I heard that you have been taking care of me. Thank you."

    "Humph! Taking care of the servants is also the duty of a master!"

    Rinslet''s face suddenly became red and she looked away.

    "...Besides, you saved my friend..."

    "Well?"

    "Nothing...!"

    Rinslet suddenly folded her arms, and turned her face aside.

    Her behavior of not being frank with herself was somehow quite lovely, actually.

    "By the way, how is ire?" Asked Kamito. Back then ire looked very haggard, and something was obviously wrong.

    (...Hopefully she was not thinking something strange.)

    "She locked herself in her room the moment she came back to the academy and has stayed there since then. No matter how much I provoked her from outside the door, shepletely refuses toe out."

    "So..."

    Kamito sighed. It seemed that even that defiant princess could suffer from depression. Although she acted very tough, she was just an ordinary girl after all.

    "Mdy is really worried about her childhood friend Miss ire."

    "Carol! What, what are you talking about!" Red faced Rinslet repeatedly beat Carol on her back.

    Looking at the exchange between the two girls, Kamito smiled bitterly.

    (...Ah. That girl, even though she was seemingly convinced that she was alone,)

    (She does have good friends.)

    "What is it, Kazehaya Kamito? Why are you smiling?"

    Rinslet puffed her cheeks and stared at Kamito.

    "Since you have woken up, get out already. Men are prohibited in the female dormitory!"

    "Ah, Oh. I''ll go out now...... uh!"

    Just then, Kamito suddenly froze.

    ...That couldn''t be. He absolutely could not get out of bed now. Hidden under the sheets was a young, beautiful nude girl who was wearing knee socks.

    This was bad. Extremely bad. If she was to be discovered by these two girls, his life will be in danger in all kinds of ways.

    (What should I do... right!)

    Kamito needed to change from pajamas into his uniform. Using that as an excuse, he could send Rinslet and Carol away, then take this opportunity to escape with Est from the window.

    No, no good. To go out with Est in her current state, they would surely be caught.

    If they were to be dragged to that stubborn leader of the Knights, he would end up even more miserable.

    That being the case, he had to¡ª

    "Uh... right! Can I ask for a favor?"

    "What''s that? Do you... want to lick my toes?"

    "No one asked for such a thing!"

    Kamito retorted out of reflex... Why was there an expectation in her tone?

    "That''s not what I want to ask. I was thinking... if you could lend me some clothes."

    "Clothes? Oh, of course, your uniform is right here."

    Rinslet snapped her fingers, and Carol immediately brought out the folded uniform. The ripped uniform from battle yesterday was mended, even the buttons were sewn back on neatly.

    "That''s not what I meant. I would like to borrow a girl''s uniform. "

    "......"

    (Eh? I feel like I have made some kind of fatal mistake just now...)

    Rinslet stared at Kamito as if looking at a cockroach on the roadside.

    "Oh? What do you n to do with a girl''s uniform, Kazehaya Kamito?"

    *Gogogogo...*

    "No... No, not what you think... uh... that..."

    Kamito stammered, trying to find excuses to gloss over the question.

    "Then it can''t be helped. Although it is a bit embarrassing, I''ll lend you my clothes..."

    Carol''s face turned red, and she started to remove her clothes uneasily.

    "Not your clothes! And that''s not even a uniform!"

    "So that''s how it is. What Kamito-sama desires most is a uniform of mdy."

    "What?...My uniform?"

    Rinslet suddenly blushed totally red, and quickly covered her chest.

    (Ah ah ah ah! These two are so troublesome!)

    Kamito cried in his mind. Just at this time.

    From the abdomen of Kamito somehow came a wiggling sensation.

    (...! Est! What are you doing!)

    "Hmm? Kazehaya Kamito, what are you doing?"

    "No... Nothing..."

    "You have been acting strange since earlier. Come to think of it, the sheets are bulging mysteriously."

    "Mdy, men are the kind of creatures to bulge in the morning."

    "Yes... a normal physiological phenomenon, it can''t be helped... That''s not what this is!"

    "Out with it already, what exactly are you hiding there!?"

    *Paa-tsu*¡ª Rinslet forcefully yanked the sheets off.

    "What!" "Ah!"

    Rinslet and Carol simultaneously covered their mouths, and opened their eyes widely.

    It was no wonder. In the bed, after all, there was one beautiful knee socks wearing naked girl.

    "Kamito, we are caught."

    Still expressionless, Est suddenly hugged Kamito tightly.

    "Wh... Wh... What!"

    "Hold on! Rinslet, don''t misunderstand! This is because¡ª"

    Kamito frantically shook his head, trying desperately to exin.

    "This is because what?"

    "Uh... because... that..."

    ...Uh, no good. Even Kamito didn''t know why the young girl was here.

    Having said that, regardless of what excuses that Kamito came up with, he had no confidence to convince these two.

    "¡ªI see, that''s how it was."

    Rinslet grinned, and a chilling smile appeared on her face.

    An elegant, graceful, and truly aristocratic smile.

    "You... You understand?"

    "Yes, Ipletely understand. While I was worried about you, you...you secretly brought such a lovely girl to bed¡ª"

    Rinslet''s freezing cold stares repeatedly stabbed Kamito.

    Or rather... it was really cold, cold enough to freeze one to death.

    Unknowingly, the windows were covered with frost. Just as one thought that a blizzard was bursting around in the room, the wolf spirit of demon ice suddenly appeared on top of the bed.

    "...Wait! This is no joke¡ªI am really going to die!"

    "Then... Then die! You pervert¡ª!"

    Demon ice spirit Fenrir let out a terrifying roar, then started attacking Kamito.

    "...Wahh! For real!?"

    Kamito nimbly jumped out of bed and fled around in the room.

    Baring its fangs, the demon ice spirit chased Kamito back and forth.

    *Bark!* *Bark!*

    "......"

    At this moment, Est quietly rose up and stood in front of Kamito as if to shield him.

    The white wolf bared its sharp fangs fiercely, and then leaped.

    Still expressionless, Est thrust her hand in front of the nose of the white wolf.

    Fenrir''s movement suddenly froze.

    "Woo...ong..."

    "Stay back! How dare you as a demon ice spirit try to defy me, the Demon yer? "

    The moment Est calmly finished her words, Fenrir began to tremble.

    And then¡ª

    "Sit."

    *Chokun*[3].

    "Hand."

    *Pofu*.

    "Good boy."

    *Rub*. *Rub*.

    "......"

    Kamito was speechless. Rinslet''s mouth also hung wide open.

    Even spirits of the rank of Fenrir were lead by the nose. This girl, could she be¡ª

    "Might you be a spirit!?"

    "Yes, I''m Kamito''s contracted spirit."

    Stroking the head of the tamed Fenrir, Est nodded expressionlessly.

    Part 3

    "Unbelievable. I never expected you to be the sealed spirit of that sword."

    Having left the female dormitory and walking in the academy''s courtyard, Kamito took a nce at the girl next to him.

    Of course, she was not naked. Currently, she was wearing the school uniform of Areishia Spirit Academy.

    The spirits that had a human form were the highest rank in Astral Zero. So it is understandable that Kamito did not immediately discover the girl''s true identity.

    "I mean, you can reconstruct clothes, so why were you naked?"

    "I thought you would be pleased that way. Or do I really have to show you my bare feet?"

    It seemed that this spirit would be embarrassed if she exposed her bare feet. Such an obscure type of shyness.

    Kamito sighed, and tried to sort out what he had talked about with Est.

    ¡ª Back then Est resonated to Kamito''s strong will, and was summoned in the form of an elemental waffe. However, at the same time when Kamito lost his consciousness, the PathMagic Circuit was once again closed, and she ended up not being able to return to Astral Zero.

    "Why was the PathMagic Circuit not connected? We did form the contract after all."

    "One factor is that my original existence is an overly powerful being, but probably the main cause is from Kamito yourself. Subconsciously, Kamito was rejecting the contract with me."

    "......"

    Kamito had an idea. His eyes rested on the left hand in the ck leather gloves.

    Back then to save ire, Kamito strived to not ponder over it.

    But it is undeniable, her presence still haunts the heart of Kamito.

    "...Sorry. It is not that I was unwilling to contract with you. That''s not how it was."

    Not being able to return to Astral Zero puts an enormous stress on the spirits.

    However, most of Est''s power was left in Astral Zero, so at the moment she''s seemingly unable to disy her original strength.

    Perhaps because Est took the form of a human girl, Kamito became more distressed.

    "It does not matter. Anyway, I''m tired of being sealed inside the sword. It has been hundreds of years since Ist came to this world, so I decided to enjoy everything here. Say, Kamito¡ª"

    Est pulled the sleeve of Kamito''s uniform.

    "It feels like I have a good impression of you."

    "...A good impression?"

    "Meaning that I might like you."

    "Ah. So... thank you."

    Kamito could not help but blush, and averted his eyes.

    Despite being a sealed spirit with extraordinary power, her appearance was that of a lovely girl.

    To receive such a straight confession... Kamito did not know how to respond.

    "But when you were sealed inside the sword, haven''t you rejected contracting with all the other elementalists?"

    "Yes, Kamito. So far, I have rejected 53 elementalists."

    "Then why has such a high rank spirit like you chosen me?"

    "Well, if I had to guess¡ªit might have been an intuition."

    Est watched Kamito with the pair of clear violet eyes.

    "Because I felt- that the two of us are alike."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "Kamito."

    Est suddenly held out her forefinger and gently pressed it against Kamito''s lips.

    "Do not pry into a girl''s secrets!"

    "...!"

    Apletely unexpected reaction. Kamito''s heart raced at the soft touch of her fingertip.

    Then, her skirt twirled as Est quickly turned around. She ran forward lightly.

    Going a long way from the dormitory, Kamito finally arrived at the school building of the academy.

    (Could ire be here?) After being driven out of Rinslet''s room, Kamito immediately went to ire''s room to check on her, but she was not in the room.

    Maybe she had already recovered, and went to the ss to attend the lectures.

    It was good if that''s the case- but somehow his heart jittered anxiously.

    While walking together with Est in the corridor, Kamito heard whispers constantlying from all directions.

    "Look. Look. There''s that male transfer student."

    "As expected, he has alreadyid his hands on a new girl."

    "What a pretty girl... did we have such a student in our academy?"

    "Hey. Is it true that Ellis'' group engaged in a duel with him?"

    "He can''t be nning onying his hands on every girl in the academy, can he?"

    "What a pervert... or rather, a lewd beast?"

    "Definitely a lewd beast."

    "Yeah, a lewd beast."

    "Public enemy of the girls..."

    *Twitter twitter*...

    ...Kamito''s heart hurt. The target of this chattering had heard everything.

    "Is Kamito really a lewd beast?"

    Est dealt a further blow. Well, she meant no harm.

    *Clink*¡ª the sound of a sword being drawn came from the back at that moment.

    "¡ªKazehaya Kamito, you indecent man!"

    "...!"

    With no time to turn around, the de hade to rest on the back of his neck.

    Kamito raised both his hands, and timidly moved nothing but his line of sight¡ª

    Standing there was the pony-tailed leader of the Knights, emitting a terrifying murderous intent.

    "E...Ellis...?"

    "I misjudged you, you sex maniac! How could youy your hands on such an innocent girl!"

    "...Listen."

    Kamito sighed, and said with half squinted eyes: "You have just made a very rude misunderstanding about others. She''s my contracted spirit."

    "......What?"

    Ellis raised her eyebrows in surprise.

    "You are saying this girl is that sword spirit that yed the demon spirit with one blow?"

    Ellis skeptically stared at Est for a moment, then turned back to Kamito again.

    "Stop makingme excuses, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    *ng*- the de came to rest on his neck again.

    But the next second, Ellis''s startled eyes widened.

    The de that was stabbed towards the back of his neck turned soft and bent down.

    "What is going on?"

    "HowlingProperty Resonance- as a sword spirit, I can freely interfere with various des. Are you willing to believe us now?"

    "...!"

    Ellis, with her eyes wide open, examined the bent sword.

    Spirit magic could bring about simr phenomenon, but Est bent the sword without even lifting a finger.

    "I see....Sorry for having doubted you."

    Ellis put away the sword, and apologized seriously with a bow.

    "No. Originally, even I did not think she was a spirit."

    Kamito shrugged and shook his head.

    Although there were times where she was overly stubborn, but this candor was also endearing.

    "By the way, how are the other two? Hm, from the Knight Brigade¡ª"

    "You mean Rakka and Reishia? They regained consciousness this morning. They were beaten pretty badly by you guys. They need to rest for a while before they can control spirits again."

    "Sorry... Once I use an elemental waffe, it is difficult to calibrate my strength."

    "It was a duel. Please do not mind it. For them it was a good lesson."

    Ellis deliberately coughed, and then¡ª

    "...I''m sorry."

    "Hmm?"

    "I said, I''m sorry. I disliked you for no other reason except that you are a boy. So I feelpelled to apologize."

    With her cheeks blushing red, she stared into the eyes of Kamito.

    "When you stood up to the demon spirit to save ire Rouge, you looked really... really cool. To be honest I was petrified with fear."

    "I had to deal with frenzied spirits several times before. It was just experience."

    Kamito, scratched the back of his head, like he was feeling a bit shy.

    "Kamito, I dislike being ignored." Est said, puffing out her cheeks.

    "Oh, sorry..."

    Then, Kamito suddenly recalled his purpose here.

    "Ellis, do you know where ire is?"

    "Isn''t ire Rouge still locking herself in her room? Losing the contracted spirit seemed to be a very big blow to her."

    "But she doesn''t seem to be in her room. Do you have a clue?"

    "Well..."

    Ellis raised her hand to her chin and pondered a bit.

    "Come to think of it, the militarized spirit contract ceremony will be held in the academic town this afternoon."

    "Contract ceremony?"

    "Ah, volunteers are recruited among the students of the academy to form a contract with militarized spirits."

    In short, it is scouting from the military¡ªEllis exined.

    In return for the powerful militarized spirit provided by the Ordesia Knights brigade, the academy presents the students. Once the student forged a contract with the militarized spirit, he or she bes part of the army, and as a cost for the powerful militarized spirit, he must obey the orders and be dispatched immediately whenever requested by the brigade.

    "Although there are a lot of troubles in bing a military personnel, there are many voluntary participants seeking to form contracts with powerful spirits. From the very beginning, there are many students who entered the academy aiming to be Spirit Knights."

    "With so many participants, how do they pick candidates?"

    "Of course¡ªwith a de dance."

    The format of thepetition was a free for all battle royal.

    Serving also as a demonstration from the Ordesia Knight Brigade to the public, the de dance would be held in the arena of the academy town, rather than in Astral Zero.

    "Having lost her contracted spirit, it is possible that she will volunteer to participate in the ceremony."

    "However, without her contracted spirit, to enter a de dance is¡ª" Kamito stopped in mid-sentence and swallowed the remaining words.

    Impossible¡ªbut he was not sure.

    To perform de dance without the contracted spirit, that kind of action amounts to nothing but suicide.

    Without the power of spirits, there was absolutely no way to beat other elementalists. Such a no-brainer simple truth.

    But ire now¡ª

    Kamito recalled how she looked like that day when she stood in the rain.

    "...Ellis, where is the ceremony going to take ce?"

    "If I remember correctly, just go straight along the Olivier Avenue- Kamito?"

    "¡ªGot it. Ellis, thank you!"

    Kamito took Est''s hand and started to run.

    (Do not try to shoulder everything by yourself. Idiot!)

    Part 4

    ire walked alone in the alley within the academic town.

    She looked dejected, and her steps were very heavy.

    However, she had to go. There is no choice but to move forward.

    For the sake of Scarlet who shielded her with its own body, she must obtain an extremely strong spirit¡ªan overwhelming power that will not lose to anyone.

    ...It could not be reconciled. In front of that terrifying demon spirit, she couldn''t do anything.

    Moreover, because of her own arrogance and stupidity, she had lost Scarlet, her most important partner that had apanied her since childhood.

    Further, had Kamito note to her rescue, she would surely have been killed.

    "...Why did I think of that guy''s face again!?"

    ire shook her head, trying to get rid of Kamito''s image in her mind.

    "¡ªI do not need that guy. I survived on my own in the past and even now."

    Yes, she would not stop here. ire Rouge must face the battle alone.

    ¡ªI want more power, a strong power that will not lose to anyone.

    A strong power so I will never lose anything again. A strong power to take back what I have lost.

    For example¡ªlike the power of that girl that I admired on first sight three years ago.

    The overwhelming power of the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    "¡ªYou desire power so much?"

    "......?"

    Hearing the sudden voice, ire quickly turned around.

    There stood a beautiful girl.

    It was a girl in a dark dress with lustrous ck hair.

    Her refined face exhibited a subtle grace, and a beauty that somehow looked like a dissociation with normal humans.

    She had pitch ck pupils, as if one will be sucked in with one look.

    ire instantly discarded her alertness, charmed by the beauty of the girl.

    "Thank you. Because of you, Kamito has awoken."

    "Who are you? What are you talking about?"

    "However, this is not enough, his true self is much more than that."

    The girl giggled, and slowly approached ire.

    ire did not move. No, she couldn''t move.

    "What?"

    "If you seek more strength, please ept this."

    The girl gracefully stretched out a slender hand.

    Above her palm, a mass of ominous fog-like ck object floated.

    "This is a spirit!?"

    "Yes, it can help you draw out your real strength."

    "My real strength..."

    ire absentmindedly murmured.

    Had it been the usual ire, surely she would not hesitate to brush that hand away.

    The contracted spirits were to be gained by one''s own hand. They were not something received from others.

    However, the me in ire''s heart was gradually diminishing.

    So weak that it would likely extinguish at any time.

    Therefore¡ªire took that hand. She epted the spirit presented by that girl.

    The ck mist gradually seeped into her hand and disappeared.

    Sharp pain instantly shot up from the left hand, an ominous ck spirit seal was engraved on it.

    "The frenzied spirit Gespenst¡ªDo you like it?"

    The girl in ck smiled.

    Like a cruel little girl.

    Like an innocent demon.

    Trantor''s notes and References

    1. ¡ü A casual and cute way of referring to an elder brother in Japanese.

    2. ¡ü French for yes or other confirmatory word

    3. ¡ü Sound of sitting down

 Volume 1, 8 - The Strongest Blade Dancer

    <h4>Volume 1, Chapter 8 - The Strongest de Dancer</h4>

    Part 1

    Academy Town was a small-scale town within the premises of the Areishia Spirit Academy.

    The townscape, lined with stone buildings, was filled with the tumult of people.

    While bumping many times over into theing-and-going crowds of people, Kamito was running towards the arena.

    ¡ªIf that was him thinking about it too much, it was alright. However, he was feeling strangely uneasy.

    (...Absurd. With the loss of her contracted spirit, a de dance is just...)

    While he was out of breath, he ran at full speed, pulling Est''s hand.

    He did not understand why he was so frantic for her sake.

    ire Rouge was a¡ªtyrant, who was prideful, willful and quick tosh her whip.

    However, he somehow could not leave her alone.

    (After all, her true self is¡ª)

    Kamito stopped at that moment.

    "¡ªHere, right?"

    Before the arena built at the center of the town, there was a crowd of spectators gathered.

    The de dance was originally a holy ritual to let spirits enjoy themselves¡ªa kind of kagura.

    However, there was no change to the fact that it was also the highest form of entertainment to humans.

    Also, the same as other festivals, the spirits preferred a great number of enthusiastic people.

    He showed his academy student badge to the guard and entered inside, and pushed aside moring spectators to get to the front.

    There were ear-splitting cheers. The sound of shrills of weapons. The intense de dance had already started at the arena.

    There were about 20 participants. Various types of spirits were jumbled together and fighting.

    It was a battle royale system where thest one remaining would earn the right to contract with a powerful militarized spirit.

    Kamito searched for ire¡ª

    "...!?"

    For that unbelievable sight, he doubted his eyes.

    That ire Rouge was¡ª

    Covered all over with wounds and crawling.

    Against the contracted spirits boasting tremendous power, ire was fighting with just a whip and spirit magic.

    While her whole body was hit and mmed into a wall, she stood up and fought again and again.

    "ire¡ª"

    He could not go help her. If Kamito got in and helped her, she would be naturally disqualified.

    If he did that, she would probably never forgive him.

    Kamito bit his teeth and in front of him, ire was blown away.

    Part 2

    (¡ªWeak. Why am I so weak?)

    While being thrown to the ground, ire strongly bit her lips. The taste of blood spread across her tongue. It seemed that she was cut somewhere inside her mouth. She nned to stand up, but her hands went numb and did not move. It seemed to have caused a cerebral concussion. Even several bones of her ribs might be suffering damage.

    "Guu...!"

    Even so, she still did not raise the surrender card.

    She slowly stood up on shaky legs.

    She sternly looked up. At the center of the altar was a worshiped stone pir. Within that, there was a rank-A battle-ss militarized spirit¡ªsya-Labs sealed inside, brought in from the imperial capital.

    Having brought down many spirit knights in the past wars, it was a famous giant-man spirit.

    (...If I obtain that, I can be strong.)

    ¡ªNee-sama surely can be saved!

    "me¡ªdance in my hand, dance!"

    She turned the divine power dwelling within herself into mes and produced a fireball of spirit magic in her palm.

    In her situation where there was no supply of divine power from Scarlet (her contracted spirit), even for ire, who was superior, to produce such a small me took all her might. Naturally, such a thing could not bring down spirits.

    However, if she aimed for the elementalists, possibly¡ªthere might be a tiny chance of winning.

    "Huh? Do you still n on doing this? You don''t learn, do you"

    ¡ªShe heard a scorning voice from her front.

    "...!"

    She bit her teeth and lifted her head. The two elementalists were standing with ridiculing expressions.

    They were the Academy''s upper ssmen. They were respectively using Adamantine Spirit and Demon Mirror Spirit.

    "Hey, are you truly an idiot? You don''t even have a contracted spirit."

    "That very part of you is irritating, you know."

    "...You!"

    Aiming at the two upper ssmen ridiculing her, ire released the fireball.

    However, the fireball was stopped by the bore-looking Adamantine Spirit and easily repelled.

    "Ahahaa, what''s that, spirit magic? ¡ªDo it, Adamantine!"

    The girl on the other side cruelly curved her lips and gave an order to her contracted spirit.

    The Adamantine Spirit emitted a blue radiance and rushed and struck ire''s abdomen.

    "Agg...!"

    A mumbling scream escaped from ire''s mouth.

    She did not dare aim for her vital points. She was slowly tormenting her and enjoying herself.

    This was not a splendorous de dance for spirits to enjoy. It was merely unsightly violence.

    "...How cheeky, you. Despite being that Cmity Queen''s younger sister."

    The upper ssman''s face was really distorted in hatred. While being hit many times over her whole body¡ªfinally, ire recalled. These two were colleagues, who were one-sidedly knocked down by ire at a practice match a month ago. They were still resentful about that time.

    "What''s with that look? If you don''t give up quickly, you''ll really die!"

    "It''s alright if you quickly kneel down and lick our shoes. Truly, that foolishness is the same as your sister."

    "...Shut...up, be silent."

    ire tightly grasped the sand scattered on the ground.

    "Hn, did you say something?"

    "I said... be silent."

    It was no good. She could not restrain it.

    (Only abuses at Nee-sama, no matter what, my boiling point for that is low!)

    She put divine power into her left hand, which was grasping sand. A ck spirit seal that was re-engraved ominously glowed.

    And then the moment the path was connected, a horrifying sensation ran all over her body.

    She would not be defeated at such a ce. There was no value in her weak self.

    (To grasp a more powerful power in my hand¡ª!)

    "What... a contracted spirit!?"

    The upperssmen''s eyes opened in surprise.

    "If you wish for it, I''ll show you. This is¡ªmy true power!"

    *Gou!*

    The ck me, released from ire''s hand, gulped down the Adamantine Spirit in an instant.

    Appearing from within the zing me was¡ª

    A flickering jet ck magic beast.

    It was not a noble me like Scarlet. It was a me of darkness, showing signs of madness.

    *Guo...ruuuuuu...*

    The beast''s hair-raising roar shook the entire atmosphere in the arena.

    Part 3

    "...What''s that!?"

    Kamito got up from the audience seating and shouted.

    The ck me spirit that ire brought forth engulfed the Adamantine Spirit in front of it in an instant.

    ¡ªIt was not Scarlet.

    Its appearance was simr to that hell cat, but the presence of that divine power was overly ominous.

    The jet-ck me spirit bit and crushed the demon mirror spirit at the other side and was devouring those remains like a starving beast. That was not all. The spirits around the ck spirit suddenly writhed as if going mad and began eating each-others existence.

    "The frenzy is spreading...!"

    Kamito recalled the demon spirit that appeared in Astral Zerost night.

    And about the water spirit that went out of control in the bathroom.

    The spirits, in a frenzy, lost their reasoning and were unable to restrain their powers. Until their own existence were extinguished, they would conduct themselves with their impulses for destruction.

    However, that ck Magic Beast¡ª

    (It''s forcefully snatching away ire''s divine power!?)

    ire stood rock still at the center of the arena with an exhausted expression.

    From the ck spirit seal engraved on her left hand, blood was trickling down.

    Her face was pale and her whole body was quivering bit by bit. It looked like she was also barely standing.

    If the situation was left as it was, she might lose her life.

    The spectators, who realized that something was strange with the appearance of the spirits, suddenly began making amotion.

    The elementalist girls, in the arena, were also perplexed at their contracted spirits that suddenly did not listen to theirmands.

    "Damn, what are the guys in Knights doing?"

    Kamito looked around the inside of the arena. Despite being an obviously strange situation, the Spirit Knights that should have been prepared for unexpected situations were not moving. What was going on?

    However, the Spirit Knights standing at the arena gate were all rooted at the same spot, staring into empty space. Their eyes were not focused. It was as if they had been entranced¡ª

    "...What? What the heck is happening?"

    "That''s a frenzy spirit, Kamito."

    Est, who was beside him, muttered expressionlessly.

    "A frenzy spirit?"

    "It is a possession-type spirit that causes spirits to go berserk. It isn''t such a high status spirit, but the spirit possessed loses its reasoning and, until its own existence vanishes, it will continue to fight."

    "Possess¡ª? Don''t tell me, that ck Magic Beast is Scarlet!?"

    "Affirmative. That hell cat is a very powerful spirit, it should not vanish from the extent of being beaten by the demon spirit. It seems that it temporary lost the ability to manifest but¡ª"

    "Is that so..."

    The fire of the me spirit remained. However, ire continuously thought that Scarlet vanished, so she was not able to connect the path.

    "¡ªBut, in that frenzied condition, vanishingpletely is also just a matter of time."

    "Ah, I understand."

    Kamito nodded.

    Scarlet¡ªa me spirit with the appearance of a hell cat dded in noble mes.

    That was the very me of a girl named ire.

    That me turned into a crazy disgusting Magic Beast that was indulging and eating the spirits.

    Something like that could not be her¡ªire''s desired me.

    "¡ªEst. I ask of you, lend me your strength."

    "I am Kamito''s sword. I''ll do as you desire."

    Est gently grasped Kamito''s hand. There was a feeling of a hand, cold but surprisingly soft.

    "Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil¡ªnow form my sword!"

    Kamito spun the releasing of the elemental waffe; at the same time, Est''s body turned into particles of light and vanished.

    In the next moment, a silver glowing single edged sword appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    The spiritnguage inscription, carved on the edge, was¡ªTerminus Est.

    Just by lightly holding it, he understood that it was a tremendously famous sword.

    "I''m sorry. The path to my true form is closed, so this is the limit for me currently."

    Est, who turned into the form of a sword, said apologetically.

    "No, this is plenty. ¡ªLet''s go, Est!"

    Kamito prepared Terminus Est and jumped into the arena where the raging ck me was.

    The moment hended onto the ground, the magic beast of darkness bared its fangs and pounced to attack him.

    He brandished the sword with a flourish, knocked away the ck me, and rushed over to ire''s side.

    "ire!"

    "...Kamito"

    ire opened her ruby-colored eyes.

    Her knees were on the ground and she was breathing heavily. Her delicate body was going to copse at any time.

    The blood, trickling from the spirit seal on her left hand, was dyeing the sand scattered on the ground red.

    At that moment, the ck me Magic Beast mowed onto the ground with its ws, like it was making fun of it.

    There was the scent of burning in the air. The hot wind with pebbles mixed in gently brushed Kamito''s cheeks.

    "...!?"

    In a hair''s breadth, Kamito dodged the ck me''s ws. He drove in a sh at the ck me spirit that was just knocked down.

    The silver sword sh drew an arc. The elemental waffe of the sword spirit cut up even the intangible mes¡ª

    The ck me Magic Beast let out an ear-splitting scream and broke up in the air. It didn''t mean that it vanished. The mes that were scattered were burning at their respective positions and formed a ming wall surrounding Kamito in it. Kamito clicked his tongue and stopped at that spot.

    "ire, get yourself together,e to your senses!"

    "Wh...What... Why are you here¡ª"

    A confused expression surfaced on ire''s face¡ª

    "...!?"

    Then, as if she just began to realize it, she opened her eyes in terror.

    The scene that flew into her eyes was a cruel disastrous scene.

    There was a zing, disgusting ck me.

    A group of spirits was in a frenzy and were devouring each other.

    The students of the academy were losing their consciousness from having their divine power eaten and were falling down to the ground one by one¡ª

    "ire, is this the power you wanted? Something like this? These are your mes!"

    Kamito shouted as if he was throwing up.

    While he cleared away the attacking me with the sword, he reached out his hand towards ire.

    "I...I...¡ª"

    ire moved her lips with her pale facial expression¡ª

    She instantly shook her head as if she had changed her mind.

    "Sh...Shut up! I... I need the power!"

    The red twintail hair violently sprung up.

    The ck me zed even more as if responding to ire''s fury.

    "...You don''t understand. My feelings of being always alone¡ª"

    irey face down and said that while gasping.

    That day, four years ago, was when the still childish ire Elstein''s life ended.

    The girl, who was betrayed by her most loved sister, had both her parents imprisoned and lost everything, was¡ª

    To live taking persecutions as Cmity Queen''s sister.

    If she didn''t be strong alone, she would not be able to live on.

    "...You''re not alone, idiot."

    "Eh?"

    At Kamito''s words¡ª

    ire raised her head with a nk expression.

    "I am here. I''ll be by your side. After all, I''m¡ª"

    Kamito approached ire with a step.

    The me wall in their surroundings burned with intimidation.

    "D...Don''te here..."

    "ire¡ª"

    "Do note here!"

    *Pashin!*¡ª She closed her eyes and strongly struck her leather whip at Kamito''s cheek.

    Red blood flowed from his cheek. Kamito did not even wipe that and took another step¡ª

    "...!? Why didn''t you avoid it?"

    ire''s cherry-colored lips were quivering.

    "I didn''t n on hitting... and yet."

    Kamito stood before ire and slowly raised his hand over his head.

    "...!"

    ire thought it was a strike, and reflexively closed her eyes tightly.

    Then¡ª

    ....*Poff*.

    "Eh?"

    ire widely opened her ruby-colored eyes.

    She looked up at Kamito with a nk expression.

    "¡ªire, I like your mes."

    Kamito stirred up and crumpled ire''s red hair.

    "...Wh!? Ah,...Li...Like...? Eh?"

    ire''s cheeks were dyed bright red inside.

    "They burn prettily, dazzlingly and nobly. I like your mes."

    "Ah, sh...sh..."

    ¡ªThat was why he wanted to protect those mes.

    "If you want power¡ª"

    Kamito looked straight into ire''s eyes and said.

    "I''ll be your contracted spirit."

    "Kamito..."

    In ire''s red eyes, a drop of tear surfaced¡ª

    Confused, she wiped it with her uniform sleeve.

    "Wh...What are you saying? You are originally my ve spirit!"

    "Ah, that is right..."

    Kamito bitterly smiled and gently removed his hand from ire''s head.

    At that moment, he sliced and drove away the ck me Magic Beast that roared and advanced while attacking with the sword.

    With his back facing ire, he blocked its way like a knight protecting a princess.

    "¡ªHey, Scarlet. Did you forget your precious master?"

    With Kamito''s words thrown at it, the ck me that d the Magic Beast trembled for a moment.

    Scarlet¡ªit seemed to respond to that name.

    "...Scarlet?"

    ire asked.

    "Ah, it wasn''t that your partner vanished. It just temporarily lost its power. Although, it''s now possessed by a frenzy spirit and it has changed into such an appearance."

    "...Scarlet is alive!?"

    ire was taken aback and raised her head. Kamito nodded.

    "Ah, this sword¡ªEst informed me."

    "...That''s, by no means, that sword spirit?"

    "That''s right. But she probably can''t even use a tenth of her original power."

    Taking a stance with Terminus Est in both his hands, Kamito turned towards the ck me magic beast.

    "..."

    ire stared at the thunderously raging ck me.

    She saw something within that me and swiftly raised her head¡ª

    "...Yes, that is Scarlet."

    She wiped her tears to shake it off.

    "If that''s the case¡ª"

    "ire, stand back. A frenzied spirit will attack even its contractor."

    Kamito restrained ire, who nned to go to the front, with his hand¡ª

    ire stopped that hand and shook her head.

    "Scarlet is in a frenzy because of me. Therefore, only I can take her back."

    ¡ªmes, dance in my hand, dance!

    Spun from her cherry-colored lips was the spiritnguage aria.

    At that moment, a small fireball was born at the palm of her hand.

    "Spirit magic? What can such a small fireball¡ª"

    "¡ªLike this."

    At that instant, ire pushed the burning fireball into her left hand.

    There was the sound of flesh burning.

    "O...Oi, ire!?"

    "...A...gu...uuuu¡ª!"

    While barely clenching her teeth, ire moaned in anguish.

    On her pale face, perspiration like waterfalls flowed along her chin.

    "You...!"

    Kamito finally understood.

    The ck spirit seal, re-engraved on ire''s left hand¡ªthat was the symbol of contract with that frenzy spirit.

    The spirit seal was an exclusive Gate to connect the path between Astral Zero and this world.

    If that was destroyed, naturally, the contract with the spirit would be annulled.

    ire was physically burning the spirit seal and was breaking the contract with the frenzy spirit!

    *Guorooooouuu...*

    The Magic Beast, d in ck mes, raged like a thunderous wind.

    With the path being burned off, it shared the same pain as ire, its contractor.

    "Sorry, Scarlet, I too... will endure¡ª"

    ire was putting up with the pain and that moment when ire''s knees hit the ground¡ª

    The frenzied magic beast roared and sprung at ire.

    "¡ª!"

    Kamito quickly stepped in and got into the magic beast''s bosom in one bound.

    The ws, d in mes, burned the ends of his hair and at that instant¡ªhe shed down with the sword when they passed each other.

    There was a shing sword swing. At the same time, the red hot mes that could melt even iron attacked Kamito''s whole body¡ª

    "Kamito!"

    ire''s scream resounded.

    However, Kamito''s body had already disappeared.

    The moment the sword and the ws crossed, he dodged like a shadow and had turned to the me spirit''s back.

    (¡ªA frenzied spirit certainly has its power greatly increased.)

    The ck me spirit turned around¡ªbut it was toote.

    (However, no matter what, its movements became dull. In that case, it can''t win against me¡ª)

    Kamito kicked the ground and sharply turned, and swung the silver shining Terminus Est¡ª

    With that stroke of the sword, the ck me, possessing the me spirit, was severed and killed.

    "¡ªire, are you alright?!"

    Kamito rushed over, ire was lying on the floor with a pale face.

    From her red forelock clinging onto her forehead, drops of perspiration were dripping down.

    "A...guu...!"

    A gasping, like it was hoarse from her inner throat, leaked out. Her left hand sustained a severe burn.

    Just the texture of her thin pretty skin was hideously burned, that scar was too painful to look at.

    However, the ck spirit seal that was engraved disappeared without leaving any trace.

    With this, the path with that frenzy spirit should bepletely severed.

    "That was so reckless. Look, I''ll treat it for you, so show it to me."

    "I...I''m fine, it''s just this much..."

    ire''s cheeks turned slightly red and she quickly turned away.

    At that moment, intense pain was suddenly running all over, causing her to softly scream "Hyauu" and making her eyes turn teary.

    "What, you''re not being honest."

    "Sh...Shut up, I''ll turn you into cinders!"

    Kamito bitterly smiled at ire''s usual behavior.

    ¡ªHowever, this is the usual ire Rouge.

    She was not suited to have just a sorrowful face.

    "By the way, where¡ª"

    Suddenly, Kamito turned serious and asked.

    "What..."

    "Where did you contract something like a frenzy spirit?"

    "That''s¡ª"

    ire stammered with her words and at that time.

    "Ah, did you receive my present with pleasure?"

    From behind, they heard such an inappropriate voice.

    It was a gentle voice, like downy hair tickling one''s earlobe.

    "...!?"

    It sounded familiar¡ªbut that was out of the question.

    For three years, he always¡ªyearned to hear it, that voice.

    Kamito slowly turned around.

    And there¡ª

    A beautiful girl, wearing a dark ck dress, was giggling.

    Part 4

    Kamito stood still at that ce with a frozen expression.

    "Don''t tell me, tha..t''s..."

    What was there was¡ª

    A girl, who was the very light to Kamito.

    She gave the boy, who had closed his heart into a cold cage, a warm light¡ª

    "...Res...tia?"

    Kamito muttered in a blurry voice.

    "¡ªIt has been quite a long time, Kamito."

    The girl, wearing a darkness-color dress, impishly smiled.

    ...It was unbelievable.

    However, that appearance was the same as it was from that time, three years ago.

    That beautiful face, without doubt, belonged to the girl, who Kamito knew.

    The darkness spirit, Restia.

    The contracted spirit of the strongest de dancer¡ªRen Ashbell.

    "Restia, I¡ª"

    Kamito reached out his hand and he nned to approach the girl.

    However, his legs, as if they were sewed on to that ce, could not move.

    Despite that, the girl who he was continuously searching for thest three years, was right in front of him¡ª

    ¡ªSomething was strange. His elementalist intuition was telling him that.

    She was smiling like that.

    Moveover, in the girl''s hand, what was that ominous ck lump?

    "I wanted to meet you, Kamito. However¡ª"

    The girl faced that ck lump at the altar in the center and threw it there.

    "...?"

    "Let''s leave the hug to the next opportunity. Look, as that child wakes up."

    When the ck lump turned into a fog in midair, it surrounded the holy stone pir at the altar.

    The stone pir that was brought in from the imperial capital and in which was the sealed militarized spirit.

    "Restia... What in the world are¡ª?"

    Kamito muttered and at that time.

    Suddenly, the ground violently shook.

    "What...!?"

    "Ah, looks like it has already woken up."

    "Restia...?"

    "Kamito, be careful! She is the one who gave me that frenzy spirit!"

    ire shouted to the absentminded boy.

    "Wh...at...!?"

    At that moment, a ground-shaking roar resounded.

    *Pishii*¡ª the stone pir enveloped in the ck fog cracked.

    *Zu...zuzu...zuzuzuzu...!*

    From the tear in the stone pir, a giant human hand appeared.

    That was¡ª

    (sya-Labs is¡ªgoing into a frenzy!?)

    Taken aback, he turned around. Restia was giggling.

    That somewhat devilish smile was something Kamito had never seen.

    "¡ªGood bye, Kamito. Let''s meet again."

    "Restia... What is going on!? What are you¡ª"

    "Because that is your wish."

    "...!?"

    Kamito''s face froze.

    "Wait¡ªPlease wait, Restia!"

    "I had waited, it has already been three years."

    "Resti..."

    Restia smiled once again and disappeared into the empty space that became a ck fog.

    Kamito dropped both his hands like he was exhausted and stood still and dumbfounded.

    ¡ªHe did not understand what had happened.

    (Restia gave ire that frenzy spirit...?)

    He could not believe it. No, he did not want to believe it.

    However, the girl''s appearance belonged to the darkness spirit that he had certainly been continuously searching for.

    His former contracted spirit.

    The girl showed Kamito, who lost his human heart, his first warm light.

    If that girl changed, that¡ª

    (It''s my fault... I had changed her into something different.)

    The de Dance three years ago.

    Kamito, who came out victorious as Ren Ashbell,¡ª

    Attempted to have a Wish that humans can never wish for to be granted.

    For that reason, he decided to lose her.

    He believed that she would be alive somewhere.

    The aching of the spirit seal engraved on his left hand whispered.

    ¡ªShe would be alive again. He could still make up for his crimes.

    By no means, it became that they met up again in such a manner¡ªit was something he never thought of.

    "Restia... Is this my punishment?"

    If that was the case, it was too cruel.

    Like his whole body''s strength was drawn out and he was going to copse, his knees hit the ground.

    He was plunged into darkness.

    "Kamito!? Hey, are you listening, Kamito!"

    Even ire''s voice calling for Kamito was only absentmindedly heard.

    Once again, the ground violently shook.

    Passing through the Gate opened in the empty space, sya-Labs was attempting to emerge.

    The wall of the arena copsed due to the tremor and arge amount of rubble poured down over Kamito''s head.

    Just before his body was going to be crushed¡ªthat moment.

    *Pashii*¡ª Kamito''s head was twined around by a whip.

    "...Guoo!"

    Kamito was violently dragged along the ground and he made an anguished voice.

    Immediately after, arge amount of rubble fell at the ce where Kamito had been at.

    There was a thunderous sound. Clouds of dust fluttered up in the air.

    ...If he was crushed, he would have, without a doubt, died.

    "Idiot! Wh...What are you doing!"

    Over his head, ire took up a daunting pose and shouted.

    "Hey, do you want to die? Or do you want to turn to cinders?"

    "No, not those two choices¡ªGuoo!"

    "Hmm, if you can retort, you are alright, aren''t you!"

    ire constricted Kamito''s head with her whip and with a jerk, drew her face closer.

    "..."

    It was at a point-nk distance as if the tips of their noses were touching.

    Her ruby-colored pupils, filled with a strong will, were before his eyes.

    Nevertheless in such a moment, Kamito was reflexively startled.

    "...Come on, what? What is it?"

    Seemingly noticing that her face was too close, ire''s cheeks turned red and she slightly loosened her whip.

    "It...It''s not like I''m particrly interested but... for once, listen up."

    "Wh...What..."

    "That girl just now, h...how is she rted to you?"

    "She¡ª"

    Kamito averted his eyes from ire''s clear eyes

    "Was my contracted spirit."

    "Spirit?"

    Kamito silently nodded and clenched his left hand.

    "...It''s my fault. It''s my fault that she¡ª"

    Thoughts of her made Kamito sink into the dark abyss once again,¡ª

    "So what!"

    ire''s voice, which was cold, drew him back.

    "Eh?"

    "I am saying so what!"

    ire was standing straight up, with both hands on her waist and her twintail hair over her shoulder.

    Until a while ago, she was extremely depressed.

    Now, there was above all else her noble, beautiful crimson me.

    "No, it is because I..."

    Kamito was taken aback and became dumbfounded¡ª

    "Didn''t you promise me just now that ''I''ll be your contracted spirit''?! Please hold on to the responsibility of your own words!"

    *Pishipashi!* ire struck Kamito''s back with her whip.

    "Ouch! Wh...What are you doing! Whipping a dead person!"

    Without thought, Kamito stood up and shouted.

    ire suddenly smiled.

    "A dead person? Then how about dying once? Look, look at that."

    "Aah?"

    Kamito turned his face¡ª

    From the Gate in the empty space, bluish-white light emitted and sya-Labs came crawling out.

    The battle-ss militarized spirit, whose seal was undone; its over-all length was more than ten-odd meters.

    sya-Labs roared. With just that roar, half of the audience seats were blown away.

    It seemed that the audience had already escaped, but there should still be many citizens outside the arena.

    From the giant empty hole in the wall, the state of the za could be observed.

    Everyone was screaming and jostling, while running away. In response to the sudden appearance of sya-Labs, the za and the main street were filled with chaos and agonizing cries.

    cing its hand on the crumbled arena wall, sya-Labs slowly walked out.

    With his every step, the ground shook as if an earthquake urred.

    How things would turn out, if such a thing got into the town was quite obvious.

    "Waiting for help from the academy would be pointless. They will arrive toote. Just the two of us will have to do this."

    "...Ah, that''s right."

    However¡ªKamito still had not recovered from the shock.

    Even Terminus Est, which he was tightly grasping, was losing that cool and clear radiance.

    An elemental waffe would demonstrate its true value ording to the elementalist''s divine power.

    With Kamito''s current condition, he was unable to even maintain the sword''s strength.

    For example, even if he fought, it was certain that it would be instantly broken.

    "..."

    ire stared at Kamito in such a state with a rigid expression.

    "It seems like you''re still half asleep. If that''s the case, I''ll wake you up."

    After that, for some reason, her face turned red and she quickly looked away.

    And, in the next moment.

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, his lips were closed.

    It was hot. It was a tender sensation that was gently getting wet.

    His nose was tickled by the faint scent of her hair.

    "Hn..."

    Several secondster, their lips slowly separated.

    "Are you awake?"

    "...A...Ah."

    Kamito nodded like he was befuddled.

    "Th...This is something... only once."

    Biting her lips, ire turned bright red and looked downwards.

    The numbing kiss had blown away all the anguish from Kamito''s mind.

    "...Shock therapy? However, this is a little too effective."

    "Hm...hmm, that''s fine! ¡ªWell then, let''s go, Kamito!"

    While her face was bright red, ire spun the spiritnguage summoning.

    "¡ªGuardian of the crimson ze, keeper of the undying hearth!"

    "¡ªNow''s the time to abide by the blood contract,e forth and do my bidding!"

    Immediately, a zing me whip was born in ire''s hand.

    It was not the ck me, invaded by the frenzy spirit.

    That was the me of the noble ire Rouge¡ªScarlet''s elemental waffe.

    "Thank you, Scarlet. Lend me your power for just a bit longer."

    Responding to ire''s feelings, the me whip thunderously growled.

    "I won''t make Scarlet, who is weakened, do something unreasonable. I''ll go around it to support, so you strike that giant human spirit."

    "Ah, I got it!"

    Kamito firmly nodded and tightly grasped Terminus Est.

    (¡ªThat''s right.) It is alright to not think about Restia now.

    (Now, just¡ª)

    (To protect this tomboy princess because that''s what I promised!)

    Taking a stance with the sword, Kamito kicked the ground and jumped.

    "I''ll show you, ire Rouge"

    The Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell''s de dance!

    sya-Labs smashed the stone wall and stepped his foot out to the za outside the arena.

    Kamito took a roundabout path to its behind and with a one-step jump, he pierced its ankle with the sword.

    *Vuoooooon!*

    sya-Labs let out a destructive roar. While the shock seemed to be blowing him away, Kamito clung onto the sword that pierced it.

    (...What power! As expected of a militarized spirit!)

    The eyes of the giant, that were burning in anger, caught sight of Kamito''s figure at its feet.

    It roared again and swung down its boulder-like fist.

    Kamito pulled out the sword and jumped back, then using the giant''s arm as a stepping stone, he jumped again.

    In order to crush Kamito, who appeared on top of his head, sya-Labs reached out with its hand¡ª

    At that moment, when it seemed like it caught his ankle.

    "Kamito!"

    ire swung her me whip and bound that arm. As Scarlet was exhausted, cutting up the spirit could not be done. However, roughly sealing its movement was possible.

    There was the thunderous sound of the wind blowing violently. sya-Labs shifted its anger to Kamito on its head. In the state of passing by, Kamito brandished the sword. He cut the ck crystal-like eyeball.

    At that moment, from the eyeball that cracked, something like a ck fog was blown out.

    (That''s the frenzy spirit...!?)

    The ck fog coiled about the sword. Just at that moment, the tip of its edge was corroding to ck.

    Kamito was taken aback. ¡ªThe frenzy spirit was a spirit that granted crazy attribute to spirits.

    (Est is being encroached¡ª!)

    Kamito twisted his body and swung and cleared away the ck fog.

    He broke his stance in the air and was about to strike the ground as he was.

    Then, sya-Labs'' fist swung downwards.

    Kamito took a stance with the sword in front of him¡ªbut he did not make it!

    "...!"

    sya-Labs'' fist was¡ªprecisely stopped above his head.

    Its arm, which was about to swing down at any time, was twisted with a burning me whip.

    "Kamito! Now''s the chance, quickly do it!"

    "Ah¡ª"

    Kamitoughed fearlessly, stood up and concentrated his consciousness on the sword.

    The elemental waffe of the sword spirit, Est, increased in radiance as it responded to Kamito''s feelings

    He kicked the ground and jumped. Kamito''s sword once again danced in the midair.

    And then¡ª

    "Oooooooooooo!"

    The shining shing sword cut sya-Labs'' body right in half.

    Part 5

    That moment when Kamito cut and turned over sya-Labs, ire was motionlessly staring at it.

    With the shining sword in his hand, Kazehaya Kamito danced a splendorous de dance¡ª

    That was almost¡ª

    Like the de dance of Ren Ashbell, who she saw at the stage of the de Dance three years ago.

    (...Don''t tell me.)

    The moment sya-Labs turned into particles of light, the me whip returned to the form of a small hell cat. ire tenderly embraced the me spirit, which became small like a kitten.

    "¡ªThank you, Scarlet."

 Volume 1, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 1, Epilogue</h4>

    Opening his eyes, Kamito found himself lying in bed again.

    It was not Rinslet''s room this time.

    There wererge bookcases and shelves of medicine; this should be the health center of the academy.

    It looked like he couldn''t shoulder the burden of elemental waffe and passed out, again.

    After all, he was still in a physical condition where he had to lie down and rest, so it was no wonder that he copsed when performing a de dance in such a state.

    (Oh... I really can''t do it the same as old times.)

    Kamito smiled bitterly at the wrist wrapped in bandages.

    To have a nk period of three-years is too much for an elementalist.

    Kamito was about to slowly get up from bed¡ª

    "Kamito, you woke up?"

    A voice could be heard from somewhere.

    Looking around, he couldn''t see anyone.

    Then something wiggled inside the bed sheets.

    "¡ªWhat!"

    Kamito quickly pulled up the sheets.

    Inside, there is the naked sword spirit.

    "...Est, what are you doing here!"

    "Sleeping with you." Est replied with a deadpan look.

    "Not that, I am asking why are you in my bed!"

    "Because I am your contracted spirit."

    "......"

    There''s no use. She is not the type you couldmunicate with easily.

    Kamito held his head that started aching little by little.

    Just at that time. *Tramp*- suddenly the door opened.

    "Kamito, have you woken up¡ª"

    ire stiffened as she came inside the room.

    *Gogogogogo...!*

    "This is not how it looks..."

    But with a naked girl only in knee-socks on top of him, whatever exnations given were futile.

    "You... You! What the hell are you doing?"

    A burning me whip appeared in ire''s hand.

    "You are in the way, sword spirit. I am going to turn this guy into charcoal cinders. Please move aside!"

    "No, I am Kamito''s contracted spirit. To protect him is my duty."

    "Sword... sword spirit, listen! Kamito... Kamito is my ve spirit, so you as his contracted spirit, are in my possession as well."

    "Kamito, is it true?"

    "Well... No... See..."

    As Kamito struggled for words, other sounds could be heard from the corridor.

    "Mdy if you don''t hurry, Miss ire will be the first!"

    "Being the first or not, for me, doesn''t mean¡ª"

    "...Eh? Rinslet and Carol, what are you doing here?"

    "Knight, Knightmander, you too, why are you here...!?"

    "I... I''m just here to express our gratitude to Kamito on behalf of the Sylphid Knights. There is absolutely no other meaning!"

    The three princesses opened the door as they had their conversation.

    Then- all witnessed Est on the bed at the same time.

    "What!" "Oops!" "What on earth..."

    *Googogogog...*

    Ellis conjured up Ray Hawk; Rinslet called out Ice Longbow.

    Last, an inexplicable frying pan was in Carol''s hand out of nowhere.

    "Kamito, whatst words do you have to say?"

    ire waved her me whip and smiled.

    "Wait... This is a mistake- oh wa ah ah ah ah ah ah!"

    The me whip mercilesslyshed down on Kamito''s head.

    The grand feast for elementalists¡ªde Dance would be held in two months.

    FIN

 Volume 1, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 1, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªYou be my contracted spirit!

    With that, nice to meet you, or perhaps, long time no see, this is Shimizu Yuu.

    My new series, ''Seirei Tsukai no de Dance'', raises its curtains here!

    This story is an alternate world fantasy x battle action where the main character, a young boy named Kamito, meets a ferocious, beautiful girl ire in an academy that trains elementalists and together they aim to fight in a grand battle tournament¡ª ''de Dance''!

    Contracted spirits that can transform into weapons ¡ª''Elemental Waffe''¡ª that are used by beautiful girls to fight, spirits that only girls are supposed to be able to use, the main character is a young boy that was able to make a contract, the secret of the crest engraved on the young boy''s left hand, the powerful sealed spirit that was sealed into a scared sword, and the tsundere princesses x3 (the maid included) + a cool cute mysterious girl, and so on, with all sorts of content. Anyways, I have enjoyed writing it. "I''ll turn you to cinders!" is the favorite phrase of an excellent but ferocious, beautiful girl heroine, ire. Kamito''s fate of being made to be her ve spirit(?) and so on...!

    Ah, although I said battle, the basis is an academy romanceedy, the battle of love of the girls surrounding Kamito is also steadily turning to a dead heat! Even after this, I''ll try my best to aim for "increased love, double the fun, superior battles!". It will be a blessing if all you dear readers also somehow enjoy yourselves lightheartedly!

    Now for the thanks. I am truly grateful to many people for the start of my new series.

    First, Sakura Hanpen-sensei, who drew superb cute beautiful girls + spirit, truly thank you very much. Every time, I received a draft, I was in agony. The girls'' expression and poses are very charming. The girls are also cute but the cat is magnificently cute.

    The glittering star administrators of MFJ that read my manuscript many times, and gave me precious advice and ideas, truly thank you very much. You have my gratitude for all the advice.

    The chief editor, Misaka, the proofreading team, the binding team, the sales team and the rest that had something to do with this work, to everyone, thank you very much.

    And now, my greatest thanks is to all you readers holding onto this book in your hands. Shimizu''s release of this book is something due to everyone''s support. The questionnaires made me really happy!

    ¡ªWell then, let''s meet again in volume two!

    November 2010, Shimizu Yuu

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you, I go by Sakura Hanpen.

    This is the first time I''m drawing light novel illustrations.

    I have been really tense.

    It is good when I draw cutely, however...!

    Personally, my favorite is Scarlet, neko-yan!

    For humans, Rinslet is my favorite.

    Things like tsundere ojou-sama are my specialty, how cute...

    Shimizu-sensei, also, I request the next to be Rinslet''s naughty scene please. Without fail.

    While making such a naughty request, 1 volume ended!

 Volume 2, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 2, Prologue</h4>

    ¡ªThree years ago.

    "Haa, haa, haa¡ª"

    A girl was running through a forest in Astral Zero, full of many twisted trees lined up in rows.

    Her shoes had long since slipped off, and the soles of her bare feet were covered with injuries.

    Since her long ck hair had been done up at both sides of her long-sleeved, extravagant, yet courteous attire, she did not run smoothly.

    From behind her, the violent sounds of many trees being mowed down were approaching.

    Being caught up was just a matter of time.

    (Why did such a thing¡ª)

    The girl was invited to view the de Dance as the guest of honor of the Ordesia Empire.

    Although being called the guest of honor, she was invited as an extra for an excuse.

    Falling out of the candidacy of Divine Ritual Institute¡ª the Queens¡¯ training organization, she was the imperial family''s excess baggage.

    She had nothing special other than the title of former second princess and the fact that she was just a mere thirteen year-old girl.

    Her noble colleagues, who by right should have pledged allegiance to the imperial family, were sending her looks of contempt.

    Even the retainer courtdies were ridiculing her behind her back.

    A worthless lost queen¡ª

    It was painful for her to be at the match venue since she would be exposed to a lot of people''s gazes.

    That match with Ren Ashbell, which she wanted to see, was heldter on in the afternoon and, even if she was gone, there was no one who would be particrly worried.

    Therefore, she came to the middle of a forest like this, all alone.

    Without knowing how dreadful this ce; the forest of Astral Zero, could be.

    Approaching her from behind, Dryada tree spirit[1] let out a dreadful roar.

    Naturally, the Dryad had the temperament of a docile spirit. Perhaps, it might be angry because she had stepped on and broken the twigs in the forest.

    (It''s no good, if this keeps up¡ª)

    She could not get away¡ª realizing that, she prepared herself.

    She stopped at that ce, turned around and firmly red at the Dryad.

    "Y...You, if you are my knight, then simply go and beat it¡ª"

    Shouting with a shaky voice, she began to recite the summoning spell to summon her contracted spirit.

    ¡ª¡ªThou servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!

    ¡ª¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding!

    The spirit seal, engraved on the girl''s chest, emitted a faint radiance¡ª

    However, that was all it did.

    Suddenly, the path with her contracted spirit was severed and the seal''s radiance vanished.

    (...! I thought so, it''s already hopeless, I¡ª)

    Despair surfaced on the girl''s face.

    The Dryad let out a roar and swung its log-like arm¡ª

    At that moment, a blinding light shed.

    "Eh?"

    The girl opened her eyes reflexively.

    That Dryad''s log-like arm had clearly vanished from her sight.

    It was as if time had stopped.

    From the cross-section of the severed tree, something like a ck fog was emitting out.

    And then *Don* there was a sound of someonending on the ground.

    Before the girl''s eyes, a single boy was standing.

    He had ck hair and wore a ck vest with a pair of navy blue trousers.

    The boy was grasping a jet-ck demon sword that emitted ck fog.

    "Stay still there, it''s dangerous."

    He told her bluntly and turned toward the spirit before him.

    That Dryad, who had its arm cut off, roared in anger and attacked the boy.

    As it swung down its other arm, the girl reflexively covered her eyes.

    However...

    "It isn''t going to work on me though, I''m sorry."

    The boy was stopping the blow that came from that Dryad with all its might, single-handedly, with one sword.

    And then¡ª he exhaled and kicked off the ground at the same time.

    With all his strength, he cut off its arm and hit its torso very hard with the center of the sword.

    It was a single blow. With merely a single blow, the spirit, which prided itself on its strength, was brought down and became motionless.

    "Maybe I overdid it a little. Although, it was my intention to not injure it as much as possible."

    "..."

    The girl was dumbfounded and the boy turned around.

    If she were to describe him, she would call him slender and handsome.

    His eyes were so clear that, he could be easily mistaken for a girl of about the same age.

    At that very moment, he did not seem like a person who had brought a spirit in the blink of an eye.

    Then, the girl suddenly realized.

    (Eh? This person, it''s like I have seen him somewhere¡ª)

    The girl tilted her head to the side.

    "Err, are you alright? Do you have any injuries?"

    The boy asked in a calm voice.

    "Ye...Yeah, I''m fine. You have my gratitude for saving me."

    "Is that so... that''s good."

    The boy took a breath in relief, put down the jet-ck demon sword and came walking toward her.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Ah...!"

    The jet-ck demon sword emitted ck fog¡ª the girl realized its significance and her face turned pale.

    That was it. A sword that cuts up spirits could not be an ordinary sword.

    (That''s an elemental waffe!? But, why¡ª)

    Then, the girl finally realized.

    She surely had a recollection of the boy''s face.

    "N...No way...why..."

    She should have seen him before. After all, this boy¡ª

    "...?"

    Seeing the girl''s expression stiffen, the boy paused in his steps, puzzled.

    And then, as if he realized something, his eyes widened.

    "Gua... Damn it! Ahhh!"

    He covered his face with both hands and shouted.

    Facing a boy like that, the girl pointed out her index finger.

    "Why is Ren Ashbell-sama a boy?"

    "Gu..."

    The girl stared at the boy, who was trying to catch his breath, with a stern look.

    She understood that she was saying something unthinkable.

    After all, the boy in front of her had short hair and his chest waspletely t.

    No matter how anyone looked at him, he was a boy.

    (But I am not mistaken¡ª)

    The boy''s face was simr to the de Dancer''s, who was currently winning throughout the tournament because of her overwhelming strength.

    Without a doubt, it was the face of that person¡ª Ren Ashbell!

    (Besides, that sword¡ª)

    The jet-ck demon sword that was grasped in the boy''s hand. That darkness-attribute elemental waffe¡ª Vorpal Swordthe sword that pierces truth and herpanion, which, in the past, had brought down many of her opponents.

    And then, above all else, there was that sword skill, which was disyed when he, with merely one blow, brought down the raging spirit.

    "Ah, this is, err, how do I put it..."

    The boy was attempting to deceive her frantically and hastily.

    "Wh...What to do, Restia!"

    "I don''t care. Even if you''re not in the middle of a match, I had always been warning you to be in female clothing."

    "But I didn''t think that there would be people in the middle of such a forest!"

    "Nevertheless, since it was a cute girl, you went to save her without thinking."

    "I...It''s not like that!"

    The boy was, for some reason, sneakily talking with the jet-ck demon sword that was held in his hand.

    The girl''s head was in aplete chaos. She was also surprised that the true identity of Ren Ashbell was a boy because, to begin with, it was hard for her to believe in the existence of a male elementalist.

    Those who could contract a spirit were only pure maidens¡ª that was themon sense taught to her from the Divine Ritual Institute from when she was young. Speaking of a male elementalist, there was nothing that came to mind, but that legendary Demon King, Solomon.

    (This tournament''s favorite, the famous Ren Ashbell-sama, is actually a boy¡ª)

    If that became known, the scandal would be so big, that it would affect the de Dance greatly.

    Scratching his hair as if giving up, the boy gazed at the girl in resignation.

    "Er...err, erm, there are circumstances to this. So, I am a boy but, without asking anything, could you keep this a secret from everyone?"

    Receiving his troubled and pleading look, the girl felt her chest throbbing spontaneously.

    (Eerr, what do I do...)

    Honestly, the girl was bewildered. The de dancer, whom she admired, was a boy¡ª even if she suddenly said such a thing, there was no way that anyone couldprehend it immediately.

    Besides, though her throne inheritance rights had been erased, she was still the second princess of the Ordesia Empire and a pure princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute. Was it alright for her to overlook this fact which would desecrate the de Dance?

    "..."

    However, when she saw that boy''s troubled face¡ª

    "...I understand."

    Unintentionally, she nodded.

    "I won''t tell anyone, I won''t ask anything. You are the one who saved my life."

    Even if her true identity was a boy, Ren Ashbell was still her admired de dancer.

    Her de dance gave the girl, who was always depressed since that day, the courage. That understanding would not change. Besides, there was also the fact, that he had saved her life.

    To give a reward to a Knight''s meritorious service was the imperial family''s precept.

    "T...Thank you! You saved me some trouble!"

    The boy took a breath of relief.

    "You''re quite a simple person. It''s just a verbal promise."

    "Yeah, but you don''t look like a girl who would break a promise."

    "..."

    Facing such straightforward words, the girl''s cheeks were dyed slightly red.

    (Wh...Why is my chest beating so fast...)

    "I''ll escort you to the forest''s exit, since Astral Zero''s forests are dangerous."

    "Th...Thank you..."

    "Your shoes... they seemed to have slipped off. Come on, hold on to my back."

    The boy noticed that the girl''s feet were covered in injuries and helped her climb up his back.

    "Er...Erm, my breasts are touching your back."

    Embarrassed, the girl whispered at the side of his ear.

    "Yeah?"

    "N...Nothing..."

    With her cheeks dyed red, the girl quickly turned her face away.

    In the middle of a dim forest, while listening to the sounds of them stepping on the fallen leaves, the girl inquired.

    "Hey, why did you go so far as to fake being a girl and participate in the de Dance?"

    "..."

    After a moment of silence¡ª

    "Because, I have a Wish I want to be granted."

    The boy answered that with a serious expression.

    A Wish¡ª A miracle of the Elemental Lords that was bestowed upon the victor of the de Dance.

    At that moment, those words that the boy spoke of brought about an insight in the girl''s mind.

    (I see, if it''s for the de Dance Wish, even my power...)

    Aftering to a ce near the match area, the girl was gently let off from his back.

    "After this, you''ll have to return by yourself. Because I will be having my next match."

    "Yeah, Thank you. Err..."

    "Uh huh?"

    "Tell me your name."

    "My name?"

    "Ren Ashbell is an alias, right? That''s not it, your real name."

    "..."

    After he hesitated for a while¡ª

    "It''s Kamito. Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Kazehaya Kamito."

    It had a strange and mysterious sound. The girl muttered that name as her tongue rolled.

    "Well, err... could we meet again? Kamito."

    "Eh? Ye...Yeah, once the de Dance finishes¡ª"

    "¡ªIs that so. It''s a promise, Kamito."

    ¡ªAfter that, in seven days, Ren Ashbell held the title of the Strongest de Dancer.

    However, the girl never met him again.

    Because he, who should have been granted his Wish, suddenly disappeared.

    - -

    Notes

    -

    1. ¡ü Furigana 101: ReadingMeaning

    -

 Volume 2, 1 - Team Battle

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 1 - Team Battle</h4>

    Part 1

    "U...h..."

    Areishia Spirit Academy, Raven ss dormitory.

    In a room, illuminated by the morning sun, Kazehaya Kamito woke up.

    (Hn, If I remember correctly, there will be a team battle in the morning.)

    Usually, he would enjoy a bit more time dozing off, however, today he could not do so.

    He had enough of beingte and getting lectured by the teacher, Freya.

    nning to fold the sheets and get up, he reached out both hands, only to¡ª

    *Funyuu*.

    Feel them touch something soft.

    (What is this? It''s small, tender... a little cold, but feels good.)

    *Funyuu*. *Funyuu*.

    Half awake, he yed with the mysterious soft thing within the palms of his hands, when-

    "You finally woke up, Kamito."

    "..."

    A voice made him freeze.

    A beautiful, nude girl was sitting on his chest.

    Her silver hair glittered in the morning sun. Her tight bare skin was white like milk.

    She was small, but had all the necessary curves. The girl''s figure was ideal.

    She looked at Kamito with her mysterious violet eyes, her face expressionless.

    "What''s the matter? You''re not going to y with my breasts anymore?"

    "... Owaaaaa!"

    Kamito straightened flustered and pointed at the beautiful girl before him,

    "Wh...Wh...What are you doing!? Or rather why are you nude?!"

    "I''m not nude, I''m properly wearing knee socks."

    Straddling Kamito''s abdomen she raised her knees to show him.

    Startled by that, mysteriously erotic, action, Kamito looked away flustered.

    "No, that''s worse! Becausepared to nude, knee socks nude is even, err,...that!"

    "Do you want me to take off my knee socks? Kamito... pervert."

    While staying expressionless the beautiful silver haired girl bashfully rubbed her knees.

    He did not understand why she reacted like that but, somehow, for this spirit, showing her bare feet seemed more embarrassing.

    Yes. This snow fairy like beautiful girl was not human.

    She was the sword spirit Est.

    ''She was an extremely powerful sealed spirit that made a spirit contract with Kamito a few days ago.

    But in her current condition, she could not exhibit even around a tenth of her original strength.

    Within his sub consciousness, Kamito was rejecting the spirit contract with her and as a result, she became unable to return to Astral Zero where her real form was.

    "A...Anyway, move aside Est!"

    "Roger, Kamito."

    Although Est seemed a little dissatisfied, she obediently moved.

    She was squirming on the sheet....The sensation of her soft thighs was bad for his heart.

    While scratching his bed hair in relief, Kamito finally got up and at that moment...

    *Chuu*.

    "...!?"

    It was a perfect surprise attack.

    Despite that noticing that he was kissed, itsted several seconds.

    The sensation of her soft lips gently separating turned his cheeks red hot.

    "You... Wh...What are you doing all of a sudden?!"

    "A wake up kiss, Kamito."

    Est answered expressionlessly.

    "Why do such¡ª"

    "Because it''s unfair you only kissed ire. Is it that you don''t want to do it with me?"

    Hearing Est''s ming tone, Kamito softened his voice.

    "You s...saw, didn''t you?...That."

    "Yes. Because, at that moment, I was also there."

    "...Ah,e to think of it, that is right."

    Kamito immediately recalled that moment and sighed heavily.

    A week ago, that time when he fought the frenzied militarized spirit in Academy Town.

    Est was certainly there¡ª in the form of a sword of his elemental waffe.

    It seemed that the moment, when ire kissed the exhausted, due to the loss of energy, boy to wake him up, was being observed.

    It was certain that it awakened him in one shot, however... now that he thought about it, it was also extremely embarrassing.

    "I heard that a kiss is an official ritual of a spirit contract. In that case, Est too."

    Est gently brushed her silver hair hanging by her cheeks.

    She closed her eyes, pouted slightly pitifully her cherry-colored lips and slowly brought her face near him.

    "So, why did it turn out like this?"

    "It''s only natural and it¡¯s within my rights. After all, I''m Kamito''s contracted spirit."

    "...!"

    Although she was an extremely strong sealed spirit, whose power, was at the moment concealed, Est''s current appearance was that of an ordinary cute girl.

    After being approached like this, Kamito thought that it couldn''t be helped that his heart was beating faster.

    "He...Hey, Est..."

    "Please close your eyes, master."

    Est brought her face closer in one motion. Their noses were almost touching now and he could smell her sweat scent and feel the tickle of her breath.

    Just before her rose bud like lips were about to touch his...

    "Kamito, there''s a team battle this morning, so be sure to make breakfast more luxurious than¡ª"

    "...!"

    *Bam!* The bathroom door was mmed opened and there¡ª

    "Wh...Wh...Wh...Wh..."

    A beautiful red-haired girl stood. Her ruby-colored eyes were wide open as she took in the scene before her.

    The girl¡¯s body was wrapped in a bath towel which hugged her gentle curves tightly.

    There was white steam rising from her, slightly cherry blossom colored after being washed, skin.

    Her breasts were definitely of a child''s size, but these small mounds were also plenty charming.

    From the tips of her soaking wet red hair, drops of water were falling onto the floor.

    On the bed, before her was nude... no, knee sock nude Est.

    That is when time froze.

    "ire... Y...You''re mistaken, this is...!"

    It was that moment when the flustered boy stood up and tried to exin.

    *Gogogogogogo...!*

    "Wh...What are you doing, you perverted sex maniac¡ª¡ª!"

    "Guoo!"

    A leather whip, used for training animals, came flying all of a sudden andnded a clean hit on his chin.

    Kamito wrapped the bed sheets around his body as he fell to the floor.

    "I...I''ve misjudged you, you licentious brute, beast!"

    While holding onto the bath towel with one hand, the girl approached briskly the boy, squirming on the floor, and forcefully trampled on his head with the heel of her bare foot.

    ire Rouge.

    She was his ssmate and, by some twist of fate, Kamito was tied to her by a master-servant contract.

    At least she had a ridiculously cute face and was a beautiful girl. She had however... an extremely brutal personality.

    "Wh...What-What were you doing? Hey, just now, what were you doing with that sword spirit?"

    *Pishii, pishii, pishiii!*

    "Hey, wait, stop... guoo!"

    It was a tempest of whips that relentlessly swung downwards. Her bristled red hair was just like zing mes.

    And during this constant onught of devastating whip blows...

    Kamito noticed something. He had wound up noticing something.

    "Wa...Wait...ire, isn''t that bad?"

    And then, as he had wound up noticing it, he had to voice it out. For her own sake.

    By the way, when it was about things like this, Kamito turned into a strangely honest and blunt person.

    "...? What?"

    Her clear ruby colored pupils sternly looked down on Kamito.

    "Erm, this angle... is err, very revealing."

    "Eh?"

    ire blinked as she had her foot on Kamito''s head.

    That is when she finally realized it.

    Kamitoy on the floor, with her foot on his head, and through the opening of her towel he could see her exposed tight.

    "...!"

    ire''s whole body felt hot from embarrassment.

    She fixed her bath towel in a fluster and her shoulders slightly trembled.

    "Y...Y...You, you!"

    *Gogogogogogogogogo...!*

    "Wa...Wait, this is a misunderstanding, rx! Err...I didn¡¯t see all the way inside!"

    It seemed like Kamito''s frantic excuse¡ª

    "..."

    Backfired.

    "...Oh, I understand."

    ire informed him with a shuddering voice.

    "After this, I''ll give you two choices. You better answer honestly."

    Kamito swallowed nervously and nodded continuously.

    Here, he should choose his answer carefully. Depending on his reply, it was not unlikely that he would be cinders.

    "About your cooking preferences, would you prefer medium? Or well-done?"

    ...Things like choices did not exist from the beginning.

    "I...If possible, rare is good but..."

    Just as Kamito gave his answer.

    "Scarlet!"

    From an empty space, a hell cat, d in crimson mes, appeared.

    "Roast huh, it''s decided then."

    It was after those words, said with a smile that promised nothing but painful death and a fascinated expression on her face that¡ª

    Spontaneously, a shy explosion resounded in Raven ss dormitory.

    Part 2

    Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Princess maidens from all over the empire gathered at this training school and learned how to be proper elementalists.

    Its vast territory included the Spirit Forest and the Academy Town. The academy also had residential teachers who possessed strength equal to that of the imperial capital''s spirit knights. It was just like an independent small country.

    At the same time the morning mist cleared up and the bell of lecturesmencing sounded, there was a particr one-horse carriage visiting the academy.

    Its coachman, an old butler in a suit, got down from the horse in front of the gate and opened the door of the carriage in a respectful manner.

    "We have arrived, Fianna-sama."

    "Thank you for your efforts, old man."

    Coming out of the carriage was a beautiful girl about fifteen, sixteen years old.

    Her glossy ck hair fluttered in the gentle breeze. Her cold looking eyes emitted a strong will. Her clear white skin could bepared to the virgin snow of the area of Laurenfrost and her uniform designed as a ck dress was gorgeous.

    The girl, called Fianna, alighted from the carriage and looked up at the building of the Academy. The sight of the school dazzled her.

    "This is Areishia Spirit Academy. The ce where elementalists from all over the empire gather."

    "Please be very careful, Fianna-sama. It¡¯s impossible to fool the eyes of that Dusk Witch with poor tricks."

    "I understand."

    With a nod, the girl gently grasped a spirit crystal, concealed by the sleeve of her uniform.

    In the empire''s currency, it was a good-for-nothing article of 20 million rood.

    "Rubia Elstein''s sister seems to be in this academy."

    "Princess, that name is a taboo. You better not say it here."

    "That¡¯s right."

    The Cmity Queen, who once brought about an unprecedented great disaster to the empire.

    As a taboo, that person''s true name was even prohibited from being spoken.

    It was said that just by muttering that name a pure girl''s sacred nature would be tainted.

    She considered it to be a ridiculous superstition. Nevertheless, the people, who saw her up close in the past, felt that there was a slice of uracy in those words. They believed in the jinx.

    (...That''s right. The truth is, the fear of her has yet to affect me.)

    The girl cleared her throat, then she lowered her voice and whispered.

    "Besides, I am also concerned about the elementalist called Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Hmm, is it that male elementalist? There was a talk, that a few days ago he defeated a frenzied militarized spirit in Academy Town."

    "Yes, based on all the eye-witnesses'' words, it seemed to be a splendid de dance of close resemnce to that of the strongest de dancer ¡ª Ren Ashbell."

    Fianna''s voice became lively as she got a little excited.

    The old butler gave her a stern look for that.

    "Princess, don''t tell me, you fell in love with that boy"

    "Fe...fell in love...!?"

    Fianna''s voice trembled from embarrassment. Her cheeks turned red.

    "Th...that can''t be it, right? After all, I have never met him before... it''s just that I have an interest in what kind of person this male elementalist is."

    It was a lie.

    The male elementalist, who defeated the frenzied militarized spirit in Academy Town.

    The moment Fianna heard that boy''s name, she immediately realized.

    It was him.

    Three years ago, that boy, who had saved her in the forest of Astral Zero.

    Despite promising to meet again, it was unknown why he disappeared after the de Dance.

    (¡ªHowever, I finally found him.)

    When she heard the report on that day, Fianna decided to enter the Areishia Spirit Academy.

    If that boy announced his candidacy to the de Dance again¡ª

    For her that was a once in lifetime opportunity.

    "Kamito, I''ll forgive you for breaking our promise."

    Fianna red at the school building of the academy and an impish smile surfaced.

    "However, I''m not letting you escape again?"

    Part 3

    About eight minutes have passed since the start of the match.

    In a deep forest, which was enshrouded in a light purple mist, two shadows were moving fast.

    "ire, watch the thicket on the left. There''s an ambush."

    "How do you know?"

    "Intuition, if it was me, I would ambush from over there¡ª"

    At that moment, just as Kamito suspected, bluish-white lightning bullets were fired from the left thicket.

    "Tch¡ª"

    Kamito kicked the ground and elerated. He jumped in front of ire and deflected the lightning bullets shot at the speed of sound with his sword.

    It was not a feat that could be achieved with just an ordinary de. Endowed with spirit magic resistance ability, the elemental waffe of sword spirit Est¡ª Terminus Est, made all the magic attacks ineffective.

    "ire!"

    Before Kamito shouted, ire was already on her target. The wind yed with her red hair and below her fluttering skirt, a leather whip holder could be seen.

    While she ced her foot on a tree branch and dodged the rain of fired lightning bullets, she released her elemental waffe¡ª metounge.

    There was a sharp swinging, cutting sound. The metounge, which could cut up everything, easily sliced through rows of standing trees.

    From the middle of the grove of trees that became almost bare in a moment, a thunder elementalist girl appeared.

    She had her eyes hidden under her forelocks which made her look a little gloomy.

    There was a cluster of bluish-white lightning bullets floating beside her.

    It was not a high ranking spirit like Est or Scarlet. It was a low ranking spirit that could only keep an indeterminate form, however, it was plenty helpful as a battery to use spirit magic.

    It seemed that that girl''s role was a disturbance by means of support fire.

    "Humph, a sniper who shows herself is the same as a turtleing up onnd."

    ire thrust her whip in a deration of victory. With the thunder spirit right behind her, the girl sniper ran towards the middle of the forest in a worried manner¡ª

    "You''re not getting away! Scarlet, chase her!"

    At the same time ire shouted, the elemental waffe metounge transformed into the form of a hell cat, d in mes.

    Because of being possessed by the frenzy spirit, Scarlet was once the size of a kitten, however, now it had recovered fully. Its form was of a lovely cat, but its strength was certainly of a roaring fierce lion.

    The surging crimson mes attacked the thunder elementalist girl.

    However, that scorching heat, which by right should melt even rocks, did not even burn a single ce of the girl''s body.

    That was because the battle field was situated in Astral Zero, which the academy used for practice matches.

    It was another world and spirits lived there.

    In the real world, spirits had to change into an embodiment of physical strength, but here they could be used as an embodiment of pure divine power.

    In other words, it almostpletely reduced the physical damage to the body.

    Nheless, it did not mean that shocks, pain and so forth disappeared, a consequence was that an equal damage would be delivered to the mind instead; for example, if one was torn up by Scarlet''s ws, he would certainly faint and be unable to battle.

    While carbonizing many trees of the forest, Scarlet was chasing closely behind the girl. However, the elementalist seemed to be considerably more ustomed to the terrain and prepared for battle and while distracting it with spirit magic, she was quickly making her escape deep into the forest.

    "Erghh, stay still!"

    Losing her temper, ire jumped down to the ground from the gap between the trees.

    "Since it came to this, I''ll blow everything together with my strongest spirit magic."

    "Wait, ire, the ground looks weird¡ª"

    Kamito shouted, and at that moment, arge quantity of earth and sand exploded from under ire''s feet.

    "Wh...!?"

    Appearing from underground were gigantic crustacean pincers.

    "Negligence is one''s greatest enemy, ire Rouge of Raven ss!"

    From inside the sand that was raising up and therge hole that opened in the ground, the carapace armor of countless protuberances flew out.

    It was a type of elemental waffe that covered the whole body in armor.

    ire was blown off by that st and has fallen to the ground. The spirit attacked using earth and sand and the impact left the body substantially damaged.

    "ire!"

    Before Kamito came running to her, the carapace elementalist was already in pursuit. This was not a coincidental attack. They were scrupulously aiming for the moment when ire went down onto the ground.

    "Eat this, the elemental waffe of the carapace spirit Kuraste¡ª Breaker Arm."

    "¡ªGuu! mes, dance in my hand, dance!"

    The fallen ire released countless fireballs from her hand.

    However, the armor type elemental waffe plunged right through the barrage of mes.

    "Ha, the me attribute isn''t effective against the carapace spirit. Didn''t you learn that during the lecture?"

    *Gaa*¡ª A shoulder-tackle by the carapace armor blew ire away.

    Kamito kicked the ground and quickly turned around. Holding Est in a reverse grip, he stopped ire''s body that came flying at him, embracing the girl tightly.

    "U...gh..."

    ire let out in anguid voice from his arms.

    It seemed that the recent attack had greatly drained her divine power; however, she still looked to be conscious.

    (Just before the crash, she released the fireballs at the ground and destroyed her opponent''s stance. As expected of her.)

    "Hey, are you alright?"

    "Y...yea... Eh... y...you, what are you doing!"

    Suddenly, ire''s face turned red.

    ire''s petite body was being held in such a manner that her back and knees were supported by both his hands.

    It was what was called being carried like a princess.

    "Fua... Id...idiot... qu...quickly put me down!"

    "He..hey, don''t struggle! You''ll fall!"

    "Shut up! Shut up! Quickly put me down¡ª¡ª!"

    Boka. Boka. Boka. Boka.

    ire started striking Kamito''s chest while being carried like a princess. This somehow made her look like a small, cute animal.

    "Are you worried about me? You don''t have to, you know. You''re pretty light."

    "Is th...that... because my chest is t?"

    "No, I didn¡¯t say such a thing. I just thought that you''re cute like a small animal."

    "...! Cu...cute..."

    She looked downwards with a red face and Kamito let her down with a relieved sigh.

    The carapace elementalist had already disappeared. It seemed that, because ire was defeated in the recent attack, she was waiting for another chance for a surprise assault. As opposed to her outward appearance, she was the cautious type.

    From deep within the forest, Scarlet, who was supposed to be chasing the thunder elementalist, returned.

    They did not seem to have suffered any injuries, but it looked like they let their prey escape.

    "That thunder elementalist purposely showed herself to us."

    "Yea, when I got down onto the ground while chasing her, that carapace armor stopped me with a surprise attack. We have suffered thoroughly from their good teamwork."

    Annoyed, ireshed at the ground with her whip.

    "As expected of a team of the cunning Wolverine ss."

    "It''s not that they''re particrly cunning or anything, considering their fellow spirits''patibility, it was an obvious strategy."

    Kamito said with a shrug and ire sullenly shut her mouth.

    "However, it''s strange that they aren''ting to chase us. I know that they''re being cautious but¡ª still."

    "That''s right. From the beginning, that thunder elementalist''s movement could only be seen as stalling for time."

    Astral Zero''s forest was quieting down.

    He couldn''t feel their presence at all, not from the surrounding thickets, nor from the underground.

    (With this time stalling, do they have some sort of n?)

    "I want to send out a scout to search for the enemy, but..."

    "If that was possible, I''d have already done it."

    At any rate, there were three people remaining in the opposing team. They on the other hand had just two. Depending on the situation, it could be that one person had to fight either two or three people. In a one-on-one battle, both Kamito and ire would not be defeated. However, if they were caught and taken on by more than two coordinated fighters, winning would be substantially more difficult.

    Also, even in the case of a one-on-one battle, the fellow spirits'' strength and weakness had to be considered. In an actual battle one should also remember the matter ofpatibility when the attributes of a spirit were more effective than an elementalist''s ability.

    "¡ªSeems like you''re having a tough battle, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Suddenly, from behind, a voice sounded.

    Kamito turned around and saw how a ck figure quickly appeared from inside of the shadow on the ground.

    The ck figure very quickly took on the form of an adult woman.

    She had glossy long ck hair and the sses she was wearing gave her a very intellectual appearance.

    She had on cuff-long white robe on top of her suit, that beautifuldy was¡ª

    "Ms. Freya?"

    Raven ss''s homeroom teacher and this match''s inspector, Freya Grandol.

    Thanks to her contracted spirit''s ability, she was able to travel through shadows¡ª

    "Is that alright? To appear in the middle of the match."

    "What, there''s no problem with giving poor-scoring students advice."

    Freya suddenly smiled and pushed up her sses.

    "Although, the team you''re currently facing is of a superior ranking, so you¡¯ll obviously have a tough battle. Based on individual strength, you two are nigh on unreachable, but your team strength iscking....By the way, why were you injured before the match?"

    "This morning, I was roasted."

    He red at ire beside him with scorn; in response she quickly averted her eyes.

    "In the first ce, though, I think it is strange to have a five-to-two match."

    Despite the fact they only had two people; the team they were facing had five people. They had already defeated two, but the sniper thunder elementalist, the hand-to-hand-fighting type carapace elementalist and then thest person, who had yet to show herself, were remaining.

    "Did you know? The fact that your team only has two people is bad. You can''t qualify for entry in this round''s de Dance without a five-member team. What do you n to do?"

    "We''ll find people before the deadline. We don''t really need to have all five members to be high level elementalists. After all, my n is for I, alone, and¡ª this ve spirit to win through this."

    ire muttered unintelligibly and Freya red at her with a serious face.

    "You had better not take group battles lightly, ire Rouge. You are certainly a strong elementalist, but even so you absolutely can''t beat a coordinated team."

    After that, she turned towards Kamito,

    "Do you know chess?"

    "Greyworth forcefully made me her ying partner. However, I had never won."

    "The queen is certainly a strong piece. In a one-on-one battle, there are hardly times when it will lose. However, depending on the situation, it is also possible for it to be taken down by a pawn, which is the weakest piece on the desk."

    "I know about that."

    "But you do not understand it. Your fighting method feels...awfully isted."

    Without responding, Kamito shut his mouth.

    The boy, who was once called¡ª the strongest de dancer. He, who was raised as an assassin at that mad Instructional School had never experienced fighting alongside hisrades.

    Creeping to the target''s back and cutting its throat¡ª that was his original fighting method.

    On a whim of the Elemental Lords, the de Dance''s regtion was changed every time it was held.

    The de Dance, fifteen years ago, was a battle royale.

    The one three years ago, was an individual elimination match.

    This time however it was a teampetition.

    Honestly, he didn''t think that his teamwork with ire was turning out well.

    And the three-year long nk period was for him, as an elementalist, a fatal w.

    He also had a contracted spirit, who could not exhibit even a tenth of her strength yet.

    There were many factors that had to be ovee.

    "ire Rouge, you too. You do not understand what it means to fight in a team."

    "I''m always alone. T...this guy is just a ve spirit..."

    "Oh dear, you two have many difficulties in store for you."

    Freya sighed and disappeared into the shadow again.

    "...Hmm, because of that just now, two minutes have been used up. There are about five minutes remaining."

    As it was, if they did not reach a conclusion soon, both team''s inter-school rank would drop.

    It will affect this two, who were still of low rank, greatly.

    ¡ªThen, the hell cat, snuggling at the side of ire''s feet, let out a roar.

    "Hey, Scarlet is saying something."

    "Yeah, the forest looks strange. The wild animals are stirring up."

    ire was frowning with a serious face for some reason¡ª

    "There¡ª"

    She suddenly faced the forest and fired a fire attribute spirit magic.

    It was a fireball¡ª a high ranking spirit magic that would reduce a target to ashes with ultra-hot mes.

    The red hot mes licked the ground and the forest near it was reduced to ashes.

    With the rising ck smoke, a boorish figure appeared standing in a rxed manner.

    "Well, what a frightening youngdy."

    The girl wore the carapace armor of her elemental waffe over her body.

    Despite receiving a direct hit of the fireball, she did not have a single burn mark.

    "This is unexpected... you came out for a fairly fight. Have you already given up on a surprise attack?"

    "Our roles have ended. The leader''s preparations have beenpleted."

    "Preparations?"

    ire and Kamito frowned simultaneously.

    From the direction the ck smoke was rising up¡ª

    "Huh....?" "What... is that!?"

    A gigantic timber-scaffolding was put together.

    While its structure was simple, it was without a doubt a splendid shrine.

    And top of it a small girl, wearing the academy uniform, was dancing. It looked like she was carrying some kind of a ritual.

    The girl had beautiful tinum-blonde hair held by a wooden cane.

    "Our brethren, now is the time, hand down the iron hammer to the forest devastators!"

    From the top of the gigantic scaffolding, she faced their side and thrust the cane with a snap.

    "Wh...what''s going on, that girl... when did she manage to make a shrine that big!?"

    "We were preparing it from thest night to have it ready for today''s match."

    The carapace elementalist girl proudly held up her pincers.

    ...Indeed, if it was with that spirit''s power, it should be possible to make the shrine in a night.

    "I...it''s unfair, that thing! A ritual kagura!"

    "Uh-huh, it isn''t unfair! Without arge-scale ritual, I can''t call out my contracted spirit!"

    The girl, who was on top of the scaffolding and holding a cane, shouted.

    "Shut up, children should stay silent!"

    "Unh, what do you mean by children, isn''t your chest small too?"

    "What... did you say?"

    Pakii! The sound of a twig being stepped on and broken resounded. ire''s red hair was bristling up like a zing me.

    "The family of Druid..."

    Kamito muttered wiping the sweat from his forehead.

    They were nobles from the Ordesia Empire. It was a family of ancient honorable elementalists, which had lived in the spirit forest since before the foundation of the empire and seeded the blood rtionship of the princess maidens with their original methods.

    "That girl''s spirit is a little special, summoning takes time."

    "I see, so that was the reason you were stalling..."

    The ground was violently shaking. The mes of the torches, lighting the area surrounding the shrine, were thunderously burning up.

    ...He felt tremendous pressure. What that girl was trying to use was an outrageously powerful spirit. It was likely that it roughly matched the giant military spirit they fought the other day.

    "¡ªI won''t let you. Scarlet!"

    ire released Scarlet as its elemental waffe, metounge, and hit the ground very hard.

    "Kamito, I''ll hold her back. You go destroy that shrine."

    "Got it!"

    Kamito nodded and ran with the silver-glittering Terminus Est in his hand.

    As an elementalist, ire was a genius.

    Although thepatibility of hers and carapace spirit worked against her, in a one-on-one battle, she would not lose.

    There was a considerable distance till the shrine, but with Kamito''s speed, he should make it in time.

    "...!?"

    Suddenly the ground in front of him burst open.

    From within the thicket, spirit magic lightning bullets were fired.

    It was the thunder spirit girl. Naturally, Kamito had also predicted that an ambush was hidden in the forest.

    However¡ª

    "Toryaaaaaa!"

    "Wha...!?"

    This was unexpected. ¡ªThe elementalist herself came interfering.

    It was impossible to ignore. Kamito stopped and turned around.

    (I''ll stun her in one strike¡ª)

    He nimbly evaded her attack and aimed the handle of the sword at her stomach¡ª

    At that moment, an intense sh blinded him.

    The thunder spirit, the girl was using, blew itself up in front of him.

    The rain of the intense lightning attack assaulted Kamito. Sharp pain and then numbness ran throughout his whole body.

    It wasn¡¯t strong enough to incapacitate him. However, he was, for a while, stunned.

    Before his eyes recovered, the girl, also caught in the explosion, fainted and had therefore been defeated.

    (That girl aimed for a tie from the start...)

    It was a strategy unsuited for individual battles, but when working in a team, it was a good way to achieve victory.

    Her duty was to stop him for a while. And in that she had seeded.

    "We''re done for..."

    "Come, tyrant governor! Thou, beast king of the destruction army that grinds and smashes everything!"

    On top of the shrine, the forest girl aimed the cane to the sky and recited the majestic summoning.

    The ritual has beenpleted.

    "...Its name is beast swarm spirit Cernunnos!"

    From everywhere in the forest, a countless number of roars could be heard.

    That Druid girl was calling the beasts that were living in Astral Zero.

    "The beast swarm spirit... a spirit of vast possession range type!"

    It was the same as the frenzy spirit that drove ire''s Scarlet, the militarized spirit and many others mad, a type that could possess targets from a longer distance.

    *Dodododododododododoo!*

    The group of beasts, which were controlled by the swarm spirit, made the earth tremble when they came charging.

    "Be...Because they aren''t spirits, if they were trampled, they would die. Normally."

    "I...If it''s the handling of animals, I too will not lose!"

    *Pishi!* *Pishi!* ire, who defeated the carapace elementalist, swung her whip.

    "Give it up, ire, it''s our loss."

    "¡ªThe match is over."

    The teacher Freya, who appeared quickly like a shadow, blew into the whistle announcing the end of the match.

 Volume 2, 2 - The Young Ladiesâ€™ Afternoon

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 2 - The Young Ladies'' Afternoon</h4>

    Part 1

    "Mugugug..."

    ire Rouge was stuffing a cream bun down her throat.

    It was a sight unusual for her, who took it as a creed¡ª that nobles are always elegant.

    "Don''t binge, you''ll get fat you know."

    Kamito red with his eyes half-opened and ire struck the table in frustration.

    "But, but, urggggh!"

    "ire. That''s my jam bun."

    Est protested calmly.

    They were at a salon caf¨¦ inside the academy.

    From the opened terrace, soft daylight was shining in.

    The three of them were sitting at a round table near a window and having a slightlyte lunch.

    Inside the bamboo basket, ced right in the middle of that table, was a pile of jam, melon, sausage and many other different kinds of buns.

    Any student could use the caf¨¦ and on top of that the freshly baked buns were free. Coffee and ck tea also had free refills.

    There was also an eatery in the academy, but because it charged a fee equal to a high-ss restaurant in the imperial capital, neither Kamito, who was not even a noble, nor ire, who had her fortune and territory confiscated, could afford it.

    "Our team ranking dropped again."

    ireid, prostrated, on the table and groaned.

    "It can''t be helped. We were matched up with a superior team. "

    "That may be true... but strength-wise, we are definitively better than them."

    ire gnawed her lip. Although they were at a disadvantage in numbers, she seemed to be unable toe to terms with losing to lower rank opponents.

    It was certain that as elementalists they were superior.

    The reason they lost was their inability to execute proper coordination with each other. ire overestimated her strength and chased her enemies too far in, and Kamito too could not rely on her in a dire situation.

    It was not possible to win with just the queen piece¡ª in other words, their situation was something like that.

    "Despite that it''s not the time to be stumbling about now..."

    There was a reason ire was impatient to the point like she was binge eating the buns.

    The regtions of the de Dance held in two months were different from the individual battles three years ago, if they didn¡¯t put together a five-member team, they wouldn¡¯t be able to take part in it. In addition, only the top three teams decided by the inter-schoolpetition could participate from Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Kamito, who started attending the school just a while ago, had no achievements that could raise his ranking.

    To raise it, one had to win a formal practice match like the one from this morning orplete a task assigned by the academy; however, he had done neither.

    Defeating the giant spirit the other day, dueling with Sylphid Knights captain Ellis Fahrengart or even battling the frenzied demon spirit, those were all informal battles and did not reflect on the rankings.

    On the other hand, ire, who should have towered above the rest and been superior as an elementalist¡ª

    Had shockingly the lowest results in the ss.

    There could be only one reason for that. It was because she was doing every mission alone.

    She failed when she attempted the missions that should be originallypleted by a team and she was defeated when she challenged upper ssmen alone in a championship match. As long as she did such a thing, no matter how strong she was, there was no way her ranking could raise.

    There was a reason ire was isted from the rest of the academy.

    Rubia Elstein.

    Four years ago, while she had the position of Queen serving the fire Elemental Lord, she betrayed him, disappeared, and brought about an unprecedented great disaster to the empire. Because of that others started calling her The Cmity Queen.

    As her younger sister, ire was looked at with contempt and fear by the majority of the academy students.

    ire''s reason for participating in the de Dance was to restore the Elstein family name and ¡ªabove all else¡ª to find out the truth regarding her elder sister Rubia Elstein.

    ¡ªIt''s not the time to be stumbling about now.

    Blood-oozing emotions filled ire''s rough words.

    "For now, we should also findrades quickly. I understood it during this morning''s match. If we stay as we are now, we not only won''t be able to win the de Dance, but wouldn''t even get into the top three ranks, which is required for the participation."

    The boy, called the strongest de dancer three years ago, epted his greatest weakness honestly.

    At first, he just came to the academy due to Greyworth''s request, but now he clearly had a reason to regain his strength from three years ago.

    Darkness spirit Restia¡ªhis former contracted spirit.

    That reason was to take her back with his own hands.

    The girl who, for the first time, brought light to Kamito''s life, which was shrouded in darkness before.

    And also the girl who gave a heartbroken ire the frenzy spirit and tried to drive the giant spirit mad in the middle of the town.

    He met her again, but she was vastly different from the one Kamito once knew.

    ¡ªWhat on earth happened to her?

    So, for the sake of knowing that, he absolutely had to meet the participation requirements for the de Dance.

    "Kamito, what''s wrong? You''re making such a serious face."

    "Did you forget to put sugar into your coffee?"

    ire and Est peered at his face with a worried look.

    "No, sorry, it''s just..."

    "By any chance, is it about your former contracted spirit?"

    She was surprisingly sharp at times like this.

    Kamito quickly averted his eyes from the ruby pupils that peered in his own.

    "...Well... Fine. But tell me everything when you feel like it."

    ire did not try to pry deeper. Despite her arrogance, there were, asionally, times when she showed consideration.

    "...Ah, I understand."

    Kamito nodded when-.

    "Ah, everyone, having lunch?"

    A cool but elegant voice was heard.

    The boy turned around. And there¡ª

    A magnificent, tinum-blonde haired and beautiful girl was standing.

    Her very appearance was of a noble high-ssdy.

    Her milky white skin was smooth like silk and her emerald eyes locked a faint glow in them.

    The way she brushed her hair aside with one hand at her side looked strangely good.

    Rinslet Laurenfrost.

    She attended the Raven ss, just as Kamito and was ire''s self-proimed rival.

    Due to her rivalry with ire, she was trying to make Kamito her manservant. She was a troubling youngdy.

    Right beside her was¡ª

    "Fufu, what a delicious smell."

    A girl dressed in a maid uniform. She had a gentle smile on her lips as she stood there.

    She was wearing a long skirt with a lot of neat frills attached. Her hair was cut into short bobs and she had a lovely white brim on her head.

    She was Rinslet''s personal maid, Carol.

    Kamito didn¡¯t know why there was a maid in the academy, but she was the only one he saw here. So, it would certainly have been an exception made for the Laurenfrost family.

    "...Why did youe here, Rinslet?"

    ire swallowed her bun and sternly red at the blonde.

    "I just happened to pass by. What a very simple lunch you have, just buns."

    Rinslet swiped her hair over her shoulder and looked down on the three of them calmly.

    "Mdy is saying that she wants to eat together with everyone."

    "Wh... Carol, what are you talking about!"

    *Poka!* *Poka!* Rinslet''s face turned bright red as she started hitting Carol''s shoulders.

    As expected of her exclusive maid, it was a magnificent interpretation.

    "Sit down both of you. You came all the way here after all, so let''s eat together."

    Kamito suggested only to have ire step on his foot hard.

    "Ouch, what are you doing?!"

    "Nothing? I just thought youck loyalty...Idiot."

    "I...it''s n...not like I particrly want to eat together with you all!"

    "Mdy is saying it''ll be nice to sit next to Kamito."

    "Carol!"

    Carol soothed the embarrassed girl and got her to settle down.

    Rinslet, sat next to Kamito and averted her eyes as she asked.

    "...H...How are your injuries?"

    "Ah, they¡¯ve mostly healed. All thanks to the healing spirit."

    It was about the injury he got from the time he fought the giant spirit. Probably because he overdid it, it''ll take a little longer to heal than he thought, but as expected, the academy spirit''s medical care was excellent.

    "Fufu, Mdy has been constantly worrying about Kamito-sama."

    "Carol, d...don''t say anything unnecessary!"

    Rinslet snapped with a grinding noise.

    "However, it is also natural that Mdy would be worried. After all, Kamito-sama is under one roof with Mdy ire, so it wouldn''t be odd if something were to happen.

    "Wha...What are you saying, you stupid maid! There''s no way such things would happen."

    This time it was ire who snapped.

    "...What kind of worry is that?"

    Est was munching on a melon bun and beside her Kamito just sighed wearily at their antics.

    This was how Rinslet and Carol ended up having lunch together.

    Even ire, who appeared upset at the beginning, eventually started talking about this morning''s match. Then about which stores cake was more delicious, how boring the introduction lection about the foundation of spirit learning was, and just like that, normal girl-like conversations were beginning to bloom.

    Somehow these two were on pretty good terms. It was especially surprising for ire, who was isted from the rest of her peers at the academy. It could be said that Rinslet was her only friend.

    "That reminds me; it seems that a newly admitted student is joining the Raven ss."

    "Our ss? Despite the fact that Kamito just came in recently?"

    "Yeah, I hear it''s a daughter of noble of high social standing."

    "Hmm, but even if we''re talking about social status in this academy, there''s the Fahrengart family and the Laurenfrost family... Isn''t it like a bargain sale of nobles?"

    "Hey! Would you please not lump the militaristic Fahrengart family with the true pedigree Laurenfrost family?"

    "I don''t care about such things... What''s wrong, Kamito?"

    At any rate, Raven ss was famous for gathering the most troublesome students.

    He just thought that if people like ire and Rinslet were to increase in numbers, it would be... worrisome.

    "In the practical skill entrance examination that took ce in the morning, she seemed to be using a holy spirit."

    The maid, Carol, pulled out a memo from her cleavage.

    Carol''s maid memo pad¡ª aka "Carol''s Notes," was stuffed with data on the academy students and teachers... Kamito did not understand clearly what on earth she used it for.

    "Hmm, a holy spirit user?..."

    The holy spirit was one of the five grand element spirits, but there were not that many elementalists who used it.

    It was extremely prideful and chose its own user.

    Among princess maidens, it was said that it only opens its heart to especially pure noble girls.

    (Even in thepetition three years ago, a holy spirit user gave me a tough fight...)

    After all, a holy spirit had an extremely badpatibility with the darkness spirit Kamito was contracted with.

    But then again, at that time, Kamito''s strengthpletely surpassed the opponent elementalist''s, that was why he did not lose.

    "Ah, by the way, it seems like it''s a very lovely big-breasted girl."

    "Carol, from where on earth did you procure such information?"

    "Ah, Kamito-san, are you interested?"

    Carol ced her hand near her mouth and smiled.

    "Hmm, you are very concerned about the information of a big-breasted admitted student, huh?"

    "Eh?"

    Gogogogogogogo......!

    Kamito turned around and ire raised her eyebrows ring at him.

    "Really, men are just idiots!"

    "Kamito, do you have no distinction? Are you just a beast without reason?"

    Somehow, even Rinslet and Est were ring¡ª

    Gyuuuuuuuuu!

    Kamito''s cheeks were pinched by the three of them.

    (This is unreasonable...)

    Part 2

    After various things happened, the lunch of buns ended and it was time to rest.

    "Ahh, that reminds me¡ª"

    Ahem! Rinslet cleared her throat and said,

    "Have you gathered members for your team for the de Dance?"

    "...N...not yet."

    ire shook her head in shame.

    Rinslet smiled, it seemed she already knew that answer.

    "Ah, you still have not? It seems I¡¯ve touched a sore spot."

    Fufun! She held up her tea cup in an elegant manner.

    ire sullenly responded.

    "It''s just that there isn''t a person who matches up to our desired skill level. What about you? Have you decided on your members?"

    "Tha...that''s... I just have not found a person who matches with my skill level!"

    "Eh? Rinslet, you couldn''t gather anyone either?"

    Kamito tilted his head to the side.

    As one who used the demon ice spirit Fenrir, Rinslet was about on par with ire, ability-wise.

    He thought that if it was her, she would be highly sought after but...

    "Fo...for now, there isn''t, for now!"

    Rinslet''s face reddened and she quickly turned away.

    "Kamito-san, Mdy¡ª"

    "Uh huh?"

    Carol tugged Kamito''s sleeves as she came to his side, telling him the reasons in his ear.

    "The truth is... *mumbling*..."

    "Hmm..."

    ording to Carol''s words¡ª

    It seemed that although she had tried gathering a team several times, so far, the ideals she demanded from her members were too high and her excessively big pride didn''t help things go smoothly either. The teams she gathered repeatedly broke up and so, there were no students left to invite.

    ...How should he say it, it was indeed a Rinslet-like reason.

    "Hmm, her pride is certainly high but... she is a good girl, regardless."

    "That''s right..."

    Carol earnestly nodded.

    "Carol, what are you talking about with Kamito-san!?"

    "It was about the order in which Mdy washes her body in the bath."

    "Carol!"

    ncing at the yful youngdy and her maid, ire sighed deeply.

    "Haa... I wonder if there''s really no one... An excellent elementalist who will enter our team."

    "...We...well, you seem to be in a dire situation."

    Ahem.

    Rinslet coughed and looked at ire with one eye.

    "That''s right. I better try approaching the newly admitted student you just mentioned. Perhaps I¡¯ll get lucky."

    "That is right. However, there might be an even better member for the team and she might be unexpectedly close."

    Ahem. Ahem.

    ...Kamito finally realized.

    (Ahh, I see. So that''s the reason she brought up the subject of the team.)

    "Hey, ire, give me just a minute¡ª"

    "What? Faa, do..don''t suddenly breathe into my ear."

    "What are you turning red for? Lend me your ear for a while and listen."

    Kamito whispered into ire''s ear in a quiet voice.

    "For some reason, this youngdy obviously wants to join us as arade but are you against it?"

    "Absolutely against it."

    ire immediately replied.

    "Why? Rinslet''s is more than adequate with her battle strength."

    "That''s... even I recognize her strength. However, no. We suffered in the duel with Ellis a while ago, didn''t we? Because she didn¡¯t even think the slightest about teamwork."

    "Well, wh..."

    It was certain that in the duel with Ellis'' group the other day, despite being a sniper, she was standing in the most conspicuous ce for some reason and was knocked down in the very beginning.

    "Be...besides, Rinslet... about you..."

    "Hn? Did you say something?"

    "I..it''s nothing, at any rate, it''s a no! No Rinslet!"

    "Err, this goes without saying, but isn''t she somewhat pitiful?"

    "Wh...what are you two sneakily talking about?!"

    While twirling the front of her tinum blonde hair with her index finger, Rinslet was staring at them with a fidgety, nervous expression.

    "Wh...?"

    "......"

    ire groaned seemingly unhappy.

    "...I got it. I''ll try asking for the time being."

    She sighed deeply and nodded. There were two months remaining till the opening of the de Dance. She might have reconsidered and epted that it wasn''t the time to be making a fuss about her desires anymore.

    "Hey, Rinslet."

    "Wh...what is it, ire Rouge?"

    Rinslet tensed and her voice sounded slightly excited.

    "You wouldn''t, by any chance, want to enter my team?"

    "Id...idiot, you''re asking too bluntly!"

    Kamito shouted in a soft voice.

    Asking Rinslet, who was a highly prideful girl, in such a way¡ª

    Rinslet''s finger, which was twirling a lock of her hair stopped.

    "Hm, if you think about what you suddenly said¡ª"

    She ced her hand at her waist and pointed at ire in a thrust.

    "Aren''t you the ones who want to join my team?"

    "Huh?"

    ire''s eyebrows sternly lifted up.

    "What are you saying? Are you an idiot? You''ll join my team!"

    "Rejected, rejected, rejected. You two will join my team!"

    The two high-ss youngdies started quarreling about something trivial.

    ...Theypletely wouldn''t see eye to eye.

    "Either way is the same, right..."

    Kamito retorted,

    "It''spletely different!" "It ispletely different!"

    They shouted together. Only at a time like this were their breaths in sync.

    "...Uhm, these two are hopeless, it would be absolutely impossible for them to be a team."

    "Really, can''t you guys keep quiet? This is a public ce!"

    A cold voice resounded in the salon caf¨¦.

    Everybody turned around¡ª

    At the entrance, a ponytailed beautiful girl, wearing light armor, was standing.

    "Ellis!"

    ire sullenly groaned....Another hindrance came. She had an expression saying that.

    Ellis Fahrengart.

    The captain of the Sylphid Knights, who observed the academy''s public morals.

    She was charming in appearance which waspletely opposite to her strict personality. Her rtionship with ire''s group, which normally caused problems, seemed to be mutually bad.

    Although, it did not mean that she was such a hard-to-deal-with person to Kamito.

    At first, when he entered into the academy, just because he was a male elementalist, she was prejudiced against him, but she had already remorsefully apologized to him regarding that matter.

    Even if there were times she was a little too serious she was a straightforward person, who held a strong belief for their own case. He could respect that part of her that held the pride of a knight.

    Ellis walked, briskly, towards their table.

    "Captain-sama, what business do you have with us?"

    "If it''s about the duel, I''ll ept a rematch anytime."

    Rinslet and ire, both gained a dangerous glint in their eyes.

    On that subject, the duel the other day remained unsettled because of the demon spirit''s sudden intrusion.

    He wondered if they were going to try to conclude that match again.

    (......Spare me. A duel again, no thanks.)

    Coming closer, Ellis looked down at ire with sharp eyes.

    "Hmm, I have no problem settling it here and now, ire Rouge."

    "Just what I want."

    Ellis drew out her sword and ire also pulled out her leather whip from under her skirt.

    In the tense atmosphere, the girls, who upied the surrounding tables, stood up rattling.

    "Hey, ire..."

    Kamito attempted to stop it¡ª

    "Ca-Captain, calm down!"

    "Y...you can''t draw out a sword here!"

    From the caf¨¦''s entrance, two girls run in with flustered looks.

    They were wearing the same Knights armor as Ellis.

    One was a short haired and boyish and the other a somehow serious looking girl with braided hair.

    Kamito immediately recognized them both. They were the Knights he fought in the duel the other day.

    If he remembered right, their names were¡ª Rakka, for the one with the short hair, and Reishia, for the one with the braids.

    Stopped by herrades, Ellis sheathed her sword embarrassed.

    "...S...Sorry, my Knights followers."

    Feeling ashamed, she cleared her throat and apologized to the two girls¡ª

    Then she turned towards Kamito.

    "Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Me?"

    Kamito tilted his head to the side, seemingly puzzled. ire aside, he certainly did not recall doing anything to be kept an eye on by the Knights.

    "It seems you lostpletely to the Wolverine ss in this morning''s match."

    "What?! As I thought, you''re trying to pick a fight."

    ire stood up with a nk sound.

    "That''s not it. Th...the truth is Kazehaya Kamito, you¡ª"

    Ellis shook her head, and rapidly blushed and bashfully looked down.

    "Hn, what''s the matter?"

    "So, err..."

    "Come on, Captain, it is embarrassing so you better say it quickly."

    "You''re always so resolute but at times like this you are too slow."

    Reishia and Rakka were whispering behind Ellis.

    "However, such a timid captain is also cute."

    "Ahh, it''s like that, it''s almost like a girl who has fallen in love¡ª"

    "D...don''t make fun of me! I...I am really not thinking about such an insolent person!"

    Ellis shouted with her face turned bright red.

    After that she coughed to cover their whispers up.

    "It is certain that I''ve gotten a better opinion of you because of that day''s case, but... that''s all. The one I admire is a pure strong female like the Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer. It''s most certainly not a boy!"

    "..."

    With half-opened eyes, Kamito gazed at Ellis, who informed him about that in a cold voice.

    (...I''m sorry, your admired female is an illusion.)

    "Unh, wh..what''s with that look!"

    Ellis thrust her sword at the back of Kamito''s neck.

    "Is it that strange for me to be admiring Ren Ashbell?"

    "...N...no, that''s not it!"

    Kamito panicked and shook his head.

    At the event three years ago¡ª the dance of the participant, left a strong impression on the girls of the same generation. Henceforth, many princess maidens, who aimed to be elementalists aspired to be like her.

    It seemed that Ellis was not an exception either.

    "That''s enough, quickly state your business."

    "Shut up, I know that!"

    After turning and retorting to ire, Ellis stared at Kamito again.

    "Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    "Wh...what..."

    "Err, what I''m saying is,..."

    Ellis seemed nervous as her hand was lightly trembling.

    By the way, she didn¡¯t move the sword from his neck, so he couldn¡¯t help but feel his life in danger.

    "What I''m saying is... I...I want you!"

    "..."

    ¡ªSilence fell upon the cafe.

    ire and the others, even Rakka and Reishia, were dumbfounded.

    For a while, time froze.

    "Wh...wh...wh..wh..."

    ire was the first one who opened her mouth.

    Her face was bright red and her mouth opened and closed repeatedly.

    "...!?"

    Ellis widened her eyes, seemingly taken aback and shook her head.

    "Th...that''s not it... my words... just now... I didn¡¯t mean it!"

    "Wh-wh-what other possible meaning could those words have!?"

    "I wanted to say, th...that¡ª"

    After Ellis took a deep breath,

    "Kazehaya Kamito, would you join my team?"

    "Eh?"

    Kamito did not believe his ears when those unexpected words came out.

    (...Ellis and me, a team?)

    "What did you say?"

    ire and Rinslet were also staring in wonder.

    Rakka and Reishia saw Ellis turn bright red, and were grinning.

    "...Wait! Wh-what do you mean?"

    "I...I meant just that. Kazehaya Kamito, I wee you to my team. Because you defeated that militarized spirit, there''s nothing to object about with regards to your ability."

    Ellis replied fast and quickly averted her eyes, trying not to look at him.

    It seemed her true intention was to scout Kamito.

    But with a sword held at the back of his neck, rather than being scouted, it looked like he was being threatened.

    Ellis'' results were straight at the top of ss. If Kamito joined this team, in all likelihood his chances to obtain the entry qualifications for the de Dance would greatly increase.

    However¡ª

    "Ellis, I¡ª"

    "No way, this is my contracted spirit after all!"

    The one who interrupted Kamito''s reply with a shout was ire.

    She stood up from the chair and tightly grabbed the sleeves of Kamito''s uniform.

    "ire, you..."

    Kamito turned around and looked down only for his eyes to met her clear ruby pupils.

    ire''s had an anxious look in her eyes.

    It was likely that she was not aware of it, but she was staring at him pleadingly.

    (I see, she''s...)

    It seemed that being betrayed by her sister, Rubia, caused a deep wound to her heart.

    After being abandoned by someone, it could not be helped that things like that frightened her.

    That was why she kept to herself. She could not depend on anyone.

    Because she was afraid of being betrayed again¡ª

    "..."

    Kamito took a sharp breath and scratched his head.

    (...Being shown such a face...)

    With a wry smile, he gently ced his hand on top of ire''s head.

    His reply was obvious from the beginning. She did not have to be worried.

    "Ellis, sorry, but I am her contracted spirit. I don''t intend to change teams."

    "...Kamito!?"

    ire, taken aback, raised her face and widened her eyes.

    "...I see."

    Ellis tightly bit her lips.

    However, the next moment, she had already returned to her cold expression.

    "...I understand. I''m sorry for asking something unreasonable so suddenly."

    "No, me too... thank you for inviting me."

    Kamito apologized and Ellis was a little bashful.

    "I...it''s alright. It''s solely because you''re that sort of person, I¡ª"

    "Uh?"

    Ellis seemed to have said something, but her voice was so soft he didn''t catch it.

    "Ahh, you''ve been rejected."

    "It''s alright, the captain has us."

    "Y...you guys... I...it''s not like that!"

    Ellis turned bright red and shouted at her tworades, who were grinning teasingly at her.

    "H...hey, Kamito..." ire said

    "Hn?"

    While still holding Kamito''s uniform sleeve, she tried to shyly say something else.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "...Th...thank...you."

    "...? What?"

    She told him something, but her voice was too soft, so he could not hear her well.

    It was unusual for ire to be so hesitant.

    "S...so... erm..."

    And at that moment. Bam! The door opened¡ª

    "Is the licentious... no¡ª Kazehaya Kamito here?!"

    An academy student came running into the salon caf¨¦.

    She seemed to havee here in a great hurry so she was out of breath.

    (Wait, it seems like she was about to say licentious beast just now...)

    "I''m here."

    Kamito raised his hand and the girl stroked her chest in relief.

    "The headmistress is calling for you. So, go over there immediately."

    "Greyworth?"

    Part 3

    At a corner of the Academy Town that was part of Areishia Spirit Academy...

    At a table of a coffee lounge, which greatly stuck out on the outside, a strange set of customers was sitting.

    One of them was a ck haired girl dressed in a jet-ck dress.

    Darkness spirit Restia. The perpetrator who caused the militarized spirit from the imperial capital to go mad and brought great damage to Academy Town a week ago.

    And the other one was a thin boy with darkish skin and steel-like hard ck hair.

    He had good looks, but there was something strange about him. It was the pair of red eyes glowing slightly.

    The two of them should have drawn a lot of attention, but not only did no one around them pay them any note, it seemed that nobody could even perceive their presence.

    "¡ªSo, I just have to steal that specific sealed material from the academy''s library?"

    "Yeah, because of the incident the other day, I am unable to get close to the academy."

    "Tch, how troublesome, what do we need such a thing for again?"

    The boy spat onto the ground. However, no one found fault in that.

    "That thing sleeping in Mine Town is a fairly hard problem. The seal of the highest level Ordesia army spans severalyers. With only the releasing ritual, how many months would it take to wake it up¡ª"

    "Hmm, the disposed militarized spirit¡ª how are you going to collect that thing?"

    "You do not have the qualifications to know her prediction, Jio."

    The girl in ck clothing gently shook her head. The boy clicked his tongue.

    "Because you toyed with the militarized spirit of the imperial capital as you pleased, it became more difficult. Is it an order to steal it?"

    "Isn''t it fine, I could observe his current strength."

    "I guess. Honestly though, I am disappointed. Is that all he can do? I expected more from Ren Ashbell, the strongest de dancer."

    "He has not yet woken up."

    "I hope so. Even if I beat that now-cowardly guy, there would be no point in that."

    "Ah, you have the confidence you can defeat him?"

    "I''ll beat him. And then I''ll prove it. That this Jio Inzagi is the true sessor of the Demon King."

    The boy''s red lips curved into a smirk. On his whole body, countless numbers of spirit seals started shining.

    Just like the demon king Solomon he had¡ª the seals that carried seventy-two spirits.

 Volume 2, 3 - The Lost Queen

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 3 - The Lost Queen</h4>

    Part 1

    After that, Kamito, who parted from ire and the others, made his way towards the headmistress'' office immediately.

    He knocked and opened the door¡ª

    "You''rete, for how many seconds do you n to make thisdy wait?"

    That was the first thing Greyworth, who was sitting at the office desk, coldly said.

    The Dusk Witch ¡ª Greyworth Ciel Mais.

    Her figure was certainly that of a bewitchingly beautiful woman, but she was originally a spirit knight with a long military service, who had her name entered first on the list of Numbersthe twelve knightmanders.

    She had wavy ash-blonde hair. Her gray pupils were shining behind her small pair of sses.

    "Sorry, I heard that you have business with me and no matter what my walking became heavy."

    "Hmm, so now you''re able to run your rather cheeky mouth, are you? Where did the obedient pured from those days go? Really, this thing called the flow of time is cruel."

    "You''re the only one who doesn''t change, Greyworth. Your outward looks as well as your tricky character."

    Kamito loathsomely said in disdain.

    Greyworth is one of the few people who knew him three years ago.

    And she was the perpetrator who called Kamito, who threw away the name Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer, to the academy and attempted to make him participate in the de Dance two monthster.

    She did not tell him the reason for that.

    Although, it was often the case that the Dusk Witch worked Kamito hard without telling him anything.

    "That''s right, you have certainly changed. Compared to three years ago, you''ve be especially weak. In the practice match a while ago, what was that sorry performance when faced with an opponent of that level? If it was the you from the past, you would have overwhelmingly defeated that one person in under three minutes."

    "You were watching?...As usual your hobbies are bad."

    "In such a sorry state, your participation qualifications for the de Dance are also doubtful. Or, was it a fluke that you defeated that militarized spirit?"

    "That time was¡ª"

    Kamito slightly mumbled.

    It was not that he defeated it with just his own strength.

    Kamito, who had a chance meeting with his changed former contracted spirit and was struck with despair, was given the strength to stand once again by that red haired hell cat girl.

    (...!)

    Suddenly, the sensation of her soft lips was resurrected in his mind.

    To shake it off and cleanse the evil thoughts, Kamito shook his head in a fluster.

    "I also think that I''m miserable. I can''t even fully use my contracted spirit''s power yet."

    Kamito dropped his eyes onto his right hand, which was engraved with a spirit seal.

    "Is it that you still can''t forget your previous woman? How stubborn."

    "Don''t mess around! For me, Restia isn''t like that!"

    "On the contrary, getting hotheaded makes it increasingly suspicious. If you like, how about getting a lover or something in this academy? It might even divert a little of the loneliness."

    "Lov¡ª"

    "Or, are the girls in the academy too childlike? If that''s the case... I''m also good."

    Greyworth smiled bewitchingly and slightly pushed open her breast area with her fingertips.

    He identally saw an adult-like, ckcy lingerie in her cleavage.

    "D...don''t mess around!"

    "It''s a joke. Hmm, with that tone, it seems that you have not yet reached that level. I''ve heard rumors that you made a tiny breasted beautiful girl and a naked knee-socks spirit wait upon you and are indulging in an improper harem cohabitation life."

    "Guu..."

    Trying to refute, Kamito was at a loss for words.

    ...Looking at it objectively, that was the truth and so it was painful to be unable to deny it.

    "Greyworth, did you call me just to tell some worthless jokes?"

    "That''s right¡ª but, of course, that''s not the only thing."

    Greyworth creaked her chair and faced the visitor room at the inner side of the room.

    "I have a girl I want to introduce to you¡ª okay,e in"

    "Okay."

    From the inner room, came what sounded like a bell being turned over.

    The one who opened the door and appeared was¡ª

    A girl who wore a ck dresslike uniform, different from the academy''s uniform.

    It was a beautiful girl, whose beautiful long ck hair was impressive, to the extent that he was taken aback.

    She had clear ck pupils. Without thinking, Kamito was charmed by her neat and clean appearance.

    "...Eh?"

    The moment his eyes met with hers, she made a puzzled face for some reason.

    "Errm, you''re... Kazehaya Kamito-kun?"

    While blinking her eyes incessantly, the girl asked.

    "Ahh, that''s right, however¡ª"

    "But my impression is very..."

    ...It was somewhat strange, but it seemed the girl received a shock.

    (Wh...what''s with this?)

    "But, that''s right... he''s a boy after all and it''s already been three years."

    The girl was muttering to herself in a voice that Kamito could not hear.

    After that, she looked at Kamito''s face again.

    "Yes, there''s certainly a resemnce, yeah. Besides, this is fine¡ª"

    "What''s up, Fianna?"

    Greyworth called out, seemingly puzzled.

    "Ah, s...sorry! Err, this is the first time I''ve seen a male elementalist!"

    The girl called Fianna shook her head in a fluster.

    "Erm... who is this girl?"

    Kamito faced Greyworth and asked.

    Then, the girl, for some reason, made a sullen expression and pouted her lips.

    "I knew it, you didn''t remember... well, that''s fine though."

    "She is the recently admitted student who will be entering the same Raven ss as you."

    "Admitted student?"

    Ah! Kamito nodded. They were talking about it at the caf¨¦ just a while ago.

    (This girl is the one...)

    Carol was saying that she was a daughter of noble social status, but, in any case, in this academy thedies of noble social status were all around him, so he did not feel anything special.

    (After that, she said that... her breasts were big.)

    Without thinking, he nced towards the dress-like uniform''s chest area¡ª

    (...Indeed, certainly.)

    Kamito consented strangely.

    "She is the Ordesia Empire''s second princess, her Highness Fianna Ray Ordesia."

    "...Ordesia?"

    Kamito frowned for a moment¡ª

    "No way...!"

    His eyes widened in surprise.

    In Areishia Spirit Academy, which was an elementalist training organization, many genuine daughters of nobles were enrolled. This was the result of the empire''s royalty and nobles continuing the bloodline of elementalists through marriage of convenience that even spanned over several generations.

    Naturally, there were also exceptions, but, speaking of elementalists, it was normal for them to be daughters of nobles.

    Fahrengart, the head of the military family, and Laurenfrost, with a family history.

    Itsnds were currently seized, but ire''s Elstein family was also of a noble pedigree.

    However, this girl before him was¡ª the second princess of the Ordesia Empire.

    She was not even the nobility.

    She was what one would call¡ª the real princess.

    (Why would the empire''s princess be in the academy?)

    Daughters born into the Ordesia imperial family should be scheduled to stack up training as Queen candidates, serving the Five Great Elemental Lords, at the Queen training organization, the Divine Ritual Institute.

    In any case, Kamito kept that question in his chest for now and knelt down on the ground on one knee.

    "Please pardon my rudeness, your Highness."

    It was not that he specifically pledged allegiance to the Ordesia Empire, but the bearing to take before the royalty was harshly driven into him by his former contracted spirit.

    However, Fianna quietly shook her head.

    "That''s alright, we are students of the same academy here. Besides, although I''m called the second princess, I''m the Lost Queen, my social status is already gone."

    "The Lost Queen?"

    Kamito asked back¡ª then he recalled.

    (I see, the empire''s second princess!)

    He heard about it from rumors.

    (If I remember it, the girl was the Queen candidate to serve the Fire Elemental Lord.)

    Four years ago, the Fire Queen¡ª Rubia Elstein''s absconding happened.

    The empire fell into chaos for a moment by the wrath of the Fire Elemental Lord, who learned of her treachery.

    For the sake of appeasing the Fire Elemental Lord''s anger, the Divine Ritual Institute tried to support a second Queen but¡ª

    At that time, the empire''s second princess should have been supported as the sessor to Rubia.

    However, she never became Queen. At that time, she dered that she stepped down from the Queen candidacy for some reason and her existence was erased from the imperial family.

    The reason that she had rejected to be Queen was not officially announced so far.

    Henceforth, the second princesspletely disappeared from the center stage.

    That Lost Queen meant this girl in front of him?

    "It''s just as she says. As long as you pass through this academy''s gates, no matter what social status the princess maidens have, there is no special treatment. Even a princess, a male elementalist, or the Cmity Queen''s sister."

    "There you have it, I''m the former princess, but nice to meet you, Kazehaya Kamito-kun."

    Fianna smiled and picked up the sides of her skirt with her fingertips, then bowed elegantly.

    "A...Ah, nice to meet you¡ª"

    Kamito stood up and his expression froze.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "No, err..."

    While scratching his face, Kamito looked away.

    "?"

    Fianna tilted her head to the side.

    "Kyaa!"

    It seemed she realized that what she was holding up was not a ball dress, but a short length uniform skirt.

    Her mature ck underwear, weaved withces, was firmly etched into Kamito''s retina.

    "Ka...Kamito-kun... pervert."

    The former princess'' face turned red as she embarrassedly muttered.

    "I...I''m sorry..."

    "You two, don''t flirt and act lovey-dovey in front of my eyes. It''s irritating."

    Greyworth red at Kamito, with her eyes filled with bloodlust.

    "...I''m sorry. And why did you call for me?"

    About this witch. It was probably not just to introduce the admitted student.

    (To introduce the empire''s princess to me, what is she scheming?)

    As if she read Kamito''s emotions, the witch pushed up her sses, seemingly sullen.

    "It''s regrettable, despite purposely preparing a special quest for your sake."

    "A special quest?"

    "That''s right. It was just nice that I had a quest I wanted to entrust her with, so I wanted your team to apany her as her guards."

    Part 2

    ¡ªA quest.

    Together with official matches with fellow academy students, it was the system that supported the academy ranking system.

    A given quest could set various objectives, from kagura by a de dance, the suppression of a rampaging spirit, the excavation and investigation of the sealed spirit, to the subjugation of elementalists gone astray.

    Bypleting the quests that were divided into ranks depending on the danger level, the academy students could raise their team rankings just as they do by winning official matches.

    "By the way, this quest''s difficulty level is S rank."

    "S rank?"

    Without thinking, Kamito inquired back.

    An S rank quest was the highest difficulty level quest in the academy''s ranking.

    The amount of ranking points it could was extraordinary, but it was a dangerous quest that could even result in death, depending on the situation. It should not even be possible to sign up for it with Kamito''s current ranking.

    "Did you prepare things behind the scenes?"

    "Your hearing is bad. I said that I don''t practice special treatment. It just means that the ones suitable for this quest are Fianna and you. If you disagree, then I''ll spread the word around to other teams."

    "..."

    It was not a bad deal. On the contrary, looking at Kamito''s current team, it was a godsend.

    Till the opening of the de Dance, there already were only two months left. No, the final examination to decide the top three participating teams would take ce even earlier.

    With their current pace, they could not possibly make it by the means of regr official matches and quests.

    Greyworth was somehow bent on making Kamito participate in the de Dance.

    But as one would expect, forcing in a representative of the empire through the power of the Academy''s headmistress was not possible.

    Therefore, she got the S rank quest, whose danger level was high, and thepletion bonus, which was also extremely high.

    (If we couldplete the quest, that would be it¡ª Huh?)

    He was not pleased to move in ordance to Greyworth''s expectation, but??

    If it was a quest to guard an important person, he had the experience of doing such things several times in the past.

    Certainly, it was far better than raising the inter-school ranking steadily through the official matches.

    "¡ªI understand. Exin the details of the quest."

    "That''s the spirit."

    Kamito prompted and Greyworth smiled.

    "Do you know Mine Town Gado?"

    "Gado? Well, I roughly know its name. It is a town with the mine that was abandoned a few decades ago."

    Mine Town Gado. It was formerly a town withrge spirit crystal mining grounds, but, during the second Ranbal war, spirit crystal deposits were exhausted, and it became a town with apletely abandoned mine.

    It should certainly be a ghost town full of ruins nowadays.

    "There have been frequent urrences of strange earthquakes at that mine recently. I want you to go there and investigate that."

    "Investigate the earthquakes?"

    For the academy to bring in an investigation request meant that it was probably not an ordinary earthquake.

    It was often the case that the earth attribute spirits that rule over thend caused the earthquakes.

    If that was because a spirit was angry or was in a frenzy, it could be appeased by a ritual of a de dance. Depending on the situation, there were also cases where a subjugation unit of spirit knights was formed.

    As a quest it was rtively typical, but¡ª

    "Stop joking. Why is an ordinary earthquake investigation an S rank quest?"

    He did not think that such level of danger would be involved if it was just an ordinary earth spirit investigation.

    Compared to the quest''s risk, the assigned rank seemed too high.

    "You''re being distrustful as usual, can''t you trust my good will?"

    "Can I trust it? You never lie. However, you also never speak the truth."

    "Hmm...well, it is indeed like that."

    Greyworth smiled and shrugged her shoulders in resignation.

    "At that mine, it seems a strategic-ss militarized spirit, who was sealed by the old Ordesia Knights, is sleeping there."

    "A strategic-ss militarized spirit...!?"

    Kamito spontaneously groaned. Fianna beside him also gasped in surprise.

    A strategic-ss militarized spirit¡ª it could not bepared to the giant spirit that went into frenzy at the Academy Town the other day.

    Because of its tremendous strength, it was impossible for an individual to control it. In the end, it could only be controlled by ritual kagura performed by several hundred elementalists¡ª it was surely a weapon of mass destruction.

    At the end of the second Ranbal war, the continental nations signed a treaty, and all the seven bodies should have sealed and disposed of such spirits, but¡ª

    "Don''t tell me, the one causing the earthquake is that strategic-ss militarized spirit?"

    "At the very worst; it''s only a possibility. I want to entrust you guys with this investigation. If your investigation confirms that the seal hase undone¡ª"

    "I''ll perform the ritual of resealing by the ritual kagura."

    Fianna calmly opened her mouth to speak.

    "That''s right. For you, who is the former Queen candidate, this quest suits you perfectly."

    "...I see, that''s the reason you called for this princess."

    The Queens, who served the Five Great Elemental Lords, were the experts in the ritual kagura that appeased spirits.

    They did not receive any special martial arts training, and as the result they were not suited for battle, but all forms of ritual have been driven into their bodies since they were children.

    In the entire academy, there was only one former Queen academy student¡ª a rare special skill user; the quest could only be aplished with her, and considering that it had to do with a strategic-ss militarized spirit, it might also be appropriate to set it as an S rank quest.

    "..."

    The terms were not bad. However, there was one more thing that he had to ask.

    "...But is Fianna alright with this? With the guard being me."

    If it was just about guarding her, there should have been even morepetent elementalists.

    For example, Ellis Fahrengart. If it was her, whose sense of responsibility was strong and who also had the ability, there would be no shorings to her being a guard.

    There were no merits for the princess to have Kamito, who was a boy, as her guard. If Greyworth grouped them together as she pleased, ignoring Fianna''s will¡ª he nned to reject this deal.

    However, Fianna¡ª

    "Of course, I''ll be relying on you, Kamito-kun."

    "Did Greyworth threaten you to group with me?"

    "No, after all, I was the one who nominated you."

    "Is that so?"

    "Yes. To travel with the world''s only male elementalist, isn''t it great?"

    Fianna entwined her fingers with Kamito''s hand and gazed with upturned eyes.

    Peering into her clear ck pupils, Kamito spontaneously felt shock.

    "Hmm, aren''t you popr?"

    Greyworth said, seemingly displeased, and handed over a document with the quest''s key points written on it.

    "If you intend to take up this quest, then sign here. This should not be a bad deal for you."

    It was not bad, far from that, it was an extraordinary deal for Kamito in the current circumstances.

    However¡ª

    "I can''t decide this by myself. I have to at least ask ire too."

    "Hmm, well, that''s alright. But hurry, I''ll have you leave tomorrow."

    "ire?"

    The one who raised her voice was Fianna.

    "Ah, my team member, but¡ª"

    "Could she happen to be ire Elstein?"

    "...You know her?"

    Kamito awkwardly scratched his head.

    (That''s right, this girl is... the Queen candidate to the Fire Elemental Lord.)

    She was the princess maiden who was training at the same Divine Ritual Institute as the Cmity Queen¡ª Rubia Elstein.

    If that was the case, it would not be strange for her to know even ire, that girl''s sister.

    "That person''s sister..."

    Fianna''s lips slightly trembled.

    She might be having regrets after hearing that the Cmity Queen''s sister was one of the teammates.

    "I''m sorry, but ire is my teammate. I''ll aplish the quest together with her."

    Kamito informed her¡ª

    "Yes, that''s what I wish for as well."

    As Fianna nodded, she muttered in a soft voice.

    "I don''t n on losing to even the sister."

    Part 3

    As the two of them left the office, Greyworth smiled.

    "However, that princess did something bold as well."

    "¡ªyou knew, Headmistress?"

    From inside of the Greyworth''s shadow, ady quickly appeared.

    Shadow elementalist¡ª the teacher Freya Grandol.

    "Is it about her using spirit crystals during the entrance examination? Of course, I noticed it. She did something impious. Doesn''t that stone cost twenty million rood apiece?"

    "Then, I presume you are overlooking this unfair entry, right?"

    "Princess Fianna was ranked next to that Rubia Elstein as the second Queen candidate at the age of thirteen. If she wakes up as an elementalist again, isn''t it the best bargain?"

    "However, if she tries to lead her academy life using that thing, wouldn''t she be instantly exposed?"

    "I think that''s something she also understands. She understands it and yet she became the academy''s student. If she does not awaken, that would be the end to it, but if she awakens, it would be a fortune. Therefore, I grouped her with thatd."

    "Headmistress, what on earth are you¡ª"

    Freya frowned and at that moment a winged eyeball flew in from the office window.

    It was a probe-use spirit, used by Greyworth.

    "Hmm, it seems that an uninvited guest has infiltrated the Academy Town."

    "Is it the darkness spirit from the other day?"

    "Well, I wonder? I do not know what they are aiming for, but... Freya Grandol, go prepare the order for the Sylphid Knights to strengthen the security."

    Part 4

    Kamito, who left the office, took Fianna on a tour around the academy building.

    She had an elegant light manner of walking. It seemed that a real princess'' way of walking was also polished.

    "Fianna, are you wearing the Divine Ritual Institute''s uniform?"

    "Yes, as opposed to the Areishia Spirit Academy, it seems to be a recent design. During the time I was active, it used to be an even more bombastic ritual costume. That was cute in a way, but all the girls were definitely yearning for skirts."

    "...Hmm, is that so? It suits you."

    "Ah, even if it''s just ttery, I am happy."

    As they were talking while walking, Kamito''s tone had rxed tremendously.

    Since she was the Ordesia Empire princess and a princess maiden from the Divine Ritual Institute¡ª he was thinking that there would be an even-harder-to-approach atmosphere, but she was a surprisingly easy girl to talk to.

    The two of them, who had such conversation while walking along the corridor, were already basked in the attention of other academy students.

    "Hey, take a look. Kazehaya Kamito, again, is going to rape the admitted student!" "The licentious beast''s special demonstration." "But I might be a little envious." "Wh...what are you saying!" "B...but if I was to be gazed at by those sharp eyes...I...I might be unable to defy." "It''s just for a mere little while only, a little while only, I want to try being yed with... don''t you think so?" "Th...that''s true, I...if he were to approach with force... my heart would surely be pounding." " No way, after all, he''s the Demon King, the Demon King that devours any girl he cany his hands on." "The Demon King..." "The Demon King of the Night..."

    A softmotion like that could have been heard from the whole corridor.

    (...What! The Demon King of the Night!)

    He wanted to retort numerous remarks, but it seemed like it would be really troublesome, so he did not.

    He had already gotten used to the girls'' frightened gazes.

    However, it was strange, but there also were numerous girls sending him passionate gazes for some reason.

    And then, for some reason, there seemed to be ribbon-tied letters and homemade sweets ced in his locker.

    ...Well, it might be just a prank.

    "Hmm, Kamito-kun, you''re quite popr."

    "They''re just teasing me, after all, I''m the only male in this academy."

    "I wonder?"

    Mugyu!

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, he felt a soft sensation at his upper arm.

    Fianna pressed her breasts onto Kamito''s arm.

    "H...hey, Fianna!?"

    "Hn, what''s the matter?"

    The princess expressed an impish smile with an upward nce.

    The throbbing of his heart would not stop with that proper softness pressed onto his arm.

    "No, princess... err, your breasts are hitting..."

    "I do not mind. Or¡ª"

    Fianna gave a short teasing smile.

    "Do you dislike an immodest princess?"

    "..."

    From the breast area of the dress-like uniform, her ck lingerie was slightly in sight.

    ...He was troubled, earth-shatteringly troubled.

    He felt like the sharpness of the gazes of the girls passing by along the corridor was gradually increasing.

    Fianna was enjoyably gazing at Kamito, who has tensed up.

    "Fufu, it seems like everyone is jealous."

    "That''s definitely not it..."

    Kamito sighed deeply,

    "By the way, why did princess enroll into this academy?"

    Suddenly, he tried to ask something that was on his mind since a while ago.

    He did not care for the circumstances that made her throw away her position as a Queen candidate. He was just curious as to why she became a student of the academy now, after having once disappeared from the center stage.

    "That''s¡ª"

    Fianna''s legs suddenly stopped. Kamito also stopped at the same time.

    "Uh?"

    "If I said¡ª I came to meet Kamito-kun, would you believe me?"

    "...?"

    As Kamito was a little puzzled,

    "No, it can''t be that you came to meet me, haven''t we just met, Fianna?"

    "..."

    Fianna pouted her lips as if she was a little sullen hearing such a reply from Kamito.

    "...Idiot."

    Fianna muttered and pushed her index finger softly onto Kamito''s lips.

    And then, she drew her face closer till her lips barely touched him.

    "¡ªRen Ashbell."

    At that moment, Kamito''s expression froze.

    With the unexpected nameing from her mouth¡ª he was at a loss for words.

    "...!? H...ow..."

    Standing still and dumbfounded, Kamito leaked out a dry voice.

    The only people who knew Kamito''s true identity as Ren Ashbell were the contracted spirit Restia and the witch Greyworth¡ª those two people only.

    How did this girl...?

    "...I knew it, you don''t remember."

    Fianna pouted her lips, seemingly displeased.

    Making such a face at this distance made it look as if she were a lover pestering for a kiss.

    "It''s alright. I''ll keep it a secret from everyone, I did promise after all."

    "Promised?"

    Kamito seemed to have recalled something, at that moment.

    "Kamito!"

    ire came running from the other side of the corridor. It seemed that she was searching for Kamito.

    "Come on, what in the world were¡ª"

    At that point, ire suddenly stopped.

    In the middle of the corridor, she saw the two''s posture, which was almost like a couple kissing¡ª

    "Y...yo...yo...yo..."

    Gogogo... her shoulders began to tremble bit by bit.

    Her red hair bristled up like a crimson me and zed up tremblingly.

    "Yo...yo...you ve... yo...you truly have no discretion..."

    Pishii!¡ªThe moment her whip made a sound, the hell cat, dded in red hot mes, appeared from an empty space.

    The hell cat transformed into the metounge form in an instant and settled into ire''s right hand.

    "Th...that''s alright, I''ll thoroughly train you today..."

    "Wa...wait, don''t misunderstand, ire, this girl is¡ª"

    "¡ªire?"

    Fianna reacted to that name Kamito said.

    She gently parted her arms from Kamito and red at ire with a sharp look.

    "I see, you are ire Rouge."

    "That''s right. So what?"

    "You are that person''s sister..."

    He felt like invisible fireworks scattered in Fianna''s eyes ring at ire.

 Volume 2, 4 - Cat Fight

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 4 - Cat Fight</h4>

    Part 1

    "Neeveeer, I won''t ept this!"

    It was evening. ire''s angry voice reverberated throughout the Raven ss dormitory.

    "I''ve already had to concede to her joining the team temporarily due to the guarding quest, but¡ª"

    She brushed her red twintail hair in irritation.

    "Why is this girl in the same room with us?!"

    She faced Fianna, who was drinking her cup of ck tea in elegant small sips, and thrust her finger toward her.

    Turning away standoffishly, Fianna sighed and muttered.

    "What a small room, I wouldn''t have thought that this is a ce where a noble would live in."

    "Sh...Shut up! If you haveints, why don''t you take it up to the headmistress?"

    "What I am talking about is how messy the room is. Can''t you catch the sarcasm of the remark?"

    "Grh... I...It''s usually properly tidied up!"

    Kamito sighed as he was at his wits'' end. These two have already been like this for some time now.

    "Hey, Kamito-kun, don''t you think so too?"

    "Err, well..."

    Casting a nce at ire who was on the verge of tears, Kamito answered vaguely.

    "That reminds me, Ren Ashbell''s true identity¡ª"

    "Ahh, it''s certainly messy. ire should at least clean it up."

    ire bit her lips with teary eyes.

    (...Sorry, ire. I''m unable to defy this princess.)

    Somehow, the girl knew Kamito''s true identity.

    Kamito''s intent was to quickly press the question, but, in this situation, ire would also learn about it.

    This princess seemed to have no intention of telling the secret to ire, but she had been threatening him by leaking that name since a while ago.

    Feeling like a cat on hot bricks, Kamito tediously sighed.

    While the invisible fireworks scattered, Est was ying with Scarlet with a green foxtail.

    It seemed that ire realized that she was no match for Fianna in the battle of words and diverted the flow of the argument to Kamito.

    "Besides, why should it be my room?!"

    "Well, because you''re the only person in the dormitory who upies the room just by herself."

    "It''s not only me, even not just two of us. Including Est, it''s three people."

    "Aren''t you treating me as your ve spirit? By the dormitory rules, spirits are not counted as roommates."

    "Uh, that''s so, but..."

    "Well, with all of us, I guess the room will be cramped, as expected. I''ll leave."

    In the first ce, Kamito should have been living in a hut outside.

    Moreover, it would be no good if rumors about a guy sleeping in a girl''s room were to spread.

    "Hey, what are you going to do when you leave? Do you n on going as far as sleeping outdoors?"

    "For the time being, a tent would be sufficient. I''ll manage one way or another."

    ire grabbed the back of Kamito''s neck as he tried to leave the room.

    "What?"

    "No."

    "Huh?"

    "That''s no good. After all, if you''re gone..."

    ire looked downwards and tightly bit her lips.

    "Who will do the cooking and theundry?!"

    "...Err, you do it."

    "No way. After all, the meals you make are delicious..."

    It seemed that ire, who used to live on canned food, had her stomach held captive by Kamito''s home cooking.

    "Besides, if you were to leave, wouldn''t that mean you and Est are left all alone together. That''s no good. Rinslet and, like just now, Ellis maye meddling. No, it''s not just Ellis and the others. After all, there are many girls targeting you out of curiosity."

    "If I''m being targeted...Est and I can fend off most of them."

    "T...That''s not what I meant... Stupid."

    ire released her hold on the back of his neck.

    "Y...You are mine after all. I''ll not give you to anyone."

    "...Even if you say that..."

    Kamito softly sighed¡ª

    "Hey, what do you mean by yours?"

    Fianna muttered in soft tone.

    "ire Rouge, what kind of rtionship do you have with Kamito-kun?"

    "Wh...What kind of rtionship...? That''s..."

    ire bashfully blushed,

    "A...A sl...ve and a master rtionship!"

    "Wh...What did you say...!?"

    Fianna looked at Kamito with an astonished look.

    "D...Don''t tell me, you have such an insane rtionship..."

    "Wait, don''t utter something that''ll cause misunderstandings!"

    "Hm...hmm, besides, what kind of rtionship do you have with Kamito? Despite being a freshly admitted student, aren''t you being very intimate?"

    In reverse, ire was the one asking back this time.

    When she did, Fianna coughed¡ª

    "Me? I''m... his little sister, Kamito''s."

    "Eh!"

    "...? A sister, I..."

    "Hey, listen, the truth is that Ren Ashbell''s true identity¡ª"

    "Ye...Yes, she is my little sister, my little sister!"

    Fianna murmured the magic words and Kamito nodded right away.

    "Li...Little sister... I see, so you had a little sister."

    ire stroked her chest for some reason.

    "However, I''m his stepsister."

    "Stepsister!?"

    "That''s right, furthermore, a naughty stepsister."

    "A nau...naughty stepsister!?"

    ire''s face turned bright red in a split second.

    (...What on earth was she imagining?)

    "Here''s a hint, a stepsister can be married to her brother, right, onii-sama ?"

    Suddenly, Fianna tightly pressed herrge breasts unto him.

    Kamito was spontaneously startled by that duly soft sensation¡ª

    "Wh...Wh...Wh...? Id...Idiot, you brute pervert!"

    "Ouch, wait, it''s a misunderstanding, stop¡ª"

    For some reason, tears welled up in ire''s eyes as she hit Kamito with her whip. Pishi! Pishi!

    "Hey, what are you doing to Kamito-kun!"

    Phishi!¡ªFianna grabbed ire''s arm that swung up.

    "Uh, wh...what!"

    "Kamito-kun isn''t your ve."

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito nodded.

    "He is mine."

    "No, I''m not yours either, you know?"

    Kamito retorted with half-opened eyes.

    (...Good grief, I wonder why such people are all around me.)

    "Too bad. Kamito is my ve spirit, after all...??"

    "After all?"

    As Fianna asked back, ire''s cheeks slight blushed,

    "After all, err... I even...did the spirit contract ritual with Kamito."

    "..."

    Fianna opened her mouth.

    She faced Kamito, whose head was made to squeak.

    "Hey, is that true? Kamito-kun."

    She had a devilish smile.

    "No, that''s..."

    Honestly, he was getting embarrassed just by recalling that time.

    He turned bright red and cast down his eyes, which was roughly the same reaction ire''s shown.

    (If it was that embarrassing, then don''t mention it)¡ª was what he thought, but...

    After witnessing such a reaction from both of them, Fianna calmly muttered.

    "I see... You kissed."

    Her tone was certainly calm, but it was the tone that concealed something dreadful.

    ...She was angry. She was certainly angry.

    (No, why is Fianna angry in the first ce?)

    As Kamito showed a doubtful expression, Fianna quickly stood up¡ª

    Faced ire, who was bashfully turning red and sharply thrust her index finger at her.

    "Let''s have a match, ire Rouge!"

    "A match?"

    "Yes, a match, where the winner is the one who can love Kamito-kun."

    "No...No way, not such a thing! To begin with, Kamito is originally mine!"

    "I''ve been saying that''s not it..."

    Kamito tried to cut into their conversation, but the two of them didn''t seem to hear him.

    "If you win, I''ll leave this room. Then, you can do all the perverted things you''d like with Kamito-kun, just the two of you."

    "I...I...I won''t do such things!"

    "Ahh, then, is doing it by yourself more to your liking?"

    "Wh...Wh...Wh...What are...?"

    ire turned bright red and the steam vented from her head.

    (...She was thoroughly toyed with.)

    ire was extremely weak toward the reprehension in such an area, she was a super innocent high-ss youngdy.

    "Or perhaps, you have no confidence? You just don''t want me to take away Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna further provoked ire, who had finally snapped.

    "Guu... A...As you wish! Come forth, scorching hot hell cat!"

    She summoned Scarlet and held in her hand an elemental waffe¡ª metounge.

    "Hey, do you n on destroying the dormitory?! The people from the Sylphid Knights will dash here!"

    "It''s alright, because I''ll settle it before theye."

    "That''spletely not alright!"

    ire-san, her eyes were serious....She was determined.

    "Don''t be in such a hurry, ire Rouge."

    However, Fianna waved her hand with aposed expression.

    "What, now that it hase to this, are you pleading for your life?"

    "I didn''t say anything about having a de dance match. I wonder if trying to settle everything with violence is something proper nobles do. Did all the nutrition that''s supposed to go to your head go to your breasts¡ª"

    Fianna looked at ire''s breasts and smiled.

    "¡ªI guess that''s not the case."

    "Burn all to nothing, red hot inferno ball!"

    "Wait, ire! Stop the spirit magic!"

    Kamito flustered and held her hands to her back as ire tried to recite fireball.

    At their best, they were hovering near the bottom of the inter-school ranking. If they caused any more problems, Team Scarlet''s score would drop to the lowest rank.

    "Guu...then, what kind of match are we having?!"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    cing her index finger at her chin, Fianna slowly looked around the room.

    ¡ªThen, her gaze stopped on a mountain of canned food, piled up in the kitchen.

    Kamito overlooked that her eyes were sparkling.

    "Then, the first one who satisfies Kamito''s body, wins¡ª How''s that?"

    "Sa...Satisfies his body...!?"

    ire''s face turned bright red.

    "No...no way, not such a thing! After all, I don''t know any skillful methods... that''s not it, su...such a thing is definitely not allowed!"

    "I don''t know what kind of misunderstanding you''re having, but what I''m talking about is a culinary showdown?"

    "Culinary!?"

    ire''s face froze.

    It was natural. The first time he met her, she was only eating canned food.

    She couldn''t possibly cook something decent.

    "No way, I can''t ept such a duel!"

    "Ah, offering a meal for a spirit to enjoy itself is the same type of kagura as a de dance, a skill of a splendid elementalist. Isn''t it also among the academy''s core subjects?"

    "Th...That''s..."

    "Or, are youcking confidence?...Like that chest of yours."

    She snapped. At that moment, the sound of something snapping was heard.

    "I...I get it..."

    "Uh?"

    "I...I ept it, this culinary match!"

    ire faced Fianna and sharply thrust her finger at her as she epted the match.

    At that moment, the princess expressed an impish smile.

    (By the way, ire, she has seen through the fact that you''re weak in cooking!)

    Part 2

    Just like that, the culinary showdown between the two of them somehow began, but¡ª

    The two beautiful girls, who put on aprons, were standing at opposite sides of the kitchen.

    It was themon kitchen at the first floor of the Raven ss dormitory. It seemed that as long as one was a boarding student, it was alright to freely use the ingredients avable there.

    Est the judge sat well behaved at the table and was tightly grasping a spoon.

    While being nervous about the other meaning of having Scarlet take care of the leftovers, Kamito paced around the back of the kitchen.

    (...Frankly, ire has no chance of winning.)

    He certainly had never eaten ire''s home cooking, but, in any case, she was the high-ss youngdy who had gotten through with mostly canned food in her meals since she came to the academy.

    "Ehh, canned tuna, mackerel tuna... and I splurge a little and also open the canned crab."

    While humming, ire arranged the canned food ingredients. Kamito had doubts about approving herbination of canned food, but, for now, it looked edible, so Kamito took a breath of relief.

    "Fruits are easy to eat after being cut."

    Upon seeing ire slowly taking out the kitchen knife, Kamito interrupted her.

    "Are you alright with that? Don''t cut your finger."

    "I''m alright, after all, I was always watching you prepare food."

    "I see... Hn, you were always watching?"

    "Idi... Th...That''s not it, I do not mean something like that!"

    "Waah, it''s dangerous, don''t swing the kitchen knife!"

    *Bun!* Kamito splendidly dodged the kitchen knife, which grazed his nose tip.

    "Hmm, be...because you said something stupid!"

    ire''s face, up till her ears, was bright red and she quickly turned away.

    "Putting that aside, what on earth are you making?"

    "Seafood curry, the one that you often make. Because I like that."

    "Eh, you don''t normally use canned tuna and canned mackerel for seafood curry, you know?"

    It seemed that she tossed the ingredients into the sauce from what she learned by watching him.

    "Sh...shut up... It''s not like there''s a reason to the fishes'' name one by one. It''s the same as not remembering the face of the partner whom you danced with at the ball."

    "...That''s terrible. Do remember that."

    Besides ire''s character, just her appearance was that of a transcendent beautiful girl. He was without doubt that there would be as many young nobles as the number of stars, who would be hard-pressed by her lovely looks and ask her for a dance.

    "...At any rate, ire, you''re in a dress?"

    "What, I was once too the daughter of a Duke family before mynds were seized, so I do at least wear dresses... Or perhaps, is it that I look strange wearing a dress?"

    "No, I just thought that you looked good wearing it."

    "...Wh...Wh...What are you saying, idiot."

    Kamito spoke his honest thoughts and ire turned red increasingly and looked downwards.

    She slightly raised her head and looked at Kamito with an upward nce¡ª

    "Hey, do you re...really... think I look good?"

    "Yea, I think that your red hair looks pretty with that pure white dress.... I don''t want to admit it, but honestly just your looks are prettier than any princesses."

    "...!"

    "Well, while wearing a dress, your breasts volume is overwhelminglycking though. Using paddings there to make do with it is the only¡ª"

    Then, Kamito suddenly shut his mouth.

    *Gogogogogogogo*... The kitchenware were ttering.

    ...It seemed that he stepped on another unnecessaryndmine again.

    "Ah...no... I''m sorry."

    "...Th...Th...That''s right. Unless I use paddings, I can''t even wear a dress, right?"

    "Hey, ire, why are you holding such a thing? That''s a handy tool you use to peel vegetables, it''s not something you use on people... owaa, wai¡ª"

    Part 3

    "Kuu, I can''t believe that there''s such a way to use a vegetable peeler..."

    As Kamito cursed, he turned up at Fianna''s corner this time.

    There were numerous scars like cat-scratches on his cheeks.

    "Despite being poor at using the cookware, shepletely mastered using it as a weapon."

    At this rate, the day that ire''s elemental waffe became a peeler from a whip might also be close.

    (Turn into bonito kes...? What a terribly unpleasant future.)

    While pressing down on his cheeks, which were suffering a prickling pain, he was thinking about such a thing,

    "¡ªHmm, you two are on pretty good terms."

    Raising her face from the chopping board, Fianna said with half-opened eyes.

    Somehow, she seemed a little displeased.

    "Is that how it looks like? Princess, your eyes are also surprisingly bad."

    "Not everything you see is the truth¡ª That was a saying from a certain senior of mine."

    "That indeed seems like words that a princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute would say."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and stood beside Fianna.

    She was slicing a carrot with a nice tapping rhythm.

    Because she was a kagura expert, who pleased spirits, as expected her skill was good.

    "You seem full of confidence."

    "Of course. During the time at the Divine Ritual Institute, although there was a ritual to offer cooked meals to high ranking spirits only once a month, all of them were satisfied with my offered meals and returned to Astral Zero."

    "Really? That''s amazing."

    Kamito was honestly in admiration. That seemed to be a great expectation. Naturally, because appearance was more important than taste for the meals offered to spirits, he wondered if it would differ from the cooking humans eat.

    "By the way, what was that one bottle you poured into the pot just now?"

    "Capsicum. I''m using it as a subtle seasoning."

    "I see, a subtle seasoning."

    A subtle seasoning. The soup in the pot certainly became red and was making the ingredients subtle to see.

    However, did subtle seasoning generally have such a meaning?

    "...Is that okay?"

    "Yea, it has such a vibrant and pretty color, doesn''t it?"

    ...That somehow invited anxiety, but he gave up on investigating it.

    Fianna nodded, seemingly satisfied, and cast her sights onto the chopping board again.

    While listening to the rhythmic tapping sound, Kamito gazed at Fianna''s face profile.

    She had ck pupils of long slits and virgin-snow-like white skin.

    Her ck hair, which reached down to her waist, was currently tied up to not let it fall.

    Her white nape was mysteriously erotic.

    Without thinking, Kamito was charmed by that somewhat mature face profile.

    (With just tying her hair up, her impression has greatly changed...?)

    Her tied up hair. There was something stuck in Kamito''s mind.

    (...This girl, as I thought, have I met her somewhere?)

    Despite that it should be the first time they met, the girl somehow knew Kamito''s true identity.

    (However, I don''t have any princess acquaintances...)

    It was irritating that he seemed to recall something, but yet he couldn''t recall anything.

    He was staring at Fianna''s face profile in that manner¡ª

    "Hey, Kamito-kun? Why have you been visually raping me since just now?"

    Fianna turned towards him with a slightly troubled look.

    "Ah, no... visually raping!?"

    "There are certainly things like turning this fallen princess senseless, or training her like a ve. Kamito-kun, it''s your free-will to make these various perverted delusions, but... well, honestly, it doesn''t really feel good to be used as an adolescent boy''s delusions."

    "What kind of person do you think I am?"

    "Ah, I would like for you to not take a princess maiden, who serves the spirit lords of the Divine Ritual Institute, lightly. I can read your mind like picking something up."

    After saying that, Fianna drew her face close and gently ced her hand onto Kamito''s forehead.

    He was reflexively startled by the sensation of her cool soft skin.

    "...Eh? No way, a nude maid, that''s shameful..."

    "What''s shameful is your mind!"

    Kamito spontaneously shouted.

    Besides, what was a nude maid? Was it a variant of the naked apron? He was a little curious.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Kamito, it''s about the meat''s grilling adjustment though, is medium good? Or, well-done?"

    "Ahh, I prefer medium... Owa!"

    Upon turning around, before he knew it, ire was standing there with a smile and a fireball floating.

    "Yo...Yo...You are the wo...wo...worst, something like nude maid, you''re the worst!"

    *Gogogogogogogo......!*

    "Wait, it''s a false usation¡ª Fianna!?"

    He requested for help, but Fianna had already left the scene with an impish smile.

    "Tu...turn into cinders together with your insolent delusions, you pervert!"

    The fireball ire released blew Kamito away together with the kitchen.

    Part 4

    Just like that, 30 minutes passed.

    At the table where the judges were sitting, the food cooked by the two of them was lined up.

    Est, Scarlet and Kamito, who was worn out, were sitting side by side in a line.

    As the result of drawing lots, they would start eating ire''s cooking first, but¡ª

    "...Ah, I have to at least ask, what is this?"

    A ck lump of something wasid down on the te before him.

    Wasn''t that probably the cinders thing ire was always saying?

    "If I remember, it was seafood curry... right? That was what you were making."

    "...I...It looks a little overcooked."

    The thing before him waspletely carbonized... It was no longer about the taste.

    "Ehh, is it bad if I don''t eat this?

    "I...It''s not about appearances, what''s important is the taste, right?!"

    "It''s awfully bitter."

    Est, who sampled a mouthful, muttered that expressionlessly.

    "...Est, you betrayed me."

    "Isn''t that obvious? Est, you''ve done well."

    "Wh...What, Scarlet is deliciously eating it."

    "That''s because it''s a fire spirit. It probably doesn''t have something like the sense of taste."

    That burnt-ck lump waspletely eaten by Scarlet, but he had the feeling that rather than eating something, it was incinerating waste. After it finished eating, it puffed out a small fireball.

    "...Isn''t Est also a spirit?! I don''t think she understands the taste of a delicate cuisine."

    "Use of abusivenguage towards a judge. ire gets a point deduction."

    Expressionlessly, Est raised up a point-deduction card.

    "Guu..."

    "With just a ck thing, there''s no need to eat it. It''s my victory."

    Fianna ced her hand near her mouth and a wide smile appeared on her face.

    Well, there seemed to already be a winner decided, but they had to also at least eat andpare her cooking.

    ...*Gutsu*, *gutsu*, *gutsu*, *gutsu*, *gutsu*.[1]

    They saw the cooking that was carried over¡ª

    "Th..That''s..!"

    Kamito was at a loss for words. Est widened her eyes unusually, Scarlet purred.

    It seemed to be a boiling...stew.

    It was red. It was more redpared to the time Kamito saw it a while ago. It was a stew whose ingredients could not be seen.

    "Ehh, what is... this?"

    "This is the Ordesia royal family''s specialty, the white stew."

    "How is it white!?"

    At least on the surface, all he could see was one color, red. And then, there was a dreadful smell that even thrust up into his nose.

    It was because of the subtle seasoning she used just now, he was certain of that.

    "Wh...What is this?! There''s no way anyone could eat such a thing!"

    ire pushed aside her own matters andined....Well, she understood that feeling.

    "Ahh, the daughter of the Elstein family isining without even trying it."

    Fianna brushed her glossy ck hair and looked down at ire.

    "This isn''t fair. I doubt that''s something nobles, who are exemrs to the masses, do."

    "Uggg....!"

    Unfairness aside, Fianna also did not eat ire''s burnt-ck thing, but ire, who blew her top, seemed to not have noticed such a thing.

    Or perhaps he should put it that she was basically weak to provocation to things about noble youngdies. She was even weaker especially when it involved her family name and her pride as a noble.

    "I...I get it, it''s alright if I eat a mouthful of that, right? I''m good with spicy things, after all."

    The moment ire nodded, Fianna expressed a wicked smile.

    "Hey, ire, that''s seriously dangerous¡ª"

    Without time for Kamito to stop ire, she put the spoon into her mouth.

    And then, at the next moment.

    "Hyguu¡ª!?"

    ......*Patan*.

    Suddenly, she copsed onto the table.

    "Cl...ire, are you alright?!"

    Kamito helped her up in a fluster, but ire''s eyes were spinning.

    "...Sh...She''spletely knocked out."

    "It''s my victory."

    Fianna ced her hand at her waist and smiled.

    "Err, it was that kind of match?"

    "Is that not it?"

    Fianna looked surprised.

    Well, he felt that it was certain that they did not decide on the precise conditions to win.

    "You certainly did say that you made the spirits satisfied with a ritual of the Divine Ritual Institute, right?"

    "Yeah, just by eating a mouthful, they returned to Astral Zero seemingly satisfied."

    "Uh, I think that they probably did not return satisfied."

    "A cooking that even destroys a spirit''s sense of taste..."

    Unable to prohibit the trembling.

    Est leaked out such a mutter.

    Part 5

    (Good grief... today was a troublesome day.)

    Since then, one hour had passed, Kamito was using the shower installed in the bathroom.

    Because Fianna said she would showerter, Kamito ended up entering the bathroom first without any reservation.

    By the way, ire was being nursed by Scarlet in the room. She should probably be groaning on the bed currently. Kamito thought she was pitiful, but he could not even do anything.

    It was already time for Est to sleep. She could not return to Astral Zero, so she needed to get a lot of sleep and she would usually sleep for about half a day.

    "At any rate" ¡ªKamito muttered while having his shower.

    (Fianna Ray Ordesia... huh?)

    She was a girl who was the second princess of the Ordesia Empire and the second Queen candidate next to that Cmity Queen¡ª Rubia Elstein. Why did she know Kamito''s true identity? He did not clearly understand what her aim was for approaching him.

    (It also doesn''t seem like she''s going to expose my true identity.)

    Rather than seriously threatening him, Kamito thought that it was more like she was having fun with his reactions.

    (...What on earth is going on?)

    At the moment Kamito tried to stop the spirit device shower.

    "Hey, Kamito-kun, I''ming in."

    Such a voice came from the direction of the dressing room.

    "Hn, Ah¡ª"

    He replied.

    "Wh...What!?"

    Kamito turned around in a fluster.

    *Gararaa*¡ª The door opened.

    Over there was¡ª

    "...What''s the matter? You look so surprised."

    A princess with a bath towel wrapped around her body.

    "Wh...Wh...Wh...?"

    Kamito fell into a panic state for a moment.

    "Fi...Fianna, what are you doing?!"

    "Uh?"

    The princess slightly tilted her head and made a lovely smile.

    She had a slender white nape. She had an elegant narrow waist. And then, there were herrge swelling breasts. He thought that her bare white legs, seen from the slit of the bath towel, were bewitching unlike those of a 16 year old girl.

    Kamito was dumbfounded¡ª

    "What, even for me, doing this thing is... embarrassing, you know?"

    Her knees touched each other and she bashfully muttered.

    Slowly, Fianna gently dropped her towel.

    "...!?"

    Kamito instantly covered his eyes with both hands¡ªbut,

    "A sw...swimsuit...?"

    Fianna was wearing a separate ck swimsuit beneath the bath towel.

    It was a water festival swimsuit, where thin veils were attached at the chest area and a pareo was wrapped around her waist.

    She had both nicely tightened legs and a narrow waist that depicted her elegant curves.

    Her slightly flushed body was beautiful like a descending goddess.

    Kamito was charmed instantly¡ª

    "Eh, what''s... the matter?"

    "Wh...What?"

    "Sh...Showing my bare skin to a boy... Kamito-kun, you are the first one, you know."

    Fianna''s voice slightly trembled as she embarrassedly muttered.

    "Wh...Why...?"

    Kamito gulped.

    ...He did not understand the point. Why was she doing such a thing?

    As if his doubt was pointed out¡ª

    "Hey, sit."

    Fianna gently touched his shoulders with her hands and made Kamito sit facing the reverse direction.

    It was the sensation of a girl''s cool soft hands. His heartbeat elerated right away.

    "Fianna, what are you trying to¡ª"

    Fuyon.

    "...!"

    Suddenly, a soft sense of sticity was pushed onto his back.

    Kamito''s back jumped in a startle.

    Fianna coughed¡ª

    "A...a princess like me is giving your back a wash. Consider this an honor."

    She began washing Kamito''s back with a bubble-foaming body towel.

    "Er, wait a while, why are you¡ª"

    Kamito couldn''tprehend it and waspletely bewildered.

    However, if he turned around, he would end up looking directly at Fianna''s bewitching swimsuit appearance, so he didn''t move.

    "Be...Behave yourself, do you n on making me embarrassed?"

    She said that in a sulky tone and strongly scrubbed his back.

    "Ho...How is it? Does it feel good?"

    "Well, even if you ask something like that..."

    Honestly, it felt good.

    Or, with a cute girl so close like this, there''s no way that it doesn''t feel good.

    However, he felt like he''ll lose something important as a person if he said his honest thoughts.

    "Yo..You''re surprisingly stubborn... Hurry up and get ensnared by me!"

    "Ensnared!?"

    Funyu. Funyun.

    He felt like he heard some sort of dangerous word just now, but his senses were taken away by the sensation of her breasts pressing on him and his mind immediately became hazy.

    (This is... bad...!)

    Kamito, who was brought up as an assassin since he was young at the Instructional School, did not even do training against this kind of allurement. As, he was at the age where he did not yet require a counter-measure for such a thing, and his contracted spirit was keeping all approaching femalespletely away from him.

    However, Kamito was now of the marriageable age of a youth.

    He was already on the verge of losing his reason to the sensation of her breasts, pressing through her thin swimsuit.

    "H..Hey... where are you touching!?"

    "Be...Behave yourself! I''ll tell your true identity to that girl."

    "Th...That''s right! Why do you know about Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    Kamito was about to turn around and ask her¡ª at that moment.

    *Bam!*¡ª Suddenly, the bathroom door opened.

    "...!?"

    Over there was¡ª

    "C...ire...?"

    ire Rouge, who was looking downwards and whose shoulder was trembling.

    "Kuu, I can''t believe you''ve already recovered..."

    Fianna tightly bit her lips.

    "Yo...Yo...You guys, wh...wh...wh..what are you doing?"

    "You...you''re mistaken, this is, err¡ª"

    *Gogogogogogogogo...!*

    ire''s red hair bristled like mes ring up.

    Kamito resigned to being turned to cinders like usual.

    "..."

    ire''s movement, after raising her whip up, suddenly stopped.

    In her ruby pupils, mes were burning up, as she was sternly ring at Fianna.

    Fianna expressed aposed expression. Pitoo¡ª she stuck her breasts onto Kamito''s back.

    "Fianna!? Wh...why are you doing something like adding fuel to¡ª"

    Kamito tried to separate his body in a fluster, but his arms were tightly held.

    "I''m now washing Kamito-kun''s back. Could you please not bother us?"

    "Kuu, yo...you guys..."

    (Ah... I''m so dead.)

    Kamito strangely closed his eyes with a calm mood.

    However, the move ire took next waspletely unexpected.

    It wasn''t the usual where she blew Kamito away with her metounge¡ª

    "I...I''ll... also wash your back."

    "Eh?" "Huh?"

    She sternly red at the two of them who were dumbfounded¡ª and informed them.

    "I mean I''m also entering the bath!"

    Part 6

    "Ho...How is it, Kamito? Does it feel good?"

    "Ah, I''m the one who''s making you feel good, right?"

    (Wa...Wait, what... kind of situation is this!?)

    Three minutester, Kamito''s head waspletely in a panic.

    ...He wondered if he was having a nasty nightmare. However, this sensation he felt on his back was real.

    In a bathroom for 1 person to use, he ended up being covered in bubble-foam with two beautiful girls for some reason.

    Furthermore, ire wasn''t even wearing a swimsuit. Her naked body was just wreathed around by a bath towel.

    Her vivid crimson red hair looked pretty on her fine milky-white skin.

    She had a petite build and slender proportions.

    That lovely fairy-like body of hers was more than charming enough, even if she wascking breasts.

    There were red belt marks on her thigh seen through the slit of her towel. ire had her animal-training leather whip wreathed around her thigh. Those marks were strangely captivating.

    Kamito eagerly tried to not look at the two of them, but because the room was small after all, he would end up closely stuck to their skin with just a slight movement. That sensation ended up further boosting his imagination.

    "Kyaa...hey, what are you touching, idiot!"

    "Ah, if you move like that, you''ll rub my front...Hyauu."

    It was that situation just by twisting his body a little due to the ticklishness.

    (Give me a break...)

    If boys of about the same age heard this, they might think that it''s the Shangri-La of dreams, but, as for Kamito, he felt like it was as if he was sitting on a bed of nails.

    ...Why was this happening, he did not understand the point.

    It was probably because ire had an opposing heart towards Fianna that she ended up blurting out such a thing, and it became that she couldn''t back out, but¡ª as for Kamito, who was dragged into this, this was intolerable.

    He should be getting out from here as quickly as possible, but if he moved even a little, he would end up directlying in contact with their skin, so even if he nned to get out, he couldn''t get out.

    "Hey, I''m the one who''s making you feel good, right? Say that it feels good!"

    "Ouchhh, you''re peeling off the skin on my back."

    "Eh, it hurts so much?... Wow, your back is full of injuries."

    "Ah, that''s because I''ve always been hurt by a certain somebody."

    "I...I''m sorry..."

    Kamito groaned with a deadpan look and ire awkwardly apologized.

    "¡ªNo, I''m joking. Those are old wounds from the past."

    The injuries on his back were gotten from the time when he called himself Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer before.

    "...Hn? Fianna, what are you looking at?"

    ¡ªire frowned and looked at Fianna.

    "I...it''s nothing."

    "What''s the matter with my spirit seal?"

    Fianna had been intermittently gazing at ire''s spirit seal on her right hand since a while ago.

    "Di...didn''t I say that it''s nothing!"

    Fianna let out a flustered voice unlike her usual self and quickly averted her eyes.

    ire stared at her in such a state, seemingly puzzled¡ª

    "...Your spirit seal is at such a ce. How unusual."

    She had gotten a quick look at a part of her spirit seal at Fianna''s cleavage, who was wearing a swimsuit.

    "If I recall, you''re a holy spirit user?"

    "Yea... that''s right."

    Fianna, who answered her, had a slightly stiff expression.

    "What kind of spirit is yours, summon it and show it to us."

    Kamito also had an interest in that. As teammates participating in the same quest, they should at least have a grasp of the type of spirits being used. That was also, without fail, the duty of being in the team.

    However, Fianna turned away with a seemingly displeased look for some reason.

    "I''ll show it to you when necessary. An elementalist doesn''t thoughtlessly summon her contracted spirit."

    Certainly, there were also elementalists with that kind of thinking among the academy students.

    As there was the possibility that their spirits would be seen through by rivals from their appearances to their attributes, weaknesses and so on.

    On the other hand¡ª

    "If you don''t makemunications with your contracted spirit daily, mutual trust can''t be created."

    There were also people who thought like ire and they were the majority in the academy.

    As either opinions also have a reason, either side couldn''t be unconditionally said to be correct, but¡ª

    For some reason, those words of ire seemed to have gotten on Fianna''s nerves.

    "...You won''t understand. ire Rouge."

    "...? Hey, what do you mean by that¡ª"

    "I''m getting out already."

    Fianna muttered with an ice-like voice and quickly stood up.

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    He heard the faint sound of weapons from afar.

    It was something normal humans would fail to hear, the sound of metal shing.

    However, Kamito, who once received training at the Instructional School, certainly heard it.

    "Kamito, what''s the matter?"

    "There''s a battle urring within the academy¡ª"

    It might be a fellow academy student''s duel. No, if that was the case, the Sylphid Knights should have immediately stopped it.

    "I have a bad premonition."

    That was a pure uneasiness¡ª to be honest. His intuition as an elementalist, which was honed as he went through countless battles¡ª that was the only one he wanted to believe that did not dull as he expected.

    (There''s no doubt, there''s a terrible fellow¡ª)

    He dashed out of the bathroom, nimbly put on his uniform, and then Est turned up, rubbing her eyelids and looking sleepy, in her pajamas. It seemed that this sword spirit felt an unusual phenomenon.

    "Kamito, there''s something not good outside."

    "Ahh, sorry for waking you up, Est."

    "No, Kamito. I''m your sword."

    Kamito grasped Est''s small hand and the girl''s body turned into particles of light in a moment.

    At the next moment, Kamito''s hand was gripping the elemental waffe¡ª Terminus Est.

    He felt that her sword body was smaller and her radiance was also dullerpared to usual, but because she had just woken up, it couldn''t be helped.

    Kamito jumped out from the room''s window.

    "Wa...Wait up... ahh,e on! Come, Scarlet!"

    ire called Scarlet and jumped out chasing Kamito.

    Trantion Notes and References

    1. ¡ü simmering sfx.

 Volume 2, 5 - The One Who Will Succeed the Demon King

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 5 - The One Who Will Seed the Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    "What on earth is this¡ª"

    d in the devastating winds of the demon wind spirit, Ellis, who appeared gantly, was speechless.

    There was an unbelievable scene spread out before her eyes.

    The knights of the Sylphid Knights, which maintained the public order of the academy, were copsed on the ground in heaps.

    Only academy students with excellent results could enroll into the Sylphid Knights. That was¡ª

    (Don''t tell me, they were defeated by just one intruder!?)

    In the middle of the darkness, where there was a drizzle.

    A small figure, who put on an overcoat with a hood, was standing in the middle of the copsed girls.

    "Was it you, bastard? The one that did this!"

    Ellis asked a direct question. Her hand was already armed with the elemental waffe ¡ªRay Hawk.

    It was just about 30 minutes ago that she heard the report that an intruder had appeared in the academy and plundered the ssified materials of the seal specification from the library. Ellis immediately put out a pursuit order to a toon of the Knights, and while she used her wind spirit to give instructions to every toon, she was pursuing the intruder by herself.

    And then, upon travelling at high speed to the ce where she lost contact with them, they were in that state.

    The elementalist before her eyes kept quiet. Just a scorning presence was transmitted.

    "¡ªI see, in that case, I''ll make you talk whether you like it or not."

    The Ray Hawk, which Ellis took a stance with, filled with wind thunderously.

    Just by looking, the figure of a contracted spirit could not be found in that person''s surroundings. It seemed like that person wasn''t holding an elemental waffe either.

    However, the elementalist, before her eyes, had already defeated 5 girls from the Knights.

    (Is she using a type of spirit that possesses the flesh?)

    The opponent''s identity waspletely unknown. Or, far from not finding the figure of a contracted spirit, was the opponent not an elementalist?¡ªNo, that can''t be it. For example, even if oneunched a surprise attack, something like a person, who wasn''t even an elementalist, to defeat five Knights members alone was impossible.

    (In that case, I''ll have to ascertain it with these eyes of mine¡ª!)

    Ellis took a stance with Ray Hawk and attacked like a gale.

    The opponent finally reacted. A muffled voice was heard from under the hood¡ª

    "¡ªManifest, Wolf FangFanged Wolf Spirit."

    At that moment, a pattern of lines appeared on the ground, and a spirit with the appearance of a ferocious wolf was summoned.

    "That''s your spirit, huh? However, it isn''t a match for my demon wind spirit!"

    As she ran, Ellis wielded hernce perfectly horizontal.

    The lump of violent winds she released mowed down the roadside trees while rushing toward Wolf Fang.

    Ellis elerated like she was being sucked in by her self-made wind vortex, ignoring the stranded Wolf Fang, and aimed directly for the elementalist.

    Tan!¡ªShe kicked the ground. Her academy skirt waved about and Ellis had jumped.

    She was about to do her specialty, a nose-dive attack from the sky. It was a technique that had defeated all the upperssmen during the practice matches.

    With the contracted spirit stranded, the elementalist, who became defenseless, looked up.

    And then, the person faced Ellis and turned her palm towards her.

    "What!?"

    "¡ªManifest, st GearRipping Thunder Spirit!"

    At that moment, a bluish-white lightning, released from her palm, was fired at Ellis.

    Ellis, who had not been expecting anything like an attacking towards her, received a direct attack and was blown away without even being able to dodge in mid-air.

    Without dy, Wolf Fang rushed in and attacked. It pushed down on Ellis, who was thrown onto the ground, and tried to bite down on her windpipe. On the verge of that¡ª

    Hyuu! She thought she heard a sound that ripped apart the air, then, Wolf Fang''s body was severed into four parts in an instant, burning up into ashes.

    "...!?"

    Ellis raised her face and traced the crimson remains that ripped apart the night sky with her eyes¡ª

    "You owe me one, Ellis Fahrengart."

    Raven ss''s ire Rouge descended with her metounge in her hand.

    And then¡ª

    "Ellis, are you alright?!"

    Armed with a silver sword, Kazehaya Kamito came running.

    Part 2

    Kamito rushed over to Ellis''s side, who had already fallen.

    Armed with the elemental waffe¡ªTerminus Est, he stood with his arms apart as if protecting her.

    ire was a short distance away and Fianna also came runningter, out of breath.

    "Ellis, are you alright?"

    "...I-It isn''t a big deal."

    Kamito lifted Ellis up by her shoulder and she turned red and shifted her face away.

    "What on earth happened? Who is that person?"

    "It is nothing concerning you guys. This has been entrusted to the Knights, so step back."

    "That won''t do. We are elementalists. And even if there weren''t the Knights, we have the obligation to fight to protect the academy."

    "It''s like that. Besides¡ª"

    Staring directly at Ellis''s face, Kamito said.

    "Our preciousrade was hurt; do you think we could stay silent?"

    "Kamito..."

    Ellis''s face turned bright red and she tightly pressed down on her chest.

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    "Hey, I can''t believe you came. Kazehaya Kamito."

    The elementalist before his eyes raised his voice. For some reason, it was an irritating voice.

    "...Who are you? Why do you know my name?"

    "Your name is famous, you know. You''re the same as me, a male elementalist."

    "What!?"

    The elementalist before his eyes slowly took off his overcoat with a hood.

    At that moment, all of them at that ce gulped.

    Coming to sight from under the overcoat was¡ª

    His dark brown skin, which had tattoos applied all over his body; with ring and shining red eyes, it was ¨C a boy.

    "Such a thing... don''t tell me, there are male elementalists other than Kamito!?"

    ire raised a surprised voice.

    It wasn''t¡ª a girl disguised as a boy.

    Not just his voice and face, no matter how one looked at that physique, it was that of a male.

    (This guy, who on earth... No, leaving that aside now ¨C)

    Before Kamito''s eyes, the injured Knight girls had copsed.

    "¡ªWas this done by you?"

    "Yeah. However, I didn''t kill them. That lot was raised in a lenient miniature garden and isn''t worth killing."

    "What did you say!?"

    "Calm down, Ellis, it''s just a cheap provocation."

    Ellis grinded her teeth and whispered near Kamito''s ear.

    "Be careful, Kazehaya Kamito. He has a double contract with spirits."

    "A double contract?"

    A double contract was, in other words, contracts with two spirits at the same time.

    By using several spirits, one couldpensate for the weakness of his battle style.

    However, exchanging contracts with several spirits would only have demerits in most cases.

    The fellow contracted spirits caused interference, thus it became impossible to manifest their original powers.

    Kamito was certainly in that situation right now. As the contract with the darkness spirit was not broken, it ended up shutting out Est''s power, who was originally an even more powerful spirit.

    "...A male elementalist. In addition, a double contractor?"

    "Yeah, the spirits he''s using are closebat type Wolf Fang and far-range attack st Gear."

    Ellis nodded.

    "Hey, could you overlook this for today? I don''t have the mood to fight you now."

    "What was that?"

    Kamito frowned at the boy, who waved his hand flutteringly like he was making fun of him.

    "As long as I obtain this, that''s fine."

    The boy took out a small ck lithograph from his chest pocket to show them.

    "What is that?"

    "The ssified materials of the seal specification that I stole from the academy library. By using a special spirit device, it is filled with high density information that can be deciphered."

    While arming herself with her demonnce of wind, Ellis muttered.

    "The ssified materials of the seal specification? Why did you steal such ¨C"

    At that moment, a leather whip flew aimed at the boy''s hand.

    It was ire''s surprise attack. Had it been foreseen? The boy easily dodged the whip¡ª

    "¡ªKamito, Ellis!"

    "Ahh!"

    Before ire shouted, the both of them were moving.

    "Tch, every one of them are one stupid lot¡ª"

    "You bastard¡ª"

    Feeling that herrades of the Knights were insulted, Ellis was enraged.

    She swung her Ray Hawk perfectly horizontally ¨C the wind des, dancing boisterously, severed the roadside trees.

    "Huh, another charge? You have no ingenuity!"

    As he dodged the raging wind des, the boy jumped.

    He had a superhuman jumping power. In a manner of passing each other with movements like those of a shadow, he drove a counter punch into Ellis''s stomach, who came charging.

    "Guu¡ª"

    "Ellis!"

    Kamito shouted.

    (With just one strike to that Ellis...)

    The boy, who made Ellis faint, had already jumped into the darkness.

    "Don''t escape!"

    ire immediately let loose her metounge. Beautifully drawing an arc, the red hot killing brandish stood out vividly in the ck night.

    A sculpture, modeled after the appearance of the spirit lord, was severed in an instant and was sted with a shy sound.

    Kamito took a stance with Terminus Est and jumped into the rising cloud of dust.

    The attack just now shouldn''t have made a direct hit. He searched for the enemy''s figure by his presence¡ª

    At that moment, bloodlust was felt from behind.

    Kamito immediately jumped sideways. The killing sh of a dagger mowed down at the ce where his head was a moment ago.

    The boy stepped in without a sound. He didn''t give him a chance to get some distance between them.

    There were no wasted movements¡ª It was like those movements from Silent Killing.

    (This guy ¨C he''s a professional assassin!?)

    Kamito barely stopped the blow of the drawn sword, shing in the darkness, with his sword.

    At that moment, there was a strong impact to his stomach. A strong punch was thrown and Kamito''s stance crumbled. An assassin''s dagger swooped over ¨C but Kamito knocked off the dagger with the bottom of his fist and rolled on the ground with the force, getting some distance.

    "Hey, aren''t you pretty good, as expected of the strongest de dancer."

    "What!?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened in surprise.

    (This guy, does he know my true identity!?)

    In that moment''s opening, when his consciousness went astray, the boy smiled and came jumping once again.

    There were no weapons in his hands. Kamito was armed with Terminus Est¡ª

    "¡ªManifest, FalchionSword Spirit!"

    "Wha!?"

    A violent firework exploded. Terminus Est, which was horizontally mowed down on, was repelled.

    What the boy was holding in his hand was arge blue shining sword.

    It wasn''t an ordinary sword¡ª It was an elemental waffe of a sword spirit.

    "His third contracted spirit!?"

    He had crossed swords several times with elementalists that used two spirits at the same time.

    However, he had not heard of anything like an elementalist using a third or more spirits.

    "This isn''t something to be that surprised about. The Demon King Solomon was said to have used seventy-two spirits, you know."

    "Don''t mess around... that''s just a legend¡ª"

    "What if the existence of that legend was now right before your eyes?"

    The boy warped his lips into a smile.

    "I am Jio Inzagi ¨C The one who will seed the Demon King."

    "Kamito, get away!"

    At that moment, countless fireballs were released from behind. It was ire''s spirit magic.

    Kamito immediately reacted and jumped.

    It was a downpour of fireballs. However, the boy ¨CJio Inzagi held out his hand with a calmposure.

    "¡ªManifest, AerialWind Spirit!"

    A lump ofpressed wind was released radically.

    The violent whirling wind erased the fireballs and blew away the surrounding rubble together with Kamito.

    (Aerial...His fourth spirit!?)

    Jio''s shadow appeared right above Kamito, who looked surprised.

    At the same time as releasing Aerial, he had used that force and jumped.

    The edge of the sword spirit in his hand shone silver.

    "Die¡ªRen AshbellStrongest de Dancer."

    "...!?"

    Towards Kamito''s heart, the tip of a shining sword approached¡ª

    At that moment, a pebble came flying from the side.

    "Tch¡ª"

    Jio repelled that off reflexively, and at that moment¡ª

    A sh like broad daylight filled his field of vision.

    Jio, whose eyes were disoriented, lost his sword and it pierced the ground.

    Kamito quickly regained his stance¡ª

    Katsun! ¨CThere was a dry sound. A smashed transparent stone fell at Kamito''s feet.

    (...This is a spirit crystal?)

    Kamito was taken aback and turned around.

    Over there¡ª

    "Hey, I wonder, could you please not forget about me?"

    Fianna was standing with her hands at her waist.

    Part 3

    He might have noticed that her voice was trembling.

    And yet, Fianna stoutheartedly red at the enemy before her ¨C Jio Inzagi.

    There were 3 spirit crystals held in her hand. Every piece had a sh spirit sealed in it.

    The appearance definitely looked shy, but its attack power was almost nonexistent; it was only usable as a distraction at best.

    It was possible to take him by surprise just now, but he was probably not an opponent who would fall for such a childish trick again.

    Jio Inzagi slowly turned towards Fianna.

    Being watched by his ring and shining red eyes, Fianna''s shoulders trembled.

    "Hey, were you the one who hindered me?"

    "He is mine. Get your hands off him."

    "I see¡ª"

    Jio faced her directly and held out his hand.

    "¡ªManifest, Shining RayDemon Light Spirit"

    A spear of ominous light was born from that hand ¨C he had decided to aim at Fianna''s heart.

    "Ah¡ª"

    Fianna ¨C couldn''t even move.

    Like a prey red at by a predator.

    The spirit crystals held in her palms fell out. Her fingertips were trembling due to the fear.

    "No, it''s the same as that day¡ª"

    She had a shback.

    Four years ago, when she stood before her, that day.

    That day when she tasted the fear of hopelessness, when Fianna''s heart had broken.

    She had nned on firmly opposing him and drawing out her courage, but her body''s trembling wouldn''t stop.

    "Then, die¡ª"

    Jio threw the light spear.

    "Fianna!"

    ireunched her metounge, but it wouldn''t make it in time with that distance.

    Fianna closed her eyes. A momentter, she resigned herself to hering death.

    However¡ª

    "...Eh?"

    The pain of her heart being pierced that should have been there wasn''t there.

    When she opened her eyes¡ª

    "Kamito-kun?"

    Kamito was before her eyes with his arms opened, and he had stopped the light spear with his left hand.

    Red blood trickled down from his pierced palm.

    "Whoa, I''ve misjudged you. You covered for such a useless person."

    "Shut up... Fianna is ourrade."

    Kamito groaned in order to suppress the pain, and genuflected on that spot.

    "That''s fine, if you want to die so much, then I''ll immediately kill¡ª"

    "I won''t let you, that guy is my ve!"

    At that moment, the metounge released by ire attacked Jio.

    The crimson mes licked the ground. Jio clicked his tongue and jumped.

    ¡ªAt that moment, the sound of ttering armors and helmets was heard in the distance.

    It seemed that having heard the sound of a battle, a reinforcement of arge group of Knights hade.

    "Tch, in this situation, I''ll pardon you. I''ve already obtained the target materials."

    "You won''t escape!"

    "ire, don''t chase him too far!"

    Kamito stopped ire, who was about to pursue him.

    "...Kamito, is your injury alright?"

    "Ahh, it isn''t a big... Ouch!"

    "Id-Idiot, don''t overdo it!"

    ire supported Kamito, who was struggling with the pain, by his back.

    "A male elementalist the same as you... that guy, who on earth is he?"

    "Yeah...Fianna?"

    Kamito noticed something and turned around.

    The bacsh of the tension being resolved had caused Fianna to copse at that spot suddenly like a thread snapping.

 Volume 2, 6 - The Morning of the Departure

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 6 - The Morning of the Departure</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªFour years ago, it was the day when the still young girl''s heart waspletely broken.

    mes were rising one by one all over the shrine.

    The mes emitted ck smoke and thunderously zed. There were the screams of the disordered guards.

    On that day, at the shrine, where the Elemental Lord was worshipped, a major event that shook the empire was urring.

    The Fire Queen suddenly flew a banner of revolt and stole the LaevateinnStrongest me Spirit from the shrine.

    The likes of the Empire''s Spirit Knights couldn''t even prove to be her opponent. The raging Laevateinn wielded a gigantic ming demon sword and was simply mowing down the spirits blocking its way.

    Inside the whirling mes and ck smoke, a girl was running alone.

    The Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens, who were packed into the bedrooms, were already escaping towards the outside.

    However, the girl''s running wasn''t to escape.

    It was to stop her.

    Her senior maiden¡ªRubia Elstein, who she adored like an elder sister and had admired from her heart.

    (It has to be some sort of mistake. Rubia-sama wouldn''t do¡ª)

    The girl was out of breath and finally reached the entrance of the shrine.

    The fire Queen was¡ª over there.

    Her red hair fluttered in the surging violent winds and in that hand of hers was a sword of zing scarlet mes.

    In the dead of night, her face, shined upon by the light of the mes, was no less than extremely beautiful.

    "Rubia-sama."

    The girl gulped.

    She came all the way to stop her and yet¡ª

    Before that oh-so terrible blood lust, simply standing took all she had.

    However, she strained her voice bravely.

    She had to stop her. That was the duty of one born into the royal family.

    "Do not¡ª get in my way."

    The Fire Queen warned with an emotionless voice.

    Her ruby pupils, carrying red hot mes, looked down on the girl before her like shooting through her.

    "No, Rubia-sama. There''s no way I will allow you to pass through here."

    ring firmly back at those eyes, the girl recited the spiritnguage summoning.

    "¡ªThou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!"

    "¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding!"

    The girl''s contracted spirit was a high ranking holy spirit, which had served the Ordesia royal family for generations.

    Even if she couldn''t win, she should be able to roughly stall for some time¡ª

    ¡ªThat was what she thought.

    However.

    "I said don''t get in my way."

    At that moment, the Fire Queen swung the sword of scarlet mes held in her hand.

    In just a moment. A red killing-sh urred, the summoned holy spirit was wrapped in a red hot congration and vanished.

    "Wh...at..."

    *Thump*. The girl copsed on her knees at that spot.

    It was painful to breathe. Her throat had a cramp and she couldn''t even gasp.

    The cause was the contracted spirit she had put perfect trust in.

    The strongest knight, who always protected her since she was young, vanished too quickly.

    "N-No, help me please..."

    The hopeless fear crushed the heart of the girl, who was overflowing with confidence, into small pieces.

    Throwing off all her pride as a royalty, the girl just shed tears and begged.

    The one who was there was neither the empire''s second princess, nor the elite princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    It was merely a powerless girl.

    The Fire Queen bent over her waist gently. The girl''s whole body trembled with just that.

    "Fianna Ray Ordesia¡ª Never appear before me again."

    She whispered that close to her ears, and then went on, disappearing into the middle of the zing mes.

    Part 2

    "...!?"

    Fianna jumped up from the bed.

    Her rough breathing would not settle. Unpleasant perspiration was causing her undergarments to cling closely to her skin.

    "A dream..."

    After muttering and regting her breathing, she tightly grabbed the bed sheet.

    It was ire''s room in the Raven ss'' dormitory. The morning sunlight was shining in from the window.

    It seemed that she had slept with her uniform on. It couldn''t be said that it wasfortable enough to sleep in, but the uniform of the Divine Ritual Institute, which incorporated the holy attribute, had the effect of fatigue recovery.

    (My secret, looks like it hasn''t been exposed...)

    Slightly easing open her chest area, Fianna breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡ªAnd then, she recalled. It was about yesterday night.

    (If he hadn''t protected me at that moment, right now I would have been¡ª)

    She bit her lips and put strength into her hand grabbing the sheet.

    (...It''s the same as that day. In the end, I couldn''t do anything.)

    At that moment, the room''s door suddenly opened¡ª

    "Fianna... you''ve awoken?!"

    "Kyaa!?"

    Fianna reflexively screamed and quickly concealed her exposed bosom.

    "M-My bad!"

    Flustered, Kamito averted his eyes.

    "W-Why did you suddenly enter..."

    "Sorry... I had the same experience with waking a youngdy, who always oversleeps."

    As Kamito scratched his head, he apologized. His face was spread with the color of weariness.

    "Your hand''s injury, is it alright?"

    "Ah, it''s no big deal. ire had already called for the medical team after all."

    With a flutter, Kamito waved his left hand, that had been pierced by the spirit, to show her.

    It certainly looked like his wound had been healed, but that expression of his looked like he was still in pain and enduring it.

    "I''m sorry, it''s because of me. Because I meddled unnecessarily."

    "No, Fianna, if you hadn''t used the spirit crystal at that time, I''d have been done for. Thank you for saving me. About the spirit crystal of releasing, isn''t it unreasonably high priced?"

    "I-It''s nothing special, who do you think I am?"

    "I see...you are the former royal princess."

    As Kamito wryly smiled, he sat beside the bed.

    (...N-No way, why is my face so hot, I wonder.)

    Fianna''s heart was racing.

    (I''m just trying to use him and yet.)

    For her face to not be seen directly for some reason, Fianna drew her hands near to her knees and looked down.

    "About yesterday''s intruder, it seems the Sylphid Knights are in the middle of investigating. The teachers also seem to be moving in a fluster, however, the n is for us to go investigate Mine Town as nned."

    Kamito cut his sentence there¡ª

    "That''s¡ªit. Before we go for the quest, I have to talk to you."

    "Isn''t it still early to propose?"

    "...Don''t make fun of me. You know it, right? About that matter."

    Kamito said with a frowning tone, and *kata*, a small sound was heard outside.

    Fianna smirked. It was the same as a girl''s face when thinking of messing around.

    Upon brushing her morous ck hair, she gently drew her lips close to Kamito''s ear¡ª

    "I understand. With just the two of us, at a ce where ire isn''t around, you have something important to talk about."

    "Hn? Ah, that is so, but..."

    It was a manner of speech that had something unclear¡ª Kamito frowned and at that moment...

    *Bam*¡ª The room''s door suddenly opened.

    "Hey, Kamito, with just the two of you, at a ce where I''m not around, what important thing do you have to talk about?"

    *Gogogogogogogogo...!*

    "ire!? W-Wait, you misunderstood, the words just now were by no means a conversation like that¡ª"

    "Scarlet!"

    When ire called out its name, a red-hot hell cat appeared from an empty space.

    "Y-Y-You have two choices... Roasted or smoked?!"

    "¡ªFianna, let''s run away!"

    "Eh...Kyaa!"

    Kamito gently carried Fianna, kicked open the room''s window and jumped.

    "Ah, y-you got away, wait up!"

    Part 3

    The academy courtyard was hazy with the morning mist.

    Rinslet Laurenfrost took her maid and wolf for a morning walk.

    "Carol, let''s have breakfast at the dining hall?"

    "Yes, mdy."

    Carol nodded, seemingly happy. The white wolf walking beside her also howled.

    Contrary to its ferocious-looking appearance, this wolf surprisingly made round and cute eyes. It was the high-ranked demon ice spirit Fenrir, which had served the Laurenfrost family for generations.

    Walking a contracted spirit wasn''t something that unusual.

    The spirits particrly like walking in the forest. The Spirit Forest surrounding the academy was an environment of exceedingly good feeling to the spirits that manifested in this world.

    Girls from the Knights were running in a fluster in the academy corridors surrounding the courtyard.

    "What? It''s been noisy since morning."

    "It seems that a thief broke into the academyst night, mdy."

    "To creep into this academy, that''s a brave thief¡ª Ah?"

    Frowning suddenly, Rinslet raised her voice.

    Kamito was walking towards the Spirit Forest from the academy building.

    Kamito was leading a shockingly pretty girl.

    "Ah, it''s Kamito-sama. The girl beside him is, if I''m not mistaken, the newly admitted student, Fianna-san?"

    "..."

    Rinslet pouted her lips, seemingly sullen.

    "I wonder why, my chest is somewhat surging with anger."

    "Ah, mdy, do you dislike Kamito-sama?"

    "Yes, I hate him! That distinctioncking person!"

    "However, mdy, you seem pretty concerned about Kamito-sama."

    "I-I just want to steal ire Rouge''s ve!"

    Rinslet''s face turned red and she turned away.

    ¡ªAnd then, over there, she spotted the appearance of another acquaintance and frowned.

    Just right at that moment, ire came out from the Raven ss dormitory''s outer gate.

    She somewhat looked strange and was tottering with an unusually depressed expression.

    Even her prided red twintail was now dejectedly dangling.

    "What on earth happened?"

    Rinslet muttered, seemingly worried.

    (...She may be my rival, but as expected I cannot abandon her.)

    Even if they always quarrel, she was worried about her childhood friend one way or another.

    Leaving behind Carol and Fenrir at that spot, Rinslet quietly approached from behind.

    "W-Why he¡ª are such big breasts good? Those lumps of fat..."

    "What''s with breasts, ire Rouge?"

    "...! Ri-Rinslet!?"

    ire was taken aback and screamed.

    "Aren''t your breasts being deplorable a usual thing?"

    "S-Shut up... Well, that''s enough. Besides that, have you seen Kamito?"

    "Kamito-san, I happened to see him some time ago. He was walking with a girl, just the two of them."

    "W-What was that?!"

    "They went towards the forest direction. If you run after them, you can still make it."

    ire... groaned.

    "I-I don''t care about such a guy! I hope he dies by suffocation while being buried in breasts!"

    "Hey, ire, what on earth happened?"

    Rinslet inquired, seemingly puzzled.

    ire tightly bit her lips¡ª

    "Rinslet, hide your shame and listen... W-Why are my breasts small?"

    Rinslet kindly smiled at ire, whose face bashfully reddened.

    "You are not at all at fault. It''s just that your deplorable breasts are at fault. Besides, so-called maniac men who like those also exist in society."

    "Rinslet, didn''t you say something earth-shatteringly rude under the pretense offorting me?"

    "It was just your imagination."

    Rinslet nonchntly said.

    "It''d be fine if I could share and give my breast to you, however..."

    She muttered¡ª suddenly, Rinslet recalled an article that she read from some magazine.

    "ire, I remembered a method to erge your breasts."

    "Eh?"

    ire gazed at Rinslet with eyes full of anticipation for a moment.

    ...However, she instantly shook her head.

    "...L-Lies, there''s no way such a method exists. I heard a rumor that the legendaryrge breast spirit had been seen in the Spirit Forest in the older days and went hunting, but even that was a false rumor."

    "Eh, y-you were doing such a shameful thing?"

    Rinslet was, as expected, a little drawn back.

    "S-Shut up... That''s enough. I''ll hear you out about that method."

    "Ahem." ire coughed and said.

    She took an attitude as if she didn''t seem interested, but her keen interest had been found out.

    Hmm. Rinslet ced her hand at her chin.

    (...This is perhaps something I can use as a trade.)

    It seemed that ire''s worries were not something very serious.

    If that''s the case, she felt like it was a waste to just give the information to her rival.

    (...That reminds me, ire''s team entered into an S rank quest.)

    Rinslet recalled about the thing she casually heard from Carol yesterday.

    "It''s alright even if I tell you. However, it is just difficult to do it for free."

    "W-What?"

    "I also want to have the privilege of joining Team Scarlet''s current quest."

    "...Huh? Why are youing along?!"

    "It is unfair that only you guys get to go on a trip. Besides, it will be troubling for my manservant to be tamed as you please at a ce where my eyes can''t reach."

    "It isn''t a trip; it''s a quest. To begin with, Kamito isn''t your manservant."

    ire bluntly shook her head. It was natural. If the number of people participating in the quest increased, then the ranking points given per person would also end up decreasing after all.

    "I see, in that case, it''s regretful, but I am unable to tell you the method to erge your breasts."

    "Guu..."

    ire, seemingly vexed, gritted her teeth.

    For a few seconds, she sternly red at Rinslet¡ª

    "...I-I get it."

    Eventually, she sighed as she gave up.

    "You maye along. However, forming a team with you is something temporary."

    "Th-That''s obvious! Who would join a team like yours?!"

    Part 4

    During that time, Kamito and Fianna had gone deep into the Spirit Forest.

    At night, it was a forest of darkness with the squirming of nasty spirits, but during the day, it gave off the same feeling as a sacred shrine. Such was the Spirit Forest: a ce with a two-faced nature.

    (That reminds me, I met ire here...)

    ...That was, in many ways, the worst kind of meeting, though.

    "To walk in the middle of the trees with just the two of us, it''s just like a date."

    "This isn''t a ce suited for a date. There are spirits that the eyes can''t see drifting all over the ce."

    "It''s fine. If I had to say so, then I''m more the type that gets fired up being seen."

    "...Wh... Pr-Princesses don''t say such a thing!"

    "It''s a joke. What are you getting red for?"

    While having such a conversation, the two of them emerged into a clearing in the middle of the forest.

    He didn''t have to worry about anyone hearing about their chat.

    "Well then, I have one thing I want to ask¡ª"

    "My underwear''s color is ck."

    "Don''t go ahead and answer. That''s not it, I don''t n to ask such a question."

    Kamito retorted with deadpan eyes. It was not good for him to be dragged into the princess''s pace.

    "Ahem", he coughed and gazed straight into Fianna''s eyes¡ª

    "Why do you know my true identity?"

    "..."

    There were a few seconds of silence.

    And then, she calmly sighed.

    The color of disappointment that she couldn''t conceal surfaced on her face.

    "...Hey, are you really unable to remember?"

    "Sorry, but I don''t have a princess acquaintance."

    Fianna sighed again at Kamito''s reply.

    She puffed her cheeks, rather than being shocked, he felt like she was angry.

    "Hint one, do you remember anything looking at this forest?"

    "The forest?"

    "Yes, Astral Zero''s forest."

    Astral Zero... There was something stuck in Kamito''s mind.

    "Hint two, the de Dance."

    "de Dance, you mean the one three years ago?...Don''t tell me, you''re an opponent from one of the de dances!?"

    "Hint three, hair style!"

    Shouting in an irritated voice, Fianna tied up her hair with both hands.

    She wore her morous ck hair on both sides, that face¡ª

    "Ah!"

    Kamito spontaneously raised his voice.

    "...I-I remember!"

    Three years ago, she was the girl he saved when she was being attacked by a spirit in the Astral Zero forest.

    Certainly, Kamito got seen when he wasn''t wearing his female clothing at that time.

    "The girl from that day was you, Fianna!"

    "...Yes, jeez."

    Fianna pouted her lips as though she was peevish.

    "Err, but, your atmosphere is greatly different..."

    Kamito spoke ambiguously. It was not that he remembered it that vividly, but at least she wasn''t such a grown-up girl.

    "What, Kamito-kun, you too have changed pretty much."

    "Various things happened."

    Kamito awkwardly averted his eyes.

    His line of sight unconsciously fixed on his left hand covered by leather glove.

    ¡ªThree years ago was when just about everything changed.

    After all, it was that day he lost her, reaching his hand out to the Wish that should have never been wished for.

    "Despite promising to meet again, despite me waiting all this time. You disappeared."

    "...Sorry."

    Kamito honestly apologized.

    Fianna ced her hands on her waist, and sighed in disappointment.

    "It''s fine, I''ll forgive you. I''m offended that youpletely forgot about me, but well, that''s it. To you, it was only one girl you saved by chance."

    "But hey¡ª", she destely muttered.

    Suddenly, she pushed her soft fingertip gently onto Kamito''s lips.

    "You''re really my first love."

    "Wh...!?"

    "It''s a joke."

    "...Wh-Why you."

    Kamito red with a deadpan look and Fianna giggled.

    "I see, you''re the girl from that time..."

    However, even if¡ª

    Why on earth did shee approaching Kamito? That reason was not clear.

    "Fianna, why did youe to this academy?"

    "Of course, it''s to kiss my beloved Kamito-kun."

    "...Don''t you feel embarrassed saying that?"

    "Y-Yes...that just now was a little embarrassing."

    Fianna turned red and looked downwards....Well, she''ll do it.

    "I came here because I heard about Kamito-kun."

    "About me?"

    "Yeah, a few days ago, I heard a rumor from my castle-serving butler. That there was a male elementalist, who defeated a rampaging militarized spirit. After investigating, that name¡ª"

    "Was my name, the one, who disappeared three years ago."

    "That''s it. Although, I knew intuitively just from the male elementalist part."

    "Then, why did youe to meet me?"

    "Th-That''s to kiss with Kamito-kun¡ª"

    "No, that''s enough."

    Kamito interrupted and Fianna was a little sullen as she kept silent.

    And then, she calmly opened her mouth.

    "I thought of threatening you with the secret of your past and forcibly getting to join your team."

    "What do you mean?"

    "If I was in the same team as Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer, the strongest de dancer, I thought that I could win this time''s de Dance."

    "...I see. That means that those unnatural seductive methods were also part of your n?"

    "Err... I-I got exposed."

    "Your acting was too unnatural. Well, I think you did your best."

    At any rate, she was a real princess and through rigid ways, she was a famous Divine Ritual Institute princess maiden. In rtion to such a field, in a certain way, she was a girl more innocent than this academy''s high-ss youngdies.

    "However, don''t misunderstand! D-Doing such a thing is something I''ve only done to you, Kamito-kun!"

    "No, such a follow-up is troubling..."

    Kamito moaned with a deadpan look and sighed.

    "However, why do you n on entering the de Dance?"

    "That''s..."

    Fianna made a perplexed-like expression¡ª

    "Isn''t it obvious? If I win the de Dance, I''ll have all the status and honor I desire. Everyone, who was ridiculing me ¡ªThe Lost Queen, useless princess¡ª will have to recognize me."

    "...I see."

    ¡ªThat was a lie. Kamito had a hunch. That was not the true reason.

    Her cold pupils were simr to ire''s, carrying a strong will towards their goal.

    With such a reason, she shouldn''t be able to have such eyes.

    "Hey, Kamito-kun. You aren''t angry?"

    "Hn, why?"

    "After all, I''m trying to use you."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders at the princess, who became serious at a strange time.

    "It''s nothing, Greyworth always uses me. On top of that, ire gives me the ve treatment. Even if such people increase by one or two, it makes no difference."

    "It seems even that Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer has it hard in various things."

    Fianna bitterly smiled, at that moment¡ª

    "You guys, what are you doing there?!"

    The thicket rustled and a cold voice resounded.

    He turned around and a girl, whose face he recognized, appeared from the other side of the thicket.

    "Ellis?"

    "...Oh, it''s Kamito."

    Ellis took a breath of relief and sheathed her sword. Then, she pushed through the thicket and walked towards his direction.

    Immediately from behind, Rakka and Reishia from the Knights appeared.

    "Ellis, what''s the matter? Why are you in the middle of the forest?"

    "Those are our words. Because of yesterday''s intruder, the Knights are being strained. I''ll want you to be discreet with your own actions."

    Immediately, Ellis''s line of sight moved towards Fianna, who stood behind Kamito.

    Her expression immediately turned stern.

    "Y-You guys, what are you doing at such a ce with just the two of you!"

    Before Kamito knew it, a sword was pressing near his throat.

    ...As always, it was a god-speed sword draw.

    "No way, you guys¡ª"

    "How dumb, isn''t there only one thing a boy and a girl of age could do in the middle of the forest."

    "Wh-What was that!?"

    Ellis''s face got dyed bright red at Fianna''s words.

    The sword''s edge was raised with a jerk.

    "Oi, Fianna!?"

    Kamito shouted, but Fianna feigned ignorance.

    "Th-The academy doesn''t have a rule that prohibits illicit sexual rtionships. At any rate, the opposite sex isn''t here, after all. However, even if the rules allow it, the Knights won''t! What were you doing, say it!"

    "Well, what did we do? However, isn''t it generally like your imagination?"

    Fianna pressed her breasts tightly onto Kamito''s arm.

    Ellis''s eyes increasingly rose with danger.

    "Fianna, why do you always make pretenses, which is like pouring oil onto the fire!?"

    "Ev-Even though I''d gotten a slightly better opinion of you..., you insolent person!"

    She swung her sword.

    Kamito jumped back in a fluster to avoid that merciless attack.

    "Wa-Wait, Ellis! Knights, pleasee, there''s a murdering demon here!"

    "You fool, I am a Knight!"

    "I said it in irony!"

    Kamito shouted.

    "Captain, you''re wasting your time."

    Rakka ced her hand on Ellis''s shoulder.

    "Apologies, whenever our captain is before you, she gets emotionally unstable."

    "...Th-That''s not true!"

    Ellis''s face turned bright red and she snarled at Reishia, who chuckled.

    For the time being, it seemed the danger to his life had subsided. Kamito took a breath of relief.

    "Jeez, Ellis, what''s the matter since this morning?"

    "Ah, it has been decided that we are departing to a mine for a quest. To use a light source inside the tunnel, we came to capture light attribute spirits."

    The one who answered was Rakka.

    That''s right. They were holdingnterns inserted with small spirit crystals in their hands.

    "A mine? Could it be, by any chance, the same Mine Town Gado investigation quest as us?"

    "Ah, that''s right. Although, we didn''t have the investigation quest."

    "What do you mean?"

    "It is a quest newly added this morning. The details were the arrest of the assant and the recovery of the stolen highly ssified materials."

    "The assant¡ª that Jio Inzagi brat."

    He was a male elementalist, who used several contracted spirits.

    He seemed to know something about that boy''s goal.

    "That''s right. We haven''t gotten hold of the brat''s true identity, but the highly ssified material stolen from the library was something that had recordings about the strategic-ss militarized spirit, Jormungandr, sealed in the postwar period in Mine Town Gado. It seems that there are people secretly maneuvering at the outskirts of Mine Town."

    Ellis held her temper, seemingly vexed.

    "It''s because of Jio Inzagi ¡ªthat brat¡ª that the confidence in the Sylphid Knights fell to the ground. To restore the Knights'' honor I, as the Captain, have to arrest him."

    Rakka and Reishia strongly nodded to Ellis''s words.

    (...It seemed like it won''t end as an ordinary earthquake investigation.)

    A premonition passed through Kamito''s mind.

    There was the stolen strategic-ss militarized spirit''s highly ssified material.

    And then, there was the assant, who somehow knew Kamito''s true identity.

    (Wasn''t Greyworth holding on to the information regarding that assant?)

    Kamito honestly did not understand what that Dusk Witch was making him do. However, he thought about it, for Greyworth to present an S rank quest at this timing, he felt something intentional behind her actions.

    (That witch...)

    Kamito groaned loathsomely.

    After that, he faced Ellis¡ª

    "...Hey, Ellis. Since our goals are the same, why don''t you cooperate with us?"

    That Jio Inzagi assant wasn''t amon opponent.

    He, of course, knew about Ellis''s ability, but he wasn''t an opponent that could be managed with her skills.

    However, Ellis decisively shook her head.

    "Kamito, I appreciate your feelings, but I just can''t borrow your help. This is something that the Sylphid Knights should settle."

    "Well, you may think like that, but don''t overdo it."

    "A-Ah... you too."

    Ellis turned red and faced away.

    Fianna, who saw that situation, pouted her lips seemingly sullen for some reason.

    Part 5

    At that time, ire was hugging a pillow on her bed and writhing.

    "To get the boy I li-like to rub my b-breasts!"

    She shouted with her face flushed red and struck the pillow. *Posun*. *Posun*.

    ¡ªTo erge her breasts, it was best to get a gentleman she likes to rub them.

    Rinslet told her that.

    "Th-There''s no way I can do that! Besides, a boy I li-like¡ª"

    While hugging the pillow tightly, she rolled idly on her bed...and suddenly stopped.

    "..."

    At that moment, Kamito''s face came to ire''s mind for some reason.

    Like the prince of the romance novels targeted at teens, which ire loved reading, Kamito, in her imagination, forcibly pushed ire down on the bed¡ª

    "Fuwaa, wh-what are you doing, idiot, pervert!"

    "Surprisingly, it seems you do have breasts."

    "Eh?... I-Is that so? That''s not true, it''s the same as usual, as usual."

    "I''ll make them even bigger. With this magnificent technique of mine."

    "No, hey, fua, a-aa ?"

    Kamito''s fingertips in her imagination tightly grabbed ire''s breasts.

    One rub, two rubs, each time her breasts went expanding like a fluffy cake.

    ("Fua, hn, wh-what is this, how amazing...!?")

    Her uniform button popped out with a snap and her underwear ripped, and then¡ª

    "...There''s no way that would happen!"

    ire hit her pillow and writhed.

    "Wh-What''s with the magnificent technique... Am I an id-idiot or what?!"

    "Nyaa?"

    "Wh-What are you looking at, Scarlet!"

    She faced the floor and threw the pillow, and the fire spirit escaped in a fluster.

    "Ahh, I-It''s all that guy''s fault!"

    While hugging her shoulders with both hands, she increased the pace of her breathing.

    (...What do I do, I''ve somehow begun feeling hot. I wonder if I have a fever.)

    Her body was hot for some reason. ire ced both hands on her cheeks and was struck with an idea.

    (...I-I wonder if they''ll be big, if I rub them myself.)

    "I-I shall try it out..."

    With her fingertips, she held her own breasts just a little.

    "Ah, hn..."

    She involuntarily let out a voice due to the light numb-like sensation.

    (Wh-What do I do...it somehow feels good.)

    *Funyuu*. *Funyuu*.

    "Fua, ah, hn, no, this... is not good and yet, hn."

    She was rubbing her breasts in a half conscious state¡ª

    *Gacha*¡ª the sound of the room''s door opening resounded.

    "...Y-You, what are you doing?"

    Kamito was standing with a puzzled-looking face.

    "...Fua!? N-No, this isn''t what it looks like!"

    Immediately following what she said, countless fireballs released by ire blew Kamito away.

    Part 6

    With this and that, it was one hourter. At the za in front of the gate, Kamito was preparing for the departure.

    It wasn''t a ce that far from the academy. It was a distance that wouldn''t take a day riding through the highway by horse.

    It seemed that Ellis''s team had already departed. As for the girls, who were receiving the wind spirit''s divine protection, they should be able to reach there even earlier.

    Equipping Est on his waist, who had transformed into her sword form, he was confirming the equipment.

    "I amte, Kamito-san."

    A tinum blonde high-ss youngdy came leading a horse.

    "Eh, Rinslet''s alsoing?"

    Kamito asked ire.

    "Yeah, it was a high grade strategic trade. In exchange for the important piece of information she held, I allowed her to join the quest this time."

    "Important information? What''s that?"

    "It is a se-secret... it''s an important piece of information after all, it can''t be told to someone like you."

    "Certainly, it''s an important piece of information to you. A method to erge your breasts¡ª!"

    "Hey, Rinslet Laurenfrost, do you want to turn to cinders?"

    "Hey, ire, your eyes, your eyes are serious!"

    Rinslet backed off.

    "Ah, I''m worried, mdy. To go to such a dangerous ce."

    At her side, Carol, the maid, was worrying about her master with her hands put together like she was praying.

    As she was not an elementalist, she naturally couldn''t join the quest. She was a care-taker at the academy.

    "It is alright, Carol. I am worried about you instead."

    Rinslet hugged her brave maid who had affection for her master.

    "I wonder if you can wake up alone in the morning even when I''m not around. Eat precisely three meals. For the washing, take care not to let it be covered in bubbles again."

    "Yes, mdy, I will do my best even if mdy isn''t around."

    "...No, that is strange."

    Kamito retorted to the two of them, who were somehow getting excited, with a deadpan look.

    "By any chance, could Carol be a terribly no-good maid?"

    Thereupon, Rinslet sternly turned around and red at Kamito.

    "What are you saying? It is fine as long as a maid is cute!"

    "Well, if you''re alright with that, it''s fine, however..."

    (Or perhaps I should say that Rinslet is truly a perfect superwoman at all housework!?)

    ...It was surprisingly beyond the truth.

    "The meals mdy makes are very delicious."

    "Carol, you should also do some work..."

    Kamito was amazed at the no-good maid.

    "St-Stop, I said stop, didn''t I!"

    Such a scream was heard from behind.

    Kamito turned around and Fianna, who was on the horse, was being swung about¡ª

    "Kyaa!"

    *Thud!* Her butt fell to the ground. It seemed that her reflexes weren''t very good.

    "Jeez, despite being a royal princess, you can''t ride a horse? Horse riding is a noble''s basic knowledge?"

    "The me-method to ride a horse wasn''t taught at the Divine Ritual Institute!"

    While beating off the mud stuck on her skirt, Fianna answered back.

    "Horsebackbat practice is a required subject in the academy, it''s something you have to get used to. Well, with those breasts, it might be difficult to keep your bnce though?"

    "Yes, that''s right. As I do not have aero breasts[1] that don''t catch air resistance like yours, I may certainly be unsuited for riding a horse. Since I catch air resistance, that is."

    "Wh...a-aero breasts, what?! Don''t make up new words!"

    Rinslet came around at the spot where the two were quarreling.

    Brushing her tinum blonde hair, she faced Fianna and smiled.

    "I''m Rinslet Laurenfrost, I''m pleased to make your acquaintance from now on. And, as Kazehaya Kamito is my manservant, could you please not make a move on him as you wish?"

    "Ah, I don''t n on making a move on him. Since he''s your manservant, how about you properly discipline him?"

    "You can sure use your words, your Highness... hohoho."

    "Fufufu..."

    Between the two of them, sparks were scattering.

    "You girls..."

    Kamito, who was on the horse, was astounded and sighed.

    Fianna turned towards Kamito''s direction and an impish smile surfaced.

    "Hey, as I can''t ride a horse, Kamito will give me a ride."

    "Uh?"

    Before Kamito answered, Fianna had jumped behind him.

    "Wh...!"

    "Come on!"

    ire and Rinslet raised their voice simultaneously.

    Fianna wrapped her hands around Kamito''s waist and tightly embraced him.

    *Fuyon*, the sensation of her soft breasts touching him was felt.

    "W-Why me? Have ire or Rinslet give you a ride."

    "I want to be given a ride by Kamito. Or, do you want your true identity exposed?"

    "Guu..."

    "N-No, that''s no good!"

    ire struck the ground with a whip with a snap.

    "Ah, why?"

    "Wh-Why...? A-At any rate, that''s no good!"

    "Even if you''re a royal princess, that''s unfair!"

    Rinslet also sullenly puffed her cheeks.

    ...He didn''t understand very well what was unfair.

    "Oh dear, it seems I have many difficulties in store for me..."

    Kamito deeply sighed on the horse with Fianna sitting behind him.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü Aero as in Aerodynamic (ie: aerodynamically shaped to reduce air resistance, like how cars or airnes are shaped).

 Volume 2, 7 - The Abandoned-Mine Battle

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 7 - The Abandoned-Mine Battle</h4>

    Part 1

    It was the dead of the night when, after riding their horses throughout the day, the party reached the entrance of Mine Town.

    Since all the members rode here practically without rest, they were totally exhausted.

    However, it wasn''t possible to have a carefree rest.

    "This is Mine Town Gado... It''s like a ghost town."

    Rinslet, who dismounted from the horse, calmly muttered.

    "It''s because several decades have passed since it became an abandoned mine. There should be no humans living here."

    "Humans¡ª huh."

    ire squinted her eyes staring deep into the darkness.

    Bluish-white will-o''-wisps were wavering here and there near a ruin.

    They were low-rank spirits that were floating about. For this sort of ruin, there were many nasty spirits gathered.

    It was just like how the Spirit Forest was at night.

    On the other side of the abandoned town, still containing countless abandoned tunnels, huge mines stood towering over the surroundings.

    Gado Mine¡ª It once produced arge quantity of spirit crystals, it was the Empire''srgest mine.

    During the war, the spirit crystals were dug up and exhausted, and it hadn''t even been twenty years since it became an abandoned mine.

    Below that mine, Jormungandrthe strategic-ss militarized spirit was sleeping; sealed by the Ordesia Knights of that time.

    "¡ªBy the way, you better get away from him."

    ire red at Fianna, who was tightly clinging onto Kamito''s arm.

    "I don''t want to, after all, Kamito-kun will protect me."

    "You may be in a position to be protected. However, to begin with, what''s the matter with your contracted spirit? As that elementalist might be hiding in ambush, have it in a state where you can use it immediately."

    "That''s¡ª"

    Fianna''s words were unusually hesitant.

    She tightly closed her lips and abruptly turned away.

    "I-It still isn''t the time. The contracted spirit of the Ordesia royal family must not be summoned so indiscreetly. It''s clearly different from your cat."

    "Wh-What was that...!"

    The ground where the four were standing on suddenly shook greatly.

    "An earthquake...!?"

    "It seems like we had better hurry. I have a bad premonition."

    ire softly muttered, and in her palm, a spirit magic fire was lighted.

    The ce of their objective was found instantly without even searching.

    At the deepest part of the main street going through the abandoned town¡ª before the entrance of the mine, there was a gigantic grand shrine.

    It was a splendid shrine that made use of several gigantic stone pirs.

    A grand shrine of this scale existed only in the capital even in the Ordesia Empire.

    However¡ª

    "How terrible, this..."

    The grand shrine ¡ªwhich had its sculptures destroyed, had the spirit crystals iid in its stone pir robbed and had once entertained the spirits¡ª had transformed into a ruin that was even tragic to look at.

    "How strange¡ª"

    The one, who noticed the unusual phenomenon, was Fianna, who had received training as Queen.

    "What''s strange?"

    "This shrine, despite being in such ruins, shows traces of someone taking the trouble to perform a ritual. Furthermore, many times over the period of these several months."

    "Ritual?"

    Nodding at ire, who was frowning, with a serious face, Fianna kneeled onto the ground.

    It seemed that she was looking for footprints and traces of scrape marks and so forth that were on the stone paving.

    "This dance¡ª is probably the Ritual of Releasing. It seems that it was more or less arranged, though."

    "The Ritual of Releasing..."

    Kamito groaned in a low tone.

    It was because he remembered how the elementalist, who was also a male elementalist just like Kamito, assailed the academy and took away the highly ssified material concerning the seal specification.

    (Is that brat really nning on releasing the sealed Jormungandr strategic-ss militarized spirit?)

    It was impossible for any kind of elementalist to control Jormungandr individually.

    If that was the case, what was his goal?

    At any rate, if the spirit''s seal was undone, it was certain that the towns in the vicinity would be turned into scorched earth.

    "Is the seal almost undone?"

    "No, it''s still alright. This shrine isn''t the superior true shrine."

    "The true shrine...? What do you mean?"

    "The grand shrine here, at most, it''s purpose was to camouge the original shrine¡ª Which should be at an important ce like the mine. There were many splendid grand shrines built needlessly above ground to hide the existence of the original shrine. Of course, it doesn''t mean that this shrine isn''t usable, though."

    "That means there''s a real shrine somewhere?"

    "Yes, it''s most likely being hidden deep in the mine."

    Fianna raised her head, and at that moment.

    "Be careful, there''s something here!"

    Rinslet, who was on a lookout of their surroundings, suddenly shouted.

    Kamito turned around¡ª

    In the surroundings of the shrine that the four of them were in, there was a wriggling crowd of figures of people.

    "Humans? No, they''re¡ª"

    "Fire, illuminate!"

    ire recited the incantation, and a spirit magic fire lit in an empty space.

    The figures that were shone by the me''s light were¡ª

    "Wh-What!?"

    It was a crowd of skeletons holding rusty swords and clubs in their hands.

    From the gap of their bones, something like a ck fog was being emitted out.

    "What, are these... spirits!?"

    "The skeletons that were left behind seem to be possessed by low-rank spirits."

    While muttering¡ª Kamito noticed something with a "hmm".

    ire was slightly holding onto Kamito''s uniform sleeve.

    "...You, by any chance, are you weak against horror-ish things like these?"

    "Th-That''s not it¡ª Who do you think I am?!"

    "You don''t have to push yourself, look out, hold on."

    "...I-It''s not anything scary."

    ire, who was hiding her face while biting her lips, was a little cute.

    "At any rate, it''s strange¡ª"

    Normally, the so-called low-rank spirits don''t possess a distinct self.

    Even if there were rare times when they attacked humans, there shouldn''t be a time when they formed a group like this.

    "Kamito-kun, these guys, you know. They are the ones doing the ritual here."

    "What was that?"

    Kamito was surprised and turned around. Fianna nodded.

    "The movements of those skeletons are pretty rough, but...it''s just like the Ritual of Releasing."

    "Don''t tell me, the low-rank spirits were doing an advanced Ritual of Releasing?"

    Kamito stared at the approaching figures. Now that she mentioned it, he could see that the skeletons possessed by the spirits were moving with a fixed regrity.

    "No, such a thing is impossible... There has to be some practitioner manipting the spirits."

    "Well, does it mean that these guys won''te to attack us?"

    ire tightly griped Kamito''s sleeve as she said that.

    The group of skeletons went up the stairs of the shrine, walking in a slow manner.

    "Freezing ice fang, pierce Freezing Arrow!"

    The ice arrow, released by Rinslet, collected and mowed down the group of wriggling skeletons.

    It was the high-rank demon ice spirit Fenrir''s elemental waffe.

    To an elementalist, an enemy of this level was only small fry.

    From the broken skeletons, a ck fog spouted out and vanished into an empty space.

    "That''s a darkness attribute spirit¡ª"

    Suddenly, a sh urred in Kamito''s mind.

    (Don''t tell me¡ª)

    He cast his sight to his left hand covered by his ck leather glove.

    A piercing-like pain was running in his engraved spirit seal, at that moment¡ª

    "...!?"

    The sound of a terrible explosion came from the direction of the mine.

    "Don''t tell me the battle is beginning!?"

    "Let''s go, Kamito!"

    ire sounded her whip with a snap, and began running.

    Part 2

    It was the spirit crystal mine that towered above the abandoned town. They finally arrived at its entrance¡ª

    From within the tunnel, the violent sound of weapons reverberated.

    "Kamito, that¡ª"

    In the deep darkness where ire pointed at, an intense sh urred.

    The one who was fighting, was Ellis Fahrengart, wielding her elemental waffence.

    Her ponytail hair was fluttering in the thunderous-blowing wind.

    Her appearance showed that she had her Knights armor destroyed and was covered incerations. From that, he could see that she had wounds all over her body.

    "Ha, as expected of Captain-sama, you''ve entertained me considerably, haven''t you?!"

    A loud ear-splittingughter resounded in the tunnel.

    Before Ellis, stood a boy with ring shiny red eyes.

    Jio Inzagi¡ª A male elementalist, who called himself the sessor of the Demon King.

    Rakka and Reishia,y copsed at his feet, injured.

    "You bastard, myrades, how dare you¡ª"

    Ellis swung her Ray Hawk.

    The tunnel wall was destroyed, and the hard bedrock was smashed up like ss.

    Jio gave a shrillingugh as he jumped up. It was not a movement possible for humans¡ª there might be some body-strengthening-spirit possessing him.

    "Hey, hey, is that it? Is being a part of the Knights, just a children''s game?"

    "You bastard!"

    Ellis raged at the insult towards the Knights.

    ""Evil wind, thou, be countless des and cut up my enemies¡ª""

    She released the power of her Ray Hawk ¡ª the elemental waffe of her demon wind spirit Simorgh.

    It was a spear that created des of wind, something that tormented Kamito in their duel at the academy. Even if he were to avoid it by a paper-thin margin, the countless wind des that were additionally invoked would cut the target into shreds¡ª

    However.

    "How reckless¡ª reflect it, Mirror WallDemon Mirror Spirit!"

    The moment Jio shouted, a shiny red mirror appeared before Ellis.

    When the wings of hernce of wind, d in wind, touched the mirror surface; the countless wind des turned to bare their teeth towards Ellis.

    "...!?"

    Cut up by the des'' while boisterously dancing, Ellis''s body was thrown into a wall.

    "¡ªEllis!"

    Kamito ran with Terminus Est in his hand.

    Having seemed to already notice their presence¡ª Jio turned around, and sneered.

    "Yo, more idiots are squirming out."

    "Kamito, don''t!"

    Kamito''s movement stopped for a moment in response to hearing ire''s voice from behind.

    At that moment, an engraved spirit seal on Jio''s right arm glowed¡ª

    "¡ªIt''s fine till the inside of their lungs are sore, manifest, RafflesiaRotting Poison Spirit!"

    A thick bluish purple smog gushed out with tremendous force.

    The skin-burning smog of poison wrapped Kamito''s whole body, and was invading his lungs¡ª

    "Ga, Ha...!"

    Pain was running in his eyes. His throat was hot as if it was being burned.

    From the gaps between his fingers covering his mouth, blood spilled out and dripped onto the ground.

    (This is a poison attribute spirit... is this smog itself its elemental waffe!?)

    A muttering groan echoed in the tunnel.

    Bearing the burning-like pain, Kamito opened his eyes slightly.

    Ellis and the two girls, t-out bathed in the poison smog, were cowering and in agony.

    "Ellis...Kuu!"

    His throat muscles had a spasm, so he couldn''t speak out satisfactorily. It was still possible to stand over here, but if he continued to advance, he would lose his consciousness before reaching the girls.

    (...Why didn''t he receive the poison?)

    A wide range extermination type spirit like Rafflesia couldn''t be handled normally.

    As controlling it was hard, if he did it poorly, he would end up dragging himself into the smog too.

    However, Jio Inzagi was calmly standing in the smog of deadly poison.

    ¡ªThen, Kamito noticed it.

    There was a slight wind flow in the boy''s surroundings.

    (...I see, he''s using a wind attribute spirit at the same time!)

    An elementalist that uses multiple contracted spirits¡ª in that case, bybining the powers of the other spirits, he heard that they could also use a spirit that would be originally too much to handle.

    "...Damn, isn''t that almost like cheating?!"

    Kamito cursed in his heart.

    (If it was Rinslet''s demon bow, could she shoot from outside the smog''s effective range?)

    He turned around and peeked behind, but¡ª

    Rinslet nocked her ice arrow, and without moving, she affixed her aim at Jio.

    (¡ªShe isn''t shooting?)

    Rinslet''s judgment was correct.

    Jio was disying Mirror WallDemon Mirror Spirit, which had reflected Ellis''s elemental waffe.

    If she shot poorly, she might end up finishing off Ellis and the others, who had copsed nearby.

    It seemed that ire was standing like she was covering for Fianna, who was performing an aria with her fire attribute elemental waffe.

    It was a mere second of thought, but meanwhile, the bodies of Ellis and the others were being eaten into by the poison.

    (Damn...)

    His body was experiencing a burning-like irritation.

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    In the dark tunnel, a faint rumbling resounded.

    (Ellis!?)

    ""O Winds, sweep away mine enemies¡ª Wind Bombs!""

    At that moment, the lump of violent wind released blew away the fog of poison without leaving a trace.

    And then¡ª

    "Haa, Haa...ka...haa!"

    Ellis pierced her demonnce of wind onto the ground, and stood up.

    Her stab-proof uniform was cut up, and her whole body was full of wounds.

    Both her legs, which were covered in her torn stockings, were having severe cramps.

    Even so, the appearance of her standing up frigidly and firmly was¡ª

    Beautiful to the extent that he was spontaneously charmed.

    Ellis prepared her elemental waffence, then she red at Jio and dered in a hoarse voice.

    "Putting the pride of the Sylphid Knights on the line, even if I lose... you will be defeated!"

    "That hurt... you death escapee."

    Jio, who received a direct hit from the violent wind, warped his lips, and clicked his tongue.

    "If that''s the case, I''ll beat you to death as you wish!"

    The spirit seals engraved on Jio''s whole body ominously glowed¡ª

    "¡ªLike I''ll let you!"

    At the same time as Kamito moved away, two sts of fireballs were released towards Jio.

    It was ire covering him. In the moment when Jio repelled the fireballs, Kamito took his chance and elerated¡ª drawing close to Jio.

    And then, hacking down the very space Jio was in, Kamito mowed down directly horizontally with Terminus Est.

    *Gaa*¡ª The bedrock, touched by the sword''s tip, was smashed up.

    "Haa, don''t make such a scary face, hey!"

    Jio, who dodged the sword swing, jumped up andnded on a rocky area that was about to copse.

    Without pursuing, Kamito went straight towards Ellis and the others.

    Ellis was out of breath, and seemed like she was going to copse at any time.

    "Ellis, are you alright? I''ll lend¡ª"

    "D-Don''t do something... unnecessary."

    When he tried to lend her help when she wobbled, she shook off his hand.

    "I do not need all of your¡ª"

    "Don''t be stubborn about trivial things, think about them."

    Ellis''s facial expression stiffened. Rakka and Reishia had copsed on the ground. They seemed to be alive, but if they were left like that, their lives would be in danger.

    Ellis herself was in a condition where all she could do was just barely stand.

    "Guu...Kazehaya Kamito, I owe you a debt."

    "It isn''t something like a loan. It''s natural to help myrades."

    "...!"

    Ellis''s cheeks reddened at Kamito''s words.

    Laying the injured Ellis by the wall for her to rest, Kamito fixed his sights on Jio.

    "You, how dare you¡ª"

    Ellis Fahrengart¡ª She was a girl with a strong sense of justice, with her seriousness and her bravery.

    Just by looking at her injured appearance, his anger surged and seemed to overflow.

    "Don''t get in my way, it was the long-awaited part where I beat that impertinent girl to death."

    Jio smirked as he slowly got off the rocky area.

    "¡ªI''m relieved."

    Kamito wielded his sword and red at Jio.

    "If it''s a nasty rascal like you, I can seriously beat you up."

    "Haa, aren''t you saying something! It''s too bad, but it''s impossible for you to defeat me."

    "We are also here!"

    ire and the others came running. Holding her metounge, she stood next to Kamito.

    Rinslet nocked an arrow to her ice demon bow, and Fianna was grasping spirit crystals in both hands.

    "Fianna, can I count on you for the treatment of Ellis and the others?"

    "Yes, I''m holding a few healing spirit crystals. However, the effect is limited to only giving a temporary peace of mind."

    Fianna nodded with a tense expression.

    "Kamito, you and I will corner that guy. Rinslet will be the support artillery battery."

    "What is a s-support artillery battery!? I am a splendid archer!"

    Rinslet snarled, but ire didn''t respond.

    "¡ªHey, is the discussion over?"

    Jio calmlyughed as he came closer.

    The spirit crest engraved on his right arm glowed ominously, and a bluish-white sh of lightning surged out.

    What appeared in that hand was¡ª the same sword elemental waffe as Est.

    "Shall we find out which is stronger, diusSword Spirit or that sword?"

    "Don''t mess around. You''d better not confuse my Est with that third-rate sword spirit."

    Wielding Terminus Est, Kamito ferociously roared.

    Part 3

    And then, the de dance began.

    High-pitched metallic sounds reverberated together. Every time a sword sh urred, sparks scattered within that dim light.

    "Jio Inzagi¡ª what on earth is your goal?!"

    "Huh, I don''t have anything like a goal. Honestly, to me, I''m indifferent about Jormungandrthe strategic-ss militarized spirit. I''ll defeat you and prove that I''m the sessor of the Demon King¡ª That''s all."

    "What sessor of the Demon King? You megalomaniac rascal!"

    Kamito, who stepped into his area, mowed down with Terminus Est with both hands.

    The sword''s pressure was tremendous. Jio promptly guarded with dius¡ª however,

    "What!?"

    Together with a high-pitched metallic sound¡ª Jio''s diusSword Spirit was smashed to pieces.

    Jio''s expression distorted in shock.

    "Hey, hey, what an elemental waffe¡ª To do that to my sword spirit in one blow?"

    "Sorry, my Est is the strongest sword spirit."

    Kamito stepped in closer.

    Jio recited a summoning, and summoned a sword spirit into his hand again.

    "There''s still more toe, it starts after this!"

    "It''s useless¡ª"

    Aiming at the sword spirit that appeared from an empty space, Kamito relentlessly swung down his sword.

    There was the sound of steel shattering, and Jio''s second sword spirit also tragically vanished.

    In addition to making his second sword spirit vanish, Terminus Est didn''t even have a chip on its edge.

    It was an elemental waffe that held two names, the "Demon King Killing Sacred Sword" and "Demon yer."

    It was terrifying because even with this, it was not in itsplete state.

    However, Jio still kept hisposed expression.

    "Hmm, in that case, this will be next!"

    From the spirit seals on his whole body, shes of lightning gushed out¡ª a third sword appeared in Jio''s hand.

    (..., this guy, what the heck, how many spirits is he contracted with!?)

    As expected, even Kamito''s face expressed impatience.

    Even the strongest sword spirit Est had arge weak point.

    Her divine power consumption was too intense.

    As a result of getting used to controlling it, he wouldn''t suddenly faint like before, but if the battle was dragged on, he was certain that he would be exhausted eventually.

    If he assumed that Jio Inzagi really was contracted to seventy-two spirits¡ª

    (It''s bad if this keeps up¡ª)

    This wasn''t an opponent whom he could decide the victory with one blow, like the rampaging giant spirit at Academy Town.

    If this became a prolonged battle, he''d be at a disadvantage.

    (...However, is that guy''s divine power inexhaustible!?)

    If he was using this many spirits, his divine power consumption should also rapidly increase, however¡ª

    "Kamito, I''ll cover you!"

    At that moment, ire''s swung her metounge, and it came flying in an arc.

    There was a red hot afterglow that shone in the darkness¡ª Her carefully-aimed whip quickly entangled Jio''s face.

    "Tch, don''t get in my way!"

    Jio summoned a spirit as a translucent ice ball, and aiming at ire, he threw it.

    "What, such a thing!"

    ire released a spirit magic fireball to intercept the ice spirit¡ª

    However, that was a trap.

    "...!?"

    The ice ball, which sted before her eyes, transformed into countless needles, and cut up ire''s whole body.

    "Kyaa!"

    "ire!"

    Kamito''s awareness strayed for a moment to ire''s scream.

    "Don''t look away!"

    Seizing that chance, Jio quickly drove in for a sh¡ª

    Kamito barely stopped the blow with Terminus Est''s edge.

    However, Jio didn''t slow down his attacks. He kept it up, pressing on and approaching closer¡ª

    "What''s wrong, Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer¡ª Is that all you got?"

    As he stopped the sword pushing him back, Kamito grit his teeth.

    If he was still the Ren Ashbell of three years ago¡ª

    He was sure to not have turned towards ire and gave Jio the chance to use his spirit.

    As an elementalist, it was a fatal three year nk.

    He had a contracted spirit that couldn''t draw out its original power.

    (Ah, it is certain that I became weak. However¡ª)

    Exhaling with a puff¡ª Kamito suddenly jumped back.

    "Freezing ice fang, pierce Freezing Arrow!"

    At that moment, Rinslet''s released ice arrow rained at the spot the two of them were at.

    It was a direct hit¡ª Jio''s silhouette was swallowed up by the downpour of arrows and disappeared.

    "Hmm, it is troubling that you have forgotten me!"

    cing her hand at her waist, Rinslet quickly brushed up her tinum-blonde hair.

    While Kamito was stopping the sword, she was holding an aim affixed on him.

    From the crumbled rocky area, there was a thick cloud of dust rising up.

    They didn''t think he could be fine after receiving that rain of arrows.

    However.

    "Hn, did you do something just now?"

    Jio¡ª stood up from within the cloud of dust.

    He smirked, and turned to Rinslet.

    "No way...it should have been a direct hit!?"

    "Argos ¡ª an earth spirit that protects its elementalist automatically."

    From Jio''s surroundings, cones of rocks were pierced out from the ground and standing tall.

    Her Freezing Arrow was defended by that.

    "...What a thing..."

    "And then, this fellow, uh¡ª can also be used in such a way."

    Jio turned over his wrist.

    "Kyaaaa!"

    At that moment, cones pierced out from the ground at Rinslet''s feet, and crucified her to the wall.

    Her academy uniform was torn to pieces, and fine textured white skin became exposed.

    With both her arms ced in crucifixion, Rinslet bit her lips in shame.

    "Guu...Th-This is unforgivable... to do such... to me..."

    ring firmly at Jio, Rinslet''s body quivered, seemingly vexed.

    "¡ªJio Inzagi!"

    Kamito raged, and attacked with Terminus Est.

    The massive sh collected and destroyed the cones standing in a line, and came close to Jio¡ª

    However, it was till that extent.

    "Guu..."

    Terminus Est which was arge-sized sword suddenly became a small-sized short sword.

    It was the result of Est, who consumed a huge amount of divine power, being unable to maintain her form as an elemental waffe.

    "Ren Ashbell¡ª you''re no longer the strongest de dancer."

    Jio sneered.

    "That may be so. After all, I had a three year nk."

    "No, that''s not it. The reason you became weak is¡ª"

    At that moment, a spear of light was born in Jio''s palm.

    It wasn''t a close range weapon, it was a shooting-type elemental waffe.

    Kamito, who made a judgment in an instant, was about to dodge, but¡ª

    (¡ªWrong!)

    Just before that, he realized Jio''s aim.

    "Something like this!"

    It wasn''t an attack aimed at Kamito.

    The spear of light¡ª

    Was pointed and released toward Fianna and the injured female Knights behind Kamito.

    (Damn...!)

    Kamito thrust himself in the way at once, and caught the spear of light with his whole body.

    Part 4

    (¡ªWhat?)

    Fianna, who was treating Ellis and the others, raised her face startled.

    At that moment, a dazzling sh was produced, and an eardrum-bursting explosion reverberated.

    She reflexively closed her eyes. The fragments of rubble, which came flying, struck her whole body.

    ...Before long, the thunderous sound lessened.

    "U..."

    She moaned in pain, as she slowly opened her eyes¡ª

    Before her, Kamito, who was injured, had copsed.

    "...Ka-Kamito-kun?"

    "...Fia...na... are you alright?"

    Kamito pierced Terminus Est through the ground, ced his knees on the ground, and tried to stand up.

    Having received a direct hit at point-nk range, his academy uniform, which excelled in its defensive abilities, had turned into shreds.

    He seemed to be enduring the pain, and cold sweat was flowing on his forehead.

    Fianna quickly surveyed her surroundings.

    Ellis and her two femalerades had copsed. They were especially not in a condition that they could stand up.

    ire was injured and had lost consciousness, and Rinslet was ced in a crucifixion on the wall.

    And then¡ª from the front, Jio Inzagi was slowly walking.

    ¡ªAlmost like a death god.

    "That''s your weakness. I don''t care whether or not it was subconsciously, but you have been continuously taking notice of the fellows behind as you were fighting."

    "Fianna...back down."

    Kamitomanded Fianna, who was about to approach, with his hand.

    "Kamito-kun!"

    With that body, there''s no way he could fight.

    He also couldn''t sufficiently use his elemental waffe, and it was a hopeless situation even at best, and yet despite that¡ª

    "I do not want to lose important things¡ª never again."

    Kamito faced the front, and stood up.

    It wasn''t the light of hope in his eyes. What was dwelling in his pupils was dark despair.

    And yet, he stood up.

    This boy was once called the Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer.

    "..."

    Jio shrugged his shoulders like he rapidly lost interest.

    And then, told him in a cruel voice.

    "¡ªI see. Well then, die."

    The spirit seal all over his body emitted a glow, and a ck fog coiled around his right hand.

    "ThanatosDeath Spirit¡ª it is one of the strongest spirits I have. I received it from your contracted spirit."

    "My... contracted spirit...?"

    Kamito muttered in a dry voice.

    "...Don''t tell me...this is about Restia¡ª!?"

    His fingertip, which was d in death approached Kamito who couldn''t move sufficiently¡ª just before that.

    Fianna brushed back her long ck hair, and quickly stood up.

    "Hey, could you please not touch my things so thoughtlessly?"

    "...Ah?"

    Jio¡ª was so shocked that he opened his mouth.

    "...Fianna?"

    Kamito gazed at her face profile with a dumbfounded expression as well.

    "Move aside, Kamito-kun."

    Fianna calmly stood before Jio and blocked his way.

    "Hey, is something wrong with your head, youngdy?"

    "Watch your mouth, who do you think I am?"

    Fianna fixed a re directly at Jio, who sneered.

    Four years ago¡ª It was like that time when she stood before and blocked the Cmity Queen.

    "Fianna, you idiot, run away!"

    ire, who crawled out from the mountain of rubble, shouted.

    Fianna slowly shook her head¡ª

    (You protected me¡ª That''s why this time, I''ll protect you!)

    "¡ªI''ll tell you my name, Fianna Ray Ordesia, the Ordesia Empire''s second royal princess!"

    "¡ªI am a punisher as an impartial enforcer, and one who hands down holy judgment in the king''s name!"

    At that moment, a dazzling sh was produced from Fianna''s bosom.

    Yes, the oath she shouted just now was indeed¡ª the spirit''s releasing keywords.

    She quickly untied the string at her bosom, and a shiny red stone tumbled down into her palm.

    It was a blood-like red spirit crystal that was processed like ama-shaped jewel.[1]

    "No way, that''s... don''t tell me, the Blood Stone!?"

    ire, who realized its true identity, widened her eyes.

    "You witch...!"

    He might have felt some sort of instinctive threat, as Jio released Thanatos at the girl before him¡ª

    "Come out, thou, the sword of judgment that buries the darkness¡ª Sacred King of Destruction, Magna Carta!"

    The red spirit crystal exploded.

    There was a dazzling sh. An enormous pir of light went through Jio Inzagi.

    And then¡ª together with the thunderous sound, the tunnel''s ceiling copsed.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü See Magatama.

 Volume 2, 8 - Fiannaâ€™s confession

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 8 - Fianna''s confession</h4>

    Part 1

    "Ug..."

    "Kamito!"

    "Kamito-kun"

    When Kamito awakened, there were the faces of two girls before his eyes.

    "...ire, Fianna."

    "Great, you''ve awakened."

    "You''re too rash... idiot."

    ...It seemed that he overused his divine power and had fainted.

    Upon getting up from the cold ground, Kamito looked around his vicinity.

    The flickering glow of the spirit crystal was dimly illuminating the darkness.

    The tunnel had copsed and it seemed that the path waspletely blocked by the fallen earth and sand.

    "Both of you, are your injuries alright?"

    "Yes, we are... are you alright?"

    "Ah, I only overused my divine power a little. What, have I worried you?

    "Id-Idiot, it''s not I like I was worried or anything!"

    "Ouchhhh!"

    ire''s palmnded a clean hit exactly on his wound. Kamito writhed in the intense pain.

    "...Come on, what are you doing?"

    Fianna sighed in astonishment.

    Kamito pressed his hurting shoulder as he surveyed the surroundings,

    "Are the others safe?"

    "Yes...although, it''s hard to say that they''re safe. For now, I''ve given them some emergency treatment."

    When Fianna held up the light, the appearance of Ellis and the others lying on the ground could be seen.

    ...Their condition certainly couldn''t be said as ''safe''.

    Rakka and Reishia, who received the poison directly, were in an unconscious critical state.

    Ellis seemed to be conscious, but it seemed that walking was impossible in that condition.

    Next to Rinslet, who was leaning on and sitting against the wall, Fenrir was licking its master''s wounds.

    "What on earth happened to him ¡ª Jio Inzagi?"

    "Fianna released the spirit that was sealed in the spirit crystal. He was swallowed into the pir of light and disappeared...Well, although, I don''t think he''s dead."

    "Was that a spirit crystal...?"

    When Kamito faced towards Fianna, she nodded with a "Yes".

    "However, a spirit crystal that can seal such a spirit¡ª"

    It was such a destructive power that it forced back Jio Inzagi''s Thanatos, and made the tunnel copse.

    That holy spirit that Fianna released was, without a doubt, a high ranking spirit.

    However, he had not heard of something like the existence of a spirit crystal and so forth that can seal a high ranking spirit.

    "Blood Stone¡ªa treasure handed down in the Ordesia royal family."

    "...?"

    "Hey you, you also don''t know the Blood Stone? It''smon knowledge for elementalists."

    ire sighed in astonishment at Kamito frowning.

    "It can''t be helped, I''m different from a noble, and I''m unfamiliar with things like that."

    When Kamito said that, ire shrugged her shoulders in disappointment and gave an exnation.

    "Blood Stone isn''t an ordinary spirit crystal. It can seal a part of a high ranking spirit''s power with a special spirit crystal that was mined at a sacred ground of Astral Zero. Of course, it isn''t something that you can buy with money or power. It is a genuine treasure of national-level, after all."

    "Is that so..."

    Although her existence was erased from the royal family, Fianna was the former second princess of the Ordesia Empire. The moment she was admitted into Areishia Spirit Academy, she might have been made to hand it over in the screening.

    "I had tricked the stupid pce guards and pilfered it from the royal family''s treasure hall. As I had switched it with an imitation, it''s alright."

    The princess puffed her chest out.

    "Ah, I thought it was like that... Hn?"

    Incidentally, Kamito picked up a strange feeling that something was out of ce.

    The out-of-ce feeling''s true identity was... Fianna''s pushed out chest.

    ...Small. It had obviously be small.

    (That reminds me, just now Fianna...)

    She was hiding that spirit crystal¡ªBlood Stone in her chest.

    Although it wasn''t such a big thing, how was she hiding that?

    "Ug... D-Don''t look..."

    Fianna, who noticed Kamito''s line of sight, crossed both her hands and bashfully covered her chest.

    "Kamito, Fianna, you know, had been deceiving us all this time!"

    ire thrust out her finger at her in a snap like she was ming her.

    "Deceiving?"

    "That''s right, this girl is a fake-breast princess!"

    "..."

    Kamito slowly turned towards Fianna with a deadpan look,

    "...Uh, is that right?"

    "Th-That''s right, they''re pads... is that wrong?"

    The princess'' cheeks reddened, and she quickly faced away.

    "No, it''s nothing worth getting furious over, but... why did you do such a thing?"

    "...To protect the Blood Stone. No one could steal it if it was within my chest. Moreover, I heard b-boys all likerge breasted girls, so..."

    From the start, her purpose foring to the academy was to ensnare Kamito and make him herrade.

    ...That reminded him, she had beening and pressing her breasts on him at random, but was that for such a thing?

    "No, there are also boys who like girls even if their breasts are small."

    "Eh?"

    For some reason, ire''s ears reacted with a twitch to Kamito''s words.

    "Ka-Kamito, what you said just now... is that true?"

    "Yeah, after all, to each their own liking of the opposite sex. Well, personally, I think thatpared to having none, having them is better... Ouch!"

    At that moment, ire''s sharp whip came flying.

    "Y-You, you...!"

    "No, what I said just now was my personal thought. In the world, there are also many boys of such enthusiastic preference¡ª"

    "Uuu!"

    Slight tears surfaced in her ruby pupils, as ire bit her lips.

    (Nevertheless, that soft feeling was the pads?...)

    ...Hepletely did not notice it. As expected, the technological level of the imperial capital couldn''t be made light of.

    "Although it was my n to use that Blood Stone at the de Dance as a trump card."

    Greatly lowering her volume, Fianna sped to her breasts, as she muttered.

    Although, it wasn''t that they were that small. They were about normal for a girl of her age.

    At the very least, they weren''t deplorable breasts like ire''s¡ª

    "Uh, what?"

    "...No, sorry. It was nothing."

    Kamito averted his eyes in a fluster away from ire, who was ring sternly with her teary eyes.

    Ahem, he coughed and turned towards Fianna.

    "However, why did you bring such a spirit crystal?"

    The spirit and part of its power, which were released from the spirit crystal, would instantly return to Astral Zero, it could not be used again.

    Therefore, elementalists, who possessed contracted spirits, didn''t use spirit crystals normally. After all, it was certainly more effective to use spirit magic and contracted spirits most of the time in a de dance.

    "..."

    When he asked, Fianna looked downwards and calmly sighed.

    "Well, it''ll get exposed eventually. I''ll tell you guys right here and now."

    "...?"

    Kamito and ire exchanged nces at Fianna''s unusually serious expression.

    "¡ªIt was four years ago from now, I lost the ability to use my spirit."

    Part 2

    It was for this reason that while being expected as the Queen candidate next to Rubia Elstein¡ª Fianna Ray Ordesia the second princess resigned from that position and was erased from the royal family.

    That was because she could not use her contracted spirit.

    "A princess maiden, who can''t use a contracted spirit, doesn''t have the qualifications to be a Queen worth serving the Elemental Lord."

    Fianna looked downwards, and muttered like that in self-deprecation.

    "..."

    An elementalist that couldn''t use her spirit was ¡ªliterally¡ª no longer an elementalist.

    And the situation, where an elementalist suddenly became unable to use her spirit, wasn''t something that unusual.

    For example, there were cases where her body may be soiled, or the covenant made during the contract was broken¡ª even outside of such cases, there are cases that one became unable to exchange feelings with her spirit due to some sort of emotional trauma.

    In short, the exchange of feelings with the spirit was greatly dependent on the elementalist''s state of mind.

    What was the incident that became the cause of it¡ª She did not even talk about anything concerning that.

    Kamito didn''t n on enquiring that deeply.

    (However, speaking of four years ago¡ª)

    It was that major incident that shook the Ordesia Empire.

    It was the year that the Cmity Queen''s¡ª Rubia Elstein''s mutiny urred.

    And then, Fianna was a princess maiden of the same Divine Ritual Institute as her.

    She experienced that incident, which caused an emotional trauma that made her lose her spirit contract power.

    A coincidence¡ª he didn''t think so.

    "I''m sorry for hiding it. Although, I was thinking about telling it someday... If I was known to be unable to exchange feelings with my spirit, I would have be unable to stay in this academy."

    "But, how did you pass the examination? If I''m not mistaken, there must be a practical examination."

    Kamito passed exceptionally without an examination due to Greyworth''s authority, but, originally, there was a strict practical examination in the academy. It was not that anyone possessing the ability of an elementalist could enter.

    "I concealed several pieces of spirit crystals in my sleeves, and released them in sequence. To pretend that it was as if I was using a spirit. Since I had achievements when I was a Queen candidate of the Divine Ritual Institute once, they were easily deceived."

    "You used valuable spirit crystals for such a dishonest entry to the academy?"

    "The invigtion also would never think that there would be a person doing such a thing."

    "How stupid, even if you were admitted like that, isn''t it obvious that you''d be instantly exposed. For you to do such a thing, why did youe to this academy?

    "That''s¡ª"

    Fianna nced towards Kamito.

    Her goal was to join the team with the Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer and be victorious in the de Dance.

    However, he would be troubled if ire was told that... Very troubled.

    Thereupon, Fianna smirked in a way that only Kamito understood.

    "That''s to kiss Kamito-kun¡ª"

    "That''s not it. Hey, ire, stop taking out your whip."

    Fianna saw ire''s eyebrow lifted up and giggled.

    "It''s a joke. My goal is to be victorious in the de dance and have my Wish granted. To regain my lost spirit contract power."

    "Everyone is the same in aiming for the victory of the de Dance. However, why did you think of joining our team? It''s also weird for me to say this but our team has the lowest rank."

    "..."

    Thereupon, Fianna suddenly ced her finger on her lips as she pondered.

    "...That''s right. Since I thought that you guys would ept me."

    It was subtly different from Fianna''s usual impish tone.

    "What do you mean?"

    "After all, you have a male elementalist and you are the sister of the Cmity Queen. Even if the Lost Queen, who has lost her elementalist qualifications, joins in, it isn''t that out of ce, isn''t it?"

    She had that joking tone. She had a lonely expression like she was self-deprecating herself somewhere.

    The reason that Fianna came to the academy and approached Kamito.

    To be victorious in the de Dance, she would use Kamito, who was once the Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer¡ª or so she imed.

    However, the true reason ¡ªunexpectedly¡ª might be more like this.

    Being lonely, being a fibber, the impish princess just wanted friends¡ª

    "Well then, I''ve confessed my secret but¡ª"

    Ahem, Fianna coughed and said.

    "What am I going to do? The team wouldn''t need an elementalist who can''t use her contracted spirit, I wonder?"

    The princess stared at Kamito and ire in front of her with a lonely expression.

    Her tone was certainly in a joking manner, but her ck pupils were wavering, seemingly insecure.

    And then, ire had also probably noticed. That her fingertips were slightly quivering.

    Before long¡ª

    "It doesn''t matter, such a thing."

    Kamito sighed.

    "Fianna, you protected us by risking your life. You''re ourrade."

    "...!"

    Fianna widened her eyes, astonished.

    "Hey, is that alright?"

    Kamito turned towards ire¡ª

    "That''s fine."

    ire nodded as she looked towards Fianna''s chest, who had turned pale.

    "Fianna, you are myrade. Comrade of the breastless alliance."

    "Don''t put me together with you! I have more than you, ire!"

    "Wh-What was that!"

    *Gogogogogo*... ire''s red hair red up, standing on its end; and at that moment.

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, the ground shook.

    From the almost-crumbling ceiling, fragments of rubble were dropping inrge amounts.

    "...An earthquake again!?"

    "Don''t tell me... Jormungandrthe strategic-ss militarized spirit is already about to wake up?"

    "It seems so. However, as long as Jio Inzagi hasn''t found the true shrine, he shouldn''t be able topletely undo the seal."

    "Well then, if we could find the true shrine first¡ª"

    ire stopped in mid-sentence and gasped in surprised.

    "The seal specification materials that was stolen from the academy¡ª the location of the true shrine might be recorded in that."

    "I see! If that was the goal for him to steal the materials¡ª"

    "No, the military materials are already enciphered. Deciphering it should take time."

    The one, who raised her voice, was Ellis raising half her body up from the ground.

    It seemed that she woke up from the earthquake just now.

    "Ellis, can you already move?"

    Kamito called out to her.

    "No, I still can''t walk yet. It''s shameful but my legs are being paralyzed by the poison."

    Ellis struck her unmoving knees as she bit her lips, seemingly vexed.

    "I also have not recovered to the point that I am able to fight."

    This time it was Rinslet, who was leaning against the wall, raising her voice.

    "Fianna, even if you lost your spirit contract power, can you dance the ritual kagura?"

    "Yes, it isn''t like when I was in the Divine Ritual Institute, but I can roughly enhance the resealing. As expected, I wouldn''t ept a quest that I can''t even do."

    Fianna nodded and softly ced her hand on her chin.

    "Although, we have to first find the hidden true shrine, and seize it."

    "Do we have to search the inside of this vast mine...?"

    In any case, it was a mine that was abandoned several decades ago. The tunnels weren''t being maintained, and on top of that, there was the danger that it''ll cave in easily even at a small earthquake like a while ago.

    "Besides, we might encounter that Jio Inzagi again."

    Everyone became silent at ire''s utterance.

    He was the male elementalist, who used a countless number of spirits.

    Even if the members, who boasted of having top ss ability formed a group, they were also no match for him.

    (He knows about Restia...)

    Kamito instinctively grasped his left hand, which was covered by his leather glove.

    (Who on earth is he?)

    "That boy, it was as though he was like the real Demon King..."

    "Uh, he was driven away by Fianna''s surprise attack just now, but I don''t think that could have defeated him."

    Ellis nodded with a meek expression at Rinslet''s murmuring.

    At that moment.

    "Kamito, I know the location of the true shrine."

    A sound came from the sword leaning against the wall.

    "Est?"

    Kamito touched Est''s handle, and cancelled the elemental waffe status.

    The Demon yer became particles of light, disappeared into an empty space, and transformed into a lovely girl in a moment.

    "What do you mean that you know the location of the true shrine?"

    "Yes, Kamito, in the olden days more distant than when this ce became a mine¡ª several hundred years ago, this very mountain was the high ranking shrine that was used to deify spirits. I visited this ce several times before I was sealed in a sword."

    That was right, Est was originally a top-ranking spirit, who was sealed several hundred years ago. It was not strange even if she was deified by everyone on the sacred mountain.

    "Can you guide us to the location of the true shrine?"

    "Of course."

    "Remarkable, Est."

    "Yes, Kamito. Then, please stroke Est''s head."

    "Ahh."

    *Suri suri*. *Nade nade*.

    "Hn, it feels good, Kamito."

    Est closed her eyes partly like a cat being stroked on its chin.

    "..."

    Those two¡ª

    *Hyooooooo...!*

    The girls stared at them with a freezing-like gaze.

    "Wh-What..."

    "I''ve been thinking since before, but Kamito, don''t you think you''re soft on Est?"

    "I-I don''t think so"

    He instinctively stepped back at the girls'' ring gazes.

    At that moment.

    "..."

    It shook again....This time, it was even greater than a while ago.

    "We had better hurry."

    "Ah¡ª"

    Kamito nodded, but¡ª he suddenly turned around and stopped.

    Ellis shook her head when she realized what Kamito was thinking about.

    "We''re alright. While, you were unconscious, I had released and sent Simorgh to the academy. The Knights should be rushing here to aid us at dawn."

    "Ellis..."

    "Go, Kazehaya Kamito. We failed in our quest. I''ll entrust the rest to you guys."

    "It seems I am unable to fight, I will stay behind for their treatment."

    "..."

    Kamito tightly clenched his fist¡ª

    "...I understand. I''lle back as soon as possible."

    "Let''s go Kamito, Fianna."

    ire raised her metounge over her head, and blew away the mountain of rubble blocking the path.

    Part 3

    "¡ªTch, ohh..."

    His stifled groan reverberated in the tunnel walls.

    Jio was loitering in the thick darkness which was twined around him as though it was his own skin.

    As he ced his hand on his injured face, he walked in a ghost-like manner.

    "Isn''t the long-awaited handsome man ruined, huh?"

    A stiff smile surfaced, as he talked into the darkness before him, and the one who replied was¡ª

    "You''re over conceited, Jio Inzagi. You were negligent."

    ¡ªThere.

    Suddenly, an even darker darkness was produced in the darkness, and took the form of a beautiful girl.

    "Shut up, it''s because your spirit was of no avail."

    "I never thought that there would be a holy spirit user. Although ThanatosDeath Spirit is at the top-rank for the darkness attribute, itspatibility is overly bad for a spirit of the holy attribute."

    "¡ªWhere are they heading?"

    "Probably to the true shrine that governs the control of Jormungandrstrategic-ss militarized spirit. As I am still tied with the bond of the contract to him, I somehow know roughly where he is."

    The jet ck girl preciously stroked the spirit seal that was engraved on her own left hand.

    "Guide me, darkness spirit. I''ll make them regret cing an injury on the Demon King''s face."

    "Let it go. He is the real Demon King¡ª After all, you, who''s no more than a fake, could absolutely not win. Besides, Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer has never lost to an opponent he fought once."

    "Watch your mouth, darkness spirit. I can even make you mine right here and now."

    Jio''s red eyes red at her.

    ¡ªHe showed a red shinyma-shaped jewel grasped in his hand.

    "...Really, what a foolish boy."

    The darkness spirit muttered disdainfully, waved her dark-colored dress, and disappeared into empty space.

    Part 4

    ¡ªSolid footsteps were heard in the long tunnels that went on endlessly.

    The three of them were going deep down underground with Est, who was walking silently, in the lead.

    It was as if the mine, which once flourished as a ce for mining spirit crystals, was a giant maze. It was an excessivelyrge passage for people to use. Large sized spirits might have been used for the digging of the bedrock.

    There were many doors that used to be sealed, but they had all been opened.

    It was probably the deed of Jio Inzagi''srade, who had been carrying out the ritual at the shrine above ground.

    Suddenly, Kamito''s leather-gloved left hand hurt sharply.

    "What''s wrong, Kamito? Are your wounds hurting?"

    "No, it''s nothing..."

    Kamito shook his head at ire, who was peering at him anxiously.

    ire pouted her lips, dissatisfied with such a response from Kamito.

    "...It somewhat feels like you are always fighting alone."

    She muttered with a sigh.

    "It was also like that when we were assembling a team for the tournament. No, it wasn''t just that time during the match, I felt like that also when you were taking the lectures, and also when you were in the dormitory... how should I say it, shouldn''t you trust me, your partner... that''s not it, your master, more?"

    "Is that so?...Or rather, I don''t want to be told that by you, who has no friends."

    "Sh-Shut up, I do have friends!"

    "Isn''t it only Rinslet?"

    "Sh-She''s just a childhood acquaintance, it''s not like she''s a friend!"

    "Ah, what a coincidence. I was also always alone while eating my meals when I was in the Divine Ritual Institute."

    "Fianna, you too?...What''s with this deplorable party?"

    As they were having such an endless conversation, they went down a long stairway.

    "Hey, are we still not there, Est? Although, we have been walking for more than an hour since then."

    "A few paths seem different since several hundred years ago. And ire is noisy."

    "Wh!"

    "It can''t be helped, it was even several hundred years before when Est was sealed."

    "Unh, Kamito, you''re on Est''s side again..."

    As they made progress down, down, the endless stairway¡ª finally, they emerged out into a wide space.

    Est continued walking straight, and stopped before a gigantic wall.

    "Here, Kamito."

    "...Here? Isn''t this a dead end?"

    ire frowned suspiciously.

    There was a stone wall towering over its surroundings before the four of them.

    Est held up the light, and the subtle carving that was engraved on the wall''s surface was reflected.

    It wasn''t something engraved during these several hundred years¡ª it seemed that it was a historic ruin from the mythical age.

    "This is the carving of the Five Great Elemental Lords... or looks like it."

    The motif of the carving was quite a typical thing.

    Fire, water, wind, earth, holy¡ª The kings of the five attributes that control Astral Zero.

    "Hn?"

    Suddenly, Kamito felt something out of ce in the design of that pattern, and frowned.

    It had thatposition that had the holy attribute Elemental Lord arranged at the top and a pentagram drawn.

    At its bottom¡ª It had arge scar like the wall was scraped off.

    It was as unnatural as if the existence of the thing over there was erased.

    Est went forward and ced her hand softly on that torn-off part.

    "This is the carving of the mythical age¡ª In theter times, Ren Ashdoll had its existence erased."

    "...? Est, what did¡ª"

    The moment Kamito found fault with that, a thunderous roar reverberated in the underground tunnel.

    A closed crevice of the wall slowly opened¡ª a blue light illuminated.

    "A hidden door?¡ª"

    "This is the historic ruins of the mythical age. The door can only be opened by high-ranking spirits."

    Est muttered expressionlessly.

    "Terrific, Est."

    "Kamito, please praise me more."

    "Ah, Est is remarkable."

    *Suri suri*. *Nade nade*.

    "Kamito, it feels good..."

    Upon brushing the hair on her head, Est tightly closed her eyes.

    "..."

    ire and Fianna red at the two of them in that manner.

    "...As I thought, you''re soft towards Est."

    "Kamito-kun, if we don''t hurry up Jormungandrstrategic-ss militarized spirit would wake up."

    "Ah, that''s right..."

    Drawing his hand back at Fianna strangely hurrying him, Kamito walked into the middle of the door.

    ¡ªOver there, there was an unbelievably gigantic cave.

    It had a polished agate floor. It had a stctite ceiling that was iid with countless spirit crystals.

    Each of the spirit crystals emitted a mysterious faint light, and they were dazzlingly illuminating the cave.

    At the center of therge cave¡ª there was a shrine made with precious metals and crystals.

    Compared to the grand shrine above ground, it was quite small, but its solemnity was the highlight.

    "¡ªThere''s no doubt. Here is where this mine''s true shrine is."

    "All Fianna has to do is to dedicate a resealing ritual kagura here, right?"

    "Yes. However, before that¡ª"

    Fianna pointed at a small reservoir near the true shrine.

    Clear underground water, which had trickled down from the stctite, was being collected.

    "I must do the purification ritual and cleanse my body."

    "That''s right, I also want to bathe. My purity has fallen greatly due to the battle a while ago."

    ire muttered¡ª Suddenly, she noticed Kamito''s gaze.

    "...Err, what should I do?"

    "Y-You''ll stand watch outside!"

    Her whip came flying immediately.

    Part 5

    ¡ª*Ssh*.

    ire made a lovely "Hyan" voice at the drop of water that dripped down from the ceiling''s stctite.

    She had very fair skin. She had a body that depicted elegant curves. Her breasts were certainly reserved, but they were unthinkably charming even when seen by Fianna who as of the same gender.

    (They are certainly sisters, she got her beauty from her sister...)

    Her facial profile with her red twintails untied certainly made Fianna recall ire''s sister''s face.

    The Cmity Queen¡ª Rubia Elstein.

    The one whopletely crushed young Fianna''s heart.

    It wasn''t like she resented ire, who was her sister.

    (Speaking of it, I don''t even understand whether or not I hate Rubia-sama...)

    Etched into Fianna''s heart wasn''t hatred, it was just overwhelming fear.

    The moment she overcame that fear, her contracted spirit woulde back¡ª

    Fianna dropped her sights onto the spirit seal engraved on her chest, and was absorbed in her thoughts.

    "What? Are you looking at your breasts and immersing in a sense of superiority?"

    ire was ring at Fianna''s breasts with scornful eyes.

    "Eh?"

    "Even without your pads, aren''t yours bigger than mine? I th-thought that we''rerades."

    ...ire''s eyes held in them a slightly dangerous sensation.

    Somehow sensing danger to her body, Fianna cut through the water surface and waded away.

    *Sususu*. *Sususu*. *Susususu*.

    Finally, she was cornered at the edge of the pond, and her shoulders were firmly grasped.

    ...She could not escape anymore.

    "Hey, Fianna, swallow your shame, I have something I want to ask."

    ire was saying that with a serious expression.

    "Wh-What?"

    "A gi-girl''s breasts would be big if they get the boy they like to rub them... Is that true?"

    "...Eh?"

    Fianna opened her mouth wide at ire, who bashfully blushed.

    And then¡ª

    A "gusu"ugh escaped spontaneously.

    Before long, Fianna hugged her stomach and giggled.

    "Wh-What! It isn''t something that funny!"

    "But I had someone ask me the exact same thing as that question in the past."

    "...?"

    ire tilted her head to the side without understanding what she meant.

    "You''re definitely sisters."

    As Fianna stifled herughter, she wiped the tears that surfaced on her eyes.

    On that subject, it had been a while since she reallyughed naturally like that.

    It might be... four years ago, since that day she lost her spirit contract power.

    "ire Rouge, I do not hate you."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Never mind. Ahh, as long as you grow to adulthood, your breasts will naturally be big."

    "I-I somewhat feel irritated... In the meanwhile."

    *Funyuu*.

    ire groped Fianna''s breast.

    "Kyaa, wh-what are you doing!"

    "I''m confirming if they''ll really be big if they''re rubbed."

    "Isn''t it fine if you confirm that with your own breasts!"

    "..., mi-mine are small and can''t be properly grasped!"

    "He-Hey, stop, hyaa, aan..."

    Shrieks and loud water sounds were reverberated in the sacred underground shrine.

    Part 6

    (...I can hear those two here.)

    Leaning in front of the closed wall, Kamito scratched his cheeks.

    The tunnels caused more echoes than he had thought. It did not mean that he caught their conversation, but the sweet voices of the girls he heard at times were very bad for his heart.

    "Kamito, are you eavesdropping on their voices, and getting excited?"

    "Uh, absolutely not."

    Kamito moaned with a deadpan look.

    "Well then, what?"

    "¡ªJio Inzagi, I''m thinking about that brat''s true identity."

    He was a male elementalist, who freely used countless spirits¡ª in a certain way, an existence of greater heresy than Kamito.

    However, Kamito was inferring his true identity to some extent from the battle some time ago.

    "He isn''t anything like the Demon King, if my thoughts are right."

    "Of course. He is presumptuous calling himself the Demon King with that level of his."

    Est answered expressionlessly, but her tone seemed a little angry.

    "The sessor of the Demon King¡ª is more like Kamito."

    "...? What do you mean?"

    "Kamito is the Demon King of the Night."

    "Est, that''s different."

    Kamito retorted without a moment''s dy.

    ...Honestly, where did this sword spirit learn these kind of things?

    "¡ªWe''ve got to stop the frivolous talk here, huh?"

    "It seems so."

    Kamito separated his body from the wall, and grasped Est''s small hand.

    "Kamito is a rough master of an elementalists."

    "Sorry. I will treat you to some parfait the next time at the Academy Town."

    "Suddenly, my motivation came out."

    Kamito made a wry smile, and recited the elemental waffe''s release chant.

    "Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil ¡ª now form my sword"

    The appearance of the lovely girl turned into particles of light and disappeared into an empty space¡ª

    In the next moment, Kamito''s hand was grasping Terminus Est, which was shining in silver.

    And then¡ª footsteps resounded from deep in the darkness.

    "Yo, let''s settle the score and end this¡ª Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer."

    With his red eyes ringly shining, Jio Inzagi showed up.

 Volume 2, 9 - Team Scarlet

    <h4>Volume 2, Chapter 9 - Team Scarlet</h4>

    Part 1

    At that moment, Fianna prepared her ritual outfit and began the arrangement of the resealing.

    There were violent sounds of weapons shing outside the door of the true shine.

    "¡ªIt seems that he hase."

    ire summoned her metounge and red at the door.

    "Kamito and I''ll defend the door to ourst. Fianna, wait here."

    "Are you saying you''re going to hide me in a safe ce alone!?"

    "Yes, he isn''t an opponent on whom you can use petty tricks many times. Even if you could, you no longer have any more Blood Stones."

    "Don''t misjudge me, ire Rouge. I''m not a princess, who only has to be protected. Now, I''m an equalrade of the team."

    Fianna thrust her iron-ribbed fan, used for performing the ritual dance, towards ire.

    "I am the second rank princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute¡ª As Rubia Elstein''s sister, you know that that is not a frail existence that can only perform the dance, don''t you?"

    She had an expression as though she was challenging her. ire gulped at the intensity emitted by the top-ranking princess maiden.

    Certainly, the princess maidens of the Divine Ritual Institute did not receive battle training as elementalists.

    However, by no means did it mean that they were powerless. On the contrary, as long as they chose the time and ce, there were cases where their power surpassed even a high-ranking elementalist.

    And, this very shrine was exactly the most suited ce for her to exhibit her power.

    "...I get it."

    ire brushed her red twintailed hair up.

    "I''ll protect you. Perform the most supreme kagura!"

    Part 2

    ¡ªThere was nothing like a warning sign. The de dance suddenly began.

    There were shrilling metallic sounds. Silver sword shes flickered, intense sparks scattered inside the cave.

    Terminus Est, which was swung downwards by Kamito, was repelled by Jio''s sword.

    Kamito stepped further in and scythed down his sword. Jio slightly shifted his center of gravity and evaded by a paper-thin margin. He made a shrilling loudughter, as he jumped straight up.

    Like a spider, he clung onto the ceiling as¡ª

    "Huh, there''s no forey?! Let me enjoy a little conversation, Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer!"

    "My bad, I don''t have something like a chivalrous spirit¡ª just like you!"

    "...Wh!?"

    Jio widened his red eyes. Kamito kicked the wall and jumped.

    Terminus Est, swung in midair and struck Jio''s sword.

    As though metal was being forcibly scraped, a shriek resounded; and Jio''s sword spirit was smashed up into many small pieces.

    Kamito did not stop. He kicked the wall again, changed his course of direction and hit the side of Jio''s face with his fist. He chased after Jio, who was pulled by gravity and falling to the ground, moreover, he kicked the ceiling and elerated.

    With movements like a bird hunting a prey in midair, he grabbed him by his cor, and the back of his head struck onto the ground like that.

    A thick sound had reverberated. It was a strike without any mercy.

    He threw a punch again with movements like a precision instrument¡ª but at that moment.

    Jio''s right hand''s spirit seal glowed. Sensing danger, he immediately jumped aside from on top of Jio.

    At that moment, a silver sword-shaped sh emitted from Jio''s palm.

    What appeared in Jio''s hand was a new elemental waffe.

    It was a narrow sword attached with an ornament. It was a stabbing sword, called a rapier, used exclusively for thrusting.

    Kamito retreated and put some distance between them. He prepared Terminus Est in both hands.

    "As expected of Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer¡ª What absurd movements."

    "A high-order multi-sided movement in a closed environment¡ª The first technique to be trained at the Instructional School. But I wasn''t doing it that thoroughly as you."

    "..."

    Jio kept silent.

    "Just now, I understood it when our swords shed. You are the same as me, an orphan of the Instructional School¡ª A failure of the Demon King."

    Instructional School¡ª That was the name of the institution, where Kamito received training as an assassin when he was a child.

    It was a secret training institution established by some nobles. There, they collected girls who possessed the qualities of an elementalist from orphanages all over the continent in order to raise a group of superior assassins.

    At first, the establishment was supposed to be an agency for supplying assassins to their noble colleagues. However, the teachers of Instructional School became independent of the nobles before they knew it, and it had be something to embrace a monologue fanatic creed.

    ¡ªNamely, the seconding of the Demon King.

    He was the only male elementalist in history.

    He was a Demon King, who used seventy-two spirits and led the continent to ruin.

    It was to create his sessor.

    For that reason, the measures they took were very simple.

    He was the only male elementalist left in history¡ª If that was the case, it was natural that his sessor had to be a boy.

    With that thought, they collected boys who were deemed to have the ability to even slightly exchange feelings with spirits, and conducted hypnotism, drug administration, spirit possession experiments and so forth. However, the sess rate should have been nil.

    For this reason, the moment when Kamito was discovered eight years ago, those guys had been in ecstasy.

    "¡ªCorrect."

    Jio Inzagi expressed an extremely dreadful smile.

    "The experiment of the Demon King''s seconding by the hands of man¡ª Its very first sess is me."

    Kamito¡ª

    Distorted his mouth cynically, and shrugged his shoulders.

    "Its very first sess? Are you joking?"

    "I understand your feelings of not wanting to acknowledge it. Nevertheless, this isn''t a joke."

    "I do not mean it like that."

    Kamito shook his head like he wasmiserating.

    "A male elementalist, who uses seventy-two contracted spirits¡ª if that was considered a sess, then you are absolutely not a sess, you know."

    "...What?"

    Jio''s red eyes widened, and his expression distorted in hatred.

    "I too was fooled at first. Whether you were really using seventy-two contracted spirits. ¡ªHowever, I was wrong."

    Kamito indifferently informed him.

    "Your spirits aren''t contracted spirits. ¡ªThey''re all sealed spirits."

    "...!"

    That''s right¡ª The spirits, that Jio Inzagi was using, were not spirits that had exchanged the ritual of contract.

    They were spirits that were sealed and treated as equipment for the seals engraved on his body.

    The reason Kamito realized that was that Jio never used the same spirit twice.

    (...Besides, he was also using several sword spirits of the same type.)

    Unless one nned on using and throwing them away from the start, there was no point in contracting arge quantity of sword spirits in that way. Compared to handling several sword spirits, it should be much more efficient to nurture one sword spirit.

    Besides, no matter how powerful Est''s elemental waffe was, it was strange that a sword spirit, famous for being the toughest in its endurance, was broken that easily.

    "...My point is that they''re the same as the spirit crystal that Fianna had used and thrown away."

    As long as the ritual of contract was not exchanged, a spirit could not even be nurtured, and its true power as an elemental waffe also could not be drawn out.

    The divine power that he thought was inexhaustible was also a mere illusion.

    "You are a fake Demon King, Jio Inzagi. No, you''re not even an elementalist."

    Certainly, while he housed that many sealed spirits in his body, the fact that he could maintain his body was a definite sess. If he was an ordinary person, he was sure to go crazy because of the spirits'' rejection.

    However, it was greatly iplete for him to call himself the Demon King¡ª an elementalist.

    He pretended as if he was contracted with several spirits, it was no more than a deception.

    "...Huh, so what?"

    Jio''s red eyes shone ringly, and he spat out.

    "Even if you know that, there''s no changing the fact that you can''t beat me!"

    Jio kicked the ground. The rapier sword spirit elerated like it exploded in his hand.

    "I''m the Demon King! That verification will be achieved by killing¡ª Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer, you!"

    Just before reaching Kamito, he ducked to lower his body, aimed for Kamito''s throat, andunched a thunderous thrust.

    Kamito slightly turned his head and avoided it. Turning about on his pivot leg, he returned with a counter kick.

    His sole gouged Jio''s chest. Continuing the momentum, Kamito held aloft Est overhead.

    "¡ª, Manifest, Barguestme wolf spirit!"

    Jio''s arm''s seal glowed¡ª at that moment, a zing me fang attacked Kamito.

    It was ava hound, d in ck mes. The me fang bit his left arm that was raised overhead.

    Intense pain coursed through his whole body, as though his blood was boiling. However¡ª

    "...Raaaa!"

    Kamito rotated, swung his arm, and smashed theva hound that was biting him into a wall.

    The me exploded and scattered. There were smashed upva rocks. If it was a contracted spirit, it would go back again to protect its master¡ª however, a sealed spirit, which was only forcefully released, vanished into empty space as it was.

    "How lukewarm... ire''s mes are much hotter!"

    An extremely dreadful smile surfaced, and Kamito immediately swung Terminus Est horizontally.

    Jio''s posture was slightly crumbled by the wind pressure¡ª that chance of a moment was not overlooked by Kamito.

    Holding the silver shiny sword up overhead, heunched a strike with all his might¡ª

    "¡ªManifest, Aegisshield spirit!"

    However, that strike was stopped by the shield spirit Jio released.

    Sword spirit against shield spirit¡ª even for Est, the attributepatibility was overly poor!

    However, Kamito did not draw back. Without change¡ª he further pushed the sword in.

    "¡ªLet''s go Est, show me just how serious you can be!"

    Responding to Kamito''s shout, Terminus Est''s light glowed brighter.

    The brightness became a long sh and covered the sacred sword¡ª

    At that moment, it changed its appearance to a gigantic sword that far exceeded Kamito''s stature.

    "Wh...at!?"

    "Ooooooo!"

    Kamito roared. He set a crack into the released shield spirit.

    And then¡ª It was smashed right in half!

    "This is absurd... A sword spirit destroyed a shield spirit!?"

    "This is the power of a contracted spirit bound by the spirit seal¡ª Jio Inzagi!"

    Kamito held therge sword overhead again, at that moment¡ª

    "... You bastaarrd!"

    (¡ªWhat?)

    Clutched within the hand that Jio stuck out, was a shiny redma-shaped jewel.

    The moment Kamito saw that jewel, an indescribable chill ran down his spine.

    Terminus Est in his hand weakly shook.

    The moment her de touched the surface of the jewel¡ª

    *Pishi*¡ª a small crack developed on Est''s de.

    "...!?"

    The Demon yerDemon King Killing Sacred Sword lost its dazzling brightness.

    From the ce the crack was developed, something like a ck stain was spreading¡ª

    (¡ª, Est is being corroded!?)

    Kamito tried to draw back Est, and at that moment.

    Jio sneered at him.

    "I had said that that was your weakness¡ª Ren Ashbell."

    "Guu...!"

    The released rapier had pierced the side of Kamito''s abdomen.

    As Kamito grasped Est, who was being varnished ck, he went down on his knees at that spot.

    "You can''t ept spirits as tools. Therefore, you are weak."

    Jio calmly stood up while ying with the red shinyma-shaped jewel in one hand.

    "That spirit crystal is... don''t tell me¡ª"

    "Ahh?... That''s right. That princess was holding the same thing."

    "A Blood Stone...?"

    It was a national-level treasure that could seal the power of a top-ranking spirit.

    (Why does he have¡ª)

    "That''s right. This very thing is the source of my power¡ª the power of Nebuchadnezzarmad king spirit that rules over many spirits."

    Jio loudlyughed with the jewel in his hand, and the seals engraved on his whole body ominously emitted a glow.

    "..., I see, the reason you were using that many sealed spirits was the power of the high-ranking spirit that was sealed in that jewel."

    In contrast to the Blood Stone which Fianna had possessed which had its releasing done, it seemed that the one Jio had, manifested its effect just by being attached onto his body.

    "...What aplete fake. What an unthinkable Demon King-sama."

    "You have the gall to say that, I''ll make your sword spirit mine right here and now¡ª"

    The ck stain was encroaching Terminus Est. Jio''s loudughter resounded within the cave.

    However, a faint smile surfaced at Kamito''s lips.

    "Jio Inzagi, do you know? This tunnel reverberates voices well."

    "Ahh? What are you saying¡ª"

    "Why do you think I was specially lecturing you about the true form of your magic tricks?"

    "What?"

    That''s right, it did not mean that he was having a pointless talk.

    Kamito was doing it to convey information.

    That the spirits he used were not contracted spirits, but just sealed spirits.

    "Don''t misunderstand. The one you''re fighting isn''t Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer."

    At that moment, metounge that was let loose coiled around Jio''s right hand.

    "¡ªIt''s Team Scarlet."

    "...!?"

    The door to the true shrine was opened. There¡ª

    Brushing up her red twintailed hair, and holding metounge in her hand, ire Rouge was standing.

    "You did well, Kamito. As expected of my ve spirit!"

    "Why you..."

    Pressing onto his side abdomen injury, Kamito groaned with a deadpan look.

    Jio shook off metounge, and red at ire.

    "Huh, thank you¡ª You opened the true shrine''s door especially for me."

    "Yes, to defeat you."

    There was a voiceing from behind ire.

    Fianna, who had put a solemn ritual costume on her body, was calmly walking.

    Even for a girl, who had acted like an imp, she wasn''t a powerless girl frightened with fear.

    Standing rigidly¡ª was a white robed Queen.

    "I''ll show it to you. The ritual kagura of the Empire''s second princess, Fianna Ray Ordesia."

    Part 3

    Four years ago. That day¡ª the girl''s heart had beenpletely broken.

    Being beat by the overwhelming fear and the sense of helplessness, she became unable to use her spirit.

    To be a splendid Queen like Rubia-sama¡ª The girl, who was cut off from that dream, had already lost it.

    It became that her parents, even her sisters, and even the courtdies ignored her as they quickly changed their attitude.

    The attitude of the girl, who was overly strict with herself and others, seemed to have incurred enmity before she knew it.

    Therefore, the moment that the fact that she lost her power was known, it became that no one would care for her.

    Before she knew it, it became like the girl closed her heart towards everything.

    Without opening her heart to anyone, without embracing any interest¡ª she had been secluding herself inside the castle.

    ¡ªHowever, it was three years ago. The girl met her.

    The Strongest de Dancer, who was advancing through the de Dance with overwhelming strength.

    The girl became engrossed with her de dance that blew away everything.

    She felt like her de dance had changed something.

    Once again, she was given the strength to stand up.

    (Kamito-kun, the real reason that I came to this academy¡ª I feel like I understand it now.)

    As long as she was alone, she would not have noticed it.

    The things like the Wish attained because of the de Dance might be truly inconsequential to her.

    With just her, who she admired.

    With the boy from that day, it might be just that she wanted to fight together.

    (...Kamito-kun, you had said that I am yourrade.)

    Even when he knew that she couldn''t use her contracted spirit, he had said that.

    (Besides, ire Rouge... She also hade in contact with me without being different.)

    Four years ago, that time when she stood against the Cmity Queen, she was just alone.

    However, now¡ª she hadrades that she had to protect.

    Holding her iron-ribbed fan in both hands, Fianna Ray Ordesia danced the kagura.

    ¡ª(Dance, you many spirits, be released from that binding body, and dance wildly together with me!)

    She was the second ranked princess maiden of the only Queen training institution in the continent¡ª Divine Ritual Institute.

    That kagura she was dancing was not abat support dance that strengthened spirits.

    Hearing Kamito and Jio''s conversation that could be heard from the other side of the wall, she knew it intuitively.

    Kamito had conveyed the things she could do as a kagura dance expert.

    If supposed that Jio Inzagi''s spirits were mere sealed spirits¡ª

    To stamp their feet like time ticking away and move vigorously with stream-like movements.

    Those were the perfect dance movements that they were trained in at the Divine Ritual Institute before they learned words.

    "The seventh ritual of the ritual kagura¡ª The ritual of the mad banquet, I''ll dedicate it here!"

    Part 4

    "Ga...Aaah, ah, ah... you bastard, what did you do to meeee!"

    Suddenly, Jio Inzagi''s body twisted and fell to the ground.

    Both arms were twisted in impossible orientations, and the seals of his whole body flickered violently.

    "Your sealed spirits are going on a rampage. They''re reacting to Fianna''s dedicated ritual kagura."

    Kamito slowly stood up with Terminus Est in his hand.

    "What...was that...!"

    "Listen, your body that housed sealed spirits is something like a shrine that deifies many spirits."

    He shrugged his shoulders as he told him.

    "Furthermore, they were certainly not contracted spirits that were bound by a bond. Because of that jewel''s power, they are just sealed spirits that were forcefully made to obey. There''s no way that they would not be affected by an interference from outside¡ª like the effect of Fianna''s dedicated kagura."

    "Guu... Damn, gaaaa!"

    Jio yelled, faced towards Fianna, who was dancing the kagura at the true shrine, and released spirits.

    Five spirits of varying attributes became entangled, and rushed in a squirming manner.

    That¡ª

    "It''s useless."

    ire, who was standing before the door, gathered and knocked them down with her metounge.

    "I''m sorry but something like spirits that lost control can''t even be an opponent for me."

    "Guu... haa..."

    With his body''s freedom stolen by the rampaging sealed spirits, Jio''s body violently convulsed.

    "I''ll take you under our custody. And, we''ll have you speak about the incident on the Jormungandrstrategic-ss militarized spirit."

    Kamito approached him to apprehend him, at that moment.

    "¡ªThat''ll be troubling, Kamito."

    From an empty space, a clear girl''s voice was heard.

    In front of Kamito, who stopped his feet spontaneously, thick darkness appeared.

    "...!?"

    It was that pleasant voice, which he would never forget.

    Before long, the darkness, which was born from empty space, transformed into the appearance of a beautiful girl.

    "Jio is a precious experimental body. It would be troubling for you to take him arbitrarily."

    "Restia..."

    Kamito groaned like he was squeezing it out from the inside of his throat.

    She was his former contracted spirit¡ª that lovely appearance of hers, which had not changed in a single way from three years ago.

    Despite that Kamito had changed so much.

    "You, you''re the darkness spirit from that day."

    "Long time no see, Miss Hell Cat."

    The girl sweetly waved her hand at ire, who was taken aback and had shouted.

    "...Restia, is it you? The one trying to release Jormungandrstrategic-ss militarized spirit."

    He had a premonition¡ª a premonition that she was involved behind the scene of this incident.

    There was the fact that Jio Inzagi knew Kamito''s true identity.

    And then, there were the darkness spirits that were holding a ritual at the shrine above ground.

    Above all else, the throbbing from the spirit seal, which was engraved on his left hand, was telling him of her presence.

    The lovely darkness spirit made a lonely smile and nodded.

    "That''s right. It''s my mission to release the spirit sleeping here."

    "Why are you doing..."

    "Because that''s her desire. That''s all."

    "...Her?"

    "Kamito, you''ll eventually meet her. However, it''s not now. You have not awakened yet."

    "Restia, I¡ª"

    ¡ªAt that moment, Jio, who had fallen to the ground, roared.

    "Move aside, darkness spirit. I have not lost yet!"

    "Give it up. I''ve said it, haven''t I? You can''t even beat the current him."

    "Shut up, I''m-I''m the one, who will seed the Demon King! To be beaten at..."

    "You are not the Demon King. You''re not even an elementalist, you''re just a failure."

    The darkness spirit girl said in a cold tone.

    "After all, the one, who will seed the Demon King, is¡ª"

    "..., Shut up, shut up shut up shut up, you bratsssssss!"

    Suddenly, Jio, who shouted, grabbed the darkness spirit''s ankle with his hand.

    He stood up like that, and hung Restia upside down.

    "Jio, what are you trying to do!?"

    "To thank you. I am going to use you, darkness spirit!"

    Jio loudlyughed with a face filled with madness.

    A shiny deep crimsonma-shaped jewel was tightly grasped in one of his hand. That¡ª

    Was struck onto the ground near his feet.

    "Wh!?"

    "Ha, hahahaha, ha! This is the power of the Demon King, who coercively rules over even the high ranking darkness spirit!"

    The deep crimson Blood Stone made a shrill crushing sound and was smashed up.

    The power of Nebuchadnezzarmad king spirit poured out, became a feeler of shadow and swallowed the darkness spirit''s body.

    "Restia!"

    Enraged, Kamito swung Terminus Est,

    However, that sh, which was charged and released with the strength of all his might¡ª did not cut and tear Jio apart.

    A gigantic jet-ck demon sword was grasped in Jio''s hand.

    That had stopped Terminus Est''s de, and was absorbing her radiance.

    "That''s... don''t tell me, Restia''s¡ª!?"

    It was her elemental waffe¡ª Vorpal SwordThe sword that pierces the truth.

    Its shape was certainly different, but that was no other than the demon sword, which the once Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer was using.

    "Scarlet!"

    ire shouted.

    Aiming at Jio, who was madlyughing loudly, the scorching hell cat rushed on at him.

    "Small fry, do not hinder the Demon Kinnggg!"

    Losing hisposure, Jio swung the jet-ck demon sword.

    Forcing back Kamito''s sword¡ª countless ck lightning attacks were released from its de.

    "Kyaa!"

    "ire!"

    ire screamed, as her petite body was blown away.

    "Jio Inzagi!"

    Kamito roared, and swung down Terminus Est again.

    "You too¡ª Dieeeeee!"

    Facing Kamito, who was rushing at him from the front, he released the ck lightning attack.

    It was one long lightning attack that had several times the power of the previous one.

    It was directly aimed at and converged on Kamito¡ª

    "Like such a thing will hit¡ª"

    "¡ªIt''ll hit."

    Jio expressed a ferocious smile.

    Just before dodging, Kamito realized it.

    Fianna was behind him.

    Part 5

    Fianna was staring at the assailing ck lightning attack dumbfounded.

    She could not dodge it. The heavy ritual costume had stolen her body''s freedom.

    (...Am I going to die here?)

    The girl''s chest was filled with a calm resignation. She reflexively closed her eyes.

    However¡ª

    "Fianna!"

    She was taken aback by that.

    When she opened her eyes, Kamito had caught the rampaging lightning attack with his sword.

    "Kamito-kun!?"

    "Oooooooooo!"

    While his whole body was being struck by the lightning attack, Kamito went forward.

    Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer, the one who had performed a splendid de dance at the venue of the de Dance.

    Was protecting Fianna in a tattered condition.

    Even though he became bloody and was even barely standing.

    "No, Kamito-kun! You''re going to die¡ª"

    "I never want to lose it again. My preciousrades."

    "...!"

    His back was the same as that day three years ago.

    It belonged to the boy, who had saved a powerless girl in the forest of Astral Zero.

    It was the back of the boy, who she first fell in love with¡ª And it was right in front of her eyes!

    (This time I have to protect¡ª)

    *Ba-thump*. A hot emotion was filling Fianna''s chest.

    (¡ªI want to protect him, the one who I love.)

    Since that day¡ª she had always been alone.

    Without being needed by anyone, without anyone apanying her, she was the Lost Queen.

    Without anything to expect, she had given up on everything.

    (¡ªHowever, it''s different now.)

    She saw Ren Ashbell''s de dance three years ago.

    And then, now she was looking at Kazehaya Kamito''s back.

    (¡ªI''ve changed! After all, I have a wish I want granted!)

    She wanted to aim for the de Dance together with Kamito.

    (That was¡ª my real wish.)

    The ck lightning attack was pushing back and covering the light from Terminus Est held by Kamito.

    His body seemed like it was going to copse at any time. However, he was still standing.

    "¡ªThou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!"

    Fianna''s lips spun the spiritnguage summoning majestically.

    "¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding! "

    A nostalgic feeling was resurrected in her chest.

    It was the sensation that should have been lost four years ago¡ª The throbbing of the spirit seal.

    The princess'' knight, which had not responded no matter how many times it was called since that day, was now¡ª

    "Come forth, holy knight spirit Georgios¡ª Thou shalt be the sword that protects me!"

    A dazzling light overflowed before her eyes.

    It was the holy light that cleansed all darkness. It was the light that had been always protecting Fianna.

    The armored knight, armed with a silver sword and arge shield, was standing before her.

    It was the holy knight spirit, handed down in the Ordesia Empire¡ª Georgios.

    There was no need for words. Fianna gently smiled at that nostalgic appearance.

    A holy attribute spirit was a spirit that could only be used by a princess maiden possessing an absolutely pure soul.

    Fianna, who had etched into her chest the pain of the past and yet recovered¡ª

    Was now recognized as the true master.

    "Imand you in the name of the Ordesia Empire''s second princess¡ª Protect Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna, cloaked with the majesty of a queen, ced her hand at her waist and ordered it.

    The holy knight spirit nodded without a word and brandished itsrge sword, which was approximately as long as its height.

    Making an underground rumbling, like the ground was shaking, it rushed into the raging ck lightning attack.

    "¡ªWhy you, are you defying the Demon King!"

    Jio Inzagi shouted. The lightning attack became a rushing stream and surged forward.

    However¡ª Georgios rushed onwards in the face of that.

    The ck lightning attack was being repelled by the shield it held aloft.

    A high ranking holy spirit had full resistance against the darkness attribute.

    Itsrge knightly sword cut and cleansed the darkness, and cleared the path in front of Kamito!

    "Wh...at...!?"

    Jio''s face distorted with shock¡ª Kamito didn''t overlook that opportunity.

    "Let''s go, Est!"

    Kamito drove in all the divine power he had into Terminus Est.

    The Demon yerDemon King Killing Sacred Sword, which was swallowed up in darkness and lost its light, shone brightly once more.

    "Ooooooo!"

    Kamito ran with Terminus Est, who became a gigantic sword, in his hand.

    "Tch¡ª Manifest, me spirit!"

    Aiming at Kamito, who was plunging towards him from the front, Jio released the me spirit¡ª

    "I won''t let you!"

    *Hyun*¡ª A red killing sh urred and swallowed that me.

    ire, who was covered with injuries, was standing with her metounge in her hand.

    "¡ªI told you, we are a team."

    As he plunged towards Jio''s chest, Kamito told him.

    "Therefore, I''ll continue to grow strong. Stronger than the time I was called Ren AshbellStrongest de Dancer."

    And then¡ª Kamito''s single hit cut off the fake Demon King''s arm.

 Volume 2, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 2, Epilogue</h4>

    ¡ªThe next morning, Kamito woke up on a bed in the medical office.

    He, honestly, didn''t remember much about what happened after that.

    He had over-used his divine power in using Est, and his consciousness had be hazy.

    Jio Inzagi was apprehended by the Sylphid Knights of the academy, who had rushed over, and was handed over to the Ordesia military as the suspect of the incident. That fake Demon King, who lost his Blood Stone''s power, no longer had any power to resist.

    The Jormungandrstrategic-ss militarized spirit, which was sleeping under the mine, was resealed without problems by Fianna holding the ritual kagura of resealing. The shrine, above ground, was alsopletely destroyed by the Knights. There should never be another chance for it be released.

    The darkness spirit Restia had disappeared the moment Jio''s arm was cut off.

    That did not mean that she vanished¡ª That was what the throbbing of the spirit seal, engraved on his left hand, had told him.

    (Restia, what on earth are you trying to do?)

    (¡ªBecause that was her wish.)

    His former contracted spirit said that. And then, that he would meet (her) eventually.

    Who was this "her" she had mentioned? Was she possibly referring to the (other) Ren Ashbell who was participating in this round''s de Dance?¡ª

    (In any case, as long as we advance, we should be able to fight her.)

    Their school ranking greatly went up due to the S-rank quest achievement this time, but there were still many high ranking teams. Besides, even if they reached the de Dance, the elite champion teams would be selected, not only from this academy, but from every country of the continent.

    (This isn''t the time to be lying down here...)

    Making a bitter smile, Kamito tried to get up from the bed, at that moment.

    A soft sensation was squirming about from under the sheet.

    "...E-Est! You again¡ª"

    He flipped up the sheet in a fluster.

    A nude Est¡ª

    ¡ªwasn''t on the bed.

    "...Fianna?"

    Kamito left his mouth open.

    The one who was there, was Fianna, who was wearing a dress-like uniform on her body.

    "How disappointing, I already got discovered. Despite that I was thinking of ying various things after this."

    The princess brushed up her morous ck hair, and cutely stuck out her tongue.

    Being peered at by a hair-raising upward nce, his face spontaneously turned red.

    "Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?!"

    "Fufu, do you know that a princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute knows various techniques to let spirits enjoy themselves?"

    "Y-You, what do you n on doing..."

    "I''m joking. However, look, do you feel that your vitality is recovering?"

    "...? Yes, certainly...!"

    He felt some sort of energy swelling up in his whole body. Normally, his divine power shouldn''t have recovered this much just by resting for about a day.

    "It was a secret ritual kagura of the Divine Ritual Institute to distribute a princess maiden''s divine power¡ªHowever, to use it, our skin must be closely stuck together. If you''re offended, I''m sorry."

    Fianna quickly blushed, and bashfully looked downwards.

    "You''re not thinking that I''m an im-immodest girl, right? Even I''m really... embarrassed."

    "I-I''m sorry... Thank you. However, you don''t have to force yourself."

    Kamito apologized in a fluster.

    She was pretending to be mature, but she was really an innocent princess. After making her this worried, he could not tell her to move aside.

    "I''m not forcing myself. I''m doing it because I l-like it."

    Fianna quickly turned away with her face still red.

    "...Hey, Fianna, is it really alright for you to not return to the Divine Ritual Institute?"

    The reason that she tried to participate in the de Dance should have been to regain the power of her contracted spirit by the Wish granted to the victor.

    That Wish had alreadye true, so¡ª there was already no meaning to stay in this academy.

    "It isn''t possible to return after all this time. Besides, you know¡ª"

    Fianna brushed up her long ck hair, and gently brought her face close.

    "I have another Wish I want granted."

    "What? What''s your another wish?"

    "It''s a secret¡ª"

    There was a soft sensation on his cheek.

    As her cherry lips pecked, it touched and softly left.

    "...You haven''t given up on ensnaring me, have you?"

    Kamito groaned with a deadpan look.

    "Yes, that''s right. This time I''m serious."

    The princess expressed an impish smile¡ª and, at that moment.

    *Gacha*¡ª The room''s door had opened.

    "Ka-Kamito!?"

    A red twintail bounced.

    It was ire who was carrying arge amount of peach canned food.

    ...It seemed like she hade to visit him.

    She saw Kamito, who was entangled with Fianna on the bed.

    *Gogogogogogogogogo...!*

    "Y-Yo-You two, wh-wh-what are you doing..."

    "Wait, it''s a misunderstanding. Because this isn''t what you think..."

    "Oh, Kamito-kun, what''s being misunderstood?"

    Fianna tightly stuck close to Kamito''s body.

    "Wh-Why are you making such a pretense, it''s like throwing firewood into the mouth of a volcano!?"

    "...Scarlet, burn them!"

    "Georgios, chase that noisy girl out!"

    At that moment, the hell cat and the armored knight appeared from empty space.

    While the hell cat looked intimidating, the knight unsheathed its sword.

    "Hey, stop, this is a sickroom¡ª"

    Such a shout from Kamito was erased in vain by the violent sound of weapons shing.

    The peaceful sickroom transformed into a battleground for a de dance within a moment.

 Volume 2, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 2, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªDo you dislike an immodest princess?

    With this, it has been about two months of silence. This is Shimizu Yuu. I present you the second installment of the academy harem x battleedy "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance", where swords, spirits and beautiful girls dance boisterously.!

    Fianna, who moved into Raven ss, is the Ordesia Empire''s former princess. She, who somehow knew Kamito''s past, came intruding into ire''s room¡ª

    ...Yes, I somewhat feel the premonition of a dreadful fighting scene (shivers).

    A moral-less battle of the tsundere hell cat girl and the ero-cute princess. A mysterious enemy calling himself the sessor of the Demon King. And then, the secret, which Fianna¡ªwho was called the Lost Queen¡ªwas hiding in her chest, is¡ª?

    The deplorable ojou-sama Rinslet, the pony-tail beautiful girl Ellis, nude knee-sock spirit Est also were involved, and the battles and the romanceedy are also delivered in a greatly increased amount!

    Now then, this is a volume series that I started at the end ofst year but thanks to you, the sales were satisfactory, and additional printing had been decided immediately after itsunch. Everyone, who bought them, I really thank you!

    "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" is something I aimed to write without thinking of somethingplicated while being interesting as a light novel and amazingly enjoyable. After this, I''ll also be earnestly pushing on steadily, so thank you!

    Thanks time. First is Sakura Hanpen-sensei, who drew wonderful illustration without a break for one volume, really thank you very much. Each and every character designs, which goes without saying, the facial expressions and gestures are cute. Especially, the destructive power of frontispiece of Est is tremendous. And then, Fianna in the front cover is very ... ero-cute!

    The ck panther (in the meaning that his coat has a leopard-design) Koto Shouji-sama, I''ve always been grateful to you. I''ve really already ran out of gratitude words. I also look forward to working with you on the organizing of the team battles!

    Chief editor Misaka, proofreading team, binding team, sales teams and the bookstores, really thank you for everything. Especially, the new retailers Anibro Gamers, who had done the hot unfolding of a de dance roadshow. I had the privilege of seeing it personally, and was overwhelmed by its force. Thank you, thank you.

    And then, my number one thanks goes to all you readers holding this book in your hands. For the series to be able to be delivered like this, it''s thanks to all you readers'' support.

    Everyone, who sent in questionnaires, I''ve carefully read your thoughts. It was truly encouraging, so, I''ll happy if you send them one after another!

    I''ll also keep at it writing for volume three, so thank you very much.

    The battle with pollens is from here on!

    January 2011, Shimizu Yuu

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you, or perhaps, long time no see, this is Sakura Hanpen!

    This is the 2nd volume, Wah, *pping*!! This is the new character, Fianna-chan.

    Personally, she has a little yandere in her, and is very cute...

    That''s my own impression of Fianna-chan. I quite like yandere.

    In order to get the right to lick Shimizu-sensei, I''ll also do my best the next time...!

    I thought of trying to draw Scarlet''s naughty scene next, but

    I thought it was really impossible, so I had her made the M letter with her legs spread out!

    Well then, just like this, the second volume had ended!

    Let''s meet at the third volume!

 Volume 3, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 3, Prologue</h4>

    3 years ago, at the de Dance match venue.

    "My granddaughter, look closely at Velsaria''s de dance. Sooner orter you will also serve and carry the Empire''s dignity on your back and will be fighting in the de dance matches."

    "Yes, grandfather."

    Towards the old aged grandfather''s ¡ª Duke Fahrengart''s ¡ª words, the little girl nodded and replied with a dignified voice.

    She had auburn colored pupils blessed with strong light and beautiful eyebrows that were sharply angled.

    Her mesmerizing blue hair was tied in a ponytail.

    She was a lovely girl that anyone would turn around to look at, but there was absolutely no coquetry or sweetness in her facial expression.

    She had an atmosphere like the edge of a de that could slice one with just a touch.

    Ellis Fahrengart.

    Her talent as an elementalist was revealed since childhood. It had been determined that starting as of next spring, she would attend the only elementalist training institute in the Ordesia Empire, the Areishia Spirit Academy.

    She was an elite candidate as a promising Empire Spirit Knight.

    Ellis leaned forward from her seat and looked down at the arena right below.

    Her soft breasts were touching and rubbing on the iron fence. Her recent worries were thatpared to the other girls at the same age, her breasts were developing too much.

    ("Really.....Things like breasts just posses as a nuisance to swinging a sword.)

    Regarding this topic, the girls around her werepletely jealous, however¡ª

    For Ellis, who had totally no interest regarding love affairs, having huge breasts was simply an obstruction.

    ("......Something like love is pointless, I will be a knight. A splendid knight just like my esteemed sister.")

    Ellis strongly closed her fist, at that moment.

    A loud cheer broke out in the arena.

    From the West gate, the Ordesia Empire''s representative elementalist had entered.

    There was a girl with blonde hair that was beautiful like it had gathered and refined the radiance of the stars.

    Delicately sculpted carvings decorated her silver armor.

    Clothed in a red cloak, that appearance of hers was just like a general returning victoriously.

    Velsaria Eva Fahrengart.

    She came from a lower noble family that went into ruins in the Ranbal war. Anticipating her talent as an elementalist, she was adopted into the Fahrengart house, and became Ellis''s two year older step-sister.

    Even though she was a freshman from the Areishia Spirit Academy, she was chosen from among the elites gathered from many nations as a representative at the de Dance.

    The fact that a freshman was chosen as the de Dance representative was unprecedented in the long history of the Areishia Spirit Academy.

    With such a step-sister, Ellis'' ideal image of a knight built up and she respected her from the depths of her heart.

    She headed towards the middle of the stage. Then, from the east gate, her opponent elementalist appeared.

    Having long ck hair that extended to her hips, she had the foreign-styled attire with arge slit inserted at the edge of the pants.

    Although having youthful features, she was so beautiful that even Ellis, despite being of the same gender, was taken back.

    In her handsy, contrary to her lovely appearance, an ominous darkness-colored sword.

    "Grandfather, who is that girl?"

    "Ren Ashbell, an independent elementalist."

    "Independent........not belonging to any country or organization. Is that what you''re implying?"

    "Yeah. It seems like there was the influence of a powerful person. It also seems like she''s the same age as you, 13 years old."

    "......."

    Ellis bit her lips. Although having the same age, the fact that the girl was participating in the de Dance, was truly mortifying.

    And then, the bell signaling the start of the match was rang.

    The greatest kagura offered to the Five Great Elemental Lords¡ª the de Dance had begun.

    Immediately Velsaria Eva''s armor activated¡ª and instantly shifted into battle form.

    Sparkling particles of light constructed herposite armor. From both shouldersrge twin-main cannons emerged.

    That truly was the impregnable fortress that reigned over thends.

    Velsaria Eva''s elemental waffe ¡ªSilent Fortress.

    (.........What a contracted spirit. No, the one that should be praised is my esteemed sister, the one using it.)

    Velsaria''s contracted spirit was an ancient sealed spirit that was sealed under a certain old castle.

    On top of its ferocity, it was a sealed spirit that was said to be impossible for a normal elementalist to make a contract with.

    And, she was able to perfectly control it.

    Currently, Ellis could not even release the elemental waffe of her contracted spirit.

    Just thinking about the ability difference between her and her target, also being her sister, she sumbed to feelings of shame.

    (W-Will I be able to catch up to my esteemed sister.......)

    Velsaria swung her hand up, ¡ªthe main cannons on both her shoulders fired once.

    She did not like a refined de dance. She would always st her utmost maximum firepower at her oing opponent¡ªit was an extremely simple battle style.

    There was an ear-splitting thunderous sound. In the arena, countless of pirs of fire''s rose up.

    It was over¡ª not only Ellis, but thousands of the audience were sure about it.

    But.

    "Ehh?"

    Ellis widely opened her eyes.

    The cloud of dust cleared up and¡ª

    That ck-haired girl''s figure wasn''t there.

    (No way!?)

    In that instant, a high-pitched metal-sound echoed.

    Before anyone knew ¡ªthe girl had moved to in front of Velsaria.

    The demon sword of the girl with fluttering ck hair stabbed through the Silent Fortress''sposite armor.

    Immediately, there was a ck fog gushing out like blood spraying.

    Having the armor destroyed, Velsaria slowly copsed to the ground.

    Silence arrived.

    And then¡ª

    When the audiences finally noticed the situation, a break of cheers arose from where they were.

    It was an unbelievable oue. From the military based family, the Fahrengart Duke''s knight was beaten by a young unnamed elementalist.

    "......"

    While Ellis was bewildered, the ck haired girl that has beaten Velsaria was bewitching.

    The elementalist that has beaten her respected sister¡ª by all right, was supposed to be someone hated.

    But, at that time what Ellis was embracing in her chest was a feeling opposite of hatred.

    She was 13 years old. Although the girl was of the same age, she had shown her overwhelming power.

    (Someday I too, just like her¡ª)

    A faint bud of admiration eventually became Ellis'' clear goal and was carved into her heart.

    Together with the name the Strongest de Dancer¡ª Ren Ashbell.

    References and Trantion Notes

 Volume 3, 1 - The Young Lady Who Woke Up Early

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 1 - The Young Lady Who Woke Up Early</h4>

    Part 1

    *Chirp chirp...*

    There was the chirping of singing birds. The fresh sunshine was shining in diagonally from the window.

    "...U...n"

    It was 6 o''clock, early in the morning. Kamito rubbed his sleepy eyes even though he had woken up.

    Hebed out his unkempt hair by hand, and then first he checked under the sheets as usual.

    "Alright, today''s safe."

    Kamito took a breath of relief.

    Recently, there were times when a fully naked sword spirit was sleeping with him, so he couldn''t let his guard down.

    Feeling relieved, he nimbly folded the sheets and got up.

    "...I have to make breakfast."

    The breakfast of ire and the others, who were roommates, was expected to be made by Kamito every morning.

    Well to begin with, he didn''t hate cooking, and he was a freeloader, so he had noints.

    "Toast with sd with bacon and eggs... Shall I specially throw in some boiled eggs today?"

    After all, there was a team battle that they absolutely could not lose this morning. He wanted his two teammates and his partner sword spirit to eat something good whenever possible to restore their energy.

    It has been one week since the quest at that Mine Town.

    A new member was added into Team Scarlet.

    She was the former second princess of the Ordesia Empire, as well as the Divine Ritual Institute''s second ranking princess maiden.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia.

    Having been once called the Lost Queen, she was trying to ensnare Kamito and participate in the de Dance to regain the power of her spirit contract.

    Eventually, she was able to regain the power of her spirit contract by her own strength, however, she continued to remain in the academy for some reason despite attaining her goal, and ended up joining Team Scarlet.

    ire had seemed displeased, but there were already only several weeks left till the de Dance, so she reluctantly ushered her into the team.

    It was different from the individual matches three years ago, this time''s de Dance was a team battle. Unless they gathered five teammates, they could not even get the qualifications to participate. Besides, the true strength of Fianna, who regained the power of her spirit contract, was something that even ire could not help but recognize.

    She, who was from the Queen training organization¡ªDivine Ritual Institute, had definitely not received any battle training, but she could provide variousbat support by dancing ritual kagura.

    Also, her contracted spirit Georgios was a knight spirit of defense specialty, something Kamito and the others were weak at. Because she joined, the resulting bnce in the team greatly increased in its sense of stability.

    There was also the achievement of the S rank quest at Mine Town. And then, there were the sessive victories of the inter-school battles.

    Team Scarlet''s inter-school ranking was now increasing with great momentum.

    If they kept up this pace, it would no longer be just be a dream to overtake Ellis'' Team, which was currently in third ce.

    "All that''s left is for those two to be on a little better terms with each other."

    He shrugged his shoulders in disappointment as he faced the kitchen¡ª

    "Hn?"

    The ttering sound of tableware came from the kitchen.

    And then, there was a rich sweet smell that came wafting over. It had a slightly burnt, bitter scent.

    (Is this smell... by any chance, chocte?)

    Kamito frowned, and softly approached with stealthy steps.

    Through the gap of the door, he carefully peered into the kitchen¡ª

    "Hey, what are you putting in!?"

    "Fufuu, something that is made of mashed-up baked newt?"

    He heard ire and Fianna''s voices.

    "Wh-What are you thinking?! Don''t put in such a disgusting thing!"

    "Ahh, I was usually using it at the Divine Ritual Institute. It seemed to have the same effect as an aphrodisiac."

    "Ap-Aphrodisiac!?"

    "Yes, if Kamito-kun ate this, even his true nature as the Demon King of the Night would appear, and he maye attacking in the middle of the night."

    "At-Attack... wh-what on earth would he do?"

    "Well... that is already something indecent to the extent that he could be said to have been bewitched."

    "Be-Bewitched... y-you''re lying, even for him, such a thing¡ª"

    "Furthermore, the two of us together."

    "The two of us together!?"

    "It isn''t surprising for Kamito-kun to do at least that."

    "Wh-Wh-What a guy... Un-Unforgivable, that pervert, cinders, cinders!"

    As her voice trembled, there was the *pashin* *pashin* sound of something being hit by a whip.

    (Those two...)

    Kamito''s temple twitched.

    ...Somehow, he felt that they were defaming his honor with staggering vigor.

    (...Speaking of that, when did I be the Demon King of the Night?)

    Even while Kamito was bearing this outrageous treatment, the two youngdies had continued their conversation.

    "Fufuu, however, isn''t it nice to also have Kamito-kun in an overbearing demon king mode once in a while?"

    "Th-That''s... Err, a-at any rate, that''s a no. Putting in such a dubious thing. What are you going to do if his stomach is destroyed before the battle?"

    "Oh, ire you''re no different. Do you n on making him eat those burnt, ck cinders?"

    "Sh-Shut up..."

    (...Cinders?)

    Kamito peered into the kitchen, and a lump of something ck had turned into a pile on top of the te.

    Coals for stove-use...they didn''t seem like them.

    "Really, the nickname of hell cat girl is not for show. After all, you turned everything into cinders."

    "...I don''t want to be told that by the fake breast princess."

    "Oh, even without my pads mine are much bigger than yours, ire, you know?"

    "I-I want to try burning every surplus fat of those, princess."

    Sparks scattered between the two of them....How energetic early in the morning.

    It somehow had be a critical situation, so¡ª

    "Hey, what are the two of you doing?"

    Kamito, finally, made an appearance in the kitchen.

    "Fua, Kamito!?" "Kamito-kun!?"

    The two of them turned around in a shocked manner, and hid something behind them in a fluster.

    "Y-You''ve already awoken!?"

    "Yeah, because we''ve a battle today. I nned on making breakfast earlier than usual¡ª"

    Then, Kamito unintentionally stopped his words.

    His eyes were being rooted at ire''s appearance, whom he was facing.

    "Y-You, that appearance..."

    "Wh-What...? If it doesn''t match me, then, how about saying that honestly?"

    ire''s cheeks reddened, as she quickly turned away.

    Her red twintail hair slightly swayed.

    Her clear ruby pupils. Her lovely flower-bud-like cherry lips on her smooth white skin.

    Her breasts'' bulge was definitely gently-sloping, but that proportion was more than charming.

    If it was just her physical appearance, she was a top-ss beautiful girl among all the beautiful girls within Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Furthermore, ire was currently not in her usual uniform, which he had be used to seeing.

    She was very lovely, putting on an apron attached with frills.

    Towards this vexing thing... He really ended up feeling dizzy for a moment.

    Her small cap suited her small build, this was also unfairly lovely.

    Kamito raised up both his hands like he gave up.

    "No, It suits you very well....You''re cute."

    "...Wh-Wha-What are you saying, idiot, idiot, idiot, idiot!"

    *Gaaa...!*

    ire''s face increasingly turned red, and she was hitting Kamito''s chest.

    "Eh, Kamito-kun... What about me?"

    Fianna slightly held her index finger to her mouth, and said, seemingly displeased.

    She was wearing an apron, that was a matching set with ire''s, over her ck dress-style uniform.

    Her morous hair reached out to her waist. Her cleavage was deep, which he looked down into the chest area of her uniform.

    Her dim colored pupils, which were fringed with lovely eyshes, were extolling a mysterious light somewhere.

    The former princess, Fianna, was also an evenly bnced beautiful girl as ire.

    "...Do I have to say it?"

    "It''s something girls would be happy when you earnestly put it into words."

    Fianna giggled mischievously.

    Kamito sighed in resignation.

    "You''re pretty, Fianna... Eh, what are you making me say in the morning?!"

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, you''re surprisingly that, aren''t you?"

    "Aren''t you the one who made me say it..."

    With a deadpan look, Kamito red at Fianna, who was giggling mischievously¡ª

    "By the way, what are you two doing? What are you hiding behind you?"

    "Th-That''s..."

    ire''s and Fianna''s faces swiftly turned red, and they bashfully entwined their fingers.

    "Uh?"

    Kamito frowned and pressed on¡ª

    "...Cho-Chocte!"

    ire shouted like she turned defiant.

    "Chocte? Did you wake up to make candy or something?"

    "W-Well, something like that. You know, isn''t it Valentia Holy Festival very soon. Therefore, err, we''re practicing... D-Don''t misunderstand, I''ll let you at least sample it, but that''s all!"

    ¡ªValentia Holy Festival.

    It was a popr ritual tomemorate the Queen Valentia Sadelca, who served the fire Elemental Lord several hundred years ago.

    It was originally a ritual to dedicate baked sweets, which were baked by mes of purification, to spirits but¡ª it had be "the day to give chocte to the opposite sex, who one had a liking for" among themon masses.

    "Hn? The opposite sex... But, there should only be girls in this academy¡ª"

    Kamito pointed out¡ª

    "Th-That''s obvious, this is a friendship chocte to be given to friends! Your role is just to sample it. Geez, what are you expecting? It''s like you''re a gluttonous pig!"

    ire talked on and on with her face bright red.

    "...How mean. Wait a minute, don''t you have no friends at all?"

    "I-I do, things like friends! For example, Scarlet, and...errr, the stray cat staying in the academy''s garden, Kitty."

    "...I''m sorry, I was in the wrong."

    ...It seemed like he ended up stepping on and mine.

    "A-Anyway, hey, since I made them with great trouble, be grateful and eat them!"

    ire said in anger, and thrust that cinder lump before Kamito.

    "Uh... Do I have to eat... this?"

    "Wh-What... I woke up early to make it, you know!"

    "No, I''m certainly thankful for that, but..."

    "Kamito-kun, forget those cinders, you can eat my chocte."

    *Fuyon.*

    "Fianna!?"

    Suddenly, the former princess, who expressed an impish smile, was pressing her soft breasts against him.

    Even without things like pads, her breasts were big enough, and a heart shaped chocte was squeezed into her cleavage.

    It was different from ire''s cinders, this one had an edible appearance, but he couldn''t let himself be fooled. This impish princess had, in a certain sense, the cooking ability of a greater killing-level than ire.

    (...Just now, they said something about an aphrodisiac.)

    "Kamito, quickly eat my chocte!"

    "Hey, don''t hinder my Kamito-kun madly in love n!"

    As they jostled together, the two of them held out their choctes.

    "No, err, having such sweet things in the morning is..."

    Kamito retreated, overwhelmed.

    At that moment.

    Suddenly, the living room''s door opened¡ª

    "Kamito, I also tried making chocte."

    "E-Est!?"

    The one who appeared was a lovely beautiful girl like a snow fairy.

    Her brilliantly shining silver hair. Her tight milk-like white smooth skin.

    And then, her clear violet pupils that confined a faint brilliance.

    She was the sword spirit Est.

    She was a sealed spirit, who made a contract with Kamito several weeks ago, and possessed exceedingly mighty power.

    "..."

    Kamito widened his eyes, and became stiff like he was frozen.

    ire and Fianna were also at a loss for words.

    She was naked. Stark naked.

    Est, who was in an appearance almost akin to that of a new-born, was simply standing there.

    (Almost) referred to the fact that she was wearing ck knee socks on her legs, but¡ª

    That appearance, which was called naked knee-socks[1] in ng, was in a certain way even morescivious than being naked.

    "Est, that''s a crime."

    "Is Est a crime?"

    Est tilted her head to the side in wonder.

    "...Yes, Est is a naughty criminal."

    Kamito was in chaos and had blurted out something he didn''t really understand.

    "That''s disappointing. I thought that Kamito would be delighted with this sort of appearance."

    "What kind of eyes are you looking at your contractor with..."

    Kamito deeply sighed with a deadpan look.

    "And, what do you mean that Est also made chocte?"

    He could not see anything like chocte in Est''s hands.

    Instead, she was holding a small tube made of cloth.

    It was something that was often used for decorating things like cakes.

    "Okay, over here."

    Est nodded expressionlessly¡ª

    *Nyururun*

    "Wh¡ª"

    What, she began drawing words with chocte on her smooth white skin!

    "..."

    *Nyuru nyurun.* *Nyururururun.*

    There was liquid chocte freely surging out.

    Drawn on her pure white virgin-snow-like soft skin were words written in the sacrednguage of the spirits.

    When deciphered¡ª they read "Eat me".

    "E-Est!?"

    The moment Kamito understood the meaning of the spiritnguage, his face turned bright red.

    "Fuaa, y-you, what are you teaching your contracted spirit, pe-pervert!"

    "Err... Kamito-kun, y-you like this sort of thing?"

    ire''s face turned bright red, and she flew into a rage, and Fianna had a-little-drawn-back look on her face.

    "Wait, you''re misunderstanding! Hey, Est¡ª"

    "Kamito, please lick my chocte."

    The naked Est was walking with a chocte smeared appearance.

    That appearance of hers, which he peeked at through the gaps of his fingers covering his eyes, was so alluring that his heart spontaneously jumped up.

    "...If you don''t hurry, it''ll melt."

    "No, hey, wait¡ª"

    *Dotadotadotadotaa!*

    Suddenly, he heard intense footsteps from the corridor.

    *Bam.* The room''s door was cleanly opened with force¡ª

    "Kazehaya Kamito, what on earth are you doing... Wh!?"

    The one, who showed up, was¡ª

    A female knight, wearing azure light armor over her body.

    She had frigid reddish brown pupils. Her rose-colored lips were tightly closed.

    Her stunning blue hair was tied up in a ponytail with a ribbon.

    She was the captain of the Sylphid Knights that managed the academy''s public morals.

    Ellis Fahrengart.

    The moment she came bursting into the room, she opened her reddish brown eyes widely.

    "Y-You... H-H-How shameless..."

    "Wa-Wait, Ellis, you''re mistaken, there''s no way this is my hobby¡ª"

    "How unsightly, are you thinking that such an excuse would work?!"

    *Gogogogogogogo...!*

    Thunderous fierce gales blew violently around Ellis, whose eyebrows were raised.

    She was a top-ss wind spirit user even within the academy.

    "I received a report that your room was noisy and came to see, but... I never thought that you were making your contracted spirit do such a perverted thing!"

    The whirling gales mowed down the room''s furniture and soon transformed into the form of a giant demon bird.

    It was the high ranking demon wind spirit¡ª Simorgh that served the Fahrengart family.

    "Des-Despite that I had gotten a better opinion of you!"

    It was certain that tears were slightly oozing around Kamito''s eyes.

    "E-Ellis, you''re mis¡ª"

    "It''s no use, be turned into pae[2] right here and now!"

    *Kouu!*

    She aimed and released a lump of fierce gale winds at Kamito.

    Kamito''s body was blown off in a straight line, and it smashed into the room''s window and danced in midair.

    Part 2

    Areishia Spirit Academy.

    It was a development school that trained noble girls, who were gathered from all over the empire, into fully fledged elementalists.

    The school building was like a fortress, furnished with solid ramparts. This academy, which included the continent''srgest Spirit Forest and Mine Town within its vast territory, was just like a small independent country.

    "...Sigh, he doesn''t change, thatd."

    As she looked down at the boy''s appearance of fluttering in midair from the second floor of the dormitory¡ª

    The Academy''s headmistress, Greyworth Ciel Mais, made a small sigh.

    Her ash-blonde hair was gently waving. Her grey pupils extolled sharp discernment.

    She definitely could only be seen as a bewitchingly beautifuldy from her outward appearance, but she was once the head knight of the Numberstwelve-knightmanders that were boasted as the empire''s strongest.

    During the Ranbal war, she was the legendary elementalist, the Dusk Witch that both friends and foes feared.

    "Even though there''s only a few weeks till the opening of the de Dance, how carefree."

    They seemed to have added the former second princess, Fianna, into their team and were gradually raising their ranking, but¡ª they still had not gathered five teammates.

    "Nevertheless¡ª"

    The figure of a person appeared from Greyworth''s shadow.

    "Cmity Queen''s sister with former second princess who lost her Queen qualification. Even within my superior problem child gathering ss, they are a very peculiar group."

    It was a woman with ck hair and a white robe put over her suit.

    Elementalist¡ªFreya Grandol. Raven ss'' teacher-in-charge.

    "Headmistress, you seem to be pretty attached to him."

    "That''s right, after all, he''s the one and only male elementalist in the continent."

    Freya turned a strict gaze towards Greyworth, who shrugged her shoulders to dodge the question.

    "Kazehaya Kamito... Who on earth is he?"

    "Oh, did you also fall in love with thatd?"

    "Sorry, but I do not have an interest in younger ones."

    Freya shook her head, and Greyworth smiled, seemingly happy.

    "Hmm... So, what information do you have for me?"

    "We caught hold of information that the traders of MurdersCorpse Federation sneaked into Academy Town. They''re probably trying to sell curse-binding seals to students just before the de Dance."

    "What an annoying bunch. Order Ellis'' Sylphid Knights to reinforce the security."

    "Yes, there''s another thing¡ª"

    "Uh?"

    "Velsaria Eva has returned to the academy."

    Greyworth slightly raised up her eyebrows.

    "Haa, shepleted the subjugation quest of a archdemon-ss spirit in just a few weeks. As expected."

    "Yea, she is without a doubt the academy''s strongest elementalist at this point in time¡ª So far, she had been doing the questspletely without assembling a team, but she would also have to recruit members to participate in the de Dance. She seems to be someone who would be at the top amongst the three participating."

    "Well, I wonder about that?"

    Greyworth smiled, seemingly amused, as she nced towards the outside of the window.

    Kamito was over there, being chased by Ellis'' demon wind spirit and was frantically running from ce to ce.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü In japan, there exists a high level seductive technique called the naked apron, which is basically wearing nothing but a simple apron. Naked knee-socks is the knee-socks variant of that, in which one doesn''t wear anything but knee-socks.

    2. ¡ü Pae is a Valencia dish consisting of rice with the addition of meat, vegetables or seafood.

 Volume 3, 2 - Team Scarletâ€™s Dash

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 2 - Team Scarlet''s Dash</h4>

    Part 1

    "Kamito, they''reing. Let''s break through the middle in one go!"

    "Ah, I got it!"

    Simultaneously with the matchmencement bell¡ª

    Kamito and ire began running through the forest of Astral Zero.

    It was a simtion practice targeting the de Dance, and their third battle after Fianna had joined.

    They were taking a battle formation where the vanguard were Kamito and ire, and the rear guard andmander was Fianna.

    This time there was no need to incapacitate all five members of the opposing team, they had to defeat one person that was chosen to be themander. It was ire''s judgment that it would make best use of the team''s offensive ability if Fianna was posted as the rear guard and defending as themander, instead of ire, who would be fighting as a vanguard.

    "Haa, haa... Hey, wait a bit, you two!"

    Fianna ran as she gasped. For her, who had not received battle training, running also seemed tough.

    "The rate of your breathing is increasing, princess."

    "I can''t help it, after all, my breasts aren''t light like ire''s¡ª"

    "Wh-What was that...!"

    Seeing Fianna''s breasts shake whenever she ran, ire tightly bit her lips.

    "Hey, don''t quarrel. ¡ªThey''reing!"

    Uponing out from the deep forest and into an open area¡ª Kamito shouted.

    There were shadows of three elementalists in the front. It seemed like they were going to sh head on.

    ire returned to her serious face, kicked the ground, and further elerated.

    Their opponent, Team Aquans, was ranked seventh in the interschool ranking.

    It was a team that mainly constituted of powerful people gathered from the upperssmen. They couldn''t let their guard down.

    Looking at the approaching opponents¡ª ire gasped in surprise.

    Out of the approaching three people, she recognized the faces of two.

    "Those two, if I recall¡ª"

    Kamito also noticed it.

    They were the demon mirror elementalist and the adamantine elementalist.

    A few weeks ago, they were the same upperssmen, who had participated in the contract ritual of the militarized spirit in Academy Town.

    They were the ones, who had relentlessly tormented ire, who could not use her contracted spirit.

    After that, they had the tables turned on them by Scarlet, who was possessed by the frenzy spirit, but¡ª

    Before he knew, they seemed to have joined a champion team.

    "...Three from the front, huh? The remaining two should be hiding in the forest."

    "I''ll gather and take them on. You get the ones in the forest."

    "Will you be alright?"

    "Don''t look down on me."

    Kamito returned a wry smile to ire, who expressed aposed smile.

    "I''m going to settle it in 30 seconds."

    "I''m counting on you¡ª Scarlet!"

    At the same time as ire shouted, the incandescence hell cat running beside her changed its appearance into metounge.

    It was¡ªthe incarnation of a contracted spirit that transformed into an armament¡ªan elemental waffe. There was no one, who could release this as an elementary student.

    ire swung the metounge to the side.

    The red hot whip was running as it licked the ground, and a zing wall of mes appeared.

    As the three attackers from the opposite team flinched, Kamito took the chance to quickly dash into the forest.

    He cut down many trees with his shiny-silver elemental waffe sword as he ran through.

    His field of vision was bad due to the drifting mist. He sharpened his whole body''s senses, and sensed the presence of divine power, which was the source of the power of an elementalist¡ª a battle ability driven into him when he was young at the Instructional School.

    (¡ªOne ising this way.)

    He felt the presence behind him. One of the three seemed to be chasing after Kamito.

    He tried to stop and turn around, and at that moment.

    *Vun*¡ª A sound like the pping of a bug''s wings skimmed past his earlobes.

    The attack he had just barely dodged pulverized the tree behind him.

    (What? I didn''t see the trajectory of that attack¡ª)

    He turned towards the direction of the sound¡ª There was the figure of the furious attacker.

    It was a small built girl with chestnut-color hair. She was holding a small harp in her hand.

    It was a musical-instrument-type elemental waffe.

    The girl strummed the harp¡ª and a sh attack was released again.

    The invisible sound de cut Kamito''s leg and the many tree leaves fluttered and scattered in a sh.

    It was a rather troublesome elemental waffe. It differed from a normal shooting attack, since he could not observe the shooter''s hand movement and gaze to predict the trajectory.

    (¡ªIn that case, I''ll close in and bring her down in one attack!)

    He ignored the elementalist chasing him behind. Holding the sword horizontally, Kamito rushed straight in.

    The chestnut-colored hair girl violently strummed her harp. Perhaps she was flustered by Kamito''s approaching speed, the invisible des were released towards an almost random direction.

    (No, this is¡ª)

    Kamito noticed his opponent''s aim.

    In the following moment, the sound des that should have been out of range simultaneously rained incessantly on him from behind.

    "...!"

    The academy''s uniform that had stab-proof features was cut and ripped, and intense pain attacked Kamito''s whole body.

    Even if he received an attack from a spirit in Astral Zero, his physical flesh would never receive damage, but that didn''t mean that the sensation of painpletely vanished.

    "You''ve let your guard down, male elementalist!"

    There was a scorning-like voice from behind. It was the elementalist that came chasing after Kamito.

    Upon turning around, there was the upperssman smirking with a sphere-shaped spirit floating on her palm.

    "I see, you amplified the sound des and reflected them, huh?..."

    The reflection of attribute attacks was the demon mirror spirit''s special trait.

    It was abination attack utilizing their spirits''patibility¡ªas expected, they were ustomed to battle.

    "Vit, that guy''s elemental waffe is a sword. It''s no big deal as long as we keep our distance."

    The harp girl silently nodded. They seemed to be nning to pincer attack him and bring him down for sure.

    (...They have analyzed my battle strengths, huh?)

    Terminus Est was an elemental waffe of the strongest ss, but since she was a sword, she could only do close-range attacks.

    Also, Kamito couldn''t use powerful spirit magic like ire.

    The handling of spirit magic was something necessary for the systematic research rting to the spirit subject, but Kamito was of Instructional School origin and thus he didn''t receive practically any training in that area.

    However, if they were under the impression that Kamito''s long distance attack measures were nonexistent, they were mistaken.

    "Est!"

    As she heard Kamito''s shouting voice, the elemental waffe metamorphosed.

    From a single-edged long sword, into a beautiful short sword attached with an ornament.

    At that moment, there were the countless sound des, released from both sides.

    The moment he dodged them, Kamito threw the short sword.

    Perhaps because she didn''t think he would throw his elemental waffe, the sound elementalist had a surprised facial expression.

    The short sword hit and was sucked into her chest.

    In Astral Zero, a contracted spirit could be used as the incarnation of pure divine power.

    There were no injuries on her pierced chest, yet she lost consciousness in an instant and shouldn''t even have the time to feel the pain.

    At the same time, Kamito was running.

    He extracted the short sword from the fainted girl, and at the same time he turned around, he repelled the sound des that came attacking from behind. He poured divine power into the short sword, and restored Est to the previous long sword¡ª Realizing the failure of that attack, the demon mirror elementalist tried to plot her escape, but that was toote of a reaction.

    "Sorry, the short sword is more of my specialty."

    The glowing silver sword pierced through the demon mirror spirit all together with the upperssman.

    Upon confirming that the two had fainted, and quickly returning to the location where ire was fighting¡ª

    "You''rete, seven secondste."

    "You were counting? You''re such a stingy fellow."

    Within the whirling crimson mes, ire was dancing a splendid de dance.

    There were the remains of the melted crag spirit rolling on the ground¡ª She seemed to have already defeated one person.

    The one remaining was the adamantine elementalist. As she parried the spirit, which had taken on its gigantic ore form, away with her whip, ire was making walls of me to seal her opponent''s movement. The zing mes totally did not weaken. On the contrary, fanned by the thunderous violent-blowing wind, they seemed to be increasingly growing hotter.

    It was the assistive effect of the ritual dance performance that Fianna danced. The power of the wind Elemental Lord was fiercely stirring up the mes.

    However, the opponent was an adamantine spirit, which possessed resistance against the fire attribute. It was acting as if the walls of me were nothing.

    "Your me spirit won''t work on my Adamantine!"

    The adamantine spirit came assaulting straight on. ire kicked the ground and jumped.

    That appearance of her red twintails flying and fluttering seemed almost as if they were scattering sparks.

    The crimson killing sh freely tore through the sky. The surrounding trees were cut from their roots.

    No. The ones cut weren''t just the trees of the forest.

    Perhaps it was unable to withstand the umtion of damage any longer; he thought that he heard a metal-scraping-like sound as the adamantine spirit in its ore form was cleanly split into four and fell to the ground.

    "No way, my adamantine spirit!?"

    "Certainly, the adamantine spirit has a resistance against the fire attribute. However, it seemed to be brittle against a cutting attack."

    irended on the ground, and brushed her red twintails.

    Jumping and scattering sparksnded into a puddle and made a sizzling sound.

    "...A puddle?"

    Kamito, who had been fascinated by ire''s de dance, suddenly frowned.

    It was just behind Fianna, who was performing the ritual dance.

    (Just now, there wasn''t a puddle at such a¡ª)

    At that moment.

    "¡ªKyaa!?"

    Fianna screamed.

    Suddenly, her body was caught by a giant shadow that appeared from the inside of the puddle.

    It had a big slimy transparent frame and ominously shiny red eyes.

    And then, it had arge spread out chin.

    That was a water spirit in a giant serpent form.

    "Fianna!"

    "Ah, hn... What are you doing?!"

    Its wet shiny semi-transparent body turned over Fianna''s skirt, and was tightly twining around her slender body. Her tender breasts were squeezed out and a gasping-like breath leaked out from her throat.

    Fianna was suspended in midair as she writhed, but she was helpless against the spirit opponent.

    "No, no, don''t touch anywhere, eh... n-noooooo!"

    "Why you, release Fianna!"

    Aiming at the slimy coiling serpent''s body, ireunched her metounge.

    However, the metounge made a sizzling noise and slipped though the semi-transparent body.

    It was a water spirit, which had the worstpatibility with Scarlet, which was a me spirit. Even within the five grand elemental spirits, it was the spirit that ire wanted to not deal with the most. Furthermore, a spirit that took on a beast form was a high ranking spirit. That was probably themander''s contracted spirit¡ª but there were no signs of the elementalist using it around.

    "Damn¡ª"

    Kamito was about to run to her side, and at that moment.

    The water spirit raised its head, aimed at ire and released a strong Aqua Breath.

    ire knocked down the water bullets with her metounge, but she simply couldn''t defend against all of them¡ª

    "ire!"

    Kamito quickly changed his direction, grabbed ire''s body, and jumped.

    Immediately after that, countless water bullets had made their impact. Large explosions, as if turning the ground inside out, urred in session.

    "..., An attack-type water spirit? What power."

    "Fuaa, Ka-Kamito, what are you doing?!"

    *Don*, theynded on the ground, and ire turned bright red and shouted.

    It seems that being carried in his arms made her embarrassed.

    "I-I got it! I got it, so don''t scratch my face!"

    The moment ire was softly let off onto the ground, the water spirit turned around.

    Raising its head, it tried to release its strong Aqua Breath again.

    At that moment, a dazzling sh surged out from the serpent''s body.

    ¡ª¡ªThou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!

    ¡ª¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me, please hurry ande to my side!

    In the instant when the tightening jolted, Fianna took the chance to recite the spirit summoning incantation.

    Immediately, the gigantic water spirit''s body swelled up and exploded in one go from the inside.

    The one appearing from within the sh was¡ª

    An armored knight, carrying Fianna in one hand.

    It had a rigid silver heavy-armor. Its red eyes were ringly shining in its helmet.

    It was the knight spirit Georgios¡ª The contracted spirit that served the Ordesia royal family for generations.

    It was power that Fianna, who was once called the Lost Queen, had regained.

    Fianna was gently let down and copsed on the ground since she had exhausted all her strength.

    "Checkmate"

    Kamito calmly informed, and pointed the tip of the sword at the middle of the puddle.

    "...It seems this is it."

    Themander water elementalist, who was hiding, admitted defeat, seemingly vexed.

    Part 2

    Kamito and the others, who returned from the forest of Astral Zero, were walking in a line in the academy''s corridor.

    Fianna, who had been caught and twined up by the water spirit, had a dead-tired expression.

    Est, who turned back into her human form, was slightly pinching on the cuffs of Kamito''s uniform.

    "This makes it our third consecutive victory in our battles, this is all thanks to my wonderfulmands."

    Brushing her red twintails, ire muttered in a good mood.

    "I won''t deny it, but... today''s match was a little too much of a close call."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and pointed out.

    Although, winning against the seventh ranking team was great. With this, they should havee within reach of the top three, who were able to get the participating qualification of the de Dance.

    "That''s right, we can''t feel relieved yet. As far as the top ranking team we have not yet fought with is concerned, the possibility that we''ll get Ellis'' third ranking team next is high."

    "Ellis?... I''ll want to seriously cross swords with her once."

    Ellis'' de dance was,pletely without things like tricks, a fair and square knight''s de dance.

    If it was her, he was sure that he could surely fight feeling good.

    ire somehow pouted her lips, seemingly displeased, at Kamito muttering such things.

    "Wh-What, you want to see Ellis'' breasts shaking so much?"

    "What... Well, certainly, Ellis'' breasts are big, but¡ª Ah, no."

    As ire was sternly ring, Kamito averted the topic in a fluster.

    "Although, if I recall Ellis'' team had tworades who''re still injured, right?"

    They were the Sylphid Knights'' Rakka and Reishia. They, who were also Ellis'' teammate, fought Jio Inzagi in the quest the other day and were injured.

    It was certain to take fair amount of time for the two of them to return to the academy.

    "Yeah, in the case that Ellis defaults¡ª we may have to fight against the second ranking team, or the first ranking''s Velsaria. Honestly, it''s not very appealing."

    "Velsaria?"

    "A knight of the Fahrengart duke family. Taking on the nickname of Silent Fortress, she''s the academy''s strongest elementalist."

    The instant ire spoke of that nickname, her voice slightly trembled.

    "The academy''s strongest..."

    She was first in the inter-school rankings. She was the academy''s strongest elementalist that even ire feared.

    What kind of opponent was she?¡ª

    (Hn? However, the Fahrengart duke family was certainly...)

    Suddenly, Kamito seemed to have recalled something, but¡ª

    "Well, in any case¡ª"

    To shake off the heavy atmosphere, ire tightly thrust out her index finger.

    "Let''s have lunch or something. A victory celebration party to celebrate our consecutive victories."

    "It''s still before noon. You''ll grow fat if you overeat."

    "An elementalist, who exhausted her divine power in battle, would not grow fat."

    cing her hands at her waist, ire swelled out her cheeks sullenly.

    "So, the nutrition that should go to your breasts were all taken by your contracted spirit. How pitiful."

    "Eh?"

    Hearing Fianna''s murmuring¡ª

    ire was taken aback, and looked down at the hell cat spirit near her feet.

    "...Hey, Scarlet."

    "Nya?"

    "By any chance, are you burning my breasts'' fat?"

    *Gogogogogogogo...!*

    "Nya,nya,nyaa, nyaaa!"

    "Ah, hey, wait up!"

    Scarlet shook its head, and escaped at full speed through the corridor.

    (...Umm, I somewhat feel a sense of affinity to Scarlet.)

    Kamito was thinking of such things, when¡ª

    *Kuikui*. The sleeve of his uniform was pulled from behind.

    Turning around, Est was gazing at Kamito with her clear violet pupils.

    "Kamito, Est is hungry."

    "Ahh, Est, as you have really done your best, you can eat the things you like."

    "Okay, Kamito. Please praise Est more."

    "...It can''t be helped."

    *Surisuri*. *Nadenade*.

    He made a wry smile as he gave her head a pat, and Est partly closed her eyes, seemingly feeling good.

    "... Y-You, why are you soft on Est?"

    "What, ire, do you also want to be patted?"

    "Wh... There''s no... Fuan"

    Kamito ced his other hand on ire''s head, and she made a somewhat cute voice.

    Upon patting her head, she became docile almost like a cat, which was fondled at its throat.

    (Th-This is a little cute...)

    Kamito was also unconsciously startled at the hell cat girl''s unexpected weak point.

    "Mmm, Kamito-kun, are you not going to pat me?"

    Holding her index finger at her mouth, Fianna muttered seemingly lonely.

    Then.

    "¡ªHmm, you seem to be having fun. Sister of the Cmity Queen."

    A cold voice was heard from behind.

    "...?"

    Upon turning around¡ª

    "Even though, the truth is you don''t have things like the qualifications to be in this academy."

    "Do you get what your sister did to the empire?"

    It was the upperssman from the match a while ago¡ª those two, the adamantine elementalist and the demon mirror elementalist.

    "What did you¡ª"

    Kamito grabbed and stopped ire''s arm, who was enraged.

    "ire, calm down. Don''t easily fall for their provocations."

    "..., But Nee-sama was insulted.!"

    "If you cause a dueling uproar here, our participation in the de Dance will also be in jeopardy."

    Kamito whispered, and ire thoroughly bit her lips, seemingly frustrated.

    If they receive a punishment for a dueling uproar, the ranking that they raised with great trouble would end up being drastically reduced.

    The two of them in front of him also knew that and were provoking ire on purpose.

    (Those two...)

    Although, even Kamito also couldn''t stayposed.

    It was for only an instant, but Kamito didn''t miss ire''s hurt expression. The matter about her sister, Rubia Elstein, had been a great emotional scar to her.

    "This is really sickening. For the sister of a felon, who did that much, to be boldly attending the academy, what on earth are your nerves made of¡ª"

    "Hey, you better¡ª"

    Kamito tried toin, and at that moment.

    *Katsun*¡ª Elegant footsteps were heard in the corridor.

    "Hmm, how disgraceful, seniors. We, the academy students, are empire nobles with pride. If you have a pretext, it is manners to settle it with an official duel."

    Her extravagant tinum-blonde hair fluttered up.

    She had the conduct of a noble that was perfectly in order up to her fingertips.

    "...Rinslet?"

    Yes¡ª

    The one, who was slowly walking from the other side of the corridor, was a blonde haired beautiful girl overflowing with elegance.

    She was the eldest daughter with the lineage of the honorable Laurenfrost family, and also the self-dered rival of ire.

    She was Miss Rinslet Laurenfrost.

    Her emerald green pupils, which hid faint brilliance, were fearlessly ring at the two upperssman.

    "Or perhaps, rural nobles, like you seniors, do not even happen to have that extent of pride?"

    "..., What was that!?"

    Being provoked, one of the enraged upperssmen summoned her adamantine spirit.

    (Danger¡ª)

    Kamito rushed out in front to try to protect Rinslet, but¡ª

    "¡ªYou''re slow."

    "Wh!?"

    The upperssman distorted her face in shock.

    Rinslet''s nocked demon bow of ice was certainly aimed at the ce between her eyebrows.

    It was the high ranking demon ice spirit Fenrir''s elemental waffe¡ª Freezing Arrow.

    "The one, who moved first, was you seniors. Therefore, this is a proper self-defense. Although, it seemed that I, who movedter, was somehow faster."

    "..., Ridiculous, you released your elemental waffe in an instant!?"

    The upperssman stiffened as the aim was kept affixed between her eyebrows.

    Honestly, the releasing speed just now astonished even Kamito.

    "It is wiser for you to give up. It is faster for me to release my arrow¡ª Or perhaps, you nned onpeting with this ice demon Rinslet here?"

    "...Y-You''ll remember this."

    Seemingly frustrated, the two upperssmen said disdainfully and red at ire before running in the end.

    "Hmm, a wise judgment."

    Rinslet proudly brushed her hair, and kept her elemental waffe bow.

    "Rinslet, you..."

    "Oh, this is not something you have to feel indebted for, ire Rouge. I really hate those sort of prideless nobles."

    "I-It''s not like I feel indebted or something!"

    "ire, don''t be bothered by those kind of people."

    "I-I''m not... That sort of thing is normal."

    ire rubbed her eyes, and quickly turned away.

    "B-By the way, everyone¡ª"

    "Ahem", Rinslet coughed.

    "Um?"

    "E-Err... Just now, I heard something about a victory celebration party."

    Her face was slightly red. Her appearance, where she was frigid, suddenly changed, and she entwined her fingers bashfully, as her line of sight was wandering about in a really unposed manner.

    "What, you were listening to our conversation?"

    "I-It was by chance, it was just that it entered my ears by chance!"

    Rinslet shook her head and denied.

    "Although you''re having a victory celebration party, since it''s you guys, you would be having it in the academy''s dining hall, right?"

    "...Hn, yeah."

    Kamito articted poorly and nodded.

    Kamito wasn''t even a noble, and ire also had her territory and property seized. Fianna was the former princess, but at the point of time she decided to admit into the academy, she was practically disinherited.

    It didn''t mean that they were short on money, but they didn''t have the surplus to squander it.

    "How about having lunch at a high-ss restaurant in Academy Town once in a while?"

    "Err, we don''t have..."

    Kamito staggered in his words¡ª

    "Hmm, to settle that, I will be treating. This is a small expense for my Laurenfrost family. ire Rouge, your Highness, and the spirit over there, there is no need to hold back."

    The high-ss younddy brushed her tinum-blonde hair.

    "No." "I decline."

    However, ire and Fianna mercilessly rejected her.

    "Wh-Why?!"

    "Because I don''t want to be indebted to you."

    "Speaking of which, why is Rinsleting to Team Scarlet''s victory celebration party?"

    "Th-That''s... err... u..."

    Rinslet became teary at the merciless retorts by the two youngdies.

    There was no longer any fragment of her braveness from just now.

    At that point.

    "In other words, Mdy wants to have a meal with everyone ? "

    Maid Carol suddenly appeared from somewhere.

    "Carol!? Wh-What are you saying? This girl is just...!"

    *Pokapokapokapoka*.

    Turning bright red, Rinslet hits Carol''s shoulder.

    It was a splendid interpretation as usual.

    "...What, if that was the case, all you had to do was say so at the beginning."

    ire shrugged her shoulders as she was astounded.

    "Eh? I-It''s alright... for me to alsoe together?"

    "I don''t do such spiteful things. It''s just the right time, because Kamito was hospitalized due to his injuries, we didn''t celebrate thepletion of the quest the other day. Youe too."

    Rinslet''s face shone in a sh.

    "Kamito, I want to eat parfait."

    "Ahh, now that you mentioned it, I promised you that a while ago."

    *Tug-tug*. His sleeves were pulled by Est, and Kamito nodded.

    "Well, putting aside the high ss restaurant, it might also be nice to eat in Academy Town."

    They always settled lunch at the salon caf¨¦ with all-you-can-eat bread, as it was troublesome to specially get permission to go out, there was hardly any time they went outside the academy.

    To try to go out to Academy Town once in a while was because it might be a good change of mood.

    "Well then, it''s decided. I''ll go get the permission to go out of the academy right now."

    "Ah, wait."

    Kamito called ire, who walked off, to stop.

    "What?"

    "I have a supplementary ss for the fundamental subject after this."

    "...Huh? Don''t tell me you failed the fundamental subject?"

    "...Sorry."

    Kamito nodded, being discouraged.

    "I can''t believe it. Why did you fail such an easy lecture?"

    "Gu..."

    ...He couldn''t answer back. To begin with, Kamito, who was from the Instructional School, had not received education on the systematic spirit subjects so far, so if he couldn''t help it, he couldn''t help it.

    On the other hand, the results of ire''s lecture subjects were unexpectedly top-ss even in the Academy.

    If it was just by her results, she was a super honor student. The superior problem child was something often said about her.

    "...It can''t be helped. Well then, we''ll wait till Kamito''s supplementary ss ends. It''ll be a slightlyte lunch, but is it alright if we meet in front of the main gate at two?"

 Volume 3, 3 - Claireâ€™s Birthday

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 3 - ire''s Birthday</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªAnd just like that, Kamito went towards the fundamental subject ssroom to take the supplementary ss.

    Since Est disliked sitting down and listening to the lecture, she seemed to be ying with Scarlet outside.

    When he opened the door of the ssroom, he spotted an appearance he recognized from behind among the scattered students.

    That blue pony-tail was... without a doubt, the captain of the Knights, Ellis.

    "She''s also in the supplementary ss?"

    It was a little surprising that that serious knight girl had failed the lecture.

    Kamito approached from behind to try to call out to her.

    For the time being, he had to exin about this morning''s incident.

    Ellis opened her thick book, which was written in spiritnguage, and was softly muttering it out.

    In her engrossment in studying, she seemed to havepletely not noticed that Kamito was drawing closer.

    (By any chance, is she simply trying to memorize the contents of the book word for word?)

    He thought that it couldn''t be so, but the person herself was seriously trying to memorize it.

    (...I see, she''s the type that''s overly serious and poor at studying.)

    It was the same headlong type as her battle style. Types like this would make progress as long as they did not make a mistake in the way of putting in effort, however, they would stumble many times from time to time.

    "Yo, Ellis."

    "Hyan!"

    The moment Kamito called out, a cutting-sh urred.

    As Ellis turned around, she swung her sword downwards.

    "..."

    The sword stuck in the desk and it bent.

    Kamito had dodged the sh with a paper-thin difference.

    "A-Are... you trying to kill me?!"

    "Ka-Kazehaya Kamito... don''t suddenly stand behind me!"

    Despite that he was almost killed, she ended up being angry....How absurd.

    "That was a very cute scream, Captain."

    "Do you want to be made into chicken pf?"

    Ellis'' eyes dangerously hung up.

    ...It was very good that the variation of her cooking seemed to be spreading out nicely.

    "I''m sorry for surprising you. Ellis, are you also taking supplementary ss?"

    "Yeah, that''s right. I had failed the fundamental subject."

    "It''s a painful thing for both of us. Since, we''re in the same supplementary ss after all, let us get along nicely."

    "Don''t group me together with you, I was busy with the Knights work and failed to earn the credit!"

    As he made a bitter smile at an enraged Ellis, Kamito sat beside her.

    As expected, she wasn''t wearing the Knights armor when she took the supplementary ss.

    Ellis in a normal uniform was somewhat refreshing.

    She always had that gant impression, but now she felt somewhat lovely.

    (...By the way, Ellis'' breasts are surprisingly big.)

    Kamito was tentatively also a boy in puberty. It couldn''t be helped that his eyes unconsciously went over there.

    (With that size, isn''t it considerably tight in the Knights breastte?)

    He was thinking about such things, when¡ª

    "Err... Kazehaya Kamito."

    Suddenly, Ellis coughed.

    "Uh?"

    "It''s regarding this morning, but I''m sorry."

    "Eh?"

    "I heard the circumstances from ire and the others after that. It appears that I had misunderstood. I''m sorry... I want you to forgive me."

    Ellis shook her ponytail and bowed her head down.

    "Ah, don''t worry about it. Instead, if Ellis didn''te at that time, how should I put it, I feel that that would have turned into various terrible things."

    Kamito made a bitter smile as he waved his hand, and Ellis breathed a sigh of relief.

    "They were making choctes for the Valentia Holy Festival, right?"

    "...Ya, that seemed like it. Ellis, would you happen to be making it too?"

    "M-Me!?"

    At that moment, Ellis turned bright red.

    "I-I don''t have an interest in that kind of insolent event!"

    She suddenly red up for some reason.

    "To make merry in such an event is outrageous, it''s like neglecting one''s duty as an academy student."

    Ellis coughed, and fixed her sights on her spirit subject textbook again.

    To cool her flushed face, she began to mutter and memorize again.

    Being unable to just watch, Kamito advised her.

    "Ellis, even without memorizing everything, isn''t it alright to memorize just the important parts?"

    "B-But, in that case, I would not be studying it precisely."

    "It''s much more futile to blindly memorize without understanding the contents. Look."

    "Fuaa, Wh-Wha-What are you doing?!"

    "Since, you have seriously taken down your notes, I''ll teach you just the important parts."

    Kamito looked at the book from the side, and Ellis was flustered.

    "Hn, what''s the matter?"

    "Y-Your arm is touching my breast... Err..."

    "Hn?"

    She seemed to have said something, but her voice was too soft such that he couldn''t hear it.

    Kamito drew his face even closer, and Ellis'' face turned bright red.

    Without caring, Kamito was cing marks one after another with the pencil onto the textbook.

    "This is like this, right? And, this is¡ª"

    "U-Um, I see... Your teaching method is good."

    "Is that so?"

    Well, certainly ifpared to ire''s teaching method, it might be better. There was the time he got ire to exin the contents of the lecture before, but... honestly, hepletely did not understand what she was saying.

    A genius type like ire often seemed bad at teaching others.

    "T-The next time, teach me various things again. Your exnations are very easy to understand."

    "Ahh, no problem."

    Kamito friendlily assured her, and then, he set his sights towards the tform in a fluster.

    Before he knew it, his lecturer-in-charge Freya was standing on the tform.

    If he had turned to the front a few secondster, it was certain that a chalk woulde flying at the speed of sound.

    Part 2

    Teacher Freya''s supplementary ss began.

    Ellis nodded seriously as usual as she was listening attentively to the lecture.

    "¡ªIn other words, depending on the situation, it appears that there are also cases that result in the annihtion of contracted spirits. Of course, I believe that there isn''t a fool that would reach her hand out to Cursed Armament Seals."

    What Freya was talking about was regarding the deciphering of the spirit seal and the Cursed Armament Seal.

    Cursed Armament Seal, so to speak, was about the matter of being granted a spirit seal through artificial means.

    It was still used during the Ranbal war, but its use has been currently prohibited by the cross-national treaty. Although, it was an open secret that some countries and organizations were still advancing its research.

    (Because even the Instructional School I was at was also researching the Cursed Armament Seals...)

    An orphan of the Instructional School, Jio Inzagi, they fought the other day.

    The part where that boy had sealed seventy-two spirits was also a type of Cursed Armament Seal that was engraved on his body.

    Besides sealing spirits, Cursed Armament Seals had various effects like forcefully drawing out a contracted spirit''s power and granting new attributes. Just hearing this much, they seemed handy, but¡ª for it to be prohibited by the cross-national treaty, of course, there was a proper reason.

    Among the people imnted with the Cursed Armament Seal, there were endless cases of fatal side effects urring.

    "During the Ranbal war, many elementalists were rounded up, and among them there were also people forcefully imnted with the Cursed Armament Seal by the military. What became of most of them?¡ª Ellis, try answering."

    "Okay, the power of their contracted spirits was driven into a rampage, and there were even fatal cases, I''ve heard."

    Ellis, who was pointed out from the tform, clearly answered.

    "That''s right. It is said that the number of people, whose body arepatible with the Cursed Armament Seal, is only less than ten percent even among the elementalists. However, in spite of the fact that that risk is evident, even now, the fact that illegal researches are continuing means that there are that many people who seek for easy power."

    Ms. Freya informed in a strict voice, and swung her cane.

    Suddenly, Kamito, who thought the teacher''s attitude was suspicious, whispered to Ellis in a soft voice.

    "She''s sincerely emphasizing about the Cursed Armament Seal. This isn''t the content of the fundamental subject, right?"

    "...Yes. As a matter of fact, there was a notification for the Sylphid Knights this morning."

    Ellis slightly nodded.

    "Somehow, recently there seemed to be a group illegally selling Cursed Armament Seals in Academy Town. As it''s the period just before the de Dance, she''s probably osting a warning even during the lecture."

    The sale of Cursed Armament Seals was naturally prohibited within the Ordesia Empire.

    The princess maidens attending the academy should also perfectly understand that riskiness.

    However, even amongst them, there were those kinds of people, who would reach out for easy power.

    Especially, for a team whose results were sluggish just before the de Dance, it wouldn''t be strange for some people to take the plunge and have an imntation, aware of the danger.

    The imntation of the Cursed Armament Seal cost arge sum of money, but the princess maidens attending the academy were mostly great nobles possessing territory.

    As far as the illegal organization was concerned, it was business that also had far lower risks than poaching in the spirit forest and selling sealed spirits on the ck market, and could also raise enormous profits.

    "Having a hand in the Cursed Armament Seals is the weakness of the heart. However, the number one evil is, of course, the people illegally handling the Cursed Armament Seals. As a knight, I''ll never forgive those people who ruin the academy."

    Ellis tightly clenched her fist, and muttered with determination.

    The weakness of the heart that sought dangerous power¡ª He couldn''t condemn that.

    Anyone would also have the likelihood of falling into that temptation.

    Even that proud ire Rouge was like that.

    Despairing in her own weakness, she epted the frenzy spirit Restia presented.

    To want to obtain strong power no matter what one had to do¡ª That was something hard to understand for Kamito, who had once held the title of strongest.

    Being able to exchange feelings with spirits in spite of being a boy! ¡ªThere was also a time that he thought of even cursing that power, which was the same as that person, who was called the history''s worst Demon King.

    (¡ªHowever, I can imagine it.)

    Kamito cast his eyes onto his left hand covered by a leather glove.

    If he couldn''t take Restiaher back with his current power¡ª

    It might be possible that he would end up reaching out for that prohibited power.

    "How many such people has the Sylphid Knights arrested?"

    "Err, of course, to expose this type of illegal organization, the Knights are also concentrating all their strengths, but¡ª since that assault the other day, our present condition is that we are being afflicted by a serious short-handedness."

    "Is that so?..."

    The incident the other day¡ª That was about the incident that Jio Inzagi battled the Sylphid Knights, and stole highly ssified materials of the strategic-ss militarized spirit from the sealed library in the Academy.

    There were five knights, who were injured that time. Furthermore, Rakka and Reishia, who were also Ellis'' teammates, were injured during the quest in Mine Town.

    The total number of people in the Sylphid Knights was twenty at best.

    So, that meant that a third of the organization was not functioning in their present condition.

    "Are your two teammates already alright?"

    "Ahh, they seemed to have recovered to the point of being able to somehow move their body. They have not yet recovered to the point where they cane back to the academy. If you had note to help at that time, the girls and I would surely have been unable to return to the academy....I have to express my gratitude to you again."

    "We were at that ce because of our quest. It''s natural to protectrades of the academy, so Ellis, it isn''t something you have to feel indebted for. We also received a reward and a thank-you-letter from the Knights."

    Kamito reflexively made a bitter smile at the ever-serious Ellis.

    "That''s something awarded to Team Scarlet. What I am saying is, err, that I have to express a more personal gratitude to you, or perhaps I should say that I want to do so..."

    "Uh?"

    Ellis bashfully mumbled. It was unusual for her, who was always frigid.

    "What? Say it in a louder voice."

    "...I-I mean¡ª"

    Ellis came closer to his body.

    Smelling the faint yet nice smell of soap, Kamito was spontaneously startled.

    "Err, do you have some ns after the supplementary ss?"

    "ns? Ahh, we''re having a victory celebration party with ire and the others, but... Ellis, are you alsoing?"

    "..."

    When Kamito answered, Ellis ced her hand at her chin like she was a little perplexed¡ª

    "No, I''ll have to decline. I seem to be disliked by ire Rouge."

    She calmly shook her head.

    "Then, are you free in the evening?"

    "Yes, as long as it''s not toote..."

    Kamito tilted his head¡ª

    "However, why?"

    "Uh, ah... I mean, err, I-I want you to help me with my studies!"

    "Studies?"

    "That''s right! D-Didn''t you promise that you''ll teach me just now?!"

    Ellis'' face turned bright red.

    "Err, I certainly said that, but... it''s rather sudden."

    "...W-Will you teach me or will you not, which is it?!"

    "I-I got it... Let''s see, well then, five o''clock in front of the middle auditorium, is that alright?"

    "U-Um, I got it. After all, I also have to prepare various things."

    "Prepare?"

    "I-It''s nothing... J-Just look forward to it!"

    After telling it one-sidedly, Ellis quickly hid her face beneath her textbook.

    (...What on earth was that?)

    Part 3

    After the supplementary ss ended and bidding farewell to Ellis, Kamito hurriedly ran to the front of the main gate of the academy.

    "You''rete, Kamito!"

    *Pishi!* *Pishi!* ire was making sounds with her whip....She seemed pretty angry.

    "Good grief, a man keeping ady waiting is the worst."

    "If I was the queen, I''d behead you."

    Rinslet and Fianna were also angry.

    "Sorry..." Kamito docilely apologized.

    "Kamito, I want to eat parfait soon."

    Est was motionlessly and expressionlessly staring at Kamito.

    "Yeah, I keep on relying on Est every time. So, ask for anything today."

    "I''m happy, Kamito."

    Saying that, Est grasped tightly onto Kamito''s hand.

    "Wh¡ª"

    ire and the others, the three of them, became stiff like they were frozen.

    "Hn, what''s the matter?"

    As Kamito''s hands were kept joined with Est''s, he turned around¡ª

    The three of them kept ring at Kamito, as they groaned "Gununu...".

    "Fufu, everyone, his other hand is still free, you know?"

    Carol ced her hand near her mouth, and gently smiled.

    "I-It''s not like that!" "Holding hands and such..." "I-I''m not a kid, you know!"

    The three youngdies blushed, and quickly turned away.

    "Ah, is that so? Well then, by the order of arrival, I''ll do it."

    Carol was tightly grasping onto Kamito''s hand.

    "...!"

    "This is a little embarrassing....Hn, what''s the matter, everyone?"

    "I-It''s nothing, Let''s quickly get going, idiot!"

    Suddenly, ire walked off like she was angry.

    "A man who toys with a girl''s feelings deserves death."

    "Haa, Kamito-kun is really the Demon King of the Night..."

    Rinslet and Fianna also started walking.

    "...What was that?"

    With his hands kept joined with the two of theirs, Est''s and Carol''s, Kamito tilted his head.

    Part 4

    If Areishia Spirit Academy was a castle, then Academy Town at the bottom would be its castle town.

    Its outer edge was encircled by the spirit forest and ramparts, and the town was divided into five areas associated with the five grand spirits.

    The part that academy students used for a breather after examinations was primarily the "Water" area. Rivaling the imperial capital, entertainment facilities, such as jewelry shops, restaurants andrge public baths, were gathered here.

    On the other hand, the "Wind" area, which Kamito and the others were heading to, was an area that ordinary townspeople lived in.

    A vivid embroidered horizontal banner was hung out on the road, and small wooden frames that were for deifying the spirits of thend were being made everywhere. It seemed to be preparations for tomorrow''s Valentia Holy Festival.

    "It''s awfully busy. It still has a different ambiancepared to the austere Imperial Empire''s grand spirit festival."

    Being brought up in the imperial capital, Fianna voiced her thoughts.

    "That''s because the Valentia Holy Festival is a festival by ordinary townspeople. Its nuance is a little different from the ritual that princess maidens dedicate to spirits in."

    "Either way, it''s close to the opening day of the de Dance."

    As Kamito gazed at the townscape full of liveliness, he muttered.

    "... Ahh, that might be the case."

    ire nodded as she walked.

    Although it''s called the de Dance, it didn''t mean dedicating de dances all day and night.

    After all, it''s a grand festival that gathered nobles of many kingdoms. Participants would be invited to the sponsoring nation''s reception hall, and a dance party would be held throughout the dance, and countless numbers of fireworks would beunched at night. Near the grounds of Astral Zero, a famous town furnished with entertainment facilities was made.

    Rather than calling it a solemn ritual, it was closer to call it arge-scale revelry that spanned over several days.

    By the way, three years ago¡ª Kamito, who was in female clothing, was invited to a dance, and nobles came proposing to him one after another....Even as he recalled that now, it gave him goose bumps.

    "Ah, Kamito-san, have you seen the de Dance?"

    "N-No, I just heard stories like that!"

    Kamito shook his head in a fluster at Rinslet, who tilted her head.

    "Fufu, there''s no way Kamito-kun knows it, right?"

    Being the only one among them who knew Kamito''s true identity, Fianna giggled.

    "O-Oi, Fianna!?"

    Kamito raised his voice in a fluster.

    He was probably not suspected by ire, and when he turned around.

    "Hn?"

    ire was¡ª

    Standing still at the roadside, and staring motionlessly at a disy window of a shop.

    It seemed to be a store that was selling jewels and essories.

    "...What''s the matter, ire?"

    "I-It''s nothing!"

    When Kamito approached, ire jumped up.

    "?"

    Feeling suspicious, Kamito peered into the disy window¡ª

    A small cat shaped pendant was ced on the shelf.

    (...Hmm, as I thought, she''s also a girl.)

    He ended up thinking that the face profile of ire, whose face had turned bright red, was unusually cute.

    "Do you want this?"

    "I-I said it''s nothing, right! I''mpletely not interested in this sort of things!"

    "I see. I thought it especially suits you."

    "... A-Ar-Aren''t you being an idiot! Le-Let''s get going, I''m hungry!"

    ire turned bright red like a lobster, and started briskly walking off.

    "...What, she isn''t being honest as usual."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders in disappointment.

    "The day of the Valentia Holy Festival is also that girl''s birthday."

    "Eh?"

    Rinslet, who was behind him before he noticed, calmly informed him.

    "Tomorrow''s her birthday?"

    "Yes, although, she is brushing it off like it is nothing."

    (...Ahh, I see.)

    Kamito gazed at ire''s back, who was briskly walking off.

    Four years ago, because the Cmity Queen ¡ª Rubia Elstein, had rebelled against the fire Elemental Lord, the married couple of the Elstein duke family had their noble status divested.

    Since the day that incident urred, ire''s life hadpletely changed.

    He was sure that she currently did not have the leeway or something to look forward to her birthday.

    "..."

    Kamito returned his sights to the store''s disy window.

    There was the cat pendant with a ruby-like spirit crystal iid in its pupils.

    It seemed to be something pretty expensive.

    Kamito sighed, and gently moved away from the disy window.

    "Rinslet, thank you for telling me. You''re a good person."

    "Wh-What are you saying, I do not understand what you mean!"

    Rinslet''s face turned bright red, and she turned her face away.

    (...Twenty gold coins, huh? Well, what do I do?)

    Part 5

    The diner, called Sablefish Pavilion and rmended by Carol, was a very stylish building of red bricks.

    He sat on an inner table that sits six people and promptly opened the menu.

    There was a soup thatpletely used one chicken, a meat dish full of spices, a fried bean curd bread covered in honey, and a freshwater fish pie. The dishes drawn in the menu were all full of things that stimted his appetite.

    However, what he was a little troubled by was¡ª the reaction of the waitress girls.

    They were pointing at Kamito and whispering.

    "Hey, by any chance, isn''t he the male elementalist in the rumors?" "You mean the one that defeated the rampaging militarized spirit in that town?" "He''s making five girls wait upon him. It''s as if he has a king''s pretension." "Even such a small girl, his poison fangs..." "A licentious beast... No, perhaps I should call him the licentious king." "The licentious king..."

    ...What was licentious king? He wished that they stopped making so many new terms.

    "Amoner''s restaurant is also not bad once in a while."

    "This is the first time I came to a ce like this. Is there some sort of special etiquette?"

    Rinslet and Fianna were looking around the store''s interior, unposed.

    ire and Est had been looking together at the dessert menu.

    "I''m lost. The European pear tart also looks delicious, also the peach mousse."

    "Kamito, is it alright if I request for all these?"

    "No, all is definitely not possible, you know?"

    Kamito waved his hand in a fluster¡ª

    "Kamito promised. I could request anything I like today."

    "Gu..."

    "You promised."

    Est''s innocent pupils were staring at Kamito.

    She had that never-changing empty expression as usual... However, there was a somewhat strange impact.

    Finally, Kamito ran out of patience, and hung his head down.

    "...I got it. I promised after all."

    "Kamito, I''m happy to be contracted to Kamito."

    Est tightly embraced Kamito''s arm.

    "Haha, Est, you''re exaggerating."

    Kamito, who made a bitter smile, was¡ª

    "..."

    Being red at by ire and the others.

    After Kamito consolidated the order, the dishes were carried out immediately. The dishes, which were fully lined up on the table, were all delicious, and the three high-ss youngdies, who had refined ptes, also seemedpletely satisfied.

    "ire, don''t casually move the mushroom onto my te."

    "What, despite that I went through the trouble to give it."

    "You''re no good with mushrooms, right? I have pretty much gotten used to your likes and dislikes."

    "...Um, why do you know that I''m no good with mushrooms?"

    "I''ve generally grasped your taste."

    "Eh? Th-That''s..."

    ire''s face turned red.

    "Kamito-san, here''s my fish."

    "Kamito-kun, I''ll also give you my shellfish."

    "You all..."

    Having had ingredients thrown in without reservation from these fussy youngdies, Kamito''s pasta had somewhat be something that he didn''t really know.

    It was dessert after the meal. There were the multifarious parfait, the tart ced with a plentiful amount of seasonal fruits, the fluffy freshly-baked sponge cake, the mousse entwined with a bittersweet sauce and so on. They were lined up on the table, almost like a jewel box.

    "It''s very cute!" "How pretty." "...Wh-What should I have?"

    Gazing at the desserts lined up before them, the three of them ced their hands on their cheeks, seemingly in bliss.

    Even noble youngdies seemed to turn into normal girls in front of sweet desserts.

    "You girls, are you really going to eat all of these?"

    "Of course. When girls eat sweet things, their stomachs are connected to Astral Zero."

    ire said something he didn''t really understand with a tense expression.

    Yup! Yup! Fianna and Rinslet nodded.

    "Fianna, I''ll take a mouthful of cake."

    "It can''t be helped, I''ll exchange it with your pudding."

    "ire, I will give you my peach. Be grateful."

    "Eh? Is that fine, Rinslet?"

    "Yes, I''m no good with peaches... I''ll exchange it for your ve."

    "...Um, that''s a tough choice."

    "Don''t arbitrarily trade a person... Eh, I''m equal to a peach?"

    "ire, that''s my cherry."

    "Carol, look, it''s your favorite European pear."

    "Ah, well then, I''ll return Mdy''s beloved peach back."

    "Eh, Rinslet, you¡ª"

    "Carol, wh-wha-what are you saying?!"

    Rinslet hit Carol.

    (Nevertheless...)

    As he nced towards ire beside him¡ª Kamito muttered within his heart.

    He felt like ire had changed a little.

    The time he just met her, how should he put it, she had a more brooding impression, and she had that atmosphere, like a wild cat not letting anyone near her.

    ...Something probably changed within her with the assembling of the team andrades.

    "...? Kamito, what are you looking at?"

    "Hn? You have cream on your cheek. Come on, I''ll get it off."

    "Id-Idiot, I''ll get it off myself!"

    ire''s face turned bright red, and she turned away, at that moment.

    "Thank you for waiting. Here''s this store''s famous dish, Special Big Parfait?"

    "Eh?"

    Together with the cheerful voice¡ª

    The waitress with her morous tall figure came to Kamito''s table.

    She was a bewitchingly beautiful girl, and her wavy jade green hair was grown long.

    When he looked carefully, the tips of her ears were sharply pointed.

    (...The Elfim race?)

    They were demihumans that were reported to have crossed over from Astral Zero during the distant mythic age.

    It seemed that the pure Elfim race did not exist anymore now, but¡ª their physical trait of having long ears was famous. They were often seen in the urban areas of the empire, there were also Elfim race students in the academy, but one working as a waitress in a diner was rare.

    What she had carried over was¡ª a gigantic chocte parfait.

    That was enshrined right in the middle of the table and had a size almost like a nightmare.

    "...Eh, who ordered this?!"

    "It wasn''t me."

    ire shook her head. Fianna and Rinslet also shook theirs.

    "..."

    The line of sight from everyone naturally gathered on one girl.

    "...Est?"

    "Kamito promised that I could request for anything."

    "Err, that''s..."

    "You promised."

    Est gazed at Kamito with her innocent pupils.

    "By the way, if you leave stuff behind, there''ll be a fine?"

    The beautiful waitress pleasantly smiled.

    "Wh-What do we do?"

    "It appears that there''s no choice but for everyone to cooperate and eat it."

    "...It can''t be helped."

    Kamito sighed in disappointment¡ª

    (...Hn?)

    Suddenly, he discovered the figure of a girl he recognized on the other side of the window.

    She had a stunning blue haired pony-tail, and was in her Knights armor.

    She was Ellis, who he just bid farewell to at the academy a while ago.

    "What''s the matter, Kamito?"

    "I just saw Ellis pass by over there. Does she have a quest for the Knights?"

    "Ellis? Hmm..."

    ire red at Kamito, seemingly displeased.

    "...You''re really concerned about Ellis."

    "Hn, what do you mean... Mogu, mogugugu!?"

    Suddenly, a spoon full of parfait was pushed into Kamito''s mouth.

    "Wh-What, despite being Kamito, to begin with, Ellis is of a rival team!"

    "Mogu, mogugugugu..."

    "Besides, you''re a ve spirit only for me!"

    As she forcefully stuffed the spoon into Kamito''s mouth, ire red up.

    (How unreasonable...)

    Part 6

    (...Fufu, what interesting-looking girls?)

    The tall beautiful girl, who returned to the kitchen, stuck out her tongue and licked her wet red lips.

    She was the one, who carried over the gigantic parfait to Kamito''s table, the Elfim race waitress.

    From the kitchen, she viewed a hole as if she was evaluating or something¡ª

    Finally, she made a short sigh.

    (Well, should I stop here today? Though they''re the long-awaited prey.)

    The risk of those girls as someone to trade with was a little high.

    Those, who reached out for her goods¡ª were always princess maidens who lost their confidence and were obsessed with strong delusions and a sense of duty.

    (...Although, that red haired girl seemed to be of a little hope.)

    Vivian Melosa¡ª She was a merchant of MurdersCorpse Federations, who specially handled Cursed Armament Seals.

    She once taught in the Imperial Capital''s Academy, and was the leading person in Cursed Armament Seal research. However, because the research of Cursed Armament Seals was prohibited after the Ranbal war, she was banished from the academy. After that, she moved around from organization to organization, doing nothing but research on Cursed Armament Seals.

    The academy, which assembled superior princess maidens from all around the country, was a suitable experiment site to her.

    So far, she had infiltrated the academy several times, and performed the imntation of Cursed Armament Seals into girls desiring power.

    (...Although, there was only one that seeded.)

    Brushing her wavy jade green hair, she giggled.

    "¡ªWell, shall I patiently search? For my favorite kitten-chan?"

 Volume 3, 4 - A Knightâ€™s Sincerity

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 4 - A Knight''s Sincerity</h4>

    Part 1

    By the time all of them finished conquering the gigantic parfait, it was already evening.

    Kamito, who had returned from Academy Town, turned up at the central auditorium as he had promised Ellis.

    Upon waiting a little while, Ellis came running from afar and was out of breath.

    "...S-Sorry, I kept you waiting."

    "No, I didn''t wait that long."

    Kamito made a bitter smile at Ellis, who was gasping out of breath.

    "Hey, Ellis, you were at the Academy Town just now, weren''t you?"

    "Y-You saw me!?"

    Ellis'' ponytail sprung up.

    "Ahh, I just happened to see you from the restaurant''s window. Was it the Knights'' security?"

    "No, err... I-I was shopping for various things."

    Ahem, Ellis coughed and her face reddened for some reason.

    A question mark came to Kamito''s mind but... well, that was fine.

    "For the time being, if we''re going to study, are we going to the library or something?"

    "Ah, no... not the library."

    Ellis shook her head in a fluster.

    "Hn, not the library? Then, are we going to an empty ssroom somewh¡ª"

    "...I-It''s a room."

    "Huh?"

    Kamito reflexively did not believe his ears.

    "A room..."

    "I-I mean, err... I-I want you to teach me in my room!"

    Ellis shouted with her face turning bright red.

    "..."

    "I-Is that a no?"

    "No, hey wait, for a boy like me to enter a girl''s room..."

    "A-A girl..."

    In an instant, Ellis made a face like she lost her head over something¡ª

    "Ho-However, aren''t you staying with ire Rouge and the others in a room together?"

    "No, well... that was the way things turned out."

    Kamito scratched the back of his head as he answered.

    "O-Or, you don''t want toe to the room of a straightced girl like me¡ª"

    "N-No, there''s no such thing!"

    Kamito shook his head in a fluster because Ellis looked a little hurt.

    "W-Well then¡ª"

    "...Ahh, I got it. I got it. Allow me to enter."

    Even as Kamito still did notprehend anything, he nodded with a bit of desperation.

    Part 2

    Just like that¡ª Kamito was brought along to the Weasel ss'' dormitory.

    Being the exact opposite of the Raven ss that gathered superior problem children, Weasel ss was a ss of diligent honor students.

    Ellis'' room was, up the stairs, on the second floor of the building.

    Ellis coughed in front of the door.

    "This is my room. O-Of course, this is the first time a boy is entering it."

    "...If you say it like that, I''m getting somewhat tense."

    Ellis opened the room''s door and muttered an incantation in the spiritnguage.

    In that moment, the ceiling''s spirit crystal glowed and the inside of the dim room was brightly illuminated.

    The interior design was not so different from ire''s room. However, Ellis'' room had been neatly arranged.

    "You have tidied up nicely. That''s just like the capable Ellis."

    "Ahh, that''s because if I don''t tidy up, my overly-serious roommate will get angry."

    "A roommate more overly-serious than Ellis?..."

    It was discourteous to Ellis, but he couldn''t imagine it a bit.

    "Where is this roommate now?"

    "She is away for a few weeks because of a quest from the Academy. If that person was now at this ce¡ª you probably wouldn''t be able to leave here alive."

    While saying something dangerous, Ellisid out a cushion on the floor for him.

    "Make yourself at home. I''ll prepare the tea and snacks now."

    "Ahh, sorry."

    Ellis immediately boiled hot water, and took out hot ck tea and snacks.

    Despite being an high-ss youngdy of a great noble family, she was very capable in such areas. Since the Fahrengart family was of a military parentage, she might have received strict training from when she was young.

    "This is delicious. Ellis, did you make it?"

    "Y-You can say that. It''s somewhat my hobby."

    Ellis was acting bashfully, like she was a bit embarrassed.

    It was a sponge cake sprinkled with ck tea powder on the surface. It had a simple taste since its sweetness was mild.

    He had known that cooking was her strong point, but it was surprising that she could make such a delicate thing.

    "Rx for a while. I''ll go make preparations now."

    "Hn, what preparations?"

    When Kamito inquired¡ª Ellis drew out her sword at her waist.

    With a weird voice filled with intensity,

    "It''s preparations."

    "I-I got it..."

    With the sword kept thrust out at the back of his neck, Kamito nodded.

    When Ellis disappeared into the next room and Kamito became alone, he sighed a little.

    (...What on earth was that?)

    As he sipped the ck tea that Ellis made, he looked around the interior of the room.

    There were neatly folded uniforms and pajamas on top of the bed.

    There were lovely teddy-bear and rabbit plushies lined up beside them.

    (Surprisingly, she has girlish preferences...)

    While thinking about such things, he moved his line of sight, then¡ª

    Incidentally, his eyes stopped on top of the writing desk.

    A spirit crystal objet d''art, which emitted a faint glow, had been ced near the desk.

    (That''s¡ª)

    Kamito got close, and took it into his hand.

    Inside the transparent spirit crystal, various phantoms surfaced and disappeared¡ª

    "A spirit crystal that seals memories, huh?..."

    It was an article that could confine the scene in one''s memory by putting divine power into it.

    The appearance of the same girl had been repeatedly surfacing many times within the spirit crystal.

    Her morous hair was fluttering and she was holding a jet-ck demon sword¡ª the appearance of a very young girl.

    "...Eh, isn''t that me from three years ago?!"

    Kamito reflexively shouted.

    Yes, the one who was being reflected in there was without a doubt¡ª

    The appearance of the strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell.

    (That reminds me, she had said that she admired Ren Ashbell...)

    As he made a heavy sigh, he put back the memory-sealing spirit crystal onto the desk.

    If Kamito did not make sure that at least his true identity was absolutely not exposed to her¡ª

    He would end up destroying a pure girl''s dream, which he couldn''t bring himself to do.

    (...Hn?)

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed that the appearance of a girl other than Ren Ashbell was being projected inside the spirit crystal.

    She had radiant shiny blonde hair. She was a beautiful girl, who had an ice-like cold look.

    The one who was standing bashfully beside the girl was probably Ellis when she was young¡ª

    (I have a recollection of this girl somewhere...)

    Kamito had his doubts¡ª at that moment.

    "...I-I kept you waiting."

    He heard Ellis'' voice that seemed like it''ll vanish anytime from behind.

    "Ellis?"

    Kamito turned around¡ª

    "..."

    His mouth dropped opened.

    There was a maid.

    "...?"

    After Kamito rubbed his eyes, he opened his eyes once more.

    ...Yes, there was certainly a maid.

    She had a tidy dark blue maid uniform matched with a white apron, and a lovely long skirt with frills.

    And then, she had a headdress, which was slightly ced on her head.

    It was Ellis inplete maid attire.

    "Y-You, what on earth..."

    Kamito gulped down his saliva, and¡ª

    "I-I''m now your exclusive-use maid from now....I-Is that alright?"

    Ellis, whose face turned bright red, held the hem of her long skirt and bowed.

    Beneath her turned-over skirt, he slightly got a quick look at a ck garter belt.

    "Wh¡ª"

    Kamito was startled and covered his eyes with both hands in a fluster.

    "D-Don''t look so much... It''s embarrassing."

    Ellis'' face increasingly reddened, and she rubbed her knees together bashfully.

    As she wasn''t wearing her armor, her quiveringrge breasts were being highlighted more than usual.

    Kamito was at a lost for words¡ª

    Ellis whispered with a seemingly uneasy expression.

    "A-As I thought, these kind of clothes... don''t suit me?"

    "No...err, that''s not it."

    Kamito said as he averted his eyes.

    ...Or rather, she was cute. Staggeringly cute.

    No, even the usual Ellis was certainly cute but¡ª

    He didn''t think that Ellis putting on a maid uniform would be so charming.

    However, beyond that, Kamito was more bewildered.

    "...W-Why a maid uniform?"

    "Th-This is an act of sincerity from me..."

    "Sincerity?"

    Kamito asked in return to Ellis, who had muttered seemingly embarrassed.

    The maid uniform was an act of sincerity... He didn''t understand the meaning.

    Ellis folded her arms and red directly at Kamito with her reddish brown pupils.

    "I-It''s about the quest the other day. As the representative of the Sylphid Knights, I had been thinking that I had to thank you for helping that time....Th-This is only as the representative of the Sylphid Knights!"

    "No, I had said that I don''t need things like thanks. It''s natural to help myrades."

    Kamito said that¡ª

    "In that case, I won''t be able to settle down. Wh-What should I do to be able to offer my thanks... I had been troubled this entire week."

    "...Why is it that the oue is a maid uniform?"

    "Umm, upon consulting my team-mates Rakka and Reishia, they told me that it''s best that I put on this attire to show my sincerity to you. After all, you''re a maniac, who would be excited by such an appearance. I-In the beginning, I also had a problem with it, but devoting my whole body and soul to offer my thanks to the person I''m indebted to is the household precept of my Fahrengart family."

    "Why those two, teaching you worthless things..."

    Kamito''s face twitched....In short, Ellis had been tricked by those two.

    "Ellis, don''t misunderstand. I''m not a maniac who''s attracted to maid uniforms."

    Kamito tried to resolve the strange misunderstanding, but¡ª

    "...Wh-What? That means¡ª"

    It seemed like Ellis interpreted that in a different meaning.

    "...To do it, do you mean that?"

    "Huh?"

    "Y-You mean for me to put on an even sexier attire, right?!"

    "What are you saying!"

    "Kuu, you damn licentious king...!"

    "The usage-rights for licentious king is already acquired by the townspeople!?"

    "I''ll absolutely not give in to such an insolent request!"

    Ellis drew out her sword from her waist and quickly thrust it before the back of Kamito''s neck.

    It seemed like she didn''t lose her skills as a knight even though she became a maid....That was obvious.

    "I-I got it, it really suits you, maid uniforms are the best, maid uniforms hurray!"

    "...Hmm, That''s enough."

    As Ellis thrust the tip of her sword before the back of Kamito''s neck¡ª

    "Come on, Kamito, you can instruct me to do anything you want!"

    "You''re a pretty proud maid... Well then, Ellis, what can you do?"

    "My specialty is thrusting a spear."

    "What kind of maid are you...?"

    "I can also use a sword, but my expertise is using a spear."

    Ellis proudly puffed her chest out.

    "Don''t you have anything other than dangerous skills?"

    "Cooking is in its own way a specialty."

    "Ahh, I see. Well, can I make a request?"

    "Of course. What would you like?"

    "Let''s see... I also have dinnerter, so I would like something light and hold-able."

    "I got it. Honestly, I was thinking of what to do if you said body sushi[1] but¡ª"

    "...Why you."

    Kamito groaned with a deadpan look¡ª

    Suddenly, he tried asking a thought that came to his mind.

    "By the way, does this mean you''ll do it if I request it?"

    "Y-You insolent person!"

    At that moment, the hidden sword, which Ellis let loose, pruned off Kamito''s forelocks.

    "...H-How''s the taste? Master."

    Just like that¡ª

    It ended up with Ellis preparing food for Kamito.

    As expected of having been trained for the sake of the gentleman she will be married to in the future, from the cooking to the arrangement of food, her skills were very good....She was the kind of person whose example he wanted a certain hell cat youngdy to follow.

    Nevertheless¡ª

    "...I beg you. Spare me that way of calling me."

    Kamito groaned with a deadpan look.

    "Um, even so, those two had said that this is the official way of calling you."

    "No, because you have been fooled, you know?"

    Kamito grumbled as he chewed on a cheese cutlet of one mouth-size.

    It had a crunchy batter that used the first-ss wheat flour. The highest grade cheese, which was ced between the meat, was delicious as it melted on top of his tongue.

    "...Delicious. Normally delicious."

    "Mm, it''s normal?..."

    Ellis pouted her lips, seemingly frustrated.

    "I''m praising you. It''s difficult to make normal things normally delicious."

    "I-Is that so...!"

    Ellis blushed with her chest tightening.

    "Ellis would be a good bride."

    "...! Wh-What are you saying!"

    *Bishuu!*

    She thrust out a fork stuck with a cheese cutlet before Kamito.

    "Wh-What are you doing all of a sudden!"

    "Hmm, it''s because you said something strange!"

    Ellis sternly red at Kamito.

    And then¡ª

    "...O-Open your mouth."

    "Huh?"

    Kamito asked back¡ª

    *Bishuu, bishuu!*

    The godspeed thrusting was unleashed once again.

    "Owa!?"

    "Don''t avoid it! I''m trying to feed you¡ª"

    "Trying to feed me... What''s with that!?"

    "I heard that that''s the duty of a maid. Come on, quickly... say ''Ahh''!"

    Ellis thrust out the godspeed fork before him.

    She had said that thrusting was her specialty, as expected, even for Kamito, it took all his might to dodge.

    ...Eh, what kind of training was this?!

    "It''s dangerous, you almost poked my eyes!"

    "Hmm, it''s because you''re escaping. Don''t escape!"

    ¡ª*Hamuu*.

    Finally, the fork was pushed into his mouth.

    *Mogumogumogu*.

    "H-How is it?"

    "...Delicious."

    Kamito said his honest thoughts¡ª

    "Al-Alright, one more mouthful..."

    This time she gently moved the fork into his mouth.

    *Hamuu*.

    "Ho-How is it this time?"

    "...Ahh, delicious."

    Upon nodding once again, Ellis lightly giggled, seemingly delighted.

    (...Hmm. This is, as expected, a little embarrassing.)

    Part 3

    By the time that he finished eating Ellis'' cooking, it had already turnedpletely dark outside.

    It was about time he had to make dinner for ire and the others, who were waiting at the dormitory.

    When he informed Ellis about that matter...she made a slightly disappointed face.

    After helping Ellis tidy up the tableware, he and Ellis, who changed into her uniform, went outside the dormitory.

    The moment Ellis took off her maid uniform, she suddenly seemed to be embarrassed by her recent actions, so as she walked on the path shone by the moonlight, she hung her head down the whole time.

    ...Naturally, just like her, Kamito was also embarrassed.

    "I apologize for overstaying. Your cooking was delicious."

    "Yes, I''m d that I could properly express my gratitude to you. Because today is probably thest chance I can invite you to my room."

    "What do you mean?"

    "It''s about the roommate I talked about just now. She''ll be finishing her quest and returning very soon."

    "Is your roommate that scary?"

    Upon saying that, Ellis'' expression slightly darkened.

    "Velsaria Eva Fahrengart¡ª She''s my older stepsister, by two-years. She''s also the former captain of the Sylphid Knights."

    "Velsaria..."

    Kamito was startled. That name was, if he wasn''t mistaken, what ire was talking¡ª

    "The academy''s strongest elementalist... is actually your sister, Ellis!?"

    "Yes, it''s not like we''re blood rted. She was once also expected to be a future NumbersTwelve Knight Commander candidate, but¡ª after she was defeated by that Ren Ashbell in the first match at the de Dance three years ago, that story had also disappeared."

    "...!?"

    "What''s the matter? Do you know about my sister?"

    "...N-No, it''s nothing."

    Kamito shook his head in a fluster.

    (...I see, no wonder I had recalled hearing that name before.)

    ¡ªHe remembered. She was the opponent of the first match of the de Dance three years ago.

    She was a girl with a beautiful face of ice and beautiful blonde hair.

    "...My sister is like the person who embodied the image of the knight that I try to idealize."

    Ellis exhaled a white breath as she muttered.

    "However, now that person¡ª"

    Muttering like in a monologue¡ª Ellis stopped her steps there.

    They had arrived before the gate of the Raven ss dormitory.

    Kamito looked up, and the window of ire''s room had light.

    "Ellis, thank you for today. Well then, see you tomorrow."

    "Ah-Ahh, wait¡ª"

    Kamito waved his hand and walked off towards the dormitory.

    At that moment, when he walked for a little while on the path leading to the building of the dormitory.

    "...Ka-Kamito!"

    Ellis called Kamito to a halt from behind.

    It wasn''t her usual frigid voice. It was the voice like an urgent scream.

    "...Ellis?"

    Kamito turned around¡ª

    "Ah..."

    Ellis widened her eyes and was surprised.

    Why did she show that expression¡ª even she didn''t understand why she called out to him.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "No, err..."

    "Um?"

    Kamito became concerned and approached¡ª

    "...!"

    Ellis ¡ªas though she had made a resolution of something important¡ª took in a deep breath.

    "Th-The truth is I have a favor to ask you, but..."

    "A favor?"

    Kamito frowned and asked back.

    What came to his mind was¡ª the incident before he received the quest on the Mine Town two weeks ago.

    Ellis was trying to scout Kamito into her team.

    Kamito, who had already assembled a team with ire, inly rejected her, but now that her tworades became unable to participate in the opposition battles, she might try to scout him once again.

    While Kamito scratched his head as he was troubled, he shook his head.

    "Ellis, sorry, but I can''t join your..."

    "Th-That''s not it!"

    Ellis'' face reddened as she shouted...It seemed that he had jumped to a wrong conclusion.

    "Then..."

    "Kamito, err... do you feel like joining the Sylphid Knights?"

    "The Knights?"

    Kamito spontaneously asked back at those unexpected words.

    The Sylphid Knights¡ª An elite student organization that guarded the public order and morals of the academy.

    (For me to join it... What on earth does this mean?)

    Ellis gazed at Kamito awkwardly.

    "Err...it''s just until myradese back, I would want you to assist the Knights."

    Kamito recalled the things he talked with Ellis during this morning''s supplementary lecture.

    As a result of the attack incident the other day, including Ellis'' two teammates, seven knights were forced to withdraw from the Sylphid Knights. The Sylphid Knights, which had lost a third of its members, was now in a state that it was not functioning normally.

    Indeed, as an acquaintance and besides as someone whose ability as an elementalist she also understood, Kamito could understand the reason she wanted to scout him.

    "Of course, I won''t say it''s for free. As a member of the Knights, you''ll be paid a proper sry."

    "...Why me? If you set up recruitment, won''t there be girls applying?"

    "We are having a recruitment, but there are practically no applicants. We had gathered people during the period the freshmen came in, but¡ª even so, more than half had resigned immediately."

    "Is that so..."

    It seemed that the work of the Sylphid Knights was something greater than they had imagined. On top of the dangers, and on top of the so-called work of guarding the academy''s public morals, there might also be cases where they were being looked at with hostility from the other academy students.

    "Furthermore, due to the attack incident the other day, the trust in the Knights has been greatly falling. Although we got all the casualties out, in the end, we couldn''t capture the assant."

    Ellis bit her lips seemingly vexed.

    "I applied for the quest of arresting Jio Inzagi with the n of overturning such assessment towards the Knights but¡ª the result was that sorry plight. If you all didn''t help at that time, we would have certainly been annihted."

    Her reddish brown pupils became wet and were slightly quivering.

    Without a doubt, Ellis was enduring the voices of criticism aimed at the Knights all this time.

    Surely, she was enduring it just by herself without anyone she could ask for advice.

    As that was the duty of the captain, and she was condemning herself.

    (...I see. She''s insecure. She surely can''t help but be frightened as she''s insecure.)

    It was the responsibility and heavy pressure that came with the position as the captain.

    There should be voices of doubts being raised at her, an elementary student, serving as the captain.

    She conducted herself strictly for the sake of guarding the order of the academy and might have even made enemies.

    She had also been holding back those voices by disying her ability so far.

    However, that trust was swaying now.

    Besides, her teammates andrades who had always kept supporting her.

    Rakka and Reishia were also not present now.

    (...She is also a girl, who''s yet to be sixteen.)

    Being covered by her knights shoulder te was the girl''s slender shoulders.

    How much of a heavy pressure was she carrying on those shoulders of hers¡ª

    "...The truth is I''m afraid."

    Ellis looked downwards as she said that.

    "Have I been able to do the right thing as a knight? Am I misusing the authority of the Knights and merely repressing the ones whom I should protect, with power?"

    Her blue ponytail hair was swaying in the gentle breeze.

    It was almost like it was revealing Ellis'' heart.

    "I want help" ¡ªShe didn''t say that.

    That was surely herst strand of pride.

    Kamito¡ª

    "...I got it. It''s just be until those twoe back, right?"

    "I-Is that alright?...Really?"

    Ellis opened her reddish brown eyes.

    "Ahh."

    Kamito firmly nodded once again.

    Honestly, he didn''t think that he''d be cut out for things like the Knights that guarded the public morals. Besides, if he considered about the de Danceing in a few weeks, he shouldn''t have the room to be using his time for such things.

    However, upon seeing Ellis reduced to a state where she was going to be crushed at any time¡ª

    He wanted to assist this sincere but clumsy girl knight even a little.

    "...Y-You have my thanks. Kazehaya Kamito."

    Ellis bowed down with an expression like she''s going to cry at any moment.

    Kamito made a bitter smile at Ellis, who was conscientious even at such a time.

    "Ahh, that''s right. I have a favor to ask of you."

    "What is it?"

    "Err, about the remuneration you mention just now, is it possible for something like an advance?"

    Part 4

    Parting with Ellis, Kamito returned to the room¡ª

    ire was wearing a cute apron and was standing in the kitchen just like in the morning.

    There was a sweet yet slightly burned smell. He heard the sound of something simmering.

    Quietly concealing his footsteps, Kamito approached ire''s back.

    "Hn, are you making chocte again?"

    "Fuaa, Ka-Kamito!?"

    *Pyon*, her red twintailed hair sprung up.

    "Id-Idiot, don''t startle me! I''ll turn you into cinders!"

    ire''s face turned bright red, and *pishi* *pishi* she swung her whip. Kamito avoided it in a fluster.

    "...Good grief, where did you go? Your supplementary lecture should have been long over, right?"

    "What? Are you already hungry?"

    "Th-That''s not the problem, you are my ve spirit, so without your master''s permission, you can''t totter around as you please!"

    "...Am I a dog?"

    Kamito breathed a sigh of disappointment.

    "I went over to Ellis'' ce, and it resulted in me being treated to a little meal."

    *Pishi*¡ª ire was petrified.

    "...What...was that?"

    "Ahh, it seems to be an expression of gratitude for helping her the other day. What a conscientious person."

    As expected, he hid the matter about the maid uniform for the sake of Ellis'' honor¡ª

    "I-I see, you were treated...really?"

    ire''s face twitched.

    "I also helped and yet... she only invited Kamito."

    "Didn''t you receive a box of cakes from the Knights? An assorted box of macaroons. If I''m not mistaken, you ate all of it by yourself."

    "Th-That was certainly delicious... Eh, that''s not the problem, what do you mean by you went over to Ellis'' ce? D-Don''t tell me, you went up to her room?"

    "Yeah, Ellis'' room is properly tidied up. You should also follow her example¡ª"

    "I-I can''t believe you...!"

    ire''s slender shoulders trembled.

    She tightly bit her cherry-colored lips, tears were slightly appearing on her ruby pupils.

    "...ire?"

    "Y-You''ve been sessfully seduced by things like Ellis'' breasts and were degraded to being the Knights'' dog, right?"

    "No, what breasts....? Well, although, I was invited to join the Knights."

    "¡ªHuh?"

    This time¡ª irepletely became stiff.

    "Wh-What''s that...? What do you mean?"

    "Hn, currently, the Knights seem to be shorthanded of people. I was asked to assist them."

    "O-Of course, you rejected her, right? You rejected her...right?"

    ire tightly grabbed Kamito''s arm, and was gazing at him with a serious expression.

    As Kamito scratched his head¡ª

    "No, I decided to assist them. I also have various obligations to Ellis."

    "...!?"

    While ire kept hold of Kamito''s arm, she was taken aback and widened her eyes.

    The truth was that he had another reason to ept it but¡ª

    It was embarrassing to tell ire that now.

    "I apologize for deciding without your permission, but it''s not particrly a problem, right?"

    "There''s no way it isn''t, you know that I''m on bad terms with the Knights, right!"

    "That''s because you cause problems¡ª"

    Then, Kamito noticed.

    ire''s fingertips that were grabbing his arm were trembling bit by bit.

    "...I see, you''re on Ellis'' side again."

    ire calmly muttered.

    "No, it''s not whether I''m on her side or not¡ª"

    "...You said so, and yet."

    "Eh?"

    "Despite that you said¡ª ''I''ll be your contracted spirit''."

    ire raised her face, and drops of tears overflowed from her pupils.

    "Y-You..."

    "That''s enough, get out¡ª"

    *Don*¡ª ire thrust Kamito away.

    "Hey, ire..."

    "Quickly get out! I-I hate people like you, I really hate you!"

    A red hot fireball was released from ire''s palm.

    "Owa!"

    A showy explosion resounded, and a gaping wide hole was opened in the wall behind Kamito.

    "He-Hey, wait, why are you that angry?"

    "Shut up, idiot, get out¡ª¡ª!"

    This time she began reciting a spirit magic of the strongest ss, so Kamito got out in a fluster.

    If ire made a serious effort, she''d be quite capable of blowing this very dormitory away.

    After running to the outside of the dormitory and taking refuge, Kamito sighed.

    "Wh-What on earth was that..."

    Why was ire that angry?...It was iprehensible.

    (...Is she that displeased with me joining the Knights?)

    He looked up at the window of the room on the second floor, but¡ª he didn''t see ire there.

    Before long, the window''s curtains were closed.

    (...Ahh, if she''s be like this, she won''t listen.)

    ire Rouge. She was a girl almost like a zing me.

    (Well, however, that''s the part that suits her best...)

    Kamito took a deep sigh once again¡ª

    He left behind the Raven ss dormitory with heavy footsteps.

    Part 5

    After chasing Kamito out¡ª

    "I hate that guy, I hate that guy... I hate him so much!"

    ire fell onto the bed.

    Pressing her soft pillow onto her cheeks, she tightly grabbed her sheets.

    Scarlet turned up seemingly worried, but ire drove her away without a word. She didn''t want even her contracted spirit, who had been with her all this time from when she was young, to see her crying face now.

    "What... I look like a fool."

    For several days, she had been practicing how to make chocte all this time.

    (I-It''s of course out of obligation. The chocte that I''ll give him out of obligation.)

    The practicing had effect, as she had been gradually been able to make them well.

    Although she had stopped making arge amount of cinders, it should be good enough for her to be praised.

    On the actual day, tomorrow morning, she nned to give Kamito the chocte that she made the most well-done.

    "You did well."...She wanted to be praised.

    (And yet, he...)

    ire groaned, and struck her pillow. *Posu posu*.

    (...The meal that Ellis made is certainly better than things like my chocte.)

    It was vexing. Her mind was jumbled up, and although she didn''t understand what was vexing, it was vexing.

    "...I''m such a detestable person."

    She understood. She definitely had no ill feelings towards Kamito. Really, there was no doubt that he merely thought of being helpful to Ellis and decided to join the Knights.

    He was that kind of person.

    Even ire did not particrly hate Ellis. Of course, they weren''t on good terms, but she recognized that she was a proud elementalist.

    However, it made her very angry for some reason.

    (...Why?)

    She understood the reason.

    She had been thinking that she was the more special being to Kamito.

    (After all, he had said that he would be my contracted spirit.)

    Pressing softly on her lips with her fingertip, her cheeks quickly became hot.

    (Besides, w-we even... kissed.)

    It became a painful feeling like her chest was tightly constricted.

    (...But, that''s wrong.)

    It did not mean that only ire was particrly special.

    As long as there were girls being troubled, he would extend his hand to anyone, no matter who.

    (It''s because I''m that Cmity Queen''s sister¡ª)

    He might just think that her circumstances were pitiful, and was just sympathizing with her.

    Upon thinking that, ire became excessively lonely.

    Kamito surely didn''t understand why ire was that angry.

    ire also didn''t clearly understand why she got such feelings.

    Her current feelings were almost like the smoldering fire of a hearth.

    ...These weren''t ire Rouge''s mes.

    At that time, there was the sound of the room''s door opening.

    "Kamito!?"

    ire energetically lifted her face from her pillow, but¡ª

    The one, who was there, was Fianna with a puzzled expression.

    It seemed like she had returned from her shopping duty for dinner.

    ire covered her face with her pillow in a fluster. She didn''t want her to see her tear-stained face.

    Fianna took a look at ire''s current state¡ª and seemed to have guessed the situation somehow.

    "Ehh, you quarreled with Kamito?"

    "...Go away."

    Keeping her face covered in the pillow, ire said.

    Fianna sighed, sat on the bed and ced her hand on ire''s head.

    "I said leave me alone, didn''t I"

    "You''re really a kid. Vastly different from Rubia-sama."

    "Either way, I''m different from nee-sama."

    ire retorted peevishly.

    "Hey, ire, why don''t you be a little more honest?"

    "I-I apologize that I''m not honest... After all, even my breasts are small."

    "Huh? Nobody said anything about breast, you know?"

    As Fianna softly brushed ire''s head like a kitten, she sighed.

    "What do we do about dinner?"

    Part 6

    At that very moment¡ª Ellis was rolling on her bed in agony.

    "..., I-I was wearing such an embarrassing attire."

    She spread the maid uniform she wore just now, and bashfully blushed. Even if it was for the sake of rewarding him for her debt of gratitude, this was, as expected, overkill, wasn''t it?

    "B-But..."

    Ellis tightly grasped the maid uniform¡ª

    "Kamito said that it suited me... "

    Recalling it, her cheeks reflexively rxed.

    Ellis opened her eyes as she was taken aback, and pped her cheeks with both hands.

    "I-I''m the Captain! If I''m not firm, I can''t be an example to everyone!"

    A knight of the Fahrengart family must never show her weaknesses.

    Ellis Fahrengart had always done so.

    However¡ª

    (I''ve shown it to him...)

    She had never even shown that side of hers, which was frightened by insecurity, in front of therades she trusted.

    Truthfully, she had no intention of inviting Kamito to the Knights¡ª until that moment.

    However, when she saw his back as he was about to leave, she subconsciously called out to him.

    (...I wonder why? I also don''t understand it well myself.)

    In the beginning, she had been thinking that things like male elementalists were an enemy, who would disrupt the public morals of the academy.

    Since when did she, so strangely, start caring about him?

    When she thought about Kazehaya Kamito, her chest constricted and hurt for some reason.

    Such a feeling was a first for Ellis, who was raised up as a knight.

    Incidentally, she nced at the top of the table.

    A nicely wrapped-up chocte was lying there.

    Tomorrow was the Valentia Holy Festival.

    The day to give chocte to the opposite sex that held a ce in one''s mind¡ª

    (...I-It''s a gift for enrolling into the Knights. Naturally, there''s no other meaning than that.)

    Ellis groaned spontaneously.

    If that was the case, she shouldn''t be that tensed, but the throbbing in her chest wouldn''t stop for some reason.

    (...Wh-When would it be good to hand it over?)

    After all, it was the first time she was doing such a thing, so she didn''t know what she should do.

    "...H-He wouldn''t think that I''m a strange girl, right?"

    "¡ªWhat''s strange, Ellis?"

    Suddenly, a voice like frozen cold air was heard.

    "...!?"

    Before she knew it, the room''s door was opened¡ª

    And, over there¡ª she was standing.

    She had shiny blonde hair and cool-headed ice-blue pupils.

    "Ah, esteemed sister...!"

    "What kind of cowardly face are you making? And yet you call yourself a knight of the Fahrengart family?"

    She was the academy''s strongest elementalist¡ª Velsaria Eva Fahrengart.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü Nyotaimori (Japanese: Å®ÌåÊ¢¤ê, "female body presentation"), often referred to as "body sushi", is the practice of serving sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman

 Volume 3, 5 - Sylphid Knights

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 5 - Sylphid Knights</h4>

    Part 1

    "...chan, please wake up."

    He heard somebody''s voice...

    "...chan, onii-chan."

    "Uh..."

    Kamito rubbed his eyes as he slowly got up.

    His back hurt. The muscles of his stiff joints were screaming.

    "Hn..."

    Feeling the hard sensation in his palms¡ª

    Kamito finally remembered.

    Last night, he was driven out of the room by ire, so he had reluctantly decided to sleep near the forest.

    (...Eh, onii-chan?)

    With his still-half-awakened consciousness, Kamito tilted his head.

    Naturally, Kamito, who was an orphan, didn''t have things like a sister.

    After blinking his eyes several times, he suddenly shifted his focus to his side¡ª

    "Have you finally woken up, onii-chan?"

    "E-Est!?"

    A beautiful girl, fully nude save for knee-socks, was looking into Kamito''s face expressionlessly.

    She had a slim slender body. Morning dew wetted her milky skin and was shining.

    "Wh-What''s the matter?! Weren''t you sleeping in ire''s room!?"

    Kamito, whose face turned bright red, averted his eyes from the girl''s gentle-sloping breasts in a fluster.

    "In order for onii-chan to not freeze to death, I''ve been sleeping together with you and warming you up."

    "...Th-That''s a lie, right?"

    "Did my thighs feel good, onii-chan?"

    "...Guaa."

    Kamito was greatly perplexed and groaned.

    "By the way, since just now, what''s with the ''onii-chan''?"

    "Yes well, I tried using various ways of calling to wake you up, but you did not wake up at all, so Est tried calling you onii-chan. When I did that, Kamito immediately woke up."

    "Is that true...?"

    "Yes, onii-chan."

    "Est, spare me the ''onii-chan''."

    "Yes, onii-chan."

    Est nodded expressionlessly.

    "...Est. By any chance, are you angry?"

    "..."

    Est stared at Kamito with her mysterious violet pupils.

    "I am Kamito''s contracted spirit, you know."

    "Eh?"

    Est softly pressed her index finger onto Kamito''s lips.

    "Kamito, please promise me that you won''t leave me behind as you please."

    "..."

    It seemed like she was angry about being left behind in ire''s room.

    As for Kamito, he had just thought that it was pitiful to make her sleep outside with him, but¡ª

    "...Ahh, I got it. Sorry."

    "It''s a promise, Kamito."

    Kamito entwined his pinky around Est''s stretched out pinky and promised.

    "¡ªWell then, I have to go to Ellis'' ce."

    The academy also had a day off today because of Valentia Holy Festival but there was a meeting being held.

    Kamito had just decided to join the Knights, but it seemed like he had to work immediately from today.

    "Let''s go, Est."

    "Okay, Kamito."

    Est tightly grasped Kamito''s hand, who had stood up.

    Part 2

    The Sylphid Knights'' morning was early.

    Even if it was the day that the academy had a holiday, there was a Knights'' general meeting early in the morning.

    Kamito turned up at the headquarters of the Sylphid Knights in ordance with the time he heard from Ellis.

    The headquarters of the Knights was a staggeringly splendid building remodeled from an old cathedral. Considering that there were about twenty members, it might be a little too spacious.

    Kamito took a breath, and pushed open the heavy steel door.

    "Wh¡ª?"

    Kamito left the door open and froze for a few seconds.

    It was full of girls in their underwear inside the holy cathedral.

    There were girls who had just begun removing their skirts and girls who had their hands at their bra hooks.

    "...!"

    Ellis, who had pulled her stockings up to her knees, was widely opening her reddish brown eyes.

    Her adult-like ck lingerie was clearly etched into his retina.

    And then¡ª

    "Gyaaaaaaaaaaa!"

    Kamito received dozens of sts of spirit magic on his body, and was even blown out of the other side of the door.

    "...I see that I had taken the Knights'' harshness lightly."

    Kamito, whose whole body got shredded and tattered, red at Ellis with scornful eyes.

    Incidentally, the one who released the most powerful spirit magic, was this very Ellis.

    If he wasn''t wearing his highly de-proof and impact-proof academy uniform, he certainly would have turned into pieces by the wild flying des of wind.

    Ellis awkwardly averted her eyes¡ª

    "Sorry. I should have told you this first. We always change our clothes here."

    "Why don''t you use the changing room?"

    "That''s because there was no need to. So far, we haven''t had a male student."

    "That is so, but..."

    "Well, that''s that. It suits you rather well, doesn''t it, Kamito."

    Ellis coughed in order to dodge the question.

    Kamito attached a badge, which was engraved with the portrait of the wind Elemental Lord.

    Since the Knights'' armors were for female use only, it had been decided that he would attach this badge instead.

    The Knights'' girls were lined up horizontally in front of Kamito and Est.

    There were twenty members all together. There also seemed to be several upperssmen among them.

    Before starting the Knights general meeting, Ellis was going to introduce Kamito.

    "He''ll be attached to the Knights starting from today, he''s Kazehaya Kamito from the Raven ss. As you can see, he''s a male elementalist, but I want you to wee him without being afraid."

    "..."

    The Knights'' girls were¡ª

    ring at Kamito with eyes discerning a suspicious person.

    ...It was understandable. Due to the incident just now, the impression Kamito made was the worst.

    "Is that the rumored Demon King of the Night?" "I can''t believe it, he made such a small girl into his lover..."

    "However, isn''t he a little good-looking?" "Don''t be deceived, despite his appearance, he''s a terrible pervert." "Even just now, he was looking at us like he ran his tongue all over our underwear."

    ...Those were the whispering voices of the girls that he heard.

    "Hey, Ellis...my heart seems to be broken from the first day."

    "I-It''s alright. I know that you are not such a boy. If you disy the part where you work as a splendid Knight, things like dishonorable rumors would instantly vanish."

    "...That would be great if that was the case."

    Although Kamito appreciated Ellis cheering him, he let out a heavy sigh.

    Part 3

    The Knights'' general meeting started.

    What Ellis spoke about was the special quest for the Valentia Holy Festival.

    "Today, the academy lectures are cancelled. Many academy students would end up flocking to the town because of the Valentia Holy Festival. In order to prevent dueling incidents from urring in front of ordinary townspeople, all members, be cautious and take on the quest."

    "Yes!"

    The Knights girls all replied at once.

    They were few in number, but they were superior elementalists. As expected, their morale was high.

    However¡ª there also seemed to be people harboring dissatisfaction about Ellis takingmand among the upperssmen.

    Kamito didn''t miss the fact that several people were inly making seemingly dissatisfied faces.

    (...I see, this is why Ellis also has it tough.)

    It was the jealousy towards their junior, whose pedigree and ability was superior.

    Sylphid Knights, which looked well-ordered, seemed to have various things going on internally.

    However, Ellis ignored those upperssmen and continued.

    "Those Cursed Armament Seal merchants ¡ªMurdersCorpse Federation''s people¡ª seemed to have infiltrated into the Academy Town. They may be plotting to use this chance for some sort of contact with the academy students that are going out into the town. If you catch them in the act, please deal with it with your own judgment. Well then, dismiss¡ª"

    "¡ªHold on!"

    Suddenly a sharp voice came from behind Kamito.

    The steel door was forcefully and cleanly pushed open, and daylight shone in at once.

    "...!?"

    All of them were taken aback and turned around.

    The one standing before the door was¡ª a knight of a beautiful face with the appearance of an ice sculpture.

    She had brilliant shiny blonde hair and cold piercing ice blue pupils. She was wearing a pure white overcoat on top of her uniform¡ª it was a prestige overcoat that only the academy''s top ranker was allowed to wear.

    (The academy''s strongest elementalist¡ª Velsaria Eva.)

    Something chilly ran through Kamito''s spine. She, who he had faced at the arena at the de Dance three years ago, shouldn''t have this much of a sense of intimidation.

    Velsaria made a sound with her hard iron shoes and slowly walked over.

    "Esteemed sister, why are you here...!"

    "It seems that the pawns have decreased considerably in numbers during the time I was absent."

    "Esteemed sister... did you say something just now?"

    "I said the pawns have decreased. That''s all."

    "...!"

    Ellis sternly lifted her eyebrows at Velsaria''s spoken harsh remark.

    "Are you calling therades of the Knights pawns?!"

    "Pawns are pawns¡ª Furthermore, they are useless sacrificial pawns. Without even being able to capture just one assant, they werepletely defeated on the contrary."

    "It doesn''t matter to me. However, I would like you to stop insulting the girls, who splendidly carried out their duties. Even if you are the former captain."

    Velsaria looked down on Ellis, who protested, with her cold piercing eyes.

    "I am a Fahrengart knight, I have never taken back words I have said."

    "You...!"

    "Or, you could try making me yield with brute force, Captain?"

    Velsaria''s thin fingers got hold of Ellis'' chin.

    "...!?"

    Being overwhelmed by her stern gaze, Ellis spontaneously averted her eyes.

    Velsaria shook her head like she was disappointed.

    "Ellis, it was a mistake to entrust you with the Knights."

    "¡ªWait."

    Kamito grasped Velsaria''s arm from the side.

    He thought that he shouldn''t meddle into the Knights'' problems, but¡ª getting Ellis involved was, as expected, something he couldn''t stay silent about.

    "When Jio Inzagi attacked the academy, Ellis rushed over there the fastest and fought. You don''t have the right to condemn Ellis."

    "Ka-Kamito..."

    Ellis widened her eyes in shock.

    "¡ªOh?"

    Velsaria quickly released her hand from Ellis'' chin.

    "You''re the male elementalist, who''s said to have been admitted here with Lady Greyworth''s rmendation, right?"

    "Yes, so what of it?"

    Kamito directly red back at her cold piercing ice blue eyes.

    "The one who captured that assant was you, is that right?"

    "It wasn''t just me. The reason I won was because I fought together with therades of my team."

    "Don''t be modest. I can''t understand why you''re hiding your strength, but¡ª"

    Velsaria''s sharp discernment shot through Kamito.

    (...This person, don''t tell me she knows my true identity?)

    Cold sweat surfaced on Kamito''s forehead.

    ...No, that couldn''t be it. The time he met her was three years ago. Kamito''s current looks should be very different from the time, when he was an innocent boy.

    Velsaria¡ª

    "Your true strength is something I want to test out by all means."

    "...What?"

    Suddenly, one of her hands was raised overhead.

    "...!?"

    At that moment, a tremendous shock was radially released!

    There was a thunderous sound as the whole cathedral shook.

    The girls in the surroundings were blown away by the shock and thrown onto the wall.

    There was a cloud of dust densely hanging over and marble tiles that were cruelly flipped up.

    It was the spirit magic of the earth attribute¡ª considering that its recital time was almost zero, it was of extraordinary power.

    The ones that could avoid the shock¡ª were only Ellis and several upperssmen.

    Kamito covered for Est and had taken the spirit magic t on directly.

    As he had reacted, he didn''t copse but his uniform was worn-out.

    "You, what are you doing...?"

    "Hmm, surprisingly, some remained."

    Velsaria calmly moved her hand to her chin, and looked around in order to re at the girls.

    And then¡ª

    "You and you, and then... you two."

    She nominated the four knights, who were standing without falling, one by one.

    "Esteemed sister, what on earth are you nning?!"

    Enraged, Ellis drew closer to Velsaria.

    "I''m making my selection. The people whom I nominated just now will be admitted into my team."

    "Such a selfish thing¡ª"

    Her selection¡ª was trying to headhunt the members of the Knights, which had few people even during normal circumstances.

    Ellis could not stay silent.

    "I don''t intend to force them. It''s all up to their own will to decide."

    "Wh¡ª?"

    Ellis became taken aback and looked at the four nominated upperssmen.

    The four bewilderedly mutually exchanged nces, but¡ª

    "Y-Yes...!"

    "It''s an honor to be selected into Velsaria-dono''s team!"

    "Please include me by all means."

    "M-Me too!"

    They replied all together unanimously.

    "...!"

    Ellis chewed her lips, seemingly vexed.

    She couldn''t condemn the girls.

    To be admitted into the team of the academy''s strongest elementalist ¡ªranking number one, Velsaria¡ª was almost the same as obtaining a guaranteed ticket into the de Dance.

    That temptation was too great, certainly because they were powerful people.

    Besides, the girls were upperssmen¡ª members of the Knights when Velsaria was captain. In that case, they might be smoldering dissatisfaction from the start at the matter that Ellis was the captain like Kamito imagined just now.

    "..."

    As expected, it was probably awkward, so the girls didn''t try to look at Ellis'' face.

    Velsaria faced toward Kamito.

    "You surprised me¡ª you had the time to cover for your contracted spirit with that distance. How about it, won''t you join my team too. You seem to be able to at least be my outrider."

    "I refuse. I''m with the hell cat girl''s team."

    Kamito red back at Velsaria.

    "Team Scarlet¡ª Cmity Queen''s sister''s team that is currently in sixth ce? Well, that''s fine, if you won''t be my pawn, then I''ll just have to crush you."

    Velsaria averted her line of sight as she lost interest¡ª

    And signaled the girls she headhunted from the Knights with her eyes.

    As she made the cking steel shoe sounds, she left the headquarters building.

    Later¡ª

    The only things that remained were a cruelly up-turned mountain of rubble, plus Ellis and herrades, in a dumbfounded state.

    Part 4

    (No matter what, it doesn''t hurt...)

    Velsaria, who left the Sylphid Knights building, distorted her expression in pain.

    The throbbing was fast. The ''heart'' was pounding like it went crazy.

    (I thought that I had already gotten used to this ''heart'' but¡ª)

    She had not yet reached the point of fully controlling it.

    She couldn''t hold back the destructive impulses that were spurring her on from the depths of her body.

    Or, even her very own consciousness might already have begun to be corroded.

    (However, that''s fine. If it wasn''t like that, it would be meaningless¡ª)

    What was important was the infinite divine power that the ''heart'' brought about with it.

    As long as she had this ''heart''¡ª she could win.

    Against that girl¡ª Ren AshbellThe Strongest de Dancer, who defeated her.

    Suddenly, a dark me lit within Velsaria''s cold eyes.

    (However, that male elementalist¡ª Kazehaya Kamito or so he was called?)

    Those ck pupils that directly red at Velsaria.

    Within those eyes¡ª existed something familiar.

    (They look simr...)

    They were the same eyes as the girl three years ago.

    However, there were parts that were definitely different.

    Kazehaya Kamito turned his hostility-filled gaze at Velsaria.

    (¡ªShe''s different. She wasn''t even looking at me.)

    She thought nothing about Velsaria, who was herpetitor.

    She was looking at something much further away.

    "..."

    ¡ªThe de Dance would start a few weekster.

    Finally, her rematch with her, which was her dearest wish, woulde true.

    "Just wait, Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    As Velsaria felt the throbbing of the raging ''heart'', she ground her mrs.

 Volume 3, 6 - Security of Academy Town

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 6 - Security of Academy Town</h4>

    Part 1

    Members of The Knights formed units of two-men-cells or three-men-cells depending on their abilities.

    For the time being, Kamito, the neer, had formed a unit with Ellis, the Captain.

    Although, rather than Kamito being a neer, this was because not a single girl wanted to form a unit with Kamito.

    The Knights'' work covered a lot of areas, more than Kamito had anticipated.

    There was the mediation of duels of academy students, the exposing of traders smuggling sealed spirits, the safeguarding of spirits gone astray, the negotiations between student organizations, the rescuing of stranded people¡ª The most frequent quest was the subjugation of beasts and rampaging spirits that passed through naturally urring Gates in the Spirit Forest and came intruding from Astral Zero. Receiving a report that arge beast seemed to be rampaging outside the town this time as well, the two of them moved quickly to the scene.

    Mowing down the trees of the forest, arge beast, wearing a gigantic shell, roared.

    It was a beast like a spider cross-bred with a gigantic tortoise.

    "What a prettyrge prey, how big was the Gate that opened?"

    "ording to the Spirit Investigation Association''s announcement, the size of the Gates appearing in the Spirit Forest seem to be getting bigger yearly. The reasons seem to be unknown."

    Ellis nodded with a serious expression, and armed her elemental waffe Ray Hawk.

    It was his first time fighting side by side with Ellis like this but he knew her real ability.

    ire was more skilled in terms of her sense in flexible tactics, but in contrast with her, who would be moody and erratic, Ellis could fight in a steady way. With just the basics and without ying with shortcuts or tricks, she would force one to yield directly from the front. It was indeed an Ellis-like battle style.

    "Now, Kamito!"

    Matching up with Ellis attacking from the sky, Kamito plunged close towards the beast.

    The shell creature''s vital point was its soft abdomen. That''s the same even for a beast.

    Kamito kicked the ground with the elemental waffe sword in his hand.

    At that moment, the beast''s abdomen split vertically.

    Appearing from its stomach was the head of a giant snake. Widely opening its mouth with sharp fangs, it swooped down at Kamito. The snake wriggling on the ground rolled up arge amount of sand and dirt.

    "...What an absurd living thing, this beast is."

    As Kamito dodged the beast''s violent attack, he clicked his tongue.

    d in the divine protection of her wind spirit and flying up in midair, Ellis released the des of wind.

    However, as if some magic effect was running¡ª the des were repelled by its hard shell.

    *Don*. Ellisnded next to Kamito.

    "What a nuisance, that shell seems to be strengthened by spirit magic of the resistance attribute."

    "Spirit magic? Who on earth¡ª"

    "There is the possibility that this beast didn''te from a naturally urring Gate and was summoned by somebody. In addition to the chaotic Valentia Holy Festival, they caused a disturbance outside of Academy Town and are probably trying to distract the Knights'' attention."

    Hearing this, Kamito got it.

    "It''s the Cursed Armament Seal smugglers who had infiltrated into Academy Town, right?"

    "There''s the possibility."

    Ellis nodded with a stern expression.

    The beast mowed down the trees of the forest and roared like it went mad.

    With Ray Hawk in her hand, Ellis took a stance for an attack.

    "Kamito, we''ll do a coordinated attack. Let''s bring it down in the next attack."

    "Ah, I got it."

    The striking-like attack of the beast came.

    Ellis recited the flying spirit magic at high speed, grabbed Kamito''s arm and flew up.

    Upon flying up right above the beast, she quickly released her hand holding Kamito.

    "Let''s go Est!"

    Responding to Kamito''s shout, the elemental waffe ¡ªTerminus Est¡ª shone dazzlingly.

    It was a nose dive attack from the sky. A technique that was Ellis'' specialty.

    Along with the force of falling, the silver sword pierced into the shell.

    *Crack*¡ª A dry sound was heard, and a crack had opened, traversing across the beast''s hard shell.

    Immediately after.

    "Haaaaa!"

    Ellis, who continued on and nosed dived, aimed at the crack that had appeared on its shell and thrust in her Ray Hawk!

    "¡ªGo and rampage, evil winds!"

    At the moment she shouted the words of releasing.

    Therge frame of the beast greatly sprung up in a jolt, and it let out a roar of agony upon its imminent death and became silent.

    The violent winds raging inside its body had sliced and ripped its internal organs into pieces.

    "For our first time, it was a coordination of precise timing."

    Kamito pulled out Est, that was pierced into the shell, as he said that.

    "Ahh, I may have a goodpatibility with you... th-this is only as far as battles are concerned!"

    Ellis swiftly turned red and turned away abruptly.

    Part 2

    Even after the extermination of the beast in the Spirit Forest, the two of them were led around by incidents unexpectedly happening one by one.

    Since there were many students out in town, due to the academy lectures being cancelled, trouble wouldn''t seem to cease more than usual.

    The part, where the number of Knights members decreased due to the headhunting this morning, also spurred on the business.

    Time flew by while they were settling the unexpected incidents, and soon it was afternoon.

    The Valentia Holy Festival began from the afternoon onwards.

    As the mayor''s speech seemed to be on the za''s side, the townspeople''s feet had been naturally going towards that direction.

    "How dreadful, the Knights'' work is."

    As Kamito surveyed the state of the street springing with excitement in the preparation of the festival, he muttered.

    "Still , it was special this morning. Besides, the part where the upperssmen knights were headhunted, hurt. I''ve caused trouble for you right from your first day, I''m sorry."

    Ellis dropped her shoulders, feeling dejected, and sighed.

    She seemed to be depressed because of this morning''s incident.

    "Ellis, it''s not that that was your fault, you know?"

    "No, the fact that I couldn''t restrain them is my responsibility."

    Ellis slowly shook her head.

    "Those four upperssmen were Knights members from the time when my esteemed sister was the captain. Most of the upperssmen had resigned the moment I was selected to be the captain. Only they had remained so far, but¡ª they ran out of patience with me, whocks the ability as the captain."

    "Ellis..."

    "That reminds me, it was just a few weeks ago when you came here."

    Ellis gave a talk about the Sylphid Knights from a year ago to Kamito.

    The Sylphid Knights, when Velsaria was the captain, operated with iron rules and seemed to be an even-stronger organization aspared to now. They had the perfect efficient doctrine. The people, who vited even the group''s rules, were punished right on the spot, and the academy students, who caused problems, were mercilessly beaten up with the armed power of the Knights.

    Naturally, the academy rules seemed to have been kept well.

    However, Velsaria''s severe methods invited opposition from the academy students, who were highly-prideful noble girls, and before long, she had to step down from her position as captain.

    Although she was the eldest daughter of the prestigious Fahrengart Duke Family, it might, after all, be the fact that she was no more than an adopted child of a lower ss noble, or probably the cause of stirring animosity with the nobles, who honored their pedigree.

    The one, who was elected to be that girl''s sessor, was Ellis of the same Fahrengart Family.

    "In the past, my esteemed sister was a splendid knight, whom I admired."

    Ellis strongly bit her lips.

    "She was a strict cold person, but she wasn''t a person who would crush everything with power that way. Her current self is no longer the knight I aim to be."

    Kamito remembered the spirit crystal he saw in Ellis'' room yesterday.

    The Velsaria in Ellis'' memory had apletely different atmosphere as hers from this morning.

    He felt it when he confronted her, that intimidating air that''s even ominous.

    (What on earth changed her like that?¡ª)

    Then, at that moment.

    *Gyururu*.

    There was the rumbling sound of a stomach..

    "Ellis?"

    "I-It isn''t me!?"

    Ellis turned bright red and denied.

    Kamito made a wry smile.

    "It''s because we''ve been working since morning. The truth is that I''m also starving. Since it''s almost time to change shifts, shall we have lunch or something?"

    "Gu... E-Even though I''m saying that''s not it."

    Ignoring Ellis, who puffed out her cheeks, Kamito looked around his surroundings.

    As there was the Valentia Holy Festival, there were many confection stores, but there were also plenty of street stalls selling other food. There was fried bread covered with sugar, a certain cuisine ¡ªwrapped in pie dough with vegetables and minced meat and baked¡ª and grilled meat on skewers....Even if Ellis'' hadn''t, his stomach would have probably rumbled.

    "Are you going to buy something at the stall? Or, are you going into a restaurant somewhere?"

    "Mm, no, err..."

    Thereupon, Ellis suddenly began to fidget for some reason.

    "T-The truth is... I''ve made something though."

    "Uh?"

    Then, out of nowhere, a demon wind spirit in the form of an eagle came flying over.

    It was Ellis'' Simorghdemon wind spirit. It was holding onto arge basket in its ws.

    "As expected."

    Kamito was impressed.

    To even make a bento herself, she was truly a capable youngdy.

    "Well then, I''m going to buy something at the stall."

    "W-Wa-Wa-Wait!"

    Ellis caught hold of Kamito''s neck as he was about to walk off.

    "Wh-What?"

    "Th-There''s also your share..."

    "Eh?"

    "S-So, I''m saying that I also made your share!"

    "My share?"

    "Y-Yeah, because whether I make one or two, the time taken doesn''t change that much. D-Don''t misunderstand, I only made it because it would be wasteful to have ingredients left over!"

    "I thank you for that. Ellis'' bento is something I could look forward to."

    "Mu[1], if you look forward to it that much, I''ll feel troubled."

    "Ahem", Ellis'' cheeks reddened as she coughed.

    "Well then, shall we find some ce we can settle down somewhere¡ª"

    Ellis looked around the vicinity, and¡ª

    "Ah, Captain, there you are, shall we have lunch together?"

    "Wh¡ª!?"

    While waving their hands on the opposite side of the road, a group of three girls came running over with the sound of their light footsteps.

    All of them were Sylphid Knight members, who put on lightweight armor on top of their uniforms.

    "Y-You girls, what about your patrol of the town?!"

    "It''s currently the time for the Ryuska-unit to be responsible for the patrol. After that, I had thought of having lunch with everyone. Captain, how about having it together with us?"

    "Err, I have a priormitment with Kamito¡ª"

    "Ah, how sly. Captain, you''re nning to take hold of Kamito all by yourself!"

    "Abuse of authority¡ª"

    "Captain, you perv!"

    The three girls criticized Ellis simultaneously.

    "I''m not taking hold of Kamito all by myself or something!"

    Ellis turned bright red and red up.

    "Isn''t that fine? You know, I couldn''t do a self-introduction properly this morning, after all."

    "Th-That was so, but, however..."

    Ellis sighed, and¡ª

    "...I understand. Well then, let''s have lunch with everyone."

    "Mu", she red at Kamito with a reproachful-like look and nodded.

    Part 3

    Just like that, they ended up having lunch at a nearby park.

    It was a lushly-green natural park near the za.

    Within the busy town it was only quiet here, because of the Valentia Holy Festival preparations.

    The Knights girls sat on top of thewn, and opened their lunch boxes.

    The three of theirs were sandwiches, but only Ellis'' was different.

    "Oh? That''s amazingly extravagant."

    "...I-Is that so? B-But it''s nothing special, it''s the same as usual."

    Kamito raised his voice in admiration, and Ellis looked downwards as she was a little embarrassed.

    There were potato-sd sandwiches, sausages, fried eggs, fruits that were cut into perfectly shaped sizes and more ced inside the slightlyrge lunch box.

    "Lies, you usually only have peanut butter sandwiches, and yet¡ª"

    "The apples are also cut nicely into the shape of Mr. Rabbits!"

    "The sausages are also made into Mr. Octopuses!"

    Being red at motionlessly with scornful eyes by the three girls, Ellis ended up being overwhelmed.

    "Y-You girls too¡ª"

    Dodging the question, she faced the three and thrust her index finger out sternly.

    "Despite being afraid of Kamito this morning, what on earth is with this turn of events?"

    "..."

    As a matter of fact, that was also bothering Kamito.

    The reputation Kamito had from being a male elementalist in an academy of boxed-in youngdies was extremely bad. There were things like pervert, licentious beast, Demon King of the Night... Cruel misunderstandings were being made.

    Furthermore, although there were circumstances, he had even seen the girls changing clothes this morning.

    His first impression was supposed to be the worst.

    The three of them mutually looked at each other''s faces, and made a bewildered-like face.

    "U-Um... Honestly, I''m still a little afraid."

    "When I saw Captain talking normally to him, I thought he isn''t such a bad person or something."

    "Besides, he opposed that Velsaria head-on, how amazing."

    The three of them ced both hands on their cheeks, and their faces slightly reddened for some reason.

    Ellis slightly and sullenly pulled her lips back and pouted at such an appearance from the three of them.

    "It''s nothing, I just didn''t like her."

    Kamito agilely picked up a sandwich made by Ellis.

    It was a ham-and-egg sandwich. The pepper was working, and it had a simple yet very pleasant seasoning.

    "Delicious. To be able to make such a simple thing delicious is proof of your excellent skills."

    "R-Really?...That''s great."

    Ellis took a breath of relief.

    "D-Don''t hold back, eat up!"

    "Ah, well then, I shan''t hold back¡ª"

    Kamito was about to toss the sandwich into his mouth, and at that moment.

    *Nom*.

    The sandwich in his hand suddenly disappeared.

    *Nom nom*.

    "...Est, what are you doing?"

    Est had returned to her human form from the sword and was beside him.

    "Kamito, I''m also hungry. Feed me please."

    "...It can''t be helped,e on."

    Kamito made a wry smile as he reached out to the sandwich.

    He tore it into small pieces so that it''d be easy to eat, and threw it into Est''s mouth.

    *Nom nom*.

    Chewing the bread expressionlessly, Est was almost like a small animal.

    "Uh, Kamito, Th-That''s the sandwiches I made for you, you know."

    Ellis puffed her cheeks out with a "hmph".

    "Ah, Est-chan is cute¡«"

    "I also want to feed her!"

    "Eat my sandwich, eat my sandwich too!"

    The three Knights girls presented Est with food one after another.

    *Nom*. *Nom nom*.

    "As I thought she''s a great one revered by humans."

    "...No, she''spletely being fed like an animal, you know?"

    "Fua..."

    Soon, Est made a lovely yawn, and threw herself onto Kamito''sp.

    When he thought that she would instantly be making sweet sleeping-breaths¡ª

    Her body turned into particles of light, vanished into an empty space and returned back into her original sword form.

    "Ah, she turned back into a sword..."

    One of the girls muttered, seemingly disappointed.

    "She ate all she could eat and went to sleep."

    As Kamito ced Est back into the sword belt on his waist, he shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.

    Est, who was detached from her Astral Zero body, was different from other contracted spirits, normally she would be spending almost the whole day in a sleeping state. Once she fell into this state, she pretty much wouldn''t wake up.

    After that, he ate the sandwiches as the time passed quietly.

    The topics, which were brought up, were about the endless lectures and the books they read recently.

    The Knights girls seemed tense about talking to Kamito but, a short whileter, they had gradually opened their hearts....However, Ellis was making a face like she was not amused for some reason.

    (Nevertheless¡ª)

    There was something Kamito suddenly noticed while the girls were talking.

    "Even though you''re in the Knights, all of you are normal girls?"

    "Fue~?"

    The three of them had their faces slightly reddened at the same time.

    "Erm... N-Normal girls? Wh-What...do...you...mean?"

    "Err, I certainly thought that you all would be like Ellis."

    "Kamito, what do you mean by that?"

    Ellis was sullenly ring at him.

    "Err, more strict, or rather, capable or something¡ª"

    "It was like that before. People like us would be discharged after all."

    One of the three girls muttered.

    "Yeah, it was the time when Velsaria was captain."

    "She suppressed everything with power, honestly, the atmosphere in the academy wasn''t good."

    The other two also nodded their heads together. As they were members that joined after Ellis was inaugurated as captain, they seemed to be dissatisfied with former captain Velsaria''s way of doing things.

    "Was there no one, who would oppose Velsaria?"

    The ones attending the academy were mostly highly-prideful daughters of nobles.

    If they were suppressed by power like that, there should also be many people opposing her.

    "¡ªOf course, there were. Several people too."

    Ellis cut into the conversation.

    "However, even the most superior ss upperssman wasn''t a threat to her. In the end, the reason that my esteemed sister stepped down from the duty of captain was because of the pressure from influential nobles."

    "The ones, who rebelled against Velsaria to the very end were roughly those from the Raven ss. Especially hell cat ire Rouge, even the Knights at that time seemed to have gotten their hands burnt."

    "Well, but ire Rouge is still a problem child now."

    "...I see."

    The confrontation between ire and the Knights seemed to be something from the time before Ellis was inaugurated as captain.

    Suddenly, ire''s face from yesterday came into Kamito''s mind.

    (...Is she still angry?)

    Listening to the current conversation, Kamito also reconsidered that his exnation wasn''t sufficient.

    Since there was such a discord, it was also natural that she got angry after hearing that Kamito joined the Knights.

    The truth was that he thought of looking into her room in the morning, but he was so extremely busy with the Knights work that he couldn''t meet her.

    ¡ªJust at that moment.

    "Hn?"

    Something passed by near his field of vision.

    Kamito blinked and squinted.

    It was the main street of town that could be seen from the park.

    A small red tail was in sight among the teeming hustle and bustle.

    (...Is that Scarlet?)

    Scarlet was skillfully making its way through the congestion, as it seemed to be walking to somewhere.

    ire wasn''t seen beside it.

    (What is it doing?)

    Then, like it noticed Kamito''s gaze¡ª

    Scarlet instantly stopped and turned around towards him.

    After that, it immediately disappeared into the congestion.

    (...Is it telling me to follow it?)

    "What''s the matter, Kamito?"

    "Sorry, I remembered that I''ve got a slight errand to do. I''lle back quickly."

    Chasing after Scarlet''s tail, which disappeared among the hustle and bustle, Kamito ran off.

    Part 4

    "Come on, Scarlet, where the heck did you go?!"

    ire ruffled up her red twintails, and was furiously angry.

    The moment they walked into town, she ended up separated from Scarlet, and before she knew it, she got lost in some back alley.

    ire, who usually didn''t go out to Academy Town, was virtually unfamiliar with the area. Also, Scarlet didn''t seem to have returned to Astral Zero, so she couldn''t even summon it.

    There were no signs of people in the back alley. The Valentia Holy Festival seemed to be beginning over at the za, everyone had been gathering over there.

    "...What''s with this, aaah."

    ire restlessly looked around her surroundings, seemingly in anxiety.

    Of course, hoodlums and the like were no match for ire, an elementalist. Nevertheless, she somehow ended up feeling uneasy.

    "...That guy too, hepletely didn''t return!"

    ire irritably made a *snap* sound with her whip.

    To begin with, the reason ire had gone out to town was for the sake of finding Kamito.

    She had waited throughout the whole night yesterday, but Kamito didn''t return in the end.

    "What...? Despite the fact that I''d have forgiven you if you''d have honestly apologized."

    ire had also reflected a little about the part where she chased Kamito out without hearing his story out fully.

    She absolutely couldn''t forgive him for being in Ellis'' room, but still, without saying cinders, she had nned on letting it end with him being about half-burnt at most.

    (...Only for once, only once, I''ll forgive him for swinging his tail at Ellis, despite his ve spirit social standing. I''m really tolerant, almost like a saint.)

    Brushing her twintailed red hair quickly, ire took out a small pouch from her uniform''s pocket. It was a lovely pouch coiled with a yellow ribbon.

    Inside were handmade choctes.

    Due to practicing over several times, she finally could make something that wasn''t cinders.

    "I-If he obediently apologized, I''d give him this as a reward. This is at most a reward. It has nothing to do with stuff like the Valentia Holy Festival."

    ire was muttering alone, when¡ª

    "Nyaa?"

    "Hiwaa!"

    ire sprung up with shock.

    When she turned around in a fluster, Scarlet had tilted its head to the side near her feet.

    "A-Ahh, don''t scare me!...Good grief, you got lost as soon as we got here."

    The one, who had been lost, was ire, but she didn''t admit that.

    At that time, running footsteps were drawing closer from the other side of the alley.

    "ire!"

    "...?"

    ire turned around, and the one that appeared from the corner of the alley was Kamito.

    He was very out of breath, like he has been running for some time.

    "Ka-Kamito! Why¡ª"

    "I caught sight of Scarlet''s silhouette, and chased it here."

    "Eh?"

    (D-Does that mean he came looking for me?)

    ire made an angry-like, troubled-like, happy-like ambiguous face.

    For the time being, as they were still in the middle of a quarrel, she didn''t know what kind of expression she should be making.

    (Th-That''s right, I can''t be making a sweet face here!)

    The highly-prideful ire had absolutely no intention of forgiving him until an apology came from Kamito. For the master to be apologizing to the ve was something that could absolutely not happen.

    "Hmm, w-what did youe for at this point in time?!"

    "You too, what are you doing at a ce like this?"

    Kamito asked, seemingly puzzled.

    "...I-It''s nothing, it isn''t like I was searching for you."

    "Ahh, I definitely understand that, but¡ª"

    "Doesn''t that mean you don''t understand?!"

    ire agitatedly raised her whip up¡ª Then, she suddenly desisted from doing so.

    If she swung her whip here, it''d end up the same as yesterday.

    "...W-Well, that''s fine."

    ire lowered the whip she raised, and roughly brushed her hair.

    Kamito was carrying a nk look.

    "Hey, Kamito? Just by chance, I''m casually free this afternoon."

    "...? Is that so?"

    "That''s right. S-So, err, treat me to cake or something at a coffee lounge or somewhere! Th-Then, I''ll have... no... choice but to forgive you, you know?"

    Her cheeks slightly reddened, and she nced at Kamito with one eye.

    Those words just now were the greatestpromise for this highly-prideful ire.

    It wasn''t like she wanted to be treated to cake. For ire, it was her n to give him an easy pretext to apologize.

    Kamito would say "What, it can''t be helped" as he treated her to cake, and ire would go "Hmm, I''ll forgive you in consideration of this cake" while shrugging her shoulders¡ª Just like that, she thought she could patch up their rtionship with a bit-by-bit-like atmosphere.

    (It''s probably toote, but tentatively, he dide to apologize. I''m also not a kid, so I''ll leniently forgive him.)

    "Sorry, I have to police Academy Town with Ellis today."

    "Oh, I understand. With Ellis...?"

    ire''s face froze in a snap.

    "H-Hey, Kamito... I didn''t hear it well, but... what was that just now?"

    "I said, I have Knights work. I am going around and policing the town with Ellis."

    Kamito inly said it once more.

    "..."

    "Hey, ire?"

    "O-Oh? With Ellis...it''s a date, I-Isn''t it."

    ire''s voice was trembling all over.

    "No, it isn''t a date, it''s Knights¡ª"

    "Oh, you''ve already be the Knights'' dog, haven''t you? That badge suits you, doesn''t it?"

    *Gogogogogogogogo...!*

    "...!?"

    ire was angry.

    Her red twintailed hair bristled up, and she was with an impulse like she was going to release a fireball anytime soon.

    "You, just hear me out a little. You don''t have to look at the Knights with that much hostility, do you?"

    "W-What, don''t say it like you understand!"

    ire red up, and raised her whip.

    *Gyruruu*.

    "..."

    A somewhat lovely sound was heard.

    While ire held her whip overhead, she awkwardly averted her eyes.

    "You, could it be that you haven''t had lunch yet?"

    "What, isn''t that because you didn''t make it for me¡ª?"

    "The one who chased me out was you."

    "That''s... true, but..."

    ire red at Kamito, and groaned.

    "ire, if it''s alright with you, would you eat with me?"

    "Eh?"

    ire widened her ruby eyes.

    "...Th-That''s... well..."

    Her face reddened, and abruptly turned away.

    "I-If you insisted no matter what, I''m fine with that."

    "Well then,e. I am eating together with Ellis and the others at the park over there."

    "...!?"

    *Pikuu*. ire''s temple twitched.

    "Wh-What are you saying, you... Are you an idiot?!"

    "I understand that you''re on poor rtions with the Knights, but they''re all normal girls. If you had a meal together with them, wouldn''t you be on good terms with them?"

    "I have no intentions of being friends with them. I''ve hated the people from the Knights since a long time ago. I don''t care if they''re elite or not, but they utterly insulted Nee-sama!"

    "Isn''t that about the former Knights, Ellis isn''t someone like that¡ª"

    "...What, Ellis this, Ellis that!"

    ire finally exploded. She was already at the limit of her tolerance.

    Releasing her elemental waffe, she tightly grasped her zing metounge.

    ...She didn''t understand why.

    However, it was unbearably vexing that Kamito was friendly with the Knights and Ellis.

    "You are my ve spirit, so you''re only mine!"

    Her metounge was swung down as her emotions told.

    However.

    "¡ªLeave it at that, ire Rouge."

    "...!?"

    Her zing metounge was held entangled by ance d in violent winds.

    "It''s a vition of school rules for a normal student to be using an elemental waffe in town."

    "Ellis!?"

    Ellis, who stood like she was protecting Kamito, was ring at ire with a relentless look.

    "...!"

    ire gnawed down on her mrs, seemingly vexed.

    Large droplets of tears surfaced on her clear ruby pupils.

    "...Enough."

    "Eh?"

    "That''s enough, idiot, do as you please!"

    "H-Hey, ire... Guaa!"

    ire threw the bag of choctes with all her strength at Kamito''s face.

    "I despise people like you! Wh-Why don''t you just get along with Ellis¡ª"

    ire shouted with a voice mangled with tears and ran away immediately.

    Part 5

    "¡ªHey, wasn''t that ire Rouge just now?"

    The upperssmen witnessed ire''s appearance of dashing out from the alley.

    They were the adamantine elementalist and the demon mirror elementalist, who fought ire''s team yesterday.

    The two of them red annoyingly at ire, who was running away.

    "...She''s alone now. We''re also outside of the academy, where it''s beyond the eyes of the teachers."

    The adamantine elementalist girl exchanged looks, and

    "It''s useless. Look! That male elementalist and Captain-dono are around."

    It was just the moment when Kamito and Ellis emerged, chasing ire.

    "Tch, that male elementalist joined the Knights, didn''t he?"

    "Isn''t it that they''re shorthanded because of the assault the other day? Compared to Velsaria''s time, the quality of the Sylphid Knights had also fallen greatly."

    The two of them were former members of the Knights.

    Their confrontational rtionship with that audacious ire Rogue also stemmed from that period.

    That said, their conductcked integrity to begin with. For example, they persistently misused and abused their authority as Knights to torment weaker students. After Ellis became captain, she had expelled these two from the Knights.

    "However, if it''s just three underssmen, we could¡ª"

    "You better give it a rest. Even you two would be no match even if you join forces."

    "...!?"

    The two of them quickly poised themselves at the voice from behind.

    The one, who was standing there without even her presence felt by the two elementalists, was¡ª

    A jade-green haired, bewitchingly beautiful girl.

    "Hey, you two, don''t you desire for more splendid power?"

    "Wh...at...?"

    "Mighty power, to the extent that that hell cat girl wouldn''t be a problem."

    MurdersCorpse Federation merchant, Vivian Melosa''s red pupils ominously shone.

    References and Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü A sound made when someone is slightly annoyed.

 Volume 3, 7 - Valentia Holy Festival

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 7 - Valentia Holy Festival</h4>

    Part 1

    It was evening. The za of Academy Town was bustling with crowds of people.

    Sweet smells tickled his nostrils. At the shrine, delicious-looking baked sweets were piled up like a mountain and princess maidens dispatched from the academy were showcasing a de dance that entertained the spirits.

    "However, where did that girl go?"

    As his gaze fell towards the chocte that ire had thrown aside¡ª

    Kamito breathed a sigh, exasperated.

    Together with Ellis and the other two, they had given chase after ire. But halfway through, the time for the change of patrols came and they had to give up. With that, they started their rounds around the Wind area.

    "....."

    Ellis, walking right beside him with aplicated expression, stared at the chocte that Kamito was carrying.

    "What is it, Ellis?"

    "N-No, it''s nothing.... It looks like there''s no problem in this area."

    Ellis coughed, and looked away.

    Indeed, there did not seem to be any signs of suspicious activity in this area.

    Although there might have been brawls between drunkards and pickpockets, those kinds of troubles were left for the town''s vignte corps to deal with. Rather, what Kamito and the others needed to look out for were the matters that the townspeople, who were not used to interaction with spirits, incurred the anger of the spirits unknowingly.

    During the rituals of worshiping the spirits, those kinds of incidents urred frequently.

    "This is almost like.... a da-date."

    "Hm, did you say something?"

    "Nothing at all, concentrate more on patrolling!"

    Ellis'' face was flushed a deep red as she got angry.

    "So-Sorry...."

    Kamito apologized.

    (.....Wait a second, isn''t Ellis the one who isn''t concentrating?)

    Since awhile ago Ellis, who was not able to calm down, was stealing nces at Kamito''s face from the side now and then.

    Somehow, her manner of walking seemed unsteady and uncertain.

    Their shouldersing so close together that he was not sure whether they were touching, and then her screaming "Fuwaa", once again moving away from him ¡ª that kind of thing was repeated over and over.

    Because of that, they bumped into the people that they passed by, many times.

    "Ellis, walking like that is dangerous."

    Unable to watch any longer, Kamito grabbed Ellis'' hand,

    "......W-W-What are you doing, you insolent person!"

    "No, since a while ago, you were somewhat unsteady, and it got dangerous... Your hand is also a little hot. Would you happen to have a fever or something?"

    "...¡«Wh-Whose fault do you think it is?!"

    As Ellis'' hand was joined with Kamito''s, she hit his shoulder.

    "I''ll have you bear responsibility for taking my first time!"

    "Wh...!?"

    At those words of Ellis, whose face was colored in bright red,¡ª

    The people, going back and forth on the street, turned around with their faces lighted up.

    They red at Kamito with a scornful-like look and murmured in a soft voice together.

    "Ellis, don''t utter something that would invite misunderstandings!"

    "I-It isn''t a misunderstanding! Really, I-it''s my first time joining hands with a man!"

    "...!?"

    That was it¡ª Kamito suddenly understood.

    Thinking about it, Ellis was also a youngdy with a prestigious noble background.

    Now that he thought about it, ire and the others seemed like they were hesitating about joining hands with him when they were departing yesterday. To them who were the daughters of nobles, joining hands with a boy might be an act more embarrassing than he imagined.

    "...Sorry. My bad."

    Just as Kamito was about to release her hand¡ª

    "Ah, no, I don''t mind, and I didn''t mean to scare you."

    As Ellis embarrassedly looked away, she tightly squeezed his hand back.

    It was the soft feeling of a girl''s hands. The reason hard calluses were formed here-and-there was surely the proof that she seriously practiced her martial arts.

    Just like that, Ellis walked on stiffly like a spring-action toy.

    "I-It''s... a guy''s hand"

    "Of course, it is."

    Upon hearing Kamito''s reply, Ellis giggled, seemingly happy, for some reason.

    He was instantly startled by that facial expression of the usually dignified Ellis.

    "It''s more embarrassing than I thought... to hold hands."

    "Ahh, that is true."

    Scratching his cheek with one hand, Kamito vaguely nodded.

    To be honest, he was a little absent-minded.

    From a moment ago, Ellis''rge breasts were pressing on his arm.

    Although, he didn''t directly touch them because her Knights breastte was there, the sensation of their sticity was being transmitted whether he liked it or not. The reason his eyes unconsciously moved to her willful body beneath her armor was something that couldn''t be helped for a boy in puberty.

    (W-With such a stiff personality, her body sure is soft...)

    With his heart beating hard and full of excitement, the two walked down the main street filled with the hustle-and-bustle of the festival for a while.

    The beautiful stone-made street was lit up by the illumination of the spirit crystals.

    Pointing at the soft-toy bear ornamented at the disy window, Ellis'' eyes had sparkled, and she was gazing at a gorgeous party dress in front of a clothing shop.

    When Kamito brought up yesterday''s maid''s outfit incident to tease her, her face turned bright red as she red up.

    "Hmph! After all, I''m not suited for those sort of beautiful clothing!"

    "There''s no such thing. Ellis in her usual knight clothing is also attractive but I also want to see Ellis wearing clothes like these."

    "...What-What are you talking about?"

    Pouting her lips, Ellis bashfully looked downwards.

    Those actions were not of the usually dignified knight, they seemed to be those of an ordinary girl.

    Looking at her like that¡ª¡ª

    Kamito suddenly had something he wanted to try asking.

    "Hey, Ellis, why did you n on bing a knight?"

    While she was the daughter of the top military families, the Fahrengart family, he had felt that her obsession towards the way of life of a knight wasn''t just because of that reason.

    "......"

    Ellis slowly turned her face toward him.

    "At first, it was because of the admiration towards my esteemed sister."

    "That Velsaria Eva?"

    "That''s right. My esteemed sister was a splendid knight. She was a person who was disciplined with herself, hated injustice, was earnestly polishing her sword skills, and was always aiming for a way of life like attaining the objectives of the people."

    As if gazing at somewhere far away, she looked up at the sky that was dyed by the faint sunset.

    "From when I was a child, I had always been thinking of wanting to be a knight like my esteemed sister. As the sessor of the Fahrengart family, I want to be a spirit knight that protects many people. So, when I joined the academy, I immediately made an application to the Sylphid Knights that she was serving as Captain of."

    Suddenly, Ellis''s reddish-brown pupils darkened.

    However¡ª She continued.

    "When I joined the academy, my esteemed sister had already changed. As if she was spurred on by something, she had turned into someone merely pursuing power. Of course, I can''t say that way of life is absolutely wrong. Pursuing for superior power is also the proper way of life as an elementalist. However, at the very least, that person now isn''t the knight I admired."

    "What had changed her like that?"

    Kamito asked¡ª

    Ellis tightly bit her lips,

    "It''s probably the match with Ren Ashbell three years ago."

    "...!?"

    Without thinking, Kamito had raised his voice.

    "I''m also not sure what happened. However, with that match, it is a fact that my esteemed sister had changed."

    "..."

    Kamito dropped his sight onto his left hand tucked into a leather glove.

    The spirit seal, which tied him with his former contracted spirit, was engraved over there.

    It was the left hand that defeated Velsaria and won through the de Dance three years ago.

    It was the left hand that had cut down many Wishes for the sake of victory.

    (¡ªThe me three years ago had not been looking at anything.)

    He was just merely fighting for her sake.

    He had earnestly umted victories and brought down many opponents with a pure heart.

    There were practically no opponents whose faces he remembered. At that time, he didn''t have the leisure of thinking about things like what kind of thoughts the opponents defeated by Ren Ashbell had when participating in the de Dance

    He recalled Velsaria Eva''s icy-like pupils.

    (...Was it me who changed Ellis'' respected knight?)

    Ellis dropped her line of sight from the madder-red sky, and turned towards Kamito.

    Her reddish-brown pupils harbored strong will.

    "I want to show my esteemed sister it, the way of the knight I believe in. Although I am still inexperienced now, I am thinking of wanting to seize the thing that lies beyond power someday. For that reason, I''m participating in the de Dance."

    For the sake of the way of the knight I believe in¡ª

    Ellis, who said that in a dignified manner, was dazzling to Kamito.

    "Ellis, don''t you hate Ren Ashbell?"

    Kamito had inquired spontaneously.

    If the asion that changed Velsaria was assumed to be the match from three years ago¡ª

    It couldn''t be helped that she was hated by Ellis¡ª So, he thought.

    However, Ellis lightly shook her head.

    "Of course, I also had resented her when my esteemed sister was defeated. However, while looking at Ren Ashbell winning and winning, I noticed that I was getting captivated by her."

    "I don''t get it. She should be simr to the other elementalists, merely dancing a de dance for the Wish. It''s not like she has a splendid goal like Ellis¡ª"

    "Wrong"

    Ellis interrupted with a harsh voice.

    "...?"

    "Her de dance was a de dance more noble than anyone''s. If that was not the case, it would be impossible for her to satisfy the Elemental Lords, and above all, why do you think the girls, who were watching her at that venue, are now still attracted to her?"

    "..."

    Kamito spontaneously gulped at the threatening look of Ellis who was like scolding him harshly.

    "It was precisely because the appearance of her dancing the de dance was noble that I was charmed and attracted to her. Surely, she wasn''t swinging her sword for herself¡ª but for someone."

    "For someone..."

    Kamito¡ª

    Stared motionlessly at his left hand that exchanged a contract with the darkness spirit girl.

    He felt like he was saved a little with Ellis'' words.

    For someone¡ª That was correct. The reason Kamito participated the de Dance was for her.

    Losing himself, he swung his sword for the sake of granting her one and only desired Wish.

    Even if, for example, that result was something disgusting.

    Performing a de dance for his precious her¡ª at least that was certain.

    The girl in front of him had said so.

    "Ellis, thank you."

    "...? What is this about?"

    Ellis frowned suspiciously.

    "No, nothing."

    Kamitoughed bitterly as he looked away from Ellis.

    ¡ªThen, his gaze stopped at one store.

    "Ellis, could you apany me to buy a little something?"

    "W-We''re on duty, you know."

    "I have decided on what to buy. It shouldn''t take more than a minute."

    "...It can''t be helped. What are you buying?"

    "Um, something..."

    As Kamito scratched the back of his ear, he walked towards the store.

    Part 2

    ire was walking through the Spirit Forest on the outskirts with a dejected expression.

    The lively noise from the za far away could be heard.

    The day was almost over, but it was somewhat vexing for her to return just like that and she also felt that she didn''t want to meet Fianna and Rinslet.

    "...Euph! What''s with the work of the Knights? D-Despite that I was nning to forgive him."

    ire rubbed her eyes briskly with her uniform sleeves.

    The cold evening wind blew her red twintailed hair like it was making fun of her.

    ire bit her lips tightly and dropped her sight onto her leather loafers.

    *Potaa*[1] A drop of tear spilled over and fell.

    "...It''s my birthday and yet..."

    Upon voicing it out, she suddenly became unbearably lonely.

    Every year, both her parents, her sister and the locals would gather in great numbers in their castle and a grand birthday party would be held. She would wear a beautiful dress, the table would be fully lined up with her favorite cakes and feasts, and she would be sleeping in a warm bed together with her sister, who would return from the Divine Ritual Institute only on that day¡ª that would be the most enjoyable day of the year.

    However, four years ago¡ª on that day when her sister Rubia Elstein betrayed the Elemental Lord of Fire.

    Young ire lost everything.

    (...That''s right, I still have my goals.)

    Shaking off her sentiments, ire sharply raised her face from the ground.

    It was not the time to be having fun with such things like her birthday or the Valentia Holy Festival.

    (My goals are to win through the de Dance and know the truth of four years ago. For that objective, I have to be even stronger¡ª)

    Her red twintailed hair bristled up like mes.

    (Even if someone like Kamito isn''t there, I''ll¡ª)

    "Fufu, you seem to be harboring a lot of stress, Miss Hell Cat."

    "...!?"

    Towards the voice from behind¡ª

    ire quickly turned around.

    A girl was giggling as she was standing at the opposite of the grove of trees.

    She had jade-green hair that grew till her waist and ears with sharp tips.

    She had recollections of her.

    She was the waitress, who came carrying the gigantic parfait, at the restaurant yesterday.

    (When did she get close?!)

    ire got cautious and readied herself. To approach ire, an elementalist, without being noticed, she couldn''t be a normal person.

    Her intuition was telling her that thisdy was dangerous.

    "Who... are you? I am sorry but I am now in a terribly bad mood."

    "Ah, what a cute face you''re making, what a very scary cat."

    Vivian Melosa swung both her hands to show her.

    "Despite that I took great pains on nning to lend you power."

    "...Power?"

    ire''s eyebrows twitched.

    "Yes, it''s the thing that you now desire the most."

    "You... could you be...?"

    re red at thedy before her.

    "The Cursed Armament Seal smuggler!"

    "Correct! However, to be more urate, it would be researcher, you know?"

    As Vivian Melosa was swinging her index finger, she was slowly walking towards her.

    Her red ringly shiny pupils were peering motionlessly into ire''s eyes.

    It was like she saw through till the innermost depths of her heart.

    "¡ªHmm, kitty, don''t you want that splendid power?"

    Her words roaringly reverberated.

    ire couldn''t move like her feet were bound.

    (This is domination magic?!)

    It was a type of mind maniption magic.

    Her words echoed many times in her head and prated the innermost part of her mind.

    "... You"

    "If you imnted my Cursed Armament Seal, your little hell cat will be an even mightier spirit."

    It hurt like her head was splitting. Even if she plugged her ears with both hands, the words prated through.

    ¡ªHey, don''t you want power?

    ¡ªThe power to overwhelm everything¡ª The power to achieve your Wish.

    (...It''s obvious that I want something like that!)

    She had wanted power. She had needed power at any cost for the sake of her goals.

    For that reason, she would do anything¡ª She had prepared herself like that since that day four years ago.

    Thus, she had even risked the danger to her life to reach her hand out to a powerful sealed spirit.

    She had made a contract with that darkness spirit''s presented frenzy spirit.

    However.

    "Don''t look down on me!"

    In an instant, ire''s zing metounge manifested in her hand, and mowed down the space before her.

    "...My domination magic was broken?"

    "My apologies but I''ll reject your forceful sale."

    As ire raised her breathing, she swung her metounge with a snap as if to shake off the temptation.

    "How disappointing. I thought you had the qualifications but it looks like I miscalcted."

    Vivian Melosa shrugged her shoulders looking bored.

    If it was ire from a few weeks ago, she probably wouldn''t have been able to oppose the temptation.

    She might have sought for easy power andid her hands on the Cursed Armament Seal.

    (But I''m now different.)

    If you want power¡ª I will be your contracted spirit.

    (...After all, he had promised me)

    "So, I don''t need such phony powers!"

    At the same time ire shouted, she released a fireball of spirit magic.

    She didn''t go easy on the merchant opponent of the Cursed Armament Seal. She attacked with the intention of turning herpletely into cinders.

    A terrifying shock and explosion resounded in the quiet forest.

    The trees in the surroundings were blown off at one go and had fallen down in a straight line.

    The trees burned up. However, Vivian Melosa wasn''t there.

    "Fufu, please don''t be in such a hurry. There is someone else who wants to meet you without fail."

    A bewitching voice sounded from within the forest.

    ire was startled and turned around¡ª

    From deep within the forest, a tall girl appeared.

    "You are..."

    She was the adamantine elementalist upperssman, who provoked ire yesterday.

    There waspletely no expression on that face of hers.

    She came over, walking unsteadily like a ghost.

    "Don''t tell me... the Cursed Armament Seal?"

    "Ah, please don''t be mistaken. The one who wanted power was her. Although, it looks like her mind couldn''t bear my Cursed Armament Seal."

    The sound of chuckling scorns reverberated within the forest.

    "...Wa...a..ire...Rouge...Aaaahhh!"

    The adamantine elementalist girl released an ear-splitting wail.

    In that instant, a violent wind swept over, and a huge beast appeared from nowhere.

    Over there¡ª There wasrge deer of the metal attribute, which easily surpassed ire''s height.

    It had two horns that extended out radically and ck pupils that harbored signs of atrocity.

    It had a terrifying air of intimidation that caused her skin to tremble.

    "What? Isn''t this... the adamantine spirit!?"

    ire raised her voice in shock.

    Her contracted spirit shouldn''t be a powerful high-ranking spirit of this level.

    "No, that is without doubt her spirit. It evolved with my Cursed Armament Seal, you know?"

    Vivian Melosa chuckled.

    "So, would you please cooperate with my experiment, Miss Hell Cat."

    "...!?"

    The frenziedrge deer released a repulsive roar and came charging over.

    Part 3

    What Kamito bought was the cat pendant that ire was looking at.

    After getting the box wrapped with a red ribbon, Kamito ced it into his chest pocket as he embarrassedly scratched his face.

    "Today is her birthday."

    "I see. The reason you asked for the remuneration in advance was for the sake of buying that."

    "Hn, you could say that... but, I ended up having a quarrel with her."

    The moment Kamito shrugged his shoulders, Ellis coughed.

    "I think reconciling is not going to be that hard. Wasn''t that chocte from just now ire Rouge''s handmade item?"

    "Ah, it looks like it. It also looks like she practiced yesterday."

    "For her to give that on the day of the Valentia Holy Festival means that, err, she doesn''t even hate you, I think... I mean, I think that she wants to reconcile, right?"

    "If it was like that, it would be great."

    "A-Although, in the case where the recipient is of the opposite sex, there is also a slight chance that that''s not just it but..."

    Ellis coughed again¡ª

    She stared at Kamito''s face.

    "Hn? What''s the matter?"

    "E-Err, u-um... Actually, I-I also have choctes¡ª"

    Ellis was almost going to take out something from the pocket of her uniform, and at that moment.

    *Dooooon¡ª!*

    An earth-shaking-like thunderous roar reverberated from the direction of the za.

    "...Ellis!?"

    "Ah, lets go Kamito!"

    Ellis instantly changed back to her knight face, and started running vigorously.

    Part 4

    Pushing their way through the chaotic crowds and arriving at the za¡ª

    "What is that!?"

    A gigantic beast had been rampaging about in the middle of the za.

    It was a beast like a wild boar, with two sharp tusks.

    Its whole body was covered by a shell that was like thoroughly polished mirror.

    That was not a beast. That was a spirit.

    Furthermore, it was a frenzied high level spirit.

    The crowd in the za had already fallen into panic.

    In trying to escape simultaneously in the same direction, they ended up falling one after another all over the ce.

    There also seemed to be a great number of old people and young children amongst the crowd.

    "Did someone make the spirit run wild?"

    "Ah, there might be an elementalist somewhere but that thing haspletely lost control."

    As expected of being used to these sort of situations, Ellis was very calm.

    She had already armed her elemental waffe Ray Hawk in her hand.

    "The investigation of the cause will be der. I''ve concluded this situation to be a level five spirit disaster. Let''s exterminate it, Kamito."

    "Understood!"

    Giving a nod, Kamito unsheathed Terminus Est from the sword belt on his hip.

    Driving divine power to the sword, he woke up the sleeping Demon yerDemon King Killing Sacred Sword.

    "Est, lend me your power!"

    Responding to the presence of the elemental waffen, the frenzied spirit turned towards the two.

    Releasing an atmosphere-shaking giant roar, it kicked the ground and charged forward.

    There was a terrifying tremor. The buildings around copsed one by one.

    "¡ªHa!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk horizontally.

    Countless wind des that could even rip steel apart were produced and were released simultaneously towards the spirit.

    Even if a high level spirit took on that directly, it would not get away fine.

    But¡ª

    At that moment, the shell of the mirror-like spirit glowed with rainbow colors.

    "What!?"

    Beams of light burst forth¡ª And at the same time, the des of wind that should have hit it directly were all reflected at once.

    The wind des that were bounced back shed the surrounding buildings right in half. The upper half of the buildings slowly fell down, and raised up a thunderous roar and arge dancing cloud of sand.

    "My wind des were repelled!?"

    "No¡ª It amplified and reflected them."

    Kamito sharply red at the spirit in front of him.

    (...A spirit that reflects attribute attacks, eh?)

    What came to Kamito''s mind was the match yesterday.

    (...Don''t tell me, that''s the mirror spirit?)

    "It''sing, Kamito!"

    Ellis shouted out. After sting off the scattered rubble, the frenzied spirit started charging.

    Kamito took a stance with Terminus Est and stood in the way of the spirit.

    It would be easy to dodge¡ª But, that couldn''t be done.

    There was a great crowd, who waste in getting away, behind him. He had to protect them at that point.

    Its huge tusks were approaching. That intense blow¡ª was stopped by Kamito using the edge of his sword.

    A metallic sound resounded. He could barely stop therge beast but Terminus Est, who could only bring forth less than a tenth of her power, couldn''t even chip its skin.

    (...This thing''s divine power is in a different league.)

    Cold sweat surfaced on Kamito''s forehead.

    As Kamito held back the giant tusks with the sword, he was gradually getting pinned down.

    (Damn, if we''re in Astral Zero, I''ll be able to manage somehow but¡ª)

    It was a frenzied high level spirit. It might be a threat to ordinary elementalists, but for Kamito who was titled the Strongest de Dancer, it was not an opponent that would give him a hard fight.

    However, the problem was the fact that the crowd, whom werete in getting away, was there in his surroundings.

    What would happen if he released this beast onto them would be inly obvious.

    Discerning that attribute attacks were ineffective, Ellisnded behind Kamito and went on guiding people to take refuge. It was a Sylphid Knights Captain-like calm and reasonable decision.

    The demon mirror spirit started to howl wildly.

    It smashed the ground with that shock and sent Kamito, who was holding back the tusks, flying.

    And like that, he plunged into a mountain of rubble.

    "Gah, what crazy strength..."

    Groaning, Kamito tried to stand up as he was wavering, and¡ª

    "¡ªKamito!"

    Hearing Ellis'' shout, Kamito quickly turned his head around.

    The demon mirror spirit was stampeding its feet violent on the ground.

    In its path, there was a small girl who was petrified.

    It was probably the first time she had seen a rampaging spirit, so it seemed that she got scared and her feet wouldn''t move.

    The spirit released a loud roar and charged.

    (Damn, I can''t make it!)

    Upon standing up, Kamito kicked the ground and leaped.

    With that timing, grabbing the girl and dodging was impossible.

    Making a quick judgment, he pushed the girl to the side.

    A spray of red blood danced out.

    The strong attack gouged the side of Kamito''s abdomen.

    "Gwah!"

    It was hot. His vision turned pure white at that burning-like pain.

    The demon mirror spirit swung its tusks and Kamito''s body was mmed onto the ground.

    "...! Kamito!!"

    Ellis instantly dashed towards him.

    The white school uniform was slowly dyed with the color of blood.

    (... What about that girl?)

    Enduring the pain, he encircled his surroundings with his line of sight¡ª

    The girl he thrust aside was unable to stand up and was sitting on the ground.

    The moment he took a breath of relief, he coughed violently.

    Red blood surged out onto the ground.

    "Kamito! Are you alright?! Kamito¡ª!!"

    Ellis cried out loud.

    "Ah... Somehow."

    Like he sustained a concussion, his consciousness was slipping away.

    The face of Ellis worriedly looking at him became blurry,

    Cold sweat gushed out from his whole body. He knew that he was turning pale.

    Pressing the side of his abdomen with one hand, Kamito slowly stood up.

    He red at the demon mirror spirit that was covered in his own blood.

    "E-Ellis, cover me. I''ll take care of that guy."

    "But, your injury¡ª"

    "The affinity between your elemental waffe and this guy is too ipatible. Only I can do this."

    Presented with an irrefutable truth, Ellis vexingly bit her lips

    Kamito clenched Terminus Est with both hands, and put in all the divine power he had.

    (...I have to finish it at the next strike...)

    The Demon yerDemon King Killing Sacred Sword was the strongest ss of elemental waffe, but its output was very unstable.

    Without driving enough divine power into it and controlling it, most of its power couldn''t be manifested.

    With the Kamito''s current state, he could only bet on that one strike.

    The demon mirror spirit raised its tusk, and charged again.

    "Ellis, I''m counting on you!"

    "Ah!"

    Kamito jumped¡ª no, flew just above it.

    Ellis had used her wind spirit magic.

    Flying over the demon mirror spirit, Kamito swung his sword downwards on the huge beast''s head.

    However.

    (...! It didn''t go through!?)

    The Demon King Killing Sacred Sword only slightly pierced the demonic spirit''s forehead.

    Because of his serious injury, his control over Est was unstable.

    The raging demon mirror spirit shook his head violently and threw Kamito on the ground.

    The behemoth slowly approached the fallen Kamito from just above his head¡ª

    At that moment, a deep crimson sh ripped the skies apart.

    metounge was twined around the demon mirror spirit, making it trip and that behemoth toppled sideways.

    *Dooon!*

    There was terrifying tremor. Dust instantly flew up.

    "What!?"

    From the shroud of dust¡ª her voice could be heard.

    "That person is my ve spirit... don''t touch him without my permission!"

    "ire!?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened in surprise.

    Holding metounge, ire got down from the second floor of a building.

    "Y-You, why¡ª"

    "We''ll talk afterwards. Let''s defeat them first."

    "Them?"

    Kamito suspiciously frowned¡ª and followed after what was before ire''s ring line of sight.

    Then, buildings were destroyed and, from the opposite side of the za, another spirit appeared.

    It was arge deer of metal with huge horns hung high on its head.

    "...! There''s another one?!"

    "What on earth is happening, ire Rouge?"

    Ellis rushed over and asked with a sharp expression.

    "Their masters are the demon mirror elementalist and the adamantine elementalist students. I''ve already defeated the elementalists, but these two spirits havepletely lost control and gone into a frenzy."

    "Don''t tell me, it''s the two people from yesterday... B-But their contracted spirits don''t have that kind of form¡ª"

    Stopping his sentence midway¡ª Kamito suddenly realized. Ellis also seemed to get it.

    "Don''t tell me..."

    "Uh, they made use of the Cursed Armament Seals."

    "...!"

    Ellis bit her lips vexingly.

    She wasmenting about the fact that she couldn''t stop the students from reaching out to the Cursed Armament Seals.

    Cursed Armament Seal allowed mid level spirits to evolve into a high level spirit. There''s no way they''ll be all right transnting such things. The result was the rampaging of their spirits.

    "By the way, what''s with those injures of yours!?"

    Noticing the blood stains on his uniform, ire widened her eyes.

    "...Ah, I made a blunder. You too, aren''t you also covered in injuries?"

    "...S-Such a thing is not a big deal."

    ire quickly turned her face away, holding up a strong front.

    But, even her uniform was torn everywhere, and her limbs were full of injuries.

    "Putting that aside, Ellis, where''s the Sylphid Knights reinforcements?"

    "They should already be on their way. However, it''s just that the ones policing this area were Kamito and I... amongst this crowd, it will take time for them toe from the other areas."

    Ellis bit her lips and looked down. As the battle strength of the Sylphid Knights were almost cut by half, they couldn''t help but disperse their security forces.

    Releasing a loud roar that shook the earth, the fallen demon mirror spirit got up.

    The adamantine spirit with the form of arge deer was also slowly walking to the center of the za.

    "There are two high level spirits running wild, ¡ªAs expected, this is really intense."

    ire nervously groaned.

    There were stillrge groups of people, who failed to escaped outside the za. Waiting leisurely for the reinforcement from the Sylphid Knights and the Academy would only end up in irreparable results.

    "I could probably at least stall for time?"

    "Apologies, ire Rouge, lend me your strength until reinforcements arrive."

    Respectively clenching their own elemental waffen, ire and Ellis confronted the two spirits.

    And at that instant, a bright sh exploded.

    There was an ear-splitting thunderous sound. The rubble was smashed up.

    "...! What was that!?"

    As Kamito protected his eyes from the flying stone fragments, he yelled out.

    That was rain.

    That was a rain of bombardment that mercilessly fired at the two spirits.

    The ground violently shook, and countless pirs of fire shot up to the sky.

    "..."

    The moment the bombardment stopped¡ª

    There was only thepletely destroyed za left behind.

    The two high level spirits werepletely annihted.

    (...What on earth happened!?)

    While coughing violently, Kamito looked high up¡ª at the direction of the bombardment.

    Over there¡ª a giant fortress was floating!

    It was an aerial fortress that was equipped with severalyers ofposite armor and a countless amount of cannons.

    A pair of frozen ice-blue pupils were ring onto the ground.

    "The Silent Fortress¡ª"

    The Academy''s strongest elementalist, who destroyed the za in an instant, slowlynded on the ground.

    "Strength will be trampled by greater strength. Half-baked strengths are the same as nothing."

    "Velsaria..."

    Kamito pressed down on the side his abdomen that was oozing blood as he red at Velsaria.

    There were buildings of the za that were destroyed in every way possible by the bombardment.

    The fragments of rubble, which was smashed up, were merciless raining onto the crowd that had not fled.

    "Why did you open fire! You should know that using such an elemental waffe would end out like¡ª"

    "I only exterminated the rampaging spirits. Those that were involved were unlucky¡ª no, for it to end with this level of damage was instead lucky of them."

    "My esteemed sister! Do you seriously think like¡ª"

    Velsaria coldly looked down at the enraged Ellis.

    "Ellis, it looks like it was a mistake to entrust you as the captain. It seems like you can''t even deal with a situation of this level. You''re free to spit out your ideals of a knight or something¡ª but ideals without power are just thoughtless words. You don''t have the qualifications to call yourself a knight."

    "...!?"

    Pushing away Ellis, Velsaria was about to leave.

    At that moment.

    "Take it back."

    "What?"

    "Take it back, those words you just said! And apologize to Ellis!"

    With his faint consciousness, Kamito dragged his feet forward with wobbly footsteps and approached Velsaria.

    It was uneptable that she spouted out such words without even knowing Ellis'' feelings.

    It was the fact that the one who spouted such words was the knight that Ellis had once admired.

    "Whatever belief you hold onto is your freedom. However, you know, I''ll just never forgive you who doesn''t know anything, for stepping on Ellis'' ideals."

    "I''m just saying the truth. The Fahrengart knights would never twist their words."

    "Don''t mess around, you do not have the qualifications to call yourself a knight."

    "...!?"

    There were ripples of emotions rising in Velsaria''s pupils.

    It was neither irritation, nor anger¡ª but some different emotion.

    "Disappear, male elementalist. Your existence is an eyesore."

    "Wait¡ª"

    Just when he was going to try chase her further, Kamito''s vision violently shook.

    Blood gushed out of his throat. The vision in front of his eyes suddenly began to fade like there was a haze.

    "Damn...!"

    "¡ªKamito!"

    ire quickly held and stopped Kamito''s body that was falling to the ground.

    Trantor''s Notes and Reference

    1. ¡ü sound of waterdrops

 Volume 3, 8 - Ellisâ€™ Determination

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 8 - Ellis'' Determination</h4>

    Part 1

    "Ah..."

    As Kamito opened his eyes, the familiar ceiling of ire''s room came into his vision.

    Warm sunlight was shining through the curtain.

    (...Eh? I... Why was I sleeping?)

    His memory was in a mess.

    He didn''t know when his pajamas were put on him, or when his bandages were wrapped on him.

    Next to his bed, there was a cracked spirit crystal that he believed was used for healing.

    Kamito was going to just stand up for now¡ª

    "Hoo... Ah...!"

    Burning like pain ran at the side of his abdomen.

    When he took a look, the blood at the bandages wrapped around his abdomen had dried up and hardened.

    (That''s right, I¡ª)

    Due to that pain, Kamito finally remembered.

    (I was pierced at my abdomen by that spirit...)

    It was the demon mirror spirit that went out of control due to the power of the Cursed Armament Seal.

    The spirit that wounded Kamito was annihted by Velsaria.

    With overwhelming destructive force. Without even leaving any traces.

    A spirit, which was thoroughly destroyed to that extent, could not even return back to Astral Zero.

    It should have beenpletely eradicated.

    "The Academy''s strongest de dancer¡ª huh?"

    Precisely because it was a sealed spirit the same as Est, that fortress was an abnormal elemental waffe.

    She was bing far stronger than the time at the de Dance three years ago.

    (...With how I am now, could I defeat her?)

    As he clenched his left hand which had once held a jet-ck demonic sword, he asked himself.

    He had a nk of three years where he went embarking on the journey to find Restia.

    There was also the fact that the spirit contract with Est was still iplete.

    If it was about the reasons that he couldn''t win, he coulde up with as many as he liked.

    (That orphan of the Instructional School ¡ª Jio Inzagi had said that I''ve be weak...)

    That was because Kamito was subconsciously protecting hispanions.

    If that was a weakness, then¡ª

    (... I have indeed be weak, heh.)

    Enduring the pain like that of a terrible burn wound, he finally got up from the bed.

    Kamito''s uniform was hanging on a wall of the room. It was a mere shadow of its former self with all that damage.

    It was probably decided that there would be no point in washing it now, so it was left there like that.

    While he ced both hands on the wall, he started walking with shaky footsteps.

    After he searched his uniform''s chest pocket, he took out a present and a chocte.

    The chocte had melted and been ttened, but it was something that ire made with great trouble. So, he was going to eat it gratefully.

    After making his resolve and tossing a bite-size piece into his mouth, sweetness instantly spread out inside his mouth.

    "...Hn? This is surprisingly..."

    Although there was still a bit of bitterness, it was properly made deliciously.

    Compared to the coal she had been mass-producing, she had improved considerably.

    (...She basically is a very hard working person, isn''t she?)

    Her entrics that went with her mood was her weakness, but as she was an honor student, she was fast at apprehending things.

    If she was serious, her cooking should also certainly conspicuously improve.

    "¡ªKamito!?"

    Suddenly, the room''s door opened.

    The one who came in, was ire holding crumpled bandages with both hands.

    "Y-You, what are you doing!"

    "Nm? The chocte you gave me was made pretty well. You''ve worked hard."

    "Eh?"

    Kamito frankly praised¡ª

    ire''s face immediately reddened.

    "I-Isn''t that obvious? I-I''ve practiced a lot after all... Eh, that''s not the point. W-Why are you awake? Your body still isn''t in a condition to walk, right?!"

    "Ah, no, just walking isn''t a problem, look... Ouch!"

    Just by slightly moving his arm, pain ran through the side of his abdomen.

    "...Haaa. You really are a fool, your wound opened again, didn''t it? Come on, sit there. I''ll put new bandages on you."

    "Ahhh, sorry..."

    Being softly pressed on his shoulders by ire, Kamito was made to sit on the bed.

    Under the gentle treatment from ire that was different from usual, Kamito''s heart ended up beating quickly.

    "...Geez, you''re a fool."

    While ire wrapped the bandages unskillfully¡ª

    She told Kamito what happened after he fainted.

    The two, who reached out to the Cursed Armament Seals, were found unconscious in the forest.

    It seemed like they were arrested immediately after the arrival of the Knights and were moved to the capital. Laying their hands on the Cursed Armament Seals did not mean that it ended with just breaking the academy rules. They would end up being charged for their crimes by the council that judged elementalists.

    The actions by Velsaria, who got the general public involved, did not cause any deaths, and in addition, as a result of suppressing the casualties in the town to the minimum, she seemed to have ended up not being charged.

    The one who issued the ruling was Greyworth, however¡ª this judgment was probably pushed back to just before the de Dance and it ¡ªwithout a doubt¡ª involved the spection of the congress of the Ordesia Empire that there was no way they could punish the academy''s strongest candidate.

    After Ellis helped ire move Kamito, she seemed to have stayed confined in her room.

    It might be that she felt responsible as the Captain for the fact that she couldn''t protect the town from destruction and that she couldn''t prevent students from getting involved with the Cursed Armament Seals.

    "... How long did I sleep?"

    "For almost a day. The Valentia Holy Festival ended a long time ago."

    "Is that so..."

    Kamito nced at the clock hanging on the wall.

    Sincest night, more than half a day had already passed.

    "ire, I''m sorry for beingte."

    Kamito handed over the small box, which he took out of his uniform a while ago, to ire.

    "What?"

    "Ah... Err, this is your present... For your birthday. Although it''s already over."

    "...!?"

    ire widely opened her ruby eyes.

    "No way, why...?"

    "Rinslet told me. Well, for the daugther of a noble, this may not be something of high value."

    "..."

    Receiving the box, ire untied the ribbon with fidgety hands.

    Inside the box, a cat-shaped silver pendant was perfectly ced.

    "T-This, isn''t this what I wanted...?"

    "Weren''t you continuously looking at it that time?"

    "U-Uh, but..."

    ire gently and preciously took out the pendant.

    "This should be expensive. You aren''t even a noble, how did¡ª"

    "I asked a big favor from Ellis, and got an advance on the remuneration from the Knights."

    "...S-So... It was like that."

    ire tightly sped the pendant, while she looked at Kamito with her eyes ncing upwards¡ª

    "...Th-Thank you, Kamito"

    And said that shyly.

    Kamito''s heart spontaneously beat faster at her expression that she usually didn''t even show.

    (...T-This person, making such a face is criminally cute¡ª)

    He had been thinking that he would hear something like¡ª"You''re sensible for a ve at best".

    He did not think she would express her gratitude that frankly.

    "Sorry, Kamito... Err, I was at fault."

    "Mn?"

    With another unbelievable line emerging, Kamito doubted his ears.

    "I-I''m saying that I was at fault... Err, for getting angry and chasing you out. You joined the Knights for the sake of earning money to gift me this?"

    "Ah, no, that''s¡ª"

    Just when he was about to say it, Kamito closed his mouth.

    Although it wasn''t entirely like that¡ª it seemed better to remain silent at this point.

    "Despite that I didn''t even listen to your exnation and willfully got angry... Sorry."

    Her red twintails drooped down.

    "No, I''m at fault, my words were insufficient at that time. Sorry."

    "Kamito..."

    "¡ªHey, are you people done?"

    There was the sound of a cough.

    "...!?"

    The two turned away in a fluster.

    "Fianna, since when were you here!?"

    "From when Kamito-kun pressed on coercively, saying ''It''s time for you to be more frank, even though you always say you hate it¡ª the truth is you want to be messed up by me, right?''"

    "Don''t fabricate an impossible fact!"

    "Y-Yeah! T-To be messed up... T-That''s not allowed!"

    ire turned steamily bright-red and got angry.

    "Hoho, I''m joking. Really ire, what are you getting red for, I wonder?"

    "W-Wh-What did youe here for, Ero-Queen?!"

    "As our opponent for the match tomorrow has already been dered, I came here to tell you that!"

    "Our opponent for the match?"

    "Yeah, our opponent is the first-ranking ¡ªVelsaria Eva''s¡ª team~"

    "...!"

    ire''s expression became sharp.

    "...The Silent Fortress, huh?"

    As long as they kept on winning through, she was an opponent they would have to face one day.

    ire should have been prepared for this.

    However, the power that eradicated two mighty high level spirits in an instant was¡ª

    "¡ªNo problem."

    Kamito picked up the elemental waffe sword that was leaned on the side of the bed.

    "I will defeat Velsaria. I have to make her open her eyes with my hands."

    "W-What are you saying!"

    ire sharply red at Kamito.

    "With that kind of injury, there''s no way you can participate in the match tomorrow?"

    "She isn''t an opponent you two can win against."

    "T-Things will work out. Putting Velsaria herself aside, the others have not yet matured as a team. As they were just head-hunted from the Knights, their training in coordination have also not yet been sufficiently¡ª"

    "That Silent Fortress isn''t such an easy opponent."

    "That''s..."

    ire had an impulsive personality, however, as an elementalist, she was endowed with calm eyes for battles.

    Just with that, she wouldn''t mistake the strength difference between Velsaria and her.

    The strength of ire, who uses Scarlet, towered above the rest of the elementary students but, even with that, she wasn''t an opponent she could win against.

    Former princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute Fianna was an expert at ritual dances but it did not change the fact that she''s a novice at battles. Her Georgios was certainly strong but considering the fact that it could not be released as an elemental waffe, its options for battles were limited at any rate.

    Besides, in order to attack the floating fortress, a spirit that could make powerful long-range attacks was necessary.

    The thing that would be dealing with the anti-air battle in Team Scarlet would currently be only ire''s spirit magic. However, it would be impossible for ordinary spirit magic to break that armor.

    "But, if I were to be an attacker, we could somehow hold for five minutes¡ª"

    Onto Kamito who was about to get out of bed¡ª

    *Mugyuu*

    "Yeah yeah, no matter how sturdy Kamito-kun''s body is, participating in tomorrow''s match is absolutely a no-go."

    Fianna pressed the cleavage of her soft breasts.

    ire angrily red at Kamito, whose face turned red from thefortable feeling of sticity.

    "That''s right, an injured person like you would just be a burden."

    "..."

    It was vexing but he couldn''t make a rebuttal.

    Indeed, even if Kamito, who was seriously injured, participated, he would just end up being a hindrance.

    "Then... is Team Scarlet forfeiting?"

    "That''s¡ª"

    Kamito, who asked, understood it. That option was not possible.

    Once one forfeited a match, one''s ranking would significantly drop as a penalty.

    Even without that, if they don''t defeat the first ranking team here, the possibility of sixth-ranking Team Scarlet to enter the top participating three within the next two weeks would almost disappear.

    "..."

    A heavy atmosphere filled the room, and at that moment¡ª

    "Fuu, I hear what you''re saying!"

    An elegant voice came from outside the room.

    The oneing in with her tinum-blonde hair swaying was Rinslet.

    Carol the maid was courteously standing behind her..

    "Rinslet, what are you doing entering my room as you please!?"

    "Everyone, it seems like my power is needed."

    Ignoring ire whoined, Rinslet boldly walked.

    She stopped in front of Kamito, who was sitting on the bed, and brushed up her hair.

    "As long as it is me, I''ll see that the fortressdy falls to the ground."

    "Mdy is saying that she wishes to join ire-sama''s team."

    Carol simultaneously tranted what Rinslet''s words meant.

    "Is that right, Rinslet?"

    "...N-No! I just..."

    Rinslet asked for Carol''s help in a fluster.

    "Fufu, mdy, you''re really not honest."

    cing her hands near her mouth, Carol giggled.

    "¡ªRinslet!"

    Suddenly, Kamito stood up and grasped her shoulders.

    Her slender shoulders started trembling.

    "Hyan! W-what are you doing! Grabbing ady''s shoulders so violently!"

    She protested with a shrilling voice. However, Kamito did not let go.

    "..."

    "Ah, wha..."

    With Kamito staring at her, Rinslet quickly quieted down.

    Her face turned bright red as she pinched the edge of her skirt..

    "S-Stop...Err If you look at me in such a way, I-I''ll end up feeling strange."

    "K-Kamito, what are you doing!?"

    "Kamito-kun, no matter the circumstances, you''re overlycking in distinction."

    Ignoring ire and Fianna, who raised their voices¡ª

    "Please, Rinslet. Join our team."

    "Eh?"

    Rinslet was astonished. ire also was staring in wonder.

    Rinslet''s elemental waffe Freezing Arrow was a long range attack elemental waffe. Especially as Kamito would be unable to enter tomorrow''s match, they would want to include her into the team by all means.

    Although, as ire would belligerently ask, this youngdy would certainly put on her pride. So, that''s why Kamito made a begging appearance.

    Rinslet¡ª

    "A-Alright..."

    Like a bride that was proposed to, she docilely nodded.

    "I-If Kamito-san says so..."

    Blushing, she twirled the tips of her hair with her fingertip.

    "Isn''t this fine, ire?"

    Kamito gently let his hands go from Rinslet''s shoulders and turned around.

    ire sighed, saying "It can''t be helped".

    "Certainly, if we cared about its appearance, we can''t win against that Silent Fortress. At any rate, we would need ranged support, and its strength is so-so."

    "W-Wait, please don''t misunderstand. I offered to join your team because Kamito-san requested it."

    Carol pacified Rinslet, who flew into a rage.

    In any case, this meant that they now ended up being able to make long distance attacks from the ground.

    (...If I add myself in as an attacker, our bnce would be good.)

    ire seemed to have thought of the same thing as Kamito.

    "All we''re left with is one more person, we''ll need someone with the power of an attacker though..."

    She mumbled with a serious look.

    Just then, there was the sound of knocking from the door.

    "...?"

    Everyone looked at each other... Having visitorse to this room was unusual.

    ire walked over and opened the door.

    The ones outside the door¡ª were two unexpected people.

    "Y-You two!?"

    While ire held onto the door knob, she widened her eyes.

    "ire Rouge, we have a request for you..."

    "...Although we know that something like this isn''t the courtesy of making a request."

    They were Ellis'' teammates who should be recuperating at the academy''s medical institution.

    They were Rakka and Reishia from the Sylphid Knights.

    Part 2

    In a dark room with all its curtains closed¡ª

    Ellis was cowering in her bed with a face thatcked aspiration.

    What she was absent-mindedly staring at was a spirit crystal sealed with memories.

    There was the figure of Velsaria that Ellis idealized when she was young.

    She also didn''t go for the Knights meeting this morning. This was, of course, her first time.

    What she was wearing wasn''t the academy uniform, but pajamas with polka-dots.

    Without even tying her ponytail, her long hair spread out radially on her bed..

    (¡ªYou are not a knight.)

    Velsaria''s words were revived in her head.

    (It may be just as what my esteemed sister said...)

    Amidst the darkness, Ellis had firmly grasped her bed sheet.

    (...While I''ve said that that''s not it, in the end, I couldn''t protect anything.)

    The townsfolk who were enjoying the festival.

    The students that ended up involved with the Cursed Armament Seal.

    In addition¡ª even her preciousrades from the Knights.

    Even Kamito, who came to assist the Knights out of good will, had sustained serious injuries.

    (It''s all my responsibility. If I had gotten more of my act together, this would¡ª)

    It was also natural that the upperssmen responded to Velsaria''s invitation and left the Knights.

    There would be no one who would follow a powerless captain only speaking of ideals.

    "...I...am not qualified to call myself a knight¡ª"

    "That''s right, in your current state, you are not qualified to be called a knight, Ellis."

    "...!"

    Ellis threw up her nket in shock.

    "ire Rouge?"

    "Sorry, but I melted your keyhole."

    As ire said that, she was entering the room without any discretion.

    "W-Why are you here, and what do you mean that I don''t have the qualifications of a knight!?"

    "Heh~ You still have the spirit to get angry after an insult. I feel at ease now."

    As ire walked to the side of the bed, she ced her hands on her hips and looked down at Ellis.

    Normally, Ellis would have gantly stared back, but¡ª

    Now, she averted her eyes like she was being overwhelmed.

    "...H-Has Kamito awakened yet?"

    "Yeah, he even said some reckless things like participating in tomorrow''s match."

    "What¡ª? Don''t tell me, with that kind of injury?"

    "That''s right. Furthermore, our opponent is the Academy''s strongest, Silent Fortress."

    "That''s crazy, what are you all thinking!?"

    Ellis stood up to grab ire.

    "Do you still not understand my esteemed sister''s strength?"

    "Ah, she is certainly a powerful elementalist¡ª but it doesn''t mean she''s invincible."

    "What?"

    Ellis frowned.

    Velsaria Eva Fahrengart was the strongest in the Academy.

    This was a fact everyone knew of.

    "Three years ago, Ren Ashbell defeated her."

    "That''s¡ª She is the strongest de dancer. Thatparison is just too different."

    "True. But, we have the goal of defeating that Ren Ashbell."

    "Wha¡ª?"

    Towards those words that Ellis had never imagined of¡ª she was at a loss for words.

    (...Defeat Ren Ashbell!?)

    "How is that possible¡ª?"

    "It is possible. I mean I''ll do it~"

    "..."

    ire''s eyes were serious.

    She was seriously thinking of defeating the strongest de dancer.

    "I will win through the de Dance. Then, I will definitely get my Wish granted. Whether if it is the Silent Fortress or the strongest de dancer, anyone who gets in my way shall just be brought down."

    ring straight ahead were her pupils harboring calm mes.

    Small anxieties were inside Ellis'' heart.

    "I-I..."

    "Ellis, did you n on entering the de Dance with such resolution?"

    ire seized Ellis'' cor.

    "Is your ideal of a knight that you''re aiming to be something of this level?"

    "¡ªNo!"

    Ellis got startled and pushed ire''s hands away.

    "I am... I am a prided knight of the Fahrengart!"

    *Boom!*

    Violent winds blew about in the room.

    The bed sheet was blown away, and the small items on the desk and furnishings were dancing in mid-air.

    The curtains were ripped apart, and bright light suddenly shone into the dark room.

    "..."

    After the storm eased down¡ª

    "It looks like your winds are still blowing."

    ire suddenly smiled.

    Then, she thrust her finger towards Ellis.

    With her other hand on her hips¡ª

    "Ellis, join our team!"

    "...W-What?"

    Ellis was dumbfound and asked back.

    "Me... Team Scarlet?"

    "Correct. If you join, we can win¡ª against that Silent Fortress."

    ire nodded with a serious expression.

    However, Ellis firmly shook her head.

    "Sorry, that''s an unreasonable talk. I already havepanions to fight with¡ª"

    "¡ªCaptain!"

    "?"

    Ellis turned around towards the voice she had heard from outside the room.¡ª

    "Y-You two!?"

    The ones over there were a lively-looking girl with short hair and a simr-looking girl with braided hair.

    They were her teammates Rakka and Reishia.

    "...You slipped out from the medical center?"

    They should be havingplete rest.

    They shouldn''t be allowed to be out at such a ce.

    "Why...?"

    "We are, erm, hoping that Captain would partake in the de Dance."

    Rakka said while painfully coughing.

    Reishia nodded.

    "We decided it ourselves. We already knew that we wouldn''t be able to return to the academy before the de Dance... So¡ª"

    "You''re... disbanding... the party?"

    Having a stunned expression, Ellis looked at her two teammates.

    "..."

    "N-No, I will not allow that!"

    "Captain, we''re¡ª"

    "We had promised! To participate in the de Dance together!"

    Ellis shouted like a child throwing a tantrum.

    "We aren''t able to. So¡ª"

    "But we really wanted to fight together... So, we''ll like to entrust our wish to you, captain."

    "Rakka, Reishia..."

    "Please, fight for us too."

    "I want to see Captain''s de dance. A de dance, like a gale, that blows everything."

    "..."

    Ellis¡ª

    Firmly bit her lips and clenched her fist.

    Both sides refused to give up¡ª Their ring gazes ran into each other.

    The one who sighed first was Ellis.

    "...I understand. You two win."

    "Captain!"

    The two girls let out a lively scream.

    "¡ªire Rouge."

    Ellis calmly turned towards ire.

    It wasn''t the lifeless face from just now.

    It was the face of a gant knight.

    "I, Ellis Fahrengart, request to join Team Scarlet."

    "Wee, Ellis~"

    ire smiled and stretched out her right hand.

    Ellis grabbed that hand in return.

    "I''ll prove to that person my way of a knight."

    Part 3

    The strongest de dancer¡ª Ren Ashbell.

    Three years ago, since the day she crossed her de with hers, Velsaria''s life changed.

    On that day, she received a great shock.

    Before that day, Velsaria had taken pride in being the strongest knight.

    It wasn''t like she was making light of the girl, who appeared before her eyes, for being a title-less neer two years younger than her.

    No matter who it was, as long as they faced her, she would wield her full strength and strike them down.

    That was her belief as a Knight.

    She fought with all her strength¡ª And then, she was defeated.

    However, what grew in her heart at that time was not hatred.

    It was more like a sense of veneration towards her.

    It was something trivial; she too was, like Ellis and the other girls, fascinated by Ren Ashbell''s de dance.

    So, what she received a shock from was not the defeat.

    It was the eyes that the strongest girl faced at her, the loser.

    What was reflected in the girl''s jet-ck pupils¡ª

    Was not hostility, not pity, not contempt¡ª There wasn''t even any emotions.

    Velsaria was not even reflected in the girl''s eyes.

    ...It was unforgivable. There was no way she could ept that.

    She would defeat that strongest girl and make her acknowledge her existence.

    This was probably¡ª in a sense, an emotion that wasparable to love.

    (...Soon, I can fight her again in the de Dance.)

    Any other things were irrelevant.

    (Even if my mind and flesh are consumed by this ''heart''¡ª)

    Late at night. Deep inside the Spirit Forest¡ª

    Loitering alone in the darkness, Velsaria had been suppressing her feelings of haughtiness.

    At this moment, the bushes behind her moved slightly.

    "¡ªIs that you, witch!"

    "Ha, as expected of you, you were able to detect my presence~"

    There was the voluptuous sound ofughter heard within the forest.

    The one who appeared was ¡ªthe Cursed Armament maker¡ª Vivian Melosa.

    "You did well yesterday, because of you I got good data~"

    "I knew it, it was you who imnted those Cursed Armament Seals on them."

    Velsaria emitted a fierce murderous aura. Leaves of the trees swayed like they were astir.

    "Yes, but, they broke immediately. Even for the famous Areishia Spirit Academy, I can''t seem toe across a fine specimen like yourself!"

    "Disappear. I told you to never appear in front of me again."

    "Wah, you''re pretty cold. I just came here to check out the corrosion rate of the ''heart''."

    "I have no intentions to assist your research. The ''heart'' is being fully controlled."

    Vivian Melosaughed out loud.

    "Please stop acting tough. For a Cursed Armament Seal engraved on a heart¡ª the only one who could control such a thing is possibly the Dusk Witch. If you just leave it like that, you will die in a few years~"

    "Not a problem. As long as I live till the de Dance in two weeks, it is enough."

    "That troubles me. You are actually a specimen I took a liking to¡ª"

    In an instant, Velsaria turned towards Vivian Melosa and released her elemental waffe.

    A lump ofpressed divine power blew apart the trees in the forest and gouged out the space before her.

    After the dust had settled, there was no one there. There was only the dense darkness.

    "...That damned witch."

    Facing the empty space, Velsaria bitterly groaned.

    *Thump*¡ª, the ''heart'' ached.

 Volume 3, 9 - The Strongest Elementalist

    <h4>Volume 3, Chapter 9 - The Strongest Elementalist</h4>

    Part 1

    It was the day of the team battle.

    The members of Team Scarlet gathered before the stone circle.

    It was a Gate for essing Astral Zero that only a few ces had, even in the Ordesia Empire.

    Countless students had already entered the spectators'' stands surrounding the grand arena.

    This was a fight between the academy''s strongest de Dancer Velsaria and Team Scarlet, that had rapidly risen to 6th ce, so of course this match was deemed important.

    With the newest technology by countless research groups provided to the Areishia Spirit Academy, it was now possible to view the de dances urring inside of Astral Zero.

    Within the stands before the screen, in addition to therge number of students, there were also members of the Sylphid Knights.

    And at the front of Team Scarlet, were Kamito and Ellis.

    Through Fianna''s healing power, Kamito was finally able to recover to the point where he could move around again.

    But the injuries he sustained were deeper than he imagined, and it was still very difficult for him to hold a sword.

    ncing at her teammates, ire began to outline their tactics.

    "Ellis, I''ll leave the front to you. After all, you''re the strongest in meleebat."

    "Leave it to me. I''ll create an opening through my esteemed sister''s elemental waffe."

    With a stern, valiant, and courageous expression Ellis dered her resolve.

    "My task is to defeat the Silent Fortress, right!?"

    "And I am to defend and support you through my rituals."

    Rinslet and Fianna respectively epted their own task.

    ire, who was the most bnced of all, was in charge of rying orders to the 3 people who were respectively in charge of attacking, supporting, and defending.

    ire strongly believed that even if the power of an individual could not defeat Velsaria, if they worked as a team, theirbined powers should be able to overwhelm her.

    Even though the squadmates Velsaria chose were the strongest seniors in the Sylphid Knights, they were just a group of random people.

    Without proper teambat training, it seemed Velsaria couldn''t even organize their strategy as theirmander.

    "With our team, it is possible¡ª"

    ire strongly grasped her pendant.

    At this time, the crowd was split between Team Scarlet and Velsaria, and the cheering could be heard from the stands.

    Velsaria Eva with her snow white coat walked out.

    Following her were the ex-Sylphid Knights that defected.

    Arriving in front of ire, Velsaria stood.

    Her cold ice blue pupils were ring at Ellis.

    "Ellis, I thought you were smarter than this."

    Ellis immediately raised her head, and stared firmly at Velsaria.

    She could not lose, for the sake of her teammates who gave her a chance to join the de Dance festival.

    For her trust in her fellow Sylphid Knights.

    And finally, for her idol that was once the strongest in her heart, the knight that was standing right in front of her.

    "I will prove to you my way of the Knights¡ª and I shall start by defeating my dream which was once you."

    "Stupid. So be it, I shall crush you."

    ¡ªAnd finally, the bell rang signaling the start of the festival.

    At the same time, The Stone Ring¡ª a relic from an age of myths started to spin, and opened the door to Astral Zero.

    Part 2

    The ce where Team Scarlet was sent to was an open forest.

    Because of the surrounding trees that were blocking their vision, it would be quite difficult to find the opposing team.

    After quickly confirming the 3 people that were also transported¡ª

    "¡ªGo, Scarlet!"

    ire swung her whip down, and summoned her me d hell cat.

    The other 3 also quickly summoned their spirits.

    "Ellis and I shall be in charge of scouting. Fianna, the surroundings around our base are yours."

    ire quickly gave orders but¡ª

    "¡ªThere is no need for that, ire Rouge."

    "...!?"

    After hearing that voice¡ª Everyone in Team Scarlet froze.

    Raising their heads, there was¡ª

    A giant fortress floating in the sky.

    Equipping her elemental waffe¡ªSilent Fortress, Velsaria appeared.

    "Velsaria!? You''re alone!?"

    ire screamed in surprise.

    "I do not need people that are in the way. Your only opponent is just me alone."

    "¡ªShe''sing!"

    Rinslet screeched out.

    At that exact moment, theyeredposite armor that covered the fortress started moving and countless cannons appeared out of it.

    Like an Emperor overlooking the ground, Velsaria waved her hand.

    "¡ªDisappear before my fortress spirit!"

    Countless cannons fired.

    Apanying the giant shockwave on the earth, a rain of bombardment fired upon the ground.

    The continuous artillery shelling struck the ground, rolling up a lot of dust.

    Overwhelming power. That is the destruction from the strongest elemental waffe.

    "Boring. Trash would still be trash¡ª"

    In an instant, the lush green forest turned into a barren wastnd with craters.

    After the dust had settled, there was¡ª

    "What?"

    Velsaria''s expression froze.

    A blonde girl holding an ice bow standing with a smile.

    "You managed to strike down the bombardment¡ª"

    Rinslet proudly brushed her hair.

    "Ha, I will never allow anyone who can equip their elemental waffe faster than me~"

    "...! Preposterous¡ª"

    Velsaria then immediately unfolded theposite armor and blocked the ice arrows¡ª

    "It''s not over yet!"

    Without a single pause, Rinslet immediately released more arrows.

    The ice sliced through the air and flew over¡ª all the 4 arrows hit!

    However, with only that degree of power, it was unable to strike through the fortress spirit''s armor.

    "Foolish. Before my Silent Fortress, arrows of your level are nothing to me¡ª"

    "You sure?"

    "What¡ª"

    When the cannons were preparing to fire once again¡ª

    Velsaria finally realized. Rinslet''s goal was not to deal any damage to the armor.

    The elemental waffe Freezing Arrow of the high level spirit Fenrir had an additional effect¡ª Ice Nein.

    Because it was ice that could never melt, the ultimateposite armor had now been frozen.

    "It is just as you predicted, ire~"

    "Yes, even though Dreadnought''s physical resistance was of the highest ss, it has a very low resistance against spells¡ª Thus your high level spirit Fenrir''s elemental waffe can definitely break through it.

    "...!"

    Velsaria became slightly worried.

    Right then her fortress spirit could not switch back to the cannon mode. Also, because of the ice on the surface, the mobility was reduced¡ª a bad situation.

    "Ellis, it''s time to fight back!"

    "Ahh!"

    ire and Ellis sang their summoning ritual.

    And at the time when the fortress could not evade they¡ª

    "¡ªDevour, oh crimson searing fireball!"

    "¡ªWind, turn into a de that cuts through everything!"

    Dodging was impossible. In an instant, a shock wave shook the air.

    "Sess...!"

    Even withyers overyers ofposite armor protecting, it was still impossible toe out undamaged from direct attacks.

    Although...

    "¡ªSo you are only at that level, Cmity Queen''s younger sister."

    "Wha¡ª?"

    The ground shook again.

    With the wind, the sand blew at ire''s body.

    In the middle of the crater that was seemly caused by a meteor¡ª

    The Silent Fortress stood there ominously.

    "...!?"

    "Causing me to fall down, unworthy of praise."

    Through the shock wave caused by the fall, the ice that was on the armor shattered.

    "But, this is the end. My fortress spirit is a ground spirit¡ª I will be indomitable on the ground."

    Part 3

    As soon as she dered that¡ª from the Silent Fortress''s side, there came 2 giant robotic arms.

    The desing from the arms swept and cut down the nearby trees¡ª

    Such an overwhelming power. But that movement had a lot of openings.

    Ellis swung her elemental waffe¡ª Ray Hawk.

    The wind from the head flew towards Velsaria.

    But then, Silent Fortress disappeared.

    "...!?"

    And suddenly, Velsaria immediately appeared in front of Ellis.

    As if she was sliding, her mobility was totally different from when she was flying.

    "¡ªEllis!"

    ire released her me Whip and swiftly caught the fortress spirit''s hand.

    The strike was slowed down¡ª but that was it.

    That strength was overwhelmingly strong.

    "Leave it to me!"

    The one blocking the strike was a knight with a shield.

    Fianna''s knight spirit Georgios

    The friction between the iron boots and the ground propelled the knight and it caught the fortress spirit with its body.

    *BAMM*. But even the knight spirit which has a really strong defense could not handle the full force of the fortress spirit. The armor started to twist and the shield cracked¡ª

    "...Tolerate it, Georgios!"

    Fianna cried in pain.

    "The lost de dancer¡ª I thought you were smarter."

    "True¡ª B-But, I also kind of like my idiot self~"

    Velsaria proceeded to swing her robotic arm down without mercy.

    "I will not allow that!"

    "...!"

    Immediately, ire jumped towards the attacking arm.

    The de arm was struggling with the fire whip. Just then, Velsaria fell into their n¡ª that fire whip was not supposed to stop the movement, but to get close.

    (¡ªAt this distance it would not be blocked by the armor!)

    ire then revealed one of her specialties, which was high speed casting.

    Towards Velsaria who was shocked, ire released her strongest spell.

    "Dance, oh crimson me that calls upon destruction¡ª Hell ze!"

    Inside the whirlpool of crimson me, Velsaria was burned all over her body.

    "...Ah!"

    It was the first time she released a cry of pain.

    "Damn, flies¡ª"

    As the arm was returning and was going to attack ire¡ª

    "Esteemed sister, realize the truth!"

    *Hon*¡ª An amazing gale blew from above.

    Surrounded by wind and swiftly attacking from above; a skill Ellis specialized in.

    With her elemental waffe Ray Hawk, it pierced through Velsaria''s chest.

    "G-Gah..."

    Then¡ª

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    And with the release of the spell¡ª

    A giant chaotic tornado blew away the Silent Fortress and Velsaria''s body,

    *Bang*¡ª The wind stopped and it hit the ground.

    "Hah, Hah¡ª"

    Through the attack that burned through all her energy, Ellis immediately sat down.

    ire also breathed a sigh of relief and licked her lips.

    "You are too proud, Velsaria. You foolishly came out by yourself¡ª"

    "The one who''s foolish is you, ire Rouge"

    "Huh¡ª"

    Looking at the dust that was starting to settle¡ª

    A giant shadow was moving.

    "For a truly strong person, a person without any more strength is just a thing in the way."

    Once the sand settled, the Silent Fortress appeared once again.

    Just like a wall, theposite armor did not have a single trace of damage.

    "Disappear¡ª"

    The armor instantly released¡ª countless cannons all fired at once.

    Part 4

    Kamito strongly grasped his fist, and looked towards the monitor.

    ire''s movement, it looked more like trying to fight a giant beast than a de dance.

    Even if it was unimaginable¡ª This fight was going to be very close.

    But looking at Velsaria again, it seemed like she was filled with vigor once again.

    To maintain that type of spirit, you are supposed to use up a lot of Divine power¡ª

    "..."

    Through the giant monitor, Ellis was bravely standing against Velsaria.

    (Heh, she can still stand up...)

    Seems like leaving it to ire was a right choice. With Kamito, even if he can relieve her, he can''t give her the courage to stand again.

    The strength of a party, is not just shown in a fight.

    To be able to let arade stand again after losing all hope¡ª that also shows the power of a party.

    (No matter what, she is a great leader~)

    Observing the intense fight and giving calm orders was ire''s job.

    Correctly analyzing each person''s strength and coordinating them can bring the power of a party to a new level.

    To be able to make different people specializing in different things cooperate, he believed normal people would not have been able to do that.

    (Maybe, she might have stronger leadership skills than her sister)

    Kamito surprisingly thought.

    (But, that Velsaria is overwhelmingly strong.)

    (Doesn''t matter if it is because of the contracted spirit or her determination that made her stronger,pared to her 3 years ago¡ª)

    "Kamito, what''s the matter?"

    Est worriedly looked towards Kamito.

    "Haha, there''s no problem."

    Kamito lightly patted Est''s silver hair.

    (¡ªI believe this fight will be more intense.)

    Part 5

    And at the same time the cannons lit up¡ª

    "¡ªFreezing Arrows!"

    Rinslet also released her elemental waffe.

    As a diamond flying in thin air, the ice was broken when it was hit.

    "...! Is that fortress girl''s divine power unlimited!?"

    Rinslet started to sweat.

    Comparing by power, the Freezing Arrow immediately topped it, but when they were continuously fired, Velsaria''s elemental waffe had an overwhelming advantage.

    ¡ª(We can''t proceed this way, we will lose.)

    "..., My knight spirit is also at its limit."

    Fianna breathed heavily.

    The shield which was always resisting the cannons, also had multiple cracks.

    And through the sudden attack, ire and Ellis also could not get closer.

    In front of the undamaged fortress, Team Scarlet''s actions had been sealed shut.

    That way, they could only patiently wait till Velsaria''s divine power was emptied¡ª But the knight spirit that was protecting them could not hold out for even 10 more seconds.

    "So, we still can''t defeat my esteemed sister¡ª"

    Ellis regrettably bit her lips.

    "You sure are different, are you already showing weakness at this time?"

    "B-But¡ª"

    Ellis looked at her side and stared at ire.

    "Didn''t you already make a promise with those two people?"

    "...Ha ha, that is true."

    Ellis slowly lifted her head up.

    (That''s true¡ª I cannot be defeated here.)

    (I already have made a promise with Rakka and Reishia.)

    (And, I also made a vow to show Velsaria my way of the Knights.)

    (Escaping is not an option.)

    "But, what should we do? With the barrage, we can''t even get close."

    "...I still have a secret weapon. I''ll make the chance."

    "Is it possible?"

    "I don''t know. But, this is the only way left."

    ire who was looking forward spoke,

    "¡ªMm. True."

    Ellis also nodded.

    "ire! I can''t hold any more!"

    Fianna''s scream was filled with pain.

    The knight spirit who was blocking the barrage also finally knelt down.

    With the merciless barrage, it turned back into light orbs and disappeared.

    At that moment, ire started to run.

    When all the cannons were focused on the knight spirit, there was a single opening¡ª the chance was then.

    At the same time, Ellis also started to run in the opposite direction.

    Velsaria made an instant choice and decided to hit ire first.

    Aiming at the captain was a reasonable choice. But, ire had already anticipated that.

    "¡ªScarlet!"

    With the scream, the elemental waffe turned back into its cat form.

    It ran through the rain of barrage, and slowly approached Velsaria.

    "Futile!"

    Velsaria who roared, used the attacking arm and struck the hell cat.

    Next, the cannon focused on Scarlet¡ª Though noticing ire''s approach, Velsaria realized without her elemental waffe, she would not cause any threat.

    ire who approached then put her hand on the armor of the fortress spirit.

    Then¡ª released a spirit magic.

    "Thou''s ice heart, aware of my anger andment¡ª Blood Aria!"

    That magic made whatever the palm touched vibrate in high frequency, and caused it to be overheated.

    Because it could only be released through direct contact, it was a very difficult magic to use in battle.

    "Idiot, you really think you can pierce through my fortress spirit''s armor with magic?"

    Velsaria said in an icy tone.

    Because of the attacking arm, ire''s small body hit the ground with a strong impact.

    The next moment¡ª

    "¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet released her ice arrows, and it pierced through the fortress spirit''s armor.

    "Didn''t I tell you¡ª What!?"

    *Plick*¡ª the armor''s surface cracked.

    Velsaria opened her eyes in shock.

    "Looks like... It is useful~"

    ire who was on the ground wiped her blood from her lips.

    "Using the difference in temperature and causing destruction¡ª T-That was your goal!?"

    "That¡¯s just a basic group strategy when you have a fire spirit and an ice spirit~"

    That was ire''s secret weapon.

    Even though the sess rate was low, but they managed to finally find a weakness.

    "...!"

    *Plick* *Plick*¡ª The cracks on the armor increased.

    At this time¡ª

    "Ahhhhh!"

    The gale that was surrounding Ellis released her Ray Hawk.

    With her destruction force, she charged with intense speed.

    Thence broke the armor, and pierced through Velsaria''s chest.

    "...! Ellis!"

    Ellis'' brown eyes red at Velsaria''s icy blue eyes.

    The strongest knight in the Academy started to show some weariness.

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    With the same stance the Ray Hawk charged in¡ª

    Ellis released her strongest wind out.

    The chaotic gale crushed the weakened elemental waffe.

    Velsaria, whose armor had been crushed flew in the air, painfully dropped down on the ground.

    "Hah, Hah, Hah¡ª"

    Ellis limply knelt on the floor.

    "...Did we... seed...?"

    Velsaria was currently on the floor.

    Seemingly unconscious.

    "I..."

    "Huh?"

    Nope, she did not lose her consciousness.

    Velsaria started to shake violently.

    "...I,...Absolutely... Cannot lose..."

    "...What?"

    ire raised her brow.

    The scene before their eyes was unbelievable.

    The elemental waffe which was supposed to be crushed¡ª

    "It''s starting to morph into a different thing!"

    "Esteemed sister...?"

    Ellis remained, not knowing what to do.

    "¡ªAh¡ªAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Inside the forest of Astral Zero, echoed Velsaria''s roar.

    Part 6

    "What is that...!?"

    Kamito yelled out.

    The students who were looking through the monitor to watch the battle started to run for their lives.

    Velsaria''s elemental waffe was starting to take a very ominous form.

    The body that was covered with pitch ck armor, was just like a knight risen from the dead.

    If the divine power was capable of being seen with one''s naked eyes, it was surely not a good sight.

    "That is a Cursed Armament Seal, Kamito."

    "Huh?"

    Kamito looked at the expressionless Est.

    "Also, she is now going out of control. If it continues like this¡ª"

    "Velsaria, imnted a Cursed Armament Seal!?"

    Kamito worriedly asked for confirmation.

    (Why...?)

    Why did the Academy''s strongest de dancer need to rely on those items?

    (Velsaria, already has been forced into this situation...)

    Kamito tightly grasped his left hand.

    (Even if the reason is not clear, I do know that the fight 3 years ago really changed her.)

    Through the monitor, the pitch ck knight roared out.

    Noticing the change, Velsaria''s teammates hurriedly came out.

    They were those 4 people that were once part of the Sylphid Knights. They were probably forced to note out till now.

    And to her teammates that hurriedly approached her¡ª

    The pitch ck knight used its hand and struck them over.

    Blood spurred out. The girls from the knights were mmed on the ground.

    From the right shoulder to the chest, the girls suffered severe injuries.

    "...!!?"

    Kamito started to have a disgusted feeling.

    From the injuries that were caused directly from a spirit, it proved that the spirit was slowly getting out of control.

    The emergency bell rang¡ª the match had been stopped.

    But even then, ire and the others did not want to retreat.

    (N-No...!)

    The ck mist that was being sent out from the pitch ck knight, like tentacles, trapped ire and the others and caught their limbs. Even though Scarlet and Fenrir tried to bite through it, those two also got caught immediately.

    (...Don''t tell me, is she trying to drain power from Scarlet?)

    Only Ellis stood up, wobbly.

    Using her elemental waffe to blow off the nearby ck mist, she was trying to protect ire and the others.

    Kamito though¡ª

    "¡ªEst. I have a request."

    Closely grasping Est''s cute hands.

    Even though Est had an expression that wanted to say something, when she looked at Kamito¡ª

    "¡ªI am Kamito''s sword. Everything is for you."

    She seemingly gave up and nodded.

    "But, please be careful. With your current body, and with my form as elemental waffe, you can probably onlyst for 10 seconds,"

    "Ahh, that''s enough, Est."

    Kamito kindly patted her silver hair, and started to release his elemental waffe.

    "Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil¡ª now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    Est''s body slowly turned into light orbs and disappeared into thin air¡ª

    And in Kamito''s hand, appeared a silver de with shining lights.

    Part 7

    "...D-Damn...!"

    Ellis used her elemental waffe''snce, and shed through the pitch ck knight''s mist.

    Even with just a slight touch, your divine power could still be drained. Velsaria''s teammates who had identally approached were already bound together and unconscious.

    Fianna and Rinslet who almost used all their divine power also fainted on the floor. Even though ire still managed to stay conscious¡ª

    "...Ellis, H-Hurry and escape to the door..."

    "Don''t joke around. I am a Sylphid Knight, my mission is to protect the students."

    While talking to the fallen ire, at the same time, she also released multiple gales towards Velsaria.

    But, it could not even slightly damage the armor. Even if the form changed, it still seemed to be as durable as that fortress spirit.

    The only thing that could manage to change the spirit into this ominous form¡ª

    There could be only one reason why.

    "Why¡ª? Why have you imnted a Cursed Armament Seal! Esteemed sister!"

    (I do not understand.)

    (A person who I once thought to be perfect, why do you have to do such things?)

    Towards Velsaria who could not hear anything, Ellis struck again with her swift speed.

    Because of the anger that increased the power of the gale, it pierced through the armor¡ª

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    But, the elemental waffence only maintained its form inside the armor without any movement.

    (...I cannot generate any more wind!?)

    From the crack of the armor came the ck mist¡ª the divine power of Velsaria, followed thence up into Ellis'' arm, and started to drain her power.

    Velsaria used her arms, and slowly picked up her body by her neck.

    "Ellis!"

    ire screamed out.

    (...Is this the end? I...)

    (...My consciousness is slowly fading away. Darkness is slowly enveloping me.)

    (...I didn''t get to protect anyone. Not even myrades, not even my esteemed sister.)

    "Kamito, sorry... I¡ª"

    At that moment. A sword immediately shed through the air.

    "...!?"

    Next moment, Ellis'' body was in the air.

    From behind, a hand appeared and hugged her tightly.

    Slowly, she opened her eyes.

    "Wha¡ª?"

    In front of her eyes, the one that appeared was Kazehaya Kamito.

    Ellis right now was being princess cradled in the air.

    "...Kamito?"

    "¡ªEllis, thanks for protecting myrades~"

    Kamito smiled and dropped to the ground, and semi-regrettably let Ellis down.

    ...Unable to understand the current situation, Ellis blinked nkly.

    Kamito then looked towards Velsaria''s direction, and grasped his elemental waffe sword.

    "¡ªI will not allow you to touch myrades!"

    Part 8

    From under his bandages, surged a huge intense burning sensation.

    (...Tch, the injury opened again...)

    Tightly clenching his teeth to contain his cry of pain, Kamito cursed in his heart.

    Even though I said something cool, I still have a giant hole in my stomach.

    Not just de dancing, it''s already really difficult just standing.

    "I knew it, using the Demon yer Sacred Sword in this condition is really tiring~"

    He smiled wryly.

    "Y-Y-Y-Y-You Idiot!"

    ire''s whip made snapping sounds.

    "Ouch!"

    Kamito yelled in pain.

    *Gogogogogogo...!*

    Turning his head back, there was re holding her whip with her arms crossed.

    (...Scary. Its like her head has 2 horns...)

    "W-What are you doing! Treat people with injuries better!"

    Kamito red at her with his teary eyes.

    "Then why are people with injuries running here!?"

    Her red twintails angrily stood up.

    Kamito sighed, and ced his hand on ire''s head.

    "Rushing towards here when myrades are in danger, isn''t that normal?"

    "...Hah, y-you sure are an idiot."

    ire looked to one side trying to hide her blushing face.

    "Kamito, w-with your injuries..."

    Ellis spoke with high concern.

    Kamito once again turned himself around, and kindly ced his hand on her shoulders.

    "Ellis, you worked hard and did well. You are already an excellent knight."

    "Kamito..."

    Ellis'' eyes showed happiness.

    At that moment¡ª

    "...Oh... Ohhh ahhhhh..."

    "...!?"

    Those 3 immediately turned towards the source of the noise.

    The ck knight who had lost one of its arms yelled out in pain.

    With that form, it was just like a body being possessed by a lost spirit.

    "Velsaria..."

    Kamito wobbly walked over and held tightly onto Terminus Est.

    With his current condition, he could only maintain Est''s elemental waffe form for only about 10 seconds.

    "Kamito, are you seriously going to fight this thing!?"

    "Ah, after all, she is the one I have to defeat by my own hand."

    "Kamito, what are you say¡ª"

    Kamito grasped his sword, and stared at Velsaria.

    "...Ren... Ashbel... l..."

    "Velsaria, do you really want to fight against ''her''?"

    Although he never expected an answer, Kamito still asked.

    "...Ohhh... Oh..."

    The only reply that he got, was the roar filled with chaos from its throat.

    "Then, before the strongest de dancer, I shall be your opponent!"

    As he dered¡ª Kamito started to charge forward.

    At the same time, Velsaria who had lost one of her arms also started to charge.

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis'' voice slowly faded in the noise created by the sword fight.

    "Ohhhh!"

    Blocking Velsaria''s assault, Kamito swung his sword.

    The pitch ck armor cracked open. With another strike, he smashed through it.

    Sparks flew everywhere. At the same time, a pain like electricity shocked Kamito''s body.

    At the instant Kamito screamed in pain, the armored Velsaria grabbed Kamito''s arms. But¡ª

    "Don''t look down on myrades!"

    As if in reply to Kamito''s scream, Terminus Est released a bright light.

    A light that seems to purify, it blew away the mist which was Velsaria''s divine power.

    Following that, Kamito shed towards the head of the pitch ck armor. With that, he released another strike¡ª the ck knight was not able to keep up with the shes and shes of attacks.

    "Strong...!"

    Ellis eximed.

    Looking at the de dance, you could never tell that Kamito was heavily injured with his overwhelming strength.

    "That''s just, like..."

    Whom Ellis Fahrengart envied, the strongest de dancer.

    As if seeing the same thing from 3 years ago¡ª

    "¡ªAhhhhhh!"

    Velsaria screeched out a terrifying sound.

    The air seemed like it was vibrating, smashing Kamito''s body and blowing him away.

    And then smashing him onto the ground heavily.

    Crimson red blood started to stain the bandage on his chest while pain spread all over his body.

    Terminus Est''s light started to fade away, signaling that the fighting was almost near its end.

    "..."

    With the support of his hands, Kamito stood up.

    Velsaria''s ominous divine power then started to spread all over the ground like a mist,

    (So the source of this mist is her heart...)

    Kamito''s extraordinary observing skills told him that conclusion.

    While desperately tolerating the pain, Kamito re-grasped his de and lit up his sword.

    (With Terminus Est''s anti-curse ability, I might be able to¡ª)

    At this time, like an obstacle, Velsaria''s elemental waffe started to change once again.

    The severed arm slowly morphed like y, and changed into a giantnce.

    No, rather than ance¡ª it looked more like a ram.

    "...Looks like its time to determine the winner. Just what I wanted..."

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis slowly walked over to Kamito with her de as a support stick.

    "Ellis, I''m sorry."

    "Kamito, that thing is dangerous."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Myncing skills were taught to me by my esteemed sister."

    "...I see."

    Velsaria once again roared out a sound like it came from the ground.

    "...Ren... Ash... bell!"

    "...? My esteemed sister actually mistook Kamito as Ren Ashbell?"

    Ellis raised her eyebrows, in question.

    Of course, the current Velsaria already lost all logic.

    "It''s time to see who wins. Ellis, please help me a little."

    "...I understand."

    Ellis nodded.

    "Kamito, I beg of you, please save my esteemed sister."

    Kamito then proceeded to channel all of his remaining divine power to the sword in his hand.

    The silver sword once again started to glow with all its might. Ellis also started to create gales of wind.

    This strike was the strongest attack he could use with his current body.

    (I can only bet everything on this.)

    "Lets go, Velsaria Eva Fahrengart!"

    "Ahhhhhhh!"

    Velsaria charged while creating a trail of dust around her.

    With Kamito''s body bing lighter through Ellis'' wind,

    With a violent gale behind his back pushing him, Kamito elerated again.

    With the instant sh, the area around them was immediately clouded by the shing lights.

    Just barely dodging Velsaria''s attack¡ª

    The Demon yer Sacred Sword which was shinning with a bright white light, totally pierced Velsaria''s armor and the ''heart''.

    From the tip of the de, the bright light started to overflow.

    (Just like what happened¡ª 3 years ago.)

    "...Velsaria, you shall be saved by me."

    With his de in her chest, Kamito slowly whispered.

    The pitch ck armor shattered into powder, and Velsaria''s beautiful face appeared once again.

    "Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    Her cherry-colored lips, slowly moved.

    Part 9

    (So it is like this... Kazehaya Kamito, you are¡ª)

    In the moment she was pierced, she realized something.

    The person in front of her, was the exact same person that pierced her chest 3 years ago.

    "...I have been defeated once again..."

    Velsaria smiled gently.

    As if a heavy worry disappeared, she had a very stable expression.

    But for some reason, she could not feel any remorse from that time.

    This is because, Kazehaya Kamito''s ck eyes, were looking straight at her.

    "...!?"

    *Dub dub*¡ª the Cursed Armament Seal started to beat once again.

    With her face hot, Velsaria slightly moved her teary eyes away from Kamito.

    "Velsaria, you are strong. But, that strength will one day snap like a sword."

    "That is true... But, I only seek this power so you can acknowledge me¡ª But it seems like it wasn''t enough~"

    "¡ªYou are wrong then."

    "What?"

    "You lost, but it is not because of insufficient strength. You only lost because you were alone. But I have myrades, my friends I met in the Academy."

    "..."

    "That, is something even the me from 3 years ago¡ª Ren Ashbell would not have."

    Upon Velsaria''s blushing face came a cool breeze.

    (These are¡ª Ellis'' winds.)

    At thatst instant, it was that same wind that elerated Kamito who was heavily injured.

    That same wind that carried Ellis'' thought and her belief as a knight.

    "Ren Ashbell, I¡ª"

    With her smile and her beautiful golden hair swaying with the wind¡ª

    Velsaria Eva Fahrengart finally was defeated.

    And¡ª the beating ''heart'' also ceased all movement.

    Part 10

    "Arara, that ''heart'' broke~ That was, after all, a rarely found piece of merchandise~"

    At the forest not near the Academy¡ª

    Vivian Melosa unhappily bit her lips.

    After all, she only came to watch the fight to gather more data.

    "The direct imntation of Cursed Armament Seals on a ''heart'' will still take a while until it can be used without any problems~"

    Releasing a sigh, she turned off the final switch.

    "But, that boy was pretty interesting. And since that Jio from the Instructional School was also taken away, I shall y with him the next time~"

    "The students are not your toys, Vivian Melosa."

    "...!?"

    From that voiceing from nowhere, Vivian Melosa¡ª felt a chill on her back.

    "Is that you!? The Dusk Witch!?"

    "Hmph, how nostalgic. My good-for-nothing student."

    Greyworth Ciel Mais slowly walked out from the deep forest.

    "...! Why¡ª?"

    "Executing such an action that attracted people''s attention, everyone would have noticed. And yesterday after the 2 girls went out of control, we did a little research. We realized that the Cursed Armament Seals were the same as what you studied back when you were still a student. Looks like you still haven''t improved from the past~"

    Like a teacher lecturing a student, Greyworth kindly said.

    "I still can''t believe that you actually started to take action because of those negligible students¡ª"

    "Hmph, thest time I was sent here was a few years ago. For me toe back here to rule out the nasty pests, it seems like it is destiny."

    Vivian Melosa immediately held her breath, and her body started to shake from fear.

    "Next, for you to attack my important students, it is necessary for you to take some punishment~"

    ¡ªAt the same time, Greyworth''s right hand started to glow andpress into a pitch ck matter.

    From this weird condition, the one that was appearing could not be a contracted spirit¡ª it was a demon.

    "Its been a long time since you had food, Earl, go ahead and enjoy yourself~"

    Greyworth licked her devilish lips.

    "Ah... Ahh... Ahhhhhh..."

    Vivian Melosa cried out from her throat.

    From being scared, itpletely turned into a state of panic.

    Looking at her trying to crawl away to escape¡ª

    "¡ªDon''t try to escape~ The punishment is necessary!"

    "Heh, Ah, Ahhh..."

    The pitch ck did its final assault.

    *Ka* *Crack* *Chouk* *Gulp*...

    The sound of chewing echoed throughout the forest.

    "Ara Ara. I still needed to handle the final situation, such an idiotic disciple~"

    She then yfully touched her sses, and slowly walked away.

 Volume 3, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 3, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    Velsaria Eva''s body was being ruined by the Cursed Armament Seal.

    Although they could erase the Cursed Armament Seal engraved on her ''heart'' with the power of the Demon yer Demon king Killing Sacred Sword ¡ªTerminus Est¡ª, the curse, which had umted over several years and sted out in one go, had destroyed her channel that ruled over the renewal of her divine power.

    It was unknown how many years it would take for her toe back as an elementalist.

    Also, even if Cursed Armament Seal disappeared, it did not mean her crimes would disappear.

    Ellis and Kamito sent off Velsaria, who was escorted by Spirit Knights to be transported to the capital, to the front of the academy gate.

    Getting on the escort carriage, Velsaria had been making a peaceful expression.

    Due to the fact that she imnted the Cursed Armament Seal, it might be that her mind had also been slightly ruined.

    She was currently not a beautiful knight of ice, but she seemed somewhat like a normal girl.

    "...Ellis, I am sorry."

    Velsaria turned towards Ellis and lowered her head.

    "Please raise your head, esteemed sister. I will always be waiting for you."

    Velsaria nodded, and this time, she turned towards Kamito.

    "I will leave my younger sister in your care. She is clumsy, but she is, surprisingly, cute sometimes."

    "Ah, ah, I know."

    "Ka-Kamito!? Esteemed sister, what are you even saying?!"

    With her face turning bright red, Ellis shouted.

    "Ellis, I am looking forward to your efforts at the de Dance."

    Patting Ellis lightly on the head, Velsaria got onto the carriage.

    Kamito stood in line with Ellis and sent off the leaving carriage.

    "¡ªKamito, thank you. You helped me save my esteemed sister."

    "The one who saved her was you, Ellis. Not me."

    Kamito shook his head calmly.

    "..."

    Suddenly, a strange silence arrived.

    "Erm, Kamito, about the day before yesterday, the Valentia Holy Festival."

    "Oh?"

    Ellis took out a small box from somewhere.

    It was a box prettily wrapped with a ribbon.

    "...This is?"

    "Th-This is only because I have approved you as arade of the Knights. Other than that, th-there''s not even a shred of any other intentions!"

    Ellis sharply turned her face away and handed her chocte out.

    "Ha ha, thank you Ellis. You''re really a person with a stiff sense of obligation."

    "Um, but i-it has... n-nothing to do with obligation."

    Ellis pouted her lips and mumbled,

    Part 2

    Several dayster, a party for Team Scarlet''s selection to participate in the de Dance was held.

    By defeating the first ranked Silent Fortress, their ranking went up to the third ce in one go.

    Simrly moving up the rankings, the upperssman veteran Team Wyvern and together with Team Cernunnos that had the Druid girl were selected to participate in the de Dance.

    The departure of the ship that would head to the venue in Astral Zero was one weekter.

    The party was held in ire''s room.

    A gigantic chocte cake was sitting on the table.

    It was almost like the size of a wedding cake.

    "You girls... Are you seriously eating this whole thing?"

    Kamito groaned with a deadpan look.

    "We don''t have a choice. We had a lot of chocte for the Valentia Holy Festival left over, after all."

    "Kamito-san, a-are you saying that you are not going to eat my cake?"

    Rinslet frowned with an unhappy look.

    "You made this?...You really are a high-spec youngdy."

    "Mdy is top-notch evenpared to pastry shops."

    Carol smiled, cing her hand at her mouth

    "Carol also helped with the taste test."

    "Yes, I am in bliss eating Mdy''s cakes everyday."

    "Hum, Carol, you also have to work a little."

    ...The other party was the never-changing low-spec maid.

    "Ah, Kamito-kun, ire and I also helped!"

    Mugyuu. The sensation of soft breasts was pressed onto him.

    It was the immodest second princess.

    "Fianna, you..."

    The instant he heard Fianna helped, Kamito only felt a bad premonition.

    "Fufu, not only the cake, you can eat me too!"

    She whispered, mixed with her breath, at his ear. Kamito turned bright red.

    "W-What are you saying¡ª?"

    "Kamito, you can eat me too?"

    "Est, are you saying it, knowing what it means?!"

    "...Ka-Kamito, you-you pervert..."

    *Gogogogogo*

    "Wait, ire! This is a misunderstanding!"

    At that moment, the doorbell rang.

    "I-It seems like Ellis is here."

    Kamito went towards the door like he was escaping in a fluster.

    As he opened the door¡ª his eyes widened.

    "...!"

    The one standing there was¡ª

    Ellis wearing a party dress that had an opening at the region of herrge breasts.

    Her face was applied with light make-up and her lips were colored red.

    "E-Ellis,... what''s with your attire?"

    "Be-Because it is a party, I came with the proper attire."

    Two girls were giggling behind Ellis, whose face was dyed red.

    They were Rakka and Reishia....It seemed like she was tricked by those two again.

    "I-Is... it strange?"

    Ellis was asking with her cheeks slightly dyed red and an upward nce.

    "No, it suits you....You''re really pretty!"

    Kamito scratched his head as he replied¡ª

    *Gogogogo*

    He felt dreadful res from behind.

    "...!?"

    As he turned around, the youngdies were ring at Kamito with "Grrr" faces.

    "Wh-What?"

    "S-Shut up, just eat the cake!"

    "Muhh"

    ire stabbed the cake with a fork and stuffed it into his mouth.

    Fianna, Rinslet... and even Est¡ª

    They went on forcefully stuffing cake into his mouth.

    (This is absurd...)

    While Kamito was surrounded by morose beautiful girls, he sighed a heavy breath.

    ¡ªA weekter, the de Dance finally drew open its curtains.

 Volume 3, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 3, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªY-You mean for me to put on an even sexier attire, right?!

    With that, it has been roughly a 3-month period since ourst contact. This is Shimizu Yuu. I present you the third installment of the academy harem x battleedy "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" series that started at the end ofst year!

    To hand over choctes to the boys they like¡ª The academy''s ojou-sama are in-preparation and restless of the arrival of the Valentia Holy Festival, an event that sets girls'' hearts racing. Amongst them, Ellis, Captain of the Sylphid Knights that protects the public morals of the academy, tried to offer a certain act of gratitude to Kamito¡ª

    "I-I''m now your exclusive-use maid from now....I-Is that alright?"

    There''s the battle of love between beautiful girls where sparks fly. There''s the darkness of the Cursed Armament Seals that undermines Academy Town.

    And then, there''s the academy''s strongest elementalist who returned!

    Please by all means enjoy this third installment fully crammed with the charms of the ever-serious and clumsy (and surprisingly big breasted) Ellis!

    And at this point, big news came flying over from my person-in-charge Shouji-san!

    Receiving everyone''s poprity, Seirei Tsukai had promising sales but¡ª

    What! The serialization of aic edition has been decided in "Monthly Comic-Alive"!

    The one drawing "Seirei" of theic edition is Yoshihira Zenzai-sensei. I was shown the character designs the other day, but... they''re dangerous, they''re transcendently adorable!

    The reason we could develop a media mix this early was because of all you readers, who had supported "Seirei". Please be looking forward to the day that ire and Est get turned into aic and move about.

    It''s time for the thanks. First, to Sakura Hanpen-sensei, thank you very much for this time''s wonderful illustration too. Especially, the front cover''s Ellis is most cute. ck tights are the best. And, as to why her breastte is opened¡ªthat''s an eternal puzzle, an eternal mystery, and an eternal romance!

    To MFJ''s charismatic Incubator Koto Shouji-sama, who had always warmly watched over the growth of my work, thank you very much for this time as well & sorry to troubled you¡ª

    And again, with Korie Riko-sensei, who''s in-charge of the illustration of Gotou Yuujin-sensei''s heartwarming, guardian spirit, romanceedy "Tsuki Tsuki!" that was sold at the same time as "Seirei", the drawing of supportive coborative illustrations could be done. Korie-sensei, thank you very much. As "Tsuki Tsuki!" is a very interesting work filled with plenty of cute girls (Shimizu is of the Gogyou-san faction!), those who have not read it please read it by all means. ¡ªBy the way, Sakura Hanpen-sensei''s coborative illustrations seem to be ced on "Tsuki Tsuki" Volume 3!

    Chief editor Misaka, proofreading team, binding team, sales teams and the bookstores, really thank you for everything. Again, the new retailers Anibro Gamers had continued from the first volume, even the second volume of deploying extrarge signboards & de dance roadshow.

    And, of course, the greatest thanks go to all you readers who had read this book.

    To everyone that sent in their questionnaires, I''ve read them repeatedly, always treasuring your thoughts. The questionnaires are the driving force for me to write my manuscripts, I''ll be happy if you keep on sending them in!

    ¡ùDigressing but when I opened the cash register at a part-time job (a certain bookshop) the other day, there was a customer who bought "Seirei", and it got my heart beating super-fast...!

    The next one will be the fourth installment. The stage will be from the academyption (first section) to the de Danception (second section)¡ª as for the second section, I n to make many of the foreshadowing and mysteries clear. Of course, with my "increased love, double the fun, superior battles!" slogan, the battle of love between the beautiful girls will heat up more than anything you''ve seen before!

    Atst, I pray that the entertainment that''ll be created from now onwards would slightly bring peace to everyone, who''re even now in harsh circumstances¡ª

    P.S.

    Last April, I received news of Matsuno Akinari-sensei''s death, and I''m humbly expressing my feelings of condolences.

    Thank you very much for many of your wonderful works that brought a smile out from the bottom of my heart.

    April 2011, Shimizu Yuu

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you, or perhaps, long time no see, this is Sakura Hanpen!

    This time I''m given two pages for my afterword, so I''ve fully used the space.

    And drew Ellis-san!

    Ellis in the 3rd volume was too cute that it was excruciating.

    Even I, who''s of the Rinslet faction, was almost bought over, how dangerous.

    Then, here''s some pleasant news! What, the series has been serialized as a manga!

    The beginning of first serialization following my first light novel illustrations in session has me very happy!

    The manga drawings are really cute, oh-no, it''s at a level that I want to Shizumi-sensei''s pero-pero right on the manga edition.

    No, it''ll be a waste, so I''ll hold to it, Shizumi-sensei''s pero-pero right is really cute, so please really look forward to it! I want to quickly read it.

    Well then, I''ll stop here!

    The next volume seems to be a book of personal benefit to me!

    Shizumi-sensei, I''m looking forward to it! Thank you!!

    Before Koto Shouji-san deprives me of my pero-pero rights, I''ll be stopping here!! See you at the next volume!

 Volume 4, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 4, Prologue</h4>

    Passages excavated in the solid bedrock were piled up in severalyers.

    A boy had been walking alone through the inside of the institution where crimson mes swirled.

    He had glossy ck hair. His attire covered his whole body in ck and could be mistaken for darkness.

    His girlish looks still retained some innocence, but his jet-ck pupils were emotionless, only reflecting the mes that flickered inhumanly.

    Who was it that destroyed the institution of the Instructional School, that had manybatants, in merely half a day?¡ª The boy had no way of knowing.

    Was it the capital''s Spirit Knights, or an ident due to a rampaging sealed spirit?

    The instructional teachers, who drilledbat skills into the boy, were nowhere to be found.

    Had they escaped, or it might be that they were already dead.

    If that was the case, the boy would be released and would be a free man.

    But.

    (Such things are trivial...)

    The boy, who had his heart stolen away, had be apathetic to everything.

    Except for her, the one and only exception.

    The darkness spirit, Restia¡ª the highest level sealed spirit that was given to him by the teachers of the institution.

    The girl had granted light to his heart that was shut in darkness.

    (She''s the only one that I''ll absolutely protect.)

    Within the zing mes, the boy''s goal was the shrine that was beneath the institution.

    In the shrine, there were many artifacts of sealed spirits that were illegally excavated by the Instructional School ¡ªthat was strong enough to even beparable to a small nation''s military strength¡ª resting.

    The ring that sealed Restia should also be stored over there.

    The spirit seal that was the proof of a spirit contract had not yet been engraved on the boy''s hand.

    The teachers of the institution were cautious of him possessing more power than necessary and had not permitted the exchanging of a spirit contract.

    The boy held the power tomune with spirits while having the body of a man¡ª the same nature as the Demon King.

    The teachers were afraid that he would rebel after contracting with the highest level darkness spirit.

    "¡ªOnii-sama!"

    The sound of a girl came from behind.

    "Muir?"

    There was only one person who would call him onii-sama.

    The boy turned around and saw a young girl behind him.

    She had ash-grey hair that was tied up on both sides of her head.

    Along with her blue clear pupils, she had lovely rose-bud-like lips.

    Her skin that could be seen from the gaps of her ckbat uniform was white like virgin snow.

    "Muir, you still haven''t escaped?"

    "Mou, I was searching for you, onii-sama!"

    The girl ¡ªMuir Alenstarl¡ª pouted her cheeks like she was angry.

    Naturally, the boy, who was an orphan, had no sisters.

    ''Onii-sama'' was just something she called him willfully.

    "What happened to those watching over us?"

    "I killed them."

    She answered without a flicker of her eyebrow.

    "It''s because they tried to hinder me from searching for onii-sama."

    She neither boasted nor felt regret about the murder.

    She just killed because it was a necessary task¡ª It could be said to be something like that.

    "I see..."

    Although there was no sympathy for those who were killed.

    As the ones who had raised her as a ughtering weapon were none other than they themselves.

    Muir Alenstarl was the Instructional School''s second rankingbatant.

    In this institution literallyposed of monsters, the girl was nicknamed ¡°Monster.¡±

    While the boy held overwhelmingbat skills, he had not yet killed even a single person. He was a being that drew the line.

    "Onii-sama, you too, what are you doing here?"

    This time, Muir was the one who asked.

    "The ring that sealed Restia is in the underground shrine. I''m going to retrieve it."

    "Ah, Onii-sama, as you already have Muir, you don''t need things like contracted spirits."

    Muir frowned with her cute lips, seemingly bored.

    "That reminds me, where''s Lily?"

    Lily me was the seventh member attached to same unit as the boy and Muir.

    "Lily?...Uhmm, she might have been killed by the crimson giant."

    "Crimson giant?"

    "The thing that attacked the institution a few hours ago. That outrageously strong me spirit."

    At that instant.

    The ground suddenly shook.

    "¡ªIt''sing onii-sama!"

    ".....!?"

    Suddenly, from the depths of the passage, he felt an intense presence.

    Crimson mes, spouting out high, burned up the ceiling like it was nothing, and at that moment.

    What appeared from within the mes was¡ª a roaring giant of mes.

    In its hand that was like a lump ofva, it was gripping a sword of zing scarlet mes.

    (A me spirit? No, that''s...)

    It was not a simple me spirit.

    A hair-raising chill ran all over the boy''s body.

    That was the very symbol of destruction.

    Just by looking straight at its existence, his mind began being scraped away.

    (I''m certain¡ª That''s an archdemon ss spirit!)

    It was the being that had destroyed the Instructional School, that held many elementalists, in merely a few hours.

    It was said that the power of a archdemon-ss spirit pulled through even a division of the spirit knights.

    (This isn''t an opponent I can fight without a contracted spirit...)

    The me spirit seemed to have noticed them.

    dpletely in mes, it melted the bedrock as it slowly approached them.

    "Onii-sama, leave that to Muir."

    Muir licked the ring ced on her small hand.

    She nned on using an anti-spirit militarized spirit

    "Muir, that is not a being that a human can manage."

    "No problem. Muir isn''t a human¡ª Muir is a ''monster''."

    An ominous spirit seal glowed on Muir''s right hand.

    No, that was not a spirit seal, but a Cursed Armament Seal that the Instruction School had given.

    Jester''s Vise ¡ª It was the reason why Muir was called Monster.

    "Goodbye, Onii-sama."

    "¡ªMuir!!!"

    The young boy stretched his hands out towards her shoulders and at that moment.

    The crimson mes released by the giant thoroughly burned the boy''s field of vision.

    The "rampaging incident" of the spirit led to the destruction of the Instructional School

    That was something from a year before the boy appeared at the front stage as the strongest de dancer.

    It was an event that urred in a remote region of the empire that was not even marked on the map.

 Volume 4, 1 - Travel Preparation

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 1 - Travel Preparation</h4>

    Part 1

    *Chirp, chirp...*

    The twittering of birds from inside the Spirit Forest that surrounded the academy could be heard within the dorms.

    "Mm..."

    Opening his eyes and rising up from his bed, he found his own half-asleep face reflected in the window ss.

    His ck hair was ruffled from sleeping. He also had an insecure look in his eyes.

    Compared to the innocent looks in his dream, his impression had changed greatly.

    (Four years ago... huh?)

    It had been a long time since hest had a dream about that period of time.

    It was probably the first time he had one sinceing to this academy.

    To be frank, it was a memory he did not even want to recall...

    Kamito unintentionally cast his sight down to his left hand, where a spirit seal was engraved.

    The seal of the darkness spirit¡ª the left hand which grasped victory at the de Dance three years ago.

    (Now I am trying to return to that arena once more.)

    With the de Dance drawing near, he was probably feeling emotionally overwrought without realizing it.

    That must also have been why he had a dream about that period of time.

    As he was about to get off his bed¨D

    "......"

    Kamito noticed something.

    His body felt strangely heavy.

    Something soft and pleasant was mounted on top of his waist.

    "......?!"

    Startled, Kamito flipped his nket vigorously.

    And then.

    "Fua... Good morning, Kamito."

    "E-Est?!"

    A lovely voice rang, just like a bell.

    The one straddling Kamito''s waist¡ª was a silver-haired beauty.

    She had mysterious violet eyes. Her skin was white like freshly extracted milk.

    The figure in question, who was rubbing her drowsy-looking eyelids, was just as lovely as a snow fairy.

    The sword spirit Est. She was Kamito''s contracted spirit, and was also entitled "Demon yer."

    Apparently, she had snuck into Kamito''s bed without him knowing.

    On top of that, her attire was¡ª

    "What''s wrong, Kamito?"

    Still straddling his waist, Est looked down at him expressionlessly.

    "H-Hey, your attire..."

    Est was fully naked¨D No, she was not.

    She was dressed up properly.

    However¡ª

    "Kamito?"

    Est tilted her head nkly. Kamito averted his eyes in a fluster.

    Est was wearing Kamito''s uniform shirt over her naked body.

    She was probably not wearing underwear. Her attire was what called a naked-shirt[1].

    From the exposed bosom, her slightly exposed white skin was strangely captivating.

    The cuffs were big and excessive, but they gave him an unnecessary maniacal feeling nheless.

    "Wha¡ª? Est, why are you wearing my uniform?"

    "Kamito told me that I can''t sleep naked together with you."

    Est replied expressionlessly.

    Kamito was startled as soon as she tightly grabbed the chest area of the shirt.

    "Yeah, I did tell you so."

    Being at his wits'' end, Kamito groaned.

    "But please, at least put on some panties."

    "...Pan...ties?"

    "Why are you making that wondering face?!"

    It might be the case that spirits have the habit of wearing knee-socks, but do not have the habit of wearing panties.

    (...Nah, Restia did wear underwear properly.)

    Just when he was thinking about that¨D

    "Hm?"

    Suddenly, Kamito felt something out of ce about Est''s appearance.

    It was not just about her wearing a naked-shirt¨D There seemed to be something very different about Est this morning.

    Kamito intently examined Est''s whole body.

    "Kamito... Um, if you stare at me that much, I''ll get embarrassed."

    The expressionless Est blushed in an unusual manner, squirmed on top of his waist and rubbed her knees together.

    At that moment, Kamito finally realized it.

    From the shirt-tail, her white thighs crept into sight.

    And then came her slender and smooth ankles like sculptures made of marble.

    What Est was wearing¡ª wasn''t her usual knee-high socks.

    She was wearing short socks, the length of which was just about up to her ankles.

    "Est, what''s with those socks?"

    "Well, I thought Kamito would be pleased with these kind of socks."

    With her face still red, Est firmly pinned down the shirt-tail.

    This was his first time seeing Est making such an expression.

    It appeared that to her, exposing her bare feet was really embarrassing.

    "Kamito, are you turned on by my short socks?"

    "Nah, because I don''t have such a maniacal fetish, you know?"

    "...I see. That means this is still not enough to make you satisfied."

    Est dropped her shoulders, seemingly disappointed.

    "Still, it is quite impossible for me to show you my bare feet."

    "I''m telling you, I don''t have such a fetish."

    Kamito groaned and shook his head. He really could not understand the spirits'' sense of shame.

    (Even so¨D)

    It was the truth that his heart pounded at Est''s expression of blushing and being bashful in an unusual manner.

    The sword spirit was always calm and expressionless.

    That was exactly why he wanted to try seeing more of her bashful expression.

    (What will happen if I touch them, I wonder?)

    Suddenly, Kamito''s mind was tempted.

    Anyhow, it was because Est, not any other girl, was bashful to this extent.

    What would happen if he touched her bare feet? ¡ªHe wanted to try seeing it.

    "......"

    Kamito quietly reached out his hand¡ª

    *Coochy*.

    He tickled Est''s small foot.

    "...Hyan!"

    A sweet voice leaked out from her lips.

    Est''s body bent with a start.

    "...Kamito, what are you doing?!"

    "Hm? I''m massaging you."

    *Coochy coochy*.

    "Hya...a-n..."

    Twisting her body, Est was in agony, seemingly tickled.

    Such a reaction was so cute that it drove Kamito to¨D

    *Coochy*. *Coochy coochy coochy*.

    "...A-n, please... Stop it..."

    "No. This is your punishment."

    "...Punishment?"

    "Because Est is a bad girl for sneaking in my bed as she pleases."

    *Coochy coochy*.

    "Ann, Kami...to... Forgive... Me."

    Tears were shed from Est''s limpid eyes as she pleaded while gasping.

    ...As expected, she now looked a little pitiful.

    "Have you reflected on your behavior?"

    "Y...es..."

    Kamito ceased tickling, and Est fell lying face-down in exhaustion.

    Kamito gently held Est back as she flopped onto him.

    "...Kamito is so mean."

    Est pouted her lips in an unusual manner.

    "My bad. Est is just so cute... So I did it without thinking."

    He gently stroked Est''s silver hair while making a bitter smile.

    Just at that moment.

    The room temperature rose instantly.

    "...?!"

    *Gogogogogogogo...!*

    From behind him, a horrifying killing aura... No, heat was emitted.

    When he turned around at the unpleasant premonition¨D

    "Y-Y-You guys... Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-What are you doing?"

    With her red twintails standing on end, the beautiful girl was trembling all over.

    Her ruby eyes were imposing. Her lips had the color of cherry blossoms in early blooming. The bulge on her chest was just about the same as that of a kid, but that well-bnced proportion of hers was very charming.

    ire Rouge.

    If it was appearance alone, she was exceptionally cute, an ultra beautiful girl without any exaggeration.

    However, as she was now, she was more terrifying than any ferocious spirit.

    "I-I''ve misjudged you. I-I didn''t know you''re such a pervert...!"

    "Y-You got it wrong, ire. This is, well, you see..."

    Kamito was attempting to give an excuse while in a fluster, but¨D

    For this particr instance, it was absolutely not a misunderstanding. There was no way to make an excuse.

    "Kamito-kun, I think your foot-tickling y is indeed too maniacal."

    Appearing from behind ire, Fianna quietly cast her eyes down, seemingly sad.

    It seemed like she had seen everything....He would rather die now.

    "Kamito, how hot would you order me to grill you?"

    ire smiled pleasantly while holding her zing metounge.

    A smile of an angel that would make one unexpectedly fascinated.

    "Medium rare... or so."

    "Too bad. I only know roasting to cinders."

    ire raised her whip of me overhead¨D

    "¨DTurn into cinders already!"

    Kamito was blown off towards the outside of the window.

    Part 2

    And so, Kamito greeted another morning just like usual, but¨D

    After eating breakfast, the situation was a little different.

    The bell sounding the start of sses had already rung long ago, yet everyone still remained in their rooms in the dorm.

    "This one and this one. This one should be necessary too... Geez, Scarlet. Don''t y with the luggage."

    "Nyaa?"

    The me spirit in the form of a hell cat was ying by rolling ire''s outfits as if they were a yarn ball.

    Seeing a glimpse of white underwear among that lump, Kamito averted his eyes in a hurry.

    ire and Fianna were sitting on each of their beds, packing stuff into their own bags.

    They were preparing to head to Astral Zero, the stage of the de Dance.

    It had been two weeks since Team Scarlet defeated the Silent Fortress ¨D Velsaria Eva, who was ranked number one within the academy, and obtained the right to participate in the de Dance. Together with the two teams that got into the determined representative trio, they were going to fight to the bitter end several days from now on as a representative of the Ordesia Empire.

    "ire, did you get enough sleep yesterday?"

    "Of course. Keeping your physical condition in control is the basics for an elementalist after all."

    ire nodded while holding back from yawning, which she had already been doing often.

    Perhaps because of her sense of responsibility as the team leader, ire had recently been reading arge number of tactical books and documents rted to spirits, which she had borrowed from the library, until the dead of the night.

    "Don''t push yourself too hard. We won''t know the regtion until an oracle of the Elemental Lords is issued."

    "Yes, I know. Still, it''s necessary to prepare countermeasures in advance. Those who participate in the de Dance are the most elite elementalists representing each country¨D It won''t be so easy that you can win without countermeasures. Besides, that the strongest de dancer is also taking part in this tournament after all."

    "...Yeah, you''re right."

    Kamito nodded with a bitter face.

    The strongest de dancer ¨D Ren Ashbell.

    The winner at the de Dance three years ago.

    (...Not me, but another Ren Ashbell.)

    Who exactly was she? And what was her goal...?

    He had to figure that out.

    Kamito tightly clenched his left hand, which was covered in a leather glove.

    Regardless of what her objectives might be, there was no doubt that the transformed Restia was acting together with her.

    "And you, are you done with packing already?"

    Holding on to the nape of Scarlet, who was struggling and mewing¨D

    This time it was ire who asked.

    In contrast with ire''s traveling bag, which was filled up till the point where it was about to burst, Kamito''s bag was small.

    "Yeah, I don''t have much stuff to carry after all."

    Kamito, who had been wandering aimlessly until just two months ago, carried with him almost no personal belongings.

    A few daggers used for throwing and, it wasn''t baggage but¨D he had the elemental waffe, the sword Terminus Est, in the sword-belt on his hips. Est was offended by what happened this morning and went to sleep in her sword form....It was unlikely she would wake up anytime soon.

    But then again, if one was to offend a high-ranking spirit of Est''s level, normally one had to be ready for the kind of damage like a town being destroyed.

    "......"

    For those two, it seemed that they still needed more time to pack.

    (...Well, they are girls of noble status after all.)

    They probably needed various things that a guy like Kamito would have no idea about.

    ire had been randomly stuffing in a bunch of canned peaches for a while, but that made him feel a little uneasy.

    "Hm?"

    Suddenly, Kamito cast his eyes down the floor, where stuff was strewn all over the ce.

    There were some books that looked like novels mixed among tactical books and documents rted to spirits.

    Having too much time to spare, Kamito casually picked up one of them.

    ''The wandering prince and the imprisoned princess''¨D A romance novel aimed at teens, with many illustrations in it.

    (Seriously, it''s surprising that ire likes this kind of stuff.)

    When he tried skimming lightly through its first part out of curiosity¨D

    "Wha-?!"

    Kamito''s face turned red in a sh.

    The contents of the book were about a beautiful princess who got abducted by a cruel prince and had all sorts of things done to her that could hardly be expressed in words¨DIt was that kind of hardcore stuff.

    "Y-You... H-Have you been reading this kind of stuff?!"

    "Eh?"

    ire turned around.

    And then, when she recognized what Kamito was holding in his hands,

    "Fuaaaa, g-g-g-give it back! What the hell are you reading without permission?!"

    Thump. Thud.

    She hit him with the peach cans in her hands.

    "Whoa... Are you nning to kill me?!"

    "It''s your punishment for peeping into a m-maiden''s secret! You deserve to die ten thousand times!"

    "Then don''t leave your maiden''s secret on the floor."

    "S-Shut up~! Idiot! Pervert!"

    Bursting into tears, ire hit him repeatedly and violently.

    ...At this rate, he might lose his life before participating in the de Dance.

    "Hey, you are being annoying."

    "B-But Kamito¨D"

    Taking the chance when ire turned towards Fianna¨D

    Kamito opened a page of the book and showed it in front of ire.

    It was a page containing an illustration in which the princess, the heroine of the story, was being tied up with a rope and getting whipped.

    "...?!"

    "Isn''t ire more of a pervert?"

    "...Eh?"

    ire''s shoulders turned stiff with a start.

    "A noble youngdy reading such a vulgar book, don''t you feel any shame?"

    "W-Well, um..."

    The high-ss youngdy blushed and mumbled in hesitation.

    Upon seeing ire in such a state¨D

    Kamito got a feeling of wanting to y around with her a little.

    (...Well, there I go wanting to tease her again.)

    It was probably because her act of blushing in embarrassment looked strangely cute.

    Moving his face close to ire''s ear, he whispered softly.

    "I wonder how everyone will think if they learn that the youngdy, whose test results are also top-ss, enjoys reading this kind of obscene books."

    "Fuaa, wh-wh-wh-what are you saying?!"

    "Could it be that you want to get things like stuff in this book done to you?"

    "Th-That''s not true! How could I want to be tied up like this?!"

    "You know, this page has a fold on it."

    "...~Fuaaan!"

    A tiny cloud of steam erupting from her head, ire crawled into her bed.

    "...Seriously, she''s the same green youngdy as ever."

    Having escaped from his life crisis, Kamito took a sigh of relief, and¨D

    This time he turned towards Fianna.

    "Is your preparation going well?"

    "...Hmm, it seems that my ritual equipment is going to be bulky no matter what."

    Said Fianna while stuffing arge round mirror and a candlestick into her bag.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia.

    She was the second princess of the Ordesia Empire, and also the princess maiden ranked second at the Divine Ritual Institue, a training institution for Queens who served the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    A genuine princess, who was once even chosen as a candidate for the Queen of the Elemental Lord of me.

    However, she was by no means haughty, and was very easy to talk to.

    Strictly speaking though, she was at a social status where Kamito and the like were not even allowed to look at her face.

    "If you don''t mind, I''ll lend you a hand. Can I pack the stuff around here however I want?"

    "Yes, that will be of help."

    Kamito sat down on the bed, where stuff was all over the ce, and started stuffing a bag with all kinds of equipment that appeared to be used in rituals.

    Rosaries, royal goblets, folding fans, whips, candles, and even things that looked like beast ears and tails¨D

    (Are these things really equipment for rituals?)

    Such a question suddenly flitted through his mind, however--

    (Well, I''m also just a beginner when ites to princess maidens'' rituals after all.)

    ¨DThat was when his hand, which reached out casually, grabbed something.

    A smooth and nice touch of cloth.

    (...What''s this?)

    Knitting his eyebrows, he tried holding it up before his eyes, and then¨D

    "...?!"

    Kamito turned stiff in that posture.

    It was a glossy ck piece of cloth.

    A thince embroidery with a rose pattern on it.

    The material was probably silk. There were thin strings attached at both ends of the cloth piece.

    "Err..."

    Cold sweat gradually emerged on Kamito''s forehead.

    A high ss-looking ck pair of underwear.

    On top of that¨D

    (Wh-Why is there a hole here?!)

    It wasn''t torn off. For some reason, there was an unnatural cut at the center.

    (This seems to have no meaning as underwear¨D)

    "Ka-Kamito-kun?!"

    "Ah¨D"

    Suddenly, his eyes met Fianna''s, who raised her face at him.

    Kamito was still unfolding the ck pair of underwear in front of him.

    "......"

    "......"

    "Um..."

    Fianna''s face turned bright red¨D

    "D-Do you... hate a princess who would wear this kind of shameful underwear?"

    She asked him with upturned eyes.

    "N-No, I mean, my bad...!"

    With his heart pounding, Kamito hurriedly put the underwear back inside the bag.

    "Wh-Why do you have such underwear?"

    "I went and bought it on an impulse... b-but it is indeed embarrassing."

    She muttered with her face still bright red.

    ...It seemed that she really was embarrassed.

    This princess always said shocking things and teased Kamito, but she was actually a green girl, just like ire.

    "...I wonder... if that was a little too daring."

    "Y-You''re right. A little... yeah."

    Ahem, or so Kamito coughed.

    What blew away that awkward atmosphere for them was a voice which could be hearding from outside the room.

    "Geez, you''re still preparing, ire Rouge?"

    A somewhat high-pitched and elegant voice.

    The one who appeared in front of the room was¨D

    ire''s rival and ssmate in her Raven ssroom.

    It was Rinslet Laurenfrost, the demon ice elementalist.

    She had dazzlingly beautiful tinum blonde hair. Her emerald green eyes were topped by lovely eyebrows.

    At a nce, she appeared to be a proud highborndy, but Kamito knew that she was a very kind and caring girl.

    "Mdy, I''m sleepy~"

    "Geez, Carol is always such a sleepyhead."

    The one being dragged by her was Carol the maid.

    "Mdy, you know that unlike you, my blood pressure is low... Hwa."

    Apparently she had been woken up by Rinslet this morning.

    ...She was the same useless maid as ever.

    "Rinslet, what is that thing?"

    ire, having finally revived, asked thus.

    Rinslet was carrying argish wooden box in her hands.

    "Hmph, it''s a tea set of highest grade. Ady of the Laurenfrost family must stay elegant at all times."

    Rinslet proudlybed her tinum blonde hair upward.

    "You know what, we aren''t going out to y."

    ire shrugged her shoulders in amazement.

    And then, this time they could hear Ellis'' voiceing from outside the window.

    "What are you lot doing?! It''s already one hour until the gathering time, you know!"

    "You''re just too early!"

    ire turned at the overly serious knight captain and yelled.

    (...Unifying this team seems to be quite a long-term difficult task.)

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders with a sense of irony while putting the baggage in order.

    Part 3

    One hourter.

    Members of Team Scarlet gathered in front of the stone circle, which was their rally point.

    It was a Gate to Astral Zero located within the premises of Areishia Spirit Academy.

    This historic ruin itself was something that had been in existence long before the academy was built, but it was by no means part of the Empire''s technology. The status quo was that the technology which preserved the Gates which opened to this world, had been lostpletely, excluding such ruins, which remained at various ces around the continent.

    From now on, representative fighters would be moving to Astral Zero and then boarding a ship prepared by the Divine Ritual Institute, which administered the de Dance.

    In front of the Gate, the other two teams that had been selected from the academy had also gathered already.

    Team Wyvern, ranked first, was a teamposed of only upperssmen.

    They gave each member of Team Scarlet a sharp nce, and then suddenly looked away. They had no intention of getting along¨Dthat was probably what they were dering. Their reaction was natural. After all, although both teams were selected from the same academy, they would be each other''s rival when the de Dance actually began.

    (Besides¨D)

    With that in mind, Kamito looked at ire with a side nce.

    There was another reason for the nce of the upperssmen being prickly.

    The younger sister of Cmity Queen, who had brought about the unprecedented disaster to the empire four years ago.

    There were still many students in the academy with unpleasant thoughts about her existence.

    ire did not seem to particrly care about that, but she was probably suffering in her heart.

    "Mu, you guys again¨D"[2]

    Thus a blonde girl holding a wooden staff started talking to Kamito.

    "''Sup, savage girl. It''s been a while."

    "Muu, I''m not a savage girl!"

    The lovely petite girl puffed out her cheeks in anger.

    This person was a member of the third ranked Team Cernunnos, whom they had fought against before.

    She was from the Druid n, who grew up in the Spirit Forest and used a powerful beast swarm spirit.

    As an opponent whom they may fight in the future, she was quite a strong rival.

    "I will be sure to crush the likes of you guys underfoot with my beast swarm spirit!"

    The druid girl held up her wooden staff as she snickered.

    And then, heading over there¨D

    "Hmph, so you three teams have finally gathered?"

    The teacher Freya Grandol, the manager of the Gate, came walking briskly.

    As she cast a nce up at the clock tower of the academy,

    "I''m going to transport all of you to Astral Zero after ten minutes. Now finish saying goodbye to your friends in the meantime."

    Saying thus, she started drawing a magical formation inside the stone circle.

    ire, Rinslet, and Fianna restlessly looked away from each other.

    "Th-There''s no need to say goodbye or anything."

    "Th-That''s right. We''re just leaving the academy for a mere few days after all."

    "Y-Yes, that sounds exaggerating."

    The three of them simultaneously nodded to one another.

    (Come to think of it, all of them had no friends.)

    ...This group of youngdies sure had it tough.

    (Well, I''m also in no ce to say that about people, though¨D)

    Meanwhile, Ellis was surrounded and overwhelmed by a crowd of junior knights.

    Her reddish brown eyes were imposing. Her blue ponytail was swaying in the gentle breeze.

    Apparently, Ellis would be going to the de Dance wearing her knight armor as well.

    That was probably her expression of determination of being a representative of the academy and also the Sylphid Knights at the same time.

    "Captain, please fight for us as well!"

    "We''re rooting for you!"

    "Yeah, I will definitely im victory!"

    Ellis nodded at the words of Rakka and Reishia, her two former teammates.

    They had entrusted Ellis with their dream for the de Dance championship.

    And then, one more person¨D

    Kamito knew that there was a girl who had entrusted her with a dream.

    Kamito whispered to Ellis, who had returned after saying goodbye to her juniors.

    "Ellis, that ribbon looks good on you."

    "Y-You think so...?"

    Ellis blushed and fidgeted with her fingers.

    Binding her ponytail was a white ribbon.

    It was something which Ellis'' elder foster-sister entrusted to her before leaving the academy.

    "Now that I''m wearing this, I feel like my esteemed sister is watching over me."

    Ellis suddenly smiled.

    Seeing her defenseless face from the side, Kamito spontaneously felt his heart pound again.

    "The time hase. Everyone, get inside the stone circle."

    Freya traced a stone pir with her fingertips, and blue rays of light gushed forth from the earth''s surface.

    A Gate connecting this world and Astral Zero emerged.

    Kamito and his group nodded to each other and stepped inside the shining stone circle.

    Part 4

    A dazzling sh of light. And then a fleeting intoxicating sensation as though heaven and earth were turned upside-down.

    "H-m..."

    Opening their eyes, what first sprang into their field of vision was¨D

    All kinds of trees in a dense forest, and a grandke upying arge area within it.

    Ake that looked like the polished surface of a mirror, which existed only in Astral Zero. At theke shore where water nts grew thickly, countless faint, flickering light orbs were floating and creating a wondrous scene.

    "I havee to thiske before, during the academy''s training camp."

    ire firmly descended on the muddy ground.

    Members of other teams were also sent to the site one after another.

    "By the way, where''s the ship?"

    Kamito looked around the surface of theke.

    A ship-like object was nowhere to be found.

    "Where are you looking? Look, over there¨D"

    ire shrugged her shoulders and pointed at the sky peeking through the gaps of trees.

    "Hm?"

    When he raised his head¨D

    An outline of a ship was floating in the sky casting its huge shadow on theke.

    "That''s... the Belphal-ss flying ship of the Divine Ritual Institute..."

    Kamito opened his eyes and groaned.

    A state-of-the-art flying ship named after the Elemental Lord of Wind.

    He had heard about it in the rumors, but this was his first time seeing the real thing.

    It had a form like that of a streamlined whale. Apparently its power source was a spirit engine made in the Kingdom of Balstan, and they used an over 6000 year old sacred tree as material for the exterior.

    It was the ship which would lead elementalists, who would dedicate their de dances to the Elemental Lords, to the stage of the de Dance.

    "Kamito, we are definitely going to win the grand prize."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded, and tightly clenched his left hand.

    (...We have crawled all the way up for the sake of gaining the qualification to board that ship.)

    ire, for the sake of learning the truth rted to the incident that her elder sister caused.

    Kamito, for the sake of regaining the contracted spirit that he had lost.

    Then Ellis, Fianna, and Rinslet¨D

    Everyone there was joining in the de Dance with their respective wish harbored in mind.

    The flying ship caused shy sshes as itnded on theke.

    Part 5

    "¨DLooks like thed has already headed over there."

    Areishia Spirit Academy, office room.

    Greyworth Ciel Mais faced the wall of the room and spoke.

    There was no response¨DHowever, immediately from inside the wall, a person''s shadow emerged as if it was seeping out.

    "Yes ma''am. Just a while ago."

    It was the teacher Freya Grandol, the shadow elementalist.

    She approached Greyworth''s office desk, and then spoke without hesitation.

    "Still, Headmistress, I cannot understand why you would go that far to support that boy."

    "What do you mean?"

    "His fighting skills are certainly overwhelming, but the de Dance isn''t something as lenient as to allow someone to win with just that. You should be the one who knows that best."

    "Yeah, it''s just as you said. Thed still can''t win against the strongest de dancer as he is now. At the very least, I would like to have him awaken before the real war starts, but¨D"

    "What do you mean?"

    "Nah, just random silly talk."

    Greyworth shook her head as if to evade the question.

    "More importantly, has the investigation on that matter beenpleted?"

    "Yes. I would like you to be moderate and stop using me to spy on the army, though."

    "I''ve been feeling sorry about that, you know."

    Greyworth shrugged her shoulders, and then Freya rudely threw down the report.

    "That''s the data about the incident four years ago. After the copse of the institution in question¨D the Instructional School, there were 14 orphans taken into protection by the order of imperial knights. Rumors say that five of them have been admitted into the special forces of the knights. The remaining nine died several yearster under the effect of the Cursed Armament Seals given to them by the institution, or so they say."

    "Still, that means the number doesn''t match. It conflicts with the data found at the institution."

    "Apparently it was not the case that all orphans were taken into protection by the knights. Jio Inzagi, who broke into our academy the other day, was also one of the institution''s orphans whom the knights has little information about. It probably wouldn''t be strange for there to be other unconfirmed orphans besides him out there."

    "I see..."

    What came to Greyworth''s mind was the eyes of the boy whom she met four years ago.

    In the eyes of that boy, who dered indifferently on that day¨Dthat he hade to kill the Dusk Witch, there was no hatred, nor was there anger, only an unfathomable nothingness.

    (The same kid as the boy back then, huh...)

    Young children who got their heart plundered and were raised as battle weapons.

    Though they were also elementalists, they were basically different from noble girls who grew up at the academy.

    "Headmistress?"

    "It''s nothing. You did a good job. Please continue your investigation as is."

    "Seriously, my main job isn''t a spy but a teacher, you know."

    Freya once again disappeared into the wall whileining.

    Greyworth gazed outside the window, and then suddenly took a heavy breath.

    "A militarized spirit and an orphan from Instructional School ¨D Is she actually nning to incite war or something?"

    The Dusk Witch was sumbing to impatience.

    The strongest de dancer had yet to awaken.

    He was certainly strong.

    Even in an academy where first-rate elementalists gather, his power was overwhelming.

    However, that was, at its best, just a story in the miniature garden called academy.

    As he was now, he absolutely could not win against her.

    Neither could Ren Ashbell of three years ago do that¨D

    "Please, sessor of the Demon King¨D Because even I don''t have much time left now."

    Greyworth suppressed her pounding heart as she curled her lips ironically.

    Trantor''s notes and References

    1. ¡ü Simr to Naked-apron, a naked shirt is where the subject wears nothing but a shirt.

    2. ¡ü Exmation for expressing an astonishment or showing unexpectedness?

 Volume 4, 2 - Sky Voyage

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 2 - Sky Voyage</h4>

    Part 1

    Hovering over the ether-filled clouds, the flying ship advanced as though it were gliding.

    The destination was one of the sanctuaries located in Astral Zero--the floating ind of Ragna Ys.

    It was the venue to be used for the current de Dance festival.

    Normally, it was a sanctuary that only permitted theing and going of the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens who served the Elemental Lords. But during the de Dance, it was specially opened to ordinary people.

    "I can''t help but say this. This flying ship is too awesome, right?"

    Looking out the window, Kamito gazed down at the vast sea of clouds and felt a little dizzy.

    This was hardly surprising, seeing as it was his first time riding a flying ship.

    The youngdies of noble birth seemed to be used to it already. After putting down their luggage, the team went to their assigned lounge and took a break on the sofa.

    The walls were made of polished marble tiles while the floor was even covered by a beautifully embroidered red carpet.

    The cabin was furnished with abundant supplies of everyday necessities, all of them top ss in quality.

    "By the way, it doesn''t shake at all?"

    "This is thetest model of flying ship, you know? If the journey goes smoothly, we''ll probably arrive around noon or so."

    The one answering was ire, lying on the sofa... It was no big deal, but her current posture was hiking up her skirt and on the verge of exposing her panties. Hence, Kamito frantically shifted his gaze away.

    "Oh right, thepetition''s opening ceremony will be held tonight at the castle hall. Did you bring formal clothes for a ball?"

    "No I didn''t. I''d rather be excused from balls."

    Recalling the de Dance three years earlier, Kamito whispered with an embarrassed look.

    To be honest, the ballroom scene had left him with traumatic memories.

    "I see..."

    For some reason, ire''s murmurs sounded a bit disappointed.

    "...? Will I cause trouble for you by not bringing formal clothes?"

    "O-Of course not!"

    Blushing red, ire turned her head away and ignored Kamito.

    "What are you getting mad about..."

    "I-I''m not mad, okay... Idiot."

    "Please, the two of you. Must you quarrel even on the ship?"

    Rinslet shrugged in exasperation.

    "Rinslet, what are you doing?"

    On the table, Rinslet was arranging the tea set she had brought.

    "I''m going to make tea now. Would everyone like to enjoy some afternoon tea together?"

    "Great idea, I''ve heard long ago that the tea leaves produced in the Laurenfrost region are especially sweet and soothing."

    "Indeed, although it is currently the eve before the de Dance, a suitable level of rxation is still required."

    Originally outside, enjoying the scenery, Fianna and Ellis gathered back around the table.

    Apparently, no matter what time or ce, gracefully enjoying afternoon tea was customary for these high-ss youngdies.

    Rinslet elegantly poured tea into the dainty teacups. A citrous fragrance spread through the entire room along with the steam.

    "Thanks. Wow... So fragrant."

    ire offered honest praise.

    "This is orange tea special to the Laurenfrost region."

    "Fufu, the tea brewed by mdy is really delicious."

    Carol the maid giggled and smiled.

    "Isn''t brewing tea normally part of the maid''s job?"

    No sooner had Kamito remarked...

    "What are you talking about!? If my cute little Carol were to be scalded by ident, would you be able topensate?"

    "Uh, sorry..."

    For some reason, Kamito was scolded soundly by Rinslet.

    As a side note, only invited humans were allowed to enter the sanctuary, but because Carol belonged to the Laurenfrost family¡ªin other words, she was Rinslet''s personal possession¡ªshe was given special permission to apany Rinslet.

    But in actual fact, Rinslet was apparently quite displeased about Carol being treated as an object.

    "Kamito-san, how many spoonfuls of sugar would you like?"

    "Oh, just one please."

    "ire, two spoonfuls for you, is that right?"

    "Hey, why did you memorize my preference?"

    "I-I didn''t memorize it, okay! I simply recalled by chance!"

    Rinslet yelled angrily with her face all red.

    "Mdy and ire-sama used to y together often in the past."

    "Eh... Really?"

    Kamito asked the smiling Carol.

    "Yes, ire-sama used to be very very attached to mdy¡ª"

    "Hold it right there. W-What nonsense are you talking about!?"

    "T-That''s right, ire and I are rivals!"

    Rinslet angrily turned her face away.

    "No sugar in mine, please."

    "As expected of a princess, knowing the best drinking method for appreciating tea."

    Rinslet nodded happily to concur.

    At this moment, Ellis sudden coughed dryly once...

    "I-I would like milk tea with a generous serving of sugar, please."

    Her voice sounded a bit shy.

    "Yeah yeah, milk tea, isn''t that right?"

    "I-In addition..."

    "Hmm?"

    "If possible, please add fresh cream and honey with floating marshmallows on top..."

    "W-What is with your demands!?"

    Rinslet''s face twitched slightly after hearing Ellis.

    "Your method of drinking tea is sacrilege to tea itself!"

    "I-I have always drank tea this way! In order to survive the harsh sword training, intaking ample sugar is necessary."

    "Good grief, the Fahrengart family with its military tradition is truly..."

    "The Sylphid Knights'' captain turns out to be unexpectedly childish. To think you''d be ignorant of how to appreciate the delicate vor of tea."

    "S-Shut up! Sweet things are tastier to begin with!"

    Seeing ire cast a pitying gaze towards her, Ellis tearfully retorted.

    Watching this back and forth exchange between them...

    (These two girls seem to have let go of their former grudges too...)

    Kamito smiled wryly in his heart.

    For quite a long while, due to being in opposition to the Sylphid Knights, ire had always been on poor terms with Ellis who stood as the captain of the aforementioned Knights. Ellis had only joined Team Scarlet two weeks earlier. Back when they first started group training, the two girls often had arguments.

    These arguments were sparked by all sorts of strange reasons, but in the vast majority of cases, it was due to ire inexplicably objecting whenever Ellis suggested partnering with Kamito since they were both close rangebatants...

    This was hardly surprising. The two girls hadpletely different personalities.

    Although they were both excellent students, Ellis was the very rigid, hardworking type while ire was the genius type who did as she pleased. The only thing they had inmon was theirpetitiveness.

    Precisely because of that, the atmosphere was very tense between them during the first week. However...

    "I can''t believe this, you actually put honey into the tea..."

    "T-That is the way I like it! If you have so many objections, why not have a taste for yourself first!?"

    "Hmph, how could something so sickeningly sweet possibly be good... Eh?"

    ire took a small sip from Ellis'' teacup and widened her eyes slightly.

    "What is the matter?"

    "...It''s not bad, there seems to be a kind of gentle taste."

    "I know, right?"

    "But this does ruin the vor of high-quality ck tea. At most, it''s just a bad kid''s drink."

    "Y-You might have a point..."

    By now, the two girls'' rtionship had grown to the point that they were able to argue casually like this.

    "...By the way, your hell cat spirit is so cute."

    While saying that, Ellis reached out to stroke Scarlet who was curled up in a ball on the sofa.

    Using her fingertips to y with Scarlet''s soft and fuzzy tail, she also pressed on the pads on the cat''s paws.

    "Hey hey hey, Scarlet is my contracted spirit. Don''t touch Scarlet so carelessly."

    "J-Just a little should be fine..."

    Ellis tightly hugged Scarlet affectionately while pouting.

    It turned out that the rigid Captain of the Knights had an unexpectedly soft spot for cute things.

    (...Come to think of it, she also kept things like stuffed dolls in her room.)

    "Meow meoow!"

    Scarlet cried out uneasily and sought ire for help.

    "I already told you to let Scarlet go. Don''t you have your own contracted spirit!?"

    "But Simorgh''s appearance is too uncute..."

    Ellis murmured in a sulking manner.

    ...If Ellis'' contracted spirit were to overhear this, it would surely run away from home in exasperation.

    "Ellis!"

    "Just a little while longer, please let me y more with Scarlet."

    Ellis continued to hug Scarlet stubbornly. At this moment...

    "Meow meow! Meoooww!"

    "Ah!"

    Fast as an arrow, Scarlet escaped from Ellis'' arms and bolted from the room.

    ire sighed in exasperation.

    "Didn''t I say already? Apart from me, Scarlet won''t let other humans get intimate with her."

    "How can you say that with a straight face? Could you stop using my Fenrir as your pillow?"

    Rinslet red and threw a sideways nce at ire.

    "...B-But Fenrir feels so nice and cool."

    On the sofa, ire was resting her head against the back of a white wolf with long fur.

    The high-level demon ice spirit Fenrir was whimpering softly, looking rather troubled.

    (...I know how you feel.)

    Treated as a ve spirit by ire, Kamito could not help but sympathize with Fenrir.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, you may use my bosom as a pillow any time you want. I don''t mind at all."

    "...Please don''t joke around with me, Your Highness the Princess."

    Kamito poked Fianna lightly in the forehead.

    "...Jeez, I''m not joking at all."

    Fianna bit her index finger gently and pouted unhappily.

    "Sigh, I''ll need to go look for Scarletter. With a ship this big, it''ll be a tiring search."

    Saying that, ire sighed deliberately in an exaggerated manner. Seeing that, Ellis turned to stare into the distance.

    "Speaking of which, the other countries'' representatives are also on this flying ship, right?"

    "Yeah, apart from us, a number of teams should have already boarded the ship along the way."

    ire nodded to answer Kamito''s question.

    Kamito ced his cup of tea onto the table...

    "What about Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer?"

    "...!?"

    As soon Kamito spoke, the room was filled with a tense atmosphere.

    Because his words carried an indescribable sense of pressure.

    "No, she''s not on this ship."

    ire shook her head calmly and said:

    "Because for this de Dance, she is participating as a representative for the Alphas Theocracy. So even if she''s traveling by ship, it''ll be a different one."

    "I see."

    "But this is still so hard to ept."

    "I know. It''s hard to believe that an elementalist of her strength would run over to represent a country like the Alphas Theocracy."

    Rinslet spoke with puzzlement and ire concurred.

    The Alphas Theocracy was a small country sandwiched between two great nations: the Ordesia Empire and the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia on the east and west respectively. Although its main exports were spirit crystals excavated from mines, the Theocracy actually made its massive fortune through the excavation and trade of artifacts from ancient ruins.

    Among the ancient artifacts unearthed by the Alphas Theocracy, there were many that held extremely powerful sealed spirits inside them. It was said that during the past Ranbal War, the Theocracy made astronomical profits as the only neutral nation by supplying various countries with militarized spirits.

    Furthermore, although it was impossible to substantiate, it was rumored that the ck market organization Murders was also headquartered in the Theocracy, hence garnering eyes of suspicion from the other countries.

    For a country like that to have survived all this time without being invaded by itsrge neighbors, apart from the Hierarch''s shrewd diplomatic clout, its strategic location between two opposing superpowers also yed a major role.

    "Besides, it''s already been fifty years since thest time the Theocracy sent representatives to take part in the de Dance. And they''ve never won. Why would they suddenly..."

    Ren Ashbell was already the idol for all girls aspiring to be elementalists.

    Why was everyone''s idol representing a small country that only had negative publicity? ire and the others could not understand at all.

    "Speaking of the Alphas Theocracy, there are rumors of them buying militarized spirits on arge scale."

    Ellis crossed her arms before her chest while speaking quietly.

    "Why would they need to gather militarized spirits at this time...?"

    Also, things were not that simple.

    There were other reasons why the Alphas Theocracy was regarded as a dangerous element.

    (I think I recall that it''s also where Demon King worship originated?)

    Demon King worshiping was secretly taking root in various ces over the continent.

    Allegedly, the Alphas Theocracy was the headquarters.

    After all, that country''s capital was where Demon King Solomon was born.

    The Demon King''s worshipers believed firmly that the Demon King would descend upon the Alphas Theocracy again.

    Demon King... This word caused an inexplicable beating in Kamito''s heart.

    (Those people who raised me were also a branch of the Demon King worshipers...)

    The Instructional School had tried to create their own Demon King through human methods.

    Hence, they offered their blessing to Kamito, the male elementalist, and bestowed upon him the highest ranked darkness spirit who had beenmanded by the former Demon King in the past.

    "By the way, there''s really so little information about Ren Ashbell."

    ire shrugged and said:

    "All that''s known is she suddenly appeared three years ago, an elementalist without any background. She is sixteen years old like us and contracted to a darkness spirit. That''s all we know about her at the moment."

    In order to win the de Dance, apart from prowess in using spirits, collecting information about opponents was an important part.

    The Academy had provided information on some of the other teams, such as the attributes of contracted spirits, the form of elemental waffen, but there was almost nothing regarding the all-important Ren Ashbell.

    Nothing was confirmed, not only for Ren Ashbell herself but also the entire team.

    (An elementalist whose true identity and goal are both unknown huh...)

    It would be fine if she was just an imposter using the legendary elementalist''s name and title as a ruse.

    But things could not possibly be that simple.

    (Greyworth said, as long as I defeat her...)

    The reason why she recruited Kamito to the Academy was for defeating her in the de Dance.

    (Also...)

    Kamito looked at his leather gloved left hand.

    (No mistake about it. Restia is currently working together with that imposter.)

    Several weeks earlier, a battle had taken ce at an abandoned mine between Kamito and friends against one of the Instructional School''s orphans: Jio Inzagi.

    ...Because this is her wish.

    Back then, that was what Restia had said.

    Furthermore, she also said: "One day, you will surely encounter each other."

    The darkness spirit girl''s transfiguration.

    If her transfiguration was rted to the other Ren Ashbell...

    (I will absolutely not forgive that girl.)

    Kamito''s clenched fist was silently shaking under the table.

    "But I never thought I would be standing on the same stage as her, in just a few hours'' time."

    Ellis suddenly murmured with heartfelt emotion.

    "Three years ago, I was still in the audience, watching her first battle."

    "I also saw her match against Velsaria. She really was so pretty."

    "Ren Ashbell''s de dancing is superb, right?"

    Ellis'' cheeks were blushing slightly while ire and Rinslet were nodding and concurring.

    Kamito turned his face away with an embarrassed look.

    "Oh dear, there''s no need to make such a big fuss, okay? Even if she''s known as the Strongest de Dancer, that was three years ago already. Her power is probably getting more and more exaggerated by rumors. That girl actually isn''t that amazing, right?"

    Just as he shrugged and finished...

    "W-What nonsense are you babbling!?"

    "Are you a fool?"

    "Oh please, there should be limits to ignorance."

    "Uh, no, I''m sorry..."

    Facing angry res from the three high-ssdies, Kamito had no choice but to apologize frantically.

    (...It''s not like I can tell them that the real one is standing right here before their eyes.)

    Fearing that he would copse from the girls ganging up on him, Kamito suddenly rose up and left his ce at the table.

    "Where are you going?"

    "Nowhere in particr. Just gonna look for Scarlet a bit."

    Kamito made an excuse and made his way towards the exit.

    "Hmph, he fled..."

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun is such a poor dear."

    As the only one privy to Kamito''s true identity here, Fianna giggled secretly to herself.

    Part 2

    Four thousand meters up in the air...

    A smallbat vessel had appeared directly underneath the flying ship that the de Dance participants were traveling on.

    It had been lurking in a forest, waiting for its prey to arrive.

    The metal cabin door opened and out walked a young-looking girl.

    Her ash-gray hair, tied up on the opposite sides of her, was swaying in the strong wind blowing head on.

    "...Gotcha, Onii-sama."

    The girl smiled and began to chant the incantation for a spirit''s release.

    Instantly, the ring on her middle finger gave off red light.

    Next...

    "Okay, let''s rampage! Annihtion spirit Death Gaze!"

    As the air cracked open, out emerged a giant ck monster.

 Volume 4, 3 - Dracuniaâ€™s Dragon Princess

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 3 - Dracunia''s Dragon Princess</h4>

    Part 1

    On ascending to the ship''s deck they could see clouds drifting by at terrifying speeds.

    Actually, the ship was at a speed whereby a person''s body would be blown away in a sh by the blowing winds, but not even the sound of the wind could be heard thanks to a spirit magic barrier enclosing the ship.

    Looking down from the side of the airship, an eerie forest stretched out into the distance.

    Kamito was looking down at the forest and¡ª

    "Areishia Spirit Academy representative, Kazehaya Kamito, I presume?"

    A voice came from behind him.

    "......?"

    Turning around, a beautiful elite-looking girl with shoulder-length hair was there.

    A beret adorned her head. A ck surcoat with not a single wrinkle.

    She was probably about the same age as Kamito, and she was ring at Kamito with strong-willed-looking pupils.

    "Who are you? Why do you know my name?"

    "You''re famous. The only male elementalist on the continent."

    She told him while maintaining a rigid expression.

    Contrary to her magnificent appearance, her aura was thorny.

    "Also, someone who ys around with women and then throws them away."

    "Wait, what am I famous for!?"

    Kamito yelled that out immediately.

    "It''s useless to attempt to deceive me. Dracunia''s prized intelligence gathering agency is the finest in the continent, after all."

    "Yeah, your prized espionage agents are definitely ipetent¡ªwait, Dracunia?"

    Kamito asked with knitted brows.

    The Dracunia Dragon Duchy.

    Located to the west of the Empire, it was a country that employed the strongest magic beasts, the dragons, in their military.

    "Dracunia''s representative, huh?"

    "Yes, Leader of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor ¡ª Leonora Lancaster."

    The beautiful girl in military uniform kept her eyes on him as she named herself.

    "......Leonora."

    Kamito said with a sigh.

    He had heard that name from ire.

    (If I remember, "Dragon Princess" was the title given to Dracunia''s representing ace......)

    By popr opinion, she was the one known as an equal to Velsaria.

    "What business does the ace of Dracunia have with me?"

    Kamito put up his guard and readied himself.

    The de Dance was not just a festival.

    The Divine Ritual Institute would never admit it, but it was also a representative war of knights between nations.

    The country whose elementalist or elementalist team won would be granted the Elemental Lord''s protection for several years and this blessing would lead to the nation prospering.

    The reason many countries trained elementalists was for this reason.

    And there were also many countries that had no choice but to use certain methods to grasp victory as a consequence.

    "Trying to kill me off before the de Dance begins?"

    "What a stupid idea."

    But Leonora gently shook her head.

    "Failing to send the Silent Fortress topete, the Ordesia Empire will be no match for us, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. We will demolish you soundly on the de Dance stage, fair and square."

    "Then, why?"

    In front of the suspicious Kamito, she squirmed lightly with a red face.

    "I, well, I, um, that is, your......I came to cut off that."

    While averting her eyes from Kamito, she smoothly drew out arge sword.

    "Wh-Why are you taking out your sword!?"

    Kamito backed away.

    If her words were true, she hadn''te to assassinate him.

    Then, why exactly¡ª

    "Or rather, cut what from me?"

    "That''s, y-your......kuu, you mean to make me say it!"

    "Hah?"

    "Thi-This pervert!"

    Large tears formed from Leonora''s eyes¡ª

    Therge sword carved into the ship deck with a loud sound.

    Just then, the ship''s floor exploded into shards.

    "......Wha!?"

    Kamito had dodged by a paper-thin margin.

    "Aren''t you full of the intent to kill me!"

    "I won''t kill you if you don''t resist. Please hold still."

    "I''m asking you what you mean¡ª"

    And then Kamito realized.

    Leonora''s gaze was fixed firmly upon Kamito''s lower body.

    As he noticed her cheeks colored red, she averted her eyes.

    "Wait, don''t tell me......"

    Kamito broke out into a cold sweat.

    "Yes, I will have you let me cut off your that, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora drew the sword back out from the smashed floor and took a stance.

    "It would trouble me greatly if you were to use themotion of the de Dance toy a hand on my subordinates after all."

    "Like I would!"

    "You can''t lie to me, you perverted brute of a demon king!"

    She red at him with cold eyes.

    "Perverted brute of a demon king, you say......"

    ......It was too horrible.

    He didn''t think such shameful rumors would reach even outside of the country.

    "W-With that devilish power and sweet words, you trick innocent maidens and do this kind of thing and that kind of thing to them, right!"

    "What are this kind of thing and that kind of thing......"

    "Th-That is......!"

    At Kamito''s question, her face burned red.

    It seemed that the Dragon Princess was just as pure as the highborndies from the academy.

    "You know, it''s the opposite. You have a huge misunderstanding."

    Kamito said this with a sigh.

    "......The opposite?"

    "Yeah, because I''m always being treated as a ve spirit by ire."

    "Wha? To make a teammate into a toy ve spirit!"

    "Listen to what other people are saying for a bit!"

    ......Or rather, howe this youngdy was using such terminology!?

    "Do-Don''te any closer, you pervert!"

    "Uoo!"

    Leonora''s de sliced the air as she swung down.

    Kamito drew Terminus Est and stopped that blow.

    The high-pitched wail of metal colliding rang out across the deck.

    (......This is just like a repetition of my first meeting with Ellis!)

    While stopping therge de, Kamito groaned internally.

    "I see, you are truly strong......"

    Leonora let out a voice of admiration.

    "So this is the Demon yer that defeated a giant militarized spirit."

    "It seems that your information is correct."

    "It makes me want to test which is stronger, that or my Dragon yer!"

    "......!?"

    Leonora''s sword gave off intense light with her words.

    (This is......!)

    It wasn''t a regr elemental waffe. It gave off an impression equal to that of Velsaria''s Dreadnought.

    (¡ªThis person''s insanely strong!)

    As expected, the title of Dracunia''s ace wasn''t just for show.

    "N-Now, please calmly remove your pants, i-it won''t hurt a bit."

    "Who''s gonna do that! Of course it''s gonna hurt!"

    Kamito pushed back against therge sword.

    Such power was being used against him that he couldn''t believe it wasing from that girl''s frail-looking delicate arms.

    It was most likely a spirit magic for strengthening the body''s traits. In a straight powerpetition, Kamito was at a disadvantage.

    "Kamito!"

    The sound of the air being cut.

    Leonora''s sword was gripped by the thing that had drawn a bright crimson arc in the air.

    "You, what are you doing to my ve spirit!"

    It was ire who ascended to the deck with whip in hand.

    With one hand on her hip, she pointed towards Leonora.

    "ire, thanks for the help¡ª"

    In the opening Leonora left by diverting her attention, Kamito jumped away.

    "You are¡ª"

    Leonora, having repelled the metounge, red at ire.

    "Kazehaya Kamito''s toy ve spirit."

    "Wha!?"

    ire''s face instantly reddened.

    And with slow movements, she turned towards Kamito......

    "Y-Y-You, don''t tell me that''s how you see me......!"

    "Wait, you know that''s wrong, right? I''m the ve spirit, right?"

    ......Wait, that''s strange. It seems like she became even angrier.

    The twodies ring at Kamito made him want to run away¡ª

    And at that moment.

    Doooooooon!

    With an ear-splitting noise, the ship rocked violently.

    Part 2

    "Kyaaa!"

    The floor tilted and ire lost her bnce, falling over.

    "¡ªWhat!?"

    Kamito leaned off the side of the ship.

    He looked into the flowing clouds below and¡ª

    "That is!?"

    A giant shadow was present in the clouds.

    Like splitting waves, it split the clouds to reveal a gigantic ck monster!

    "......!?"

    Its total length was about 10 meters. Its appearance greatly resembled a stingray swimming in the ocean.

    The difference with stingrays was that it had enormous red eyes on its head.

    And that it was flying in the sky instead of the ocean.

    "A magic beast!?"

    "No, that is......don''t tell me, it''s from the second aerial unit, the annihtion spirit Death Gaze¡ª"

    Leonora Lancaster knit her brows and muttered that while looking with suspicion.

    "What?"

    "Dracunia''s main militarized spirit. It should have been sealed with the end of the Ranbal War, so why is it here?"

    "Militarized spirit......"

    A spirit which wasparable to a cooperative force of several elementalists.

    He didn''t know why such a thing would attack the airship but¡ª

    The fact that the ship was currently under attack was undeniable.

    The military annihtion spirit ¡ª Death Gaze roared as it glided.

    Even if the ship had a wind barrier, it was not abat vessel.

    If it were to receive an attack from a giant like that, it would be helpless.

    The ship''s rm rang out across the deck.

    The ship made a quick turn and tried to avoid the spirit.

    As expected of a cutting-edge technology ship, it had impressive mobility.

    But it was useless in the face of the spirit.

    "¡ªIt''sing, brace for impact!"

    A loud noise.

    A fearsome impact rocked the ship and Kamito''s body lifted up.

    The annihtion spirit had rammed into the side of the ship.

    "Fuaa!" "Kyan!"

    "You two, grab onto me!"

    Kamito quickly covered the two girls that had fallen to the ground. His heart thumped at the softness of their bodies once, but now wasn''t the time to think about that.

    "ire, are you okay?"

    "Fuaaa, y-you, where are you touching!"

    ire''s face was bright red.

    "......? Where, you say?"

    Kamito looked at the spot he had grabbed both of them.

    His hands were caught on to both of their chests.

    "......S-Sorry!"

    Kamito quickly withdrew his hand but,

    "Th-th-th-this perverted ve spirit! Cinders, cinders!"

    "Hey, stop, this isn''t the time for¡ª"

    Hit, hit, hit, hit.

    ire hit Kamito with tears in her eyes.

    On the other hand, Leonora¡ª

    "A-aa-a-a boy, touched my br-brbr-breasts......!"

    Poof. Steam rose from her face and she fainted.

    "......H-Hey!"

    He shook the fallen girl but it didn''t seem like she would wake up.

    "It looks like she''s in shock from you touching her breasts."

    "I-It wasn''t on purpose!"

    "Hmmm, I wonder about that?"

    She red at Kamito like she was unsatisfied.

    ......In any case, he couldn''t leave her here.

    And just then. The ship rocked violently a second time.

    The spirit that had rammed into the ship was also attacking with its tail.

    "Kamito, the ship will sink at this rate."

    "Yeah......"

    At the serious face of ire, Kamito nodded.

    Chaos could be heard below the deck.

    Even if they were trained elementalists, they were still regr girls. It was a natural result that a sudden attack would cause panic inside the ship.

    The long-range attacker, Rinslet, would also have a hard time reaching the deck quickly in this chaos.

    "Looks like we''ll have to do this alone."

    "Looks that way."

    With thest attack, it seemed like the engine had stopped. The ship stalled like it had a nail jammed into it and began falling.

    "We have about two or three minutes before we hit the ground......"

    Until the staff got the back-up spirit engine working, they had to protect the defenseless ship.

    Kamito stood up unsteadily and nted each foot on the gunwale of the deck.

    "Est, lend me your power!"

    He drew Terminus Est from his waist and poured in divine power.

    Responding to Kamito''s summons, the sword gave off light.

    "Kamito, it''s reckless to fight with a sword. I''ll do it."

    "No, I will. metounge won''t work on it."

    "That is?"

    ire chewed her lip. ire''s battle style of wearing down her opponent was not suited for short-term battles. She knew that best herself.

    "But what do I do then. I can''t use magic to fly like Ellis."

    "As long as I cling to it and don''t fall off, isn''t that fine?"

    "Hah?"

    At Kamito''s carefree words, ire was stunned.

    "A-Aren''t you just stupid!"

    "Either way, at this rate the ship will sink. It''s worth trying."

    "B-But......"

    ire held fast to Kamito''s uniform''s sleeve.

    "What, are you worried about me?"

    "Th-That''s not it, I''m not worried......"

    ire averted her eyes.

    Although arrogant most of the time, she was truly gentle underneath that.

    "It''s fine. I''ll clean it up quickly."

    Kamito gave a light knock to ire''s head and¡ª

    The sh of a silver white de disappeared off the side of the ship.

    "......Jeez, I don''t care anymore, idiot!"

    With the wind barrier damaged, the groaning sound of the wind could be heard.

    On the back of the annihtion spirit whose head was lodged into the side of the ship¡ª

    "Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito impaled it mercilessly.

    Piercing through the outer shell, it dug into the underlying flesh.

    The annihtion spirit gave off a fearsome cry and began to roll.

    On the verge of slipping off, Kamito ced his foot on the outer shell and he gripped his sword with all his might.

    In order to smack the bug on its back, the annihtion spirit folded its body and tried to hit it with its tail, rocking the boat in the process.

    From the giant iling about, the ship''s armor fell off into the forest.

    (The ship won''tst at this rate......)

    Gritting his teeth, he withstood the force of the bone crushing attack.

    (First I have to take care of that tail!)

    Kamito drew out Terminus Est with all his strength. Pulled by gravity, he began to fall. However, just before he did, he jumped as hard as possible.

    He ran up the spirit''s body rhythmically.

    This was just a giant body. If he just observed the muscles for contractions and nned his next step, before he began to fall, he could safely reach another foothold. Though it was a technique which required umon ability and battle prowess.

    "Sorry. I bear no hatred against you."

    Jumping using just the giant''s body¡ª

    The demon yer held in both his hands cleaved through the spirit''s tail.

    The tail convulsed as it fell into the forest below.

    However, Kamito''s body also became airborne at the same time.

    Gravity took over and began to pull him ¡ª just before that.

    Something wrapped around his ankle and pulled him back up.

    He was thrown around in the air ¡ª the next moment, he pped onto the ship''s deck.

    "......Ouch......"

    Kamito was assaulted by pain.

    "......Rather, it burns, so would you control your temperature output!?"

    The ankle that had the metounge around it was a little charred.

    "It''s punishment for being reckless. If I had messed up, you''d be a pancake right about now."

    "I trusted that you wouldn''t mess up, master."

    "......You''re really an idiot, you know that......"

    Mumbled the red-faced ire unintelligibly.

    "¡ªAnd, here ites!"

    With its tail cut off, the enraged annihtion spirit charged towards the ship.

    A charge towards the deck with its mouth open, showing off its countless fangs!?

    A dreadful shock rattled the ship. Pieces of the deck flew off and scattered.

    Kamito took a stance and protected ire from the shards.

    "¡ªAs expected of a militarized annihtion spirit, such insane power."

    While still onboard the ship deck, the annihtion spirit raged.

    It appeared that its head had gotten stuck in the ship.

    It was a chance. The ship couldn''t take another blow.

    Kamito took a stance with his Demon yer and charged it with divine power.

    "ire, I''m finishing it here!"

    "Got it!"

    The annihtion spirit writhed violently.

    As it pped its fin-like wings and attempted to ascend¡ª

    "I won''t let you!"

    Moments before it seeded, ire wrapped the metounge around it.

    The metounge didn''t manage to pierce the outer shell.

    But the me whip had knocked the spirit off-bnce and made it crash back onto the deck.

    There¡ª

    "Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito ran towards it with arge sword.

    A shining de line.

    Kicking off the ground, the sword strike cut into the soft underbelly of the spirit.

    However¡ª

    "What!?"

    Even with its underbelly pierced, the annihtion spirit had not been defeated.

    The spirit opened its jaw to reveal many fangs in front of Kamito¡ª

    In that moment. He heard a voice from behind.

    "O ck-fanged dragon spirit, thou, abiding mymand, eliminate my enemies¡ª"

    "......!?"

    "¡ªDestroy, Nidhogg!"

    With that dignified voice¡ª

    The rough, mad ze swallowed the enraged giant annihtion spirit.

    This time the spirit was burned to charcoal and fell from the ship.

    On the deck, there was a line of intense ck me.

    "......ire?"

    A ck dragon with spread wings stood there.

    It was small for a dragon but still stood twice Kamito''s height.

    "Your finish is weak, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora Lancaster stood there beside the ck dragon.

    He wondered when she had regained consciousness.

    "......That is the Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s strongest dragon, Nidhogg."

    ire whispered while looking.

    (......I see, it really isn''t your everyday spirit.)

    Kamito was astonished.

    (Looks like this time''s de Dance will have people of this level......)

    "......You''re a life saver, thanks."

    Kamito expressed his thanks and Leonora shook her head.

    "That militarized spirit was from Dracunia to begin with so it''s only natural that we be the ones to finish it."

    "......Even though you were passed out the whole time."

    "Th-That''s because a man to-touched my chest......!"

    The ring ire and panicking Leonora.

    The ship shook slightly and then started gaining altitude.

    It seems that the back-up spirit engine had been started.

    "At least now we can rx."

    "But how did a militarized spirit that was supposed to be sealed attack us¡ª"

    That spirit was not mad.

    It had attacked the ship intentionally.

    "It was probably someone who wanted to eliminate the de Dancepetitors. It''s impossible to track who used a militarized spirit."

    Leonora analyzed the situation calmly.

    "It seems these kinds of attacks aremonce. It seems that even if we''re not there yet, we should treat it as if the de Dance has already begun."

    While leaning over the side of the ship, ire pointed at the shadow of the ship.

    "Look over there."

    "Yeah?"

    Kamito took a peek and saw a battleship within the clouds retreating.

    "I don''t know whose ship it is, but there''s no way it''s not connected to that attack. To use a militarized spirit of that ss, there must be several elementalists onboard that ship."

    "Are we not going to chase them?"

    "Without a flying wind spirit, it''s impossible to catch up to a battleship going at full speed. And they probably have more militarized spirits. It''s too dangerous."

    "......Sealed militarized spirits, huh."

    Something was tugging at the edge of Kamito''s mind.

    He remembered the battle with Jio Inzagi and his mission at the mine.

    (Restia was trying to unseal the strategic-ss militarized spirit Jormungandr.)

    As expected, he might just be thinking too much into it¡ª

    "This might be connected to that darkness spirit girl from the other militarized spirit case......"

    But it seemed that ire had the same idea.

    She peered at Kamito with a meek face.

    "......"

    Kamito stayed silent.

    "Kamito, are you unhurt!?"

    "All of a sudden, the ship shook......what happened out here!?"

    "Kamito-kun, are you okay?"

    Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna all came up to the deck.

    "Kazehaya Kamito, I will retire for today but¡ª"

    And Leonora reverted her ck dragon to its sword form and turned on her heel.

    "Deceiving princess maidens and forming a heavenly harem ¡ª that Wish is something this de will never allow."

    "Wait, I''m not wishing for that kind of thing!"

    "Y-You, are you participating in the de Dance for that kind of wish?"

    Gogogogogogogogo......!

    "ire, don''t believe it!"

    "A heavenly harem......was it?"

    "Kamito-san, what does that mean!"

    "Umm, what rank am I?"

    "You guys......"

    ......After that, Kamito was questioned by the youngdies for about an hour.

    Part 3

    "Nii-sama, why have you be that weak?"

    On the deck of the small battleship¡ª

    The girl with ash grey hair tilted her head in a strange manner.

    Underfoot were the shattered remains of a ring.

    It was the ring of the sealed annihtion spirit.

    "Muir, you should have been told not to use the Jester''s Vise."

    From the ship''s hatch appeared another girl.

    A girl with brown skin that looked to be around 15 years old.

    Beautiful jade hair. Pure red pupils and pointed ears.

    She was a demihuman Elfim with all the traits of one.

    "It''s not Muir''s fault. It''s the fault of those military guys for having a weak spirit."

    "The mission this time is just to test his power. Just because you wanted to, a precious spirit was lost."

    "If it couldn''t stand Muir''s Jester''s Vise, it wasn''t fit to be used."

    "Militarized spirits aren''t your toys. They''re not something you just throw away."

    "Hmph, and that''s why Lily is weak."

    Muir pouted her cheeks in discontent.

    The Elfim girl ¡ª Lily me breathed a heavy sigh.

    "Well, fine, so how was his power? We lost a precious militarized spirit. You better at least have that or you''ll have no excuse for Cardinal."

    "Nii-sama has be weak."

    Muir put her index finger to her lips and shook her head in disappointment.

    "......Weak? Even though he defeated a mid-ss militarized spirit?"

    "The past nii-sama would have done it alone. But this time, the group with nii-sama pulled him down."

    "His teammates from Areishia Academy, huh. I really can''t believe it......that he''s hanging out with that half-baked group."

    "Like this, nii-sama will just be weaker."

    "......That''s true. Eventually a hindrance to Cardinal''s n may appear."

    Lily muttered this¡ª

    "It''s fine. Muir will just kill everyone."

    Muir smiled innocently and turned towards her.

    "Muir, don''t do willful things. We are the Cardinal''s tools?"

    "Shut up, Lily."

    "......!?"

    For an instant a shudder ran through Lily me''s body.

    The number two of the Instructional School ¡ª "Monster" Muir Alenstarl.

    She must never be upset.

    Lily had apanied her for a long time so she knew that well.

    "Muir doesn''t care about anything other than nii-sama. I''ll kill you too if you get in my way, Lily."

    "Muir......"

    A few breathless seconds.

    And then¡ª

    "Aha, I''m joking. Lily, what kind of face are you making?"

    Muir made a pure smile and turned towards her.

    "Lily is my precious friend so I won''t just kill you that easily."

    "......"

    Muir looked towards the far end of the ship and sighed.

    "Wait for me, nii-sama. I''ll erase the meddlesome onee-chans for you."

 Volume 4, 4 - Floating Island

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 4 - Floating Ind</h4>

    Part 1

    A few hours after the annihtion spirit''s attack.

    The Belphal-ss flying ship, repaired by the engineering team,nded in the sacrednd of the Wind Elemental Lord.

    "Ah, I can see the ind!"

    On the deck, Rinslet seemed to be in a good mood and pointed at the ind.

    The pure and high-spirited figure of this young highborndy was cute.

    "Do-Don''t say it so loudly. It''s embarrassing."

    ire whispered that in a small voice while poking Rinslet''s elbow.

    "Oh my, to want me to be quiet, are you jealous?"

    "You give off a bad impression is what I''m saying."

    Kamito watched over them with sidelong nces while he got to the side of the ship.

    "So that''s the sacrednd......"

    Between the thick clouds and surrounded by a steep mountain range was a floating ind.

    Ragna Ys ¨C even within Astral Zero, it was one of the most important of the sacrednds.

    "Restia is there......"

    Kamito gripped his leather gloved left hand.

    The flying ship quietly advanced towards the floating ind''s port.

    Part 2

    Past noon. A little after the appointed time, the flying ship docked at Ragna Ys'' harbor.

    Upon seeing the battered condition of the flying ship, all the ship mechanics held their heads.

    They transferred at the port into the Divine Ritual Institute''s prepared horse-drawn carriages.

    Because horse-drawn carriages were meant for four people, it was a little tight with six. Est went as a sword but that only freed up one space.

    During the horse-drawn carriage''s bumpy ride, he had felt Rinslet''s breasts. Kamito quickly separated himself from her but it was really tight.

    "Ka-Kamito-san......you''re perverted."

    "S-Sorry, it was unavoidable."

    "Well, I understand that but......"

    Rinslet sulked.

    But there was no reproachful look in that face.

    By the way, on the opposite side, ire¨C

    "......Whatever, anyway, my breasts won''t shake......"

    For some reason, she was muttering to herself with teary eyes.

    The horse-drawn carriage continued to the opening ceremony''s castle.

    While pointing at various things outside the window, ire acted as a guide.

    "The floating ind Ragna Ys is one of the five sacrednds, the sacrednd of the Wind Elemental Lord. The de Dance was held here 74 years ago."

    By the way, the de Dance three years ago had been held in the Fire Elemental Lord''s territory at Fire Mountain city. There was no rule as to where the de Dance would be held as it was decided by oracles received by the Queens.

    "And the castle in the center is a historic ruin from a mystical age."

    "So that''s where we''re lodging, huh?"

    "Yes, it is an unequaled opportunity. Normally the Divine Ritual Institute would never allow anyone except princess maidens to enter. Which reminds me, have you been there before, Fianna?"

    "Yes, but just once. I normally remained at the Fire Elemental Lord''s shrine."

    "......The Elemental Lord''s true shrine. I''m a little nervous."

    Ellis whispered that with a nervous expression.

    There were no signs of people on the paved road.

    The ones invited to the opening ceremony were the Five Great Elemental Lords and the Queens that serve them, the elementalist representatives and the uppercrust nobility only. The entrance of others was not permitted and could provoke the beginning of a real war.

    "Are the king and queen of the Empire noting?"

    "......It seems. But that doesn''t concern me."

    Fianna shrugged and Kamito¨C

    "......S-Sorry."

    Fianna had been named the ¡°Lost Queen¡± after she lost her spirit contracting powers despite being a Queen candidate and consequently was shunned by the king and queen.

    Speaking about the king and queen to her may have been insensitive of him.

    "I don''t mind. To begin with, our rtionship wasn''t that good and not returning to the Divine Ritual Institute almost got me disowned. I have no intention of clinging to my title as the second princess and even if I''m removed from the monarchy line¨C"

    And then Fianna stopped talking.

    ire''s parents had been imprisoned and she was chasing her rebel sister who had disappeared.

    "I don''t mind."

    ire flicked her red twintails up and turned to Rinslet.

    "Is anybodying from Rinslet or Ellis'' households to watch?"

    "Yes. My father and younger sister will being."

    "One of the de Dance''s objective is to gather superior talent. The Fahrengart family traditionally adopts those excelling in martial ability."

    Rinslet and Ellis nodded at the same time. Come to think of it, Ellis'' step-sister, Velsaria Eva, was adopted, thought Kamito.

    "Th-That''s why, that is, if you disy your true power before them, they might be wi-willing to ept you as an adopted child......"

    "......?"

    For some reason, Ellis was muttering unintelligibly with a red face.

    "Will Kamito''s family being?"

    "Eh?"

    At ire''s words¨C

    Kamito asked without thinking.

    "......My family?"

    With the way the conversation was going, it was obvious that he would be asked that.

    But Kamito suddenly couldn''t manage to reply.

    Family ¨C the one word Kamito was most separate from.

    "You, you really don''t talk about your family. I think I heard your parents were from the empire?"

    "Y-Yeah......"

    He nodded with ambiguity. In the academy application that Greyworth had prepared, Kamito was the adopted son of a lower-ss family of nobles. ire had believed that.

    Of course, that family of nobles didn''t really exist. It was just a family created on paper.

    Kamito had no known family name. Any vague memories he had of his parents when he was young had been overwritten with the experiences at the Instructional School.

    The one who had been by the young Kamito''s side was the darkness spirit ¨C only Restia.

    Possibly¨C

    (I wonder if I could call them family......)

    Kamito recalled the other girls at the facility.

    The other two girls in his tactical team at the Instructional School.

    They didn''t know each others'' real names and it wasn''t a rtionship betweenrades.

    The expert intelligence elementalist, Lily me.

    And that girl that was attached to him and called him nii-sama.

    (......The militarized spirit elementalist, Muir Alenstarl.)

    Four years ago. Ever since the facility had been destroyed in the me spirit''s attack, Kamito had lost track of where she was. He had heard the greater half of the orphans there were taken in for protection by the Empire, but there were sure to be others like Jio Inzagi who had used the chaos of the institution''s destruction to escape.

    He wondered if his remembering them was because of that dream he had¨C

    "......? What''s wrong, to make you have such a grim face?"

    "Nothing, just thinking about the past."

    Kamito averted his eyes from the inquiring ire and looked out the window.

    They were approaching the castle on the mountain.

    Part 3

    The horse-drawn carriage stopped before arge gate made of stone.

    The castle at the top of the slightly inclined mountain was prepared with unparalleled beauty and grandeur.

    It was surrounded by a forest and had ake a short distance away.

    Other teams also arrived and stopped their horse-drawn carriages before the gate.

    (......It''s a good thing we haven''t run into that Dragon Princess.)

    Relieved, he descended from the horse-drawn carriage and,

    "We have been awaiting your arrival, princess maidens who havee to entertain the Elemental Lords."

    Inside the gate, a group of girls in priestess garb greeted them.

    "They are the apprentices of the Divine Ritual Institute. My juniors."

    Fianna whispered into his ear.

    "While you are staying here, we will be in your care for instruction in femininity."

    When the princess maidens bowed, Kamito stole a nce of their bare breasts underneath the garment and his heart throbbed.

    Looking closely, the ceremonial garments they were wearing were equivalent to being half-naked.

    The opening above the breasts wasrge and at the hem of skirts, a slight amount of youthful skin was peeking out.

    Even though the clothes were to inspire purity, they were strangely erotic.

    Maybe if ire and the others wore those clothes......he suddenly thought of that.

    "Hm? Kamito, what are you looking at?"

    He was asked that by ire¨C

    "Ahh, I was just thinking that if you guys wore those clothes, it''d really suit you¨C"

    "Wha!?"

    ......Kamito said his thoughts out loud without thinking.

    (......Uwa, I messed up!)

    "Wh-wh-wh-what are you sa-sa-sa-saying, you perverted ve spirit!"

    ire''s face red red and she beat her whip against the ground.

    "Ka-Kamito-san likes those kinds of things, it seems......"

    "Wh-What do you think the sacred garments are!"

    "I wonder if I still have my sacred garments from when I was in the Divine Ritual Institute?"

    The three youngdies whispered amongst themselves.

    "So, Kamito-sama, whose figure did you imagine?"

    "......!?"

    The smiling Carol asked and Kamito averted his eyes.

    Part 4

    Entering the castle, they arrived at arge entry hall.

    Beautiful arches with a high ceiling. A carpet was spread on the ground through a pired corridor up to a door that led further in.

    The lighting was provided not bymps or spirit stones, but by small floating light spirits.

    Even if it was called a relic of the mythical age, several thousand years of repeated reconstruction and remodeling had left few traces of things from that time long ago. The sole remaining traces were sculptures hidden by stone pirs.

    Along the pired corridor''s walls were colorful illustrations. These were at best the remnants of a few hundred years and the motifs were Queens that had left their name in history as well as de Dance winners.

    "Hm?"

    Kamito stopped before arge set of pictures.

    Depicted there was the winner of the de Dance from three years ago.

    The strongest de dancer ¨C Ren Ashbell.

    Wrapped in the strange garments of a foreign country, with an ominous demonic de of darkness in her left hand.

    That de in her left hand was the darkness spirit, Restia''s elemental waffe, Vorpal Sword.

    Bewitching ck hair. Pearly white cheeks.

    That girl''s profile, drawn with a delicate touch, viewed as a goal, was very beautiful.

    "......This is overdone. The work of a painter without a discerning eye."

    Kamito muttered that and Ellis who had walked around turned towards him.

    "It''s you whocks appreciation. Her beauty wasn''t like that."

    "That''s right. Even though we''re the same gender, she made my heart throb."

    ire also nodded in agreement.

    "Ah¨C, I see......"

    Kamito made a sour expression and groaned.

    "Fufu, aren''t you d, Kamito-kun."

    "You......"

    Fianna teasinglyughed and looked at Kamito through half-opened eyes.

    Following the princess maidens through therge castle, they finally arrived at their rooms.

    "Empire representatives Team Scarlet, your room is over here. If you would like to eat, use something or anything else, please do not hesitate to do so."

    "Wait a second, am I in the same room?"

    Kamito quickly asked the princess maiden and,

    "Th-th-th-there''s no way, what are you thinking!"

    ire refuted it with a panicked expression.

    "Y-Yeah, as expected, staying in the same room as a gentleman is difficult."

    Said Ellis as she cleared her throat.

    "That''s right, as expected......right."

    "B-But, it can''t be helped if there are no open rooms, right?"

    Fianna and Rinslet also exchanged nervous nces.

    "......? Of course, we have prepared a separate room for the gentleman."

    To the guiding princess maiden''s words,

    "Th-That''s right, of course!"

    "Y-Yes, it is an obvious requirement!"

    The youngdies said in high-pitched voices.

    "Fufu, that''s a pity."

    "Like that would happen. Having just a lone male in a room of girls, what kind of torture is that?"

    Kamito said that to theughing and smiling Carol with half-opened eyes.

    "Then, I''ll be going straight to bed. See youter."

    "Kamito, wait a moment."

    His cor was grabbed as he turned to head for his room.

    "What?"

    "We are going to purify ourselves now."

    "Purify?"

    Purification meant the act of washing one''s body with water in a purifying ceremony. Maidens that were not pure could not use spirits. For that reason, elementalists had to constantly maintain a pure mind and body.

    "That''s why, that is......y-you get changed ande to theke as well!"

    "Nah, I''m fine. I''ll do it aler."

    Kamito shook his head in a troubled manner.

    "Or rather, you don''t want me to see you in swimsuits, right?"

    "Th-That is......"

    ire''s cheeks flushed and she averted her gaze,

    "No, not really, i-it''s not that I don''t want it......it''s fine if it''s Kamito."

    "......?"

    "N-Nothing!"

    Unfortunately, ire''s voice had been too quiet and he couldn''t hear it well.

    ......He wondered what that was. Recently, ire had be rather inarticte.

    "A-Anyway, we''re a team so we''ll be doing the purification together as well!"

    This was amand to her ve spirit ¨C ire said this as her red twintails stood on end.

    "Th-That''s right, breaking the team''s unity isn''t good!"

    "Kamito-san doesn''t have enough self-recognition as part of a team!"

    "Being able to do the purification ceremony together is a sign of trust!"

    The three youngdies all agreed with each other.

    "No, you guys are exaggerating......"

    ......He wondered why they were fussing over the purification so much.

    The maid Carol cleared her throat with furrowed brows.

    "To be clear, thedies simply want to show Kamito their new swimsuits¨C"

    """"Carol!""""

    The collective voice of the youngdies.

    "What is it, exactly......"

    Kamito felt troubled¨C

    A tug.

    His cuff was being pulled.

    "......Est?"

    Est, who had returned to human form at some point, looked up at Kamito.

    "Kamito, I want to y with Kamito at theke."

    "......"

    Being looked at by Est''s mysterious pupils, Kamito gulped.

    (I did something bad to Est this morning so......)

    It seemed like Est wasn''t mad anymore but¨C

    He felt that he had to do something topensate her.

    Kamito ced his hand on Est''s head and caressed it.

    "Got it. Let''s y at theke together."

    "Yes, Kamito. I''m happy."

    Est nodded expressionlessly.

    Kamito turned towards Est and the others.

    "With that, I''ll also be doing the purification ¨C hey, Owaa!"

    """"Why are you so soft on Est!""""

    Four people''s luggage flew to his face.

    ......It seems like we have no problems with teamwork.

    Part 5

    "¨CHere is Kamito-sama''s room."

    Kamito was led down the hallway to a gloomy room the furthest in.

    The room was putrid and had a gloomy air to it. In the corner were paintings and sculptures as well as other junk covered in spiderwebs.

    "......Is it just me or am I the only one being treated this badly?"

    ......In ire and the others'' room, there had even been a firece and chandelier.

    Rather than a room, this was closer to a storage room.

    "The Divine Ritual Institute decided this."

    The princess maiden cleared her throat.

    ......It seemed like she was being openly cold towards Kamito.

    (......Well, it can''t be helped, I guess.)

    The Divine Ritual Institute was, like the academy, far removed from the presence of men.

    "Does this room not have a light?"

    "Yes. Light spirits wouldn''te near this kind of gloomy room."

    "I''ll open the window."

    "As you wish. However, it may be rusted shut."

    "......"

    Kamito sighed deeply and entered the box-like room.

    He had left Est at the girls'' room so he had to clean the room by himself.

    (......Now that I think about it, it''s about time to eat.)

    Other than the ck tea he drank on the flying ship, he had not eaten anything since that morning.

    "Sorry, could I request something light to eat?"

    "Kamito-sama wishes for nyotaimori? [1] I apologize but that¨C"

    "I didn''t say that! Just something normal like a sandwich!"

    "A nyotai-sandwich......wrapping yourself with breasts......?"

    "......I''m begging you, please stop with the nyotai stuff."

    Kamito sighed deeply at the scornful re he received from the princess maiden.

    Part 6

    "This kind of bold swimsuit......is it okay?"

    "The knight captain''s breasts are unexpectedly quiterge......"

    "Ahn ¨C what are you doing!"

    Ellis gave a cute cry at Rinslet fondling her breasts.

    In the girls'' room, the youngdies were changing into swimsuits from their uniforms.

    Smooth, young skin. Bewitching body lines.

    They were beautiful girls of equally outstanding proportions.

    In the corner was ire who felt that she had lost.

    (......Wh-What, it''s not just me!)

    ......The slightly present chest.

    With a pink tip, it was like a budding flower.

    (Even though everybody else is growing properly......)

    She sighed as she watched the rest of the team getting changed.

    The only one it felt like she could win against was Est, but she was a spirit.

    (Even Kamito wouldn''t like this kind of small chest......)

    While lightly rubbing the slight bumps¨C

    What appeared in ire''s mind was a scene from two months prior.

    The time when she had first met Kamito at theke in the Spirit Forest.

    The words he had said when he had seen her bathing naked.

    ¨CI have no interest towards a kid''s body, he had said.

    "......!"

    Remembering it, her cheeks flushed red.

    Having a guy her age see her naked, that was of course her first time.

    (......But thinking about it, it was only two months ago.)

    Standing on one foot and slipping on her new swimsuit, ire sighed.

    Only two months.

    But ever since she had met Kamito, many things have happened.

    The showdown with Ellis at the academy. Fighting the rampaging militarized spirit.

    The cooking battle with the newly transferred Fianna. The mission at the mine.

    Two weeks ago, they defeated the strongest elementalist and gathered five teammates to participate in the de Dance.

    ¨CUntil she met Kamito, she was always alone.

    (But I still don''t really know anything about Kamito......)

    Dropping her panties onto the floor, she sank deep into thought.

    Even when she had asked about his family on the horse-drawn carriage, he had avoided the question.

    (It''s not like I want to pry but¨C)

    The thing she still didn''t know about Kamito was his connection with that darkness spirit girl.

    She had given ire the frenzied spirit and had been at the mine with Jio Inzagi for the purpose of unsealing the strategic-ss militarized spirit Jormungandr.

    She was Kamito''s contracted spirit but nothing else was known.

    Whenever a discussion about the past arose, Kamito would stay silent.

    ......She didn''t like that.

    (At least tell your master, idiot......)

    While hiding her small chest with her hands, ire pressed her lips together, displeased.

    Trantion Notes

    1. ¡ü nyotaimori = "body sushi", is the practice of serving sashimi or sushi from the body of a woman

 Volume 4, 5 - Water Play

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 5 - Water y</h4>

    Part 1

    The sun beamed down gently into the forest.

    The rich colors flitting about in the air.

    Colorful fruits adorned the branches of the densely growing trees.

    It was theke beside the castle.

    Because of the spirits floating near theke shore, thiske granted high purity. It was a ce of the highest quality for a princess maiden''s purification.

    "ire and the others aren''t here yet......"

    Kamito, who had just arrived, surveyed the area.

    His top half was naked. On his bottom half, he wore trunks. Of course, he had removed the leather glove on his left hand, but he wrapped the seal underneath with a ck cloth.

    "Being the first one here makes it look like I''m really excited and that''s embarrassing."

    While scratching his head, heined and¨C

    "Kamito-kun, sorry to keep you waiting!"

    "Owaa!?"

    Squish.

    Being suddenly hugged from behind, Kamito unconsciously yelped.

    "Fianna!?"

    Surprised, he turned around¨C

    And there stood the cute princess wearing a bold ck swimsuit.

    "Does it suit me?"

    "......!?"

    Fianna''s swimsuit was an adult-like bikini. Wrapped around her supple hips was a low-leg pantie. A ck ribbon adorned her chest. The frills wrapped around her thighs coupled with the garter looked erotic. The triangr cloth covering her breasts was very suggestive and seemed about to spill over.

    "A queen shouldn''t be that immodest!"

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun got angry ?"

    Fianna stuck out her tongue in a cute manner and released his arm.

    "Y-You......"

    Kamito''s heart throbbed at those enchanting words.

    "That''s right. Kamito-kun, should I show you my spirit seal?"

    "Wha¨C"

    Fianna bent over and¨C

    Allowed him to gaze at her breasts within the gap of her bold swimsuit.

    Kamito swallowed hard.

    "Look, it''s right here. On the inside......"

    While teasing him with her bold actions, her face was lightly tinted red.

    Despite wearing a mature swimsuit, she was still a pure youngdy.

    The soft cleavage that, even now, urged him to bury his face in it.

    Just as he nced the spirit seal carved within¨C

    "Fianna-san, wh-what are you doing!"

    From the small path within the forest ran the swimsuit-d Rinslet.

    It was a proper-looking swimsuit suited to a well-bred youngdy, but it emphasized her breasts'' volume. The legs peeking out from under her pareo were so beautiful that Kamito froze in fascination.

    "Ka-Kamito-san, how is my swimsuit?"

    "......Y-Yeah, it really suits you."

    Kamito spoke his true thoughts and Rinslet blushed.

    "Y-You really......think so? I-I don''t like being ttered."

    "It''s not ttery. You''re really, um......beautiful."

    "......Auu......"

    Rinslet reddened right up to her ears.

    And fell over just like that.

    "S-Sorry for making you wait!"

    And now came a rigid voice.

    The one who emerged from the same path as Rinslet was the knight captain, Ellis.

    She was wearing a sporty navy blue swimsuit with a stress on practicality. It was inpared to Fianna and Rinslet''s, but the gap between her armored state and the current one emphasizing her body line was dangerous.

    He was rooted to the spot.

    "Ka-Kamito, don''t look here, look over there!"

    "S-Sorry......!"

    Kamito quickly averted his gaze and¨C¨C

    Ellis cleared her throat.

    "......N-No, I mean it''s fine to look?"

    "Which one is it......"

    "Sh-Shut up! Besides, you probably just thought it''s a boring swimsuit!"

    "Nobody said that."

    Kamito tiredly sighed.

    "......I should''ve worn a more erotic swimsuit."

    "Hmm?"

    It felt like the knight captain had just said something amazing but¨C

    "You look very beautiful in your swimsuit."

    "Eh?"

    Eximed Ellis, her amber eyes widening.

    "I thought it suited the serious Ellis."

    "Kamito......"

    Ellis tightened her arm to her chest and blushed.

    "The only ones left are ire and Est¨C"

    Kamito muttered and,

    "Ka-Kamito......"

    "ire?"

    At the voice he''d grown ustomed to, he turned around ¨C ire stood there.

    ......No.

    From behind arge tree, twintails were poking out.

    "You, what are you doing?"

    "......"

    ire stayed hidden behind the tree.

    "Did your swimsuit''s string get cut by any chance?"

    "Th-That''s not it!"

    The twintails stood on end.

    "Then why aren''t youing out?"

    "B-Because it''s......embarrassing."

    "Embarrassing, you say......everybody''s also in a swimsuit."

    "That''s true but......o-okay."

    ire resigned herself and timidly came out.

    At that moment¨C

    Kamito''s breath stopped.

    ire was wearing a pure red bikini. Though it was a in and simple design, it actually entuated her beauty. The panties held with string wrapped the smooth skin and her thighs had a thin line from her leather whip.

    It was painful to admit, but she was insanely cute.

    Honestly, he didn''t understand why she was embarrassed.

    "You......"

    "D-Don''t say anything, since I''m just......"

    When he saw her timidly hiding her chest with both hands¨C

    Kamito realized the reason.

    ire was concerned about her small breasts.

    "......Jeez."

    Kamito made a wry smile and ced his hand on the embarrassed ire''s head.

    "Fuaa!"

    "Listen, okay? These are my true thoughts. I won''t say it again."

    "Wh-What is it......!"

    "You''re cute, ire."

    "Fuaaa, i-idiot, what are you saying!"

    Hit, hit, hit.

    ire hit his shoulder with a beet-red face.

    Part 2

    "This time the knight captain is the demon!"

    "I won''t lose in swimming."

    "Ellis, you can''t use your wind armor."

    The lovely voices echoing within the forest. Glistening water droplets.

    Breasts that shook in tango with the rest of the body met the eyes.

    The swimsuit-d beauties frolicked in theke.

    ......No matter how you look at it, there''s no feeling of this being a purification ceremony.

    (Well, it''s important to rx as well......)

    Kamito stretched out on theke shore.

    He couldn''t y with the girls because he''d be constantly distracted, so he took to sunbathing. The girls seemed dissatisfied, but perhaps because they had heavy-handedly forced him toe, they let him go.

    Beside him, Est was kneeling while licking a popsicle.

    Her snow fairy-like body was covered by a navy blue academy-issued swimsuit.

    Her smooth milky skin and smooth silvery white hair.

    On both of her legs were knee-high socks.

    Est had the sort of appearance that maniacs would like, wearing both a swimsuit and knee-high socks.

    There wasn''t much skin showing, but for some reason, it felt like it crossed even more lines than being fully nude.

    "Est, you''re not going to y with everyone?"

    "It would be embarrassing to be barefooted."

    Est replied expressionlessly.

    "Besides, I can''t swim."

    "Ahh, I see......"

    Est was a sword spirit so she couldn''t float.

    No matter how strong of a spirit she was, she couldn''t cast off her basic metal attribute.

    (......Come to think of it, it was also near ake that I made the contract with Est.)

    While gazing at Est''s side profile, Kamito thought that.

    Demon yer ¨C Terminus Est.

    A legendary sealed holy sword spirit. It was a mystery why a sword of her caliber had chosen Kamito.

    ¨CHe still had no idea.

    Besides, Est had many other secrets as well.

    "Hey, Est¨C"

    "?"

    Est turned towards him while licking the popsicle.

    "Are you really the holy sword that defeated the Demon King?"

    The legend of the Demon yer remained everywhere on the continent.

    Est was undoubtedly an unrivaled sword, but there was no way she was the real one ¨C that''s what he thought.

    (But if she really is......)

    The power that had destroyed the Cursed Armament Seal on Velsaria''s heart two weeks ago.

    That was not the ability of a regr sword spirit.

    In the legend of the Demon yer, the holy sword was also said to have destroyed the spirit seals for all seventy-two of the Demon King''s contracts.

    "I''m sorry, Kamito."

    But Est silently shook her head.

    "My memories are iplete right now. If I regained my true body, my memories should return with my full power."

    "No, I should be the one to apologize. Sorry."

    Because Kamito clung to his contract with Restia, the contract with Est remained iplete. Est could not disy her true power.

    "No, Kamito."

    Est brought the popsicle away from her lips and gazed at Kamito with her mysterious eyes.

    And then¨C

    "I''m d I contracted with you."

    "......Est?"

    For a moment, the fleeting expression on Est''s face made his heart race.

    "¨CKamito-san."

    "Owaa!"

    tinum blonde hair sparkled in the sunlight.

    At some point in time, the swimsuit-d Rinslet had stood beside him.

    "Don''t surprise me like that......"

    "No, that is, sorry......"

    Kamito apologized to the pouting Rinslet.

    "What''s wrong, Rinslet, you''re not going to swim with everyone else?"

    At his words, Rinslet squirmed a bit and her face reddened.

    "I c-can''t, that is......I can''t swim very well."

    "Is that so?"

    That was unexpected. That the perfect Rinslet would have that kind of weak point.

    "Hmm? Even though you were ying tag in the water normally just now?"

    "Th-That was......umm, it was a little trick."

    "Trick?"

    Rinslet nodded timidly and stuck out her finger.

    A freezing atmosphere gathered and from thin air appeared a white wolf.

    The demon ice spirit Fenrir.

    "I was riding on this child''s back while in the water."

    "......I see."

    Upon imagining the white wolf elegantly running around under the water surface with all its might, Kamito wryly smiled.

    "Y-You justughed, didn''t you! That''s horrible!"

    "S-Sorry......"

    "And so, umm......"

    And Rinslet''s cheeks became even redder.

    "I''d like to ask a favor of you, Kamito-san."

    "A favor?"

    "Umm, that is, my......"

    And then Rinslet became inarticte.

    (......What?)

    It was at times like these that her maid would trante for him¨C

    Kamito looked around and found the hiding figure of Carol.

    ......He had been thinking for a while now that he hadn''t seen her, but she was hiding this entire time.

    She was moving her lips and appeared to be saying something¨C

    Kamito used the lip-reading ability he had been trained in at the institute.

    (Mdy, do your best ¨C was it......what did that mean?)

    Waiting for a little while like that¨C

    "Ka-Kamito-san!"

    Rinslet yelled out and seemed to have found her resolve.

    Sweeping her tinum blonde hair up and pointing at Kamito¨C

    "I-I shall allow you to teach me how to swim!"

    ......I see, thought Kamito with a wry smile.

    (......As always, she''s ady that just can''t be honest.)

    But if you got used to it, those points about her also became cute.

    "Est, I''m going to swim with Rinslet for a bit."

    "Yes, Kamito......"

    Est pouted a little sadly.

    Part 3

    "Ka-Kamito-san, please don''t let go......"

    "Yeah, it''s fine. Spread out your body more."

    Ssh. The sound of water echoed near the shore.

    A little bit away from where everyone was ying, in the shadow of a rock, Kamito was teaching Rinslet how to swim.

    It seemed she didn''t want the others to know.

    "F-For sure, okay......i-if you let go, I''ll make you into an ice sculpture!"

    With a nervous expression, Rinslet gripped onto Kamito''s arms.

    With the soft sensation upon his skin, his heart throbbed.

    "I-I got it, so please don''t force your nails into me."

    "S-Sorry about that......"

    Taking her hands off his arms, she instead grabbed his hands.

    She held tightly with her slender and soft fingers.

    "A gentleman''s......hand."

    With red cheeks, her upturned eyes were wavering.

    "Well, I am always holding a sword......"

    Kamito said while quickly averting his eyes.

    (Th-This angle is bad......!)

    From the white nape to the corbone adorned with water droplets.

    The breasts that could be seen under the water surface were much too distracting.

    "Kamito-san, where are you looking?"

    "Ah, no.....e on, loosen up and stretch out."

    Kamito immediately changed the topic.

    "T-To have a boy give me an order......that''s the first time."

    Rinslet shut her mouth tightly.

    But that expression looked somewhat happy.

    "Sorry, mdy. I''m just an impertinent fellow."

    "No, i-it''s fine if you give more orders. B-But perverted orders are a little......"

    "Hmm?"

    "N-Nothing!"

    Rinslet spoke into the water and formed bubbles.

    What a strange person ¨C Kamito thought that and then.

    "......?"

    Kamito felt someone watching him.

    He felt a de-like pressure on the back of his neck.

    Kamito quickly surveyed the area.

    He only felt the presence for an instant and it had already disappeared.

    (I don''t think it was my imagination but......)

    It might just have been the spirits around theke.

    Well, it had disappeared quickly so there was no point worrying about it.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "No, it''s nothing.....e on, rx more."

    "......L-Like this?"

    Rinslet nodded honestly and stretched out her entire body.

    Her cute butt wrapped in the white swimsuit rose out of the water.

    "I-I floated!"

    Her smile was like a blooming rose, very bewitching.

    "You really be cute when you''re honest."

    With a wry smile, Kamito whispered that and Rinslet became red to her ears.

    "......Kamito-san, you''re teasing me, aren''t you?"

    Bite. Like she was scolding him, she bit onto both of his arms.

    Bite. Bite.

    "Rinslet, it hurts......"

    "Fufu, it''s punishment for teasing me."

    Rinslet smiled elegantly and finally stopped biting him.

    But as expected of a talenteddy, her learning rate was really fast.

    "Then, next, try moving your feet."

    "Y-Yes......"

    Rinslet nodded and¨C

    "Kyan!"

    Suddenly gave out a cute yelp.

    "W-What happened?"

    "Fua, ya, ahn......w-where are you touching!"

    Rinslet flopped around in the water.

    "N-No, at this kind of ce......Kamito-san......you''re perverted."

    "......Wa-Wait, I''m not doing anything!"

    Kamito denied with all his heart and¨C

    Gogogogogogo......!

    The water surface that had been calm until just now boiled.

    "That seems like fun, Kamito."

    "ire!?"

    What rose from the water was ire with her twintails standing on end.

    Her tone was calm but......she was angry. No mistake.

    "Y-Y-You, what are you doing alone with Rinslet?"

    "No, this is just swimming training¨C"

    At his answer ¨C Kamito hurriedly shut himself up.

    Rinslet had wanted him to not reveal that she couldn''t swim.

    He couldn''t betray her trust.

    Kamito suddenly became quiet, and it seemed that that incited ire.

    "Could it be that you were doing s-something that you can''t tell me......"

    Gogogogogogo......!

    "Th-That''s wrong, ire, this is¨C"

    What came to Kamito at that time was¨C

    "That is......it was a secret lesson!"

    Those words.

    "......Secret lesson!?"

    ire''s eyebrows shot up.

    ......Crap, it seemed that he had messed up his word selection.

    "Th-That''s right, it was a lesson about things that can''t be said!"

    While still holding onto Kamito''s arm, Rinslet said that.

    "A-A lesson about things that can''t be said......"

    "Wait, Rinslet, that wording will invite misunderstandings¨C"

    But ire had already turned red from whatever she had imagined.

    "......Kamito, th-this pervert, how lewd!"

    Hit, hit, hit.

    "Calm down, you''re wrong! It wasn''t a lesson like you''re imagining!"

    "ire, could you please not interrupt our secret lesson?"

    Rinslet said with aposed smile.

    "......Y-You, get away from Kamito!"

    "Oh my, why should I?"

    Sparks flew between the hell cat girl and the ice princess.

    ......The usual fight had begun.

    "Ka-Kamito is my ve spirit and I won''t give him to you!"

    "No, Kamito-san is mine!"

    Both of them each grabbed one of his cheeks.

    ......A fight between two top-ss elementalists started.

    While sending water droplets flying, both of them grappled with each other''s swimsuits.

    Rinslet was always standing normally. This was the sandbar, so there was a foothold.

    The breasts and butt that could be seen from the offset swimsuit made Kamito turn red.

    "G-Give up already!"

    Rinslet ced a hand on ire''s breast and pulled at her swimsuit.

    And then.

    The string of the red bikini came undone¨C

    "......!?"

    Time stopped.

    ire quickly covered her breasts with her hands, but it was toote.

    The figure of those small, cute hidden mounds was burned into Kamito''s vision.

    "......D-Did you see?"

    Kamito nodded truthfully.

    "A, uu......"

    ire flushed red up to her ears¨C

    "......Fuaaaaan!?"

    "ire!"

    And bolted into the forest.

    "Jeez......"

    "I-I wonder if I did something bad......"

    Rinslet was reflecting.

    The forest that spread around theke.

    Even if it was the Elemental Lord''s sacrednd, there could be dangerous spirits in the forest.

    He knew ire was a top-ss elementalist ¨C but as expected, he was still worried.

    Kamito sighed and chased after ire who had disappeared into the forest.

    Part 4

    While running in the dark forest¨C

    (Ka-Kamito saw my breasts......!)

    ire reddened.

    It was embarrassing to the point that her face felt like it would burst into mes.

    (Jeez, what is this, what is this, idiot!)

    He had seen her naked in their first meeting.

    But then and now were totally different.

    She didn''t know why though......

    (Wh-Why is my heart......beating this fast, I wonder.)

    ire stopped running and suppressed her beating heart.

    That''s right, she didn''t hate that he had seen her naked.

    Having him see her underdeveloped breasts had been a shock.

    (Th-This small of a chest is strange, isn''t it......)

    Rub. Rub.

    While feeling her soft chest, she bit her lip.

    ire had read it in a book.

    That boys liked girls with big breasts.

    That definitely did not exclude Kamito¨C

    After all, Kamito had been all happy around that big-breasted Rinslet.

    (Wh-wh-wh-what''s this secret lesson about things that can''t be said, y-you idiot!)

    Remembering it again, she felt her anger resurge.

    Just what were those two doing in the shadow of that rock¨C

    "I-I d-don''t really care about who he gets along with......"

    ¨CJust as she said that with a pout.

    She felt a cold sensation on the back of her neck.

    "......Who is it!?"

    Turning around, she inquired with a sharp voice.

    And.

    "Hmm, you''re unexpectedly sharp, onee-chan. But separating from the group isn''t good."

    Appearing from the trees like a shadow¨C

    A single hooded girl.

    Slightly visible ash grey hair. Transparent blue pupils.

    A young girl that was even smaller than the short ire.

    (¨CA child in this ce?)

    ire was suspicious.

    She didn''t appear to be a princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    The only possibility was that she was a member of another team.

    "Do you have some business with me?"

    ire asked while keeping her guard up.

    What she had felt just before was close to killing intent.

    Even if her opponent was a small girl, she couldn''t be careless.

    The girlughed lightly.

    "I''ll have you disappear, onee-chan. For nii-sama''s sake."

    "......!?"

    Instantly, ire reacted.

    Water came from the ground as many tentacles were formed and attacked her.

    (......A water spirit user!?)

    The writhing water tentacles splintered the surrounding trees'' branches.

    irended on the ground and performed her summoning.

    ¨CGuardian of the crimson ze, keeper of the undying hearth!

    ¨CNow''s the time to abide by the blood contract,e forth and do my bidding!

    "¨CScarlet!"

    A crimson me-d hell cat appeared from thin air.

    The hell cat immediately transformed into a whip in her hand.

    "You, do you understand who you''re picking a fight with?"

    "Of course, ire Rouge. The Cmity Queen''s younger sister."

    "Looks like you really did your research!"

    ire swung down the me whip.

    Drawing a pure red line in the air, it easily mowed down the forests'' trees

    But the water tentaclesing from the ground easily stopped the me whip.

    "Wha¨C"

    "There''s no way onee-chan''s me spirit can defeat this Scy."

    "......Scy?"

    ire had read that name at the academy.

    It was the name of a special-use militarized spirit that could be used by anyone. That flexibility to switch contractors was deemed too dangerous and it was supposed to have been sealed after the Ranbal War¨C

    And then ire realized.

    If she was an assassin that used sealed militarized spirits¨C

    "Don''t tell me, you''re the one who attacked the flying ship......kyaa!"

    In that moment, a tentacleing from the ground grasped ire''s foot.

    The tentacle wrapped itself all the way around and lifted her into the air.

    "......This damn thing, let me go......!"

    She swung her metounge with all her might but it did nothing inside the water spirit.

    Her opponent''s spirit was the worst match-up for her fire spirit.

    On top of that, this area weakened me spirits because of its proximity to water.

    Even if it was a high-ss spirit like Scarlet, oveing that was hard.

    The tentacles entered into the gaps of her swimsuit.

    Wrapping around her thigh, it was a terrible feeling.

    "......Ah, n, wh-what are you doing, noo......!"

    "Fufu, what a disgraceful appearance, onee-chan. But I''ll let you enjoy it soon."

    The girl approached ire who couldn''t move.

    "......Why are you targeting me?"

    "Because onee-chan has corrupted nii-sama."

    "......Nii-sama?"

    ire had a realization. The one that came to her mind was¨C

    "Could this be about Kamito?"

    "Don''t say nii-sama''s name so lightly."

    The water tentacle pped ire''s cheek.

    "Ku......"

    "If I kill onee-chan, nii-sama will definitely wake up."

    "Wh-What do you mean wake up! Kamito is Kamito!"

    "Don''t speak like you know what you''re talking about."

    A bone-chilling tone. Shivers ran down ire''s spine.

    "Onee-chan, what do you even know about nii-sama?"

    "Eh?"

    At her words¨C

    ire widened her eyes.

    (......That''s right. I don''t know anything about Kamito.)

    For example, this girl who called Kamito nii-sama.

    This girl probably knew.

    Kamito''s past that ire didn''t know.

    She felt a pain in her heart. She didn''t know why.

    "Good bye, onee-chan."

    The girl gave themand to kill what it had caught¨C

    "......!?"

    Then a de line shed.

    "¨Cire!"

    Part 5

    The short sword pierced the ground.

    The girl jumped andnded after turning in the air.

    At the instant Scy''s power weakened, Scarlet returned to its hell cat form and destroyed the water tentacle. Kamito caught the released ire with both arms.

    "Ka-Kamito......"

    "ire, stand back."

    Kamito ced ire on the ground and turned to face the girl.

    (I didn''t think an elementalist would be here¨C)

    He regretted not bringing Est along.

    With thest exchange, he understood. His opponent was a skilled assassin.

    The short sword disappeared. It was the product of the only spirit magic Kamito could use as the elementalist of a sword spirit ¨C weapon production with Weapon Works.

    (So that presence I felt at theke was this person......)

    Kamito looked at the girl. He couldn''t see her face because of the hood.

    The girl''s lips lightly shook and opened.

    "......Nii-sama."

    At the same time, the water spirit reformed its tentacles and attacked again.

    "Kahaa!"

    He took a blow to the stomach.

    Kamito flew and smacked into the muddy ground.

    "Ouch......"

    "Kamito!"

    ire ran up beside the copsed Kamito.

    "Why didn''t you dodge it! You should''ve been able to."

    ire closed her mouth tightly......that''s right, he couldn''t dodge it.

    "......You covered for me?"

    "I can''t allow a wound to touch a youngdy''s face."

    Kamito wiped the blood from his mouth and shakily stood up.

    Once again, the tentacles swung down like whips.

    Kamito raised both arms and blocked. But no matter how strong he was, a human couldn''t match up to a spirit.

    A blunt attack. The sound of bones being crushed rang out.

    "......Aguu!"

    "Nii-sama, why are you interrupting me?"

    The girl muttered this to the fallen Kamito in a sad tone.

    "......Nii-sama?"

    He was sure she had called him that at the start as well.

    The encroaching girl. From beneath the hood, he spied ash grey hair blowing.

    "You, don''t tell me you''re¨C"

    Kamito''s eyes widened.

    The girl waved her hand and gave the order to attack¨C

    "Freezing fangs, pierce ¨C Freezing Arrow!"

    In an instant, many ice arrows impaled the water spirit.

    The water spirit instantly froze. Then¨C

    "Now!"

    "¨CTake this, zing Fireball!"

    ire''s fireball scored a direct hit.

    A fierce ze.

    The frozen water spirit shattered.

    "Hmph, that was easy."

    Wielding a magic bow, Rinslet swept her hair aside.

    Though she was doing such a carefree action, her breathing was ragged from chasing Kamito.

    "Rinslet, you''re a life saver......"

    Kamito stood as he groaned in pain.

    Rinslet and ire equipped their respective elemental waffen and faced the assassin girl.

    "Aww, he got killed. It turns out like this if I don''t use Jester''s Vise."

    Sticking out her tongue in a childish manner, she flipped her hood off.

    "......!?"

    Ash grey twintails. A lovely, youthful face.

    Kamito stood shocked at the face that had hardly changed from four years ago.

    "Muir......"

    "Muir?"

    ire knit her brows.

    "Muir, why......"

    "Nii-sama, you''ve be very weak."

    The girl sighed sadly and turned around.

    "But don''t worry, Muir will definitely wake you up."

    Saying that, she disappeared into the forest¨C

    "Stop¨C" "Right there!"

    "Wait!"

    Kamito stopped Rinslet and ire who were about to pursue.

    "Hey, why are you stopping us!"

    "¨CYou can''t beat her."

    The two gulped at Kamito''s serious expression.

    And so, the assassin girlpletely disappeared.

 Volume 4, 6 - Cracks

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 6 - Cracks</h4>

    Part 1

    "¡ªMuir Alenstarl."

    Kamito muttered that name as hey on the bed in the dim room.

    The number two of the Instructional School who had received the title "Monster."

    (......Why is she here?)

    He thought that they would never meet again after that day.

    And yet they ended up meeting in such a terrible way.

    Muir Alenstarl was an expert military elementalist.

    What reason could that girl, an orphan from the Instructional School, have foring here¡ª

    It was not like he couldn''t guess. Just a few weeks prior, Kamito had fought with another orphan of the Instructional School, Jio Inzagi.

    The one behind the incident that time¡ª

    (......Does she have a connection to Restia?)

    His left hand under the leather glove ached.

    At that time. A knock came from his room''s door.

    "......Yes?"

    While pressing down on his hurting ribs, Kamito got off the bed.

    "Who is it?"

    He opened the door and¡ª

    "......Nyaa ?"

    A cute cat was there.

    No, more urately, it was somebody wearing cat ears on their head, the Empire''s second princess.

    "......"

    "......"

    "......Um. Fianna, what are you doing?"

    Kamito asked, astonished.

    "I-I havee to s-service my master-meow ?"

    "......"

    The air froze.

    "Jeez, wh-what are you making me say......"

    "No, I don''t really understand......"

    Fianna cleared her throat and said,

    "It is a healing ritual."

    "Healing ritual?"

    Kamito repeated like a parrot.

    "Kamito-kun, you were hurt, right?"

    "Yes, well......it''s not anything serious."

    "That''s a lie."

    Fianna poked Kamito''s ribcage.

    "O!"

    "Look at that. You can''t fool me."

    It was the injury he received when he was hit by Muir''s water spirit.

    He had been hiding it, but it appeared that the holy spirit user had seen through him.

    "Come on, lie down on the bed."

    "Owaa."

    Fianna pulled on Kamito''s hand.

    Kamito was pushed onto the bed in that manner.

    The feeling that had pushed on his chest made his heart throb unconsciously.

    "I''m thankful for the healing but......why cat ears?"

    "Fufu, this is a tool for the ritual......ah, a tool for the ritual-meow ?"

    Fianna quickly amended the end of her sentence.

    "Liar! I think something''s a little strange with that!"

    That morning when she had packed her luggage, he was sure those cat ears had been there.

    The other things included rope, a candle and a whip......she had packed them under the pretense of them being ritual equipment, but there was a lot that was fishy about it.

    "Um, Kamito, you don''t like this kind of thing?"

    Fianna asked with a nervous expression.

    "No, I don''t d-dislike it......"

    Kamito quickly shook his head.

    Fianna with cat ears was definitely cute. Seriously cute.

    About enough to make him want to pet her.

    "......I''m d. It was pretty embarrassing."

    Fianna made an expression of relief and rxed.

    The captivating sound of rustling clothes. The breathing from near his ear.

    "......Fianna!? Y-Your ch-chest is pressing against me."

    "Don''t move. We have to be touching or there won''t be an effect."

    "I understand the theory but......"

    Kamito gulped.

    "......Nn, chuu......ahn."

    The cute princess''s lips and her fingertips glided over his bruised ribs. Her moist tongue running over his wound tickled.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, does it feel good?"

    "......!"

    Even if asked in this kind of situation, there was no way he could honestly reply.

    (......But it''s definitely working. Fianna''s ritual magic, that is.)

    As expected of a former elite princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    Even though it wasn''t her specialty, her ability in it was top-ss.

    Not just the wound but even his whole body''s fatigue being removed could be felt.

    Kamito stopped resisting and left his body in her care.

    "......But I''m always surprised by it. Your regenerative ability, I mean."

    "Yeah, it''s a mystery to me, too."

    He hadn''t paid particr notice to it, but it appeared to be that way.

    It seemed like it was thanks to the development of the divine power of an elementalist flowing within him.

    But it was to an abnormal degree in Kamito''s case.

    "Isn''t it because you''ve contracted with Est?"

    "I also thought that at first......"

    A contracted spirit''s attributes affecting the contractor wasn''t anything rare.

    For example, ire''s ability to have her hair stand on end was because of this. Because of Est''s attribute being metal as a sword spirit, his body may have be robust as a result.

    "But it doesn''t seem to be just that."

    Fianna tilted her head.

    The other possibility was a Cursed Armament Seal. Amongst the orphans at the Instructional School that received a Cursed Armament Seal, some possessed regenerative ability that far surpassed human limits.

    However, of course, there was no Cursed Armament Seal on Kamito.

    "Fianna''s technique is good."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders while saying that and received a reply,

    "It''s the opposite."

    "Opposite?"

    "My holy attribute spirit magic is barely working on Kamito''s body."

    "What do you mean?"

    "I don''t know."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "Of course, it''s not like it''s totally ineffective ¡ª it''s being repelled. That''s why I have to be touching you like this."

    Press.

    "......Fianna!?"

    "Look at that, your body is so stiff. Rx more."

    Fianna smiled teasingly and gave his ear a yful bite.

    "W-Wait, as expected this is......"

    "Like I said, I wouldn''t do this stuff with just anyone, you know?"

    To Fianna who pressed her lips together while looking unsatisfied,

    "Y-You should only do this kind of stuff to the person you l-like......"

    She ced her hand on the shoulder strings of her dress-like uniform¡ª

    Dogooooon!

    Suddenly the room''s door exploded into smithereens.

    "......!?"

    Gogogogogogogogo......!

    The one standing there---

    It was ire with a zing metounge in hand.

    "Hey, Kamito, wh-wh-wh-what are you doing?"

    Kamito seriously prepared himself for death.

    Part 2

    "Now, choose! The way you''d like to be roasted!"

    "That''s why I''m saying, that was a healing ritual!"

    Five minutester. Kamito was made to do seiza upon the dusty floor.

    In front of him was ire who was sounding her whip.

    Her red twintails were standing on end......it seemed she was quite angry.

    ire looked down at Kamito with a cold gaze¡ª

    "Hmph, with cat ears? And pressed against arge chest in that ma-manner?"

    "Guu......"

    Kamito internally groaned.

    ......It was no good. Regardless of what he said, those cat ears took away all credibility.

    "......Well, that''s fine."

    Said ire, who shrugged her shoulders and sighed deeply.

    "S-Since whatever you do with that erotic queen doesn''t concern me."

    "Then why are you angry......"

    "Sh-Shut up!"

    Because of ire''s re, Kamito shut up.

    ......In any case, he was relieved.

    Her mood was still bad ¡ª but it seemed like she would overlook the situation this time.

    But the conversation didn''t end there.

    "Kamito."

    She suddenly became really serious¡ª

    "I have something to ask you."

    "......"

    (......Well, I guess it''s expected.)

    He had made his resolve for this.

    Or rather, he''d been thinking about it since a while ago.

    "The girl who attacked me ¡ª you knew her, right?"

    "Yeah."

    "What did she mean by nii-sama? Who is she?"

    "......"

    ire''s suspicion was well-founded.

    The assassin that had been aiming for her life was his former teammate and friend.

    Being interrogated was natural.

    "What''s wrong? Why aren''t you saying anything?"

    ire''s voice had a tinge of irritation mixed in.

    But Kamito averted his eyes from her and kept quiet.

    (I......)

    He felt that he should reveal his rtionship with Muir Alenstarl. He knew that in his head.

    But if he did that, he would also have to reveal that he was an escapee of the Instructional School.

    His childhood when he had battle techniques necessary for an assassin hammered into him.

    Something that he could never erase, that unpleasant past.

    (If she knew the truth about me, ire would¡ª)

    He might be scorned. Or possibly ¡ª he might be pitied.

    At any rate, it would be different from now.

    He was scared of that.

    (My bing weak might be because of this......)

    He derided himself while avoiding ire''s gaze.

    He wouldn''t have even thought about this two months ago.

    He didn''t care how other people viewed him.

    If he could get Restia back, then that was all he needed ¡ª that''s what he thought.

    "ire, sorry......"

    "......Why?"

    ire''s voice was slightly wavering.

    "Is it something you can''t tell even me?"

    "......"

    "Could it be a past lover¡ª"

    "Like that''s it."

    Kamito retorted with half-closed eyes.

    "Then why can''t you say it?"

    "¡ªCan you not trust me if I don''t tell you?"

    A cold voice with slight irritation that even shocked himself.

    He gasped and looked up at ire who had her eyes wide open in shock.

    "Th-That''s not it. But¡ª"

    "But what?"

    "......"

    ire''s question was obvious.

    He also understood that she was worried for his sake.

    But ¡ª no, that was the reason, that''s why he couldn''t tell her.

    "But......"

    ire chewed her lip.

    "Because you won''t talk about yourself at all."

    "That''s......"

    "And it''s not just this. Even about that darkness spirit girl¡ª"

    "The thing about Restia has nothing to do with ire."

    Kamito shook his head coldly. That showed hisplete rejection of her question.

    "......Is that so, I see."

    ire breathed out waveringly and¡ª

    Turning her back on Kamito, she left the room in silence.

    Part 3

    "I''m the worst......"

    Kamito muttered, sitting on the creaking bed.

    He was regretting getting angry with ire for no real reason.

    That said, there was no way he could discuss his past with her.

    (If she knew my past, she would......)

    At that moment, Ellis and the others entered his room.

    "Kamito, did something happen with ire?"

    Ellis surveyed the room.

    "Yeah, just a little something......"

    Feeling ufortable, Kamito shifted his gaze.

    "You fought again?"

    Rinslet sighed. Kamito nodded ambiguously.

    "She really can''t be helped. Well, she''ll be back before the dance."

    "Dance?"

    "The opening ceremony''s dance. Of course, Kamito will also be attending, right?"

    Fianna asked.

    "No, I''m fine."

    "What did you say!?" "What!?" "Kamito-kun!"

    When Kamito shook his head, the three cried out at the same time.

    "Wh-Why?"

    "......I don''t like dances."

    Kamito had a little trauma concerning the dance.

    The de Dance he participated in three years ago as Ren Ashbell. Remembering all the dance invitations he received during that time gave him goosebumps even now.

    Of course, he wasn''t going to be dressed in girls'' clothing this time around so there was no direct connection, but he still couldn''t erase that feeling.

    "That and I have no formal wear."

    "They''ll lend you formal wear if you ask."

    "I said I wasn''t going."

    "Hmm, I wonder if that''s a good idea?"

    Fiannaughed lightly.

    "......What do you mean?"

    "The de Dance participants will being out at the dance, meaning that Ren Ashbell will also be attending."

    "......!"

    "Fufu, so what will you do?"

    To the Fianna wearing a teasing smile, Kamito¡ª

    "......Okay then."

    Grudgingly agreed to go.

    (......The dance, huh.)

    ire would also wear a dress ¡ª that thought popped into his head.

    "......I have to apologize."

    Kamito got off the creaky bed.

    "Kamito-san, where are you going?"

    "To find a cat. It may have be lost."

 Volume 4, 7 - Darkness Spirit Girl

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 7 - Darkness Spirit Girl</h4>

    Part 1

    "---What was that, stupid, stupid, stupid Kamito!"

    With her hair standing on end, ire ran through the castle''s hallway.

    She wiped therge tears forming in her eyes with her sleeve.

    ---Has nothing to do with ire.

    Those words reyed in Kamito''s cold tone over and over in her head.

    (I''m not trusted by Kamito......)

    She became very sad when she thought that.

    ---Onee-chan, what do you even know about nii-sama?

    That assassin girl had said that to ire.

    (That''s right, I don''t know anything about Kamito......)

    Her heart hurt. The inside of her throat was painful.

    What is this feeling, she wondered.

    (......Why won''t you tell me anything?)

    She stopped running, wiped her tears and then trudged along.

    The girls in dresses turned to look at her with puzzled expressions.

    (......That''s right, the dance is tonight.)

    The truth is that she had been anticipating it since yesterday.

    Along with the new swimsuit, she had also prepared a new dress.

    (It, it''s not like I''m wearing it for him or anything......)

    ire quickly removed the image of Kamito''s face from her mind.

    (But I wonder what kind of face he''d make if he saw me in my dress......)

    While zoning out and thinking about that kind of thing, her face grew red.

    (Wh-What am I thinking. I already don''t care about that Ka-Kamito!)

    While she was biting her lip.

    Suddenly a heat wave came from below her as a hell cat d in mes appeared.

    "......What''s wrong, Scarlet?"

    ire asked while leaning over.

    "Do you want a snack? I have canned tuna at the room."

    Scarlet shook its head.

    And then she noticed the silver chain shaking in Scarlet''s mouth.

    "That''s......"

    A silver cat pendant.

    The present that Kamito had bought for her birthday two weeks ago.

    It looked like it had been taken out of the jewelry box where she had ced it.

    "Wh-What is it, jeez......"

    ire took the pendant into her hand.

    The first birthday present she had ever received from a boy.

    She had been truly happy at that time.

    "......"

    She held the pendant to her chest like a treasure.

    "......That''s right. That back there was also partially my fault."

    She sighed as she patted Scarlet''s head.

    (......I can only be honest when I''m not in front of him.)

    Part 2

    "......Where did that ire go?"

    Kamito was traversing the maze-like castle in search of ire.

    ......Rather, he waspletely lost.

    Whatever the case, the original structure was apletely strange design from the mythical age. With the repeated alterations over the course of several hundred years, the hallways stretched out in every other way to form a maze. All of the rooms looked the same, so it threw off one''s sense of direction.

    (......With this kind of thing, not getting lost would be strange.)

    With the sun setting, the ceremony drew closer.

    (I should return to my room. We might just miss each other, after all.)

    And Kamito came to a halt.

    In the middle of the hallway was a gardenplete with a water fountain.

    "Ohh, that''s amazing......"

    His gaze was drawn in by that beautiful sight.

    Countless flowers were growing and small light spirits gathered there.

    The water gushing from the fountain was filled with purity.

    (This might be where princess maidens purify themselves.)

    While thinking that, Kamito drew closer to the garden.

    The light spirits floating in the air ran away like newborn spiders.

    Near the water fountain were five stone sculptures.

    The images of five Elemental Lords that controlled Astral Zero.

    A warrior wielding a zing sword --- Fire Elemental Lord, Volcanicus.

    A boy with kind eyes --- Wind Elemental Lord, Belphal.

    An iron mallet-wielding giant --- Earth Elemental Lord, Lode Gear.

    A woman hugging a water jug to her chest --- Water Elemental Lord, Iseria Seaward.

    An aged man with a scale and bishop''s staff --- Holy Elemental Lord, Alexandros.

    Those that bring prosperity or hardship to all of humanity, the kings of all spirits.

    Of course, the spirits did not actually look like their sculptures.

    The images here were simply representations of what people imagined their qualities to be when put in human form.

    "These are also relics from the mythical age......"

    They were magnificent sculptures. At the very least, they were not products of thest several hundred years. Kamito didn''t possess much knowledge about historic ruins but he knew that much.

    The stones used were not just normal stones either. Valuable spirit crystals had been used.

    Getting close and looking,

    "Hm?"

    Kamito saw something out of ce.

    The five sculptures which copied the likeness of the Elemental Lords. Beside them was---

    With nothing remaining above the knees, another sculpture was there.

    That was something that waspletely foreign to the garden.

    (......Why is this thing here?)

    The tragic appearance of the sculpture with only what was below its knees remaining. It hadn''t been removed afterward, so it was obviously an important ancient legacy.

    "......!?"

    Just then. Something floated into Kamito''s mind.

    (The true shrine from the ancient age''s true shrine......)

    Along with the five Elemental Lords, there was one spot that was unnaturally missing something.

    (Est whispered something back then......)

    They had been in a hurry so he had missed it but......

    "If I remember......"

    "---The one erased in the following age, Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll."

    Suddenly from behind came a voice---

    Kamito immediately spun around.

    A beautiful girl with ck hair d in a dress the color of darkness stood beside the water fountain.

    She had a teasing smile. Gentle twilight pupils.

    The one he''d been searching for --- the girl he always wanted to meet was right there.

    "Restia......"

    "For someone searching for a cat, you look like you''ve seen a ghost."

    She smiled and walked towards him with light steps.

    "......"

    Kamito was frozen still. He simply stood with his eyes wide open.

    The girl of darkness came before Kamito and stood on her tiptoes.

    "You''ve really grown. Even though you were only about as tall as me back then."

    "Restia, you......"

    Kamito returned from the shock.

    "Don''t make such a scary face, Kamito."

    "......!"

    A gentle and sweet voice that lured one into sleep.

    It hadn''t changed. Not a single thing, not even that harshness from three years ago had changed.

    The seal on his left hand heated up like it was burning.

    (......Why are you making that kind of face!)

    ---Who are you?

    ---Why are you throwing my heart into chaos using Restia''s form!

    The truth is he really wanted to shout those things to the girl before him.

    But---

    Those usations stuck in his throat.

    ......I know. She''s the real Restia.

    No matter what form she took, there was no way he could ever mistake her.

    The girl who had been the first light for Kamito who had closed his heart.

    She had stayed by his side and granted him warmth and peace.

    But now---

    "......"

    Kamito strongly chewed his lip.

    Three years ago, he thought that would never change.

    He had no idea why she had changed like this.

    Possibly, something had broken when she made her Wish.

    (Three years ago, I---)

    Just what was the wish requested of the Elemental Lords.

    He had many things he wanted to ask.

    And many things he needed to ask.

    Kamito opened his mouth while still slightly lost.

    "Restia......"

    "Hm?"

    The darkness spirit tilted her head in a lovely manner.

    "That militarized spirit that attacked the flying ship, was it your doing?"

    "Those were her orders. It wasn''t me."

    Restia replied with that and sat down on the broken sculpture.

    With her feet together and resting her chin in her hands, she possessed the beauty of a fallen goddess.

    "Is that referring to the fake Ren Ashbell?"

    "She''s not a recement for you, Kamito."

    Restia smiled gently.

    Just like one would use when warning a young child.

    "She is also a true Ren Ashbell."

    "What do you mean?"

    "I''m sorry, but I cannot reveal that to the current you."

    Restia silently declined her head.

    "......Why did you appear before me now?"

    "To warn you."

    "Warn me?"

    "Your past is trying to destroy what you hold dear."

    "My past......"

    Kamito muttered---

    "---The Instructional School''s orphans, huh."

    "Yes. Muir Alenstarl is ignoring her orders and rampaging on her own. Well, it seems like she is closing her eyes on the matter though."

    "Why is Muir targeting us?"

    "Isn''t that obvious. Because her beloved onii-chan was taken from her."

    "......"

    Yes, Muir Alenstarl had not shown any signs that Kamito was her target.

    If he was, there would be no way she would have overlooked him when he couldn''t use his elemental waffe.

    ire was a superior elementalist. Rinslet and Ellis as well, and Fianna was contracted to a powerful knight spirit.

    But even though they were elementalists, they were still normal girls.

    They were high-ss youngdies that were gentle, not honest, and liked ck tea and sweet candies.

    (But the orphans from the Instructional School are different---)

    Like Kamito had been---

    They were existences that had only been brought up with knowledge on how to wreak havoc and ughter.

    That was not de dance for the sake of enjoyment --- it was only for war.

    The world the noble youngdies from the academy lived in waspletely different.

    Even if they were de Dance representatives, there was not a chance they could win in a battle.

    "---I won''t allow that to happen."

    Kamito gave a small groan.

    ire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet and Est---

    "I will definitely protect mypanions."

    "I wonder if you can?"

    Restia put her fingertip to her lips---

    "The orphans from the Instructional School are like the past you. I don''t think you can stop them when you had a hard battle against the likes of Jio Inzagi."

    "It doesn''t matter. I will protect them at the cost of my life."

    "Hmm, I''m a little jealous."

    "---That''s why, I will protect you as well, Restia."

    "......!?"

    Restia''s eyes widened.

    Those twilight pupils finally showed unrest.

    "---That part of you hasn''t changed a bit."

    She shrugged her shoulders and slowly stood.

    She stepped in front of him and---

    "I''m happy, Kamito."

    Tiptoed and kissed Kamito.

    "......!?"

    Kamito froze for a few seconds.

    The inside of his head had numbed and be pure white.

    "......Mm."

    Restia slowly parted lips with Kamito.

    And she once again whispered into the ear of the dumbfounded Kamito.

    "I''ll be waiting, Kamito. For your awakening as the sessor of the Demon King."

    "Res......tia......?"

    Kamito reached out but grabbed nothing but thin air.

    The darkness spirit girl had turned into a ck mist and disappeared from in front of Kamito.

    Part 3

    "......"

    ire stood in the shadow of the hall leading to the garden.

    She had discovered Kamito talking with the darkness spirit girl while searching for Kamito.

    That darkness spirit girl was dangerous --- she had immediately summoned Scarlet but desisted from attacking when she saw him talking with her.

    They were like two lovers that had been parted for a long time.

    Like that, ire had missed the timing toe out.

    She couldn''t hear the contents of their conversation well from the hallway.

    If she wanted to, she might have been able to listen in, but learning about the past Kamito didn''t want to discuss in this way felt like she was doing something underhanded.

    Thinking like that, she ended up just watching.

    She saw the two kiss.

    "Ah---"

    Ssh.

    Tears fell to the ground.

    (No way, why are tears......)

    She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her uniform.

    (Why, why am I......)

    Why was this --- her chest hurt.

    (......Kamito didn''t hate it. He didn''t resist at all.)

    The overflowing tears wouldn''t stop.

    ire ran from that spot and dashed down the hallway.

    Part 4

    The floating ind Ragna Ys'' underground cave within the sacred grounds.

    A ce that no one but the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens was permitted to enter --- currently, there were two sets of footsteps resounding there.

    One belonged to an orphan of the Instructional School, Lily me.

    She read the reports to her master in front of her.

    "Muir Alenstarl lost Death Gaze in the battle. The country''s military executives are going to be angry."

    "Let them. They''re just a bunch of geezers that only think about how to protect themselves."

    The listening party said so with a merciless tone.

    The girl with long ck hair that fell to her waist.

    Donning a ck overcoat with a crimson mask that looked like a fierce god covering her face.

    Lily was not surprised in the least by her master''s response. Their supposed allies, the Alphas Theocracy, were only another tool for her to aplish her goal.

    "But Cardinal, the supply of militarized spirits from now on---"

    "Lily, I''ve taught you not to use that name here, haven''t I?"

    "I apologize. ---Ren Ashbell."

    Lily shivered at her master''s cold voice.

    Footsteps resounded throughout the silent underground cave. The radiance of the spirit stone they were carrying reflected off the strange carvings in the wall. It was a mystery why this passage in the underground cave that even the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens were prohibited from was known to these two.

    Possibly high-ranking princess maidens --- also those close to Queens could enter without it being strange.

    "It seems that Restia has contacted him."

    The crimson mask-wearing girl --- Ren Ashbell said.

    "Yes. She ignored your order and---"

    "That darkness spirit is not a subordinate but an equal in the organization. She has no obligation to listen to me."

    "......Yes."

    Lily chewed her lip, unsatisfied. It frustrated her that the pieces gathered to help her master were moving on their own.

    The ones who had sworn an oath to Cardinal --- to Ren Ashbell, consisted of Lily alone. Her fellow orphan from the Instructional School thought of nothing other than Kazehaya Kamito and she had no idea what that darkness spirit girl was thinking.

    "I will be meeting with him as well this evening."

    "Will you be attending the dance?"

    Lily asked in a slightly incredulous voice.

    "Ren Ashbell was the winner of the previous de Dance. There is no way she could not attend."

    "But the preparations for what to wear---"

    "I have at least one dress. Though I left the majority to my little sister."

    "You have a little sister?"

    "......"

    There was no response to that question.

    Thinking she had upset her master, Lily quickly changed topics.

    "Muir reported that he doesn''t appear to have awakened yet."

    "We already have no time to wait for it. If he can''t withstand it, then that was his worth as a sessor to the Demon King --- we''d just have to alter the n."

    "---That won''t do. It''s Muir''s duty to awaken nii-sama."

    Said a voice from within the darkness behind them.

    The one who appeared was the girl with ash grey hair --- Muir Alenstarl.

    "Muir, what did you do!?"

    Lily raised a sharp voice.

    "I just yed around a little. With those onee-chans that are corrupting nii-sama."

    "......Acting on your own! You used another militarized spirit without permission."

    "Not anything important. Just the special-use militarized spirit Scy. Though it was too weak and died. I wonder if I could use a better spirit next time."

    "......!"

    To the Muir who was puffing her cheeks, Lily responded by holding her head in her hands.

    Even if it was Scy, which wasn''t a pure war ss spirit, it was still a part of the theocracy''s military strength. Those military executives wouldn''t be happy if they heard about this.

    "Listen here. That group at the theocracy won''t be supplying us with militarized spirits until the de Dance really begins."

    "Hmph, we''ve been acting docile well enough."

    "It''s because you ignored orders and lost Death Gaze."

    "I just wanted to y with nii-sama."

    Muir pouted her lips.

    "Anyway, behave yourself until the real de Dance begins. Don''ty a hand on him until you receive orders---"

    "Orders?"

    Muir tilted her head in wonder.

    And the light in her eyes disappeared.

    "Hey, Lily, just who will order Muir?"

    "---!?"

    Shivers ran down Lily''s spine.

    Her entire body ran cold with fear. It was like someone was holding her heart in their hands.

    "Hey, tell me---"

    The spirit seal on Muir''s right hand let out an ominous light---

    "Muir Alenstarl."

    Ren Ashbell called out to her.

    "Yes?"

    "You are an equal to me in the organization. Nobody will order you."

    Muirughed with a smile.

    "It''s fine if you understand. The only one that can order Muir is nii-sama."

    With Muir''s mood restored, Lily breathed a sigh of relief.

    "But this is troubling. I can''t y with the onee-chans without a militarized spirit."

    "Then why not try using this --- Monster."

    Ren Ashbell removed her ring and tossed it to Muir.

    "This is?"

    Muir looked at the ring curiously.

    It was a in silver ring. Thin characters from the spiritnguage were engraved onto its outer edge.

    "The annihtion spirit Tiamat --- a spirit weapon that was created to fight the army of the ex-shadow Elemental Lord. It was customized by those of the Divine Ritual Institute. It can withstand your Jester''s Vise well."

    "......You''re giving this to Muir?"

    "Use it as you wish."

    "I don''t really understand why. Well, that''s fine, I''ll take it."

    "Muir, militarized spirits aren''t toys!"

    "They are toys. At least to Muir."

    She shrugged her shoulders at Lily---

    And licked the ring that now adorned her middle finger.

    "---Just a little longer, nii-sama. Muir will remove those meddlesome onee-chans."

    While walking through the dark underground cave, Muir smiled to herself.

    When she had been taken to the Instructional School, she was only four years old.

    Born in a cold vige on the borderline of the Empire, she was not of noble blood and yet possessed the ability to contract spirits.

    The vigers rejoiced at having borne an elementalist and raised her dearly.

    And then they brought her before the vige''s guardian spirit on her fourth birthday.

    They wanted Muir to contract with the guardian spirit so the vige would prosper.

    But when she made the contract, the guardian spirit ran wild.

    The mes that had protected the vige now burned it down and the spirit also destroyed itself.

    Muir''s power --- she had the uncanny ability to drive a spirit mad.

    After being cast away by her vige, she was picked up by the instructional school---

    There, she became a Monster.

    Her heart was lost, a Cursed Armament Seal was engraved on her young body and she was taught nothing but ughter techniques.

    Because of her in-born ability, Muir could never connect with a contracted spirit.

    Those days filled with only istion and massacres slowly carved away her heart.

    In the middle of those days --- she met with a boy that had been taken to the facility.

    "You''re always alone, huh."

    "That''s right. Muir is always alone. The only ones Muir talks with are those she kills."

    "Then I''ll be your friend."

    "Hmph, how stupid. Talking about friends in this ce."

    "Then a brother. Muir is the younger sister."

    "......What are you deciding on your own, idiot."

    The first conversation she had with him. It was something he definitely didn''t remember.

    "---Nii-sama is Muir''s only."

    When she emerged from the underground cave, the sun had mostly set.

    It was about the time the de Dance''s ceremony would begin at the castle.

    "That''s why I won''t forgive them. I will definitely get them, those attaching themselves to nii-sama."

 Volume 4, 8 - Ball Dance

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 8 - Ball Dance</h4>

    It was evening. The de Dance ceremony began at the castle serving as lodging for the representatives.

    There were already many guests of honor assembled that were having friendly conversations in the grand hall of the castle.

    There was elegant music flowing about, and chandeliers that were arrangedvishly with spirit crystals as decoration.

    Extravagant seafood, meat, and fruit wereid out on a table lined up in the center.

    Those invited to the ceremony were elementalists representing various countries and high-ranking royalty and nobles.

    ¡°This time, my country¡¯s representative will be getting the victory.¡±

    ¡°What? The most superb elementalist is in my White Knights, you know?¡±

    Even though they behaved politely on the surface, they unfolded a fierce war of words. Dressed in a formal suit, Kamito nced at those nobles with an expression of beingpletely fed up.

    (...Geez, it¡¯s not like you¡¯re the ones doing the de dance...)

    On the other side, the girls participating in the de Dance had nervous expressions.

    They were equallypetent, top-notch elementalists selected by the major nations of the continent.

    These girls were about the same age as Kamito, and that was because the condition to partake in the de Dance was set that princess maidens had to be 20 years old and younger, following the oracle by the Elemental Lords.

    This wasn¡¯t restricted to the de Dance. Most of the important ceremonies dedicated to the spirits had the same condition. Spirits liked young pure maidens as offerings the best.

    ¡°...Anyway, they are still not here, huh?¡±

    Holding a te of a saut¨¦ of duck meat, Kamito looked around his surroundings relentlessly.

    He still couldn¡¯t see his youngdy teammates.

    Perhaps, they might havee across difficulties in putting on their dresses¡ªbut what was in his mind was whether ire, who he had quarreled with, wasing.

    After all, he wouldn¡¯t be able to meet up with her in the castleter.

    Looking at the entrance of the hall, he caught sight of one princess maiden being caught in a spot.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t bring your animal inside!¡±

    ¡°Um, it isn¡¯t a beast! This wolf is a friend of the forest!¡±

    ¡°Even if it¡¯s a friend, no means no!¡±

    ...It seemed like the Druid girl was leading a wolf into the hall.

    Although she was from a different team, it was a little embarrassing as they were representing the same academy.

    Sighing in resignation, Kamito cast his sight downwards.

    ¡°Est, do you want to get something?¡±

    He asked the sword-spirit girl holding a te.

    ¡°I¡¯d like fish next, Kamito.¡±

    ¡°Hn, you¡¯re a good girl for not being picky. All the youngdies have unbnced diets.¡±

    *Suri-suri* *Nade-Nade*

    While he praised her, he stroked her head, and Est squinted.

    Wearing a pure-white dress, Est was lovely, almost like a snow-fairy.

    ¡°...Est is cute.¡±

    Stroking her head, he subconsciously let out his voice.

    Est¡¯s small ears twitched.

    ¡°Kamito?¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing...¡±

    Kamito scratched his head in an attempt to dodge her question.

    ...That was a little embarrassing.

    ¡°Kamito, please say it once more.¡±

    ¡°Uh?¡±

    ¡°Once more.¡±

    Est was gazing intently at Kamito with her mysterious eyes.

    ¡°E-Est is cute.¡±

    ¡°Kamito, once more.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re cute, Est.¡±

    ¡°More...¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re cute, Est.¡±

    ¡°Kamito-kun, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Owa!¡±

    Turning around¡ªFianna, dressed in a white dress, was staring at Kamito with reproachful eyes.

    ¡°Erm, that was, err...¡±

    Upon trying to exin in a fluster¡ª

    ¡°Before that, don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡±

    ¡°Eh? A-Ahh...¡±

    Even Kamito wasn¡¯t such a quiet unsociable person to not notice that. No, as he didn¡¯t notice until it was pointed out, he might indeed have been a quiet unsociable person.

    Kamito gulped.

    It was a white dress, with a big opening at her chest area. Despite the daring design showing off her skin, the reason he could feel a sense of graceful elegance was because she was a real princess.

    ¡°...W-White also suits you.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡±

    Seeming peevish, the princess pouted her lips.

    ¡°...Erm, you¡¯re using pads.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get angry, you know?¡±

    ¡°Wa-Wait!¡±

    Fianna puffed out her cheeks. Kamito shook his head in a fluster.

    And then¡ª

    ¡°...You¡¯re really pretty.¡±

    He finally put his honest thoughts into his mouth.

    ¡°Hn, you pass. Kamito, your suit also suits you well.¡±

    ¡°...Why you. You made me say embarrassing things in public.¡±

    ¡°Fufu, it¡¯s a punishment for not praising me from the beginning.¡±

    Kamito could only sigh at Fianna, who impishly smiled.

    ¡°Hn, that reminds me, where¡¯s Est?¡±

    Before he knew it, he noticed that Est had disappeared.

    Looking around his surroundings, he saw Est moving towards the dessert corner while holding onto her te.

    Upon meeting Kamito¡¯s eyes, she quickly turned her face away.

    ¡°It looked like you offended Miss Fairy.¡±

    ¡°Why is Est offended?¡±

    ¡°Fufu, you¡¯re not allowed to praise another girl in front of a girl.¡±

    Fianna morosely poked Kamito¡¯s chest with her finger.

    ¡°Ka-Kamito-san, so here you are.¡±

    This time, it was Rinslet, who came in a dress.

    It was a striking marine-blue dress. Her glittering, tinum-blonde hair was tied up, and that appearance of hers was akin to that of a snow queen reigning over a country of ice.

    Her cheeks were faintly flushed and reddened, and her lips had a morous, rosy color.

    Her usual uniform appearance was indeed lovely, but¡ª

    This dressed-up Rinslet was so beautiful that he almost let out a sigh.

    ¡°Rinslet, you¡¯re pretty.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    Rinslet widely opened her eyes.

    Her face turned red in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Fua, wh-what are you saying?!¡±

    The Ice-Snow Queen¡¯s face melted in an instant.

    ¡°Hmm, Kamito-kun, you say these things to anyone, do you? As expected of the Demon King of the Night.¡±

    ¡°I only did as you advised, Fianna!¡±

    Kamito red with reproachful eyes at Fianna, who pouted her lips unhappily.

    ¡°That reminds me, is ire with the two of you?¡±

    ¡°She returned to the room just now. Kamito-san, you have not met up with her, have you?¡±

    ¡°...Yeah.¡±

    It seemed like when Kamito went to look for her, they passed each other.

    ¡°Geez, that girl, she has always been really troublesome.¡±

    Rinslet puffed out her cheeks.

    (...This means she¡¯s still angry.)

    Kamito made a heavy sigh in his mind. If she came to the dance, he¡¯d even bear with her cookingter, or something¡ª That was what he was thinking.

    ¡°...E-Erm, Kamito-san.¡±

    ¡°Uh?¡±

    Rinslet bashfully called out to Kamito.

    ¡°Erm, since we¡¯re here, err...¡±

    *Cough* *cough* The youngdy coughed several times.

    Then, like she gained her determination¡ª

    ¡°Would you like to dance with me?¡±

    ¡°...Me?¡±

    Kamito was perplexed.

    ¡°...Is that not okay?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m happy that you invited me, but is it alright for it to be me?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes, I¡¯m a little afraid about dancing with the other men.¡±

    ¡°...I see. However, I only know the basic steps.¡±

    Kamito was taught the dance steps by Greyworth three years ago.

    Honestly, he couldn¡¯t say he was confident, and they were certainly not in fashion now.

    ¡°I-In that case, I¡¯ll teach you!¡±

    However, Rinslet let out her voice happily.

    ¡°Hn, is that so? Rinslet, if you¡¯re fine with it, then I¡¯m counting on you.¡±

    Kamito was also a boy of age.

    To be able to dance with such a cute girl like Rinslet, his heart was honestly pounding.

    He gently held Rinslet''s graceful hand covered by a white glove.

    ¡°...Th-This is Kamito-san¡¯s hand....¡±

    Rinslet blushed.

    ¡°...H-How sly, me too.¡±

    Then, Fianna grasped his other hand.

    ¡°H-Hey, Fianna!? We can¡¯t dance like this...¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right! Quickly release his hand!¡±

    Fianna and Rinslet were pulling Kamito¡¯s hands.

    Both of their breasts touched his arms and he was flustered.

    ...Before they knew it, the three of them were basked in the attention from their surroundings.

    ¡°I wonder what they¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°A fighting scene?¡± ¡°They look like the representatives of the Areishia Spirit Academy.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t they even know the manners at a ball dance?¡± ¡°That¡¯s that male elementalist.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡ª¡± ¡°Forcing unwilling girls to...¡± ¡°To collect the two as his targets.¡± ¡°He¡¯s surely collecting his night targets as well.¡± ¡°What infamy!¡± ¡°But he¡¯s kind of cool...¡±

    Numerous whispers were being exchanged.

    (Eh, why is the reproach only concentrated on me....)

    Then¡ª

    ¡°Y-You three! Don¡¯t disrupt the public morals in the presence of the Elemental Lords!¡±

    A gant and serious voice came flying over.

    ¡°E-Ellis!?¡±

    The one running over was Ellis in a dress.

    Ellis pulled Kamito¡¯s arm, and skillfully pulled him off the two youngdies.

    ¡°Kyaa, what are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Captain, what are you doing?!¡±

    ¡°No, what are you two doing, good grief...¡±

    cing her hand at her waist, Ellis strictly scolded the two whoined.

    ¡°We came here to represent our academy. You should be more self-aware.¡±

    Then, she red at Kamito this time.

    ¡°Kamito, you too¡ª¡±

    She became stiff at that point.

    ¡°What''s wrong, Ellis?¡±

    Thinking that he was going to have a sermon, Kamito was let down.

    Ellis slightly blushed, and entwined her fingers bashfully in front of her chest.

    ¡°E-Erm, even a suit fits you, surprisingly. I guess that''s what they mean by ''the clothes make the man''.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? I¡¯m not reallyfortable with suits, but¡ª¡±

    While bashfully scratching his head, Kamito looked at Ellis¡¯ appearance in a dress.

    What she was wearing was a brilliant pure-white dress. In contrast to Ellis¡¯ gant image, this was a very girlish dress arranged with plenty of frills.

    ¡°Ellis, yours suits you well too. It¡¯s like you¡¯re a princess and you look cute.¡±

    ¡°Wh...¡±

    Her ponytail hair sprung up.

    ¡°Ah, uh... N-No way, m-me being cute...!¡±

    Ellis turned red and got into a panic.

    ¡°Um, Kamito-kun!¡±

    ¡°Kamito-san?¡¯

    Fianna and Rinslet were ring at him.

    ¡°Wh-What is it...¡±

    ¡°¡ªIt looks like the rumors are true, Kazehaya Kamito.¡±

    ¡°...?¡±

    When Kamito turned to the voice of those biting words, a familiar girl was sharply staring at him.

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re!?¡±

    She had an azure dress with a dragon insignia at the chest area. She had put on a hat with a feather attached to it.

    Leonora Lancaster.

    As the captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, she was the ace of Dracunia.

    ¡°As I thought, I should have cut it off at that time.¡±

    While Leonora red at Kamito, she regretfully bit her lips.

    A chill ran in Kamito¡¯s spine.

    ¡°Dragon Princess Leonora Lancaster, I¡¯ve been hearing rumors about youtely.¡±

    Suddenly, Ellis ced her hand at her chest, faced her, and paid her respect as a knight.

    ¡°And you are?¡±

    ¡°Areishia Spirit Academy representative, Ellis Fahrengart.¡±

    ¡°The Fahrengarts¡ªThe one that turned out that Velsaria Eva?¡±

    Ellis lifted her head and nodded.

    ¡°This time, my esteemed sister isn¡¯t participating due to some circumstances, but I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯re a pure and selfless knight. I¡¯m pleased to be able to cross swords with a knight like you.¡±

    She faced Leonora and reached out her dominant hand.

    ¡°It seems like splendid knights exist even in the empire.¡±

    Leonora smiled, and grasped her hand without hesitation.

    With both being fellow knights, they may have some things over which they can empathize with each other.

    (...Certainly, those two are like glue.)

    Kamito made a wry smile in his heart.

    ¡°However, that¡¯s just regrettable. A splendid knight like yourself is being kept as Kazehaya Kamito¡¯s lover¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey, wait a moment.¡±

    Kamito shouted in a fluster.

    (S-She, what did she¡ª)

    ¡°Ah, lover!?¡±

    Ellis turned red all the way till her ears and shouted.

    ¡°H-How shameless... I-I¡¯m his lover¡ª¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, Ellis. Deny it please!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m... not his lover... but if Kamito wished for it, I¡¯ll even...¡±

    ...Eh? Why is she mumbling?

    ¡°...What a frightening boy. You even corrupted such a splendid knight.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that¡¯s not it! Ellis, please quickly clear up this misunderstanding!¡±

    ¡°...S-Shut up! A-Are you not satisfied with me being your lover?!¡±

    ¡°What are you saying!?¡±

    Kamito retorted, and at that time.

    A smallmotion was urring at the entrance of the hall.

    ¡°That girl finally came.¡±

    Rinslet muttered.

    Kamito quickly looked towards the entrance.

    The one at the center of themotion was¡ª

    ¡°ire!?¡±

    ire Rouge, who was dressed in a crimson dress.

    Her red twintail hair was tied up with ribbons. She was wearing polished enamel red high heels.

    Pinching the side of her skirt withces attached, she entered the hall.

    Her breasts were small but her bnced proportion was plenty charming.

    She was a beautiful girl, pretty as a rose and noble as a wildcat.

    ire¡¯s appearance made Kamito fascinated to the point of taking his breath away.

    She had such brilliantness that she overshadowed the surrounding girls that were dressed-up.

    She didn¡¯t just fascinate Kamito. Everyone in the hall leaked out a breath of admiration.

    ¡°As expected of Rubia-sama¡¯s sister. She was born a beauty.¡±

    It was vexing but she lost¡ª Fianna shrugged her shoulders.

    ¡°It¡¯s really been a while since I¡¯ve seen ire in a dress.¡±

    Rinslet slightly opened her mouth.

    Themotion at the hall increasingly became bigger.

    ¡°Hey, is that red haired girl also a representative of the de Dance.¡±

    ¡°Um, so this is what they mean by spirits liking pure and beautiful girls, indeed¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you going to invite someone to a dance?¡±

    It seemed like a group of young nobles were setting their eyes on ire.

    All the whispers being exchanged made Kamito slightly irritated.

    (...You guys aren¡¯t fit to be that young hell catdy''s partner.)

    He cursed in his heart as if to spit out the irritation of unknown origin.

    At that moment, ire looked over, and their eyes met.

    ¡°ire¡ª¡±

    As he was about to call out to her¡ª

    She instantly looked away, so he swallowed his words.

    ...It seemed like she was still angry.

    Losing the timing to call out to her, Kamito stood still.

    ire ignored the nobles ogling her, and walked towards the center.

    He began to hear such voices from within themotion over there.

    ¡°That that congration-like red hair... Don¡¯t tell me, she¡¯s the daughter of that Duke Elstein family?¡±

    ¡°The sister of the Cmity Queen that brought about disaster to the Ordesia Empire?¡±

    ¡°...What an ill omen. She¡¯s a devilish girl.¡±

    It seemed like there were people who knew ire¡¯s lineage among the participants of the ball.

    Whispers of unrest were spreading like wild fire¡ª

    It was not that she couldn¡¯t hear them, however, ire stayedposed.

    Then, a young noble stepped forward before her.

    ¡°Would you like to dance a tune with me, my fire-haireddy?¡±

    His atmosphere seemed frivolous but he was quite a handsome man.

    He seemed to be an especially high-ranking person even among the nobles, as he led a group of followers in his surroundings.

    ¡°Hey, hey, are you serious?¡±

    ¡°Young master, I¡¯m also worried about you ying with fire.¡±

    Hispanions made a bitter smile. The boy seemed to be a royalty of some country.

    ¡°Why he...¡±

    Kamito groaned from within his throat.

    He couldn¡¯t see the sincerity of a person asking for a dance in the boy¡¯s expression. It was just that he knew about ire being that Cmity Queen¡¯s sister, and called out to her out of interest.

    ire¡ª

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll have to decline.¡±

    She coldly declined the boy¡¯s invitation.

    It was natural. That hell cat girl wouldn¡¯t even be emotionally attached to anyone.

    ¡°What was that?¡±

    One of the followers looked daunted.

    ¡°Well, well, it¡¯s fine to have such strong-willed girls once in a while.¡±

    The boy nodded, full ofposure, and forcibly grabbed ire¡¯s arm.

    And then¡ª

    ¡°Now, beautiful girl, I¡¯ll give your hand a kiss¡ª¡±

    ¡°...Huh?¡±

    ire stiffened.

    (What are you thinking, you stupid noble!?)

    As an elementalist princess maiden, a kiss is the most sacred ceremony of a spirit contract.

    Even if it was on the hand, it was unforgivable to thoughtlessly request for that.

    With such a rude action of his, the sound ofmotion urred even from the surrounding.

    ¡°...Don¡¯t touch me!¡±

    ire sharply shouted.

    Normally, she¡¯d act tough, but the truth was that she was a youngdy who wasn¡¯t used to men. Her voice slightly trembled.

    Being unable to watch on, Kamito was about to leave, and at that moment¡ª

    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing putting on airs. I¡¯m the crown prince of the Balstan Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°No, let go! You¡ª¡±

    *Pan*¡ª A high pitched sound resound in the hall.

    ire pped the boy.

    She then turned to and ran towards the entrance of the hall.

    ¡°Damn her, my face¡ª¡±

    ¡°What uncivilized...¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because she¡¯s the sister of that Cmity Queen.¡±

    The crown prince of the Balstan and his followers raised words of criticism.

    (... You should be just grateful that you didn¡¯t turn into cinders!)

    Kamito cursed and then he ran after ire¡ª

    ¡°Wait, ire!¡±

    ¡°Kamito-san!¡±

    Then, Rinslet grabbed his arm.

    ¡°Rinslet, why did you stop me?!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Kamito-san, if you, who are in the middle of a quarrel, go, it¡¯ll just make thingsplicated. After all, I¡¯m her childhood friend, so I understand that girl.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Kamito thought for a few seconds¡ª

    ¡°...I understand. I¡¯ll entrust ire to you.¡±

    He obediently nodded.

    Rinslet went running after ire.

    ¡°Kamito-kun¡±

    At this moment, Fianna perceptively whispered into his ear.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s here¡ª¡±

    ¡°She?¡±

    Kamito was shocked.

    Amotion, which was way greater than the one just now, was urring near the entrance of the hall.

    The person of the highest profile in this round¡¯s de Dance had appeared.

    Sounds of hard shoes sounded, and she entered.

    She was in a jet-ck dress like a queen ruling over the night.

    She was a ck haired girl with her face covered by a scarlet red mask.

    She was the strongest de dancer¡ªRen Ashbell.

 Volume 4, 9 - Brand of Darkness

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 9 - Brand of Darkness</h4>

    Part 1

    (That''s the other Ren Ashbell¡ª)

    The girl d in pure ck gave off an overwhelming pressure.

    Approaching carelessly would result in bing ashes ¡ª this impression was felt.

    Once themotion settled, a painful silence descended.

    "......"

    Everyone gulped as they watched her.

    Like with ire, nobody approached her.

    A chill ran down Kamito''s spine.

    (......I, can I win against her?)

    Before he realized it, the flowing music had stopped.

    The strongest de dancer stopped in the middle of the hall¡ª

    And turned and walked towards him.

    "......!?"

    "Kamito-kun." "Kamito."

    Fianna had unconsciously grabbed Kamito''s sleeve. Even Ellis who should have Ren Ashbell as her goal was cowering.

    "......"

    Kamito moved before them in a protective manner.

    Ren Ashbell stopped just before Kamito.

    "¡ªSo you are Kazehaya Kamito, huh."

    A voice akin to solid steel.

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded.

    "Nice to meet you ¡ª I wonder if that''s appropriate? Ren Ashbell."

    Licking his lips cynically, he red at the red mask.

    However, he could not read any sort of emotion from the red eyes within.

    And she held out her right hand.

    "......?"

    To the puzzled Kamito ¡ª

    "Kazehaya Kamito, would you dance with me for one song?"

    She suggested something unexpected.

    (......No, this isn''t a suggestion. It''s an order.)

    Her tone was peaceful, but a refusal ¡ª it held a power that wouldn''t allow that.

    Kamito turned towards Ellis and Fianna and¡ª

    "Sorry, won''t you let me go for a little while?"

    "B-But, Kamito¡ª"

    "......Okay. Ellis, let''s go."

    With that, Fianna grabbed Ellis'' hand. She knew Kamito''s identity as the real Ren Ashbell. The wise princess had understood the situation.

    "Do you have experience in dancing?"

    "If it''s ssical, yeah."

    Kamito replied sharply and took Ren Ashbell''s hand.

    The paused musical performance started up again.

    Part 2

    In the dark forest surrounding the castle, ire ran.

    Various tree branches grabbed at the crimson dress, tearing it apart.

    Mud stuck to her red high heels. Countless wounds appeared on her smooth skin.

    Without minding any of that, she ran.

    (Why......)

    No matter how long passed, that scene would not leave her head.

    When that darkness spirit girl kissed Kamito, that moment.

    (......I-It''s not like I think anything of him!)

    As if to shake off that irritating feeling, ire shook her head.

    It was just that ignoring his master and doing that kind of thing with another girl was unforgivable.

    (......That''s right, that''s all it is.)

    But¡ª

    Why then, did her heart hurt this much?

    Just before, holding that man''s hand, she had hated it.

    If it was Kamito, he wouldn''t do anything that violent.

    He teased ire a lot, always treating her like a kid, asionally saying mean things, but still.

    ¡ªBut still, he would never do something like that.

    Before she realized it, she had arrived at theke from the afternoon''s purification.

    Inside the silent forest. Numerous spirits floated upon theke.

    ire hugged her knees and sat at theke''s edge.

    The dress she had prepared was filthy and either way she couldn''t return to the dance.

    Her hair was disheveled and her dress was ruined beyond repair.

    "What''s with him, that idiot......"

    With a terribly miserable mood, ire sighed.

    With a light plop, tears started falling to the ground.

    "......That''s wrong. The stupid one is me."

    She couldn''t be honest once again.

    If she had, she could be dancing with Kamito right now¡ª

    At that time. From with the forest, footsteps could be heard.

    "......Kamito?"

    She hurriedly wiped away her tears.

    But the one that appeared from within the forest wasn''t Kamito.

    "Jeez, just how far are you going to run!"

    "Rinslet......"

    ire opened her eyes.

    Catching her breath, Rinslet sunk down beside ire.

    "Whew, that''s a fairly unsightly appearance."

    "You too."

    "Th-That''s because you ran so far!"

    Rinslet''s dress was torn to shreds and leaves and branches clung to her hair.

    "Even though I had just put on a new dress......"

    She drooped her shoulders.

    ire averted her eyes.

    "......What did youe for?"

    "I came tough at your pitiful chest. Your dress is too showy."

    "......Wh-What did you say!"

    Her red twintails stood on end like fire.

    Rinslet moved her hair up and¡ª

    "You''ve finally returned to normal."

    Smiled brilliantly.

    "......"

    "Did you fight with Kamito-san again?"

    "Gu......"

    ire chewed on her lip.

    "......It, it''s his fault. He won''t tell me anything."

    "What do you mean?"

    "I mean, that is......aren''t you interested in Kamito''s past?"

    "Kamito-san''s past?"

    Rinslet tilted her head slighty to the side¡ª

    "Well, it would be a lie to say I wasn''t."

    "I wonder if he doesn''t trust me."

    ire''s twintails drooped.

    "Why do you say that?"

    "Because he won''t tell me anything......"

    "He can''t bring himself to tell you because you''re important to him ¡ª that is also a possibility."

    "That''s......"

    ire pouted and pondered.

    "......I, I wonder if that''s true."

    Truly, there was also that way of interpreting it.

    But¡ª

    "You are such a child, really."

    "Sh-Shut up......"

    ire groaned.

    "Even I understand that much......"

    But she was uneasy, so it couldn''t be helped.

    If it was about someone she didn''t care about, she wouldn''t have these feelings.

    Because it was Kamito ¡ª not talking about his past,

    Realizing it just now, her heart beat.

    (Wh-What kind of stupid things are you thinking, me!)

    Her cheeks flushed red.

    "ire, what''s wrong?"

    "It, it''s nothing!"

    ire shook her head from side to side.

    And then.

    "¡ªHmm, so you two are here."

    From within the forest, a young girl''s voice.

    "That voice......!"

    ire and Rinslet immediately became guarded.

    The sound of trees falling one by one, and then¡ª

    "Just perfect, I''ll y with you to the end."

    In front of the two, a giant ck monster appeared.

    Riding upon its back was a girl with ash grey hair ¡ª Muir Alenstarl wasughing lightly.

    "With this annihtion spirit ¡ª Tiamat."

    Part 3

    The elegantly yed waltz.

    The two dancing in the center of the hall were drawing attention from around them.

    With Ren Ashbell leading, the dance was intense like a burning me.

    Just like it was when a princess maiden was performing an offering ritual, a true ceremonial dance.

    With those fluid movements, Kamito was just barely keeping pace.

    "Pretty good movements. As expected of a de dance master."

    "Is that sarcasm? Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell."

    To the whisper from the scarlet mask, Kamito replied as such.

    Ren Ashbell quickly shifted her feet. Kamito followed her lead and pulled her towards himself. They turned like a flickering me. Both left their bodies to the music.

    Their dancing was already one without splendor.

    It was already a fierce de dance.

    "I have various questions I''d like to ask you."

    "Impatient, aren''t you? Despite that I''d like to enjoy this dance with you a little longer."

    "Sorry. I''ll have you let me lead from here."

    Kamito pulled Ren Ashbell''s hand and led her to a terrace devoid of others.

    The cool night air cooled their burning skin.

    Because of itsrge size, the terrace felt like a floating ind with a clear view of the entire forest.

    "Let''s cut all the bothersome strategy. I''ll get straight to the point."

    Kamito stopped dancing and separated from her.

    He red at the scarlet mask ¡ª and asked.

    "What did you do to Restia?"

    "What did you do, meaning?"

    "Don''t mess around. I know that youmand Restia."

    "I am notmanding her. She is myrade."

    "You''re saying Restia is helping you of her own will?"

    "That''s right, I am using her and she is using me."

    "......"

    Kamito bit his lips closed.

    (I can''t ept that, but¡ª)

    There was certainly credibility in it.

    It really did seem that Restia was moving without being ordered to. Warning Kamito about Muir was probably done of her own will too.

    "What is your purpose in gathering the militarized spirits and orphans from the Instructional School?"

    "For war."

    And she replied immediately.

    "......War?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    But thinking about it, it wasn''t an unexpected reply.

    Militarized spirits and Instructional School orphans ¡ª either one were useless for anything other than war.

    "That''s right. Power is necessary for fighting them."

    "Them?"

    "This world''s kings."

    "Wha¡ª"

    (Fighting with the world''s kings......she says?)

    Kamito could not understand that objective. Was it for the purpose of restarting the Ranbal War which had involved every country¡ª

    "What is the reason for that? To destroy the world?"

    "No. It is a war to save this world."

    "What are you say¡ª"

    "But to begin the war, a starting point is needed."

    Ren Ashbell grabbed Kamito by the scruff of the neck and pulled him closer.

    "......!?"

    "I''ll have you allow me to test it, Sessor of the Demon King¡ªRen Ashbell. Whether you have the qualifications to kill them."

    Instantly, her right hand pierced Kamito''s chest.

    Part 4

    That was ¡ª covered with countless de-like scales, a many-headed evil spirit dragon.

    The ck giant far eclipsed Leonora Lancaster''s dragon spirit Nidhogg.

    Its spread wings hid the moon and its ws gouged the earth.

    Five heads spread from the center of its torso and each acted on its own.

    "......Tiamat?"

    In the face of the rising oppressive force, ire took a breath.

    No mistaking it. What was before them was a first-ss militarized spirit.

    An existence not unlike Velsaria''s Dreadnought they had fought two weeks prior.

    The girl riding on its backughed lightly and smiled and¡ª

    "¡ªKill them, Tiamat."

    With an innocent voice, that order was given.

    "......!?"

    One of the heads breathed fire.

    Goooooooo!

    The mes spread across the ground and in an instant the surrounding forest had burned down.

    ire and Rinslet had reacted instantaneously, jumping straight into theke.

    The night sky was dyed red with the color of the mes.

    Muir Alenstarl was pping her hands.

    "Ohh, not bad. You''re not de dancers for nothing."

    "You......!"

    ire broke the surface of the water and red at Muir.

    The scarlet dress was soaked and clung to her skin.

    "......ire, help......cough, cough......"

    "You, what are you doing!?"

    "I-I can''t swim!"

    "Hah?"

    Rinslet pped and choked. ire quickly helped her out.

    "How are you drowning in a ce where you can stand?"

    "Sh-Shut up!"

    Rinslet averted her face.

    "......Why are you attacking us?"

    "Because you onee-sans have made nii-sama weak."

    Muir replied in a cold voice.

    One of Tiamat''s heads with a crooked neck rose up and let loose des of wind.

    "......Scarlet!"

    ire called out and summoned a hell cat d in crimson mes.

    But, it was impossible to shoot down every de.

    "......Ow!"

    The scarlet dress was shredded and blood flew from her shoulder like mist.

    Many wounds opened across her pure white skin.

    "Fufu, your prepared dress has be worthless."

    Like a cat ying with its prey, Muir licked her lips.

    "Hmph, it was just slowing me down."

    ire gave a fearless smile and tore the hem of her dress.

    From the tear, one could see a leather whip strapped to her thigh.

    "Like I thought, rather than a dance, a de dance is much more suited to me."

    From within the dancing mes, ire''s whip let out a sound.

    "What a coincidence. Me, too."

    Rinslet emerged from the water, ripped the hem of her dress and summoned her demon ice spirit Fenrir.

    The ice wolf changed forms to the Ice Longbow and moved to Rinslet''s hand.

    Noisily, a wall of fire erupted into the night sky.

    With their respective elemental waffen in hand, the two confronted the giant spirit dragon.

    "Stupid onee-chans. You think you can defeat Muir?"

    Tiamat let out a roar that seemed to slice the atmosphere.

    No, it wasn''t a roar. This was¡ª

    (No way, a spirit magic chant!?)

    A small portion of high-intelligence spirits could perform spirit magic on their own. The dragon race of spirits in particr was known for its proficiency at spirit magic.

    The ground shook greatly.

    Trees were uprooted and the ground split, sending many stones flying¡ª

    "Earth spirit magic Judgement Sword!?"

    "What insane destructive power!"

    "You can''t run, onee-chan."

    "......!?"

    The red dragon head spit out a fireball.

    The stones released by the fireball''s explosion on the ground turned the trees into smithereens.

    "Kyaaa!"

    They were thrown to the ground by the aftershock.

    It was the same magic, but the destructive force was iparable to ire''s.

    "Ku......!"

    "Aha, what happened to all that attitude from before, onee-chan?"

    "Freezing fang, pierce ¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Instantly, Rinslet released the ice arrow.

    Innumerable flying fangs of ice. It wouldn''t be a killing blow, but with the added effect of Ice Nein, it should at least dull its movements.

    But before they struck ¡ª Tiamat roared.

    A wall of earth rose and blocked the arrows of ice.

    "Wh-What! To be able to use fire and earth spirit magic at the same time¡ª"

    "......That reminds me that a long time ago, I heard this from ane-sama."

    ire sighed as she wiped the sweat from her brow.

    "During the Ranbal War, amongst the knights there was a spirit that could control all of the main elements at once."

    "And that is Tiamat?"

    "Possibly. But I heard that nobody could use it, so it was abandoned."

    "......If that''s true, this is bad."

    "Yes."

    The spirit that could control all of the five main elements¡ª

    If it were just Rinslet''s demon ice spirit and ire''s me spirit, there were weak points.

    "But to use a spirit like that with just one person¡ª"

    ire readied her metounge and red at Muir.

    Compared to the spirits that contracted with a person, militarized spirits did not require a contract to be used.

    Its strong-point was that it was general use ¡ª the ability of the spirit had no connection to the ability of the contractor, so as long as the disposition was correct, they could use the spirit''s power. This was the reason Muir Alenstarl could use several spirits.

    But on the other hand, one could not pull out any more power than was present.

    For example, the spirit''s elemental waffe could not be used, and much of its true abilities were sealed.

    But that girl was pulling out all of the militarized spirit''s power.

    Muir Alenstarl was an expert that specialized at using spirits.

    (But just where did she learn those skills¡ª)

    "It''s about time to stop ying around. Onee-chan."

    And Muir''s ash grey hair blew in the wind.

    "......You were ying until now?"

    "That''s right, onee-chan."

    Rolling up her ck sleeve revealed a shining ominous design carved into her right hand.

    "Is that a Cursed Armament Seal!?"

    "That which pulls out a spirit''s powers to the limit ¡ª Jester''s Vise. This is Muir''s power."

    In an instant, Tiamat fiercely roared.

    Its five heads raged and its body grewrger in an unsightly manner.

    It was as if an invisible vise was closing down on it.

    "Just what is that!"

    One of the heads, a dull white, opened its jaw.

    In its throat, a mass of light was building up¡ª

    "......Kami¡ª"

    That name that almost escaped her mouth ¡ª ire swallowed it back.

    (At this kind of time, just asking to be saved is......)

    She made her resolve to die at this time.

    Then before her eyes appeared a knight with helmet and shield.

    White metal shining, the knight readied its shield and blocked the light!

    "ire, are you okay!?"

    "Fianna!"

    Fianna came out of the forest.

    The one that protected ire was Georgios.

    And one other person.

    "Growl, Ray Hawk! I order you ¡ª O wind, blow wildly!"

    Wrapped in a frenzied wind, Ellis threw her elemental waffe spear.

    The multitude of wind des cut into the evil dragon''s torso.

    Tiamat raged as its blood sprayed into the air.

    "Fianna, Ellis ¡ª you''re a life saver."

    "It''s still too early for thanks."

    Ellis sighed with a sharp gaze.

    "Fufu, you''ve only bought a short time."

    Letting the Cursed Armament Seal shine ominously¡ª

    Muir Alenstarl licked her lips.

    "Onee-chans, I''ll kill you all together."

    Part 5

    "Kaha......!"

    Kamito pressed down on his chest and crouched down on the terrace.

    His heart burned like it was on fire. All of his blood was boiling.

    At the same time, a tremendous pain assaulted the interior of his body.

    "What did you do to me......?"

    "I merely released a little. The qualities of the Demon King that sleep within you, that is."

    "......Qualities of the Demon King?"

    Kamito red up at the crimson mask while crouching on the ground.

    Breathing was painful. His heart was beating like mad.

    "Ah......guu......gaa, ahhhhhh!"

    A scream built up in his throat.

    "As expected, your body is rejecting it."

    Ren Ashbell was calmly watching the writhing Kamito.

    "Well, fine. If you can''t stand that much, then you were only worth so little¡ª"

    "Y-You......"

    "Stand. Kazehaya Kamito."

    She kicked the groaning Kamito in the stomach without a shred of mercy.

    "Ga......!"

    "You can lie there if you want, but things you hold precious will be hurt."

    "What, was that......?"

    While breathing through his throat which felt like it was on fire, Kamito somehow managed to raise his upper body.

    "Look there¡ª"

    Ren Ashbell pointed out towards the forest visible from the terrace.

    The direction of theke from that afternoon. ck mes and fierce mes were rising.

    "Yourpanions and Muir Alenstarl are currently engaged inbat."

    "What, did you say......!?"

    At the same moment he yelled that, the worst pain thus far assaulted Kamito. He copsed onto the ground.

    "Yourpanions cannot defeat Muir Alenstarl. You, who knows her, know that fact best."

    "......!"

    He couldn''t deny it.

    Muir Alenstarl was the Monster from the Instructional School.

    Between the high-ss youngdies of the academy and Muir who had been trained specifically as a weapon, there was an enormous gap.

    "I won''t let that......I will never, lose another......!"

    Kamito pressed down on his beating chest and staggered back to his feet.

    The interior of the crimson mask ¡ª burning red eyes pierced through Kamito''s.

    And then she grabbed his arm.

    "That''s the spirit. Don''t let me down, strongest de dancer!"

    Kamito was flung off the terrace.

    Part 6

    "¡ªBlow the flute of the end, dragon vanguard of the king!"

    Muir Alenstarl''s innocent voice resounded across the night sky.

    Fire, earth, water, wind, holy ¡ª under the influence of Muir''s ability Jester''s Vise, each head released its breath.

    "¡ªThou, be the shield of my person, knight of the ancient pledge!"

    The atmosphere shook and trees were felled in circr patterns.

    The knight''s shield was destroyed and its armor was falling apart¡ª

    It could only withstand a few more seconds.

    The knight with the should-be overwhelming defense was blown into bits and disappeared into nothingness.

    "......Georgios!"

    "Aha, that wasn''t even a toy, onee-chan."

    Muir sneered at the devastated and drained Fianna.

    "Ellis, Rinslet ¡ª we rush at the same time!"

    "Got it!" "Understood!"

    Yelling, ire drew metounge.

    The crimson sh sealed its movements for a moment.

    "Freezing fang, pierce ¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    Rinslet released the Freezing Arrow towards the fire head and Ellis'' wind des aimed for the earth head.

    That is, they aimed for the heads which were weak against their element.

    However¡ª

    "It won''t work."

    The earth and wind dragons chanted different spirit spells.

    At the same time the ice arrows were blocked by the wall of earth, the des of wind were struck down by opposing des of wind.

    And while the three were on defense, the dull white head fired its Holy Ray.

    The ground exploded and a pir of earth and sand flew up from it.

    ire and the others were sted though the air and hit the ground harshly.

    The crater radiated outwards. The mixed-in fragments of fire painted the air red.

    "......To be able to control a militarized spirit like her hands and feet......"

    ire groaned while gripping the ground.

    It was a despairing difference in battle strength. The top ss'' spirits at the academy were like babies inparison.

    (But......)

    Suddenly, the scales cracked and Tiamat''s frame grew.

    Muir''s Jester''s Vise carried a heavy burden.

    "Is that okay? At this rate, that militarized spirit will be destroyed!"

    The heavily wounded Rinslet yelled as such.

    Muir shrugged her shoulders¡ª

    "It''s fine. A spirit is just a throwaway toy."

    "What did you say......!"

    ire opened her eyes in shock. She raised her bloody head without thinking.

    "And you still call yourself an elementalist?"

    "Muir is a weapon. The same as this Tiamat and nii-sama, a massacre weapon."

    "......!?"

    At those words ¡ª ire''s expression froze.

    "You......what did you just say?"

    "What?"

    "The same as nii-sama, what do you mean?"

    "Aha, did you perhaps not know?"

    Muir''s lips curled in a cruel manner.

    "Nii-sama is the same as Muir ¡ª an assassin raised by the Instructional School."

    Part 7

    "......Damn......it......"

    Kamito who had been tossed off the terrace groaned in anguish.

    One or two bones might have been broken.

    This was the Kamito who had received the harshest taijutsu training at the Instructional School. Even if he fell from the third floor of a building, it wouldn''t result in an injury. But right now, Kamito''s body was burning up and in extreme pain such that he couldn''t even lift a finger.

    (......What exactly was done to me?)

    Within his hazy mind, Ren Ashbell''s words came to him.

    Released the qualities of the Demon King ¡ª that''s what she said.

    (......What does that mean?)

    No, rather than that, right now¡ª

    Kamito dug his shaking fingertips into the ground.

    The mes burning the forest were increasing in intensity more and more.

    While this was happening, ire and the others¡ª

    It was frustrating not being able to move. It couldn''t be helped that it felt like the air was burning.

    Even now, elegant music could be hearding from the interior of the castle.

    Despite the battle going on at the purification grounds, nobody inside the castle seemed to have noticed.

    No, even Kamito who had been on the terrace had failed to hear the battle. There might have been a barrier around the surroundings.

    (But to form a barrier of this magnitude......)

    The only ones capable of such a feat were Queen rank princess maidens.

    "Gu, ah......"

    A racing heartbeat.

    At the same time a horrible pain spread.

    "¡ªKamito!"

    "......!?"

    The sound of footsteps approached and the one who appeared was the white dress-d Est.

    "My apologies. Because of somebody''s barrier around this area, I didn''t notice it sooner."

    "Est, gu......"

    "Kamito......don''t tell me, that power¡ª"

    Est opened her mysterious violet eyes.

    Leaning down beside the fallen Kamito, she pulled him back up.

    Her white-silver hair lightly touched his cheek. The sweet milk-like scent tickled his nose.

    "......Est?"

    "Kamito, please stay still like that."

    With that, Est touched the feverish chest of Kamito.

    Her beautiful hair gleamed in the night''s darkness.

    Strangely, the pain seemed to leave with the soft feeling of her hand.

    "Is this Terminus Est''s power?"

    "Yes. I believe this will keep it in check for now but¡ª"

    That which destroyed Velsaria''s Cursed Armament Seal, a holy de''s power.

    It was not as though the painpletely disappeared, but he could somehow move about at this level.

    "Kamito, are you okay?"

    "Yeah, thanks to Est......"

    Kamito raised his upper body and rose to his knees on the ground.

    "Kamito, you still shouldn''t move."

    "I have to go save ire and the others."

    "No, Kamito!"

    Est let out a panicked voice. It was the first time for her who was always expressionless to express so much.

    "Est......"

    "The curse is only temporarily suppressed so if you use divine power right now, you won''t be able to control my current power."

    "......Yeah, I know."

    But, even then¡ª

    An instant. From the other side of the forest, a fearsome roar resounded.

    As if to burn the night sky, the giant''s mes grew higher.

    "Est, I''m begging you. The only one who can fight Muir is me."

    "Kamito, but......"

    "Lend me your power."

    "......"

    Even if he could not get her approval, he nned to head there anyway.

    "......Kamito, you''re unfair."

    Est¡ª

    Sighed and held Kamito''s hand.

    "¡ªI am Kamito''s sword, as long as you wish."

    "Thanks Est."

    Kamito nodded and chanted the words of summoning.

    "¡ªDispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!"

    "¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    Est''s form was covered in light and disappeared into nothingness.

    And in the next moment, a de of shining silver emitting light was gripped in Kamito''s hand.

    "Let''s go, Est!"

    Fixing his grip on Terminus Est, Kamito ran into the darkness of the night.

    To bring closure to his past.

 Volume 4, 10 - Showdown with the Past

    <h4>Volume 4, Chapter 10 - Showdown with the Past</h4>

    Part 1

    Inside the forest crackling from the fire¡ª

    "......Kamito is an assassin trained at the Instructional School?"

    ire muttered that, dumbfounded.

    Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet all exchanged nces while copsed on the ground.

    Instructional School ¡ª if one were to ask the empire''s people, there would be no one who had not heard that name.

    Four years ago. At the same time as the Cmity Queen''s rebellion, the empire''s dark side was revealed.

    In the intercontinental regions, orphans that appeared to possess the right disposition were gathered and trained as assassins by a gathering of fanatics.

    "That kind of thing......"

    It was not something that could be believed immediately.

    But if it were true¡ª

    Kamito''s umon strength.

    It also exined why he hid his past so obstinately.

    (......So that''s what it was. That''s why Kamito¡ª)

    ire stood still and shut her mouth tightly.

    "Aha, was it shocking? Onee-chan."

    Muir said that with a sneer.

    "Nii-sama is a monster just like me. He''s not human."

    Suddenly, Tiamat''s earth dragon head began chanting spirit magic.

    Ghastly nts with living tendril extensions growing from it emerged from the ground and attacked ire and the others.

    Beingpletely drained of energy, the four were at the mercy of the nts and were lifted into the air.

    "Nooo!" "What is this!" "Da-Damn you, insolent thing!"

    The slimy nts tore the girls'' dresses and touched their bare skin like tentacles.

    They struggled against the unpleasant feeling, but were unable to put up any resistance.

    "Fufu, that''s a good look. Onee-chans."

    "N, fuaa......this......!"

    ire swung her metounge in an attempt to burn the nts but¡ª

    The mes disappeared like smoke and werepletely extinguished.

    (......I''m losing divine power!)

    Spirits were unusable by anyone except pure maidens. Even if you had a close bond with the contracted spirit, this didn''t change.

    The purification ceremony that the spirit contracting princess maidens underwent before sacred rituals or de dances was to achieve this condition.

    The teasing disgraceful treatment wasn''t without purpose. Muir was corrupting their bodies so they would be unable to use their contracted spirits.

    But there was no time to feel shy from showing an udylike appearance as the nts dug into their limbs.

    Breathing was bing difficult with the creaking sound of their bones.

    "......Ah, guu......"

    "You''re crying out in a nice voice. I''d like to let Nii-sama hear it as well."

    Said the innocentlyughing young girl''s voice.

    (Kami......to......)

    Inside her conscience that was growing faint¡ª

    ire called that name.

    (¡ªSave me, Kamito!)

    Just then, the sh of a sword.

    (......Eh?)

    A sudden floating feeling.

    Following that, ire''s body fell down into the mud.

    Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet were also sessively freed from the nts.

    "......"

    ire blinked.

    Over there¡ª

    "Sorry, I made you wait."

    Kamito stood there holding a gleaming silvery white sword.

    Part 2

    Kamito breathed heavily and stood a short distance from the roaring Tiamat.

    His face was pale as ifcking blood and he was drenched in cold sweat. Thanks to Est suppressing his condition, he could more or less continue to stand.

    "Kamito......"

    ire let out a surprised voice.

    "......So you''ve heard about me?"

    "......"

    Silence answered him.

    With just that, Kamito understood.

    They had learned about his past.

    "Kamito, is it true? That you were......"

    "Yeah, it''s true."

    Kamito turned away from ire and nodded.

    "I''m the same as Muir, an orphan from the Instructional School."

    He heard a gasp.

    It wasn''t just ire. Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet as well.

    They widened their eyes as the cruel truth was appended to Kamito''s profile.

    A disgusting child of darkness. Possibly a pitiful monster.

    He didn''t know which was better.

    Whatever the case, their rtionship would change from now on.

    (......Well, it was bound to get out sooner orter.)

    Kamito sighed deeply with resignation¡ª

    And continued forward to stand before Muir Alenstarl and Tiamat.

    "ire, I''m sorry for keeping it secret until now. But¡ª"

    He gripped Terminus Est in both hands.

    "I will definitely protect you all. That will never change."

    "Kamito, y-you......"

    Then.

    ire''s trembling voice¡ª

    "Aren''t you a fool!"

    "Hah?"

    Kamito let out a voice that fully ignored the atmosphere of the moment.

    Over there ¡ª a whip sounded.

    The leather whip struck his back just like always.

    "That hurts! What''s that for!"

    While shouting, he turned around¡ª

    Gogogogogogogogo......!

    ire''s shoulders were trembling.

    Her twintails stood on edge like a me.

    "......O-Oi, ire?"

    Cold sweat ran down his cheek.

    ......She was angry. The hell cat girl was extremely angry.

    "Y-Y-You......what do you mean by that?"

    ire rapidly advanced towards him.

    Her ruby eyes red at Kamito.

    "A-About what?"

    "The reason you wouldn''t talk about your past!"

    Slight tears were present at the corners of her eyes.

    "If I knew about your past, you thought that I''d look at you with those kind of eyes?"

    "N-No, because I came from that Instructional School......"

    Kamito was overwhelmed and backed away.

    "So what?"

    "Eh?"

    "Well, of course, I was a bit surprised, you know? I was surprised but¡ª"

    ire pointed at Kamito''s chest.

    "Kamito is still Kamito. Aren''t your worries stupid?"

    "......"

    Kamito was dumbfounded and¡ª

    "Kamito-san......that really is stupid."

    "Yeah, that''s right. Stupid beyond belief."

    "Oh, Kamito-kun, that''s so stupid ?."

    The three other youngdies also said as much with astonished expressions.

    "Y-You guys......"

    "Listen well, Kamito."

    ire red at Kamito with upturned eyes.

    "......!?"

    Her face was close. It was a distance where lips would meet if they were any closer.

    Or rather, if he actually looked, ire waspletely naked other than her panties.

    Even in this kind of situation, his heart throbbed.

    "Your past has nothing to do with it."

    ire gazed at Kamito with a serious expression.

    "After all, you''re our teammate and my important¡ª"

    "......ire?"

    While squirming, ire''s face lit up red. Kamito swallowed hard.

    And then¡ª

    "Because you''re my ve spirit!"

    She screamed that.

    "......Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito smiled wryly.

    (......I was really being stupid.)

    He felt that he should have trusted hispanions more.

    It had only been two months since he had met ire and the other youngdies.

    But they had passed all that time together.

    Even if they learned about his past, that time wasn''t something that would change so easily.

    Despite the fact that he should have known that¡ª

    "......ire, sorry."

    "Hmph, what a troublesome ve spirit."

    ire averted her eyes a little shyly.

    "Nii-sama......"

    And Muir Alenstarl muttered that.

    "What are you saying? Nii-sama is a monster just like Muir!"

    "Muir......"

    Kamito looked up at the girl riding on Tiamat''s back.

    "......I''m already not the same as the me from back then."

    "That''s a lie, nii-sama can''t......"

    Muir widened her eyes and¡ª

    red, not in Kamito''s direction, but ire and the others'' direction.

    "......I get it, nii-sama. You''ve been tricked by them."

    "¡ªMuir!"

    The Cursed Armament Seal on her right hand began to glow ominously.

    Tiamat roared madly and its interior portion grewrger.

    The scales covering its body blew off and chunks of meat scattered.

    "Muir''s nii-sama ¡ª cannot be forgiven. I''ll crush everyone."

    "......"

    Muir Alenstarl ¡ª a girl, who for some reason called him nii-sama, was a dear existence to him.

    Having hardly changed, she still possessed a cute childish face.

    A slight pain crossed his heart.

    However¡ª

    "Sorry, Muir. The youngdies I must protect are here."

    Kamito raised the Demon yer ¡ª Terminus Est in both hands.

    "You can''t abandon your past, nii-sama!"

    "Yeah, I have no intention of abandoning it. This sword is¡ª"

    The sword in his hand shone with light¡ª

    "To protect those precious to me and carve the way to the future!"

    Kamito jumped.

    At the same time, Tiamat''s fire dragon released a breath of mes!

    He didn''t avoid it ¡ª pouring divine power into his de, he blew away the mes.

    (......Muir Alenstarl, a militarized spirit contracting expert.)

    With a power that drew out a spirit''s power to its limit ¡ª Jester''s Vise''s user.

    One who was without equal inrge-scale destruction, the number two of the Instructional School.

    And the spirit she was controlling now, the annihiliation spirit Tiamat, was a top-ss spirit.

    The opposing Kamito was heavily injured.

    He wasn''t the strongest de dancer, Ren Ashbell, anymore, but could he win with such rusty skills?

    (¡ªIt doesn''t matter!)

    Kamito kicked the ground and elerated.

    For some reason, he didn''t feel like he would lose. There was no prediction that showed him copsed on the ground.

    (Companions that trust in me are here ¡ª just that is making my body unbelievably light.)

    "Ohhhhhh!"

    Aiming at Kamito, the wind dragon began chanting spirit magic.

    Innumerable wind des were released. His limbs would be lost if they even grazed him.

    "¡ªO wind, to the brave warrior, grant your divine protection!"

    From behind, he could hear the chant of a gant knight captain.

    A whirlwind gathered around him and protected his body. Ellis'' specialty flying spirit. Kamito jumped and elerated again ¡ª he dodged all the wind des by jumping over them.

    The gleaming white de in the dark of night. With that, the wind dragon''s head flew into the air.

    (One¡ª)

    "Wha......"

    Muir opened her eyes in shock.

    Mad with anger, Tiamat broke free of her control and attacked Kamito fiercely.

    The earth dragon opened its rock-solid mouth filled with dull fangs. It dropped its head and in that instant, Kamito¡ª

    ¡ªA de sh drew an arc and the earth dragon''s head fell like an iron hammer.

    (Two¡ª)

    "Why!? Nii-sama, nii-sama isn''t even awakened yet¡ª"

    "Muir, during our time at the Instructional School, did you win against me even once?"

    "......!?"

    Muir''s Jester''s Vise paired with the annihtion spirit Tiamat was indeed an unmatched weapon.

    But that was only in terms ofrge-scale destruction.

    Against Kamito who specialized in assassination, it was a bad match.

    If each of the five heads was cut off one by one ¡ª it was not an unbeatable opponent.

    The water dragon and fire dragon attacked at the same time from both directions. Kamito sunk his body ¡ª and flew using the power of the wind armor. Circling around behind the heads in an instant, he beheaded them both at once.

    (That''s four¡ª)

    These were the sword techniques for assassination taught at the Instructional School. Kamito''s true de dance. Moves that were sealed in academy battles.

    Kamito quickly corrected his stance ¡ª and just then.

    The neck of the water dragon pping in the air released a water breath.

    Cutting the head off was not enough to be a killing blow. With that, Kamito''s body was blown into the ground.

    (......Kuu!)

    He tried to stand quickly but¡ª

    In the mouth of the remaining holy dragon, light gathered for its Holy Ray.

    It was an attack that would wipe away a human in an instant.

    "¡ªKamito!"

    The burning metounge drew a red line across the sky.

    The ming whip hit the holy dragon''s neck and stopped its movements momentarily.

    With that¡ª

    "Freezing fangs, pierce ¡ª Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet''s ice arrows struck the still-open mouth of the dragon and froze it.

    No. It wasn''t just a freezing arrow¡ª

    "¡ªBlossoming without waiting for winter, Ice Break!"

    In concert with Rinslet''s words, the demonic ice shattered.

    The resulting ice des sliced all over Tiamat''s body.

    "Ohhhhhhhh!"

    The giant dragon''s body stopped moving and in a split-second¡ª

    Kamito''s demon-ying de destroyed the remaining holy dragon head.

 Volume 4, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 4, Epilogue</h4>

    "No way, why......"

    Muir Alenstarl who had lost the annihtion spirit Tiamat¡ª

    Was standing stock still in the mud in shock.

    That appearance was akin to a girl who had just dropped her favorite toy in the river.

    The Monster that had been trying to kill ire and the others until just now was nowhere in sight.

    "Nii-sama was supposed to stay weak forever and ever......"

    "Muir, I may have really be weak."

    Kamito thrust his sword into the ground and held his hand out to the frightened Muir.

    Muir tilted her head to the side.

    "But now I have those around me who convert that weakness into strength."

    "......"

    Muir blinked her eyes¡ª

    "Wh-What''s with that......"

    Sulkily, she averted her eyes.

    "I hate nii-sama. I hate you."

    "Muir......"

    And then.

    His heart squirmed.

    "......Aguu, ahhhhhh!"

    Instantaneously. His entire body felt like it was burning up and intense pain ran throughout him.

    With an anguished cry, Kamito fell to the ground.

    "¡ªKamito!?"

    ire pulled the copsed Kamito back up.

    "......Wait, what''s going on exactly!?"

    "......It''s nothing......"

    "Idiot, there''s no way that''s true!"

    "Kamito-san!"

    "Kamito, what''s wrong!"

    Rinslet and Ellis, along with Fianna, all hurriedly rushed to his side.

    "¡ªShow me."

    Fianna unbuttoned his shirt with a serious expression.

    And then¡ª

    "......What is this!?"

    Upon seeing Kamito''s unveiled chest ¡ª she became speechless.

    Roughly around his heart''s location, an ominous ck pattern was engraved.

    "No way, a Cursed Armament Seal......!"

    "What did you say!?"

    Anxiety shed across all four of their faces.

    And.

    "That woman, doing such things without asking me¡ª"

    Muir stood while biting her lips.

    "......That woman? You, do you know anything?"

    ire sharply inquired and Muir flinched before shaking her shoulders.

    Without her militarized spirit, she was now just a normal powerless girl.

    "......Gu, ahh, ahhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito vomited and tore at his own chest.

    "It''s dangerous at this rate. We need to report this to the Divine Ritual Institute quickly!"

    "Got it!"

    Ellis stood up and summoned her flying wind spirit¡ª

    And.

    "¡ªMove aside."

    A quiet voice resounded.

    "......?"

    The location the voice came from ¡ª everyone looked towards that spot.

    There stood Est who had returned to human form.

    Coldly shining silvery white hair.

    Mysterious violet pupils.

    Est''s profile lit by the moon gave off a godly feeling.

    In the face of that beauty¡ª

    "Est......"

    Kamito forgot about his burning pain for a moment.

    "Kamito."

    Est whispered.

    With small, cold fingertips, Est touched Kamito''s jaw and,

    "I am your sword. Therefore¡ª"

    On Kamito''s lips.

    She nted hers.

    "Es......t......!?"

    Dizziness. His mind was attacked by a sweet drunken feeling.

    He could only widen his eyes in shock.

    The warmth of the touching lips.

    The softness of the touching lips.

    The silvery white hair caressing his cheeks.

    Small fingertips were wrapped around his back.

    Those delicate limbs which seemed like they could break at any moment.

    The heat from those fingertips. Or possibly coolness.

    He was wrapped in those strange and gentle sensations.

    He felt his entire body rx.

    Their lips parted lightly.

    But the hair upon his cheeks did not part.

    "......Est?"

    And then¡ª

    "Good bye, Kamito."

    Est''s body disintegrated into many light shards and disappeared into thin air.

    "¡ªEst!"

 Volume 4, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 4, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªNii-sama is Muir''s only.

    And so, it has been three months sincest time. This is Shimizu Yuu.

    We''ve reached the fourth volume of the school harem x battleedy "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance"!

    Finally, after two months of school life, it''s the de Dance. Attacking Kamito and the others who have made their respective resolves is a military-use spirit of unknown affiliation. The covert Instructional School''s assassins and Kamito''s revealed past. And also the other Ren Ashbell''s objective is¡ª

    The youngdies'' love battle also elerates with bold swimsuits and magnificent dresses, while the plot advances into the climax, so please continue to support it!

    Now for the customary thanks.

    Firstly, Sakura Hanpen-sensei who once again drew wonderful illustrations, thank you so much. Rinslet on the cover is so cute. Why those cute and erotic tights are so damaged ¡ª I was pulled in and dyed writing. Pero-pero.

    Thanks to MFJ''s charismatic incubator, "Seirei Tsukai" has managed to reach four volumes.

    Head editor Misaka, proofreading team, formatting team, marketing team and bookstores, thank you for everything. Shinjuku''s Anibro Gamers store have made a huge released of volume 3. Once again, I thank you.

    Also, Yoshihira Zenzai-sensei who is drawing a high-quality manga version in the Comic Alive magazine. Having the characters drawn in a cute style makes me very happy. I''ll just mention this here, but the manga is a little more erotic than the light novel......it''s very erotic! (Eye-opening shock level).

    Lastly, to all those who are reading this book, I give you my greatest thanks!

    To everyone who submitted their impressions in the questionnaire, a big thanks to you as well. I have read all of them gratefully. Speaking of the questionnaires, in the second volume, Est was leading by arge margin, but in the third volume, she just rocketed to the top. Fianna and ire upy the third and fourth spots in a very close battle. The main character, Kamito, is in fifth. It''s a shame that the cute Rinslet is in sixth......now is the time for the one million (lie) Rinslet fans across the country to unite!

    Now then, the next volume is the fifth. Let''s meet again in "The Demon ying Sword (tentative)"!

    July 2011, Shimizu Yuu

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you or long time no see! It''s Sakura Hanpen!

    I received another two page afterword so I drew my beloved Rinslet with all my heart!

    Rinslet-san...! Rinslet-san, Rinslet-san who''s greater than cute...!

    This is my pero-pero desire. The tights on the cover page were at too high a level.

    I-It''s not like it not satisfactory!? But it could be more cute.

    With that shocking ending, it can''t be helped if I want to read the next volume.

    Oh no, what''s gonna happen to Est...!? The readers are really interested...Shimizu-sensei...

    No matter what happens, I won''t apologize about my pero-pero, so please apologize, Shimizu-sensei. Ehh.

    Also, this is an announcement but the one who left me in charge of illustrations, HOOKSOFT-san''s "SuGirly Wish" ising out next (`?¦Ø?¡ä). Please look into that as well...!

    Well then, I''ll stop around here!

    This has been the Sakura Hanpen who can''t help being curious about the next volume!

 Volume 5, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 5, Prologue</h4>

    He was watching a dream.

    An extremely vivid dream¨D to the extent that he understood that he was within a dream.

    The shing of swords. The shing of des.

    While walking down a corridor dyed red with the blood of countless soldiers¨D

    The one swinging a sword of shining light, was a girl with beautiful golden hair.

    Flowing movements like that of the de dance, cutting down all sorts of spirits that came at her.

    The girl''s figure gave off a sense of deja vu.

    Up till present times, there were many existing artworks of her, like portraits, sculptures and paintings.

    Areishia Idriss.

    The Sacred Queen who had once overthrown the Demon King.

    (......Why did I dream of her?)

    Here he did not have a physical body that he could move, only his consciousness drifted through this clear dream, bearing that question.

    From when exactly was this dream from?

    Furthermore¨D whose dream was it?

    In the midst of his clear consciousness¨D eventually, he reached that moment that was recorded in history.

    Defeating thest spirit, the girl slowly walked out the corridor, heading into the deepest depths of the castle.

    Raising the sacred sword which was radiating light in the air with both hands, she raised her head, looking at the throne.

    There, was seated a lone man, hisposure calm.

    The area around the throne was wreathed in dark mes, and thus his features could not be discerned.

    However, who it was that was seated on that throne, was intuitively recognized with just a nce.

    (The Demon King Solomon¨D)

    In the past, he had brought cmity and destruction across thends, the worst tyrant to have gone down in history.

    Dominating the powerful spirits of the seventy-two pirs, the only existing male elementalist.

    Ominous dark mes danced menacingly around him, as though threatening the girl.

    However, the girl did not falter.

    Because within her hand was held a sacred sword, empowering her heart.

    "Evil Demon King, by the names of the Elemental Lords and my sacred sword, begone."

    As the blowing wind sent her golden hair billowing, the girl dashed onwards.

    Engraved on the de of the sacred sword, in thenguage of the spirits, was a name giving off a silver light¨D

    The instant I saw that name, I shouted out.

    "¨DEst!"

 Volume 5, 1 - The Broken Sacred Sword

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 1 - The Broken Sacred Sword</h4>

    Part 1

    "¡ª!?"

    Waking up, he found himself on his soft bed.

    ... He sat up and looked back down at himself.

    He was not wearing his school uniform, but rather a set of loose pajamas. It seemed that someone had helped him change while he was unconscious.

    The dream he witnessed had caused him to break out into a cold sweat.

    "I ¡ª"

    What on earth ¡ª

    Trying to recall the events that happened before he fainted, Kamito rubbed his dully aching head.

    At that moment ¡ª

    "Kamito, you''re awake?"

    From the corner of the room came a voice.

    Kamito turned, and saw a beautiful girl in uniform sitting on a chair by the wall.

    She had red twintails on the sides of her head.

    Her translucent ruby-red pupils gazed anxiously in his direction.

    "... ire, you haven''t been here all this time, have you?"

    "Eh? No, not very long at all..."

    ire frantically shook her head.

    However, dark circles at the corners of her eyes belied the fact that she had not had a good night''s rest.

    "I apologize for making you worry."

    "I-It''s nothing, I wasn''t worrying."

    Kamito returned ire''s concern with a wry smile, and took a look around the room.

    This castle room had been arranged for the participants of the de Dance. Looking at its spacious windows and quality household items, one could tell that this was not Kamito''s usual residence, which was no different from a storage room, but a room from some unknown other ce.

    With dawn quickly approaching, the sun shone weakly through a slit in the curtains.

    "That''s good, get some sleep now. Your fever has not fully gone down."

    "Ah? I have a fever?"

    "Mmhm, it appears to have gotten better now, but you were burning up quite badly just a moment ago."

    ire bent over and ced her hand on Kamito''s forehead.

    The touch of her ice-cold skin felt incrediblyfortable..... Oh. There was indeed still a bit of a lingering fever.

    "Anyways, ire ¨C"

    "Yes, what is it?"

    "Uh, why did I faint?"

    ".......You don''t remember?"

    ire''s eyes opened wide in surprise.

    "Don''t tell me you have amnesia..."

    "No, nothing that serious. It''s just that my head''s still groggy and I can''t seem to remember what happened right before I cked out."

    Kamito shook his head silently.

    "The events from the ball?"

    "Yes, I remember that. You turned down the invitation from the crown prince of some country with the wave of a hand..."

    "Uh, yeah."

    "Around that time, Ren Ashbell invited me to dance ¨C"

    While massaging his aching temples, Kamito felt his memory gradually return in chronological order.

    Something big must have happened.

    (No mistake about that. There was something of extreme importance ¨C)

    "Ren Ashbell carved the Brand of Darkness on me, and then ¨C"

    Impatience burned in his chest.

    Sparkling in the corner of his mind was an image of the radiant silver sword.

    "And then, I ¨C"

    "Kamito, you rescued us from the hands of the Instructional School assassins!"

    Looking at the upset Kamito, ire spoke up.

    "The Instructional School assassins?"

    Kamito lifted his head abruptly.

    (That''s right. At that time, I battled Muir''s militarized spirit¨C)

    ire''s words prompted his memories ofst night to return in a flood.

    During the de Dance''s opening ceremonyst night, Muir Alenstarl, the Instructional School assassin calling herself Kamito''s foster younger sister, had controlled a militarized spirit to attack ire andpany.

    Marked by Ren Ashbell''s Brand of Darkness and covered in wounds, Kamito raced towards the battlefield reluctantly, towards Muir Alenstarl''s militarized spirit ¨C but at that very moment, the curse of the mark took effect on Kamito''s body, and he was ovee with blinding pain.

    And then ¨C

    "...!"

    The instant he regained his memory, Kamito''s whole body stiffened, as if he''d been struck by lightning.

    The image that sprung to mind was that of a girl ¨C with mysterious violet eyes.

    With beautiful silvery-white hair that reflected the moonlight.

    With small hands that gently stroked his back.

    And with lips that were cold as ice yet hot as fire when they touched his.

    Then she turned into innumerable particles of light, which dissipated into a void¡ª

    That was thest Kamito saw of her.

    "... Es... t?"

    The name escaped from his lips in a trembling, spontaneous exhale.

    It was the name of one who had always remained by his side, the name of an extremely important someone, the name of his contracted spirit.

    His slight memory disturbances earlier must have been because he had not wanted to face this fact.

    "Kamito..."

    ire''s low, worried words almost went unheard by Kamito.

    "You must be joking... Est, why did she¨C"

    Her meaningless words rang hollow.

    His newly recovered memory insisted on reying thest scene he saw before losing consciousness.

    At that time, she had whispered in his ear:

    Goodbye, Kamito ¨C.

    Sword spirit Est ¨C with a head of silvery-white hair, just like a snow fairy.

    His contract with her was originally a chance urrence.

    While maintaining a contract with a contracted spirit from the past, the end result was an iplete contract.

    Originally, he could not even wield a tenth of the power with the contract. It must have been considerably painful for a powerful spirit like her.

    However, Est had said that was all right.

    To be able to contract with you, that alone is wonderful ¨C she had said.

    (But I ¨C)

    Three years ago, there was a day he had lost a previous contracted spirit.

    From that day onwards, he had vowed not to lose anyone important.

    "Yet I ¨C again!"

    Est had disappeared.

    She had sacrificed her very existence in order to save Kamito from being eroded by the curse of the brand.

    "Damn ¨C"

    "Kamito!"

    He threw up his hands in despair only for ire to quickly catch hold of them.

    She gazed steadily into his eyes, with the intent of calming him down.

    "Est was not eliminated."

    "Ah?"

    "After all, your hands still bear signs of a spirit contract, right?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened.

    "Y...es... indeed."

    His right hand, the one in ire''s grasp, still bore a design of intersecting swords.

    That was the proof of a spirit contract¡ªthe spirit seal.

    If the contracted spirit were to be eliminated, the spirit seal would then of course disappear.

    The reason why Kamito had believed for all these three years that Restia had not vanished¡ªthe reason why he had retained a glimmer of hope¡ªwas entirely because the spirit seal inscribed on his left hand still remained.

    The spirit seal connected the contractor to the contracted spirit; it was a special Gate.

    Now the pain was too weak to be felt ¨C but as long as the spirit seal on his right hand did not disappear, he would have proof that Est had not beenpletely eliminated.

    "Est, she''s still alive."

    "Yes. And even if we cannot call her out now, there must be a way to do so."

    If that''s the case, I can''t remain like this.

    "... Ah ah ah ah ah!"

    Biting back the pain coursing through his entire body, Kamito got up from the bed.

    "Wait, wait a moment, what are you doing!? You still can''t ¨C"

    "Est is waiting ¨C I don''t have the time to continue sleeping!"

    Just as ire''s hands moved to stop him¨C

    Gurgle gurgle ~

    A lovely sound arose in the room.

    "...ire?"

    All the strength had drained from his body.

    "...... ~! Th-Th-This is a misunderstanding, t-there wasn''t a strange sound just now!"

    "You... don''t tell me, you haven''t had anything to eat since yesterday?"

    "A-After all, you''ve been having a bad fever, well..."

    ire blushed and stammered.

    "You can''t afford to skip meals since the battle begins tomorrow."

    "... I-I know. Speaking of which, you haven''t eaten either."

    "Well, I''m more or less ustomed to that..."

    In his youth, Kamito had spent most of his time undergoing intense training at the Instructional School.

    The education he received there included even training to withstand starvation. Although he had no intention of attempting such a thing, he could now easily go without food for several days.

    (Then again...)

    Something suddenly urred to Kamito.

    (Everyone now knows that I was from the Instructional School...)

    Precisely because they were importantpanions, he had not wanted them to know of his past.

    Once they learnt of that, he thought that they would not want anything to do with him anymore.

    It was only natural that one would think so.

    On the contrary, they had treated Kamito ¨C

    "You... what you are or aren''t ustomed to, that''s entirely beside the point. If you don''t eat well, you''ll never regain your strength. Look, I even brought fruit here specially f-for you."

    At this, ire indicated the basket on the bedside table.

    It was filled to the brim with delicious-looking ripe peaches.

    "¨C ire, thank you."

    "Don''t stand on courtesy, it''s nothing. After all, they were brought back from the ball."

    "No such thing!"

    Kamito looked directly at ire.

    "Even after learning I was an orphan from the Instructional School, you still stayed my friend, saying it didn''t matter.... About that, I''m still very d."

    "W-What, ah, well, that..."

    ire blushed and looked away.

    "B-But of course, isn''t that just how it is? Regardless of your past, you''re my ve spirit now and that will not change!"

    With a wry smile and a nod of his head, Kamito reached into the basket for a peach.

    "Here, hand me a small knife, I''ll cut it open."

    "Leave it to me. You''re the hurt one, get some rest."

    "The peach is fragile, so it can be difficult to peel. I thought you weren''t good at peeling fruits?"

    "W-Well, if you think that..."

    ire hid her face. Truth be told, it seemed that all the women at the academy, both young and adult, were all not that good at homemaking. It wasn''t just ire who was particrly bad at preparing fruits.

    Kamito shrugged, picked up a knife from the table, and started peeling the peach in a repeated, circr motion.

    Watching his deft handiwork, ire asked emotionally:

    "Did you learn this from that Instructional School too?"

    "No, I picked up cooking and other skills during my travels. My travelpanion was very picky when it came to the vor!"

    "...Bypanion, you mean that darkness spirit girl?"

    "Yeah..."

    While cutting the peach, Kamito''s expression turned sour.

    "Well ¨C so it''s like that..."

    ire looked doubtful.

    "Look, it is peeled."

    As if to change the subject, Kamito speared the peeled peach on a fork and presented it to ire.

    As she took a bite, some peach juice sprayed back at him.

    "Yum yum~ so sweet, it''s really delicious...!"

    Her red twintails danced in joy.

    ire put her hands to her cheeks, an expression of sheer bliss on her face. She looked so lovely one could identally lose oneself in admiration.

    "Well, now, have another..."

    Kamito raised the fork holding the peach. Like a cat being teased, ire''s gaze followed it in a trance-like state.

    "Look, here it is!"

    He moved his hand away.

    "Ah!"

    And again.

    "R-Really now!"

    ire''s mouth opened and shut as she chased the peach doggedly.

    Left, right.... And again.

    Finding it very interesting, Kamito intended to continue for a little longer ¨C

    "... ~Oi, w-why are you so cruel!"

    ire snarled, tears welling in her eyes.

    "... Sorry, just felt like you were as adorable as a cat, so."

    "...?! W-What do you mean cute... s-stupid idiot, that''s what you are!"

    Into the mouth of the red-faced, frantically gesticting ire ¨C

    "Aah."

    ¨C went the peach.

    And she bit down.

    "Whew, ah, it''s so delicious..."

    "Just like a cat."

    ire shot Kamito a look.

    "Hey, isn''t this situation backwards?"

    "Hrm, backwards?"

    "The injured person is you, but I''m the one eating."

    "Well, it''s a small matter, don''t worry about it."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and conveniently put the peach into his own mouth.

    The slightly tangy taste of the peach juice spread immediately in his mouth.

    "Mmm, it really is delicious. It''s thoroughly ripe!"

    "I-Isn''t that the same fork..."

    "... What''s the matter?"

    "N-No, it''s nothing ¨C"

    ire hastily took her eyes off him.

    "Anyway ¨C"

    Kamito put the fork aside and asked.

    "Yes, what?"

    "What''s the performance for the de Dance? The divination of the Queens has already been revealed, right?"

    While Kamito was unconscious, the five Queens had held a ceremony at the great temple of the Divine Ritual Institute, where the five Elemental Lords bestowed their oracle. The performance was to be decided by this oracle ¨C as for thepetition format, it would be announced at ater date.

    At this, ire''s expression grew serious.

    "Mmhm, the de dance performance to be presented will be ¨C the Tempest."

    "Tempest, huh..."

    That had been thepetition format used for the de Dance not only in recent years, but also tens, and even hundreds of years ago.

    The elementalists presenting the de dance performance woulde together at the gathering ce in the vast sacrednds, and the teams would do battle with each other over a number of days. Each individual''sbat skills would be put to the test, but beyond that, of even greater significance were their tactical and strategic ability, as well as teamwork and cooperation.

    "... It will be a tough battle."

    "Indeed. On the other hand, they clearly could have chosen a knockout-style tournament. If so, I suppose this was the best possible oue."

    ire nodded with a serious look on her face.

    The de dance performance''s format would be the Tempest. This piece of information was one he had previously thought about.

    With the only constraint being "five elementalists to a team", a little investigating on the history of the de Dance would have made it clear that the number of possible performance formats was only about ten or so.

    As a matter of fact, Areishia Spirit Academy had even conducted an extensive training exercise under the assumption that this performance would be selected.

    However, one could still hold out hope, for as long as possible, that this performance would not be chosen ¨C this way of thinking was still true.

    More so than individual skill, thispetition format emphasized a team''sbined strength. One would be hard-pressed to say this system had any benefits for ire, who was still worried and unconfident in regards to teamwork.

    Furthermore, Team Scarlet had only formed recently. The five members had begun working together a mere few weeks ago. While each of them was a strong elementalist in his or her own right, theirbined team strength still could notpare to that of the other teams.

    (Furthermore...)

    Kamito''s gaze turned to the spirit seal inscribed on his right hand.

    All along, Kamito''s overwhelming strength had always been unrivaled amongst hispanions.

    However, Kamito was now in a statecking his contracted spirits.

    Despite previously being known as the Strongest de Dancer, without his contracted spirit, Kamito could not reach his full strength as an elementalist.

    Following that, he rested his hand lightly on the chest wound that was still aching dully.

    (¡ªThe curse of this brand has yet to fadepletely.)

    The Brand of Darkness that Ren Ashbell had engraved was even now still eating away at his body.

    Although Est had suppressed the worst of the damage by sacrificing herself, she had not entirely destroyed it.

    "Est..."

    Murmuring her name, even injecting divine power into it, the spirit seal yielded no response.

    Instead, an intense scorching pain invaded his entire body.

    "... Ah, damn it..."

    "You''d better not act rashly. What you can do now is to get a good rest in order to regain your strength and divine power."

    "... Ah, ah, I know."

    Clenching his lips tightly, Kamito nodded andid t on the bed again.

    Part 2

    (... Kamito seemed to be pretty depressed.)

    Outside Kamito''s room, ire let out a small sigh.

    This was not unreasonable. After all, he was an elementalist who had lost his contracted spirit before his own eyes.

    That bitterness, ire understood all too well, as she too had lost Scarlet in the past. At that time, ire had given up on herself and had even allowed herself to be tempted by the darkness spirit.

    Of course, Est''s eradication had left ire somewhat shaken too.

    For Est had not been just another contracted spirit.

    She was also an importantpanion of ire''s in the academy; for more than two months, they had fought side by side.

    ".......We need to quickly find a way to bring Est back."

    The practical problem was that, without Est, Team Scarlet had no chance of winning the battle royale. Kamito had iparable strength, but an elementalist without a contracted spirit at his side would not be able to do his best at apetition such as the de Dance, where there were many tough opponents.

    There must be a way to bring Est back ¨C true, she had just said that, but what exactly one would need to do, she did not know. Assuming it was possible was fine and all, but they might not have enough time.

    The de Dance battle would begin tomorrow; they could only afford to spare one day. If Kamito could not bring Est back in that time, they would have to rely on only the four remaining people to win the battle royale.

    Although they did not intend on losing to the other teams, the fact of the matter was that their chances of victory against a strong opponent¡ªsuch as, say, the Dracunia Dragons led by Leonora Lancaster¡ªwere slim indeed.

    Moreover, in order to win the grand event, they would still have to take down Ren Ashbell, the most powerful of the de dancers.

    Then again, it was also possible for Kamito to look for another spirit to contract with.

    (But, all things considered, that was not likely...)

    Pacing around the portico, ire shook her head. Leaving aside for the moment the issue of finding a suitable new contracted spirit, Kamito would most certainly reject the idea of any other spirit but Est.

    (Speaking of whom ¨C)

    Out of the blue, the image of that darkness spirit girl inadvertently surfaced in ire''s mind.

    Jet-ck hair, billowing in the wind. A lovely girl with eyes the color of dusk.

    (In the end, I still did not ask Kamito about her...)

    A wave of pain rushed through her chest as she thought of it.

    It was yesterday evening, in the courtyard of the castle: Kamito and the darkness spirit girl, their lips locked in a kiss.

    It wasn''t that shecked the opportunity to ask; it was just not a suitable time for such a matter. Shocked and upset over having lost Est, Kamito was not in a state for her to pursue the matter topletion.

    (But that girl; what on earth was her rtionship with Kamito...?)

    The previous contracted spirit was a girl of darkness who, even now, still held Kamito''s heart.

    The strange pain in her chest burned more and more intensely.

    "W-Well, whatever, that rascal can get all kissy-kissy with whoever he wants to! It''s got nothing to with me, right?"

    ire reasoned this out with herself and then stopped outside the room.

    She opened the door ¡ª

    "...Huh!?"

    There were three people in the room who rose from the couch in unison.

    "Is Kamito awake!?"

    ire nodded her head in response to Ellis''s query.

    "Well, yeah, but it seems the fever has not receded yet. He should continue to rest."

    ".....Hmm, I see. All in all, it''s good that he''s doing alright."

    "T-To actually have a girl worry so much over him. This guy still causes headaches like before!"

    Rinslet crossed and uncrossed her fingers restlessly.

    "... It was really all thanks to Est. My skills were simply ineffective against the curse of that brand."

    In contrast with the other two, who seemed to have breathed sighs of relief, Fianna wore a somber expression.

    Fianna was originally the second-best princess maiden overall in the Divine Ritual Institute. Her power and skill at curse-breaking wasparable to that of the current princess maidens.

    However, the Brand of Darkness inscribed by Ren Ashbell on Kamito''s body contained a curse so strong that it left even Fianna helpless.

    If at that time Est had not sacrificed herself, then ¡ª

    Kamito''s physical body would have been utterly corroded by the curse. At worst, he might even have died.

    "I have searched through a wide range of material but still couldn''t find any information on this curse."

    The pile of heavy books around Fianna was as high as a mountain.

    She had brought these with her from the academy. They contained incantations and curses as well as documents rted to spirits.

    "But even now, I still cannot believe that..."

    Ellis spoke while clenching her lips.

    "That Ren Ashbell would go so far as to actually do such a thing ¡ª"

    "... Yeah, I know."

    ire nodded.

    The strongest de dancer.

    Her goal was to be a princess maiden elementalist, the mostuded person.

    At the de Dance three years ago, her de dance performance had mesmerized countless girls.

    Whether it was ire, Ellis, or anyone, they all held a powerful and honorable person like her in high respect. They had endured the Academy''s numerous, strict training regimens in order to be an elementalist like her.

    Which was why when Muir Alenstarl told them that it was she who had carved the Brand of Darkness onto Kamito''s body, theypletely could not bring themselves to believe it.

    However, on further reflection¡ª

    (Not a single one of them knew anything about who she was...)

    For example, what wish she made to the Elemental Lords as the victor of the de Dance three years prior.

    Why, after reaching the highest possible level of renown, did she suddenly disappear without a trace from the eyes of the world.

    And why, with things in their current state, would she want to make a return?

    Spection of all sorts were floating about, but it still remained a mystery.

    Finally, why would the strongest active elementalist want to ce a curse on Kamito.

    The reason for that was unclear as well.

    (For preemptive reasons, so as to reduce Kamito to a certain amount of strength before the battle royale?)

    Even if that were so, there was no need to use such a circuitous strategy as a curse.

    One would only need to fight with overwhelming brute strength to eliminate others, like what Muir Alenstarl did.

    "Without conclusive evidence, that impostor elementalist may as well be the real Ren Ashbell."

    "... But in that case, why not use her real identity?"

    "Maybe there''s some reason why she couldn''t use her true identity," muttered Fianna.

    "You think there is a hidden reason?"

    "Ah... I-I didn''t say anything!"

    Addressing the frowning ire, Fianna hurriedly shook her head.

    "If there was someone masquerading as Ren Ashbell and using her name, I would never forgive her."

    cing her hands on the sword at her waist, Ellis spoke up.

    "Come on, let''s take the initiative to go ask her¡ª"

    "Impossible. We don''t even know where she is in the first ce."

    ire shook her head at Ellis''s impulsive and dangerous proposal.

    The team representing Ren Ashbell, Team Inferno of Alphas Theocracy, had apparently stayed in a tower outside the region where they waited for an opportunity to strike. No one knew where they were.

    Moreover, Muir Alenstarl, who had vanished after yesterday''s skirmish, had not given up on her ns to kill ire andpany. A slow, stealthy approach would be more practical than a direct dangerous one.

    "Her intentions are indeed a major concern, but¡ªthe foremost problem here has to be Est."

    ire turned towards Fianna and asked,

    "I''ll get straight to the point. Est ¨C can she still return?"

    "That..."

    Fianna stroked her chin, as though deep in thought.

    "If Kamito''s hand still shows signs of the spirit seal, it is evidence that Est has not beenpletely vanquished. Ordinarily, once she fully regains her power, she can return. It''s just that ¨C"

    "Just that?"

    "This is just my hypothesis ¨C Est may have been trapped in a prison of the curse. Regarding this, I cannot be sure."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Est used her power to suppress the curse, but she did notpletely break it. Now she might be held, shackled by the curse, unable to move."

    "In order to rescue Est, we''ll have to deal with the curse first, won''t we?"

    Ellis nodded with a serious expression.

    "In regards to the Brand of Darkness, I can get some help from the forces at the Divine Ritual Institute.... Next, there is the problem of Kamito himself. Although I don''t think this will crush his spirits..."

    "But, he seemed really upset......"

    Even in front of ire, he had put on a brave front so as not to let anyone see him weak. At the end of the day however, he could not hide how much the loss of Est had affected him.

    By the looks of it, it should take him quite some time to get his act together.

    "In that case......is there anything we can do for him?"

    Rinslet said.

    "Truthfully speaking, it''s not that we don''t have an option..."

    "Eh, really?" "What''s is it?" "D-Don''t leave us guessing! Tell us directly, please!"

    Hearing this, ire and the others who were not giving up, gathered in front of Fianna.

    Fianna sighed and said:

    "... Help our own opponents. While it is infuriating, we really have no choice."

    She uttered this sentence of cryptic meaning ¨C

    And then informed them on what they - can - do - for - Kamito.

    "...!"

    The trio''s faces instantly turned bright red.

    "W-Wait a minute! That sort of thing ¨C how could we possibly to do that!"

    "R-Really now! Such a shameful thing... as a knight, I cannot ept it!"

    "Keep in mind that I am the eldest daughter of the noble Laurenfrost family!"

    The wave of protest from the girls came at the same time.

    "Hmm ¨C so you mean to say that you don''t want Kamito to recover?"

    Fianna sharply spoke and pointed at them.

    "T-That is..."

    "Of course that isn''t true¨C"

    "... I-I didn''t mean it like that, except¨C"

    The three blushed and stammered.

    A mischievous smile formed on Fianna''s face.

    "All right then, it''s settled. There are all sorts of ceremonial props in the luggage I brought. Help yourselves."

    As she spoke, she reached into the travel bag and took out a myriad of colorful costumes and props.

 Volume 5, 2 - Triple Date

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 2 - Triple Date</h4>

    Part 1

    Chirp chirp, tweet tweet... With their calls, the birds signaled the dawn of morning.

    A warm ray of sunshine shone through the bedside windows into the room, rousing Kamito.

    After talking to ire this morning, he had returned to sleeping soundly once again, but it seemed that not too much time had passed.

    Kamito had a fever not too long ago, but now it has almostpletely faded away.

    "Mmm... ah..."

    He rubbed his bleary eyelids, moved around, and prepared to get out of bed.

    At that moment ¨C

    "Aaah!"

    "..."

    His elbow suddenly touched something soft and gentle.

    (Also, wasn''t there some sort of lovely sound just now...)

    Kamito blinked, puzzled by what it was, he turned his gaze toward the sound.

    He saw a round mass of fluffy white fur, keeping himpany beside him while he slept.

    "... W-What is this?"

    The unbelievable sight before his eyes startled Kamito.

    However, he immediately thought of something...

    Sneaking into my bed... the only one who would do such a thing is -

    "Is it Est!?"

    He hastily tossed aside the nket.

    "A-Ah! W-What in the world are you doing to me!?"

    "... Huh?"

    Kamito froze, speechless.

    Hidden under the nket was not the sword spirit who liked to dress in the nude with thigh-high socks.

    What he saw was pure white fur, and a pair of long ears that hung downwards.

    And dazzling pale gold hair ¨C

    The lovely... Miss Bunny.

    "... Hey, Rinslet! What do you think you''re doing?"

    "N-No, that''s not right! I-I am Miss Bunny right now!"

    Rinslet flushed red, embarrassed. The rabbit ears on her head twitched up.

    "I said, Rinslet ¨C"

    "It''s ''Miss Bunny''."

    "Well, Miss Bunny."

    Following her request, Kamito repeated obediently.

    "This outfit of yours, what kind of act are you putting on?"

    "This... I..."

    In response, Rinslet could only rub both her kneecaps awkwardly while stuttering and unable to speak.

    Seeing the usually stubborn and self-conscious Rinslet wearing such an expression gave Kamito an indescribable feeling of adoration.

    (... Speaking of which, this outfit is too provoking, isn''t it? It''s practically blinding!)

    A closer look would reveal that ¨C

    The Miss Bunny outfit Rinslet was wearing was at most being borderline immodest.

    It was a set of very revealing erotic clothing, made of an undergarment-like material, with soft fluffy fur sewn on everywhere.

    There was puffy fur on both her hands and feet, and a tail-like a ball of fur hanging from behind.

    The greatest draw of the entire outfit however, had to be the leather cor tied around her neck.

    The elegant, aristocratic, wealthy princess wearing that cor... thebination was enough to give people wrong thoughts.

    "I-I was turned into Miss Bunny by witchcraft... chuu!"

    The maiden said it stiffly, as if reciting lines from a script.

    "What''s ''chuu''?"

    "It''s the cry of a rabbit."

    "I can''t imagine the cry of a rabbit sounding like that..."

    Moving his gaze away from the huge twin peaks and valley right before his eyes, Kamito shook his head and spoke.

    Right at this time -

    "¨C K-Kamito, I''ve made breakfast for you!"

    The door to the room suddenly opened.

    The one standing there was the Captain of the Knights¡ªEllis.

    "What!?"

    Kamito fell speechless once again.

    Ellis, who stood before him, was dressed like Rinslet in clothing that skirted the edge of modesty.

    The only difference was that she wore dog ears instead of rabbit ones, and the fur on her hands was not white, but brown.

    The ears atop her head swung constantly as she moved.

    "E-Ellis... how is it that you too..."

    "N-No, say no more!"

    Red-faced and biting her lips, the embarrassed Ellis looked as if she wanted to find a hole to hide in.

    "Oooh, i-if my elder sisters were to see me dressed like this, I don''t know what they would say..."

    Tears glowed from the corners of her brown eyes, probably because of how ashamed she felt.

    (... Now... what is the situation?)

    ... What on earth had happened? Why would the pure-hearted and rule-abiding Captain be dressed in such a dissolute manner?

    "J-Just don''t mind my outfit, alright."

    "Uh... how do you expect anyone to not mind that?"

    Ellis ignored Kamito''s confusing reply.

    She cleared her throat with a cough, and pushed a small silver dining cart in from the corridor.

    "Ah?"

    The aroma of freshly baked toast immediately filled the room.

    "... Well,e have breakfast, I made these for you."

    There was a freshly prepared breakfast in the dining cart; the steam above it had not yet dispersed.

    The dishes included ¨C toast grilled to the perfection, thick French-style pumpkin soup, deliciously tender omelets, Caesar sd with added tuna, andst but not least for dessert, there was yogurt topped with strawberry jam.

    At first nce, although these were not exactly high-ss, one could tell that every dish had been prepared with meticulous care.

    "... You''re such an expert! Did you do all these yourself, Ellis?"

    "Y-Yes, I prepared these in the tower''s kitchen. Only because I did not want to forget my culinary skills, it wasn''t specially made for you!"

    Ellis looked away, a look of embarrassment suddenly crept across her face as she bent down beside Kamito.

    "Captain, how can you do this!"

    Disregarding Rinslet''s protests, she addressed Kamito.

    "I-I''ll feed you... O-Open your mouth,e."

    "T-There''s no need! I can do it myself ¨C"

    "Absolutely not, you''re the one who''s hurt after all."

    "My wound has already fully healed ¨C"

    ¨C Into his mouth.

    Taking advantage of the moment Kamito''s mouth was open, Ellis stuffed the omelette into his mouth.

    "..."

    "H-How is it?"

    "... S-Super delicious!"

    The omelette was not only just sweet enough, but it was also so soft and fluffy that it melted in his mouth. This beyond-perfect masterpiece by Ellis confirmed the saying that the simpler the dish, the greater a test it was of the chef''s skill.

    "Is that really so!... That''s wonderful."

    Ellis smiled shyly, the dog ears on her head moving up and down.

    Seeing the usually serious and stern Captain wear such an expression, Kamito could not help but feel butterflies in his stomach.

    "Hmph¡ªCaptain, you''re too cunning to do this."

    Rinslet puffed up her cheeks a little angrily and said.

    "...Rinslet?"

    "T-Then I shall give Kamito-san a massage."

    Having said this, Rinslet immediately began kneading Kamito''s shoulders with gentle strength.

    "... What!?"

    "How does it feel?"

    "You''re so good at this... my fatigue is slowly disappearing, wow."

    Kamito was not just saying empty kind words of praise; Rinslet''s massage technique was really of professional standard.

    Thefortable sensation made all the tense muscles in his body rx one by one.

    "You know, I give Carol massages all the time, because that child keeps praising me, I have unknowingly be very good at massaging."

    "So that''s why..."

    ... That a maid could get her master to knead her shoulders for her was, in a certain sense, almost too much.

    "Uh huh, you''d better thank me well. I am the heir to the Laurenfrost family. By right, I could never serve men in this way."

    "W-Well..."

    At this moment, Kamito suddenly felt two soft bumps against his back.

    "But... only for today... everyone..."

    Rinslet leant over and whispered into Kamito''s ear.

    "Everyone can be... Kamito-san''s house pet."

    "Uh... w-what did you just say ¨C!"

    In a panic, Kamito turned his head, then ¨C

    "M-Me too, just for today, I won''t be your Captain!"

    Then it was Ellis, who cried out, perking up her dog ears:

    "I want to be K-Kamito''s... little pet dog."

    "Ellis!?"

    What was the matter with the both of them?

    "Kamito..." "Kamito-san..."

    Their small animal tails swinging, the two of them stared at Kamito with fire in their eyes.

    ... Why is it that he felt dizzy with confusion? Could it be another fever?

    (Hey, something''s not right...)

    The temperature in the room started rising steadily.

    (Boom boom boom...)

    "... Y-You guys... what mischief are you up to?"

    "ire?!"

    Kamito turned and looked ¨C

    The door, which had not been closed, opened with a m. Standing there was ire with a burning-hot whip in her hand.

    Her shoulders were trembling slightly in anger, and her bright red twintails pointed upright like mes.

    However, what fixated Kamito''s gaze was how she was dressed.

    Atop her head was a pair of shaking red cat ears.

    On her slim petite body was erotic clothing made of red fur.

    Her bare white thighs were disyed so boldly that one could not look directly at them.

    "H-How is it that you too are doing this? That outfit is...!"

    Kamito muttered, dumbfounded, then ¨C

    "Waaaah! S-Stupid fool, what are you looking at!"

    ire blushed and crossed her knees shyly.

    She then made a sound like a cat''s low growl and red at Kamito with tears in her eyes.

    "Hmph, what... in any case you must feel that my chest is disappointingly small, isn''t that right!?"

    "..."

    Truthfully speaking, that set of clothing did indeed make ire''s chest seem even tinier.

    Although that very same attire could bring out the valley between the breasts of Ellis and Rinslet, the undeniable fact of the matter was the sight of ire wearing it only gave a person the impression of looking at a washboard.

    Having said that, however, it did not reduce the charm she exuded. Her despondency over her chest size in fact made her look pitiful and delicate, which only increased her loveliness.

    "Not at all. How should I say it... I think you''re awfully cute like this."

    Kamito expressed his honest feelings.

    "A-A-Ah! W-What nonsense are you spouting!"

    ire''s cheeks grew redder and redder. She waved the whip in her hand, which made pping noises.

    "Oooh..." "Kamito-san!"

    At this, one of Ellis''s dog ears and Rinslet''s rabbit ears cocked in Kamito''s direction, and they puffed their cheeks slightly resentfully.

    "I-I don''t care any more... you really are such a terrible fool!"

    ire muttered haltingly, then walked towards Kamito ¨C

    Then she abruptly jumped onto the bed Kamito was lying in.

    "... Uhhh... hey... you guys...!"

    The three pretty girls dressed as erotic cute animals pushed each other around the small bed, their bare shoulders pressed against Kamito''s arm.

    "Well then, you tell me... is there anything I can do for you, Kamito?"

    ire bit her lip lightly and looked at Kamito with upward-ncing eyes.

    "Anything I... want you to do?"

    "Such as... oh yes, sleeping on myp... or help you clean your ears... things of that sort?"

    "Sleep on yourp?"

    Such an action was amon dream among all men.

    Kamito inadvertently nced at ire''s soft-looking thighs ¨C and then swiftly moved his gaze away.

    "Oh, but only for today! You usually are my ve, but only for today... I-I am willing... to be your ve!"

    "S-ve?"

    Kamito questioned her and ire nodded.

    "Y-Yes! For today, I will agree to anything you ask of me! Y-You better prepare yourself!"

    "Wait a moment, what do I have to prepare myself for?"

    "K-Kamito... it''s the same for me!"

    "And me!"

    Ellis and Rinslet also squeezed up to him, snuggling Kamito tightly with their bodies.

    "But... n-no sexual orders though."

    "Who would ever do that! What kind of person do you guys think I am!?"

    "Huh, you didn''t want to make any such orders? Oh, okay..."

    For some reason, a disappointed look crept across her face as she muttered those words.

    Letting out a sigh, Kamito said frustratedly:

    "¨C Now can you tell me why the three of you are dressed like this?"

    He bluntly asked the trio.

    "This... that is because..."

    The threedies looked at each other in panic.

    After a while, ire finally surrendered and said: "B-Because after Est disappeared, you looked so down and depressed ¨C"

    "... Huh?"

    "So we decided to dress like this to lift your spirits...!"

    Blushing furiously, ire awkwardly finished her exnation.

    It was said that when an elementalist was in a poor mental state, they would have no way of summoning spirits. In more serious cases, they could sometimes even lose their princess maiden powers.

    For example, Fianna had been dealt a severe emotional blow four years ago and had been unable to use her power for a long period of time afterwards. When Scarlet was defeated by a demon spirit, ire had b grief-stricken, and suddenly found herself unable to summon Scarlet.

    If the blow from the loss of Est caused Kamito''s heart to be dominated by negative feelings of hatred, the Gate between their hearts would truly close forever, never to open again. In truth, there were actually many princess maidens who had lost their status as elementalists because of such trauma to their souls.

    (So simply put, they wanted to cheer me up ¨C roughly this kind of intention?)

    Evidently, he had made thesedies worry too much.

    However, Kamito thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their thoughtfulness.

    "... But why dress up as little animals and put on an act?"

    Kamito asked.

    "It was Fianna who told us this secret. Y-You rascal, you like this kind of thing, don''t you?"

    "That goddamn princess, huh..."

    Kamito gritted his teeth and muttered.

    ... So that was it, these sexy animal costumes were all from Fianna''s secret collection.

    "That... can''t be right, you don''t like this look?"

    "Hmm? Well... I didn''t say I disliked it."

    Despite the many objections he felt, Kamito reluctantly admitted it -

    Truth be told, he really thought it was quite cute.

    Moreover, that these snobby aristocratic daughters would be willing to embarrass themselves so thoroughly in order to cheer him up ¨C whether or not their methods were right, their positive intentions were enough to make one want to frankly thank them.

    "... All of you, thank you."

    "I-I did not do it for you, Kamito, I just want Est back quickly, that''s all."

    As ire turned her head away, the cat ears on her head moved as well.

    Ellis and Rinslet, too, shyly shook their tails.

    "¨C N-Now then, shall we take a walk outside?"

    ire, who cleared her throat, tugged at Kamito''s pajamas and asked.

    "Outside?"

    "Today is ourst rest day before the start of the mainpetition, of course we should go outside and have a good time! Staying locked in a room depressed all day is hardly the solution, right?"

    "... That is true."

    All Kamito could do now was to believe in Est and await her return.

    If Kamito, her contractor, did not get out of his depression, the Gate would be impossible to open.

    Going outside to lift his spirits was perhaps a good idea.

    "And on this floating ind, there is even a Biblion managed by the Divine Ritual Institute."

    Rinslet added.

    "Biblion?"

    "It has been said that a lot of antique-level information is archived within the sacred Biblion, information that cannot be found even in our library of seals. If Est is really the sealed spirit sealed within the ancient sacred sword, we might be able to find clues in those documents."

    "... If that''s so, it sounds like it would be worth a look."

    Anecdotes of the Demon King Killing Sacred Sword could be found across the continent, and although truth and fiction were mixed in them, considering that Est was such a powerful spirit, it would not be surprising to find a mention of her in one of the ancient records.

    "It''s decided, now hurry up and get ready to go!"

    "Mhmm, we can''t be cheerful cooped up indoors all the time."

    "And being so close to the port, there are many shops set up here too."

    The three girls crowded together, all trying to take Kamito''s arm.

    "Wait, let me first change into my uniform... Also, you don''t want to go out dressed like this either, right?"

    "Aaah! O-Of course not!"

    The girls blushed and quickly let go of Kamito.

    Part 2

    So ¨C

    Kamito and his friends, dressed in their uniforms, took a carriage ride to the port.

    The sacred Biblion was apparently located not too far from here; in and simple wooden structures were set up side-by-side in this area of the port, creating a lively atmosphere like that of a shopping street holding a celebration.

    In addition, the various countries of the continent had alsobined to raise funds for various food and entertainment facilities to wee the spectators of the de Dance.

    Because this was the original spirit world, which humans were forbidden to live in, this fantasy street would only appear for a few days.

    It was a sight only visible during the de Dance.

    "Wow ¨C clear skies today."

    "Mm, because we are on the clouds, of course."

    ire stretched like a cat as she walked, she and Kamito chatted while walking together.

    Then, a cool refreshing breeze blew past, and ire''s tresses, tied into twintails, swayed in the wind.

    Hanging distantly in the sky, the floating ind ¡ª Ragna Ys ¡ª should have stood no chance against fierce winds, but because this sacrednd had the additional protection of the Wind Elemental Lord, it was in no danger of being blown away.

    Small flying crafts flew one by one between the gaps in the clouds and arrived at the port.

    As the main event of the de Dance was about to begin, nobles from countries all over the continent had already begun to gather here.

    "This really is spectacr."

    "Only on the floating ind can you see such a view."

    Ellis and Rinslet expressed their amazement in muttered exmations.

    "... It would have been great if Fianna could havee with us."

    While muttering, Kamito raised his head to the clear, vast blue sky.

    At the moment, Fianna seemed to be searching for a way to destroy the Brand of Darkness imprinted on Kamito. She had been tirelessly visiting old acquaintances from her time at the Divine Ritual Institute.

    "Later, let''s buy some gifts to take back for Fianna, alright?"

    "Mmm, yeah."

    The te street was lined with a wide variety of shops.

    As they were only temporary stalls, the materials they were made of were not particrly impressive. However, the craftsmen or chefs working inside were top talents who had been recruited from many countries. The de Dance was an excellent opportunity to showcase the nation''s prestige so countries tended to generously spend huge sums of money on it.

    The group walked to the heart of the shopping street and passed a group of tourists who had just alighted from a flying craft.

    "I didn''t want to say this, but this ce really is terribly crowded."

    "Men everywhere... I''m starting to feel dizzy."

    Ellis and Rinslet looked around uneasily.

    It seems that thedies, having grown up in such a sheltered environment, were not used to such bustling ces.

    Furthermore, the city here was different from the academy town: men ounted for a greater proportion of the people here. Although they were among the best elementalists, here they immediately turned back into pure innocent girls. Whenever a man passing by quickly brushed shoulders with them, they would let out small squeals and press themselves tightly against Kamito.

    ire was no exception. From the very start, she had repeatedly been sticking close to Kamito then immediately pulling away.

    Whenever she leaned against Kamito, she would move away blushing; when she next bumped into a strange passer-by, she would go back to Kamito.

    (This foolish girl, what is she doing?)

    When ire leaned into him again, Kamito quickly took her hand.

    "Aaaah! W-What are you doing!"

    The fiery cat maiden cried angrily, her face red.

    "Who taught you how to walk so unsteadily? That''s awfully dangerous."

    "Well... o-okay, I''ll let you hold my hand, but in here only."

    As the two of them held hands, ire turned her gaze aside shyly.

    "You''re too cunning..."

    Rinslet puffed her cheeks unhappily, then grabbed Kamito''s empty other hand.

    "Rinslet?"

    "I-I''m afraid of you getting lost, so hold on to me tight."

    Then Ellis, too, joined in; seeing that both Kamito''s hands were full, she had no choice but totch onto his arm.

    "E-Ellis...!"

    "Hey... Captain! You''re blocking the way here!"

    "I-It''s you, not me! Let go of Kamito''s hand now!"

    "Ah... all of you, I can''t walk like this!"

    The girls, all clinging to Kamito, began to quarrel.

    They made such a scene that nearby passers-by started to whisper among themselves.

    "Quick, look over there, three noble girls are serving that young man, wow." "That''s because he''s the rumored male elementalist, you know..."

    "That''s too wicked of him, to sink his fangs into those poor delicate girls." "But, take a look at those girls'' expressions; they don''t seem to hate him at all." "They must be under some kind of strange magic spell, of course."

    (Well... this situation seems to have gotten a little worse...)

    Kamito had long been used to hostility from strangers.

    However, he did not wish to tarnish the reputations of thedies he partnered with.

    "I say... there are far too many people here, so why don''t we find somece cooler to rest?"

    "Mm, that sounds good..."

    ire and the others nodded to show their agreement. It seems they were also thinking the same thing.

    They looked around in search of a shop they could have a cup of tea at. And then ¨C

    "Kamito-san, look... there''s a La Parfait shop over there!"

    Rinslet pointed towards a chic-looking caf¨¦ across the road.

    "Say, is that the famous La Parfait!? I''ve always wanted to try their cakes."

    "If I remember correctly, this caf¨¦ is very popr throughout the empire... I-I''m kind of interested as well."

    Even ire and Ellis knew of it. Evidently, the business that had set up that temporary stall was very famous.

    "... In that case, shall we go there?"

    "Agreed!" "Yes!" "Mmhm...!"

    The trio nodded in agreement and dragged Kamito towards it.

    Part 3

    The La Parfait stall was almost fully packed, so much so that the group had to wait a little before being served.

    While sitting at the entrance waiting to be served, Kamito examined the stall''s decor. The horizontal beams of the ceiling were naturally bent like tree branches, Kamito was very appreciative of the warm atmosphere this unique wood imparted.

    "I''m surprised this is such a rxing ce. When I heard you say it was one of the empire''s most popr shops, I expected it to be much more posh and luxurious."

    "This is only a temporary stall put up for the de Dance, so of course it won''t be so well-decorated. Their regr shops are so good aristocraticdies would be willing to hide their identities just to patronize the shop incognito."

    "Oh, so that''s it... Hey, speaking of which, I''m not that loaded with cash..."

    Kamito''s face suddenly turned pale.

    A shop even noble daughters would patronize incognito ¨C this must certainly be a very high-ss shop.

    "If it were a regr shop, no matter how loaded you were, you''d still not be able to afford it."

    "The stalls are free for the participants of the de Dance."

    "I-I see..."

    At Rinslet''s words, Kamito let out a reassured sigh.

    After a while, the four were led to their seats.

    "I want a peach pie, a peach sorbet... and a peach mousse."

    ire flipped open the menu and gestured with her finger at the dessert options.

    "Why are you getting so many peach options... haven''t you already had some in the morning?

    "N-None of your business... so what if I like them?"

    "This raspberry-vored cream puff also looks delicious."

    "Y-Yes, that seems tasty."

    "Oh... This dish puts some ice cream on a fresh hot apple pie to be eaten together..."

    "Let''s order one and divide it, everyone can have some. Kamito, what would you like?"

    "Oooh... Well then, I''ll have a scone, I guess..."

    Kamito answered perfunctorily, but then ¨C

    "What''s this attitude, you seem so reluctant."

    "I really pity the dessert you order like that to eat."

    "If you''re a true man, you should pick decisively... Well, I''m talking about choosing cake."

    For some unknown reason, Kamito found himself being severely berated by thedies.

    "S-Sorry..."

    The three of them had always bickered when in training, but in these situations, they were always in full understanding.

    Rinslet summoned a waitress, and one-by-one ordered those cakes and desserts with names that would make one identally bite their tongue.

    "¨C Andstly, I''d like four cups of ck tea from the Laurenfrost area."

    "Yes."

    "Ah... e-excuse me, wait a minute!"

    Ellis called aloud to halt the waitress, who was preparing to leave.

    "Yes?"

    "Please add a little whipped cream and honey to my tea, and if you could, add some floating marshmallows as well."

    "Uh... I''m sorry, esteemed guest, but our shop does not serve that kind of drink."

    "I-Is that so? Can you not make an excepti ¨C oooh!"

    Halfway through her sentence, Ellis stopped.

    It was because Rinslet was pinching the back of her neck.

    "Hey, what are you doing!"

    "Oh my god, have you no shame! I don''t like saying such things, but the Fahrengart family must really have no ss!"

    Rinslet was very particr about tea brewing and so forbade Ellis from randomly adding ingredients as she wished.

    "So what if you''re from the Laurenfrost family, it''s just a countryside noble family with morend, that''s all!"

    "Y-You wouldn''t dare...!"

    An intense mini-blizzard blew up beside Rinslet.

    "N-No matter what, I don''t care, if it''s not sweet I won''t drink it!"

    "If that''s so, why didn''t you simply order cocoa just now?"

    "Don''t you think cocoa''s a little too childish?"

    "Only childish people would call cocoa childish!"

    "Okay, okay, stop arguing, the cakes are here."

    ire lightly poked Rinslet''s shoulder and said.

    "Hmph... no matter, next time I''ll teach our Captain how to drink tea."

    "Sweet things are just nicer..."

    Ellis said in a half-challenging manner through pursed lips.

    Not long after, the dazzling array of desserts were delivered to their table.

    ced in silver containers, each of the cakes and pastries looked like an exquisite art piece.

    At the sight of them, the anger of the two aristocratic girls vanished and was reced by expressions of joy.

    "I can''t help but feel that... to eat something so beautiful would almost be a waste."

    "These snacks are made by the very best chefs representing our empire."

    As ire spoke, she opened her mouth wide and took a bite out of the peach pie.

    "Waaah... it really is delicious!"

    "This raspberry cream puff also tastes extraordinarily refined and delicious."

    "Mmmm, there''s probably some sweet wine added to this sponge cake... I must try that next time."

    Kamito listened to the girls''ments, then put his own cake into his mouth.

    "Oh, it''s delicious."

    Although he was no food connoisseur, the sweet taste in his mouth did give him a rich and noble feeling.

    But,pared to this ¨C

    Looking at the joyous expressions on the girls'' faces made Kamito feel inexplicably happier himself.

    "Kamito, what is it?"

    "Huh? Oh..."

    Kamito was jolted out of his daze, only to find ire suspiciously staring at him. He quickly averted his gaze and feigned ignorance.

    "To think that this stall will be dismantled immediately after the de Dance, what a pity!"

    "That''s just how it is. But... there''s a shop in the empire, so we will definitely have a chance to visit again."

    "Mmm, next time we go, we must be sure to take Fianna... and Est."

    Kamito looked down at the spirit seal on his right hand and murmured.

    "Kamito..."

    "Kamito-san..."

    At this, Ellis and Rinslet raised their heads.

    "¡ªEst will return, I promise."

    ire spoke in a calm but confident tone of voice.

    "So... just trust in her and wait for her to return. The only person who can help her out in this way is her elementalist ¨C you."

    "... Mmmm, you''re right."

    Kamito nodded ¨C and then mused:

    (... Partners will make one stronger ¨C that probably refers to this feeling I''m having now.)

    Three years ago, the strongest de dancers were indeed very swift and strong.

    Solely in terms of skill as an elementalist, he was unrivaled.

    But these physical powers were fragile and would easily be crushed by a strong blow; they were strengths developed through loneliness.

    The Kamito in the past had no one to rely on.

    After losing Restia, he was left only with eternal despair.

    (Now, however, I have friends willing to support me.)

    So my heart will no longer shatter.

    I will not sink into despair again.

    (... Thus far, Est has saved me many times.)

    Kamito clenched his fist on the table.

    (¨C So, it''s my turn now. No doubt about it: I will save you.)

    Part 4

    The most important Sanctuary in the entirety of the floating ind Ragna Ys¡ªthe Grand Hall of the Wind Elemental Lord¡ªwas located atop a hilly area. It was some distance away from the building where the de dance participants were.

    This white building was made from abination of the best-quality materials and cutting-edge technology. The huge construction covered the whole of the hill; one could appreciate its majesty even from outside of the floating ind.

    It was not only the ce where the wind spirits listened to the Elemental Lord''s decrees to the sacrednd, but also where princess maidens from the Divine Ritual Institute chosen by the various nations would practice their devotions. Therefore, even the nobility of the country would absolutely not be allowed to enter.

    However, at that very moment time, there was ady outside the gate shouting anxiously.

    "Please do me a favor! Grant me an audience with Reicha-sama¨C!"

    She was individually separated from the team of five in order to work separately from Kamito ¨C Fianna.

    Wearing a rare serious look, she pleaded with the guard standing at the gate.

    "You really don''t give up do you."

    The middle-aged guard regarded Fianna with unfriendly eyes.

    Her face clearly expressed her stubbornness.

    "Please withdraw. Our Divine Ritual Institute''s gate will never open simply for any one, let alone getting an audience with Reicha-sama. Your requests will absolutely never be granted."

    The guard uttered a statement she had probably repeated many times before.

    (... This is so infuriating! These people are as stubborn as ever!)

    Fianna cursed impatiently to herself.

    Having said that, she had in fact expected such a reaction from the start, because the person she wanted to see was not someone who would meet with just anybody.

    (If I could borrow her strength, it would certainly be enough to break the curse on Kamito. But...)

    The guard looked down at Fianna, not bothering to conceal her expression of contempt.

    Evidently, she had not the slightest inclination to open the door.

    (... Well, I did know the reason ages ago.)

    Refusing to give up, Fianna bit down on her lip.

    The one she was thinking of was the Cmity Queen that had betrayed the Fire Elemental Lord ¨C Rubia Elstein.

    There had been high hopes ced on Fianna to be the sessor, but the incident with Rubia had left indelible horrors in her heart, causing her to lose the power of summoning contracted spirits, and with that, her status as princess maiden.

    And so Fianna Ray Ordesia became a lost princess maiden, thoroughly disappointing the people who had had great expectations of her and discrediting the Divine Ritual Institute.

    (... You narrow-minded people who only know how to put in superficial effort really disgust me.)

    Even her own parents¡ªThe Areishia emperor and empress¡ªand the various nobility were all no different.

    When Fianna was still the princess maiden sessor, these people had ttered her in every possible way. Once she had lost her contracted spirit powers, however, they immediately scorned and disdained her, changing their attitudes faster than one could turn the page of a book.

    Of course, not all of them were like that. It was just that the Divine Ritual Institute organization had decayed under the weight of its long history, and so indeed had a darker side.

    Seeing Fianna''s stubborn refusal to leave, the guard shook her head and said:

    "I do not wish to continue wasting my time on you."

    Having said this, she turned and went back into the temple.

    "Wait a minute¡ª"

    Fianna quickly moved to catch up with her, but¡ª

    "Aaaah!?"

    Suddenly, a fierce wind rose and blew Fianna off her feet.

    Fianna and ire were different in that they had not received specialbat training for elementalists. Toote to protect herself, she fell heavily to the ground.

    "... What!?"

    She saw something stand at the doors ¨C a magical wind spirit that looked like a winged lion.

    It was a guardian spirit; it made contracts with not elementalists, but buildings. This very building, was in fact¡ªthe true sanctuary.

    "It appears impossible to break through the front gate..."

    Fianna red at the Guardian while nursing a scrape on her lip.

    Part 5

    A sword fell in mysterious darkness.

    This shining, beautiful sword, swallowed by a sludge-like nothingness, was gradually losing its light.

    (¨C How strange. What on earth is happening to me?)

    Nheless, this sword apparently still retained its self-awareness.

    Although the disappearance of her physical body had affected her, damaging her memory ¨C

    Her memory of thatst event was crystal-clear.

    She remembered his warmth as she embraced him with both hands on his back.

    And, for just the briefest instant, the touch of their lips against each other.

    Then ¨C a harsh voice calling out her own name.

    (...K-Kamito!)

    Her radiance all lost, the sword slowly sank in the bottomless darkness ¨C

 Volume 5, 3 - Dragon Princessâ€™s Allurement

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 3 - Dragon Princess''s Allurement</h4>

    Part 1

    After leaving the cafe, Kamito and the others took a stroll near the port.

    Surrounded by the three lovelydies, Kamito still received quite a few stares from passers-by that made him feel ufortable, but since they were some distance away from the center of the shopping street, the situation was much better.

    "Can we take a look in that store?"

    Rinslet''s outstretched hand was pointing at a stall that specialized in selling aristocratic dresses.

    "No problem." "Yeah, I don''t mind."

    ire and Ellis nodded in agreement.

    "Rinslet, are you buying clothes now?"

    Kamito asked, puzzled. As the de Dance would begin tomorrow, she would not have many opportunities to wear anything else other than her uniform.

    "I''m not buying them for myself; I''m getting them for Carol and my little sister."

    "Your sister?"

    "Yes, my sister specially came to watch me show off my talents."

    Rinslet fluffed her long hair happily.

    At that moment, the maid Carol had arrived at the port ready to greet the girl Rinslet was talking about.

    "Oh, turns out Rinslet has a little sister too... I imagine she must look just like her older sister; she must be a beautiful, pleasant child."

    "K-Kamito-san, w-what nonsense are you spouting..."

    At Kamito''s casual thoughtless chatter, Rinslet blushed, embarrassed.

    "M-My sisters are very good-looking as well!"

    "My sister Velsaria is a beauty too!"

    "Uh... why are you guys suddenly saying all these..."

    ire and Ellis felt an inexplicable sense ofpetitiveness.

    "Well, I''ll wait patiently outside. Call me when you''re done."

    As Kamito turned to leave, ire tugged on his sleeve to stop him.

    "You have toe in with me."

    "... Why? This shop only sells girls'' clothing, doesn''t it?"

    "I-It doesn''t matter... we have to stay together."

    "Well... Hey...!"

    Kamito was forcibly pulled into the shop by his sleeve.

    The shop was unexpectedly spacious. In addition to fashionable clothing, it also sold items like underwear.

    "Well then, let me first pick out something for my sister."

    Rinslet happily disappeared into the shop.

    "Kamito, wait here for me... I''ll go try something on."

    "Try something on?"

    "... U-Uh, I mean, so you can help me make a decision."

    ire''s cheeks flushed.

    (... Oh, I get it.)

    Kamito was struck by a sudden understanding and could not hold back a smile.

    Having grown up in a sheltered aristocratic family, ire was probably not used to choosing her own clothing.

    (... Nheless, it''s hardly a good idea to ask me for advice.)

    "I''d be d to help... but I take no responsibility!"

    "It doesn''t matter, I just want your thoughts."

    ire lifted her twintails proudly, smiled sweetly and said:

    "I want you to admire me after my gorgeous makeover."

    "I look forward to it... But, with so amazing a model, I''m sure any clothes you pick would look good."

    "... S-Stupid! You''re talking nonsense again!"

    ire flushed at Kamito''s teasing and left with her face red.

    Part 2

    At the instant ire left Kamito''s side ¨C

    (... Good opportunity!)

    At a corner of the shop, Ellis was silently shouting to herself.

    Now all the hindering people were out of the way.

    Of course, as a Knight, Ellis prided herself on her honesty and nobility.

    Normally, she would never take such actions behind the backs of the other two.

    However, some things were too important to concede.

    (Now is the perfect time!)

    Ellis firmly pursed her lovely lips.

    Upon further reflection, ever since arriving on this floating ind, she had always been half a beat slower than the other two.

    The outfit she wore to purify herself in theke was the inpetition swimwear, the evening gown she so painstakingly prepared was no match for ire''s superior beauty, and even just now, she had been slower than ire and Rinslet to hold Kamito''s hand, and had to settle for his arm.

    (I-I absolutely must find some way to improve my position right now...)

    Ellis secretly shot a look towards Kamito''s side profile.

    It was a face she was very used to seeing; nevertheless, it set butterflies aflutter in her stomach.

    To think that at first she held prejudices against him just because he was a male elementalist.

    She had thought he would destroy the strict discipline of the Academy, and that he was an enemy of hers.

    However, things had changed.

    (Kamito... I ¨C)

    A new emotion budded in the heart of this young girl, who had previously known only of a strict education.

    She still could not figure out what this unknown feeling was.

    Nheless ¨C

    (Kamito, I would love to find out more about you...)

    Ellis stroked the ribbon her sister¡ªVelsaria¡ªhad given her.

    She felt doing that would help her muster her courage.

    Suppressing her rapidly throbbing heart, Ellis took a step forward.

    Part 3

    A tug.

    "Huh?"

    Feeling a pull on his sleeve, Kamito turned his head and saw ¨C

    Ellis, who was red-faced, had her hand on the sleeve of Kamito''s uniform.

    "Ellis... what is it?"

    "That... ce with me!"

    "...?"

    Tugging at Kamito''s cuffs, Ellis pulled him into a small room partitioned off by curtains.

    It turned out to be a dressing room with a huge mirror.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "K-Keep it down! Do you want to be sted into crabmeat butter croquettes?!"

    Ellis unsheathed her sword with a hiss, leaving Kamito with no choice but to raise both his hands and nod in submission.

    "... But, why are you bringing me into a dressing room?"

    "Uh, uh, actually... i-it''s because I want you toment on the clothing I try on."

    "Comment on clothing?"

    "Right. It''s a rare opportunity, so I''d also like to buy some clothes. It''s just that... I''m ashamed to say I don''t exactly know much about girls'' dresses."

    ... Oh, so she wants me to give her some advice?

    (Something isn''t right. ire and Rinslet are both here, so why pick me?)

    "If it''s girls'' outfits you need help with, I think it''s better you ask the shopkeepers."

    "... Oooh, I-I just want to know what you like!"

    "Oh... so that''s what it is..."

    At Ellis''s ferocious re, Kamito could not help but take a few steps back in fear.

    "...Well, all right, what clothing would you like to try on, Ellis?"

    "Ah... uh, right now I''m torn between these two pieces ¨C"

    Ellis coughed loudly ¨C

    Then took out two different articles of clothing and presented them to Kamito.

    "Oh, so it''s a choice between ck and white..."

    The cloth before him was dotted with intricatece flowers.

    The fabric was smooth and gave off a sense of quality. It should probably be silk? The upper edge was also lined with lovely lotus leaf decorations ¨C

    "... Hey, isn''t this underwear!"

    Kamito spat, repelled.

    No mistake about it, what Ellis was holding was indeed a set of high-ss underwear.

    "Well, answer quickly... w-which one do you like!"

    Ellis herself seemed embarrassed; as she asked her question, her face flushed bright red.

    "Y-You want me to choose..."

    Kamito swallowed.

    Ellis''s face bore an extremely serious expression. She did not look like she was joking in the slightest, but was genuinely wanting Kamito''s advice.

    On the one hand was pure and lovely white.

    On the other was mature, sophisticated ck.

    (Ellis is a high-spirited, brave and heroic Knight Captain...mon wisdom would say to pick white, I guess.)

    ... No, precisely because of this, the reverse thinking might be better.

    For an honest and pure girl like Ellis, if she wore mature and womanly ck underwear... the contradiction would certainly be arousing.

    "Kamito, h-hurry up and decide, please! This is really embarrassing."

    "Oooh, I know..."

    Kamito nodded hastily and made his decision:

    "... I would choose the ck, I think the mature ck underwear suits you well."

    "Y-Yes, really... On days where the difference between winning and losing is critical, I''ll often wear ck underwear."

    Ellis nodded, apparently satisfied.

    Say, that time he had identally peeked in on the girls changing clothes at the Sylphid Knights'' general meeting , Ellis had also been wearing ck underwear... which means to say there had been some important game that day?

    "T-Then I''ll get this, next I just need to make sure it''s the right size."

    "Mmm, then... I''ll leave first ¨C"

    Kamito sighed in relief and started to move out of the dressing room. Then ¨C

    "Oh no... that rascal Kamito, where on earth has he gone now? I clearly told him to wait here!"

    Kamito suddenly heard ire huff.

    Surprised, Kamito quickly shut the dressing room curtain he had just half-opened.

    (... This is terrible!)

    If ire found him and Ellis nestled in the dressing room together, he would certainly be burned to a crisp.

    Kamito quickly turned to tell Ellis about ire being right outside ¨C

    "E-Ellis... what are you doing!?"

    Kamito could not help but stare, wide-eyed and tongue-tied.

    In the blink of an eye, Ellis had already taken off her uniform and put on the set of underwear.

    "Aaaaaa ¨C"

    "... Wow!"

    Seeing Ellis on the verge of shrieking, Kamito quickly covered her mouth with his hand.

    "Mmmm..."

    He used his momentum to push Ellis''s whole body against the wall, then whispered in her ear:

    "Don''t make a sound... ire''s nearby."

    "...!?"

    Ellis''s eyes widened in surprise.

    "... Kamito? Where on earth has he run off to?"

    ire was searching everywhere; by the sound of her voice, she was very close.

    Even the slightest movement would give them away.

    The duo huddled against the wall, barely daring to even breathe.

    "..."

    "..."

    A little sigh of relief escaped from between Kamito''s fingers over Ellis''s mouth.

    Through her underwear, he could feel the softness of her huge bosom. Kamito felt as if his furiously beating heart was loud enough to be heard.

    (E-Ellis''s chest was really something...)

    Her tender breasts wobbled and changed shape as his arm pressed against them.

    For some unknown reason, moist ripples were swimming in Ellis''s pair of brown eyes as well.

    ... Like this, they passed tens of seconds, that felt like forever.

    ire had probably gone somewhere else, since her voice could finally no longer be heard.

    "...Whew."

    It appears the crisis had been averted. A weight lifted from Kamito''s shoulders, and he caught his breath.

    "K-Kamito... you...!"

    Ellis quickly moved away from Kamito, and sharply red at him.

    "W-Why did you suddenly do that!"

    "... I''m sorry, it was an urgent situation, I''m so sorry."

    While apologizing profusely, Kamito turned away from the underwear-d Ellis.

    "Uhm... Never mind, in any case it was I who asked you to help me pick underwear in the first ce."

    Ellis softly cleared her throat, shyly lifted her eyes in Kamito''s direction and said:

    "Oh ¨C Oh yes..."

    "What is it now?"

    "Do you think t-this underwear really... looks good on me?"

    Ellis rubbed her attractive and alluring thighs against each other while shyly asking.

    "Ah, I think it looks good. How should I say it... I feel excited when I look at it."

    "R-Really...!"

    At Kamito''s candid answer, Ellis''s lips curved upwards in a happy smile.

    "Excellent... Then at the critical moment, I will be sure to wear it."

    "... Critical moment? Oh, you mean thepetition that starts tomorrow."

    "I hate you... That''s not at all what I meant!"

    As if she wanted to be purposely difficult, Ellis pinched Kamito''s arm.

    (... That Ellis could actually say something like "I hate you" was adorable.)

    Part 4

    After departing the dressing room, Kamito, feigning as if nothing much had happened, tapped ire''s shoulder and said,

    "¨C ire, sorry to have kept you waiting."

    "Y-You rascal, where did you go! I was looking for you everywhere!"

    "Sorry, I went outside the shop for a second... Oh, the dress you''re wearing is very cute."

    "Huh... R-Really? You really think it''s very cute?"

    A puff of hot air emerged from the top of ire''s head, and her twintails bobbed up and down.

    She was wearing a white dress of a more mature style, that was also cut very low in the front.

    Truthfully speaking, the chest area of the dress looked a bit copsed, but Kamito intentionally neglected to mention this point. Additionally, leaving aside the issue of whether or not the dress was suitable, ire was as lovely as ever.

    "Hmph... Well, never mind. From now on, I forbid you toe and go anytime you wish. You''re to stay by your master''s side, got it?"

    "All right, I get it."

    It seemed like he had sessfully managed to appease the hell cat maiden.

    Fortunate to have avoided being burnt to a crisp, Kamito let out a sigh of relief.

    "Ho ho, looks like you bought something revealing by ident."

    "W-What''s the matter with me, why would I go so far as to buy such provocative underwear..."

    As the other two waited at the front of the stall, Rinslet finished shopping for her sister and Ellis bought her underwear. The taskpleted, they headed towards the Biblion, a short walk away from the port.

    Situated on a slightly raised plot ofnd, it looked like a huge citadel from the outside.

    Like the tower where Kamito and the others were settled at, this building had also been repaired through ancient relic restoration.

    In terms of sheer size, the Biblion could notpare to the library of seals, the pride of the Areishia Spirit Academy, but it was home to many ancient rare collections and even legendary forbidden books.

    Such a ce was one where they were likely to find a way to destroy the Brand of Darkness eroding Kamito, or even a clue as to how to bring back the disappeared Est.

    As Kamito and the others entered the building, the sight that greeted them was that of innumerable bookshelves, each as high as the ceiling.

    "This library sure is huge..."

    "We''ll take charge of researching the Brand of Darkness. Kamito, go look for clues on Est ¨C there should be quite a bit of information here about legends of the Demon ying Sacred Sword."

    "Oh, okay."

    Kamito nodded to show his agreement, then walked to the bookshelf that held records of legends from all across the continent.

    On his way there, low murmurs of the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens whispering to each other floated into his ear.

    "Quick, look, it''s the male elementalist." "He''s the pervert we''ve heard rumors about?" "Careful, don''t look at his eyes, you''ll be defiled!"

    (W-Why do even the princess maidens in the Sanctuary know of those rumors about me?)

    Kamito sighed heavily and began searching for documents about the Sacred Sword.

    Part 5

    Meanwhile, ire and the others, led by the librarian, had entered the sealed archives located underground.

    After all, the curse Kamito bore was one even Fianna¡ªonce the second-best princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute¡ªcould not destroy.

    As such, it would be a waste of time to simply browse literature on general spirit magic. Therefore, after some thought, the girls decided to instead focus their research on the forbidden books in the sealed archives.

    The forbidden books covered quite a diverse range of content; for example, some held confidential information on the curse-bearing seal¡ªa technique many countries had now banned the research of.

    "Given the nature of that curse, it might be something simr to the curse-bearing seal."

    "That is a possibility... Furthermore, there are also signs that Ren Ashbell''s Alphas Theocracy is secretly conducting research on the curse-bearing seal ¨C"

    "While we''re at it, it might be better if we investigated the Alphas Theocracy as well."

    One by one, ire and the others began flipping through the forbidden books disyed on the shelves.

    Although they were all aristocratic daughters from distinguished families, just their princess maiden status alone would not get them ess to these forbidden books.

    All of them could have ess to these books only because of their particr situation¡ªthey were participants in the de Dance.

    "Records of the punitive expedition of S-rank spirits in a deep sleep in the spirit forest... nope."

    "Data on the curse-bearing seal collected during the time of the Blue Baltic War... Oh, this one might contain a clue."

    "... Ancient Taboo Magic... This book should be useful¡ªAhhh!?"

    While looking through the collections, Ellis let out a shriek of shock.

    "Ellis, did you find a clue!?"

    "What''s happened to you? Why is your face so red?"

    "N-Nothing! It''s nothing at all ¨C"

    "...?"

    ire stole a nce at the book was Ellis holding open.

    Then ¨C

    "Ah ah ah! W-What is this!"

    ire blushed hotly as well.

    The picture on the book was a portrait of a princess maiden in a very indecent position.

    The taboo ritual magic¡ªthis book''s content was so explicitly realistic that even ire, who had a soft spot for provocative romance novels, could not help but take three steps backwards.

    "N-Nasty... this is simply too obscene!"

    "Captain, you pervert!"

    "N-No! I was looking for books about rituals and identally took this one, that''s all!"

    From the way Ellis was hurriedly shaking her head in denial, one could tell this noble Knight girl had been quite shocked.

    "..." "..." "..."

    They were silent for a while.

    Looking at the taboo book before them, the girls swallowed nervously.

    "I say... w-why don''t we flip through it briefly and take a look?"

    ire proposed a suggestion, a note of slight hesitation in her voice.

    "... T-That could be good, there might be something useful in there, you never know."

    "Y-Yes... one can''t deny there is such a possibility ¨C"

    Rinslet and Ellis both nodded, but averted their nces, notfortable with looking at each other.

    ire nodded and psychologically prepared herself, then began flipping through the book with trembling fingers.

    Then ¨C

    "... Wow!? W-What is this thing! I-I don''t understand..."

    "What''s going on... b-blindfold him, and then do something like that... aaaah!"

    "Is t-this... a man''s... thing?"

    "Put it i-in one''s mouth... and... a-also lick it?"

    "T-To go as far as to put that in between one''s breasts... ew... h-how could one be willing to do such a thing!"

    "..." "..." "..."

    These girls were rtively innocent and would be shy to merely hold hands with a boy of their own age.

    The impact of peeping into the unknown world left them suddenly speechless.

    The only sound to be heard was the flipping of pages, echoing in the silent sealed archives.

    In all honesty, all three of them thoroughly enjoyed what they saw.

    Part 6

    While ire and the others were getting excited in the underground archives ¨C

    "... Whew... when I finish reading these, I will have died of exhaustion."

    Kamito moved the heap of documents onto the table and began his investigation on the legends of the Sacred Sword.

    The Demon yer Sacred Sword¡ªalso known as the Sacred Sword of Severian, was a highly prized sword of legend.

    The source of this name came from the Sacred Queen¡ªAreishia Idriss''s legend.

    She was the wielder of the Sacred Sword, as well as the one who vanquished the Demon King.

    There was no one on this continent who did not know her name.

    Surprisingly, however, most people knew only the name of Areishia Idriss, and not the truth of her exploits. Furthermore, future generations had embellished many of her legends, such that the truth was virtually impossible to know.

    (... All right, never mind, the great Sacred Queen isn''t important.)

    His immediate priority right now was the Sacred Sword she wielded.

    Only paying attention to phrases rted to the Sacred Sword, Kamito flipped through the document quickly.

    The Sacred Sword able to vanquish the Demon King was definitely no ordinary weapon.

    The most likely argument was¡ªthe Sacred Sword had in truth been created from high-level spirits.

    After eliminating the Demon King, the Queen Areishia had apparently sealed the contracted spirit that had fought alongside her all the way in one of the swords inside the castle of the devil king.

    The sword used to seal the spirit, the sword that she had relied on to do all this, was the Sacred Sword of Severian.

    As for the reason why Areishia would want to seal her own contracted spirit inside the sword¡ªno one knew. Simrly, there was much spection as to her whereabouts after she eliminated the Demon King, but no conclusive answer.

    Kamito closed the book, speechless..

    (The conclusion is... we still cannot say anything for certain; what is unknown is still unknown.)

    Although they had essed a wide range of documents, virtually all of them contained only hearsay with no basis in fact.

    As for the spirit forest that Est had originally been sealed in, he could not find anything more detailed than what was already in the library of seals.

    ¨C Having said that, however, Kamito had not had high hopes in the first ce.

    (However many simr documents I look at, there is no way to bring Est back.)

    Moreover, whether or not Est was the real Demon ying Sacred Sword did not matter. To Kamito, she was his important partner, a point that would not change regardless of anything.

    "Est..."

    Kamito gently stroked the spirit seal on his right hand.

    Est, with dazzlingly beautiful silver-white hair, virgin milky white skin, and a face that usually held no expression, until Kamito stroked her head; she would then narrow her eyes in a smile to show her pleasure.

    (... Est will surelye back to me.)

    To believe in her wholeheartedly and await her return ¨C that was all Kamito could do for her now.

    Kamito got back to his feet, picked up the pile of documents with both his hands and prepared to return them to the shelves..

    Just as he finished putting all the books back to their original disy positions ¨C

    "¨C You are Kazehaya Kamito?"

    Kamito turned in the direction of the sudden call.

    "Oh my god!"

    The youngdy before him was one he had met before.

    The reason for Kamito''s inadvertent shocked scream was because he really did not want to bump into such a person.

    "What the ¨C is that a greeting you thought up yourself? Kazehaya Kamito?"

    The girl frowned unhappily.

    With thick bright shoulder-length ck hair, she had an icy kind of beauty.

    The girl was wearing a beret iid with the crest of a flying dragon, as well as a ck military uniform that gave her a majestic aura and suited her very well.

    She was also staring coldly at Kamito through her sses with a strong and forceful gaze.

    She was a contestant from Dracunia, Leader of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor ¨C Leonora Lancaster.

    In this de Dance, she was among the more promising elementalists and favorites to win the tournament.

    However, she was also a dangerous girl who was seeking to physically deal with Kamito''s lower half.

    "Y-You fool, what are you doing here?"

    "What a stupid question. Obviously, I''m gathering intelligence on other countries'' teams."

    Leonora pushed at her spectacles with her middle finger, gave Kamito an exasperated look and replied.

    So that was it... Indeed, there were some documents in her hands. Despite possessing power few other yers could rival, she still put in the effort to find out about herpetitors ¨C she truly was a formidable opponent.

    Kamito then raised a question about another thing he had realized:

    "You didn''t wear sses before, did you?"

    "... You really are a worse pervert than the rumors say, if even such subtle changes cannot escape your notice."

    "Uh... is this a subtle change?"

    ... If it were a change of hairstyle, he might not notice, but sses were rather difficult to overlook.

    "I only wear them to read. My eyesight is actually quite poor. I use spirit magic during the de dance to strengthen my vision."

    The Dragon Knight maiden stared coldly at Kamito and continued:

    "Say it directly if you wish... say I don''t look good in sses."

    "Ah...? Not at all, I think the look suits you, I think it''s very cute."

    "W-What nonsense are you saying! You pervert with a sses fetish!"

    "What now..."

    The sudden and inexplicable scolding left Kamito squinting and mumbling in confusion.

    Leonora cleared her throat and replied with a question of her own.

    "And you, why are youing to a ce like this?"

    "... Ah, uh, because I wanted to investigate some things."

    It would be a disaster if hispetitors learned about him losing Est.

    Kamito gave a vague answer hoping to evade the topic, but ¨C

    Leonora suddenly turned her gaze towards the shelf Kamito had returned his books to.

    "So, the thing you''re investigating has to do with your contracted spirit?"

    "... Ah!?"

    Surprised, Kamito instinctively fell into abat pose to fend off an enemy.

    "... Even you guys know about it?"

    "Are you referring to ¨C your sword spirit''s disappearance?"

    "..."

    Leonora''s frosty gaze seemed to pierce right through Kamito.

    "Sorry, I took the liberty to spectate the battle between you and the militarized spirit."

    "... So that''s how."

    Apparently, she had seen the full course of the battle between their group and Muir Alenstarl.

    At that time, in order to prevent anyone from bing aware of the battle outside, Ren Ashbell hadid down arge-scale Istion Barrier around the tower, but it had not deceived an elementalist as powerful as Leonora.

    "So you just silently watched ire and the others get hurt?"

    "Did I have an obligation to enterbat to rescue them?"

    "This..."

    Kamito forcibly swallowed nasty words of usation.

    She did indeed have a point. By no means was she obliged to extend a helping hand to a rival team''s elementalists.

    "You are too naive. The de Dance is no friendly contest, it is a symbolic war with matters of national prestige and prosperity at stake."

    Her line of reasoning was quite correct.

    The victorious country of the de Dance would receive all manner of blessings from the Elemental Lords ¨C the influence of this was huge, and it could even affect the fortunes of the entire country.

    Furthermore, the Dracunia Knights were surely not the only ones who had watched the skirmish on the side.

    "In any case, I''m sure you guys loved watching us beat each other bloody."

    She was not to me ¨C although Kamito understood this in his heart, he could not keep the harsh words from escaping his mouth.

    "No... in fact, regarding the disappearance of your sword spirit, I''m also very sorry."

    Shaking her head, Leonora spoke up unexpectedly.

    "I could feel that spirit had strength to equal my Dragon yer Sacred Sword ¨C as a knight, I had very much hoped to do battle with you at your peak condition."

    Looking at her sincere expression, Kamito''s response was ¨C

    "Leonora, you''re mistaken."

    "Mistaken?"

    "Est has not really disappeared. Also... her real strength is far more than you know."

    "... Oh, if that''s so, I''m sorry."

    Leonora smiled and nodded in understanding.

    It was perhaps an illusion, but in that moment, her pupils seemed to change color.

    "I don''t intend to go easy on you, though. As the saying goes in our country¡ª ''The dragons of Dracunia will go all out to take down even hunting lions'' ¡ªI will do everything in my power to defeat you."

    "That''s fine... show me what you got."

    Kamito replied indifferently, but sighed bitterly to himself.

    (This girl really is a rival...)

    Leonora Lancaster possessed solid power and could stand up to the strongest elementalist in the Academy ¨C Velsaria.

    The Nidhogg she summoned was a dragon spirit that had been able to, in a single blow, instantly vaporize the militarized spirit that attacked the flying ship. The extent of its power was hard toprehend.

    However, that was not where the true power of this dragon girly.

    Although she also had overwhelming strength, it did not make her arrogant. She was notcent or careless even against weaker opponents ¨C this impable temperament was her most threatening weapon.

    With things in their current state, with Est lost, they really could not fight her.

    "Well, if you insist ¨C"

    All of a sudden, Leonora abruptly pushed Kamito against the bookshelf.

    "... You!?"

    Kamito just barely stopped himself from shouting.

    A pair of upwardly curving eyes regarded Kamito from beneath sses.

    The faintly sweet smell of shampoo tickled Kamito''s nose.

    "... W-What do you want!?"

    "Wasn''t it you who just said ''show me what you''ve got''? Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora held her index finger to Kamito''s lips, and stepped even closer to him.

    Her perfectly bouncy breasts pressed tightly against Kamito''s arm.

    (... This... this one''s chest really is unexpectedly big!)

    She probably dressed to cover her figure, like Ellis.

    (... I''m so stupid, this isn''t the time to have such nonsense thoughts!)

    Although the two of them were hidden by bookshelves, there were several princess maidens nearby. If they were caught, they would surely be sent to the Divine Ritual Institute''s council for this delinquency.

    "Your heart''s beating faster, is my body getting you excited?"

    "D-Doesn''t that go without saying? To be held so tightly by s-such a cute girl as you ¨C"

    "... C-Cute? Me?"

    The dragon girl stared with wide eyes in surprise.

    "That''s the first time... any man''s said something like that to me..."

    "A-Anyway, let me go!"

    "How will that do."

    "... What do you mean?"

    "As I just said, ''The dragons of Dracunia will go all out to take down even hunting lions.'' After seeing your battle against Muir Alenstarlst night, our country''s military personnel made an emergency decision to change our strategy against you.

    "Strategy against me?"

    "Which is to chop off your thing before you sink your evil clutches into any of your princess maiden Knight teammates."

    "That''s your state policy!?"

    Kamito could not help but roar.

    Dracunia... that country was more terrible than he had even imagined.

    "But our military also came to another conclusion ¨C as you are the only male elementalist in the world, it would be a terrible pity to have such an outstanding bloodline end just like that."

    "... Oh, I think I understand what you mean."

    Kamito said under his breath, rolling his eyes.

    In simple terms, they were currently in a situationmonly known as the Beauty Trap.

    "Obediently grovel at my feet ¨C Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora was whispering sweet words that turned one''s head numb.

    (T-This girl, she really haspletely changed fromst time...!)

    Previously, Kamito only had to identally brush against her chest for this Dragon Knight maiden to faint; she had originally been more innocent than even the Academy girls.

    Even if it was because she had been ordered to do so, how did she manage to tempt Kamito like this?

    The girl before him ¨C seemed to be an entirely different person.

    "Hey, are you even..."

    At that moment, Kamito suddenly realized ¨C

    Leonora''s originally ck pupils now had a smoky red coat, as if burnt by a me.

    (... What''s going on?)

    Just when Kamito was frowning in thought ¨C

    "You really are a stubborn man who refuses to obediently submit, contrary to what the rumors say..."

    Leonora picked the skirt of her uniform up by both sides, and slowly lifted it upwards.

    "... What!?"

    At this, Kamito''s heart involuntarily started to throb.

    Apanied by the sound of cloth friction, her skirt approached even closer to the edge of modesty.

    For some unknown reason, although it had already long passed the warning line ¨C her panties were nowhere to be seen.

    "Hey... y-you''re going to expose your panties!"

    "You needn''t worry, as servants of the dragon, we Dracunia princess maidens... don''t have the habit of wearing panties."

    "How is that nothing to worry about!"

    Indeed, he had heard of elementalist princess maidens choosing not to wear underwear to enhance their connection with their spirits.

    "Abandon resistance, then proim your eternal loyalty to my country."

    "P-Please stop...!"

    In pace with the rubbing sounds of fabric, in only a second, her skirt would bepletely lifted. Then ¨C

    "Y-You two! Wh-Wh-Wh-What unspeakable things are you doing!"

    "...!?"

    *Gogogogogo...!*

    It was none other than ¨C

    ire, her shoulders quivering and her red twintails bristling in anger.

    "D-Disgusting... that you would think to do something so immoral and depraved in the sacred Biblion..."

    "We left you alone for just a moment, and you take the opportunity to do such a thing!"

    Ellis and Rinslet were also ring at Kamito furiously.

    "N-No, it''s not what you think! It''s..."

    "Disturbed by hindering nuisances..."

    With a sigh, Leonora swiftly separated herself from Kamito.

    "... Leonora?"

    Kamito looked at her, puzzled, and realized something ¨C

    Sometime ago, the burnt smoky red ze on her pupils had disappeared, to be reced by the original ck.

    Additionally, the look on Leonora''s face suggested that the something possessing her had just disappeared.

    "I''m very sorry, just now the Dragon Blood in my body seemed to have awaken carelessly."

    "Dragon Blood?"

    This strange word left Kamito puzzled.

    However, ire''s alert ears twitched.

    "¨C Then... We''ll continue some other time. The next time we meet will probably be on the battlefield."

    Leonora turned and quickly marched, military-style, from the scene.

    "..."

    Kamito watched her image move increasingly further away.

    "... Go on, speak... You rascal, what were you doing with that woman?"

    ire questioned Kamito coldly.

    "I bumped into her identally, and we just shared some idle chat about the main event tomorrow... I swear."

    "... Ooh, is that so? Forget it."

    "Have you found out anything about Est?"

    "No, there was nothing useful... what about you, any findings?"

    Kamito returned the question, then ¨C

    The threedies blushed tomato-red.

    "W-We found nothing!"

    "Right! A-And also, we definitely didn''t peek at any taboo magic books, oh!"

    "T-That is...!"

    "...?"

    At their distraught reactions, Kamito frowned in confusion.

    Part 7

    It was sunset by the time the group left the Biblion.

    On the return carriage, Kamito asked ire:

    "Hey, remember the Dragon Blood Leonora talked about just now? What is that?"

    "... About that, I''ve only ever heard rumors."

    Resting her cheeks on her hands, ire mused:

    "That''s a specific kind of constitution... It''s said that people with Dragon Blood will very rarely be born as princess maidens in service of the dragon. Legend has it that when the Dragon Blood awakens in the princess maiden''s body, she will be one with the dragon."

    "Be one with the dragon?"

    What on earth did those words mean? It was difficult to understand.

    However, what he could say for sure was that ¨C Leonora had obviously be apletely different person just now.

    (To think that such a noble Dragon Knight would actually be like that...)

    Recalling the touch of her soft breasts set Kamito''s stomach aflutter.

    "Hey... Kamito, you aren''t thinking nonsense, are you?"

    "N-No, I''m not... just thinking that Leonora is quite the formidable opponent, that''s all ¨C"

    "R-Really, yeah, if it were that girl''s chest... she should be able to put it in between!"

    "Between? Between what?"

    "O-Or, you could say... unless you mean, your measurements are sorge that even that girl would not be able to fit it...?"

    "... What?"

    Confused, Kamito looked towards Ellis and Rinslet, sitting opposite, and for some unknown reason, they were both red-faced with embarrassment.

    (Oh well, never mind...)

    Kamito lowered his body slowly onto the carriage seat.

    Gazing out the window at the scenery, he noted the sun setting gradually into the hills.

    The mainpetition of the de Dance, the war, wouldmence tomorrow.

    It would be a long day, full of arduous de Dance presentation.

    Today was thest day he would have so much leisure time to enjoy with his teammates.

    At this thought, Kamito inadvertently reached out a hand to touch her ¨C his partner sword, usually always hanging at his waist.

    "..."

    However, his hand met only emptiness.

    He could feel not even the slightest pain from the spirit seal on his right hand.

    Part 8

    The sword, luster all lost, fell for what felt like eternity through an endless darkness.

    She was not dormant, yet not conscious, only silent and still.

    Whether to call this feeling peace or torture varied from person to person, but truth be told, these additional definitions were meaningless ¨C stillness was stillness.

    The sword sank in the pitch-ckness; it was a world with nothing bar darkness.

    Kamito...

    Her power almost all lost, all the sword spirit could do was to call his name.

    Kamito... I am your sword, so ¨C

    The spirit whispered, and at that moment ¨C

    Out of the darkness suddenly shot a dazzling light.

    The figure that appeared in the light was ¨C a naked, pale-skinned, silvery-white-haired maiden.

    She looked just like Est in human form.

    ¨C Who are you?

    The sword asked the girl before her.

    I am the consciousness of the one... previously known as the Demon yer Sacred Sword.

    The silvery-white-haired girl answered, her expression nk.

    You... are me?

    Yes. You are me ¨C whereas I, am youplete.

    At her answer, Est finally understood the true identity of the girl.

    You are my ''body''... right?

    Yes, I am your higher physical presence.

    The girl nodded, expressionless.

    She was the highest-level sword spirit with overwhelming power ¨C the real Demon yer Sacred Sword.

    When Est had made an iplete spirit contract with Kamito, she had split into two individuals.

    Perhaps it was because Est had lost her power and was on the verge of disappearing that the loop joining the two of them could once again reconnect.

    I cannot stay for much longer.

    The girl who looked exactly like Est gently stretched out her right hand to her ¨C

    Andmanded in a cold expressionless voice:

    Imand you to immediately destroy the contract with Kazehaya Kamito ande back to me.

    For her, this was a request there was no denying.

    After all, Est''s contract with Kamito was an informal, happenstance event in the first ce.

    Because the Demon yer Sacred Sword had not originally intended to make any contracts with elementalists.

    Even she herself did not know why she had let herself be the contracted spirit of that boy.

    These conflicting emotions split to form Terminus Est ¨C this was the origin of the other Est.

    However, now that the contract Gate between Est and Kazehaya Kamito was closed, she could take advantage of this time to fuse back the missing piece Terminus Est.

    Unexpectedly ¨C

    ... I-I refuse.

    The sword¡ªEst¡ªturned down the outstretched hand of the Sacred Sword maiden.

    The sword cut through the surrounding darkness, and pointed its tip towards the girl''s throat.

    ¨C You refuse?

    I do not... I do not want to break my contract with Kamito...

    You are merely a part of me, yet you want to defy my wishes?

    I am the sword of Kamito, not something of yours.

    Est expressed her desire to refuse clearly to the maiden.

    ¨C I understand, it seems... that elementalist has germinated in you the seed of self-awareness.

    Again expressionless, the girl said quietly.

    Her silvery white hair, which exuded a faint light in the dark, whipped up violently.

    But I do have to tell you, Est... you¡ªor I should say, I¡ªdo not have the right to be the sword of any person.

    ... I don''t understand what you mean?

    Because my existence itself is a kind of sin.

    ¨C Sin?

    The sword could not understand the meaning in the girl''s words because, in the moment that she contracted with Kamito, she lost most of the memories she had inmon with her original body.

    The present Est was left with a handful of iplete past memory fragments.

    As well as the memory of the short period of time spent with Kamito and the others.

    Recall it, the sins that you ¨C and I ¨C must bear.

    The silvery-white-haired girl gently touched the tip of the sword.

    In an instant, memories flowed like a fierce torrent into Est''s mind ¨C

    Recall it, the events with the very first person to contract with me... Areishia Idriss.

 Volume 5, 4 - Laurenfrost Sisters

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 4 - Laurenfrost Sisters</h4>

    Part 1

    Kamito and the others returned to the tower just before the sun had fully sunk past the horizon.

    As with yesterday, there was a ball in the great hall of the tower. This one had nothing to do with themencement ceremony, however; it was simply an activity organized for the aristocrats, so there were virtually no elementalists participating. As they were to do battle in the main tournament event the very next day, they were simply not in the mood to go to something as frivolous as a ball.

    Kamito returned to his own room and gathered the things he would take with him tomorrow.

    The items he put into the bag included some easy-to-carry food, antern made of spirit crystals, and other necessities for survival in the forest.

    As the rules of the game limited the weight of things he could bring with him, the items had to be carefully selected

    "The individual fight three years ago was much easier than this..."

    At that time, Kamito only had to concern himself with beating the opponent immediately in front of him.

    However, this time, he would have to make ns to ensure the survival of all his group members.

    Because alone, Kamito was no match for Ren Ashbell.

    No... as things were right now, without Est, he probably did not have enough power to beat even Leonora Lancaster and the other elementalist teams.

    "... I must not be a burden to the others."

    Kamito muttered to himself. Then ¨C

    From outside the room came sounds made by lovely girls.

    "Wow, so beautiful! My sister''s hair is really pretty!"

    "Ah ah... Mireille, don''t pull my hair!"

    ... That was Rinslet''s voice.

    "What is it?"

    Kamito opened the door and walked to the hallway ¨C

    And saw a little girl yfully tugging at Rinslet''s hair.

    "...... Rinslet, what''re you doing?"

    "Ah... Kamito-san!?"

    At the sound, Rinslet turned her head in surprise.

    "Kamito?"

    The little girl ying with her hair turned to face Kamito too.

    Just like Rinslet, the little girl also had a head of gorgeous pale gold hair.

    The white dress she was wearing contrasted very nicely with her clear emerald-green eyes.

    The little girl looked to be about seven or eight. While she was still young, she looked extremely cute, and somewhat alike to Rinslet.

    "Oh wow, it''s Kamito onii-chan! Look, I see Kamito-chan!"

    Grinning widely, the girl took big strides towards Kamito ¨C

    And, with a bump, buried her head in Kamito''s tummy.

    "Ahhh... what!?"

    Stunned, Kamito could not respond, but Rinslet hastily ran over, saying:

    "Mireille, you cannot do that! You are ady of the Laurenfrost family, how can you disy such thoroughly indecent behavior! "

    "It doesn''t matter, Kamito-chan will soon be Mireille''s brother-inw anyway."

    "... What?"

    Upon hearing the girl''s words, Kamito could not help but frown in puzzlement.

    "M-M-Mireille! W-W-W-What rubbish are you saying!"

    "Huh? Doesn''t sister always write in her letters to me... ooo, ooo..."

    Rinslet quickly put her hand over the girl''s mouth.

    Kamito scratched his head and said:

    "... Uh, this kid... is Rinslet''s younger sister?"

    "That''s right. My name is Mireille Laurenfrost, and I am the third daughter of the Laurenfrost family."

    Breaking free of Rinslet''s grasp, the girl curtsied to Kamito like a perfect aristocrat.

    Her lively emerald-green eyes danced cutely.

    When she grew up, she would surely be a noble beauty, just like Rinslet.

    "I am Kazehaya Kamito, teammate of Rinslet ¨C"

    "I know, little pet dog of your teammate and my elder sister, right?"

    Mireille smiled sweetly and said.

    "L-Little pet dog, what the hell?"

    "M-Mireille! Stop talking nonsense!"

    Rinslet quickly hushed her, but Mireille simply wore an innocent look and continued:

    "Huh, that''s not right? Then, is it... boyfriend?"

    "O-Of course not! H-H-How can he be... b-boyfriend..."

    The elder of the two sisters pped her hands to her cheeks, her face so red that she looked about to go up in smoke.

    "Oooh... elder sister is embarrassed now, how cute!"

    "... Hmph, I h-hate you, stop speaking nonsense to bully me!"

    Rinslet gently patted Mireille on the back.

    Looking at the two of them, Kamito could not hold back a smile.

    (... Silly Rinslet, losing all dominance before her little sister.)

    While this scene was indeed hrious, to be mistaken for Kamito''s lover or girlfriend was certainly not very nice for Rinslet.

    Kamito gently ced his hand on Mireille''s head.

    "Ai!"

    Mireille squealed as if she was being tickled.

    "I am neither Rinslet''s pet dog, nor her boyfriend. You shouldn''t vex your sister like that."

    "... Oh... uh-huh. Kamito-kun, I''m sorry."

    Blushing slightly, Mireille nodded.

    It seemed that, like her sister, she was a naturally honest and good child.

    "Oooh... you didn''t have to deny it so thoroughly..."

    For some unknown reason, Rinslet pursed her lips and bore a slightly unhappy expression.

    Then ¨C

    "It can''t be Kamito-san, the one who captured all three of us youngdies with your sweet talk..."

    "Carol!? When did youe ¨C"

    The maid, who had appeared out of nowhere, smiled and chuckled.

    At Carol''s words, Rinslet stared at Kamito in astonishment and said:

    "K-Kamito-san... n-no, I will not have a threesome with my sister!"

    "Rinslet... Are you thinking of rude indecent things?"

    Rinslet took a step forward and reached out as if to protect her sister, while Kamito rolled his eyes at her.

    "I-I think, if I''m together with my big sister... I don''t mind doing anything at all."

    This little sister was really something, to say such odd things.

    Carol cleared her throat, pinched the back of Mireille''s neck and said:

    "All right, Mireille-san... your elder sister has things to do, so let''s be good and go back to our room."

    "Oooh... but I still want to y more with Kamito-kun."

    Seeing that Mireille was about to defiantly shake her head in refusal, Carol whispered in her ear:

    "Be good, you mustn''t disrupt your sister''s private time!"

    "Oh... t-true. I see, Carol."

    Mireille abruptly stopped her fuss and grasped Rinslet''s arm tightly.

    "Sister, I''ll be cheering you on tomorrow, you must save Judia and bring her back!"

    Her innocent, smiling expression suddenly turned very serious.

    Opposite her, Rinslet also nodded with a look of firm determination.

    "I know, leave it to me."

    Mireille gently released her sister''s arm, broke out into her original smile, and turned towards Kamito.

    "Kamito-kun, after the de Dance ends, you muste visit our Laurenfrost area."

    "Mmm, I know."

    "If Kamito-kun could really be my brother-inw, that would be so great..."

    "Huh?"

    With those words, which left Kamito shaken, Mireille ¨C

    Exited from the other end of the hallway, apanied by Carol.

    "I h-hate her... taking care of this little sister really gives me a headache..."

    "But you sure are an elder sister who really knows how to take care of people, Rinslet."

    "B-But of course, I am after all the eldest sister of the house."

    Rinslet rumpled her long hair, a little embarrassed.

    Kamito suddenly grew curious about the name Mireille had mentioned in passing.

    "Oh yes, who was that Judia person you two were talking about just now?"

    "..."

    A dark cloud passed over Rinslet''s face.

    "S-Sorry... did I just ask a question I shouldn''t have?"

    "N-No, not at all!"

    Lowering her gaze, and shaking her head, Rinslet said:

    "Judia is my other sister, the second Laurenfrost daughter."

    "So you have another sister."

    "Mmm. She''s now in the Laurenfrost castle, in a long unwakeable sleep."

    Tearfully, Rinslet told the whole story to Kamito.

    The second daughter of the Laurenfrost family, Judia Laurenfrost, was originally a highly ranked, excellent princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute. However, just a few years ago, while performing a sacrificial ritual towards the Water Elemental Lord, she made a mistake. In a fury, the Elemental Lord imprisoned her in a curse of never-melting ice.

    Margrave Laurenfrost had recruited elementalists from all over the empire in an attempt to break the curse, but to no avail. Despite possessing the power of a variety of high-level spirits, they could not break the curse.

    After that, Judia hadin unmoving, dormant in a deep sleep..

    "... a curse of the Water Elemental Lord? That must be something no human elementalist can break."

    "Yes, there remains only one way to save Judia."

    Clenching her fists, Rinslet continued: "That is the reward of the de Dance victors ¨C the Elemental Lord''s blessing. My Wish will be for the Water Elemental Lord to have mercy and bestow his forgiveness, to let me save Judia."

    "Rinslet..."

    Her words rekindled a fire in Kamito''s mind.

    (Yes, it''s not just me...)

    ire, Ellis, Fianna... and Rinslet as well. His partners in the de Dance all had a strong unshakeable motivation.

    The disappearance of Est, right before his very eyes, had dampened Kamito''s spirits and made him a little more withdrawn.

    However, he could not afford such excuses.

    Resting both his hands on Rinslet''s shoulders, Kamito told her:

    "Rinslet, we absolutely must achieve the final victory."

    "Y-Yes, you''re right!"

    Rinslet blushed and smiled happily.

    Probably because she usually preferred to wear a stubborn, haughty look, Kamito felt that this candidly smiling Rinslet looked immensely adorable.

    "Well, Kamito-san... I''ll head back to my room and get ready."

    "Sure."

    Rinslet shyly turned and dashed towards the other end of the corridor.

    "... Well then, I too will continue my preparations."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders and started back towards his room. Then ¨C

    "Hee hee... Kamito, you''re just as popr as ever."

    "Fianna!?"

    Fianna was standing at Kamito''s door, and appeared to have been there for quite a while.

    "How was it? Have a good date with ire and the rest?"

    The second royal princess smiled and teased Kamito.

    "... Date? Not at all, that was just ¨C"

    Midway through his sentence, Kamito stopped, not knowing how best to continue.

    From an objective point of view, it did indeed look like a date... maybe.

    Furthermore, it looked like an outing of a frivolous womanizer with three pure, untarnished beauties.

    At Kamito''s reaction, Fianna sighed, dumbfounded, and said:

    "Ah... I see Kamito now is not just the Demon King of the Night, but the Demon King of the Daytime as well."

    "... Demon King of the Daytime, what''s that?"

    "Never mind, it was I who got you guys to go out and have fun... from now on it''ll be my turn to show you my moves."

    "... Your turn, your moves? What do you mean?"

    Kamito tilted his head, not understanding.

    Fianna suddenly looked serious.

    "I found an acquaintance who can break the curse on you."

    "Really!?"

    While Kamito and the others were touring the streets, Fianna had been searching for people who could destroy the Brand of Darkness.

    "... Fianna, thank you very much."

    "You''re wee... However, there still remains one problem."

    "A problem?"

    "As she is a high-ranked princess maiden, I cannot simply ask her to leave the Grand Shrine, so meeting with her will be a bit difficult. Thus, I will need you toe with me personally, Kamito."

    "... Oh, so that''s it? Of course I can go with you."

    "Wonderful. So, without further ado, can I please ask you to hurry and change your clothes?"

    "Change my clothes?"

    "Yes, I recall that Kamito... you seem to be very good at dressing up as a girl?"

    Part 2

    ¨C A few minutester.

    Before the mirror in the room stood a dark-haired girl.

    "..."

    "... This is too surprising, I never expected it to be so urate."

    "You rascal, don''t tell me you''re actually pleased..."

    "N-No such thing, it''s just our only solution."

    Fianna gazed into the distance, trying to brush over the issue.

    (She''s definitely enjoying this...)

    Kamito muttered testily.

    Indeed, the reflected girl in the mirror was Kamito, wearing the ceremonial outfit of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    There was a ck wig on his head and makeup powder on his face.

    With even ayer of pale cherry-colored lipstick on his lips, he looked the very picture of a young maiden.

    "What a beauty... Although your outline is a little different, such beauty is unmistakable... You truly look like the former Ren Ashbell. If you walked the streets looking like this, you will certainly be the subject of much talk."

    "H-Hey... could you keep it down ¨C"

    Kamito instinctively looked around.

    Although they were indoors, there was no guarantee; the walls had ears.

    Upon seeing Kamito''s embarrassed countenance, Fianna smiled sweetly and said:

    "However this outfit really is a masterpiece. It''s so pretty I want to call everyone over to feast their eyes on it."

    "... Please don''t!"

    Kamito desperately pleaded with Fianna, as if begging for his life.

    "Oh... careful, with such loud cries, you''ll be heard by people in the corridor."

    Suddenly, just at that moment ¨C

    From the other side of the door came the sound of something dropping on the floor.

    "...!?"

    Kamito turned in the direction of the sound ¨C

    "Ka-Ka-Kamito!? W-What in hell are you doing!?"

    It was ire, an expression of shock and horror on her face. Scattered on the floor were things that had fallen from her hands.

    "C-ire!? Y-You''re mistaken, it''s not what you think ¨C ah!"

    Kamito rushed forward, wanting to exin himself.

    However, in his haste, he tripped over the hem of the garment and fell, and the chest pad fell out of his chest and tumbled to the floor

    ... Everyone was silent for several seconds.

    "Uh... Well, this..."

    Breaking the silence, ire opened her mouth and said:

    "N-No, it doesn''t matter... I don''t mind! O-Only... I was just surprised to suddenly find out that you have such a hobby. U-Uh... everyone has their own hobbies, after all!"

    "That''s what I''m saying, you''re mistaken!"

    Kamito drew himself upright and exined loudly, but ire yed the fool and pretended not to hear.

    "Y-You don''t have to hide, it''s all right! That... you look very appropriate in that, and I think you look pretty dressed as a girl. Although this hobby is something you probably don''t want to make public, I support you, Kamito; I''m rooting for you, yeah!"

    "I don''t need your support!"

    "Ha ha... Kamito, that''s fantastic."

    Fiannaughed, watching the duo.

    "Fianna... I beg you, help me exin this to ire, please."

    "Well, I have no choice... I would have liked to see more of this good show."

    "... What do you mean?"

    ire gave her a puzzled look.

    "It''s a long story... Kamito and I are about to sneak into the Grand Shrine, to ask a high-ranked princess maiden to destroy the Brand of Darkness on his body.

    "You mean... the Grand Shrine?"

    At this, ire''s jaw dropped in shock.

    That was a perfectly understandable reaction. The Grand Shrine was after all the most sacred area of the entire floating ind, not essible to even de Dance participants.

    "W-What do you intend to do there! Don''t you know that there are very powerful guardian spirits keeping watch over the ce?"

    "Obviously I don''t n to storm the front gates! We will enter through a secret passageway; therefore, I need Kamito to take on the appearance of a princess maiden."

    "But... t-this is too dangerous..!"

    "Then, you tell me, is there any other way to rid Kamito of the curse?"

    "T-That..."

    Seeing ire at a loss for words, Kamito gently ced a hand on her head.

    "Ah!... W-What are you doing!"

    "Don''t worry, I won''t be as clumsy as to get caught."

    "..."

    In response, ire bit her lip nervously ¨C

    "Well, all right... I know..."

    She nodded reluctantly.

    "However, in that case, I have toe along too."

    "That won''t do. The fewer people sneaking in, the better. And ire, your hair color simply stands out too much."

    "ire, are you worrying about me?"

    "Stupid! O-Of course not."

    "Rest assured, I will return Kamito safely to you in one piece."

    "... Oooh... I w-wasn''t even thinking anything of the sort!"

    "Ha ha... Well then, I''ll leave you to mind the house. Kamito, let''s go."

    Fianna waved goodbye to the furiously blushing ire, who then ¨C

    Rushed over.

    She pressed her soft chest to Kamito''s arm.

    "Hey hey! Fianna!?"

    Butterflies in his stomach, Kamito blushed.

    "Oooh... S-So what... Kamito you idiot!"

    ire rushed out of the room in tears.

    Part 3

    In this part of the floating ind, Ragna Ys, was a chain of vast underground caves.

    No one alive today knew when it had been constructed, or even for what purpose.

    There was a figure standing in this ce where even the highest ranked princess maidens were ordered to stop.

    She was the girl in the bright red mask ¨C Ren Ashbell.

    She was in an area carved into a square space.

    A stark contrast to the natural caves surrounding it, this room had obviously been built by man.

    The small stone room was in fact the sacred True Sanctuary.

    The Grand Shrine erected aboveground was merely there to provide a majestic appearance.

    There was a rotting smell wafting about the ce.

    The masked girl was staring at the ck sarcophagus ced in the middle of the room.

    The mere presence of the sarcophagus gave its surroundings a sinister and ominous air.

    "¨C I have searched for you for a long time, Ren Ashbell."

    Out of the blue came the childish voice of a young maiden.

    A gray-haired girl slowly walked out of the darkness.

    She was Muir Alenstarl.

    She, who had been missing since the battlest night, was the second-ranked "Monster" of the Instructional School.

    "It seems that the fourth person is finally here. Lily is fetching her here now."

    "Is that so? That princess really brings trouble to other people."

    The one they were talking about was the fourth member of Team Inferno ¨C Sjora Kahn. She and Lily were different from Muir in that they had not been picked by Ren Ashbell''s own people, but were elementalists appointed on rmendation by the religious Alphas Theocracy.

    The Alphas Theocracy had not provided Ren Ashbell with any information on Sjora''s abilities, because Sjora''s other responsibility was to monitor all of Ren Ashbell''s actions.

    "Muir Alenstarl... You looked for me only to talk to me about this?"

    "Of course not. Let me ask you... you fiend, what have you done to my brother?"

    Muir asked severely, as if a knife had been stabbed into her neck.

    "You are dissatisfied with how I unleashed his full power?"

    "It should be Muir''s responsibility to awaken my own brother."

    "It was not my intention to deny you that, but because of other reasons, I had no choice but to speed up the initial n."

    Ren Ashbell shrugged her shoulders, seemingly without any second thoughts.

    "And if my brother''s body cannot bear it, what do you intend to do then?"

    "If so, it will mean that he does not have the right to be the one to seed the Demon King ¨C that''s all."

    "What are you saying...!"

    At this, Muir''s expression turned sharp and murderous.

    "You can''t ept that? Then next time... wake him using your own hands."

    After saying that, Ren Ashbell tossed Muir a small, delicate ring.

    "... And this is?"

    "I got this mythical ss ancient artifact from the old fogeys at Alphas. The three militarized spirits sealed within are all weapons that were scrapped by the international guidelines."

    "Do you think Muir will be so easily bribed by this toy of yours?"

    "This is merely a token of our good friendship; please ept it."

    "... Hmph, I''ll just watch and see how long you can endure this."

    While putting on the ring, Muir red angrily at her.

    "Although Muir is helping you for now, I am not like Lily. If you darey a hand on my brother again, I will kill you without mercy."

    "Whatever... Go ahead, if you can."

    Ren Ashbell easily shrugged off Muir''s ferocious re, then ¨C

    Turned again towards the ck sarcophagus.

    "Speaking of which... What are you doing here?"

    "A resurrection ritual."

    "... Huh? What''s that?"

    "Bringing spirits of the dead back to the living world ¨C the Institutional School regards this as the most forbidden act of all."

    "Bringing spirits of the dead...?"

    Ren Ashbell was cing a chain of jewels on the sarcophagus.

    That was the Blood Stone ¨C found only in the original spirit world, such a highly prized spirit crystal contained power that ordinary spirit crystals could not possibly rival.

    Next, in a clear bright voice, she started singing a chant that sounded like a curse.

    "O Nether World Elemental Lord, I humbly beg you to call back the souls of the seeds of darkness ¨C "

    From behind the mask came some hard-to-understand spiritnguage.

    If there had been princess maidens from the Institute there, they would certainly be very surprised.

    For only the highest ranked princess maidens were permitted to sing the High Ancientnguage.

    Bump, bump ¨C from the ck sarcophagus came sounds like a heartbeat.

    Suddenly, the bright red Blood Stone shattered!

    Then ¨C

    Sizzle... Hiss... Sizzle

    With tiny movements, the lid of the sarcophagus slowly opened, and from the resulting small crack ¨C emerged something!

    "W-What on earth... is this...?"

    Muir Alenstarl could not help but flinch at the repellent, horrifying sight before her eyes.

    "He is the previous Ren Ashbell ¨C Nepenthes Lore."

    Ren Ashbell''s voice echoed brightly in the stone room suffused with the smell of rotting flesh.

    "He is also ¨C the fifth member of Team Inferno."

 Volume 5, 5 - The Princess Maiden of the Grand Shrine

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 5 - The Princess Maiden of the Grand Shrine</h4>

    Part 1

    "I never imagined that... under the Sanctuary, there are actually such enormous caves!"

    "Yes, I don''t think even the princess maidens at the Divine Ritual Institute know that these caves exist."

    Holding the spirit crystal to light their path in one hand, Kamito made his way through the gigantic underground caves.

    These caves, made by unknown men, were practically big enough to contain the entire Grand Shrine.

    In between the stctites were massive spiderwebs, bats danced in flight over their heads, and swarms of little bugs on the ground made Fianna shriek involuntarily.

    "Your highness, are you all right?"

    "I... I am but the esteemed second princess of the Empire... H-How can these mere bugs scare me... Aaaaah!"

    "Why be so stubborn... Hey, watch your step."

    As the princess let out a shrill scream of fear, Kamito grasped her hand tightly.

    "K-Kamito? Wh...?"

    "It''s a man''s duty to protect a woman... Or do you mean to say you dislike holding boys'' hands?"

    "N-No, it''s not that... It''s just..."

    "Your shriek just now was actually quite cute, you know."

    "... I-I hate you! You''re so mean, Kamito..."

    At Fianna''s pouting expression, Kamito could not help butugh.

    Although she liked to tease Kamito mercilessly, once this princess was given a taste of her own medicine, she would immediately reveal her pure and shy original side.

    "Oh, that''s right... Why would you know of such a ce?"

    "When I was still studying at the Institute, I came to this floating ind as part of a ritual for the Wind Elemental Lord. A senior told me of this ce."

    "A senior... Who''s that?"

    "The Cmity Queen ¨C Rubia Elstein-san."

    "... What?!"

    At that, Kamito let out an uncontroble yelp.

    "You are old friends with ire''s older sister?"

    "Yes. I don''t have many close friends, and she... used to be one of them."

    Fianna''s expression suddenly darkened and grew lonely, and she muttered in the past tense.

    "Here, even the highest ranked princess maidens are ordered to stop, so I too don''t know why she would know of these caves¡ª"

    Right at that moment...

    "Shhh... Don''t say a word!"

    Kamito stopped in his tracks and whispered to Fianna.

    "What is it?"

    "... There''s someone nearby."

    "How is that possible!? Only I know about th¡ª"

    Midway through her sentence, Fianna hastily fell silent.

    Because she, too, had noticed the sounds of people talking.

    ¡ªAnd if... body cannot bear it, what... do then...

    ¡ªIf so, it will mean... does not have the right to... that''s all."

    The words reverberated through the caves.

    Because of the way the cave walls reflected sound, there was no way of telling how far they were from the speakers.

    However, Kamito was certain that he had heard the voice somewhere before.

    "That''s Muir Alenstarl... So the one speaking to her must be¡ª"

    Kamito held onto Fianna¡¯s shoulders protectively, and took a deep breath to control his emotions.

    "Why would that bastard be here..!"

    No mistake about it ¨C the one talking to Muir was indeed Ren Ashbell.

    ¡ªThe very person who carved the Brand of Darkness on Kamito, and the very person responsible for the disappearance of Est.

    "Damn it..."

    If he had been in any condition to, Kamito would have rushed up to confront her.

    However, Kamito currentlycked even the ability to summon spirits for battle.

    Furthermore, he could not put Fianna in danger.

    Kamito could hence only suppress his feelings of anger and aggression, and remain silently in hiding.

    The pair''s conversation finally ceased.

    "... I think they''ve left."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito let down his guard, took a breath and said:

    "¡ªWhat... on earth were they just doing?"

    "I imagine... maybe performing some kind of ritual magic."

    "Ritual magic?"

    "Indeed. I heard what sounded like chanting in spiritnguage, but it sounded a little different to ordinary spiritnguage... It felt a little sinister, and it made my hair stand."

    Fianna''s shoulders quivered in fear.

    "Why choose such a ce to perform ritual magic¡ª"

    Kamito furrowed his brow in confusion.

    "Hmmm... Say, Kamito?"

    "Yes?"

    "H-How long are you nning to hug me for?"

    "S-Sorry!"

    As Fianna blushed furiously, Kamito hastily let go of her.

    Part 2

    "Oooh... What''s wrong withing along, Kamito you dummy!"

    Back in her room, ire muttered to herself unhappily while copsing on her bed.

    As Ellis and Rinslet were both with their families, who hade to cheer them on, ire was alone with Scarlet in the house.

    "Stupid..."

    Casting her face downwards, ire clutched her pillow tightly.

    They definitely had valid reasons, and even, in a manner of speaking, no choice but to leave her by herself.

    ... However, she couldn''t help but feel lonely, as if she had been abandoned by her teammates.

    "Who knows... what the two of them are doing..."

    As they had left the room, Fianna had even pressed her bosom against Kamito''s arm.

    Kamito had looked a little surprised, but... how should she say this... seemingly not too repelled either.

    "E-Either way, whatever that rascal does with thatscivious princess, it''s none of my business..."

    ... Nevertheless, the bothersome feeling was still gnawing away at her chest.

    "... Boys, do they all like big-chested girls?"

    Perhaps it was what she had seen in the forbidden books in the Biblion, which detailed a wide variety of rituals involving the bodies of princess maidens, but ire found herself even more self-conscious about her unimpressive chest.

    "S-So unbelievable... That one would actually wedge t-that sort of thing in between...!"

    Just the mere passing thought of it left ire so embarrassed she blushed hotly.

    "Put in between..."

    Rub rub. Squeeze squeeze.

    As a test, she gently rubbed her own tiny breasts.

    ... It was no good. With such a small chest, it was impossible for her to hold such a thing as illustrated in the book.

    The most she would be able to do was rub it on the surface¡ª

    "Aaah... W-What nonsense am I thinking!"

    Her face red, ire clutched at her pillow wildly.

    "Meow¡ª?"

    "S-Scarlet! G-G-G-Go away!"

    ire threw her pillow aside; startled, Scarlet fled from the room.

    "..."

    She was now trulypletely alone in the room.

    "... Why don''t I... t-t-try out what was written in that book?"

    ire swallowed.

    The forbidden book mentioned earlier also contained a method to erge one''s chest.

    Making use of the intelligence that had allowed her to achieve such ster grades in the Academy, ire took advantage of a moment when Ellis and Rinslet were distracted to memorize the contents of the script.

    "... I-I have to try it to know whether or not it''ll really work."

    She cleared her throat and removed a small stone from her bag.

    A low-level thunder spirit was sealed within that spirit crystal. Although this type of spirit crystal was expensive, it was also not especially rare; its original purpose was to scare away wild forest creatures.

    ire put it on her white underclothes, and through the cloth gently massaged her chest.

    "Mmm..."

    The sharp tip of the stone rubbed against her chest painfully, but ire told herself to be brave and bear it.

    She focused on her fingers, concentrating her divine power in the spirit crystal.

    The normal way of using it would be to summon a burst of divine power into it, releasing the spirit sealed within. The trick to this method seemed to be to input divine power in a slow, more controlled manner, which required much more skill ¨C however, this was child''s y for an elementalist as talented as ire.

    "Th-This will really erge my chest..? Aieeee!"

    The sealed spirit suddenly began responding, releasing weak sparks of energy into ire''s body.

    The intoxicatingforting feeling made her tremble right down to her fingertips.

    "W-What is going on... Uhhh... Aaaah!"

    ire twisted about making noises, pressing the still-sparking spirit crystal against her chest.

    "Aaaa-aaah, mmm, aah-ha, aah... oooh..."

    Unable to bear the intoxicating pain, she grasped her bedsheets in her fist and gasped deep breaths.

    "I must b-be strong, so that my c-chest will get bigger... Aaaah!"

    Suddenly, an even stronger jolt of energy surged through her, causing ire to tremble uncontrobly and lean her body backwards.

    (W-What now, I c-can''t stop..!)

    As the sweet pain coursed through her, ire felt herself begin to lose consciousness.

    "¡ªWhat, you rascal, so you''d like me to do these things to you?"

    For some unknown reason, at that moment, an image of Kamito floated into ire''s mind. The imaginary Kamito was even looking at her with an expression like in her favorite romance novels... a cool, cruel, haughty expression.

    "O-Of course not! Stupid... Stop now, don''t go on any more!"

    "Oh... You really wish for me to stop?"

    "Huh?.... Aaaa!"

    "Look at you, what are those sounds you''re making? You really are a dirty young miss."

    "Oooh, mmm... W-Who says... Aaaah..."

    "Why don''t you admit your true feelings, youngdy?"

    "What t-true feelings... aaaah... ohhh!"

    "Uh... That..."

    "... Whew... oooh... Kamito, you stu..."

    "That... ire-sama?"

    "... Huh!?"

    A voice beside her ear jolted ire back into reality.

    Outside the door stood a youthful princess maiden holding a box.

    "Waaaah... W-What are you doing!?"

    "I-I''m sorry for disturbing you! The door wasn''t locked, so¡ª"

    The girl nodded in profuse apology.

    "C-Can I help you with anything?"

    ire sat up primly, cleared her throat and asked.

    "Yes, indeed, someone requested I give you this¡ª"

    The girl ced the box in her hands on a rack beside the door.

    The box was marked with a seal that ire was very familiar with.

    "This is from Headmistress Greyworth... What could it be?"

    ire opened the box. Inside were huge quantities of books and documents.

    Part 3

    "¨C You mean to say, you had a dream about Sacred Queen Areishia?"

    "Mmm... I just can''t seem to forget about it, that''s all."

    In the pitch-ck cave ¨C

    Kamito walked along with Fianna while telling her of his dream earlier that day.

    That dream ¨C in which Sacred Queen Areishia used the Demon ying Sacred Sword to vanquish the Demon King.

    Kamito somehow felt that the contents of the dream might have had something to do with Est.

    "That would indeed be a memorable dream..."

    Fianna put a hand on her chin and thought for a moment, then said:

    "Perhaps... What happened was Kamito''s thoughts and feelings mixing with Est''s."

    "What does that mean?"

    Kamito only knew a little about these academic matters, but Fianna was once an outstanding princess maiden, so she was very knowledgeable in these areas.

    "It''s not unusual for elementalists and their contracted spirits to have a mental connection in their dreams. Especially when the Gate between them cannot be opened, such phenomenon will be even moremon."

    As Fianna talked, she gestured with her index finger.

    "When I lost my connection to my contracted spirit, I would frequently dream of a knight charging forth on the battlefield."

    The rider in her dream was probably the spirit Georgios shemanded. By the looks of it, even if the elementalist lost their power, the connection between the two did not breakpletely.

    "That dream ¨C you''re saying it''s part of Est''s memory?"

    If that were true, Est was really the true Demon yer Sacred Sword?

    "Mmm... To be sure, the picture should have been formed by the mixing of Est''s and Kamito''s memories ¨C "

    Saying this, Fianna suddenly stopped in her tracks.

    "I can understand what you''re feeling... Because the same tragedy happened to me before."

    "Fianna..."

    Kamito also stopped and turned to face her.

    The second princess of the Empire, the impending sessor to Rubia, the anticipated heir princess maiden. Unfortunately, when she lost the ability tomand spirits and became a fallen princess maiden, those around her reversed their attitudes and regarded her only with disappointment.

    For the young, innocent girl, that would certainly have been an unimaginable horror.

    "But Fianna, you did not just give up because of that."

    "That was only because of Kamito''s efforts."

    Looking at him directly, she replied.

    "My efforts?"

    "Three years ago, the de dance you presented gave me, a lost elementalist, renewed hope and inspiration. If not for you, Kamito, I suppose I would still be hiding away in the castle right now."

    "You exaggerate too much."

    Embarrassed, Kamito shook his head.

    "Of course not, moreover... Since then, I have felt towards Kamito¡ª"

    At that moment, a group of bats suddenly flew past their heads.

    "Aaaah!"

    Fianna shrieked involuntarily.

    Kamito waved thentern about, only then did the bats fly away, frightened.

    "... All right, it''s fine now. That''s right... What were you about to say just now?"

    "N-Nothing! It was nothing!"

    Fianna mumbled to herself as if to shrug the matter off, then continued onwards.

    ... For a lengthy while after, all was quiet between the two apart from the sound of footfalls.

    "Oh, Kamito, you don''t n on telling ire your true identity?"

    Fianna''s sudden question came out of nowhere.

    "Mmm, forget it... If I caused someone''s dream to be ruined, I would never be able to live with myself."

    For a longed-for dream to always remain as a dream was the most perfect situation of all.

    The strongest de dancer three years ago was long gone now.

    It would be better for "her" to remain merely in the imaginations of ire and her friends.

    "Furthermore... If they were to find out about my habit of dressing as a girl, they would surelyugh at me to no end."

    Looking down at his outfit, Kamito muttered to himself.

    "Hee hee... Does that mean I''m the only one to share in Kamito''s little secret?"

    Fianna suddenly let slip a gleeful smile and clutched Kamito''s arm tightly.

    "Hey, watch your step."

    "It doesn''t matter anyway, even if I were to trip, Kamito will catch me before I fall."

    "You rascal... Some princess you are, please be a bit more wary of men!"

    "Huh, don''t you know? In front of a boy she likes, a princess is but an ordinary girl!"

    The princess stuck her tongue out at Kamito mischievously.

    Her adorable response made Kamito''s heart quicken.

    "My dear princess, please stop joking around with me."

    "... I hate you, I wasn''t joking."

    Part 4

    After quite a while, the two of them finally arrived at the secret tunnels of the Grand Temple.

    The path overhead was blocked by a giant stone b, on which were cramped carvings of words in spiritnguage.

    The exit was right here; the courtyard of the Grand Temple was just outside.

    "Kamito, may I climb on your shoulders?"

    "Sure, no problem."

    Nodding, Kamito bent to allow Fianna to get up.

    The sensation of her tender thighs on the back of his neck made Kamito''s heart involuntarily leap into his throat ¨C how he hoped she would not get mad at him because of that.

    "S-Speaking of which... I really don''t have to hide my face?"

    "Something so suspicious would in fact make us more easily discovered. Besides, I''m a girl and even I think Kamito looks very pretty, so you don''t need to worry at all."

    "Such praise really doesn''t make me feel any better..."

    Then, Fianna chanted what sounded like a magical curse. The spirit words on the stone shone brightly blue, and the entire b split cleanly down the middle and opened outwards.

    Bright moonlight beamed directly into the dark cave.

    Night had already fallen upon the outside world, and a bonfire was burning to light the enormous courtyard.

    "¡ªIt looks like no one''s around, let''s go now."

    Fianna reached out and ced a hand on the ground, then slowly climbed out.

    Kamito leaped up in one bound, and followed closely behind her.

    Fortunately, the ritual clothing had a long skirt, so even if Kamito were to look up, Fianna''s panties would still be hidden.

    "What a pity... I''d even specially worn Kamito''s favorite knickers today."

    "I-I don''t even l-like... suspenders!"

    "Oooh, it looks like I''ve hit upon the truth!"

    "Uhhh..."

    Looking at Kamito''s vexed expression, Fianna broke out into peals ofughter.

    After climbing to ground level, the two of them hurried to the stone corridor in front of the courtyard.

    "I say... If we''re found out, will we have to escape from every single Guardian spirit here?"

    "Don''t look guilty, and we won''t be found out."

    The two of them exchanged nervous whispers while walking along the stone corridor stretched out before them.

    At that moment, a princess maiden appeared in front of them and began walking towards them.

    "Ooh!?"

    Kamito''s heart jolted, and his facial expression hardened.

    The girl drew ever closer, step by step¡ª

    Just as they were about to pass each other, she suddenly stopped before them and said:

    "Pardon me, where are you headed?"

    "To Reicha-sama''s chambers. Reicha-sama says she''s feeling unwell, so..."

    "Oh, is that so? Sorry for your trouble."

    Fianna answered the questioning princess maiden with a calm,posed expression on her face, and thetter then turned and left.

    "Look, didn''t we just sessfully pass this trial?"

    "Wow... The bravery of the princess maiden really is something else. I was so scared my heart almost stopped "

    For a male to enter the Divine Ritual Institute was absolutely unheard of. A rule of such importance had never been broken before.

    If they were to be caught, in the best case they would be executed, while in the worst case... Never mind, it was best not to think about it.

    "This way."

    Fianna, who was walking in front, gestured surreptitiously with her hand.

    Following her lead¡ª

    "..."

    ¨C The pair reached the end of the lengthy corridor, where there were a set of grand doors decorated with intricate carvings.

    The decor of this door was noticeably different to the other doors: several very pure and valuable spirit crystals were iid on the frame of the door.

    "... Uh... Fianna, may I ask a question?"

    Kamito inquired, a twitching expression on his face.

    "What is it?"

    "This door wouldn''t happen to be... Never mind, I guess it goes without saying..."

    "Indeed, it''s just what Kamito thinks."

    Fianna shrugged her shoulders at Kamito naughtily.

    "I''ve no choice... Which other princess maidens are of a higher status than I am, other than thesedies?"

    "Are you serious?"

    "Don''t worry, I''m absolutely certain."

    Finishing her sentence, Fianna knocked smartly on the door thrice, ording to the proper regtions.

    The duo waited for a while¡ª

    Finally, the grand doors gradually opened.

    The sight that greeted them was¡ª

    A red carpet that stretched out straight before them and brightly glittering spirit crystals.

    This was a sacred space, filled with the aura of somber tranquility.

    A thin curtain hung at the far end of the room; behind that was the silhouette of a small slight figure.

    "What does the visitor want? I believe I have already instructed not to have my meal¡ª"

    The high stately voice rang out into the hall.

    However, undeterred, Fianna walked forward and said:

    "Long time no see, Reicha. How have you beentely?"

    "... Huh?"

    The maiden hastily pulled aside the curtain, then ¨C her jaw dropped in shock.

    "... It can''t be, Fianna-sempai!?"

    Part 5

    Reicha Alminas.

    She was one of the Queens to have gained the honor of serving the five Elemental Lords.

    There were only five Queens in the entire continent, and they were the most eminent of all princess maidens.

    Although Fianna had said she wanted to bring Kamito to meet a high-ranked princess maiden¡ª

    He had never for a moment dreamed that she was referring to a current Queen.

    "Why didn''t you tell me this before?"

    "Because... If I had, you wouldn''t havee, would you Kamito?"

    Kamito could not hide his conflicting feelings. Likewise, the girl seated beside him was also nervously averting her gaze and looked rather uneasy.

    The girl had glossy ck hair neatly done up in braids and cute eyes like that of a small animal.

    Dressed in bright red ritual clothing, she looked like a butterfly about to take flight.

    At fifteen, she was a year younger than Kamito. Like Rubia Elstein, she was one of Fianna''s few close friends and confidantes while she was at the Divine Ritual Institute.

    She served the Fire Elemental Lord ¨C in other words, she had seeded the Cmity Queen elementalist''s position.

    Kamito had already introduced himself, removed his disguise, and revealed that he was in truth male.

    Upon discovering that Kamito was in fact male, Reicha very nearly fainted on the spot, and only managed to stay conscious thanks to Fianna''s eloquent exnations.

    "I-I-If I am ungracious, it is because it is my f-first time talking to a male..."

    "N-Never mind. I should be the one apologizing, to barge in on you suddenly like this."

    Looking at the Queen bobbing her head apologetically in his direction, Kamito also bowed his head in response.

    Despite obviously being the highest ranked princess maiden in the continent, she was nheless humble and polite.

    Due to her rank, Kamito should have used genteel, formalnguage when addressing her. However, regardless of that fact, she nheless looked like an ordinary young girl, so Kamito could not help but speak to her as an equal.

    "Hee hee, little Reicha is still as cute as ever."

    Fianna smiled mischievously and reached out to feel her small chest.

    "Ah ¨C! S-Sempai, what are you doing!"

    "Your chest seems to have gotten a little bigger?"

    "Oooh... I-I really haven''t...!"

    Reicha blushed and twisted her body defensively.

    ... Even if she was indeed an old friend, to do something like that to a Queen was pushing it a little, wasn''t it?

    Kamito broke out into a cold sweat and averted his eyes awkwardly.

    The two girls reminisced fondly for a while, then¡ª

    "Reicha, actually... I have a favor to ask of you."

    Fianna made her request with a serious expression.

    "A favor ¨C yes?"

    Reicha blinked, not understanding.

    "Mmhmm, I need to borrow your power, to break the curse on him ¨C Kamito."

    "You mean to say this male has been cursed?"

    The Fire Queen asked, turning to look at Kamito.

    "My sword spirit might have been trapped by this curse. Please save her, I beg you." Kamito ced both his hands on the ground and pleaded with Reicha with all his heart.

    "That is a curse so strong that even I cannot break it. However, you have received the blessing of the Fire Elemental Lord; with that power, you can surely destroy even the harshest of curses."

    "You are right. If I use the Sacred mes of Judgment, any curse will turn into smoke, that''s true. But..."

    Reicha lowered her head and mumbled.

    It was only natural that she would hesitate.

    Even on the behest of one of her best friends, Fianna, she was nevertheless a Queen who had to follow rules and do things by the book.

    Using the Fire Elemental Lord''s power for personal gains was an act that would never be condoned.

    A long period of silence ensued, and then¡ª

    "I know."

    "Huh?"

    At that, Kamito raised his head and regarded Reicha quizzically.

    "Because it is sempai''s request, so... But only this once; I will not make this exception again."

    The Fire Queen let out a sigh and nodded her head as if making a decision.

    Part 6

    After a while more¡ª

    "¨C Now then, let''s begin the ritual."

    Reicha, who had changed into a set of pure white ritual clothes, knelt demurely in front of Kamito.

    Her serene, assured appearance contrasted sharply with that of the nervous, embarrassed young girl just a while ago; they seemed like virtually two different people.

    So as not to disrupt the ritual, Fianna had retreated to a corner of the room to guard them from afar.

    "I''ll leave everything in your hands, R-Reicha-sama."

    "Please, just call me Reicha, Kamito-sama."

    The Fire Queen smiled quietly, then caressed Kamito''s hand gently.

    "Will you be scared ¨C I mean, scared to touch a male''s body?"

    "... To be honest, yes, a little scared. But... you are a friend of my sempai."

    "It seems like you trust Fianna a lot."

    "... Yes, indeed. Fianna-sempai was one of the only people to stand by my side."

    Reicha mumbled to herself, as if recalling a faraway memory of some past event. The rapport between the two seemed to go deeper than mere friendship.

    "Also, I can feel it, you''re not a dangerous evil person."

    "Is that so?"

    "Don''t judge me based on my looks and age. I am after all a Queen, and I am quite confident in my ability to assess people."

    Reicha said with a genuine smile.

    Her smile was full of charm and could easily mesmerize someone looking at it.

    "Now, then, Kamito-sama, please remove your shirt."

    "Oh... Mmm-hmm..."

    Kamito nodded, and took off the thin tunic he was wearing under the princess maiden dress.

    The Brand of Darkness on his chest, positioned just above his heart, had turned into a pitch-ck wound.

    "Ahhh... T-That''s really something...!"

    Reicha pped both hands to her cheeks, blushing furiously red.

    "T-This is my first time seeing a m-male''s body..."

    "Oh, is that so..."

    Kamito looked away, feeling a little uneasy.

    To have his naked body scrutinized so closely by a girl made him mysteriously embarrassed.

    "Kamito, your face is very red."

    Standing at a side of the room, Fianna said, then immediately coughed a few times.

    Reicha stretched out a hand nervously to touch Kamito''s chest.

    "... Very... very firm and solid!"

    "It''s alright, it''s a result of all the training at the Instructional School..."

    The Queen''s slim fingers wandered along Kamito''s naked upper body, making him itch slightly.

    However, where her fingers touched, he suddenly felt waves of aching pain.

    Then, Reicha shut her eyes, and solemnly began chanting a curse in spiritnguage.

    "O supreme master of all earthly mes, our harsh judge and great warrior¡ª

    These were the words of the prayer for a ritual dedicated to the Fire Elemental Lord.

    Reicha''s hair started blowing wildly as if by a hot gust of wind, and a bright white light shone at her fingertips.

    "Sacred mes of Judgment ¨C redeem our sins and cleanse our filth¡ª"

    The wordsing from her thin pale lips were the highest level of spiritnguage, the High Ancient.

    The little girl before his eyes seemed to be possessed.

    "... Oooo, uhhhhh...!"

    Kamito let out uncontroble moans of pain.

    The bright blue mes from Reicha''s fingertips were burning his skin, scorching his flesh.

    "Oww... aaaaaaaa... aaah¡ª!"

    The unimaginable pain seemed to morph into the roar of a monstrous beast, which rushed out of Kamito''s throat.

    He felt a sharp tinnitus, as if fireworks were exploding in his head. Sweat oozed from his every pore, and his muscles tensed so hard as to nearly break his bones.

    "Into ash and dust! Your mes can purify all darkness, burn away all curses!"

    The Brand of Darkness imprinted on Kamito''s chest suddenly started burning intensely.

    "... ¨C!"

    Kamito burst into wordless howls.

    In his quickly fading awareness ¨C Kamito felt a dull paining from his right hand.

    (¨C Could it be... Est''s spirit mark...!?)

    Just as he saw, from the corner of his eye, his spirit mark began radiating a bright light¡ª

    Kamito lost consciousness, and plunged into darkness.

 Volume 5, 6 - The Sacred Swordâ€™s Memories

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 6 - The Sacred Sword''s Memories</h4>

    Part 1

    In the bottomless darkness, Kamito fell endlessly.

    Engulfed by the ckness, Kamito opened his eyes in the viscous darkness.

    He could not feel the passing of time ¨C it might have been a few hours, or maybe a few seconds, he had lost the capability to perceive it.

    In this space, Kamito found a sword swallowed by the darkness.

    It was a beautiful long sword inscribed with spiritnguage.

    Upon seeing the sword, every fiber of Kamito''s body awakened.

    (¨C It''s Est!)

    He was certain this feeling could not be wrong.

    He brushed away the heavyher entangling him and approached the sword.

    But, the moment his hand touched the handle of the sword ¨C

    The sword suddenly emitted a bright dazzling light that pushed away Kamito''s outstretched hand.

    "What!?"

    A sharp pain pierced his fingertips.

    This was ¨C an obvious rejection.

    "Est... Why ¨C "

    "¨C Kamito, I cannot be your sword."

    "I don''t understand what you''re saying!"

    "¨C Because, I can recall it now. My sins... my unforgivable sins."

    "Sins?"

    In his mind, this word could hardly be linked with the beautiful, radiant silver sword before his eyes.

    "I do not wish to repeat my mistakes, so ¨C "

    (... This is... What...?)

    Kamito felt a splitting pain in his head.

    A tremendous rush of images flooded into his head.

    (... A-Are these Est''s memories?)

    Part 2

    This was a story that had happened in the distant past.

    At that time, the continent was separated into several tiny countries. It was a time of war and turmoil.

    The main characters of the story were the sacred sword of legend and a young maiden.

    Areishia Idriss ¨C this girl came from a nameless vige by the border.

    The shepherd girl had a lovely face, and she was especially proud of her head of brilliant gold hair.

    She ought to have grown up normally, fallen in love normally, led a normal life, and found normal happiness.

    However, the year she turned fourteen, an incident happened to this otherwise ordinary girl that led people to call her the Sacred Queen.

    One day, when she ascended the mountain to pick firewood, she happened upon a sword in the old ancestral hall.

    It was a sacred sword that no one in many centuries had been able to remove.

    The maiden reached out to lift the sword,pletely unaware that a powerful spirit was sealed inside it.

    In that instant, a sword spirit emerged from the dazzling glow.

    "Who are you?"

    The sword spirit''s response to the girl''s question was:

    "I am your sword, mdy. I will give myself wholly andpletely to my elementalist ¨C you."

    The girl did not know why the sacred sword of legend would pick her, a mere ordinary shepherd girl, to make a contract with. However, she innocently epted this contract.

    Truthfully, the girl felt only loneliness.

    On the other hand, the sword spirit had no feelings, and knew only to loyally serve its contracted master, the girl.

    She was not a typical spirit, but a spirit weapon crafted for use in the war during the Archeozoic Era.

    So I have no use for feelings ¨C said the sword spirit coldly.

    However, because the girl had lived her whole life as an ordinary shepherd, she could not understand such deep philosophical matters.

    That sort of thing isn''t important ¨C

    The girl was simply happy at having found her first female friend.

    "What is your name?"

    "My true name cannot be pronounced in yournguage. However, in spiritnguage, you may call me Terminus Est."

    "This name sounds a little long... How about I just call you Est?"

    "My name is not Est, it is Terminus Est."

    "I''d rather not, it''s quite hard to say. It''s decided then, your name shall be Est."

    The girl broke into a sudden smile, and reached out to pet Est on the head.

    "Mistress, please do not do that."

    Est protested with a nk expression.

    This is the story of what happened after the chance encounter of the Sacred Queen and the legendary sacred sword.

    The matter of the contract between the unknown shepherd girl and the legendary sacred sword quickly spread throughout the entire country.

    That a youngdy with no elementalist heritage could contract with a legendary-level spirit ¨C such a thing was enough to turn the girl into a savior, into a supernatural sacred queen.

    As there were virtually no elementalists in that era, people had to endure the havoc wreaked by the revolting spirits.

    And so, the girl began using the power provided by the sword spirit to bring peace to the world, by either appeasing ¨C or defeating those spirits.

    The peopleuded the girl''s efforts, and gave her the name of Sacred Queen.

    Regardless of how exhausted or unhappy she was, the girl would always have a smile to encourage others.

    There were some who were jealous of her, who despised her, and even those who only associated with her for the fame and glory.

    Despite all this, the girl still fought on, sword in hand.

    "Mistress, why do you fight for these people?"

    One day, the sword spirit asked the girl this question.

    Why fight ¨C this was the first time the sword, by nature a spirit weapon, had felt any sort of curiosity towards such matters.

    "Because this is something only I can do; therefore I must fight."

    "I cannot understand your meaning. But as I am your sword, I will do your bidding, mistress."

    "Est... Don''t say such upsetting things, you are after all my only friend."

    "... Friend?"

    "That''s fine, let''s eat. The bread I baked today smells delicious."

    "Mistress, please allow me to repeat ¨C I have no need to consume human foods."

    "... It''s really lonely eating by myself. Come on, eat with me, please?"

    "... If this is my mistress''s order, I will obey."

    The sword spirit nodded expressionlessly.

    However, one could observe a little confusion on her face.

    In her heart sprouted a very tiny flicker of ¨C something like an emotion.

    The bravery of the girl with the sacred sword slowly became known across the whole continent.

    At the same time, the terror of the most vicious demon king plunged the continent into strife and suffering.

    The countries united to send out armies to take down the demon king, but they all failed miserably. In the face of the spirit soldiersmanded by the demon king, the countries¡¯ armies could only beat a quick retreat.

    In the end, the people had no choice but to pin theirst hopes on a youngdy.

    A mere girl of only fourteen years of age, a girl who had not even experienced the taste of love.

    "Est, I must fight... I must fight, for everyone who is suffering on this earth."

    "Yes, mistress. I am your sword ¨C I will do anything for you."

    And so it was that the girl plunged herself wholeheartedly into the bloody battle.

    The sword spirit of what wouldter be known as the Demon yer Sacred Sword witnessed all this.

    She had no choice but to bear witness to the entire series of events ¨C including the tragic conclusion about to unfold.

    Part 3

    "¨C to... Kamito!"

    "Mmmhm..."

    Kamito opened his eyes to find Fianna looking at him anxiously.

    "Kamito... Are you all right?"

    "I-I fainted..?"

    "Mmm, but just for a few minutes."

    "Is that so..."

    He felt as if he had been unconscious for several hours, but it appeared as if that was not the case.

    Reicha, who was breathing heavily by the side, continued by saying:

    "I have sessfully removed the Brand of Darkness on Kamito-sama."

    "... Really?"

    "Yes, but..."

    Reicha''s face fell and she murmured in a low voice.

    "I''m afraid Kamito-sama''s sword spirit... has not yet..."

    "..."

    Kamito shifted his gaze towards the spirit mark on his right hand.

    The mark that had just been shining brightly was nowpletely unresponsive.

    "Est..."

    "Kamito-sama... During the period you were unconscious, did you see anything in your mind?"

    "In my mind..."

    Kamito rubbed his aching temples, then ¨C

    He suddenly seemed to remember something.

    A sword, falling in endless darkness.

    And being sharply rejected when he stretched out his hand towards Est.

    In that moment, Kamito recalled her memories.

    He recalled the memory of Est with a girl ¨C the first one she had made a contract with.

    What he did not understand, though, was why that memory would make Est reject him.

    "Unforgivable sin... was that it?"

    ... Was that what was trapping Est in the darkness, her unforgivable sin?

    "Ooooo.."

    Then, Reicha suddenly went limp and fell towards the ground.

    "Are you all right!?"

    Kamito quickly rushed to support her.

    Her slim bodyy weakly in Kamito''s arms.

    "Should we take you to the infirmary?"

    "Y-Yes. I''m so sorry, I seem to be a little tired..."

    "Ritual magic is very tiring, furthermore just yesterday Reicha had to perform the ritual of listening to the pronouncements of the Elemental Lord."

    "I''m sorry... It''s all because of me..."

    "Don''t say that, it''s my body that has always been weak..."

    As Reicha shook her head in denial, Kamitoy her down on the bed to rest.

    "We should make a move, the princess maiden responsible for attending to the Queens ising soon."

    "Mmmhm, I know."

    Kamito nodded in agreement, bowed deeply towards Reicha and said:

    "Reicha, thank you for saving me. I won''t forget this debt I owe you."

    "N-No need to be so..."

    "We''ll meet next time. Then, I''ll meet you as the victor of the de Dance."

    Fianna and Reicha, thetter still resting on the bed, grasped each other''s hands tightly.

    "All right. Although I cannot cheer for teams representing specific countries at the opening ceremony, you can be sure I will be supporting sempai''s team in my heart."

    Part 4

    Inside the bag that the messenger from the school had sent to ire''s room were thetest updates about their enemies.

    "In conclusion, the top priority now should be to formte a n of attack for Kamito to take action outside the battlefront."

    All alone, ire paced the empty room while reading the material, thinking deeply about battle tactics.

    "Ellis will find it too hard to attack at the frontline by herself, should I also remain at the front or not..?"

    Up until now, the n had been for Kamito to use his overwhelming force to attack at the forefront, while the other four would assist him from the side. However, with Kamito unable to summon Est, this n simply could not be used.

    The alternative she thought of now was to move ire, who would originally have been in the middle orchestrating the entire assault, to the front, and have her attack alongside Ellis. While this arrangement was nowhere near as likely to prate an enemy''s defenses as the one with Kamito attacking alone, fire and wind elements naturallyplemented each other very well, which gave them much offensive potential.

    "But... If so, I''d worry about something happening to Fianna at the rear."

    Fianna had received virtually nobat training, and her usual role was to provide assistance from the rear through her rituals, which would increase the power of sword spirits. In the previous n, ire would protect her from the center, but if ire were to be moved to the front, she would have no way of ensuring Fianna''s safety. In that case, all depended on whether Rinslet, who yed the dual roles of sniper and support fire, could protect her alone.

    "... This n must also be reconsidered."

    ire crumpled up the piece of paper she had been making notes on and threw it away.

    Scarlet helped her turn the waste paper on the floor into ashes.

    "I''ve thought for so long and I still haven''te up with any good ideas..."

    Any n she could think of had an obvious w, and none were suitable solutions.

    "... Turns out that we have always relied too much on Kamito and Est."

    ire sighed, and turned back to the documents provided to them by the Academy.

    Aside from formting their own strategies, it was important in such a long drawn-out war to also analyze their opponents'' situations, so as to take advantage of their weaknesses.

    (It goes without saying that the opponent we need to be most wary of is ¨C)

    ire flipped open the document and looked down at its first page.

    What was written on it was ¨C the Team Representing the Religious Country of Alphas.

    This document was regarding the strongest of the de dancer teams ¨C Team Inferno.

    However, the forms on the document were virtually all nk, as they had no way of finding out even the names of the team members.

    The only information they had about this enemy''s military capability was the elementalist girl who had attacked ire and the othersst night ¨C Muir Alenstarl. Frankly speaking, if there were three other elementalists as skilled as she was on their team... their chances of winning were nil.

    "Overall, let''s keep this in mind forter consideration."

    She put the document on herp, and began browsing the other reports.

    There were a total of twenty-four teams contesting in the de Dance. Generally speaking, every country could enter one team, but countries such as the Ordesia Empire, which wererge and had many outstanding elementalists, could field several teams.

    The Quina Empire in the east and the Ind Nation of Robica had two teams each, and the only country other than Ordesia to be represented by three teams was the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    Of the teams from these countries, the ones they most needed to watch out for were the "Four Gods" of Quina, the "Sacred Knights" of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, and Mi Bassett ¨C the most talented young elementalist in this iteration of the de Dance was representing the Principality of Rossvale as part of the "Rupture Division".

    And then there was ¨C

    "¨C Public Enemy Number One... the Dracunia Duchy''s Dragon Knights."

    Dracunia had emerged victorious in many previous iterations of the de Dance, and was indeed a strong country with a ster track record.

    And ire herself had seen Leonora''s power up close before.

    Her destructive Death Gaze ¨C her Nidhogg had disyed immense overwhelming force to destroy the flying craft''s militarized spirits.

    The documents supplied by the Academy listed her power as being of AAA grade.

    ire had earned an AA grade while at the Academy, and so had Ellis. Rinslet was A, while Fianna was D. However, Fianna''s grade was recorded when she was not officially studying, so it was not an urate measure. Incidentally, the one who singlehandedly took down Team Scarlet, Velsaria Eva, was graded AAA.

    Of course, because this was an overall analysis done up by lecturers at the Academy, one could not rely wholly on it to predict an elementalist''s strength. For example, even though Rinslet was graded one level lower than ire, when the two of them fought, they were often evenly-matched.

    "... In conclusion, it is just a rough guideline."

    Leonora Lancaster is a very outstanding elementalist; that was the undeniable truth.

    But here in the de Dance, in a gathering of the best elementalists, there was actually nothing exceptional about her.

    However... Leonora''s file contained something that was particrly noteworthy.

    It was information about Dragon Blood ¨C the power she gained from her special bloodline.

    Looking at Leonora''s new evaluation after the discovery of her special power, ire could not help but stare, her eyes wide in surprise.

    "¨C S level."

    Historically, there had only been a handful of elementalists ever to earn such a grade. In recent years, the young Greyworth Ciel Mais had been ranked SS level, but that truly was an exception among exceptions.

    Leonora''s power was first revealed publicly when she was fourteen. She awakened in the trial rally for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, and in a matter of mere minutes, demolished all otherpetitors who had also been hoping to join the ranks of the Knights.

    ording to the booklet, the Dragon Blood power could not be unleashed at will, but was an ability that was almost uncontrobly explosive ¨C

    "If at all possible, I hope we won''t have to face her."

    ire signed and ced the half-read booklet on the table.

    At that time, the door suddenly opened ¨C it was Kamito, who had changed back into his normal uniform.

    "Kamito... Hey, why do you look like you can barely even stand!"

    Turning pale, ire bolted up from the chair and rushed to his side.

    "... The curse-breaking ritual was more exhausting than I had imagined."

    Not caring that he was still dressed in his uniform, Kamito copsed onto his bed.

    "And the Brand of Darkness?"

    "Mmmm... All thanks to Fianna''s princess maiden friend, the curse was sessfully broken."

    Kamito unbuttoned his shirt to reveal the scar on his chest ¨C

    "Aieeeeah!"

    "What''s with that cute shrill scream..."

    "W-Who asked you to suddenly take off your clothes!"

    Blushing in embarrassment, ire yelped.

    She sneaked a nce at Kamito''s firm, muscled chest... and something started thumping wildly in her own chest.

    "But, the thing is, Est still hasn''t ¨C "

    Kamito cast his gaze downwards and shook his head.

    "Oh..."

    Looking at Kamito''s sad hopeless expression, ire could not help but also feel her heart aching for him.

    Kamito was powerful, so powerful that he left his same-age counterparts at the Institutional school in the dust.

    Precisely because of that, it was easy to forget one thing ¨C

    In truth, Kamito, like his friends, was just an easily hurt sixteen-year-old.

    ire leapt lightly onto the bed, leaned tenderly on Kamito''s side and said:

    "Don''t worry, Est will definitelye back."

    "ire..."

    Kamito suddenly lifted his head ¨C

    "... I can see your panties."

    "... Huh? Waaaahhhh! Stupid... You''re so stupid! Pervert!"

    Part 5

    The tower resonated with the music of the ball. Meanwhile, in the garden...

    Stood that girl in the bright red mask.

    "It is finally about to begin... Ren Ashbell."

    "Yes."

    A ck-winged angel suddenly fell behind her.

    The girl had hair as ck as midnight and eyes as amber as the sunset; she was surely the darkness spirit Restia.

    "It seems that... Kamito has passed your trial."

    "That the sword spirit would move to take the brunt of the curse was a surprise to me, but that was only an emergency solution ¨C the Gate that has been opened will definitely not be able to close now."

    Ren Ashbell spoke coldly.

    "If he really bes swallowed by the darkness, won''t that ruin your ns?"

    "If that man''s tolerance level is so low, he would not be able to be my trump card, in any case."

    "Have you found a Queen willing to serve him?"

    "I have found several candidates to choose from, but that is none of your business."

    "¨C The candidate you speak of wouldn''t happen to be your sister, would it?"

    All of a sudden, the grass and trees all around them burst into mes.

    And in a moment, turned into ashes that scattered to the ground.

    "Darkness spirit, you would do well to watch your tone of voice."

    "Oooh, scary... I was just joking."

    The only things to be heard in the darkness were the endless echoes of mockingughter.

    The ck-winged darkness spirit had already disappeared, unnoticed.

    Ren Ashbell smacked her lips lightly and turned her gaze towards a cluster of trees in the garden.

    "¨C Eavesdropping is an activity only for lowlifes... Dracunia girl."

    "You mustn''t be serious, you found out a long time ago, didn''t you?"

    The figure that emerged from behind the trees was indeed the Dracunia contestant Leonora Lancaster.

    She was staring intently at Ren Ashbell with pupils glowing red.

    She was emanating a dangerously murderous aura, so much so that anyone would have been aware of her presence.

    She was holding a huge de ¨C the Dragon yer Sacred Sword.

    "¨C Look at you all fierce-like, what highly important matter can I help you with?"

    "The dragon within me wishes to do battle with a fellow strong warrior. I hope you will ept."

    Although Leonora''s choice of words was polite, her tone revealed her unconceble intense feelings.

    Her eyes burned with the aggressive hunger of someone looking for a good fight. Anyone who knew her normal personality would surely think that this was someone else altogether.

    "You have the Dracunia-inherited blood of the dragon, do you now ¨C you certainly are one interesting girl."

    Ren Ashbell mused from behind her mask.

    "Come... Strongest de dancer, draw your sword!"

    Leonora grasped her sword tightly, preparing herself to meet an attack. Her conscious mind tried to temper her impulsivity with logic and reason, but her body gave off an aura that made one think that she was liable to attack them at any moment.

    "Think of your own standard and reconsider. A rookie like you isn''t even worth using my Godying me on."

    "You will... regret this... Ren Ashbell!"

    Leonora, rendered incoherent by rage, charged forward with all her strength.

    She struck a blow far stronger and faster than any mere human would have been able to muster.

    In a sh, the stone flooring in the garden shattered into innumerable fragments and flew in all directions ¨C!

    Except ¨C

    "Nice move, but too bad... Swords can''t cut through mes."

    In the spot where Leonora''s sword had struck, the figure of the Strongest de Dancer was nowhere to be found.

    "... What!?"

    Leonora turned; right then, a mighty force struck her directly on the chest.

    "Oooh... Aaaah...!"

    Leonora bent over in pain, and the masked girl murmured beside her ear:

    "It might be interesting to take the dragon to meet the demon king. Power like yours might just be useful to assist in his awakening."

    "... What... are you... saying..."

    With her hand still pressed to Leonora''s chest, on the spot where her blow had struck her, Ren Ashbell chanted a brief curse.

    A ck me emerged from her fingertips, then spread to Leonora''s heart.

    "Rejoice, Dracunia girl ¨C I will tell you who your most suitable opponent is."

    "Aaaaa... aaaaaaaaaaah!"

    The girl''s tortured cry reverberated through the garden ¨C

    Leonora then lost consciousness.

    Part 6

    In the darkness ¨C Est sat, holding her knees, her head bowed, silent and deep in thought.

    She was overjoyed that Kamito was willing to take her back.

    She was also happy that he thought of her as an irreceable part of his existence.

    However, Est was herself unable to return those feelings.

    Because she was constrained by the memories given to her by her ''main body''.

    ¨C Bing his sword was an unforgivable action.

    ¨C Bing his sword was an unforgivable action.

    ¨C Bing his sword was an unforgivable action.

    The mantra repeated itself continuously, endlessly.

    Sword spirit Est ¨C her existence was a sin branded on her body that could never be removed.

    "... Kamito... I... I can no longer..."

    In the unknown darkness, Est began to cry.

    Part 7

    The Savior Queen stood for a long while on the vast mountainous ins, her sword plunged into the ground.

    Her current state was nothing like the Sacred Queen the people knew of ¨C her pure white armor was stained with blood and filth, while her usual optimism was nowhere to be found.

    The girl was battling enemies greater than just the armies of the Demon King.

    She also had to face endless victories and losses, schemes and betrayals.

    Somewhere along the way, the number of people she could trust dwindled down to one ¨C the sword that had fought alongside her the entire journey.

    "Let me ask you, Est..."

    "Mistress, what request do you have?"

    "Are you willing to stay by my side always?"

    The girl broke into a smile reserved only for her best friend ¨C the tender smile of an innocent shepherd girl.

    "I am your sword; I will protect you until the end of your life."

    "You are right... You are my sword, and for now that is all that matters."

    At Est''s emotionless response, the girl smiled a hollow smile.

    "Mistress?"

    "But, one day, when the demon king is defeated, when this war is over, I hope you can be ¨C "

    Then, the girl had said something ¨C

    Something that, no matter how hard she tried, Est simply could not remember.

 Volume 5, 7 - The Real Battle Begins

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 7 - The Real Battle Begins</h4>

    Part 1

    The hall was filled with nervousness and excitement.

    Arge amount of spectators from every country in the continent had gathered in the hall.

    Mixed in with the influential nobles and princess maidens from every country in the continent''s training facilities, were girls wearing the Areishia Academy school uniform.

    The de Dancepetitors assembled above an altar in the center.

    Because the audience wasprised of the nobility, there was no unsightly jeering.

    It seemed like there were fans of the elementalists, so each appearance of the representing teams was followed by high-pitched cheering.

    "Mdy, please do you best~!"

    "I will believe in and await mdy''s victory! Glory to the Laurenfrost!"

    At the front of the spectators were Carol and Mireille waving a white banner.

    "J-Jeez, those two......that''s embarrassing!"

    Rinslet blushed and hid behind Kamito.

    "Kamito, stay vignt. You are attracting a lot of attention."

    "Yeah, got it."

    At Ellis'' words, Kamito surveyed the area and felt many gazes upon him.

    Other than Leonora, it seemed that Muir whom they''d fought yesterday was also here.

    (It doesn''t appear that they know I''ve lost Est yet......)

    If they did know of Kamito''s situation, they wouldn''t be looking at him vigntly but instead with the look of a falcon eyeing its prey.

    "Fufu, Kamito is popr."

    Fianna said teasingly.

    Besides Team Inferno, twenty-three teams had gathered.

    Even within them, Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor had an overwhelming presence.

    Around the leader, Leonora, elite elementalists assembled. The Knights of the Dragon Emperor were a military unit with rigid rules. All of the members stood straight up without moving.

    Kamito''s eyes met with Leonora''s.

    Those red eyes were iparable to when they''d met at the library yesterday.

    Chills ran down his spine for an instant.

    It was like the feeling of being stared at by a giant predator.

    "¡ªDracunia''s Dragon Knights training is high quality. Even excluding Leonora, they seem to have no openings."

    Ellis noted as she analyzed the enemy teams.

    "Yes, if we leave aside Team Inferno, they are one of the favorites to win. There are also other teams to be wary of."

    ire said that in a whisper and Fianna and Rinslet also turned their heads in his direction.

    "First, there are the two representatives from the same academy as us, Team Wyvern and Team Cernunnos. On top of that, the druid girl has an overwhelming advantage outdoors. There''s a chance she''ll incite all the magical beasts in the forest to attack us."

    Moreover, they had already experienced a severe loss during practice against that druid girl. There were certainly opponents he didn''t want to have to fight.

    Then ire turned her gaze upon the team that wore foreign outfits.

    "They''re Quina Empire''s prided Four Gods. They''re a team that specializes in battle tactics."

    Quina Empire was arge country located on the eastern part of the continent. It had apletely different culturepared to the western countries like Ordesia.

    "The white-haired one is their ace, Shao Fu. She uses the divine beast spirit White Tiger."

    "Four Gods? Even though there are five people?"

    "The fifth is probably the one that controls the Four Gods."

    Answering Kamito, ire moved her gaze to the group that was wearing white holy garments.

    "Those are the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights. The ace is the runner-up fromst time, Luminaris the Pdin."

    "Geh!?"

    Kamito slipped out a surprised yelp at that name.

    "Kamito-san, did something happen?"

    "N-No, it''s nothing......"

    Kamito quickly shook his head at the puzzled Rinslet''s question.

    (I''m sure she was the holy spirit user. Because it was a bad match with Restia''s darkness attribute, the fight was quite harsh.)

    Holding the de Dance after only three years was extremely rare. It usually took decades and sometimes only happened once in a hundred years.

    Because of the age restrictions on eligible princess maidens, crossing des with the same opponent should never happen, but it seems this time was a case filled with special urrences.

    "She''s neen so she''s the oldest one at this de Dance. It seems that she swore to defeat Ren Ashbell to restore her honor."

    "I-I see......"

    "Kamito-kun, you''re making quite a sour face."

    Fianna teased the bitter-faced Kamito.

    "Next is the Principality of Rossvale''s Rupture Division. Their ace is Mi Bassett, the youngest this time at thirteen years old. Though they''re an emerging nation that gained independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia only within thest few decades, their elementalists are said to be top-ss."

    "¡ªAnd them?"

    Kamito looked towards the team that had been ring in their direction since a while ago.

    "The representatives from the Kingdom of Balstan. They''re under the direct control of the royalty."

    "Why are they ring at us?"

    "Umm......that''s probably because of me."

    ire said so like it was hard for her.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Remember, it''s because I pped their prince yesterday¡ª"

    "......Ahh, I see."

    Kamito finally remembered.

    The crown prince of the Kingdom of Balstan. The prince that had acted out of interest and tried to kiss ire.

    "So it''s because you embarrassed them."

    "It''s good enough if that crown prince understands with his body!"

    For some reason, Rinslet was more angry than ire.

    "The Kingdom of Balstan''s royalty may have ordered them to take revenge. Sorry, I carelessly created this mess."

    "No, if ire hadn''t done anything back then, I would have."

    "......Eh? Um, that means......"

    As ire''s face went red.

    Amotion started near the entrance of the great shrine.

    "¡ªSo they''ve finallye."

    Part 2

    The instant Ren Ashbell entered, themotion died down.

    She led four elementalists that were wearing hoods which extended to cover their entire body.

    "So that''s Team Inferno......"

    Kamito stopped breathing and watched them.

    He immediately discovered the small girl with ash grey hair.

    The Instructional School''s monster ¡ª militarized spirit user, Muir Alenstarl.

    She quickly averted her eyes after meeting Kamito''s.

    Walking next to Muir was a tall girl with jade green hair. Her ears which were characteristic of the Elfim race were visible under the hood. Elfim specialized in covert operations within forests, so she might have been an intelligence-gathering elementalist.

    Another was a girl with eye-popping blue hair. She was the only one who had luxurious gold and silver essories lining her hood and she carried a folding fan with a gaudy design.

    "The crest of the Alphas Theocracy royal family ¡ª don''t tell me, Demon Caster Sjora Kahn!?"

    "You know her?"

    He asked and ire nodded.

    "She''s the number one witch in their kingdom, the admired sessor of the Dusk Witch."

    "To think that other than Muir, such characters would be there......"

    Kamito groaned while wiping the sweat from his brow.

    But more oppressive than those three and drawing most of the spectators'' gazes ¡ª thest person.

    At the appearance of that person, the silence that had overtaken the hall was reced once again with mor.

    "......Who is that, that person!?"

    A ck knight covered in jet ck armor.

    It wasn''t just her appearance that was strange. Her entire body was covered in a mysterious aura.

    An existence that was never meant to be here ¡ª for some reason, that was what he felt.

    "What a repulsive divine power......"

    Fianna, who was more receptive, said in a shaky voice.

    Ren Ashbell noticed Kamito and walked straight over to him.

    Silence fell and the ringing of iron shoes echoed.

    "Kamito......"

    "It''s fine."

    Shielding the nervous youngdies behind him, Kamito took a step forward.

    And stood off against the crimson-masked girl.

    "To think there was someone who could break the Brand of Darkness."

    "It''s a pity. Things won''t go how you want them to."

    Kamito returned the gaze of the crimson pupils within the mask.

    "That brand was only for the purpose of jump starting the awakening of the Demon King within you. Once the Gate has been opened, it can never return to how it was before."

    "¡ªWhat is this Demon King you speak of?"

    Ren Ashbell smiled within her mask and whispered in a voice so others couldn''t hear.

    "If you want to know, ascend and face me ¡ª Ren Ashbell."

    "Ren Ashbell, huh. Having you say that is the greatest irony."

    Kamito clicked his tongue and groaned.

    "But I''ll rify this. If I beat you, you''ll tell me everything."

    "What confidence for someone who''s lost their contracted spirit."

    "Est will definitely return. She is my best partner."

    Ren Ashbell shrugged, turned on her heel and left without another word.

    And thus the short exchange between the two Ren Ashbells ended.

    Commotion returned to the great shrine hall again.

    Above the bonfire burning at the altar, five Queens appeared.

    Amongst them was Reicha Alminas.

    When he had met her yesterday, she had been a normal docile girl, but wrapped in her ritual clothes and performing a ritual, she certainly had the presence of one the five highest princess maidens.

    Eventually, the Tempest details appeared from the five Queens.

    The introduction to the de Dance was held in the northern forest area of Ragna Ys.

    The field was covered by a separating barrier cast by all the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens, so it was impossible to leave by normal means. Each country''s representatives were transported with their respective teams to random locations and, over the course of seven days, would offer up their de dances.

    There was one rule ¡ª you could not kill an elementalist.

    The de Dance was not a martial arts match, but a dance ritual.

    There was no way it would be allowed to taint the ritual offered to the Elemental Lords with a death.

    Thepetition was decided by gathering the special spirit stones distributed to the representatives ¡ª the magic stones.

    If apetitor was separated from their magic stones for more than one minute, they would be forcefully teleported out.

    Seven days from the opening of the battle. The four teams that had assembled the greatest amounts of magic stones would be brought before the Elemental Lords to offer the final de dances. At this point, even if a member had been lost, all five members would continue into the finals.

    "¡ªGood fortune and divine blessings upon the de dancing princess maidens!"

    The five Queens reading the oracle from the Elemental Lords spoke this in tandem.

    That signified the beginning of the battle.

    Amidst the deafening cheers, the elementalists entered the transportation circle drawn above the altar.

    Just before the transportation circle, Kamito turned to face the youngdies that were hisrades.

    "Everyone, we will definitely win!"

    "Yes?" "Yeah!" "Of course!" "That, um, that was my line!"

    Ordesia''s former second princess, Fianna Ray Ordesia.

    Captain of the Sylphid Knights, Ellis Fahrengart.

    The eldest daughter of the house of Laurenfrost, Rinslet Laurenfrost.

    The younger sister of the Cmity Queen, ire Rouge of the house of Elstein.

    And the winner of thest de Dance three years prior ¡ª Kazehaya Kamito.

    The four girls and one boy, each with their own Wish, moved to challenge the de Dance.

    Part 3

    After stepping into the transportation circle, a mysterious forest opened up in front of him.

    Slight fog obscured his vision. Cries of birds and beasts could be heard from afar.

    "Inside a forest, huh......there are countless ces enemies could conceal themselves......"

    ire, who transported in directly after him, gave a cursory look at the surroundings.

    "Should I have my wind familiar search the immediate area?"

    "That''s right......no, it may be better not to. It''s not that I don''t trust your abilities, Ellis, but spirit magic users will instantly discover us."

    "......That''s true."

    Ellis nodded at ire''s deduction.

    "My Fenrir will carry everybody''s belongings."

    Rinslet summoned the demon ice spirit with her finger.

    The blizzard-d Fenrir raised a war cry.

    In an instant, five peoples'' worth of luggage was sucked into its opened mouth and disappeared.

    "That''s convenient."

    "The Laurenfrost territory''s poption is isted, so having Fenrir carry goods is a life saver."

    Rinslet petted Fenrir''s head and it gave out a sweet whine.

    "Mu, Scarlet is cute but Fenrir is also cute......"

    Ellis gazed at Fenrir with an expression like her heart was stolen.

    "The freezing coldness at the Laurenfrost''s is enough to kill. Or rather, I was stranded in the garden that time I came to the main house to y when we were kids."

    "When I found you, you hugged onto me and sobbed......sigh, where did the cute ire from back then go, I wonder?"

    Rinslet sighed with a faraway look.

    "Y-You......if you say anymore, I''ll turn you into cinders!"

    "How wide was the garden if you managed to get stranded......"

    To the side of the two was a dumbstruck Kamito.

    "We should also find a camp site or we''ll freeze to death."

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito nodded.

    Even though this was within Ragna Ys, whether it was because the Wind Elemental Lord''s divine protection was weak or something, it was definitely cold. The academy''s school uniform also had built-in cold protection, but it didn''t seem like it would be effective against the night''s cold.

    "It''s also important to secure a water supply. It would be good if there was a river orke nearby."

    ire''s suggestion wasn''t just for drinking water, it was also for the required purifications an elementalist needed to undertake to remove any taint.

    "At any rate, that means the first thing is to search the surrounding area. Our formation will consist of me as vanguard, Rinslet and Fianna in the center, and Ellis and Kamito in the rearguard.

    ire proposed a logical formation.

    Fianna who was weak at battle was in position to be protected by everyone, and Rinslet was able to see in every direction. Kamito who possessed great power was positioned to monitor the surroundings and the two who possessed great one-on-one strength, ire and Ellis, were stationed at each end.

    Kamito andpany got into formation and began to advance through the forest.

    Part 4

    They had walked in the forest for roughly half an hour.

    From a while ago, ball-like light spirits had frequently flitted around overhead.

    They were the spirits for the purpose of rying the de Dance from the field back to the great shrine.

    It seemed they were trained not to intrude on their privacy, but there was no doubt that Kamito and the others were currently being disyed on-screen.

    "We haven''t found any signs of water. Just howrge is this ce?"

    "It should be considerablyrge. Ragna Ys''s size isparable to a small country."

    ire, who was walking in front, answered Kamito''s question.

    "It looks like we''ll need to create a map soon."

    Rinslet said as she removed a branch from her hair.

    "......My feet have started to hurt a little."

    Fianna, who wasn''t used to hiking, said with a grimace.

    Unlike ire and the others, she had transferred in and hadn''t undergone the same open field training.

    "Shall I carry you?"

    "Eh? N-No, it''s fine......"

    At Kamito''s words, Fianna''s face reddened and she shook her head.

    "Don''t push yourself. It''s toote if you be unable to walk."

    "B-But, I......that is, I''m wearing this short skirt......"

    "Th-That''s true......"

    ......As expected, even the queen that always teased Kamito would be embarrassed by that.

    "Kamito, you''re thinking about such indecent things again!"

    Ellis drew her sword.

    "I-I''m not thinking them! Or rather, what''s this again about!"

    "Hmph, m-my foot hurts......maybe."

    Ellis chewed her lip like she was pouting.

    Looking at her condition from before, that didn''t seem to be the case but,

    "I-Is that so?......but, as expected, carrying two people is a little harsh."

    "M-My foot also started to hurt suddenly!"

    "Yes, lending me just your sh-shoulder would help greatly!"

    "Yeah, I can do that much."

    "I-Is that so? T-Then, I shall take you up on that."

    Rinslet smiled and moved over to his shoulder.

    "......!"

    Her uniform that lightly smelled of sweat.

    His heart throbbed at the soft sensation touching his arm.

    "......Th-That''s unfair, Rinslet! Kamito, please lend me your shoulder as well!"

    For some reason unbeknownst to him, Ellis alsotched onto his shoulder.

    "Th-Then......me as well?"

    Fianna also rested her head on his shoulder from behind.

    "Th-This is difficult......"

    Being hugged by three girls, he let out an anguished voice.

    "Hey, you three! The formation is falling apart!"

    "Fufu, you''re not honest. Even though it''d be fine for ire to say her feet hurt as well."

    "Wha......a-aren''t you being stupid!? I''m fine, I can walk on my own!"

    ire cried out angrily with a red face at the teasing Fianna.

    "......"

    And Kamito stopped walking.

    "Kamito-san, what''s wrong?"

    "Be quiet. We''re being ambushed."

    "......!?"

    The three separated from Kamito and summoned their respective contracted spirits.

    A silence like the drawn bowstring of a bow.

    (No, this isn''t silence ¡ª it''s inaction.)

    Kamito sharpened his senses and searched for presences.

    (Two people. They''re scouts or there are others with them.)

    "It''s unexpected. That we would find a trap this early."

    "Yeah, even though it shouldn''t be a good n to act this quickly¡ª"

    Right after Kamito nodded.

    "¡ªThey''reing!"

    A sh of light exploded.

    Part 5

    (......A distraction, huh!)

    What had exploded was a depth charge spirit stone embedded in the ground that was prepared beforehand.

    It was a substitute that looked shy but had no power.

    But it had made an opening for an instant.

    In tandem with it, Kamito felt determined presences moving in.

    (......From below!)

    He felt the sh was to disrupt him. Kamito trusted his instinct and jumped.

    Right after. The ce Kamito had been at just before was reced with a giant arm of sand.

    As he thought, there were others as well.

    The sand mass wriggled and stretch towards his arm¡ª

    "I won''t allow that, freezing fangs, pierce ¡ª Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet''s ice arrow pierced the sand arm.

    "Kamito, above!"

    ire warned him.

    Kamito kicked the ground and jumped-¡ª

    "¡ªCrush them to death, stone beast spirit Gargoyle!"

    The shadow that instantly fell to the ground. The gigantic mass that fell from above.

    Earth and sand danced in the air as the ground tremored.

    The spirit that had taken the form of a stone goblin. The elementalist girl rode on its back.

    The beautiful pure white uniform.

    "If I recall, that''s the Kingdom of Balstan''s......

    "¡ªO master swordsman, be my shield!"

    From further up the path appeared Fianna''s knight spirit.

    The knight''s sword drew a shining arc. The sound of stone being crushed rang out as the stone beast''s arm was destroyed.

    Two seconds after the sh, his eyes had finally recovered.

    The youngdies got into formation around ire.

    (I can''t really de dance without Est, but¡ª)

    He created a short sword using his basic spirit magic.

    He attempted to circle around in the disturbance ¡ª just then.

    Sending earth and sand flying, a sand giant appeared before him.

    "Tch......!"

    Kamito widened the gap while clicking his tongue.

    (The sand spirit user ¡ª just where are they?)

    Kamito quickly ran his eyes over the surrounding area.

    The first theory was that the elementalist had used their spirit''s earth attribute to hide underground with spirit magic. But there were no traces of such.

    A second presence appeared behind him¡ª

    (The second one......!)

    From the shadow of the trees appeared a girl wielding a saber.

    An invisible sh split the tree behind Kamito.

    Kamito covered himself and dodged.

    "To dodge my des of wind, as expected of the male elementalist."

    The girl shouted that as she turned to face him.

    "For the act of embarrassing my master ¡ª sorry, but I''ll have you disappear here!"

    "So it''s really revenge for that idiotic prince, huh......"

    Kamito sighed, astonished.

    There were those who foolishly dragged their trivial personal grudges into the de Dance.

    "......I sympathize with you. Elementalist of Balstan."

    "I won''t allow ridiculing my master!"

    The wind elementalist girl swung the saber.

    Kamito dodged to the side by jumping. The des of wind lightly grazed his neck.

    (......Although if I had Est, that kind of attack would be nothing.)

    The storm of wind des that flew in every direction prevented Kamito from closing in.

    "Hah, it seems you really can''t fight without a contracted spirit!"

    (......Why does she know I lost Est?)

    As he raised suspicions, at that moment ¡ª bluish-white lightning came from behind him.

    He instantly turned his body and repelled it with his spirit magic sword.

    The sword burst into grains.

    Facing to the direction it came from, a girl stood there with an elemental waffe bow.

    "No way, he reacted to that surprise attack just now!?"

    The wind elementalist widened her eyes in shock.

    "It''s because I knew another person would be hiding."

    Kamito shrugged.

    "As I thought, you''re dangerous. We have to crush you while you can''t use your contracted spirit."

    "You''re overestimating me quite a bit."

    He observed the surroundings without letting down his guard as he jested.

    Behind was the saber-wielding wind elementalist. In front was the bow-wielding lightning elementalist.

    And the sand giant also appeared behind him.

    (......Three skilled elementalists. As expected, it''s tough.)

    Cold sweat gathered on his temple.

    From some point in time, a thick fog had coated the forest.

    It wasn''t natural fog. It was obviously created with spirit magic.

    ire and others should be fighting against that stone beast spirit from before not too far away, but because of the fog, he couldn''t hear sounds of the battle or their voices at all.

    (From the start, this n was for taking me down, huh¡ª)

    This time''s de Dance was a battle of attrition.

    There was no need to defeat all of the enemy team at once.

    He didn''t know where they''d received information about his losing Est, but they had aimed for Team Scarlet who had lost their strongest force.

    The two elementalists battling ire and the others were likely just buying time.

    (Then I''ll also buy time. Just hold on until ire and the otherse¡ª)

    Kamito gripped his hands and took half a step.

    "It''s useless!"

    The wind elementalist waved her saber and created des of wind.

    But Kamito didn''t stop. Slightly shifting his center of gravity, he dodged by a hair''s breadth.

    "He can see my wind des!?"

    "¡ªIt''s a pity but their paths are easy to read in a forest!"

    The des themselves were invisible, but he could see the leaves and branches they cut. After being shown the attack so many times, Kamito had discerned their speed and width.

    Of course, to actually carry it out required extraordinary senses and courage.

    Messing up just a tiny bit would mean the end. Due to the rules, his head wouldn''t fly but his consciousness would.

    elerating, he closed in on the wind elementalist.

    "You, I won''t let you!"

    Immediately, an arrow of lightning came towards him ¡ª however,

    That instant, Kamito disappeared.

    "Wha!?"

    Kamito had kicked the ground and flew straight up.

    The battle techniques that had been hammered into him at the Instructional School ¡ª Meta three-dimensional movement.

    The other orphan from the Instructional School, Jio Inzagi, had also used this move, but his speed did not match the overwhelming version of Kamito''s Shadow Weaving.

    Weaving between the branches of the trees, it was a technique of moving at top speed in all directions to toy with the opponent. Amongst the elementalists that had received ordinary battle training, there were none that could do this.

    Kicking the trunk of a tree, Kamito elerated. The wind elementalist and lightning elementalist fired at the afterimages he left behind and hit nothing.

    "¡ªSandman, topple the trees around you!"

    The wind elementalist shouted sharply.

    The sand spirit roared and knocked down the surrounding trees.

    Despite its dull-looking body, it was unexpectedly fast. He had fought with members of the earth attribute ¡ª such as rock, but this was the first type that had such mobility.

    "Tch......"

    Losing his footholds, Kamito had no other choice but tond.

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    The des of wind from the side severed the sand giant''s arm.

    The blue ponytail waving in the wind.

    Ellis who had her elemental waffe Ray Hawk in hand.

    "¡ªEllis, that''s a great help."

    "Sorry for beingte. The mist spirit caused me trouble."

    Ellisnded lightly and readied her spear with magnificent movements.

    "Kuu, the n is a failure, huh......retreat!"

    The enemy wind elementalist''s judgment was quick.

    The n to take Kamito out with a swift attack coupled with a surprise attack had failed. There was no point in fighting any further.

    "¡ªLike I''ll let you run!"

    Ellis waved Ray Hawk.

    Ellis'' demon wind spirit was several tiers above the opponent''s wind spirit. While cutting down the trees in its path, the wind des attacked the retreating elementalist.

    In its path ¡ª the sand giant stood up.

    The des of windnded a direct hit. The wind elementalist and lightning elementalist had disappeared into the forest.

    Ellis bit her lip in frustration. The sand spirit immediately began to rebuild.

    However, at the moment the front had been blown open, Kamito realized.

    (I thought its movements were too good......so you hid there.)

    The sand gathered again andpletely resealed its wound --- just before that.

    Kamito instantly jumped into the sand''s opening --- he punched through the giant''s sr plexus.

    It was the feeling of sand that greeted his fist.

    The rebuilding sand giant crumbled in moments.

    The one that appeared from within was a girl who had fainted.

    "What does this mean?"

    "That sand giant was her elemental waffe."

    Kamito shrugged and answered Ellis'' question.

    "......Sorry. I''ll be taking this."

    Kamito leaned down and took the magic stone from around the girl''s neck.

    If they waited one minute, this girl would be transported back to the grand shrine.

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!" "Were you okay?"

    ire and the others came running from the other side of the forest.

    It seems the other fight had also reached a conclusion.

    "Are you guys also unhurt?"

    "Yeah......rather, don''t tell me you defeated them without a contracted spirit?"

    ire widened her ruby eyes.

    "No, it would have been dangerous if Ellis hadn''te. They ran away in the end."

    "Here," he said as he tossed the magic stone to ire.

    At that time, the fainted sand elementalist was enveloped by a transportation circle and disappeared as shards of light.

    "We defeated the stone beast elementalist. The mist elementalist got away."

    ire gripped the two magic stones in her hand.

    "It''s dangerous to chase them too far. They seem like a meticulous team."

    "At any rate, I never thought we would be attacked this quickly."

    "Yes, it seems like it would be a good idea to find a camp site quickly."

    ire nodded at Ellis'' words.

    As expected, they weren''t going to be ted at their first victory.

    Kamito turned to the path forward that was covered in the remnants of the depth charge spirit stone.

    (The mysterious thing is how they managed to ambush us.)

    Even though it hadn''t been even an hour since the start, they had moved like they knew Kamito and the others'' location.

    (Also, they knew that I''ve lost Est.)

    Just who was leaking information, he wondered.

    "......"

    Kamito dropped his eyes to the spirit seal on his right hand.

    In the end, even when Kamito''s body clearly felt danger, the Gate had shown no signs of opening.

    "Est......"

    Part 6

    "As expected, Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    The ones watching the first day of the de Dance from afar.

    Seated on a slightly elevated hill were five girls in military uniforms.

    One of those favored to win this time''spetition, The Principality of Dracunia''s representatives, Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

    They were using the dragon attribute spirit magic "Dragon Eye" to observe far away.

    "That is why he is suitable to be sacrificed to the dragon sleeping within me."

    The girl standing at the cliff edge ¡ª Leonora Lancaster licked her lips.

    With ferocity emanating from her entire body, her eyes gleamed like blood.

    (Leonora-sama''s Dragon Blood is awakening......)

    Apparent fear painted vice-captain Yuri El Cid''s face.

    Shivers ran down her spine.

    The strange power inherited by those who served dragons ¡ª Dragon Blood.

    This was Yuri''s fourth time seeing Leonora with red eyes.

    The first time she had witnessed it was two years ago at the entrance examination for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Leonora had obliterated all other contestants within minutes.

    It was a mad dance that had felt like it would cause casualties.

    If the dragon within her woke up, not even her subordinates could stop her.

    (But this time seems a little different from usual......)

    Yuri looked upon Leonora''s side profile.

    Looking at her appearance, she seemed calm.

    For some reason, her interest was only directed at one person and she wanted to ughter only that male elementalist.

    Leonora stood there looking upon thendscape in silence.

    "¡ªTonight, we hunt a pack of lions."

    Yuri and the others nodded wordlessly.

    That was the signal of an attack for the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

 Volume 5, 8 - The Temptation of Darkness

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 8 - The Temptation of Darkness</h4>

    Part 1

    The night before leading the continent''sbined military force to attack the Demon King''s castle¡ª

    "¡ªHey, Est?"

    The Sacred Maiden Areishia asked Est.

    "Yes."

    "If I wasn''t here anymore, what would you do, Est?"

    Unlike humans who returned to the soil, spirits had no life span. No matter how strong a bond was with a contracted spirit, one would always have to part with them.

    At Est''s puzzled gaze, the girl continued.

    "If I''m not here anymore, you have to make sure to find a new elementalist to contract with, okay, Est."

    "I don''t want to."

    Est replied without hesitation.

    The ever-docile sword spirit disagreed with her master for the first time.

    "Est?"

    "I am your sword. I will not be anyone else''s."

    "Est......"

    "Master, why are you asking such a thing?"

    "That is......"

    She put on a troubled expression.

    Everything about what her destiny would lead to in the nearby future ¡ª a face that knew all of this.

    Part 2

    And thus the Sacred Maiden and legendary sword went to meet the end of the story.

    After several years of wars, the sacred girl Areishiaunched an attack on the Demon King''s castle.

    Defeating scores of enemies, the pure girl''s hand was already soaked in blood, but still she did not lose hope.

    ¡ªThat after this battle would be a world of peace.

    While knowing the fate of her body, she continued to fight.

    The voice of the girl rang through the castle''s banquet hall.

    "¡ªEst, lend me your power!"

    "Yes, master!"

    The strongest holy sword gripped in both her hands gave off dazzling light.

    Pushing back the darkness, the girl ran while aiming for the Demon King''s heart.

    "Est, this is thest time I use you as a sword. That''s why¡ª"

    Everything happened in an instant.

    The holy sword shone and burst the Demon King''s heart with a sh.

    Giving off a dying cry of agony, the Demon King was vanquished from this world.

    Part 3

    "Haa, haa, haa......"

    Basked in the demon king''s ck blood, the girl copsed to the ground.

    "Master?"

    "It''s okay......Est......"

    In order to calm the worried Est, she patted her head.

    "Fua......master......please stop."

    "Fufu, you like this, don''t you, Est."

    "......Please don''t tease me."

    Though Est maintained an expressionless face, she turned her head with slightly reddened cheeks.

    This was the first time since she had met her that Est had shown such a reaction.

    The girl was happy with that.

    For the girl that had gradually killed off her human emotions in line with the peoples'' expectations of her as the Sacred Queen, this was her solefort.

    "Sorry, Est......the truth is, I wanted to pat your head like this more......"

    Covered in ck blood, the girl''s voice wavered.

    "Master, what are......what are you saying?"

    "......Really, I''m sorry."

    "Master?"

    In the next instant, the girl fingers made a stiff sound and shattered.

    Part 4

    "¡ªKamito. Hey, Kamito."

    "Mmm......ire?"

    While having his shoulders shaken, Kamito awoke.

    A nice scent drifted near his nose. The twintails upon his cheeks tickled slightly.

    "Come on, the meal is ready. Wake up already."

    "It will get cold if you don''t get up quickly."

    Kamito rubbed his eyes and lifted his upper half from the hard ground.

    The sun had already begun to set when Kamito and the others finally found a camp site.

    It was beside a gently flowing mountain stream. Edible fish were present and the water was suitable for purification. After making a simple tent and leaving the meal preparations to the girls, Kamito had taken a nap in preparation for being the night look-out.

    Night had alreadypletely fallen.

    Walking to the riverside where there was a table built from the trees, he found a luxurious evening meal on it.

    Smoked fish from the river, seasoned risotto, and soup made with dried vegetables. These were from opening some of the many canned foods ire had brought.

    "Is it okay to eat this extravagantly from the first day?"

    "Because it''s the first day, delicious food is necessary to raise morale."

    "Well, that does sound reasonable......and this looks seriously good."

    Kamito sat down on a rock and began with the steaming risotto.

    "......!"

    "H-How is it?"

    Rinslet asked while seemingly nervous.

    "......Insanely good! Did you really make this with canned stuff?"

    "Yes......I, I''m d it suits your taste."

    Rinslet smiled broadly in a happy manner.

    "As expected of Rinslet."

    "Kuu......m-my position is......"

    Ellis seemed a little down as she sighed that.

    "Ah, no, Ellis'' cooking has a homemade feeling to it and I like that in its own way."

    "H-Homemade......you say......? Home......wife......"

    He didn''t know what she was imagining but Ellis had zoned out with a red face.

    "T-Tomorrow, I''ll be making dinner......so I''ll make Kamito''s favorite dishes."

    "Yeah, I''m looking forward to it......by the way, what are we doing about baths?"

    "We made one nearby. Scarlet worked hard."

    Scarlet who wasying beside ire let out a nyaa.

    "Fufu, it''s fine to enter with Kamito-kun ?"

    "Eh?"

    "I-Idiot, Kamito goes in after! Stand guard here!"

    ire said angrily with a beet red face.

    Part 5

    "W-What are you thinking, you!"

    "Oh my, I was just teasing you a little. And ire, weren''t you a little tempted?"

    "Wha......that''s not true!"

    "You''re too loud! Even if we''re inside a barrier, don''t let your guard down!"

    "Though the knight captain is being the loudest."

    "......S-Sorry."

    A little away from the camp site, the girls were undressing.

    Next to them was an open air bath with dense steam.

    It was not a hot spring. Having Georgios carryrge rocks to iste a section of the river, they had Scarlet release its mes there.

    The light ssh of someone entering the water.

    Having removed their academy uniforms, the princess maidens'' skins were exposed to the night moon''s faint radiance.

    "E-Ellis, you were wearing quite mature underwear, weren''t you......"

    "I-Is that so?"

    Ellis averted her eyes in embarrassment.

    "T-To use ck......how lewd......"

    ire leered at Ellis'' breasts coldly.

    "I-It''s not lewd! Kamito chose them¡ª"

    "Eh?"

    "Wh-What do you mean?"

    "Ah, no, that''s, umm......"

    Under the questioning res, Ellis who had dug her own grave retreated.

    "ire, haven''t you grown a little as well?"

    Fianna groped ire''s chest.

    "Fuaaa, wh-what are you doing, you erotic queen!"

    "......Was it my imagination? It feels like they''ve grown a little since Ist groped them."

    "......Eh? R-Really!?"

    ire''s red twintails jumped a little.

    "D-Don''t tell me that thing of the lightning spirit from yesterday was effective......"

    "What are you talking about?"

    "......I-It''s nothing!"

    ire sunk under the water surface and blew bubbles.

    Part 6

    He could hear the girls'' excited voices from afar.

    As expected, not even Kamito with his good hearing could make out their words.

    Kamito was keeping surveince from a rock''s shadow. There were also spirits that gained strength with theing of night. And unlike the matches at the academy, one also had to be vignt of a night attack.

    "......"

    Drawing a breath, he looked down at the spirit seal engraved on his right hand.

    (Est......)

    The past memories of Est he had caught a glimpse of.

    The dream about Est''s former master, the Sacred Queen who slew the Demon King.

    I cannot be Kamito''s sword ¡ª saying that, Est had rejected Kamito.

    Just what had Est remembered¡ª

    And then.

    In the forest in front of him, a faint presence appeared.

    "......!"

    Kamito stood up on reflex and entered a battle stance.

    (......Don''t tell me they broke Fianna''s barrier!?)

    A barrier that let them know when a person or beast got near was supposed to have been erected.

    The problem was who had managed to bypass the barrier without setting it off.

    "¡ªWho are you."

    Kamito red into the grove of trees.

    And.

    "Don''t make such a scary face, Kamito."

    Before his eyes, the swirling darkness took human form.

    The one who appeared there was a beautiful girl d in a dress the color of darkness.

    "......Restia!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes and looked upon the girl in front of him.

    His previous contracted spirit.

    The one he had always wanted to meet, an irreceable treasured existence.

    The one that had first given light to the Kamito who had lost his heart.

    But now, she was¡ª

    "......What did youe here for?"

    "How cold, even though I was worried about you."

    Restia almost unnoticeably pouted.

    That gesture was so dearly missed that Kamito''s heart ached.

    As the dress fluttered, Restia slowly walked towards him.

    "It''s not like you to have a hard fight against opponents of that caliber."

    "Were you the one who told them I lost Est?"

    "Yes, that''s right."

    Having Restia admit it so frankly felt anticlimactic.

    Because of that, he didn''t know what to say next.

    (I''ve always gotten caught up in her pace......)

    Restia came just in front of him and gazed up at his face with her twilight-colored eyes.

    It was about the same as three years ago except that Kamito was now taller.

    Contrasting with the darkness was smooth white skin. Faintly pink lips.

    It was magnificence that made his heart beat unconsciously.

    And the sweet whisper that came from her lips.

    "If you can''t use your contracted spirit, you can use me."

    "......What, what did you?"

    "It''s not really that surprising. I am still your contracted spirit."

    "......After all this time, what are you nning?"

    Kamito bit his lips.

    It was true that he still had Restia''s spirit seal on his left hand but¡ª

    The Gate had never opened even once since that day.

    "That''s because you didn''t have the requirements, Kamito. But with yourtest power that awakened ¡ª you can use me again just like before."

    Restia smiled cutely with a littleugh.

    "I......"

    Kamito stared at his leather-gloved left hand.

    The elemental waffe he had used three years ago as Ren Ashbell ¡ª Vorpal Sword.

    The power of that demon sword to cut everything wasparable to Terminus Est.

    Without Est, winning the de Dance was impossible.

    But if his former contracted spirit returned to him once again¡ª

    He could even win against that other Ren Ashbell.

    "However, I have a condition."

    Restia put her index finger to her lips.

    "A condition?"

    "Yes, you have to sever your contract with that other sword spirit."

    "......!?"

    "Did you think I wouldn''t be jealous if you contracted another spirit?"

    Restia whispered into his ear with a sullen tone.

    Kamito ¡ª grabbed Restia''s shoulders and separated her from him.

    "Sorry, but I can''t do that."

    And decisively shook his head.

    "I believe in Est. That she will definitely return."

    He had lived the past three years for the sake of getting Restia back.

    The reason he had participated in this de Dance was for the same reason.

    But he could not sever the contract with Est for that.

    "Est is an important partner of mine......the same as you."

    "I see ¡ª that''s a pity."

    Restia shook her head sadly.

    "But I wonder if you can defeat her without a contracted spirit."

    "Her?"

    At the same time he asked, Restia''s figure faded out and started to disappear.

    "Wait, Restia!"

    "I''m always waiting, Kamito. Until you call me ¡ª okay?"

    Restiapletely dissolved into the darkness.

    The next instant, a ze fell from the sky.

    A violent sh. The resulting wind st blew Kamito away.

    The earth and sand that flew copsed the forest''s trees.

    (What......the......!?)

    While groaning, Kamito lifted his face.

    And.

    From the epicenter of the explosion, a giant ck shadow stood up.

    "Wha!?"

    It was a jet ck dragon with wings that spread as if to eclipse the moon.

    The mes that zed lit up the night.

    A girl wearing a ck surcoat walked out from within the dancing mes.

    Her red eyes prated the night.

    (What an ominous presence......)

    An oppressive feeling that could even be felt on one''s skin.

    "......What a rude greeting for a knight. Leonora."

    "¡ªAs you say, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora said with her hand straight up in the air.

    "The dragons of Dracunia hunt lions with all their strength."

    The dragon spirit Nidhogg opened its mouth and released an inferno.

 Volume 5, 9 - Demon Slayer

    <h4>Volume 5, Chapter 9 - Demon yer</h4>

    Part 1

    "......No way, an attack!?"

    At the time that a shy explosion came from the camp site.

    ire and the others were in the middle of getting changed after finishing bathing.

    "The barrier''s been broken --- they''reing!"

    In sync with ire''s scream.

    Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet summoned their respective spirits.

    Scarlet''s mes lit up the surrounding darkness.

    And above the steam were the silhouettes of three people with drawn weapons.

    "What a surprise. The favored Knights of Dragon Emperoring to attack in the night like this."

    "We are soldiers before we are knights. To bring victory and pride back home, we will not pass up the most effective methods."

    The one who answered was a girl with boy-like short hair.

    She readied her halberd elemental waffe.

    "We''ll at least name ourselves. Knight of the Dragon Emperor vice-captain, Yuri El Cid."

    "Team Scarlet''s ire Rouge."

    ire quickly transformed Scarlet into the metounge.

    While keeping her attention to the front, she whispered to Ellis behind her.

    "Leonora isn''t here. The explosion just now was probably her."

    If it was her Nidhogg, then pulling off that much destruction in one blow was possible.

    They had aimed for a time when Kamito was alone ande to crush him.

    "No matter how good Kamito is, he can''t win against Leonora without an elemental waffe."

    "......I got it. I will go to support Kamito."

    Ellis immediately understood ire''s intentions and began chanting her Flight spirit magic.

    She kicked off the ground and flew into the night air lit by mes.

    But.

    "---I won''t let you go to Leonora-sama!"

    "What!?"

    Another knight blocked Ellis'' path.

    An elementalist with a flying dragon spirit.

    They had anticipated their actions and hid in the forest beforehand. And the opponent was a flying type dragon spirit. Ellis'' spirit magic couldn''t outrun that.

    "......This is bad. We''ve beenpletely separated."

    "Kamito......"

    Turning to the direction the mes were rising from, ire bit her lips.

    Part 2

    The ze skidded across the ground.

    Apanied by a loud sound, mes coated the ground.

    (......What destructive power!)

    Being blown away by the resulting wind force, Kamito fell to the ground.

    Quickly getting up and opening his eyes---

    A scene like the world''s end spread out before him.

    The ground was dug up like a mortar. The wall of fire ate away at the night''s darkness.

    On the other side of the wall of mes, the dragon spirit roared with intense ferocity.

    The apanying wind scattered the mes.

    The jet ck dragon pped its massive wings.

    Basked in the bluish white light from the moon, Leonora Lancaster walked towards him silently.

    Holding her hand up, the dragon transformed into darkness.

    The darkness then gathered and instantly formed arge demon sword.

    "Dragon spirit Nidhogg''s elemental waffe --- Dragon yer."

    Leonora muttered that indifferently and raised the demon sword.

    Kamito felt it instinctively.

    (That''s bad......!)

    Just when he got up and dodged.

    "---Destroy!"

    Leonora closed the distance in an instant.

    (---Fast!)

    Just before the demon sword descended, Kamito jumped to the side.

    The sound of the ground being crushed.

    The demon sword had lightly grazed him and his white uniform had blood on it.

    Kamito grimaced at the sharp pain from being cut.

    (......Don''t tell me she''spletely materializing her elemental waffe!?)

    If Kamito had not dodged just now, he would have been split in half.

    She was swinging her de with the full intent of killing Kamito.

    (Is this the influence of that Dragon Blood ire was talking about......)

    Leonora''s brilliant red eyes that were shining in the darkness.

    A state where she lost the majority of her reason and became a berserker.

    It was forbidden to kill your opponent in the de Dance. That was why elementalists generally limited the materialization of their elemental waffe and opted to cause damage with their divine power directly.

    But just now, Leonora had seriously tried to kill Kamito.

    "Tch---"

    Kamito quickly chanted his Weapon Works spirit magic and created a short sword in his hands.

    With Est''s Gate closed, this was the best he could do with his divine power.

    It was only a substitute that could take one strike from the aftershock of the opponent''s sword before it shattered.

    Jumping off the mud and just beforending --- Leonora swung her demon sword.

    Bone-shattering force was created.

    "Gahaa......!"

    The severe de storm continued without mercy.

    Kamito rolled on the ground and just barely avoided that attack.

    "......It''s like she has no openings."

    Cold sweat gathered on his brow.

    They were movements unthinkable for a thin and delicate arm like that with such arge sword.

    She was likely using dragon property spirit magic to supplement her muscle strength.

    "---It''s not enough......make my blood boil even more, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    The demon sword was swung again. Whilst emitting a dragon-like roar, the sword released a wave of energy.

    Invisible fangs that would rip through flesh. It resembled Ellis'' des of wind, but the destructive power was on a different scale.

    Slicing through the cut-resistant school uniform, blood dripped from his shoulder.

    "Kuu, she''s strong, as I thought......!"

    Kamito cursed as he wiped the blood from his lip.

    The overwhelming divine power welling up in her entire body.

    In a head-on battle, Kamito had no chance of winning right now.

    (---There''s no other way but to draw this into a battle of attrition by retreating into the forest.)

    Along with the awakening of her Dragon Blood and that oppressive power, Leonora had lost her ability to think calmly. If Kamito moved around stealthily, he could at least buy time.

    (It should wear down the insane divine power of the Dragon Blood.)

    There was likely a time limit on how long she could fight in this condition. A normal elementalist''s limit would be one minute. Leonora''s was likely around five.

    (---If I can stay clear for five minutes, I can win.)

    Just as Kamito was about to retreat into the forest.

    Giant mes rose up under the cliff near the river far away from him.

    "Wha......!?"

    He didn''t have to think about where it was. That was where ire and the rest were.

    "---It looks like they''re engaged in battle with my subordinates."

    Leonora''s eyes glinted and she closed the distance in an instant.

    "If you want to protect yourrades, you''ll have to use your full power and defeat me!"

    Leonora''s demon de approached him---!

    Part 3

    "---Be cinders!"

    Waving her metounge, she cast the spirit magic Fireball at the same time.

    Yuri El Cid --- the halberd elementalist was engulfed in mes.

    "As expected, if it''s a direct attack --- ehh!?"

    "It''s a pity but me attribute spirit magic won''t work against this Lindwyrm!"

    Breaking through the wall of mes, a giant dragon with red scales charged towards her.

    "Rinslet!"

    "I know, freezing fangs, pierce --- Freezing Arrow!"

    Aiming at the fire dragon''s body in only a moment, she released the ice arrows.

    But just before the arrows hit, the fire dragon breathed fire and melted them.

    The arrows that barely struck also rebounded off the scales and disappeared.

    "No way, my Freezing Arrows were......!"

    "......It''s using dragon attribute spirit magic!"

    ire yelled as she erased the fire dragon''s mes.

    Dragon spirits'' specialties were their overwhelming strength and their high resistance against magical attacks. Especially with their anti-magic dragon scales, their magical resistance against the five main elements multiplied.

    For ire and the others who used spirits of the five main elements, they were a truly difficult opponent.

    "ire! Georgios alone can''t hold them back......!"

    And from behind came Fianna''s concerned voice.

    Her knight spirit was currently handling two of the dragon spirits.

    Her opponents were the types without wings or scales --- the close-range specializing raging dragon spirits.

    Swinging their giant ws and tail, they were slowly cornering the knight spirit.

    The raging dragon spirits were far above in power. The reason they were being held at bay was that the knight spirit had techniques specialized to face dragons.

    But there were two opponents. And they were being controlled by skilled elementalists.

    As expected, not even the defense specialist knight spirit could reach a decisive conclusion with just a sword and shield.

    "Fianna......! Rinslet, please buy me some time!"

    ire immediately requested back-up but---

    "......!?"

    Ellisnded right in front of her.

    "......Aguu!"

    "Ellis!"

    Looking to the sky, she saw the girl riding the flying dragon spirit dance in the air.

    "I said so, I won''t let you interrupt Leonora-sama!"

    The flying dragon spirit roared, turned towards the fallen Ellis and released innumerable fireballs---

    "You!"

    ire quickly swung her metounge and intercepted the fireballs in midair causing many explosions.

    "Ellis, can you still move?"

    "......Yeah, sorry. I''m fine."

    The wound-covered Ellis held her Ray Hawk and unsteadily rose to her feet.

    Ellis'' spirit was top-ss even within the academy. Even disregarding any advantages from battling in the air, to have been beaten so one-sidedly---

    "These guys are strong on their own and their teamwork is much more refined than ours."

    "That''s right......"

    ire painfully admitted the truth of Ellis'' observation.

    If either ire or Rinslet had backed her up, Ellis should have been able to fight evenly.

    But the opponent never let such an opportunity show.

    "My Georgios is---"

    "Haa, haa......thepatibility with Lindwyrm was too harsh......!"

    At some point, they had been boxed in by the four members of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

    The knight spirit was being pushed back by the two raging dragon spirits and Rinslet waspletely worn out.

    "---Elimination of the Ordesia representatives. A fair result for our first battle."

    Yuri El Cid formed her fire dragon''s halberd.

    "This is the end. ire Rouge."

    Part 4

    The demon sword that should have been swung---

    Was stopped in midair.

    "......Wh-What the!?"

    Leonora''s red eyes widened in shock.

    While looking at the face of the violent but still-beautiful girl, Kamito murmured.

    "This was originally a technique for hiding while crawling."

    Held against the wrist of Leonora''s hand gripping the demon sword was Kamito''s arm.

    He couldn''t stop her demon sword''s attack.

    But it was different for the arm wielding the attack.

    He had pressed his arm to her wrist just as she exhaled before the attack.

    If he drew in when Leonora pulled back her sword and instead pushed with all his strength, it would create a lethal opening --- a simple yet effective unarmedbat skill.

    Logically, it was simple, but the timing required was fatal. It was not something an amateur could copy.

    It was only because Kamito had undergone the harsh training of the Instructional School that he could carry it out in realbat.

    Leonora''s body froze into the position of swinging her sword.

    "The technique of a knight without a sword --- alias Sword Break. A heretical skill. To begin with though, this was the old hag Greyworth''s and not the Instructional School''s."

    "---I see. So this was the technique of the strongest spirit knight in the continent, Lady Greyworth."

    The red eyes looked down at Kamito.

    Eyes of a dragon that were painted with the joy of battle ---pletely battle-crazy eyes.

    "But clever tricks are nothing before absolute power......!"

    Leonora''s divine power rose explosively.

    With an inhuman roar that shook the atmosphere, she pushed as if to crush him to death---

    "---That''s reckless, Leonora!"

    At the moment the power bnce broke, Kamito sent a palm strike to her sr plexus --- but,

    Just before that, she jumped to the side --- it wasn''t reactionary, just instinct.

    Attacking Kamito''s nk, a sh of light gouged out the ground.

    The one that had sent out the attack was the ornament on the Dragon yer''s hilt. If he hadn''t dodged, it would have pierced his heart without a doubt.

    He jumped while spraying blood from his nk. Because he was dodging purely on instinct, he couldn''t soften thendings.

    Leonora was swinging the sword in every other direction.

    The dividing horizontal slices of the de. The shockwaves that seemed like they could crush all the bones in one''s body.

    Kamito''s body was blown to the side and smashed into a rock.

    (......The bone in my arm......!)

    Leonora didn''t stop. She charged with increasing roars.

    Kamito readied his spirit magic de at his waist. He would match his opponent''s timing and deliver a counter --- it was a dangerous gamble, but there was no alternative.

    (If I don''t beat her quickly, ire and the others will---)

    Leonora charged like a dragon, causing tremors as she approached.

    He would have no mercy on her who was under the influence of the Dragon Blood.

    If he messed up the timing even slightly --- what awaited him was death.

    The moment the de of the sword entered his vision.

    Kamito jumped off the rock behind him.

    (---I''ve got you!)

    Dodging by a hair''s breadth, the perfect distance.

    He didn''t think a de of this caliber would be able to pierce the magic strengthened Leonora, but there were other ways to fight. If he broke her stance and used several strikes, he should be able to affect even this tough dragon knight---

    However.

    "I said it, didn''t I, that clever tricks won''t work on me!"

    Leonora Lancaster---

    Aimed at Kamito standing before her and threw the Dragon yer.

    Wrapped in spiraling air currents, therge sword flew in a straight line.

    "......!?"

    Kamito had not anticipated this.

    Kamito clicked his tongue and dodged but Leonora had already closed in---

    "Damn......!"

    Kamito instantly used a spirit magic sword to guard. But the magically strengthened Leonora''s fist went right through the sword and into Kamito''s jaw.

    His vision shook. As soon as he realized he was flying in the air, he smacked into the ground.

    (Goddamn......throwing that huge sword one-handedly? It''s too unreasonable......)

    The point he had been wounded at. He cursed while confirming what parts could still move.

    His ribs were broken and a few internal organs were damaged.

    His fingers had gone numb and couldn''t move. It was already a condition unfit to fight.

    "---More, make my blood boil more, Kazehaya Kamito. The dragon sleeping within me wants to go crazy with you."

    Leonora picked up the demon sword she had thrown and slowly walked towards him.

    Like a dragon enjoying the hunt.

    "---If not, you''ll die."

    "......Don''t just say whatever you want."

    While groaning from the pain, Kamito pushed off the ground and stood up.

    More than before, the mes from the riverside had grown more vicious and ck smoke rose from it.

    (ire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet......)

    He gripped his numbed fingers at the regret of not being able to protect them.

    (I can''t win against Leonora Lancaster at this rate---)

    Kamito affirmed that calmly.

    ---That''s right, if it stayed like this.

    The spirit seal on his left hand ached. No, he had already noticed. Since not too long ago, the seal had been burning with feverish heat.

    The Gate had never opened since that day three years ago.

    But now he could feel her calling out to him.

    He just had to call her name. With just that, he would regain the strongest demon sword.

    The power to defeat Leonora and save his femalerades.

    The highest ranked darkness elemental waffe --- Vorpal Sword.

    He could return in an instant. To the Ren Ashbell of three years ago.

    But that was under the condition that he severed the contract on his other hand.

    The sword spirit girl that had closed her heart off in sadness and was alone in the darkness.

    (I---)

    Kamito''s voice shook like a groan.

    That was a momentary conflict. A loss of direction.

    But he quickly raised his head and shook it.

    He had already resolved it from the beginning.

    (I am Est''s master!)

    Leonora''s red eyes red viciously as she approached---

    "Kazehaya Kamito, I am disappointed in you."

    The Dragon yer pierced Kamito''s chest.

    Part 5

    Inside his consciousness that had sunk into darkness---

    Kamito found a girl sitting down while hugging her knees.

    Her silvery white hair shone brilliantly even in the darkness.

    Her unblemished white skin was like a frozen de.

    "---Est."

    Kamito ced his hand against the cheek of the sword spirit that had closed her heart.

    The mysterious violet eyes widened in surprise.

    "Kamito......!"

    "Est, I ask you --- lend me your power. I need you to protect our friends!"

    Turning to the squatting Est, Kamito cried out.

    But Est wordlessly shook her head.

    "Kamito, I am sorry. I can''t be your sword anymore."

    "Why---"

    "I will, one day, take away Kamito''s life."

    At that time, something cold was felt on Kamito''s fingertips.

    "......Est?"

    Those were tears.

    She was once a sword spirit that had shown not a single emotion.

    When his fingers touched her, a whirlpool of emotions flowed into him.

    The Sacred Queen and the Demon yer --- thest of their memories together.

    Part 6

    In front of Est---

    The Sacred Maiden that had defeated the Demon King''s body crystallized into a spirit stone.

    "Mas......ter......?"

    "Est, don''t make that kind of face."

    Areishia''s right hand that could still move touched Est''s cheek as she struggled to talk.

    "I knew about this from the beginning."

    She wore such an adult expression despite being only sixteen years old.

    Seeing even those fingertips crystallize---

    The sword spirit finally understood.

    That this was --- a curse.

    Thebined resentment and curses of the spirits that had been in by the holy sword''s power thus far.

    That had amassed until the limit and was eroding her master''s body.

    The Demon yer was a sword that destroyed all curses.

    But those curses didn''t disappear from this world. The holy sword that had absorbed those various curses would one day pass them onto its master.

    The spirit weapon --- Terminus Est was not a holy sword.

    Taking the user''s life in exchange for granting enormous power was unmistakably the properties of a demon sword.

    "No......way......"

    The girl''s forgiving hand. Est could not watch as those fingers that had always gently pet her head hardened and became a spirit stone.

    "Master! I didn''t know! That I---"

    "I know, Est."

    Areishia smiled and gazed at Est gently.

    "Master......you knew that you would......"

    "Yes. That''s why it''s not Est''s fault."

    While patting Est''s silvery white hair, she slowly nodded.

    But her voice wavered and tears gathered in those eyes.

    It was obvious. In the face of death, there was no way she wasn''t afraid.

    That was why she wasn''t anything like a sacred maiden.

    She was just a normal sixteen year old girl.

    "Master......"

    "Good bye, Est. My only friend."

    "No, you can''t......master......!"

    A small voice leaked from Est''s lips.

    "No......Arei......shia......!"

    "......That''s the first time you''ve called my name. I''m hap.....py......"

    "......!?"

    With a clear sound, the girl''s neck crystallized.

    Est could do nothing but watch.

    At the moment the girl who had revealed her heart for the first time shattered after bing a clear crystal.

    "Est, I---"

    The hot tears dropped onto Est''s cheek.

    "Honestly, I didn''t want to be anything like a sacred maiden."

    "---Areishia!"

    A wail echoed through the Demon King''s castle.

    For the Sacred Maiden that bore the hopes of all people and had fought to this point alone---

    That was her end.

    And so Est sealed herself in the Demon King''s armory.

    So that nobody would contract the demon sword hidden deep within.

    So she would never lose anybody important again.

    She would never open her heart to anyone --- she solemnly swore that.

    Part 7

    "---I have no right to be Kamito''s sword."

    "......"

    Kamito became speechless at Est''s past that he had caught a nce of.

    The girl that had given emotion to this spirit weapon girl that had none.

    Est had stolen that girl''s life herself with her curse.

    That was why she closed her heart.

    For how many hundreds of years, she had continued to separate herself from those who wanted to contract her.

    So she would never be touched by anyone else again.

    Kamito could not imagine how lonely that must have been.

    "Est......"

    Kamito rubbed the edge of Est''s eye.

    Those mysterious purple eyes blinked.

    "Don''t say you don''t have the right. I need Est."

    "You can''t......if you continue to use a demon sword like me, I''ll steal your life!"

    Kamito ced his hand on Est''s head.

    "I won''t lose to that kind of curse."

    He pet that beautiful silvery white hair.

    "Fuaa......Kamito......stop, please......"

    "I won''t. Until you stop crying, that is."

    "Kami......to......"

    "Est, your curse and your destiny as a demon sword, I''ll take it all."

    And then---

    He hugged Est''s delicate body to himself.

    "Soe back, Est!"

    "No......I will, to Kamito......"

    To stop those words---

    Kamito embraced Est and sealed her lips.

    "......!?"

    Est''s eyes shot open in surprise.

    That was the ritual to contract a top-level spirit.

    The kiss of oath.

    Kamito gently separated their lips.

    "I''ll say it once more, Est. I need you."

    He yelled this out while holding her delicate body tightly.

    "Be my sword, Est!"

    In response to Kamito''s powerful words---

    "Kamito, I---"

    Est''s silvery white hair shined.

    Part 8

    "......Wha!?"

    Leonora''s red eyes widened.

    From the right hand of Kamito who should''ve been knocked out, a strong light was shining.

    "---Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!"

    His quivering lips chanted the words of summoning.

    "......!?"

    Faced with the vigorous voice that had a mysterious edge to it, Leonora took a step back.

    "......It can''t be, the dragon inside me is scared?"

    The Dragon Blood was in a fully awakened state so she could understand, this was true fear.

    And so---

    "---Now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    As if to burn the eyes, a fierce light was emitted!

    In front of Kamito, the Gate connecting a master and their contracted spirit opened.

    The one that appeared was a girl with beautiful fluttering silvery white hair.

    "......Es......t, thank you. For listening to my selfishness."

    While pushing down on the hole in his chest, he smiled wryly.

    "Kamito, I am your sword --- for as long as you wish."

    The uniformed Est said that with the same expressionless face as always.

    He wondered if the slightly red cheeks he could see were because of the mes.

    "So you''ve called back the Demon yer......"

    The radiance of Leonora''s red eyes rose.

    "This is the reason there is worth in defeating you!"

    Roaring, she swung the Dragon yer---

    "---Destroy, tyrannical demonic dragon!"

    A crimson light shot out from the tip of the sword.

    It zed the ground and instantly disintegrated the trees in its path.

    "---Est!"

    But Est didn''t avoid it and simply stood there.

    With an expression like ice, she turned to the inferno and put out her palm.

    "---I am talking with Kamito right now, so don''t disturb us."

    The inferno that raged over the earth was dispersed with ease.

    "......!?"

    Leonora widened her eyes in shock.

    Est gave off a fierce aura that didn''t match with her magnificent appearance.

    "......Est, let''s go!"

    "Yes!"

    Kamito shakily got to his feet and held Est''s hand.

    His chest wound opened and arge amount of blood sttered across the ground.

    His arm''s joints were dislocated, his ribs were broken.

    It was a condition that could only be described as covered in wounds.

    But for some reason, he knew he wouldn''t lose.

    Just having Est nearby seemed to send strength welling up from deep within him.

    Kamito chanted the spirit words for releasing and Est''s body scattered into light particles.

    In the next instant, Kamito''s hands were holding a silvery white shining sword.

    Demon yer --- Terminus Est.

    "Let''s do this, Leonora Lancaster!"

    Kamito shouted as he readied Est in both hands.

    There was no need for clever tricks --- just one attack was enough.

    "---Answer to the call of my blood, demonic dragon, rampage!"

    Leonora also positioned her Dragon yer again and roared.

    And both sacred sword users ran at the same time.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The wind from the swords dug into the ground and sent dirt and sand flying.

    "---Taste the boiling of my blood with your body!"

    Therge sword being swung before his eyes.

    Wrapped in enough divine power to blow him away if it even grazed, Leonora charged.

    But Kamito did not fear it and instantly elerated towards it.

    There was nothing to fear.

    Because Kamito now had the strongest sword.

    "Est, your sadness and despair, I will put an end to all of it!"

    When the two des met, the Demon yer gave off a radiance---

    And shattered the Dragon yer in one strike.

    Part 9

    "......No way, Leonora-sama was!?"

    Yuri El Cid eximed.

    The divine power she had felting from not too far away had stopped.

    "Looking away in the midst of battle? We''re being really underestimated."

    The momentary opening provided by the iron wall dragon knight. ire would not let it slip.

    Swinging her metounge, she knocked the halberd from her hands.

    "......Shit!"

    "---Scarlet!"

    The me whip instantly reverted to a hell cat and attacked.

    "Tch!"

    Yuri kicked the ground and retreated.

    "We''re stopping the hunt. Retreat!"

    "Yuri-sama!?"

    "Leonora-sama lost."

    "Wha......!"

    The color of the faces of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor changed instantly.

    But as natural-born soldiers, they quickly understood the situation and promptly followed the order, retreating into the forest.

    "I won''t let you! Freezing fangs, pierce --- Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet shot her ice arrows, but they were blocked by the forest''s trees.

    "Kamito beat Leonora?"

    "......It seems like that''s the case."

    ire nodded as she looked in the direction of the burning camp site.

    Part 10

    "......Why are you not taking my magic stone?"

    Leonora who was lying on the zing ground asked.

    Her mad red eyes had returned to a calm ck.

    ......It seemed that the Dragon Blood had calmed down.

    "I won''t say it''s a reward for helping me get Est back but---"

    Kamito also fell down.

    It was a much more delicate body than he had imagined.

    Her noble face entered his eyes.

    "This time I''ll pardon you. And I''d like to de dance with the real dragon knight Leonora rather than one influenced by Dragon Blood."

    "......Naive, aren''t you."

    "......Well, the truth is I can''t even move a finger anyway."

    Kamito said so with a wry smile and Leonora turned her head with a red face.

    "A-As I thought, you''re dangerous......in various ways."

    "What''s that mean? What are these various ways?"

    "Y-You''re quite noisy, you licentious beast!"

    Leonora sent Kamito flying and stood up.

    The Dragon Blood rampage seemed to have eaten up her divine power so she was shaky on her feet.

    "I won''t lose next time, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Yeah, me neither. I have no intention of losing."

    Leonora smiled and disappeared into the mes.

    "......Kamito is really a master with no fidelity."

    Hearing the pouting voice of Est from overhead, Kamito passed out.

    ---And this time he didn''t see that dream.

 Volume 5, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 5, Epilogue</h4>

    Kamito awakened on a stretcher in the tent.

    It seemed ire and the others had found the unconscious Kamito.

    Bandages wrapped his injuries here and there. The clumsily wrapped portions were likely ire''s handiwork.

    (......It looks like thedies were safe.)

    Just as he breathed a sigh of relief and got up---

    "You still shouldn''t be moving, Kamito."

    "Owaa, E, Est!"

    The fully naked sword spirit quicklyy down beside him.

    ......No, there were, of course, knee socks covering her feet.

    "Est......"

    If it were the regr Kamito, this would be where he would scold her,

    (Well, I''ll forgive her for today......)

    Kamito hugged Est to himself.

    "Fuwa......Ka-Kamito!?"

    Est''s shoulders shook.

    Because she always maintained a cool and expressionless face, that action was interesting.

    "......I was lonely. I won''t get mad today so stay with me here."

    With a wry smile, he brought the nket over Est''s small body.

    "Kamito......"

    Est widened her violet eyes and attached herself to him.

    Her mouth was lightly smiling in joy.

    "Kamito, you''re warm......"

    "I see."

    While Kamito''s heart raced, he hugged the quivering Est''s shoulders.

    Under the nket, Est told him various things about what happened after she vanished.

    About the single moment when her true body had connected with Kamito. But soon after that, the Gate had closed again so she now had a personality separate from that of the legendary Demon yer.

    Unexpectedly, it meant that the Sacred Maiden Areishia was a lost memory to the current Est.

    Her memory was fragmented, and her memory only really started from when they''d met about two months ago.

    Kamito was confused for a while but---

    "......At any rate, it''s fine to just say that Est is Est, right?"

    "Yes, Kamito. That understanding is fine."

    ......And since it seemed to work, he stopped thinking deeply about it.

    Then---

    "Kamito, are you really not regretting it?"

    "Of course not. I won''t say it twice."

    Kamito replied decisively to Est''s question.

    "A cursed demon sword or whatever, Est is my sword --- from now on and in the future."

    "But I will steal Kamito''s life......"

    "Hey, Est---"

    Kamito interrupted.

    "Est right now only has about a tenth of the past Demon yer, right?"

    "Yes, Kamito."

    Est nodded from within his arms.

    "So the curse is only a tenth of its original. If it''s only that much, at the very least, I won''t turn into stone during this de Dance."

    Kamito stroked Est''s hair.

    "I didn''t join the de Dance to have a Wish granted by the Elemental Lords. But I have found a Wish I want to fulfill."

    That was to remove Est''s curse and make her into a true sacred sword.

    "Yes, Kamito. I am your sword --- for as long as you wish."

    She said it with the same expressionless face, but with great vigor behind it.

    And at that time.

    The entrance to the tent opened---

    "Wha!?" "How shameless......!" "Kamito-kun, how bold......"

    Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna''s jaws dropped open.

    Then---

    "Y-You, whwhwh-what are you doing!"

    Gogogogogogogogogo......!

    ire approached with her metounge in hand.

    "W-Wait, ire, this is......"

    Kamito quickly tried to make an excuse---

    The fully-naked-except-for-knee-socks Est stood up in front of ire.

    "Wh-What is it......"

    ire faltered in front of her oppressive force.

    "Kamito is my master."

    "......E-Even so, you sleeping together is a problem!"

    "ire also sleeps with Scarlet."

    "S-She''s a cat so it''s fine!"

    "I am a cat."

    "Eh?"

    "I am Kamito''s sword. Kamito''s kitten. Kamito''s toy......that''s why there is no problem."

    Having said that, Est clung onto Kamito.

    "Fuaaa......a t-toy......wh-what are you saying!"

    ire yelled with a red face and teary eyes.

    "Kamito said he would ept all of me."

    "Wha-what is that......Ka-Kamito is my ve spirit!"

    Fianna patted the frustrated ire''s back.

    "ire, let''s let Est have Kamito for a day. Just for today."

    "Kamito-san, as I thought, you really like small girls!"

    "Toy your hands on young girls, th-that needs to be fixed! Be neapolitan!"

    The ring Rinslet and Ellis who had drawn her sword both looked at Kamito with cold eyes.

    "It is okay, Kamito. I will protect you."

    "Please spare me the de dancing......"

    ---The first night of the de Dance passed.

 Volume 5, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 5, Afterword</h4>

    ---Kamito, I am your sword. Your wish is mymand.

    And with that, it has been a three month silence. This is Shimizu Yuu.

    The elemental fantasy "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" has reached its fifth volume!

    One night after the difficult fight with Muir from the , Kamito loses Est and falls into despair. The ojou-samas attempt to cheer (through hi means) that Kamito up. The ''s real battle starts while he still hasn''t recovered Est. The mysterious Ren Ashbell. The awakened dragon knight, Leonora. And the truth about the legendary......!

    In this fifth volume that touches upon Est''s past, I''ve also packed in plenty of the battle x loveedy attributes!

    Announcements. I was lent a small section in the anthology of MF Bunko J''s extremely popr "Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai," "Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai - Universe" (It goes on sale at the same time as Seirei volume 5). Sagara Sou-sensei, Yuuji Yuuji-sensei, Watari Wataru-sensei (and around fifty others), with such wonderful professional writers and the creator of the original work, Hirasaka Yomi, it feels like the tension is high. For fans of "Haganai" or the author, please give a it a read. Sakura Hanpen-sensei''s godly cute illustrations are also included.

    Sakura Hanpen-sensei also drew a wonderful front cover and illustrations. Thank you very much. Est''s heartrending expression squeezed my heart......hooray for half-nakedness!

    Yoshihira Zenzai-sensei who is drawing the manga. Truly, thank you for drawing such a high-quality masterpiece. ire with her hair flitting about is cute.

    MFJ''s hyper media producer, Shouji-san, I caused you a lot of trouble this time as well.

    And the greatest thanks goes to you who has this in their hands!

    The other day, a signing event was held and it made me very happy to be able to talk with those who read "Seirei".

    Seeing the impressions on the online questionnaire spur me on. By the way, the knee socks spirit Est made aeback to first ce in the fourth volume poprity vote. Rinslet-ojou-sama moved from sixth to second ce. Could this be the era of Est and Rinslet......!?

    "Now they won''t call me Rin-whatsherface-san!" (From Rinslet)

    ---With that, next time is volume 6. Let''s meet again in "The Strongest de Dancer (tentative)"!

    January 2011, Shimizu Yuu

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Good to meet you or long time no see, it''s Sakura Hanpen!

    Est finally gets a cover illustration!

    Somehow, I have a satisfied feeling!

    I''m so d......Est-chan returned (¡ä; ¦Ø ;`)

    When I read the volume 5 manuscript, my heart was racing!

    I really liked the heart-breaking beautiful Areishia-san.

    Look forward to the next volume that''s slowly building tension...!

    Or rather, Kamito''s really popr, huh.

    I want him to explode! Damn it!

    I''d really like to wake up next to a naked bishoujo in knee socks.

    Somebody please quickly invent a way to travel into the 2D world.

    Well then, I''ll stop around here!

    The next volume''s cover might feature someone unexpected!

    Also, Shimizu-sensei, when will youe to my house in maid clothes?

    Shouji-san''s eyes are glowing, so I''d better stop here.

    Let''s meet again in the next volume~ (¡ä¦Ø`)¥Î¥Ã

 Volume 6, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 6, Prologue</h4>

    The world was being eroded by the ck Wish.

    "...tia... Restia!"

    I called out to her, reaching out with my hand, but it would no longer reach her.

    I did not want something like the title of being the strongest.

    If she stayed by my side and smiled for me, I would have been satisfied.

    Even though... even though I had only wanted to fulfill her wish.

    "Kamito, I''m sorry, so... sorry..."

    From within the mass of squirming darkness, I heard her voice.

    She might have been crying...

    The moment I thought that, I dove right into the ck Wish without a single bit of hesitation.

    On that day, three years ago.

    (What was it exactly, that I had wished for?)

 Volume 6, 1 - The First Dawn

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 1 - The First Dawn</h4>

    Part 1

    Chirp chirp...

    The singing of birds could be heard from the forest. A cold early morning that chilled one to the bones.

    Chirp~

    A soft sensation could be felt near his cheek--

    Kamito woke up with a start.

    He was surrounded by darkness. The light streaming into the tent was also rather weak.

    Half awake, he was just about to get up from the simple bed--

    "...!?"

    A pang of intense pain could be felt from his ribs.

    "Speaking of which, I''m still wounded..."

    Kamito groaned painfully.

    It happenedst night--during the first night of the de Dance festival, he received these injuries when battling Leonora Lancaster, the ace of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor who represented Dracunia.

    Even though it was a brief battlesting only a couple of minutes, Kamito was still cornered to the verge of death by Leonora who had be a berserker through the awakening of Dragon Blood. Using her elemental waffe of the strongest ss, the Dragon yer, she prated his chest deeply.

    Kamito was able to make aeback and defeat Leonora only thanks to the revived sword spirit Est. To this date, the Demon yer had already saved him from many desperate crises. Even though she had closed off her heart due to past tragedy, in the end, she still responded to Kamito''s summons and returned to the battlefield.

    "...Hmm?"

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed a sense of dissonance.

    Trying to get up from the simple bed, Kamito found his arm--

    Being gripped tightly by a small and icy-cold hand.

    "E-Est!?"

    Kamito was shocked.

    Before his eyes was a beautiful girl with silver-white hair, sleeping soundly with light breathing noises.

    Her curled up body was wrapped in a nket. Her sleeping form almost resembled a tiny angel.

    However, the problem was--

    "...!"

    Her manner of attire, which was basically nude... That was the situation.

    Other than the ck kneesocks that covered her legs, her entire body was bare.

    Lustrous silver-white hair. Skin as smooth and white as fresh milk.

    From the gaps of the nket, two mild protrusions were faintly visible.

    Her adorable breath brushed against his arm, causing a strange ticklish feeling.

    "What should I do now, given this..."

    Kamito muttered in a quandary.

    Est''s hand was currently gripping Kamito''s arm tightly. This prevented him from getting up directly.

    Seeing her sleeping so soundly, it would be a pity to wake her up on purpose.

    Besides... Gazing at Est''s peaceful sleeping face, Kamito recalled.

    The reason she was like this, was probably because she felt insecure.

    Normally she would sleep in the form of a sword in order to reduce the consumption of power, but now she was maintaining the appearance of a young girl. This was the proof.

    In order to save Kamito who was being devoured by the Brand of Darkness, Est had sacrificed herself and disappeared from this world. At the time, she recalled the past memories she had forgotten.

    She recalled the life of her first contractor -- Sacred Queen Areishia Idriss. Her memories had been stolen by the curse.

    Even though Est was currently iplete, holding only one tenth of her original power, she still inherited the attributes of the demon sword which robbed its owner''s life. If he continued to maintain his contract with Est, Kamito would soon meet the same fate as her past contractors.

    Nevertheless, Kamito had made a promise with Est.

    Whether your curse or your fate as a demon sword, I will ept all of it -- that was what he had said.

    (I will win the de Dance together with Est --)

    Watching Est''s peaceful sleeping face, Kamito renewed his resolve.

    The winner of the de Dance was to be bestowed a miracle by the Elemental Lords.

    Through this miraculous power, capable of making any Wishe true, changing Est''s fate as a demon sword was not impossible.

    "Wish...?"

    Kamito felt a pang of pain in his left hand, the one covered by the ck leather glove.

    Beneath the glove was the spirit seal from his past contracted spirit.

    Three years ago, Kamito was known as the Strongest de Dancer. In order to realize her Wish, he had emerged as the victor of the de Dance.

    (At the time -- What kind of wish did I make for her...)

    Somehow, almost all of his memories of that day were gone.

    What he could recall were merely scraps of images.

    The figure of the darkness spirit devoured by a pitch-ck Wish.

    After that, three years had passed--

    She appeared before Kamito once more.

    As the subordinate of a different and mysterious Ren Ashbell.

    "Kami... to..."

    "Hmm?"

    Feeling a squirming presence, Kamito looked down at Est.

    Only to find her still sleeping with cute breathing noises.

    ...Apparently she called out Kamito''s name from her dreams.

    "I am your sword... Your wish is mymand..."

    Kiss~

    "E-Est...!?"

    His fingertips felt the soft sensation of her lips.

    Just as Kamito frantically tried to withdraw--

    "Mmm... Kamito... I... love..."

    Kiss~ Kiss~

    Est held on to Kamito''s arm tightly.

    "So..."

    What should he do, just as Kamito agonized, at this moment--

    Snap... Sounds of twigs breaking could be hearding from outside the tent.

    "...!?"

    "...E-Excuse me, Kamito. W-What do you think y-you are d-do, d-doing?"

    At the entrance to the tent, a girl was wielding metongue, her shoulders trembling.

    Her long hair was tied into twintails on opposite sides of her head. Her eyes were like rubies infused with burning mes. Despite the slight paucity of her bosom, the proportions of her figure were as beautiful as a statue of a goddess.

    ire Rouge. Originally the high-born daughter hailing from the prestigious family of Duke Elstein.

    A cute and beautiful girl who mesmerized people on sight.

    However--

    "How do you intend to e-ex, e-exin?"

    In her current state, she was almost akin to a berserk me spirit.

    "Hey, hey... The tent is catching on fire!"

    Kamito called out frantically--

    "And I-I was so w-worried about you!"

    Her twintails standing upright on end, ire walked directly over.

    "N-No, this is a misunderstanding!"

    "...~tsk, what is this, isn''t that your exnation every single time!?"

    Tears were beginning to well up in those ruby-like eyes.

    At this moment--

    "Fuaah..."

    Est finally woke up.

    Yawning adorably, she rubbed her eyes with her hands.

    ...Apparently notpletely awake.

    "Mmm..."

    Just as ire stopped advancing, in that very instant.

    Kiss~

    " "What!?" "

    Kamito and ire screamed simultaneously.

    Because Est kissed Kamito on his cheek.

    "Y-You, y-you, what are you d-doing!?"

    ire shouted with her face all red.

    "I am Kamito''s contracted spirit. Offering a morning kiss to the contractor is a natural duty."

    "L-Liar, I''ve never heard of anything like that!?"

    Trembling, ire''s hair made noises as she shook... Indeed, it has never been heard of before.

    "Not lying."

    Kiss~

    "...~tsk, Kamito, you must have taught weird ideas to Est again..."

    "I have no idea! Besides, what do you mean by ''again''!?"

    The tent''s wooden support column began to emit ck smoke.

    ...Not good. If this continued, the entire tent will turn into charcoal.

    Kamito hastily racked his brains for a way to escape the crisis--

    "B-By the way, I am being ordered around by you as your contracted spirit, right?"

    "...? That''s right, after all, you are my ve spirit."

    ire nodded matter-of-factly... Truly deplorable, but whatever.

    "Well then, I will also offer a morning kiss to my master."

    "...Uh?"

    ire was instantly frozen with shock.

    In this situation, the term master -- referred to ire, naturally.

    "W-Wha, w-what is this! Some kind of joke?"

    "It can''t possibly be a joke."

    "Ahhhh..."

    As Kamito slid his finger lightly across her chin, ire made a cute scream.

    "I-If you dare do such a thing, don''t expect me to forgiiii... Uwah!"

    "Hey, just rx--"

    As soon as he blew lightly in her ear, ire suddenly lost all strength and copsed.

    Before she fell over, Kamito frantically caught and supported her back.

    "S-Seriously, what are you doing...!"

    ire instantly blushed bright red and began to anger. But unbelievably, she made no effort to resist meaningfully.

    Probably having bathed in river water, her smooth skin gave off the scent of soap.

    "Your ears are your weak points, you know."

    "Uwah, n-no...!"

    Usually domineering in personality, ire was unexpectedly meek when others took the initiative. Kamito knew that very well.

    Even though she was the violent hell cat girl, her true nature was a pure and delicate youngdy.

    Kamito embraced ire as shey powerlessly in his arms.

    "Well then, please ept this morning kiss... Master."

    Whispering softly in her ear, he drew his lips lightly towards ire''s face--

    "...~tsk!"

    Puff!

    Instantly, ire''s head began to emit steam.

    "Waaaaah, Kamito you jerk!"

    Her face all red, ire noisily swayed her twintails as she ran away.

    "...Seriously, she''s still so cute."

    Kamito shrugged and smiled wryly.

    That said, perhaps he really went too far this time. Even though this method was very effective in dismissing her anger, it did create problemster.

    ...Perhaps he should prepare his grave while he still had time.

    "--Kamito is the Demon King of the Night."

    Est was expressionless -- However, her murmuring voice sounded subtly unhappy.

    Caressing Est''s head, Kamito said:

    "Est, it''s fine if you want to sleep a while longer. Have you recovered your power?"

    "Yes, Kamito. In order to be your sword, I will focus on recovering my power."

    Est nodded obediently and went back to sleep.

    Covering her still naked body with a nket, Kamito then changed his uniform.

    Walking out of the tent, he took a deep breath of the refreshing early morning air.

    --At this time, he noticed something had fallen before the tent.

    It was a coil of unimpressive bandages. Also, there was a basket of fruit.

    "...That girl, she even brought these things... Feels like I''m the bad guy now."

    Scratching his face, he was just about to pick up the objects on the ground when--

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, you surely brought to life your beast-like self just now."

    Rustle rustle... A girl appeared out from the thicket.

    Gorgeous waist-length ck hair. Light gray eyes, adorned by cuteshes.

    Wearing a bold uniform that was styled like a low-cut dress, she was the Empire''s former imperial princess.

    "...Fianna!? You s-saw!?"

    "--I will also offer a morning kiss to my master."

    "Gaaaaaah!"

    While maintaining a serious expression, the imperial princess imitated Kamito''s voice.

    Kamito instantly ducked, clutching his head in his arms.

    "--Well then, please ept this morning kiss... Master."

    "Aaaaaah... I-I beg you, please stop it... Please stop this."

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun is so cute~"

    Watching Kamito rolling around on the ground in embarrassment, Fianna smiled mischievously with a chuckle.

    Part 2

    "How amazing. While I was sleeping, you''ve built a stronghold already?"

    "No, it''s only halfplete. We need an even sturdier stronghold this time. A fortress-ss stronghold that not even Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor could breach."

    Kamito and Fianna walked side by side in the quiet forest.

    Although ordinary people could only see a forest here, anyone with sufficient elementalist potential would notice an invisible barrier spread out between the trees.

    To have constructed this level of a barrier within the span of merely one night, she truly lived up to her name as the princess maiden who was the original candidate for Queen. During this time, other teams were probably constructing their own strongholds, but surely none of them could have surpassed Fianna''s in strength.

    Faced with such a solid stronghold, there probably would not be any teams making an assault like Leonora''s groupst night.

    Land protected by multiple barriers was equivalent to a sturdy castle to elementalists. The protection from the earth spirits bolstered divine power, and through the leylines flowing underground, one could even obtain blessings such as the recovery of fatigue.

    "Of course, mechanisms for intercepting intruders are also perfect~"

    "Yeah. Even this number of spirits have been tamedpletely."

    Surveying the little spirits flying across the forest, Kamito nodded with great feeling.

    "Fufu, I''m looking forward to seeing elementalists from other teams fall into the traps."

    "...Isn''t that statement a little abnormal for a prestigious imperial princess to make?"

    As Fianna smiled malevolently, Kamito cast a gaze of surprise--

    Suddenly something passed them beneath their feet.

    "...!?"

    It was toote by the time they noticed. Just as Kamito was thinking there was something rising from the ground, numerous vines of nts appeared from underground and suspended Fianna in midair.

    "...Ah! What are you doing... Insolent ones!"

    Restrained and tied up by the vines, the imperial princess was struggling in panic. However, the more she moved the tighter the vines wrapped themselves around her soft bosom and buttocks.

    Apparently, there were still some earth spirits who had yet to submit to hermand.

    "Yah, ahhh, this tickles...!"

    The skirt of her uniform was swept up, offering a tantalizing view of her pure white panties.

    "Ah, K-Kamito-kun... Please d-don''t look!"

    Fianna frantically tried to hold down her skirt. However, suspended in midair, she could not move freely and her skirt was lifted higher and higher.

    "...S-Sorry... Uwah!"

    With great awkwardness, Kamito found a very cute butt suddenly thrust before his nose.

    A pair of extremely soft-looking white panties dominated Kamito''s view entirely.

    Pulled upwards by the vines, the panties were being embedded deeply into her bottom.

    "Ah, o... It hurts... Oooh... S-Save me...!"

    Tear drops appearing from her eyes, Fianna moaned painfully.

    "H-Hold on! I''m going to cut the vines now!"

    Kamito took out a short sword from the chest of his uniform and prepared to sever the vines--

    In that instant, one of Fianna''s legs was pulled vertically up this time.

    The short skirt was entirely curled up, exposing the white panties clearly in view.

    "...!?"

    "N-No, I don''t want to look like this in front of Kamito-kun--!"

    Fianna struggled frantically in an unsightly manner.

    "Fianna, c-calm down! If you move randomly, my hand will -- Ah!"

    Intending to sever the vines, Kamito''s hand slipped.

    Shred!

    With the sound of something tearing, a piece of white fabric fluttered to the ground.

    "..."

    "..."

    Embroidered with a cute design, it was the fair imperial princess'' panties.

    "I-Iyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

    Part 3

    "Seriously, Kamito-kun is such a pervert! The Demon King of the Daytime!"

    "Like I said, I''m sorry..."

    Faced with Fianna pouting angrily, Kamito apologized again and again.

    "I-I really didn''t mean to do that!"

    "...Hmph -- How would I really know?"

    The imperial princess cast a gaze of suspicion. Perhaps due to her unclothedher region, she was unable to remain calm as she tightly held down the sides of her skirt, her legs moving awkwardly as she walked.

    "I-If I knew it was going to be seen anyway, I should have worn more appropriate underwear..."

    "The pair just now was very cute too... Ah, wait..."

    "...~tsk, Kamito-kun!"

    Thud thud thud thud.

    Blushing intensely, Fianna hammered her fists against Kamito''s back.

    Even though she was always teasing boldly, her true nature was a pure and innocent princess.

    "S-Seriously, that''s why Kamito-kun is such a jerk who doesn''t know anything!"

    Suddenly making a turn, she began to walk away.

    "Where are you going?"

    "Off to teach those earth spirits a good lesson. So that the incident just now does not happen a second time!"

    Fianna left the path in the woods and entered the depths of the thicket.

    ...Apparently, Kamito had really made the princess displeased.

    "...Well, as long as she stays in the barrier, there shouldn''t be any danger."

    Kamito sighed and continued along the path.

    Leaving the forest -- Kamito arrived at the ce where he had engaged Leonora in de dancest night.

    This was originally part of the dense forest but the majority of the trees had fallen over from the violent winds while the ground was scarred with craters.

    This was the trail of destruction remaining from Leonora''s going berserk.

    (...An opponent I have no wish of facing again, but undoubtedly she will advance to the finals.)

    Kamito muttered with a sigh.

    The de Dance festival this time was far more deadly than thest -- that was what his battle with Leonora impressed upon him.

    (However, Ren Ashbell''s team definitely surpasses the Knights of the Dragon Emperor by far...)

    Not only the other Ren Ashbell who had invited Kamito to dance at the ball -- but also the Instructional School''s monster, Muir Alenstarl. Demon Caster Sjora Kahn.

    As well as--

    (That ck knight...)

    That particr person. Even amongst the gathering of monsters in Team Inferno, that person''s ominous aura stood out.

    An elementalist''s instincts sensed it -- some kind of heretical beyond-human existence.

    "Are we able to win? Against those kinds of people--"

    During the two months since he had joined the Academy through Greyworth''s machinations, Kamito had already recovered the majority of hisbat sense.

    Not only did he retrieve the power that earned him the title of the Strongest de Dancer three years ago, his new contract was with Est who belonged to the strongest ss of sword spirit.

    (However, it''s still not enough...)

    Unrted to swordsmanship or the resilience of the body, a more fundamental issue of power--

    "...Hmm?"

    Kamito suddenly stopped walking.

    Dissimr to the smell of branches burning, an intense aroma was reaching his nose.

    (...This smells great.)

    Rumble. His stomach began to growl as if awakened.

    ...Speaking of which, I haven''t eaten anything since dinnerst night.

    Making his way towards the direction of the aroma, at a clearing on the riverside, he found the back view of a blonde high-ss youngdy.

    Happily humming a song, she cooked soup in a pot.

    Kamito tip-toed and approached--

    "Rinslet, what are you doing?"

    "Uwah, K-Kamito-san!"

    Surprised from behind, Rinslet screamed cutely and turned around.

    Bathed beneath the morning rays, her long and tinum blonde hair disyed dazzling luster.

    Her beautiful emerald green eyes opened wide.

    Dressed in an apron around her uniform, she was holding a bowl and a spoon in her hands.

    To be frank, this get up did not suit her identity as a high-ss youngdy at all, but the contrast proved to be rather adorable.

    "Seriously, don''t scare me with a sudden greeting!"

    Rinslet pouted, slightly miffed.

    "...Sorry. I was attracted by the aroma. Are you making breakfast now?"

    "Yes. But it''s still at the stage of preparations--"

    Kamito nced behind Rinslet as she nodded. It was a simple makeshift kitchen.

    A counter top had been built using chopped down logs. Stones had been piled up to make a stove. Fish caught from the river were being kept fresh using massive ice blocks created by her prided ice magic.

    "...This looks quite legit. How did a nobledy like you learn to cook?"

    Though Kamito himself was capable of simple cooking, Rinslet''s skills had already reached the level of top chefs.

    He wanted to find the secret to her progress.

    "By preparing food for Carol every day, I naturally became skilled."

    "Why are you cooking for the maid when you are the mistress?"

    "It is a noble''s responsibility to provide personally prepared delicious food to the ones who serve us. Noblesse oblige or something like that, that was what Carol taught me."

    "...Uh, are you sure you weren''t tricked by Carol."

    Kamito stated in shock.

    ...Come to think of it, Rinslet was equipped with various skills one would not expect to find in a sheltered high-ssdy. In a certain sense, this was all thanks to a certain useless maid.

    "By the way, Kamito-san, are your injuries okay?"

    "Yeah, how should I say this..."

    Faced with Rinslet''s worried inquiry, Kamito nodded as he tried turning the joints in his arms.

    Last night, Kamito''s chest had been pierced by Leonora''s Dragon yer. Ending up with only a few broken ribs was truly fortunate. As for the broken bones, they had already been set and healed by Fianna during his sleep.

    Fianna had mentioned before that Kamito possessed exceptional self-recovery abilities. This was most likely due to entering a contract with a sword spirit possessing steel attributes, resulting in a reinforced body.

    "...That''s wonderful."

    "That said, I''m still quite exhausted."

    Smiling wryly, he replied.

    "Right. That''s what I was thinking, so I am preparing a special soup with nourishing effects."

    Rinslet smiled tenderly.

    This charming smile made Kamito''s heart begin to race--

    "R-Really? It''d be wonderful to drink some soup in this cold weather."

    Trying to hide his loss ofposure, Kamito nced at the soup in the pot.

    "In my homnd, this sort of weather counts as warm actually."

    "Naturally, how could thispare to Laurenfrost, thend of ice and snow..."

    The soup was amber in color and made with chicken, wild vegetables and various spices.

    "Looks really tasty..."

    "...Sneaking a taste is not allowed."

    Rinslet warned with a raised finger.

    "...Not allowed?"

    "Where is your pride as an elementalist? That sort of behavior is disgraceful... O-Or perhaps, Kamito-san, this is the kind of attitude you take to steal a taste of girls?"

    "How did the conversatione to this!?"

    Seeing Rinslet ncing at him with a frown, Kamito retorted back--

    ...Rumble. His stomach was growling.

    "..."

    "Seriously, you''re hopeless... Just to be clear, this is a special exception, okay?"

    "...Thanks."

    Rinslet took arge spoon to serve the soup, delivering it before Kamito.

    "...Umm, what?"

    "Your arm is still injured, right? H-Hurry and open your mouth..."

    Rinslet blushed and said.

    ...Clearly, she intended to feed him with a "Say ah~ and open up" kind of scene.

    "No, this level of injury..."

    "You don''t need me?"

    Rinslet made a hurt expression.

    Kamito frantically shook his head--

    "Ah, no... Please feed me!"

    His heart rate rising, he drank the soup in one gulp.

    The chicken and the vegetables were well-stewed and melted in his mouth. The fragrant taste spread all over his tongue.

    (Ah, this soup...)

    Suddenly, Kamito recalled what happened on the first day when he entered Areishia Spirit Academy.

    At the time, Rinslet had brought warm soup to Kamito when he was hungry and staying in that crude little hut that was no different from a stable.

    (Definitely, at the time, she said it was because Carol had cooked too much...)

    Thinking back now, since that useless maid could not possibly have cooked, Rinslet must have made up the excuse to hide her embarrassment.

    Due to Rinslet''s usual unapproachable airs, Kamito originally mistook her for an arrogant high-ssdy. Her true nature was actually a kind-hearted and benevolent girl.

    "...Rinslet, you''re such a wonderful person."

    Kamito could not stop himself from blurting out.

    "W-What are you saying, so suddenly!"

    "Ah, no..."

    "I-I am not some kind of wonderful person. Clearly I am a viin."

    Sent into a panic, Rinslet began talking iprehensibly.

    Herck of forthrightness also felt rather adorable.

    "By the way, where''s Ellis?"

    "The Captain? She''s performing a dedicatory de dance beside the river."

    "...I see. Well then, let me go greet her briefly."

    Wrapping things up here, Kamito decided to stop hindering Rinslet while she cooked.

    Waving to Rinslet, Kamito made his way towards the riverbank.

    Part 4

    Walking along the riverbank, Kamito found a towering cliff.

    This was where ire and the others had battled the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. The cliff was still littered with the destruction caused by the fight against the dragon spirit.

    "...To think an outdoor bath that could not have been easy to construct, would be virtually destroyed."

    Muttering, he walked towards the edge of the cliff at the same time--

    "Hah! Fu--!"

    Apanied by vigorous shouts, the sound of slicing wind could be heard.

    Peering out from the side of the cliff, he found a girl swinging a sword, her hair in a ponytail.

    Her body was d in light armor. Her dark-brown eyes were stern.

    This was the Captain of the Sylphid Knights -- Ellis Fahrengart.

    "Yah, hah--!"

    She swung her sword with forceful motions, producing sounds of sharp slicing wind.

    Rather than sword training, this was a ritual de dance performed as an offering to spirits inhabiting the river.

    Her graceful and spectacr de dance caused Kamito to watch in awe.

    The profile of her stern face seemed especially beautiful.

    Soon after, Ellis re-sheathed her sword by her waist and took a deep bow towards the river.

    From the water surface appeared faint light as water spirits gathered to dance.

    Apparently the spirits were pleased with Ellis'' de dance.

    As Ellis wiped her sweat in relief, Kamito greeted her.

    "Hi, Ellis."

    "K-Kamito... You saw it!?"

    Ellis turned around, her dark-brown eyes opening wide.

    "Sorry, I didn''t mean to peep..."

    Kamito scratched his head and walked towards Ellis.

    "Ellis, your de dance was really beautiful."

    "...!? I-I... Beautiful!?"

    "No, I''m talking about your de dance, Ellis... But anyway, you''re quite beautiful too."

    Ellis instantly blushed.

    "Y-You, what insolence! Prepare to die, I''ll make you into onion gratin!"

    Swiftly drawing her sword, she stabbed the point of the de towards Kamito''s neck.

    "What the heck, getting angry so suddenly!"

    "C-Calling me beautiful, surely that cannot be what you seriously think...!"

    "No, I simply blurted out what''s on my mind..."

    "Oooh..."

    Blushing more intensely, the Captain stuttered as if she was at a loss.

    "Y-You, why did youe here?!...Could it be, to peep!?"

    "Idiot, why would anyone do that!?"

    Kamito frantically denied--

    "Hmph, that I know... After all, there is nothing worth seeing even if I were taking a bath in the water!"

    Ellis suddenly turned her gaze away as if she was sulking.

    As a normal healthy male, of course the thought had crossed his mind before... But if he were to say this out loud, she would surely slice him in earnest, so it would be best to keep quiet for now.

    "I was just about to start the morning purification rite and training. What perfect timing for you to be here, Ellis, would you like to perform morning practice with me? We haven''t trained together for quite a while."

    "Hmm... Morning practice? Sure."

    Sheathing her sword, Ellis coughed lightly.

    Back at the Academy, Kamito would asionally spar with Ellis for morning practice. Although she also had Sylphid Knights meetings early in the morning, it was a perfect way to release the tension in her body before ss.

    "But are your injuries okay?"

    "Yeah, so I''d like to get some exercise... But please have mercy."

    "Acknowledged."

    The two distanced themselves and drew their swords.

    Ellis used a long sword while Kamito used the short sword he kept for defense. Though they were both using weapons that were different from their actual elemental waffen, this was fine for the purposes of physical training.

    Readying her sword stance, Ellis watched Kamito silently.

    "Come, Ellis--"

    Just as Kamito spoke, in that instant--

    "Hah--!"

    With a vigorous shout, Ellis charged.

    Despite treading over uneven riverside terrain, she still made a series of aggressive shes. The name of the Sylphid Knights'' Captain truly was not just for show.

    Kamito blocked the sharp sword with his short sword. The des shed violently many times.

    Sparks flew. High pitched metallic noises resounded.

    This was a spectacr de dance performed with perfect synchronicity.

    However, a displeased expression appeared on Ellis'' face--

    "Kamito, stop trying to amodate me. If you are just ying around, I will not be pleased."

    "You have a point... But Ellis, different from my swordsmanship that was trained at the Instructional School, yours is the orthodox style of the knightly sword, right? If you try to amodate me, you might pick up bad habits."

    "No matter. My sword style is too rigid. Afterst night''s de dance, that was what I realized greatly. Hence, I hope you can teach me your sword skills. In order to obtain victory in this de Dance festival!"

    "...!"

    Ellis swung her sword in a heavy downward strike. Kamito blocked as his eyes widened in surprise.

    This was an attack which manifested the power of Ellis'' resolve to get stronger.

    "...If that''s the case, I understand."

    Her well-practiced sword style was indeed rather easy to predict.

    It was probably okay to teach her some of those so-called unorthodox sword skills.

    Kicking the ground to leap backwards for some distance, Kamito switched his short sword to a reverse grip. Ellis held her sword horizontally and made a courageous charge -- this was based on her highly aplished spear skills.

    In that instant, Kamito suddenly lowered his stance and made a light sweeping kick.

    "Ah!"

    Ellis'' eyes widened in surprise. Though she did not fall over, Kamito took advantage of her momentary loss of bnce to grab her arm and shove her back against the ground.

    Then swiftly he immobilized her legs. Though Ellis struggled desperately, it was impossible for her to escape due to the restraining of her joints.

    "Guh... H-How underhanded, Kamito!"

    "Even if the enemy is wielding a sword, it doesn''t mean they will always fight with a sword. I suppose it''s fine if you''re facing a noble-minded knight, but there exist elementalists who fight this way."

    "Y-You may have a point..."

    Ellis grumbled with a reluctant expression--

    Then suddenly her face went red.

    "Uh?"

    "K-Kamito, this posture..."

    "...!?"

    Only when pointed out did he notice.

    The fact that he was pushing a girl down against the ground, their legs intertwined together.

    Plus the fact of Ellis'' slightly lifted skirt, clearly exposing her ck panties.

    "S-Sorry...!"

    Kamito frantically tried to stand up, but--

    "W-Wait!"

    Ellis gripped his wrist tightly.

    "L-Let this continue a little while longer, I do not mind..."

    "...Uh?"

    Maintaining this posture of pushing Ellis down on the ground, Kamito widened his eyes at the sight.

    The uniform drenched with sweat. The heaving bosom that quivered with every breath she took.

    Diverting the gaze of her slightly moistened dark-brown eyes, Ellis expelled warm breath as she spoke:

    "Y-You have to take responsibility..."

    Ellis pouted her lips as if sulking.

    "Responsibility?"

    "The one who changed me from a knight, i-into a woman, is you..."

    "Wha, what d-do you mean by that!?"

    Just as Kamito stared dumbfounded--

    "Incinerate until nothing remains, O scorching congration -- Fireball!"

    An incantation of spirit magic could be heard -- then immediately, the nearby ground exploded.

    Sent flying by the shock of the explosion, Kamito fell into the river.

    "W-What the heck!?...Holy, this is really scalding!"

    The river water was boiling as bubbles rose up.

    "...Hey, Kamito? Just now, what was happening there?"

    Turning his gaze, he found ire wielding metongue, approaching slowly from the shallows.

    "All I could see was the sight of you pushing Ellis down on the ground, eh?"

    ...She was smiling. So terrifying.

    Feeling his life was endangered, Kamito frantically tried to escape--

    The crisp sound of water changing state could be heard.

    "What!?"

    Suddenly, he found a massive wall of ice erected before him.

    This was Rinslet''s specialty, the spirit magic of Ice Wall--

    "Oh my, Kamito-san, where do you think you''re going?"

    Appearing in the opposite direction from ire was Rinslet.

    Smiling calmly, she wielded her elemental waffe, the magic bow.

    "R-Rinslet...!"

    "Enemies of womankind must be frozen in cold storage -- this is one of the Laurenfrost family''s precepts."

    "...!?"

    Losing his escape route, Kamito rapidly changed directions and ran towards the forest on the opposite shore.

    "Hey, stay right there!"

    Hearing the sound of freezing arrows fired from behind, Kamito found them whizzing past his back.

    At thest second, Kamito jumped into the thicket in the forest--

    In that instant, he found his legs entangled by the vines of numerous nts, making him fall t on his face.

    "...These are dryads!?"

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, the spirits earlier have now been trained properly~"

    Appearing from the depths of the forest was the great imperial princess smiling impishly.

    "Fianna...!"

    "Just to deter you from acting naughty towards other girls, Kamito-kun, you need to be taught a lesson too."

    While Kamito was immobilized, ire and Rinslet also gathered around.

    "Ha, haha..."

    Kamitoughed convulsively.

    Part 5

    The sound of numerous footsteps and the intense shing of swords could be heard from the forest.

    Running through the gaps between the trees were girls wielding all sorts of elemental waffen -- dressed uniformly in knightly attire colored red against a white background, this was the uniform of the Rupture Division, the team representing the Principality of Rossvale.

    Moving with well-trained coordination, the five girls were chasing after prey.

    "--Esil and Yustra, take a detour to the right. Swiftly nk the target, encircle and exterminate."

    The one leading the party was a girl with dark-brown hair and a child-like face.

    Mi Bassett -- the leader of the Rupture Division, and the youngest elementalist taking part in this year''s event.

    Bearing an azure right eye and an amber-colored left eye.

    The girl''s heterochromic eyes coldly focused on the prey.

    The target of their hunt was a beautiful ck-haired girl dressed in a dark-colored dress.

    Team Inferno''s darkness spirit.

    "Let all shadows be incinerated to ashes -- Evil me!"

    The girl fluttered her dress as if she were dancing, chanting high level magic carrying the darkness attribute.

    Pitch ck mes of congration were emitted from her finger tips, assaulting the girls in pursuit--

    All it took was one lick of these tongues of magical mes for the trees in the forest to vanish instantly.

    However, Mi Bassett swung her sword using spirit magic, defeating the ck mes.

    "How foolish. Our spirits possess resistance against the attribute of darkness."

    "Right. How annoying it is to face you people who employ spirits with the holy attribute."

    The darkness spirit girlnded lightly on the ground.

    "--Hence, you shall be defeated here."

    "...!?"

    In that instant, the girls in pursuit all halted.

    Beneath their feet on the ground, a glowing magic circle appeared.

    "--This is an Istion Barrier!?"

    The girls of the Rupture Division instantly fell to their knees like puppets whose strings have been severed.

    This was a barrier for cutting off ess to leylines, thereby severely weakening the divine power of elementalists.

    This was no ordinary defensive barrier -- rather, it was a trap set by a top princess maiden, specifically for killing elementalists.

    "How could this happen, did you n on luring us here from the start?"

    Mi Bassett looked up in shock.

    The darkness spirit girl chuckled and smiled adorably.

    "Rejoice -- for you have be live sacrifices for Nepenthes Lore."

    An ominous roar could be heard rumbling in the depths of the forest.

    This was neither a beast''s howl nor a human''s yell.

    Simply hearing the sound was enough to feel a horrific chill along the spine as if frozen -- It was that repulsive and otherworldly of a sound.

    Then--

    Suddenly, numerous ck chains extended from afar to entangle the limbs of the girls copsed on the ground.

    Before they even had the chance to scream, the girls instantly lost consciousness.

    "...What are you doing?"

    Mi Bassett gazed at the darkness spirit girl.

    Only Mi had been able to detect the ominous presence and evaded the chains with the slimmest of margins.

    "Oh my, you do have a most interesting eye."

    "...!?"

    Mi reflexively covered her left eye with her hair.

    By her feet were her teammates who had copsed to the ground unconscious.

    In this despairing situation, she must rack her brains to seek survival.

    With only one member remaining, chances of victory were unlikely in a confrontation against a high level darkness spirit. Should she unleash the power of her eye -- No, with the Rupture Division currently in disarray, unleashing it was not possible.

    ...Rumble...!

    The earth shook -- from the depths of the forest, that particr ominous presence was approaching.

    The darkness spirit''s contractor -- Nepenthes Lore.

    "I -- the Rupture Division, shall not fall here."

    Without time to hesitate, Mi decided to retreat.

    Manifesting her sword of spirit magic, she swiftly sliced apart the magic circle of the Istion Barrier.

    "--You won''t be able to escape."

    The darkness spirit girl smiled lightly and released ck mes--

    However, Mi effortlessly dodged the iing mes and disappeared into the depths of the forest.

    Part 6

    "A mere rabbit, letting her escape isn''t really a problem, but--"

    The darkness spirit girl, Restia, narrowed her dusk-colored eyes slightly, murmuring to herself.

    "--That eye, truly cannot be left alone."

    To Restia personally, the annihtion of the Rupture Division was simply incidental.

    Her original purpose was to provide divine power to the elementalist, Nepenthes Lore, for recovering energy.

    However, their division leader, the girl''s eye was a separate matter. Left to roam free, it could prove to be a hindrance during an inopportune time.

    "For the sake of the n, there is a need to clear all obstacles -- Have you eaten your fill?"

    As if responding to the girl''s question--

    The ck chains, formed from magic, slid smoothly and withdrew from the girls'' bodies.

    At some point in time, a ck knight, d in ominous armor, had started standing behind Restia.

    The armor of darkness creaked noisily, as if about to burst from the expanding interior--

    Absorbing divine power from the elementalists, assimting their energy.

    "--You won''t have to wait long, Kamito."

    Smiling, Restia casually retrieving the Rupture Division''s magic stones.

    The Instructional School''s assassin Jio Inzagi, the Academy''s strongest elementalist Velsaria Eva Fahrengart, Monster Muir Alenstarl, as well as the Dragon Knight Leonora Lancaster... Within a mere month, Kamito had already fought several formidable foes.

    The experiences of these battles should probably awaken the dormant existence hidden in his body.

    "Kamito, this is my reward for you. Let me prepare your final enemy--"

    Nepenthes Lore -- the manifestation of the Demon King''s will.

    Born through forbidden secret arts, a monster of darkness.

    --Yet another illegitimate child left behind by the Demon King.

 Volume 6, 2 - Emissary from the Principality of Rossvale

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 2 - Emissary from the Principality of Rossvale</h4>

    Part 1

    Shining upon Ragna Ys, the sun had risen high --

    Kamito and his group were having breakfast by the riverside.

    "Seriously, you should have told us sooner that you were just doing sword training."

    "T-That is so true! I thought, surely..."

    "I almost thought Kamito-kun was going to vite poor Ellis!"

    "As if! What kind of person do you take me for..."

    Half narrowing his eyes, Kamito red at the three high-ssdies blushing to their ears before him.

    "Umm, I-I was actually prepared already..."

    Awkwardly fiddling her fingers, Ellis murmured softly on the side.

    "Did you say something, Ellis?"

    "N-Nothing!"

    Kamito frowned. Ellis'' face instantly went bright red.

    "...Never mind. Anyway, let''s eat before the food gets cold."

    "Agreed, Kamito."

    Sitting beside Kamito, Est nodded impatiently.

    Tree trunks were split to make a table, hot dishes were set out for breakfast.

    Perfectly toasted bread. Fish from the river, roasted on a spit and vored with salt. Wild herb sd, mushroom stir-fried with butter. Then there was the Laurenfrost family''s special chicken soup recipe which made effective use of ginger and spices -- without exception, every dish looked extremely tasty.

    "So, bon appetit. These are my confident creations."

    Rinslet proudly puffed out her chest.

    "...But really, this is so sumptuous. Where did you get all the ingredients from?"

    These dishes were not possible to make using only the canned food they brought.

    "Scarlet and I gathered them while Kamito was sleeping."

    "This sanctuary''s forest is really a treasure trove of ingredients."

    "Kind of simr to the Academy''s Spirit Forest, I guess... By the way, this ce feels like some kind of otherworld."

    Other than the fact that it was inhabited by many spirits, the ecology felt no different from that of the maind.

    "Kamito-kun, that is because this Ragna Ys is the sanctuary ruled directly by the Elemental Lords. After all, given the vast number of princess maidens in their service, wouldn''t it be a problem if they were unable to survive here?"

    The former princess maiden at the Divine Ritual Institute, Fianna, exined to him.

    ...I see. It seemed like this was quite a special ce, even within the world of Astral Zero.

    "I''m going to hunt a giant boar for lunch."

    Rinslet suggested as she made a bow-drawing gesture.

    Normally, hunting was prohibited in this Sanctuary, being the territory of the Elemental Lords. Only during the de Dance was the restriction lifted.

    "I will take part as well. Though cooking is not my forte, hunting is my specialty."

    "B-But I do not like hunting. The thought of killing those adorable and furry animals..."

    Ellis frowned and picked up Scarlet who was busy eating a fish, hugging the cat against her chest.

    "Meow!? Meow meow--"

    Bewildered, Scarlet began to struggle noisily.

    "Ellis, give it up. Scarlet doesn''t like it when you do that."

    "Mmm... N-Nothing of that sort! Look, Scarlet and I are really close!"

    "Meow--Meow--!"

    Watching these two with a wry expression, Kamito drank the special soup.

    The ginger''s vor, having thoroughly entered the soup, took instant effect. He could feel his body warm up from the very core.

    "Rinslet''s cooking is really delicious."

    Sitting next to him, Est offered praise expressionlessly.

    "Fufu, Est-san, you have to eat more if you want to grow up faster."

    "No, Est is a spirit so she''s not going to grow up..."

    As Rinslet caressed Est''s head gently, Kamito ridiculed herment.

    "Well I must admit, your cooking skills aremendable. When I restore the Elstein family to greatness once more, I might consider having you as a maid."

    "...Eh? R-Really?"

    Just as Rinslet started to show joy--

    "...Hey wait a minute, why do I have to be your maid in the first ce!?"

    "A maid uniform might suit you unexpectedly well, you know?"

    "W-What are you talking about!? Obviously it suits you way more than me!"

    Rinslet retorted furiously.

    (...By the way, isn''t she getting furious in a rather atypical manner?)

    Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement as he watched the two childhood friends quarrel.

    Part 2

    After breakfast, the group held a meeting to decide on their strategy henceforth.

    Kamito gazed at the map on the table as he drank tea brewed by Rinslet.

    Using earth spirits to scout the surroundings, the gathered information was then used to draw this map. ire apparently had some artistic talent, for the resulting map was quite simple and easy to understand.

    That said, other than the vicinity of their stronghold enclosed by the barrier, virtually everywhere else was nk.

    For example, they still had no idea about the size of the entire grounds.

    "So, let''s organize and sum up the information we have on hand."

    Setting down her teacup lightly, ire began to describe the current situation.

    The de Dance festival''s main battle event -- the Tempest had a total of twenty-four teams participating. Based on the reports of the wind spirits sent out to scout, teams were already being eliminated on the first day.

    On the other hand, the Quina Empire''s Four Gods, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights, and various other strong teams had already established secure strongholds.

    Due to failing their nocturnal assault on the first night, Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor, one of the major candidate teams for victory, was currently slightly behind. But given their level of power, it did not really count as any major setback.

    "What I want to know most is information about Team Inferno, but sadly we don''t even know where their stronghold is located."

    "Looks like their team harbors an elementalist skilled in espionage techniques. All the wind spirits we sent out to scout were struck down."

    Ellis reported softly with regret.

    "An elementalist skilled in espionage techniques, eh..."

    Suddenly, Kamito recalled the girl with jade-colored hair he saw at the opening ceremony.

    Her face had been hidden by a hooded garment, but those pointy ears were definitely the telltale signs of the Elfim race. Born with exceptional skills in presence concealment, many of the Elfim who became elementalists took on espionage duties.

    "However, we did obtain noteworthy information rted to Team Inferno."

    "...?"

    Ellis'' words made everyone pay attention.

    "Remember that ominous looking ck knight who appeared at the opening ceremony?"

    "Who could possibly forget..."

    ire disyed a submissive expression. All the other girls nodded one after another.

    Evidently, Kamito was not the only who sensed an ominous aura from the ck knight.

    "What about the ck knight?"

    "Yes. From the looks of it, the ck knight has separated from Team Inferno and is currently acting alone. Earlier, it was mentioned that there were teams being eliminated on the first day, right--"

    "Could it be possible that...!"

    "Yes. It is exactly that possibility. The team representing the Walz Kingdom -- those girls were apparently wiped out by the ck knight singlehandedly."

    "A single person wiping out an entire de Dance team, huh..."

    Kamito muttered gravely... Whoever really aplished that, was truly a monster beyond doubt.

    "What is the contracted spirit serving the ck knight like? If we know what attribute the spirit possesses, perhaps we coulde up with a counter strategy?"

    "Ah yes, that is..."

    Faced with ire''s inquiry, Ellis stuttered--

    "A darkness spirit in the form of a human girl -- Apparently."

    "...!?"

    Everyone gasped. Kamito''s eyes widened in surprise.

    "...Restia!?"

    He could not help but call out her name.

    "That darkness spirit girl, is indeed--"

    "Kamito-kun''s former contracted spirit... Isn''t that right?"

    ire and Fianna whispered softly with worry.

    Ellis and Rinslet exchanged nces awkwardly. Although these two never met Restia directly, after the mission at the mining city, they had learned about Kamito''s past to a certain extent and knew that Restia was an extremely important existence to him.

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon the leather glove covering his left hand.

    (Restia... What exactly are you nning?)

    After arriving at this Ragna Ys, she had contacted Kamito twice.

    The first was in the garden of the castle. The second wasst night, prior to Leonora''s attack.

    But what exactly were her intentions...?

    Kamito''s expression was grave--

    "Well... A-Anyway!"

    Slowly, ire began to speak.

    "Even though we''re very concerned about the movements of the ck knight and the darkness spirit, we have no way of taking precautions given ourck of information. After all, we can''t simply sit here and tighten defenses at our stronghold."

    "Right. If we focus too much on defense and fail to take action, that would be getting our priorities wrong."

    Ellis nodded.

    She was right. The magic stones needed for advancing towards the finals were limited in number. If they did not take the initiative to attack, they would definitely lose thepetition.

    Currently, the only magic stones acquired by Team Scarlet were the two they took from the Kingdom of Balstan''s team. Even if all the members of Team Scarlet survived these seven days,cking sufficient magic stones would prevent them from advancing to the finals.

    Gathering a certain number of magic stones in the opening stage, then rely on the stronghold''s defense and wait for the other teams to weaken one another before venturing out to rob them of their magic stones -- this strategy only sounded good in theory. As for attacking an elementalist defending behind a sturdy stronghold, that would be as poor a strategy as trying to besiege a castle with inadequate troops.

    "Without any exceptions, none of the teams should be attacking on their own before their stronghold is established--"

    Just as ire exined quietly...

    "...!? Something has entered the barrier!"

    Fianna cried out. Instantly, tension appeared on everyone''s face.

    "Look over there--!"

    ire pointed at the sky.

    A winged rabbit could be seen flying above the forest.

    It was no ordinary creature. Clearly it was a spirit.

    "An enemy team''s scouting spirit?"

    "Hmph, watch as I shoot it down!"

    Rinslet chanted spiritnguage for releasing her elemental waffe, the magic bow--

    "Wait a minute, don''t attack!"

    Clong!

    ire whacked Rinslet hard on the head with a soup spoon.

    "Ouch! T-That really hurts... What the heck are you doing!?"

    Holding her head, Rinslet tearfully yelled.

    "You didn''t even think for a moment before you decided to shoot it down."

    ire shrugged in amazement--

    "...Look carefully. That is an emissary."

    "Emissary?"

    Rinslet frowned as Kamito and the rest focused their gaze on the spirit.

    Circling widely above them, the spirit dropped something that it was holding in its mouth.

    Fluttering down, a letternded on the table.

    Carefully examining the letter to ensure it was not a trap, ire then opened the envelope to read its contents.

    "What is it about?"

    "A proposal for an alliance."

    "Alliance?"

    Everyone looked at one another.

    Part 3

    The letter was sent from the Principality of Rossvale''s Rupture Division.

    The bottom of the message had the division leader''s signature with the Principality''s seal.

    "The seal looks real. I don''t think this is forged."

    Familiar with official correspondence, Fianna examined the letter and lightly set it back onto the table.

    "The Principality of Rossvale..."

    Kamito muttered with an admiring expression.

    The Principality of Rossvale was a small, newly risen state where radicals had seeded in gaining independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    As an independent state, their history was rather short and this was merely their second appearance at the de Dance festival. Nevertheless, served by high ranking holy spirits, they were regarded as the dark horse contender in the currentpetition.

    "Stirring the most sensation of all is their ace, Mi Bassett."

    "...If I remember correctly, participating at the young age of thirteen, she must be the youngest elementalist in this festival?"

    Kamito''s question was met with ire''s pouting face.

    "Why are you so keen on memorizing her facts? You great big pervert."

    "Stop making misleading usations, ire. You''re the one who made me remember."

    "Kamito-san, making excuses is not very ssy behavior."

    "...Seriously, we cannot be careless with you for even a second!"

    "As befits your title as the Demon King of the Night, your target age range is truly wide."

    "W-What is with you girls..."

    "Kamito likes really young girls?"

    "E-Est, why are you joining in this nonsense!?"

    As the youngdies red at him, Kamito''s face twitched with difort.

    "A-Anyway, who knew there''d be a team proposing to ally so early?"

    Kamito coughed and changed the subject.

    "Yes... Indeed it''s very strange."

    ire nodded.

    The rules of the Tempest did not prohibit teams from forming alliances.

    However, this was normally ast resort taken only by teams that were on the verge of elimination. Alliances were not something simple to be trifled with. Considering that even if teams fought in cooperation, ultimately, only the top four teams advanced, this waspletely natural.

    In actual fact, there were virtually no cases of teams allying together in the opening stage of the Tempest in past de Dance festivals.

    "The possibility of a trap seems quite high..."

    "That''s right. An ambush definitely awaits us at the negotiation site."

    Rinslet agreed with Fianna''s suggestion.

    "However, if they really n on deceiving us, this trap is a little too obvious. Perhaps something happened that we''re not aware of."

    Kamito knew that ire''s intuition was often quite urate in times like these.

    Besides inheriting the blood of the Elstein family which gave rise to numerous Queens over the generations, perhaps ire was also blessed with sharp instincts since birth.

    "If this is not a trap, perhaps we could give it a try. Let alone fighting on a united front, simply sharing information is already quite advantageous."

    As expected of the knight hailing from a family of military tradition, Ellis'' mindset was immensely practical.

    "Furthermore, the Rupture Division''s elementalists are all reputed to be masters of strong holy spirits. If we manage to forge an alliance, they should prove to be a reliable ally against the darkness spirit mentioned earlier."

    Kamito could not help but cast a nce at his left hand.

    Three years ago, Kamito had been caught in a difficult fight against a holy spirit. Indeed, forming an alliance with a team that consisted only of holy elementalists would definitely be the most effective way to oppose Restia''s machinations.

    "What do you think, Kamito?"

    Following ire''s question, all eyes were on Kamito.

    "Indeed, the probability of a trap is quite high. However, there is value to be gained in responding to the offer. In any case, our ns are not set in stone -- whether it''s a trap or not, let''s just wing it and act ording to the situation."

    "If Kamito-san thinks so, I will not object."

    Rinslet spoke up. Ellis and Fianna also nodded in agreement.

    "So it''s decided, we will negotiate an alliance with the Rupture Division."

    ire nodded and pressed her hand against the Principality''s seal at the end of the letter.

    Chanting a spiritnguage incantation, immediately -- the seal began to burn, turning into a tiny me spirit.

    This was the guide spirit that was released from the seal.

    Belonging to the lowest ss of spirit, it was only able to perform simple tasks such as leading the way. But due to their convenience and ease of use, these spirits were widely used formunications between elementalists.

    "The negotiation site is two hours away on foot."

    "How many people are we supposed to send?"

    "...Not stated explicitly. But we can''t have all five of us go."

    "That''s true..."

    If other teams breached their stronghold while their defense was weakened, the tradeoff would not be worth it.

    Furthermore, making their way as an entire team through the forest would be too conspicuous and would unnecessarily provoke the other party''s wariness.

    "Ordinarily, two people should be the most appropriate."

    "Then Est and I will be enough--"

    Kamito ced his hand on Est''s head and patted her.

    "Yes, Kamito. I will protect Kamito."

    "Wait a minute, why are you acting like you have to be the one to go?!"

    "That''s right, Kamito-kun''s injuries are not entirely healed yet!"

    ire and Fianna snarled furiously.

    "I can''t really let girls venture into danger while I stay back in a safe zone, right?"

    "G-Girls..."

    ire blushed slightly--

    "N-No way! You are definitely not permitted to go alone!"

    But immediately, she began to shake her head again.

    "We know you are very strong, Kamito, but do try to trust us a bit more."

    "Reflect carefully on this, okay?!"

    Scolded by the troupe of youngdies, Kamito backed down.

    "...G-Got it. My bad."

    ...Indeed, perhaps it really was time to reflect.

    (After all, I''m still stuck in the mindset of fighting alone.)

    Unlike three years ago, Kamito now hadrades who could fight alongside with him.

    "Besides, the other party will be wary if only you, a male, goes. Your notorious infamy is widespread even in foreignnds."

    "Well, that makes sense... Wait a minute, what the heck do you mean by notorious infamy!?"

    "You really want to know?"

    "...Uh no, I think I have some idea already."

    Kamito groaned from the depths of his throat.

    "F-Furthermore, if it''s you, who knows if you''ll hook up with some girl from the Rupture Division... Let me remind you, making a move on a thirteen-year-old child is illegal, okay?"

    "...How did it get to this!?"

    "Yes." "Completely agreed." "I can picture it so clearly."

    The other three agreed wholeheartedly with ire.

    "...Hey, what kind of person do you girls really think I am?"

    "You really want to know?"

    "Guh..."

    "Kamito is the Demon King of the Night."

    "E-Even you, Est..."

    Kamito''s face began to convulse.

    ...Clearly there was a need to dispel misunderstandings and recover true trust.

    "--Anyway, Kamito''s strength is indisputable. Considering the possibility of a trap, yes, it would be reassuring to have him as an apanying bodyguard."

    ire coughed.

    "...H-Hence, Kamito will apany me as I take charge of negotiations!"

    "Wait a minute, how was this decided?"

    Ellis questioned sharply.

    "No fair, you''re stealing a march on us!"

    "What do you mean, stealing a march!?"

    ire retorted, her face red.

    "I have no choice but to stay behind..."

    Fianna bit her finger as she spoke regrettably.

    "...After all, only Fianna is able to build the stronghold."

    Kamito expressed understanding as he scratched his head at the situation.

    Considering her origins as the former imperial princess, Fianna would be the most suited for handling negotiations, however -- even ignoring the issue of the stronghold, he did not feelfortable taking her along seeing as she had never received field training at the Academy. Besides, given this was a possible trap and the fact that they could be attacked en route, fighting while protecting her would be very difficult.

    "W-Well then, take me along. After all, I always team up with Kamito within the Knights."

    Ellis coughed softly and tightly embraced Kamito''s arm.

    Boing, Ellis'' bosom also boldly pressed against him, causing Kamito to blush to his ears.

    "Wait, Kamito is my ve spirit! I reserve all rights!"

    This time, it was ire who embraced Kamito''s other arm. Though hers were smaller, Kamito could still feel thatfortably soft sensation, making his heart race subtly.

    "ire''s possessions are equivalently mine!"

    "What twisted logic!"

    Sparks flew as the three youngdies engaged in dispute.

    "That''s not right, I shouldn''t belong to anyone?"

    Kamito''s protest was duly ignored--

    "In that case, let us decide by de dance who gets to go with Kamito--"

    Ellis released Kamito''s arm and released her elemental waffe Ray Hawk in her hands.

    "Hmph, that''s fine with me!"

    "Just as I hoped -- Hasten forth, keeper of the burning furnace!"

    Rinslet held her Magic Bow of Ice while ire summoned the fiery hell cat.

    "S-Stop it, are you trying to destroy our constructed stronghold!?"

    Kamito frantically yelled.

    (...Seriously, why are these youngdies always so eager to fight?)

    "...Ah-- Could you girls listen to a little opinion of mine?"

    Kamito raised his hand.

    "What?"

    "...I think it''s best that I go with ire."

    "There. The one to go will be me... Huh?"

    ire opened her mouth in amazement.

    "...W-What!?"

    "What is going on!?"

    "No, well..."

    Ellis and Rinslet interrogated.

    Kamito took a step back, greatly troubled--

    "Stop it you two. Kamito is having a hard time, right?"

    ire stepped forward as if shielding Kamito.

    "Hear that? Kamito and I will be fine. Well well, Kamito is worried if he goes alone, so if you''re really desperate for it, i-it''s not like I can''t agree to your request."

    Fufu, ire disyed aposed and effortless expression as her twintails jumped.

    "...K-Kamito, what on earth is going on!?"

    "So unfair, what''s wrong with choosing us?"

    Sulking with a pout, Ellis and Rinslet objected tearfully.

    "No, umm, consideringprehensively, I think ire is the best candidate--"

    Kamito scratched his head as he began to exin.

    ire, whose overall results in school were already excellent, was most aplished in espionage skills. And this was precisely what was needed the most for the current mission.

    On one hand, Ellis, the embodiment of chivalry, was the least suited to secretive acts of espionage. In fact, despite her excellent scores in practical techniques, she was only Rank C in the area of spying.

    Simrly, Rinslet, who specialized in long range projectiles, was not suited for the current mission. Only deploying her in defense of the stronghold would make the best use of her skills.

    That was what Kamito exined to them--

    "Hmm, now that you put it that way..."

    "You do have a point..."

    Although they were still displeased, the two girls understood at least.

    "W-What... It was for these kinds of reasons..."

    For some reason, ire began to sulk and pout.

    (Well, there happens to be one more reason...)

    Most importantly -- there was the suitability as a negotiator.

    Although Rinslet''s true nature was still a kind-hearted soul, that haughty attitude she disyed to everyone, perhaps out of habit, would only cause negotiations to fail.

    As for Ellis who always insisted on upfront righteousness, she too, was unsuited for negotiations. Though that could be considered her virtue, however -- to the other party, such honesty would simply be a gift. To Ellis'' own side, it would lead to an unfavorable result, and was a risk that could not be ignored.

    Compared to these two, ire had no obvious ws as a negotiator.

    Although she always acted domineering towards Kamito, she was able to act like a youngdy from a prestigious family as long as she wanted to. Perhaps due to the ostracizing and bullying she received as the younger sister of the Cmity Queen, she possessed quick wits as well as unwavering tenacity in spirit. Clearly such traits were well suited for negotiations.

    "So it''s decided -- I''ll be relying on you, ire."

    "...Well, w-whatever. You deserve to bemended for your excellent judgment in choosing me."

    ire''s face was bright red and she averted eye contact as if shy.

    The red twintails jumped vigorously... This was her reflexive reaction whenever she felt extremely happy.

    "T-Teaming up with Kamito alone, thest time was really so long ago!"

    "...Hmm? Ah yeah, now that you mention it."

    Thinking back, Team Scarlet''s original members were just Kamito and ire.

    When he first arrived at the Academy, even acquiring the five members required to apply for participation in the de Dance festival seemed like a challenge.

    ...Clearly it was only two months ago, but somehow recalling the memory stirred up deep emotions.

    "--Besides, you still have me."

    Est expressionlessly murmured from a corner of the table.

 Volume 6, 3 - Nepenthes Lore

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 3 - Nepenthes Lore</h4>

    Part 1

    After making simple preparations, Kamito and ire set off quickly.

    They traveled light, keeping their load to a minimum. Est also transformed back to sword form at Kamito''s waist. Entering a dormant state andpletely cutting off her consciousness, she could not awaken by her own will without Kamito''s infusion of divine power.

    The guide spirit hovered lightly in the air -- a mass of weak me before the two of them.

    As long as they followed it, they would not get lost even within the forest.

    "H-Hey, Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    ire tried to start a conversation with Kamito who was walking in front.

    "Umm... N-Nothing..."

    "Hmm, is that so..."

    Then conversation went dead.

    ...Repeating for who knows how many times. Starting from a while back, her efforts always followed this model.

    (...~Seriously, what is going on with me!?)

    ire knew very well the reason was herself. Overly self-conscious about being alone with Kamito, it had be impossible for her to talk casually with him as usual.

    (...Kamito, would you think I''m acting strange?)

    She gave a quick nce at the figure walking before her--

    Kamito lookedpletely nonchnt... This was slightly maddening.

    (However, being able to team up with Kamito, truly is...)

    In actual fact, the only time when ire monopolized Kamito was the first few days after they met.

    Disregarding Kamito''s contracted spirit Est, there was Fianna who had moved in as ire''s roommate in the female dorms not long after that. On top of that, Kamito had also been recruited by the Sylphid Knights, which meant he had to participate in the Knights'' work in addition to their morning meetings, further reducing the time he had for ire.

    Furthermore, at dinner time every day, Rinslet would "identally cook too much" and bring the food to the room to share with everyone.

    --Ever since the de Dance festival began, ire and Kamito''s time alone had been reduced more and more.

    (B-But, only now it is different...)

    Also, even though the reason was suitability for the negotiation role, Kamito did indeed choose ire as his partner to venture forth... Simply this fact was enough to make her overjoyed.

    (If only I c-could be slightly more honest...)

    As they went on their way, she quietly gazed at Kamito''s back--

    "--Wah!"

    Suddenly, she found her foot entangled by something smooth and slippery.

    "...ire!?"

    Kamito suddenly looked back.

    There was a small snake around her foot.

    Kamito swiftly bent down, grabbed the snake by its head and threw it away in the forest.

    "You okay? Were you bitten?"

    "I-I''m okay... Just had a little fright."

    "...You''re afraid of snakes?"

    "I-I''m not afraid!...I just don''t like them."

    ire diverted her gaze, her face all red.

    "...Isn''t that the same thing? Anyway, can you stand up?"

    Kamito grabbed ire''s hand and helped her up from the ground.

    "Ah, yes... Thank you."

    Her heart was pounding within her chest. Even without a mirror she knew her face must be burning red like having a fever.

    ...She felt so embarrassed that she could not look Kamito in the face.

    "Then let''s continue--"

    Kamito released her hand and was about to start walking--

    "Ah, w-wait up!"

    At this time, ire chased after Kamito and grabbed his hand, gripping it tightly.

    "...ire?"

    "...T-This is better."

    "...Eh?"

    "...I said this is better. Escorting the master is the ve''s duty."

    "H-Hey...!"

    Holding Kamito''s hand, ire began to run quickly.

    Kamito had no choice but to hurry and keep up with her.

    (Uwahwah, seriously, what am I doing!?)

    Due to her unintentionally bold behavior, ire''s face wentpletely red.

    Part 2

    Taking a short break along the way, Kamito and ire continued making their way through the forest and finally reached the destination.

    The fire spirit guiding them began to circle in one spot before some decrepit ruins.

    These ruins probably dated back to the distant past, legendary times when the maind and Astral Zero were still uniform -- the mythical age when this shrine was still in use. The walls had virtually all copsed, and the only reason why it still managed to maintain some of its original shape was very likely thanks to those stone pirs embedded in the ground.

    The other side of the ruins faced a cliff and one could hear the noisy rumbling of rapids.

    "This should be the negotiation site--"

    "The ruins of an ancient shrine. With a river nearby, this is quite an ideal environment for a stronghold."

    "Hurry and look, here are traces of a built barrier."

    Following the direction ire indicated, Kamito found a stone pir where a pattern resembling a crest was carved.

    "...The sacred seal of the Principality of Rossvale. And very new too."

    ire murmured incredulously.

    "However, there were no signs of a barrier activating when we entered, right?"

    "...That''s right. The barrier was destroyed. This ce has already lost functionality as a stronghold."

    "What happened?"

    --The Rupture Division abandoned this stronghold?

    Or instead--

    "Hmm?"

    Icy cold water drops fell upon Kamito''s forehead.

    "It''s raining..."

    Sheltering his eyes with one hand, he looked up to find the sky had filled with dark clouds without him noticing.

    As raindrops fell pitter patter, it became a pouring shower within the blink of an eye.

    "Uwah!"

    "Is there no ce to shelter from the rain?"

    ire draped her uniform jacket over her head and frantically surveyed the surroundings to find a cave beneath the cliff near the ruins. This was no natural hole but a ce someone had dug out using the power of spirits.

    "Over there, hurry!"

    "Ah yeah..."

    The two of them quickly ran towards the cave.

    The cave ran deeper than imagined. It waspletely dark inside. ire chanted a spiritnguage incantation to light a small fire at her fingertip, thereby illuminating the uneven walls of rock.

    The remnants of a campfire could be found in the cave.

    "The Rupture Division apparently had a bonfire here."

    "...In that case, let us make good use of it."

    The two of them sat down by the campfire.

    ire brought the me on her fingertip close and immediately lit the campfire.

    "I didn''t know rain was possible in this ce."

    Since Ragna Ys was above cloud level, one would not expect any rain--

    On further thought, it would have been strange to have nts flourishing without rain. Furthermore, there was the existence of rivers andkes.

    "Ragna Ys doesn''t always float above the clouds. We may not be able to tell while we''re on the ind but it does move ording to a cycle. Currently, it must be beneath cloud level."

    "...I see."

    The downpour showed no signs of letting up.

    Kamito and ire werepletely drenched.

    "...Sigh. If the other negotiating party isn''t present, it can''t be helped."

    Untying the ribbons on the ends of her twintails, ire sighed.

    "Even a trap would be a better situation than now."

    "...Come to think of it, where would they go after abandoning their stronghold?"

    Faced with ire who had untied her ribbons to let down her hair--

    "...!?"

    Kamito was shocked.

    (...T-This girl is too careless!?)

    Her red hair looked exceptionally seductive when wet.

    Illuminated by the glow of the campfire, her supple body disyed beautifully gentle contours.

    As her drenched uniform clung tightly to her skin, thece patterns of her underwear became vaguely visible.

    "...Kamito, what is up with you?"

    ire asked with a puzzled expression, tilting her head.

    Clearly she was unaware how attractive and tempting her current appearance was.

    "Ah--...Umm, how should I put it..."

    How on earth could he point it out, just as Kamito agonized--

    "...Yah!?"

    ire finally noticed her appearance and frantically curled her drenched body into a ball.

    "Ah, mmm, ah..."

    Under usual circumstances, surely she would have started whipping him with metongue. However, this was not Kamito''s fault this time, and ire simply went into a panic with a blushing expression.

    "--Achoo."

    ire sneezed adorably.

    "If you remain wet, you''re going to catch a cold."

    "I-I know! Kamito, turn and face the other way!"

    "A-Ah, right..."

    Kamito turned and faced the wall, shutting his eyes.

    Rustle rustle... Rustle.

    Against the background noises of the intense downpour, the seductive sound of clothes sliding off the body seemed unnaturally loud.

    ...What the heck was with this sound of undressing right now?

    Keeping his eyes closed, Kamito found it even harder to stop his imagination from running wild instead.

    "I-It''s okay now..."

    Receiving permission, Kamito turned back towards ire.

    "I can open my eyes?"

    "..."

    "ire?"

    "Y-You can..."

    A hesitant answer.

    Kamito opened his eyes--

    "...Wha!?"

    Appearing before his eyes was a scene far too excessively stimting for a boy of his age.

    Stripped of her uniform, ire was only wearing a single article of underwear.

    Furthermore, it was simply a pair of very sheerce panties. She was almostpletely nude.

    Her smooth skin, as white as snow, adorned by the bright crimson hair draped over her body, was quite an erotic sight to behold.

    The only saving grace was the fiery hell cat she embraced against her chest to hide her topless state.

    "Why, why are you looking like that..."

    "T-This is the Scarlet Guard maneuver!"

    ire shifted her gaze as she disyed a shy expression.

    "Never mind me, you should hurry and strip too!"

    "...Me?"

    "Do you intend to leave me as the only one in this embarrassing state?"

    "A-Ah right, I got it..."

    red at sharply, Kamito had no choice but to nod and agree.

    Perhaps due to ire''s seductive appearance, his mind was probably in a total state of shock.

    As Kamito took off his wet shirt, ire''s cheeks instantly blushed bright redpletely.

    Just as he was about to take off his pants--

    "Yah--"

    ...A light scream was heard.

    "Y-You''re the one who told me to strip!"

    "Uh, right... Sorry."

    Underneath, Kamito was wearing half-pants that could be used as swimming trunks. Since he was dressed the same way for the purification ritual by theke, a reason to be so surprised... Should not exist in theory.

    "..."

    "..."

    Then for a period of time after, both were stuck in silence.

    There remained only the noise of the campfire crackling away.

    (W-What the heck. This embarrassing mood...!)

    Gulping down a mouthful of air, Kamito furtively cast a nce towards ire.

    With her ribbons untied and hair down, ire seemed to possess much more adult charms than usual.

    Light reflected off the smooth skin of her neck. As soft as fresh snow, her gorgeous body seemed like it would melt at the mere touch of the finger. Having taken off her kneesocks, her thighs were so dazzling Kamito did not dare stare directly.

    The fabric of her panties was also quite sheer and offered a slight glimpse of the luster of the wet skin beneath.

    "...!?"

    Shocked, Kamito intended to shift his gaze--

    "Hey..."

    "Hmm?"

    "...Say something, find something interesting to talk about."

    "That''s really putting me at wits'' end... How could I find something interesting to talk about, being asked so suddenly?"

    Kamito answered in amazement.

    For Kamito who had devoted his life to training for battle since childhood, asking him to chat and entertain a girl was a tall order indeed.

    "Talk about anything you want. I''ll be the one to decide if it''s interesting or not."

    "...Easier said than done. Oh... Got it, that time when I was patrolling the school grounds with Ellis--"

    "Not allowed to talk about other girls. That''s not interesting at all."

    ...Somehow making her displeased, Kamito was cut off as soon as he started.

    "...What a willful youngdy you are."

    Kamito crossed his arms and racked his brains.

    (An interesting topic, ah...)

    Then -- Suddenly, he recalled.

    In the past, when Kamito was still a young boy--

    Every night, that person would tell him a bedtime story.

    These stories, originating from a distant desert country, were so numerous it would take a thousand and one nights to tell them all.

    Night after night, she would tell these stories to him. For Kamito''s days as a young boy, this could be considered his only joy. Every time Kamito hassled her to tell these stories he liked, she would patiently recount them to him. Even now, he could still recite some of the content.

    (That''s all I can think of to talk about...)

    Kamito coughed lightly and began to speak.

    "A long long time ago, there was a spirit sealed in amp at a certain ce--"

    "Excuse me, Kamito..."

    "...Yes?"

    "I''m sorry but I already know this story. It''s very famous on the maind, you know?"

    "I see..."

    Come to think of it, ire really loved reading... It was only natural for her to know the story.

    Finding his treasured story rejected, Kamito could not think of any other tales to tell.

    Surely, ire would be interested in his experiences with that particr girl after escaping from the Instructional School. But bringing that subject up would inevitably lead to the incident three years ago.

    "...Sorry. I''m out of ideas."

    Kamito apologized honestly.

    However, ire did not seem particrly displeased, but smiled tenderly.

    "A man who is too boring in conversation is no good, you know? Next time, try harder to prepare before your next date."

    "Date?"

    "...Ooh, n-no that''s not it! I-I simply said something wrong by ident!"

    ire hugged Scarlet tightly, causing the cat to cry out in surprise.

    "...The rain still hasn''t stopped."

    "Yeah..."

    ire sighed softly.

    "After the Principality of Rossvale''s team abandoned this ce, where could they have gone?"

    "Already eliminated by other teams -- perhaps?"

    "Given the level of power of those members of the Rupture Division, do you really think they could be eliminated so quickly?"

    "However, only if that happened would the alliance invitation make perfect sense. Perhaps notpletely eliminated, but their team must be half destroyed, in a state where they have no choice but to ally with others--"

    "Impossible, right..."

    Suddenly, what surfaced in Kamito''s mind was--

    The image of Team Inferno''s ck knight mentioned in his group''s discussion this morning.

    Also, the darkness spirit girl who took action together with the ck knight.

    (Restia...)

    Seeing Kamito''s gaze fall upon his left hand, ire asked observantly.

    "Say, Kamito--"

    "What?"

    "About that girl, could you tell me more?"

    "That girl?"

    "Your former contracted spirit -- that darkness spirit girl."

    "Didn''t you say I''m not allowed to talk about other girls?"

    "Only now do I allow you."

    Kamito sighed lightly.

    He shifted his gaze slightly from ire''s bare body that was being illuminated by the campfire''s mes--

    "She -- Restia was responsible for teaching me back at the Instructional School."

    "Teaching... Combat skills?"

    "No, she taught me everything -- Absolutely everything."

    That''s right, what she taught me was not limited to battle-rted skills.

    She also returned to Kamito something precious he had lost.

    "Really... Is that all?"

    ire looked pleadingly at Kamito as she asked.

    "What do you mean by that?"

    "Umm, that is..."

    Faced with Kamito''s counter question, ire stammered as if she was at a loss for words--

    Resolving herself, she spoke up.

    "T-That... K-Kissed, you must have done it with the darkness spirit girl."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito''s face twitched.

    "Did you actually... S-See that!?"

    He recalled what happened during the night of the ball held in the castle at Ragna Ys.

    In order to search for ire who had disappeared after an argument, he met Restia who had suddenly appeared in the garden.

    "I wasn''t peeking intentionally! I-It was just coincidence, at the courtyard by chance I saw..."

    "Don''t have strange misunderstandings, okay? I was ambushed by a surprise attack."

    Kamito exined desperately... Why did it sound so much like an excuse?

    "...However, you''re quite obsessed with that girl."

    "That''s only natural. She is my precious contracted spirit."

    "..."

    --That''s not right. Kamito knew very well himself.

    As an elementalist, treasuring one''s contracted spirit was of course perfectly natural--

    But to Kamito, Restia was a special existence not only because she was his contracted spirit.

    (She gave me light... Or rather, to me back then, she was the very light itself.)

    ire did not seem satisfied with Kamito''s answer.

    Unhappily, she pouted those cute lips of hers.

    "So, how many times in total?"

    "Eh?"

    "...O-Of course I''m referring to kissing. How many times?"

    "W-Why are you asking a question like that!?"

    "As your master, it is naturally necessary for me to know about the ve''s affairs."

    ire replied with her face all red.

    "...Answer me honestly. How many times have you kissed?"

    "...Who knows."

    Kamito replied stiffly.

    "What, you''re trying to dodge the question?"

    "Why must I answer this type of question?"

    "T-That is... What, are you actually angry?"

    "I am not angry."

    "...Clearly you''re angry."

    ire pouted, sulking a little.

    Apparently, the youngdy was displeased.

    Speaking of which, Kamito never expected ire to be so concerned about the matter of Restia.

    Just earlier, she seemed so happy -- almost like the weather of this Ragna Ys.

    Kamito sighed and looked out the cave.

    Outside conditions were basically a storm. Violent winds were blowing and the rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance.

    "...Thunder?"

    Kamito suddenly looked up.

    (--No wait, this isn''t the sound of thunder!)

    Listening carefully, he could hear the sound of des shing amidst the rumbling noises.

    "--A de dance in progress."

    "What did you say?"

    "The Rupture Division might be engaged in battle with others right now -- Hurry!"

    Swiftly putting on his uniform that had yet to dry, Kamito grabbed the Demon yer resting against the wall and rushed out.

    Part 3

    Kamito and ire equipped their elemental waffen as they ran.

    In this storm, the sound of des shing was gradually getting closer.

    The instant Kamito chopped down the tree before him, his view widened immediately.

    An empty clearing in the forest--

    "...!?"

    A group of elementalists were copsed on the ground.

    The three girls'' uniforms were very familiar -- that of Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "They are Team Wyvern!?"

    ire eximed loudly as she caught up.

    Likewise, they were representatives of Areishia Spirit Academy. A team formed from outstanding upperssmen.

    After Velsaria withdrew from thepetition, these girls ascended to the spot of the Academy''s top team.

    The Ordesia Empire''s most anticipated team.

    But currently, three of them had fallen in this unusual situation.

    Kamito instantly ran to the side of one of the upperssman girls.

    "...Hey, what happened here? Who defeated you?"

    "Hmm... You''re, that one from Raven ss, the male elementalist..."

    The girl''s lips quivered faintly. She was still conscious apparently.

    "On the other side of these woods, ourrades are fighting--"

    --Suddenly Kamito felt a terrifying sense of chill from behind.

    The girl was pointing to the other side of the trees -- where a most ominous and frightening presence could be sensed.

    "Kamito..."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded lightly.

    (...No doubt about it. It''s that person''s aura!)

    The sound of swords shing could be heard from the other side.

    "Let''s go... Est!"

    Kamito released the power of the Demon yer all at once.

    A dazzling silver-white glow emanated from the sword''s de.

    Cutting down all the trees thaty in his path, he exited the forest--

    Entering his view was a knight wielding a ck sword to attack a girl.

    Expressionless, eyes shing red, the pitch ck knight -- Nepenthes Lore.

    Kamito rushed forward without hesitation, performing a full-powered attack at the ck knight.

    A sharp metallic impact. Scattering sparks.

    In that very instant, the ck knight''s sword was deflected slightly, embedding itself into the ground mere inches away from the girl''s body.

    The afterglow of the ck knight''s red gaze shifted towards Kamito.

    (...I knew it, this is no ordinary elementalist!)

    In order to protect the copsed girl, Kamito readied his sword in both hands.

    Just behind the ck knight, there was another copsed girl in the same Areishia uniform.

    (...To have single-handedly defeated five elite elementalists!?)

    Team Wyvern''s girls were the highest level elementalists at the Academy.

    Their abilities were definitely no less than ire and the girls--

    "Kamito, stop taking action all on your own!"

    Using metongue to burn away the trees in the forest, ire arrived at the battlefield. She shuddered at the sight of the ck knight, but instantly she understood the situation and circled around to a position where she couldunch a pincer attack in concert with Kamito.

    "Cough... The male elementalist, as well as the sister of the Cmity Queen..."

    Behind him, the upperssman girl protected by Kamito was moaning painfully.

    Clearly he was here to protect her group, yet her eyes red hatefully at him.

    "This is my affection as a fellow representative of the Academy. I''m here to help your team, Senpai."

    Kamito spoke stiffly as he red at the ck knight before him.

    Even though the girls were fellow representatives of the Ordesia Empire, this did not imply they were hisrades exactly.

    Nevertheless, he could not stand back and watch fellow students from the Academy being tormented so one-sidedly.

    "Your help is not needed!"

    "...I see. Oh well, think of this as us starting a de dance on our own then."

    As he faced off against the ck knight, Kamito calmly assessed the surrounding terrain.

    On the right side was the forest Kamito just exited. The left side was a massive cliff.

    The thunderous sound of a waterfall could be hearding from the bottom of the cliff. Although it was impossible to confirm visually from this position, surely falling down the cliff would be fatal.

    (...A fight near the cliff would put me at a great disadvantage.)

    Although Kamito was highly skilled with sword techniques, his arm strength was clearly inferior to the enemy''s.

    In a direct confrontation, he would probably be suppressedpletely.

    (In that case, this next attack will decide the oue of the battle--)

    Pouring divine power into the Demon yer, Kamito leaped from the muddy ground.

    "I''m relying on you, Est!"

    As Kamito rushed forward, at the same time--

    "I''ll turn you into charcoal!"

    ire attacked with metongue.

    Through their training at the Academy, Kamito and ire''s coordination with each other had already improved dramatically.

    Infused with scorching mes of congration, metongue wrapped itself around the ck knight''s wrist just as the sword was raised.

    However, apanied by a terrifying roar, the ck knight easily snapped metongue in two.

    Even though ire''s elemental waffe was capable of ensnaring first ss militarized spirits, under this pouring rain, spirits of the me attribute could not unleash their full power here.

    Naturally, ire herself was well aware of that fact. Her efforts were fully intended to y a support role for Kamito.

    It was only a tiny opening. But Kamito definitely would not fail to seize the opportunity.

    With even faster speed, he swung down the Demon yer --!

    Infusing the sacred sword with maximum divine power, this strike was not one that could be blocked by just an arm-guard.

    (--Sess!)

    Just as Kamito firmly believed victory was in his grasp, in that very instant.

    The ck knight vanished. Kamito was almost convinced the knight had sunk into the mud from the impact only to discover his opponent had instead leaped over an unimaginably vast distance.

    "...Wha!?"

    Kamito was dumbfounded. This was not an action a knight in heavy armor could perform.

    (...Impossible!? A human body could not possibly move like that--)

    Roaring, the ck knight began to charge, producing wind pressure that swept up dust from the ground.

    Kamito readied his stance once more and swiftly analyzed the situation.

    Even as the strongest ss of elemental waffe, Terminus Est had her weakness.

    Namely, overwhelming consumption -- vast amounts of divine power were depleted from the wielder.

    Compared to the very beginning, Kamito was now able to control power consumption much more easily. Nevertheless, he still could only sustain the released state briefly for mere minutes.

    (Plus this storm here, this is gonna be tough...)

    In the context of de dancing where split-second actions could decide the victor, the effect of strong winds could not be ignored. Without being blessed with wind protection, it was impossible for an elementalist to perform high level sword skills in such conditions.

    Kamito felt his uniform clinging heavily against his skin, drenched with rainwater. The muddy ground also confused his sense of bnce.

    Furthermore, the ck knight who had evaded Kamito''s attack moved in an extraordinary manner.

    These were neither the swordsmanship of a proper knight nor the myriad varied skills of an assassin.

    These were motions Kamito had never witnessed before.

    (I should be able to evade this attack -- but I can''t predict the one afterwards at all!)

    With horrifying pressure, the jet ck great sword approached.

    (--In that case, I have to defeat him directly head on!)

    Kamito made his decision. He believed in the power of his most excellent partner, Est.

    "--Dispassionate Queen of Steel, may you crush all enemies before you!"

    "What are you trying to do, Kamito!? Hurry and evade!"

    Ignoring ire''s scream-like cry, Kamito stepped forward instead.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Swinging the Demon yer down hard from overhead, he struck the jet ck great sword.

    With an eruption of light, the shockwave shook the air.

    In that instant, with an intense showering of sparks, the jet ck de waspletely shattered.

    Apparently, the great sword was not an elemental waffe but a sword materialized using spirit magic. That sort of thing could not possibly withstand an attack from the strongest sword spirit.

    "The name of the Demon yer is not just for show!"

    He had no idea what kind of moves the ck knight was using.

    But Kamito believed firmly.

    (...It''s fine! The way I am now, I cannot lose!)

    As he prepared to make a thrust -- at that moment.

    Numerous jet ck chains sprouted from the gaps in the dark armor, flying towards Kamito to ensnare him.

    "Wha!?"

    Kamito reacted immediately, crouching down on the ground to evade the attack.

    "Kamito!"

    ire swung metongue and severed the chains with a crimson sh--

    However, the jet ck chains swiftly regenerated and targeted the girl copsed behind Kamito.

    "...This is bad!"

    Kamito smacked his lips, discovering that he was not the target.

    Captured by the chains, the girl screamed briefly.

    Her whole body convulsed violently, then went limp as she lost consciousness.

    (Chains formed by magic -- was that group from just now also defeated by these chains!?)

    The chains slid back to the ck knight''s side--

    In the next instant, ck mist spewed out from the crevices of the armor.

    "...Wha!?"

    Kamito''s entire body shuddered.

    The unidentified sense of pressure given off by the ck knight expanded all at once.

    "Could it be, the absorption of divine power...?"

    ire was so shocked her voice trembled. At this moment--

    "--Oh my, I never expected to run into the wolf himself while chasing after little rabbits."

    "...!?"

    The voiceing from the air was--

    Kamito''s expression instantly froze.

    Beside the ck knight, dense darkness descended.

    The swirling darkness gradually took on the form of a ck-winged angel possessing otherworldly beauty.

    The darkness spirit who appeared was a girl with lustrous long ck hair. Her dusk-colored eyes carried a sense of mncholy.

    "Restia...!"

    Kamito forgot to raise his sword and called out the name of his past contracted spirit.

    "I didn''t expect to meet you here... Kamito."

    The darkness spirit girl smiled tenderly at Kamito.

    This was a pure and innocent smile, exactly the same as in the past.

    "...I didn''t want to meet you in a ce like this!"

    Kamito silently shook his head.

    During the morning meeting, he had already found out the fact she was acting together with the ck knight.

    Nevertheless, his heart had not epted it entirely.

    As soon as he pictured her performing a de dance together with an elementalist apart from him--

    He felt an intense stabbing pain in his heart.

    (...Ah yes, I must be feeling jealousy.)

    Calmly admitting to this fact, Kamito secretlyughed wryly at himself.

    To think he actually harbored such a childish emotion.

    "--That one there is your new contractor?"

    Kamito questioned with frustrated impatience he could not hide.

    "Let''s not joke around. I have always been yours, Kamito... As long as you wish it to be so."

    "..."

    Kamito tightly gripped his leather gloved left hand.

    "This is Nepenthes Lore -- the sessor to the previous Demon King."

    As if deriving pleasure from Kamito''s reaction, Restia smiled mischievously.

    "...Sessor to the Demon King?"

    "Or perhaps the Demon King''s Will -- that would be a more appropriate name. That said, just as I expected, the current power is still insufficient. More sacrifices are necessary."

    "...What are you talking about?"

    ire interjected with great acuity in her tone of voice.

    "Oh my, isn''t this Miss Hell Cat? Hello to you there. I''m sorry I didn''t get to greet you at the garden the other day."

    "Ah, you knew I was there!"

    The twintails stood up in surprise.

    "Restia, what are your intentions... Why did you enter this de Dance?"

    Kamito asked coldly.

    As a result, Restia lightly closed her dusk-colored eyes--

    "--I still have a Wish that must be realized."

    "Wish? Your Wish three years ago, I already--"

    Halfway through -- Kamito cut himself off.

    ire was still present. He could not let her know what happened three years ago.

    "Know your ce, darkness spirit. I don''t care whether you are Kamito''s contracted spirit. He is currently a member of Team Scarlet and my ve spirit. I will definitely not let you do as you please."

    "Oh my, what are you going to do to me? Miss Hell Cat."

    Restia red coldly at ire.

    Lifting an index finger, she pointed straight at ire''s chest.

    Her adorable lips began to chant a spiritnguage incantation--

    (That''s...!)

    Kamito hastily came to his senses and rushed over.

    An extremely small pitch ck sphere of thunder had formed at Restia''s fingertip.

    "ire Rouge, even though she had said you were not to be attacked under any circumstance--"

    The ck-winged angel disyed a merciless smile--

    "You will surely be a hindrance to his awakening -- Hence, you shall disappear right here."

    The expanding ball of thunder was released from her fingertip.

    Hell st -- the strongest ss of spirit magic under the darkness attribute.

    Let alone a human''s mortal body, even mid ss spirits would be instantly destroyed on contact.

    "ire--!"

    "Kamito!?"

    ire''s eyes stared wide in surprise.

    Infusing the Demon yer with maximum divine power, Kamito rushed before the ball of thunder.

    Gambling everything upon Terminus Est''s trait of magical resistance, he used the de to block the expanding ball of thunder.

    "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Intense pain attacked his entire body. Unable to endure for but an instant, he lost consciousness in less than a second.

    Blown away flying by the exploding thunder and lightning, Kamito fell down the waterfall.

    "--Kamito!"

 Volume 6, 4 - Milla Bassett

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 4 - Mi Bassett</h4>

    Part 1

    A youth was standing alone in this icy-cold darkness, a room that resembled a prison.

    This was a young ck-haired boy with fine facial features.

    No light could be reflected from those hollow eyes of his.

    At the youth''s feet, several strongly built men were copsed on the floor groaning.

    "--Finished. What is the next training activity?"

    It was a crisp voice that matched the child''s age.

    However, the voice was overwhelmingly devoid of natural emotion.

    Observing from outside the room, the elders of the Instructional School were thrown into quite amotion.

    "There can be no doubt. He must be the promised child."

    "Unmistakably, he is the one who inherited the Demon King''s power."

    All the men fallen on the ground were fairly aplished assassins with substantial reputations in the underground circuit.

    But in a mere matter of minutes, they were single-handedly defeated by a boy.

    The boy''s breathing had not even quickened the slightest from the exertion.

    "What training is next?"

    The boy asked again.

    "The next opponent is not human--"

    "...So, a beast from Astral Zero? Or perhaps, a spirit?"

    The youth no longer had any emotion known as fear. In the past, human feelings once existed in his heart but they had all been destroyed a long time ago.

    "--A spirit."

    "Understood. All I need to do is crush that fellow like these guys, right?"

    "...Correct."

    The elders nodded.

    "Well then, where''s the spirit?"

    The boy imagined a spirit resembling a giant beast.

    However--

    "Over here."

    Appearing before the boy was a most adorable girl.

    Slightly taller than the boy.

    Lustrous ck hair that reached waist-length. Dusk-colored eyes that seemed as if they drew your soul into them.

    The boy widened his eyes in amazement.

    It was quite a rare asion for him to reveal a surprised expression.

    "...A girl?"

    "--Nice to meet you, Kamito."

    Lifting the hem of her dress that resembled the color of midnight, she bowed to Kamito to perform a formal curtsy.

    "The darkness spirit, Restia -- the highest ranking spirit in service of the previous Demon King."

    "This person, is a spirit...?"

    It was only natural for the boy to be in doubt.

    Up to this point, he had never met a spirit in human form.

    "Amongst the highest ranking spirits, there exist those who maintain human form."

    "She shall instruct you to reach further heights."

    The elders'' voices resounded within the prison-like room.

    However, their words barely reached the youth''s ears.

    Completely unbelievable--

    Watching mesmerized -- because of this beautiful darkness spirit girl.

    "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kamito."

    The darkness spirit smiled shyly and extended her hand towards the boy.

    Suddenly, the boy swatted her hand away.

    "Don''t touch me. You will break, just like those guys fallen over there."

    "--Is that so? How I look forward to your performance."

    He did not miss the slightly hurt expression that only shed across the girl''s face momentarily--

    The boy felt a mysterious sense of turmoil stirring within himself.

    Part 2

    "Guh... Ahhh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito awoke with the feeling of searing pain as if being burned.

    "Hah, hah, hah... Guh..."

    Burying his fingernails deep into his skin, he could not stop the exploding pain in his chest.

    Enduring the intense pain as hey on the ground -- finally, his breathing returned to normal.

    "This ce... Is...?"

    Looking up, he surveyed his surroundings.

    He could hear the sound of rain in the distance. But nothing could be seen with virtually no light.

    This appeared to be the interior of a cave. The sound of water dripping could be heard.

    As icy-cold water droplets fell upon his forehead, Kamito was finally able to ponder calmly.

    (Right. After being hit by Restia''s thunder attack, I fell down the cliff--)

    Had it been a direct hit, he would have died instantly on the spot without any doubt. Without the protection of the Demon yer''s strong magical resistance, his body would have been destroyed before he even hit the water.

    "Right -- Where''s Est!?"

    He frantically searched his surroundings but the cave interior was too dark.

    (Could it be that she fell into the river!?)

    As soon as this possibility crossed his mind, Kamito''s face went pale.

    Due to Est and Kamito''s contract being in an iplete state, Kamito was unable to summon her at will from a distance unlike other elementalists.

    Just as he was about to take out a spirit crystal from his uniform''s pocket for illumination--

    "--Did you wake up? Kazehaya Kamito."

    "...!?"

    A cold indifferent voice sounded out from the depths of the darkness.

    Instantly, dazzling light filled the interior of the cave.

    Over there was a girl holding a piece of spirit crystal for lighting.

    Her knightly uniform was made of white fabric decorated with red linear designs. Her dark brown hair wavered in the wind.

    Most striking of all -- were those eyes of hers that glittered like brilliant gemstones on her prim and proper face.

    An azure right eye and an amber-colored left eye -- heterochromia.

    Watching the mysterious heterochromic eyes of the beautiful girl, Kamito stared at her mesmerized,pletely ignoring his lying down posture.

    "Did you wake up -- I asked you a question, right?"

    The girl walked over to Kamito and crouched down.

    He could almost catch a glimpse of her skirt''s underside. Kamito frantically averted his gaze.

    "...Did you save me?"

    The girl nodded.

    "You lost consciousness by the river. You were lucky to have made contact with my detection barrier."

    "...I see. Thanks for saving me."

    Kamito stood up unsteadily and bowed his head to the girl.

    The girl looked up and frowned with amazement.

    "You''re not wary of me? On this stage of the de Dance festival, do know that we are elementalists of opposing teams."

    "I can''t do anything so rude as to act wary towards my savior."

    "Perhaps I have ulterior motives for saving you."

    "Even so, that doesn''t change the fact that you saved me. Also--"

    Kamito shrugged as he spoke.

    "You don''t look like a viin. That''s what my instincts tell me."

    "..."

    The heterochromia girl sighed as if exasperated.

    Despite her clearly child-like face, her manner of speaking was very adult.

    Wearing a white uniform with red designs, which country''s representative is she--

    At this moment, Kamito noticed the sword lying against the wall behind the girl.

    "..Est!"

    No mistake about it. That was Kamito''s partner.

    "This is your sword. Fallen into the riverbed, I fished it out of the water--"

    Before she finished her sentence, Kamito instantly tried to run over--

    "Gwaaaaah!"

    Intense pain erupted all over his body, forcing him to copse to the ground.

    ...Looks like bones were broken in many ces.

    "Do not move. Kazehaya Kamito, your body has not recovered yet."

    "Looks like it... By the way, why do you know my name?"

    "Isn''t it only natural to remember the names of all the de Dance participants? Besides, you are the only male elementalist."

    "...I see."

    Actually, memorizing all the names of the participants was quite an achievement--

    At this time -- Kamito suddenly remembered.

    "I recall now, this uniform... You''re from the Principality of Rossvale!"

    "Correct, I am the leader of the Rupture Division -- Mi Bassett."

    The girl with heterochromic eyes announced her name without any change in tone.

    Part 3

    Facing the girl, Kamito crossed his legs and sat on the cave floor.

    Mi Bassett -- leader of the Rupture Division, was the youngest elementalist participating in this de Dance.

    Even though self-introductions had been made, Kamito still felt rather puzzled.

    No matter how he looked, this was just a young and beautiful girl. He could not feel from her any aura belonging to an ace-level elementalist like Velsaria or Leonora.

    Instead, there was a dream-like quality that seemed to instill others with an impulse to protect her unconditionally.

    (...Well, judging an elementalist by first impressions is very dangerous.)

    Kamito muttered to himself then started asking the girl who sat before him.

    "We came over here to negotiate our alliance with the Rupture Division, but your team did not appear at the appointed location. What happened, could you exin properly?"

    "I must apologize to you on this point. I never expected the ck knight to chase all the way into my team''s stronghold."

    "The ck knight -- you mean the elementalist from Team Inferno?"

    "Yes. The Rupture Division was destroyed by that ck knight."

    "Destroyed... Single-handedly?"

    Indeed, that ck knight -- Nepenthes Lore was definitely no ordinary elementalist.

    However, if even the famed and powerful Rupture Division was destroyed--

    Including Team Wyvern who fought above the cliff, there were now three teams vanquished by that monster.

    "Furthermore, the ck knight absorbs the divine power of elementalists, bing ever stronger."

    "Yes, I''ve already seen that."

    Kamito did not know what kind of ability it was, but the ck knight had used jet ck chains to capture elementalists and absorb their divine power.

    Kamito was still able to put up a fight earlier, but if this absorption of divine power continued, it would be impossible to oppose the ck knight eventually.

    "However, at the current time, there should still be a way to resist."

    "--Which is why the alliance invitation was sent."

    "Correct, an alliancesting until the ck knight''s defeat. Although I cannot tell you concrete details about its abilities, the holy spirit contracted to me is extremely powerful. Your team will surely benefit from my assistance."

    Her proposal was quite simple.

    An alliance with Team Scarlet to oppose Nepenthes Lore.

    "...Let me consider this for a bit."

    "No problem."

    An alliance proposed by a team facing imminent defeat.

    Kamito pondered the implications--

    What Mi Bassett needed was actually protection under the guise of an alliance.

    The rules of the de Dance festival stipted that so long as one member of the team survived, the rest of the team could still participate in the finals. But in actual practice, it was not quite possible for a single person to collect enough magic stones to qualify without the help of three or four teammates.

    (Hence, she needs us to be herrades...)

    Also, her allying with Team Scarlet would bring benefits.

    The holy spirit contracted to Mi Bassett.

    Given a holy spirit that held a strong advantage against darkness spirits, this could serve as a final trump card to resist Restia and Nepenthes Lore.

    (...It does make a lot of sense. There should be no trap by this point.)

    If this were a trap, there would be no point in helping Kamito. She could simply have stolen his magic stone while he was unconscious.

    Also, if allowed to power up continually, Nepenthes Lore would be Kamito and his team''s greatest threat eventually.

    (...When that timees, would I really be able to win?)

    Calmly, he went over his memories.

    Rather than the strongest de dancer of three years ago --Kamito only had the power of his currently weakened state.

    ire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet... He recalled the faces of these four youngdies.

    (With my power alone, will I be able to protect this important team?)

    Alternating his gaze between the leather gloved left hand and the right hand that was branded with the sword emblem of the spirit seal --

    Kamito finally responded.

    "The alliance willst until the defeat of the ck knight -- Nepenthes Lore, is that okay?"

    "No problem. However, for the duration of the alliance, the distribution of acquired magic stones must be fair and equitable."

    "Yes, I understand."

    There were no objections on either side.

    Setting a limited duration for the alliance was necessary at the very start. Since only four teams could reach the finals, allying to the very end would be a most naive notion.

    "I have a question."

    "What is it?"

    "Why did you choose us to propose an alliance?"

    Kamito was not suspicious -- it was simply out of curiosity.

    "...What do you mean by that?"

    "Even if you just consider the Academy''s representatives, Team Scarlet is only ranked third. There are higher ranking teams -- for example, isn''t Team Wyvern''s stronghold quite close to yours?"

    "Rankings are simply based on results at the Academy."

    Mi stated monotonously.

    "Kazehaya Kamito -- you are an extremely powerful elementalist."

    "Not really--"

    "You cannot y dumb. Last night, your de dance with Leonora Lancaster--"

    "You saw it..."

    Kamito groaned with displeasure.

    Speaking of which, the barrier had been damaged at the time andpletely lost function. It would have been possible for spirit-sharing scouting spirits to invade the stronghold.

    "At the time, all members of the Rupture Division were convinced that Team Scarlet would be eliminated the first day. However, you defeated Leonora instead."

    "--I didn''t win. At best you can call it a draw."

    Kamito shrugged.

    "Furthermore -- for you in particr, a certain negotiation technique is effective."

    Mi red coldly at Kamito.

    "Huh?"

    "The Principality of Rossvale''s intelligence division has already discovered your fetish for young girls."

    "What kind of intelligence is that!?"

    "No need to deny it. It''s not a problem."

    "I''m not denying anything!"

    "Reportedly, a fully nude young girl apanies you in your sleep."

    "...!"

    In a certain sense, this was indeed the truth.

    "N-Notpletely nude... Est''s is called the naked kneesocks look!"

    "...Not a problem. This particr fetish is already known."

    "That''s not a fetish! Seriously, the Principality of Rossvale''s intelligence is quite amazing in a certain sense..."

    There had been rumors of spies from other countries amongst the students at Areishia Spirit Academy. Clearly they were not unfounded.

    "Let me be clear, naked kneesocks is definitely not my fetish!"

    "Rest assured, I will service you in kneesocks as well."

    "...Eh?"

    Ignoring Kamito''s troubled expression--

    Mi began to undress.

    "This is my first time, so I have no idea if I will do a good job..."

    With unfamiliar movements, she undid the buttons of her uniform one after another.

    Just as she was about to unbuckle her skirt--

    "W-Wait a minute, what are you doing!?"

    Kamito frantically grabbed the young girl''s slender wrist.

    Mi was surprised.

    "...Isn''t this what all men want?"

    "N-No that''s not it, so listen to me..."

    From the gap in her unbuttoned shirt, her cute underwear was visible. This was really too stimting a sight.

    Monotonously, Mi spoke--

    "Or what you''re trying to say is, a thirteen-year-old body is not good enough?"

    "Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, j-just put on your clothes first, then we''ll talk!"

    Kamito yelled and stood up. In an absolute state of panic, he swiftly helped her put on the uniform jacket she had taken off.

    "...Dressing in this way is more to your tastes?"

    "No! Seriously, I can''t understand you. Aren''t we here to negotiate the alliance?"

    "...Seduction has always been a very effective maneuver for winning over males."

    "You, so that''s what you''re trying to pull..."

    Kamito sighed deeply.

    ...I see, she was convinced that this would easily win over a man.

    "Even if you don''t do that, we will still form an alliance with you."

    "...Really?"

    Mi''s heterochromic eyes blinked repeatedly.

    "That''s right. So don''t do that anymore. Don''t use your body as a tool."

    "..."

    Kamito ced his hand on the head of the surprised girl.

    "Team Scarlet and the Rupture Division are hereby allied."

    "Is that so... Very well then."

    Mi breathed a sigh of relief.

    --To be honest, the benefits of the alliance were not that pivotal for Team Scarlet.

    A spirit of holy alignment was indeed useful but not critical.

    However, this girl was Kamito''s savior.

    Furthermore, seeing this girl all alone having lost all herpanions, Kamito felt that he could not leave her alone.

    (...Looks like I''m really bad at dealing with abandoned kittens.)

    Recalling the image of the twintailed hell cat girl, Kamito smiled wryly.

    ...Though he was also worried about ire, he was sure she would not be taken out so easily--

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed Mi was staring intently at him.

    "W-What is it?"

    "Kazehaya Kamito, if you don''t bend down, we cannot exchange the Oath of alliance."

    "Oh I see..."

    The term ''Oath'' was used for the ritual where elementalists exchanged vows.

    It was quitemonly used when exchanging important promises.

    If an elementalist were to break the Oath, that person would suffer harsh punishment. For example, they would be viewed as an enemy by the spirits and be cut off from the blessing of the leylines for the long term. Depending on the severity of circumstances, they could even lose the power to summon contracted spirits.

    Kamito bent over to roughly Mi''s height and raised his right thumb.

    Likewise, Mi raised her thumb and pressed it against Kamito''s.

    "In the name of the Elemental Lords I hereby swear. Even if the heavens copse and the earth splits open--"

    "The contract we hereby exchange shall never be breached. Or else--"

    "I shall be incinerated in eternal congration, until my shadow turns to ash--"

    An oathposed using spiritnguage.

    And the final step--

    "...!?"

    Mi stood slightly on tiptoe and kissed Kamito on the cheek.

    "...Wha! Y-You, just now--"

    "A kiss is necessary to establish an Oath. You can''t possibly not know that, right?"

    Mi continued to speak in monotone.

    "That''s true, but still..."

    Kamito scratched his head, greatly troubled.

    ...Kissing girls was really too embarrassing.

    Oh well, there were no rules requiring the location of the kiss to be the mouth -- that was his only salvation.

    After a moment of bewilderment, Kamito--

    Kissed Mi lightly on the back of her hand.

    "Is this fine now?"

    "...How surprising. An unexpected gentleman."

    "Please get rid of that redundant ''unexpected''..."

    Grumbling with displeasure, Kamito reached for Est resting against the wall.

    His body was covered with injuries but not to the point of preventing him from walking.

    "I n on meeting up with myrades, can we set off now?"

    "I agree. Even though there is a barrier here, there is no guarantee that this ce is safe."

    The pair left the cave to discover the sky had already darkened.

    Although not as severe as during the storm earlier, the rain still continued nonstop.

    Looking up to find the cliff where he had fallen off, Kamito sighed.

    ...To think he was saved despite falling from that height.

    (Hopefully, ire was fine...)

    Part 4

    Meanwhile, within the forest stronghold, Ellis and Rinslet were preparing food.

    In the stone pile on the riverside, a spirit crystal with a sealed me spirit was glowing red.

    Even though it was raining, thanks to Ellis'' barrier of wind, there was no worry of the food getting wet from the rain.

    "...It''s getting dark."

    Stirring the pot, Rinslet murmured with worry.

    "Will ire and Kamito-san be fine?"

    "Worried about them?"

    "O-Of course not... Ouch hot!"

    Panicking, Rinslet sshed soup on her hand.

    "There is no need to worry about those two. After all, their grades in practical training are top in school."

    Ellis added to the pot sliced pieces of fish caught from the river.

    "That''s true..."

    Rinslet sucked her slightly burned fingertip--

    "But still, Kamito does hold the nickname of the Demon King of the Night, I''m really worried what he might do to the girls he''s negotiating with..."

    "Oooh..."

    Ellis could not help but pause in her preparation of the fish.

    "I-Indeed that is quite worrying. Of course, I-I am worrying about the girls on the other team."

    "Y-Yes, I am worried about those girls too!"

    "B-But even if Kamito is known as the King of Lust, he cannot possibly make a move on a thirteen-year-old, right?"

    "Let me tell you a secret, a few days ago, Kamito-san, he did indeed say he wanted to try a sister sandwich with me and my nine-year-old little sister Mireille!"

    ...Although this did not actually ur, these delusions were as good as true from Rinslet''s perspective.

    "W-What did you say!? I am so jeal... Must condemn such indecency!"

    Ellis stabbed the kitchen knife hard into the cutting board.

    "...Seriously. How should I say this. Kamito is that kind of natural--"

    "Natural public enemy of womankind!"

    "T-That is so right. That guy keeps saying all these shocking things all of a sudden."

    "That''s right! H-He makes my heart race, c-causing me to act strangely!"

    "Y-Yes. Listening to Kamito talk is bad for the heart... Hence, that guy is the public enemy of womankind!"

    The two nodded vigorously inplete agreement.

    ...Taking advantage of his absence, they pulled no punches in badmouthing him behind his back.

    However, what was unbelievable was that they were not actually angry with him.

    "Oh my, this smells really good."

    Fianna arrived and peered at the soup in the boiling pot.

    "If you don''t mind, how about I help as well?"

    "We have enough help here!"

    "Please have a well-deserved break, Your Highness the imperial princess."

    Rinslet and Ellis shook their heads vigorously.

    They were both well aware of Fianna''s horrifying cooking skills.

    "Come on... Don''t leave me out alone."

    Just as Fianna pouted --

    Rustle -- The trees in the distance rocked violently.

    "...!?"

    The trio exchanged nces with one another in surprise.

    If the visitor was hostile, then the barrier would have alerted them on contact--

    As it turned out, the one who appeared out from the trees was a hell cat spirit wrapped in weak mes.

    Due to the rain, it had be especially feeble.

    "Scarlet!?"

    "Did ire and Kamito return?"

    The trio rushed over to the hell cat spirit who was about to disappear.

    With thest of its strength, Scarlet pointed its burning tail towards the thicket. Completely exhausted, it dispelled its material body and disappeared into thin air.

    The three girls hastily pushed aside the shrubbery and found--

    "ire!?"

    Drenched with rain and covered in mud, irey there fallen.

    Her prided twintails scattered and disheveled. There were also wounds all over her smooth skin.

    "...What on earth could have happened!?"

    "...O-Oooh..."

    From ire''s lips came weak panting.

    "--She''s still conscious. I will perform healing magic. Hurry and prepare the tools for the ritual."

    Fianna gave orders with a tense expression.

    "Don''t worry about me, so..."

    Panting painfully, ire spoke desperately with trembling lips.

    "Ka... mito... Hurry and save him, Kamito...!"

 Volume 6, 5 - Their Respective Nights

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 5 - Their Respective Nights</h4>

    Part 1

    Several days had passed since the boy encountered the darkness spirit girl.

    His mind and body werepletely defeated.

    "Guh... Ah..."

    Until this point, he had always had the confidence to ovee any of his training no matter how harsh or deadly.

    In fact, there were many other children who had been brought to this ce like him, but they had lost their lives instead.

    No one expressed any mourning, sympathy ormendation towards their deaths. To the elders of the Instructional School, they were simply dismissed and disqualified, then tragically abandoned like broken tools.

    This was the kind of hell where the boy survived.

    He even obtained the power to crush a group of skilled assassins with his bare hands.

    Nevertheless, this was only child''s y.

    In thest few days, that was what the boy discovered beyond a doubt.

    "...Are you okay, Kamito?"

    The darkness spirit girl watched Kamito with eyes of worry as hey on the ground.

    "...Don''t... Touch me...!"

    "...I''m sorry."

    With a pained expression, the girl stopped herself from helping him up.

    "Don''t be angry. After all, my mission is to make you stronger."

    "...Angry?"

    The boy red at the girl.

    "Are you insulting me? --I have no feelings. I am simply a tool for murder."

    The boy forced his body to get up despite it being covered with wounds.

    Contrary to his im, his inner heart was in turmoil.

    It was neither anger nor hate, but some other -- emotion.

    Hence, he absolutely must eliminate this emotion. Absolutely.

    In order to be the perfect killing tool.

    "Killing you is the order assigned to me. Hence -- I am only executing my mission."

    "--Yes yes, that''s right. Hurry and kill me then, Kamito."

    Part 2

    Kamito and Mi left the cave and walked through the forest in the night.

    The area waspletely dark. Without the spirit crystal for illumination, he would not have been able to see even his feet.

    Terrifying spirits of the night were beginning to be active, and the cries of beasts could be heard from the distance.

    "Kamito."

    "...Hmm?"

    Noticing a tug on his sleeve, Kamito turned his head.

    "It is alreadyte night. Trying to march in haste would be dangerous."

    Indeed, night was the time when beasts and hated demon spirits became active.

    Walking in the forest at this time was not a wise decision.

    "No problem. I am already used to de dancing at night."

    Kamito tried to reassure her.

    In reality, he had undergonebat training in a zero visibility space during his time at the Instructional School. To a professional assassin, this could be considered a basicbat skill.

    "de dancing at night..."

    Mi suddenly turned her gaze to Kamito with eyes of despise.

    "Wait a minute, I''m not talking about some kind of nuanced euphemism for nocturnal activities!"

    "I did not say anything of that sort."

    Mi answered softly with mild surprise.

    "Let''s walk a bit further. After all, there''s no way to camp in a forest like this."

    "Understood."

    Mi nodded.

    "Are you afraid?...If that''s the case, would you like to hold hands?"

    "Holding a girl''s hand in a dark forest... That ispletely the action of a kidnapping criminal."

    "You..."

    Kamito sighed with his eyes half-closed--

    "Duck down quickly!"

    Suddenly sensing something unusual, he hurriedly pushed her down onto the grass.

    "...Kamito."

    "Be quiet."

    Kamito whispered by Mi''s ear.

    Above their heads, a blue-white fireball flew past.

    The fireball constantly changed its shape as it flickered, circling around in the forest nonstop.

    Probably a scouting spirit released by some team... It would be troublesome if Kamito and Mi were discovered.

    The spirit circled for a while before disappearing into the depths of the forest.

    "Hoo..."

    Kamito wiped the sweat off his head. Although scouting spirits could be eliminated instantly, that act would be akin to exposing his position to the elementalist sharing vision with the spirit.

    He was still suffering from wounds from falling off the cliff and his body had also umted quite a lot of fatigue.

    To be honest, in his current condition it would be best to avoid enemy attacks.

    "Kamito--"

    "Hmm?"

    "It''s probably time for you to move."

    "...S-Sorry!?"

    His hand happened to be positioned on her chest.

    Kamito frantically got up... The soft sensation still lingering on his hand.

    "Since it was an emergency situation, I will let it slide."

    Mi did not seem to mind. Patting the dust away from her skirt, she stood up.

    Even though she was only thirteen years old, did she not feel even a bit embarrassed --?

    Heightening their alertness, they continued their way through the forest.

    "By the way--"

    Kamito asked as they walked along the muddy ground.

    "What kind of spirit did you contract with, Mi?"

    Even though he knew it was a spirit with the holy attribute, there were still myriad forms. In terms of tendency, those that specialized in defense like Fianna''s knight spirit Georgios were moremon, but ultimately that was simply a tendency.

    Variations in spirit type resulted in dramatic changes to the way they were used.

    However, Mi quietly bowed her head.

    "Even though our teams are allied, I cannot tell you. Because my spirit is a state secret."

    "I see..."

    Reaching a dead end, Kamito changed the subject.

    "--So, is there a Wish you are trying to realize through this de Dance festival?"

    Under normal conditions, this was a retarded question.

    An elementalist who wanted to participate in the de Dance festival without her own wish could not possibly exist.

    However, from this Mi Bassett girl--

    Incredibly, Kamito could not sense that kind of motive.

    Hence he was curious.

    However.

    "--There is none."

    Mi replied.

    "No? Without a Wish, then why--"

    Why was she resorting to allying with another team, desperately trying to survive--

    "I exist as a tool. As a tool, one must finish one''s mission."

    "...Tool?"

    "...!?"

    Kamito frowned with surprise.

    If she called it a knight''s loyalty it would have been fine -- but he felt that it was different from that.

    Or rather, the impression he got from her, was a person who only lived toplete a certain goal -- in that case, tool was not an analogy but was meant literally.

    (This girl...)

    Kamito knew a boy who resembled this girl.

    Having lost all hope, a boy who even forgot the feeling of despair in the end.

    Abandoning everything that made him human, a boy who was cultivated as a tool.

    (In that case, this girl is very simr to the orphan at the Instructional School -- ''my past self.'' )

    Perhaps this was one reason why he felt he could not abandon her no matter what.

    "..."

    "...What is it?"

    The heterochromic eyes stared coldly at Kamito.

    Her emotionless gaze was very simr to Kamito''s before having met Restia.

    "No, nothing... Let''s go."

    Kamito quietly shook his head and continued trudging through the mud.

    Part 3

    "A-Ahh... Ka... mito... Kamito, he..."

    ire was lying on a simple futon in a tent.

    Sweating profusely from head to toe, she was calling Kamito''s name with an exceptionally suffering expression.

    Her consciousness was still quite fuzzy and there was no life in her eyes.

    "How''s ire''s condition?"

    Rinslet brought warm soup and asked with worry.

    "A very high fever... It seems like she was running all the way through the rain."

    Fianna quietly shook her head.

    ire''s smooth skin was covered all over with scratches from branches.

    "The wounds on her body are nothing serious, but if we don''t do something about this high fever..."

    "...Kamito... If we don''t save him..."

    "Currently, the Captain is summoning wind spirits to conduct a search. Once morning arrives, we will join the search party."

    "...After all, the forest at night is too dangerous."

    Fianna bit her lip with regret.

    After being carried to the tent, ire reported what had happened under her semi-conscious state.

    The encounter in the forest with Team Inferno''s ck knight -- Nepenthes Lore, and the resulting battle.

    In the midst of battle, in order to protect ire, Kamito had fallen down a waterfall.

    After that, ire barely managed to evade the pursuit of the darkness spirit and the ck knight. Trying to search for Kamito, somehow she lost consciousness when her physical endurance reached its limits. By the time she came to again, she found herself back in their stronghold -- that was basically what happened.

    Apparently, based on the situation, Scarlet had decided to bring the exhausted master back.

    "If we don''t, hurry up... Kamito will..."

    "Wait a minute, what are you trying to do! You still can''t move!"

    Seeing ire attempting to get up from bed, Fianna, uncharacteristically, scolded her loudly.

    "But Kamito fell down a waterfall because he was protecting me..."

    Normally quite strong-willed, ire''s eyes were now weeping with streams of tears.

    Using the sleeve of her uniform, she kept rubbing her eyes.

    "Seriously, you''ve returned to that crybaby from before."

    "...N-Nothing like that, I am not a crybaby!"

    ire retorted angrily to Rinslet.

    "Walking through the forest with a body in that condition, you will quickly turn into food for the beasts. Or are you trying to waste Kamito-san''s wish to protect you?"

    Rinslet reprimanded sternly, giving ire no choice but to quiet down.

    "But..."

    "First thing in the morning, we will all set off together. But for now, you have to rest properly and recover your energy."

    Fianna patted ire on the head gently.

    "This is specialized sweet medicinal soup. Ah, your favorite, peaches were also added!"

    Rinslet handed over the hot soup, still steaming.

    "...T-Thank you."

    In a rare moment of obedience, ire nodded and sipped a mouthful of the medicinal soup.

    "Delicious..."

    "Kamito-san will surely return."

    "Yes, that''s right..."

    --Leaving the tent, Fianna and Rinslet silently exchanged nces.

    ire''s sobbing could be hearding from inside the tent.

    Presumably after drinking the warm medicinal soup, her tension rxed all of a sudden.

    At this moment, Ellis arrived with a solemn expression.

    "How is ire''s condition?"

    "If she rests properly, she should probably recover by tomorrow. However, the fact that Kamito-kun fell down a waterfall right before her eyes seems to have given her a great shock."

    "I see..."

    "Any progress in the search for Kamito-san?"

    "Although I have spread wind spirits all around, nothing of value has been reported as of yet."

    Ellis bit her lip regretfully.

    "Kamito-kun..."

    "...He will be fine, right?"

    The three girls fell silent.

    Like ire, they were all extremely worried about Kamito.

    Blown by the chilly wind of the night, the leaves in the trees rustled and swayed.

    Part 4

    Intense sparks were scattering in the dark night.

    "This thing, what a monster!"

    A knight wielding a halberd elemental waffe cried out.

    She was the vice-captain of Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor, Yuri El Cid.

    Due to theirrge scale battle operations undertaken on the first day, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor had dyed their stronghold construction and were currently wandering the forest.

    Teams without strongholds were regarded as perfect prey. However, despite the attack of enemies throughout their march, they still defeated all these reckless attackers without exception.

    However, their third opponent was in apletely different sspared to the enemies earlier.

    "Leonora-sama, this is no ordinary elementalist!"

    "Beware of the ck chains, those things seem to be able to absorb divine power!"

    Wielding a great sword, Leonora Lancastermanded her subordinates as she rushed forward.

    As four dragon knights surrounded the ck knight who melded with the darkness of the night, Leonora valiantly charged.

    The acute impacts of des rang out.

    The ck knight and the dragon knight''s swords shed intensely.

    "How shocking. Not only do they have the strongest de dancer in their team, they also have this kind of troublesome--"

    Leonora cried out in surprise.

    The Dragon yer -- was without a doubt an elemental waffe of the highest ss.

    Nevertheless, the swings of her great sword were easily deflected by the ck demon sword.

    Furthermore, with each sh of the des, the sharpness of the Dragon yer was steadily decreasing--

    "A demon sword with darkness attributes eh? To think it could prate a dragon spirit''s magical resistance...!"

    As she took on the ck demon sword''s attacks--

    "Well then, how about this move?"

    Leonora chanted spirit magic.

    "--Savor the dragon''s roar, Dragon Ray!"

    A burning crimson sh struck the ck knight''s helmet directly--

    "Now is the moment, charge!"

    Under the orders of the vice-captain, the dragon knights rushed forward.

    Although not to the level of Leonora, each knight was a mighty and aplished warrior.

    As elemental waffen struck from all sides, the des pierced the ck knight''s armor at the same time --!

    "Victory --!"

    Just as Yuri cheered loudly.

    From the gaps in the armor, numerous ck chains shot out like tentacles.

    "...Cough... Hah...!"

    Pierced in the chest by the jet ck chains, the dragon knights all fell to the ground.

    Nepenthes Lore delightfully emitted a fearsome roar.

    Absorbing a massive amount of the girls'' divine power--

    "Impos... sible...!"

    "Our elemental waffen should have pierced that armor...!"

    Just as one girl captured by the chains lost consciousness--

    "Curse you, monster --!"

    Leonora severed the ck chains using the Dragon yer.

    "Leonora-sama."

    "Do not look down on the dragon of Dracunia...!"

    Infusing her entire body''s divine power into her elemental waffe, Leonora charged.

    As she blocked the ck knight''s massive body alone, she yelled at the vice-captain behind her.

    "Yuri, prepare to retreat -- this is no ordinary opponent."

    "But our pride as the Dragon Knights of Dracunia, how could we be forced to retreat by a mere single elementalist--"

    "Move it! Unless you want us all to fall right here!?"

    "U-Understood --!"

    As expected of the Dragon Princess, Leonora had truly excellent instincts. Simply through several rounds of exchange, she had already realized the aberrant nature of the ck knight before her.

    Nepenthes Lore roared from beneath the armor.

    The ck knight''s aura seemed far more powerful than before.

    Yuri called her fire dragon spirit Lindwyrm to carry her unconscious teammate on its back. The two dragon knights who were still conscious also mounted their own dragon spirits.

    Seeing they were ready, Leonora also returned the Dragon yer to the form of the ck dragon Nidhogg and swiftly mounted its back.

    Nepenthes Lore''s sweeping demon sword produced jet-ck lighting on its tip--

    "--Retreat!"

    At Leonora''smand, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor flew away in a well-trained formation.

    Immediately, the jet-ck lightning exploded, destroying trees in the forest without leaving any trace behind.

    --However, Leonora and her group were already gone.

    Thanks to their strict regr training, Dracunia''s knights had retreated in a most splendid fashion.

    "..."

    In the night forest, Nepenthes Lore''s red eyes shed with dazzling splendor.

    The demon sword held in the ck knight''s hand disappeared as if melting away into the night sky.

    A beautiful ck-winged angel appeared out of the air,nding lightly on the ground.

    The darkness spirit Restia, who had transformed herself into an elemental waffe by her own will just now.

    "True to the reputation of Leonora Lancaster, how troublesome to deal with."

    Restia ced her finger on her moist lips, smiling mischievously.

    "Even so, suppressing the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, renowned to be the strongest, this is quite sufficient as an aplishment -- It is almost time forpletion."

    The will of the Demon King awakened through forbidden magic -- Nepenthes Lore. This monster that had absorbed the divine power of numerous elementalists probably had enough power to rival him now.

    "--Kamito, you just wait. I will now liberate your true self."

    Restia''s dusk-colored eyes looked up at the starry night sky.

    "Very soon, I will be able to tell you. The true meaning of our encounter--"

    Three years ago, devoured by her Wish, her past memories had be fragmented.

    The way she was now, she was apletely different existence from the Restia of the past--

    Even so, shining lustrously like a treasure, one important memory still remained.

    A feeling sweet enough to bring stabbing pain to the heart.

    Most likely, this was the feeling knownmonly as love.

    Only that particr day''s memory was forbidden to be tainted by any person.

    "--If possible, Kamito, I wish to die by your hand."

 Volume 6, 6 - Night Assault

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 6 - Night Assault</h4>

    Part 1

    Buried in the ground, the fire spirit crystal was glowing red.

    Kamito and Mi were hiding behind a rock, warming themselves. Unlike a campfire, a piece of spirit crystal with a sealed fire spirit did not generate mes or smoke, conveniently avoiding detection by others.

    Normally they would have met up with ire and the rest by now, but due to the dangers of the night forest, they could not continue marching recklessly.

    Kamito would have been fine alone but he was currently apanied by a thirteen-year-old girl.

    "Kamito, aren''t you cold?"

    Returned to the form of a girl, Est tightly gripped his arm.

    "Ah, I''m fine."

    As Kamito caressed her head, Est closed her eyes in enjoyment.

    Though she remained expressionless as usual, probably because she had to stay in sword form for so long, Est was now trying to be spoiled.

    "Kamito, so warm..."

    Est kept rubbing her soft face against Kamito''s arm.

    Sitting opposite was Mi who cast a cold gaze at Kamito.

    "You have been making your contracted spirit do this kind of thing all along?"

    "No, it''s not like that--"

    "I am Kamito''s sword. Kamito''s wish is mymand."

    Est nodded expressionlessly.

    "I see. Forcing a cute and innocent spirit to satisfy your desires..."

    Mi''s gaze turned colder and colder.

    ...This is no good. The misunderstanding is getting worse.

    "S-So, you two must be hungry, right? If you don''t mind, how about I prepare some food?"

    Kamito tried to change the subject.

    "Yes. I am hungry."

    "Not a bad suggestion."

    The two nodded.

    (...These two, somehow they seem a bit alike.)

    Kamito secretly smiled wryly to himself.

    Then a few minutester--

    From behind the rock, appetizing aromas came drifting.

    It was simple cooking using the hard bread Mi brought as rations, adding a few slices of smoked meat, seasoning slightly with some spices and heating with a fire.

    Nevertheless, to Kamito and his group who were famished, this was already quite a sumptuous meal.

    "...Kamito, hurry and let me try it."

    "What am I going to do with you, Est..."

    Smiling wryly, Kamito tore a piece of bread and ced it in Est''s mouth.

    "This is delicious, Kamito."

    Est expressionlessly chewed the bread... She really was like a cute little pet.

    "Feeding a spirit eh."

    Mi red coldly at them.

    "Okay, you don''t have to be formal, just eat this quickly."

    Kamito served the steaming bread before her.

    "...I will not be bought with food."

    "I''m not buying you with food. This is just thanks for healing me."

    "..."

    Mi silently received the bread and took a cute little bite.

    "...Delicious."

    "That''s really wonderful."

    Kamito eximed wryly.

    The sight of the two pretty girls eating bread expressionlessly felt rather surreal.

    "Your wound--"

    "Hmm?"

    Swallowing the bread, Mi slowly spoke.

    "Healing so fast ispletely thanks to your own recovery ability. My spirit magic had virtually no effect."

    "Ah yes, I seem to have a constitution that is difficult for holy spirit magic to take effect."

    Even though he did not know what caused it, that was what Fianna told him, so it should be urate.

    "...? In that case, how do you normally heal your wounds?"

    Mi eximed in surprise. Kamito scratched his head, a little troubled.

    "Ah, how should I describe it. One of mypanions is a princess maiden, umm, she uses her body to transfer magic directly..."

    "...Enough. I basically understand."

    Mi gazed at Kamito with eyes of despise.

    "Clearly the rumors of Kamito''s teammates offering their bodies in service to him is true."

    "Wait a minute, don''t misunderstand!"

    "Kamito, what does offering their bodies in service mean?"

    Est tilted her head expressionlessly in puzzlement.

    "Est, you don''t need to know that sort of term!"

    "Rather than through words, you will teach her using your body?"

    "Mi, what on earth are you saying!?"

    As Mi''s gaze grew more and more severe, Kamito ruefully clutched his head.

    Part 2

    "Fuah..."

    "Dinner is done, so it''s probably time for Est to sleep."

    Kamito gently rubbed Est on the head.

    Est almost always slept at this time every night.

    "Yes, Kamito. Entering standby sleep mode. Goodnight."

    Est ced her head on Kamito''sp as if asking to be spoiled.

    Her figure dispersed into particles of light in the air, turning into a beautiful sword.

    Kamito rested the sleeping Demon yer lightly against the rock.

    "You''re not going to sleep, Mi?"

    "Are you treating me as a child?"

    "Nothing like that. With so much happening today, you must be tired."

    "No matter how I think about this, you must be more tired than me."

    "I can''t go to sleep first while a girl is still awake, right?"

    "...Girl?"

    Mi tilted her head in surprise.

    "Kamito?"

    "Hmm?"

    "Since I can''t sleep, talk about something interesting."

    ...Somehow it feels like I keep getting this kind of unreasonable demandtely.

    "I''m sorry. I''m the boring sort of man."

    Kamito shrugged.

    Regarding how boring he was in conversation, ire knew best.

    "Does not matter. I will be the one to decide if it''s interesting or not."

    "...Got it."

    Kamito sighed, relenting--

    "A long long time ago, there was a spirit sealed in amp at a certain ce--"

    Just like the time when ire hassled him, Kamito began reciting the story he had heard from Restia. Instantly, Mi''s eyes widened with interest.

    "...Umm, you don''t find this boring?"

    "No, keep going."

    Seeing Mi shake her head, Kamito continued.

    Objectively speaking, Kamito''s storytelling technique was quite poor. Nevertheless, recalling and imitating the gestures and tones Restia used when he was young, Kamito continued with the story.

    Soon after--

    "Fufu..."

    "...!?"

    Kamito stopped in surprise.

    ...Unbelievably, Mi seemed to be trying not tough.

    "You..."

    "...What?"

    Noticing Kamito''s gaze, Mi frantically avoided eye contact.

    "You''re very cute when youugh."

    "W-What are you talking about!?"

    She lowered her gaze as if trying to hide her face.

    (...Could it be, she''s shy?)

    Suddenly, Kamito asked a question that had been nagging at him.

    "By the way, you called yourself a tool back then in the forest?"

    "...So what?"

    Mi recovered her usual cold expression.

    "What do you actually mean by that?"

    "Exactly as the word implies. Because that is the existence known as the elementalist."

    "Elementalists are not tools. At least, not at the Academy where I go to."

    "That is simply your own value system. I am simply a tool cultivated for winning this de Dance festival. That is the totality of my value."

    Mi Bassett -- this girl, merely thirteen years of age, disyed an expression as if she saw through everything.

    That was the same expression as the youth in the past.

    What sort of treatment she received back in her home country, was easily imagined.

    (A girl who lived only for the purpose of winning the de Dance...)

    Too cruel -- Kamito whispered angrily to himself.

    Her homnd was the small state which had gained its independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia not too long ago. Whether in military or economic strength, it was quite behindpared to the surrounding countries. Hence they were resolved to raise the prestige of their country through spectacr results at the de Dance festival.

    Mi Bassett was the tool cultivated for this purpose.

    --Hence firmly rooted in this belief, she gradually cast off her emotions as a human.

    That was almost like himself, before he met Restia--

    (I had Restia by my side. But this girl--)

    Kamito could not help but speak out.

    "Do you really, honestly believe that?"

    "...?"

    "Your value, does it only lie in winning the de Dance festival?"

    "Other than that, I don''t know any other way to live."

    Mi shook her head, at this moment--

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed a change in the surrounding atmosphere.

    "Kamito?"

    "...Seriously, it''s thiste and we still get visitors."

    Hearing Kamito''s words, Mi finally reacted.

    Warily, they surveyed the surroundings--

    "How surprising. I clearly eliminated all traces of my presence."

    A girl''s voice came from behind the rock.

    "Even though your team is third, you are still representatives from Areishia Spirit Academy after all."

    At the same time, other sounds came from the opposite side. Based on the footsteps there were two people.

    (A chance encounter -- was of course impossible.)

    Kamito licked his lips and reached for Est against the rock.

    Very likely, this was the team who sent out the fireball scouting spirit earlier.

    There was one person on the right and two on the left. An approaching pincer attack from two directions.

    "--Knights owing allegiance to the courageous king, bestow upon me the light of victory!"

    Mi chanted a spiritnguage incantation, manifesting a sword of spirit magic in her hand.

    Standing up with her, back to back, Kamito asked.

    "You''re not summoning your contracted spirit?"

    "My contracted spirit requires a special summoning ritual. It cannot be performed here."

    "...A spirit of ritual summoning type eh."

    Certain powerful spirits required summoning by ritual. For example, there was Team Cernunnos''s beast swarm spirit. Mi''s contracted spirit seemed to be the same. In exchange for great power, much time and energy had to be expended and it was therefore unsuited to de dance duels between individuals.

    Illuminated by the glow of swords, the enemies'' appearances became clear.

    Two of the girls were wearing uniforms simr to Mi. A red background decorated with white lines, they were opposite to the Rupture Division''s uniform.

    "The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights--"

    Mi''s eyes widened.

    So that was the case. After all, the Principality of Rossvale obtained its independence from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. In that case, having simrities in their uniforms was only natural.

    (By the way, isn''t the Sacred Spirit Knights the team of Pdin Luminaris?)

    Luminaris was the ace-level elementalist who reached the finals in the de Dance festival three years ago.

    Served by a holy spirit, she had presented Kamito with a formidable challenge during the finals.

    Though she was apparently not at the current scene, the Sacred Spirit Knights were renowned as one of the strongest teams from the maind, all things considered.

    Fighting with his current wounds while protecting Mi would be rather disadvantageous.

    "--Ah, you''re not going to retreat? If you run away now, we might let you off?"

    "Stop joking around. Who would waste such an excellent opportunity?"

    The knights jeered.

    Most likely, they had received news of the Rupture Division''s demise.

    Even the fact that Mi Bassett''spanion was only a male elementalist belonging to a weak team was perfectly clear to them.

    Furthermore, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia and the Principality of Rossvale were hostile enemies. It wasmon for political conflicts between countries to be carried over into the de Dancepetition.

    (...Our only choice is to fight, right?)

    Kamito raised his sword with annoyance.

    "You too, if you give up Mi Bassett''s eye, we could let you two off."

    "Mi''s eye?"

    "Oh my, you allied with her without knowing anything?"

    "..."

    ncing quickly at Mi, Kamito found her ring silently at the knights before them.

    "Mi Bassett''s eye was originally our country''s property. We are simply retrieving it."

    "What on earth is this about?"

    "There is no need for you to know, seeing as you are about to fall here."

    Kamito shrugged helplessly... Apparently there was no room left for conversation.

    Suddenly, the three knights tightened the encirclement.

    "Mi, don''t leave my side."

    "Don''t look down on me. No matter what, I am still the leader of the Rupture Division."

    "...Got it. Then I''ll entrust my back to you."

    Instantly, the three knights attacked in concert.

    The sound of des shing rang out. Intense sparks scattered in the dark night.

    The strike of a heavy battle axe was blocked by Kamito using Terminus Est.

    "...Guh!"

    Intense pain came from his arm. Looks like the wound he sustained from falling down the cliff was rupturing.

    (--Clearly these are masters. I can''t be careless at all!)

    Leaping to the side, Kamito held his sword in one hand.

    "Don''t think you can escape--"

    "...!?"

    Slicing wind, the massive battle axe flew through the air--

    Due to this unexpected attack, Kamito reacted a second too slow.

    "--Swarming subjects of the night, hasten forth to ughter your enemies!"

    Instantly, the flying battle axe transformed into a massive swarm of bats.

    "...T-This is a legion spirit!"

    "Legion" was the term for contracted spiritsposed from an amalgamation of multiple spirits. Although they were unsuited to performing mundanemands, they were particrly effective against enemies who were not geared towards fighting multiple opponents.

    As it happened, Kamito''s Terminus Est was precisely a sword type elemental waffe, unsuited towards fighting multiple opponents.

    Kamito swung his sword at the swarm of spirits that resembled a dark raincloud.

    A sh from the Demon yer instantly destroyed the iing wave of spirits--

    However, this merely destroyed a small fraction of the total. The bat swarm of spirits gave off piercing cries as they attacked Kamito.

    Sharp ws tore wounds all over his body. Red blood flowed from his ripped open skin.

    "Guh..."

    The rules of the de Dance forbade killing any of the participating elementalists. But conversely, so long as their lives remained intact, any amount of physical injury and suffering was permitted.

    They must be trying to chip away at my stamina gradually.

    (If only ire''s metongue was here, they could be incinerated in an instant...)

    Kamito was unable to use spirit magic forrge area destruction. Even though the swarm of spirits blocked his view, he was certain Mi must be currently fighting the other elementalists.

    (Trying to kill these guys one by one will take forever...)

    Raising the Demon yer, Kamito rushed into the center of the spirit swarm. With self-sacrificing determination, he prated by force, intending to defeat the enemy elementalist directly --!

    "--Of course I''m not going to let your n seed. Capture the unrighteous, Shackles of the Criminal!"

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, shing shackles appeared out of the air and locked down Kamito''s feet.

    In the middle of the chaotic and violent swarm of spirits, Kamito was immobilized.

    "Those who attempt to escape the legion will be caught by the Shackles of the Criminal. The Sacred Spirit Knights'' coordinated attacks are wless."

    Another knight jeered victoriously.

    (I see. As expected of a strong and renowned team--)

    Kamito silently cursed his dire situation. Using the legion to obscure his view while hiding the capturing type elemental waffe Shackles of the Criminal inside -- this was a coordinated attack that made use of thepatibility between their contracted spirits.

    The legion mercilessly attacked Kamito as he stood there unable to move--

    "...Your n itself is not bad. But regrettably, you have underestimated my Est!"

    Yelling out, Kamito infused divine power in the Demon yer.

    "--How could this be possible!?"

    The knights cried out in surprise.

    Giving off intensely bright light, the shackles of the elemental waffe restraining his feet were cut into halves.

    Wielding the sacred sword which emitted overwhelming dazzling light, Kamito charged forward.

    The swarming spirits of the legion were destroyed as soon as they made contact with Terminus Est''s sword aura.

    "Damn it... Hurry ande back!"

    The knight in front of Kamito frantically tried to transform the legion back into the battle axe form -- but unfortunately, it was toote.

    Kamito rushed before her and shed at the knight''s abdomen.

    "Gaaah--!"

    With a great yell, the knight copsed immediately. However, within Astral Zero all damage caused by elemental waffen beyond what the body could sustain were all converted into psychological pain, hence the girl simply lost consciousness.

    At the same time, the ck cloud-like legion dissipated into particles of light.

    "Haah, haah..."

    Stabbing into the ground his sword which has lost its brightness, Kamito rested his shoulder against it as he panted.

    (This is really tiring...)

    Terminus Est belonged to the strongest ss of elemental waffe.

    Hence, using it in the manner just now would deplete divine power almost instantly.

    Deciding that she could not win one on one, the Shackles using knight stepped back with a click of her tongue.

    On the other side of the rock, Mi was currently engaging the knight with the slender sword in an even battle.

    Wielding a sword of light, she deflected the enemy''s relentless strikes one by one, producing sparks whenever their des shed intensely.

    Mi''s sword skills were definitely not mediocre. Within the Academy, her skill level would definitely achieve top grades.

    However on this de Dance stage where top ss elementalists gathered, her power seemed slightly inadequate inparison.

    In terms of ability as an elementalist, the opponent was clearly superior to her.

    Using his body which still could not stand steadily, Kamito raised the sword in his hand.

    However, the Demon yer could only give off faint light.

    "Clearly your power is depleted, male elementalist."

    "Hmph, as if...!"

    Forcing his unsteady body, Kamito began to run to aid Mi--

    "--Your n will not seed, Shackles of the Criminal!"

    The knight released a set of chained shackles from her hand. Kamito jumped to evade -- but the shackles were only a red herring.

    Another set of shackles released from the opposite direction snagged Kamito''s right arm.

    "You no longer have the strength to break free from the Shackles now!"

    In the instant Kamito''s movements were halted--

    The other knight that had been fighting Mi rushed over.

    "--Kamito!"

    "All I need is one arm."

    Replying to Mi''s cry with a smile, Kamito switched to wielding his sword with his left.

    It was the left hand in the jet ck leather glove. He could feel a stinging pain from Restia''s spirit seal.

    "--Very unfortunate for you, but I am ambidextrous."

    With one arm snagged by the Shackles, Kamito kicked the ground.

    Using one leg as a pivot to spin his body, he struck with a counterattack in response to the enemy''s thrust.

    The thrusting sword brushed past his face--

    But at the same time, Kamito''s sword pierced deeply into the opponent''s heart.

    "Guah...!"

    Suffering massive psychological damage, the knight lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

    Kamito held his shoulder due to the pain from slightly overstraining himself as he asked the Shackles user behind him.

    "--Well then, you''re the only one left... What are you going to do?"

    "...!"

    The knight bit her lip in regret.

    "Don''t forget this, Luminaris-sama will surely take care of you!"

    Leaving behind this loser''s speech, she disappeared into the depths of the forest.

    At the same time, the Shackles restraining Kamito also vanished.

    (Three elementalists of that level -- given myself three years ago, I could have handled them in seconds.)

    As he muttered to himself in self-mockery, Kamito coughed up blood.

    His body was actually not well enough to use Terminus Est with full power.

    (...But to think I would end up like this.)

    His body swaying he copsed on the spot as if losing all strength.

    "--Kamito, Kamito!"

    Just as his consciousness faded, he heard Mi''s voice.

    Part 3

    "--W-What is that!?"

    "Could it be, a legion spirit!?"

    The massive shadow towering before them was trampling the trees in the forest.

    The minor country''s team could only scream and flee into the forest as they watched the destruction of their stronghold.

    Spirits in beast form swarmed and attacked the giant, but the giant swung its heavy fist, smashing the ragtag bunch of spirits to oblivion in a single strike.

    "Ahahaha, you call yourselves representatives participating in the de Dance, and yet all you can do is this?"

    On the shoulder of the giant -- the tactical ss militarized spirit Colossus, sat a girl with ash gray hair.

    The Instructional School''s second Monster -- Muir Alenstarl.

    Amidst rising ck smoke and intensely burning fires--

    The girl wearing the crimson mask gazed mercilessly at this scene of destruction.

    The minor country''s elementalists were struggling desperately, but given Muir''s power, they would soon be vanquished together along with their stronghold.

    "Ren Ashbell-sama, if this continues, the spirit will be broken by the usage of Muir''s power."

    Beside her, Lily me knelt on the ground, advising anxiously.

    "Not a problem. Using a due to be scrapped militarized spirit to conquer a stronghold is worth it."

    "But that Colossus was provided by the military of the Alphas Theocracy--"

    "In any case, it is not a spirit those fellows can keep under control. Rather than expending effort to have it scrapped, we might as well break it through the use of the Jester''s Vise."

    Ren Ashbell shrugged and turned to Lily.

    "That aside, have you found the location of the darkness spirit and Nepenthes Lore?"

    "E-Excuse me... I am very sorry, not yet..."

    Lily bit her lip regretfully.

    The darkness spirit had taken away Nepenthes Lore without authorization, robbing divine power from elementalists indiscriminately -- such actions constituted clear betrayal of Ren Ashbell.

    "I see. Then keep searching."

    "Yes--"

    "That said, even if that darkness spirit is scheming something, my n will not change the slightest."

    "Ren Ashbell-sama, may I ask a question...?"

    Lily looked up and asked apprehensively.

    "What is it?"

    "What kind of a person is Nepenthes Lore?"

    She was well aware that the monster of a ck knight was no ordinary human.

    That thing was revived by the master before her using forbidden magic, an existence that should not exist in this world.

    But ultimately, what was its true identity --?

    Deep behind the crimson mask, those burning red eyes seemed to pierce Lily right through.

    "Please forgive me for overstepping my bounds!"

    Lily immediately knelt down and prostrated in regret.

    Simply a re was enough to give her a feeling of fear as if her heart was being gripped tightly.

    "--That Nepenthes Lore is the sessor to the past Demon King."

    "Sessor to the Demon King...?"

    "In other words, the incarnation of the will of Ren Ashdoll who was buried in ancient times--"

    A dark shadow shed across her fiery eyes.

    "--An existence identical to mine."

 Volume 6, 7 - Return

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 7 - Return</h4>

    Part 1

    Ever since the youth resolved himself to kill the darkness spirit girl who sent his heart into incredible turmoil--

    He began to grow and develop with unbelievable speed.

    Even the elders who decided to have them meet had not anticipated this. By this point, even amongst ranked elementalists who also trained at the Instructional School, there were few who could match him inbat.

    "You''re not going to kill me?"

    "I will -- One day, surely I will."

    Throughout the deathmatch training sessions whichsted several hours at a time--

    Somehow this exchange became their standard catchphrase.

    After each deathmatch, the boy would have long involved conversations with her.

    The darkness spirit girl told all sorts of things about the world to the boy that he had never known.

    Such as the sorrows, joys and various wonderful things that filled the world.

    Then every night before the boy went to sleep, the girl would gently tell a bedtime story by his side.

    --To an observer, this was quite an incredible rtionship.

    "And then, the king sealed the spirit of themp once more--"

    "...Then what happened?"

    cing his head on the girl''sp, the dissatisfied boy sought the story''s continuation.

    Because she always stopped at the most exciting spot.

    "Let''s continue the next part tomorrow."

    Gently caressing the boy''s ck hair, the girl smiled.

    Clearly those fingertips had been firing off merciless magical attacks at the boy just a while ago.

    "Tell me now. Who knows if I''ll still be alive tomorrow."

    "Ah right, tomorrow is the mission to destroy the great shrine--"

    A mere twelve-year-old boy was already starting to take on missions assigned by the Instructional School.

    "The one in charge of destruction is Muir. Lily and my job will be covering and assisting her. Within the Great Shrine, there are reportedly eight elite spirit knights as guards."

    "Will you survive?"

    "Who knows. I am a tool -- I only have to follow orders andplete the mission."

    "But if you die... You won''t be able to listen to the continuation of the story."

    The boy suddenly opened his closed eyes.

    "...What a bother."

    "Even if it is just to listen to the rest of the story, please return alive."

    "...Yes, that''s right... I got it."

    The boy nodded with upfront honesty.

    "Also, don''t forget our promise--"

    "Promise?"

    "I will be the one to kill you."

    "Fufu, of course."

    This was not fear of death. However, I must survive -- thought the boy to himself.

    For the sake of the promise with her--

    Part 2

    "Uh, hmm..."

    Feeling the back of his head resting on something soft andfortable, Kamito woke up.

    Opening his eyes, he found a cute girl''s face.

    "...Mi!?"

    "You must continue lying down."

    Saying that, Mi pressed Kamito''s head down hard on her thighs.

    Feeling her smooth soft skin against his cheek, Kamito could not stop his heart from racing.

    With no other way, Kamito had no choice but to continue lying down in this manner.

    The sky was still dim. Night had only just ended.

    ...Ap pillow, how nostalgic.

    (Back then, I always went to sleep on herp...)

    Keeping his eyes opened, he stared nkly--

    "You can''t sleep?"

    "Yeah. I have the type of body that can do without sleep."

    "Really... That''s the same as me."

    "Mi too?"

    "Because that was how I was trained."

    Kamito could not help but groan.

    ...Right. Just like Kamito, she was raised as a tool.

    (Isn''t that identical to what those Instructional School guys were doing...)

    He felt intense wrath towards the Principality of Rossvale''s knights who raised Mi.

    Furthermore, she did not have anyone in her life like Restia who was with Kamito.

    Kamito slowly got up from Mi.

    "This is, yours--"

    Mi extended over two magic stones.

    "Hmm? Ah right..."

    These were apparently the magic stones from the two members of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    Kamito took one and left the other in Mi''s hand.

    "...?"

    "This is for the Rupture Division. Didn''t we agree to share the magic stones fairly?"

    Mi shook her head.

    "You defeated them, Kamito."

    "We are allies."

    Forcing Mi to hold the magic stone properly, Kamito stood up.

    For a while, Mi stared at the magic stone in her hand--

    Finally, she nodded slightly and ced it in a pocket in her uniform.

    "Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    Mi looked up at Kamito.

    The azure right eye and the amber left eye, those heterochromic eyes were staring at Kamito.

    "My eye, you''re not going to ask about it?"

    "...Eye?"

    --Come to think of it, those Sacred Spirit Knights did say something about Mi''s eye.

    "You want me to ask?"

    "..."

    "Mi, if you ever want to tell me, then let me know when the timees."

    Kamito shrugged, just at this moment--

    From overhead, the sound of feathered wings pping could be heard.

    "What?"

    The two turned their gaze towards the sky to find a demon bird circling in the air above with its great wings spread.

    "That''s... Ellis'' Simorgh!"

    It was far in the distance but Kamito was certain. That was the demon wind spirit contracted to Ellis.

    "You recognize it?"

    "Yeah. Look, myrades are searching for me."

    Soon after, the demon wind spirit slowlynded before Kamito and Mi.

    Kamito asked the demon bird directly as it folded its wings.

    "Is ire okay?"

    Simorgh nodded as it crooned softly.

    ...Looks like she is fine.

    "Really... I''m d to know that."

    Kamito breathed a long sigh of relief.

    "Go and tell everyone that I''m fine. I''ll be back soon."

    With a cry, Simorgh took to the rosy skies.

    "Let''s go, Mi... Time to set off."

    The two hastily gathered their camping equipment.

    (That girl ire, surely she must be angry...)

    Part 3

    ire was lying on the futon under a nket.

    Her body curled in a ball. She still had some leftover fever.

    "Kamito..."

    Softly murmuring his name for who knows how many times.

    ire tightly gripped one side of the nket.

    Absentmindedly, she cast a nce towards the little mirror by the bed side.

    "What a tragic looking face..."

    Her prided hair in a mess, her eyes were all red from crying all night.

    "--Clearly from the day I lost my older sister, I promised myself never to cry again."

    On the little table, there was breakfast covered with a sheet of cloth. Probably brought by Rinslet.

    ...But surely I have no appetite right now.

    (Kamito, without you by my side, I...)

    What was with this pain in her chest?

    ...Loneliness? No, even though that was partially the reason, there was more--

    (I''ve done so many bad things to that guy in the past...)

    ire reflected over everything she had done till this date.

    Whenever Kamito was intimate with other girls, she always felt enraged for no particr reason, unable to ept, wanting to whip him and burn him into charcoal--

    (...I really am a fool. Clearly now, I can be a bit more forthright.)

    Just as she sighed--

    Something squirmed beneath the nket.

    Puzzled, she pulled away the nket to find the hell cat spirit enveloped in gentle warm mes.

    "Scarlet..."

    ire suddenly felt very touched.

    Clearly Scarlet was also in a very weak state, but the cat still stayed by ire''s side to provide warmth.

    "Meow..."

    "...Y-Yes. As the master, I must have faith in that guy."

    Encouraged by Scarlet, ire rubbed her eyes.

    Patting her face, she tied her hair with her favorite ribbons.

    "...That''s right. I can''t give up. Kamito is surely still alive."

    Her spirit renewed, she got up and started eating breakfast inrge mouthfuls.

    This was no proper manners for ady hailing from a formerly prestigious family, but now was not the time to be concerned... She had to recover her energy as fast as possible to search for Kamito.

    Just at this moment, a tter of footsteps could be heard. The entrance to the tent was flipped open with a smack.

    Rinslet arrived, clearly frantic.

    "ire, we seem to have found Kamito!"

    Part 4

    --A few hours passed after that. Kamito returned to the stronghold of Team Scarlet.

    At the skillfully concealed entrance in the forest, hisrades were already out to greet him, however--

    "...Seriously, how much are you trying to worry us!?"

    "N-Not like I was particrly worried or anything like that...!"

    "Enough of this, Kamito-kun is always so reckless!"

    "I-I''m sorry..."

    Faced with the three youngdies'' wrath, Kamito could not help but shrink back.

    ...It was only for a day, but clearly they were really worried.

    ire''s ruby-like eyes were filled with teardrops--

    "...Sob... Sob..."

    ...For some reason, she was crying.

    "H-Hey, ire!?"

    Kamito frantically ced his hands on her shoulders--

    "Idiot... Seriously, I was so worried... Wuaaaaaah!"

    Thud thud.

    Clenching her fists, she hammered against Kamito''s chest.

    "ire... I''m sorry."

    Faced with ire acting like this, Kamito gently caressed her head.

    "Wah... Sob... I-Idiot..."

    "Because she was worrying about Kamito, she cried the whole night."

    Rinslet whispered secretly by his earside.

    "Is that so?"

    ire''s face instantly turned burning red.

    "L-Liar! I didn''t cry!"

    "Oh my, trying to deceive us is pointless."

    "...~!"

    "In any case, it''s great that ire is fine."

    Smiling wryly, Kamito continued to caress her head.

    "Y-Yes... All thanks to Kamito."

    Her face red, ire lowered her gaze.

    Then as if resolving herself, she bit her lip hard.

    "K-Kamito..."

    Fiddling awkwardly with her fingers, her head bowed deeply--

    "Umm... I-I have decided, from now on, I will be more hon--"

    "...Ah, right. Wait a minute."

    Suddenly, Kamito spoke.

    "...Eh?"

    ire waspletely shocked.

    "No, before that, I have something I must report to everyone first."

    "...?"

    All the girls tilted their head in puzzlement. Kamito turned around and waved his hand at the trees behind him.

    "Mi, you cane out now."

    "Yes."

    From the depths of the trees came a rustling sound--

    A girl with dark brown hair, Mi, appeared.

    "...Uh?"

    ire and the girls all eximed in surprise.

    "...A pleasure to meet you all."

    Mi stepped forward and politely bowed her head towards ire and the rest.

    "..." "..." "..." "..."

    The youngdies fell silent.

    Then--

    "H-Hey, Kamito...?"

    ire''s shoulders were trembling.

    "...This really adorable child, who is she?"

    The red twintails were standing straight up like burning pirs of fire.

    "...H-Hey ire? Why are you getting angry?"

    "I-I am not angry. Completely, entirely not angry...!"

    "Kamito, I can''t believe you are this kind of man...!"

    "...Seriously, what is going on!?"

    "Could this be, a kidnapping!?"

    Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna all cast icy-cold res.

    ...Somehow, it felt like there was some kind of extremely embarrassing misunderstanding.

    Fortunately, Mi was the one to clear things up.

    "--I am Mi Bassett, the leader of the Rupture Division representing the Principality of Rossvale."

    "Mi Bassett -- in that case, you were the one who proposed the alliance...?"

    Met with ire''s inquiry, Mi nodded.

    "Yes. Together with Kazehaya Kamito, we have exchanged oaths to establish an alliance."

    "...Oaths?"

    Mi''s words made all the youngdies perk up their ears.

    "I decided on my own to form the alliance... So, is there anything wrong with that?"

    "N-No, that''s fine. However..."

    ire began to pout.

    "When elementalists exchange Oaths, I remember the ritual..."

    "A kiss from both parties -- is necessary, right?"

    Ellis and Rinslet instantly red at Kamito.

    "Hmm..."

    "...You did it, Kamito-kun?"

    "N-No, let me exin..."

    The instant Kamito''s gaze wavered, none of the girls failed to catch it.

    "Kamito, please answer honestly!"

    "Well yes, I did it, but just on the hand..."

    "I can''t believe you, to think even an innocent thirteen-year-old girl was not safe--"

    Despite Kamito''s stammering exnations, the youngdies'' res remained exceptionally cold.

    Part 5

    --In the end, Kamito had to spend quite a long time to clear up the misunderstanding.

    (...Why do they have to be suspicious to this degree?)

    Tilting his head in puzzlement, Kamito was lying on a futon in the tent.

    His body''s fatigue was still present, so he intended to nap until dinner.

    As for Mi, he felt reassured to entrust her to ire and the girls. The youngdies seemed quite happy at the arrival of a young girl, as if gaining a younger sister to be spoiled.

    ...Naturally, Mi seemed quite troubled on her side.

    "...Kamito, are you still awake?"

    ire''s voice was heard from the entrance.

    "Yeah..."

    Hearing Kamito respond, ire entered lightly with bandages.

    "What is it?"

    "Time for new bandages. You''re still wounded, right?"

    "Ah yeah, sorry..."

    Kamito extended his arm as ire gently wrapped bandages over them.

    "..."

    Somehow the silence felt rather awkward.

    Kamito wanted to say something, but could not find any words.

    Perhaps because they had spent almost every day together until now. Being apart for a single day seemed to have disrupted their rhythm.

    Furthermore, recalling the fact that ire had cried for him out of worry, it felt rather embarrassing.

    "Hey, Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    ire was the first to speak up.

    "About just now, I''m sorry... Umm, for s-suspecting you."

    "Did you eat something strange?"

    Her uncharacteristic attitude caused Kamito to frown.

    "S-Shut up, I''m just apologizing honestly!"

    "U-Understood...!"

    ...Yes, this was the normal ire.

    As she wrapped bandages around Kamito''s arm, ire spoke softly.

    "Ah, ever since Rubia-neesama left, I''ve been alone."

    Seeking power impatiently, she shed constantly with upperssmen and the Sylphid Knights.

    At the time, she did not understand anything.

    She regarded everyone around her as her enemies.

    Needing norades. Trusting no one. Trying to be strong alone.

    ...That was truly what she believed in back then.

    "But after meeting you... I feel I''ve changed."

    "...Perhaps so, maybe."

    "Whether Fianna, Ellis, or Rinslet... I consider them p-preciousrades."

    Perhaps due to embarrassment, ire''s face was as red as a burning fire.

    "Ah yes."

    Kamito nodded.

    "Umm, so, this... All this time, I''ve wanted to say this to Kamito..."

    ire''s hand that was doing the bandaging paused as she stuttered.

    Then she lifted her face as if greatly determined--

    "Kamito, thank you..."

    She spoke as if very shy.

    "ire..."

    Kamito quietly gulped a mouthful of air--

    "Same for me."

    "Huh?"

    "If I had never met ire, I would never be standing upon this stage of the de Dance festival. Umm,pletely unrted to the team size restriction... Do you get what I mean?"

    "...Yes. Alone, I don''t think any of us could have stood here."

    Finishing the bandaging, ire stood up.

    "Well then, rest well for today."

    Then she made a beeline for the exit.

    Looking at her back... Kamito spoke.

    "Restia will probablye to target me. In the near future, perhaps I''ll have to leave this ce for a while."

    Nepenthes Lore -- that monster would surelye together.

    When the time came, Kamito had no confidence whether he would be able to protect ire and the girls given his current state.

    But ire shook her head resolutely.

    "When the timees, we will face them. Together, everyone from Team Scarlet."

    Part 6

    For dinner that day, a small party was held to celebrate the alliance with the Rupture Division.

    On the dinner table made from tree trunks, all sorts of delicious food wereid out.

    Honey spread on bread. Cooked beans. Wild herb and mushroom sd. Laurenfrost style stew. River fish pie. The dessert menu was a sumptuous feast made from canned fruit.

    "How amazing..."

    Mi eximed with surprise.

    "Please help yourself to the food, no need to be reserved."

    "May I?"

    "Of course. After all, Mi, you did help my ve."

    ire sliced a piece of fish pie for Mi.

    Apparently they had be quite friendly while Kamito was sleeping. Sitting there side by side, they seemed like very close sisters.

    As a side note, ire had resumed her usual attitude towards Kamito.

    "ire, help me cut some of that pie please."

    "Oh my, how conceited of you, to dare order around the Elstein family''s daughter?"

    ...That was how things went.

    "The main course is ready."

    Rinslet brought a huge te of roasted meat that was still sizzling.

    She must have roasted an entire pig whole.

    "Seriously, you really hunted a wild boar!?"

    "Fu, of course it was yours truly, together with Fenrir."

    Rinslet puffed out her chest with pride.

    The tender and juicy roasted meat looked very delicious. Together with sliced ginger and garlic, a special sauce seasoned with spices, the rich aroma filled the table.

    "Yes, the meat is really soft and tender. It is also perfectly cooked."

    "Fufu, if you like, let''s go hunt some more?"

    "No, it doesn''t really feel right to recklessly hunt wild animals in the sanctuary..."

    Ridiculing with his half-narrowed eyes, Kamito shoved sd into his mouth.

    Beneath the dinner table, Scarlet and Simorgh were also fighting for the roasted meat.

    On the other hand, Fenrir sat very politely in the distance, though salivating if one were to look closely.

    Looks like the Laurenfrost family were quite strict in educating their spirits.

    "Hey Rinslet, it should be okay to give some of the meat to Fenrir, right?"

    "That''s not allowed normally... But we''ll make an exception just for today."

    Given the mistress'' permission and a tossed portion of meat, Fenrir happily pounced.

    "Kamito, I want to eat meat too."

    "Ah yes, you love tasty food the most, Est."

    "So happy, Kamito."

    "Wait a minute, Kamito, you''re spoiling Est too much."

    "Fufu, I''ve dripped some sauce on my bosom. Kamito-kun, please help wipe it up."

    Apanied by a sudden voluptuous sensation, Kamito found his arm pressed against Fianna''s sauce covered chest.

    "Y-You can wipe it yourself, right?"

    "If I do it myself, it won''t be thorough enough... If you don''t want to wipe it, you may lick instead~"

    "Hey... G-Got it, then I''ll wipe, okay?"

    As his heart raced, Kamito reached out with his handkerchief towards the deep valley between her breasts.

    "Mmm... The movements of Kamito-kun''s fingers feel really perverted~"

    "Fianna!?"

    "Allow me to wipe, Your Highness the imperial princess!"

    "Iyaaaah!"

    Having made her way behind Fianna discreetly, ire suddenly reached out and started rubbing Fianna''s bosom.

    "What are you doing!?"

    "Kamito is my ve, okay, you''re not allowed to order him around!"

    "Hey, you aremitting the crime of insolence against the imperial family!"

    Ignoring the two girls fighting at the dinner table, Kamito reached towards the cooked beans.

    "...Hmm, these cooked beans are quite tasty."

    Despite its modest appearance, the soup had a rather delicate taste.

    Hearing thisment, Ellis'' ponytail jumped in tion.

    "K-Kamito, I made that..."

    "Ellis? Right, now that I think about it, the taste does feel like something you''d make."

    "...Thoughpared to Rinslet''s cooking, umm, it does feel a bitcking in style."

    Expressing her modesty, Ellis awkwardly fiddled with her fingers.

    "No no, even though it looks simple in appearance, I''m sure it took a lot of effort to make this. After all, I do know how to cook more or less. I can feel the effort and feelings behind it."

    "R-Really!? I-I hope you like it... I am d."

    Ellis seemed quite shy as she coiled the hair from her ponytail around her little finger again and again.

    "Kamito, i-if you wish, let me feed you. Your wounds must still be affecting you."

    "No, that''s a bit embarrassing..."

    "No need to be shy. So, say ''ah''--"

    "A-Ahhhh..."

    Seeing he had no choice, Kamito opened wide to ept the spoon.

    "I-Is it good?''

    "...Ah yes, very tasty."

    "Ellis, you''re stealing a march on us, so sly!"

    "Please try my cooking too!"

    Fianna and Rinslet reprimanded Ellis.

    "D-Do not misunderstand! I simply noticed that Kamito''s arm was still hurt so..."

    "I-In that case, I''ll feed him too!"

    Sticking her fork into a piece of meat, ire thrust it over.

    "That''s really hot, ire, and you poked me in the face! Ouch!"

    "..."

    Mi watched the dinner tablemotion nkly.

    "Mi, what''s wrong?"

    "I''ve never had a meal like this."

    Asked by Kamito, Mi replied in monotone.

    "Don''t you eat together with everyone in your team, Mi?"

    "No, because mypanion knights all take care of me with great caution."

    Mi quietly shook her head.

    (Taken care of with great caution -- hmm?)

    Rather than cherished, this meant something different.

    As if trying not to break or harm something fragile -- and keeping their distance.

    This thirteen-year-old girl had always lived a life of untouchable istion.

    Like an offering on a sacrificial altar--

    "Mi, you should eat as much as you can. If you don''t eat properly you won''t grow up."

    ire ced her hand on Mi''s head.

    "That is so true. Well, it''s a littlete for ire''s chest though."

    "Whose chest are you talking about!?"

    Watching ire and Rinslet quarrel--

    Kamito did not fail to catch Mi''s extremely faint smile.

    Part 7

    --Parting with her came so suddenly.

    "Our training will end today."

    "...Huh?"

    The boy stood there in shock at the sudden announcement.

    "Why... Why!? I -- still haven''t killed you!"

    "You have be strong. There is nothing more I can teach you."

    The ck-haired girl smiled calmly. Her dusk-colored eyes were filled with sorrow.

    "...I hate this."

    "Kamito?"

    "I hate this! You have to stay by my side! Forever by my side--"

    Halfway through, Kamito suddenly stopped his sentence.

    "S-So, umm, I..."

    Stuttering, his face went red.

    "You''re now able to make this kind of expression. Back when we first met, all you had was a stiff poker face."

    The darkness spirit girl gently caressed the boy''s head.

    "You''re almost my height now."

    "...D-Don''t toy with me!"

    Kamito shook his head angrily.

    Before he met her, the boy''s feelings had never undergone such upheaval.

    "The story''s continuation--"

    "...?"

    "I still haven''t heard the rest of that story."

    He was referring to the bedtime stories she told.

    The continuation of that bedtime story had somehow be the boy''s greatest pleasure.

    "...Sorry."

    "Why, why are you apologizing--"

    As if to seal the boy''s mouth, the girl kissed him.

    "...!"

    The boy''s eyes widened in surprise.

    Separating her lips from him lightly, she smiled shyly.

    "Your first kiss?"

    "..."

    The boy nodded in a daze... His mindpletely nk, he could not think properly.

    "--Remember this well, the kiss of our contract."

    The girl''s fingertips, gently caressing his cheek, dissipated into the air as particles of light--

    "Should there evere a time in the future when I have changed so much that I am myself no longer--"

    --Kill me.

    Part 8

    "Ah, this is so invigorating..."

    Beneath the starry sky, Kamito was enjoying a soak in an open air bath alone.

    This was not a hot spring but a pool created by piling rocks in a ring and using a fire spirit to boil water for a bath. Since the water in the sanctuary carried fatigue recovery properties, soaking his wounds in the crystal clear water felt especiallyfortable.

    Under the moonlight, Kamito looked at the spirit seal on his left hand.

    Blood was slightly seeping out from the crescent-shaped crest.

    ...Recently, I seem to keep dreaming about her.

    Those were Kamito''s memories from before he became the strongest de dancer.

    On that day, Restia was sealed away once again. Because she had taught the boy what he was not supposed to know -- human emotions.

    After that, through the re-education efforts of the elders at the Instructional School, the boy lost his emotions once more -- however, his feeling of longing for her, that alone was never forgotten.

    Then four years ago, on the day that the archdemon of me attacked and destroyed the Instructional School, he took the ring where she was sealed and the two of them began their journey.

    --Those short but wonderful days.

    (Restia...)

    As if trying to catch a hold of the night sky which reminded him of her beautiful ck hair, Kamito reached out with his hand.

    The spirit seal on his left hand was hurting.

    (Summoning? Calling for me...)

    Very soon, he would have to settle things with her--

    That was what his intuition predicted.

    Ssh -- Suddenly, he heard a light noise in the water behind him.

    "...!?"

    Frantically turning around, he saw a tiny figure in the shadows of the rocks obscured by the steam.

    "...Kamito?"

    "Is that Mi?"

    "Yes."

    He could hear Mi''s voice.

    "This is the men''s bath reserved for me. The women''s bath is located over there by the cliff."

    "I didn''t know."

    "Sorry. It''s quite easy to mix up... Anyway, I''m getting out so just enjoy yourself here."

    Kamito hastily prepared to leave--

    "...Wait."

    But Mi stopped him.

    "I have something to say to you."

    "...Here?"

    "If it''s here, the others won''te."

    ...I see. Indeed, ire and the girls were probably not going toe to this men''s bath.

    (Something she doesn''t want the others to hear--)

    Kamito immersed himself in the bath again.

    On the other side of the light mist, Mi appeared, wrapped in a white towel.

    Her body was small and slender. As her moistened dark brown hair clung to her face, there was a sense of charm that did not seem to belong to a thirteen-year-old girl.

    As she walked over to the side, Kamito shifted his gaze away as his heart began to race.

    "...So, what did you want to tell me?"

    "About my eye. I only want you to know."

    Mi''s amber left eye shed in the night.

    "This is the value of my existence. The reason I was raised as a tool."

    "--The Demon Sealing Eye, right?"

    "...You already... know?"

    Mi eximed in surprise.

    "No I didn''t. But I could guess."

    The Demon Sealing Eye. This was a special eye that descendants from lineages of elementalists were born with in rare instances.

    A type of extremely rare spirit crystal.

    Due to numerous cases of Demon Sealing Eyes with powerful spirits sealed inside of them, the possessors were regarded as dangerous in most situations and persecuted, either that or used as weapons by those in authority -- that was how things were.

    In any case, this thirteen-year-old girl was saddled with a cruel and harsh fate.

    The reason why Kamito knew about the Demon Sealing Eye which was unknown to most people, was because there was another girl at the Instructional School who also possessed the same type of eye.

    That girl had been used as a weapon and perished at an early age.

    "When I was young, my parents feared this eye and sold me to the knights of the Principality of Rossvale, to be trained as a weapon needed to win the de Dance festival."

    Mi gazed at Kamito expressionlessly.

    "In order to control the sealed spirit with stability, anger, sorrow, joy -- all unnecessary emotions were deprived."

    "...Crazy fellows. They exist everywhere."

    Kamito groaned painfully. Recalling how his own emotions were killed off and the orphans at the Instructional School who were used and expended like tools--

    (If I had never met Restia, my fate would have been the same as those guys...)

    "...Why are you telling me this?"

    "Because I -- deceived Kamito."

    Mi uttered this sentence with great suffering.

    "...?"

    "Sealed within my Eye is the conquering army spirit ''The Crusaders'' -- a tactical-ss militarized spirit."

    "A tactical ss militarized spirit?"

    Tactical ss -- amongst militarized spirits, this was a type of spirit that was particrly difficult to control.

    Other than for exceptional cases like Muir Alenstarl -- this was not the type of spirit that ordinary elementalists could control alone.

    Controlling that type of spirit required specialized training as a team.

    Kamito finally realized.

    "I see. The Rupture Division also served as the team for controlling that militarized spirit."

    "That''s right. They were the team prepared for using the tool that is me. Only with the Rupture Division present can the Demon Sealing Eye be operated."

    In other words--

    Mi by herself was unable to draw out the spirit''s power, basically.

    "Possessing a spirit with the holy attribute is true... But I have no way of using that power."

    "...So by deception, you mean this."

    Allying with Mi who employed a holy spirit in order to facilitate battle against Nepenthes Lore--

    This was the benefit she brought up during negotiations for the alliance. However, if that spirit could not be used, then Kamito and his team''s strategy had to be altered fundamentally.

    "I apologize. I must prevail in this de Dance no matter what. Because, being raised as a tool, that is my mission."

    Despite the Rupture Division''s copse and nearly losing everything, she still struggled for survival.

    Because Mi Bassett''s value in living onlyy in that.

    "That''s okay. That''s your achievement after all."

    Kamito gently ced his hand on Mi''s head.

    "...Kamito?"

    "This alliance is the victory you won with your own hands, Mi. Be proud of yourself."

    Gently, he caressed her dark brown hair.

    "...Mi, have you heard of the Instructional School?"

    Suddenly, Kamito brought up such a topic.

    "...Existing somewhere in the Ordesia Empire, a secret organization for raising assassins."

    "Yeah. That''s where I came from."

    "...!?"

    Mi''s eyes widened with surprise.

    "I am the same as you, Mi. Raised as a tool for murder from childhood."

    "However, you... Don''t look like it."

    "Because there was a girl who helped me recover a human''s heart."

    Kamito gently withdrew his hand from Mi''s head.

    "..."

    Mi hung her head... As if pondering something.

    Soon after, she slowly looked up--

    "Last night''s story."

    "Hmm?"

    "The continuation ofst night''s story, I want to hear it."

    "Ah sure..."

    Kamito recalled and nodded.

    It was the fairy tale he had heard from Restia when he was young. In this open air bath where one could hear the sound of the river flowing, Kamito continued the story he told the previous night.

    "...Fufu."

    Was something really funny? Mi once again was desperately suppressingughter.

    ...Oh well, as long as she''s happy.

    "You really are much cuter when you''re smiling."

    "W-What are you talking about..."

    Kamito''s half-jokingment made Mi blush slightly.

    "Since you are able tough like this, you are no longer just a tool."

    Assuredly, lost things had to be taken back.

    As long as she had someone beside her the way Restia was to Kamito.

    Gazing up at the night sky concealed by darkness, Kamito muttered to himself.

    (...Restia, even now, I''m still waiting for you to continue that bedtime story.)

    At this very moment -- a sharp pain was felt in his left hand''s spirit seal.

    Intense pain like scorching fire, it made Kamito''s face distorted.

    "...Kamito?"

    "--That person has arrived."

    Part 9

    In the quiet forest, the ck-winged angel appeared--

    "What a secure stronghold your team has built here. As expected of Her Highness the Imperial Princess, former heiress to the throne."

    Restia shrugged and pouted her adorable lips.

    Probably as a counter against those with the attribute of darkness, there were apparently multiple holy barriers.

    To her it was like the gates of hell.

    However--

    "I''m very sorry, but I shall have to break through by force."

    As Restia giggled, a massive figure appeared from the depths of the forest.

    Emanating an aura of ominous disaster from all over, the ck knight -- Nepenthes Lore.

    Having absorbed divine power from numerous elementalists to be aplete monster, there stood the materialization of the Demon King''s will.

    "Well then, let''s begin the de dance, Kamito..."

    With a great roar, Nepenthes Lore tore apart the barrier using w-like gauntlets.

 Volume 6, 8 - The Demon Sword Revived

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 8 - The Demon Sword Revived</h4>

    Part 1

    The spirits inhabiting the forest began to cause a noisymotion as soon as they sensed the intruder''s presence.

    "...Kamito?"

    "--That person arrived."

    Kamito answered briefly as Mi frowned.

    As if tempting Kamito, the spirit seal on his left hand was throbbing.

    The identity of the visitor -- there was no need for deductions.

    "Mi, do me a favor and go to where ire and the rest are."

    Swiftly putting on his uniform, Kamito picked up the sleeping Demon yer.

    "What about you, Kamito?"

    "Her only target is me. I have to stop them here."

    "You are fighting Nepenthes Lore by yourself?"

    "Hurry and go--"

    Mi nodded and ran towards the campsite.

    Watching her leave--

    "...This thing is truly an extraordinary monster."

    Kamito wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

    He could sense the disastrous aura approaching from the depths of the forest.

    She too, surely knew Kamito was located here.

    Immediately -- a roar that seemed to shake the earth was heard.

    (--It''s here!)

    Kamito infused the Demon yer with divine power.

    Shining brightly with silver-white luster, Terminus Est banished the darkness of the night.

    Tearing away the wall of trees in the way--

    The monster appeared before Kamito.

    The elementalist dpletely in jet ck armor -- Nepenthes Lore.

    As well as--

    "I''m so d, Kamito. You''ve been waiting for me all alone?"

    Those beautiful dusk-colored eyes. Her dark dress and gorgeous ck hair fluttered in the wind.

    Unfortunately, she had not changed at all -- she still maintained the same appearance as back then, back when their hearts were one.

    Despite the fact that Kamito himself had changed so much.

    "Restia..."

    Kamito forgot everything in an instant, mesmerized by her beautiful appearance.

    If he held out his hand now, would her past self return? -- Such foolish wishes crossed his mind.

    "Nepenthes Lore is the final opponent I''ve prepared for you."

    She smiled lightly.

    "Very well then, de dance to your heart''s content, Kamito."

    "...!"

    Kamito wielded the Demon yer with both hands.

    ...The way she was now, it was impossible to reach her with words.

    Only through a de dance could her inner heart be touched.

    "From distantnds I have brought forth endless darkness, to bestow upon you eternal punishment--"

    Restia''s adorable lips chanted spiritnguage.

    Her figure disappeared as if melting into the darkness--

    Instantly, a jet ck demon sword appeared in the hand of Nepenthes Lore.

    It was a great sword reminiscent of burning ck mes of disaster. Although there were minute differences, it was indeed the same weapon that Kamito wielded three years ago.

    The Vorpal Sword -- amongst darkness elemental waffen, it was indisputably the demon sword of the strongest ss.

    However, Kamito''s current elemental waffe was no pushover either. Despite being iplete, Est''s rank as a spirit should be no inferior to Restia in any significant amount.

    "--Let''s go, Est!"

    The Demon yer''s de shone with silver-white brilliance.

    Part 2

    In the forest where the spirits were in a mor, Mi ran desperately.

    Her destination was the center of the stronghold where ire and the girls were located. Naturally, the girls had already noticed thetest developments--

    Suddenly, Mi discovered a fiery hell cat running from the depths of the forest.

    She recalled its name was Scarlet, ire''s contracted spirit.

    "...Mi!"

    As Mi stopped, she heard a voice from that direction.

    Appearing from the darkness were the three girls, ire, Ellis and Rinslet. They were all wielding their elemental waffen, ready for battle.

    "--Where''s Kamito?"

    As her shoulders heaved with her breathing, ire asked with a face full of concern.

    "He is currently fighting alone against Nepenthes Lore whom the darkness spirit brought."

    "...What did you say!?"

    ire and the girls exchanged nces.

    "Hurry and tell us where. We must fight together."

    "...Fight together?"

    Mi frowned... What was she saying?

    "Yes. That is not an enemy Kamito can handle alone."

    "If you don''t hurry, Kamito-san will be taken out!"

    Ellis and Rinslet pressed impatiently.

    "But..."

    These girls were definitely excellent elementalists.

    However, they were surely unable to help Kamito. In fact, they were more likely to be a burden.

    That Nepenthes Lore was truly a monster. By now, it had probably reached an even higher level of powerpared to when the Rupture Division was annihted.

    The only one able to fight it head on was Kazehaya Kamito.

    No, even Kamito might not win. Precisely because he understood the situation well, that was why he asked Mi to hurry to ire and the other girls.

    To help his importantrades escape.

    Mi could sympathize with Kamito''s feelings.

    "--You girls, cannot go there."

    "...? Why?"

    ire frowned with surprise as Ellis and Rinslet looked at each other.

    "Kamito chose to fight alone for the sake of protecting you. Therefore, you cannot go."

    "Did Kamito say that?"

    "...Huh?"

    "Did Kamito say he will fight alone?"

    ire stared straight into Mi''s face.

    Rather than scolding, she was speaking with an inexplicable sense of authority.

    "Umm... But..."

    ire gently ced her hand on the confused Mi''s head--

    "No matter what, we have to go."

    Forcefully, she dered.

    "We are a team, and that guy -- is our preciousrade."

    Ellis and Rinslet nodded silently.

    ''..."

    Mi felt something rouse within her heart.

    ...An unidentified emotion.

    Only, it felt scorching hot--

    --At that moment, jet ck lightning exploded in the distance.

    "...!?"

    Part 3

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito leaped from the ground. Holding the sacred sword in both hands, he swung it down on the ck knight''s head.

    Although this sacred sword, which had once destroyed the Demon King at the hands of the Sacred Queen, was only at one tenth of its original power, it was still sufficient to shatter the dragon knight Leonora''s Dragon yer.

    Nevertheless, the ck knight''s massive body turned and lightly blocked the attack using the dark demon sword.

    Sparks scattered in the dark night. Pushed back by the receiving stroke, Kamito flew through the air.

    (This thing has be much stronger since thest battle...!)

    Smacking his lips as hended, Kamito lowered his stance and attacked once again.

    He was well aware of the severe drawbacks when fighting enemies of a superior physical build. In a direct sh of swords, Kamito, with his weaker arm strength, would be obviously disadvantaged.

    (In that case, I must take advantage of the opponent''s openings--)

    Hence Kamito stepped forward.

    Nepenthes Lore swept the jet ck demon sword sideways--

    In that instant, jet ck lighting erupted from the demon sword''s de.

    "...!?"

    At thest moment, Kamito jumped sideways to evade. The innumerable lightning strikes released from the de sted a massive crater in the ground.

    "...Even that can be used!?"

    Kamito could not help but cry out.

    Vorpal st -- that was the move that had filled numerous elementalists with fear three years ago.

    It was the demon sword technique that Kamito had used to dominate and win the de Dance festival in the past as the strongest de dancer.

    Being devoured by the lighting meant instant death without question.

    Nimbly dodging the storm of jet ck lightning strikes, Kamito sought openings to approach Nepenthes Lore.

    The shing of the demon and sacred swords resulted in a continuous shower of sparks.

    The Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword were equal in power.

    Kamito swung his sword repeatedly to produce a storm of attacks, giving his opponent no opportunity to release lightning.

    But he was unable to overwhelm his opponent. Nepenthes Lore disyed sword skills rivaling Kamito''s. Furthermore, unlike Kamito, the ck knight possessed nearly limitless divine power.

    The only possible advantage was--

    (...That guy is not Restia''s true master through a proper contract.)

    Even as the strongest demon sword, the Vorpal Sword, Restia was simply imitating the sword''s appearance by her own will.

    Consequently, the sword was not infused with the elementalist''s own will.

    Compared to an elemental waffe -- the weapon materialized by the unification of the contractor and the spirit''s wills, the difference was paramount.

    "You bastard--"

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer tightly.

    Entrustingplete faith in the spirit known as Est, he infused maximum divine power into the elemental waffe.

    The sacred sword gave off dazzling brilliance andpletely illuminated the darkness of the night.

    "You can never wield Restia the same way as me!"

    Kamito''s strike swept the demon sword aside.

    With an acute noise of metallic impact, Nepenthes Lore''s body was sent off bnce for the first time.

    To prevent Kamito from following up the attack, Nepenthes Lore unleashed the Vorpal st.

    Jet ck lightning erupted from the de of the demon sword.

    --However, this was exactly what Kamito was waiting for.

    The Vorpal st was not a pure sword skill but a type of spirit magic using the demon sword as a medium. Even though it did not require an incantation, activation of the technique still caused a brief momentary dy.

    Seizing this opportunity, Kamito elerated.

    The lightning exploded before his eyes but Kamito did not falter. So long as he read the trajectory, Terminus Est''s power was sufficient to deflect the lightning.

    As a silver-white sh streaked through the air, the jet ck lightning instantly dissipated.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito did not stop. Raising the extended sacred sword, he invaded Nepenthes Lore''s personal space like a tornado, chopping down at the massive body with his full strength.

    The strike of the Demon yer shattered the ck knight''s helmet--

    Engulfed by the light of Terminus Est, the jet ck fragments vanished.

    A terrifying roar pierced Kamito''s ears.

    Those eye sockets held ring gazes of intense red light that seemed to prate Kamito.

    "...!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes in surprise.

    He was immensely shocked by the sight before his eyes.

    Exposed from the shattered armor--

    That thing was not human.

    Enveloped in ck mist, that appearance was like a pitch ck skeleton.

    Amidst those eye sockets of infinite darkness, red eyes shed with the light of disaster.

    "This thing is... What the heck...?"

    Kamito had known from the start that Nepenthes Lore was no ordinary elementalist.

    However, this thing before him--

    "--That''s right, this is no human."

    The one who answered was Restia, back in human form as a girl.

    "--Awakened through forbidden magic, the Demon King''s sessor. Ren Ashdoll''s will."

    "...Ren Ashdoll?"

    Kamito had heard that name many times before.

    This was the name of the darkness elemental lord, reportedly vanquished during distant ancient times, whose existence itself was in doubt.

    "Restia... You, what on earth..."

    "That is all you can be told at this point."

    Restia smiled tenderly.

    As the light of disaster shone from Nepenthes Lore''s eye sockets, roars shook the atmosphere.

    The pressure Kamito felt on his entire body waspletely different from earlier.

    "...If my enemy is not human, then there''s no need for me to hold back at all."

    Kamito readied the Demon yer in a stance once more.

    "I like that expression of yours. It reminds me of those times in the past."

    "The way I am now, is different from the me you knew back then."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "Neither the strongest de dancer from three years ago, nor the assassin from the Instructional School. Instead, I am now a member of Areishia Spirit Academy''s Team Scarlet, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    "That''s right. You are much weaker than back then."

    "So what?"

    Kamito shrugged.

    "Indeed I have weakened. If my past self from three years ago stood here -- me and Restia, even against this formidable Nepenthes Lore, I would feel no threat at all."

    "Definitely. The one who knows best how powerful you are... Is me."

    "However, perhaps you might not believe this--"

    Kamito smiled fearlessly.

    "From that Academy, I have obtained power surpassing myself three years ago."

    "...? What did you just say?"

    "Didn''t you hear me? From the Academy, I have obtained power even greater than before."

    Restia''s beautiful face--

    Began to show subtle signs of anxiety.

    Such an expression was truly rare for her.

    "...What a tasteless joke. Though surprisingly, your conceit and self-confidence is identical to when you were young."

    Turning towards Nepenthes Lore, she lightly lifted her hand--

    "This unfounded self-confidence of yours shall be utterly crushed by me."

    ck shing light erupted from her fingertips.

    "Although she said the seal could not be released yet, let me treat you to a special sight. This is Nepenthes Lore''s true power--"

    "...!?"

    Nepenthes Lore''s massive body shook.

    The jet ck armor dissipated into ck mist and melted into the darkness of the night--

    (...What the heck is this!?)

    Kamito gazed with full attention--

    From the vanished armor, thick viscous darkness oozed out.

    Squirming, shapeless darkness. Or rather, that thing was barely maintaining a human''s form.

    The repulsive skeleton emitted a bright red gaze as strange cursingments leaked out of its mouth.

    Restia''s adorable lips twisted themselves slightly.

    "Rather than protecting Nepenthes Lore, that armor acted as a seal to prevent its dark will from going berserk."

    Restia''s figure disappeared into the darkness and took on the demon sword''s form once more.

    The skeleton''s skull seemed to be trembling with delight from being released, exhaling pitch ck breath.

    "This looks really bad..."

    Kamito licked his lips and groaned... His fingertips trembling slightly.

    A true monster --pared to his opponent just now, this was apletely different being.

    Kamito gripped his partner tightly, the sacred sword.

    "--Est, I''m relying on you. Please lend me your power a little longer."

    Part 4

    Hearing the sounds of des shing in the distance, Mi Bassett bit her lip hard.

    ire and the girls were moving towards Kamito''s location.

    (I...)

    --No, I have no ce to feel like I am in a dilemma.

    Unable to use a contracted spirit, she would only be a liability.

    (I, have no value anymore...)

    Lightly, she touched her amber left eye -- the Demon Sealing Eye.

    The icy cold sensation felt exactly like her heart right now.

    The value as a vessel for a powerful tactical ss spirit.

    This was the entirety of her meaning in life.

    (But, Kamito...)

    Caressing her head, she recalled the warmth from that hand of his.

    Hearing that he grew up in that Instructional School, just like herself -- no, surely he must have suffered far harsher training beyond what she had experienced.

    Even so, he was still able to smile in that manner--

    And believe in those girls, hisrades, to such an extent.

    (He said, I am not a tool...)

    Her emotions which had been trained to remain calm and unwavering, were starting to enter a state of turmoil.

    (I wish, to be that person''s strength...!)

    Tears fell from Mi''s eyes.

    However, she was powerless in her current state.

    ...How regrettable.

    At this time, running footsteps could be heard in the forest.

    "...Fianna?"

    Mi looked up.

    Unsuited tobat, she should be hiding herself in the center of the stronghold instead, right --?

    Fianna ran over as soon as she found Mi.

    Probably because she was not in great physical shape, she was panting out of breath.

    "I never expected the enemy to break through from the front like that. I''ve spent a lot of time assessing the damage and repairing the barrier. Although the barrier''s overall functions have been recovered somewhat, the internal leylines have been messed up pretty badly..."

    Apparently she had been busy repairing the damaged barrier. Ordinarily, fixing the barrier in such short time was not possible--

    (...Speaking of which, she was originally a princess maiden and candidate for Queen.)

    Purely in barrier construction, even amongst the other high level elementalists gathered at the de Dance festival, Fianna was likely unparalleled.

    (...Barrier?)

    Suddenly, a thought shed across Mi''s mind.

    Even so, she still had a doubt -- why was Fianna still here?

    "...You, where are you going?"

    Seeing Fianna still out of breath, Mi asked.

    "...? Isn''t it obvious? Of course I''m going to assist Kamito-kun."

    Fianna replied with an incredulous expression. Surprisingly, there was not the slightest hesitation in her eyes.

    "After all, my knight spirit is better matched against a darkness spirit in a fight."

    ...That was besides the point. No matter how powerful a spirit she was contracted to, without undergoing anybat training, she would surely be a target.

    "Why..."

    "Eh?"

    "Why, you girls..."

    Mi could notprehend their actions. Given Team Scarlet''sbat potential, there was no way they could defeat Nepenthes Lore.

    Clearly they did not fail to understand that--

    Faced with Mi''s perplexed expression, Fianna went "fufu" and smiled.

    "Because we ce our faith in Kamito-kun -- Therefore, Kamito-kun will surely trust in us."

    "...!"

    Mi''s eyes widened suddenly.

    ...Kamito also believed in them?

    Supposing, what if Kamito was not fighting for the sake of allowing the girls to escape--

    (...Instead, he is aiming for victory together?)

    Believing in hisrades, Kamito asked Mi to go to ire and the rest.

    However, she had interpreted his words as telling them to escape...!?

    "Well, also..."

    Fianna blushed shyly.

    "Girls... As long as it''s for the one they l-love, girls can do anything."

    In a tiny whisper, barely audible, that was what she said.

    "...?"

    "You''ll understand when you grow up."

    Fianna shyly turned her blushing face away.

    Seeing the imperial princess acting this way--

    A certain notion surfaced in Mi''s mind.

    (That''s right, given Fianna who is capable of constructing this sort of barrier...)

    Perhaps an attempt might be sessful after all...!

    "Well then, I have to go--"

    "--Wait."

    Mi reached out and grabbed Fianna tightly from behind just as she was about to start running again.

    "What is it?"

    "This stronghold, is it currently under your control?"

    "...? Yes. Although the damage is obvious, the barrier and the leylines are under my control."

    Looking up at Fianna who was tilting her head in puzzlement, Mi spoke.

    "I have an idea I''d like to try. I hope to obtain your assistance."

    ...Who knew if it would work. However, it was worth a try.

    Mi lightly touched her Demon Sealing Eye on her left with her fingertip.

    (If it fails -- even if it seeds, I will lose my value.)

    It would be an act that rejected the life she had lived up until now.

    Even so -- if she did nothing at this juncture, she would surely regret it.

    That was what she thought.

    As if a scorching/burning hot idea suddenly exploded in her heart for the first time in her life--

    Mi Bassett cried out.

    "--Please. Take me to the heart of the stronghold!"

    Part 5

    --As the mud-like darkness dripped down upon the ground, Nepenthes Lore roared.

    Then the ck knight pulled out the Vorpal Sword embedded vertically in the ground.

    Tightly gripping the Demon yer as it shone with silver-white brilliance, Kamito began to charge.

    Kicking the soles of his boots against the ground to gain speed -- Kamito closed in instantly.

    (A sustained battle would be disadvantageous for me. Victory must be decided in the next strike...!)

    But just as he stepped on the ck mud stretching across the ground, in that very instant--

    "--What!?"

    An intensely draining sensation attacked his entire body, and Terminus Est''s shining brightness suddenly disappeared.

    (...As soon as this darkness touched, my power gets stolen!?)

    The viscous darkness entangled his foot. Kamito smacked his lips and jumped.

    Numerous dark tentacles sprouted from the ground to pursue Kamito as he jumped. Infusing divine power into Terminus Est which had lost its brightness, Kamito severed all the iing tentacles.

    Nepenthes Lore roared withughter as if greatly delighted.

    "...This monster, getting so excited from being freed!"

    There was little leisure for further ridiculing the opponent. The bottomless ooze dripping from Nepenthes Lore''s body was rapidly eroding the ground surface.

    "Is this all the divine power absorbed from the elementalists so far...?"

    Dodging the dark tentacles extending from the ground, Kamito waited for his chance.

    Vorpal st was released from the dark demon sword in Nepenthes Lore''s hand.

    "...!?"

    A dark thunderstrike that streaked across the ground in a straight line.

    Kamito barely dodged to find arge patch of forest behind him annihted without a trace.

    This surprising firepower far surpassed the level disyed back when Nepenthes Lore was sealed in the armor.

    Various spirits hidden in the forest were instantly destroyed, producing particles of light. Fleeing spirits were also captured and devoured by the dark tentacles sprouting from the ground.

    "...Est!"

    Kamito brushed away ck mud and jumped, infusing the Demon yer with divine power.

    Using the dazzling sacred sword, he swung down at the demon sword of darkness --!

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    As if responding to Kamito''s thoughts, Terminus Est''s brightness intensified.

    However.

    ng -- suddenly there was a minute metallic noise.

    In the ensuing intense explosion of sparks, Kamito''s ears caught the sound of a de cracking.

    (...Could it be possible, Est broke!?)

    To this point, the Demon yer had vanquished numerous formidable foes.

    For the very first time, Kamito experienced disadvantage in a frontal sh of des.

    Terminus Est was in no way inferior to Restia''s demon sword.

    But persisted use of an excessively powerful elemental waffe was depleting Kamito''s divine power.

    "...Tsk, I beg you Est, please endure a little while longer!"

    Yelling at the same time, Kamito forced divine power into the sacred sword he gripped tightly.

    Light and darkness were in stalemate once more. Sparks exploded from where the des met.

    Suddenly, Kamito felt a sharp pain from the spirit seal on his left hand.

    --It''s futile. In your current state, you cannot defeat Nepenthes Lore.

    Restia''s voice resounded in his mind directly.

    She was speaking directly to Kamito''s mind through the spirit seal.

    --Awaken, Kamito. Show me your true power.

    (...My true power?)

    --Yes. Powerful enough to kill them, the true power of the Demon King.

    (...With that power, will I be able to protect myrades?)

    Kamito asked in his heart as he infused divine power into the shining sacred sword--

    (...Can it realize your Wish from three years ago, the one that was not realized?)

    --It will. Furthermore, if you don''t awaken now, you''ll die.

    "...Really?"

    Kamito quietly closed his eyes.

    The Demon King''s power lying dormant in Kamito''s body. Kamito still had no idea what she was talking about, but it seemed like he would be able to protect hisrades if he took possession of that power.

    Kamito in his current state desperately wished to reach out for that power.

    However--

    "...I''m sorry. I''m not interested in that sort of unknown power."

    As Kamito smiled fearlessly, he could feel Restia''s dumbfounded surprise.

    "Didn''t I mention it just now? I have obtained new power."

    ...Very soon. That power was about to arrive.

    "--Such as her, this sword spirit Est."

    The precious partner who broke free from the shadow of tragedy and returned to Kamito''s side.

    As well as--

    Kamito kicked at Nepenthes Lore''s shoulder and leaped back.

    The demon sword of darkness swung down.

    Together with ck mud, it approached Kamito forcefully--

    In that very instant, a crimson sh lit the dark night on fire.

    "--Turn into charcoal!"

    As soon as they made contact with the chaotic flurry of mes, the dark tentacles disappeared without trace.

    A burning wall of a me illuminated the girl''s figure a bright fiery red.

    Those eyes of rubies shone with unyielding spirit. Her red twintails fluttered in the wind.

    "--I''ve been waiting for you, ire!"

    Kamito made a thumbs up sign at the hell cat girl, standing proudly with metongue wielded in her hand.

    "Kamito, I am here as well!"

    "Kamito-san, me too!"

    Ellis, armed with Ray Hawk, and Rinslet with Magic Bow of Ice also arrived.

    "Don''t forget, this de Dance festival is a team fight."

    Kamito believed in his teammates whom, at the same time, also believed in him.

    "--This is the power I did not have three years ago, Restia."

    The four teammates swiftly entered into formation and faced off against the roaring Nepenthes Lore.

 Volume 6, 9 - All-Out War

    <h4>Volume 6, Chapter 9 - All-Out War</h4>

    Part 1

    Amidst intensely burning mes, Team Scarlet''s de dance was starting.

    With a furious howl, Nepenthes Lore released dark tentacles in all directions.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    However, Rinslet''s freezing arrows froze the countless tentacles, turning them into ice blocks that shattered upon falling to the ground.

    "Leave those tentacles to me!"

    "Yeah, I''ll rely on you for support, Rinslet!"

    Kamito readied his sword in a stance and walked side by side with Ellis.

    "I will handle frontline defenses while you attack, Kamito."

    "Got it."

    Her ponytail was blowing haphazardly in the wind. Those stern brown eyes of hers, adorned by her eyebrows, red straight at the enemy before them.

    Kamito had fought in unison with Ellis numerous times on missions of the Sylphid Knights. She was a teammate he could entrust to protect his back with great assurance.

    With Ellis and Kamito as the vanguard, Rinslet providing long range support fire, iremanded the team while she engaged in gueri and disruption tactics. This was Team Scarlet''s basic tactical formation.

    --This is what you meant by the power you have obtained?

    Restia''s impatient voice resounded in Kamito''s mind.

    --How disappointing. Clearly no matter how many more people you gather, none of them can even hold a candle to you alone.

    (--Well then, let''s see, shall we?)

    Kamito dered to her in his heart.

    Then he whispered to Ellis beside him.

    "Don''t touch that thing''s demon sword. Most spirits cannot withstand it. The only one who can sh des directly is my Est."

    "Understood."

    Ellis nodded.

    "Also, beware of that ck mud. As soon as you touch it, your divine power will be stolen."

    "What?"

    Ellis'' brown eyes stared wide.

    The dark mud was continuing to spread. It had already invaded the majority of the ground. As a result, they could not even approach the immediate surroundings of Nepenthes Lore.

    "Ellis, can you open up a path?"

    "Yes, leave it to me."

    Ellis agreed and readied Ray Hawk in a horizontal stance.

    Rumbling, tempestuous magical wind gathered a the tip of the spear -- then she softly chanted the words of release.

    "Evil winds -- Go and rampage!"

    Instantly, innumerable des of wind sliced the ground, blowing the mud of darkness away.

    While the des of wind were released, Kamito sprinted like wind across the torn open ground.

    Nepenthes Lore''s repulsive gaze seemed to pierce Kamito.

    Such astounding killing intent, enough to make an average person lose consciousness, yet Kamito endured it head on.

    He could not back down from fear now. Even when the opponent was a terrifying monster--

    (...After all, the youngdies are watching me!)

    The onught of raging des of wind approached, but Nepenthes Lore easily deflected them with a sh of the demon sword of darkness.

    (--Now is the moment!)

    The instant before the mud of darkness invaded the ground again after being blown away...

    Kamito leaped.

    Maintaining his forward leaning posture, he closed in instantly, riding upon the roaring wind. These coordinated tactics were learned through training together with Ellis.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    As the Demon yer shed with silver-white brilliance, Kamito chopped straight down.

    The astounding shockwave shook the atmosphere.

    Wielding the demon sword of darkness, Nepenthes Lore blocked this full powered attack.

    However, Kamito''s movements did not end there. Using the sword hilt as a pivot, he changed postures in midair, taking advantage of the deflection of Nepenthes Lore''s de tond a solid sh on the shoulder.

    With a stter of viscous dark matter, Nepenthes Lore''s massive body shook slightly.

    Landing on the ground, Kamito mercilessly followed up on his attack.

    Chopping, thrusting, sweeping -- the sword shed in the dark night.

    A spectacr flowing de dance worthy of the strongest de dancer, Ren Ashbell, at peak performance.

    The everchanging motions of Kamito''s movements overwhelmed Nepenthes Lore''s reaction speed.

    Widening its great gaping jaws, Nepenthes Lore let loose a roar of pain.

    Corrupted divine power spewed out in vast amounts, tainting the surrounding ground instantly.

    "...!?"

    Kamito smacked his lips in midair.

    As soon as hended on the mud, his divine power would be immediately robbed from him.

    But just before he touched the ground--

    "--May your pure white sighs give form to eternal frozen ice -- Frost Prison!"

    A massive freezing arrow flew like a shooting star and struck the ground beneath Kamito''s feet.

    Instantly, rainbow-colored magical ice spread and froze the mud of darkness.

    Kamito''s boot solesnded on the magical ice. Then with the slimmest of margins, he dodged the sweeping demon sword of darkness using a sliding motion.

    "Thanks for your great help. Great job, Rinslet!"

    "Hmph, naturally!"

    Rinslet proudly swept her hand through her hair.

    Kamito jumped from the ice and attacked Nepenthes Lore with godlike speed in a triplebo.

    "--Still not enough!"

    Double, then triple -- a five-hitbo delivered with thrusts mixed in.

    Taking advantage of openings in the demon sword of darkness, Kamito attacked in rapid session as if performing a dance.

    As numerous dark tentacles attacked from behind, they were all struck down by ire''s metongue.

    Kamito''s skill with the sword waspletely dominating.

    Nevertheless, his face disyed anxiety.

    (--This won''t end if this continues!)

    Like a mass of shape-shifting darkness, Nepenthes Lore''s body immediately regenerated as soon as it was damaged.

    (Furthermore, my divine power is reaching its limits--)

    Terminus Est''s brilliance was weakening as it shed in the dark.

    Even as an elemental waffe of the strongest ss, her true worth could not produce effect without the contractor''s infused divine power.

    In a moment of distraction, Kamito''s sword was deflected by the demon sword of darkness.

    "...!?"

    Just as Kamito was sent off bnce--

    The tip of the demon sword released the Vorpal st --

    "--Kamito!"

    With a crimson sh, metongue coiled around Nepenthes Lore''s arm.

    With the trajectory of the sword''s fall diverted slightly, the jet ck lightning flew past Kamito.

    The resulting lightning strike vaporized a fan-shaped segment of the forest.

    "--That was really close... Yah!"

    ire found herself flying through the air. Nepenthes Lore had grabbed metongue and flung sideways in a horizontal sweeping motion.

    "ire!"

    Kamito was about to hurry over--

    But suddenly halted his steps.

    Without him noticing, the viscous darkness was approaching before him.

    The repulsive darkness that stole divine power as soon as contact was made, was spreading with astounding speed.

    This massive amount did note simply from the elementalists Nepenthes Lore stole divine power from.

    Rather, the monster had amplified its power after making contact with the leylines flowing in the ground.

    Kamito''s surroundings had turned into a swamp of darkness. As things stood, Kamito''s foothold would soon be engulfed as well.

    (Even the stronghold...)

    Kamito gnashed his teeth.

    Crushing despair loomed over him as if materialized tangibly.

    Terminus Est''s brightness had weakened greatly.

    In his current state, Kamito did not even have the strength to sh apart the darkness and break through by force.

    --This is the end, Kamito. You cannot defeat this sort of power.

    As the spirit seal on his left hand stung with pain, Kamito heard the transmission of Restia''s sweet and beautiful voice.

    (I...!)

    The approaching darkness surrounded Kamito.

    "Kamito!"

    "Kamito-san!"

    Ellis and Rinslet screamed.

    Completely cut off from any escape route, Kamito''s feet were just about to make contact with the darkness--

    "Damn it...!"

    At this moment--

    Suddenly, dazzling brightness erupted from the ground beneath.

    "...What!?"

    The ground that was covered by the viscous darkness began to rumble and heave as if boiling. Down below, numerous shining magic circles appeared one after another --!

    The darkness cornering Kamito from all sides receded like a tide.

    "What on earth happened...?"

    "--Flowing through the leylines of the stronghold, holy power is pouring out nonstop!"

    ire yelled.

    "Leylines... Then it''s Fianna?"

    The stronghold constructed by Fianna was specially designed to be able to adjust the flow of leylines from the central hub, thereby allowing support effects to be delivered from the blessing of spirits.

    But this overwhelming power carrying the holy attribute, what was supplying it--

    "Could it be...!?"

    Part 2

    "...How amazing. Is this the power of the spirit sealed in your eye?"

    "No, this is simply the release of a fraction of its power..."

    The location was the central hub which controlled the leylines.

    Kneeling before the tiny shrine established before a sacred tree, Mi shook her head.

    Her expression was distorted from pain while her forehead sweated profusely.

    "Only a fraction..."

    Fianna murmured with a terrified expression.

    As an outstanding princess maiden, she could keenly sense the spirit''s power through her skin.

    The tactical ss militarized spirit -- Crusaders. The spirit summoned by Mi Bassett was definitely a norm-defying existence.

    "Mi, what do you see?"

    As Mi knelt with her eyes closed, Fianna asked.

    Currently, Fianna had transferred the stronghold''s control to Mi.

    This was for the purpose of using the stronghold''s leylines to release the power of the spirit residing in her Demon Sealing Eye.

    Once the Demon Sealing Eye''s power was connected to the stronghold, perhaps the powerful tactical-ss militarized spirit''s power could be drawn out -- that was what Mi considered.

    However, the transfer of a stronghold''s control rights was normally not possible. The only reason why the connection seeded was due to the merits of the former Queen candidate, Fianna.

    "--There are four shing lights. They are about to be devoured by the repulsive darkness."

    "It must be Kamito-kun and the rest. Concentrate your consciousness there."

    "Yes..."

    Mi nodded as she pressed her hand against the amber left eye that was dripping blood.

    The control of the multipleplicated barriersprising a stronghold was a massive burden both physically and mentally. Furthermore, Mi was not a princess maiden trained at the Divine Ritual Institute. Even with Fianna''s support, simply enduring the intense pain from the bacsh was consuming all of Mi''s efforts.

    "Ah... Guh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Mi, don''t overdo it!"

    "...No prob... lem... Guh..."

    Mi''s tiny hand gave off the light of blue-white lightning.

    Transmitting a militarized spirit''s power through leylines was already an outrageous notion. If this continued, her Demon Sealing Eye was at risk of damage.

    "...Guh... N-Noble-minded knights of the sacred king--"

    Apanying the reverse current of divine power, intense pain tormented the young girl''s body.

    But paying it no heed, Mi released the power of the spirit sealed within the Eye.

    "--Your sword... Exists to vanquish the strong and protect the weak--"

    --Even if it breaks, I don''t mind.

    (Only at this moment, so long as Kamito is protected...)

    With a crisp shattering sound, a crack appeared on Mi''s left eye.

    "Gather upon my battlefield, to swing that sword without reservation -- Crusaders!"

    Then Mi hoarsely expelled this spirit releasing incantation from her throat.

    Part 3

    "...This is!?"

    The sight before him made Kamito widen his eyes in surprise.

    Pure and serene brightness was emitted from numerous magic circles extending all across the ground.

    The power released from the leylines, carrying the holy attribute, was purifying the filthy darkness.

    No, not only that.

    From the innumerable magic circles, something wasing out--

    Namely, innumerable swords. Innumerable spears. Innumerable shields.

    An armyposed of a great number of knights of light.

    "W-What the heck, this is...!"

    "Unbelievable, a legion type tactical-ss militarized spirit...!"

    Seeing the massive number of knights filling the surroundings, Kamito muttered in amazement.

    The ranks of these various knights were all vastly inferior to Fianna''s Georgios.

    However, their numbers were greatly inted.

    Several dozen -- no, there were probably hundreds of them.

    The manifested knights held shining swords and chopped apart the darkness invading the ground.

    Great numbers of knights disappeared continually as they were devoured by the darkness or cut down by Nepenthes Lore''s demon sword, but due to the power of their expanding numbers, the dark mud was blocked from advancing.

    "Is it Mi...?"

    Kamito looked up as he muttered softly.

    --Suddenly at this time, the Demon yer stabbed into the ground shone with brilliance once more.

    The body of the de was instantly enveloped in dazzling light, illuminating the darkness of the night.

    "This is..."

    Kamito could feel the rushing flow of power in his body.

    Via the leylines flowing underground, pure and sacred divine power was continuously poured into him.

    Although the stronghold built by Fianna already carried the function of refilling the divine power of elementalists, the amount flowing into Kamito from the ground was massive divine power several dozen times that of normal.

    Soon after--

    The Crusaders who had trampled the darkness with their overwhelming numbers, turned into particles of light and dissipated in the air.

    The mud of darkness that had turned the ground into a swamp was banished in a mere period of a minute or two.

    "--Are you ready, Est?"

    Kamito asked the sword in his hand.

    As if answering, Terminus Est shone with maximum brightness.

    Wielding the shining Demon yer in both hands, Kamito--

    "--Let''s finish this, go!"

    He shouted at the youngdies, his teammates.

    "Right." "Yes." "Understood."

    ire, Ellis and Rinslet nodded simultaneously.

    Kamito rushed towards Nepenthes Lore who was swinging the demon sword of darkness.

    In that instant, the dark demon sword sounded as the Vorpal st shed.

    A merciless lightning strike at maximum power, this was without a doubt a red herring intending to pin down Kamito''s movements.

    Dodging it would be easy -- However, Kamito advanced directly instead.

    "Wait a minute, Kamito!?"

    ire cried out in surprise.

    Kamito smiled fearlessly and swung the sacred sword in his hand.

    "--Don''t worry. Given the Est and I currently, we can slice it apart!"

    As the Demon yer shed with brilliance, the dark lightning was easily sliced in half.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Just like that, Kamito kicked the ground to gain speed.

    His body felt exceptionally light. Every time he stepped on the ground, divine power coursed through his entire body, delivered from the leylines.

    Before him, Nepenthes Lore seemed to be disying fear slightly. However, the opponent in Kamito''s eyes was not the dark monster but the elemental waffe held in its hand -- the Vorpal Sword.

    "--I have arrived, Restia!"

    As he yelled, Kamito performed an astounding series of strikes.

    With an intense showering of sparks, the Demon yer shed against the Vorpal Sword.

    Kamito''s high speed attacks overwhelmed Nepenthes Lore''s regeneration rate, causing the humanoid dark matter to begin copsing.

    (...This is the end!)

    Gripping Terminus Est tightly, Kamito entered a low attack stance.

    This was a purely offensive stance, full of openings, that sacrificed all defenses.

    Nepenthes Lore''s arm regressed into an ugly dark mass as it approached Kamito head on.

    However, Kamito had absolute confidence.

    He trusted his most preciousrades.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Numerous freezing arrows rained down, shot from afar.

    The arm reaching out was frozen by the magical ice and nailed to the ground.

    Nepenthes Lore roared as it prepared to crush Kamito beneath its massive body--

    "Keeper of the burning furnace, release your wrath -- me Chain!"

    The spiral burning metongue restrained Nepenthes Lore''s entire body.

    Just as the dark masses stopped moving -- in that instant, Kamito seized the opportunity to press near.

    Lightly lowering his posture, he leaped --!

    "Courageous wind, grant your blessing to the brave warrior -- Sylphid Feathers!"

    Having leapt, Kamito was pushed by the wind released by Ellis'' spirit magic.

    (...The way I am now, will I be able to perform the sixteen hitbo?)

    shing at Nepenthes Lore''s massive body, Kamito smiled fearlessly.

    Not intended to be used against elementalists, this was a destructive sword technique for destroying massive spirits.

    Three years ago, taught by the Dusk Witch Greyworth, an ultimate secret technique.

    It was originally a dual wielding sword skill -- nevertheless, Kamito in his current state was able to imitate it.

    (I was only able to master this technique thanks to you, Restia...)

    The Demon yer in Kamito''s hand gave off light which overwhelmed darkness--

    Instantly, Kamito''s figure disappeared.

    "--Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Sixteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    Numerous shes streaked brightly against the darkness of the night.

    Dancing in midair, Kamito unleashed a furious wave of sixteen consecutive attacks.

    Reduced to a dark mass, Nepenthes Lore''s body was being sliced and chopped, gradually copsing.

    "That sword skill--"

    "Could it be, Ren Ashbell''s!?"

    Watching from the ground, ire and Ellis eximed in surprise.

    This was precisely the sword technique disyed three years ago at the de Dance festival by Ren Ashbell, the strongest de dancer.

    With a thunderous boom, Nepenthes Lore fell upon the ground as ck mud. Even though it barely maintained humanoid form, its movements were rather sluggish now.

    Still possessing one remaining arm, it swung the demon sword of darkness--

    "--You, dispassionate Queen of Steel, the demon ying sacred sword!"

    A spiritnguage incantation could be hearding from above.

    "--By the sacred light of punishment, may my enemies be crushed!"

    Descending, Kamito pierced the dark mass with the Demon yer in his hand.

    A bright and intense explosion urred, instantly filling his view.

    In that instant, Nepenthes Lore''s material body waspletely destroyed.

    ng--

    Restia''s elemental waffe, the Vorpal Sword, was embedded in the ground like a tombstone.

    The demon sword of darkness then started dissipating into the air as particles of light--

    "Restia!?"

    Before she fully disappeared, Kamito grabbed the demon sword''s hilt.

    "...Guh, ah... Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

    The leather glove started melting with a sizzling sound as Kamito felt the searing pain of burns.

    Kamito''s spirit seal was disying a rejection reaction.

    "Kamito, what are you doing!?"

    ire cried out with shock.

    Even so, Kamito did not let go. Enduring the pain, he infused divine power into the sword.

    --Don''t do this, Kamito. You can no longer touch me.

    Starting from the tip of the ck de, the demon sword of darkness was gradually disappearing as if melting.

    Restia''s voice sounded mournful as it resounded in Kamito''s mind.

    "Shut up... I''m not going to let go. I will absolutely never let you go!"

    --What a fool. Clearly I am no longer the same me that you knew.

    "Is that really true?"

    --Huh?

    "Have you really be a totally different existence from the Restia in the very beginning?"

    Despite the frighteningly intense pain, Kamito embraced the gradually disappearing demon sword.

    ...Three years ago on that day, something happened.

    Then she changed -- that was indisputable.

    (But...)

    --He could feel it without a doubt.

    The existence of her who had brought Kamito light when he was young.

    "Kamito..."

    "...!?"

    A faint trembling voice.

    Kamito felt warmth embraced in his arms.

    By the time he noticed, Kamito found himself embracing a girl instead of a demon sword.

    The darkness spirit, a girl in a dark dress.

    "...I''m sorry, Kamito. The me you know is no longer."

    Her dusk-colored eyes wavered as she made a lonely smile.

    Her body gradually disappeared.

    "...Let me tell you. Three years ago on that day, what wish you tried to make."

    Restia''s soft lips lightly touched Kamito''s lips.

    "--!"

    Plunged into the paralyzing sweetness--

    Kamito''s mind was swept into the memories of that day.

    Part 4

    --Those were lost memories.

    The final memories of their happy days together.

    The final day of the de Dance festival when the strongest de dancer, Ren Ashbell, obtained victory.

    Just before gaining an audience with the Elemental Lords--

    "--Hey Kamito, I hope you can realize my Wish."

    "Yeah, I only won for your sake, Restia."

    The boy answered innocently.

    Replying to the most important girl in the world to him.

    "However, once you make that wish, you will make the world your enemy, you know?"

    "...I don''t care. As long as it is for your sake, Restia."

    The boy did not waver.

    Even with the world as his enemy--

    As long as this girl stayed by his side, that was enough.

    "So, what is the wish?"

    "Well--"

    The darkness spirit girl lightly brought her lips close to the boy''s ear.

    Then--

 Volume 6, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 6, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    The night of the intense battle had passed and the next dawn arrived. After a simple breakfast--

    Mi Bassett abruptly brought up an issue.

    "...Is that really okay, Mi?"

    "It has already been decided."

    Enduring the gazes of everyone present, Mi nodded.

    "Having lost the Crusaders sealed in the Eye, I have no way of winning the de Dance."

    Fundamentally, summoning spirits through a stronghold''s leylines waspletely outrageous.

    Mi''s left eye had cracked and lost its luster.

    This was her decision as one who was no longer an elementalist--

    Withdrawal from the de Dance festival--

    "But what will you do from here on?"

    ire asked.

    No longer an elementalist. Where could she go?

    "I can no longer return to the Principality of Rossvale, because I have betrayed my home country''s hopes and expectations... However, it is fine. I will find new meaning for myself."

    Although her expression was stiff as always, her tone of voice sounded a bit cheerful.

    "If you wish, pleasee to my home. We can hire you as a Laurenfrost maid."

    Rinslet swept a hand through her hair as she spoke.

    "Don''t. The Laurenfrostnds are not only in the countryside but also cold as hell. Rather than that,e to my home. To restore the House of Elstein to its former glory requires additional manpower."

    "W-What did you say!?"

    Rinslet red furiously at ire.

    "...I am most grateful for the offers. I will bear them in mind."

    Mi nodded.

    "Fufu, you can also live with me and Kamito-kun, the three of us together~"

    "Wait a minute, what do you mean by you and Kamito living together!?"

    Instantly, ire and Fianna''s quarrelling erupted.

    Kamito could do nothing but sigh.

    "Kamito..."

    Mi looked up at Kamito and spoke up.

    "Hmm?"

    "After the de Dance festival ends, will you continue your story?"

    "Ah sure, as much as you want."

    Kamito patted Mi lightly on the head and smiled wryly.

    Mi''s words just now sounded almost like Kamito''s catchphrase back when he was young.

    "--As the Rupture Division''s allied team, please obtain victory to the very end."

    "Of course."

    Kamito agreed and the youngdies nodded.

    As they nodded, Mi handed over the two magic stones in her possession to Kamito.

    Her own as well as the one taken from the member of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    Kamito epted it carefully.

    Soon after the magic stones left her possession, the forced transfer magic activated.

    A magic circle appeared beneath Mi''s feet as her body dissipated into particles of light--

    "Goodbye--"

    Several secondster, the leader of the Rupture Division, Mi Bassett, disappeared from thepetition.

    "..."

    For a while, silence persisted--

    "...Our de dance has not ended. Or rather, this is simply the beginning."

    The first to speak was ire.

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito nodded as the other girls all looked up.

    "ording the wind spirits'' report, the third day''s situation has undergone major changes."

    "Finally time for the real de dance to begin..."

    Hearing Ellis'' report, Rinslet nodded.

    The majority of teams had constructed all kinds of strongholds and had entered the stage of information gathering.

    Starting from today, the fourth, the battles would likely intensify.

    "Amongst the twenty-four teams, nine have been eliminated, including the Rupture Division. Right now, the team holding the greatest number of magic stones is undoubtedly Team Inferno."

    "We''re really behind now eh."

    "...That''s right. We have to be more proactive."

    "By the way, Kamito--"

    "What?"

    ire red at Kamito angrily--

    "Y-You, a-again you k-kiss, k-kissed that darkness spirit girl!"

    "Uh, no, that..."

    Kamito stammered.

    "That''s right, what was that about!?"

    "Hmm, I believe there is a need to clear this up no matter what!"

    "Kamito-kun!"

    Rinslet, Ellis and Fianna pressed on the offensive.

    "Kamito, that spirit is so sly. Please kiss me too."

    "E-Est!?"

    As Kamito sat in state of shock--

    "...?"

    Lightly, a ck feather fluttered down from the air.

    Noticing it suddenly, Kamito grabbed it with his fingers.

    "Restia..."

    As he gazed upon this ck feather--

    Kamito once again recalled the memories he caught sight of.

    (Three years ago, the wish I made for her was...)

    Part 2

    Restia proceeded to utter the absolutely forbidden wish.

    "--I hope you can assassinate them. The five Elemental Lords."

 Volume 6, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 6, Afterword</h4>

    --If possible, Kamito, I wish to die by your hand.

    To all readers who bought this book, I would like to express my sincere gratitude.

    I hereby present the sixth installment of "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance," the "Reminisced Darkness Spirit"!

    Due to Est''s resurrection, Kamito and his team were able to defeat the formidable Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Just as they were enjoying brief respite, they received the Rupture Division''s proposal for an alliance. Heading off to negotiate, Kamito and ire were intercepted by the mysterious ck knight -- as well as the contracted spirit of the past.

    "This is the final opponent I''ve prepared for you."

    The awakening of Kamito''s childhood memories. The encounter with the Rupture Division -- Mi Bassett.

    Finally, the strongest enemy attacked Team Scarlet...!

    The de Dance mainpetition is reaching a climax, hence there is a greatly increased amount of battle scenes this time.

    Also, the original preview in Volume 5 for the next subtitle was "The Strongest de Dancer (tentative)." Due to various reasons (*the author''s carelessness), it had to be changed... I am most sorry (sweating).

    No matter what, in the second story of the "de Dance story arc," changes will be made to my original ns. So please rest assured, everyone. Volume 7 will be attacking with great vigor in spirit!

    Just to let you know. "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" has also been adapted into a sh game. I, Shimizu Yuu, cked off to y it for a bit and now I''m addicted. I really rmend it for people who likes to pop bubble wrap packaging, you really must try it.

    Also, BROCCOLI-sama has produced a microfiber towel for a de Dance character (ire). As the first promotion product created, I am very happy about this. That cuteness and healing feeling is really rmended.

    Acknowledgements. Firstly, thanks goes to Sakura Hanpen-sensei who drew all these cute illustrations again. I am utterly grateful. Restia on the cover is truly an angel. Arranging the covers of the six published volumes side by side, I feel really happy.

    Also, thanks goes to Umeda Natsuno-sensei who drew adorable SD characters. Your creations are so cute that I even felt a delusion wanting to ask as certainpany whose name starts with N to produce a series of figures. Thank you for your continued support.

    Shouji-san, the Sephiroth of the publishing industry (*because you''re always dressed like some kind of final boss from an RPG), thank you for handling all the troubles I''ve brought upon you. My thanks really cannot be expressed fully in words.

    And of course, my greatest thanks goes to all the readers.

    Starting from the end ofst year, thanks to everyone''s support, this series began to go through additional reprints and now reached the sixth volume sessfully.

    My intention was to write about "cute beauties" x "hot-blooded battles" -- I won''t forget this series'' initial premise and I''ll work hard towards the goal of "more love, moreedy, battles above all!" So from here onwards, I hope everyone can continue your support. Yourments in the text message survey have been the greatest encouragement. Sakura Hanpei-sensei and I are very happy to receive them!

    Okay, as for the usual poprity poll, as the cover of Volume 5, Est won the number one spot with over 400 votes. Greatly surpassing all other candidates. Will the Est faction continue their dominance?

    In second ce we have the stern and grumbling beauty, captain of the knights, Ellis Fahrengart. She looks really cute hugging Scarlet (even though Scarlet feels very troubled). Slightly behind in number three is Rinslet the high-ss Laurenfrost youngdy, the perfect superwoman who excels in all maid skills including cooking. A bit of a waste for a high-ssdy. In fourth ce is tsundere hell cat girl ire Rouge. For some reason, the fearless girl who is always featured in special fan service scenes. Even though she keeps wanting to turn Kamito into charcoal, she really is a very gentle girl.

    In fifth ce is the darkness spirit, Restia. Even though rumors are rife that she is Kamito''s one and only true love and legal wife, what is the actual truth? She really looks like an angel on the Volume 6 cover.

    Next in sixth is Fianna Ray Ordesia Her Highness the imperial princess. She not only holds the advantage of knowing Kamito''s true identity but is also one of the more womanly members of Team Scarlet. Mature and adorable at the same time. In seventh ce we have our protagonist Kazehaya Kamito. When will we be able to witness him cross-dressing? (Secretly winks at Sakura Hanpei-sensei).

    In actual fact, the difference between third and sixth ce is very minute (29 votes), so in this massive free-for-all, it would not be surprising for the rankings to change any time without warning. Others such as Leonora and Muir are also quite popr.

    The survey can be entered by using the QR code at the end of the Afterword. Please try it if you wish to support your favorite character. Starting with this volume, we are amodating smart phones.

    As for the author''s recent news,tely I''ve been zealously collecting sample food models. Those imitations that restaurants put out to disy their menu items. Thetest ones are so exquisite they make me really touched.

    And so, let us meet again at the next installment, "The Strongest de Dancer (tentative)"!

    --The author has already received notice to start writing the next draft! (Concentrated linework appears on face like special effects.)

    Shimizu Yuu, January 2012

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Wee for the first time and wee back for returning readers. This is hello from Sakura Hanpen!

    I never expected it''d be a Restia cover this time!

    Having progressed to Volume 6, many mysteries have started to unravel and building up towards a climax. I''m really struggling with the urge to find out what happens next.

    Restia-san really has too many secrets!?

    As for the cover, due to having read so many descriptions of Restia''s ck wings, I drew wings on her on impulse...!

    In order to depict Restia''s maidenly cuteness and seductive feeling, I put in everything I''ve got!

    Well then, I guess it''s about time to say bye to the readers!

    Who will be next on the cover...!?

    Shimizu-san, I am really looking forward to the next volume! I really want to read it as soon as possible...!

    So, let''s meet again next volume¡«(£§w£à)¥Î¥·

 Volume 7, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 7, Prologue</h4>

    Part 1

    --The streets were plunged into a sea of mes.

    This was a tiny rural town on the borders of the Ordesia Empire.

    This was not the result of war -- Destruction had descended without warning.

    On that day, a rain of fire fell from the sky.

    This was the punishment cast upon the townsfolk who had been negligent in their offerings to Volcanicus, the Fire Elemental Lord.

    Raging mes incinerated homes and turned the surrounding farnd into scorched earth instantly.

    The people fled for their lives from the swirling mes and ck smoke, desperately praying for absolution.

    They had not intentionally neglected their offerings for the Elemental Lord. Only because they had been met with a rare drought, the crops used for offerings had failed toe to harvest.

    Despite the dance performances of beautiful princess maidens together with the total offering of all stored grain originally meant for winter consumption, the Elemental Lord''s wrath could not be cated.

    Before the anger of the great Elemental Lord, humans werepletely powerless. All people could do was bow their head and gnash their teeth, desperately enduring and waiting for the disaster to pass.

    "--Great Elemental Lord, we beseech you to calm your wrath."

    High ranking princess maidens serving at the Divine Ritual Institute had been offering prayers at the sanctuary''s Great Shrine for three days straight to appease the Elemental Lord''s anger.

    And the one chosen to lead them was the newly appointed Fire Queen, a girl only fifteen years old.

    While the other princess maidens rested in shifts, she alone focused all her efforts on sustaining the prayer with neither rest nor sleep.

    At the same time, the imagery of the people devoured by the crimson mes was branded deeply in her red eyes.

    The rain of destruction finally halted on the morning of the fourth day.

    Streets that had been bustling mere days earlier were now turned into a wastnd of scorched earth.

    Homes were all incinerated, leaving nothing behind but ashen gray despair.

    The peaceful everyday life the townsfolk had worked hard to maintain was transformed into ash in but an instant.

    And after all had ended--

    "The merciful Elemental Lord has heard our prayers."

    The elderly shrine leader spoke tofort the prostrated Queen.

    However, the young Queen covered her ears and shook her head.

    I wasn''t able to do anything. I failed to protect them -- that was what she thought to herself.

    "Why... Why did the Elemental Lord do such a thing to innocent citizens..."

    "Rubia-sama, the will of the Elemental Lords cannot be understood by mortal humans. All we can do is pray for forgiveness. Rubia-sama, you have already done spectacrly."

    In actual fact, amongst the people of the destroyed town, there was no one who had a singleint. Having had all their possessions taken away by a tyrannical and unreasonable disaster, the townsfolk felt nothing but sincere gratitude towards the Queen who had cated the Elemental Lord''s wrath.

    --Nevertheless, such gratitude stabbed into girl''s heart and soul, more painfully than any vicious curse.

    Part 2

    (--This is virtually like that time in the past.)

    The girl''s awareness was brought back to the present from her reminiscing.

    Swirling crimson mes roared as they incinerated the trees in the forest. Muir Alenstarl was employing the military spirit Garuda whose hellfire was incinerating a team''s stronghold.

    The masked girl silently gazed as the forest was devoured by the raging burning fires before her eyes.

    With this, four teams had been eliminated by Team Inferno. Adding those annihted by Nepenthes Lore and Restia by themselves, seven teams were gone. In other words, out of all the teams participating in the current de Dance festival, almost one third of them had already been eliminated by Team Inferno.

    The magic stones obtained were more than enough to ensure advancement to the finals.

    However, this waspletely inconsequential to the girl.

    (...My goal is not victory in the de Dance festival.)

    Looking up at the dawn sky, she whispered.

    "The Demon King''s sessor, Ren Ashbell -- we must properly prepare a sixth Queen to serve him."

    Several hours earlier, Restia had taken Nepenthes Lore without permission to induce Kazehaya Kamito''s awakening. But apparently, her n ended in failure.

    However, the darkness spirit''s betrayal was expected. Even though the loss of Nepenthes Lore was a miscalction, the n was not affected in any major way.

    (From the very start, I never had any intention of handing to that darkness spirit control over the Demon King who is about to awaken.)

    There were only two potential candidates. The decision was about to reach the final stage.

    "What bonds of destiny. No matter which one, both of them have such deep connections to my past."

    In particr, there was that particr girl with such a rare disposition to be Queen.

    From the inner pocket of her military uniform, the masked girl took out a pendant on a silver chain.

    The iid ruby -- a spirit crystal which sealed memories, disyed the figure of a young girl in a dress.

    Her hair tied into two fiery bunches. Crystal clear ruby-like eyes.

    This was the frail and vulnerable girl who had always hid behind her elder sister and parents.

    The masked girl originally thought that they would never meet again since that particr day, four years ago--

    "Oh my, looks like Ren Ashbell-sama still misses that youngdy greatly."

    Hearing the voice from behind, the masked girl swiftly closed the pendant in her hand.

    Turning around, she found the one standing there to be--

    The girl whose image was disyed just an instant earlier in the pendant.

    But instead of a dress, she was now wearing the uniform of Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Neither was she in her childhood appearance. Instead, this was her after years of growth.

    "How truly tasteless, witch. Or are you trying to mock me?"

    The eyes behind the mask red coldly at the one imitating ire Rouge''s form.

    Although her voice remained calm, the fallen leaves by her feet were already smoking as if being burned by a fire.

    "Ufufu, how rare to see you disy such emotion. Could this girl be the candidate for the sixth Queen required by your n?"

    "--None of your concern. Be gone."

    Instantly, her fingertips released swift and ferocious mes.

    Enveloped in crimson mes, the image of ire Rouge vanished like a mirage.

    "So scary. It''s like even treading on your shadow is forbidden."

    The air shook and immediately at the spot where ire had disappeared--

    A beautiful girl appeared with a mocking smile.

    Her shoulder length hair was a striking and vibrant blue. Excessively beautiful and reminiscent of snakes bearing deadly venom -- that was the impression one received from that sort of blue.

    Dressed in an outfit in the style of an erotic dancer, she had a thin veil covering her mouth.

    She was the elementalist -- Sjora Kahn.

    The princess of the Alphas Theocracy, and at the same time, the second-inmand of Team Inferno.

    "I hope you have not forgotten. That the identity prepared for you to participate in the de Dance as well as the military spirits at your disposal are all provided by my home country?"

    "In exchange, I promised to obtain victory."

    "Of course there would be no problem if that happened. However, you seem to be hiding things from us, your coborators, secretly plotting something."

    "What are you trying to insinuate?"

    "Hey, are you really that Strongest de Dancer?"

    Sjora Kahn scoffed.

    "If you have any doubts about my power, would you like a taste right now, witch?"

    Instantly, all vegetation at her feet was burnt to ash. Neither through chanting spirit magic nor summoning a contracted spirit, but simply from her released will, mes were produced.

    "Fufu, just kidding. I still value my own life... Oh my?"

    Suddenly, the witch''s eyebrow jumped.

    "What is it?"

    "Looks like while I was out, contemptible rats have scurried inside."

    Sjora licked her lips with delight. She was the one who constructed Team Inferno''s stronghold. Furthermore, rather than a defensive stronghold, it was a nest prepared for hunting foolish prey.

    "...Ufufu, looks like I''ll be able to have some fun."

    The witch''s lips disyed a smile of delight. She loved toying with prey that had fallen into a trap. As her red eyes shed with glittering brilliance, Sjora disappeared into the depths of the forest.

    (...To what extent is the Alphas Theocracy''s Snake aware of the n?)

    Sjora Kahn''s actions were difficult to predict. In consideration of the n, perhaps she should be eliminated immediately.

    (...No, there is still value in using Alphas. Eliminating the witch right now would not be wise.)

    Quietly, the masked girl shook her head as she gazed up at the sky where sparks flew and scattered, whispering.

    "Well then, the princess maiden suited to the position of Darkness Queen, which one would it be?"

 Volume 7, 1 - Declaration of War

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 1 - Deration of War</h4>

    Part 1

    It was the fourth morning during the main battle of the de Dance festival -- the Tempest.

    "Uwah... Ah..."

    Lying on the futon in the tent, Kamito suppressed yet another yawn for who knew how many times already.

    The morning after the intense battle against Nepenthes Lore, the whole team had just saw off the departure of Mi Bassett, the leader of the Rupture Division who had resolved herself to forfeit the event.

    By the fourth day of the main battle, every team had already built their strongholds, and the de dance was heating up. This was not supposed to be a time of rest, but having undergone the battle against Nepenthes Lorest night, Team Scarlet''s members were all utterly exhausted.

    Hence, they all decided to stay and defend the stronghold for a day in order to obtain sufficient rest.

    (But this is unbearable...)

    Kamito groaned as he turned on the bedding.

    Despite his body''s exhaustion and the sleepiness he felt, he simply could not fall asleep.

    The reason was due to the memories Kamito glimpsed during the instant when Restia disappeared.

    The memories of that day, sealed somewhere deep in his mind.

    As Ren Ashbell, the strongest de dancer, Kamito had emerged victorious from the de Dance three years ago.

    Towards the young Kamito, Restia had dered her Wish--

    ''I hope you can assassinate them. The five Elemental Lords.''

    (Assassinate Elemental Lords... What on earth did that mean?)

    Lording over all spirits, ruling the elements thatprised the world -- they were the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    They were not simply particrly powerful spirits. --If one had to describe it, this world could be considered their creation.

    (Have me... Assassinate them?)

    Why -- No, before considering why, this was simply beyond a human''s ability.

    What happened in the end to the Wish three years ago, Kamito had virtually no recollection.

    What he could still remember was only the instant when that hateful and ck Wish devoured her.

    He was struck with an intense headache. Every time he tried to dig into his memories, this intense dizziness would ur.

    It almost felt like the domain storing the memories had been uprooted whole.

    (...That time, I failed to catch her hand.)

    Kamito tightly clenched his leather gloved left hand. Mere hours ago, before she disappeared, the sensation of embracing her in his arms still lingered on his fingertips.

    She had not been exterminated from this world. Simply exhausted in power, unable to manifest for now. The spirit seal branded on the back of his left hand was proof of that.

    --At this time.

    "...Hmm?"

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed a sense of dissonance near his lower body.

    Something seemed to be crawling around, restless around his waist. The cold soft touch felt a bit like the scales of a reptile.

    (...A wild snake?)

    Surprised, Kamito frowned and lifted the nket from the bed.

    "...E-Est!?"

    The girl who slipped beneath his nket was the sword spirit.

    Her silver-white hair shone lustrously under the sunlight. Tender white skin that resembled the color of fresh milk.

    Expressionlessly, she was gazing at Kamito with her mysterious violet eyes.

    "Ah... Wait a minute, y-you, why are you dressed like that!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes and shouted.

    This was not her usual naked kneesocks look.

    Est was currently wearing a tight-fitting erotic studded leather bondage suit in ck.

    The garter belt could be seen extending from beneath the leather miniskirt. Her bare feet were d in ck longboots.

    Entwined several times around her right hand was a leather whip. In her left hand was a red candle.

    d in this outfit, the cute little girl disyed even greater seductive charm than when fully nude.

    "Kamito, is dressing like this really strange?"

    Continuing her posture of riding on Kamito''s abdomen, Est asked expressionlessly.

    "No, rather than strange, let''s just say the meaning is not... Hot, this is burning hot!"

    Who knew when it had been lit, but the melting candle wax was dripping onto Kamito''s upper body.

    "Do you feel happy, Kamito?"

    "No, who the heck would feel happy!? This burns, that''s all!"

    Kamito frantically blew out the me on the candle.

    Est inclined her head in puzzlement.

    "...Not happy?"

    "I''m not interested in something like this! By the way, who taught you this?"

    "...How regrettable. This book says that people feel happy when wax is dripped on them."

    Est took out a book from somewhere. Although Kamito was not very knowledgeable about novels, he could tell it was a love novel aimed at teenagers.

    Casually flipping through the pages, he found beautiful illustrations throughout.

    On first nce, there was nothing extraordinary about it, no different from a normal novel--

    "...Wha!"

    On one of the final pages, Kamito could not help but voice his surprise.

    Probably the section most visited by the owner, this page was marked by a fold.

    It was a scene where an elegant high-ssdy was being punished by the butler working in the household.

    The illustration depicted the high-ssdy''s ecstatic expression as wax was dripped onto her bare skin.

    "E-Est, this kind of book is not appropriate for you! It''s too early for you, Est!"

    Kamito instantly closed the book with a smack... Although Est was an elemental who had already lived for centuries, that was not where the issuey.

    "Where did you find this book?"

    "ire keeps it under her pillow."

    "T-That girl, I can''t believe she''s reading this kind of book when she is ady of nobility..."

    Kamito''s face convulsed as he grumbled quietly.

    "So, which side does Kamito prefer?"

    "Huh?"

    Kamito answered Est''s expressionless query with a question.

    "Yes. To whip or be whipped... Whichever you choose, Kamito, all shall be ording to your will."

    "...!?"

    Kamito could not help but gasp.

    Instantly, his heart raced as he imagined Est wielding a leather whip tensely, restrained in a bondage suit, with numerous whip marks on her adorable rear end.

    (...Damn me, what am I thinking about!?)

    Kamito shook his head violently.

    Whipping Est or anything like that... I can''t possibly do that.

    "I''d rather suffer a hundredfold than let Est be treated that way."

    This forceful deration prompted Est to nod.

    "Yes, Kamito. So this means you prefer to be whipped, Kamito?"

    "Eh? No that''s not right, you''re mistaken... Ouch!"

    Smack smack!

    Est remained expressionless as she began to whip Kamito''s upper body.

    "E-Est, what are you doing!?"

    "Kamito, do you feel happy?"

    Smack smack!

    "Like I said, I don''t have that kind of unusual interest!"

    "In other words... Unhappy?"

    Est tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "A-Ahhh... Perhaps there exist people in this world who might be happy, but I''m not one of them."

    Kamito shook his head as he rubbed his painful skin.

    Hearing his words, Est slumped her shoulders as if a bit disheartened.

    "Sorry, Kamito. Does it hurt?"

    "Ah, don''t worry about it... Umm, I appreciate your well-intentions, Est, but there is no need to put them into action."

    "Huah..."

    Kamito gently caressed Est''s head as she inquired with worry.

    After all, Est hade up with this less than ideal n after much thought, for the sake of making Kamito happy. Reprimanding her would be quite pitiful.

    "By the way, where did you get this equipment?"

    "Hmm, from amongst Fianna''s ritual equipment."

    "...I see. So the other culprit is Her Highness the imperial princess."

    Skilled in ritual magic, Fianna had brought to the grounds arge amount of equipment for festival rites and rituals. Amongst them included animal ears and exotic foreign clothes with bold high slits etc. Various ritual attires of unknown purposes were fully stocked in all shapes and sizes.

    (...I can understand the candle, but aren''t the leather whip and bondage suit way too weird?)

    ...That said, Kamito waspletely uninitiated in the domain of ritual magic and had no basis toment.

    At this moment, the curtain draping over the tent''s entrance was vigorously thrown open.

    "...Kamito-kun, what on earth is going on!?"

    "Fianna?"

    A beautiful girl with gorgeous waist-length ck hair had made her appearance.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia, Her Highness the imperial princess.

    Covering her mouth, her dusk-colored eyes were staring wide open.

    Her gaze was directed towards the bondage suited girl riding on Kamito.

    "...Kamito-kun?"

    "Y-You''ve misunderstood, this is, umm..."

    Kamito frantically tried to diffuse the misunderstanding, but¡ª

    "...Hmph, to think Kamito-kun actually had a thing for this."

    Fianna was murmuring as ifing to a realization, cheeks blushing slightly.

    "...In that case, you should have said so earlier."

    "Eh?"

    "I-It''s not a problem! Even if Kamito-kun has such unusual tastes, I will amodate you fully! Besides, it''s not like I''m not interested either..."

    Shyly covering her increasingly reddened face, the imperial princess turned around and fled.

    "Fianna, w-wait!"

    ...It would be troublesome if this misunderstood scene was not cleared up. Transferring Est who was riding his body to the bed, Kamito frantically got up, nning to chase after Fianna. But just as he was about to exit the tent¡ª

    "Hey Kamito, my book''s gone missing... Wah!"

    Rushing without paying attention, he almost collided with the girl who was entering the tent.

    The one arriving was the red twintailed beautiful girl with zing eyes of ruby.

    "C-ire!?"

    "Kamito... Seriously, what are you doing in such a panic..."

    ire frowned in surprise--

    ...Then turned her gaze towards the depths of the tent.

    Over there was Est''s crouching figure, dressed immodestly.

    "Y-Y-You even made your contracted spirit d-dress, d-dress like that...?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    "W-Wait a second, that''s all because of your b--"

    "Excuses are futile. You great pervert, prepare to turn into charcoal!"

    Completely mercilessly, ire summoned metongue.

    Part 2

    ...Several minutester.

    "Y-You are really the worst, the utter w-worst, w-worst kind of pervert!"

    As ire smacked her whip against the ground, Kamito knelt before her.

    Seeing him in this disgraceful state, no one could possibly believe he was once the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, whom girls all over the continent idolized.

    "I can''t believe you made Est wear th-that indecent outfit..."

    Simply recalling the image was enough to make her blush... What a pure and innocent youngdy.

    "No wait, speaking of which, the whole reason Est dressed like that was because of your book, right?"

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and questioned in return. Instantly, ire''s expression frozepletely.

    "...Say, Kamito."

    "Hmm?"

    "Could it be possible, did you actually see the contents of the book?"

    "No, I didn''t read it but simply flipped through it."

    "I-Is that so... Then it''s fine."

    ire breathed a sigh of relief.

    (...Hoho, I see.)

    Kamito gloated in his mind... This was perhaps a chance for a counterattack.

    "Oh well, I did nce at that one folded page."

    "...Eh!?"

    "It was really shocking. To think that a daughter of the prestigious Elstein family would read that kind of shameless book."

    "...!?"

    ire''s face instantly became bright red.

    "I-It''s not some kind of shameless book, okay! It''s a noble love story!"

    "I don''t see it at all... By the way, didn''t you want to experience the same thing that happened to the heroine?"

    "N-No, th-that, th-that kind of thing is impossible, you pervert...!"

    ire frantically denied the suggestion. However, her tone of voice sounded rather weak and unconvincing.

    "You''re actually the pervert, right, ire? If other people in the Academy found out you were reading that kind of book, how do you think they''d react?"

    "T-That kind of thing... N-No, I am not some kind of pervert..."

    ire gazed at Kamito with tears in her eyes.

    (...Crap, I think I went too far.)

    Kamito scratched his head, a little apologetic.

    ...Every time he was talking to ire, somehow he always felt the urge to tease her.

    "What happened here? What''s with all the noise?"

    Rinslet entered at this time, returning from the path in the woods.

    Her emerald eyes shed brightly. Her rose-colored lips invited tender affection.

    Bathed beneath the sunlight, her tinum blonde hair glittered with brilliant luster.

    Spotting Kamito sitting formally in kneeling posture, she raised her eyebrows and frowned.

    "ire, are you punishing people again? Kamito-san is such a poor dear."

    Despite her haughty attitude which easily caused misunderstandings, Rinslet was in actual fact a very kind-hearted youngdy.

    "B-Because Kamito..."

    "Kamito-san, you should stop serving this violent master. Come and be my ve instead. If you do that, I will personally prepare food for you every day."

    Blushing slightly, Rinslet made her offer.

    "...Hmm, even though it''s strange for a master to be cooking personally for the ve, that doesn''t sound so bad at all."

    Kamito nodded as a joke. Rinslet''s cooking skills were indisputable. If he were really treated to such delicious cuisine every day, oh how wonderful his days would be.

    However--

    "...W-Wait a minute, Kamito?"

    ire seemed frozen as if she had suffered some kind of shock.

    ...Making an expression like an abandoned kitten, she bit her lip hard.

    Seeing her like that, Kamito shrugged.

    "However..."

    He stood up from the ground and ced his hand on her head.

    "I already have a contract with ire."

    Contracted. I will be your contracted spirit -- That was how it went.

    "Kamito..."

    ire instantly blushed as she stared at Kamito.

    Then she averted her gaze as if embarrassed--

    "T-That''s right, Kamito is indeed my ve spirit. Furthermore, I-I have already given you my first time."

    "Your first time?"

    "W-What on earth is this!?"

    Rinslet''s voice shuddered.

    (...Could it be, she meant that time?)

    Kamito inclined his head in thought and finally remembered.

    That was not long after he had met ire, back when the military spirit had gone berserk in the academy town.

    At the time, in order to motivate Kamito who was in a state of dejection after re-encountering Restia, ire had kissed Kamito.

    Surely she was blushing because she recalled what happened back then.

    ...Feeling a little embarrassed himself, Kamito also averted eye contact as he scratched his face.

    "No fair, what is with you two!? It feels like I''m the only one left out!"

    Pouting, Rinslet disyed anger on her face.

    At this time, a sudden gust of wind blew by.

    "Yah!" "Uwah!"

    "...!?"

    The two youngdies frantically pressed down on the hems of their skirts.

    "K-Kamito, you must have seen it!"

    "Kamito-san is such a pervert."

    "No, it was unavoidable just now--"

    "Hmm, Kamito, what sort of shameless act are you engaged in again?"

    Just as Kamito shook his head repeatedly in protest, a shrill voice was heard from the air above.

    Stern brown eyes. A ponytail swaying in the cyclone.

    A storm gathering about her, the girl stared at Kamito as shended on the ground.

    The girl making her appearance was Ellis Fahrengart. The knight in armor.

    "What''s going on, Ellis? You''re even using Flight magic."

    Hearing ire''s surprised enquiry, Ellis coughed lightly.

    "Ah, there''s something urgent."

    "...?

    Kamito and the other girls looked at each other in turn.

    "Look at this. It was just delivered by a spirit familiar."

    Saying that, Ellis handed on a scroll made from animal skin.

    Releasing the buckle, they found words written in a squiggly snake-like script.

    "...What foreignnguage is this?"

    Kamito frowned. Even having undergone Restia''s education and being able to decipher literature written in spiritnguage, Kamito was unfamiliar with foreignnguages.

    "Hmm, I can''t read it either."

    "Seriously, you guys are hopeless..."

    ire sighed with a surprised expression.

    "This is a script widely used in oriental cultures. This should have been covered in the Academy''s foundation courses, right?"

    "...I-I''m not good atnguages."

    Ellis'' ponytail dangled with dismay.

    True to her reputation as a high achieving student, ire read the contents of the letter fluently.

    But after reading it, her expression became very solemn.

    "What did it say?"

    "...It''s a deration of war. And it''s from the Four Gods."

    "The Four Gods...!?"

    Ellis gasped.

    The Four Gods was a formidable team from the Quina Empire, a major country on the eastern part of the continent. Not only did the Quina Empire have a longer history than the Ordesia Empire, it had also won the de Dance a greater number of times.

    Widely known amongst the participants of thepetition was their topnotch team cooperation as well as the name of Shao Fu, the user of the divine beast spirit White Tiger.

    Disregarding Team Inferno, this was a team that rivaled Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor and the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights. It was imperative to be wary of them.

    "The Four Gods established their stronghold rtively close to here. After dominating all the surrounding teams, the only one remaining in the area seems to be ours."

    "By deration of war, they mean?"

    "A direct confrontation at a location away from either side''s stronghold."

    Re-rolling the scroll, ire shrugged.

    The de Dance was not simply abat festival that pittedpetitors against one another in contests of martial strength. Instead, it was the stage for exalted elementalists to act as priestesses and make de dance offerings to the Five Great Elemental Lords. Consequently, when one team was intent on engaging in de dance with another, they would send the recipient a letter that implied a deration of war.

    It was already the fourth day of the Tempest main event. Nearly all teams had already constructed secure strongholds. Even though de dances in the opening stage were dominated by skirmishes and ambushes, now that the middlegame had started, teams were increasingly engaging in duels like this to break stalemates.

    "Then what should we do?"

    Kamito surveyed the girls'' faces one after another.

    Of course, there was the choice of ignoring this unteral deration of war, however¡ª

    After some consideration, ire quietly spoke.

    "I believe we should ept. If we cower at a time like this, it would tarnish the honor of Areishia Spirit Academy and Headmistress Greyworth."

    "I agree with ire."

    "To dare challenge an exalteddy like me to battle, how bold!"

    Just as expected, Team Scarlet''s youngdies all seemed eager to battle.

    Kamito had no objections. After all, only three days remained in thepetition. This was a chance to take possession of the massive number of spirit stones collected by the Four Gods.

    "The time for the decisive duel is tomorrow morning. Ellis will send a messenger to bring our reply to the Four Gods--"

    "Wait a minute."

    Kamito suddenly interrupted.

    "Why?"

    "We haven''t asked Fianna''s opinion yet. Isn''t this a bit inappropriate?"

    "Indeed. Where is she currently?"

    "Just now, I think she walked towards the forest..."

    ...Come to think of it, where the heck did she go? Kamito began to worry a bit.

    Even within the forest''s barrier, it was not absolutely safe. After the damage caused by Nepenthes Lore, the stronghold''s defenses were full of openings. It was possible for beasts or malevolent spirits to take advantage of the barrier''s weaknesses to invade.

    "Let''s search briefly in the forest. Ellis can continue scouting the surrounding situation."

    "Yes, acknowledged."

    Ellis nodded.

    "I will go search."

    "Then I''ll go as well."

    "Rinslet, it''s time for me to take your shift. You should go into the tent for a break."

    "I-I''m fine!"

    "It''s important to rest ording to the prescribed schedule. After the battle yesterday, you should be quite tired. Why don''t you warm yourself a little right now?"

    "Sniff sniff... I understand."

    Admitting defeat to Kamito''s thoughtful consideration, Rinslet nodded obediently despite her pouting lips.

 Volume 7, 2 - Claireâ€™s Suspicions

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 2 - ire''s Suspicions</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Seriously, where did Fianna go off to?"

    A few minutester, Kamito and ire were walking through the forest.

    The barrier constructed by Fianna was quite vast in area. Although Scarlet tried to sniff out the trail of her divine power, it was difficult to track down due to the chaotic leylines.

    Even though they had entered the depths of the forest, the imperial princess was nowhere to be found.

    "Could it be another forest spirit attack...?"

    Muttering softly to himself, Kamito used his hands to part the dense branches.

    --Instantly, he found himself at a wide open space.

    "This ce is..."

    Numerous treesy fallen haphazardly while the ground surface was scorched and scarred.

    This was near the stronghold''s defensive line. Last night, Team Scarlet had engaged Nepenthes Lore in a deadly battle precisely at this location.

    Dirt and mud lingered all around. Even though there should be no risk of having divine power stolen anymore, Kamito was still hesitant to step on the stuff.

    "...It still seems quite unbelievable. To think we defeated that kind of monster."

    Witnessing the sight before them, ire was mesmerized for an instant. Kamito also nodded lightly.

    Nepenthes Lore -- the unidentified monster that Restia had called the Demon King''s will, was the strongest being that Kamito had fought in these past few months.

    (...Had it been myself two months earlier, surely I would not have won.)

    Kamito silently sighed in his thoughts. The only reason he had been able to win, just barely, was because he had the support of his teammates in addition to his gradual recovery of his power from three years ago.

    "Hey, Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    As if suddenly thinking of something, ire spoke up.

    Her gaze was directed towards a dark patch of marsh. It was where Nepenthes Lore was destroyed.

    "Back then, Kamito, you were using Ren Ashbell''s sword skills, right?"

    "...!"

    Kamito''s body suddenly froze.

    ...Looks like she had not forgotten.

    The Ninth Form of the Absolute de Arts -- Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance. This was the mystic sword technique taught by the premier member of the Empire''s prided Numbers, the one renowned as the continent''s strongest elementalist, Greyworth Ciel Mais.

    And Kamito had used that move in front of ire and the rest.

    Even though he had no chance of winning unless the secret sword was used, it was far too careless of him.

    He hadpletely forgotten that ire and the girls idolized her from three years ago. As soon as he used her sword skills, the girls would definitely recognize them.

    (However, in the end, my identity was not exposed.)

    ...With some thought, covering up shouldn''t be too hard.

    Wiping the sweat off his brow, Kamito desperately racked his brain for excuses.

    "I used to learn sword skills from that old hag Greyworth. Maybe that girl received sword instruction from Greyworth too."

    "W-What old hag... Don''t be so rude to the Headmistress!"

    "...No, but she really is an old hag based on her age. That Dusk Witch is aplete monster."

    Kamito shrugged, turned right and continued walking.

    "She''s not here either. Let''s go back into the forest--"

    "Wait a sec."

    ire gripped Kamito''s shoulder tightly.

    "...W-What are you doing?"

    Kamito''s face twitched.

    "Just now, you were trying to deceive me, right?"

    "...No I wasn''t?"

    "You, are you hiding something from me?"

    ire red intently at Kamito with her eyes of ruby.

    ...Looks like this reason isn''t enough to misdirect her.

    "W-Why would I need to hide anything from you?"

    "Umm, well, that..."

    ire pouted, deep in thought.

    Apparently she had not noticed that Kamito was actually the Strongest de Dancer three years ago. Instead, her suspicions were probably directed towards a connection between Kamito and Ren Ashbell -- probably something on that level.

    "The elemental waffe Ren Ashbell used was indeed a demon sword with the darkness attribute, right?"

    This time, ire brought up a crucial point.

    "Few as they are, darkness spirits aren''t actually that rare. If you''re trying to say it was Restia, you''re making a huge mistake."

    Even though tumultuous feelings rippled through his heart, Kamito maintained a calm expression as he answered.

    "You''re saying it''s pure coincidence?"

    "Yeah. You seem to be harboring some kind of strange hopes, but let me rify beforehand. I am not Ren Ashbell''s acquaintance."

    (...Because I am Ren Ashbell, not her acquaintance.)

    Kamito added in his mind.

    "R-Really..."

    Probably because Kamito''s tone of voice had be forceful involuntarily, ire''s shoulder seem to stiffen slightly.

    "Because you used the same sword skills, I was wondering if you might have been fellow pupils of the same master..."

    "...Who knows? Anyway, I don''t know the details."

    Leaving those words, Kamito stepped quickly into the forest.

    "Wait, wait a minute, wait up,e on!...What''s the matter, are you angry?"

    Twintails swaying, ire hastily chased after him.

    "...No, there''s nothing to be angry about."

    Kamito slowed down his pace and scratched his head a little apologetically.

    "You know I admire Ren Ashbell very much, right?"

    "Uh, yeah..."

    Kamito nodded as he concealed the wavering in his heart.

    (...Said to my face like this, it''s quite embarrassing.)

    "Not only me but all the elementalists from the continent are enamored by her de dance."

    However¡ªsuddenly, ire gloomily shook her head.

    "--She''s changed, in just a mere three years."

    "..."

    Kamito silently turned his gaze to his left hand.

    (Changed eh...)

    Alternatively, ire may have superimposed her impressions of Ren Ashbell and her elder sister.

    The one who betrayed the Elemental Lord to be the Cmity Queen, Rubia Elstein.

    She too, was once revered by all the elementalists of the entire continent.

    "However--"

    ire halted her steps.

    "Actually I began to realize quite early on -- perhaps, the Ren Ashbell who is attending the current de Dance might be an imposter."

    "Why do you think that?"

    "Just intuition. Or perhaps wishful thinking? But everyone else in our team thinks so too."

    "Well, that can''t be ruled out for sure."

    Kamito felt that a direct denial would be overly suspicious, so he decided to answer ambiguously instead.

    "However, if that is the case -- then why has the true Ren Ashbell not stepped forward?"

    "...M-Maybe there are other reasons?"

    "Right. For example -- Kamito-kun is Ren Ashbell or the like."

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, a voice came from somewhere.

    "...Fianna!?"

    Appearing out of the rustling leaves was the imperial princess with a mischievous smile.

    "Seriously, what are you doing? Everyone is worrying about you!"

    ire red at Fianna with her arms akimbo.

    "Repairing holes in the barrier. Thanks to the battle yesterday, there are numerous damaged areas."

    Answering in that manner, Fianna looked sessively at ire and Kamito. Then she spoke:

    "What about you two, were you having a tryst right here?"

    "O-Of, o-of course not. Don''t make such a strange usation!"

    ire cried out, her face fully red.

    "B-By the way, what did you mean by that statement just now? That Kamito is--"

    "Hoho, exactly what the words stated."

    The imperial princess seemed to be smiling with great amusement.

    (Hey hey, what the heck, Fianna!?)

    Kamito''s heart raced.

    He frantically gestured with his eyes towards Fianna but she feigned ignorance.

    "...What nonsense, how could that be possible? Disregarding other issues for now, Ren Ashbell is a girl, you know!"

    With a shocked expression, ire directly rejected the idea... Oh well, that was probably the normal reaction.

    "That''s right, I''m just testing out a wonderful delusion."

    Fianna answered as if trying to change the subject, then she immediately embraced Kamito''s arm.

    Boing.

    "Fianna!?"

    The softness of her bosom surprised Kamito, causing him to blush.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "Fufu. Hey ire, may I borrow Kamito-kun for a while?"

    "Eh? N-No way! Kamito is my possession!"

    ...ire instantly yelled out a statement that any third party not in the know would have instantly misunderstood.

    "When did he be ire''s belonging... Anyway, what''s your answer, Kamito-kun?"

    The imperial princess turned her mischievous smile towards Kamito.

    If you refuse then your true identity will be exposed? -- the imperial princess'' eyes seemed to be saying that.

    "Ah yes... I happen to have something to discuss with Fianna too."

    Kamito nodded repeatedly like a strung up puppet.

    "Ah, w-wait up!"

    "I-I''m sorry, ire..."

    Wrapped around Kamito''s arm, Fianna led him rapidly towards the depths of the forest.

    "J-Jerk! Kamito is an idiot--!"

    From behind, the crack of the whip could be heard.

    Part 2

    "Fufu, that was so close?"

    "...What the heck were you trying to do? You almost blew my cover!"

    Within the dense thicket, Kamito was being led by the arm by Fianna.

    Although the soft sensation of her bosom made Kamito''s heart race, he still protested as if he was unhappy.

    "Kamito-kun, you''re so amusing when you''re agitated."

    "Come on, you..."

    Kamito groaned with his eyes half-narrowed... Seriously, this imperial princess is such a handful.

    "Just kidding. But you should thank me because I actually helped you out."

    Kamito tilted his head quizzically.

    "Helped me out, how? ire was already starting to suspect that I am Ren Ashbell. Saying something like that would only increase her suspicions--"

    "--That''s why."

    Fianna raised her index finger.

    "No matter how much she suspects, the fact that Kamito-kun turns out surprisingly to be Ren Ashbell -- something so ridiculous would surely be dismissed as impossible to believe, right? Then simply take the plunge and tell her the truth, for that will lead her to rule out that possibility."

    "I see. That does make sense."

    Kamito could not help but feel impressed with Fianna.

    ...As expected of the imperial princess skilled in negotiations. To think she thought that far ahead.

    "Hmm, but isn''t there the risk that ire might actually believe it?"

    "Well, in that event, I would think up something on the fly."

    "My admiration for you was for naught."

    Faced with Fianna''s nonchnce, Kamito sighed lightly.

    "But it''s better to be more careful. That girl is sometimes inexplicably sharp with her intuition. In this particr regard, she is truly Rubia-sama''s younger sister, even though their personalities arepletely different... We''ve arrived, this is it."

    Fianna suddenly halted her steps.

    The tree branches were densely entangled around this spot, creating a dead end.

    "...This?"

    "This is the space protected by a special barrier. You could even call it my personal room."

    After Fianna extended her hand and chanted a spiritnguage incantation, the criss-crossing branches instantly disentangled.

    Under her guidance, Kamito stepped towards the depths.

    "This is..."

    It was a hemispherical space delineated by flourishing trees. Gentle sunlight shone throughyers of leaves to form speckled shadows on the ground. This space seemed far more spacious than one would imagine as a personal room. In fact, it was enough to perform a de dance freely.

    "How strange, I didn''t notice this when searching for you just now, Fianna."

    "Because it is surrounded by a small-scale Istion Barrier. Even a spirit would find it difficult to discern."

    ...I see. So that''s why it couldn''t be found.

    "But why did you bring me here?"

    "..."

    "Fianna?"

    Seeing Fianna suddenly so awkwardly unsettled, Kamito''s gaze turned to surprise.

    "Umm... I-If it''s here, then we won''t be disturbed..."

    "Eh?"

    Fianna blushed with embarrassment and immediately--

    Rustle rustle. She slowly ced her hands on the chest portion of her uniform.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "I-I just want to repeat what Kamito-kun was doing with Est just now."

    "...Wha!?"

    Kamito felt the intense beating of his heart.

    Fianna shyly removed her uniform and unbuckled her skirt.

    Swish. The seductive sound of clothing friction could be heard.

    In the next instant, appearing in Kamito''s view was--

    d in a pearl-white bondage suit, the imperial princess'' figure.

    ...Although it was simr to what Est was wearing just now, Fianna''s full body restraints had an even more stimting design.

    The low riding leather panties hugging her bottom tightly were quite erotic.

    "Y-You, this outfit..."

    Just as Kamito stared in shock--

    "S-Seriously, to think you actually enjoyed seeing girls dressed like this... Kamito-kun, you''re such a pervert."

    Fianna blushed as she rubbed her legs together shyly.

    "N-No, wait a minute, did you misunderstand something!?"

    Kamito frantically yelled out.

    "...Misunderstand?"

    "Uh yeah. About just now. How should I put it? It was simply Est''s mistake... I didn''t ask her to dress like that. I don''t have those kinds of interests!"

    "...Yes, I understand."

    Fianna nodded slightly nervously.

    "What you enjoy, Kamito-kun... Is not the M role... But the S, right?"

    "No! You''repletely mistaken!"

    "There''s no need to hide it. N-No matter which side you desire, I am fine with it."

    "You''ve totally got the wrong idea!"

    Protesting vehemently, Kamito began to pant.

    "Like I said, just now was a--"

    Kamito desperately tried to correct Fianna''s misunderstanding caused by the scene of Est in the tent.

    Hearing Kamito''s exnation, Fianna was struck with a shocked expression--

    "...So, in other words, Kamito-kun, you''re really uninterested in that area?"

    "That''s right."

    Kamito answered glumly.

    "This is simply... My misunderstanding?"

    "Oh well, indeed..."

    After Kamito nodded--

    "...~!"

    Fianna''s face suddenly went all red.

    "Sniff sniff... A-As a princess of the Empire, to think I disgraced myself so..."

    Due to excessive shame, she covered her face as she rolled along the ground.

    Kamito had never seen Fianna so distraught... It felt rather cute actually.

    "To think I acted so embarrassingly before Kamito-kun... I want to die, I must bite my tongue andmit suicide."

    "W-Wait, stop...!"

    Because the imperial princess was murmuring dangerous words, Kamito franticallyforted her.

    "E-Even though I don''t have an interest in that area, Fianna, you don''t have to be embarrassed by that attire... Rather, umm, I think you look very pretty."

    "...Really?"

    Fianna asked in surprise, slightly blushing.

    Restrained by the tight bondage suit, her bosom disyed cleavage that seemed especially dazzling.

    Kamito held his breath and nodded.

    "...I''m so d."

    She was instantly reassured.

    "A-Actually, dressing like this makes me very embarrassed."

    ...Naturally. Even though the imperial princess always loved to tease Kamito, she was at her core a very pure and innocent girl.

    "...Could you stop toying with me. It''s scary."

    Kamito shrugged as he sat down on a tree stump.

    "But I clearly wasn''t toying around..."

    "Hmm?"

    "Nothing, okay."

    The imperial princess turned her gaze away as if displeased.

    Even though Kamito could not figure out why she was angry--

    "But anyway, this is really a wonderful ce."

    Gazing at the sunlight streaming in from between the branches that acted as a ceiling, Kamito offered his opinion.

    This was quite serene. In a ce like this, he should be able to concentrate and meditate alone.

    At this time, Kamito''s gaze was suddenly drawn to the branches covering the area.

    (Snapped and broken... No, this was cut by a sharp de?)

    If they had been trimmed, it was done too carelessly. It felt like someone was swinging a sword and struck branches by ident.

    (Also, these footprints are...)

    Kamito once again turned his gaze to the ground. There were signs that the grass had been stepped on hard haphazardly. Unless vigorous activity had urred in this ce, such trails should not be left in the grass.

    "Fianna, what were you doing here until just now?"

    Slightly suspicious, Kamito asked.

    "Of course I was practicing for kissing with Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna instantly replied.

    "..."

    "S-Seriously, Kamito-kun, don''t make me say something so embarrassing..."

    The imperial princess chided.

    "...Then in actual fact?"

    Coughing lightly once, Kamito asked again--

    "...You''re so dense all the time, but only in this area are you really sharp."

    Fianna sighed as if she gave up resisting.

    "Say, can you keep this a secret from ire?"

    "...? Ah yeah, I know."

    Seeing Kamito nod, Fianna sat down by his side.

    "--I was here, receiving sword training from Georgios."

    "Sword...?"

    In response to Fianna''s quiet confession, Kamito questioned.

    Within Team Scarlet, Fianna''s roley in support through ritual dancing. Based on this premise, having her wield a sword in battle should almost never happen. Besides, she was also uninitiated inbat training, having never been trained as an elementalist at the Academy.

    "Of course, this isn''t any official training, but I''m simply learning some sword skills for self-defense. At the very least, I hope I can protect myself."

    "Why would you suddenly think of this? Even self-defense sword skills cannot be learned overnight--"

    "I know. However..."

    Fianna bit her lower lip hard.

    It was an expression that lost her usualposure, full of desperation.

    "...I can''t bear it. For me to be always protected and a burden to everyone else."

    "Fianna, you support the team most splendidly. The only reason we defeated that Nepenthes Lore was thanks to your perfectly constructed barrier."

    "The credit all lies with Mi''s efforts. I didn''t make any difference at all."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "At the time, even if I had joined in on the frontlines I would have been a burden. When clearly ire and the rest could support you, Kamito-kun, very well."

    ...Looks like she''s especiallycking in confidence.

    (...The fight against Nepenthes Lore was simply a trigger.)

    It was most likely a notion that had entered Fianna''s mind a long time ago.

    "I have never thought of you as a burden, Fianna."

    Kamito said as he looked straight into Fianna''s face.

    "ire, Ellis and Rinslet are the same. Everyone trusts in you."

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Adorned by adorableshes, her dusk-colored eyes fluttered slightly.

    "...Thank you forforting me."

    "It''s notforting, I''m just speaking the truth."

    Kamito shyly turned his gaze away.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun is tsundere?"

    A usual mischievous smiled surfaced on Fianna''s face as she quietly stood up.

    "It''s almost time to return, or else ire and the girls will worry."

    "ire already knows we''re together. There''s nothing to worry about--"

    "...Good grief, I''m not talking about that type of worry."

    As Fianna shrugged helplessly, Kamito could only watch in puzzlement.

    Part 3

    "What the heck, Kamito is such a jerk. I don''t care about him..."

    Meanwhile, ire was sitting with her knees up against her chest, throwing pebbles at the river.

    Behind her, Scarlet was prowling back and forth as if worried about its master.

    "Kamito belongs to me..."

    ...Plop. Water sshed in the distance.

    At this moment, the sound of someone stepping on the sandy ground could be heard.

    "C-ire, what are you doing? You look so gloomy."

    "Ellis..."

    The one who spoke to ire was Ellis. Even though their rtionship was originally like natural enemies at the Academy, it had progressed enough after they became teammates that they could now discuss many matters.

    As a side note, Scarlet frantically disappeared as soon as Ellis was spotted.

    "Has Her Highness the imperial princess been found?"

    "Yeah. She''s probably making out with Kamito right now!"

    Throwing a bigger stone, ire patted her skirt and stood up.

    "...Hmm. What are you talking about? What is going on?"

    Ellis'' eyebrows shot up.

    Seeing that, ire told her what just happened in the forest.

    "...I see. Kamito was taken away by Her Highness the imperial princess."

    Hearing ire''s exnation, Ellis showed a solemn expression and nodded.

    As a further side note, the reason why she always referred to Fianna as Her Highness the imperial princess even though they were fellow teammates, was because she hailed from a family of knights who served the Ordesia imperial family throughout the generations.

    "Speaking of which..."

    Ellis rested her chin on her hand and murmured softly.

    "So ire, you noticed as well. That sword skill used by Kamito."

    "Yeah. Even though Kamito said he didn''t know her, and that it was simply coincidence that they both learned the same sword skill from Headmistress Greyworth."

    "Really? Since Kamito said so, then that''s probably the case."

    "...But somehow I keep feeling like he''s hiding something. About Ren Ashbell."

    ire frowned, deep in agonizing thought.

    If there was no rtion at all, Kamito''s attitude was far too suspicious.

    (...Come to think of it.)

    Suddenly, Fianna''s words surfaced in ire''s mind.

    --For example, Kamito-kun is Ren Ashbell or the like?

    (Impossible, right...)

    ire instantly shook her head.

    They simply used the same sword skill... That idea was really ludicrous.

    (Kamito is the one I idolize, that kind of thing--)

    But inexplicably... ire could not calm her thoughts.

    From early on, ire''s intuition had always been exceedingly sharp. Now the turmoil in her heart felt simr to that feeling. Or perhaps, at least in the area of intuition, ire had inherited the same disposition that her elder sister had as the Queen.

    Kamito had said -- I am not Ren Ashbell''s acquaintance.

    But reflecting on this deeper--

    (...He did not say he was not Ren Ashbell herself.)

    ire voiced out her sudden idea, but--

    "...What are you talking about?"

    Ellis shrugged in exasperation.

    "What, I''m just saying it''s possible, that''s all!"

    "How could it? Besides, three years ago, wasn''t Ren Ashbell a beautiful young maiden? Purely in terms of probability, I think it is more believable that the masked elementalist you mentioned from Team Inferno is the one."

    "That girl is definitely an imposter posing as Ren Ashbell. The true Ren Ashbell isn''t someone like her!"

    "Of course, I hope so too--"

    Ellis regretfully stopped talking. At this time, ire suddenly recalled a certain incident.

    "...! Speaking of which, I once witnessed Kamito''s cross-dressing look."

    "W-What!? Kamito has that kind of fetish!?"

    "Of course not. It was for the purpose of destroying the Brand of Darkness engraved by that Ren Ashbell when he and Fianna slipped into the Divine Ritual Institute. But because of that, I got to see Kamito who looked like a super cute girl in every way."

    "Hmm... W-Was he really that cute?"

    Ellis murmured, greatly interested.

    "One more thing. Ren Ashbell was fourteen years old when she won the de Dancest time. Calcting from that, Kamito''s age matches perfectly."

    "...!"

    Ellis gasped.

    "C-Could it be true, impossible..."

    "Yeah, of course, I''m only half convinced at this point..."

    Or rather, ire did not really believe in that possibility.

    However, Kamito''s attitude earlier was quite suspicious. This meant that the possibility was not zero.

    "...Should we confirm it?"

    Ellis spoke softly as if resolving herself.

    "How do we confirm it? If we ask him directly, he''ll surely change the subject."

    "I have an idea. Tonight I can discreetly test him while we''re on guard duty."

    "Can that really be done?"

    ire tilted her head with a skeptical expression. This straight and serious Captain of the Knights did not seem like she was skilled in that area at all.

    "Yes, leave it to me."

    Ignoring ire''s unease, Ellis nodded confidently.

    Part 4

    In the depths of the forest far away from Team Scarlet''s stronghold--

    A luxurious oriental shrine was built where the forest had been cleared.

    This was the camp of the Four Gods representing the Quina Empire.

    Currently, before the shrine, an imperial council was being held with the princess in the center.

    "--Well then, present your views."

    A solemn voice could be heard from behind the sheer curtains.

    This was the voice of the Quina Empire''s third princess andmander of the Four Gods, Her Highness Linfa Sin Quina.

    In front of the shrine, three girls stood ready, dressed in Quina style clothes.

    "I offer my counsel in trepidation, Linfa-sama."

    The one who stepped forward was a girl in green attire.

    Rao Rin -- the user of the divine beast spirit Azure Dragon.

    "May I boldly express dissent with regard to engaging Team Scarlet in battle at this point in time."

    "Why? Report your reasoning."

    "Granted, with Linfa-sama and thebined might of the Four Gods, annihting a nameless second-rate team is no difficult matter. However, after battling them, in our moment of exhaustion, if that Team Inferno led by the Strongest de Dancer were to attack--"

    "Hmm... Hakua, Shao, do you two agree with her?"

    "Since Rao says so, Hakua believes it is fine."

    "I only care about fighting strong opponents."

    Hakua of the ck Tortoise and Shao of the White Tiger responded respectively.

    "...You two''s answers really add nothing to the discussion."

    A sigh was hearding from behind the curtains. Rao continued persistently.

    "I humbly petition Linfa-sama to reconsider. Even though they are a team of little renown, Team Scarlet definitely should not be underestimated. Since we have already secured enough magic stones for advancing to the finals, there is not need to take unnecessary risks."

    "Hmm, but then..."

    The imperial princess seemed quite troubled.

    "Actually, the deration of war was already sent out."

    "What! W-Why did you do something so willful on your own! You must discuss with us before making such important decisions, how many times have I repeated that!?"

    "That is precisely why I did not discuss with you people."

    "Please discuss with us before deciding!"

    Rao was howling angrily, almost roaring... In such a state, there was no longer any reverence disyed towards the imperial princess.

    "Send out a messenger immediately to retract it! Now!"

    "No way! How could a deration of war be so easily retracted once sent out!?"

    "I-Indeed, even though that is true..."

    Shao patted the speechless Rao on the shoulder.

    "Oh well, don''t get so angry, okay? After all, whether Team Scarlet or Team Inferno, isn''t it fine so long as we ughter them all?"

    "How could it be that simple? Team Scarlet does indeed possess that male elementalist who was able to fight Leonora Lancaster to a draw. Even if we win, it will surely be a tough battle--"

    "Indeed, it is that male elementalist!"

    Suddenly, the imperial princess eximed.

    "...Linfa-sama?"

    "It is precisely for the mission of exterminating that atrocious immoral tyrant that I have issued the deration of war!"

    "The atrocious immoral tyrant?"

    "Hmm, you all should have heard rumors. That tyrant, Kazehaya Kamito, surrounded by pure and innocentdies of nobility, immersed in unspeakable acts of lechery!"

    "I-Indeed, such rumors have reached our ears..."

    Recalling those numerous and terrifying rumors, Rao''s shoulders shuddered.

    "That bestial king of lust not only forces cute girls to attend to him in bed, but alsopels them to be perversely attired in nakedness with only kneesocks."

    "...What a pervert!" "Truly a pervert."

    Shao and Hakua frowned.

    "Furthermore, during this current de Dance, unsatisfied with pushing down girls from enemy teams, he even strips them and v-v-vio.."

    "Vites them?"

    "H-Hakua, how could you say such a word before the princess!?"

    Rao cried out, her face all red.

    "I-In any case, such an indecent bestial king of lust must be exterminated as soon as possible. This is no longer an issue of magic stones!"

    "I-Indeed that is true..."

    "Oh well, but wait a minute, we haven''t heard Rion''s opinion yet?"

    Shao suddenly interrupted.

    Rion Sharma was thest member of the Four Gods, the user of the divine beast spirit, the Vermillion Bird.

    She was entrusted with the mission of scouting for Team Inferno''s stronghold.

    ...Although they had asked her to return before they held the current imperial council, she had yet to make her appearance.

    "Could she have failed in her mission?"

    "Unlike you, Rion is much more prudent. That cannot--"

    "--Your Highness'' trust in my unworthy self, fills me with trepidation."

    At this very moment, a voice of great rity could be heard from the forest, apanied by footsteps.

    "Oh Rion, what tardiness!"

    "What on earth have you been doing? Everyone is so worried about you."

    Appearing before their eyes was a red-haired girl dressed in crimson attire.

    The girl walked up to the shrine and knelt down on one knee before the curtain.

    "Rion Sharma, announcing her return thus."

    "Yes, thank you for your efforts. Hurry and report on the movements of Team Inferno, okay?"

    "Yes, Ren Ashbell and the rest seemed to have already gathered sufficient numbers of magic stones and are not venturing out of their stronghold. They are probably setting aside their prepared military spirit in wait for the finals. If we want to attack Team Scarlet, now should be a perfect opportunity."

    "In other words, we have nothing to fear. --Thus it is decided, we of the Four Gods shall exterminate the atrocious immoral bestial king of lust, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    With the shout of orders from the imperial princess Linfa, the girls of the Four Gods nodded in unison.

    Only one person--

    No one noticed, but disyed on the lips of Rion Sharma as she continued keeping her head bowed was a smile of mockery.

 Volume 7, 3 - Ellisâ€™ Questioning

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 3 - Ellis'' Questioning</h4>

    Part 1

    --On the fourth day of the de Dance, norge scale battles urred.

    In order to prepare for the impending battle against the Four Gods the next day, Kamito and his group chose to solidify their defenses at their stronghold.

    Even though there were isted battles in the surroundings of the stronghold, the enemies were easily repelled by the Raven ssbo of ire and Rinslet who were sent out to scout.

    That night after dinner, the team gathered for a discussion about their formation for the de dance the next day.

    In particr, Kamito alone was taking the role of attack as the vanguard. Support was assigned to Ellis and ire in the middle guard. The rear guard consisted of Fianna in charge of support and Rinslet to protect her while performing sniper''s duties.

    Due to the midday conversation, Kamito was a bit concerned about Fianna but her attitude was not significantly different from usual. Let alone Kamito, she definitely had no wish of letting the other girls know about her sense of inferiority.

    After the meeting, Fianna once again disappeared by herself, iming to repair the barrier.

    "...Fianna, I can understand your anxiety, but please be careful not to force yourself too much."

    Hearing Kamito''s words, Fianna answered:

    "Don''t worry. I will do my best for the battle tomorrow."

    She smiled and nodded.

    --Thente night arrived.

    In ordance with the shift schedule, Kamito and Ellis began their night patrol.

    Although the chances of enemy spirits attacking the stronghold directly were exceedingly low, they were not zero. Even if simply for the sake of containment, it was necessary to be on guard.

    The pair lit firewood at the edge of the forest as they watched for suspicious signs.

    "...No one is attacking. Otherwise, we could eliminate them directly."

    The fire crackled.

    Ellis sat with one knee up while looking up at Ray Hawk''s spear tip as she spoke.

    "Probably because Fianna''s raised barrier is exceptionally powerful, so it''s difficult to breach and invade."

    Sitting opposite to her, Kamito agreed as he subtly averted his gaze.

    This was because Ellis'' raised knee had lifted her skirt, giving a tantalizing view of whaty beneath. Due to the fact that Ellis was simply in a posture for springing into immediate action, Kamito did not bother with unnecessaryments since it would only make her angry.

    "But by the way, it feels like battles between teams this time are not urring very often."

    "...Ah yes, indeed, this Tempest is slightly atypical."

    "How so?"

    Ellis tilted her head with a nk expression.

    "Too many teams were eliminated in the beginning. Like Mi''s Rupture Division and our own Academy''s Team Wyvern. In addition to these two, quite a few other teams have also been annihted. Simply within this brief period of three days, and especially by one team."

    Kamito raised a finger as he spoke.

    "Hearing those rumors, other teams must be trying to take precautions against Team Inferno and chose to secure their strongholds instead. And the more simple reason is because the number of elementalists remaining in the grounds are fewer. Even though some teams have not beenpletely annihted, there should be many cases of eliminated members."

    "...Hmm, I see."

    Ellis disyed an expression as if she only half understood.

    (But not just that...)

    Kamito secretly added in his mind.

    (...The current de Dance is also a bit strange.)

    For example, there was the existence of Nepenthes Lore.

    That monster was not an elementalist -- Rather, it couldn''t even be counted as human.

    That sort of abnormal existence was not supposed to qualify topete in the de Dance.

    (...And speaking of abnormal, there''s also Restia.)

    Regardless of the actual truth, since her spirit contract with Kamito had not been rescinded, she was still supposed to be Kamito''s contracted spirit. As for how she was registered as a member of Team Inferno, Kamito still held doubts.

    Just as Kamito fell into deep thought--

    Sitting opposite him, Ellis suddenly shivered.

    "What''s the matter, are you cold?"

    "...Yes, the fire seems to have died down a bit."

    Even though Areishia Academy''s uniforms were imbued with anti-cold magic, Ragna Ys at night was still quite chilly. Simply the heat from a campfire was not enough to keep warm.

    "Ellis, can''t you use your wind type magic to shelter this ce?"

    "I-I suppose I could, if it had to be done..."

    Ellis nodded but her answer seemed quite ambiguous.

    Somehow Kamito felt that a barrier for sheltering two people should bepletely effortless for her--

    "Anyway, besides that, Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    Ellis coughed dryly to clear her throat.

    ...Her face went red inexplicably.

    "Umm, may I sit beside you?"

    "Eh?"

    "S-So long as we lean close together, th-then wouldn''t we stay warm!?"

    "Well, that''s what people say..."

    While Kamito was still hesitating, Ellis rapidly went around the fire and drew near to sit down at a delicate distance from him, with their shoulders so close they could very well be touching.

    This time her knees were drawn up while her shins nted outwards. A more girlish manner of sitting.

    Clutching her skirt tensely, she lowered her gaze to the ground.

    "..."

    Maintaining this posture, Ellis stared nkly for a few seconds.

    "Umm, what''s up? For you to suddenly act like this..."

    "Ah... Umm, w-would sitting beside you cause you trouble?"

    Ellis frantically spoke.

    Blushing intensely, she was awkwardly squeezing the hem of her skirt.

    "How could that possibly be true? Don''t suddenly get so formal and distant."

    "Uwah!"

    Seeing Kamito lean closer on his own ord, Ellis screamed adorably.

    Before the campfire, the two leaned tightly together, shoulder against shoulder.

    ...I see, this does feel quite warm.

    "Haah, fu..."

    ...Although Kamito was beginning to feel overly conscious of Ellis'' breathing sounds.

    "What''s the matter, Ellis? Did you get a fever?"

    "I-I''m fine, but I am still feeling a bit cold. If we bring ourselves closer together, I think I''ll probably be warm enough!"

    Ellis shook her head and pressed her shoulder even closer.

    "W-Wait a minute! If you get any closer, it''ll be bad!"

    Kamito frantically tried to pull back his distance.

    If this continued, let alone her shoulder, even Ellis'' soft and gentle bosom was going to touch Kamito''s arm.

    "N-No, don''t mind other things, there is simply no better way to keep the cold away!"

    "No, how could I possibly not mind!?"

    Just as that soft sensation of her bosom was making Kamito blush and his heart race...

    A small cluster of mes jumped out from the thicket beside them with a pop.

    "...W-What?"

    Kamito gazed intently at the small cluster of mes suddenly appearing before his eyes.

    It was a small lizard with its tail on fire.

    A low level me spirit.

    "Oh, it''s a smander. How fortunate. This will strengthen the fire a bit."

    Kamito pinched the smander by its tail and ced it on the campfire.

    Immediately, the campfire grew stronger.

    "S-See, this way we can stay warm without getting too close together."

    "...Sniff, this spirit appeared at a very wrong time."

    Ellis seemed to be on the verge of tears as she red at the smander on the campfire.

    "What did you say?"

    "Nothing!"

    She angrily turned her face away.

    ...We finally get warmed up, but for some reason her mood suddenly soured.

    "..."

    "..."

    For a brief while, the two remained silent--

    "Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    Ellis was the first to break the silence.

    Taking out a pen and notebook from the breast of her uniform, she stared intently at Kamito''s face.

    "...Are you taking notes of some kind?"

    Kamito frowned in puzzlement.

    Ellis coughed lightly and spoke.

    "Kamito, starting now, I will ask you a few questions. I hope you can answer honestly."

    "...? Uh sure..."

    Although Kamito could not tell what Ellis'' intentions were, he could see from her eyes that she was serious.

    Kamito nodded and nervously held his breath.

    "So, first question, Kamito, you--"

    Ellis'' brown eyes shed sharply.

    "D-Do you like soft and fluffy cotton candy?"

    "......Huh?"

    Kamito could not help but exim,pletely stupefied.

    "W-What the heck, what kind of question is that?"

    "I-It''s important, please answer."

    Nevertheless, Ellis remained exceptionally serious as always.

    Completely lost, Kamito had no choice but to answer.

    "...Oh well, I don''t dislike it, but I''m not particrly crazy about it either."

    Kamito did not have special preferences in food, but speaking of cotton candy, that felt more like food meant for girls.

    "I-I see..."

    Ellis breathed a sigh of relief for some reason and recorded something in her notebook.

    "...What are you writing down?"

    "Well, next question--"

    Ignoring Kamito''s question, Ellis looked up from her notebook.

    "W-When taking a bath, which part of the body do you start washing first?"

    "...W-Why are you asking these kinds of questions!?"

    "It''s important!...Or are you implying you have something to hide?"

    Ellis stared dead straight at Kamito.

    ...No no, I havepletely no idea what she''s suspicious about.

    "Not really like that... Oh well, normally I start with the arms."

    "The arms... I see..."

    Ellis nodded as if she figured out something then made a note in her book.

    (...W-What is going on here!?)

    Simr questions were asked one after another in this manner--

    "W-Well then, herees thest question."

    "...Finally thest one eh."

    Kamito sighed with exhaustion.

    "Umm, you..."

    With an embarrassed expression, Ellis gazed into Kamito''s face.

    With a barely audible voice, she said:

    "...Do you like girls with huge busts?"

    "Eh?"

    --A question of that sort.

    "C-Conversely, do you hate girls with huge busts...?"

    "W-Why do you have to ask that..."

    "D-Don''t make me spell it out, you jerk..."

    Ellis bit down hard on her cherry-colored lips.

    Supporting herself with both hands on the ground, she slowly drew her face near.

    "...E-Ellis!?"

    "T-Then answer me..."

    Kamito could catch a glimpse of her cleavage down the front of her uniform. Her slender neck showed faint signs of sweat.

    A uniquely feminine fragrance was beginning to make Kamito''s consciousness hazy--

    --At this very moment.

    "Hot, that burns!"

    Suddenly, a small spark jumped out from the campfire.

    "Hey, are you trying to take advantage of the situation? Do you want to be turned into charcoal!?"

    "...!?"

    From somewhere came a familiar line... ire''s voice.

    Kamito looked around but could not find any signs of ire.

    No--

    "...Seriously, you were the one who imed you could test him discreetly. That''s why I entrusted the task to you."

    The source of ire''s voice was the smander in the campfire.

    "ire, w-were you actually watching all this time from just now!?"

    Ellis yelled out with her face all red.

    "...What is going on?"

    Kamito asked the smander in the campfire.

    "This smander is my familiar. I have currently synchronized my senses with it, in order to keep surveince to see if you two are doing anything indecent."

    "As if anyone was going to do something like that!"

    "...Hmph, who knows?"

    The smander coldly red at the two.

    "Y-Yes that''s right! I-I definitely wasn''t thinking of anything perverted..."

    Ellis twiddled her fingers awkwardly as she spoke, but for some reason, her gaze was cast towards somewhere in the distance.

    Part 2

    "Thou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!"

    In a little space within the forest, an intense storm was raging.

    "By the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding!"

    From adorable lips, words for releasing a spirit were being chanted.

    As her gorgeous ck hair fluttered in the wind, the spirit seal carved upon her chest shone with dazzling brilliance.

    --In the next instant, apanied by a sh of pure light, an armored knight was summoned out of empty space.

    The heavy silver armor shone and glittered beneath the moonlight streaming in from between the branches.

    This was Georgios -- a high ranking knight spirit who served the Ordesia imperial family over the generations.

    Fianna caressed the cold armor with her hand as she looked up with an impatient expression at the knight before her.

    "Please, Georgios. Be my strength--!"

    Closing both eyes, Fianna once again chanted a spiritnguage incantation.

    "Thou shalt be my sword, thou shalt be my shield, with unlimited towering light, purify and exorcise those belonging to darkness--"

    Intense light was emitted from all over the knight spirit as an intense cyclone swept the surroundings.

    A formidable spirit''s power was being released and raised to a level on the verge of explosion.

    "Ooh..."

    Fianna was actually hiding one more fact from Kamito.

    Her training here was not simply in swordsmanship.

    She was also secretly trying to use an elemental waffe.

    "...Ah...Ooh..."

    Due to the intense searing pain, Fianna screamed hoarsely from the depths of her throat.

    Unable to control the exploding spirit power, she was currently suffering from the bacsh of the reversed flow of divine power.

    "...I beg you, please listen to me!"

    Being able to use elemental waffen freely was the precondition for an elementalist to disy their true worth.

    Nevertheless, elementalists capable of releasing their contracted spirit as elemental waffe were few in number.

    Even though ire and the others seemed to do it effortlessly, in actual fact it was a skill requiring long years of high level training in addition to inborn talent. Of course, as a former Queen candidate, Fianna''s aptitude was outstanding. However, even for her, this was not something that could be achieved overnight.

    (Although I realize this is quite reckless, still, I--!)

    "--want to fight alongside Kamito-kun!"

    As if responding to Fianna''s calls--

    The knight spirit''s body turned into particles of light and vanished into the air.

    (Very good, just a little further...!)

    In her mind she imagined a sword that could cut through all creation.

    The sword she witnessed the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, use three years ago.

    Clutched in her hand, her imagination materialized and gathered--

    However, just beforepletion...

    "...Yah!"

    The condensed light exploded and the invisible force sent Fianna flying.

    Her body fell hard onto the ground.

    Due to the failed releasing of the elemental waffe as well as the impact of the reversed flow of divine power.

    "...Oooh... W-Why..."

    Her shoulders trembling slightly, Fianna clutched at the soil on the ground.

    --In the end, even with assistance from the magic circle, she did not seed in manifesting the elemental waffe.

    "...Why doesn''t it work!?"

    ...I want to be stronger so badly.

    Clearly, I have no wish of staying as a princess to be protected.

    "I still... Haven''t given up yet, let''s do this once again--"

    Biting hard on her lip, Fianna supported herself with one knee against the ground and stood up.

 Volume 7, 4 - The Approaching Snake

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 4 - The Approaching Snake</h4>

    Part 1

    At dawn, Kamito began preparing to set off after a brief nap.

    Using a wooden stick in ce of a sword, he swung it around to rx his tense and stiff muscles. Then Kamito walked to the za for breakfast.

    On this fifth day of the de Dance, the showdown against the Four Godsy ahead.

    Although the opposing team was renowned for their strength, Team Scarlet had also developed teamwork through numerous intense battles against formidable foes. The Four Gods were not impossible to defeat.

    At the za, the youngdies had already begun preparing breakfast.

    "--You have greatly disappointed me. ''Test him discreetly.'' Pish posh."

    "What are you talking about? My manner of investigation was not wrong!"

    "...?"

    Kamito suddenly halted his steps.

    ire and Ellis appeared to be having some kind of dispute.

    (...Could it be aboutst night?)

    Kamito quietly hid himself in the shadows amongst the trees and listened intently.

    He was greatly intrigued by why Ellis was asking those questionsst night.

    "...Seriously. To think I went as far as to suspect Kamito as Ren Ashbell. Utterly ridiculous. Kamito is innocent, I''m sure of it."

    "H-How can you be so sure!?"

    "You''ll understand as soon as you read this."

    Saying that, Ellis took out from her breast pocket the notebook from yesterday.

    "What does this exin?"

    "Ren Ashbell''s favorite food is soft and fluffy cotton candy. When she bathes, she washes her abdomen first. Kamito''s answers arepletely different."

    "...Huh?"

    ire frowned in astonishment.

    (...W-What is going on, this ispletely iprehensible!?)

    Hidden in the shadows, Kamito could not help but ridicule the situation in his mind.

    "What is that? How would you know what Ren Ashbell''s favorite food is?"

    ire stared hard at Ellis who crossed her arms with full confidence and exined:

    "Any fan who worships her would know this of course. Back then, the magazines had many articles about her and I cut them all out and collected them."

    "I-I can''t believe you..."

    ire sighed with exasperation.

    "Those kinds of reports are surely made up casually. Besides, that question about busts has nothing to do with Ren Ashbell at all!"

    "Hmm, umm..."

    "You two stop ying around. Hurry and help prepare breakfast!"

    Due to the interference of Rinslet''s scolding, the two girls'' conversation was cut short.

    (...I see, so that''s what those weird questionsst night were about.)

    Hiding in the shadows amongst the trees, Kamito felt cold sweat dripping down his cheek.

    Ellis'' questions were based on the profile of the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    ...Speaking of which, three years ago, the day before the finals, reporters from every country were swarming Ren Ashbell, hoping for an interview.

    Even in female attire, Kamito could not disguise his voice. Hence, when faced with the reporters'' questions, he simply responded briefly with "yes" or "no" answers. Thanks to that, many ridiculous rumors began to spread from those interviews--

    (...However, that''s not the issue.)

    The troublesome thing was that ire and the girls were beginning to suspect Kamito''s true identity.

    Even though they seemed like they were only at the stage of spection, however--

    "Kamito-kun, what''s the matter?"

    "Uwah!"

    As a cheerful voice spoke to him from behind, Kamito yelled out in surprise.

    "Come on, this isn''t something worth getting frightened over."

    Turning around, Kamito found the mischievous imperial princess showing a hurt expression.

    "S-Sorry... The situation has be somewhat of a mess."

    "What''s the matter?"

    "It seems like they''re suspecting me of being the Ren Ashbell of three years ago."

    Kamito groaned as he crouched on the ground, clutching his head.

    "They only seem to be half in doubt, but I fear I''m in trouble if they keep probing further."

    "Why don''t you juste clean with it all?"

    "I don''t want to ruin their dreams... Besides, I feel like my rtionship with them would also be a bit weird."

    "...Indeed that''s true. I also want to keep this an exclusive secret just between the two of us."

    Fianna smiled lightly.

    "Oh well, I''m sure there won''t be a problem so long as there are no more slip ups. Besides, Kamito-kun being Ren Ashbell ispletely unbelievable from an ordinary person''s point of view. I think ire and the rest are just letting their imaginations run wild frivolously."

    "I really hope you''re right..."

    Just as Kamito was sighing deeply--

    He suddenly noticed.

    "...Fianna, what happened to your arm?"

    Her usually smooth skin was covered with numerous wounds.

    "...Oh, this was, umm, caused by sword training with Georgios yesterday. Don''t worry, I''m fine. I''ve already cast healing magic so it will recover soon."

    Smiling wryly, Fianna shook her head.

    "Didn''t I already tell you not to force yourself?"

    "...Yeah, sorry."

    She bowed her head apologetically.

    Seeing the usuallyposed imperial princess show such an expression, Kamito felt ufortable.

    (...Really, Fianna seems quite anxious.)

    Yesterday, she had revealed her worries over whether she was a burden to the team.

    Hence, she wanted to be stronger even if it meant pushing herself excessively.

    (...But strength obtained in such a manner easily copses.)

    Kamito ced his hand on Fianna''s head.

    "...Uwah, w-what are you doing?"

    "Fianna, I trust you. Do your best."

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Fianna''s dusk-colored eyes wavered subtly.

    Faced with her uncharacteristically transient expression, Kamito could not help but feel in his heart--

    "...Who''s there!?"

    Fianna suddenly cried out sharply.

    She instantly left Kamito''s side and stared into the depths of the thicket warily.

    "Fianna, what''s the matter?"

    "...An ominous presence. Thises from my instincts as a princess maiden."

    "Ominous presence--?"

    Kamito frowned as he followed her gaze.

    --Entering his view was a little snake colored a vivid shade of green, watching them with its widened red eyes.

    "...Snake? No, that''s--"

    "Yeah, an elementalist''s familiar--"

    Just as Fianna whispered softly--

    "As expected of the renowned Lost Queen. Even a familiar''s presence was detected."

    "...!?"

    The snake spoke with an exceptionally sweet girlish voice.

    Kamito instantly drew his short sword from his waist and positioned Fianna behind him.

    "...Who is it?"

    "Fufu, this is the first time for us to converse in this manner."

    The snake''sughter was terrifying. Its tongue flicked out as it lifted its body.

    "The demon caster of the Alphas Theocracy, ring any bells?"

    "Demon caster... Are you Sjora Kahn!?"

    Fianna cried out sharply while Kamito stared with his eyes widened with surprise.

    Sjora Kahn -- the second-inmand of Team Inferno.

    "I never thought a mere familiar could possibly get through...!"

    Fianna bit her lip tightly in dismay.

    "In terms of strength, your barrier is quite well done. But thanks to the massive holes opened up by that darkness spirit and Nepenthes Lore, well, hehe."

    The snake smiled as it repeatedly licked Fianna''s body with its leering gaze.

    Under that seemingly poisonous gaze, Fianna was trembling slightly in her shoulders as she stood behind Kamito.

    "...Fufu, I knew it. The Darkness Queen is more fitting for you."

    "...What?"

    Just as Kamito frowned in puzzlement over the term--

    "Take care then, sessor to the Demon King. We shall meet again."

    The snake swiftly disappeared into the depths of the thicket.

    "Wait--!"

    "Chasing it would be pointless. It''s just a familiar."

    Fianna stopped Kamito as he was about to give chase.

    ...Indeed, even if it was caught, it was inconsequential.

    "Looks like it was spying on us. I''m sorry, this is all because my barrier wasn''t perfect enough."

    "This isn''t your fault, Fianna."

    Kamito shrugged.

    Hearing the two of them, ire and the girls approached at this time.

    "Kamito, what are you doing in this kind of ce?"

    "Uh, no..."

    ...I''m dead meat if they found out I was eavesdropping just now.

    Just as Kamito racked his brains for an excuse--

    "Fufu, what a shame that we were discovered, Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna embraced Kamito''s arm tightly.

    "Hey, Fianna!?"

    "Wha...! W-What are you doing!?"

    "W-What is the meaning of this, Kamito!?"

    "What were you doing with Fianna!?"

    "Fufu, perverted things, of course?"

    With a victorious expression, Fianna smiled.

    " " "...~!" " "

    The three youngdies red tearfully at Kamito.

    (Sigh, can we really beat the Four Gods like this...?)

    Kamito sighed deeply in his mind.

    Part 2

    After the littlemotion this morning--

    Team Scarlet finished a light breakfast and set off. The matter of the demon caster''s spying in the stronghold was already mentioned during the meal.

    "...Sjora Kahn eh. Although it''s a bit concerning, we should focus our attention on the showdown against the Four Gods instead. If it''s simple spying, other teams did it too."

    Put it aside for now and don''t be too concerned -- That was ire''s opinion.

    Kamito had expressed agreement, but--

    (...Was it really simple spying?)

    Trudging over the soft soil as they made their way, Kamito supported his chin with his hand as he immersed himself in deep thought.

    ...For some reason, there''s an unpleasant premonition.

    The mention of the Darkness Queen lingered in his mind, causing great unease.

    Although he had no impression of ever hearing something like that before -- for some unknown reason, his heart was greatly unsettled.

    "Kamito, you''re walking too fast."

    "...Ah, sorry about that."

    Stuck in his thoughts, Kamito had carelessly forgotten to pace himself to amodate Est.

    Holding his hand, Est had been following closely behind Kamito all along. Skipping as she walked, she looked absolutely adorable.

    "...I''m so jealous of Est."

    "W-Why, why does Kamito dote on Est so much..."

    "Truly, Kamito-kun has ascended to the throne of the Demon King of the Daytime."

    Kamito could feel the cold and stabbing res of the youngdies walking together with him.

    "Kamito, giving Est special treatment is too unfair -- No wait, this is a battlefield! H-Holding hands like that, you can''t immediately react if there''s a sudden attack!"

    "Well, even though that might be true..."

    Having no intention of letting Kamito''s hand go, Est held even tighter.

    ...Apparently, she had no intention of taking sword form.

    "I can''t stand this, what the heck..."

    ire pouted unhappily.

    --In that instant.

    "We have been waiting for you, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    A girl''s voice was heard in the quiet forest.

    "...Formation!"

    With ire''s orders, the entire team entered a defensive formation.

    Kamito immediately performed a releasing chant. As Est''s figure disappeared into particles of light in the air, a dazzling silver-white sword, Terminus Est, appeared in Kamito''s hand the next instant.

    On the far end of the wide road extending through the forest--

    Were four girls dressed in vividly colorful oriental formal attire.

    "--Be careful. They are the Four Gods."

    ire readied metongue as she spoke.

    They were quite striking beauties in all regards. Due to the fact that spirits mostly preferred beautiful maidens, having good looks could be considered part of an elementalist''s requirements. However, the four standing before them emanated an exotic foreign aura of attractiveness that differedpletely from the high-ss youngdies at the Academy.

    Their form-fitting formal dresses emphasized their supple bodies and each was embroidered with designs representing their respective divine beast.

    The skirt portion of the formal dresses all featured daringly high slits, allowing their seductive thighs to sh in and out of view alluringly as they walked.

    "Seriously, Kamito, where exactly are you looking?"

    "Eh?"

    "Your gaze ispletely focused on those girls'' thighs!"

    ire cast her icy cold gaze at Kamito.

    "D-Damn it, you''re utterly shameless!"

    "Truly unbelievable, Kamito, you...!"

    "Say, do you really like that kind of dress, Kamito-kun?"

    "No, that''s not it..."

    Kamito frantically shook his head.

    Ignoring Kamito and his groups'' antics, the girls of the Four Gods approached.

    "Making your acquaintance for the first time, I am Rao of the Azure Dragon."

    "I am Hakua of the ck Tortoise."

    Their ck hair styled in buns, the two girls bowed together towards Kamito and his group.

    Looking extremely alike, they were most probably sisters.

    "Fufu, I am Rion of the Vermilion Bird."

    "--Shao of the White Tiger. Please treat me well."

    Thest to introduce herself was an energetic white-haired beauty.

    Her azure eyes disyed a gaze of savagery akin to wild beasts.

    (She is the strongest elementalist amongst the Four Gods...)

    Despite her short stature, her entire body gave off a terrifying aura ofbat.

    Clearly this was not an opponent he could defeat by concealing his true power.

    (But I really want to avoid letting others witness the sword skills I used during my Ren Ashbell era...)

    Kamito eyed ire and the girls behind him.

    If he focused entirely on the de dance, he might possibly use his past sword style naturally.

    --Making a grand appearance was a girl in ritual attire.

    Because she was quite short, she had been blocked from view by the Four Gods until now.

    "I am the Quina Empire''s third princess -- Linfa Sin Quina!"

    The girl ran forward and announced with her chest swelled out in pride.

    (...Is that girl themander of the Four Gods?)

    It was clear from her ritual attire that she was not an elementalist who fought on the frontlines. Most likely, she was someone who performed ritual dancing like Fianna--

    (Speaking of which...)

    Kamito stared intently at the imperial princess Linfa''s petite body--

    (...Her age should be greater than Mi Bassett, right?)

    This was what Kamito originally thought.

    The youngest participant this time was undoubtedly Mi Bassett.

    ...But no matter how one looked, this child felt even younger than her.

    "Umm, may I ask a question--"

    "Speak, bestial king of lust!"

    "How old are you currently?"

    "Hmm..."

    Instantly, Linfa replied with a wary expression--

    "A-Are you trying to make this princess one of your conquests!?"

    "No, sorry, I have no interest in winning the hearts of children."

    Kamito shrugged and waved his hand.

    "I-I am not a child, I''m already sixteen!"

    "Eh? Are you kidding? I can''t believe we''re the same age...!"

    "Of course it''s true! Y-y-you, y-you insolent fellow!"

    Linfa angrily pointed her finger at Kamito as she yelled tearfully.

    "Damn you, Kazehaya Kamito! A-Absolutely unforgivable! My loyal Four Gods, this inhuman bestial king of lust must be drawn and quartered instantly!"

    Answering to Linfa''s orders, the girls of the Four Gods summoned their respective elemental waffen.

    "Somehow I seemed to have made her angry...?"

    "Idiot, who asked you to poke at someone''s sore spot! Pay attention, we''re up!"

    Kamito wielded the Demon yer with both hands and leaped forward.

    --Thus the de dance began.

 Volume 7, 5 - Four Gods

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 5 - Four Gods</h4>

    Part 1

    At Linfa''smand, the Four Gods dispersed.

    Charging forward from the front was their ace, Shao Fu. Her arms were equipped with tiger-styled gauntlets as her elemental waffe. She was apparently a closebat type elementalist.

    "ire, leave the vanguard to me."

    "Understood. I will guard the back securely together with Ellis."

    Hearing ire''s response, Kamito took a step.

    Wielded in his hands, Terminus Est''s de emanated faint light rather than the usual dazzling silver-white brilliance. In order to extendbat duration, Kamito suppressed Est''s power output.

    Although this decreased the power of the elemental waffe greatly, this also lessened Est''s burden and would also suppress the demon sword''s curse to some extent.

    "Haha, a one on one duel eh? How exciting!"

    Shao grinned savagely as she rested her gauntlet-wearing fists against her waist.

    "The Four Gods''s strongest elementalist -- Shao Fu of the White Tiger, here Ie!"

    Kamito''s sword engaged Shao''s fists.

    The elemental waffen yed a symphony of dissonant tones as the sh of weapons shook the atmosphere.

    "...She can even block Est''s attacks!?"

    "Don''t underestimate me. This elemental waffe, the Divine Tiger Fangs, is a pair of gauntletsbining offense and defense into one."

    Shao suddenly lowered her stance and released a godly swift strike.

    (So fast...!)

    Kamito rapidly reacted to defend -- However, the gauntlet''s emblem roared as if it were a real live tiger and bit down on Kamito''s arm.

    Feeling intense pain in his arm, Kamito suppressed a scream as he tried to shake off the tiger''s fangs.

    But having caught the prey in its jaws, the tiger''s teeth tore through Kamito''s muscles and apparently reached deep into his bones.

    Using this opportunity, Rao, Hakua and Rion suddenly broke through.

    (Crap...)

    Kamito was nning to engage at least two enemies, but now three of them had broke past him.

    Clicking his tongue, he swapped the Demon yer to his other hand.

    After all, he was used to wielding with either hand. There was no difference to him.

    In this manner, Kamito forcefully shook off the gauntlet that was biting him.

    The teeth of the Divine Tiger Fangs loosened their grip. Shao jumped away with morous steps and readied her fists once more to begin a new flurry of rapid punches.

    Even though Kamito immediately defended with his sword, he was unable to withstand the impacts fully and was easily blown away.

    "There''s more to this!"

    Shao''s petite figure suddenly vanished. In the next instant, she had already closed the distance and was unleashing her punches with godlike speed. As Kamito used his sword to deflect the Divine Tiger Fangs''s sharp teeth, intense sparks flew and scattered between them.

    Through ever-changing freely flowing movements, Shao did not give Kamito any opportunity to strike back.

    (...This girl, she''s using the Fist of Assassination!)

    Combining a powerful elemental waffe with well-trained physical techniques, she unleashed yet another raging wave of attacks. Furthermore, each strike was heavy and powerful. If any hit were tond on a critical point, it would surely result in a fatal injury.

    Kamito continued to dodge the continuous series of punches, but--

    "Cough...!"

    Intense pain suddenly flooded his entire body.

    (What''s... Happening...!?)

    All this time, Kamito had been able to dodge Shao''s quick session of attacks with the slimmest of margins.

    He should not have suffered a critical hit yet--

    "The Fist of Assassination -- The Tiger''s Killing Howl. It damages internal organs through invisible shockwaves."

    Shao''s azure eyes glowed sharply. They were like the eyes of a wild beast that had caught its prey.

    "I see..."

    Kamito wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and smiled.

    "...Looks like I must show off my real skills."

    "Don''t force yourself. Given the condition of that arm, you won''t be able to wield a sword properly--"

    In that instant, her words were interrupted by a burst of intense sword pressure.

    This sword pressure was produced by Kamito swinging the Demon yer with one arm.

    "--One arm is enough."

    Part 2

    ire and Ellis blocked the three iing elementalists.

    Rao of the Azure Dragon wielded an azure dragon de. Hakua of the ck Tortoise had a shield. On the other hand, Rion of the Vermilion Bird used a club. The three readied the elemental waffen manifested from their respective divine beast spirit.

    "Excuse me, but you are not allowed to take a further step forward!"

    Yelling out, ire swung metongue.

    Fianna''s ritual kagura dance was not yetplete. Until Kamito could hurry here to reinforce them, ire and Ellis had to guard this location with their lives.

    Rao of the Azure Dragon sprang into action and charged with the azure dragon de horizontally. Seeing that, Ellis wielded Ray Hawk to intercept and blocked the swung azure dragon de with her spear.

    Demonic wind gathered and rumbled at the tip of her spear.

    "--Evil winds, go and rampage!"

    As Rao swiftly retreated, Ellis released des of wind towards her.

    Innumerable des sliced apart the ground. However, just as the wind des were about to strike their target--

    Wielding the shield of the ck Tortoise, Hakua rushed over. Instantly deflected, the wind des dissipated without trace. That was most likely a defense oriented spirit with the earth attribute, hence a half-baked attack was not going to seed.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    From the rear guard, Rinslet fired numerous freezing arrows.

    --However, this time it was Rao''s turn to stand before Hakua, sweeping all of the freezing arrows aways.

    As expected of the highly renowned Four Gods. Their teamwork and coordination were on apletely different level.

    "O mes, capture my enemies -- me Chain!"

    ire swung metongue to entangle the cutting edge of the azure dragon de.

    She intended to immobilize the enemy''s weapon in this manner.

    "Foolish, water with its ever-changing multitude of forms can never be imprisoned!"

    The de of water vanished for an instant. Then turning the hilt of the azure dragon de, Rao regenerated a new de.

    "Now it''s my turn, Onee-chan!"

    Aiming for the opening when ire was withdrawing her ming whip, Hakua rushed forward with her shield.

    Rather than for defending -- this time she was using the shield as a close quarterbat weapon.

    "O Earth, may thy roars resound -- Earth st!"

    Crying out, Hakua struck the ground with her elemental waffe, the shield.

    Earth attribute spirit magic instantly activated. The ground swelled up, scattering dust clouds. Rather than for causing direct damage, this was an attack aiming to disrupt enemy vision.

    "Take this, scorching--"

    "Toote."

    Just as ire tried to release a fireball preemptively, Hakua''s figure appeared before her.

    Instantly charging into her face, Hakua unleashed a punch that exploded in ire''s chest.

    "Guh, ahhh...!"

    The heavy blow instantly rendered ire''s consciousness hazy. Like Shao, Hakua was also a practitioner of the Fist of Assassination.

    With ire blown away by the impact, Hakua rushed forward for a follow up attack -- However, Rinslet''s freezing arrows halted her advance.

    Probably because it was troublesome to handle demonic ice which was able to freeze the shield, Hakua chose to escape instead of defending. Using this opening, ire readied her stance once more to use metongue to hinder enemy movements.

    "Too naive, Miss Hell Cat."

    "...!?"

    Rion of the Vermilion Bird wielded a crimson club as she charged through the openings in the trajectory of the brandished metongue.

    Turning her elemental waffe, the club, with one hand, she entangled the fiery metongue.

    "I can''t believe she''s absorbing Scarlet''s mes...!?"

    "Hmph, my divine beast spirit Vermilion Bird is indeed a me spirit servant!"

    The crimson club left Rion''s hands and transformed into a ming demonic bird.

    Having absorbed Scarlet''s mes, the gigantic demonic bird spread its wings in the air.

    "Ooh, as expected of a renowned divine beast spirit..."

    "Even their cooperation far surpasses us."

    The three members of the Four Gods naturally surrounded ire and Ellis who were now standing back to back.

    The situation was overwhelmingly unfavorable to ire''s team. While ire and Ellis were being dominated by their opponents'' teamwork, Kamito who was in charge of attack was also tied up with Shao Fu. Even though Linfa did not seem like the type who fought on the frontlines, users of ritual magic often had contracts with powerful spirits. This meant leaving her alone could prove to be quite dangerous.

    (Fianna, we''re relying on you...)

    ire momentarily turned her gaze towards Fianna who was performing a dance in the back.

    Part 3

    "--Spirits who inhabit the vastnd, please respond to my summons."

    Behind the battlefield that was filled with the noise of shing weapons, Fianna was currently dancing to perform ritual kagura.

    As befitted the princess maiden who was once a Queen candidate, her dancing was magnificent and beautifully flowing without any hesitation or interruption.

    From her lips came the chanting of spiritnguage to make offerings to the spirits of thend.

    "--I am the one who prays for ye protection. I am the one who praises ye power."

    Her magnificent dance resembled that of a dancing princess on the battlefield.

    However, in contrast to her graceful dancing, Fianna''s heart was filled with turmoil.

    (I must hurry... If I don''t hurry and finish the ritual...)

    Rtively far away from her current location, Kamito and Shao Fu were engaged in an intense battle of shing weapons.

    (...No, I must focus my attention to performing the dance here!)

    Suppressing the screams in her heart, Fianna made an offering through her dance performance.

    Not only Kamito. Her teammates were also fighting desperately.

    As the sound of shing weapons reached her ears, they were transformed into anxiety throughout her body.

    (What I can do is only this dance performance...!)

    At this moment, Fianna''s body suddenly felt lighter.

    Her offering of ritual dancing had caused the spirits of thend to respond.

    (...Sess!)

    Beneath her graceful footsteps, a glowing magic circle was being drawn.

    This was a ritual dance performance for obtaining thend''s blessing for the dancer''srades.

    "The Fourth Variation of Ritual Kagura -- Oratorio!"

    Part 4

    --ng!

    Kamito''s Demon yer and Shao Fu''s Divine Tiger Fangs shed intensely with an explosion of sparks.

    Every time Kamito swung his sword, blood dripped continuously from his injured right arm.

    If he became stuck in a battle of attrition, he would eventually lose consciousness from blood loss.

    "Are you a monster!? How could you move like that with this level of injury!?"

    However, the anxious one was Shao. Her punches were repeatedly deflected despite their godlike speed. Kamito had already seen through the variations of her moves by now.

    (--There were quite a few users of the Fist of the Assassin at the Instructional School. Even though they might be from different sects, the basic motions were all simr.)

    "Well then, try this -- Roar of the Royal Fang!"

    Shao''s Divine Tiger Fangs released a shockwave of wind.

    The powerful shockwave blew Kamito away.

    "I can''t believe you even have projectile attacks!"

    "That''s called a hidden hand!"

    Shao grinned savagely as she pounced like an agile beast.

    Kamito had no choice but to block her impact while lying on the ground.

    (...This is bad, I''m going to lose in strength if this continues.)

    Shao''s Divine Tiger Fangs was the type of elemental waffe which amplified the elementalist''s power. In contrast, even though Kamito''s Terminus Est was the strongest ss of sacred sword, it did not have the ability to augment the contractor''s own power. Enduring with one arm ultimately had its limits.

    "You''re apparently not too skilled in groundwork techniques, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    From the jaws of the Divine Tiger Fangs, a shockwave of wind was released at close range this time--

    Just at this moment.

    "...Wha!?"

    Suddenly, shining magic circles surfaced from the surrounding ground.

    Kamito took advantage of Shao''s moment of surprise to kick her gauntlets away and escaped from the mounted position.

    Beneath their feet were numerous magic circles glowing with blue-white light.

    As abundant divine power flowed into his body, Kamito found himself brimming with strength.

    This was all thanks to Fianna''s ritual dance performance -- the Oratorio wasplete.

    "--The tables have turned, Shao."

    Wielded in his hand, Kamito''s Demon yer gave off a dazzling brilliance.

    As soon as Fianna''s magic wasplete, the odds were in their favor. So long as Kamito received the abundant divine power provided by the leylines, he could unleash the power of the strongest elemental waffe without reservation.

    "As befitting of the famous princess maiden and former Queen candidate, to think such immense power could be drawn out."

    Shao praised as she readied her fists in a stance.

    However, Kamito could still discernposure in her expression.

    "--However,pared to Linfa-sama, this is nowhere enough."

    "...!?"

    Instantly, the designs of the magic circles covering the ground were being overwritten with frightening speed.

    It was like someone was dripping pitch ck ink over a nk sheet of paper--

    "...What is going on!?"

    "The use of ritual magic to overwrite ritual magic. Linfa-sama was waiting all along for your princess maiden to finish her ritual dance performance!"

    As Shao punched, Kamito blocked with the Demon yer.

    --What great force. Compared to before, her power had clearly increased. On the other hand, the divine power filling Kamito''s body was continuously receding, causing the sacred sword''s brightness to dim ordingly.

    Not only did it render Fianna''spleted ritual magic ineffective, this spell even rewrote it to empower the Four Gods instead.

    "...What the heck, how could something so messed up be possible!?"

    Kamito screamed as he desperately pushed back against Shao''s weight. Even though he waspletely unversed in ritual magic, Kamito knew that this was quite unreasonable.

    Kamito''s gaze traveled over Shao''s shoulder.

    In the distance, he could spot the figure of the dancing Quina Empire''s princess, dressed in a dazzling rainbow-colored feathered robe.

    "The divine beast spirit Kirin''s elemental waffe -- Seraphim Feathers."[1]

    Shao smiled smugly.

    "That feathered robe amplifies Linfa-sama''s powers greatly."

    "...!"

    Kamito smacked his lips as he nced behind him.

    (Damn it, ire and the Ellis are also being dominated--)

    "--Don''t turn your gaze away in mid battle!"

    Shao''s Divine Tiger Fangs roared. Overwhelming force was about to crush him.

    Kamito instantly stopped pushing back and dodged her attack.

    "...What!?"

    This unexpected move caused Shao''s forward motion to miss its target, throwing her off bnce.

    "--I''m sorry but let me ready my stance once more."

    Kamito reached into his uniform pocket and took out a small stone.

    This was spirit crystal sealing a lightning spirit. After he infused a tiny amount of divine power via his fingertips--

    Instantly, a dazzling sh of light erupted.

    Part 5

    "...What, how... Why...?"

    Faced with the unbelievable phenomenon urring before her eyes, Fianna copsed onto her knees in surprise.

    The magic circles of the Oratorio were overwritten in an instant.

    "Fianna, what on earth happened!?"

    Acting as her guard, Rinslet fired off freezing arrows of demonic ice as she called out.

    However, this rain of arrows meant for pinning down the enemy was rapidly eliminated by the ming demonic bird, the Vermilion Bird.

    Having obtained the blessing of the overwritten ritual dance performance, the divine beast spirits employed by the Four Gods were greatly powered up.

    "Cough...!"

    Fighting out front, Ellis was blown away and rolling on the ground.

    Her chest armor was shattered while her torn open uniform was stained with blood.

    "Captain!?"

    "...Cough, sorry, I was careless..."

    Ellis struggled to get up.

    The spear tip of her wielded Ray Hawk was also damaged, causing the force of the winds to weaken.

    "The Four Gods''s contracted spirits suddenly became stronger!"

    Striking down the fireballs released by the Vermilion Bird, even ire was being forced back to the rear guard position.

    Carrying Rion on its back, the fiery demonic bird raised its scythe-like neck to the maximum height.

    "Hmph, so long as Linfa-sama continues cheering for us, we of the Four Gods are invincible!"

    Raging scorching breath was released.

    "Dance, I call upon the crimson mes of destruction -- Hell ze!"

    The Vermilion Bird''s breath and ire''s spirit magic mes collided in midair.

    "...No good, we''re being overwhelmed!"

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow."

    "--Evil winds, go and rampage!"

    Even though Rinslet and Ellis also attacked simultaneously, the Vermilion Bird was empowered by the ritual dance performance and easily repelled the attacks.

    "We can''t hold out much longer... Fianna, please perform protective magic!"

    Turning back, ire suddenly stared in wide-eyed surprise.

    Fianna was in a kneeling posture, her shoulders trembling.

    "I''m... sorry..."

    "...Fianna?"

    "It''s all my... fault..."

    --A useless member of royalty. Thepletely worthless Lost Queen.

    All the merciless criticisms, which she had heard during the four years when she had lost the power of her spirit contract, now reverberated within her mind.

    (Four years ago on that asion, I also failed to stop that precious person of mine...)

    And now, because her power was not enough, the team was facing imminent defeat--

    Crimson mes in the form of a demonic bird were approaching. Even if she started performing defensive magic now it would be toote.

    (Once again, I am...!)

    Just as she was about to close her eyes--

    The demonic bird''s mes were deflected, resulting in a great explosion.

    "Waaaaah!"

    Blown away by the intense force of the explosion, Fianna''s entire body was thrown against the ground.

    "...W-What?"

    Moaning, Fianna opened her eyes.

    Over there was--

    "It''s too early to give up, Your Highness the princess!"

    "Kamito-kun...!"

    Standing there was Kamito, Demon yer in hand.

    Part 6

    "Everyone, are you all okay?"

    Kamito red at the Four Gods before them as he asked the girls.

    "I''m okay... Is what I''d really like to say. It''s really dangerous!"

    ire shrugged as she replied.

    "All we can do is fight on..."

    Kamito smiled wryly as he infused power into the Demon yer.

    His right arm was too numb to use at all. More urgently, he was going to lose consciousness from blood loss if he continued to move like this for a few more minutes. Also, the damage from Shao''s Fist of Assassination still remained.

    Shao Fu of the White Tiger cracked her knuckles with displeasure as she approached.

    "You''re terrible, Kazehaya Kamito. To think we were having so much fun together."

    She must beining about the little trick he used as a dying tactic.

    "Unlike these youngdies of noble birth, I don''t have much of an upbringing."

    The Four Gods cautiously kept their distance. Not letting down their guard in the face of injured prey, their discipline truly befitted a renowned strong team.

    (Well then, what should we do...)

    Kamito calmly observed the four elementalists. Rao, Hakua and Rion were individually inferior to the ace Shao Fu. If they were engaged in de dance one on one, ire and the girls were most likely stronger.

    (--However, the truly troublesome factor is these girl''s teamwork tactics.)

    Against a coordinated attack from all four members of the Four Gods, even Kamito could not take them lightly.

    (If I do it alone, it really is a bit challenging...)

    Kamito nced behind him.

    Discovering his intention, ire spoke up.

    "Rinslet and I can still fight."

    "Leave the support to us."

    Rinslet nodded as well and readied her magic bow of ice.

    Indeed, Kamito was no longer alone. He had trustworthy teammates now.

    Theserades, worthy of protection, brought power to Kamito''s sword even greater than any ritual dance performance.

    "I''ll leave Fianna to take charge of Ellis'' treatment."

    "Understood."

    Ellis nodded vigorously.

    "...Sorry, Kamito."

    "Ellis, I will avenge you."

    Comforting Ellis who was biting her lip out of regret, Kamito suddenly kicked the ground for a flying leap.

    The first to react was Hakua of the ck Tortoise. Bending over in a low stance, she swiftly approached.

    Based on her movements, Kamito instantly discerned that she was also a user of the Fist of Assassination just like Shao.

    The other three also ran over at different intervals, as if nning to attack wave after wave in session to wear down his stamina -- However, the fact that they did not attack all at once actually provided Kamito with an opportunity instead.

    Through the battle against Shao, his senses had already been sharpened to a very keen level.

    Feeling something was awakening within his body, Kamito started to de dance.

    "O Earth, may thy roars resound -- Earth st!"

    Hakua struck her shield against the ground. As the ground swelled up, numerous pellets of stone flew out. Even though it was not magic with particrly high damage, trying to block all the pellets with a sword was virtually impossible.

    "Kamito, hurry and dodge!"

    ire swung metongue. The freely dancing crimson mes deflected all of the stone pellets.

    Kamito instantly crossed the sandstorm sweeping across the ground.

    The girl wielding the azure dragon de rushed before him. Rao of the Azure Dragon. Due to the effects of the ritual dance performance, the azure dragon de''s cutting edge had grown several fold.

    As the gigantic azure dragon de swept horizontally, Kamito bent over to evade the attack. Immediately, several arrows of ice flew over his head. It was Rinslet''s cover fire.

    "How foolish, to think you''d attempt to freeze a de of water--"

    "This is no ordinary ice -- Blossoming without waiting for winter, Ice Break!"

    Instantly, the ice fragmented to produce a scatter shot, blowing Rao away.

    Using this opening, Kamito instantly closed in.

    "Don''t think you can seed!"

    Hakua rushed before him, trying to block the sword''s attack with her elemental waffe, the shield, however--

    "Est, my apologies -- I will be using a slightly reckless skill!"

    Kamito yelled out as he poured his entire body''s divine power into Terminus Est.

    Spinning his body rapidly, he thrust the tip of the brilliantly radiant sword towards the shield.

    An intense showering of sparks exploded. Even for the strongest sword spirit, trying to pierce with one strike a spirit specializing in defense was not possible.

    However, the attack did not end there. Kamito momentarily released the sword--

    "Absolute de Arts -- Sixth Form, Crushing Fang!"

    Then he forcefully hammered his fist against the hilt of the sword.

    Using the de to transmit the impact -- this was a weapon breaking technique that belonged to the domain of unorthodox sword skills.

    The ck Tortoise''s shield was shattered into particles of light. Hakua''s eyes widened greatly.

    Having shattered the shield, the sword''s de pierced Hakua''s chest.

    Damage to the body was instantly converted into psychological damage. Infused with immense divine power, this attack immediately rendered her unconscious.

    "How dare you do that to Hakua!"

    Emotionally distraught, Rao shed with her weapon. At the same time, brandishing the crimson club, Rion attacked from the opposite nk. On the other hand, Shao charged in from straight forward with the Divine Tiger Fangs positioned at her waist.

    Faced with simultaneous attacks from three directions--

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form--Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    Using one foot as a pivot, Kamito unleashed a spinning sh like a tornado.

    Sparks flew all around. Spinning, shing then turning again -- Kamito''s sword danced madly like a tempest, shattering Rao''s azure dragon de and Rion''s club at the same time.

    "...Y-You weren''t being serious just now!?"

    Crossing the Divine Tiger Fangs, Shao used its teeth to block Kamito''s sword strike.

    Her forehead broke out with cold sweat.

    "I wasn''t holding back out of mercy. However, it was your de dance that awakened me."

    Kamito found his limbs moving on their own ord. His body was recalling the sword skills he had used in the past as the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    "Impossible, for a single person to overwhelm us, the Four Gods..."

    "Don''t forget about me, me Chain!"

    "And me too -- Freezing Arrow!"

    The ming whip and the arrows of ice attacked. Faced against repeated coordinated attacks from the Raven ssbo, even the Four Gods''s ace could not help but halt her movements.

    Kamito kicked the ground to gain speed to follow up with an attack against Shao who had lost bnce--

    Suddenly, he felt a chilling presence from behind.

    The presence appearing behind -- Rion of the Vermilion Bird.

    "Hmph, your shadow belongs to me now."

    "...!?"

    Kamito instantly spun around to release a sh, but Rion swiftly fled.

    She seemed like she did not intend to attack.

    (...What''s going on?)

    Even though doubts entered his mind, Kamito could not attend to them yet.

    Using the momentum of the spinning sh, he was about to turn towards Shao.

    "Tsk -- Roar of the Royal Fang!"

    Shao unleashed the shockwave of wind towards Kamito''s feet.

    A deafening shockwave was heard. As arge amount of dust was swept up, Kamito''s view was obscured.

    Discovering her intent, Kamito instantly swung his sword to blow away the dust with the pressure--

    But by the time the dust settled, the Four Gods had already retreated back to Linfa''s location.

    Shao panted painfully. Unconscious, Hakua was being carried in Rao''s arms.

    "Linfa-sama, as much as it pains me, let''s retreat first for now."

    Rao quietly advised.

    "The Four Gods of the Quina Empire, retreating in the face of a second rate team?"

    "Looks like our judgment was off. Team Scarlet is not some second rate team. Furthermore, that Kazehaya Kamito--"

    "Is no ordinary lustful beast but a veritable monster. To be honest, I have little hopes of victory."

    "Gununu..."

    Linfa bit the sleeve of her ritual attire regretfully.

    "L-Listen well and bear this in mind, Kazehaya Kamito! The next time we meet will be your time of death!"

    Leaving behind such viinous dialogue, they fled.

    "H-Hold it right there!"

    "We''re not going to let you escape!"

    "W-Wait up..."

    Kamito frantically called back ire and the girls who wanted to pursue the Four Gods.

    "..? What? Why shouldn''t we pursue at this time?"

    "No, well you''re not wrong... But my body, I''m reaching my limit..."

    Groaning in spasms, Kamito copsed to his knees.

    Just as expected, using sword skills from before so forcibly, the strain on his body was immense.

    "Kamito!?"

    ire rushed over frantically.

    Stabbed into the ground, the sacred sword disappeared into the air and returned to its original form, a young girl.

    "Kamito is always so reckless."

    Est grumbled expressionlessly with her back towards Kamito.

    Fianna had finished Ellis'' emergency treatment and ran over, panting.

    Taking out a piece of spirit crystal from her chest, she pressed it against Kamito''s body. Even though it was only treatment of the lowest level, it had someforting effects and could reduce pain to some extent.

    "I''m sorry. It''s all because my ritual dance performance ended up helping the enemy..."

    "Don''t let it weigh on your mind, Fianna, it''s not your... fault..."

    "That''s right. An elemental waffe for amplifying a princess maiden''s powers is absolutely too unfair!"

    Even ire who usually quarreled with Fianna all the time wasforting her.

    However, Fianna''s expression remained gloomy. Probably because her power did not help at all in this battle, she felt more or less responsible.

    "By the way, the sword skills just now... Hey, Kamito!?"

    Kamito''s view suddenly went dark.

    Hearing the worried voices of ire and the rest, Kamito lost consciousness.

    Part 7

    "D-Damn it, damn it damn it damn it damn it~!"

    The Quina Empire''s princess, Linfa Sin Quina, was stomping her feet with chagrin.

    To think the Four Gods would lose to a lower ranked team and had to escape into the middle of the forest.

    Even though the result was a draw because no magic stones were lost, it was equivalent to defeat. Virtually all de dances carried out within the grounds were visually observed by the visiting royalty and nobility through spirits sent out by the Divine Ritual Institute. There was no doubt that the Quina Empire''s reputation was going to be lowered greatly after this.

    "...Damn it. Who was it that said they were a second rate team?"

    "Based on their ranking within Areishia Spirit Academy, it is true that they are indeed lower than Team Wyvern and Team Cernunnos."

    Shao grumbled as they walked. Rao answered as she carried Hakua on her back.

    "...Oh well, ultimately, true strength can only be understood through actualbat. Looks like the rumor of them defeating the Knights of the Dragon Emperor is notpletely unfounded."

    "...~Y-You people, why can you still remain so calm!?"

    "Like I said, we haven''t lost yet, right?"

    "We have already fought with all our strength. Even if met with defeat, there are no regrets."

    Faced with Linfa''s tearful cries, Shao and Rao answered respectively.

    "...Oh my, I agree wholeheartedly with Linfa-sama!"

    Suddenly, Rion of the Vermilion Bird, who had been walking silently so far, halted her footsteps.

    "Rion?"

    "For a highly renowned team, to think the Four Gods would lose so pitifully to a single person. If it were me, I''d be so ashamed I would never go back to my home country."

    "...What did you say?"

    Shao red viciously at her as Rao frowned with surprise.

    Normally, Rion would never say anything so instigating.

    "Rion, please watch your behavior. Insultingpanions is strictly prohibited... What are youughing at?"

    "Hmph, hmph..."

    Rion''s expression twisted malevolently.

    "My apologies, Your Highness the imperial princess. Because you are all absolutely too stupid..."

    Not only her tone but also her entire voice changed.

    "Rion!?"

    "Linfa-sama, hurry and leave!"

    Rao and Shao jumped forward to protect the imperial princess.

    Instantly, Rion''s outline was distorted like a mirage--

    Appearing there was a seductive beauty dressed like an erotic dancer.

    "You are--"

    "Team Inferno''s witch, Sjora Kahn!?"

    Shao instantly equipped her elemental waffe and faced off against her.

    "Y-You, what did you do to Rion!?"

    "That impudent little mouse was taken care of, naturally. Oh well, killing her would cause disqualification, so I kept her alive?"

    "Bastard, you dared to deceive us ever since the imperial council yesterday...!"

    Shao''s Divine Tiger Fangs produced a roaring tempest.

    "Hmph, well then..."

    Sjora jeered and snapped her fingers.

    "--Ladies of the Four Gods, will you kindly hand over your magic stones?"

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, a swarm of innumerable oddly shaped creatures rushed forth from the forest.

    An army of over a hundred demon spirits, grinding their teeth like ravenous beasts.

    "To think you even set a trap--"

    Protecting the cowering imperial princess behind her, Shao''s voice expressed despair.

    Part 8

    --As a result, the tragic feast drew to a close in a matter of minutes.

    "How unfortunate. As expected of the Four Gods''s ace, you''re not that easy to take care of."

    Sjora Kahn held the two newly acquired magic stones in her hand.

    They were Rao and Hakua''s. In order to buy time for Shao and the imperial princess to escape, Rao volunteered to sacrifice herself and retired from this stage of the de Dance.

    "Oh well, even though it was a stupid little drama, it was kind of fun for some entertainment on the side."

    Sliding the magic stones into her chest, Sjora licked her lips.

    Indeed, to the witch, preying on the Four Gods was simply like a pre-meal snack.

    Her true n was to seize initiative before the leader of Team Inferno -- the crimson-masked elementalist.

    To achieve this, Sjora had to steal that girl whom she wanted.

    "The Demon King''s sessor belongs to our great Hierarch -- And his shadow is already in my possession."

    Sjora snapped her fingers.

    Then a pitch ck human figure crawled out from her own shadow.

    A humanoid puppet without a face -- the demon spirit Baldanders.[2]

    In the past, it had been one of the spirits serving the Demon King Solomon. Expressly prepared by the Alphas Theocracy''s Snake for this de Dance festival, the sealed spirit for Sjora Kahn''s exclusive use.

    Baldanders''s attribute was Transformation. It had the ability to capture a target''s shadow once. In addition to the elementalist''s appearance, even the contracted spirit''s abilities could be emted perfectly.

    The reason why the divine beast spirit Vermilion Bird''s power could be harnessed, was due to this ability of Baldanders.

    "Hmph, I''ming for you, Darkness Queen."

    A faceless shadow trailing behind her, Sjora walked into the depths of the forest--

    Trantor''s Notes and References

    1. ¡ü Kirin(÷è÷ë): a mythical hooved Chinese chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures, sometimes called the Chinese unicorn, also known as a son of the dragon, and brings good luck.[1]

    2. ¡ü Baldanders: Also known as the Soon-Another, a creature of Germanic literary myth that features protean properties.[2]

 Volume 7, 6 - The Imperial Princess Kidnapped

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 6 - The Imperial Princess Kidnapped</h4>

    Part 1

    Bouncy. Bouncy.

    "Mmm, hmm...?"

    Kamito woke up to find himself surrounded by a soft andfortable sensation.

    His hazy field of view gradually expanded. This was apparently the interior of a tent.

    (Right, I lost consciousness after the de dance against the Four Gods...)

    He was presumably carried back by ire and the girls. In his hazy state of consciousness, Kamito thanked the girls in his heart.

    As a result of using unfamiliar sword skills, his entire body''s muscles became so stiff that he could not even lift his finger.

    Bouncy. Bouncy.

    Kamito was lying on something that resembled a luxurious sofa... Veryfortable.

    (It feels like my head is being wrapped by something gently...)

    Closing his eyes, a question suddenly arose in Kamito''s mind.

    (Wait a minute, did my tent ever have a sofa?)

    Besides, that sort of thing could not possibly have been brought into the de Dance grounds.

    (This sensation is actually...)

    Kamito turned his body in puzzlement.

    "...Ahnn!"

    Immediately, the sweet scream brought his mind to full wakefulness.

    "F-Fianna!? Woah..."

    Due to his surprise, Kamito rolled off the bed, striking his elbow hard against the ground.

    "Ouch..."

    "A-Are you okay, Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna opened her dusk-colored eyes wide and examined Kamito with a worried expression.

    "...!?"

    Before his eyes was a Divine Ritual Institute uniform with a bold low-cut design.

    Kamito could not tear his gaze from the cleavage between those quivering breasts.

    "Y-You, w-w-what were you doing..."

    "What was I doing? Just a simple bosom pillow, To take care of Kamito-kun."

    "What the heck is a bosom pillow? Isn''t it normally ap pillow!?"

    "Because the bosom is softer than thep, of course. Besides, Kamito-kun, you found it morefortable too, right?"

    "Uh..."

    Kamito instantly became speechless. Indeed, the feeling just now was veryfortable. That soft bouncy sensation surely could not be experienced if it were simply someone''sp.

    "Ara, do you have a fever? Your face is very red, you know?"

    "It''s all your fault, Fianna, okay..."

    Faced with the naughty imperial princess, Kamito replied stiffly.

    Fianna smiled and stood up.

    "I''ve already applied healing magic to the wound on your right arm, but the muscle pain probably willst for quite a while."

    "I see..."

    Kamito tried clenching both fists and rxing. Immediately, he felt sharp pain. In his current state, he was probably still unsuited to using the sword skills from his Ren Ashbell days.

    "Fianna, thank you for everything all this time."

    Hearing Kamito''s thanks, Fianna blushed.

    "W-What are you saying? I''m the one who''s been protected by you all this time, Kamito-kun. Just now, wasn''t it you who protected everyone in the team?"

    "It goes both ways. We are a team after all."

    "But, I..."

    Fianna bit her lip hard and lowered her gaze.

    She seemed to be still upset about the de dance earlier. For her trump card the ritual dance performance to be defeated, she must have suffered quite a blow as a result.

    "Are you still concerned about just now--"

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Fianna spoke softly, then she suddenly leaned herself tightly against Kamito.

    "Fianna?"

    "I''m sorry, could you let me lean against you like this for a while?"

    "...Yeah."

    Looks like she''s not teasing me as usual. Although Kamito could feel his heart racing nervously, he nodded silently.

    Then Fianna leaned against him as if entrusting her entire body weight to Kamito.

    Unique to girls'' bodies, she felt very soft and gentle to touch. As her hair lightly brushed against Kamito''s skin, it felt a little ticklish.

    "There''s an injury here too."

    "...!?"

    Kamito suddenly felt a sense of pleasure that made his body tremble.

    Fianna was using the tip of her tongue to lick Kamito''s corbone.

    "Th-This kind of wound only needs two licks of saliva, okay!"

    "Then allow me to help you... Hmm, smooch..."

    Fianna licked the wound as if sucking away while she chanted a spiritnguage incantation.

    Her teeth lightly brushed against his skin, causing ticklishness. It almost felt like she was taking a gentle bite.

    "...Mmm, don''t, move... Smooch..."

    "W-Wait, wait a minute! What if someone sees us doing this--"

    Just as Kamito yelled out--

    ...Clonk. Tumble tumble tumble tumble.

    A can rolled before Kamito''s eyes.

    ...A can of peaches.

    Kamito frantically looked up.

    Standing at the tent entrance was ire with canned food in her arms.

    "Y-You, y-y-y-you, what are you two doing?"

    Rumble rumble rumble...!

    The twintails stood up vertically like zing mes as the surrounding temperature rapidly rose.

    "C-ire, it''s not what you think, this is--"

    "Ara, I am treating Kamito-kun''s wounds. I hope you won''t disturb us."

    Fianna answered rather defiantly.

    Moosh. Kamito found his face suddenly pressed between those soft breasts.

    "Uwah... Fugu... Fianna, I-I can''t breathe..."

    "W-What are you doing!? H-How could you be so shameless!?"

    "Oh dear, I am quite embarrassed about this too. But there''s no other way. Because of Kamito-kun''s body, magic cannot take effect unless this kind of method is used."

    "U-Umm..."

    Although the reason was unclear, it was a known fact that Kamito''s body repelled holy magic and required unusual methods -- namely, ritual magic for healing had to be performed while their bodies were pressed tightly together.

    Because ire also knew about this condition, she could not scold them without good reason.

    Filled with chagrin, ire howled.

    "I-In that case then let me perform the healing magic! Because Kamito is my ve spirit!"

    ...ire was not making any sense.

    "Healing magic whatever... I thought you only knew how to use fire type spirit magic?"

    Other than simple spells like illumination, in principle, spirit magic could only be used if it belonged to the same category as the contracted spirit''s attribute.

    ...If my memory serves me right, the fire type category should not have any healing spells.

    "Cauterization of wounds is still possible!"

    "Isn''t that emergency treatment for the battlefield -- anyway, you''re going to incinerate me into charcoal for sure!"

    Kamito retorted without any hesitation.

    "ire, you should know that Kamito-kun is injured. If you''re just going to interfere with my taking care of Kamito-kun, then please leave."

    "...~!"

    Reprimanded by Fianna, ire''s eyes began to fill with tears.

    "I-I know, okay, jerk--!"

    ...Crying, ire ran away noisily.

    At the tent entrance, arge number of canned peachesy fallen, rolling about on the ground.

    Kamito picked up the cans as he softly muttered to himself.

    "Did shee here to visit me..."

    The imperial princess sighed.

    "...Just now, maybe I bullied her too much?"

    "Oh well, I''m d to be saved from being burned into charcoal."

    "Kamito-san, dinner is ready!"

    Presently, Rinslet''s voice was hearding from outside the tent.

    Part 2

    Night was falling as the sun began to set. The sound of cutlery colliding could be heard.

    Kamito tried to speak to ire as he helpedy the table.

    "U-Umm, ire..."

    "What''s the matter, perverted ve?"

    "Well, thank you for worrying about me just now."

    As Kamito scratched his head and spoke, ire''s hair jumped slightly.

    "Hmph, I wasn''t worrying about you, jerk..."

    ire seemed to be blushing out of embarrassment.

    "Fufu, today is quite a feast."

    Rinslet plopped the pot onto the table with a thud, while her bosom shook from the impact.

    This was Rinslet''s specialty, Laurenfrost style hot pot cuisine.

    Everyone gathered around and sat on the tree stumps around the table. The bubbling and boiling pot was heated by a burning red-hot spirit crystal under it. Beside the pot wererge amounts of vegetables gathered from the forest, diced and quartered fish, as well as meat from hunted prey.

    "...Hot pot eh. Looks really tasty."

    Because the soup was already boiling, Kamito intended to put the meat in, but at this moment--

    "Kamito-san, what are you doing!?"

    Rinslet smacked Kamito''s arm soundly with a spoon.

    "Ouch... W-What''s wrong, we can''t put it in yet?"

    "Slower cooking ingredients like root vegetables should be added first. A hot pot requires bnce."

    Rinslet red severely at Kamito with her adorable eyes of emerald.

    Kamito discreetly spoke to ire beside him.

    "S-Somehow it feels like Rinslet''s personality changed?"

    "She''s always been like this, as soon as it''s hot pot time, she likes to show off..."

    "Hot pot is indeed a simple method of cooking, but exactly because it is simple, it is profound. Do not look down on the Laurenfrost''s traditional hot pot cuisine!"

    Lady Rinslet crossed her arms and stared at everyone.

    ...In that posture, she resembled some kind of hot pot guardian.

    "Kamito, I want to eat fish soon."

    Est tugged at Kamito''s sleeve and said.

    "Well, just leave it to Rinslet."

    Kamito smiled wryly as he rubbed Est''s head.

    Rinslet added meat and vegetables to the pot with well-trained motions.

    Kamito and the rest swallowed their drool as they watched Rinslet in action.

    "Okay everyone, let''s start!"

    Finally receiving the okay from the guardian, Kamito reached out to the pot with his chopsticks.

    The soup base was not made from ordinary water but Rinslet''s specially concocted medicinal soup.

    The delicious aroma helped stimte appetites. As Kamito bit into a piece of cooked meat, delicious juices filled his mouth, producing an indescribable sense of happiness that began spreading from his heart.

    "Wow, this is really tasty!"

    "Hmph, naturally!"

    Rinslet puffed her chest out with pride.

    All the youngdies were enjoying the delicacies as they blew on their food to avoid burning their mouths.

    "Wait, ire, I was nning on giving Scarlet that piece of meat!"

    "Hey, stop deciding on your own to feed my contracted spirit!"

    Ellis and ire squabbled as their chopsticks engaged in a de dance over the pot. Beneath the table, their contracted spirits were waiting for scraps.

    "Hey, hey, what''s this?"

    Fianna frowned as she poked a mysterious bouncy ingredient sitting at the bottom of the pot.

    Kamito was also very intrigued.

    "This is called beancurd. It''s like pudding that''s made from coagted soybeans. I heard that ites from Kamito''s homnd, so I researched it in books and tried making it."

    "This is a specialty from my homnd...?"

    Kamito''s childhood memories were very hazy. Because ever since he could remember, he was receiving assassin training at the Instructional School.

    All he knew was that his homnd was an ind country on the eastern border, one that did not even have a name.

    But no matter what, simply from her well intentions in making this dish specially for Kamito were extremely gratifying for him.

    "Rinslet, thank you."

    Kamito scooped out what appeared to be very stic pudding as he thanked Rinslet.

    "I-It''s not like I made it specially for you alone, Kamito-san!"

    Trying to hide her embarrassment, Rinslet looked especially cute as she curled her hair around her finger repeatedly.

    "...Huff."

    Kamito tried a bite slightly nervously.

    "Woah, this is really good!"

    With a smooth texture and rich taste, it really was quite delicious.

    "I will try it too... Ah, it really is!"

    "...What amazing texture. I''ve never had anything like it even in the imperial capital."

    Est seemed to be enjoying it particrly, expressionlessly mumbling to herself "bean~curd, bean~curd..." as she ate the beancurd with relish.

    "Come on people, th-this was made for Kamito-san!"

    "Hmm..."

    Ellis, who had been eating the beancurd silently, suddenly widened her eyes in surprise.

    "What''s wrong, Ellis?"

    "N-No, umm, I just suddenly noticed..."

    Faced with Kamito''s question, Ellis blushed and stuttered.

    "Hmm?"

    "E-Eating hot pot together, umm... D-Does it not constitute as indirect kissing?"

    "...!?"

    Faced with Ellis'' sudden statement--

    All the girls around the table instantly froze.

    "Hey hey, what are you talking about, that kind of thing--"

    Kamito made a wry expression as he waved his hand and spoke.

    "Y-Yeah, y-yes that''s right, th-this level, i-i-indirect kiss whatever...!"

    "R-Really, r-really, you''re over thinking things!"

    ...But everyone''s face had gone bright red as they frantically avoided eye contact with Kamito.

    (I-I see. Since all the girls are pure and innocent high-ssdies, they are very concerned about that...)

    ...Kamito felt his feelings being slightly hurt.

    --After this, the lively meal came to a close.

    ire quietly put down her spoon, cleared her throat and spoke up.

    "Everyone should already know, there are only two days left in the de Dance. If you don''t want any regrets, then let''s fight by giving it all we''ve got."

    "Hmm, yes."

    "Yeah, we definitely won''t give up on winning."

    Indeed, the endgame was about to begin. In order to seize the initiative in thepetition for the few remaining magic stones, they needed to attack teams who were holing up defensively in their strongholds.

    Furthermore, this applied to other teams as well.

    Very likely, an even more intense de dance was imminent.

    "..."

    Kamito suddenly noticed the gloom in Fianna''s expression.

    "Fianna, are you okay?"

    "Uh yeah, well enough... I just seem slightly tired."

    "Well, ritual dancing is very exhausting."

    "You should lie down on the bed and rest."

    Despite quarreling with Fianna earlier, ire now offered care and concern.

    On further thought, Fianna''s exhaustion was only natural. After the ritual dance performance at the de dance against the Four Gods, she had to use up divine power to heal Kamito.

    Magic for recovering fatigue did indeed exist, but it was only a temporary effect obtained from the blessing of spirits. Hence, the fundamental solution was still restful sleep.

    "...Yeah. I should go rest as you all suggested. I''m done with my meal."

    Fianna stood up quietly and headed to the tent.

    Part 3

    After dinner, Kamito was helping Rinslet wash the utensils and cutlery at the riverside.

    ire and Ellis had gone off for patrols while Est was ying with Scarlet.

    "Since you''re injured, Kamito-san, you can go take a break, it''s fine."

    "It''s just dish washing so it won''t be a problem at all. As for you, Rinslet, wouldn''t a ssydy like you get your beautiful hands wrinkled if you keep washing dishes like this?"

    "Fufu, don''t worry. My skin won''t be wrinkling. Do know that I am Rinslet the Ice Demon, the one with great rtions with water spirits."

    So that was what was going on. The wooden bucket where she immersed her hands was filled with purified light while an stic gel-like spirit was washing the utensils thoroughly.

    "How''s Fianna''s condition?"

    "Just now, ire went to pick some herbs which are very effective for eliminating fatigue."

    "That girl seems to be inexplicably hardworking whenever someone gets sick or injured."

    ire was clearly ordering Kamito around like a ve all the time, but whenever he got hurt in school matches or anything like that, she always visited him and brought canned peaches.

    "Hmm, she''s actually good at taking care of others in certain ways. Back in the Academy, she often took care of stray cats in the neighborhood. It probably stemmed from her childhood when she had to frequently take care of Rubia-sama who was always chronically sick in bed."

    "I see..."

    ...Oh well, that was not surprising.

    Kamito also knew that ire was a benevolent child at heart despite herck of forthright honesty.

    "...By the way, aren''t you childhood friends with ire, Rinslet?"

    "Well, even though we often yed together when we were young... H-However, we simply share inseparable fates that intersected a long time ago."

    "Did you two quarrel a lot when you were small?"

    "No... Back then, she was a shy crybaby."

    Kamito pressed his finger against his temple.

    "...I can''t picture it at all."

    "She began to change after Rubia-sama''s incident."

    Rinslet exined as she directed her gaze towards the bucket.

    "Rubia Elstein."

    The Cmity Queen who betrayed the Fire Elemental Lord and disappeared without trace.

    ire hoped to realize through the de Dance festival her Wish to find out the truth of what happened four years ago.

    Also, there was the question of where her elder sister had vanished to--

    "That girl is actually suffering from many things..."

    Kamito muttered to himself as he looked down at the moon''s reflection in the river.

    "...Uwah!"

    In the middle of doing the dishes, Rinslet suddenly released a cute sounding scream.

    "What happened!?"

    "Yah... Ah... Th-The water spirit, it went into my clothes...!"

    "What!?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened with surprise.

    The rubbery stic water spirit was crawling over Rinslet''s arm, squirming into her uniform.

    "Yah, so ticklish, ah..."

    Inside the wet uniform, the water spirit was twisting around randomly.

    It looked like it meant no harm but was simply trying to act friendly with Rinslet.

    "It seems to like you."

    "E-Enough of this, Kamito-san, stop staring and help me instead... Uwah!"

    Rinslet pleaded to Kamito with tears in her eyes.

    "G-Got it!"

    (...Oh well, in this kind of situation it must be tough for her to attempt to control the spirit.)

    Kamito frantically reached out and tried to grab the squirming spirit.

    Boing boing. Boing.

    "O-Okay, I caught it!"

    "Mmm, uwah!"

    Just as Kamito felt something soft against his fingertips, Rinslet made a sweet sounding scream.

    The water spirit wriggled in Kamito''s hand, going boing boing.

    "Seriously, stop moving randomly!"

    Boing boing.

    "Fuah... K-Kamito-san, not that!"

    Instantly, the water spirit jumped out from Rinslet''s chest.

    ...Then bouncing on the ground, it fled towards the river.

    "Sigh, what a naughty spirit..."

    Kamito shrugged wryly--

    Then he immediately noticed a serious problem.

    (...Hmm? Then what am I currently grabbing in my hand?)

    Boing boing.

    "...Mmm, ah!"

    "S-Sorry!"

    ...Kamito finally realized what he was grabbing and frantically withdrew his hand.

    "I-I didn''t do it on purpose, really -- uwah!"

    Something icy cold flew past Kamito''s neck.

    ...An arrow of ice.

    Woosh...!

    Freezing wind was blowing at Kamito who felt like his skin was about to be frozen.

    "Fu, fufu, fu... Kamito-san, have you prepared yourself?"

    Smiling, Rinslet aimed her magic bow of ice towards the dead center of Kamito''s brow.

    Part 4

    Beneath the moonlit forest, Fianna was standing all alone.

    Recalling the de dance against the Four Gods this morning, Fianna could not help but sigh.

    (...I must be stronger. I don''t want to be everyone''s burden any longer.)

    If her current state persisted, she was unworthy of participating in de dance with her teammates.

    Fianna felt spurred by such anxiety.

    (Today''s unsightliness will never repeat a second time. For no reason other than the fact that I shall not permit myself to make the same mistake...!)

    Fianna mentally shook her head to clear her thoughts, then reached towards the ground with both hands.

    Her face did not disy her usualposure.

    "Thou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman! By the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding--"

    Fianna quietly exhaled and solemnly chanted the ritual to summon her contracted spirit.

    Immediately, the knight spirit''s figure appeared in the magic circle drawn on the ground.

    Bathed under moonlight, the silver-white armor shone brilliantly. The knight bowed his head as if serving a queen.

    The knight spirit, Georgios, was of course a very powerful spirit. However, in order to fully harness the spirit''s power, it was necessary to release the spirit in the form of an elemental waffe.

    (If only I could use an elemental waffe--"

    If only she could release an elemental waffe that surpassed the Seraphim Feathers of the Four Gods''s imperial princess Linfa Sin Quina, then Fianna would be able to contribute more to the team''sbat potential.

    Fianna resolved herself, shutting her eyes to perform the releasing chant of the elemental waffe.

    However, she was already in an exhausted state.

    Even so--

    "Thou shalt be my sword, thou shalt be my shield, with unlimited towering light, purify and exorcise those belonging to darkness--"

    The knight spirit''s armor shone as it disappeared into particles of light in the air.

    Fianna could feel an astounding amount of heat enveloping her outstretched fingertips while sharp pain crept throughout her body.

    "...O... Ah...!"

    Despite the pain that distorted her face, Fianna continued to grit her teeth and endure.

    At this moment -- something shaped like a sword instantly appeared in her hand.

    (...Sess!?)

    Just as Fianna felt delight in her heart...

    The brittle sound of ss shattering could be heard in the next second as the sword of light in her hand fragmented into pieces.

    "--Yah!"

    Fianna was sent flying by the shockwave and mmed hard against the ground.

    ".......Ooh...!"

    Fianna frowned heavily from the pain. Looking down to examine her hands, she found them covered with severe burns.

    "Why, why...!"

    Fianna hammered the ground with her bleeding fists.

    "If this continues, I am not worthy of fighting together with everyone--"

    --Suddenly, a rustling sound could be heard from the shaking thicket behind her.

    "...!"

    Fianna looked back in surprise--

    "...Goodness gracious, I knew you were acting a bit strange, so that''s what''s going on."

    "ire..."

    ire was gazing sharply at her from behind.

    "...Why are you here?"

    "I was nning on bringing you some herbs for reducing fatigue but saw you leaving the tent. I found it strange so I followed."

    "..."

    "I was puzzling over what you were trying to do -- So it turns out you''re forcing a release of an elemental waffe. Are you aware of how dangerous that is?"

    ire rushed over to her and spoke with a severe expression.

    "The elemental waffe isn''t something that can be trained to use overnight. Forcibly trying to use a spirit ording to your will doesn''t work because the elemental waffe is supposed to be the optimal equipment manifested after the contracted spirit haspletely opened its heart to the elementalist. Plus the fact that you only recovered the power of your spirit contract not too long ago, you should be trying to gradually strengthen your bonds with your spirit instead!"

    As members of the nobility who served the imperial family, Ellis and Rinslet were bound by etiquette to hold back on what they could say to Fianna the imperial princess. But since ire''s family had been stripped of their title, she could afford to speak withplete candidness andck of tact.

    "I-I don''t need you to teach me that, ire."

    Fianna retorted defiantly.

    She understood very well that ire truly cared and was concerned about her. Nevertheless, she still felt a sense of opposition arise naturally.

    "I get the feeling you''re overly anxious but there''s no need to force yourself to get stronger immediately. Fianna, your ritual dance performances are already very dependable and besides, don''t we have Kamito? In any case, he is still extremely strong--"

    "Then you intend to keep depending on Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna interrupted sharply.

    "What, that''s not what I said."

    "I have no wish of being the dainty princess who can only be protected by the person I love."

    Fianna quietly shook her head.

    "--I love Kamito-kun."

    And issued a direct challenge to ire.

    "Hence I want to be strong -- strong enough to stand by his side on the battlefield."

    "I-I see..."

    ire showed a wavering expression. Although Fianna never hid her affections for Kamito, expressing her intentions so directly was probably the first time.

    "What about you, ire?"

    "...Eh?"

    "Regarding Kamito-kun, what do you think, ire?"

    "W-Why do you have to ask that kind of question? It has nothing to do with anything!"

    ire blushed and began to panic.

    "I want to hear what you think, ire... Do you love Kamito-kun, ire?"

    Rather than speaking with her usual yful tone of voice, Fianna''s words were as sharp as knives.

    "..."

    ire waspletely shocked.

    Then as if trying to avoid Fianna''s gaze, she suddenly shifted her gaze away.

    "N-Nothing of that sort. As if anyone would be that stupid!"

    "But when Kamito-kun went missing after falling off the cliff, you cried out his name for who knows how many times during your dreams."

    "I-I was just sleeping in a daze, K-Kamito and I are not--"

    "...Is that so? I get it."

    Fianna quietly shook her head and turned around to leave.

    "Hey, wait there, you, I''m not done yet--"

    As if cutting off ire''s calls to Fianna, the trees and leaves closed up like a door.

    Part 5

    (...I wentpletely overboard, huh. What an utter mess.)

    Fianna walked rapidly through the forest as she sighed with regret.

    Involuntarily, she had reprimanded others with excessive severity.

    ...When clearly ire was worrying about her sincerely.

    (How childish of me to make matters like this. I must apologize to herter.)

    Just as Fianna thought this to herself, she suddenly realized.

    (...But isn''t this something that cannot be helped?)

    Precisely because she said that to ire, Fianna finally became aware of her innermost feelings.

    And discovered what she truly felt.

    (...Indeed, I am being anxious.)

    But this was not simply because she did not want to burden the team.

    As much as she wished to use that reason as cover...

    In actual fact, her intentions were nowhere near that noble.

    (...How unsightly of me, to think I would be jealous of those girls.)

    ire, Ellis, Rinslet, as well as Est--

    Kamito was surrounded by attractive girls.

    They were trusted by Kamito and able to guard his back.

    (But me...)

    Fianna stopped walking.

    The clear chilling wind of the night blew across her burning cheeks, helping her mind to cool off and calm down.

    "...I should return to the tent."

    Many unsavory spirits roamed the forest at night.

    Even though Fianna was currently within the barrier, one could not assert that she was absolutely safe.

    Suddenly, a beast''s terrifying barking noises came from afar, causing Fianna to tremble.

    (Come to think of it, the first time I met Kamito-kun, it was also in a forest like this...)

    At the time, Kamito had saved Fianna from a berserk dryad''s assault, back when he was active as Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer.

    (...That was my first love.)

    Lubdub. Fianna could feel her heart beat getting faster.

    (...Th-That''s right. The first one to fall in love with Kamito-kun is me.)

    --Just at this moment.

    "So you''re here, Fianna."

    "Eh?"

    Fianna looked up with surprise.

    "...Kamito-kun?"

    Appearing by her side was the youth she had just been thinking about.

    "...W-Why did youe here?"

    "I came to look for you, Fianna. The forest at night is quite dangerous."

    "I-I don''t need you to worry about me."

    Fianna instantly blushed.

    "Hey Fianna, do you have some free time right now?"

    "...? Hmm, yes, a little. Why?"

    Did the wounds treated earlier this morning rupture again?

    "Let''s take a walk for a while. Look over there. Isn''t there a beautiful spring? When it''s nighttime, glowing water spirits will gather."

    "...U-Ummm, is this..."

    Fianna held her breath for an instant then continued.

    "...Are we going on a date?"

    "Hmm, a date eh... Well, I suppose."

    Kamito wryly shrugged.

    It was the very first time for Kamito to extend such an invitation... Fianna could feel her heart racing.

    "H-However..."

    Fianna instantly calmed down and shook her head.

    "No, it would be dangerous to leave the Barrier. Even though it''s quite a shame--"

    After all, the de Dance was currently in progress. No amount of risk was worth taking no matter how small.

    "It''s okay, I''m here with you."

    Kamito smiled gently as he extended a hand towards Fianna.

    Despite the dissonance of witnessing such a rare gentle expression from Kamito, Fianna found the gaze of his jet ck eyes causing her thoughts to be hazy as if ayer of fog was floating in her mind.

    (Indeed, being together with Kamito-kun would surely be quite safe...)

    Kamito was surrounded by many attractive girls. This caused Fianna a sense of confusion.

    If she missed this opportunity, another one might not arrive again.

    (...On asion, it should be fine to act ording to my feelings in a forthright manner, right?)

    "Very well. Just for a little while should be okay."

    Fianna made her decision, took Kamito''s hand and walked forward.

    "By the way, shouldn''t we tell ire and the others that we are going out?"

    "Hey hey, this is rare chance for a date. There''s no need to tell that bunch of people, right?"

    "...Eh?"

    Instantly, Fianna brought her steps to a sudden stop.

    --The dissonance she felt starting from a while ago was transformed into decisive fact by a single statement.

    "Let go!"

    Fianna cried out shrilly and shook off Kamito''s hand.

    "W-What''s the matter, Fianna!?"

    "...Who are you?"

    "What?"

    "Kamito-kun would never call ourrades ''that bunch of people,'' absolutely never!"

    Fianna red coldly at the youth before her eyes--

    This was merely someone taking on Kamito''s appearance.

    "...Fufu, I see."

    The youth''s tone of voice -- no, the entire voice becamepletely different.

    "I even attempted to use a bit of mental maniption magic... But the result is still a failure."

    Immediately, Kamito''s figure distorted to take on a girl''s appearance.

    Vivid blue hair. An erotic outfit like an exotic dancer''s.

    She was a beautiful girl. However, her face gave off an impression like a poisonous flower.

    Her ominous red eyes swept over Fianna''s entire body as if they belonged to a snake eyeing its prey.

    "...!?"

    "--I havee to wee you, Darkness Queen."

    In that instant, the girl released a sh of lightning from her fingertips--

    Thereby Fianna lost consciousness.

 Volume 7, 7 - The Witchâ€™s Strategy

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 7 - The Witch''s Strategy</h4>

    Part 1

    "Man, what rotten luck..."

    After suffering from Rinslet''s frozen treatment, Kamito was preparing to return to the tent.

    "...Eh?"

    Just by chance, he happened to spot ire exiting the forest.

    Her hair, styled into twintails, were standing on end like a zing fire. Behind her, Scarlet was chasing its master as if trying to keep her master''s mood under observation.

    (...Well, the fact that she''s in a bad mood is easy enough to understand.)

    Smiling wryly, Kamito approached ire.

    "Hey, ire--"

    "Uwah, K-Kamito!?"

    Turning her head back in response, ire blushed and screamed as soon as she saw Kamito''s face.

    "W-What? Stop scaring me!"

    "What do you mean? It was just a normal greeting."

    "Sh-Shut up, I-I don''t feel that way about you--"

    Blushing to her ears, ire suddenly turned her face away.

    (...What''s going on?)

    ...Although Kamito was not quite sure what was going on, ire behaving strangely was nothing new anyway.

    "How''s Fianna''s condition?"

    "Hmph, how would I know? That perverted princess whatever."

    "Did you quarrel again?"

    "..."

    ire pouted, her face still turned away.

    Kamito sighed helplessly... Oh well, these two girls quarreling was nothing new either.

    The two continued walking side by side for a while--

    "Hey, Kamito..."

    ire suddenly spoke up.

    "What?"

    "This morning when we engaged the Four Gods in de dance, you were using her sword skills again, right?"

    "...What, you''re repeating the same subject from yesterday again?"

    Despite his shock and surprise, Kamito continued to retort defiantly.

    ...Clearly her suspicions have not been dispelledpletely.

    "I''m not talking about that. Otherwise, we''d end up arguing all over again."

    "It''s nothing serious anyway."

    Kamito replied calmly.

    "Seeing what happened during that de dance, it got me wondering. Is it possible that we have be your shackles? Perhaps you''d be able to perform at full capability if you fought alone, like Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer three years ago. Stuff like that."

    "..."

    ire''s eyes were serious.

    Kamito could not figure out exactly why she was asking about this.

    Most probably, it was a subject brought up during her quarrel with Fianna just now.

    Yesterday, Fianna had also agonized over the same issue.

    "I--"

    Just as he was about to say something, Kamito hesitated.

    What he needed to say were not words offort.

    Hence, he had to consider carefully before he came up with words to say.

    (My past self would definitely give a different answerpared to now...)

    In the past, Kamito undoubtedly pursued power as an individual.

    Back then, he had thought of it as only logical. After all, having people that required protection would cause one to be weak.

    Only by eliminating the need to protect anyone or anything would a person brave enough toy down his own life be the most powerful. That was what was taught at that insane facility.

    However, things were different now.

    (Precisely because of myrades fighting by my side have I been able to be this strong.)

    This was something he discovered for the first time only after enrolling in the Academy and meeting ire and the girls.

    Even the darkness spirit who had taught Kamito everything he knew had not seeded in achieving this.

    Raising his bowed head, Kamito spoke up.

    "The existence of teammates has made me stronger. This is my entire power now. If I were alone, I definitely could not have defeated that Nepenthes Lore."

    This was neither a lie nor modesty but his sincere feelings.

    "Kamito..."

    ire clenched her fists tightly before her chest.

    Those bright clear eyes of hers, resembling wless rubies, seemed mildly moistened... Apparently.

    "I-It feels kind of embarrassing, this way..."

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Who knew who started it, but the two of the them started avoiding eye contact.

    "...But anyway, thanks."

    "What''s the matter, for you to be so honest for once?"

    "Sh-Shut up and turn into charcoal!"

    With just some slight teasing, ire was back to form.

    (...Oh well, that''s the way it should be.)

    Kamito smiled wryly to himself.

    "Hmm, what are you two doing over there!?"

    Suddenly, Ellis arrived from the air via Flight magic.

    Landing on the ground with a thud, she rapidly made a thrust with her sword towards Kamito''s neck.

    "Kamito, what sort of outrageous act did youmit again?"

    "What the heck are you talking about? I never do anything like that!"

    "Th-That''s right. I-Indecency, nothing of that sort was being done!"

    "What, to think you would mention indecency?"

    "ire, saying something like that while blushing would only cause misunderstandings!"

    Hearing Kamito''s snide remark, ire awkwardly turned away from Ellis.

    "By the way, Ellis, did something happen on your watch?"

    Kamito did not think the serious and hardworking captain of the knights would simply cast her duties aside.

    ...Something must have happened.

    "Ah yes, just now a wind spirit reported--"

    Ellis switched to a serious expression and waved to summon a petite spirit in her service.

    It was a translucent spirit shaped like a butterfly.

    "Apparently, Her Highness the imperial princess has exited the Barrier."

    "Fianna?"

    "What did you say!?"

    Kamito and ire cried out in surprise simultaneously.

    The forest at night was extremely dangerous. Fianna should know that very well.

    "Why would this happen..."

    Halfway through her question, ire suddenly opened her eyes wide.

    "Could it be because she quarreled with me...?"

    "No, Fianna wouldn''t act like that... It''s not like she''s you, ire."

    "Wh-What the heck!?"

    Kamito decided to ignore ire''s pouting.

    "But what is going on? Entering the forest alone is really--"

    "...Apparently she did not go alone."

    "Huh?"

    "Apparently, Her Highness the imperial princess went out into the night forest together with Kamito."

    "......"

    This statement brought forth a lengthy silence.

    "......Huh?"

    "L-Like I said, Her Highness the imperial princess was together with Kamito!"

    Ellis red sharply at Kamito as she screamed.

    "Kamito, y-you..."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    ire''s crimson hair zed like a great fire.

    Kamito felt like there was some kind of bizarre misunderstanding -- or more urately, he had been framed.

    "W-Wait a minute, don''t you find this is too weird!?"

    Kamito frantically protested.

    "Until just earlier, I was helping Rinslet with the dishes."

    "...Hmm, that''s true now that you mention it. I only parted ways with Fianna just a short while earlier."

    "Then the Kamito that the wind spirit saw was..."

    Realizing the strangeness of the situation, the two girls puzzled with their heads tilted.

    "--Say, if this is really true, then this is a very serious situation, yes?"

    "...Indeed, this is even worse than if she went out alone."

    Nodding, ire pondered with her hand supporting her chin.

    "If that is the case, then someone disguised as Kamito had taken Fianna outside the barrier. Due to bearing Kamito''s appearance, the spirits on watch did not react."

    "In other words, Her Highness the imperial princess was kidnapped? But even if appearances were altered using spirit magic I do not think it is possible to neutralize the Barrier''s rm."

    "In principle, yes, but do remember this is the de Dance where elite elementalists gather from various countries. It won''t be surprising even if there are magic users who can emte appearances and even trick spirits."

    "Even so, why would Fianna be singled out..."

    Kamito muttered in deep thought.

    --Completely iprehensible, why she would be kidnapped.

    Supposing magic stones were the aim, then hers could have been taken on the spot. Kamito had also thought of the other possibility of her being taken hostage as a bargaining chip, however--

    (...That''s too improbable. After all, the risk is too high.)

    The de Dance was not a purebat festival but a ritual ceremony for making offerings to the Elemental Lords.

    If someone were to use despicable methods equivalent to defiling this fundamental principle, not only would they be condemned by all the spectating countries, they would even bring about the Elemental Lords'' displeasure depending on the situation.

    In actual fact, in the history of past de Dance festivals, there did exist cases when teams obtained victory through underhanded means, thereby bringing cmity upon their home countries.

    "Anyway, let''s go search for her! And call Rinslet too."

    "Yeah."

    Leaving ire to find Rinslet, Kamito went to the tent to pick up Est.

    Entering inside, Kamito found Est sleeping soundly on Kamito''s bed.

    "...Bean curd, bean curd~"

    ...Looks like she''s having quite a wonderful dream.

    It felt quite a shame to rouse her awake right now.

    "Est, I''m sorry, it''s time to get up."

    "...Huah, Kamito, are we going out?"

    Dressed in western style pajamas and still in a dreamy haze, Est rubbed her sleepy eyes and woke up.

    "Yeah. Est, your power is essential."

    Seeing Kamito nodding, Est woke uppletely.

    Without asking anything, she lightly held Kamito''s hand.

    "--I am your sword. Your will be done."

    Est''s cute body was enveloped by particles of light as she took on the form of a sacred sword in Kamito''s hand.

    "...Thanks, Est."

    "Kamito, everyone has gathered. Are you ready?"

    ire and the girls had converged before the tent.

    "I''ve heard what happened already. Leave the tracking to Fenrir."

    By Rinslet''s side, the white wolf howled.

    "...Next, I think it''s better if we split into two teams."

    "Good idea. Then Rinslet and I will search the west side while Kamito and Ellis take the east. Violent spirits roam the forest at night, so be careful."

    ire gave clear and concise orders like a teammander. Combining Ellis'' excellent tracking skills and Kamito''s specialization in covert operations on one hand. Teaming up ire and Rinslet together, on the other hand, offered substantial tracking ability from both members as well as excellent coordinated offensive capability. In this manner, Team Scarlet was split into rtively bnced sub teams.

    Kamito nodded and began to sprint with Ellis through the night forest.

    Part 2

    ...Drip.

    Fianna woke and opened her eyes as result of the icy cold sensation of falling water droplets.

    "Hmm, this ce... is...?"

    Still in a hazy state of consciousness, she swept her gaze back and forth across her surroundings.

    This was a space enclosed by sturdy walls of rock. It seemed to be a natural cave.

    Massive spirit crystals were arranged all around. The cave was illuminated by dim light.

    "Why am I in a ce like this..."

    Fianna felt her head hurting sharply. Only when she tried to move her body did she notice.

    Her hands could not move away from the wall of rock.

    Fianna looked up in surprise to find her hands cuffed by metal shackles, pinned securely to the rock face.

    "...Wait, what on earth is going on!?"

    She struggled hard but achieved nothing except for ear-splitting noise from the shackles.

    "R-Right, all I need to do is summon Georgios..."

    Thinking that, she began to summon her knight spirit.

    As the spirit seal on her chest shone with light, a magic circle''s glow appeared by her feet--

    "--Eh?"

    But the magic circle suddenly disappeared.

    As a sense of total exhaustion filled her body, the summoning Gate also closed.

    "Why...?"

    "Fufu, you have awakened, Your Highness the imperial princess."

    Suddenly a voice was heard in the darkness.

    "...!?"

    "Although unfortunate, summoning your contracted spirit is indeed impossible. Because a sealing barrier has been erected in this ce."

    "You are..."

    Appearing out of the darkness was the girl who had transformed herself into Kamito''s form.

    "Second-inmand of Team Inferno representing the Alphas Theocracy -- Sjora Kahn."

    "Sjora..."

    The elementalist who had sent out her familiar into Team Scarlet''s barrier yesterday.

    ...Clearly, Fianna had be her captive.

    "...!"

    Fianna bit her lip hard.

    (I became a burden to my teammates again...)

    As Fianna''s lower jaw shook out of chagrin, Sjora lifted it lightly.

    "Fufu, what a great expression. It excites me so."

    "...How regrettable, I have no value as a hostage. Sjora Kahn."

    As tears appeared in her dusk-colored eyes, Fianna resolutely red back at Sjora.

    "Ara, then you are surely selling yourself short. As the Cmity Queen''s sessor, you were chosen as the Fire Queen candidate."

    Sjora jeered as if greatly amused as she drew her face near Fianna''s ear.

    "Be proud of yourself. You are the top candidate for the Darkness Queen who will be serving the Demon King, you know?"

    "...Darkness... Queen...?"

    The unfamiliar term caused Fianna to frown.

    ...It was an ominous sound which was sufficient to cause one to feel revulsion instinctively.

    "Yes, Kazehaya Kamito -- the Demon King''s sessor awakened in this world. And then there is the Darkness Queen in charge of controlling him. Although little miss hell cat is also qualified as a candidate, that woman seems to prefer choosing you."

    "...Kamito-kun is the Demon King''s sessor?"

    "That''s right. The savior our great Hierarch has been awaiting for over a thousand years."

    --What on earth was she talking about? Fianna could notprehend at all.

    Even so, her instincts as a princess maiden alerted her that these were not simply delusional dreams.

    (...Hell cat, that refers to ire, right?)

    "Hey, imperial princess. For the sake of our great Hierarch, I will bring the Demon King under my control. Neither that woman''s, nor the darkness spirit''s. Hence--"

    With a rapturous expression, Sjora''s tongue crept over Fianna''s neck.

    "...Yah!"

    "...Whether your mind or your body, let them all be mine."

    Sjora Kahn''s fingertip slid across Fianna''s neck to touch her forehead.

    Instantly, Fianna felt her consciousness being eroded with a sense of beingpletely overwritten.

    "...Ah... Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

    If this continued, most likely she would bepletely dominated from the core depths of her mind--

    Hastily, Fianna severed her consciousness by her own willpower.

    After all, training to protect one''s mind was a required subject for all princess maidens at the Divine Ritual Institute.

    "Eh, as befitted the original Queen candidate. I knew it wouldn''t be that easy to seed."

    Sjora distorted her lips cruelly as she muttered.

    "--However, how long can you endure?"

    Part 3

    --Kamito and his teammates soon left the stronghold to search the forest.

    The one who took Fianna away had not left behind any trails resembling footprints.

    Tracking had to be left to wind spirits that served Ellis.

    Ellis was currently conversing with a flock of butterfly-shaped spirits that had gathered on tree branches. Listening to the voices of wind spirits could be said to be her special skill.

    Finally, Ellis stood up and walked towards Kamito.

    "How is it?"

    "Looks like no spirits in this area had seen those two."

    "...Is that so? Then they probably didn''te here."

    "However, given a skilled elementalist, deceiving the eyes of spirits is nothing difficult. If that is really what happened, what we should do is track down the traces left behind by the usage of spirit magic but that is beyond the domain of wind spirits. My apologies."

    "There''s no need for you to apologize, Ellis. Speaking of which, I''m the one who can''t do anything here."

    Kamito shook ahead and disagreed with Ellis who was disheartened by her own excessive seriousness.

    "But we are definitely out of ideas. Perhaps we should contact ire and Rinslet on the west side."

    "Hmm, that is true."

    --Just at this moment.

    Kamito suddenly sensed a presence.

    "--Ellis, lie down now."

    "...!?"

    Taking Ellis'' hand, Kamito pushed her against the ground.

    "Wha... K-Kamito, this is not the time...!"

    "Q-Quiet!"

    "Oh no... B-But, th-the first time really should be done on the bed..."

    Ignoring Ellis who mumbled with her face all red, Kamito focused his attention on observing the surrounding presences.

    (...This is not a spirit but the presence of an elementalist.)

    While erasing his own presence, Kamito ced his hand on the Demon yer.

    Kamito''s serious expression made Ellis stop talking.

    The presence could be sensed across the thicket and was approaching them.

    Most likely, the other party had already noticed Kamito and Ellis.

    Was this just an opposing team patrolling at night? If possible, Kamito hoped that they could leave each other alone, but the other party seemed quite determined.

    (If we get into an encounter battle right now...)

    Even though there was little chance of losing, time was currently of the essence.

    (...In that case, I will make the first move and finish it instantly!)

    Kamito made his decision as he infused divine power into Terminus Est.

    Silver-white light illuminated the dark night. Sensing the other party''s momentary fear from the brightness, Kamito dashed into the depths of the thicket.

    Pushing forward like a gale, he shed with godlike speed.

    The sound of metal shing rang out as intense sparks scattered in the darkness of the night.

    (...I was blocked!?)

    Such reaction speed was not normal. The other person was clearly quite aplished.

    Furthermore, even though he had not used maximum power, the opponent had managed to survive the Demon yer''s attack after all.

    (...Could it be, this person is!)

    Illuminated by the sacred sword, the opponent''s appearance finally entered Kamito''s view.

    The one who blocked Kamito''s sword with one hand, equipped with gauntlets, was--

    Her white hair particrly striking in the darkness, she was the girl with azure eyes.

    "...Shao Fu of the White Tiger?"

    "You are actually... Kazehaya Kamito?"

    They both spoke at the same time.

    "..."

    "..."

    For a brief period, they both maintained their elemental waffen in this engaged posture, not moving at all--

    At this time, a series of footsteps was heard from deeper in the thicket.

    "Shao, what on earth... Ah, y-you are--!"

    The one who appeared was the Four Gods''s sovereign. Her Highness Linfa Sin Quina the imperial princess.

    "Bestial king of lust Kazehaya Kamito! Why have you made your presence here!"

    "B-Bestial king of lust, what the heck..."

    Kamito slumped his shoulders as ifpletely drained.

    ...He felt like all vigor had been lost.

    "Kamito, what on earth is going on..."

    Pursuing from behind, Ellis also arrived.

    Shao used her other arm to restrain Linfa.

    "Linfa-sama, please stay back--"

    "..."

    Still wielding his sword in a stance, Kamito frowned.

    (...This looks quite unusual.)

    Why would the Four Gods leave their stronghold and appear in this ce during a time like this?

    Also, it was most unnatural for Linfa to have only Shao as her lone bodyguard.

    "I did not expect to encounter you here..."

    Shao gritted her teeth, as if intending to guard Linfa with her life.

    (...Looks like something must have happened.)

    Based on the situation, perhaps a pointless fight could be avoided.

    "Hey, Shao, could you wait a little bit?"

    "...Why?"

    "To be frank, I have no intention of fighting. Your side should be the same, right?"

    Saying that, Kamito slowly withdrew his sword--

    "Yeah..."

    With an expression of mild surprise, Shao rxed from herbat stance.

    ...I knew it. Neither of us wanted to attack.

    "Right now, I have no intention to battle you. If we can leave each other alone in peace, that would be a great help."

    Reassured, Shao exhaled with relief.

    ...On further examination, Kamito found her dress torn and tattered, and she had numerous wounds on her arms and legs.

    This damage were definitely not sustained during the de dance this morning.

    "For an elementalist of your level, who could have injured you to this level? Where are your otherrades?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question--

    Shao bit her lip as if suppressing intense chagrin.

    "The Four Gods have been vanquished. We fell into the witch''s trap."

    "...!?"

    ---Shocking words have been uttered.

 Volume 7, 8 - Fiery Encounter

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 8 - Fiery Encounter</h4>

    Part 1

    Kamito and Ellis listened to Shao''s story at a location not far from the encounter just now.

    Despite the urgency of the search for Fianna, news regarding the witch who had defeated the Four Gods was too rming. Allegedly, the Four Gods''s defeat stemmed from the witch disguising herself as one of their teammates, causing Linfa and the rest to fall into her carefullyid trap.

    Taking on another''s appearance to deceive others.

    It was highly probable that this witch is the same person as the elementalist who kidnapped Fianna.

    Kamito was just bending down to sit beside Linfa when she swiftly distanced herself as if running away.

    She was really quite wary of him, even for someone on opposing teams.

    (...But at least, she doesn''t seem to be hurt.)

    Linfa red unerringly at Kamito.

    "Hmm, Kazehaya Kamito, you intend tomit sexual assault upon me, is that what you are attempting?"

    "As if anyone would do that! What on earth am I in your eyes?"

    "Hmph, rumors about you have already spread to my country. Demon King Kamito''s gaze is enough to seduce pure maidens, while a single touch of his fingertips is sufficient to make virgins pregnant!"

    "What the heck are those rumors!? Am I a monster!?"

    "K-Kamito, is that really true!? W-What should I do now, if I do not report immediately to my father--"

    "Ellis, don''t tell me you believe those rumors too!?"

    ...Somehow, it felt like rumors were not only spreading like crazy but also getting worse and worse.

    "...Sigh, whatever. Let''s hear the rest of your story."

    Kamito sighed deeply and urged Shao to continue.

    Shao nodded.

    "That witch revealed herself after we retreated from the unfavorable de dance against Team Scarlet."

    Her face full of chagrin, Shao recounted how the Four Gods were wiped out.

    During the de dance against Kamito''s team, Rion of the Vermilion Bird had apparently been reced with the fake already. After revealing herself, the witch ordered several hundred demon spirits hidden in the forest to surround and attack the Four Gods.

    Having just engaged Team Scarlet in de dance, the Four Gods were too exhausted to muster any decent resistance. Seeing that they were about to be hunted down, Rao of the Azure Dragon had voluntarily sacrificed herself to allow princess Linfa and Shao to escape--

    "The one who had transformed into Rion was Team Inferno''s Sjora Kahn."

    Shao uttered the name with agony.

    "That girl, huh..."

    It was the demon caster who had sent the snake into Team Scarlet''s Barrier this morning.

    (...Come to think of it, she was also particrly obsessed with Fianna at the time.)

    Kamito recalled something mentioned about a Darkness Queen, but what did it actually mean?

    "Very likely, the one who took on Kamito''s appearance and kidnapped Fianna is also that witch."

    With a mysterious expression, Ellis murmured.

    Kamito turned to face Linfa and Shao--

    "...So, what are your ns from here on?"

    "Hmph, the answer is obvious, fool!"

    Whack. A thick branch struck Kamito on the head.

    "Naturally, we must retrieve the magic stones the witch stole from ourrades. Rao, Hakua and Rion -- even though taking back the magic stones will not bring them back into the game, we must hold a memorial service for them at least."

    "...Hold a memorial service? But they haven''t died, right?"

    Kamito remarked snidely with his eyes half narrowed.

    "I want to retrieve their magic stones too. Although I do wish for vengeance, if this continues, we won''t be able to win the de Dance festival."

    "I-In that case, putting the mighty renown of our great empire out on the line, Team Inferno shall be vanquished!"

    "I appreciate your vigor and conviction, but do you have the correspondingbat potential, current Four Gods?"

    "Hmm, b-but..."

    Linfa stammered at a loss for words.

    ...Clearly they did not have a n either.

    But in that case, this made negotiations easier. Gazing at the two girls alternately, Kamito spoke up.

    "Hey, I''ve got a suggestion. How about we join forces?"

    Regardless, their opponent was an elementalist under Team Inferno after all. The more allies, the better.

    "Hmm... Join forces? With you?"

    Linfa revealed a tactless expression of revulsion.

    "I-In other words, y-you wish for me to satisfy your carnal desires?"

    "W-What!?"

    "That''spletely wrong! Ellis, stop drawing your sword recklessly!"

    Kamito clutched his head in exasperation.

    "Linfa-sama, I believe agreeing to their suggestion would better serve our interests."

    Unexpectedly, the one supporting Kamito at this time was Shao.

    "Hmm, w-why!?"

    "No matter what, if I had to do it alone, defeating that witch is truly a challenge. Furthermore, this guy here is not the atrocious immoral rogue king as rumored. Having engaged him in battle, I have realized this fact."

    "Hmm, if Shao says so."

    With great reluctance, Linfa finally nodded.

    "Then it''s decided. The alliance between Team Scarlet and Four Gods is hereby established."

    Kamito and Shao bumped fists together.

    "By the way, do you have any idea where Sjora Kahn is located?"

    "Linfa-sama can use irvoyance so long as there is a shrine or a sacred spring. With that we can acquire the witch''s movements."

    "I remember irvoyance being the highest form of ritual magic... How impressive, despite being so small."

    "Hmph, now you finally show some respect... Hmm, I am not small! Like you, I am sixteen years of age as well!"

    The imperial princess roared tearfully as she noisily threw little pebbles at Kamito.

    (...Hmm, definitely, Mi acts far more mature than her.)

    "A shrine or a sacred spring eh -- Well then, let us return to the stronghold first."

    Ellis suggested at this time.

    "Yeah, I''ll go call for ire and Rinslet to return. Ellis, why don''t you take these two back into the stronghold?"

    "Yes, acknowledged."

    Bidding Ellis and the rest goodbye, Kamito headed towards ire and Rinslet.

    Part 2

    Meanwhile, the Raven ssbo of ire and Rinslet were searching the forest on the west side.

    Scarlet and Fenrir were tasked with searching for traces of Fianna''s divine power.

    "Looks like she definitely passed through here."

    "Yeah. But it will very difficult to continue tracking from here. In any case, let''s meet up with Kamito first."

    Turning around to make their way back, Rinslet asked a question.

    "So anyway, why were you quarreling with Her Highness the imperial princess?"

    "It has nothing to do with you."

    "...Could it be about breasts?"

    "O-Of course not!"

    ire could not help but roar angrily.

    "...Fianna seems quite troubled about this morning''s de dance."

    She exined what just happened in the forest.

    Obviously, all the parts rted to Kamito -- were omitted.

    "Carrying out elemental waffe releasing training on her own? That''s way too dangerous!"

    "That''s right. However, it''s not like I can''t understand Fianna''s impatience. Even for myself, I once went through a period of anxiety when I sought power in order to participate in the de Dance."

    ire recalled what happened two months earlier. Due to her excessive desire for power, the time when she made her bid for the dangerous sealed spirit.

    (...Did Kamito ever go through such a phase?)

    During the de dance against the Four Gods, he had exhibited overwhelming skills in de dance.

    Once that level of power had been achieved, there was probably no need for this sort of worrying?

    ...As soon as her thoughts turned to Kamito, it felt like she was unable to stay calm.

    (Seriously, it''s all Fianna''s fault for saying that--)

    In an attempt to cool her head which felt like it was on fire, ire shook her head vigorously.

    --I love Kamito-kun.

    Back then, Fianna was not showing a mischievous expression like always.

    (Those eyes of hers, it was as if she had made some sort of resolution...)

    --At this very moment.

    "What a coincidence. To think we''d meet here."

    "...!?"

    From the depths of the darkness came a voice, causing ire and Rinslet to enter a battle stance.

    (We failed to sense the other person''s presence!?)

    This particr fact caused ire''s instincts to raise quite an rm.

    "...Who is this!?"

    With a shrill cry, Rinslet summoned her elemental waffe of the magic bow. Without waiting for the other party to answer, she immediately unleashed an attack to achieve containment -- such was the natural result expected from the Ice Storm.

    The freezing arrow was shot straight forward, leaving a trail like aet''s tail.

    However--

    "How boorish, little Laurenfrostdy."

    The darkness gave birth to crimson mes which instantly devoured the arrow of frost.

    Amidst the dancing mes, a person''s figure was illuminated in the darkness.

    "...Y-You... are...!"

    ire could feel shivers traveling all over her spine.

    "I-I don''t believe this..."

    Simrly, Rinslet was frozen in her bow-drawing posture.

    Subduing the crimson mes, a scarlet mask appeared in the darkness.

    Dark-colored hair fluttered in the wind.

    "Ren Ashbell--!"

    ire cried out with despair.

    (...Why, why would she be in a ce like this!?)

    Questions spread out and filled her mind.

    No, the reason was not important right now. The undeniable truth currently was the fact that the strongest elementalist of the current de Dance had appeared before ire.

    (...What should I do? Right now, what is the best possible course of action?)

    Cold sweat flowed down to ire''s chin.

    Fighting was out of the question. But what if running away presented an opening to the enemy--

    --At this time, ire suddenly noticed.

    Why the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, had appeared at this location.

    Team Inferno had made moves on Team Scarlet numerous times already.

    That Ren Ashbell was unrted to the current situation... Making such an assertion would be utterly naive and optimistic.

    "Are you actually the one who took Fianna away!?"

    Suppressing the fear she felt towards the existence before her, ire cried out.

    "Me, taking the Ordesia princess?"

    "T-That''s right, transforming into Kamito''s appearance... It must be your doing!"

    "..."

    Several seconds passed--

    "...I see, so that''s what happened."

    Ren Ashbell nodded to herself as if she figured out something.

    "Did the witch intend to steal a march -- or perhaps, it was under the orders of the Alphas Theocracy''s Snake?"

    "Stop pretending you''re unaware of it!"

    ire summoned the fiery hell cat by her feet.

    Even though it was a meaningless act, ire thought it could at least provide some sort of intimidation--

    The instant Scarlet appeared--

    "Hoh--"

    Suddenly, Ren Ashbell eximed profoundly.

    "The Elstein''s family''s Scarlet Valkyrie, eh? A spiritpletely unsuited to you in your current state."

    "...What?"

    After whispering wordspletely unfamiliar to ire, she continued.

    "Interesting. Let''s y for a bit."

    Using her white gloved right hand, she started a small fire.

    "...!"

    ire bit her lip hard.

    "What should we do, ire?"

    "There''s no choice, Rinslet, we must fight."

    After all, if Ren Ashbell were to get serious, escape waspletely out of the question.

    "However, you might be able to escape while I''m fighting."

    "Hmph, please keep these stupid jokes to yourself."

    Rinslet shook her head with great resolve and readied her magic bow of ice.

    "...Rinslet, thank you."

    With a barely audible voice, ire spoke to her childhood friend, then immediately--

    She turned to face the strongest de dancer who emanated a terrifyingly oppressive aura simply by standing there.

    No chance for victory. Also impossible to flee.

    Most likely, they were going to lose their magic stones and be forced to retire here.

    However, Kamito and the rest of the team should be able to continue fighting to thest day of the de Dance.

    --Precisely because she believed so, ire was able to resolve herself.

    So long as she had resolution, fear was no longer a problem.

    "Ren Ashbell, I have a question for you."

    ire inquired at this time.

    "What?"

    "You, are you truly that Ren Ashbell?"

    "What do you mean?"

    The ruby-like eyes shed from behind the mask, prating ire.

    "You are not the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, the one whom I idolize -- That''s what I mean."

    "...Indeed."

    The masked elementalist admitted with forthrightness.

    "It''s true, I am not the Ren Ashbell you know."

    "Hearing that, I am relieved."

    With a sigh of relief, ire summoned metongue in her hands.

    "--In that case, I can go all out without reservation!"

    Yelling at the same time, she began to swing the fiery whip.

    A crimson sh split the darkness of the night acutely.

    "Not bad in terms of the elemental waffe''s purity. Nevertheless--"

    The elementalist who had stolen Ren Ashbell''s name -- drew a magic circle in the air with mes burning on her fingertip.

    "--Come forth from the furnace of congration, Hellhound."

    From the burning magic circle appeared a hunting hound enveloped in fire.

    Rather than spirit summoning magic, this was a pseudo life form forged from magical mes.

    The ming hound roared and rushed forward, ripping metongue apart with its sharp ws.

    "Impossible! My Scarlet...!"

    "Let me show you the proper way to use fire."

    The summoned Hellhound roared with savagery as it pounced.

    "...!?"

    "ire, dodge!"

    Slicing through the air with an acute sound, freezing arrows flew over ire''s to smash the hound.

    "Thanks a lot, Rinslet!"

    "The Laurenfrost family''s strongest demon ice spirit -- So you''re the one who inherited it."

    "You know Judia?"

    Rinslet''s eyes widened in a stare.

    Ren Ashbell silently summoned a vortex of fire in her hands.

    "Let''s go, Scarlet!"

    As ire released divine power, metongue swiftly regenerated and lit on fire once more.

    Just as the crimson sh shed again -- in that very instant, Ren Ashbell disappeared.

    "...!?"

    In the next instant, the scarlet mask appeared in ire''s view.

    "...Impossible, teleportation!?"

    "The power of fire lies not only in destruction. Its traits also include producing mirages through differences in air temperature."

    Her tone of voice sounded almost like a teacher lecturing a student.

    (Is that so, using mes to disorient light around the body--)

    Enveloped in fire, a fistnded on ire''s chest.

    As her body was wrapped in fire, ire was easily blown away like a piece of paper, falling on the ground.

    "...Guh... Ooh...!"

    Unable to breathe. The mes around her were snatching oxygen from the surrounding air.

    As ire panted, metongue returned to the hell cat''s form. Like a ravenous creature, Scarlet devoured all the mes surrounding her.

    Amidst flickering fire, Ren Ashbell''s figure approached without pause.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Innumerable freezing arrows tore through the darkness of the night as they were shot.

    However, Ren Ashbell did not make any motion to evade.

    "Red castle walls, intercepting armies ten thousand strong -- me Wall."

    Instantly, the erected barrier of fire vanquished the freezing arrowspletely.

    "Excellent aim and speed -- However, your power is decisively inadequate. This is fatal for a sniper."

    As soon as these words were uttered, burning arrows were shot from behind the wall of fire, flying towards Rinslet.

    Rinslet intended to unleash freezing arrows again but was toote.

    "I''m not going to let you seed -- me Wall."

    ire immediately performed the same magic.

    However.

    "Yah!"

    The burning arrows easily prated the barrier of fire, striking the two girls and blowing them into the thicket.

    "...Im... possible...!"

    "Whether it is the skill in spirit magic or the absolute amount of divine power, you two are both inferior. Even if you use the same magic, a difference in power is only inevitable."

    "Guh..."

    Completely overwhelming.

    As users of the same attribute of fire, to think such a difference in level was possible.

    Stepping upon the intensely burning mes, the masked elementalist approached slowly.

    As if trying to protect ire who was copsed on the ground, the fiery hell cat blocked her path.

    "Scarlet, don''t!"

    Despite ire''s cries--

    Scarlet roared acutely and attacked the enemy before them.

    However, the masked girl easily dodged and unleashed a punch infused with divine power.

    The hell cat was struck down on the ground with a painful scream.

    "--Scarlet!"

    "Without releasing its true name, even a renowned spirit weapon can only perform at this miserable level--"

    "...Releasing its true name?"

    Still lying on the ground, ire frowned.

    She had heard from her grandfather that Scarlet''s true name as a spirit had been lost since ancient times.

    Why would this girl know about that--

    At this very moment.

    "How disappointing, ire Rouge. You are not worthy of fighting me in the finals."

    "...!"

    A massive ball of me appeared in Ren Ashbell''s hand.

    This was the spirit magic of Fireball. However, its size was orders of magnitudes greater than ire''s.

    (If this attack strikes us directly--)

    ire forcefully shifted her gaze towards behind her.

    Struck down by the burning arrows and copsed on the ground, Rinslet was panting painfully.

    She was in no state to stand up and evade--

    "--Rinslet!"

    In that very instant--

    ire''s twintails became untied and stood up burning like mes.

    A fiery ze burst forth from the depths of her eyes of ruby.

    "--What?"

    An exmation of surprise was leaked from beneath Ren Ashbell''s mask as she released the fireball.

    Crimson mes came forth from ire''s hands, devouring--

    --Or rather, it incinerated the massive fire into nothing.

    Instead of exploding, the giant fireball disappeared in midair.

    "Pant, pant, pant... Guh..."

    Maintaining the same pose as when she unleashed the crimson mes--

    ire fell upon her knees like an unstringed puppet.

    "W-What on earth just happened...?"

    Rinslet moaned with her face filled with surprise.

    This was not without reason. The unbelievable phenomenon that just urred hadpletely surpassedmon sense knowledge of spirit magic.

    "mes that incinerates other mes -- What an interesting sight to witness."

    Ren Ashbell spoke softly as she approached ire who had copsed from exhaustion.

    "As I thought, the one suited to the role of the Darkness Queen is--"

    Just as her fingertips were about to caress ire''s face, in that very instant--

    Stab--!

    A short sword flew across the scarlet mask, embedding itself into the ground.

    "Don''t think you can touch my master so easily -- Ren Ashbell."

    "...!?"

    That voice caused ire to open her eyes slightly--

    "Kami... to..."

    Hurrying to the scene from out of the darkness was Kamito with the Demon yer in hand.

    "Kazehaya Kamito--"

    "You bitch, how dare you do this to ire and Rinslet...!"

    Wrath swelled in Kamito''s jet ck eyes as he kicked the ground and leaped.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Closing the distance instantly, he swung the brightly shining sacred sword straight down without question.

    With a great sh of light, the sword de sung with metallic timbre.

    "...!"

    Summoned suddenly without anyone noticing--

    Appearing in Ren Ashbell''s hand was a burning sword of fire.

    "Elemental waffe -- no wait, that''s a creation of spirit magic..."

    ire murmured as she shuddered. For the elemental waffe of the strongest ss, Terminus Est, to be blocked by a sword of spirit magic--

    How much divine power had been infused to forge its creation?

    Sparks shone brightly in the darkness. One round, two rounds... The two shed and engaged one another intensely in battle.

    "How could that kind of thing block Est!?"

    During the third round, Ren Ashbell''s sword of fire shattered.

    Kamito took a step forward and unleashed a sh with godlike speed.

    "Your movements are much improvedpared to a few days ago. As expected of the one who defeated Nepenthes Lore without awakening--"

    Ren Ashbell whispered softly beneath the mask. Immediately afterwards, her figure disappeared suddenly like a mirage--

    Kamito''s sword simply sliced through air.

    "...She''s fleeing?"

    "Go on and advance to the finals, Kazehaya Kamito."

    From the forest enshrouded in darkness, her voice could be heard.

    "--Once that time arrives, you shall learn about the truth of what happened three years ago."

    Part 3

    In the night forest where the spirits were restless--

    Kamito was shouldering the unconscious ire on his back. Beside him, Fenrir was carrying the likewise unconscious Rinslet.

    A transient encounter had concluded with the scarlet-masked elementalist -- the other Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    Despite the briefness of their crossing of des, Kamito learned with deep realization.

    (Now that was truly a monster...)

    Despite her appearance of a girl''s, she was without any doubt a monster surpassing Nepenthes Lore.

    Whether in the level of swordsmanship or in the strength of divine power, the difference was overwhelming.

    (Furthermore, that girl defeated these two without even summoning her contracted spirit.)

    Cold sweat flowed down his neck.

    (Even if I recovered my power from three years ago, I--)

    The spirit seal on his left hand stung with pain.

    Momentster, when Kamito arrived back at Team Scarlet''s stronghold--

    "Kamito, what happened to them!?"

    Ellis cried out in surprise when she came out to greet them.

    "...Yeah. Sorry, could you help me a bit."

    Exining to Ellis what had happened, Kamito enlisted her help toy the two girls onto the beds in the tent.

    "What about the other two?"

    "Princess Linfa is currently seeking Sjora Kahn''s location. Shao Fu is apanying her."

    "So it does take quite a long time, right?"

    Kamito wished to rescue Fianna as quickly as possible without a second to lose.

    "I will go check on their progress. Kamito, you should stay by the sides of ire and Rinslet here."

    Saying that, Ellis left the tent.

    "..."

    Left behind, Kamito activated healing spirit crystals and had the girls sp them in their hands.

    As if trying tofort her, Scarlet was licking ire''s severely burned hands.

    (...What on earth happened? Even as a user of fire, she looked like she got burned by her own mes or something.)

    The only conceivable possibility was spirit magic running out of control--

    However, Kamito did not believe ire could make such an elementary mistake.

    Soon after, ire was the first to wake up.

    "Ooh, Kami... to...?"

    Frowning tensely from the pain, she slowly raised her upper body.

    "Is your condition okay?"

    "Yeah, looks like she held back and showed mercy. To her, the battle just now was just child''s y."

    ire bit her lip with chagrin.

    "Have we gained any clues to Fianna''s location?"

    "Yeah. It was Team Inferno''s Sjora Kahn who kidnapped Fianna. Sjora most likely decided on her own to perpetrate this act. Those members of Team Inferno don''t seem very united."

    "However, why would she take Fianna away?"

    "...Indeed, the magic stone is not the goal."

    Kamito rested his chin on his hand as he pondered--

    "Come to think of it, Sjora''s familiar said something iprehensible. About Fianna being suited to be the Darkness Queen or whatever, somehow it feels like..."

    "...Darkness Queen?"

    ire''s eye brows jumped.

    "You''re heard of it?"

    "I seem to recall seeing it before. A forbidden book from my family''s sealed library. Because the Elstein family gave rise to many Queens throughout the generations, we have collected arge number of forbidden books rted to legends regarding queens. That one, I think it said..."

    ire pressed an index finger against her temple--

    "The Elemental Lords ruling over Astral Zero actually total six in number. If that''s the case, there should exist a corresponding Queen to serve that sixth Elemental Lord. Of course, this is deemed heresy by the Divine Ritual Institute."

    "The sixth Elemental Lord..."

    Kamito felt a stirring in his heart.

    A certain name surfaced in his mind, one fraught with aplicated past

    The being whose existence was wiped out in the distant past, the Darkness Elemental Lord -- Ren Ashdoll.

    An existence whose veracity was still in doubt, why would its name now be--

    "...Ooh, Kami... to-san..."

    "Rinslet?"

    "...Ah, Kamito-san, where are you touching, so perverted!"

    "Wha!?"

    ...Was she talking in her dreams? She must be having some sort of outrageous dream.

    "Y-You, y-you''re doing what in her dreams...?"

    ire red with a frightening gaze.

    "W-Wait a minute, how could you hold me responsible for this!?"

    "Uwah, h-how could this happen, what are you doing with ire, ah..."

    "H-Hold it right there, what are you dreaming about!? Hurry and get up!"

    "ire... And also, Kamito?"

    Blushing intensely, ire shook Rinslet by the shoulders, causing her to open her eyes forcefully.

    "Seriously..."

    Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    Ellis entered the tent at this time.

    "Princess Linfa haspleted the preparations for irvoyance. Let us gather at the spring."

    --When everyone had gathered by the spring, Linfa was already performing thest ritual dance, dressed in her glittering rainbow-colored elemental waffe, Seraphim Feathers.

    The great imperial princess who always acted so childishly appeared especially sacred at this moment.

    Bowing towards the spring, she then quietly turned towards Kamito''s group.

    "--Hereafter, irvoyance shall be performed on the witch''sir. Watch carefully."

    Everyone nodded silently.

    Softly uttering a spiritnguage prayer, Linfa activated the magic for far sight.

    This was high level magic for disying a target''s location by interfering with Astral Zero''s space.

    ...Very soon, the water surface began to move even in the absence of wind.

    The vague image of some unknown ce appeared on the surface of the spring water that reflected moonlight.

    Kamito and the group focused their gaze sharply on the water surface.

    Dense flourishing forest. Deste, decrepit and copsed stone columns. Rock faces covered with spreading moss. All around were the remnant of king sculptures.

    --This was apparently the site of an ancient shrine''s remains.

    "The image belongs within the grounds of the de Dance, right?"

    "Hmm, in principle, yes."

    "Hey, this ce, could it be there?"

    ire spoke up.

    "There?"

    "See, the historical site the Rupture Division used as their stronghold--"

    "Oh right!"

    It was the ce where Kamito and ire had taken shelter from the rainst time when they went over to negotiate an alliance with the Rupture Division.

    The ce should have been damaged by Nepenthes Lore already. Had a new barrier been erected there to reuse the location?

    "Oh dear, the other party seems to have noticed!"

    Linfa suddenly spoke up.

    Instantly, the water surface began to shake violently, disrupting the image and causing it to disappear.

    "...What happened?"

    "Hmm, looks like the witch discovered it."

    "Knowing the ce is good enough, let''s go!"

    "Yeah!"

    Hearing Kamito''s rally for action, everyone nodded vigorously.

    Part 4

    "Ufufu, looks like they have caught wind of this ce."

    In the cave sealed off by viscous darkness--

    Sjora Kahn''s lips distorted into a smile.

    "Kamito-kun... They...?"

    In a hazy state of consciousness -- Fianna murmured his name.

    Having endured several hours of sustained mental torture, she was currently severely weakened in body and mind.

    However, the emptiness lingering in her eyes showed minute brightness once more.

    "...How truly amazing. To think you could continue enduring my mental domination for so long."

    Mocking sardonically, the witch lifted Fianna''s chin with her hand.

    "...!?"

    "But how truly regrettable. Your hopes will be crushed before your eyes. When that is done, even you, exalted princess, you shall fall, yes?"

    Apanied by delightful jeering, Sjora''s fingernails dug into Fianna''s smooth skin.

    Bright red blood flowed down from Fianna''s face.

    "Your friends will be arriving soon. I must prepare a good weing for them."

    Sjora turned her heels and walked to the center of the cave.

    On the stone floor, a gigantic magic circle had been carved.

    Raising both her arms, Sjora softly recited a long spiritnguage incantation.

    Halfway through, the magic circle began to give off an ominous crimson glow as the historical site began to rumble.

    "This... is...!?"

    Fianna suddenly opened her eyes wide.

    "Fufu, this ancient ruin was used in the ancient past as a Gate for summoning powerful spirits."

    Zuzuzu... Zu... Zuzu... Zuzuzuzu...!

    From the center of the magic circle, disgusting monsters were slowly crawling out.

    One, two, three... No, their numbers were increasing without limit.

    This was a swarm of demon spirits that humans were definitely unable to control due to their abnormal mental structure.

    "--Descend upon a bloody feast! Dead ones of the endless abyss!"

    The demon caster -- Sjora Kahnughed with a jeer.

    "Very well, please wee the guests with due ceremony. My lovely children."

 Volume 7, 9 - Pandemonium

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 9 - Pandemonium</h4>

    Part 1

    --A few moments after that.

    Kamito and his group arrived at the historical site which the Rupture Division had formerly used as their stronghold.

    "Is this really the ce?"

    "...Yeah, no mistake about it."

    Faced with Ellis'' doubtful question, ire gulped a mouthful of air.

    Ellis'' question was not without reason. Currently, the surroundings of the ruins was filled with an ominous aura that did not match with a barrier built by an elementalist.

    "It seemspletely different from thest time we came here..."

    Kamito stepped in as he ced a hand on Terminus Est at his waist.

    "This is already the interior of a witch''s barrier -- Be careful."

    "It''s almost like a spider''sir. The air is rather turbid."

    Shao spat out her words.

    Entering an elementalist''s carefully constructed stronghold was like attacking a secure castle. Without sufficient superiority inbat potential, breaching the defenses would be impossible.

    (Especially a stronghold constructed by a princess maiden skilled in ritual magic--)

    Feeling an illusion as if his feet were trudging through a muddy bog, Kamito made his way forward.

    The entrance of the ruinsy open like a mouth of darkness, inviting victims to an obvious trap.

    "...This is exactly like the Pandemonium of legend."

    Just as ire muttered, in that instant--

    "...Something''sing!?"

    Kamito halted his steps and turned back to look up at the pitch ck night sky.

    Instantly, numerous magic circles appeared in the air -- the whole area was covered by crimson shing light.

    Then--

    From the magic circles, a swarm of innumerable strangely shaped beings burst forth like a tide.

    Gigantic eyes with several arms growing out of them. Burning skulls that cackled noisily. Amorphous amoeba that tumbled about. Giants with heads sprouting from their arms and shoulders. Spherical shadows that expanded and contracted incessantly--

    "...Demon spirits!"

    "We of the Four Gods were wiped out by these things!"

    In order to protect Linfa, Shao readied her elemental waffe, the Divine Tiger Fangs.

    "But these numbers... Cannotpare tost time!"

    Dozens, hundreds, thousands -- the swarm of demon spirits was increasing without bound, forming a pitch ck cloud that enshrouded the entire vicinity of the ruins. Even though Sjora Kahn was known as the demon caster, summoning such an enormous number of demon spirits should be impossible. Very likely, the ancient ruins themselves functioned as some sort of summoning device.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet unleashed arrows of ice, striking down dozens of demon spirits in session.

    Nevertheless, this was merely a drop in the bucket. The rate of increase in numbers greatly surpassed Rinslet''s efforts.

    "...This is hopeless. Faced with such numbers of spirits as opponents, this will be never ending."

    ire yelled out as she swept enemies away with metongue.

    "..."

    Watching the cloud-like swarm, Kamito pondered for a while, then said:

    "Hey, I''ve got a suggestion--"

    "What?"

    "Leaves these things to me. ire and the others, why don''t you go rescue Fianna?"

    Slicing the demon spirit before him in half, Kamito suggested.

    "...No way! Even for you, Kamito, these numbers are--"

    "You''ll exhaust your divine power very quickly and be unable to use your elemental waffe!"

    ire and Rinslet instantly objected.

    Indeed, Terminus Est''s massive consumption of divine power was its one and only weakness.

    --But of course, Kamito was already aware of that.

    "No problem. After all, we have the great imperial princess here who is highly skilled in ritual dance performances, right?"

    "Hmm, you can rely on me."

    d in the Kirin''s elemental waffe of the Seraphim Feathers, Linfa thumped her paper-thin chest confidently.

    "Making use of the stronghold''s leylines to obtain blessings ispletely effortless."

    "I will be in charge of guarding Linfa-sama. Kamito, you focus on destroying these things."

    Using the Divine Tiger Fangs, Shao instantly swept away the demon spirits at the shrine entrance.

    "...I understand. Then I''ll leave this ce to Kamito and the rest here. Let''s go!"

    ire took swift action as soon as their decision was made. Nodding briefly in acknowledgement, she rushed towards the shrine entrance together with Ellis and Rinslet.

    "I''m relying on you girls to rescue Fianna!"

    "Yes, we will definitely bring her back!"

    Kamito watched as the three disappeared into the depths of the shrine--

    For just an instant, Kamito rxed his shoulderpletely.

    "Very well, with that, I can now use her sword techniques without any reservation--"

    Licking his parched lips, Kamito grinned fearlessly.

    "...Come, third rate flunkies. I will take care of you all no matter how many of you there are."

    In the next instant, several hundred demon spirits rushed towards Kamito all at once.

    Part 2

    "--Evil winds, go and rampage!"

    "Turn into charcoal, Fireball!"

    Using des of wind released like raging waves, the swarm of demon spirits in the passage were swept clean all at once. Riding on that tornado, scorching mes of congration burned intensely.

    Although there were still many demon spirits inside the shrine, they numbered far fewer than those outside. Exterminating the demon spirits who kept popping up like bubbles, ire and her group continued to advance along the passageway.

    "Will Kamito be fine?"

    "Don''t worry about that guy."

    As Ellis voiced her concern, ire shook her head.

    (...That''s right, that guy will never lose.)

    The instant Kamito''s face surfaced in her mind, ire inexplicably found her cheeks getting boiling hot as if being burned by a fire.

    Lubdub -- the beating in her chest intensified as well.

    (...N-No, th-this isn''t anything like that!)

    ire shook her head as if trying to deny the notion.

    (D-Damn it, it''s all Fianna''s fault for saying something weird...)

    "ire, what''s the matter?"

    "N-Nothing of any importance!"

    ire brandished metongue and sent the demon spirits before them flying.

    As the sound of their footsteps rebounded off the hard surface of the ground, the trio continued to run along the long passage that seemed to stretch to who knows where.

    "...I never knew these ruins were so vast."

    Would they be able to find Fianna amidst such vast premises?

    Just as ire began to worry--

    Suddenly, the passage opened up to reveal arge spacious hall.

    "Be careful. This could very well be a trap."

    With a wave of the hand, ire produced illumination using spirit magic.

    Suddenly, a copsed figure appeared at the depths of the great hall.

    "Who is that!?"

    ire readied metongue with wariness, then--

    "Wait... It''s me!"

    "...Fianna!?"

    Sprawled on the ground was Fianna whose uniform was all cut and tattered.

    "W-What happened to you!?"

    "Are you injured?"

    The trio swiftly rushed over.

    Fianna lowered her gaze as if very apologetic.

    "Yeah, I was able to find an opportunity to escape, but my foot--"

    She disyed an expression of pain. It seemed like she had sprained one foot.

    "Are you able to stand?"

    "...Uh, yeah."

    As Fianna reached out, ire was just about to hold her hand when--

    Suddenly, she was struck with a sense of dissonance.

    (--This is wrong!)

    Swiftly she withdrew her hand and leaped backwards.

    In that instant, a sharp shortsword narrowly missed the top of her head by millimeters.

    "...You, you''re not Fianna!"

    "Fufu, as befits the younger sister of the Cmity Queen, your senses are quite sharp."

    As soon as the sentence was finished, Fianna''s image began to quiver like a mirage--

    A beautiful girl dressed in a highly exposing outfit appeared.

    "...Sjora Kahn!"

    Yelling out shrilly, ire struck out with metongue.

    Intensely burning crimson mes attacked the witch--

    "Ara, what an impatient littledy. Come forth -- demon spirit Baldanders!"

    "...!?"

    From Sjora''s shadow, out crept a thin and faceless humanoid.

    The humanoid spread its arms to protect its contractor--

    Immediately, it was unceremoniously sent flying by metongue.

    "...Eh?"

    ire paused with disappointment, for she originally expected her attack to be blocked,.

    Striking the wall of rock, the humanoidy tilted and powerless like a puppet. Scorched by the crimson mes, its outer skin that resembled ck metal was melting. It struggled desperately, trying to escape from the fire, but--

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Numerous freezing arrows rained down from above, shattering its arm.

    (...This thing is the Demon Caster''s contracted spirit?)

    --Regardless, it was way too weak.

    (This seems rather suspicious instead...)

    "You think you can defeat us alone?"

    "Fufu, the true value of Baldanders lies not in brute force but in its other abilities--"

    While dodging Rinslet''s arrows of ice, the witch recited words for a contracted spirit''s releasing.

    "--Thou, weakest of the weak and strongest of the strong, heed mymand and hereby take form!"

    "...I won''t let you seed!"

    With a flying leap, Ellis made a thrust using Ray Hawk but ended up being a stepte.

    A pure white mask appeared in the witch''s hand.

    "Elemental waffe -- Proteus Masques."

    In the blink of an eye, Sjora''s red lips twisted as the image of her figure distorted like a mirage.

    Then--

    "...!?"

    ire, Rinslet and Ellis gasped at the same time.

    Over there was--

    With gorgeous ck hair and mysterious jet ck eyes -- a beautiful girl.

    She was dressed in an exotic foreign outfit that had a rtively long lower hem and resembled ritual attire.

    In her left hand, she wielded a demon sword of darkness that emanated an aura of disaster.

    "How on earth..."

    The winner of the de Dance festival three years earlier.

    --The Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, was now standing present.

    Part 3

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The Demon yer traced out an arc wiping out swarms of demon spirits.

    Faced with the onught of the abnormally shaped beings, Kamito chopped, shed and sliced nonstop.

    "...Th-That guy, is he really human?"

    Watching the de dance that seemed like it was performed by a fierce god, Linfa''s eyes widened as she carried out her ritual dancing.

    Ten-odd minutes had passed since the de dance began -- Terminus Est''s light remained bright without waning.

    The magic circle drawn on the ground was providing Kamito with power continuously through the leylines.

    "--That said, given such numbers, it''s still quite tiring."

    Kamito smiled wryly as he chopped down several demon spirits.

    Although he had already defeated hundreds of these demon spirits, the swarm showed no signs of reducing in size.

    (I really don''t know if my stamina canst until ire and the girls return...)

    At this moment, sensing the presence of an enemy attacking from behind, Kamito turned around and shed--

    However, the sh simply cut through empty space.

    "What!?"

    In that instant, jet ck lightning had been released, reducing the demon spirit to charcoal.

    (Did Shao cover me? No, the spirit magic just now was--)

    Suddenly, a jet ck feather floated down before the tip of Kamito''s nose.

    "You seem to have your hands full, Kamito. Would you like my assistance?"

    The lovely voice reaching his ears stirred him from his very core.

    ck hair fluttered in the wind, seeming as if woven from the very night itself.

    Twirling the dress of darkness, touching down lightly on the ground was the ck-winged angel.

    "Restia..."

    "Good evening, Kamito."

    Seeing Kamito rendered speechless, the darkness spirit girl smiled with a chuckle.

    "Finally, my power has recovered to the point where it allows me to assume this appearance. Although I''m far from peak condition, I do have more than enough strength to y with some low level spirits."

    "...You really intend to help?"

    "Yes. These kinds of fodder won''t help your awakening no matter how many you defeat. Let me take this opportunity to y for a bit."

    Restia released jet ck lightning from her fingertips, turning multiple demon spirits into charcoal.

    "You''re not going to transform into my sword?"

    Kamito joked to his past partner--

    "Ara, my jealousy runs deep, you know? Please first rescind your contract with that sacred sword, then we''ll talk."

    "--Sorry, that really cannot be helped."

    "...Fool."

    Restia pouted as if sulking and red at the demon spirits before her, taking out her wrath upon them.

    "O ck de of darkness, capable of crushing the scales of dragons, annihte mine enemies -- Arc st."

    Instantly, numerous shes of lightning descended from the sky, wiping out all the demon spirits in the area.

    "Y-You, still merciless as ever..."

    As Kamito''s faced twitched, Restia turned around to face him again.

    "Hey, you must be listening, right? --Miss Legendary Sacred Sword?"

    Restia spoke provocatively.

    At this moment, the Demon yer in Kamito''s hand shone with dazzling light.

    It was as if it was acting defiantly in response to Restia.

    "Why don''t we have a contest? Let''s see who can ultimately defeat more enemies, you or I?"

    The silver-white sword in Kamito''s hand shone with even greater brightness.

    Part 4

    --From afar, the faint noise of weapons in action could be heard.

    (Kamito-kun and the rest are fighting...)

    Chained and restrained, Fianna bit her lip hard.

    With the power of the spirit contract sealed away, she was nothing but a weak and powerless girl.

    Simply an imprisoned princess waiting to be rescued by her prince.

    (I hate this...!)

    As she struggled desperately, the metal restraints dug deeper into her wrists.

    If she simply shattered her own magic stone, she should be able to spare her teammates from trouble. But with her wrists restrained currently, she could not even do that.

    (No, but even if I can return to their side, I am still--)

    Perhaps she would end up burdening them instead of helping. Such worries seethed in her mind.

    At this moment, suddenly -- the rigid impact of boots resounded within the cave.

    "...Who is it?"

    Fianna asked towards the darkness.

    It could not be Sjora. The witch should still be busy intercepting Kamito and the rest.

    Suddenly, a small me was lit in the darkness.

    Illuminated by that flickering light was a scarlet mask.

    "...Ren Ashbell!?"

    Fianna stared with wide-eyed amazement as the masked girl approached silently.

    "What do you intend--"

    "Don''t move. Unless you want your wrists to be charcoal."

    Whispering softly, she then touched the handcuffs with her fiery hand.

    The shackles which sealed away the power of spirit contracts easily melted and fell to the ground.

    "Why... do this...?"

    "You are a key part of my n. I cannot let the witch have you."

    Leaving those words behind, the masked girl prepared to turn around and leave.

    However.

    "Wait... Hold on and wait, Ren Ashbell!"

    Stumbling around, Fianna grabbed her hand desperately.

    --I can''t let her leave just like that.

    It was imperative to ask what she intended to do to Kamito.

    Fianna stared at the scarlet mask whose gaze bore down coldly upon her.

    "Sjora Kahn said that Kamito-kun is the Demon King''s sessor and that ire and I are the Darkness Queen candidates?"

    "..."

    "What are your intentions for Kamito-kun?"

    "The witch spoke too much huh--"

    A whisper of annoyance escaped from the dark side of the mask.

    "Don''t screw around... Kamito-kun is not a tool for you people to use!"

    "Kazehaya Kamito is my trump card. --For the impending war."

    "What on earth...?"

    "You are currently unqualified to be privy to the matter. Lost Queen."

    In the next instant, Fianna found herself suspended in midair.

    Still grabbing onto Ren Ashbell''s arm, Fianna was thrown onto the hard stone surface of the ground.

    "...Guh, ah...!"

    Intense pain erupted as if all her bones had shattered. Nevertheless, Fianna still did not let go of her arm.

    "Hoh?"

    "...I won''t let you leave... Until you exin fully about Kamito-kun!"

    Her voice trembled. Fianna could feel her heart beating intensely from the frighteningly oppressive presence emanating from Ren Ashbell.

    Even so, she still resolved to never let go of that arm no matter what.

    "You haven''t changed at all from back then."

    "...Eh?"

    Ren Ashbell''s voice changed.

    --No longerpletely indifferent, slight annoyance had crept into her voice.

    "Nonsensical words from the powerless only serve to disgust others."

    Pulled by the arm''s frightening strength, Fianna was mmed hard against the ground repeatedly.

    However, despite her fading consciousness, Fianna still did not let go.

    "I understand... In the past, you also failed to protect certain things."

    "...What?"

    "Unable to protect something precious, you fell into despair!"

    Fianna screamed as she panted.

    --Four years ago. That particr day when the great shrine of the Fire Elemental Lord had been plunged into mes of congration.

    Fianna had been powerless to stop that particr person she revered and held dear.

    Struck down with mental trauma from the fear, Fianna even became disqualified from being an elementalist.

    "Indeed. Powerless one, you were unable to protect anything--!"

    Intensely burning mes erupted from Ren Ashbell''s arm.

    The surging wave of hot wind blew Fianna away forcibly, sending her flying into a wall of rock.

    "Yah... Ah...!"

    "--Back then, I must have warned you. Do not appear before me ever again."

    "What...?"

    Barely hanging onto her consciousness, Fianna suddenly realized.

    The scene from that particr day was vividly reyed in her mind.

    ''Fianna Ray Ordesia -- Do not appear before me ever again.''

    Fianna also remembered how the traitorous Queen had made her deration amidst burning mes of congration.

    "Impossible... You! Could you actually be her!?"

    "--Just like four years ago. You cannot stop me."

    From the inner side of the crimson mask, zing eyes akin to burning mes stared right through Fianna.

    These were ruby-red eyes identical to those of ire Rouge.

    Then this girl''s true identity must be--

    "...I am finding more and more reasons I can''t let you leave."

    Fianna stood up with staggering steps.

    "ire... She came here precisely for the sake of meeting you!"

    "..."

    Silence. However--

    Even though it was impossible to see her expression behind the mask, Fianna could still notice her overwhelming imposing presence waver.

    Pressing down on the throbbing pain of her arm, Fianna stepped forward, one step at a time.

    "I am no longer the same as four years ago. Because--"

    I now haverades fighting courageously alongside me. I now have reasons I cannot back down no matter what.

    If I retreat now, I will probably return to being that Lost Queen, most likely.

    "I have no wish to repeat my regrets from back then."

    Fianna sternly stood before Ren Ashbell.

    "Nonsensical. Well then, I shall make you remember again. The mes that brought you to despair on that day."

    The wind quivered, bringing a wave of heat. Rumbling and swirling mes were generated in her hand.

    This was ire''s specialty of me type spirit magic -- Fireball.

    However, its size and temperaturepletely dwarfed ire''s level.

    "...!?"

    Fianna''s entire body broke out in cold sweat.

    Her legs became immobile. However, she could not retreat. Absolutely uneptable.

    "Regret your powerlessness, Lost Queen!"

    Crimson mes with the ability to incinerate everything were released.

    Fianna closed her eyes as she recalled the image of that girl in her mind.

    --Three years ago, the image of the Strongest de Dancer who gave her courage when she had lost everything.

    These mes could not be blocked using defensive magic. Even a knight spirit''s armor would probably melt in their heat.

    Even so, she had no choice left but to try her luck -- Let''s take a gamble.

    "Thou shalt be my sword, thou shalt be my shield, with unlimited towering light, purify and exorcise those belonging to darkness--!"

    As if trying to block the iing mes, Fianna stretched out her arms and recited the words for summoning.

    Amidst the darkness enshrouding the great hall, a sh of light beyondparison burst forth.

    The exploding barrier of light scattered the mes and momentarily pushed back Ren Ashbell''s body.

    "Sess, finally...?"

    Unbelievable -- With such an expression, Fianna panted as she whispered.

    Gripped in her hands was a beautiful rapier that gave off dazzling light.

    Fianna had already made substantial progress in training her elemental waffe''s release.

    The incident four years ago was what caused her to be the Lost Queen.

    In the depths of her heart, it was a traumatic scar that seemed as if it had been smoked by scorching mes.

    Now, havingpletely resolved herself, Fianna was finally able to unleash the true power of her contracted spirit.

    "As a princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute, you have manifested your elemental waffe huh--"

    Ren Ashbell''s voice was filled with amazement and admiration.

    "--I see. I shall take back what I just said... Guh!?"

    Suddenly, she copsed on her knees as she pressed one hand against her heart.

    "...Eh?"

    "...Time''s up, I see. This contemptible body."

    Panting painfully, she stood up and made her way towards the depths of the darkness--

    "W-Wait up!"

    Fianna instantly tried to pursue but was blocked by the intense mes burning before her.

    She only halted her steps for but an instant. --Nevertheless, as soon as the mes vanished, Ren Ashbell''s figure was gone.

    "...My senior. Why do you..."

    Just as Fianna stood there in shock, murmuring.

    She could hear acute noises of battleing from afar.

 Volume 7, 10 - The Strongest Blade Dancer

    <h4>Volume 7, Chapter 10 - The Strongest de Dancer</h4>

    Part 1

    Ren Ashbell -- The Strongest de Dancer.

    Idolizing Ren Ashbell''s de dance, ire had resolved herself to be a powerful elementalist.

    Because Ren Ashbell was her goal, ire never gave up no matter what hardship she faced.

    She was the one whom ire had idolized all along.

    ire had always dreamed if there was one day they could perform a de dance together.

    "--How utterly tasteless, Sjora Kahn."

    ire red sharply at the enemy who had appeared before them--

    The witch who imitated the Strongest de Dancer''s appearance.

    "Do you really think our attacks will hesitate simply because of that appearance?"

    Gorgeous long hair the color of the dark night. Eyes where mysterious darkness resided.

    A lovely face that seemed dignified as steel yet graceful as a flower.

    The girl before her eyes was without a doubt identical in appearance to the de dancer she had always admired.

    However, ire noticed a significant difference between this fake and the true person.

    Namely, the twisted expression of mockery.

    (...The Ren Ashbell I admire will never disy that kind of expression!)

    ire gripped metongue hard in her hand.

    Likewise, Ellis and Rinslet did not falter either.

    Instead, Ellis became increasingly enraged.

    "Unforgivable... How dare you defile the admiration my esteemed foster sister and I held for her!"

    Ray Hawk''s spear tip produced a powerful storm.

    Indeed, trying to cause faltering through imitation was meaningless.

    No matter what sort of magic was used, Ren Ashbell''s noble airs could not be replicated.

    "Fufu, how unfortunate, but this imitation is not limited to appearances, little hell cat. Did you really think Baldanders''s powers are limited to mere transformation magic?"

    In the guise of Ren Ashbell, the witch jeered as her bright red lips twisted.

    "My elemental waffe, the Proteus Masques, has the ability to replicate the target''s powers. Whether the contracted spirit or thebat skills remembered by the body, everything."

    "...Th-That sort of thing, can''t possibly--"

    "Fufu, ignorant fools--!"

    Sjora Kahn casually swung the demon sword of darkness -- the Vorpal Sword.

    Within the blink of an eye, jet ck lightning burst forth from the tip of the de and smashed the rock surface of the floor.

    "...That skill is!?"

    Vorpal st -- Ren Ashbell''s prided demon sword technique that numerous elementalists feared during the de Dance three years ago.

    "Could it be, really..."

    "She can use Ren Ashbell''s abilities!?"

    Ellis and Rinslet expressed shock one after another.

    "Very well, let''s begin to de dance, little hell cat?"

    Mimicking the appearance of the strongest de dancer, Sjora licked the demon sword of darkness.

    "She''sing--!"

    The instant ire warned, the witch''s figure disappeared from sight.

    (...So fast!?)

    Unable to hear a sound or feel any presence from her, ire felt like she was moving like a shadow.

    Those movements werepletely the same as those from three years ago.

    "Take this!"

    ire swung metongue with maximum power. The scorching mes of congration surged forth as if about to devour the stony ground.

    Amidst the intensely burning me, the witch''s figure vanished.

    However, it was nothing to be feared.

    (If I can''t capture her movements, I''ll just simply burnrge areas--)

    Using the reaction force from striking the floor with her whip, ire swiftly leaped backwards.

    This should be able to buy some time. If Sjora Kahn really replicated Ren Ashbell''s sword skills, she could not be allowed to get into range for closebat.

    However, ire''s n was instantly foiled.

    (--How could this be possible!?)

    Sjora was not caught inside the mes.

    As though she were ire''s shadow, she stayed low and followed closely while ire jumped.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet shot out arrows which followed a parabolic trajectory, but ended up striking empty ground.

    Too slow. Even Rinslet''s vision as a sniper was insufficient to capture Sjora''s movements.

    The instant irended on her feet, Sjoraughed as she lurked in the shadows--

    "...Damn you. Fireball!"

    "Aha, silly little hell cat?"

    The demon sword of darkness sliced through ire''s chest.

    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    As the intense pain filled her body, ire could not help but scream.

    Despite the fact that damage caused by elemental waffen that had yet to be materialized was normally converted into psychological damage, the witch seemed quite dead set on turning physical damage to the body into pure sensations of pain.

    "What a nice scream, it makes me tremble with excitement."

    Bearing the face of the strongest de dancer, Sjora''s eyes disyed a taste for sadism.

    "You bastard, to dare do that to ire -- Evil winds, go and rampage!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk and released des of wind. However--

    "Useless. That type of technique ispletely ineffective against Ren Ashbell--"

    Running across the rocky walls to evade the wind des, she engaged Ellis in closebat within the blink of an eye.

    This was the final form of high level three-dimensional movement -- Shadow Stitching. A type of physical technique used by assassins.

    ustomed to proper knightly sword skills, Ellis was unable to capture such movements with their myriad variations.

    Rushing through an opening in Ray Hawk''s movements, Sjora pierced Ellis'' chest along with her armor with a sh of the sword.

    "...Argghhh!"

    "Ara ara, such a dismal performance? The elite of the Ordesia Empire, hmph."

    She shed again at Ellis who was standing unsteadily due to the pain.

    "Keeper of the burning furnace, release your wrath -- me Chain!"

    Struggling to her feet, ire unleashed metongue in a spiral movement.

    However--

    "Such lukewarm mes. Are you sure you''re that Cmity Queen''s younger sister?"

    Sjora shrugged and readied the Vorpal Sword in a stance.

    "Absolute de Arts, Fourth Form -- ze sh!"

    The demon sword swept out as if collecting the swirling mes.

    "Scarlet''s fire is being absorbed!?"

    Expanding in size several fold, the ming de swung down upon ire and the rest.

    "Yaaaaaaah!"

    ire was blown away, striking the wall of the cave.

    Ellis and Rinslet were sessively devoured by the massive vortex of fire that covered the entire great hall.

    ire had a me spirit''s protection, but Ellis and Rinslet on the other hand--

    The two girls'' bodiesy copsed where the vortex of me died out.

    "Ah... Guh..."

    Although their Academy uniforms were torn and tattered, they still managed to barely stay conscious.

    Slowly, Sjora approached the two.

    "...You, this...!"

    ire desperately tried to swing metongue but due to the concussion from striking the cave walls earlier, she could not move her fingers.

    "What fools. How could you even think you could win against the Strongest de Dancer?"

    Sjora twisted her lips with a cruel expression--

    "Don''t--"

    The Vorpal Sword stabbed into Ellis'' back as shey copsed on the ground.

    "Guh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Intense pain filled Ellis'' entire body. Her inarticte screams filled the entire hall.

    "Ahaha, how does it feel? To be vanquished by the one you idolize!"

    "S-Stop it, Ellis can no longer fight!"

    "Fufu, rest assured, I will not take her life. However--"

    The witch chuckled as she disyed an innocent girl''s smile.

    "This de Dance event does not prohibit the act of destroying an elementalist''s mind."

    Withdrawing the demon sword from Ellis'' body, she then switched to stepping on Rinslet''s head.

    "So, this littledy here, what kind scream are you going to make?"

    "YOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!"

    Instantly, crimson mes erupted from ire''s palms.

    "mes are useless against me... What!?"

    Holding up the demon sword, Sjora''s eyes appeared to waver.

    She instinctively realized that these mes were significantly different from the ones earlier.

    "Impossible, such fire, identical to that woman''s--"

    Sjora''s trembling voice was engulfed and devoured by the crimson mes.

    Part 2

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form--Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    With a sh of Terminus Est''s de, Kamito charged into the swarm of grotesque beings.

    Tearing through dozens of enemies instantly, he wiped out yet another group in the blink of an eye. After the shing attacks passed like a storm, nothing remained but the lingering light from the destroyed demon spirits.

    Meanwhile, as if acting out ofpetition--

    "ck thunder that incinerates even souls to nothingness -- Hell st!"

    The darkness spirit released jet ck lightning, instantly neutralizing an equal number of demon spirits.

    "Howpetent, as expected of the Demon yer -- however, it does seem like I am slightly ahead in my kill count."

    The darkness spirit girl was smiling nonchntly.

    Held in Kamito''s hand, Terminus Est flickered in brightness as if expressing its rage.

    "...How I really miss this, performing a de dance together with Restia."

    "Yes, somehow I involuntarily participated in such childish behavior."

    Just as they joked around--

    The former Strongest de Dancer and partner duo stood back to back.

    In mere minutes, the swarm of demon spirits which originally covered the sky was almostpletely wiped out.

    "Very well, my assistance ends here."

    "Restia?"

    Turning around, Kamito found the darkness spirit girl disying a dream-like smile.

    "I merely did this on a whim. --After all, I am your enemy."

    Spreading her beautiful ck wings, she prepared to take flight into the night sky.

    "...Restia, I still--"

    There was still plenty that he wanted to tell her and ask her about.

    Three years ago, she had entrusted Kamito with that Wish.

    Wanting to assassinate the Elemental Lords, what on earth was that about?

    Also, that Wish''s continuation was--

    However, his hand reaching towards the sky was easily evaded.

    "...!?"

    In that instant, Kamito opened his eyes wide.

    As lovely as rosebuds, Restia''s adorable lips--

    Gently brushed against his cheek.

    "W-What are y-you doing--"

    "I''ll be waiting for you at the finals, Kamito."

    Restia quietly withdrew her lips and smiled with a trace of mncholy--

    Then with a scattering of floating ck feathers, she disappeared in the air.

    "Restia..."

    Kamito stared nkly into space for a very long time until...

    "...Ouch!"

    A sharp pain suddenly came from his right arm.

    "...E-Est!?"

    Having returned to her form as a girl without him noticing, Est expressionlessly pinched Kamito''s arm.

    "..."

    "W-What''s the matter?"

    ...It was quite rare for this sword spirit to be acting in such a manner.

    "Maybe, you''re actually angry?"

    "No, master. I am not angry."

    "You''re addressing me so formally now!?"

    ...Somehow it felt like she was greatly upset.

    Despite the fact that nothing could be read from her expression, she really did seem to be angry. No question about it.

    "Kamito, your contracted spirit is me, right?"

    "Ah yeah... I-I don''t quite understand, but anyway, I''m sorry."

    As Kamito caressed her head gently, Est partially closed her eyes in great enjoyment.

    "Fuah... Kamito, you''re so sly."

    "Kamito, what on earth are you doing? There are still enemies around."

    Coming over, Shao was taken aback by the sight and remarked.

    "By the way, who was that girl in the ck dress? Is she -- a spirit?"

    "She''s my other partner."

    Answering sinctly, Kamito turned his gaze towards the shrine.

    ire and the girls were not back yet.

    "...Their numbers have almostpletely diminished. Can I leave things here to you two?"

    "Yes. At this level, we will surely manage."

    "As befits the ace of the Four Gods. Thanks!"

    Kamito bumped fists with her.

    "I-I am present too. Do not ignore me!"

    "Yeah yeah, I got it. I got it."

    Tapping the furious imperial princess on the head, Kamito took Est by the hand.

    "...I''m sorry, Est. Let''s try our best for a little while longer?"

    "Yes, Kamito. --I am your sword, your wish is mymand."

    Part 3

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    Panting, ire pushed with her shoulders to lift her body.

    Before her, crimson mes roared as they swirled.

    mes that incinerated other mes -- these were the same ones she had released against Ren Ashbell back in the forestst time.

    Even ire did not understand how she did it.

    Just like that time.

    The instant Sjora stepped on Rinslet''s head, ire felt something snap in her mind.

    She did not even have any recollection of chanting spirit magic -- the mes had been released involuntarily without conscious intent.

    (To think that I actually had this kind of power...)

    --Was this the blood inherited from the Elstein family who ruled over mes?

    "...Did we win?"

    Just as ire''s heavy breathing gradually calmed down and she prepared to stand up, in that very instant.

    "...O!?"

    From the mes came an attack of dark lightning, blowing ire away.

    Stepping upon the intensely burning mes, the witch stood up, still in the guise of the Strongest de Dancer.

    Apparently she had evaded a direct hit.

    (...Is everything hopeless now?)

    Copsed on the ground, ire moved her fingers slightly.

    She did not even have the strength left to stand up. Her divine power for using her contracted spirit was alsopletely depleted.

    "Foolish little hell cat, I really hate resistance--"

    Ren Ashbell''s face showed a sadistic smile.

    "I must make you sufferpletely. After all, there''s plenty of time here."

    "...Guh...!"

    ire clenched her trembling fingertips.

    ...Such chagrin. She could not ept this.

    ire could not ept how weak she was, unable to defeat even a fake like this witch.

    She felt as though her admiration and precious memories from that day had all been trampled.

    (I know very well, the de dance of the true Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell--)

    The scene she had witnessed three years ago.

    To this day, it remained vividly carved in her memories.

    (The true Ren Ashbell''s de dance is not something like this--)

    Faster, stronger, more magnificent -- A de dance that inspired courage in others.

    Her facial profile showed such dignified beauty.

    For some reason, the face in her memories began to superimpose with that of a certain youth familiar to ire.

    (Kamito...)

    Footsteps could be heard approaching.

    ire''s vision dimmed progressively as her consciousness faded.

    She did not want to lose. Most absolutely, definitively, she did not want to lose--

    The jet ck de of the demon sword shed above her head.

    In that instant--

    "--Take your hand away from myrades, Sjora Kahn!"

    With an explosion of dazzling light, the hall was filled with pure white radiance.

    "...Wha... Hmm...!?"

    Blinded, Sjora covered her eyes.

    (...This dazzling brightnesses from a spirit of light!?)

    Crink -- Tumbling before ire was a tiny fragment of spirit crystal.

    (The one who uses these kinds of items is...)

    Rubbing her eyes, ire looked up.

    Opening the door at the depths of the hall and appearing was--

    "...Fianna!"

    The princess red at Sjora with her dusk-colored eyes.

    Standing leisurely with arms akimbo, the imperial princess'' dignified airs were grandly disyed.

    "Lost Queen, how did you escape from those shackles!?"

    Ignoring Sjora who had recovered her vision, Fianna rushed over to ire''s side.

    "Sorry, ire, I--"

    "Oh, there''s no need to apologize. Teammates are supposed to help one another."

    ire averted eye contact as if a bit embarrassed.

    Fianna clenched her fists tightly before her chest--

    "...Thank you."

    Softly, she murmured.

    "Fools. Even if the fodder increases by one, it won''t make any difference."

    Sjora''s mockingugh resounded in the great hall.

    "Guh..."

    ...Lamentably, Sjora''s words could not be refuted.

    Ellis and Rinslet were still unconscious.

    Although Fianna''s Georgios was a powerful spirit, it could only be used in coordination with the team. They currentlycked a power to singlehandedly ovee the unfavorable battle situation.

    However.

    "--Not necessarily."

    Fianna stood up quietly.

    "Thou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman¡ª"

    Immediately, she began to chant the releasing incantation for summoning her knight spirit.

    "Thou shalt be my sword, thou shalt be my shield, with unlimited towering light, purify and exorcise those belonging to darkness--"

    (...!?)

    ire forcefully looked up.

    (No wait, this isn''t a summoning... Could it be...!)

    Centered around Fianna''s right hand, strong gales began to swirl around.

    On her head of dense ck hair, a tiara manifested, shining with dazzling silver-white light.

    Radiating glittering brilliance, a splendorous veil covered Fianna''s entire body, giving off clear pure light.

    Then--

    "--Its appetion reads thus, Save the Queen!"

    Appearing in Fianna''s right hand was--

    An intricate and finely crafted rapier.

    Rather than a knight''s sword forbat, this was a ceremonial sword for performing ritual offerings.

    "Elemental waffe..."

    ire stared with her ruby red eyes wide open.

    "ire, this is the form given to my thoughts and feelings."

    Fianna turned around and smiled proudly.

    "B-But, you using a sword..."

    "Yes, indeed, I do not know how to wield a sword inbat."

    Fianna nodded.

    "This sword is used in this manner!"

    The shining de of the rapier was stabbed into the ground.

    Instantly, light radiated from the tip of the rapier, tracing out a circr design akin to a magic circle.

    "...This is?"

    "The area within the circle is my Territory. An absolutely impregnable castle, you see."

    "...Hmph, and I thought it was going to be something special. How ridiculous."

    Sjora Kahn jeered.

    "Even if you can finally release your elemental waffe, do you really think you are able to defeat this Strongest de Dancer?"

    With a swing of the Vorpal Sword, a Vorpal st instantly shot towards Fianna.

    "Fianna, dodge!"

    However.

    The jet ck lightning was blocked by the defensive barrier of light as soon as it made contact with the Territory.

    "...Wha!?"

    The Strongest de Dancer''s beautiful face was twisted with astonishment.

    The Territory of light proceeded to expand, covering Ellis and Rinslet where theyy copsed.

    "...Y-Your Highness the imperial princess?"

    "What on earth is this? What is going on...?"

    Bathed in the gentle sacred light, the two girls awakened.

    This light that filled the interior of the circle seemed to carry a holy attribute and healing effect.

    ire once again felt divine power coursing through her body.

    When she summoned Scarlet, out appeared a hell cat enveloped in burning mes of congration that reached the ceiling.

    "Amazing... This is Fianna''s elemental waffe!"

    Faced with ire''s exmations of admiration, Fianna shook her head wryly.

    "Unfortunately, this can''t be maintained for long. So, you must take this opportunity now--"

    "Understood -- metongue!"

    ire released Scarlet as her elemental waffe.

    "W-We will also..."

    "We can still fight!"

    Ellis and Rinslet stood up and sessively readied their respective elemental waffen.

    "Ellis, you and I will act as the vanguard while Rinslet will provide cover support."

    "Yes." "Fully understood!"

    Nodding briefly in acknowledgement, the trio sprang into action at the same time.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet released an uncountable amount of arrows that were enough to cover the entire hall.

    "Aha, you still don''t realize this is futile?"

    Sjora kicked a rock face and leaped, intending to sweep the arrows away with the demon sword of darkness.

    "Too naive -- Blossoming without waiting for winter, Ice Break!"

    In that instant, all the arrows shattered and scattered in front of Sjora.

    "...A mere trick!"

    The demon sword of darkness was frozen by the absolute zero temperature of the magical ice.

    Taking advantage of the momentary dy in Sjora''s movements--

    "We''re up, Ellis!"

    Ellis and ire instantly closed in.

    Enveloped in wind at the same time, their movement speed was multiplied several fold.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form--Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    Sjora leaped and swiftly rebounded off a rock face, raising the demon sword to sh at her two prey--

    However.

    "--Sorry, but I''ve already seen through that move already."

    ire struck her whip against the ground and used the resultant reaction force to jump backwards, evading the sh by the slimmest of margins. Missing its first attack, the sword''s de bounced off the stony ground. Seizing this opportunity, Ellis also retreated out of its attack range.

    "What!?"

    "After all, your swordsmanship--"

    "I-Impossible. How could the Strongest de Dancer''s swordsmanship be seen through so easily!?"

    Sjora once again used the demon sword to perform Absolute de Arts, however--

    "--I know that motion very well!"

    Simrly, Ellis predicted the sword''s trajectory and evaded the sh.

    "Guh... W-Why...!?"

    Unmistakable signs of wavering appeared all over Sjora''s face.

    "Indeed, your swordsmanship is identical to the Strongest de Dancer''s. However--"

    ire infused metongue with maximum divine power.

    Likewise, Ellis gathered a tempest at the spear tip of Ray Hawk.

    "Your sword is far inferior to the sword of the one we admire!"

    Indeed. Sjora''s swordsmanship faithfully replicated that of the Strongest de Dancer.

    Hence, it could be read and predicted.

    For these two girls, ire and Ellis, had always kept her de dance firmly in memory.

    Furthermore, Sjora''s sword emted Ren Ashbell''s swordsmanship merely through the power of Baldanders.

    Whether in speed or power, the true Ren Ashbell was far superior.

    As soon as they realized this fact--

    "Handling you is a simple matter!"

    "Y-You bitches -- BE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!"

    Abandoning the elegance of royalty, Sjora released a full-powered Vorpal st.

    "...!?"

    Her target was not ire and Ellis in front but Fianna behind them.

    By this point in time, Save the Queen''s effects had ended.

    Just as the attack was about to strike Fianna -- in that very instant, a figure rushed in front of her.

    "Kamito!?" "Kamito-kun!" "Kamito--!" "Kamito-san!"

    ire, Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet -- Everyone yelled out that name all at once.

    Wielding the Demon yer, Kamito neutralized the jet ck lightning attack with one hand.

    "Hey there, Miss Imposter. Looks like you''ve been bullying these highborndies here."

    Kamito''s entire body emanated overwhelming wrath.

    "Yah!"

    This caused Sjora to involuntarily release a convulsive scream.

    "You really must be paid back properly--"

    His icy cold gaze focused firmly on Sjora.

    "Let me demonstrate to you the swordsmanship of the Strongest de Dancer!"

    Kamito took a great flying leap forward.

    "...M-My Baldanders is the strongest spirit, I''m not going to lose to you!"

    The witch in the guise of the Strongest de Dancer versus Kamito who wielded the Demon yer --

    Began to sh in midair.

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form -- Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Four Consecutive Strikes!"

    The witch unleashed the strongest anti-spirit sword technique against Kamito.

    At the same time--

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form -- Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Fifteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    The true authentic Strongest de Dancer performed a raging tidal wave of shes, exploding all over Sjora Kahn''s body.

 Volume 7, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 7, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    The long night of pandemonium finally gave way to dawn.

    At sunrise, Kamito and his group returned victoriously, having rescued Fianna. After splitting the eight magic stones taken from Sjora equally with the Four Gods, they cancelled their alliance.

    "We have not given up on the match. After all, there''s still one day remaining."

    Shao of the White Tiger smiled cheerfully as she made preparations at the forest entrance.

    "Prepare yourself for defeat, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    "Yes, I pray there will be a next time for me to de dance with you again, Shao."

    "Ooh--, stop ignoring me!"

    Smiling wryly as he watched Linfa''s tearful wrath, Kamito and his team saw the two girls off.

    "...Even though a lot happened, they''re actually not bad people at all."

    "Yes. Although we are opponents here, as soon as the Tempest ends and we return to Ragna Ys, let''s try inviting them for tea then."

    "Yeah, good idea, after all, we came to know them after going through so much together. Let''s also invite Mi and Leonora as well."

    "Y-You, are you really that intent on establishing intimate ties with girls from other countries?"

    "Kamito-san truly has no scruples!"

    Hearing Kamito''s suggestion, Ellis and Rinslet pouted with dissatisfaction and objected.

    "Kamito is such a perv. He had a kiss with that darkness spirit again."

    "W-What!?"

    ire and the girls red coldly at Kamito.

    "E-Est!?"

    "Kamito is such a perv."

    ...She even said it twice. Looks like Est was really miffed.

    "Oh well, let''s put that aside for now..."

    ire suddenly disyed a serious expression.

    "--We have finally reached thest day of the Tempest event."

    The only teams advancing to the finals were the top four in magic stones. Currently, Team Scarlet was in possession of a total of fourteen magic stones.

    "Victory depends on our spoils on this final day."

    "No problem. After all, Fianna is now able to use a powerful elemental waffe."

    "We''re looking forward to your performance, Fianna."

    "Currently, it looks like its weakness is the rtively short active duration. I must find a way to ovee that."

    A new member in the ranks of those capable to using elemental waffen, Fianna shrugged and responded.

    In any case, this surely opened up more flexible tactics for the future.

    "By the way, Kamito..."

    ire stared intently at Kamito''s face.

    "...Hmm?"

    "Yesterday when you defeated Sjora, you said something like the following: ''Let me demonstrate to you the swordsmanship of the Strongest de Dancer!'' --What did you mean by that?"

    "..."

    "Kamito?"

    "T-That? Umm, I guess it was the wrong choice of words or something..."

    Kamito avoided eye contact.

    "O-Oh right, if memory serves me correctly, it''s my turn to make breakfast!"

    Immediately, he fled as quickly as flying.

    "Arggggh, hey wait~!"

    Kamito could hear the cracking of a whip from behind.

    Part 2

    Leaving the forest, just as everyone was about to return to their own tent--

    "Hey ire."

    Fianna called to stop ire.

    "What''s the matter?"

    ire turned around with a surprised expression.

    "About the matter we discussed yesterday in the forest--"

    "...!?"

    Fianna smiled mischievously while ire went red in the face.

    "Y-You, y-you are referring to what!?"

    "I still haven''t heard a clear answer from you... Regarding Kamito-kun, how do you feel about him, ire?"

    "Uh, ah... How I feel about him, o-o-f course there''s nothing..."

    Despite her usual overbearing attitude, ire was now in an adorable state of panic.

    Tempted by a bullying impulse, Fianna asked--

    "You love him? Or you hate him?"

    "I-I don''t hate him, okay... Hey, what is this, why are there only two choices!?"

    "Just so you know, I want to smooch with Kamito-kun?"

    "Fuaah, y-you, what are you talking about? You perverted princess, a-are you retarded!?"

    Blushing to her ears, ire ran as if fleeing for dear life.

    "...How dishonest."

    Alone in the forest, Fianna shrugged involuntarily. Then she clenched her fist tightly before her chest.

    (--I should keep that particr incident hidden in my heart for now.)

    If ire were to find out that girl''s true identity, she would definitely be unable to fight.

    Even if she would inevitably find out the truth one day.

    Looking up at the cloudless sky of Astral Zero--

    "...Rubia-sama."

    Fianna called out her name softly.

 Volume 7, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 7, Afterword</h4>

    --Let me demonstrate to you the swordsmanship of the Strongest de Dancer!

    Thank you for your patience, I am Shimizu. This time, I bring to everyone Seirei Tsukai no de Dance''s seventh installment, "The Strongest de Dancer" where love and battle developments are advancing rapidly!

    Going all out in a full offensive strike, Team Scarlet had defeated the strongest enemy, Nepenthes Lore. However, Kamito''s usage of the Strongest de Dancer''s swordsmanship during the battle began to arouse suspicions in ire and the girls. "--Are you trying to hide something from us?"

    In this situation, for the sake of acquiring the Darkness Queen, the Alphas Theocracy''s Demon Caster schemed in secret to manipte the Quina Empire''s powerful Four Gods team who issued what appeared to be a deration of war to Kamito''s team.

    Fianna, troubled over her ownck of power. And the leader of Team Inferno who finally revealed her true identity.

    In addition, there are the feelings the young maidens invested in the winner of three years ago, the Strongest de Dancer --

    Continuing from Volume 6, this volume also delivers plenty ofbat scenes!

    Next, let me announce some major news. Starting in early summer of 2012, Seirei Tsukai no de Dance''s manga adaptation will start serializing in Monthly Comic Alive! (scatters petals in the air?)

    In charge of illustrating the manga will be Hyouju Issei-sensei who did the manga for MM. On the left here is the illustration for the serialization announcement. All the characters are so cute and cool looking here. I''m really looking forward to Hyouju-sensei''s renderings of the intense battle scenes!

    Next we have the usual acknowledgements. First of all, let me express my utmost thanks to Sakura Hanpei-sensei who brought to everyone these beautiful illustrations once again. Ren Ashbell on the cover is truly too adorable. It''s making something awaken in my heart like the birth of a mini-universe.

    Next I would like to express my sincere thanks to the super editor, Shouji-sama, who remains bravely supportive of my work even if it might g him as a surveince target by the state. (*If he starts wearing leopard print clothing, I''m sure he really will be questioned on what his job really is.)

    Of course, the greatest thanks of all goes to all the readers who have supported this series.

    I am truly thankful for the readers who have returned the survey and offered words of encouragement. Sakura Hanpen-sensei and I are overjoyed. Compared to the past poprity polls, the darkness spirit Restia who appeared in Volume 6 has exploded in poprity. Currently, the two great spirit supporter factions of Est and Restia are battling intensely for the top spot on the poprity ranking. Ladies of the Academy, please try your best!

    --Well then, let''s meet again in the eighth and next installment, "The Night Before the Finale (Tentative)"!

    Shimizu Yuu, April 2012

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Wee to neers and wee back to everyone else, I am Sakura Hanpen!

    This time, Kamito finally makes his appearance on the cover!

    Even I waspletely surprised by the unexpected cover!

    I had been worrying about whether I would be able to depict the kind of mood worthy of everyone''s admiration.

    But actually, this volume is more about the story of Fianna-chan''s growth.

    The content is really interesting.

    Personally, I think the critical member in battle is actually Fianna-chan--

    Although I already considered its possibility early on, I never expected the raising of such an avant-garde g! I''m really looking forward to it... So cool and stylish...

    I really want to see the next volume as soon as possible... (Totally became a reader)

    Shimizu-sensei... I really want to read the stories about the various characters...

    So, with these personal hopes delivered to Shimizu-sensei, this volume reaches its conclusion!

    Well then, let''s meet again next volume¡«(¡ä¦Ø£à)¥Î¥·...

    Thank you all for reading!

 Volume 8, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 8, Prologue</h4>

    With dense fog, Astral Zero''s thicket.

    (¡ªIt really makes you nervous. Assaulting a stronghold, that is.)

    Kamito silenced his breathing as he advanced through the tree branches.

    His elemental waffe Terminus Est was also in a concealed state with her presence perfectly hidden. Solo stealth operation was Kamito''s specialty.

    "Kami......can......hear me?"

    The small spirit crystal fragment in his hand lit up weakly and out came ire''s muffled voice.

    Utilizing the spirit resonance phenomenon, it was a spirit crystal formunication. Its effective range wasn''t veryrge, but it was much more difficult to detect whenpared to using spirits.

    "The reception is bad. Your voice is fragmented."

    "I see......it''s because the Barrier......been strengthened......"

    Then suddenly......with a sound that pained the ears, the spirit crystal''s light faded.

    "So the signal won''t reach from here on, huh......"

    While sighing, Kamito ced the now-useless spirit crystal in his pocket.

    Though saying that, using it in the enemy''s stronghold wouldn''t be a good idea.

    (At the signal, take out the enemy team''smander in one go¡ª)

    Kamito licked his lips and readied his hand on Terminus Est''s hilt.

    The de Dance''s real battle ¡ª thest day. The ones Team Scarlet had chosen as their target were representatives from the same Areishia Academy, Team Cernunnos.

    Taking into consideration the number of magic stones they needed to advance and the enemy''s battle strength, ire had proposed attacking a stronghold.

    Attacking the heavily reinforced stronghold would be very disadvantageous for the invaders. But in order to reach the finals, they had no other option but to follow through with it.

    Just then, a showy explosion urred far away.

    He wondered if ire and the others had entered into a battle with the enemy''s main force.

    Taking that as the signal, Kamito came out of hiding.

    (¡ªA long battle in enemy territory will be bad for us. We need to settle this in one push.)

    Blitz.

    While ire, Ellis and Fianna acted as bait, the attacker, Kamito, would crush the stronghold''s center ¡ª that was Kamito and the others'' chosen tactic this time.

    They had fought Team Cernunnos before during the academy ranking battles. Back when the team consisted of only two people, ire and him, they had been severely beaten by the druid captain''s beast swarm spirit.

    But such strong ritual magic required a lot of time. If they defeated them before it waspleted, it would be their victory.

    (That ritual magic should be gathering the Earth''s Pulse in the center of the stronghold.)

    In other words, if he crushed the center with lightning speed¡ª

    (¡ªThat will decide the battle!)

    Avoiding detection by the guardian spirits patrolling for invaders and bypassing restriction or other fatal traps, Kamito advanced in a straight line.

    Countless dull thorns flew from all directions but each was shot down by ice arrows.

    It was the covering fire of Rinslet who was concealing herself far away. She had been a sharpshooter to begin with, but participating in the de Dance''s real battle had truly leveled those skills up to a sniper.

    She was a partner Kamito could trust his back to.

    "Ohhhhhhhh!"

    Avoiding the three Dryads protecting the barrier¡ª

    Tens of seconds after the signal, Kamito reached the center of the stronghold.

    "......!"

    The sight just up ahead.

    A watchtower-like shrine stood there surrounded by giant sacred trees.

    Upon the altar, a noble girl wrapped with white rope was in the middle of a ritual.

    She had shining golden hair and ssy ice blue eyes.

    The girl who lived in the spirit forest and had been taught the secret techniques of the first elementalist.

    "Jeez, I knew you''de, you ruffians!"

    The girl temporarily interrupted the ritual and red down at Kamito.

    (......Knew?)

    Kamito furrowed his brows.

    (Don''t tell me they read my approach?)

    But the beast swarm spirit summoning ritual was not yetplete.

    The protection elementalists were also engaged in battle with ire and the others. It was already toote for them to return even if they realized Kamito had invaded.

    Suddenly, chains sprung from the ground and seized each of Kamito''s legs.

    "Wha!?"

    What had caught onto Kamito''s legs were shining Shackles.

    (......This is!)

    It was an elemental waffe he remembered seeing.

    (If I recall, it was used by the ones who attacked Mi Bassett ¡ª Shackles of the Criminal!)

    "¡ªHmm, it looks like you let your guard down, male elementalist."

    "......!?"

    The ones who arrived from the forest behind him were three girls wearing uniforms that were red with a single white line.

    It was the uniform of the Sacred Spirit Knights, representatives of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    "......Hey, what''s the meaning of this?"

    Kamito groaned with a sour expression.

    "You mean why the Sacred Spirit Knights are cooperating with Team Cernunnos?"

    The ones to advance to the finals in Tempest would only be the four teams with the most magic stones. Excluding those who didn''t really know what to do in the middle stages, the chance of teams allying in thetter stages was low.

    "It is to redeem our stained honor, male elementalist. We won''t allow you, who smeared the name of the Sacred Spirit Knights, to pass into the finals!"

    "Even if we cannot receive the honor of victory."

    "For the sake of the wish Luminaris-sama has held for three years!"

    The girls red at Kamito with loathing.

    (......I see. In any case, they''ve put aside advancing to the finals ande to crush me instead, huh.)

    Kamito sighed internally.

    It appeared that defeating two of the elementalists from their team in the midst of protecting Mi Bassett had earned him their hatred.

    Therge and prominent Holy Kingdom of Lugia had sent three teams to this de Dance. He wondered if it was a decision made with the conviction that it was fine to be a sacrifice as long as the favored Pdin Luminaris Saint Leisched''s team made it to the finals.

    While they had sent out three teams as well, this was their difference with the Ordesia Empire representatives who werepeting separately.

    "......And isn''t thispletely a personal grudge."

    "Say what you will. Before we face the Principality of Rossvale in front of the crowd, we will wipe clean here the disgrace of defeat that we suffered!"

    The three from the Sacred Spirit Knights moved at the same time.

    "Tch¡ª"

    Kamito tried to sever the Shackles with his divine power-filled sacred sword but¡ª

    It was repelled while giving off sparks.

    (......Est''s output isn''t rising!?)

    Despite putting in the maximum divine power he could, the sacred sword''s brilliance was still weak.

    (Kuu, this truly is the center of a stronghold. The strength of the sealing barrier is on a different scale......)

    It wasn''t just that his divine power output wasn''t rising, his body also felt extremely heavy.

    The powerful barrier protecting the center of the stronghold was harshly wearing down Kamito''s strength.

    Even if Terminus Est was of the most powerful ss of elemental waffe, if the contractor couldn''t supply divine power, it was just a regr weapon.

    It was impossible to sever Shackles of the Criminal in this condition.

    (Three skilled contractors, with a time limit added to boot. This is really rough, as expected¡ª)

    As he cursed in his heart, he readied his Demon yer.

    "Come, giant spirit ¡ª Grendel!"

    Following the shackles contractor, another female knight summoned her contracted spirit.

    What appeared from thin air was a giant-type spirit with sharp ws.

    The giant bent its repulsive features and charged at him with a howl.

    The waving ws that seemed to gouge even the air. Kamito''s Terminus Est barely stopped that one attack ¡ª however,

    (......He''s too heavy......!)

    Kamito grit his teeth.

    If he stayed in the Sealing Barrier for too long, his strength would be exhausted.

    His opponent was a power-type spirit that excelled in attacks utilizing physics. At this rate¡ª

    "Fufu, looks like this is the end, male elementalist!"

    That instant. On the right arm of Kamito whose movements had stopped, yet another shackle was put on.

    "......Two elemental waffen at one time!?"

    "¡ªSeems like you have let your guard down. Shackles of the Criminal is an elemental waffe that consists of shackles for both the wrists and ankles."

    The female knight poured scorn on Kamito who clicked his tongue.

    The giant spirit''s ws dug mercilessly into the torso of Kamito who had lost freedom over his limbs.

    "Kahaa......!"

    Kamito''s body was easily blown away and smacked into the wall behind him. The mental damage from the spirit''s direct attack and the physical damage taken from crashing into the wall assaulted Kamito at the same time.

    (¡ªA wall?)

    While grimacing from the intense pain, Kamito thought doubtfully.

    This is the interior of a deep forest. Up until just now, there shouldn''t have been such a thing.

    And as if to answer Kamito¡ª

    From the ground rose sessiverge stone walls, epassing him.

    It only took a few seconds. Thepleted form were giant ramparts arranged in a circle.

    "Fortress spirit Isengard''s elemental waffe ¡ª Great Wall."

    The third female knight muttered in a cold voice.

    "With this, you can''t escape."

    "......A fortress spirit. One of the earth attribute, huh."

    Looking at the walls many times his height, Kamito groaned.

    A spirit the same type as that Velsaria''s Dreadnought. It had the worstpatibility with the sword spirit Est.

    Because of the difference in their ranks as spirits, at full power it would be possible to destroy them, but that would be difficult right now with Est not being supplied enough divine power.

    "Since it seems like there''s an excellent sniper in your team hiding."

    "......"

    It seemed like they were also aware of Rinslet who was hiding within the forest. With this level of solid ramparts surrounding him, he could not expect Rinslet''s covering fire either.

    (......I am trapped. As expected of a top-ss team.)

    Kamito smiled wryly on the inside.

    They hadpletely seen through Team Scarlet''s tactic that centered around Kamito.

    It wasn''t that he had been looking down on the de Dance representatives. Even so, there may have been a little carelessness in the corner of his mind.

    This de Dance was a team battle. Teamwork would overpower individual ability.

    "......Though I should have already understood that long ago."

    ¡ªHe hade to learn theplete opposite of what he''d been taught during his time at the Instructional School.

    You have nobody like an ally.

    Trust in nothing but your own strength ¡ª that.

    It seemed that warped training was much more deeply embedded in his heart than he had originally thought.

    The giant spirit Grendel thundered out a joyful roar.

    He could not move his limbs that had been bound by the Shackles satisfactorily.

    "Kuu......!"

    "......mito......Kamito!"

    At that time. A girl''s voice calling Kamito was faintly heard.

    (......Themunication spirit crystal!?)

    Since he had step foot within the Sealing Barrier, themunications should have ceased but¡ª

    (Don''t tell me, is ire nearby?)

    With a realization, he raised his head ¡ª and,

    "What the heck!?"

    The Great Wall user had her eyes open with shock.

    The circr arrangement of ramparts surrounding him.

    A single portion was scorching red hot.

    It was an unbelievable degree of heat. The solid stone wall rapidly melted.

    And then, the next instant.

    "Goddess of ice and snow, by that frosted hand, crush my enemies ¡ª Icicle Hammer!"

    A giant helical pir of ice burst through the stone wall in one go, crumbling it into fragments.

    (......!?)

    Outside the smashed ramparts¡ª

    The young girl with an ice bow prepared was smiling calmly.

    Shining tinum blonde hair. Emerald pupils filled with elegance.

    "Rinslet!"

    "I''m here as well."

    Next to her, a beautiful girl with red hair and metongue in hand, ire was also there.

    "Impossible, my Isengard was destroyed!?"

    The fortress elementalist girl let out a trembling voice.

    me attribute and ice attribute ¡ª it was crumbling that utilized the difference in temperature between these two. It had even destroyed that Velsaria''s Dreadnought, thisbination attack from the Raven ss pair.

    "Looks like you''re having a hard battle. That''s not like you."

    "......Yeah, sorry."

    To ire who was shrugging her shoulders, Kamito replied with a wry smile.

    He had never thought that they woulde rushing this quickly.

    His high-ssdy partners had also experienced the real battle of the de Dance and leveled up greatly.

    Kamito readjusted and gripped his Demon yer tightly.

    (......I wonder what this is. Just by having mypanions nearby, I also be so¡ª)

    There was no sense of losing. It didn''t matter how much of a disadvantageous situation it was.

    ¡ªThere was no reason, he was just sure of it.

    "¡ªSorry. It''s our turn now."

    A fearless smile rose onto Kamito''s face.

    In response to that vigor, the giant spirit before him gave out a cautious roar.

    "A b-bluff! However many reinforcements there are, this is the center of a stronghold. Their contracted spirits'' strength also can''t be used sufficiently¡ª"

    "I wonder about that?"

    A dignified voice came from overhead.

    The shadow falling from directly above. The one that entered Kamito''s raised vision, wrapped in a gale and gliding in sharply was the ponytailed princess knight.

    Held in her arms was the ck-haired queen.

    "¡ªEllis, Fianna!"

    "You are my sword, you are my shield¡ª"

    With her eyes closed, Fianna began her spiritnguage releasing chant in midair.

    Light particles were born from thin air and a rapier decorated with elegant ornaments appeared in her hand.

    It was not just an ordinary rapier. That sword was surely the elemental waffe of the royalty''s guardian knight spirit.

    "Bearer of infinite light, cleanser of darkness¡ª!"

    "Now!"

    Instantly, Ellis nose dived to the ground in a heartbeat and let go of Fianna in midair.

    Skirt fluttering, Fiannanded next to Kamito. Keeping that momentum, she plunged the tip of her rapier deep into the earth!

    "That name is ¡ª Save the Queen!"

    The noble and clear voice shook the atmosphere.

    In that moment, a beam of light surged forth from the end of the sword and drew a magic square formation around the two.

    Turning the space within its effective range into one''s Territory, it was an unparalleled elemental waffe.

    "Kamito-kun, with this¡ª!"

    "Yeah!"

    Kamito nodded with vigor. With the cancetion of the enemy team''s Sealing Barrier, divine power surged through his entire body like a raging gale.

    "I''m counting on you, Est!"

    Kamito supplied Terminus Est with the full might of his divine power and the sacred sword''s de gave off a fierce light as if to dazzle the eyes.

    The Shackles of the Criminal that touched the de''s edge was severed with extreme ease.

    "No way......!"

    The Shackles user female knight gasped with an expression of disbelief.

    "As expected, they couldn''t analyze an elemental waffe that has just awakened."

    ire, Ellis and Rinslet also swiftly gathered into the constructed Territory.

    Aplete turn of the table.

    "Y-You......!"

    "The glorious Sacred Spirit Knight have, to a second-rate team like you......"

    At that time, the ground shook monstrously.

    "......This is bad, the beast swarm spirit''s summoning ritual is activating!"

    At ire''s words, he turned around with a realization.

    On the other side of the fallen stone walls ¡ª directly beneath the shrine, a gigantic magic square formation was shining.

    The Druid girl was standing above the tall wooden tform with arms spread open as she chanted the spiritnguage summoning.

    "Kamito-kun, my Territory will only hold out for a few more minutes!"

    Fianna said in an impatient-sounding voice.

    Yes, this was her elemental waffe, Save the Queen''s sole weak point.

    The time limit was just too short for use in realbat.

    "¡ªGot it. We''ll decide this in one go!"

    Kamito dashed ahead with the shining Demon yer in hand.

    ire, Ellis and Rinslet also followed shortly after.

    "......Kuu, protect the shrine, Grendel!"

    Before Kamito and the others'' eyes, the giant spirit had blocked their path.

    It swung its arms that were like giant trees and attacked them in a half-crazed manner.

    "Fuu, here I go! Freezing fangs, pierce ¡ª Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet stopped and nocked an arrow, then fired her ice arrows blindly.

    Drawing a gently falling arc, the intense downpour of ice fangs.

    Each ice arrow thatnded formed a pir of ice which obstructed the giant spirit''s iing hand.

    After that¡ª

    "¡ªO wind, blow wildly!"

    Ellis swept her Ray Hawk and shot out des of wind.

    The wind des tore through the ice pirs, bing a fearsome storm that was devastating.

    Ice Storm ¡ª using their properties when they collided with each other, abination attack.

    The giant spirit''srge frame was sliced to shreds by the ice de storm, being eliminated within an instant.

    "Damn, seize my enemies, O Shackles of the Criminal!"

    The cornered elementalist turned once again to Kamito and released her Shackles of the Criminal.

    "I won''t let you!"

    ire''s metongue easily repelled the chains, then continued on to mow down the enemy.

    "¡ªThanks for the help."

    Having received his teammates'' support, Kamito made a beeline for the shrine with a sprint.

    Ahead of him, this time numerous stone walls appeared.

    "¡ªO Great Wall, ambush my enemy!"

    Fortress spirit Isengard''s elemental waffe. Different from the circr ramparts just before, perhaps because of the way it seemed to only concentrate on blocking the enemies ahead of it, the walls'' thickness seemed to have multiplied.

    However, Kamito did not stop running. Just like that, he plunged towards the stone wall.

    "With this kind of thing, there''s no way you could stop my Est!"

    The Demon yer held in his hands gave off even more dazzling light.

    Kamito brandished his sword and the stone wall before his eyes¡ª

    Crash. Crash. Crash. Crash. Crash. Crash. Crash.

    "......No way, a sword spirit is destroying a fortress spirit!?"

    With each time Kamito swung the sword, sessive rubble from the stone walls danced in the air.

    That was a scene that exceededmonce elementalist general knowledge.

    Kamito, who had be a gale and arrived directly beneath the shrine, kicked off the ground and rose into the air.

    "Ellis, I''m counting on you¡ª"

    "¡ªCourageous wind, grant your blessing to the brave warrior¡ªSylphid Feather!"

    The gale that Ellis produced enveloped Kamito and pushed him to the top of the shrine in one go.

    "......!?"

    The Druid girl opened her ice blue eyes widely.

    Kamito pierced the floor with his Demon yer that was giving off light.

    "Sorry. We must absolutely continue onto the finals."

    With that, the shrine was split cleanly into two halves.

 Volume 8, 1 - Victory Celebration

    <h4>Volume 8, Chapter 1 - Victory Celebration</h4>

    Part 1

    Pan! Papapapan!

    Having set up a branch store in Ragna Ys'' business district, the empire''s nobles'' caf¨¦ La Parfait.

    Within that shop, grand noises from crackers resounded.

    "Congrattions on Team Scarlet''s advancement into the finals!"

    The one giving her blessings with a smile was the maid, Carol.

    "Fuu, it was the obvious oue with me there!"

    "As expected of you, Mdy!"

    Rinslet swept up her hair and Carol pped in return.

    "Wait a second, you weren''t the only one who did something."

    "Uuu......I was always providing support from the rear, but I also wanted to show off more on the front lines!"

    "What use would a sniper be at the front lines......"

    The seemingly astonished ire retorted.

    At that everyday scene before him, Kamito thought,

    (......We''ve really returned, haven''t we.)

    And breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.

    In an isted field, for seven days, the constantly recurring survival battles between elementalists --- Tempest.

    Kamito and the others'' return from that stage was already a while ago.

    Being teleported to the Divine Ritual Institute''s grand shrine by means of transportation magic, the one who appeared before Kamito and the others was the Fire Queen he had been under the care of previously, Reicha Alminas.

    Standing before the nervous Kamito''s group, she wore a tender smile as she read out the Divine Ritual Institute''s announcement.

    Team Scarlet''s magic stone count is neen stones.

    Congrattions, you will be advancing to the finals as the fourth team --- she had said.

    At that moment, the youngdies who normally fought without end hugged each others'' shoulders and rejoiced.

    And now, Team Scarlet had reserved La Parfait and were in the middle of a victory celebration.

    "Fuaaa......peach tarts, they look so delicious."

    ire''s red twintails bobbed in a happy manner.

    Atop therge wooden table, parfaitsden with cream like works of art, colorful ice cream, fragrant baked sweets, fruitbination tters and a wide variety of cakes were lined up.

    "......Th-This squirrel-shaped cake is also cute. It''s a pity that it''s for eating."

    "This cream puff has raspberries in it. It will serve as a good reference."

    Gathered in front of the sweet confections, the girls frolicked innocently.

    ......Somehow, it made one want to smile just looking at it.

    "It''s fun, isn''t it, this kind of thing. We couldn''t have a tea party in the middle of the real battle."

    As Fianna raised a cup of ck coffee, she smiled.

    Yes, thanks to the pro-level cook, Rinslet, the contents of their meals were overwhelmingly extravagantpared to the other teams, but as expected, they had not been able to have an elegant tea party.

    "That''s true. On top of that, it has been a while since we''ve had a hot bath."

    "While in the de dance field, we made do with purifying in only a small fountain."

    Rinslet gave arge nod in response to ire''s words. They had purified their bodies at a hamam in the city before the party.

    ......Come to think of it, he could smell the floral scent of shampoo wafting from their hair.

    This was something that he had realized since the time he began living with ire at the academy, that girls fresh out of the bath had a light and calming nice scent to them.

    (......Rather, isn''t that a perverted thought.)

    With lightly reddened cheeks, Kamito shook his head from side to side.

    Scratch, scratch.

    "Hmm?"

    Looking over, the girl with silvery white hair that was sitting beside him was gazing expressionlessly at Kamito.

    Mysterious violet eyes. White skin like fresh milk.

    Kamito''s contracted spirit, Est.

    "Kamito, is there any tofu cake?"

    "No, as I expected, there doesn''t seem to be any tofu cake."

    Kamito scratched his cheek in a troubled manner.

    Tofu was a specialty product from Kamito''s home town where he was born, a pudding made from soya beans.

    Before, Rinslet had made him some and it seemed that Est had taken a liking to it.

    "......Is that so."

    The legendary sword spirit''s shoulders sunk with disappointment,.

    "It''s not cake, but if you want tofu ice cream, there''s some here."

    And ire slid the ice cream te to her.

    Part 2

    "......So there is some!"

    Est''s eyes that had lost their light suddenly regained their brilliance.

    "Tofu, tofu ?"

    While humming to herself in a song-like manner, she brought the spoon to her mouth.

    That ever expressionless face became slightlyx around the edges of her mouth.

    "That''s great, Est."

    While gazing at that happy-looking expression of Est''s---

    Kamito remembered.

    (Now that I think of it, Est wasn''t with us thest time we came here......)

    At that time, Est, having saved Kamito, was temporarily annihted from this world.

    Havinge into contact with the memories of her previous contractor, Areishia Idriss, she had closed off her heart.

    (......But just like this, Est has returned.)

    Having epted her destiny as a demon sword, she had opened her heart.

    Now, Est was beside Kamito, and they were sitting with their friends around the table.

    ---That reality, it could truly be thought of as a miracle.

    Kamito ced his hand upon the head of Est who was eating ice cream and,

    "Fuaa, Kamito......"

    Est breathed out as she narrowed her eyes as though to indicate it felt good.

    The youngdies red at Kamito with dissatisfaction.

    Ellis cleared her throat.

    "However, we shouldn''t be d just yet. There''s still the final battle."

    "Yes. Moreover, each of the opposing teams'' rankings were overwhelmingly above us."

    "......That''s true."

    A heavy atmosphere hung over the table.

    The other three teams that had advanced to the finals were mostly the ones that they had expected.

    In third ce, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor led by Leonora Lancaster.

    In second ce, the Sacred Spirit Knights led by Luminaris Saint Leisched.

    And of course, in first ce, Team Inferno led by Ren Ashbell. It was said that they had annihted nine other teams and amassed a grand total of over fifty magic stones.

    "......Can we win, I wonder. Against that ''Ren Ashbell''."

    Fianna dropped her empty cup with a tter.

    "Fianna, are you okay?"

    "Y-Yes, my hand just slipped."

    Fianna nodded as if to smooth it over.

    (......What?)

    Because of her attitude that was not like her usual self, Kamito had a bad feeling but---

    Just then, as if to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the air, the door''s chime rang.

    "Congrattions on your advancement to the finals, onee-sama!"

    "Oh my, Mireille!"

    Rinslet got up from her seat.

    The one who opened the door and entered was---

    tinum blonde hair that shone as though it was basked with sunlight. ssy emerald eyes.

    With a blue ribbon, that suited her well, a lovely girl.

    Rinslet''s youngest sister, Mireille Laurenfrost.

    Mireille dashed towards Rinslet and buried her face in her bosom.

    "Onee-sama, it was really great!"

    "J-Jeez, Mireille......with everyone looking, this is immodest!"

    Rinslet scolded Mireille with a red face.

    ......It seemed even a level-headed nobledy went easy only on her little sisters.

    "Ohh, I''d heard about it, but she''s really a cute kid."

    ire murmured that and Mireille separated her face from Rinslet and turned in her direction.

    "Ahh, onee-sama''s friend from the academy, ire-sama?"

    "Yes, that''s me."

    Mireille gave a polite bow and,

    "Nice to meet you! I had heard that ire-sama was onee-sama''s very close frie---mogogogo......"

    In an instant, Rinslet had hurriedly covered her little sister''s mouth.

    "Wh-whwhwh-what is this girl saying, I wonder!"

    "Mogogogogo~!"

    "She''s as attached to you as ever, Rinslet."

    The wryly smiling Kamito.

    Mireille escaped from Rinslet''s hand and,

    "Onii-sama!"

    This time a sun-like smile turned towards Kamito.

    "Onii-sama''s de dance was really cool!"

    "......Yeah, thank you."

    Kamito scratched his cheek in slight embarrassment.

    Even if the one doing it was a nine-year old girl, beingplimented so openly was embarrassing.

    "......Hey, Kamito, what does she mean by ''onii-sama''?"

    ire red at him with an irritated face.

    "Kamito, you''ve once again deceived a young girl......"

    "Even if thirteen years old is forgivable, I expect that nine years old is a crime......"

    Ellis and Fianna also turned ice-like res towards him.

    "Wai-wait a second, onii-sama doesn''t necessarily have that meaning---"

    "Kamito is my onii-chan."

    While still expressionless, Est clung onto Kamito''s waist from behind.

    "That''s also wrong! Rinslet, please clear up this misunderstanding!"

    "Th-That''s right! That Kamito-san is Mireille''s onii-sama means, basically, th-thth-that I am, Kamito-san''s......"

    With a red face, Rinslet mumbled incoherently.

    "Fufuu, onee-sama''s being cute."

    Mireille put her hand to her mouth andughed innocently.

    ---And at that moment.

    "Mireille, don''t trouble your sister."

    From the direction of the front door, a quiet voice came.

    "......?"

    Everyone turned to face that direction and a small girl wearing a white uniform with a red line was standing there.

    Dark brown hair resembling a loose web. Noble, doll-like features.

    And the most eye-catching of all, her azure right eye and amber left eye.

    The mismatched odd eyes.

    "......Mi!?"

    Kamito let out a surprised voice.

    The one standing silently by the door was Rossvale''s representative, the Rupture Division''s captain, Mi Bassett.

    "Kamito, congrattions on your advancement to the finals."

    Mi muttered that in her usual robotic manner and,

    Briskly walked to them and grabbed Mireille by the nape of her neck.

    "Wh-What are you doing!"

    Mireille struggled.

    "......Ummm, what''s going on?"

    "I have be Mireille-sama''s personal maid."

    "Hah?"

    "I suggested it. Mi-san is, from hereon, a maid of the Laurenfrost house serving Mireille."

    At Rinslet''s words, Mi nodded wordlessly.

    "I am truly thankful to Rinslet......I already cannot return to the mothend."

    With her head slightly downcast, she gently touched her left eye that had lost its light.

    Demon Sealing Eye --- carrying a powerful sealed spirit from birth, it was an extremely rare trait.

    It was an existence which could be said to have been the Rupture Division''s trump card, but in order to protect Kamito and the others, she had released the spirit within her Demon Sealing Eye and lost the power as a result.

    Her actions which were an abandonment of victory were, in the eyes of the mothend, a clear betrayal. The Principality of Rossvale might be targeting her.

    Considering that, epting the protection of the Laurenfrost house which was one of the foremost nobilities in the major power Ordesia was truly something that could be called a good decision.

    "Kamito---"

    Mi looked straight at Kamito with her heterochromatic eyes.

    "I do not regret my decision back then. Because I chose it myself."

    "......I see. You''re strong, Mi."

    "---No. It''s because Kamito taught me how to live other than as a tool."

    Mi shook her head sideways and had a faint joyful smile on her.

    "Mi,e eat cake with us."

    ire invited Mi over.

    Despite appearances, she was unexpectedly someone who had good points like watching over others.

    "But, I---"

    "It''s fine, it''s fine. We''re allies with the Rupture Division, after all."

    "Sharing a cup of tea with one''s mistress is an important task for a maid!"

    Whilst picking up cake, Carol said so with a smile.

    (......That''s just because Carol wants to eats sweets, isn''t it.)

    Kamito retorted that in his heart but,

    "If it''s like that, then---"

    Obediently trusting in her senior maid''s word, Mi sat down next to Mireille.

    "Come to think of it, Mi, you''re still wearing her uniform from the Rupture Division."

    Comparing it with Carol''s attire, Kamito voiced that question and,

    "We are currently in the process of tailoring a cute maid uniform."

    "Yes......"

    In response to Rinslet''s reply, Mi nodded while fidgeting like she couldn''t calm down.

    ......It might unexpectedly be something to look forward to.

    "......Mi in a maid outfit, huh. It feels like it would suit you well."

    "Wh-What are you saying......!"

    When Mi''s face flushed red, that moment.

    The front door''s chimes rang again.

    "Who is it this time?"

    Kamito turned his gaze in that direction and,

    "Hmm, I''vee, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    "Geh!"

    The one at the entrance was a small statured girl with her hair bound into a dango shape.

    The Four Gods'' imperial princess, Linfa Sin Quina.

    "What''s with that ''geh''! That''s extremely rude when facing me!"

    With her traditional Quina Empire garments waving, she rapidly approached him.

    "Ah, no, sor......rather, what''s the princess of the Four Gods doing here?"

    "A delivery. I came to congratte you on your advancement into the finals."

    "Shao!"

    The one who poked their face out from behind Linfa was the Four Gods'' ace, Shao Fu of the White Tiger.

    And then continuing on---

    "Offering gestures of humanity to the enemy is a Quina Empire tradition."

    "We''ve brought a lot with us!"

    "You''re holding a party in a fairly cramped ce......"

    Rao of the Azure Dragon, Hakua of the ck Tortoise and Rion of the Vermilion Bird also appeared.

    Each of them was carrying many bags of food.

    "There''s deep fried pork buns and skewered bird. They''re famed products of the Quina Empire."

    The many foods being heaped upon the table. All of a sudden, the interior of La Parfait was permeated with the fragrant smell of grilled meat.

    "Y-You people, this is a noble''s tea party!"

    Rinslet raised an objection but,

    "It''s the middle of a party, so don''t say such uptight stuff."

    Linfa''s group started sitting down without reservation.

    "......~!"

    "......Well, fine. Since we received their help in rescuing Fianna."

    ire shrugged her shoulders like she was astonished.

    "Kamito---"

    With that, Shao came over and sat next to Kamito.

    The Four Gods'' ace thrust a grilled chicken skewer into the table and smiled wryly.

    "To be honest, it''s a pity that we can''t fight Kamito in the finals."

    "If I remember, you and Linfa fought against Leonora''s team by yourselves on thest day."

    "Yeah. It was a fight that wouldn''t shame the Four Gods'' name. But they really were strong, those girls."

    Shao sighed.

    But that expression had no regret in it; rather, something joyful could be felt.

    If they had chosen a lower ranked team, they could have possibly obtained magic stones, but they had selected those Knights of the Dragon Emperor as their final opponent.

    He wondered if that was due to the disposition of the Four Gods'' ace.

    "We''ll be cheering on Team Scarlet in the finals."

    "Yeah, thanks."

    In order to face their respective battles, the two exchanged a solid handshake.

    Part 3

    "......Whew, I''m stuffed."

    "Even though it was food bought from a stall, it was pretty good."

    ire who was rubbing her stomach and Fianna who was elegantly wiping her lips with a handkerchief.

    Due to Linfa''s group''s intrusion, the party had be like a banquet, but it seemed like ire enjoyed it anyway.

    Mi had taken Mireille back to the hotel and Linfa''s group had eaten all they could and then left like a storm.

    The only ones left were Team Scarlet and Carol the maid. As a note, Est had eaten her fill and, possibly because she became sleepy, had already reverted back to sword form.

    "By the way, what will everyone be doing after this?"

    While looking around at his teammates, Kamito asked.

    Before the final battle began, it was customary practice for the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens to offer rituals of gratitude to the Elemental Lords.

    During that time, the representingpetitors were given a two day period of rest.

    "I must go report about our advancement into the finals to my father and grandfather."

    Ellis said with a meek face.

    "Yeah, Ellis'' family is a warrior ss house, after all."

    Kamito nodded.

    "I must also visit my parents."

    Rinslet also had her filial duties as a daughter of the Laurenfrost house.

    These two hade to the party even though they should have had put more precedence on those matters first.

    "......Me, too. I am reluctant to meet with those people, but it can''t be helped."

    It seemed like she didn''t like being around the royal court, including the emperor and his wife. All of what had happened during the time she was called the Lost Queen seemed to have soured her opinion.

    "It looks like we will be staying in the hotel arranged for by the empire today. Even though I wanted to finally kiss Kamito......"

    "......H-Hey, Fianna!?"

    In response to Fianna who was sulking with her index finger in her mouth, Kamito''s heart thumped and his face flushed red.

    In that way---

    The girls left and the shop interior became quite silent.

    In the end, Kamito and ire were the only ones left.

    Putting aside Kamito who was an orphan to start with, ire''s parents had been imprisoned following the Cmity Queen incident.

    "......"

    The two who became bored, for some reason or other, continued to sip ck tea wordlessly.

    "......Th-That''s right!"

    The first one to speak out was ire.

    "Yeah?"

    "I''ll be returning to the castle to brush up on my tactics."

    While clearing her throat in a deliberate manner, she stood from her seat.

    "Yeah."

    At that time, Kamito realized it.

    ......Couldn''t help but realize it.

    (......What a face she''s making.)

    On ire''s face, a lonely-looking expression was disyed for a moment.

    (......She''s a sixteen-year old girl after all.)

    Now after all this time, he remembered that.

    Usually she acted firm as the team''smander but---

    With the advancement to the finals settled, her high-strung tension might have loosened a little.

    Ever since that day four years ago, she had fought by herself until she met Kamito.

    ......There''s no way I can leave her alone. If I see that kind of expression.

    "......Wait."

    Kamito suddenly grabbed onto the hand of ire who was just about to leave.

    "Fuaaa! Wh-whwh-what!?"

    ire''s face turned red and she let out an ear-splitting scream.

    "If you''re free, then apany me for a while."

    Part 4

    "......Wait, what''s this about?"

    "We''ve finallye to the city so not having fun would be such a waste."

    "We didn''te to y around. As the academy''s representatives---"

    "I know. But I think rxing is also necessary."

    While still holding the perplexed ire''s hand, Kamito walked along the street.

    "Wh-What, that......fuaa, e-everyone''s looking at us!"

    "Don''t mind it."

    "D-Don''t mind it, you say, uuu......"

    Maybe because holding hands was immensely embarrassing, ire''s face was beet red.

    But it was necessary with this crowd. If they let go, they would end up separated without a doubt.

    (Now then, what to do......)

    Kamito scratched his cheek as they walked down the main street.

    Somehow he had ended up bringing her along with great zeal but---

    He pondered as they walked and they arrived at arge za.

    Sacred Areishia za --- in the za bearing the name of the Sacred Maiden that slew the Demon King, arge crowd of nobles mored.

    The topic of their discussions were, of course, the de Dance finals.

    Which country''s representing team would win, what method would be used to decide the match, and finally, whether the Strongest de Dancer who was leading Team Inferno would disy overwhelming strength once again in thispetition.

    In that kind of crowd, it seemed the faces of Kamito and the others who had advanced to the finals were already famous so stares of curiosity flooded in from around them.

    There were favorable gazes amongst them, but there were also ones heavilyden with hostility here and there.

    (......Well, if a minor team won, there would be those who wouldn''t like it.)

    While pulling ire''s hand, Kamito shrugged in his heart.

    There might be those inside these onlookers who knew ire as the younger sister of the Cmity Queen.

    As expected, due to the highborn noble status they held, there were no openly rudements being made, but even the favorable gazes didn''t give off a good feeling.

    "It might be a good idea to enter some ce."

    "......Th-That''s true. If possible, a ce where we won''t draw attention."

    "Yeah......"

    Kamito looked around the za for a ce and---

    "......Ohh, they''re showing an action drama."

    His eyes had stopped on a small theatre.

    An action drama was a form of amusement where the scene of a y was copied onto a special spirit crystal and then projected onto a screen.

    "That kind of theatre should have a ry of the de Dance on arge projector. Since the only ones that can enter the Grand Shrine as spectators are the highborn nobles.

    "......I see. So they show the action drama while there''s no realbat going on."

    Kamito nodded as if in admiration.

    And after seeing the theatre''s signboard, she let out a gasp.

    "......What is it?"

    "That theatre, it''s showing ''The Three Cat Knights''."

    "......Cat?"

    Certainly, there was a picture of three cats wielding swords on the theatre''s signboard.

    "Is that a famous work?"

    "Yes. I''ve only heard rumors about it though and haven''t actually seen it myself."

    ire gazed at the signboard like she was boring through it.

    (......It''s because she likes cats, isn''t it.)

    "Okay, then let''s watch that."

    Kamito gave a wry smile as he pulled her hand and,

    "Y-Yeah!"

    ire nodded in a happy manner.

    His heart throbbed uncontrobly at that innocent smile.

    "Although saying that, it looks like there''s still some time left until the showing."

    "Ah, that''s true. What should we do?"

    "Shall we look around at a nearby souvenir shop?"

    And at that time.

    "Hrm, it appears that you''ve been training your teammate well."

    "......!?"

    Suddenly, he heard a voice from behind him.

    ......He couldn''t believe it. Even if Kamito had let his guard down in the town, she had approached without letting him feel even a shred of her presence.

    (---And, this voice, it couldn''t be!)

    He turned around and.

    There stood a bewitchingly beautiful woman with a mature charm.

    Ash blonde hair that stretched down to her waist. Dressed in a jet ck dress that seamed to have darkness interwoven, beauty like a carving, and eyes reminiscent of a falcon that shone sharply.

    "---Greyworth!?" "Headmistress!?"

    Kamito and ire yelled out at the same time and,

    "It''s been a while,d."

    She shrugged her shoulders like she was amused.

    Greyworth Ciel Mais --- the former number one of the empire''s celebrated Numbers. She had been named a hero of the Ranbal War and was the winner of the de Dance twenty four years ago.

    Having taken the nickname of Dusk Witch, the strongest elementalist in the continent.

    "You, why would you be here---"

    Kamito scowled at the witch before him.

    "Hmph, how cold."

    Greyworth slightly lifted her sses with her fingertips and,

    "Even though I expressly came here because I was worried about a pair of young lovers."

    "Wha---"

    "Kamito, what is she talking about?"

    ire turned to re at him.

    "W-Wait, don''t believe her!"

    As if happy with watching Kamito''s panicked condition, Greyworth chuckled lightly and smiled.

    "It was a joke. As headmistress, isn''t mying to see what my pupils are doing a given?"

    "I''m sure the de Dance is also being shown at the academy. What''s going on with the academy?"

    "I have left the academy to Freya. Sylphid is also doing well."

    Greyworth then turned in ire''s direction and,

    "ire Rouge. I have seen the great efforts of Team Scarlet. Especially in thetter half, your growth as amander has been magnificent."

    "N-No such thing, your words are wasted on me!"

    ire stiffened up and answered.

    It seemed that even the academy''s problem child was nervous before Greyworth.

    For an elementalist girl, the name of the Dusk Witch held that much weight behind it.

    (......Although to me, she''s just a super sadistic granny.)

    Remembering the unreasonable training from three years ago, Kamito cursed in his heart.

    (Still......)

    Why would Greyworth visit Astral Zero with this timing?

    There was no way it was for the purpose of spectating the battle.

    To begin with, the one who had baited Kamito with information on Restia and made him participate in this de Dance was Greyworth.

    (---And she also proposed that I defeat the other Ren Ashbell.)

    There was no doubt that something was happening behind this de Dance.

    And it was likely to be abination of several predictions. Did this witch know what the masked girl masquerading as Ren Ashbell was nning---?

    "......"

    He could not acquire any information from Greyworth''s grey eyes.

    The witch would absolutely not tell lies. However, she also would not speak the truth.

    ......Asking her any questions would be useless.

    He wondered if he should propose a trade seeing as there was no other way to get information.

    "It''s the final break before the finals. You should enjoy it to the utmost."

    Greyworth showed a smile on her face and patted both of their shoulders.

    "Incidentally, our academy has no rules against rtions between different genders. Do your best."

    "H-Hey!"

    "Headmistress!?"

    ire''s cheeks flushed red.

    Greyworth disappeared into the crowd while waving at them.

    "......What''s with her."

    Kamito mutteredints under his breath and pulled on ire''s hand.

    "So, let''s go. It seems it would be a good idea to enter the theatre now."

    "Y-Yeah......"

    Kamito turned towards and began walking to the theatre and ire quickly followed after him.

    The theatre''s interior was unexpectedly wide and the two easily managed to get seats.

    Perhaps because there was still time until the showing, the patrons were still sparse.

    ire was eating the peach crepe she had bought at the theatre''s shop as if to show that it was delicious.

    "......You sure can eat. You just ate not too long ago, is that okay?"

    Kamito said while astonished and,

    "It''spletely fine, elementalists don''t gain weight......mm, this is delicious ?"

    "You have cream stuck to your cheek."

    "......Eh? Fuaaa!"

    He wiped the cream from her face with his fingers and ire''s face tinted red.

    "......j-jeez, wh-what are you doing......!"

    Hit, hit, hit.

    "S-Sorry......"

    Certainly, suddenly touching a girl''s cheek might be a breach of manners.

    ire puffed her cheeks in an angry manner.

    ......That action was strangely cute.

    "Hey, Kamito---"

    And ire suddenly put on a serious expression and whispered.

    "Yeah?"

    "......Umm, what kind of rtionship do you have with the headmistress?"

    "Y-You wouldn''t happen to still be suspicious about what she said about a lover''s outing?"

    "That''s not it. Come on, you said it before. That you had learned the same sword techniques as Ren Ashbell from the headmistress."

    "Ahh, that thing......"

    "Exactly when did youe to know the headmistress?"

    "Mm......"

    While Kamito lightly scratched his cheek, he slightly averted his gaze.

    "......Kamito?"

    (......Now then, what should I say?)

    It was something that happened a year before Kamito debuted as Ren Ashbell.

    (......Well, it should be fine if it''s a story about before I became Ren Ashbell.)

    To a certain extent, telling her the circumstances might, on the contrary, dispel some of her doubts.

    (Moreover, it would probably be a good idea to tell her about my rtionship with Restia as well.)

    He would probably end up fighting Restia again in the finals. With what had happened so far, he couldn''t say that ire and the others weren''t involved anymore.

    ire gazed at Kamito with upturned eyes.

    ......It looked like there was still time left before the showing of the recording.

    "It will probably be a boring story about long ago?"

    "It''s fine. I''d like to know more about Kamito."

    "Eh?"

    Kamito questioned in return and ire covered her mouth with a gasp.

    "Ah, th-that''s not it! It didn''t have that meaning!"

    "I know."

    Kamito shrugged his shoulders with a wry smile and breathed out.

    While remembering about those days, he muttered.

    "I met with the Dusk Witch four years ago --- immediately after the destruction of the Instructional School."

 Volume 8, 2 - The Witch and the Assassin

    <h4>Volume 8, Chapter 2 - The Witch and the Assassin</h4>

    Part 1

    ......Four years ago.

    All of a sudden, the Instructional School was destroyed in the span of a single night by an evil spirit of mes.

    Within the ze, the boy snatched the ring the darkness spirit was sealed in and escaped to the outside of the facility. He, who had been raised as a tool of destruction and ughter, continued to wander aimlessly through barren wastnds.

    And then, several weekster.

    In the remote city he wandered to, the boy contacted a border faction of Murders, a secret organization.

    Without a sense of justice and knowing no other way to live than through his battle skills, he couldn''te up with any other option.

    They had ridiculed the boy who came to their hideout with hair that had grown as long as possible and a tattered appearance.

    What can such a young child even do, they said.

    But as soon as their guards were beaten in a sh, their appraisal of him changed.

    "I shall ept any job. The price is¨D"

    The reward he was seeking from Murders was a single book.

    A book that was sealed upon orders of the Divine Ritual Institute, a forbidden text¨DThe Key of Soloman.

    The job he epted in exchange was¨D

    The assassination of the continent''s strongest elementalist, the Dusk Witch.

    Part 2

    And now, the boy ¨D Kamito was blending into the night in the witch''s courtyard.

    The imperial capital''s suburbs. The grounds wererge, but as a home for the former number one of the Numbers that had been granted great peerage, it was in.

    Let alone a spirit protecting the gate, there didn''t even appear to be a single servant......though he already knew this from the information he had received.

    The time Greyworth would return from the royal pce was drawing nearer and nearer.

    Cloaked in darkness, Kamito touched the ring he had hidden within his jacket.

    He stroked the words written on its outer edge in spiritnguage.

    (......If this goes well, I can free her.)

    The one sealed within the ring was the darkness spirit girl.

    The girl who had given human emotions to he who had be an empty tool at the training facility.

    But giving emotions to Kamito, who was supposed to be a tool, had angered the instructors, resulting in her being sealed once again.

    Although he had seeded in stealing the ring during the opportunity created by the Instructional School''s destruction, Kamito did not know how to undo the seal. In addition, the instructors who would have known how to undo the seal had all been killed by that evil me spirit.

    (But if I can just get the Key of Solomon, then I can definitely¨D)

    He would assassinate the continent''s strongest elementalist for the sake of getting back her smile.

    He had not done an assassination mission yet, but he was confident that it was something he would seed in.

    The sound of a horse-drawn coaching down the road. Kamito heard it with his extraordinary hearing ability.

    (¨DThis mission will be decided with the first attack. If I miss, I''m dead.)

    This was the iron rule for when a non-elementalist fought with an elementalist.

    It seemed that all the assassination attempts on the Dusk Witch so far had failed.

    The Murders bunch hadn''t told him what had happened to those who failed. ¨DNot that he really wanted to know.

    The coach arrived before the gate.

    Kamito covered the lower half of his face with a ck cloth and drew the twin swords at his waist.

    Special short swords forged from spirit crystals ¨D items he had received at the Instructional School.

    They had no inscription. They were not actually designed for battle but instead were twin swords intended for use in a princess maiden''s de dance ritual; however, supplying divine power to the de would allow it to also cut spirits, so it was convenient for missions.

    Even so, there was noparison in performance with an elementalist''s elemental waffe.

    The door of the coach opened, and a woman with ash blonde hair came out.

    Kamito sprung all his muscles into action and shot out from the darkness.

    It did not leave any room for a reaction. He closed the distance in an instant and shed out towards the woman''s neck.

    He felt a hard impact with his hands.

    The twin swords'' des had stopped in midair.

    "......!?"

    "¨DOhh, you''re different from all the other ones."

    Cloaked in a grey dress, the beautiful woman smiled bewitchingly.

    In her hand was a single thick book.

    That book had stopped the twin swords.

    "Tch¨D!"

    Shivers ran down his spine. That was something that he should have lost already, instinctual fear.

    Those bottomless grey eyes pierced through Kamito.

    (This person is¨D)

    A monster ¨D that word floated into his head.

    He withdrew his twin swords and slipped into the darkness. Fighting any more than this would be meaningless.

    Seeing as he did not take her down in a single strike, he would have to bide time until the next chance.

    "My goodness, did you think you could just escape after aiming for a witch''s neck?"

    The Dusk Witch smiled like she was enjoying herself and put out her hand.

    In an instant, a revolting lump of darkness was born from thin air.

    (......Is that a demon spirit!?)

    They had a different spirit structure and consequently could not be controlled by humans.

    The one who could control them was ¨D only the heretical Dusk Witch.

    The lump of darkness coiled around her arm and formed into a vibrating sword.

    Even if he were not an elementalist, he could feel it with his skin.

    The one before his eyes was a top-ss demon spirit.

    It was probably the same rank as Restia, no less¨D

    (¨DEven though she''s a retired spirit knight, she''s contracted to spirits of this caliber!)

    He had heard about it but ¨D even though it was right in front of him, it was hard to believe.

    Normally, a princess maiden''s ability was at its peak from ten to the early twenties, and they would only weaken after that. Those elementalists who had lost their power would retire, marry a noble of high birth, and pass their power down to their daughters.

    If it was true that she had fought during the time of the Ranbal War, then her power should have weakened long ago.

    A sharp sh split the air.

    (......Fast!)

    He barely reacted by using his instincts, but the de grazed him.

    The cloth over his lower face was cut and fell gently to the ground.

    "¨DOhh, quite a cute girl."

    The sharp grey eyes widened slightly.

    "......I''m not a girl."

    Kamito spoke for the first time.

    He could not escape from his opponent''s de''s reach. He would only be killed the moment he retreated.

    (¨DThen there''s no other way but to resolve myself.)

    Kamito readied his twin des and stared back at the falcon-like eyes of the witch.

    "I have ¨De to kill the Dusk Witch."

    He immediately kicked off the ground and closed the distance.

    The godspeed sh was aimed at the witch''s windpipe, but just before that.

    The witch''s figure swayed.

    A moment.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form ¨D Purple Lightning."

    "......!?"

    Greyworth''s sword prated straight through Kamito''s abdomen.

    Part 3

    "Uu, mm......"

    When he opened his eyes¨D

    Kamito was lying atop a soft bed.

    Clean sheets that smelled nice. Daylight flooded in from therge window.

    (......Where exactly is this?)

    And with no time to guess,

    "I''m surprised. You really were a boy."

    "......!?"

    Kamito leaped from the bed at the voice he heard overhead.

    No, rather, he tried to leap from it but failed.

    It seemed that his lower half was numb and couldn''t move.

    Greyworth smiled like she was having fun and,

    "Sorry, I allowed myself to cast Binding magic on you. It would trouble me if you ran wild."

    "Kuu......"

    "At any rate, moving will open your wounds. Even if I held back, my sword still pierced your stomach."

    "......"

    Certainly, his lower torso was aching with a dull pain. The bandages thoroughly wrapped around him were stained with blood.

    "I have applied healing techniques. You should be fully healed in three days."

    "......Why did you save me?"

    "Because I''ve taken an interest in you. At such a young age, having strength iparable to the other assassins, calm judgment ability and moreover¨D"

    And she paused, then took out that and showed it to him.

    "You were carrying a pretty interesting item. The legendary-ss demonic essory, Solomon''s Ring."

    "......Give, it......back, give it back......!"

    Kamito widened his eyes and stretched out his hand as if possessed.

    But those fingers only grasped air.

    "......I''m surprised, you can move while under the Binding. It appears you treasure this very much."

    Greyworth smiled bewitchingly and leaned in close to Kamito''s ear.

    "Sorry, but I investigated your body as you slept. You possess a princess maiden''s disposition tomune with spirits, it seems?"

    "......!"

    Kamito averted his gaze wordlessly.

    It was impossible to deceive her. An elementalist of the Dusk Witch''s caliber could easily see through an elementalist''s disposition.

    "An existence that shouldn''t exist in this world, a male elementalist ¨D no, there is one in the history of the continent. That kind of abnormal existence."

    As if taunting one who had taken the bait, the witch whispered in his ear.

    "......"

    "I wonder if this is the seconding of the Demon King that once brought destruction and disaster to the continent. Truly a dangerous existence."

    "......What do you intend to do with me?"

    Kamito finally spoke.

    If he was handed over to the empire, the chance to meet Restia again would be forever closed to him.

    That was the only thing he definitely needed to avoid.

    But to Kamito, who had a tense face,

    "Lad, how old are you?"

    A question with no rtion to the topic was asked.

    "......"

    "Defiant, aren''t you."

    The witch began to fiddle with the ring in her hands.

    "......Thirteen. I was taught that by the ones who raised me."

    "Thirteen, huh. Age-wise, that''s enough. And with this face¨D"

    She muttered to herself about random things and then smiled.

    "Lad, won''t you be mine?"

    "I refuse."

    Kamito replied immediately.

    "Don''t conclude that so quickly. This is a trade. It''s not bad for you either."

    "......What do you mean?"

    "What if I were to say I could release the spirit sealed in this ring?"

    "What¨D?"

    In an instant, Kamito''s countenance changed.

    Part 4

    The release of the sealed Restia. In return for that, what Greyworth wanted¨D

    ......Unexpectedly was just housework.

    "¨DI was certain you would be hiring me as an assassin."

    Kamito voiced his doubts and,

    "If you were stronger than me, then I might have."

    She joked with a smile.

    "......That''s true, but why am I dressed like this?"

    Kamito said with a stunned expression as he gripped the long skirt''s hem.

    For some reason, Kamito had been made to wear fluttery maid clothing.

    His ck hair that had been allowed to grow without cutting was personallybed by Greyworth and now had a glossy sheen.

    ¨DThe image reflected in the full-length mirror waspletely one of a girl.

    "Truly, that suits you to a frightening degree. If you went out to the imperial capital like that, the boys wouldn''t leave you alone."

    Greyworth once again raised a voice of admiration.

    "I''m not a girl. At least lend me normal clothes."

    "Denied. I''m not just making you wear those clothes because I like to bully."

    "......What do you mean?"

    "If any of my guests were to find out that you are a male elementalist, what would happen? If it''s a high-potential princess maiden, then whether you''re an elementalist or not, it is simple to overlook."

    "That''s......"

    Certainly, if it was discovered that he was a male elementalist like the Demon King, it would cause a problem in no time. Those rumors might even reach the empire''s top brass.

    "Additionally, you are an unregistered elementalist......it goes without saying that the nation will regard a stray elementalist as a great threat. If you were found out, Ordesia Empire may send out its spirit knights or even the Numbers."

    ......He couldn''t refute any of it.

    As expected, without Restia, he didn''t feel confident in escaping the empire''s elite.

    "What, it''s not like it''ll be for forever. I''ll also think of a way. But I''ll have you stay in the mansion for the time being."

    "......I got it."

    Kamito nodded as it couldn''t be helped.

    "Well, there is one other reason¨D"

    "Yeah?"

    "¨DMm, don''t mind it for now."

    Greyworth shook her head to drop the subject.

    "So, you can really free Restia, right?"

    "Yeah. It will take some time, but if I use the Elstein family''s Sealed Library, I should be able to find the book you were looking for. Demonic essories are outside of my specialty, but well, it''ll work out somehow. Even like this, I''m still a university graduate."

    "......"

    He didn''t understand what the Dusk Witch was nning. However, as long as he had no other way to free Restia, he would have to listen to her.

    "Now, follow me. I''ll guide you through the mansion."

    Greyworth turned on her heel and went out to the hall.

    Kamito sighed and followed after her.

    At any rate ¨D Kamito thought of a question.

    ......The inside of the mansion had too few human presences.

    "Why do you only have one servant?"

    "Ahh, it''s because the ones that work at this mansion aren''t actually here."

    "......?"

    "You''ll understood soon ¨D since I''m saying while you''re here."

    Greyworth smiled wryly.

    Kamito found it difficult to understand what she meant and¨D

    The next moment. Suddenly, the hallway''s window opened.

    "......!?"

    Kamito reacted instantly. Lifting the long skirt, he drew his twin swords that were belted to his thighs.

    The ones that came from the window were twopletely ck boys. Held in their hands were short swords with a curved de.

    The assants'' moves froze for a moment.

    That was obvious. Since an ordinary maid had just drawn weapons with practiced movements.

    With that opening, Kamito closed the gap in an instant. Smashing the hilt of his sword into one''s jaw, he rendered him incapable ofbat, and with flowing movements, his de pierced the second assant''s shoulder.

    A silent scream. Immediately mming his fist into the sr plexus, he knocked him out.

    It hadn''t even taken a few seconds to beat the two assants.

    Looking at their reactions amongst other things, they were reasonably well-trained, but for Kamito who came from the Instructional School, they were not a match as an assassin.

    Greyworth was calmly observing Kamito''s skill in defeating the assants.

    "......What''s with these guys?"

    After confirming the two had truly lost consciousness, Kamito asked.

    "Who knows? I''m quite hated by various groups. Outside of the empire, of course, and there are enemies within as well. Having an assassine is a usual urrence."

    "Could it be that this kind of thing happens every day?"

    "Cleaning up these kinds of guys is also the job of a maid."

    Greyworth pushed up her sses with her fingertips and smiled.

    "But your sword style just now ¨D those are genuine assassination techniques."

    "......I know nothing other than this de style."

    "The style you learned from that assassin training organization you mentioned?"

    "......"

    (As expected, I was seen through, huh......)

    There was no use denying it. Following the destruction of the Instructional School, the empire had sent out its knights, including the Numbers, to investigate. What had been done at that facility; there was no way the military authorities or she who had been connected would not know.

    "I don''t particrly have an interest in your background."

    Perhaps she had taken his silence as an affirmation as Greyworth shrugged her shoulders.

    "It''s just that that de style is inconvenient in a variety of ways. It''s not suited for de dancing."

    "de dancing?"

    Amongst the rituals elementalists offered to spirits, that was the programme with the highest social status.

    To the orphans of the Instructional School who werepletely master assassins, it was a word of no relevance.

    Greyworth''s grey eyes stared at Kamito as if appraising him.

    "¨DLad, have you ever wished that you wanted to be strong?"

    "......Strong?"

    Kamito was perplexed at the question that was suddenly raised.

    Wanted to be strong ¨D thinking that way, there shouldn''t have been even an urrence up to now.

    But he had been ordered to be strong. And in reality, if he hadn''t be strong, he would not have been able to survive at that hell-like facility.

    He pondered on that subject for a while¨D

    "......I don''t know."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "At the very least, I don''t think I''ve wished that I wanted to be strong ¨D I think."

    "¨DI see."

    Greyworth nodded to herself as ifing to an understanding.

    And with eyes as if she pitied something about him, she turned to Kamito and¨D

    "You are strong. Most likely, it would be fine to call you the single strongest master assassin on the entire continent. But that is, after all, an empty strength."

    His chest became abuzz at Greyworth''s words. He opened his mouth as if to retort.

    "¨DIt''s not like I wanted to be strong."

    "Hrm¨D"

    Greyworth ced her hand on her chin as if her interest had been peaked and,

    "First of all, it seems it is necessary to open the boy''s eyes."

    And as if having been struck with an idea, she gave a profound smile.

    Part 5

    ¨DFrom then, a few days'' time.

    Kamito worked devotedly as a newly hired maid at Greyworth''s mansion.

    "Kamito, heat the bath. I don''t like it hot, so I''m counting on you to keep it mild."

    "Yeah."

    "Next I''d like you to clean the garden. Prune the shrubs as well."

    "Got it."

    "Kamito, dinner. I would like subtly seasoned Laurenfrost-style meat cuisine."

    "I can''t make that kind of thing!"

    "There''s a recipe, isn''t there? Everything is an experience."

    "Whatever happens, I don''t know anything......"

    Of course, Kamito had not done anything like cooking until now. Despite that, he somehow managed to make something resembling meat cuisine and Greyworth ate without leaving any leftovers as she voicedints.

    The most troubling thing about being in the empire was that one could not use mes satisfactorily.

    The cause was the Cmity Queen''s revolt that had happened several weeks before the Instructional School was destroyed.

    The enraged Elemental Lord razed the empire''s territory and erased all mes within theirnds.

    Due to this, every time Kamito wanted to use fire, he had to head to the Spirit Forest that flourished outside the capital city to catch a fire attribute spirit.

    There were still other things that troubled him.

    "Kamito, wash my body."

    "Wha!?"

    Kamito''s face reddened and,

    "It''s a joke. Hrm, you''re still a kid in those matters."

    "Kuu......!"

    Kamito red at his inhuman master, but his lovely maid clothes nullified its impact and,

    "Maybe I should have you be my partner for tonight."

    "......Ah, uu......"

    "Fufuu, you''re really cute."

    It seemed like it stirred up her sadistic heart instead.

    (......This is also for the sake of freeing Restia.)

    While Kamito said that to himself, his household skills had improved.

    But his most important job was not housework. In-between housework, he had to fend off the assassins that came seemingly every day aiming for Greyworth''s life.

    "......You''re really hated by various groups."

    Kamito muttered with sarcasm and,

    "I wasn''t as peaceful back when I was a knight as I am now."

    "......You''ve be peaceful now?"

    Kamito once again remembered fear.

    Part 6

    Like that, one day. Greyworth went out from the mansion.

    "I''ll be visiting the royal pce. Do theundry and clean the mansion until evening."

    "Don''t you hate politics?"

    "I can''t ignore a direct summons from His Majesty the emperor. And the subject this time isn''t unrted to you."

    "......What do you mean?"

    Greyworth shrugged her shoulders and exined in response to Kamito''s query.

    It appeared that a few days ago, the report from the spirit knights on the Instructional School was announced and the details of the inhuman experiments wereing to light one by one.

    There were a number of important nobles amongst the founding members of that facility, so the imperial court was buzzing like a disturbed bees'' nest.

    "......I bet."

    In the organization, the Instructional School''s battle technicians were well-hidden, but from the contents of the missions, it was possible to guess the clients'' statuses and situations.

    Although to begin with, the ones who had investigated them were elementalists specialized in information gathering that were roughly equal to his ex-teammate, Lily me.

    "Well, the founding members were nobles of this empire but they seem to have all gradually moved to the Demon King cult from Alphas Theocracy that was backing the organization."

    Greyworth took a breath and,

    "The fanatical devotees of the Demon King ¨D the ones who scouted you after finding out about your prowess as an elementalist were also those Demon King cultists, right?"

    "......I don''t know."

    Kamito shook his head sideways. Certainly, the elders at the Instructional School seemed to believe that the male elementalist Kamito was the seconding of the Demon King.

    "Because I was a tool that embodied their wills."

    "......"

    Greyworth stared at that sort of Kamito for a while and,

    "Oh boy, it seems drastic measures are necessary."

    "......?"

    "Ahh, that''s right¨D"

    In front of the hall preceding the foyer, Greyworth said that as if she had remembered something.

    "Also clean my study today."

    "The study?"

    Normally she would say it was fine even if he didn''t clean the study.

    ......What a strange turn of events this was.

    "Cleaning just the floor is fine. I''ve told you many times, don''t touch things that don''t concern you."

    "......Got it."

    Even while he thought of a question, Kamito nodded obediently.

    Part 7

    After Greyworth left the mansion, Kamito immediately began cleaning.

    It had started off as an unfamiliar maid job, but he had finally gotten the knack of it.

    As he walked down the hallway that had an expensive carpet spread out along it,

    (......I really didn''t know anything other than fighting.)

    All this time, he had never been allowed to realize that.

    The disciples of the Instructional School were only tools for the purpose of ughter. They were never taught unnecessary knowledge.

    Restia had bestowed him with knowledge of the outside world, but their time together had been too short. Particrly in their first meeting, Kamito had not seen her as anything other than an enemy he had to defeat. (¨DHe wondered if the Instructional School waspletely dissolved by the empire.)

    He didn''t have any particrly strong feelings about that but¨D

    The one that crossed his mind was the girl with ash grey hair that had disappeared into the mes.

    The girl that had called him her brother and adored him.

    The second-ce "Monster" of the Instructional School ¨D Muir Alenstarl.

    Was she done in by those mes or captured by the spirit knights, he wondered.

    (Either one doesn''t seem likely......)

    Shrugging his shoulders, he opened Greyworth''s study with the key he''d been provided.

    Books were ordered and lined up on the bookshelf that covered an entire wall and a bunch of documents were piled up on the office desk.

    "......It looks like what she said about being a university graduate is true."

    Kamito muttered and stepped into the room with broom in hand.

    ......It was arger room than he had imagined. Perhaps to prevent the deterioration of research materials, there was no window. In its ce, a spirit crystal''s illumination lit up the entire room dimly.

    A ss wardrobe was adorned with raw spirit crystals and a collection of demonic essories. They were undoubtedly items of absurd prices.

    ¨DAnd amongst them, he realized there was a gaudy medal left carelessly.

    "This is......"

    In the center of a wooden shield, a beautiful spirit crystal was embedded, and Greyworth''s name was carved on the metal te.

    "......The medal given to the victor of the de Dance, huh."

    The elementalists'' festival that happened once every several years or possibly several decades in Astral Zero.

    It seemed this was an item from over twenty years ago when the Dusk Witch had won.

    "de dance, huh......"

    He remembered what Greyworth had said a few days ago.

    ¨DIt''s just that that de style is inconvenient in a variety of ways. It''s not suited for de dancing.

    Is what she had said.

    He wondered what the difference was with the sword techniques that had been hammered into him at the Instructional School.

    (¨DMy sword techniques could not reach the Dusk Witch.)

    He was sure that she had said "Absolute de Arts"¨D

    As if stabbing through the nk in one''s consciousness, it was an inexplicable sword technique. Until now, that was the only sword technique that Kamito had not been able to see through after one time.

    (......Why?)

    ¨DYou are strong.

    ¨DBut that is, after all, an empty strength.

    (......I don''t get it. I know nothing other than that strength.)

    Moving away from the wardrobe, this time he looked upon the desk.

    And there.

    "......!?"

    Seeing an item that would surprise anyone, Kamito gasped.

    An ancient book with leather bindings.

    The title carved in spiritnguage was¨DThe Key of Solomon.

    (......No way, she already obtained it!?)

    Of course, it was not the original but a copy. Be that as it may, it should still have information on the legendary-ss demonic essory, Solomon''s Ring, that Restia was sealed in.

    "......"

    Kamito stretched his hand out without hesitation. Kamito had not really studiednguages, but thanks to Restia, he could roughly decipher the meaning to some extent.

    ......If he at least understood the method, the process itself didn''t seem too difficult. If he used the ritual equipment gathered in the room, he should be able to begin the spirit freeing ritual immediately.

    The shrill sound of a bell resounded.

    "......!?"

    It was the notification that an intruder had entered the mansion''s Barrier.

    "Kuu, at this kind of time¨D"

    Clicking his tongue, Kamito turned his gaze to the door¨D

    Those eyes opened in surprise.

    (¨DSince when!?)

    A shadow with a small build draped in ck cloth was standing on the other side of the door.

    Part 8

    Kamito immediately changed his thoughts into battle mode.

    His opponent was short with a feminine physique.

    A girl ¨D if it was, the chance of her being an elementalist was high.

    Kamito quickly reached for the twin des beneath his skirt and gathered divine power into his hands.

    This was the first time an elementalist assassin hade to the mansion. By no means, they should not be of the remnants from the Instructional School but¨D

    "It''s unfortunate, but the Dusk Witch is not here."

    "......"

    Kamito said those words but the assassin was not perturbed at all. She stood there wordlessly while sending out killing intent.

    (Greyworth isn''t the target? If not, then what exactly¨D)

    An instant. From the assassin''s fingers, a sphere was formed.

    Aiming at Kamito, sheunched the sphere.

    (Spirit magic......as I thought, an elementalist!)

    As he reflexively moved to dodge ¨D he realized.

    On the desk behind him was the Key of Solomon that was necessary for freeing Restia.

    He turned around in an instant. He stopped it with the twin swords infused with divine power ¨D but,

    "......Guu!"

    Even if it was infused with divine power, something like a sword couldn''t deflect spirit magic. The ck orb that hit the des exploded right in front of him. Kamito''s body was blown away violently and smacked into the wall.

    "......Ku, ah......"

    At the spot the ball had exploded, a hole like the air had been gouged out opened and the fragments of the twin swords that had stopped the spirit magic had been eliminated without a trace.

    "......Annihtion magic, huh!"

    This one was on a different level from all the assassins that hade to the mansion before¨D!

    The assassin wordlessly shot several ck orbs at him.

    Kamito quickly grabbed the Key of Solomon and threw himself to the ground.

    The ck spheres exploded overhead. The shards from the wooden wardrobe that was broken by the technique grazed against his cheek.

    (......Don''t tell me, the target is this book!?)

    And yet, his opponent was firing her magic carelessly.

    He decided the objective wasn''t recovery but destruction and¨D

    Kamito tightened his grip around the book in his hands.

    (......I definitely will not let go of this.)

    ¨DThis book was the sole key to freeing that girl.

    (Restia......)

    The girl with ck wings that wore a night-colored dress.

    When they had parted, thest smile she had shown him was deeply etched into his mind.

    With the remains of the twin sword in his left hand and the copy held in his right hand, Kamito confronted the assassin.

    Essentially, with the book''s safety as a priority, he would prefer to retreat at this point, but unfortunately there were no windows in this room and the sole exit had an assassin standing in it.

    (It seems I have no choice but to defeat her¨D)

    The assassin held out her fingers.

    Instantly, ck spheres fired out consecutively ¨D there was nowhere to hide in the room.

    But that was with the general knowledge of an average battle technician. Kamito kicked off the floor and moved from the wall to the ceiling in but a moment, avoiding all the orbs with minimal movement.

    The specialty of the Instructional School''s assassins, meta three-dimensional movement ¨D moreover, Kamito''s version of that had been nicknamed "Shadow Weaving", otherworldly movement.

    "......!"

    The first signs of agitation were born in the ck-clothed assassin.

    Kamito kicked off the ceiling and jumped. Closing the distance in an instant, he released a shing attack.

    ¨DBut the de fruitlessly cut only air.

    The assassin''s image disappeared into thin air like a mirage.

    There was no particr reason for surprise. With an elementalist as an opponent, it was a natural thing.

    He calmly checked for a presence ¨D and overhead, the air slightly wavered.

    "......!"

    Rather than confirming the enemy by sight, Kamito quickly took evasion maneuvers.

    A momentter, the ce Kamito had been standing just before was peppered with annihtion magic."

    The floor that had be nothing was gouged out along with the air.

    If that hit directly, a person would vanish without a single trace.

    (I can''t let it touch me even slightly.)

    Kamito gripped the copy even tighter.

    (¨DI will definitely protect this!)

    That time. Kamito realized.

    (¨DI see, this is the first time I''ve fought this kind of battle.)

    And.

    Without any orders, he wanted to protect something by his own will and was fighting while strongly desiring that.

    The assassin swooped down before his eyes. In her hand was a de made through magic.

    The sh of a de ran. Kamito promptly whipped out his one-handed sword, protecting the book against his chest.

    The one-handed sword was eliminated as if it had been absorbed.

    The assassin kicked off the ground again and moved into striking distance.

    (Cra¨D)

    Just before the assassin''s de touched the copy.

    Restia''s smile once again shed across his mind.

    (¨DI won''t let you!)

    "Ohhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito instantaneously infused his left hand with divine power.

    Normally, an elementalist with no contracted spirit could not use spirit magic. However, Kamito concentrated his divine power to the utmost limit and created a pseudo-de of divine power.

    It was possible in theory ¨D but it was the first time it had ever seeded.

    The surging divine power de deflected the assassin''s annihtion sword.

    On top of that, the ck cloth mask was lightly cut.

    The cloth gently fell from her mouth.

    "¨DI''m surprised. To think that other than through spirit magic, you would pull out a de of divine power."

    "......!?"

    The one who smiled fearlessly was¨D

    With clear grey eyes, a beautiful girl.

    "You are¨D"

    "¨DThis is a reward for that. See through it this time."

    And then, the sword sh burst out.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form ¨D Purple Lightning."

    Part 9

    "Uu, nn......"

    He awoke on top of a soft bed.

    (Somehow, it feels like this happened before......)

    In his hazy state of mind, he thought that.

    "It appears you''ve finally woken up."

    The bewitching voice came from close to his ear.

    Turning around, he found Greyworth sitting at the bedside smiling.

    "......What was that all about?"

    Kamito asked looking displeased.

    ......No, that wasn''t a good question. He somewhat understood her objective.

    "Is there somethingcking in my sword?"

    "That''s right. Rather than through theory, it''s faster to learn with the body."

    "......"

    The thingcking in Kamito''s sword.

    That was the existence of something to protect.

    Certainly, when he had fought to protect the book ¨D namely, Restia, the sensation he had from that resolution to protect felt like it had sharpened his entire body into a de.

    "¨DWith the body, huh."

    Kamito said cynically and pushed on the top of his shoulder which was hurting.

    What Greyworth had unleashedst: that de technique.

    If Kamito''s reaction had been even a moment too slow, it would have pierced his heart.

    "The ones who''ve seen through my Absolute de Arts twice consists of only you. It''s praiseworthy."

    "......If I hadn''t seen through it, I''d be dead."

    "Well, that may be true."

    Kamito sighed at the witch who was without a shred of timidity.

    "Anyway, your form back then, what exactly¨D?"

    At that time, the face he had nced beneath the ck cloth was a girl of about fifteen years of age.

    Her stature was also much smaller. If it was the same physique as right now, perhaps Kamito would have seen through her identity at the beginning.

    "I changed my body a little. I can restore my youth with a certain cycle."

    ¨DIn the past, that was the Wish the Dusk Witch had obtained.

    And for some reason, Greyworth muttered that as if in self-derision.

    "Eternal youth......don''t tell me, ageless and immortal?"

    "It''s not that convenient of a thing. It''s not something separate from this world, the Elemental Lords'' blessings, that is."

    She shrugged her shoulders and¨D

    Opened the Key of Solomon she had in her hands.

    "¨DNow then, it was a promise. Have the ring in your hands."

    "......Y-Yeah."

    Kamito took out the ring and ced it on his palm with a nervous face.

    Greyworth lined up the ritual tools on the ground with practiced movements and held her hand over the ring, then began chanting the words of releasing written in the book.

    "......!?"

    The ring in his hands shone bluish white.

    Moreover, the spiritnguage characters inscribed on the front face shed as if burning¨D

    In the next instant, a fierce gale raged within the room.

    "Uwaa¨D"

    His vision was shrouded by ck fog.

    No, it wasn''t fog, instead there were whirling ck feathers.

    Shining with darkness, the wings that were more beautiful than anything in this world.

    "¨DThis is surprising. I didn''t think it would be a spirit of the highest rank that can take on a human appearance."

    Greyworth raised a voice of admiration.

    "Restia......"

    Kamito''s lips were quivering and his outstretched fingers touched the wings.

    "¨DI was waiting, Kamito."

    The freed darkness spirit girl¨D

    ced her hand on Kamito''s cheek and smiled gently.

    Part 10

    "And, well¨D"

    Kamito cleared his throat and,

    "¨DThe meeting between Greyworth and I was like that."

    Averting his eyes slightly from ire, he ended the story.

    ......As he expected, talking about things from far in the past was a little embarrassing.

    "......"

    While Kamito was telling his story, ire had not once spoken and simply gazed at him as she listened.

    "You, that sounds like it was troublesome......"

    "Yeah, because of Greyworth, I faced death many times......"

    The Dusk Witch''s Absolute de Arts had been beaten into his body.

    To tell the truth, he didn''t really want to remember those unreasonable days of training.

    "Umm, that''s not it......no, it''s fine."

    ire corrected herself as she shook her head.

    "So, what happened next?"

    "Next?"

    "With the freed darkness spirit. I don''t really know much about her."

    "......Th-That is¨D"

    Kamito hurriedly averted his gaze. If he continued the story any further, he would need to talk about the birth of Ren Ashbell.

    Just then, the lights in the theater went out and the surroundings became pitch ck.

    It appeared the action drama was finally going to start.

    "It looks like it''s going to begin. We''ll continue this next time."

    "......It can''t be helped."

    He heard ire''s sigh in the darkness.

    "But I''m a little jealous."

    "Yeah?"

    "Because both the headmistress and that darkness spirit girl know the Kamito from the past."

    "......"

    "Hey, Kamito¨D"

    "Yeah?"

    "......I''m cold. Warm me up."

    ire ced her small hand on top of Kamito''s palm.

    "What an extravagant youngdy......"

    Kamito smiled wryly and held that hand softly.

    "......I''m not jealous, okay."

    ire''s voice was drowned out by the sound of bells from the showing.

 Volume 8, Interlude - The Dusk Witch

    <h4>Volume 8, Interlude - The Dusk Witch</h4>

    In a room of a high-ss hotel built in Ragna Ys'' business district.

    Greyworth looked down out the window at the night view that stood out against the darkness.

    "This might be thest de Dance that these eyes see."

    She narrowed her eyes and felt slightly sentimental.

    She had debuted and won twenty four years ago. She was fifteen at the time.

    At that time, the de Dance system was still working properly.

    Three years ago, an unseen crack had appeared.

    And now, the currentpetition obviously had unusual circumstances arising.

    It had been a short cycle of only three years from thest tournament. The participation in battle of a darkness spirit that was not the user''s official contracted spirit. The grotesque existence that wasn''t an elementalist, let alone human, Nepenthes Lore¡ª

    (¡ªJust what exactly is starting here?)

    Coming to Ragna Ys had been done under Greyworth''s personal judgment. Watching over her pupils'' activities was just a public camouge for the empire''s top brass.

    (......Although, they''ll already have realized something of that degree.)

    Greyworth pushed her sses up and silently moved away from the window.

    She was continuing her personal investigation into the other Ren Ashbell that had appeared in the current tournament. When the Murders'' merchant, Vivian Melosa, that had been caught behind the scenes was interrogated, her name hade up.

    The Murders'' merchant was connected to the executive and secret part of Alphas Theocracy''s religious organization. Because of that, Vivian Melosa had known a lot of information concerning that Ren Ashbell.

    ording to her story, the masked girl had appeared at the empire two years ago. It seemed she entered the religious organization''s secret agency called Snake, and in a short few months, she had risen to the top of the organization.

    The tactical-ss militarized spirits that had been bought with the empire''s capital amounted to twelve. It seemed that the number of subordinate spirit elementalists, including orphans from the Instructional School, had already surpassed twenty.

    (......It''s not for terrorism. It''s almost like war preparations.)

    That kind of girl was leading the elite and participating in the de Dance.

    What exactly was the Wish that she kept to herself¡ª

    (At any rate, it''s not world peace.)

    She sighed deeply¡ª

    "¡ªWhile this heart still beats, I must pass that on to thed."

    The witch ced her hand softly against her chest.

 Volume 8, 3 - The Ice Demon and the Hell Cat

    <h4>Volume 8, Chapter 3 - The Ice Demon and the Hell Cat</h4>

    Part 1

    Chirp, chirp chirp.

    A small bird''s chirping could be heard outside the window.

    The second morning following the conclusion of the Tempest.

    Kamito was abandoning himself to pleasant slumber.

    "......Onii-sama. Please wake up, onii-sama."

    Ruffle ruffle. Ruffle ruffle.

    "Uu, nn......Est, let me sleep a little more."

    Kamito groaned in the bed. His fatigue from the real battle hadn''t been abated yet. At least for today, he wanted to sleep to his heart''s content.

    "Jeez, onii-sama, you sleepyhead!"

    An amazed sigh......somehow, it seemed like she had given up.

    Kamito was relieved, and at that moment.

    Kiss ?

    A soft sensation upon his cheek.

    "......Wha!?"

    Kamito''s sleepiness waspletely blown away.

    He shot up in the bed and,

    "Ahh, you finally woke up!"

    The beautiful girl with shining tinum blonde hair met him with a sunny smile.

    "Mi-Mireille!?"

    Kamito yelled in a fluster.

    The one there was Rinslet''s younger sister, Mireille Laurenfrost.

    The tidy white dress and apanying red ribbon were very lovely.

    "Good morning, onii-sama."

    Mireille gave a polite bow.

    "Good morning, Kamito."

    Beside her was one other person, a cute girl.

    It was Mi Bassett, the leader of the Rupture Division. The fundamentally ck clothingplemented her somewhat wavy dark brown hair.

    Rather than that---

    "What on earth is it?"

    Kamito asked as he rubbed his drowsy eyes.

    "......Umm, I have a request for onii-sama."

    "A request?"

    "Yes, onee-sama and ire-sama are fighting in the room."

    "Ahh, again......"

    Kamito groaned.

    It had settled down sinceing to Ragna Ys, but those two had fought constantly in the ssroom back at the academy.

    ......That had resumed, it seemed.

    "It''s something that happens all the time; won''t it be fine if we leave it?"

    "At this rate, the castle room will be destroyed."

    Just after Mi said that, a fierce quake came from the hallway.

    "Never mind a ssroom, breaking a building of the Divine Ritual Institute is, as expected, not good......"

    Kamito wearily sighed and got up from the bed. Ellis, who would normally plunge right in, was currently out of the castle.

    "By the way, what about Carol?"

    "She''s probably still sleeping. That Carol, she just won''t wake up unless onee-sama gets her."

    "......This is the first time I''ve heard of a maid that''s woken up by her master."

    ......Kamito was as amazed as always at the ever-useless maid.

    Part 2

    Quickly moving down the tremoring hallway, Kamito arrived at Rinslet''s room.

    "I was not at fault!"

    "......~Wh-What, are you trying to say I was!"

    ......The argument could be heard even outside the door.

    "Hey, you two---"

    Kamito opened the door and entered, and just then.

    "Freezing ice demon breath --- Freezing Fang!"

    "Eat this, scorching congration --- Fireball!"

    The offensive spirit magics shed within the room. Kamito was blown away by the impact and smashed into the corridor wall.

    "......Guaa!"

    "Kamito-san!" "Kamito!?"

    The two eximed in surprise and quickly dashed to his side.

    "H-Hey, what were you thinking!"

    ire sounded worried as she peered at Kamito''s face.

    "......Y-You guys, were you trying to destroy the room?"

    Kamito shakily stood as he pressed on his dizzy head.

    "......Th-This has nothing to do with you!"

    "Th-That''s right! This is our problem!"

    The two youngdies averted their eyes as if ufortable.

    "---I called for Kamito-sama, onee-sama."

    And from the other end of the corridor came Mireille''s group.

    "Mireille......"

    "It''s because you two wouldn''t stop fighting at all."

    "Th-That is, n-not my fault!"

    Rinslet puffed her cheeks as if pouting and turned away.

    "......So, what''s the cause of this fight?"

    Kamito asked with a sigh.

    "It''s ire''s fault!"

    "It''s Rinslet''s fault!"

    The two pointed at each other and sparks erupted between them.

    "Well, calm down. I''ll listen to both of your stories."

    "......~!"

    With that, with tears gathering in her ruby eyes, ire showed him a book.

    Guessing from the cover illustrations, it was one of ire''s favorite romance novels geared towards teens.

    "What happened with this book?"

    "Rinslet spoiled its conclusion!"

    ire red at Rinslet with teary eyes.

    "......Huh?"

    "I, I thought you had already read it!"

    "I haven''t read it yet! Even though I was looking forward to reading it when we returned to the academy."

    "I-In the first ce, you''re the one who started talking about that book!"

    "W-Wait, wait!"

    Kamito hurriedly cut in.

    "......You guys, you were fighting about this kind of thing?"

    "What do you mean this kind of thing!"

    "Ah, no......"

    "I-It''s fine already, you don''t have to return this book!"

    ire screamed with teary eyes and left with her twintails standing on end.

    "Hey, ire---"

    "Hmph, just do what you want!"

    Rinslet folded her arms and turned her head to the side.

    "Oh, boy......"

    ......Well, this kind of fight happened all the time. It shouldn''t get too serious.

    He heard someone lightly clear their throat.

    "I''ve shown you a distasteful side of me, Kamito-san."

    Rinslet looked like she felt awkward as she twirled her hair around her finger.

    "......You two, can''t you get along a bit more?"

    "Th-There''s no way we can get along!"

    Rinslet''s face reddened and she bit her lip.

    "I''m working together with her because we''re in the same team right now, but we''re originally fated rivals!"

    "Rivals, huh......"

    Come to think of it, these two were long-time childhood friends.

    Certainly, there should be no problem if Kamito were to cut in more.

    "Well, at any rate, tomorrow is the finals. Be sure to make up before then."

    Kamito shrugged and was leaving, and then---

    ......Growl. That kind of idiotic sound came from the hallway.

    "Kamito-san?" "Onii-sama?"

    Rinslet and Mireille raised their eyebrows in puzzlement.

    "......Could it be that you haven''t eaten breakfast?"

    "Y-Yeah, I was just awoken by your little sister not too long ago."

    Kamito nodded with a tinge of red across his cheeks.

    In an instant, Rinslet''s face lit up with pleasure.

    "I-If that''s so, I was just about to make something. I-If you''d like, you can also eat."

    "......Really?"

    Truthfully, it was a very tempting offer. He could get breakfast through room service if he asked the princess maidens, but Rinslet''s breakfast would definitely taste better.

    At any rate, she wouldn''t lose even against a pro chef.

    "Well then, maybe I''ll take you up on that."

    "I can''t make anything extravagant because there''s no real kitchen, but I''ll make do."

    Rinslet nodded cheerfully.

    "Ah, onee-sama, I want to eat with you, too!"

    In response to Mireille who put her hand up cheerfully,

    "Mireille has already eaten breakfast."

    Mi the maid pointed that out calmly.

    "I-It''s fine! If it''s onee-sama''s cooking, then I could eat endlessly---"

    Mi caught hold of Mireille by the nape as she tried to enter the room.

    "Fuaa, what are you doing!"

    "It is Mireille''s study time."

    "I don''t want to! Coming this far, I don''t want to study!"

    "That won''t do. You won''t be an outstanding noble like that."

    "Nooooo, onee-sama''s breakfast~!"

    Mi dragged along the struggling Mireille.

    Before long, they''d turned the corner and Mireille''s shrieks couldn''t be heard anymore.

    "She''s really the former leader of the Rupture Division; even at thirteen years old, she''s got her act together."

    ......Unlike a certain useless maid, she would be an excellent maid.

    Rinslet excitedly began putting on an apron.

    "......Is there anything I can help with?"

    "Fufuu, do not worry. Please just sit and wait."

    Rinslet took out a frying pan from the shelf and started up the fire spirit crystal in the kitchen in the corner.

    Part 3

    "Hmm, hmhmhmm~?"

    Rinslet was making pancakes as she hummed. As he gazed at the Rinslet''s lovely hair swaying and felt the appealing fragrance of honey---

    Kamito picked up the novel that ire had left behind just before.

    (......"The Lady Blooming in the Dead of Night". Yet another generic title.)

    He skimmed the contents.

    It seemed to be about an unyielding beautiful noble girl that was caught by a cruel demon king, bing his prisoner, and the sumbing of her mind and body.

    (......Hmm, ire only likes these types of book.)

    While thinking that, he closed the book and,

    "It''s done."

    The apron-wearing Rinslet turned towards him with a beaming face.

    There were three pancakes upon the te, allden with plenty of honey. The crispy burn marks looked really delicious.

    "Now then, eat up ?"

    "Yeah. Itadakimasu."

    Nom. Kamito stuffed his cheeks with the pancake on his fork and,

    "......Delicious!"

    Said just one thing in a voice of praise.

    The interior was fluffy while the outer surface was fried just right.

    The Laurenfrost specialty butter and honey were also superb.

    "Just as expected. It''s fried to perfection."

    "Fufuu, I''m d."

    Rinslet gazed happily at Kamito who was stuffing his cheeks.

    "What is it?"

    "N-No, it''s nothing!"

    He asked with a puzzled expression and she averted her eyes shyly.

    While Rinslet was spacing out, Kamito ate up the deluxe pancakes.

    "......Ahh, that was delicious. Thank you for the meal."

    "Fufuu, if you''d like, you can have my share as well."

    Rinslet passed him another pancake.

    "......Mm, is that okay?"

    "Yes, I don''t eat much in the morning."

    "Then I''ll ept."

    Nom nom nom.

    "......J-Just like that, you can also move on to eat me?"

    "Huh?"

    "J-Just talking to myself!"

    Rinslet hurriedly shook her head.

    ---After Kamito finished his breakfast, Rinslet poured some after-meal ck tea.

    The ck tea was poured into teacups and the rich fragrance of Laurenfrost tea leaves filled the room.

    It seemed the ck tea had been prepared beforehand. She might have actually nned to have breakfast together with ire.

    (She might have intended to talk about that book......)

    Kamito reached out for the book on the table.

    ......He tried asking something that he''d been curious about for a while.

    "So you also read this kind of book."

    "Th-That is......!"

    In an instant, Rinslet''s face reddened.

    "That is, I was introduced to it by ire at first, a-and if you read it, the contents are deeply intriguing, so I''d like you to not think of me as an immodest girl! I am, to the end, a person of schrly pursuit---"

    She defended herself while bashfully rubbing her knees together.

    "I don''t think it''s something you need to be embarrassed about."

    Kamito smiled wryly and returned the book to the table.

    "But to be sharing books, your rtionship is quite good."

    "I-It''s just an inseparable rtionship!"

    Rinslet averted her gaze.

    "I see, an inseparable rtionship......"

    Kamito took a sip of the ck tea and,

    "So you''ve been rivals since childhood, right?"

    "......Well, yes."

    "If you''re okay with it, would you let me hear about that? About when you were kids."

    "W-Why?"

    "Well, you two are always fighting. I was just wondering if it''s been the same since long ago."

    "......"

    Rinslet ced her hand upon her cheek as if thinking about it a little and---

    Before long, she breathed in like she recalled a distant day.

    "......It will be a little long. I''ll boil some more tea."

    She stood up quietly from her seat and ced the kettle on the fire spirit crystal.

    "This is about when I first met her and acknowledged her as my rival."

    "When you first met her?"

    "Yes. That was exactly ten years ago. It was when my father brought me to give our greetings to the house of Marquis Elstein---"

    As if lost in nostalgia, she began telling the story softly.

    Part 4

    Ten years ago when Rinslet apanied her father on a visit to the Elstein territory. A time when Rinslet was still six years old.

    Rinslet''s father, Margrave Laurenfrost, was nning to get the opinion of the Duke Elstein household''s head which produced sessive generations of Fire Queens on the ritual that would be devoted to the Fire Elemental Lord.

    The margrave was bringing along his daughter so she could meet her future schoolmate of the same age, ire Elstein.

    "The Elstein house is prominent even within the empire. Get along with Lady ire."

    "Whether we get along or not depends on her."

    Margrave Laurenfrost sighed at his daughter''sposed six-year old face.

    Her domineering personality was a secret worry of the earl''s.

    ---The one who came to greet the two that had traveled a long distance by coach was the head of the Elstein house, Wolfram Elstein himself.

    "Well, well, thank you foring from so far away."

    He was a great man with the presence of a high noble. His wife was still working at the imperial court in the capital so she wasn''t present.

    "I am the Laurenfrost''s eldest daughter, Rinslet Laurenfrost. I will be in your care this time."

    Rinslet held the hem of her dress and curtsied elegantly.

    Even if she was six, she already conducted herself like a model noble.

    "Ohh, as expected of the Laurenfrost house''s daughter. She''s got her act together. I wouldn''t think she was the same age as my daughter."

    "No, no, your daughter is also quite lovely---"

    "......"

    Rinslet paid no mind to the socially controlled interactions of the adults.

    Her emerald green eyes were staring to the spot directly behind Duke Elstein.

    Twintails like animal tails were bobbing.

    The girl in a white dress seemed to be cowering behind the duke.

    (......What''s with her?)

    Rinslet sharpened her gaze and the girl shrunk back even more.

    ......She''s like a small rabbit.

    (......She''s nothing like what one would expect of the daughter of a high noble household.)

    Rinslet appraised her as such on their first meeting.

    "ire, greet Margrave Laurenfrost and Lady Rinslet."

    "......~F-Father!?"

    The girl widened her ruby eyes and panicked.

    "U-Umm, that, I......"

    "ire, calm down."

    "Y-Yes......"

    ire took a deep breath and,

    "I am the second daughter of the E-Elstein house, ire Elstein."

    She gripped the edges of her skirt and lowered her head.

    "Haha, what a sweet daughter."

    "No, it''s quite embarrassing that she has such a deathly fear of strangers."

    Duke Elstein shook his head with a wry smile.

    "......"

    Rinslet mercilessly surveyed the girl before her.

    Red twintails tied at each end of her head. Ruby eyes peeking out.

    The white dress suited her slender build quite well.

    She was outstandingly good-looking......there was no denying it.

    However, beyond that---

    (She''s not very interesting......)

    That was Rinslet''s honest thought.

    (I was expecting a little because she was a family member of the famous Fire Queen.)

    Rinslet had already lost interest in ire.

    "Come to think of it, where is your other daughter?"

    And Margrave Laurenfrost voiced his question.

    "My apologies. She copsed from offering a ritual to the earth spirits. After arge ritual, she always sleeps for three days."

    "Your daughter is already being entrusted with the earth spirit rituals?"

    Margrave Laurenfrost spoke with surprise and Rinslet also widened her emerald eyes.

    There should only be three years'' difference in age between her and the Elstein household''s eldest daughter, Rubia Elstein. As expected, it was a shock that the earth spirit ritual was being left to someone of only nine years of age.

    "It seems my elder daughter has potential as a Queen. I n to enter her into the Divine Ritual Institute next year."

    "Ohh, the Divine Ritual Institute. That''s quite major."

    The Elstein house had a history of producing numerous Fire Queens.

    The eldest daughter might be a Queen candidate in the future.

    (......Rubia-sama is amazing. Completely different from her younger sister.)

    That younger sister had a slight smile on, perhaps because she was happy that her sister was praised.

    "Well then, Margrave Laurenfrost, let us discuss this time''s ritual in the upper guest room."

    "Yes. Rinslet, you y with Lady ire."

    "......Eh? F-Father!?"

    Rinslet showed a rare flustered condition.

    (......I have to y together with her? This isn''t a joke!)

    "U-Umm......"

    ire also seemed bewildered.

    "Rinslet, you''re a noble with honor, so you cannot shirk your responsibilities. Now, let''s go, Duke Elstein."

    "N-No way! Father---"

    As if cutting off Rinslet''s appeals, the door shut ruthlessly.

    Part 5

    "......Umm, wait. Wait a second."

    Kamito set the teacup down on the table with a ck and---

    Interrupted Rinslet''s story.

    "What is it?"

    She knit her brows, seemingly unsatisfied from having her story cut off.

    "......No, well, is that really ire?"

    Kamito asked with an expression of half belief, half disbelief.

    ......What he''d heard so far didn''t sound like the current ire at all.

    (......Rather, it''s like an entirely different person.)

    "It sounds unbelievable, but it''s the truth. That girl used to be shy and docile long ago."

    "I-Is that so......"

    Well, even now she had some areas resembling a fear of strangers and he also knew she had her gentle and girly points.

    (Even so, you know......)

    "May I continue?"

    Rinslet cleared her throat.

    "Y-Yeah......"

    Kamito nodded while still perplexed.

    Part 6

    ---When Duke Elstein and Margrave Laurenfrost came out of the guest room, it had already been several minutes.

    ire hid behind the curtains and seemed to be observing the mood of Rinslet who was twirling her hair with her finger.

    (Haaa, I''m bored......)

    Even though Rinslet was approaching her limit, not much time had passed.

    "Hey, ire-san?"

    "......Eh?"

    ire''s shoulders shook as if frightened when Rinslet called out to her.

    "I am your honored guest. Could I at least get some ck tea?"

    "......Ahh! Y-Yeah!"

    ire nodded and hurriedly brought back a tea pot. Inside the tea pot were small fire spirit crystal fragments which warmed it.

    "Ohh, you''re using fairly good tea leaves."

    "Yes, we used the best ck tea because a guest wasing."

    Rinslet voiced herpliment honestly and ire smiled happily.

    "Ahh, we also have snacks. They''re really delicious!"

    ire ran off and came back with a te of cookies from somewhere.

    "They seem delicious. Did you make them?"

    "No, it''s a souvenir that father bought at the capital. I really like the snacks there."

    "Hmmm......"

    Rinslet elegantly picked a cookie up with her fingertips and ced it in her mouth.

    "This vor is quite good. I like it."

    "......I''m d."

    ire felt relieved since she had been nervous.

    While Rinslet sipped ck tea, she looked around the guest room.

    As expected of a prominent family of the empire, the interior design was extravagant. The taste in furnishings was also good.

    However, unfortunately, there was nothing that would alleviate her boredom.

    "Haa, I''m bored......"

    While holding her head in her hands over the table, she sighed.

    "U-Umm......"

    And ire started to mumble as if trying to saying something.

    "What is it? If you''re a noble''s daughter, then clearly say what you want."

    "U-Umm......"

    ire repeatedly opened her mouth and,

    "I-I have dolls!"

    "Dolls?"

    "Y-Yeah, I''ll bring them now!"

    ire nodded happily and dashed out of the room.

    "......What?"

    While staring nkly, she waited and---

    Atst, ire returned with both arms filled with stuffed toys.

    All of them were lovely cat dolls.

    "Here. Choose the cat you like."

    ire lined up the cat dolls on the carpet and,

    "I''ll lend you this. It''s my favorite cat......"

    She pushed a red cat plushy onto the perplexed Rinslet.

    "Nya---nya---?"

    "......"

    "Nya---?"

    "......Are you making fun of me?"

    Rinslet threw aside the cat plushy.

    "......Eh?"

    "Something as childish as ying with dolls, there''s no way I''d do it!"

    "......S-Sorry."

    ire once again became sullen.

    (......I, I might have been a bit too harsh just now.)

    ......Being shown such a sad expression, she''d obviously feel bad.

    Rinslet cleared her throat and,

    "A-Aside from dolls, is there anything else that could relieve my boredom?"

    "Y-Yeah, umm, then......a storybook?"

    "Storybook?"

    Rinslet asked without thinking.

    "Do you, by any chance, read books?"

    "Yeah, Rubia-nee-sama taught me how!"

    ire ran off again and this time returned with a heap of books.

    "What an impressive amount......"

    "I really like interesting books. What about you?"

    "W-Well, I do read. If it''s a book on politics, history or spirits."

    Rinslet said while putting on airs.

    "Wah, amazing! I-I like storybooks!"

    The girl that had been hesitant until just now had her eyes sparkling as the conversation turned to books.

    "Like this, or this, and this and this, all are really interesting!"

    She piled her favorite books one by one in front of Rinslet.

    "Hmph, storybooks are for children!"

    Rinslet, who had no interest in novels, turned her head to the side.

    "But, they''re really interesting......"

    ire cleared up the books while looking sad.

    "......Is there anything more interesting?"

    "Umm......"

    ire pressed her lips together as if troubled and,

    "Hah......"

    Pressed her cheeks in slowly.

    "......W-What are you doing?"

    "An interesting face......"

    "......"

    Rinslet sighed deeply.

    "......Haa, I wonder how long our fathers'' conversation will take."

    "I was told it would continue until evening."

    "Evening!?"

    Rinslet''s face stiffened.

    "You''re joking; I''ll die of boredom!"

    "Yeah, so let''s read a book together!"

    "A book......"

    At that moment, Rinslet remembered something.

    "Come to think of it, I heard that there is a collection of treasured magic books in the Elstein house''s underground Sealed Library."

    The rumor of the Elstein house''s sealed library was widely known amongst the empire''s nobility.

    All sorts of rare books covetous to elementalists were supposed to be gathered there.

    There might be a book there that would peak Rinslet''s interest.

    "It''s just the perfect thing for getting rid of boredom!"

    ire rushed to stop Rinslet who stood up with great vigor.

    "Y-You can''t! Father said we had to stay in this room. Moreover, there are dangerous sealed magic books in the underground library---"

    "Oh my, are you scared?"

    Rinslet challenged her.

    "That is......"

    "You don''t really have toe along. I''ll just search on my own."

    "Ah, w-wait---Rinslet-chan!"

    Rinslet left the room and ire chased after her.

    Rinslet turned around in front of the door and turned to re at ire.

    "Wait, who gave you permission to call me by name?"

    "......Eh?"

    She thrust her finger out at ire who was staring nkly.

    "Okay? Call me the daughter of Margrave Laurenfrost."

    "But, onee-sama said you call friends by their name---"

    "W-Who is your friend!"

    "Fuaa......"

    Rinslet screamed out and ire backed away with teary eyes.

    "......Hmph, I won''t acknowledge a crybaby coward as my friend."

    Rinslet turned away and quickly walked away alone.

    Part 7

    "---It''s here, isn''t it."

    The aforementioned Sealed Library was inside an annexed library.

    A sturdy iron door stood before Rinslet.

    "......Darn, it''s locked."

    It was obvious it would be. There were hundreds of dangerous spirit magic books in there, after all.

    "Yeah, that''s why, let''s go back to the room already."

    ire tugged on the hem of her dress.

    "Enough with the sleep talk. This kind of lock means nothing to me---"

    Rinslet gave a fearless smile and started chanting in spiritnguage quietly.

    Doing so, all at once, the six locks were filled with keys of ice that fit just perfectly.

    Turning them, the door opened with a heavy sound.

    "Amazing......!"

    "Hmph, this much is obvious if one ns to enter Areishia Spirit Academy."

    Long stairs that continued downward were behind the door.

    There was no light; it continued in pitch ck darkness.

    "A-Are we really going in?"

    "Oh my, are you getting cold feet?"

    "......I''ve heard something. That there''s a bad spirit inhabiting an old book."

    "Hmph, you really are scared."

    Rinslet said it like she was amazed.

    "Truthfully, I''m disappointed. That a family member of the Elstein house which the Fire Queen belongs to would be this kind of coward. If the little sister is like this, the older sister must also be not much---"

    "Stop talking bad about nee-sama!"

    Rinslet closed her mouth in realization at ire''s icy voice.

    "I am nee-sama''s little sister. I am no coward."

    The girl red at Rinslet with tears in her ruby eyes.

    "......Is that so."

    Rinslet shrugged.

    "Fine. If so, thene along."

    "......O-Okay."

    ire nodded as if she''d made her resolve.

    (......For now, it seems like she has the will.)

    The two continued down the stairs.

    "It''s dark, isn''t it. Is there nomp or spirit crystal light?"

    Rinslet sighed and,

    "---O mes, illuminate."

    ire created a small shining me on her palm.

    "Oh my, you can use spirit magic?"

    Rinslet was surprised. To be able to use spirit magic at this age, she had a lot of potential.

    "Nee-sama taught me the basics."

    "Hmm, you really are the daughter of the Elstein house that governs mes. Although it''s not up to my level."

    ---And at that time. She realized something.

    Even if it was beginner-level, that she had managed to use a spirit magic endowed with the me element meant that---

    "Could you possibly already have a contracted spirit?"

    "Yes, I have one."

    ire nodded.

    "Really?"

    She was bing more and more surprised. Having a contracted spirit basically marked her as a full-fledged elementalist.

    "Show me for a bit. Your contracted spirit."

    "I can''t. It''s bad to summon a spirit unnecessarily if you''re inexperienced."

    ire replied with sound logic. But Rinslet didn''t back down.

    "Oh my, if you won''t show it, I suppose it''s that low of a spirit?"

    "Y-You''re wrong, Scarlet is a very strong spirit!"

    "If that''s so, then prove it."

    "......~!"

    ire was lost in indecision for a while but---

    It was not okay for an elementalist to take a contracted spirit lightly.

    Finally she nodded resolutely and,

    "......Fine, I''ll make a special exception to show you."

    She took out a stick of chalk from within her dress'' skirt.

    She drew a magic square on the wall with difficulty and began chanting the spiritnguage summoning ritual.

    ---Guardian of the crimson ze, keeper of the undying hearth!

    ---Now''s the time to abide by the blood contract,e forth and do my bidding!

    In an instant, a spirit seal in the shape of mes surfaced on the back of her right hand.

    A small fireball appeared from the center of the magic square and suddenly became the figure of a hell cat enshrouded in mes.

    It was about the size of a squirrel, a small and adorable kitten.

    "This is Scarlet."

    ire hugged the hell cat veiled in mes in her arms.

    "Oh my, it''s quite small, isn''t it."

    Rinslet smiled withposure and,

    "S-Scarlet may be small, but she''s powerful!"

    ire puffed her cheeks.

    "Well, I''ll give you credit for being able to summon your contracted spirit. But it cannotpare to my Fenrir."

    Fenrir was the high-level spirit Rinslet had contracted on her sixth birthday.

    She drew a magic square on the wall like ire and chanted the spiritnguage summoning ritual.

    ---Oh freezing beast with Ice-teeth, merciless hunter of the forest.

    ---Now is the time to abide the contract of blood, hasten to my side asmanded!

    A spirit seal representing ice appeared on the back of her right hand.

    And a fierce icy wind stormed through the stairway and---

    Arge white wolf appeared from thin air.

    "Amazing......!"

    ire''s ruby eyes widened.

    "Fufun, isn''t he?"

    "......Cute!"

    Rinslet fell down.

    "H-He isn''t cute or anything like that; Fenrir is a ferocious white wolf!"

    "Kuun......"

    Fenrir let out a sad cry at being called not cute by his master.

    "That''s not true. He''s really cute."

    ire touched Fenrir''s fur and,

    "D-Don''t just touch him as you please!"

    Rinslet shot out her finger and returned her contracted spirit to Astral Zero.

    "Ahh......"

    "Now then, let''s go."

    "W-Wait---!"

    ire also sent Scarlet back and hurried after Rinslet.

    ---The two continued to descend down the endless stairs.

    "This is pretty long. Rather, is there even a bottom?"

    "Rinslet-chan, isn''t it about time to head back......"

    "Stop calling me Rinslet-chan!"

    "Y-Yeah......sorry, Rinslet-chan."

    "Haaa, whatever already!"

    Rinslet sighed, astounded.

    Finally, the stairs ended and the two arrived at the Sealed Library.

    It was arge space with a high ceiling. The air was chilly.

    ire held the me light aloft, showing the many tall bookshelves.

    "So this is the famous sealed library."

    "Yeah, what an amazing amount of books......!"

    It seemed that it was also ire''s first time setting foot in here so she couldn''t hide her excitement.

    Indeed, the bookshelves were lined with books that seemed to have history to them.

    "---I wonder if these are about rituals."

    Rinslet slowly took one of them in hand.

    The instant she blew away the dust on the cover and opened it,

    "Kyaa! W-What is this!"

    With a beet red face, she threw the book.

    "W-What''s wrong!"

    "Th-There was a picture of holding hands with a gentleman!"

    "......H-Hands!?"

    ire timidly turned the book with a dubious expression.

    "Fuaaa, t-this one has them l-linking arms!"

    "Wh-whwh-what immodesty!"

    The two screamed kyaa, kyaa.

    For the sheltered noble youngdies, it was much too stimting.

    Rinslet roughly closed the book.

    "Th-This is a book for adults! Let''s search for a different book!"

    "Y-Yeah, that''s right......!"

    The two were flushed red as they exchanged nods.

    Part 8

    ---Dozens of minutester.

    Rinslet piled the books she had taken from the shelves onto the floor.

    "......Phew, there was worth ining. This is an amazing collection."

    For some reason, she pped the books with old leather covers that hadplicated characters on them.

    She didn''t really understand the contents, but she had just gathered every book that had extravagant binding and looked difficult.

    "Rinslet-chan, can you read books written in spiritnguage?"

    Picking up one of the books from that pile. ire spoke out in surprise.

    Rinslet pressed her lips together. She had received education for gifted children ever since she was a child, but as expected, she still couldn''t decode spiritnguage.

    "C-Can you read it?"

    "Yeah, just a bit. Nee-sama taught me."

    ire nodded.

    Rinslet instantly puffed her cheeks as if displeased and,

    "H-How impertinent!"

    "Fuaa, Rinfure-hyan, it hauts!"

    She was pulling on ire''s cheeks.

    And then.

    "......?"

    ire''s shoulders slightly stiffened.

    "What''s wrong?"

    While questioning her, Rinslet released ire''s cheeks.

    "Y-Yeah, just now, there was something---I felt a chill."

    "A chill?"

    Rinslet knitted her brows.

    The underground library was cool, but not to the point of shivering.

    "Come on, please don''t scare me!"

    "But, I really---"

    Whooooooooosh---

    "......Kyaa!?"

    Rinslet screamed out without thinking at the st of cold air from somewhere.

    "Rinslet-chan......"

    "I-It''s fine, it''s just a draft."

    "But there was no draft until just now."

    ire whispered that, sounding worried and started looking around at the surroundings restlessly.

    ......Just like a frightened small animal.

    (......Jeez, it can''t be helped.)

    Rinslet shrugged slightly and---

    Held the shivering ire''s hand.

    "......?"

    "Rx. I''m here."

    "Y-Yeah......"

    It seemed she''d calmed down as her hand stopped shaking.

    "......Rinslet-chan''s hand is warm. It''s like nee-sama''s."

    "Wh-What are you saying! I''m a cold ice demon!"

    Rinslet''s face reddened and she averted her eyes.

    "At any rate, this is......"

    The sound of the blowing wind was gradually getting stronger.

    The books on the ground were pping and their dress'' skirts were flying up.

    Just what exactly was happening---

    "......It seems like a good idea to go back."

    Rinslet muttered and just then.

    "---Who is the one who has disturbed my slumber."

    A ghastly voice resounded within the underground room.

    "Kyaa!"

    "Wh-What!?"

    "---Who is the one who has disturbed my slumber!"

    This time, a louder voice from far away shook the lines of bookshelves.

    "......Fuaaa!?"

    The two pressed against each other and cringed.

    "Rinslet-chan, th-that book---"

    ire pointed at the ground and yelled. It was one of the books that Rinslet had brought over. The page that had been opened by the wind was giving off bluish white light.

    "Could it be that there was a sealed spirit sealed in that book!?"

    "What did you say!?"

    Sealed spirit---it was a general term for spirits that were sealed into magical items as a result of their ferocity.

    It was an existence that an elementalist with little experience should fear the most.

    "Th-That kind of dangerous thing was in that book---kyaaa!"

    Lots of dust was falling from the ceiling as a result of the room''s rumbling.

    And then---

    "---Who is the one who has disturbed my slumbeeeeeeeeer!"

    A magic square of light formed around the book.

    A giant ice figure appeared in the middle of the blinding light---!

    "......!"

    That was a dragon---no, it was arge lizard crafted of ice.

    Of course, there was no way that was a natural living creature.

    It was a spirit. ---And an extremely strong one.

    "Ice smander---......"

    ire muttered in a trembling voice.

    "You know what it is?"

    "I read about it in a book. It''s a terribly ferocious ice beast spirit......"

    "......"

    Rinslet gulped at ire''s words.

    The giant ice beast that appeared from the magic square leered at the two with its red eyes.

    "So you two are my offerings......"

    Waving its long tongue, it slowly moved towards them.

    It seemed it happened to be able to understand humannguage, but it didn''t seem like the kind that one could have a conversation with.

    (......There''s no way but to do it!)

    Rinslet resolved herself and quickly chanted the summoning.

    "---Answering to mymand,e forth, demon ice spirit Fenrir!"

    In a moment, the white wolf appeared from thin air. With a sharp roar, it attacked the ice beast.

    "I, I did it!"

    Summoning without a magic square was a dangerous bet but---

    There was no prey the demon ice spirit could not hunt.

    ---But in the next instant. Rinslet''s victory smile froze over.

    The ice beast swung its tail and blew Fenrir away.

    Fenrir smacked into the wall and was scattered into particles with only one attack.

    "No way......!"

    A hoarse cry came from Rinslet''s throat.

    The demon ice spirit Fenrir was a high-level spirit that had served generations of the Laurenfrost house. It was an existence far above sealed spirits like that one.

    But its contractor, Rinslet, was no more than a six year old girl. Because of her inexperience as an elementalist, it could not unleash its full potential.

    "---Foolish girl."

    The ice beast''s long tongue licked Rinslet''s cheek.

    "Ah, ahh......"

    Her entire body cowered in fear.

    (It''s my fault......)

    Rinslet heavily regretted her actions.

    It would have been best to just do as ire had said and obediently y with dolls back in the room.

    (It''s my fault that even she---)

    She turned her gaze backward and ire was on her knees shaking.

    "ire, you have to escape at least!"

    "I, I can''t......!"

    ire shook her head intensely.

    "It''s fine, so run. Protecting the weak is also a part of noblesse oblige!"

    Rinslet yelled in a quavering voice and stood before the ice beast that was closing in.

    "Rinslet-chan!?"

    "Hurry, now!"

    "No! I can''t just run and leave a friend behind!"

    "ire---"

    In an instant, the giant ice beast''s ws shed.

    "Kyaaaaa!"

    Rinslet''s small body was easily blown away and smacked into the bookshelf.

    A dull sound from the impact echoed and a great deal of books fell.

    The shredded white dress was dyed with the pure red color of blood.

    "---......!?"

    A sharp scream gushed forth from ire''s throat.

    "......Ah, h......kuu......"

    "Rinslet-chan, get a hold of yourself! Rinslet-chan!"

    She could hear ire''s voice from far away.

    She could tell that blood was leaving her from her entire body.

    (I was really foolish......)

    In her hazy conscience---

    Regrets swirled around.

    ......I thought I could do anything. I had nothing to fear.

    She had not realized until now that that was just the conceit of youth.

    (At least, that girl......)

    She wanted to at least save the girl that had called her a friend.

    "Quick......ly, run......away......"

    "......Forgive."

    "Eh?"

    Even while on the verge of losing consciousness, that voice reached her ears.

    "---I definitely won''t forgive you!"

    "......!"

    She finally realized that was ire''s voice.

    The red twintails were swaying like a burning fire.

    (......Wh-What?)

    Her body was hot. The surrounding temperature was rising.

    The ruby eyes that housed mes red at the ice smander as if piercing it.

    The ice beast that was slowly drawing closer stopped for a moment as if it felt fear.

    "---Born of nothingness, the mes governing destruction!"

    The spiritnguage chant spun from her lips.

    It was not an informal chant. It was a true chant that drew forth the utmost of one''s divine power.

    Rinslet''s conscience was awakened by that unbelievable scene.

    "---Don''t tell me, Fireball!?"

    It was a middle-ss fire element spell.

    The ice smander roared.

    It swung its ws to stop the chant---

    Just before that, the spirit magic waspleted.

    "Take this, incinerating congration --- Fireball!"

    The swelling ze engulfed the surrounding oxygen and attacked the ice beast.

    Rinslet reflexively protected her forehead from the raging explosion she expected.

    However---

    "......?"

    Even ignoring whether it struck the ice beast, there was no explosion.

    (......What is that!?)

    On the other side of the wavering air---

    The red lotus of mes had greedily devoured the ice spirit.

    It was like a giant carnivorous predator had massacred its prey.

    Those mes moved as if they had their own will and relentlessly devoured the spirit.

    ---Was that really Fireball magic?

    "......"

    Atst, with the final death cries of agony from the ice beast, the mes vanished.

    "Haaa, haaa, haaa......"

    ire had exhausted her strength from firing those mes and fell to her knees.

    "......Y-You can use that kind of amazing magic?"

    Rinslet asked as she pressed down on her clotting nk.

    "Y-Yeah......but, father said to never use it......kuu......"

    "Your hands are!?"

    Rinslet gasped.

    ......ire''s hands were severely burnt.

    "I-I''m fine, this much......"

    With her face distorting from pain, ire put on a smile to act strong.

    Rinslet sighed.

    "......I swear. Even though you''re a crybaby, you''re rash."

    "......"

    There was no response. Whether she''d used up her vitality or divine power, ire had lost her consciousness as if having fallen asleep.

    Rinslet gently touched her cheek and,

    "ire Elstein---"

    Softly whispered that.

    "I will recognize you as my destined rival."

    Part 9

    "That was my first meeting with her---"

    Rinslet finished the story and quietly put down her tea cup.

    "After that, we were rescued by our fathers who realized something strange was going on, but ire and I were really frightened."

    "......I see. Well, it''s a relief you two were safe."

    Kamito felt relieved.

    "At any rate, as expected, isn''t ire''s personality too different?"

    "Yes, that child changed four years ago after the incident with Rubia-sama. She closed her heart to everyone and set herself on only bing stronger."

    "......"

    But --- and Rinslet continued on.

    "Lately, it seems that she has opened her heart again---that''s right, ever since she met with Kamito-san."

    "Come to think of it, when we met, she tried to make me her ve."

    Kamito smiled wryly to hide his embarrassment and,

    "---Thanks for the meal. I should get back to my room soon."

    He stood from his seat.

    ......Listening to the story had taken quite a bit of time.

    A boy staying in a girl''s room any longer would be a breach of manners.

    "......Th-That''s true. Even though it''s fine if you stay a little longer."

    Rinslet muttered as if it was a pity.

    ---And at the time. The sound of knocking on the door.

    "......Yes?"

    "Rinslet, I, I---"

    "ire?"

    Rinslet opened the door and the one standing there was ire who had a small box in her hands.

    "What is it?"

    "......Umm, snacks, I bought too many yesterday, so do you want some?"

    As she averted her eyes, ire brought the box in her hands out front.

    ......It looks like a chance to fix their friendship.

    Rinslet seemed to understand her intentions.

    "Oh my, it matches well since I was just making tea."

    "Ah, is that so......eh?"

    In an instant, ire''s face that peeked into the room stiffened.

    "Yo, ire---"

    "Wh-What......have you two been alone until now?"

    "Yes. We ate breakfast together."

    "......Hm, hmph, I see. Alone with Kamito."

    ire''s expression was quickly degenerating into one of displeasure.

    "K-Kamito is mine, so please don''t just feed him as you like!"

    "Oh my, Kamito-san isn''t yours; he''s mine."

    Sparks were flying between the two at the entrance.

    While he watched the state of those two---

    (......Somehow, it seems like another fight has started.)

    Kamito sighed, exasperated.

 Volume 8, 4 - Date with a Dragon

    <h4>Volume 8, Chapter 4 - Date with a Dragon</h4>

    Part 1

    Dawn. In a field away from the castle the representatives were lodging at---

    A ck-haired girl with her hand raised towards the darkness was there.

    "Crush the universal light, O spirit of the evil ck dragon---"

    The radiance of divine power that shot into the surroundings indicated the magnitude of the spirit being summoned.

    "Thou shalt abide mymand and eliminate my enemies!"

    The moment the icy cry echoed into the dark''s stillness.

    Oooooooon!

    Tearing through the night, a pitch ck dragon manifested from thin air.

    Dragon spirit Nidhogg --- the celebrated highest-ss dragon spirit of Dracunia.

    The atmosphere shook from the enormous dragon spirit''s roar and---

    A red st of light was fired.

    Gouged out from the ground with a deafening sound, earth and sand becameva which danced in the air.

    After the sh cleared---

    The field ahead had been incinerated away in a straight line.

    Comparable to even a tactical-ss military spirit, it was a frighteningly destructive power.

    However, the girl''s gaze that looked upon the destruction''s vestiges remained stern.

    ......Somehow, she didn''t seem satisfied.

    "As I thought, I can''t concentrate......"

    The girl --- captain of the Dragon Knights, Leonora Lancaster, sighed heavily.

    ......She couldn''t return to normal.

    She had been in a slump the entire time during the de Dance.

    Being able to advance to the finals was thanks to the cooperation of her teammates and the height of her true strength, but as expected, winning would be difficult if she were to remain like this. This de Dance wasn''t so low-grade that she could achieve victory without being in her best condition.

    It wasn''t that her skill had degraded. The flow of divine power surrounding her was also regr.

    But ever since that day, something had been off.

    Yes, that male elementalist --- since the day she had crossed des with Kazehaya Kamito.

    "......!"

    The instant his face surfaced in her mind, her face grew hot.

    It became hard to breathe and her heart was pounding fiercely.

    It resembled the stimtion when the Dragon Blood rampaged but was slightly different.

    (Just what exactly is this, I wonder......)

    This bad condition had carried on for several days was without a doubt rted to that man.

    In that case---

    "---I knew it; there''s no other way but to confirm it."

    ......What she thought of was a method befitting a girl from the country of dragons, a direct resolution.

    Part 2

    After having eaten breakfast in Rinslet''s room, Kamitoy atop the bed in his own room.

    ......It was the greatest happiness for a person. Sleeping for the second time, that is.

    "......Now then, how shall I pass the evening."

    He looked at the clock and saw it was still morning.

    If he were to get into bed just like this, there would even be a third time but---

    "......But that would really be a waste."

    And he corrected his thinking.

    At any rate, every country in the continent had set up many extravagant entertainment facilities for the de Dance. He fully intended to enjoy them.

    "I should also invite ire and the others---"

    Thinking that, he stood from the bed and,

    "......Hm?"

    There was something squirming in the bed.

    Could this be---

    "Est!?"

    He pulled the sheets aside and,

    "......"

    As he had predicted, the one concealed there was a sword spirit with silvery white hair.

    "Kamito, good morning."

    Est gazed expressionlessly at Kamito with her mysterious violet eyes.

    "Est, don''t just enter my bed whenever --- hey, what''s with that get-up!?"

    In the middle of his words, Kamito widened his eyes.

    ......Est was not in her usual naked knee socks attire.

    It was an extremely rare urrence for this sword spirit to cover her body with clothes.

    A foreign design that had a red line against a white background. Her corbone peeked out and her skin that could be seen from the slit was strangely captivating.

    ......No matter where he looked, it resembled the clothes that Ren Ashbell had worn during the de Dance three years ago.

    "Yes, Kamito. This is the maiden costume from tofu''s country."

    Est answered as she pulled her fingers out from the outfit''s oversized sleeves.

    ......That action was somehow lovely.

    "......Could you mean the ce where I was born when you say tofu''s country?"

    That meant the far eastern ind country that Kamito had been before being taken to the Instructional School.

    Kamito had no memories of that time for the most part but---

    "Yes. Do you like the maiden costumes from your home?"

    Est tilted her head and let the sleeves fall onto the bed.

    At that moment, the shoulder portion loosened and revealed the underlying corbone.

    Kamito''s face reddened and he hurriedly averted his eyes.

    "......Kamito?"

    "Y-Yeah, it''s really cute......"

    Gulping, he finally managed to voice that.

    "Fua, Kamito......"

    The ever-expressionless Est looked a little happy.

    Truthfully, he should be scolding her for entering his bed as she pleased, but she had taken the trouble to wear his birthce''s clothes.

    ......Thinking of that, he couldn''t get angry.

    "Kamito, I really like you......kiss ? "

    "......!?"

    Est, whose maiden costume had gently fallen off, kissed Kamito''s cheek.

    Snow-like white skin. Her modest chest intermittently entered his vision.

    "E-Est, don''t remove your clothes!"

    "......Why?"

    The sword spirit tilted her head in wonder.

    "Th-That is......"

    Just as Kamito was troubled.

    Craaaaaack!

    All of a sudden, the room''s window was shattered.

    "......Wh-What!?"

    The surprised Kamito turned around.

    And.

    "......Uwah!"

    ......Arge dragon was outside the window.

    A red dragon pping its enormous wings.

    "Th-thth-this pervert, just what are you making an innocent spirit girl do!"

    The girl riding on its back red sharply at Kamito.

    It was a girl he knew.

    (If I remember, she''s the vice-captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, Yuri El Cid!?)

    "Phew......"

    The dragon knight girl --- Yuri snorted as though displeased and jumped into the room.

    "Wh-What is it, you, what do you want!?"

    Kamito yelled as he shielded Est behind him.

    (......Don''t tell me, it''s an attack?)

    But he didn''t think those famous Knights of the Dragon Emperor would use such means.

    "Kuu, why is Leonora-sama, with this kind of pervert......"

    Yuri muttered as she iled her hair around.

    "What about Leonora?"

    Kamito asked with suspicion but,

    "Hmph, I only came to deliver this to you. Confirm the rest yourself."

    Saying that, Yuri took out a sheet of paper from a pocket of her military uniform and threw it onto the table.

    It wasn''t just a sheet of paper. The abstract image of a dragon --- it was sealed with Dracunia''s crest which was essential for foreign diplomatic documents.

    "H-Hey, what does this mean?"

    "I have properly delivered it, brutish Ordesian pervert of a demon king!"

    There waspletely no chance to stop her.

    The dragon knight spun on her heel and jumped back onto the red dragon flying outside the window.

    "......Just what was that?"

    Kamito muttered, dumbfounded, as he watched the dragon flying away in the distance.

    Opening the paper atop the table, he found methodically written letters.

    "Wait at Saint Areishia za at two in the evening --- huh."

    Kamito pondered it for a little while and,

    "......Don''t tell me, a challenge for a duel?"

    His previous de dance with Leonora had ended in an inconclusive draw. And that was done under the special circumstances of Kamito having lost Est while Leonora ran wild from her Dragon Blood.

    He could understand her desire for a proper rematch.

    But if her motive was a battle, it was strange that she would suggest such a crowded ce for the meeting point.

    (......Anyway, aren''t we going to fight in tomorrow''s finals already?)

    He just couldn''t read Leonora''s thoughts.

    Considering her personality, it wasn''t a trap.

    Kamito looked at the clock mounted on the wall.

    There was still around an hour before the appointed time.

    "Well, I''ll understand if I go......"

    He put the letter in his pocket and turned towards Est.

    "Est, I''ll be going out for a bit."

    "Kamito, you won''t y with me?"

    "Sorry. I''ll be back before dusk."

    "......Understood. Kamito."

    He put his hands together and apologized and Est nodded.

    "Now then, it''d be nice if we''re just meeting to talk but......"

    Part 3

    "......Hm, was that Kamito?"

    In front of the gate to the castle that Team Scarlet was staying at.

    Ellis, who had returned from reporting to the Fahrengart house, had discovered Kamito leaving.

    She did not see ire or Est nearby. It seemed he was alone.

    (......Th-this is a chance!)

    With her heart thumping, she took a breath to call out but,

    (......No, wait.)

    She closed her mouth as she changed her mind.

    ......He seemed a bit different than usual.

    If he were going to the city to have fun, he would have undoubtedly invited ire and the others. She didn''t think he had business that required him to go out alone.

    (Suspicious......)

    Her intuition from normally working as a public morals officer was informing her.

    Perhaps he was going to the city to partake in indecent entertainment?

    (......I don''t think that would happen, but there is a need to confirm it.)

    Ellis erased the sound of her footsteps with wind spirit magic and stealthily began shadowing Kamito.

    Part 4

    And with that---

    A little before the appointed time, Kamito arrived at Saint Areishia za.

    He searched for Leonora in front of the statue of the Holy Maiden Areishia at the center, but couldn''t find her.

    As he stood there reluctantly, he could hear various rumors being whispered around him.

    "Look, it''s the Lewd King. I wonder what he''s doing here?" "He''s definitely looking for girls to make into his ves." "How repulsive......" "Don''t make eye contact with him. He''ll impregnate you." "It would be great if he were punished by Ren Ashbell-sama."

    The cold res of the girls passing through the za pierced him.

    (......I somehow feel like dying now.)

    Kamito stood there with the incessant desire to escape and the small hand of the clock tower struck two.

    And exactly at that moment---

    "---I''ve kept you waiting. Kazehaya Kamito."

    A dignified and serene voice reached him.

    "......Leonora!?"

    Kamito gulped without thinking when he looked at the appearance of the girl that had appeared behind him.

    She was not donning the military uniform of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

    A white dress with a small purse slung over her shoulder.

    Her trademark beret had also changed into a style hat. The dragon embroidery was quite lovely.

    (Um, battle gear......there''s no way it is.)

    Kamito looked on in fascination and,

    "......Kazehaya Kamito."

    Leonora opened her mouth.

    "D-Don''t you have anything to say?"

    "Y-Yeah......"

    Kamito returned to reality and nodded hurriedly.

    "Umm, it''s not your usual military uniform."

    "Yes."

    "......"

    "Anything else?"

    "......Well, it suits you really well. More like, it''s way too cute."

    "......!?"

    Leonora''s face turned beet red in an instant.

    "Wh-whwh-what you saying, you pervert!"

    "What!"

    Even though he''d finallyplimented her, she was unexpectedly calling him a pervert.

    "......A-As I thought the cause of my heart''s turmoil is without a doubt you!"

    With a red face, she red bitterly at Kamito.

    ......He didn''t understand what was going on.

    At any rate---

    "Why did you call me out?"

    Kamito asked straight out.

    "That''s......"

    Doing so, Leonora had a perplexed face for a moment, then,

    "T-To have you take responsibility!"

    She turned to Kamito and thrust her finger at him.

    "......Hah?"

    Kamito tilted his head.

    "......What do you mean responsibility?"

    "I-It''s your fault I can''t draw out my true power."

    Leonora leered at Kamito reproachfully.

    "......My fault?"

    Kamito was bing increasingly puzzled.

    No, truly---

    Kamito had shattered her elemental waffe, the Dragon yer.

    Though she, being a noble knight, didn''t seem the type to resent him unjustly.

    As though understanding Kamito''s inner thoughts, Leonora shook her head.

    "No. My Dragon yer has sufficiently recovered. It''s just---"

    She pressed her lips tightly together and,

    "I, I don''t know why, but whenever I think of you, my heart beats madly. Even at the height of battle, when your face crosses my mind, my skills dull."

    Leonora''s voice was slightly shaky.

    (I see......)

    Kamito somehow understood.

    ......Losing to Kamito must have been greatly frustrating.

    She had probably lost herposure as a result of losing to Kamito and thus her skills had dulled --- is what Kamito surmised.

    (......And so as I thought, we''re going to fight again?)

    If she won against Kamito fair-and-square right now, she would regain her confidence --- he wondered if that was it.

    However---

    "Th-That''s why!"

    As Leonora''s face reddened again, she thrust her finger out at Kamito and---

    "I''ll have you apany me for the entire day!"

    "......Hah?"

    Thosepletely unexpected words were voiced.

    Part 5

    "Wh-whwh-wha......!"

    Ellis, who was watching over Kamito from the shadows, was gaping.

    "Why is Leonora-dono......!"

    Kamito and Leonora seemed to be having fun talking at the center of the za.

    Moreover, Leonora wasn''t wearing her usual military uniform, instead donning adorable clothes that charmed even Ellis despite them being both girls.

    ......Looking at the situation, it was unquestionably a date.

    No, Ellis had no idea what a real date was like, but a long time ago, she had read one of the books that had been confiscated from ire under the knights'' authority.

    "C-Curses, Kamito, you''ve evenid your hands on the enemy leader......!"

    She bit her lips together as her shoulders rose.

    She had acknowledged that Kamito was an airhead demon king that couldn''t be helped, but she didn''t think his integrity was this low.

    "I-It can''t be forgiven......!"

    Having made up her mind, Ellis burst out of the shadows.

    However---

    "......Hm, wh-where did they go?"

    At some point in time, their figures had melded into the crowd.

    Part 6

    ---Meanwhile. Another person happened to be present.

    "......Haa, how tiring."

    Gorgeous ck hair that fell to her hips. Pale dark eyes.

    The second princess of the empire, Fianna Ray Ordesia.

    Last night, she had stayed at the hotel of the highest ss, Royal Pce, and informed the emperor of their advancement into the finals.

    ......She normally kept a calm andposed attitude before her teammates, but right now, she was in an extremely bad mood. Terribly unpleasant memories came to mind when she delivered her report.

    Ordesia''s emperor, as well as the high-ranking nobles, had weed her with superficial courtesy. However, that was only because the empire was reaping huge benefits from their representatives'' victory in the de Dance.

    Four years ago, when Fianna became the Lost Queen, they had taken such a cold stance with her who was still so young---

    That harsh treatment back then had left scars that remained to this day.

    They continued to look down on Fianna who had been expelled from the Divine Ritual Institute.

    (Well, I don''t really care about that......)

    The reason she had such a grim expression wasn''t that.

    She had checked out early this morning and visited the Biblion to search for books connected to a certain issue.

    The words that Sjora Kahn had revealed when she held Fianna captive.

    ---Information pertaining to the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    The Darkness Elemental Lord --- Ren Ashdoll.

    ording to the books she had investigated, a portion of the Alphas Theocracy believed that to be the name of the sixth Elemental Lord.

    (Sjora said that Kamito was the Darkness Elemental Lord''s reincarnation.)

    If that was true, then she wondered just what the Darkness Queen was.

    Moreover---

    (The other Ren Ashbell --- Rubia-sama also seemed fixated on Kamito-kun.)

    ......She really wondered just what was happening around Kamito.

    At any rate, there was no doubt that something was squirming behind this de Dance.

    (Kamito-kun......)

    Her worries were endless. She had considered discussing this with her teammates, but then she would need to tell ire about Rubia.

    If she knew the truth, she might not be able to handle it.

    (I can''t speak about this yet......)

    And.

    When she sighed heavily.

    "......Kamito-kun?"

    She discovered Kamito amidst the crowd.

    (......What is he doing here, I wonder?)

    Kamito seemed to be waiting for somebody in front of the statue of the Holy Maiden Areishia.

    (......But just who is it?)

    If it was someone from their team, there was no need to wait here.

    With doubts filling her mind, while she was taking a step and about to call out to him,

    "......!?"

    Fianna''s motions came to a halt.

    An adorably dressed girl had appeared in front of Kamito.

    (......Leonora Lancaster from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor!?)

    Fianna tilted her head.

    (......Why would Kamito-kun be meeting with the enemy team''s ace?)

    The question swirled around in her head.

    While that was happening---

    The two exchanged some words and disappeared towards the main road.

    "......"

    Fianna was glued to that spot for a few seconds.

    ......In order toprehend what she had just seen.

    And then---

    "Fu, fufu, fu......is that how it is."

    Her expression slightly stiffened.

    "Even though I''m here worrying about Kamito-kun, as usual, he''s off being the Demon King of the Daytime."

    Her pale dark eyes became devoid of emotion and a ck aura enveloped her body.

    That appearance was just like the Darkness Queen.

    And then.

    "Y-Your Highness?"

    That came from behind her.

    "......Ellis?"

    Turning around, the knight captain stood there.

    "Your Highness, what are you doing at this kind of ce?"

    "You as well; why are you here?"

    "Mm, th-that''s......"

    Fianna returned the question and Ellis'' face turned red as she attempted to mislead her.

    It was rare for her who was everposed.

    (......I get it.)

    The wise Fianna immediately understood the reason for her conduct.

    She had probably also discovered Kamito in the crowd. And then she had no doubt followed them.

    (......What to do.)

    To Fianna, Ellis was also a strong rival in love.

    Actually, in a certain sense, she may be the strongest contender of the group.

    (......But right now, we have to unite.)

    After troubling over it, Fianna came to that conclusion.

    At any rate, the threat that Leonora posed in that respect was unknown.

    "Say, that was Kamito just now, wasn''t it?"

    "......Y-Yeah, it seems that way."

    Maybe because she was ufortable about having followed him, Ellis seemed to be trying even harder to fool her.

    "You were following Kamito-kun, right? I''ll alsoe with you."

    "......Your Highness?"

    "Come on,e on, it''ll be toote once Kamito-kun bes the Demon King of the Daytime."

    "Mm, th-that''s true. I''m worried about Leonora-dono''s safety."

    Ellis cleared her throat and nodded.

    The two who hade to a mutual understanding ran in search of the two who had disappeared into the crowd.

    Part 7

    "......"

    The people they passed turned suspicious nces upon them.

    It waspletely natural. He was with the ace of a team that would also be attending the finals, after all.

    (This has somehow be quite odd......)

    Walking alongside Leonora, Kamito scratched his head.

    (......I don''t really get how I''m the cause of her slump either.)

    In the first ce, an elementalist''s ability was greatly affected by irregrities in their mind and body.

    A slightly wounded heart could prevent one from summoning their spirit, and conversely, if one''s mind were strengthened, his or her power could rise explosively. Therefore, the attitude Leonora was taking towards Kamito, who she thought was the cause, was a little inexplicable.

    At any rate, he felt that he should be thankful she had not called him out for a duel.

    (......This is a date, isn''t it.)

    Furthermore, his partner was an extraordinarily cute, beautiful girl.

    Realizing that, Kamito cleared his throat.

    "So, doing things together is fine, but do you have any ideas on where to go?"

    "Ideas?"

    Leonora put a hand to her chin and pondered.

    "I didn''t think about that. I don''t mind where we go if I''m with you."

    "Th-That way of talking will invite misunderstandings."

    The blushing Kamito took out a sheet of paper from his uniform''s pocket.

    It was a pamphlet with the business district''s shop locations, details and other information.

    "They''ve taken the effort to have these entertainment centers, so would you like to go to one?"

    "Hrm, it was a good idea to leave it to you."

    Leonora nodded and moved to peek at the pamphlet.

    "......!"

    Kamito''s heartbeat quickened at the fragrance of shampoo that tickled his nose.

    Her slender fingertips traced the map and stopped at a certain point.

    "I would like to try going here."

    "The de Dance Memorial Hall?"

    It was a pavilion financed by the Divine Ritual Institute. Historical documents rted to the de Dance were supposed to be on disy there.

    "It''s a fairly safe choice for a date."

    Kamito suddenly revealed those thoughts and,

    "......Da-dada-date!?"

    "Ah, no---"

    "Wh-What are you misunderstanding, you perverted brute of a demon king!"

    Leonora was angry with a bright red face.

    ......Her intensity was such that it felt like she would draw her Dragon yer at any time.

    "S-Sorry, it''s not a date, yeah!"

    "Hmph, of course, I wouldn''t engage in that kind of slovenly act!"

    She averted her eyes from Kamito and scurried away.

    ......Kamito shrugged helplessly.

    Part 8

    The de Dance Memorial Hall was at a quiet ce far from the center of the business district.

    The building''s exterior resembled a shrine.

    Perhaps because the pavilioncked entertainment, there were few tourists.

    Suspicious stares turned upon them as soon as they entered the building but, as expected, nobody called out to them. Carelessly calling out to the de Dance representatives would be a vition of manners amongst the nobles.

    They walked along the indicated path and viewed the disy items. On the corridor''s wall was amentary for formerly used tactics and portraits of the sessive generations of winners.

    "As expected, there are pretty much no documents from long ago."

    "Yes, especially those from before the Ranbal War. The Divine Ritual Institute''s library was also burned down in that war."

    Leonora who was walking beside him pushed her sses up as she nodded.

    "......Huh? When did you put those on?"

    "I-Is it that strange that I''m wearing sses?"

    Leonora red at Kamito with a sullen look.

    Come to think of it, she had also been wearing sses when they met at the Biblion.

    If he remembered correctly, she only wore them when reading thin letters.

    "Ah, no, sses also suit you really well."

    Kamito voiced his honest thoughts. The regr Leonora was also beautiful, but she had an adult-like charm when wearing sses that made his heart race.

    He did that and---

    "......Wh-What are you saying, you pervert with a sses fetish!"

    Leonora quickly walked away with a beet-red face.

    "Why......"

    Kamito sighed.

    ---And he turned his gaze to a certain name engraved in the wall.

    The winner of the de Dance twenty four years ago.

    The Dusk Witch --- Greyworth Ciel Mais.

    "......"

    Kamito stood still and stared at the portrait disyed there.

    When she was young --- though she was still young --- anyway, it was a portrait of her when she was fifteen.

    She still had her characteristic ash blonde hair, but she was drawn quite innocent and lovely.

    Kamito had seen her when she reverted to her young state, but it had onlysted momentarily, so the memories hadn''t really stuck with him at all.

    (......So that witch was also young before.)

    Kamito did not know the Dusk Witch''s strength in her prime.

    It felt somehow strange.

    "Kamito, what are you doing?"

    Being called by Leonora, Kamito hurried after her.

    Further along the path they were walking on, arge room was shrouded behind a curtain.

    "......Special Disy Room?"

    Kamito took a step in,

    "Guah......"

    A groan surfaced from deep within him.

    (I, I was careless......!)

    The first thing that leaped into his vision was---

    A tapestry with the previous de Dance''s winner''s figure sewn onto it.

    Glossy ck hair that fell to her waist. Foreign white clothing.

    And that pitch ck sword in her hand was surely --- the darkness elemental waffe, Vorpal Sword.

    There wasn''t just a tapestry. There was a portrait covering an entire wall, and to add to that, a life-sized bronze statue was stationed in the center of the room.

    "Wh-What is this room!?"

    Kamito''s face stiffened and,

    "Having a special disy room constructed is a matter of course. Even amongst the past champions, she is overwhelmingly famous."

    Leonora''s eyes were lit up as she was captivated by the wall portrait.

    "Her de dance is my distant goal. ---Stronger than anything, and noble as well."

    ......There was no way she could even dream that the person in question was standing right beside her.

    "......"

    Kamito also returned to staring at the tapestry depicting his past appearance.

    (My strength still hasn''t recovered to what I had back then......)

    He was certainly in the process of recovering his strength from his prime.

    He had also be able to use Greyworth''s absolute de arts, despite the burden they ced on his body.

    But he still couldn''t reach her. There was an absolute wall between him and her.

    "Kamito?"

    "......Mm, yeah, sorry."

    Kamito returned to reality after Leonora called out to him.

    "We''d also like to perform a de dance that will make history in the finals."

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito nodded firmly in response to the smiling Leonora who had removed her sses.

    ---After that, just when they were exiting the memorial hall, Leonora pointed ahead.

    "Kamito, they''re selling bread there."

    "Yeah?"

    He looked to where she was pointing and, sure enough, there was a bread stall there.

    The fresh bread lined up in a ss case was giving off a delicious scent.

    "Ohh, those look good. Maybe I''ll buy one......wha!?"

    Having neared the ss case, Kamito was rendered speechless.

    What was lined up there was---

    For some reason, arge amount of Ren Ashbell bread.

    Upon the fluffy baked bread was a design done with chocte that looked exactly like his spirit seal.

    "Wh-What is this; I never approved this!"

    "......Approved?"

    "Ah, no......"

    Kamito hurriedly fooled her.

    "This is good. Let''s buy some as a souvenir for Yuri and the others."

    "So you''re buying it......"

    Kamito sighed in nk amazement.

    Part 9

    "......Nom. This tastes pretty good."

    "Yeah, the taste is decent."

    Kamito and Leonora ate the bread they had just bought as they walked down the business district beside each other.

    The bread had chocte on it, but this chocte was designed to look like the demon sword of darkness and was unexpectedly detailed.

    "......I don''t think Restia expected to be a decoration for bread either."

    "Kamito, did you say something?"

    "No, nothing......hm."

    Kamito shifted his eyes to Leonora''s mouth.

    "You have chocte stuck to your face."

    "Eh?"

    With a wry smile, Kamito wiped off the chocte with his finger and,

    "Fuaa......wh-whwh-what are you doing, you pervert!"

    Leonora cried out with a bright red face......just like ire''s reaction yesterday.

    "Dracunia''s strongest knight also has her cute points."

    "......~!"

    With Kamito''s teasing, her face grew increasingly red and,

    "A-As I thought, you''re the reason my heart is in turmoil!"

    And she turned her face away.

    "Sorry, my bad. So where should we go next?"

    "......That''s right. I heard a weapons museum and spirits museum were on the outskirts of town."

    "Such refined tastes as always."

    Kamito voiced that kind of thought and,

    "......Sorry. I was raised in a strict knight household, so I don''t know where best to go in these situations."

    "......I see."

    Well, that was simr to Kamito. He didn''t know a tactful ce to have fun or things of that sort.

    "Then let''s just wander around and explore the business district."

    "Yes."

    At that time, a wind spirit like a small bird flew away above them.

    A sudden strong gust of wind blew along the path and Leonora''s one-piece was turned up before Kamito''s eyes.

    "Kyaa!"

    "......!?"

    Kamito reflexively averted his eyes but---

    (......Hm?)

    He had a slightly bad feeling about the image that was burned into his eyes for but a moment.

    He had not seen a single stitch of the panties that logically should have been there.

    What he saw in its ce was a soft-looking butt---

    (......N-No way!?)

    Come to think of it --- Kamito recalled.

    About what happened at the library before the battle portion. When Leonora who was being controlled by her Dragon Blood tempted Kamito, he was sure that she---

    "......Umm, could I ask one crude question?"

    "What is it?"

    "Are you not......wearing u-underwear?"

    "......?"

    Leonora tilted her head, puzzled for a moment, then---

    "Yes. Princess maidens that serve a dragon may not wear underwear."

    She said it like it was extremely obvious with a nod.

    "......Are you a naked knee socks sword spirit."

    Kamito made a small sigh and,

    "Let''s go buy underwear first. We''ll continue after that."

    Part 10

    On the other hand---

    "......Kuu, curses, Kamito, where did you go?"

    Ellis and Fianna ran around the business district as they used wind spirits to gather information.

    As expected, searching for two people in this kind of crowd was difficult.

    "Perhaps they have entered a building?"

    Fianna said while short of breath.

    "Really though, we can''t just use spirits to infiltrate shops."

    ---And then. A spirit like a small bird alighted on Ellis'' shoulder.

    "......What? You saw the two?"

    "Where did they go?"

    The wind spirit whispered something into Ellis'' ear.

    "Ka-Kamito peeked under Leonora-dono''s skirt in public!?"

    Twitch.

    In an instant, Fianna''s expression had frozen over.

    "Fu, fufufu...... I wonder what Kamito-kun could possibly thinking, fufufu......"

    "......Y-Your Highness, you''re leaking some kind of ck aura."

    Ellis gulped.

    "Let''s go, Ellis. They might still be nearby!"

    "Yeah, we can''t permit any more shameless acts!"

    The two exchanged nods and ran off.

    Part 11

    "......D-Do I really have to go too?"

    In front of an underwear store that catered to the nobility''s daughters, Kamito awkwardly scratched his head.

    If he was seen entering this kind of store, another disgraceful rumor would start.

    ......Rather, he was already suffering cold looks from the girls in the store.

    "I have not worn underwear before. Thus, I do not know which underwear is best."

    "I don''t know that kind of thing either."

    "Then it doesn''t matter if I continue not wearing any underwear?"

    "......Kuu, what kind of threat is this."

    Kamito groaned deeply.

    That''s right, she wasn''t wearing anything under that one-piece.

    If the wind blew again and her skirt flew up---

    Kamito bringing around a girl without underwear was quite capable of starting the worst rumor yet.

    (......I absolutely must avoid that.)

    Kamito finally gave in and step foot into the underwear store.

    ---Several minutester. Kamito stood in the shop for the sake of picking out underwear for Leonora.

    "......As I thought, it''s unsettling. Underwear, that is."

    Leonora groaned with a troubled face.

    She had bought a high-quality silk set to try out, but it seemed to feel awkward so the Dragon Princess Maiden wasn''t pleased.

    "Won''t you get used to it? Anyway, please wear it, at least when walking in town."

    "......It''s somehow very tight."

    Leonorained with dissatisfaction on her face.

    "At the very least, couldn''t I wear this?"

    And she spread outced ck underwear with both hands.

    "D-Don''t spread out that kind of thing......"

    Kamito reddened as he averted his eyes,

    "Rather, isn''t something different between that and the one you''re wearing?"

    "Yes. It seems this is the type with a hole here."

    "......!?"

    Looking closely, there was a neat cut at a vital location.

    "Wh-Why was that kind of thing being sold!"

    "Is it not okay?"

    "It''s not. In a certain sense, it''s worse than not wearing any."

    Kamito decisively shook his head.

    ......Rather, he wondered why he was choosing underwear for the enemy team''s ace.

    "Then how about this?"

    "That''s practically a string!......Why are you deliberately choosing ones with high exposure!"

    "I can''t calm down with lots of cloth."

    "Normally people can''t calm down without wearing underwear."

    Kamito groaned while pressing down on his forehead.

    "......Th-Then, how about this?"

    Leonora was holding a tropical-style set with southern sea flowers drawn on it.

    "......It''s the type that doubles as a swimsuit. Isn''t that pretty good?"

    "Yes. It suits my tastes because the material is slippery and feels familiar to my skin."

    "......I see, so it was just because you don''t like the feeling of silk."

    Amongst the underwear of the princess maidens that needed to frequently purify themselves, swimsuits and other multipurpose ones were numerous. It seemed that the smooth material of the swimsuit had also appealed to her.

    "Well then, let''s take this one---"

    And Leonora took it in her hands---

    "......"

    And something turned towards Kamito like a sh.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "No, s-since you''ve finally bought a swimsuit---"

    With a slight tinge of red on his cheeks and upturned eyes, he opened his mouth.

    ---Why don''t we go to the pool, he said.

    Part 12

    And like that. The two left the central part of town and arrived at a pool in the forest.

    Even if it was called a pool, it wasn''t something made by human hands. It was something that utilized the already presentrgeke, so the impression was close to that of a beach along the sea.

    Kamito, who had changed into a tanktop swimsuit just before, sat at the edge of theke waiting for Leonora.

    Many girls in swimsuits were frolicking along theke shore, crying out in sweet voices.

    But the instant they noticed Kamito,

    "Kyaa, the Lewd King, the Lewd King is here!" "He''s looking here, how scary......" "What an unpleasant gaze." "Don''te near my Lady!"

    They sessively jumped into theke and swam off to the far edge.

    "......Am I a shark or something?"

    The wounded Kamito hung his head on the emptyke edge.

    And at that time.

    "I-I''ve kept you waiting, Kamito."

    "......!?"

    Turning towards the voice that came from behind, he saw Leonora standing there with her hands on her hips.

    Her youthful skin was tinged slightly red. Her chest seemed to burst out.

    Her adorable butt wrapped in the flower-patterned swimsuit.

    Her slender, beautiful legs were dazzling.

    Kamito gulped at her outstanding proportions.

    "U-Umm, is it strange?"

    Leonora rubbed her thighs together bashfully.

    Kamito finally returned to his senses and,

    "N-No, rather, well......you''re beautiful."

    "......Wha, th-this pervert! Pervert!"

    Leonora''s admonishing voice instantly assaulted him.

    "What the heck! I just said my honest thoughts."

    "Sh-Shut up! Don''t stare so much at a princess maiden''s skin!"

    Leonora quickly covered her chest and,

    "I-I''ll go swim a bit!"

    In order to cool her body that was burning up from shyness, she jumped into theke with vigor.

    "......Oh boy."

    Kamito sighed as he stared absentmindedly at Leonora who had left to swim.

    Her swimming figure was also beautiful. It was almost like a dragon rxedly flying about in the sky.

    ......At any rate, would doing this really clear up what the cause of her slump was?

    (Though looking from an outsider''s point of view, she doesn''t appear to be in a slump......)

    Honestly, if he were just considering victory, having her remain in a slump would be undoubtedly more advantageous.

    But in that case, Kamito also couldn''t be understood.

    The promise he had made that one time.

    ---That he would fight with her when she was not being controlled by her Dragon Blood.

    "......"

    He stood at theke edge charmed by Leonora''s swimming figure for a while and---

    "Hmm---.....onii-sama, you perv."

    "Wha!?"

    Kamito hurriedly turned around upon hearing the familiar voice.

    "......Mi-Mireille!?"

    The one ring at Kamito was Rinslet''s lovely little sister.

    Her tinum blonde hair clung to her wet skin.

    She was d in a white swimsuit and had arge swim tube around her waist.

    "Wh-Why are you here?"

    "Since my morning lessons are over, I came to y."

    "Did youe alone?"

    "No, Mi came as well."

    Mireille replied coldly.

    And.

    "Kamito, have youid your hands on that Leonora Lancaster as well?"

    Mi Bassett red at Kamito with fruit juice in her hand.

    She was wearing a swimsuit that had frills like a maid costume.

    Her slightly wavy hair was tied on both ends of her head.

    "Wa-Wait a second, you''re misunderstanding this! There''s a reason for this......"

    "What reason?"

    "No matter how you look, it''s a date. Even though onii-sama already has onee-sama."

    "---I-It''s nothing like a date!"

    And Leonora, who had been swimming, hurriedly came to the shore.

    "Mu.....They''re big."

    Herrge, wet chest covered with her tropical swimsuit.

    The nine year old and thirteen year oldbination gasped at the proportions which were the opposite of theirs.

    "Kamito is assisting me in restoring my original condition. That''s why it''s definitely nothing like a date or some indecent activity!"

    "Mu---..."

    Mireille red at Leonora with an expression like she couldn''t agree.

    ......Well, it was obvious since she was the enemy her esteemed older sister would be facing in the finals.

    Kamito shrugged and turned towards Leonora.

    "Well, did you figure it out? The cause of your slump."

    "......No. But I feel like I will with a little more."

    "I see. Well, take your time to think about it."

    "......You can''t say that. The finals begin tomorrow."

    She shook her head and looked Kamito straight in the eye.

    "As a knight and as an elementalist --- I would like to de dance with you in my best condition."

    "......"

    Kamito was silenced by her seriousness.

    At that time, argemotion rose on the shore.

    "......What''s that?"

    "The Water Spirit Festival dedicated to thiske''s spirits has begun."

    Mireille exined to Kamito who tilted his head.

    "Water Spirit Festival?"

    "---A de dance that imitates ancient waterbat."

    And this time, Mi exined.

    The Water Spirit Festival seemed to be a type of ritualistic dance performance that imitatedbat where two princess maidens formed a team. It wasn''t shy like a de dance, but a crowd of princess maidens wildly dancing was beautiful and it seemed to be quite popr as a spectator''s sport.

    "There''s a prize prepared for the winning team, onii-sama."

    A small shrine stood where Mireille was pointing with various goods like jewelry and magical tools lined up.

    "It seems interesting. Maybe we should watch."

    Kamito lowered himself onto the shore and,

    Tug, tug.

    "Hm?"

    Leonora was tugging his arm.

    "What is it?"

    "No, well......"

    Leonora seemed embarrassed as her cheeks flushed red and,

    "Ka-Kamito, would you like to participate in that ritual?"

    "Eh?"

    Suddenly said that.

    Her eyes were glued to the prizes lined up on the shrine.

    "Could it be that you want something from those?"

    "......Yes."

    Leonora nodded.

    "That is a product of the legendary doll craftsman, Lord ?vankmajer. I didn''t think I would see it at this kind of ce."

    Somehow, it seemed like she wanted thatrge dragon plushie.

    "The second ce prize......all right!"

    Kamito nodded and grabbed onto Leonora''s arm.

    "Wh-What are you doing!?"

    "You want that plushie, right? Then let''s go get it."

    "I-Is that okay!?"

    "Yeah. If you and I pair up, nobody canpare."

    "O-Of course!"

    Kamito gave her a thumbs up and Leonora nodded happily.

    ---At that time. In the forest nearby theke, Ellis and Fianna who were out of breath were there.

    "Kamito, w-we''ve finally caught up to you......!"

    "Fu, fufu.....ing to the pool with a girl, you can''t make any excuses now."

    The out of breath Ellis who was breathing hard and Fianna whose entire body was wrapped in a ck aura.

    "Mu, it seems like he''s going to enter theke with Leonora-dono."

    "Do they intend to participate in the Water Spirit Festival? But why---"

    And the line of prizes on the shrine entered the vision of Fianna who was tilting her head.

    "That is......!"

    Her pale dark eyes widened.

    The top-ss prize adorning the top of the shrine. That was---

    "Pair tickets for the Royal Pce?"

    Even catering to those of the Ordesia royal family, it was the highest-ss hotel on Ragna Ys.

    "Is Kamito aiming for that?"

    "Yes, there''s no doubt. To say nothing of a regr de dance, if it''s that acebination of de Dance representatives, they''re more than enough to aim for victory."

    "But tomorrow is the finals. They don''t have time for something like using a hotel voucher---"

    "If it''s used this evening, there''s no problem. If so......"

    Fianna took a breath.

    "Since it''s Kamito-kun, he might do the de dance of the night with her."

    "Wh-What did you say!"

    ......Imagining God knows what, Ellis'' face turned bright red.

    "Th-That''s not allowed! We absolutely must prevent it!"

    "Yes, that''s right!"

    The two exchanged a firm handshake.

    Part 13

    "......To put it shortly, it''s like an underwater cavalry battle."

    Kamito, who had Leonora piggybacking him, once again mentally went over the rules of the Water Spirit Festival that Mi Bassett had taught him.

    First, the team of two princess maidens consisted of a "horse" and a "knight". The princess maiden that became the horse was responsible for movement and the knight riding them would carry a special gem at their chest --- it was a scramble for magic stones. The team that gathered arge number of magic stones would be the winner.

    It was obvious, but wounding a princess maiden or defiling theke were strictly forbidden.

    On a side note, the princess maidens that served as the horse were emitting divine power from their entire body to float. If it was a princess maiden with a certain amount of training, it was not a difficult technique at all.

    So the ritual itself wasn''t very dangerous but---

    (It''s dangerous in a different kind of way for me......)

    Squish.

    The feeling of soft thighs upon his neck.

    ......For an adolescent boy, having his heart rush was uncontroble.

    "Ka-Kamito, please don''t move around so much......ahnn!"

    "S-Sorry......!"

    Kamito''s face turned red at the seductive voice that Leonora let out above him.

    Soon, the other princess maiden knight-horse pairs entered theke one after the other.

    It seemed a lot of unexpected people were participating. They were undoubtedly aiming for the first-ss prize of pair tickets to the Royal Pce.

    ......Rather, other than Kamito''s team, there were probably no other teams aiming for the second-ce dragon plushie.

    "Leonora, can you do it?"

    "Yes. I will definitely obtain that dragon!"

    Leonora nodded with a voice full of conviction.

    Participants of the de Dance taking part in a regr ritual like this felt a little immature, but well, they were aiming for second ce, so it shouldn''t draw any malice.

    "I won''t let you do that, onii-sama!"

    "......Eh?"

    The one who came before them was Mireille who was piggybacking Mi Bassett.

    As if being pressed by her swimsuit, a magic stone was forced between her small chest.

    "Don''t tell me, you two are also participating?"

    "That''s right. For the sake of my passive onee-sama, I''ll get those hotel tickets!"

    Puffing her minute chest, Mireille made a deration.

    In response---

    "---Sorry, but those tickets are ours."

    A soft-spoken yet icy voice resounded across theke.

    "......!?"

    Kamito''s expression froze.

    It was an extremely familiar voice. But this was her voice when she was angry.

    "......Ellis!?"

    He turned around and there was---

    A ponytailed, beautiful girl wearing a bold swimsuit and,

    "......Hmm, Kamito-kun''s also good at taming dragons."

    Her Highness red at Kamito coldly while making bubbles on the water surface.

    "Y-You two, why are you here?"

    "Hmph, you should try thinking about that yourself, you insolent person!"

    Ellis'' reddish brown eyes were teary.

    "W-We won''t let Kamito-kun dance that de dance of the night!"

    "Wh-What the heck, a de dance of the night......!"

    ......Being pushed by the youngdies that were angry for some reason, Kamito was being overwhelmed.

    This time, Ellis focused her gaze on Leonora who was atop his shoulders.

    "Leonora-dono, I respect you as a fellow knight. However, this Ellis Fahrengart will not allow such an insolent deed!"

    "Wh-What kind of insolent deed are you talking about! I was just, with Kamito---"

    "Talking is useless; if you''re a knight, settle this with your de!"

    "Kamito-kun, prepare yourself."

    "Wait a second, what do you mean!?"

    The two left while ignoring the perplexed Kamito.

    "They''ll be strong enemies, those two."

    "Y-Yeah......"

    And so, a whistle signaled the start of the Water Spirit Festival.

    Part 14

    "Let''s go, Leonora!"

    "Yes, the dragon god''s blessings upon this battle!"

    Leonora gave a gant shout above him.

    The ten-odd princess maiden horse and rider groups were moring.

    Participating in this kind of rough ritual meant that these were undoubtedly trained princess maidens. From within them, he could even see those that had been eliminated in the real battle portion of the de Dance here and there.

    (So Ellis and Fianna aren''t going to challenge us yet......)

    Gathering arge amount of magic stones from those that looked easy to defeat in the first part and leaving the confrontation with Kamito and Leonora to the end was mostly likely their n.

    If those two were aiming for the Royal Pce hotel tickets, then there was no reason to battle with them, but those two seemed to have a different reason for their anger.

    (......There''s no other way, huh.)

    Kamito shrugged.

    He had promised to apany Leonora for the entire day.

    Even if they were his preciousrades, he wouldn''t go easy on them.

    "Kamito, iing!"

    Immediately following the start, the swimsuit-d princess maidens simultaneously faced them. In order to instantly crush Kamito and Leonora who held thergest battle strength, they had all temporarily allied.

    That was what Kamito thought but---

    "Everyone, kill the Lewd King!" "If you drown here, we can treat it as an ident!" "We won''t leave any evidence behind." "A swift death to the enemy of women!"

    ......He could hear various frightening lines.

    "Kuu......"

    "Kamito, what are you doing; we''re being surrounded!"

    The downhearted Kamito was rebuked by Leonora.

    The sensation of thighs wrapped around his neck brought Kamito back to his senses.

    "......Like I''ll let you kill me before the finals!"

    The advancing girls'' enclosure.

    In order to weave through that, Kamito moved freely through the water.

    Putting into practice the meta-3D movement that he had learned at Instructional School --- rather than the super high-speed Shadow Weaving, this was the underwater movement technique called Water Lily. It wasn''t fast enough to make the opponent lose track of him, but those movements were like a water lily floating on the water''s surface and provided no opportunity to capture him.

    Just after Kamito easily escaped the---

    "Faa!?" "Hyann!" "Kyaaaaaa!"

    The girls'' shrill cries echoed across the water.

    In the moment they had passed by them, Leonora had stolen the magic stones at their bosom.

    "As expected of you, Leonora."

    "You as well; it almost feels like I''m riding a high-ss dragon."

    Leonora smiled while chuckling.

    Her thighs pressed down on him and his heart rushed.

    "Le-Leonora, please open your legs a bit more!"

    "......Eh? Wh-What do you mean, you pervert!"

    Hit, hit, hit, hit.

    The red-faced, agitated Leonora began to hit Kamito''s head.

    "Wai, hold......waa---"

    When Kamito''s bnce fell apart uncontrobly---

    "Their movements have stopped! If we''re going to execute him, now''s the time!"

    The group of girls once again closed in.

    "Leonora, calm down or things will get bad!"

    "......!"

    Leonora, who had finally snapped back to herself, smacked the girls nearing them from behind into the water and turned around to defend her chest from the countless outstretched hands.

    "Are you okay!?"

    "N-No problem, I''ll show you the dance of a princess maiden in service of dragons!"

    Leonora exhaled and silently readied both her hands.

    Then---

    She reached out with movements akin to a dance performance and stole the magic stones of the girls approaching them one-by-one.

    "......Amazing."

    It was just like a raging dragon.

    "A single knight defeating scores of enemies is the specialty of Dracunia''s knights. If Ipare it with the training I received as a young girl where I was thrown into a pack of fierce beasts, this is nothing."

    Instantly beating down the surrounding riders, she obtained seven magic stones.

    Truly an ace out of the de Dance representatives. It was overwhelming strength that allowed none to approach.

    "Now then,e, all who would like to challenge me!"

    Leonora''s dignified voice rang out.

    And at that time.

    "......!?"

    A crackling noise apanied the instant freezing of the water surrounding Kamito.

    "Ice spirit magic!?"

    In the moment Kamito''s movements stopped, the figure of a rider approached.

    "I''ve got you, onii-sama!"

    It was the Mi Bassett and Mireille team.

    "To think a nine year old can use this kind of spirit magic! As expected of Rinslet''s little sister."

    Kamito gave his honest admiration in light of that talent.

    But the young Mireille could not snatch the magic stone from Leonora.

    Just when he was thinking that---

    "Kyaunn!"

    A sweet cry was raised above Kamito''s head.

    "......!?"

    "......Afuu......ahnn......!"

    Leonora''s thighs closed on Kamito with a squish.

    "I-It hurts......Leonora, wh-what are you doing!?"

    "Fuaa......th-this was an oversight; I can''t move like this!"

    "......Eh?"

    Kamito somehow managed to twist his head and look up and,

    (......Damn it!)

    ---He finally realized their fatal mistake.

    Leonora''s chest had expanded!

    That''s right, since it was a battle done in swimsuits, there was no other ce to store the magic stones stolen from the enemy other than at one''s bosom. Consequently, if one gathered a certain amount of magic stones, the rider would be unable to move.

    If she did any intense movements right now, there was no doubt her swimsuit would break.

    (......They were waiting for us to gather magic stones, huh.)

    Kamito was astonished. The one who thought of this n was probably the one giving Mireille a piggyback, Mi. She was truly the Rupture Division''s captain.

    "Fufuu, your chest seems to be giving you trouble, dragon onee-sama!"

    Mireille''s fingers brushed against Leonora''s chest which shook, spilling magic stones.

    "Fa......nn, the magic stones are, from my breasts......"

    Leonora''s face was bright red as she shielded her chest with all her might.

    The surrounding girls also thought of this as a chance and drew in.

    "......Like I''ll let you!"

    Kamito cracked the ice covering the water with his fist and used all his power to escape. Several magic stones fell from Leonora''s chest from the recoil, but they were unneeded in this situation.

    "Haa, haa, nn......"

    He could hear Leonora''s troubled breathing above him.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Y-Yes, somehow......ahnn ?"

    As her chest rose and fell, the tips of the magic stones stimted her sensitive breasts. She somehow suppressed her voice and endured it.

    That lovable action made Kamito''s heart race.

    ---At some point in time, the with Mireille at the center had beenpleted.

    "......So this is the end, huh."

    Kamito groaned.

    This was not the de Dance. It was just some entertainment. Even if they were to lose, they wouldn''t suffer a loss of honor, not that Kamito cared much for honor.

    However---

    (......I''ve made a promise.)

    That he would obtain that dragon plushie for Leonora.

    Wanting to see the smile of a girl was the nature of a boy.

    "Leonora---"

    And Kamito spoke quietly.

    "Hold on to me tightly and hold your breath."

    "Wh-What do you intend to do?"

    "It''s okay. Believe in me."

    "......!"

    Leonora gasped overhead when Kamito ended the conversation decisively.

    Then---

    "---Y-Yes!"

    She made arge nod.

    Leonora''s two supple arms wrapped around Kamito''s neck.

    In an instant, Kamito sunk into the waterpletely.

    He rxed his entire body and closed his eyes. A variation of the Water Lily movement --- Aqua Elusion. Syncing his mind and body with the flow of the water, he couldpletely conceal his presence.

    "---Mi, don''t think badly of this."

    "......!?"

    Appearing suddenly from behind Mi, he tickled her under the arms without mercy.

    "......Ah, kya, nn!"

    The usually cool Mi let out a lovely voice and twisted her body.

    "Now!"

    "Yes!"

    "Faaa, Mi-Mi!?"

    In the instant Mi''s rider, Mireille, lost her bnce---

    Leonora quickly reached out and snatched her magic stone.

    Saaaash!

    A shy wall of water rose when Mireille fell down.

    "H-How terrible!" "Even to a child that young!" "That brutish......!"

    Harsh criticisms of Kamito came from the surrounding girls and mixed together but---

    "Leonora, can you still do it?"

    "Yes, m-my breasts hurt but I''ll somehow endure it!"

    "Alright, that''s the spirit---"

    As Kamito nodded, he heard the thunderous roar of winds.

    "C-Curse you, Kamito, you insolent person!"

    From afar, Ellis and Fianna were closing in at an rming rate.

    (Fast......!)

    Fianna''s reflexes were average for an elementalist, but her divine power control was exceptional. Her movements underwater wereparable to or surpassed Kamito''s.

    Moreover, they were wrapped in a barrier of wind and elerating.

    (......This is quite a handicap.)

    To begin with, Kamito wasn''t proficient in spirit magic and Leonora''s dragon attribute spirit magic specialized in destruction and physical strengthening. They had pretty much no basic spells and nothing for general-use like wind spirit magic. No, what was worse than that---

    "E-Ellis, haven''t you shoved too much into it!?"

    Stuffed with arge amount of magic stones that she had snatched, Ellis'' swimsuit looked like it was about to fall apart at any moment.

    His gaze had been unwittingly drawn to her bosom swaying in the wind.

    "Kamito, where are you looking!"

    "I-I couldn''t help it!"

    Having realized where he was looking, Ellis hurriedly covered her breasts with both her hands.

    "Jeez, Kamito-kun, look at me as well!"

    Fianna puffed her cheeks and let her breasts float on the water out of rivalry.

    "A-A princess shouldn''t do those kinds of embarrassing things!"

    "......I-It''s not embarrassing if Kamito-kun wants to see."

    The princess blushed as she blew bubbles on the water''s surface.

    (......Aren''t you plenty embarrassed.)

    "Kamito, just where are you looking?"

    "Guoo......"

    A displeased voice. Leonora''s thighs strangled him.

    "I-I get it, so don''t strangle me!"

    Using that opening, Ellis and Fianna lunged at them by riding the wind.

    "Leonora-dono, we can''t allow you to perform a de dance of the night!"

    "I won''t perform such a thing!"

    Ellis and Leonora were grappling overhead.

    "Kamito-kun, no matter how much of a Demon King of the Night you are, even I won''t stay quiet if your lovers increase any further than this!"

    "I''m telling you, it''s not like that!"

    On the other hand, Fianna was pressing her breasts up against Kamito.

    With the soft sensation traveling past her skimpy swimsuit, as expected, even Kamito couldn''t hide his excitement.

    "---O wind!"

    Sharp winds flew from Ellis'' finger and greatly shook Leonora''s breasts.

    "......I won''t lose---!"

    Leonora retaliated with her hand as she shielded her chest.

    "Since Kamito is fighting for my sake!"

    Squish.

    "......Ahh, nn......!"

    Ellis let out a captivating voice. Her long ponytail shuddered.

    "......Ah, ya, hau......!"

    "......Mm, kyann, ahnnn!"

    "H-Hey......!"

    Kamito''s focus was broken by the erotic criesing from above and---

    Click.

    He suddenly heard that sound.

    "......Eh?"

    Kamito looked up without thinking.

    What first entered his sight was---

    Arge number of magic stones leaking from both of their breasts.

    Fluttering, scant cloth.

    And Kamito saw them.

    ......Ended up seeing them.

    Hanging down, the breasts of the two beautiful girls.

    ""Ky---""

    An instant.

    ""Kyaaaaaaaaaaa!""

    Both of them spontaneously discharged their divine power and a giant water pir rose from theke.

    Part 15

    "......nora. Leonora!"

    "Umm......cough, cough......"

    With a hazy consciousness, Leonora opened her eyes.

    Before her was Kamito who had a serious expression.

    "......Kami......to......?"

    She muttered while getting up and---

    "......Leonora, I''m d."

    Kamito sighed in relief.

    "......How did the Water Spirit Festival go?"

    "Ahh, everyone was blown away and it was cancelled."

    Kamito gave a small shrug.

    "Ah, but look, I got him."

    "......?"

    To the puzzled Leonora---

    Kamito showed her arge dragon plushie.

    "---This is!?"

    "Everyone at theke was blown away and the magic stones were also scattered but just one......I found one that was stuck."

    Kamito muttered as he blushed.

    So they had won a prize because everybody elsepeting had been obliterated.

    "Well, if that''s true, then everyone was disqualified but --- it seems theke spirits were satisfied with the ritual. Nobody was injured and there''s also nobody ming us."

    "Is that so......"

    Leonora nodded and---

    Something caught her attention.

    "......Umm, Kamito."

    "Yes?"

    "Was stuck?"

    "......!"

    Kamito averted his gaze and didn''t answer.

    "......Kamito?"

    She asked again with a little bit of force.

    "No, that''s......"

    Kamito shook his head as if resigned.

    "I-In your cleavage......"

    "......Y-You touched my breasts!?"

    "No, well, sorry. Something was shining on your chest, so I just---"

    Kamito confessed honestly. In an instant, Leonora''s face grew hot.

    "......Th-This pervert"

    Hit, hit, hit.

    Leonora pounded on Kamito''s chest while continuing to blush. But in truth, when she had been hugging Kamito, she had not felt angry or shy.

    She continued to hit Kamito while bewildered by this self-realization.

    (......Wh-What does it mean?)

    She didn''t know that feeling. She just had knowledge of it.

    (Could it be, this feeling is......no, there''s no way, that kind of......)

    But if she thought about it --- it exined everything.

    How her sword skills had dulled ever since she had fought Kamito. And then how while she had been with Kamito, her emotions were in disorder and her heart beat furiously.

    ......She may have already realized deep within her heart.

    She just didn''t want to admit it.

    That''s right, since the day she had crossed des with him---

    (I, for Kazehaya Kamito---)

    Once she realized that, she wouldn''t be able to look at him directly anymore.

    Leonora lowered her fist and turned her face to the side while still blushing.

    "......Leonora?"

    Kamito tilted his head, puzzled.

    "I-It would be best to admit this honestly, right."

    "Yes?"

    Leonora seemed to have decided something as she nodded to herself.

    She thought that the disorder in her feelings would be a disorder in her sword.

    But now that she had realized the cause, that had be an uplifting feeling instead.

    Even more so than with the Dragon Blood, it was uncontroble and unstable.

    ---That was definitely something meant to be a power stronger than anything.

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!"

    The voices of his teammates came from afar.

    It seemed that they were running over to them.

    "---Kamito, it''s fine now. Thank you for today."

    And Leonora stood up, then gazed directly at Kamito.

    ---She wouldn''t avert her eyes this time.

    "Umm, saying it''s fine means---"

    "I can de dance at my best, is what it means."

    "......!"

    Kamito was confused for a little, but---

    "......I see. I don''t really get it, but that''s great."

    He shrugged as if relieved.

    "Then I can battle you at full power as well."

    The two exchanged nods and each stretched out a hand.

    "The next time we exchange words will be when we de dance."

    "Yeah."

    They shared a firm handshake and spun on their heels and---

    Both of them walked away just like that without turning back.

 Volume 8, Interlude - Team Inferno

    <h4>Volume 8, Interlude - Team Inferno</h4>

    Continuing however deeply into the cavern---

    "The top brass of the Alphas Theocracy have agreed to provide a new military spirit. But any further cooperation is impossible---"

    Facing the wordless back of her master, Lily me continued to give her report.

    "---Ahaa, a new toy is finallying. I can finally y with onii-sama."

    The one who opened her mouth was not Lily''s master, but the cute girl walking beside her.

    Muir Alenstarl --- the second-ce Monster of the Instructional School.

    "I''ll break anyone and everyone that gets near onii-sama ?"

    While ring sidelong at Muir who was smiling innocently, Lily sighed.

    The stronghold assault spirit Colossus, the wide-area annihtion spirit Garuda --- of the three that the Theocracy had lent to them, Muir had already used up two. Of course, their results in the real battle had been adequate, but the protests of the Theocracy''s top brass were stronger than expected.

    "I don''t care how many military spirits from a former era we break. Either way, the world will change with this time''s de Dance."

    "---Yes."

    Lily ced a hand to her chest and respectfully agreed.

    With regards to the n to change the world, Lily had not been told anything by her master.

    If she had not seen the face beneath the mask, she would not even know who she was.

    ---She was simply a tool that acted as another''s hands and feet.

    (---But that''s fine. Thisdy has given me all I have.)

    That day when mes wrapped the Instructional School''s facility, she had extended a hand to her.

    ---Will you leave here ande with me?

    (Since the moment I took her hand, I---)

    "---And how is the Witch doing?"

    What interrupted her recollection of that time was her master''s question.

    The Alphas Theocracy princess that had failed to capture the Darkness Queen had not been seen.

    It was likely that the empire''s secret organization, Snake, was nning to move before them but---

    "I didn''t mean Snake. I was asking about the real Witch."

    "Real witch --- you mean Lady Greyworth?"

    Lily tilted her head slightly.

    She had received information of her arrival yesterday. She didn''t think it was particrly important so she hadn''t reported it but---

    "Even if she is a former Numbers, I don''t think a retired spirit knight could do much---"

    "......If so, that would be good."

    The ruby eyes underneath the crimson mask glowed faintly.

 Volume 8, 5 - The Night Before the Finale

    <h4>Volume 8, Chapter 5 - The Night Before the Finale</h4>

    Part 1

    Evening. Dusk hung over Ragna Ys which was floating in Astral Zero''s skies.

    Having spent a turbulent day with Leonora, Kamito returned with Ellis and Fianna, who happened to be at the pool, to the castle they were staying at.

    After this, the oracle concerning the finals would be delivered by the five Queens at the Divine Ritual Institute''s Grand Shrine. They would convene once with the entire team to discuss their ns for what was toe.

    He showered then went to ire''s room and knocked.

    "ire, it''s about time."

    "Yes, the preparations are alreadyplete. You may enter."

    He opened the door and found ire and the others sitting atop the bed ying Old Maid.

    "I win. That makes 17 wins with 2 losses."

    ire tossed the cards.

    "O-One more time!"

    "It will be the same no matter how many times we do it. You''re an open book."

    "......~! H-How frustrating!"

    Rinslet cried out with teary eyes.

    It seemed the two of them had performed a simple purification in the shower as their hair was wet.

    ......The hair clinging to their necks was somehow sexy.

    "Have you been ying cards the whole time?"

    "Yes, it heated up without me noticing!"

    "Even though I also thought about inviting you; where have you been all this time?"

    "Ah, no, I just went to town for lunch......"

    ......There was no way he could say he had been out on a date with the ace of an enemy team.

    "Jeez, if it''s lunch, I would have made it for you."

    "E-Even I can at least make lunch......!"

    "......No, eating cinders for dinner is too heavy on my stomach."

    Kamito muttered as he broke out into a cold sweat.

    "Kamito, wee back."

    Est who had been ying with Scarlet trotted over.

    "Yeah. Sorry for leaving you behind this morning. Here, cake from a night stall."

    Kamito presented the cake box and the sword spirit''s eyes lit up.

    Just then, Ellis opened the door and entered.

    "Everyone, what are you doing? We''ll bete if we don''t hurry."

    "......There''s still an hour left."

    ire sighed in disbelief.

    Part 2

    The spectating nobles had already gathered at the Grand Shrine.

    A magnificent bonfire zed in front of the massive stone gates and the solemn aria of the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens could be heard.

    Undoubtedly, the five Queens were receiving the oracle at the deepest reaches of the Grand Shrine.

    "......There are a lot of people as usual."

    "ire, if you''re scared, do you wanna hold hands?"

    "Y-Yeah......wait, I''m n-not scared!"

    Kamito teased her and ire averted her face from him.

    They walked down the hall extending from the stone gate and,

    "Ahh, Onee-sama and everyone!"

    Rinslet''s little sister waved her hand after noticing them.

    "Mireille!"

    Rinslet hugged her little sister who came running over.

    "Since you''re not here with father, you''ll get lost in these crowds."

    "Mi''s here so I''m fine."

    Mi the maid nodded from behind Mireille.

    "That''s true but......by the way, you''re not here with Carol?"

    "......Yeah, we were with her partway, but it seems that we lost her."

    "My apologies. I had to apany Lady Mireille so......"

    Mi hung her head as if she had no excuse.

    "No, Carol always gets lost."

    Rinslet sighed.

    "......I''ve had this question for a while, but how did Carol pass the Laurenfrost employment exam?"

    "The foremost criterion of a Laurenfrost maid is that she is cute."

    Rinslet said that as if it was extremely obvious.

    "......Well, true, Carol and Mi do fulfill that condition."

    "......!"

    Mi''s ears twitched in response to Kamito''s words.

    "Oh, your ears are red, Mi; what''s wrong?"

    "......It''s nothing. I''m fine."

    Mi replied expressionlessly to Mireille''s teasing smile.

    "Haa, Kamito is truly a natural demon king......"

    Fianna sighed in resignation.

    And.

    "Excuse me, Kazehaya Kamito-dono."

    "---?"

    All of a sudden, his shoulder was hit from behind.

    Turning around, an elderly man with frighteningly good physique was ring sharply at Kamito.

    A fearless face like a falcon. Blue hair that was trimmed short.

    ......He somehow had the impression that there was a great resemnce to someone he knew well.

    "Umm, you are---"

    Kamito knit his brows with suspicion and,

    "Grandfather!"

    Ellis let out a surprised voice beside him.

    "Grandfather......wait, no way!"

    Kamito realized.

    Then this old man was---

    (The empire''s chief advisor on military matters, Duke Fahrengart---)

    A hero of the Ranbal War that had contributed greatly. Honestly speaking, rather than by word of mouth, just seeing him, he was an important noble.

    ire, Rinslet and even Fianna who was from the royalty nodded respectfully.

    Kamito, who was staring in nk amazement, was lightly elbowed by ire and hurriedly nodded respectfully.

    "You need not be so rigid. Lift your heads."

    Duke Fahrengart nodded in aposed manner and smacked Kamito''s shoulder.

    "I have heard much about you from Ellis. Your feats in the de Dance are truly admirable."

    "......Umm, it''s an honor."

    Kamito replied like that while still bewildered. He had imagined someone more fastidious as Ellis'' grandfather, but he seemed unexpectedly candid.

    "We troubled you with the matter of Velsaria. I am told that you were the one who severed those foolish misguided notions. She said she would like to meet you once again after she has finished atoning for her crime."

    "Ah, my esteemed sister did, to Kamito......?"

    Ellis interjected, looking like she was doubtful.

    "What, are you interested?"

    Duke Fahrengart teasingly patted his granddaughter''s head.

    "N-No, that''s......"

    Ellis'' face went bright red and she twined her fingers.

    Seeing that, Duke Fahrengart nodded like he had reaffirmed something and,

    "Kamito-dono."

    "Eh?"

    He leaned in near Kamito''s ear and whispered.

    "I leave Ellis to you. She has her overly serious and stubborn points but she''s an earnest girl. I trust you have no problems with her heritage?"

    "Umm, what do you......"

    He tried to ask but his shoulders were grabbed.

    "However---"

    Duke Fahrengart''s voice lowered.

    "Affairs are not allowed, they are not. You had best remember this. If you make my granddaughter cry, the full military might of Fahrengart house which stands at the head of the warrior ss will be your enemy."

    Grind, grind, grind......the old man''s fingertips dug into his shoulder.

    (......This old man has crazy grip!)

    Kamito shuddered......if he were to make Ellis cry, he may really be killed.

    "With that, I shall excuse myself here. I will be hoping for your victory."

    Duke Fahrengart smiled gently and left quietly.

    "......"

    "Ka-Kamito, well, what did my grandfather say to you?"

    "Ah, no, he entrusted me with you. O-Of course he meant as a teammate."

    Kamito scratched his head while averting his eyes and,

    "I-I see......"

    Ellis held a hand to her chest as if relieved.

    "---It seems the other teams have alsoe."

    Everyone turned to the stone gates at ire''s words.

    The ones who entered were the Knights of the Dragon Emperor spearheaded by Leonora Lancaster.

    "Leonora---"

    Kamito was about to call out but---

    He changed his mind when their eyes met.

    ---The next time we exchange words will be when we de dance.

    He remembered the words she said when they parted.

    Exchanging words was unnecessary. What cameter would only be serious sword strikes.

    Leonora smiled fearlessly and immediately turned her eyes elsewhere and left.

    "......I feel amazing divine power. It looks like they''ve also leveled up."

    "Yeah. Leonora now is probably stronger than she was when the Dragon Blood was raging. Her eyes had no trace of hesitation."

    "......Mu, Kamito observes Leonora-dono quite a bit."

    "Truly, you at least tamed her with that date."

    "I said that wasn''t a date!"

    Kamito shook his head in a fluster in response to the unsatisfied res of Ellis and Fianna.

    The next to appear were the Sacred Spirit Knights who had advanced through the Tempest in second ce.

    They were wearing a uniform that was like the reverse of the Rupture Division''s. Since the Principality of Rossvale had gained its independence from Lugia, it was expected.

    Standing at the head was the Pdin --- Luminaris Saint Leisched.

    A neen year old female knight with interwoven brilliant blonde hair. She was a powerful person that had fought Kamito in the de Dance for the championship three years prior.

    (......She''s a powerful holy spirit user. I had a hard battle against her.)

    Kamito remembered that time.

    A holy attribute spirit had a strong resistance to darkness spirits. Consequently, his darkness elemental waffe, Vorpal Sword, waspletely repelled.

    It seemed like she had sought revenge against Ren Ashbell for three years, but decisively suppressed the surrounding weaker teams in the Tempest.

    (......It''s probably something like having a conclusion at the finals.)

    To begin with, she thought themander of Team Inferno was the real Ren Ashbell but---

    "It''s already time. Does Team Inferno not n to appear?"

    "Well, as long as they leave a familiar, they can hear the oracle."

    Kamito answered ire''s mutter.

    And. The hall suddenly became noisy and then fell into silence.

    Princess maidens wrapped in white ritual clothes came from the altar''s inner door.

    The five Queens that directly served the Five Great Elemental Lords. Their faces were shrouded by a veil so the audience couldn''t see them.

    "Reicha''s the furthest on the left."

    Fianna whispered so that just Kamito could hear.

    Even the girl of whom he had an unshakeable impression that she was a normal girl when they''d met at the Grand Shrine was now wrapped in a solemn atmosphere.

    The Queens at the center continued out in front of the shrine.

    Everyone came to a pause and paid attention to the words that came from those lips.

    Then---

    "---I will now ry the Elemental Lords'' oracle."

    The Queen''s dignified voice was carried throughout the hall by the power of wind spirits.

    "---The stage for the finals is the old abandoned capital, Megidoa."

    Part 3

    Parting from Mireille''s group, they exited the Grand Shrine.

    The refreshing night breeze bore the mor of therge audience.

    "---The abandoned capital Megidoa, huh."

    Kamito muttered as he walked along the gently sloping hill.

    "......It was unexpected. To think that a ce I''ve never heard of woulde up. At least, it shouldn''t have been a stage for the de Dance until now."

    Fianna said with a shrug. Since she who hade from the Divine Ritual Institute had no knowledge of it, it was hardly a ce most people would know.

    Choosing a sacred ground within Astral Zero was the usual for the de Dance.

    Even so, having an abandoned city that wasn''t anything like a sacred ground chosen was---

    (......As I thought, something''s strange about this de Dance.)

    It was as if errors had appeared in a perfect system.

    (......If that''s so, what''s the cause?)

    The de Dance three years ago had proceeded normally.

    What broke that was---

    (......!)

    A shback.

    Within the encroaching ck Wish, the boy reached out a hand for the darkness spirit girl.

    "Ah, ku......!"

    Assaulted by a sudden dizziness, Kamito held his head.

    "Kamito, what''s wrong?"

    ire asked in a worried tone.

    "......Ahh, I''m fine. I just felt a little dizzy."

    Kamito waved his hand to tell her not to worry.

    ......Those memories seemed to be locked away and could not be recalled.

    "---There''s also the field, but we also have to consider the de dance form."

    "That''s right."

    ire nodded in response to Ellis'' mutterings.

    The rule decided upon by the Elemental Lords'' oracle was "Cross Fire".

    The duration was three days. It was basically the same as the Tempest, survival within the field, but the difference was that each team member would be teleported to a different location.

    "To put it bluntly, there is a need to search for one''srades. If a team gathers quickly, they gain the opportunity to crush every one of the enemy team''s elementalists."

    It seemed ire had already begun thinking about tactics suited to the rules.

    Bang!

    At that time, a rainbow-colored flower bloomed in the night sky.

    ---It was a firework. Kamito stopped in his tracks and was entranced by the blooming fireworks.

    The seven-colored lights danced into various forms and entertained the onlookers.

    The lights were really spirits being released.

    "It''s beautiful......"

    ire murmured as she gazed at the fireworks in a trance.

    "They''reunching spirit crystals for that, right? It''s ridiculously high up."

    "Jeez, your thinking is that of a plebeian."

    ire shrugged her shoulders, sounding a little surprised.

    "When you speak of fireworks---"

    And Ellis opened her mouth as if she had just remembered something.

    "When we return to the academy, we have to prepare for the Grand Spirit Festival."

    "Grand Spirit Festival?"

    "It''s an academy festival that is held at Areishia Spirit Academy every year. The Sylphid Knights also be so busy we''d even ept the help of a cat, so you had best prepare yourself as well."

    "So there''s an academy festival. It sounds fun."

    "Yeah. But the side that keeps public morals can''t say that. The spirits inst year''s Raven ss production went wild and became a big problem."

    "T-That brings back memories......"

    "T-There might have been something like that!"

    ......In order to avoid the issue, the problem childrenbo from the Raven ss turned towards the future.

    "I''m part of the group that was just admitted, so I have Freya-sensei''s supplementary lessons after we return."

    Fianna sighed a little.

    ......They were only about ten days ago, but those days at the academy were nostalgic.

    Two months ago, Team Scarlet consisted of only ire and Kamito.

    But they had gathered five teammates, won through the ranking battles and made it this far.

    ---There were three days left in the de Dance.

    He wondered if he could regain that which was important to him with his own hands.

    (Or possibly lose everything......)

    An even grander firework bloomed in the night sky.

    "I wonder if we can win and return to the academy safe and sound."

    Maybe from being sentimental, Ellis voiced her anxiety.

    "We''vee this far. We only need to de dance with all our strength."

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    "If webine our strength, we can even defeat that fake Ren Ashbell---"

    At that moment, Fianna''s face seemed to cloud over.

    "Fianna, what''s wrong?"

    "......I-It''s nothing."

    Kamito inquired and Fianna averted her eyes as she shook her head.

    He was a little interested in her attitude but---

    (......That''s right. I must win against that other Strongest de Dancer.)

    ---In order to discover the truth behind three years ago and save Restia.

    Underneath the leather glove on his left hand, the darkness spirit''s seal throbbed with a dull pain.

    And.

    "---That''s the spirit. ire Rouge."

    Until she called out, nobody had noticed her presence.

    Turning around, a beautiful woman with ash blonde hair was there.

    "......Greyworth?"

    Drawing the spirit crystal''s light closer anding over, it was the Dusk Witch.

    "Headmistress, what are you doing here!?"

    ire said in a surprised voice.

    "---Sorry, but I''ll be borrowing thed for now."

    "Kamito?"

    "For what? Tomorrow is the finals."

    Kamito said as if snarling and,

    "The night is still long. Doesn''t improving rtions suffice as a reason?"

    "Wha!?"

    All the youngdies were stirred up at Greyworth''s words.

    "K-Kamito, don''t tell me, even up to the headmistress......"

    Gogogogogogogo......!

    "Haa, the scope of Kamito-kun''s defense surprises me sometimes."

    "Kamito-san really doesn''t have any boundaries!"

    "C-Curse you, such shameless......"

    "W-Wait, there''s really nothing like that!"

    Kamito yelled in a panic.

    Seeing the youngdies'' reactions, Greyworth smiled like she was enjoying herself.

    "It was a joke. I''m not stealing thed, so rest easy."

    """"W-We weren''t worried!""""

    The red-faced youngdies gave a collective cry.

    "If it''s a joke, I''m heading back."

    Kamito tried to turn to leave and,

    "Well, don''t be in such a rush. I have something I''d like to impart to you."

    "What?"

    "I can''t give it to you here. It''s necessary for your victory."

    Greyworth''s expression had be serious at some point.

    "......"

    Kamito thought for a little---

    "......Okay. Let''s finish this quickly."

    "Whether it will be short or not depends on you."

    Greyworth shrugged.

    Kamito turned to his teammates and,

    "Sorry. Please return to the castle ahead of me."

    "......Y-Yes, we will."

    ire nodded a little sadly.

    "Ahh, that''s right. Bring along that sword spirit."

    "Est?"

    "Since the night is dangerous. A means to defend oneself is necessary."

    "You need protection? What kind of joke is this......is that okay, Est?"

    "Yes. I am Kamito''s sword. For as long as you wish."

    Est nodded and changed form into her elemental waffe, Terminus Est.

    Part 4

    Greyworth descended from the hill and walked into the deep forest.

    The night spirits floated between trees, giving off mysterious light.

    "We''ll be there soon. Improving rtions has to be done somewhere others can''t see."

    "Wha......!"

    "Don''t blush every time. You''re really cute."

    "Kuu......"

    The Dusk Witch smiled like she was having fun.

    The sound of fireworks still echoed from far away.

    "......It''s been a long time. Walking through the forest with you like this."

    "You tricked me by saying we were going mushroom hunting in the forest and we ended up hunting an archdemon ss spirit."

    Kamito leered at Greyworth who was walking in front of him.

    "Ahh, that did happen."

    "I really thought I''d die that time."

    "But that livebat was the best kind of training, right?"

    Greyworth shrugged.

    "That was when you grasped the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance."

    "If I hadn''t, I would have died."

    "Sheesh, since when did you be so rebellious. You were more honest and cute three years ago --- and we''re here."

    Greyworth finally came to a halt.

    Arge space made by clearing the forest. It was likely for the training of the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens.

    "So what was it you wanted to give me?"

    Greyworth''s grey eyes seemed to be piercing Kamito as they gazed at him.

    "---Kamito, I will entrust you with the final Absolute de Art."

    "......Wh......at......?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened at the unexpected response.

    The Absolute de Arts of the Dusk Witch who was called the strongest elementalist on the continent.

    That was something that, together with Vorpal Sword, had created Ren Ashbell.

    "......What do you mean? You should have already entrusted me with the secrets three years ago."

    Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance --- an anti-spirit destruction sword technique.

    The technique that defeated the monster of darkness, Nepenthes Lore.

    Anything beyond that technique shouldn''t exist---

    "Certainly, that technique is the top sword technique. If sessful, it will even massacre an archdemon ss spirit."

    Greyworth shook her head.

    "But there is a final secret that I didn''t teach you."

    "Final secret......"

    Kamito gulped. The witch wasn''t teasing him.

    "Why---"

    "There is a reason I didn''t teach you it three years ago. If someone inexperienced with the Absolute de Arts uses it, his or her body will be destroyed."

    "......"

    Certainly, the Absolute de Arts which surpassed the limits of flesh would destroy the user''s body.

    In actuality, even now, Kamito had not mastered them to a sufficient degree.

    "But that technique---"

    "That''s right. Honestly speaking, you shouldn''t use that kind of technique in livebat."

    Greyworth assented easily.

    "But the you of now cannot win against the Strongest de Dancer. That is reality."

    ......He couldn''t retort.

    That was something that Kamito himself understood best.

    "......If I perform that secret sessfully, I can beat her?"

    "---Possibly. You are weaker than you were then but your matured body is better. Your body now may be able to withstand the secret''s recoil."

    Greyworth''s mouth curled and she ced a hand to the ground.

    A beam of light like blood came out and an ominous magic square was drawn.

    "---Come forth from the gates of Hell, earl that ascends to greatness, demon spirit Void!"

    "......!"

    From the center of the magic square glowing with red light came a formless lump of darkness.

    Kamito''s skin stood on end from the dreadful air of intimidation.

    Formerly under Demon King Solomon, one of the pirs of his seventy-two spirits.

    Greyworth extended her hand out and the lump of darkness became a sword at once, appearing in the witch''s hand.

    Elemental waffe --- Storm Bringer.

    With an appearance greatly resembling Restia''s Vorpal Sword, it was a jet ck sword.

    "......"

    Kamito unsheathed the Demon yer wordlessly.

    The shining silvery white brilliance lit up the dark forest.

    "It''s been three years since ourst practice. Are you prepared,d?"

    "The you of three years ago wouldn''t have asked that to an opponent that has drawn their sword."

    He had nothing to worry about.

    For the current Kamito, the power to defeat the other Ren Ashbell was required.

    In an instant, Greyworth''s silhouette disappeared.

    Deflecting the de sh, a harsh metallic sound resounded in the night forest.

    "......!"

    "Ohh, you withstood the first strike. It seems you''ve recovered your sense from long ago."

    The elemental waffen created sparks as they ground against each other.

    (As usual, such monstrous strength......!)

    He instinctively shuddered.

    If it had been Kamito before the de Dance, he wouldn''t have been able to see through it.

    ---Yes, this was the de of the one previously called the strongest on the continent.

    The divine power gushing forth from Storm Bringer was overwhelming Terminus Est.

    "......Est is losing!?"

    "That spirit isn''t inferior to mine. There is an inconsistency in your output of divine power. It''s been your weak point since before."

    Greyworth dered that coldly and increased her sword pressure.

    "Kuu --- why, you......!"

    Kamito filled Est with all the divine power in his body.

    The silvery white sword gave off an oppressive shine and began pushing back against Storm Bringer in an instant.

    "Yes, your instantaneous power exceeds me. However---"

    Greyworth disappeared from his sight.

    And faster than the thirst for blood---

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form --- Purple Lightning!"

    A stab like lightning gouged Kamito''s abdomen.

    "Kahaa!"

    A severe impact hit him and Kamito''s body hit the ground. The bodily damage from the elemental waffe was converted to mental damage, causing a severe concussion.

    "---Stand. I held back."

    "......"

    Kamito groaned and shakily got to his feet.

    It was true she held back.

    Since he had taken an Absolute de Art but could still stand.

    "......It''s been a while since I''ve taken that sword technique."

    While wiping the blood from his lip, Kamito smiled.

    "Did that wake you up,d?"

    "Yeah. Thanks."

    Once again, he readied the shining Terminus Est with both his hands.

    He stared directly at Greyworth who stood before him.

    He could feel something awakening within himself.

    The memories engraved in his body wereing back vividly.

    "The girls are waiting---"

    Kamito smiled fearlessly.

    "I''ll have you pass over the strongest Absolute de Art quickly."

    "---That''s it, those are the eyes. Only those eyes haven''t changed from three years ago."

    Greyworth''s grey eyes stared at Kamito.

    The point of the demon sword slowly came to aim at the middle of Kamito''s forehead.

    It was an oppression that sent goosebumps along his skin.

    "Listen well, I won''t show you the secret more than once. Grasp its nature in that one strike."

    "Just once?"

    "What it means is it will be impossible if you cannot grasp it after just once. Simply inheriting the title as the strongest elementalist does not mean you have the qualities to learn the Absolute de''s secret."

    Greyworth informed him in a piercingly cold voice.

    Kamito''s whole body broke out in a cold sweat.

    A momentary silence. Then---

    "......Okay. That''s enough."

    Kamito gave a short nod.

    A superficial sword would not pass for Greyworth.

    In order to fill his elemental waffe with his thoughts, he closed his eyes and honed his senses.

    What came to his mind was---

    ire, Fianna, Ellis, Rinslet --- the faces of hisrades.

    And the Demon yer in his hands, Terminus Est.

    (......There''s no way I can lose!)

    The sword in his hand was one which carried the Wishes of all of them.

    "---Let''s do this, Greyworth."

    "Ahh, there''s no use holding back. Come at me with the strongest technique you have."

    "Has there ever been a time I''ve held back against you?"

    He filled Terminus Est with all his divine power.

    The silvery white sword shone dazzlingly, wiping away the forest''s darkness.

    Kamito charged as if to split the wind.

    (---The strongest sword technique I can use now.)

    He kicked the ground and elerated. He changed to a reverse grip on the holy sword in his hands.

    Then---

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form --- Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Eighteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    With a glint, countless scattered des shed.

    The shes'' shes were a destructive de dance that boasted absolute killing power.

    ---Properly speaking, it was a technique for the purpose of defeating a mighty archdemon ss spirit.

    The storm of consecutive attacks resembling the blooming of a flower.

    But the strongest witch on the continent --- stopped all of that with her de.

    Putting aside when she was in her golden age, Greyworth right now shouldn''t be able to match up to Kamito physically. Then why was she able to take on Kamito''s sword---

    He came to know the answer soon.

    (......!?)

    Greyworth''s ash blonde hair was giving off a faint luminescence.

    It was the glow of the divine power she was expelling. And it was strong enough to be seen with the naked eye.

    (While we were exchanging blows, she absorbed my divine power!?)

    He wondered if that was the ability of Void''s elemental waffe---

    (No, that''s wrong --- it''s not that!)

    Greyworth was matching her divine power to Kamito''s divine power.

    If one were topletely match their opponent''s movements and breathing, he or she could make the opponent''s divine power which would normally be repelled his or her own --- that was already something not of battle de dancing but of the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens'' specialty.

    (This is the Absolute de''s secret---)

    The countless repelled sparks --- the concealed surges of the eighteen consecutive strikes that held absolute killing power.

    The instant the final sword blownded.

    Kamito understood. The truth of the Absolute de''s secret.

    (......It''sing!)

    Kamito had put all his divine power into the eighteen consecutive strikes.

    ---That enormous power was now infused into Greyworth''s sword.

    Evasion was impossible. He instinctively understood that.

    Greyworth''s lips moved slightly---

    Then---

    "Absolute de Arts, Final Form --- Last Strike!"

    The glinting tip of the sword pierced Kamito''s chest.

 Volume 8, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 8, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    The Absolute de Art, Final Form --- Last Strike.

    ¡°You neutralize your opponent¡¯s attack power and then hit him hard with a counter... huh. For an ultimate sword technique, that¡¯s really unexpectedly simple.¡±

    Kamitoy spread-eagle with his eyes open and muttered.

    A number of healing spirit crystals were scattered about next to him. It seemed that Greyworth had been the one who had revived him from unconsciousness.

    Kamito saw a head of neck-length, ashen blonde hair.

    Greyworth¡¯s face was right in front of his, looking down at him.

    Beads of sweat condensed on Greyworth¡¯s brow.

    ¡°The Absolute de Art... did you see it all?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I think I got it, more or less.¡±

    The feeling of having that ultimate attack tear into his body was carved into his memory.

    (... But, can I actually use it?)

    It might be obvious, but just seeing that ultimate attack wasn¡¯t enough to master it. If you countered, you could defeat a stronger opponent, but it was a double-edged sword, as a single mistake could mean the end of everything.

    So it was definitely not a skill he could just use carelessly.

    ¡°Ah, I see.¡±

    Greyworth chuckled, seemingly satisfied-

    -and then her body suddenly shook and buckled.

    And her face fell right into Kamito¡¯s chest as hey there on his back.

    ¡°...... H-Hey, what the hell are you doing?!¡±

    She didn¡¯t look right.

    Kamito shook her by the shoulders, but,

    ¡°Kamito, I¡¯m leaving the rest to you-¡±

    Greyworth clutched at her chest in pain and gasped for breath, seeming out of her mind.

    And the light slowly disappeared from her grey eyes.

    ¡°Defeat Ren Ashbell...¡±

    ¡°Greyworth!¡±

    Kamito¡¯s scream echoed into that silent night.

    Part 2

    It was in a cave beneath the ground of Ragna Ys.

    A girl with a crimson mask opened her ruby eyes slightly.

    She could feel that a great divine power had been vanquished somewhere.

    ¡°I see. Dusk has passed, and the dark night beckons.¡±

    ¡°Ren Ashbell-sama, is something the matter?¡±

    The silver-haired girl Lily me stood prepared by her side and frowned.

    ¡°Right now, at this moment, an age has passed. That is all.¡±

    ¡°......?¡±

    The masked girl, Ren Ashbell, stood up and began to walk outside.

    ¡°I¡¯m going. To prepare for war.¡±

    ¡°A-Alright!¡±

    A somewhat flustered Lily hurried after her master.

    The insane spirit of darkness, the Snake of the Theocracy. I will not let anyone get in your way.

    In order to topple the kings of this world.

 Volume 8, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 8, Afterword</h4>

    ---Princess maidens that serve a dragon may not wear underwear.

    To all who have taken this book into their hands, truly thank you very much!

    We have reached the eighth volume of "Seirei Tsukai no de," "The Night Before the Finale".

    Having won through the Tempest admirably, Team Scarlet returns to the floating ind. In preparation for the approaching finals, Kamito takes a short rest --- or so he thinks, but he ends up on a date with the strongest ace from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, Leonora Lancaster!?

    Last time and the time before that, shy battles were happening so this time I delved into the heroines'' pasts and the date with a heroine from another team. Of course, I have various things prepared for the finals which start next volume, so all of you who like battles, please look forward to it!

    Thanks and now for the announcements. At present, Hyouji Yuitsusei-sensei''sic version of "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" is serialized in Comic Alive''s magazine. Please somehow support the invigorating battle scenes and insanely cute heroines that Hyouji-sensei draws.

    Sakura Hanpen-sensei, thank you for your wonderful drawings as well. Leonora''s armpits on the front cover look very good. Others that were drawn for the first time like Mi Bassett, Kamito from the past, Lolislet (¡û I wanted to try saying it), etc. were drawn very cutely.

    To my editor Shouji-sama, I am always really relying on you. The rumored "Light Novel King ¡î Seiya" with a main character that seems to be modeled after Shouji-san is serialized in Comic Gene and is enjoying great poprity (advertisement).

    Lastly, to all the readers. By receiving all your support, "Seirei Tsukai no de Dance" has reached its eighth volume. Sakura Hanpen-sensei, Hyouji Yuitsusei-sensei and Shouji-san, I will be going all out from here on, so I''m counting on you!

    I read all the impressions from the cellphone survey carefully and I''m really happy to receive them. As usual, in the poprity rankings, Est and Restia are strong, and Kamito who appeared on the cover of the seventh volume also rose in poprity. From the team''s youngdies, Ellis rose a little and after that, the rest feel average.

    ---With that, the ninth volume''s finals will have more and more battles.

    Cross Fire --- Amidst the ze, what does Kamito see?

    Shimizu Yuu, July 2012

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you, after another long period, it''s Sakura Hanpen!

    The girl that wears no underwear, Leonora-san.

    I wonder if it feels cold. Rather, wearing tights directly is so erotic.

    Moreover, I wonder if wearing a miniskirt is on her preference.

    When will there be a unveiling scene, I wonder.

    Shimizu-sensei, when will you rip her clothes?

    I''ll be expecting it. Yes...

    If I draw without thinking, there''s too little space...I can''t write enough...

    That''s just reaping what I sow but let''s meet again in the next volume~ (¡ä¦Ø`)??

    Thank you for picking this up!

 Volume 9, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 9, Prologue</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe night before the finale.

    Immediately following the moment when the style in which the match finals would be conducted was announced at the grand shrine of Ragna Ys.

    Under the cover of the night, one small flying boatnded in the middle of a forest.

    The ship¡¯s nationality was cleverly disguised, but it was actually the Alphas Theocracy¡¯s high speed smuggling boat, loaded with a militarized spirit.

    ¡°...You¡¯re finally here.¡±

    There was a small sanctuary built within the forest.

    At the front of the door, Lily me had been waiting for the boat.

    From the entrance of the boat thatnded without a sound, a group of priests, wearing jet-ck robes alighted.

    There were twenty of them. All of them had covered their faces with ck cloth, but it could be easily inferred from their quick movements that they were trainedbat specialists.

    They were members of the Demon King cult''s secret agency¡ªSnake.

    ¡°¡ªYou sure took your time. I got tired of waiting.¡±

    The one, who turned towards them and voiced out, was¡ªa small girl with dark gray hair.

    Muir Alenstarl. Like Lily me, she was also an orphan of the Instructional School.

    In contrast to that lovely appearance of hers, she was an elementalist in possession of dreadful and unusual powers.

    ¡°It¡¯s because you squandered the militarized spirits without even thinking. By right, Colossus and Garuda should be used in the finals, and yet¡ª¡±

    While Muir red sideways, Lily sighed lightly.

    In truth, negotiations with the Theocracy involved in the supply of militarized spirits were on the verge of breakdown until yesterday.

    Had Team Inferno failed to achieve overwhelming victory in the Tempest recently, they probably would not be able to receive the support of a new militarized spirit.

    ¡ªAt this moment, an elderly monk stepped forward out from the group of ck-robed people, and handed over to Muir a crafted box with delicate ornament added onto it.

    ¡°Be pleased. The great Hierarch has bestowed the strongest militarized spirit upon the likes of you.¡±

    ¡°Is it alright if we check the inside?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    The elder nodded to Lily¡¯s affirmation.

    ¡°The strongest militarized spirit¡ªHuh? I wonder if this one would be usable?¡±

    Muir casually opened the crafted box.

    Stored in the box was¡ªa dimly shining silver bracelet.

    From an outsider¡¯s perspective, it looked like some mediocre bracelet. However, the truth was that almost all of the many legend-ss magic tools were of modest design without exquisite ornaments.

    (The material is highly pure mithril?¡ª)

    The words engraved on its surface belonged to the lostnguage of High Ancient.

    Lily squinted her red eyes characteristic of the Elfim race and read out the name carved over there.

    ¡°...Vraukar!? Don¡¯t tell me, that demon ruling over mes of ruination¡ª¡±

    A shiver ran down her spine. That was the true name of the archdemon that destroyed countless number of cities and countries in the far ancient times¡ªthe period of the Spirit War.

    (¡ªThe Theocracy''s Snake actually prepared such a spirit.)

    It had the highest ranking battle strength for a militarized spirit possessed by the state.

    Even Muir, who was usuallyposed, couldn¡¯t conceal her surprise as expected.

    However, like she wasn¡¯t concerned about Lily¡¯s trembling,

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty boorish and isn¡¯t something of Onii-sama¡¯s liking.¡±

    Muir put the bracelet onto her slender arm and spoke out her dissatisfaction.

    It was the highest ranking tactical-ss militarized spirit that could destroy a city singlehandedly.

    However, to her, it was only one of her mere tools.

    Driving spirits mad and exhausting their very existence, her weird power¡ªJester¡¯s Vise.

    That was what it meant to the Monster born with such a curse-like superpower.

    Then.

    ¡°¡ªYou girls don¡¯t have the right to have an opinion. Assassination puppets of the Instructional School.¡±

    A ghastly voice could be heard from somewhere.

    ¡°Team Inferno is no more than the Hierarch¡¯s pawn. Pawns should just y their assigned roles.¡±

    From the darkness of the night, appearing like a mist was¡ª

    With blue hair reminiscent of snake scales, it was a girl wearing ascivious clothing of a foreign nation¡¯s custom.

    The moment she showed up, the members of Snake prostrated themselves all at once.

    ¡°Sjora Kahn! Where have you been¡ª¡±

    Lily swallowed her words ofint just before finishing her question.

    She had already grasped that this witch had kidnapped Fianna Rey Ordesia by her own judgment in the midst of Tempest.

    That was a clear act of disloyalty to Cardinal, Lily¡¯s master.

    However¡ª

    (I knew that that girl wasn¡¯t someone that could be trusted from the beginning.)

    The Theocracy''s Snake was, after all, only rted to an alliance formed out of their interest.

    It was easy to reproach her of an act of treachery at this ce, but it wasn¡¯t a good n to aggravate the rtions with the Theocracy.

    (...I¡¯ll definitely make you atone for that.)

    Lily stopped ring at the witch silently, but in the next moment.

    ¡°Hey, are you ordering Muir? Despite that you¡¯re a small fry beaten by Onii-sama.¡±

    ¡°Muir!?¡±

    Lily subconsciously gulped in response to those provoking wordsing from Muir¡¯s mouth.

    Then, the smilingposure disappeared from Sjora Kahn¡¯s face.

    ¡°...What... was that?¡±

    Her snake-like red eyes, filled with never-ending hatred, turned towards Muir.

    ¡°Oh, do you want to do it here? I¡¯m quite alright for it, you know?¡±

    Muir expressed a fearless smile.

    ¡°Onee-chan, if you fought with me, you¡¯d die, you know?¡±

    ¡°Ug...¡±

    Sjora¡¯s cheeks slightly twitched.

    Muir Alenstarl¡¯s power as an elementalist was out of the norm. Even though the Theocracy''s witch possessed considerable power, purely in terms of genuine battle skills, she could hardly match the graduates of the Instructional School.

    Muir had already put on the bracelet of Vraukar. If she released the militarized spirit here, the forest vicinity would vanish in an instant.

    ¡°Muir, stop it!¡±

    Lily desperately shouted.

    ¡°What, Lily, are you ordering Muir?¡±

    ¡°If you cause an uproar here, you might lose the right to be a participant in the finals.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Then, Muir puffed her cheeks sullenly.

    ¡°...I can¡¯t help it then. I would hate it to be unable to y with Onii-sama at the finals.¡±

    Reluctantly, she put her arms down.

    Lily breathed a sigh of relief.

    Muir turned around as if she lost interest in Sjora.

    ¡°Now that we¡¯ve taken the toy, we have no use for such a boring ce. Let¡¯s go, Lily. We¡¯re going to miss the screening of the final of The Three Cat Knights.

    ¡°W-Wait up, Muir...¡±

    Lily hurriedly chased after Muir who ran into the darkness.

    Part 2

    While she red at the darkness the two ran into¡ª

    ¡°¡ªThose lowly assassins...¡±

    The Theocracy¡¯s witch Sjora Kahn intensely bit down on her mrs.

    Originally, Team Inferno was nothing more than mercenaries the Theocracy had hired. In spite of that, that girl iming to be Ren Ashbell was taking action on her own ord.

    Even that was annoying but¡ª

    (... That girl interfered with my n.)

    Sjora was so filled with rage that she could feel her insides boiling.

    The one who released Sjora''s captive, the Darkness Queen candidate¡ªFianna Ray Ordesia, was her without a doubt.

    Had she not released the Ordesia princess at the time, Sjora would not have suffered such an unsightly defeat.

    ¡°...I¡¯ll definitely not let this pass. That girl, those conceited brats from Instructional School, the girls in Team Scarlet, and Kazehaya Kamito¡ªEveryone, everyone, everyone, everyone will be killed by my very hands.¡±

    Her charming red lips quivered in hatred. Her defeat at Pandemonium was etched as an unerasable humiliation into Sjora¡¯s memories.

    ¡°Princess¡ª¡±

    The elder of Snake opened his mouth as he remained prostrated on the ground.

    ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s regarding your request, but we are definitely in possession of it.¡±

    ¡°Ah, is that so?¡±

    At that moment, Sjora smiled with satisfaction.

    That¡¯s right, that was her goal for appearing here.

    ¡°It''s here now, right? Show it to me.¡±

    ¡°Ye¡ª¡±

    The elder nodded, and respectfully held up a small ring taken from the sleeves of his robe.

    ¡°Fufu, this is...¡±

    Putting the ring on her right ring finger, the witch smiled in satisfaction.

    Sealed in the ring was a spirit that would form a pair with the demon Baldanders.

    ¡°The one who takes everything by force¡ªBandersnatch. With this, I¡¯ll...¡±

    Sjora Kahn was gazing at the ring with a rapturous expression,

    ¡°¡ªAnd, one more thing. There¡¯s a message for you, princess.¡±

    The Snake elder continued with a t tone.

    ¡°A message?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ªfrom our Hierarch-sama.¡±

    ¡°Our Hierarch-sama!?¡±

    Rosy tones shed across Sjora¡¯s cheeks.

    Years had passed since the Snake''s Hierarchst bestowed any words upon her.

    ¡°R-Really¡ªno, so, what did Hierarch-sama say?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡ª¡±

    The elder shortly nodded at the witch, who was hurriedly pressing on,

    ¡°Useless puppet, I shall take over from now onwards¡ªhe said.¡±

    ¡°...Eh?¡±

    Without the time to understand the meaning of those words¡ª

    All twenty members of Snake present unsheathed their des at the same time.

    In an instant, the group of ck robes rushed in. Silver shes urred in the darkness of the night, and twenty des pierced the entire body of the witch.

    ¡°...Ha... You guys, what¡ª!¡±

    ¡°All is within your ns. Princess, as one who has inherited royal blood, you shall now be the new vessel to incarnate the Hierarch.¡±

    ¡°...Ha, I was deceived... ug...¡±

    ¡°All in ordance with Hierarch-sama''s guidance.¡±

    The group that pierced the witch¡¯s whole body sung the incantation in spiritnguage.

    From the edges of the des, violent shes of lightning gushed out and mowed down the surrounding trees.

    That sight seemed to be a ritual to summon an even stronger spirit.

    ¡°...Ah... Hierarch-sa...ma...¡±

    The witch gasped as she reached her hand out to the sky¡ª

    Her body suddenly made a shaking motion.

    Then¡ª

    ¡°Ku, ha...haha...kuhahahahaha!¡±

    Tearing up the silent, the loudughter resounded in the stillness of the night.

    ¡°¡ªAs expected of the descendant of the royalty, I¡¯ve nothing to criticize about its disposition as a vessel!¡±

    ¡°Hierarch-sama, that body is a temporary vessel. Please do not forget that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me that. It¡¯s a little cramped, but I¡¯ll endure until I obtain a proper body.¡±

    He nced at the prostrating group with a bored-look,

    ¡°The one to have thestugh will be me.¡ªHello there, the other Demon King.¡±

    The thing that had Sjora¡¯s appearance wickedly distorted her lips.

 Volume 9, 1 - Entrusted Promise

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 1 - Entrusted Promise</h4>

    Part 1

    It waste in the night before the final round.

    Kamito was sitting in a chair by the sickbed with a grave expression.

    The current location was the Divine Ritual Institute''s treatment facility. Lying on the sickbed was the person once renowned as the strongest elementalist on the continent, Greyworth Ciel Mais.

    "...It''s not your fault. Don''t look so depressed."

    Greyworth spoke softly with a wry smile.

    "..."

    However, Kamito''s expression remained unchanged. After all, the only reason why she copsed was that she exhausted her own power for the sake of letting Kamito inherit the secret technique of the Absolute de Arts.

    After that, Kamito instantly brought the unconscious Greyworth to the Divine Ritual Institute''s treatment facility.

    Thanks to timely treatment, her life was saved but all the pathways in her body for the cirction of divine power had been irreparably severed.

    --In other words, she could nevermand spirits again.

    The famous Dusk Witch and strongest elementalist was no longer.

    "Why..."

    Kamito trembled as he clenched his fists hard.

    "You knew this would happen, but why..."

    "It was going to happen sooner orter. Now it simply moved forward slightly earlier."

    Greyworth spoke with self-mockery.

    "I did mention in the past that I obtained temporary immortality and sustained youth simply through the Elemental Lords'' Wish. As an elementalist, my original power was already long gone."

    Saying that, she extended her arm before Kamito.

    The spirit seal of the demon spirit hadpletely vanished from the right hand where it originally resided.

    "Rather, I should say that it was my good fortune to have a chance to entrust that sword technique to you,d. Even though it''s a double-edged sword, and it''s not like you absolutely cannot win without it..."

    Greyworth stopped talking at this moment--

    Her gray eyes stared sharply into Kamito''s face.

    "Lad, will you make me a promise right now?"

    "Promise?"

    "You must defeat that masked elementalist -- the other Ren Ashbell. You are the only one who can stop her."

    "..."

    Kamito was overwhelmed by her imposing manner which one could not imagineing from a patient on the verge of death.

    "...Yeah, I understand."

    Immediately, he agreed vigorously.

    ...Nothing more needed to be said. That girl was surely an opponent he had to settle things with.

    However, why would Greyworth be so insistent on this matter--

    "Could it be that you already know? Her goal--"

    "No, even though I tried investigating, neither her identity nor her origins have been elucidated at this point."

    Greyworth shook her head.

    "However, one thing is certain. Backed by the Alphas Theocracy, she has been stockpiling militarized spirits in preparation for the war that will sweep over the entire continent."

    "War...?"

    Come to think of it -- that Ren Ashbell did say something like that once.

    Gatheringbat potential for the sake of fighting the kings of this world.

    "Lad, regarding the Ranbal War, how much do you know?"

    "...The Ranbal War?"

    Faced with this sudden question, Kamito frowned.

    "I don''t really know the details. Just whatever''smon knowledge."

    "...Hmm, for ad of your age, that''s pretty much to be expected."

    The Ranbal War that once swept over the entire continent was the greatestrge-scale war between countries in history.

    The war initially sparked from disputes between minor countries over spirit crystal mining rights. However, due to the secret machinations of the major powers, the war gradually spread over the entire continent. During the great war, many elementalists were sent to the battlefield, thus tragically cutting short the lives of many young maidens.

    --The Dusk Witch was the hero of that war.

    "...During that war, many of my fellow princess maidens lost their lives. Amongst them were also many who admired me. I have no wish to witness another scene of that sort in the remainder of my life."

    As if recalling distant memories, Greyworth murmured.

    Her gray eyes, what were they actually seeing right now?

    "Kamito."

    Suddenly, she gripped Kamito''s hand forcefully.

    "Your sword is different from mine. Yours is a sword for protecting what''s precious. Never ever forget this."

    "..."

    Uncharacteristically, the Dusk Witch disyed seriousness in her eyes, causing Kamito to gulp down a mouthful of air.

    Nodding slightly, he gently let go of those freezing cold hands of hers.

    "Okay, it''s almost time for rest."

    Greyworth murmured with exhaustion andy back on the bed.

    "It''s also time for you to return to the castle residence. Those highborndies must surely be worrying."

    "...You don''t need me to stay and apany you?"

    "Hmph, who do you take me for?"

    Greyworth could not suppress a wry smile.

    "Or perhaps, you intend to do something obscene to me in my sleep? Seriously,d, your strike zone is frighteningly broad."

    "W-What are you talking about!? It''s not like that at all!"

    "Please don''t be so loud. I am a hospitalized invalid after all."

    "S-Sorry..."

    Kamito apologized obediently.

    "Hmph, you''re still so adorable,d. Ah yes, by the way--"

    As if suddenly remembering something, Greyworth extended towards Kamito an envelope that had been kept on the bedside.

    "This is?"

    "After returning to the castle residence, please hand this over to those youngdies in your team. As the Academy''s headmistress, there are words I''d like to tell those adorable students."

    "...Got it. I will pass it along to them."

    Kamito nodded and took the envelope containing the letter.

    Part 2

    Wielding in his hand Est who had returned to sword form, Kamito was just about to leave the clinic.

    "--Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kazehaya Kamito-kun."

    At that moment, he suddenly heard a voice talking to him.

    He looked ahead to find a princess maiden dressed in a pure white robe, standing some distance away from the entrance.

    Her ck hair was tied up behind her back. Her sky blue eyes disyed great intellect as they shed beneath her sses.

    She counted as a slightly familiar face. Three years ago, Kamito had seen her once at the de Dance.

    If he remembered correctly, this girl, two years older than Kamito, was named--

    "...Dame Lurie of the Numbers?"

    "Truly an honor. I didn''t expect you to remember my name."

    Smiling gently, she brought her hands to her cheeks delightedly.

    Lurie Lizaldia.

    Ranked eighth amongst the Ordesia Empire''s prided Numbers.

    Nicknamed -- Lurie the "Miraculous."

    She was the highest ranking Healer who specialized in researching healing spells.

    Although the Numbers were known as knights, it did not imply that all members were spirit knights with exceptionalbat skills.

    The time when the title corresponded to its literal description and was bestowed only upon knights was in the distant past. Not only did the current Numbers include experts in rituals, amongst its ranks were also learned schrs, princess maidens skilled in crafting magical tools, etc.

    Amongst them, Lurie was the expert in healing magic.

    She probably came here to apany the Empire''s spectating group, in case of idents involving royalty.

    "You came here to treat Greyworth?"

    "Yes. The Divine Ritual Institute contacted me. Since Greyworth-sama is a hero the Empire takes pride in, I will surely devote my best efforts."

    "...I see."

    Since she was the highest ranking Healer of the current generation, leaving things to her should be fine.

    "Greyworth seems like she will be sleeping for a while."

    "I understand. Then I''ll have her treated a littleter."

    Lurie smiled faintly.

    "So..."

    "What is it?"

    "About Greyworth, she can no longer use a contracted spirit--"

    Kamito halted his question with a grave expression. Lurie also bowed her head slightly.

    "Her body was already heavily corroded by the Cursed Armament Seal transnted on her heart."

    "...A Cursed Armament Seal transnted on her heart!?"

    This was Kamito''s first time hearing of that.

    Although Cursed Armament Seal heart transnts had been performed during the Ranbal War as an initiative spearheaded by the knights, reportedly, there were virtually no sessful cases.

    Ellis'' foster elder sister Velsaria had also undergone the same operation through a Murders merchant. In the end, she suffered the tragic fate of having her circtory system damaged by divine power running amok.

    "Without a miracle from the Elemental Lords which granted her immortality, Dame Greyworth''s body probably would not havested till now. Even after the Ranbal War ended, in order to protect the Empire, she was obliged to continue her supremacy as the strongest elementalist."

    And just as she was about to lose that power, the Dusk Witch entrusted everything she had to Kamito.

    Everything she had protected to this point--

    The future of the world.

    "..."

    Asplicated thoughts and feelings swirled in his heart, Kamito stood silently in the same spot.

    Seeing that, Lurie once again smiled gently and prepared to leave the clinic.

    "Ah, by the way, Kamito-kun--"

    However, she suddenly stopped walking and turned around.

    "After the current de Dance ends, you should be receiving a rmendation to join the Numbers. Of course, it does depend on your performance during the finals, but currently the seventh and eleventh seats are still vacant. Given your ability, you definitely qualify."

    "..."

    The de Dance was also a stage for scouting outstanding elementalists.

    Although he was still under the radar back in the Academy, having performed magnificently as the ace of Team Scarlet, Kamito had be the center of attention all of a sudden.

    "Sorry, I''mpletely uninterested in the Numbers title. I''ve already declined before."

    "You''ve declined before?"

    "Uh, no..."

    Seeing Lurie incline her head in puzzlement, Kamito frantically shook his head and backtracked.

    (...Right. Last time I refused was three years ago, as "her.")

    "Never mind. Anyway, I have no intention of joining the Numbers."

    "I see, how regrettable. However, should you change your mind, pleasee to the imperial capital. An elementalist like you is always weed."

    Lurie shrugged lightly and suddenly turned her gaze towards outside the half-open door.

    "It''s about time for me to go. Your little kitten is getting jealous over there."

    "...?"

    Puzzled, Kamito followed her gaze and looked--

    From the gap in the door, he could see a pair of swaying twintails.

    "...What are you doing?"

    "Uwaaaa!"

    Hearing his voice, the red-haired young beauty frantically jumped out.

    Her eyes of ruby were adorned by lovelyshes. Pristine whiteplexion. Despite the paucity of her chest, the elegant curves of her body was evocative of the image of a graceful female cat.

    "I-I didn''te here to peek! I-I just wanted to check out the situation a bit, uh..."

    "Hoho, well then, Kamito-kun, see you around."

    "...~!"

    Bidding the two goodbye, Lurie walked out casually.

    As if taking turns in shifts, ire rushed forward to Kamito''s side.

    "Kamito, what were you talking with Lurie-sama about?"

    ire asked, slightly displeased.

    "Oh yeah, she asked if I was interested in bing one of the Numbers."

    "I-I see..."

    Probably expecting it, ire did not seem especially shocked. However.

    "T-Then, what did you...?"

    She looked up at Kamito with a worried gaze.

    "Of course I refused."

    Kamito smiled wryly and shook his head.

    "Why? The Empire''s Numbers is a goal that all elementalists admire and strive for."

    "I''m not interested in that kind of thing. I only, how should I put it--"

    Kamito paused at this point.

    (...I really enjoy life at the Academy together with ire and the girls.)

    --Of course, that sentence was far too embarrassing to say out loud.

    Hence, Kamito coughed and tried to change the subject.

    "P-Putting that aside, what are you doing here?"

    "I came to visit the headmistress... So, is she okay?"

    "Yeah, her life is not in danger. But she''s currently asleep so don''t make too much noise. Oh well, since the healer from the Numbers came to treat her, there''s nothing to worry about."

    "...I see, I''m d to hear that."

    Seeing ire breathe a sigh of relief, Kamito could not help but feel a sense of guilt.

    Regarding Greyworth''s loss of the power of the spirit contract, it was probably best not to disclose to the girls for now. With the final round imminent, he could not let them worry too much.

    "Okay, let''s get back to the castle residence. Tomorrow is the finals."

    "Yeah. Right now, everyone is having a strategy meeting."

    Resuming a serious expression, ire nodded.

    Part 3

    Having returned to the castle residence, Kamito opened the room door.

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!" "Kamito-san!"

    Sitting around the table, the other three teammates called out all at the same time.

    "Kamito, how is the headmistress'' condition--"

    "It''s okay. Her life is not in danger."

    Ellis had stood up and Kamito gave her the same answer he gave ire just now.

    "I-I see..."

    Ellis soothed her chest with her hand in relief.

    Amongst the students, Ellis particrly respected Greyworth. In addition to taking on the duties of the Sylphid Knights Captain, Ellis even worked in a capacity akin to her secretary. No wonder she was so worried.

    "Kamito-san, you must be tired too. I will brew tea immediately."

    As soon as Kamito took a seat, Rinslet served herbal tea. The warm and cozy tea fragrance instantly gave one a calming sensation.

    After waiting for Kamito to catch a bit of a breather, ire spoke up.

    "So, now that Kamito has returned, let us continue our strategy meeting. Although we are greatly worried about the headmistress'' condition, we must now focus our attention on handling tomorrow''s final round."

    "Yes, that is correct indeed."

    Ellis nodded and answered. Fianna and Rinslet nodded likewise.

    While Kamito was absent, they had discussed the rules of the finals. Several hours earlier, the rules had been delivered by a Queen''s oracle -- Cross Fire.

    This was simr to the Tempest event where teamspeted for magic stones in a vast field, except this time it onlysted three days. Furthermore, the members of each team were going to be randomly transported to different locations.

    Once transported into the field, the participants must search for their own teammates. Before converging with their team, it was possible to encounter and battle enemy elementalists.

    This set of rules could be described as intermediate between an individual and team battle. How quickly one could converge with their team was the key to victory.

    "On first nce, these rules appear to favor teams with Search-type elementalists, but teams will definitely target that aspect and counter it. Compared to a battle relying on strongholds with constructed barriers, this is a totally different game."

    "Communications spirit crystals are probably unusable. Carrying them will be pointless."

    Kamito agreed with ire''s assessment.

    "...Right. Although there are no explicit rules forbidding participants from carrying spirit crystals, it would be better to assume that the field have been set up with a barrier to obstructmunications type magicpletely."

    "Regarding the field this time, I investigated a little..."

    --Fianna took out several ancient books at this time, plopping them on the table.

    "These books are?"

    "Information about the field for the finals. Mi gathered them."

    "Mi did this?"

    --Mi Bassett. The representative from the Principality of Rossvale and originally the leader of the Rupture Division.

    Unable to return to her home country because she helped Kamito, Mi had now be a maid for the Laurenfrost family.

    This castle residence was clearly quite distant from the Biblion, but even so, Mi had put forth all her effort into gathering information for Kamito''s group.

    "Then we really must thank Mi properly afterwards... Well then, what have we learned?"

    "Yeah. There are some rather interesting facts."

    Fianna nodded.

    The location prescribed by the Elemental Lords'' oracle was the abandoned city Megidoa.

    Even for Fianna who was from the Divine Ritual Institute, it was her first time hearing of such a ce--

    "The abandoned city Megidoa was formerly named the City of Ivory. Far in the ancient past, it was a city constructed by spirits--"

    Fianna exined slowly.

    "At the same time, during the Spirit War, it was the final battlefield."

    "...Spirit War."

    "You''ve heard of it?"

    "At least I''ve heard the name before. I remember it from Freya-sensei''s supplementary lessons... If my memory serves me correctly."

    "...Looks like you really know nothing but the name. This is considered basic knowledge in the Divine Ritual Institute."

    "Anyway, isn''t that a war in fairy tales?"

    The Spirit War -- a massive war between spirits in the past that had once turned Astral Zero into scorched earth.

    Vying for domination over this world, the faction of the Five Great Elemental Lords fought against the faction of rebel spirits. After persisting for centuries, it was said that the faction of the Five Great Elemental Lords were victorious--...But in actual fact, the believability of that historical ount was rather suspect. Besides, even if a war once took ce on Astral Zero thousands of years ago, it did not feel real at all.

    However.

    "No. The Spirit War was not simply a war in fairy tales."

    Fianna shook her head in objection.

    "How so?"

    "In recent research, a lot of evidence has been discovered that proves the existence of the Spirit War. You see, during the Ranbal War, weren''t all the ruins and historical sites across the continent thoroughly explored for the sake of excavating sealed spirits and spirit crystals? At the time, many inscriptions were discovered."

    "...So it''s like that?"

    Raised in the Instructional School, Kamito was not very educated in these matters.

    Even though Restia and Greyworth had taught him a certain level of knowledge, Kamito waspletely unacquainted with thetest theories and discoveries.

    "Why did the spirits rise up against the Elemental Lords?"

    "There are several hypotheses circting but most believe there was an exceptionally powerful existence leading the spirits."

    "A powerful existence strong enough to oppose the Five Great Elemental Lords eh..."

    Hearing that, the first thing that surfaced in Kamito''s mind was--

    "That particr name" -- the one he only found out recently.

    The sixth Elemental Lord who had been purged from all records.

    (...Ren Ashdoll.)

    Could the mastermind behind the Spirit War be the Darkness Elemental Lord who seemed to share deep ties with Kamito--?

    Just as Kamito was caught in deep thought.

    "This is the first time in history for the abandoned city of Megidoa to be selected as the field for the de Dance festival. Surely, there are too many irregrities in proceedings this time."

    ire grumbled with a serious expression.

    "Oh well, putting that aside for now, that''s basically all the information we have regarding the field. Since it is an ancient battlefield, it is very likely the leylines are chaotic and unable to be used. Ritual magic must be used with care. Also, seeing as unpleasant spirits tend to congregate in ancient ruins, everyone should prepare some spirit crystals to make it easier to activate barriers."

    Based on the information at hand, ire offered sensible advice.

    ...As expected of the Academy''s honors student?

    "One more thing. This came from whispers of the wind I heard earlier--"

    Ellis spoke up at this point.

    By "whispers of the wind," Ellis was referring to intelligence gathered by wind spirits just as the words implied. Wind spirits had vast movement ranges and amongst the five great attributes they were the most suitable for gathering intelligence.

    "The representative from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, Luminaris Saint Leisched of the Sacred Spirit Knights, has obtained divine armaments from her home country."

    "...Divine armaments?"

    ire asked with great surprise. Kamito also felt intrigued.

    Unlike elemental waffen which took form from contracted spirits, divine armaments were physical weapons at best.

    Even if it was a special weapon imbued with the divine attribute, it was still just a weapon.

    The de Dance did not prohibit participants from carrying conventional weapons. In actual fact, Kamito also carried short swords for throwing, though that was a special case.

    Considering there was a weight limit for items brought into the match, there were virtually no advantages for an elementalist to prepare conventional weapons if they were capable of using powerful elemental waffen.

    "What would she do with that kind of thing?"

    "...Who knows. It would be hard to imagine it being essential for the renowned Pdin."

    "Perhaps it''s used for some sort of ritual magic? Isn''t there a type of spirit magic that requires swords and des as catalysts to activate?"

    ire, Ellis and Fianna discussed the matter as Rinslet poured new tea in everyone''s cups without caring about the matter.

    (The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Pdin...)

    Three years ago, the user of the holy sword elemental waffe whopeted against Ren Ashbell for victory. Although she was a knight of foreign country, she was definitely powerful enough to qualify as a candidate for the Numbers.

    Purely due to Restia''s darkness attribute being a poor match, Luminaris was the only opponent who posed a difficult challenge in thestpetition. Of course, despite such an overwhelming handicap, the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell still defeated her with pure power--

    That beautiful knight with her head of pretty blonde hair.

    ...In the end, Kamito had not even exchanged a single word with her.

    An elementalist who had given him trouble in the finals -- to Kamito, that was all she was to him.

    However, the girl''s forthright gaze left him with some impression.

    Compared to Ellis who was likewise a knight, she was different.

    Completely steadfast -- a gaze of purity to a dangerous degree.

    --At this moment.

    A deep ringing of a bell sounded in the corridors outside.

    The clock had struck midnight.

    "...It''s time to start."

    "Yeah."

    It was finally the day of the finals. ire and the girls all showed nervous expressions.

    --The de dance in the next three days will decide the final victor.

    Everyone had wed their way for victory in the cruel ranking battles for the sake of this day.

    "There''s not much point in continuing this meeting. Let''s retire early and rest in preparation for tomorrow."

    "Yeah, that''s true." "Right." "Staying upte is not good for the skin."

    All the highborndies agreed with ire.

    "Well then, see you tomorrow."

    Kamito was just about to return to his own room.

    "Oh right."

    Suddenly he recalled something.

    "By the way, I have a letter from Greyworth."

    Taking out the sealed envelope from his uniform, Kamito handed it over to ire.

    "The headmistress sent this to us?"

    "Yeah. It''s probably for mental preparation before the finals or something like that."

    Even though the witch did not seem like the sentimental type, she must have put a lot of thought into her student''s important stage.

    Like entrusting the final secret technique. Definitely, there was something she wanted to transmit to them.

    ire opened the letter while the other three girls watched from beside.

    "..."

    They read the letter silently for a while--

    " " " "Eeeeeeeeeeeh!?" " " "

    Suddenly, they all screamed loudly, blushing to their ears.

    "...What is it?"

    "N-No, n-nothing at all!"

    ire frantically hid the letter behind her.

    "Uwaaaaah, w-what should we do..."

    "Th-This kind of task ispletely impossible!"

    "But, if we don''t do it then Kamito-kun will--"

    "Th-That''s right, since the headmistress has said so..."

    The group of girls chattered away quietly in discussion.

    "...?"

 Volume 9, 2 - Blade Dance of the Night

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 2 - de Dance of the Night</h4>

    Part 1

    (...That letter, what did it actually contain?)

    Driven out of the room by the youngdies and having returned to his room, Kamito leaned Est against the wall andid himself down on the bed, still wearing his uniform.

    (...Oh well, whatever. Speaking of which, today sure was tiring.)

    As soon as hey on the soft bed, he suddenly became aware of all the fatigue in his body.

    ...This was hardly surprising, given all that had happened throughout this entire day.

    A date with Leonora Lancaster the ace of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, as well as the battle against Ellis and the rest in the Water Elemental Festival in theke.

    In the True Sanctuary he had listened to the Queens'' oracle regarding the finals, then -- Greyworth had entrusted him with the final secret technique.

    The strongest countering sword skill, one that could even defeat the anti-spirit destructive sword technique of the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance.

    Absolute de Arts, Final Form -- Last Strike.

    "..."

    Reaching out with his right hand into the darkness, Kamito bent his fingers one after another in the air.

    At the time, his entire body had suffered the impact. The numbness in his arms still had not dissipatedpletely.

    As if reluctant to lose grasp of the secret technique''s true nature, Kamito clenched his fist tightly.

    (--This is no ordinary sword technique forbat but one meant to be applied in the ritual kagura of princess maidens.)

    While defending against the enemy''s attacks and using ritual kagura to interfere in divine power, sword strikes were converted into a dance performance that absorbed the enemy''s divine power. Furthermore, once the divine power expanded to an explosive level, it was released all at once to unleash a one hit kill attack--

    ...In theory, it was basically something like that.

    Of course, it was impossible to learn a sword technique by relying on theory alone.

    Even though Kamito was born with exceptional talent in analyzingbat techniques, trying to master an understanding of ritual kagura movements overnight was too much of a stretch.

    Greyworth had also mentioned that the sword technique was a double-edged sword. Depending on the situation, it would be best to avoid using it as much as possible--

    "...However, perhaps there really is no other choice. In order to defeat that girl."

    Team Inferno''s leader.

    The masked elementalist who called herself Ren Ashbell, just like Kamito three years ago.

    Kamito had faced her in directbat only once, that time in the forest when he rescued ire and the rest. In just a few rounds of shing, she had clearly disyed overwhelming strength.

    Furthermore, she had not even released her elemental waffe back then.

    Why would such a powerful elementalist bepletely unknown until now?

    Also, her goal seemed to be just as Greyworth predicted, to bring the chaos of war back to this continent--

    (...Anyway, pondering it now would be useless.)

    Kamito sighed and put down his outstretched right arm.

    (Having arrived at this point, all that''s left is a dialogue through swords.)

    Right now, it was imperative to recover from the fatigue umted from learning the secret technique, as well as restore his severely depleted divine power.

    Feeling all the muscles in his body tense up, Kamito slowly closed his eyes.

    --Just at this moment.

    "Hey Kamito, are you still awake?"

    "...ire?"

    Kamito frantically jumped up from bed--

    Only to see ire standing before the door.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "Ah, hmm, uh..."

    ...Probably about the final round, or did she have something else to confirm?

    His mind filled with questions, Kamito lit the spirit crystal by his bed.

    "...!?"

    Instantly, he could not help but hold his breath.

    Standing in front of the door, ire had changed into a flimsyce nightgown.

    Perhaps because she had juste out from a bath, her red twintails seemed to be steaming subtly with moisture.

    "S-Say, uh..."

    She shyly twiddled her fingers. This particrly charming act caused Kamito to hastily shift his gaze away.

    "You can''t sleep?"

    After all, the finals began tomorrow. Being nervous was only natural.

    "Hmm, yeah..."

    "I see."

    Kamito nodded.

    "Then I''ll apany you for a while. After all, I can''t fall asleep yet either."

    "Th-Thank you..."

    ire stiffly nodded and entered the room.

    "May I sit here?"

    "Sure."

    ire cautiously took a seat on the bedside.

    From her moist hair, Kamito could smell the fragrance of shampoo.

    "..."

    "..."

    In this manner, the silence persisted for several seconds.

    (Th-This is too embarrassing...!)

    Kamito gulped.

    He was currently alone in the same room with a beauty in a nightgown.

    ...No wait, although they shared a room back in the Academy residence, there was never a time when they sat on the same bed like this.

    ire continued to keep her gaze cast elsewhere as she fiddled with her fingers.

    (Man, she''s so cute...)

    ...As much as Kamito was reluctant, he could not deny this fact.

    Just as Kamito found himself gazing mesmerized at ire''s facial profile with her moist hair--

    "Hey, d-do you have anything amusing to talk about?"

    Finally, ire spoke up.

    "Something amusing?"

    "Hmm, yeah, normally I would read a book I like before going to sleep, but because Rinslet spoiled the ending for me, I have nothing to read now."

    "...Ah, speaking of which, you two were quarreling this morning because of that."

    This morning, Kamito was dragged out by Mireille to act as the arbitrator for their dispute.

    However, thanks to that, he was treated to Rinslet''s breakfast and got to hear about their childhood stories.

    "Sorry, I don''t have anything amusing to talk about."

    Kamito shrugged and shook his head.

    Somehow, he felt like this had been happening a lottely.

    ...If memory served him correctly, this also happened when the two of them had gone to negotiate with the Rupture Division.

    "So, what''s the continuation of the incidentst time?"

    "Incident?"

    As Kamito frowned, ire turned around to face Kamito.

    "That one, didn''t you tell me about it at the theater? How you met the headmistress four years ago, Kamito. Just tell me the continuation of that story. You promised then that you''d tell meter."

    "..."

    Kamito was at a loss for words for a moment.

    ...He did remember he had made such a promise indeed.

    (...What a terrible situation.)

    Continuing from that incident, there was no way he could avoid mentioning the de Dance three years ago -- the time period when Kamito was still the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    As much as possible, he did not want to mention things rted to that--

    (...However, it''s no wonder that she would be intrigued.)

    Kamito cast his gaze towards his leather gloved left hand.

    What ire wanted to hear were most likely things rted to Restia. It was already impossible to assert that the darkness spirit who had been pulling strings in the shadows behind the de Dance stage was none of ire and the girls'' business.

    "...If you don''t want to talk about the past, I won''t force you. I''m sure you''ve gone through a lot, Kamito. But please, at least tell me a little."

    ire paused for a moment and continued:

    "--What is that darkness spirit''s goal?"

    "..."

    Stared at directly by those eyes of ruby--

    "...It seems like it''s something about making me awaken."

    Kamito answered vaguely and ambiguously.

    He did not choose to be so ambiguous for the sake of deceit or anything like that.

    ...To be frank, even Kamito was not sure what Restia''s purpose was concretely.

    However, it was absolutely certain that she wanted to use the current de Dance to let "something" dormant in Kamito''s body awaken.

    Furthermore, that goal seemed very likely to coincide with Ren Ashbell''s.

    Also--

    ''--I hope you can assassinate them. The five Elemental Lords.''

    The statement that lingered in Kamito''s hazy memories.

    The Wish Restia entrusted to Kamito three years ago.

    How were Restia''s current actions rted to that Wish --

    "Awaken? You mean that ''Darkness Elemental Lord'' or whatever?"

    ire asked with a serious expression.

    "Then I have no idea..."

    Kamito shook his head and continued:

    "However, there is one thing I am absolutely certain. The ce I grew up in, the Instructional School is the hell existing in this world. In that hell, she was the one who bestowed upon me a human heart. No matter what her current intentions are, I will absolutely take her back. It is for this very reason that I entered this current de Dance."

    Kamito tightly clenched his left fist that was d in a leather glove.

    "Is that so..."

    ire showed a lonely expression.

    "She''s always upied Kamito''s heart, I see."

    "...Hmm?"

    "...N-Nothing."

    Blushing, she turned her gaze away as if sulking.

    --Just at this moment.

    A rumbling of running footsteps could be heard from outside.

    "...?"

    Kamito frowned and in the next instant--

    "ire, stealing a march on us is really too sly of you."

    Flinging the door open, Fianna appeared, dressed in a nightgown.

    Faced with the situation, ire frantically got up from the bed and stood up.

    "W-What, w-what do you mean by stealing a march!? I-I had no intention of anything like that..."

    "W-What were you two doing!?"

    "C-Clearly we all promised to do it together!"

    After Fianna, Rinslet and Ellis made their appearance, also in their nightgowns.

    Rinslet was hugging a pillow while Ellis held a teddy bear in embrace.

    "...W-What happened, why has everyone gathered here?"

    Kamito voiced his puzzlement.

    "...Sigh, it can''t be helped."

    Hearing Kamito''s question, ire slumped her shoulders as if surrendering and faced Kamito once more.

    "U-Umm, Kamito..."

    Still continuing to blush, she coughed once.

    "Hmm?"

    "T-Tonight, you will be sleeping together with all of us!"

    "...Huh?"

    This time it was Kamito''s turn to bepletely dumbfounded.

    Part 2

    (H-How did ite to this!?)

    ...Several minutester.

    Lying on the bed in his pajamas, Kamito had already repeated this question to himself an uncountable number of times.

    The bed in the room was quiterge, but even so, squeezing all four young beauties on it meant that they could not avoid being in close contact with one another.

    "Ah, mmm... H-Hey, everyone is leaning too close to Kamito!"

    "Th-This is something that cannot be helped, otherwise we would fall off the bed."

    "...W-Wow, a male''s body feels so solid."

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, it''s perfectly fine for you to use my bosom as your pillow, okay?"

    Boing. Boing.

    "...!?"

    The beauties'' breathing brushed past the back of his ear. Their whispers continued nonstop.

    As if about to be suffocated by maidenly body scent, Kamito felt his sanity on the brink of copse.

    "Fuah, Kamito, you are not allowed to move... J-Just leave everything to us."

    "That''s right, Kamito-kun, all you need to do is sleep right there... Yes, smooch?"

    While ire caressed Kamito''s chest with her slender fingers, Fianna used her lips to kiss Kamito on the neck.

    "H-How could I possibly sleep in a situation like this...!?"

    Kamito tensed his entire body and yelled out.

    ording to ire, this was apparently a type of ritual magic for recovering Kamito''s energy.

    Something about being in contact with the bodies of princess maidens would stimte the cirction of divine power.

    ...The root cause of this situation stemmed from Greyworth''s letter.

    Apparently the letter said that Kamito had exhausted a great amount of divine power in order to learn the secret technique, hence there might be adverse effects on the final round the next day, etc.

    Furthermore, the letter also gave step by step instructions on the ritual magic required to recover the depleted divine power.

    (...Damn it, what did that witch do this time!?)

    The image of Greyworth''s malicious smile surfaced in his mind.

    "K-Kamito, if we do not press our bodies closer together, the effect produced will not be enough, okay..."

    "...E-Ellis!?"

    Ellis'' soft bosom was pressing hard against both his arms, amodating in shape with great sticity.

    Only a thinyer consisting of acy nightgown and underwear separated them from intimate contact between each other''s bare skin.

    Vaguely visible beneath her nightgown was the ck underwear she only wore on asions of "decisive battles."

    "A-A serious captain of the knights can''t be doing something like this!"

    "...N-No it is not like that, hyah..."

    The usually stern maiden knight was looking at Kamito with passionate eyes.

    Kamito could not stop his heart rate from elerating.

    Her armor removed, her ponytail untied, the impression she gave off waspletely different from usual.

    Watching her blushing cheeks and her dark-brown eyes which seemed to be filled with unease--

    Kamito felt a surging impulse to embrace her tightly in his arms.

    (...W-What the heck am I thinking!?)

    Kamito frantically shook his head as if trying to drive out evil thoughts.

    ...But since the bed was packed full with girls, in actual fact all his body could do was move slightly.

    "...Kamito-san, I-I shall offer my divine power to you too."

    "Rinslet...!?"

    A seductive sound of clothing friction could be heard.

    This time, it was Rinslet who was crawling over Kamito''s body and drawing her face near.

    Her lips were as lovely as rosebuds while her adorable eyes were like emeralds.

    Slightly curling at the tips, her blonde hair was lightly brushing against Kamito''s face.

    "J-Just this once, I am Kamito-san''s body pillow..."

    "Ah, uh..."

    ...Kamito could feel his cheeks getting hot and his heart beating faster and faster.

    These highborndies from prestigious noble families normally disyed such intense pride.

    But now they were pressing themselves tightly against Kamito in a mannerpletely contrary to that.

    Boing boing.

    (...G-Girls really have such supple bodies.)

    ...Even though things had already progressed to this point, Kamito could not help but be confronted with this feeling of reality.

    "S-So, Kamito-san..."

    Rinslet whispered shyly by his ear.

    "W-What is it?"

    "Umm, I can feel your breath when you exhale, Kamito-san... Ah... Yah..."

    As if feeling ticklish, the highborndy twisted her body and gave off a cute scream.

    "S-Sorry, but it can''t really be helped in a situation like this... Woah!"

    Kamito frantically turned his face away, only to instantly bury himself into something soft.

    ...Full of sticity, the sensation wasfortable beyond belief.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, this is your favorite royal breast sandwich?"

    "I-If you''re an imperial princess, then please don''t say something so tasteless!"

    Kamito yelled with his face all red.

    Due to the activation of ritual magic, the spirit seal on Fianna''s chest was glowing faintly blue-white.

    "Jeez Kamito, you''re such an idiot..."

    Ouch.

    "...!?"

    This time, Kamito felt a sudden bite on his arm.

    "C-ire...!"

    "...Mmm... Ahmmm... D-Don''t forget, you are something that belongs, smooch... to me."

    The tip of ire''s cute tongue was licking Kamito''s skin like a kittenpping up milk.

    Kamito felt his entire body shudder from this sensation he had never experienced before.

    "Hmm, Kamito''s sweat, it''s a little salty..."

    ire swept up her hair from her neck and licked Kamito''s arm in earnest.

    Her red eyes seemed to have lost focus as if her mind was in a daze from a fever.

    "Oooh, smooch... D-Don''t get the wrong idea, this is just a ritual for recovering your divine power..."

    "Th-That is correct, Kamito! Tonight, please entrust your body to us--"

    "We''ll gradually eliminate your fatigue!"

    The youngdies on the bed timidly reached out with their fingers.

    "...Umm, that''s kind ofpletely impossible."

    ...In a situation like this, Kamito could not possibly fall asleep gradually.

    "Fufu, looks like it can''t be helped."

    Fianna smiled and drew a small magic circle in the air with her finger.

    "Fianna?"

    "Nimbly dancing spirits, please bestow restful slumber upon the warrior -- Sleeping Cloud."

    Instantly, a purple mist covered the entire room--

    Thus Kamito''s consciousness sank into darkness.

    Part 3

    ...The next morning.

    Boing. Boing.

    "Ooh, mmm..."

    Surrounded by a ratherfortable sensation, Kamito woke up.

    "...Was it just a dream?"

    Half-awake, Kamito muttered to himself. However--

    "Uwah, Kamito, where do you think you are touching..."

    "K-Kamito-san is such a pervert..."

    "...!?"

    The whispers by his ear prompted him to suddenly sit up on the bed.

    "...A dream, yeah right!"

    The memories fromst night before Fianna''s sleep hypnosis remained vividly in his mind.

    Sleeping in the same bed as Kamito were the highborndies in their nightgowns sleeping soundly with adorable breathing noises. Seeing ire''s thigh exposed from under the hem of her nightgown, Kamito blushed and frantically turned his gaze away.

    "Kamito, I-I can''t believe you forced me to do something so shameless, you are truly, yaaa..."

    "Fufu, doing this with everyone, Kamito-kun is truly the Demon King of the Night..."

    "...W-What the heck are you girls dreaming!?"

    Kamito remarked in exasperation as he listened to the girls talking in their dreams.

    "...I''d better go take a shower and purify myself as well."

    ...In any case, this sort of situation was really terrible for his mental health.

    In order not to wake ire and the girls, Kamito quietly got out of bed.

    Leaving the bedroom, he opened the curtain to the entrance of the Purification Chamber.

    "...Meow?"

    "Woah...Ah."

    Only to find a fiery burning object crouching on the floor by his feet.

    ire''s contracted spirit, Scarlet.

    Normally, ire would hug Scarlet in her sleep like a hot water bottle, but because she was squeezed in with everyone else on Kamito''s bedst night, Scarlet had no choice but to sleep out here.

    "...I almost stepped on its tail."

    Kamito sighed with relief.

    "Meow meow."

    The hell cat spirit stood up and started walking in circles around Kamito.

    Normally, contracted spirits did not open their hearts to anyone apart from their contractor. But who knew if it was because Kamito fed Scarlet all the time or not, Scarlet disyed unexpected intimacy with Kamito.

    "You want to bathe together too?"

    Kamito asked half jokingly but Scarlet shook its head vigorously.

    "...Oh well, you''re a me spirit after all. Being afraid of water is only normal."

    After rubbing the hell cat''s head, Kamito took off his pajamas and entered the showering space.

    Using his hand to touch the tiny spirit crystal that was iid in the metal stand, he infused a little divine power. Very soon, water began to flow forcefully out of the hole in the ceiling.

    The icy cold water droplets helped him to gradually cool down the elevated temperature of his body.

    As Kamito took his wet hand, intending to scrub his body, he discovered that the teeth marks left behind by ire''s bite were still visible.

    Recalling again what happened the previous night, Kamito blushed.

    "...That Greyworth, I really shouldn''t have worried about her."

    Even after losing the power of the spirit contract, the witch was still a witch. From the very start, watching Kamito squirm in awkward situations had always been her greatest entertainment.

    "...But anyway, the effects of the ritual magic seem to be real."

    Slightly clenching his fist to summon strength, the faint phosphorescent glow of divine power appeared all over his body.

    All his fatigue from the previous day had been dispelled. Kamito''s body was back in peak condition.

    In this state, even using Est at full power would not exhaust him so quickly.

    At this time.

    "Kamito, time to scrub your back."

    "Yeah, thank you."

    After answering politely--

    "...Hmm?"

    Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement.

    "...Say, woah!?"

    Turning around, he found an iparably beautiful fairy.

    Long silver-white hair shining with dazzling brilliance. Pristine snow-like skin as white as fresh milk.

    Those mysterious violet eyes of hers were staring expressionlessly at Kamito.

    The sword spirit -- Terminus Est.

    Renowned as the legendary Demon yer, Kamito''s contracted spirit.

    "E-Est! W-Why are you here!?"

    Blushing, Kamito frantically turned his gaze away and screamed.

    Est''s current appearance was naturally her usual naked kneesocks look.

    ...Oh well, although there was nothing strange about being naked in the shower, she apparently still adhered adamantly to her philosophy of never taking kneesocks off, even in a ce like this.

    Expanding due to the moisture, the ck kneesocks seemed even more seductive for some strange reason.

    "Kamito, if you don''t sit down I cannot scrub your back."

    "I-It''s okay, don''t worry! I can handle it myself!"

    Hearing that--

    "..."

    Est red expressionlessly at Kamito.

    "Kamito, I was unable to get into bed this morning."

    "Eh?"

    "I was unable to get into bed this morning."

    She repeated herself.

    "..."

    Come to think of it, Est always crept secretly into Kamito''s bed every morning.

    Presumably because the highborndies had upied the entire bed, she was unable to sneak inside this morning.

    "...Are you actually angry about that?"

    "No, I am not angry. Master."

    "No no no, you are definitely angry!"

    Despite the fact that it was difficult to read Est''s thoughts and feelings from her expressionless face, whenever she addressed Kamito so distantly, there was no doubt that she was angry.

    "...I-I am in the wrong! Next time you crawl into bed, I''m not going to be angry again."

    "Really?"

    "Yes, let''s make this a promise."

    "Uwah, Kamito..."

    Kamito ced his hand on Est''s head and gently caressed her beautiful silver hair.

    ...Looks like her mood had lifted.

    However, Kamito could only rx for a moment.

    "So Kamito, please turn your back to me."

    "Like I said, how did ite to this!?"

    "Kamito, I was unable to get into bed this morning."

    "...I-I get it. Sorry."

    Giving up on resisting, Kamito sat down with his back facing Est.

    Est pressed her tiny palms tightly against Kamito''s back.

    (...C-Clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts.)

    Indeed, this was definitely nothing worth feeling guilty about.

    (Just a contracted spirit helping me scrub my back, that''s all.)

    The floating soap bubbles gradually expanded.

    Then--

    Ssh.

    "...!?"

    An unknown sensationing from his back made Kamito greatly rmed.

    "Kamito, what''s the matter?"

    "E-Est... Say, y-you''re touching my back."

    "...? Of course, because I am washing your back, Kamito."

    A bouncy sensation.

    "N-No, that''s not what I mean, your chest..."

    "...?"

    Est inclined her head in puzzlement and pressed her sud-covered body even closer.

    ...This situation was terrible. Extremely terrible indeed.

    Although Est had no intentions of that sort--

    The small yet extremely stic sensation on Kamito''s back was very dangerous in various ways.

    "P-Please, just scrub normally with your hands--"

    Just as Kamito was midway through his sentence.

    "--Kamito, please listen to me."

    Pressing her body tightly against him, Est whispered in Kamito''s ear.

    Her petite lower jaw was resting against Kamito''s shoulder.

    The wet silver hair draped and clung to his burning hot skin.

    "...Est?"

    "Kamito, you have epted my fate as the cursed demon sword. Hence, as your sword, Kamito, I shall ept the entirety of your being, Kamito."

    "..."

    "Even if you are the reincarnation of the Demon King, Kamito, my feelings will not change. I am your sword, Kamito, and your wish is mymand -- Promise me, you must be absolutely victorious."

    These were the thoughts and feelings invested in this de dance by the normally cool and collected sword spirit, now voiced out loud.

    In order to respond to Est''s feelings, Kamito replied:

    "--Yeah. I''ll be relying on you, partner."

    Kamito turned towards his shoulder to face Est and nodded vigorously.

    --Then in the next instant.

    "Meow--Meow--!"

    "...?"

    Just as what seemed to be Scarlet''s call was hearding from outside, the door to the shower space was forcefully flung open.

    "Uwaaaah, y-y-you, what are you making poor Est do!?"

    ire appeared, shouting with her face all red.

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!" "Kamito-san!"

    Following closely behind were Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet, equally astounded by the sight.

    "N-No! This is because--"

    Kamito tried his hardest to exin, however--

    A situation where he was apanied by a beautiful girl spirit dressed in nothing but kneesocks, all covered in soap suds...

    ...He could not find any reasonable exnation at this time.

    "...~Y-You sexual deviant!"

    "Shameless,pletely shameless!"

    "Sigh, Kamito-kun surely is the Demon King of the Daytime."

    "Y-You damned atrocity, I will make you into a ham cutlet sandwich!"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble......!

    "H-Huff, huff..."

    Faced with the burning rage of the youngdies, Kamito''s face twitched convulsively.

    Part 4

    Having had breakfast at the castle residence, Kamito and his group gathered in the lobby.

    Next, the group was going to meet the princess maidens sent by the Divine Ritual Institute to lead the way on foot to a transport Gate a certain distance away.

    Kamito was carrying the entire team''s luggage by himself.

    Although the weight of luggage allowed into the field was limited and therefore no one could bring too much, the sum total of five people''s luggage was quite a burden.

    Especially Fianna who used ritual magic, her bag was stuffed to a bulging degree.

    "...Say, what''s inside this?"

    "Candle holders,rge mirrors, stand made from unvarnished wood... As well as all sorts of ritual outfits."

    "...I see, so that''s why it''s so heavy."

    Kamito shrugged helplessly.

    "This is your deserved punishment. Carry the luggage properly."

    "Just treat this level of exertion as training for your back and legs."

    "It''s all because you''re too much of a pervert, Kamito-san!"

    The youngdies seemed to be still angry about the morning incident.

    ...Oh well, simply punished to carry the luggage was already quite fortunate.

    As a side note, Est had returned to sword form and was hanging at Kamito''s waist.

    The exposed de reflected light streaming in through the window, glittering with dazzling brilliance.

    The lobby was not only upied by the members of Team Scarlet. The various members of the Laurenfrost family were also present to see them off.

    "Onee-sama, you must save Judia-oneesama."

    "Don''t worry. We will surely obtain victory in this de dance and fulfill the Wish."

    Rinslet gently caressed her younger sister Mireille''s head.

    Her Wish was to rescue her other younger sister, Judia Laurenfrost, who had been eternally sealed in cursed ice by the angered Water Elemental Lord.

    Naturally, not only Rinslet but also everyone in the team, all of them shouldered their own respective reasons thatpelled them to win in this battle.

    "Onii-sama, please remember to protect Onee-sama."

    Mireille smiled lightly towards Kamito again.

    "Ah yes... Wait a minute, I''m not your brother."

    "Th-That''s right! Without Father''s permission, that kind of thing..."

    "But mydy, when I reported to Margrave Laurenfrost the day before yesterday, he frequently praised Kamito-sama."

    "Carol, y-you, w-what are you talking about~!?"

    "Fufufu..."

    Thud thud thud.

    Blushing intensely, Rinslet hammered her fists against the ipetent maid''s back.

    ...The final battle was clearly imminent, but the current scene felt no different from usual.

    (...Oh well, this is more like the way we are.)

    Kamito smiled wryly inside.

    "--Kamito."

    He suddenly found someone tugging his uniform from behind.

    "...?"

    Turning around, he found a young girl in an adorable maid uniform standing there.

    Slightly wavy dark-brown hair.

    Eyes of heterochromia.

    She was the former Rupture Division leader and currently the personal maid attending to Mireille, Mi Bassett.

    "Mi, thank you very much for the information you gave us yesterday."

    In response to Kamito''s thanks, she said:

    "I am simply doing my part naturally as the ally of Team Scarlet."

    Mi quietly shook her head.

    "Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    "...Please, return safe and sound."

    "Yeah, don''t worry. We will surely return victorious."

    "Mmm~, seriously, Mi, is that all you''re going to say?"

    "W-What are you talking about...!?"

    As Mireille teased Mi jokingly, Mi instantly blushed shyly.

    "The princess maidens responsible for leading the way have arrived. Time to go."

    "Understood."

    Bidding Mi and the rest goodbye in front of the castle residence, Team Scarlet set off.

    Part 5

    Following the guidance of the princess maidens leading the way, the group walked in the forest.

    Because special transport magic was being used this time, the transmission location was not at the True Sanctuary but in four temples in the forest.

    "--Everyone listen carefully, let''s make a final confirmation."

    ire walked as she raised her index finger.

    "After being transported to the field, we must prioritize converging with teammates. Before our team is gathered, try to avoid unnecessary battles as much as possible. This applies even if the enemy is alone."

    Their main strategy had already been discussed in the meetingst night.

    Other than Kamito, all other teammates must avoid one on onebat as much as possible. They were to battle as a team from start to end.

    Even though ire and the girls were excellent elementalists, they still faced substantial difficulties in going head to head against the ace-level elementalists participating in the current de Dance.

    Let alone Ren Ashbell, as soon as any of them faced the Instructional School''s Muir the Monster, Dragon Knight Leonora or Pdin Luminaris, chances of victory were very slim.

    Team Scarlet''s strengthy in their teamwork. Although their cooperation was quitecking when the team was initially formed, they now meshed with one another''s traits like gears, allowing them to perform several times better than their original strength.

    Naturally, they performed best when all five members were gathered in formation, but even when fighting as pairs in tactical units, they could probably muster enough power to oppose the individual aces of various teams.

    Hence, they must gather in groups of at least two before engaging any enemy teams.

    However, Kamito was the exception with his ability to defeat ace-level enemies singlehandedly. Instead, he should proactively seek out battle in order to weaken the other teams.

    (...That said, none of these enemies would be easy to defeat, given they were elite enough to advance to the finals.)

    In terms of pure power, Muir with her special ability of the Jester''s Vise definitely held the advantage. Also, the power disyed by that other Ren Ashbell was only the tip of an iceberg.

    Ultimately, it was best to avoid unnecessarybat and meet up with the team as quickly as possible.

    They walked for dozens of minutes as they discussed.

    "--The destination is here."

    The princess maidens leading the way stopped before a small shrine in the forest.

    The doors were opened to reveal five faintly glowing magic circles drawn on the stone floor.

    "Are these the Gates responsible for transporting us?"

    Kamitoid down the luggage he was carrying in his arms against his chest.

    "Kamito, thank you for yourbors."

    "Everyone, let''s carry the minimum with us. For now, we''ll have my Fenrir keep the things that are only needed after we meet up."

    Snapping her fingers, Rinslet summoned the white wolf with a flurry of wind and snow.

    The white wolf widened its jaws and instantly sucked in the luggage.

    "I''ll carry the equipment for ritual magic myself -- Georgios!"

    This time it was Fianna who summoned her knight spirit.

    The tall armored knight opened up parts of his armor and took in her bag into the empty space.

    "Doesn''t this mean there was no point in making me carry the luggage?"

    Kamito grumbled as he stepped on one of the glowing Gates.

    "These are your respective magic stones."

    The leading princess maidens handed over to everyone the spirit crystals containing spirit magic for making the spatial Leap.

    This was identical to the ones used in the previous survival battle -- the Tempest.

    Since the field was surrounded by an istion barrier established by the Elemental Lords, there was no way to leave through ordinary means.

    Once transported inside, an elementalist could only exit the field if their magic stone was taken or damaged -- in other words, a defeat in the de dance.

    "--May the princess maidens bestow the blessing of the Elemental Lords upon these proud elementalists!"

    With the solemn deration of the princess maidens, everyone''s Gate was activated.

    "Kamito..."

    "Hmm?"

    Suddenly, ire called out to Kamito.

    "...Very soon, we''ll see each other again, right?"

    "Why, are you feeling lonely?"

    "...~I-Idiot, h-how could that be possible!?"

    With a blushing face, ire turned her gaze away.

    Kamito smiled wryly--

    "--Don''t worry. Very soon, we will find each and every one of us."

    Instantly, Kamito''s entire body turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    Part 6

    Meanwhile, in another temple in the forest--

    "Ladies, starting from this moment, we will perform the final mission issued by Des Esseintes."

    The blonde maiden knight took off her white overcoat and tossed it aside.

    Worn beneath the overcoat was a uniform with white lines against a red background, simr to the Rupture Division''s uniform in design except with the colors reversed.

    Her sapphire eyes were infused with intense brightness. Her braided long blonde hair shining with dazzling brilliance.

    She was the Pdin -- Luminaris Saint Leisched.

    The leader of the Sacred Spirit Knights representing the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    The young female knights, all with hair cut uniformly to shoulder length, stood motionless in a row before her.

    Although one of the teams Kamito encountered in the Tempest also shared the name of the Sacred Spirit Knights, the team right here was trained to apletely different level.

    Amongst the three sent by the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, the two defeated teams were merely vanguards.

    The team present right here was their true number one squad.

    --Within the Kingdom, the most elite team renowned as "Stahl Loewe."

    Their power rivaled the Knights of the Dragon Emperor from the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia. In terms of team strategies, they were well-matched against the Quina Empire''s Four Gods.

    "Well then, to assist thepletion of the mission, I have something to give you all."

    Luminaris drew a magic circle using the sword in her hand.

    Immediately, five blindingly bright beams of light were produced as long rod-like objects appeared from them.

    A nervous atmosphere began to spread amongst the young female knights.

    The shining tips of sharpnces -- These were fivences with holy scripture engraved on their shaft.

    Specially crafted divine armaments -- the Longinus Copies.

    Forged by top craftsmen of magical equipment, these were replicas of a legendary ss magical equipment.

    Due to being physical weapons forged from mithril, they were harder to usepared to elemental waffen. But for experienced elementalists, as soon as divine power was infused into them, they became effective weapons.

    They were particrly powerful against spirits carrying the darkness attribute.

    More importantly, these weapons carried a special effect -- all it took was the infusion of simple Search magic and they could automatically seek out the direction of darkness spirits.

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s number one squad had received two missions from their country''s Des Esseintes.

    Superficially, their mission wasplete victory at the de Dance.

    But their true secret mission was -- "The extermination of darkness spirit Restia."

    As for why the darkness spirit''s extermination was necessary -- the reason waspletely undisclosed.

    However, to the knights of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, the orders of Des Esseintes were absolute. Hence, they did not question missions in any way, instead they simply carried them out silently.

    During the Tempest event, Restia was apanied by the powerful monster Nepenthes Lore which prevented them from taking action. But this time, the rules were intermediate between an individual and team battle. So long as they seized an opportunity when the darkness spirit acted alone, there were ample chances of sess.

    (In addition--)

    Luminaris muttered to herself internally.

    (...That darkness spirit was her sword.)

    Three years ago, Luminaris had lost to that opponent despite the overwhelmingly favorable conditions.

    Restia was the elemental waffe of the Strongest de Dancer -- the Vorpal Sword.

    (--Facing the same opponent, I will not allow myself a second defeat.)

    Luminaris looked up and sternly announced.

    "Confirming our tactics once again. Our first priority is the extermination of the darkness spirit. As for themander of Team Inferno, Ren Ashbell, do not engage her inbat unless three or more teammates are gathered. Over!"

    "Affirmative!"

    The young female knights nodded simultaneously and gripped their respective Holy Lance.

 Volume 9, 3 - Sparks Scattered Across the Battlefield

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 3 - Sparks Scattered Across the Battlefield</h4>

    Part 1

    Opening his eyes, Kamito found a dim gray sky disyed before him.

    "...Is this ce the stage for the final round?"

    Experiencing the dizziness unique to the aftereffects of Leap, Kamito surveyed his surroundings.

    Entering his view were the scattered ruins of an astoundingly vast city.

    Monolithic structures resembling shrines stood tall everywhere, or rather, copsed rubble and debris formed mountains. Strange trees were growing out of the ground, discing stone tiles, creating a scene like a sea of trees.

    "As the stage for offering kagura to the Elemental Lords, this is really a creepy ce."

    The abandoned city, Megidoa -- a historic battlefield of the Spirit War thousands of years ago.

    Howling winds blew sand and dirt across his cheeks.

    Compared to the sanctuary Ragna Ys, the air waspletely different.

    The presence of destruction -- a substance that could be described in such a way, clung stubbornly to one''s skin.

    Here was a cepletely devoid of life''s presence.

    Even the presence of spirits, which should normally be widespread throughout the world, was also--

    "...In any case, it looks like there aren''t any enemy teams I''ll run into straight away."

    Kamito started walking as he paid close attention to his surroundings.

    These massive structures gave off an intimidating presence simply by existing.

    Although this was in Astral Zero, a realm where time was half-stopped, the sight of these millennia-old structures still standing intact was quite astounding.

    --Suddenly, Kamito noticed something as he approached the walls surrounding the abandoned city.

    (...Perhaps, these building materials are not simply stone?)

    One would like to call them stone, but their surfaces were as smooth as mirrors.

    ...It was hard to imagine that an object that had withstood erosion from wind and rain over millennia could remain in this condition.

    Just as he reached out with his hand to pat dust off the surface, sparks scattered where his fingers made contact.

    The divine power released from his fingertips had reacted with the stone material.

    (...This, it can''t be!)

    Kamito widened his eyes.

    If one were to ask what kind of substance could react to an elementalist''s divine power, only one answer came to mind.

    (These ruins were originally built from unrefined spirit crystals!?)

    Truly incredible -- but based on what he witnessed, it was the only conclusion.

    This abandoned city could have been a massive mine for spirit crystals.

    Only because the purity of the crystals were low, they could not be used even after processing.

    Standing there in amazement for a while--

    (...By the way, now is not the time to be doing something like this. I must find ire and the others as quickly as possible.)

    Coming back to his senses, Kamito instantly began to search around.

    "...By the way, I might as well try this."

    Searching his uniform pocket, he took out amunications spirit crystal.

    Infusing a little divine power through his fingers, he concentrated his awareness--

    kx,kxkxkx--kxkx,kx--

    Bringing it to his ear, all he could hear was the noise of static.

    "...No use. Oh well, I never expected it to either. So, what about this?"

    Next, Kamito took out a different type of spirit crystal and quietly chanted the words for releasing.

    In it was sealed a guide spirit which was very handy during times when lost.

    Kamito had caught it in the Spirit Forest near the Academy before the de Dance started.

    The fairy of light was quickly summoned and began to fly casually in front of Kamito''s nose.

    "Tell me, which way is north?"

    Might as well try asking--

    ...However, the fairy simply tilted its little head and kept spinning in circles in the same spot.

    "...Oh my, I guess I have no choice but to search on my own two feet."

    Was this because an istion barrier had been erected within the field, or was it a property of the abandoned city''snd itself? In any case, clearly he could not rely on convenient spirit crystals.

    Of course, this was already anticipated as soon as they heard the rules for the Cross Fire event.

    Hopefully, he could meet up with at least one other member from Team Scarlet before night fell--

    "...Hmm?"

    At this moment, Terminus Est gave off faint light as it hung on his waist.

    "...Est?"

    Kamito touched the sacred sword''s hilt and infused a little divine power--

    Within the blink of an eye, the sword had transformed into an adorable silver-haired girl.

    "What''s the matter, Est?"

    "Kamito, I recognize this ce."

    "What''s the story?"

    Indeed, Est was a spirit who had lived for centuries -- no, millennia.

    Recognizing a ce that had been a battlefield during the Spirit War was not anything too mindblowing.

    However, the current Est was supposed to carry only the portion of power that split off from the original Demon yer when the contract with Kamito was established. Hence, only fragments of her memory remained--

    "...Could it be that your memory returned?"

    "No."

    Est shook her head expressionlessly.

    "But this scenery is indeed stored in my memory--"

    --At this moment.

    A terrifying presence suddenly appeared.

    "...!?"

    "Kamito, a terrible presence--"

    "Yeah, I know."

    Earlier, there were no presences around, not even spirits.

    But now, Kamito could sense hostility so strong that it pricked his skin.

    (An enemy elementalist? No--)

    Instantly, as if spewing out from the earth, numerous shadows appeared in the surroundings.

    "...What!?"

    Humanoid shadows with ambiguous outlines.

    "What, these guys!? They''re... spirits?"

    "These are the ghosts of destroyed spirits -- Forsaken Spirits, Kamito."

    "...The ghosts of spirits?"

    "Yes. When spirits die with excessively strong resentment, sometimes they lose their spiritual qualities, bing ghosts that linger in the ground -- This abandoned city seems to harborrge numbers of these ghosts."

    "...I see. After all, this is the historical site of a battlefield."

    Muttering, Kamito licked his parched lips.

    Although spirits had all sorts of forms, these ghosts were all generic humanoid without exception. Did all spirits all be like this when their spiritual qualities were lost--?

    The ghosts gave off resentful noises as they reached out towards Kamito.

    Kamito frantically held Est''s hand as he dodged the armsing from all directions.

    "...Tsk, these guys are not targeting me but Est!?"

    "Apparently so, Kamito. Very likely, I--"

    As if trying to smother Est''s words--

    The Forsaken Spirit swarm attacked once again.

    "...Tsk!"

    "Ah, Kamito!?"

    Kamito swiftly embraced Est with both arms and took a flying leap.

    "Dealing with them one at a time would take forever. We must break through in one go, Est."

    "Yes. I am your sword, your wish is mymand--"

    Est nodded in midair.

    --You, Dispassionate Queen of Steel, sacred sword that destroys evil!

    --Here in this time and ce, take form as the sword of steel to be the power in my hand!

    As the spirit seal gave off dazzling light, a shining silver-white sword immediately appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    "Sorry, I don''t have time to handle your obsessions."

    Wielding the strongest elemental waffe, Kamito charged into the swarm of ghosts.

    Part 2

    "...The wind blows with much hindrance, this ce."

    Her ponytail swaying in the wind, Ellis murmured with a surprised expression.

    The spatial Leap had transported Ellis to the interior of a massive building in the ruins.

    This was a ce like a great hall, covered all over by a copsing ceiling.

    In the center of the hall, the crumbling remains of an altar stood there in a pile. Very likely, this ce was used as a shrine in ancient times to make offerings to spirits.

    "O Wind--"

    Ellis spread her arms in the air and summoned the wind.

    But the wind that usually responded to her call was silent now.

    All she could hear were faint background noises.

    (...I cannot sense the presence of spirits. The leylines have also been rippedpletely apart, right?)

    She gnashed her teeth in her mind.

    --A battlefield site from the Spirit War. One would find it difficult to imagine such a ce as appropriate for performing de dances in offering.

    The Elemental Lords, why would they select a ce like this as the stage for the most important festival ceremony?

    (...Anyway, I must hurry and meet up with Kamito and the rest.)

    Although she had been sending out Wind for reconnaissance, under such conditions of chaotic leylines, they probably could not fly very far.

    As expected, she had to search on her own two feet.

    In order to walk out of these ruins, Ellis turned to the massive stairway in the hall. Just at this moment.

    The wind shuddered slightly.

    "...!?"

    Ellis halted immediately and tensed her body.

    (--Someone is approaching?)

    She instantly summoned her demon wind spirit Simorgh, releasing it as her elemental waffe Ray Hawk.

    With wind swirling around the spear tip, she stayed high alert of her surroundings.

    (There is no sign of anyone near, however...)

    Instantly, the ground beneath her shook.

    (...Down below!?)

    Ellis instantly made the decision to chant Flight magic and jumped directly upwards.

    Immediately, a giant nt emerged from the position where she had been standing.

    Numerous wriggling vines extended and chased after Ellis as she flew through the air.

    "What--!"

    Faced with the unexpected attack, Ellis reacted an instant too slow.

    The vines swiftly entangled her ankle and dragged Ellis towards the ground.

    "Watch this--"

    Turning Ray Hawk around in a backhand grip in midair, she severed the vines--

    However, in the next instant, she was suddenly struck with searing pain.

    (...This is paralytic poison!?)

    Her concentration broken, Flight magic dispelled, Ellis fell straight towards the ground.

    Just as her body was about to crash onto the surface--

    "--Evil winds, go and rampage!"

    Ellis unleashed Ray Hawk''s full power.

    The released tempest sliced open the ground, protecting Ellis from the impact of her fall.

    Rolling on the ground, Ellis tried to stand up but her movements were hindered by one paralyzed leg.

    "Guh, what on earth..."

    A massive nt that suddenly burrowed out from the ground.

    In the center where a vivid red flower blossomed--

    "--Using wind to neutralize the impact. Not bad at all."

    A girl stood upright.

    "You... are...!"

    Mysterious jade-green hair. Ominous red eyes shining with the light of disaster.

    Ellis had seen that appearance of hers, dressed in the Theocracy''s military uniform, at the True Sanctuary before the main event.

    (I remember her, a member of Team Inferno--)

    Although she had covered her face with a hood back then -- There could be no mistake.

    Those sharp and pointy ears were the characteristics of the Elfim race.

    "...Tsk, there was not supposed to be any presence of elementalists in the area--"

    "Oh, you mean those wind spirits you released in the surroundings? How could those things possibly locate one such as I who has been specially trained in covert operations?"

    The girl shrugged as if it could not be helped.

    "Indeed, wind elementalists are excellent for gathering intelligence and searching for the enemy. However, whether in the use of spirits or concealment of your presence, you are rather amateur."

    (...So my location was found by a reverse trace...!)

    As a knight, Ellis was not an expert in intelligence in the first ce. Even though she had undergone training for the sake of the de Dance, it was true that she could improve her flexibility in the usage of wind.

    Even so, she never expected her location to be discovered so easily--

    Ellis once again examined the girl''s contracted spirit.

    A spirit in the form of a fearsome nt -- undoubtedly it was a minion possessing the earth attribute.

    (...The earth attribute, in other words, the type to search for enemies by sensing vibrations in the ground, right?)

    The Elfim race had superior hearingpared to ordinary humans. Following the sound of footsteps, pinpointing the location probably was not a very difficult task.

    (My opponent appears to be alone, however...)

    Using Ray Hawk for support, Ellis stood up unsteadily. Her left leg was hurting but at least the sensation of pain implied that the leg was notpletely paralyzed.

    (...What should I do?)

    The girl before her was a member of the strongest team participating, Team Inferno.

    However, since this girl was an elementalist specializing in intelligence gathering, herbat ability should not be too high. If this girl, in charge of seeking out the enemy, was defeated here, then they could fight Team Inferno under more favorable conditions--

    (However...)

    Ellis halted this line of thinking at the very edge.

    During the meeting, Team Scarlet had decided -- Never fight a battle alone.

    Within their team, Ellis was the only one able to use search type magic. If she were defeated here, the team''s gathering would be dyed greatly.

    (Compared to a knight''s honor, mypanion''s victory is currently more important--!)

    Instantly making her decision, Ellis chanted a spiritnguage incantation.

    "O Wind, sweep away mine enemies -- Wind Bombs!"

    Instantly, intense shockwaves of wind were released from Ellis'' hands.

    However, the target was not the girl before her.

    The violent mass of wind blew up the sand and dirt on the ground, obscuring visibility in arge area.

    At the same time, Ellis jumped toward the great stairway at the entrance to the ruins.

    Using the momentum of the strong winds she instantly left the scene--

    (...Guh, my leg!?)

    However, intense pain suddenly red up once more.

    The paralytic poison seemed to be truly taking effect now.

    --However, she could not stop.

    If she failed to make use of this sudden attack to escape, there was probably no other chance.

    "I won''t let you escape. Catch her, demon tree spirit Titania!"

    Amidst the cloud of sand and dust, numerous vines chased after Ellis.

    "--Tsk, evil winds, go and rampage!"

    Looking back, Ellis immediately swung Ray Hawk.

    The released des of wind instantly chopped apart the vines.

    "That kind of thing--"

    However, the demon tree spirit''s vines instantly regenerated. Then split into several bundles, they attacked as if trying to entangle Ellis'' body.

    "I am the witch who gallops across the blue sky -- Air Wings!"

    Just as she was about to be captured by a prison of vines, Ellis chanted magic for high speed flight.

    Instantly releasing the wind gathered around her feet, she flew as fast as she could to a spot near the ceiling of the great hall.

    (That demon tree spirit''s attack range should not be unlimited--)

    I will take this opportunity to escape outside -- Just as Ellis was thinking that to herself.

    Amidst the dust cloud that obscured visibility, something shed.

    (...A knife!?)

    Ellis frantically attempted to evade--

    However, it was impossible to rapidly adjust one''s posture in midair.

    The knife''s de grazed her chest armor, producing a grating metallic noise.

    (It missed? No--)

    Suddenly, killing intent could be sensed --ing from above Ellis in flight.

    "What--!"

    Looking up at the copsing ceiling, Ellis was rendered speechless.

    Wielding a knife in reverse grip, the girl kicked against the ceiling surface and descended rapidly.

    (Did she use Flight magic as well!?)

    --No, that''s impossible.

    The demon tree spirit was without a doubt an earth attribute minion.

    The system under the earth attribute should not contain any Flight magic.

    "Take this--!"

    Ellis hastily swiveled Ray Hawk and used the shaft to block the knife strike--

    "--How naive. Such stale and old-fashioned knightlybat techniques."

    The girl used the spear shaft as support to make a leap.

    Once again, she kicked the ceiling to rapidly reverse her direction and unleashed an even more prating sh.

    (...This type of movement is!?)

    Ellis suddenly noticed.

    --They were very simr to Kamito''s.

    Different from normalbat skills, they involved unrestrained three-dimensional movement in myriad forms.

    "Could this be the same as Kamito--"

    "The same? That would be rather rude to him--"

    In that instant, the directly thrust knife made a shallow sh across Ellis'' arm.

    The wound itself was not critical. But immediately--

    "...Ooh, ah...!''

    Intense pain traveled all over her body like an electrical current.

    Seizing this momentary opening, numerous vines restrained Ellis'' entire body, tying her up into a bundle and dragging her along the ground.

    "...Ah, guh..."

    Sharp thorns tore through Ellis'' tights and buried into her flesh,pletely immobilizing her.

    Completely deprived of her freedom, Ellis watched as the demon tree spirit usernded quietly.

    "Number Seven of the Instructional School -- the ''Venom'', Lily me."

    "...!"

    "First I shall start with disposing of you--"

    The vines entangling Ellis'' body all moved at once.

    Part 3

    "...N-Nooooooooooooo!"

    In a little alley in the abandoned city where trees grew twisted and misshapen, a girl''s screams were heard.

    Fianna was desperately fleeing from the swarming Forsaken Spirits that kept emerging.

    Terrifying shadowy arms were reaching towards her from all directions.

    "D-Don''t you dare touch me so easily, the only one allowed to touch me is Kamito-kun!"

    As she swiftly gestured and chanted defensive magic, the ghosts withdrew their arms as if out of fear.

    ...However, faced with the burgeoning ranks of the swarming Forsaken Spirits, these efforts amounted to nothing but a drop in the bucket.

    Sending them reeling only momentarily, in a blink of an eye, the ghosts'' numbers increased further and continued to give chase.

    "--Georgios, Imand you to cut down all who disobey!"

    The knight spirit silently followed the imperial princess'' orders.

    Wielding a sacred sword with both hands, he cleared away the swarming ghosts before him in a single sweep.

    Seizing the opportunity of the pathway opened momentarily, Fianna sprinted out.

    --From a while ago, this had been repeating again and again.

    "...It''s really not the time to be bogged down in a ce like this--"

    Holding a strategic role within the team, it was more important for Fianna to converge with her teammates more than anyone else.

    By herself, it was impossible to bring out the true worth of the powerful elemental waffe Save the Queen. Furthermore, she was the only person in the team who could use true healing magic.

    --Suddenly at this time.

    The Forsaken Spirits who upied the area suddenly halted in their motions.

    "...W-What?"

    A strange silence descended.

    It was like the calm before a storm--

    ROOOOOOOAAAAAAR--!

    "Yah!"

    Immediately, a terrifying roar shook the atmosphere, causing the ground to shake.

    The vibrations caused the sand and dust umted on the ground to blow around.

    In response, the knight spirit swiftly readied his shield and protected Fianna from the flying debris.

    (What powerful divine power--!)

    It was a bone-chilling feeling of terror.

    Fianna looked up towards the direction of the roar.

    Then--

    (That thing, what is it...?)

    In the center of the abandoned city, a massive pir of fire rose.

    A pir of fire that reached the sky, sweeping up all the debris around it.

    Even though she was quite far away from it, Fianna could still feel the heat scorching her skin.

    "...me spirit?"

    It was not ire''s hell cat spirit.

    These were more terrifying mes -- demonic mes that destroyed all existence.

    "..."

    Fianna held her breath and gazed in that direction--

    Only to see the massive burning pir of me gradually change its form after a while.

    Spewing mes continuously, it was a torso that resembled ckva.

    The eyes were like high temperature furnaces, shing red light, as smoke was emitted nonstop from the mouth.

    Gripped in its hand was a massive whip of mes.

    That -- was essentially a vicious demon.

    "--The militarized spirit designated for sealing, Vraukar!"

    Fianna had seen this appearance in the Divine Ritual Institute''s resource materials before.

    The demon me spirit that was sent intobat towards the end of the Ranbal War. However, it was reportedly too unstable and was sealed and abandoned after being used twice--

    (...Dragging that kind of thing here, what on earth are they thinking?)

    --A this moment, Fianna suddenly noticed.

    The swarm of ghosts that gathered in the area had vanished without a trace like an ebbing tide.

    "...Why?"

    Fianna frowned.

    Immediately, an unbelievable sight entered her view.

    Over in the distance, in the center of the abandoned city--

    Swarming in hundreds, thousands, Forsaken Spirits were attacking the vicious demon of me.

    Faced with the onught of ghosts, the vicious demon of me swept them all away with the massive whip.

    However, the Forsaken Spirits continued to jump into the burning mes like moths drawn to a fire.

    "...?"

    This incredible scene caused Fianna to stand there dumbfounded--

    "I-I must take this opportunity to escape out of this ce... Let''s go, Georgios!"

    Brought back to her senses, Fianna and the knight spirit ran out of the alley together.

    Part 4

    In the outskirts of the abandoned city, strange trees grew on the city walls.

    Located on the edge of a bell tower extending out from the city walls--

    "--My, how you all have fallen."

    A girl smiled tenderly, wearing a dress colored in shade of darkness.

    Pristine whiteplexion. Beautiful ck wings sprouted from her back with lustrous splendor.

    Her dusk-colored eyes gazed upon the massive swarm of shadows.

    These were ghosts of the spirits who had perished in the Spirit War of the past.

    Disobeying the logic of the world, they were filthy existences that lingered, sustained purely by hatred and resentment.

    "...Oh well, it''s not like I''m in a much better position either."

    The darkness spirit girl whispered in self-deprecation.

    "After all, three years ago on that day, I became an existence that was no longer myself."

    Driven by hatred, the ghosts surged forth all at once, intending to devour her.

    "However, I still -- cannot be the likes of you."

    Restia narrowed her eyes slightly.

    "ck thunder that incinerates even souls to nothingness -- Hell st!"

    She mercilessly released high level wide area annihtion magic.

    Out burst forth jet ck lightning, instantly wiping out the surging swarm of Forsaken Spirits.

    This was overwhelming power as befitted the highest ranking spirit.

    However--

    (...Looks like the corrosion has already advanced greatly.)

    Pressing her hand against her chest, a painful moan escaped from Restia''s lips.

    Restia''s original power was not merely at this level.

    Starting three years ago, when the pitch ck Wish of the Elemental Lords devoured her that day, her very existence had been gradually corroding from within.

    Over half of what constituted her being had already been lost.

    Making things worse was the fact that her remaining power had been greatly depleted by the fight with Kamito a few days ago.

    "Who knows how much longer I can hold out for..."

    Restia''s heel ttened a ghost lying sprawled on the ground.

    "But I have a mission I mustplete. I cannot allow myself to be destroyed here."

    Surfacing in her mind was the face of the young man who exchanged promises with her on that day.

    "I must let Kamito awaken as the Demon King--"

    Just at this moment.

    "--?"

    She noticed a new presence.

    The footsteps of stiff military boots could be heard climbing up the spiral staircase of stone.

    Not a spirit. This was an elementalist''s presence, emanating intense divine power.

    "I knew it, you have not recovered from the wounds you sustained when you were defeated by Kazehaya Kamito, darkness spirit."

    "..."

    Appearing forth -- a young blonde female knight wielding a glorious sacred sword.

    The Pdin -- Luminaris Saint Leisched.

    "Ara, greetings to you. The youngdy from three years ago."

    Restia removed herself from the outer wall where trees were growing all over.

    This was a precautionary reaction towards her opponent''s power.

    During the de Dance three years ago, Restia had never revealed her human form in public.

    However, this girl had apparently discerned Restia''s true identity already.

    "Do you have business with me?"

    "--Yes."

    The young female knight swiftly readied her sword.

    "I havee to exterminate the darkness spirit who stands as the world''s enemy -- You."

    Kicking against the stone tiled floor, she instantly closed the distance.

    The vigorous and forceful thrust tore through the air like thunder.

    In response, Restia spread her wings and immediately escaped to the air to evade--

    "...!"

    In the next instant, numerous arrows of light pierced one of her wings.

    (...An ambush from a nearby tower!?)

    --I see. So she dared to make her appearance in order to draw attention away from the ambuscade over there.

    With a scattering of jet ck feathers and her ck wing pierced, Restia lost bnce and fell on the stone tiles.

    "Sess!"

    Luminaris turned and made another thrust.

    "...Tsk, disappear from my sight -- Hell st!"

    Losingposure, Restia once again released a ball of jet ck lightning.

    However--

    "--Evil be purged, Sacred Shield!"

    Luminaris immediately released defensive spirit magic. Easily deflecting spirit magic of the highest level, she sliced through Restia''s remaining intact wing.

    The matchup between darkness and holy attributes was the worst. Furthermore, Luminaris was undoubtedly contracted to a high ranking spirit. In a one-on-one fight, Restia had little chance of victory.

    "...You''ve grown in strength, youngdy."

    "Don''t look down on others, darkness spirit."

    The sword elemental waffe swept horizontally. Even the dress of darkness which could deflect all magic was tragically seared and torn, simply when grazed by the holy light emanating from the sword''s de.

    However, trying to escape through the air would end up being a target for the ambuscade again.

    These wings that are currently of no use, might as well be abandoned.

    "Blow forth and howl, tempest of the demon sword -- de Storm!"

    Just as Luminaris swung the sacred sword, making a shallow sh across Restia''s shoulder de--

    The feathered wings scattered into countless des which then flew towards Luminaris.

    This was indefensible anti-human magic for killing and maiming. Nevertheless--

    "--You have finally revealed an opening, darkness spirit."

    The Pdin''s face disyed a smile of pity--

    Without even taking any defensive posture, she charged forward directly.

    "...!?"

    "Holynce that vanquishes darkness -- Lance of Longinus!"

    Amidst the howling tempest of des, Luminaris raised her arm.

    --Then from a magic circle appearing in the air, she summoned ance.

    (That is..!)

    Restia instantly understood. --The nature of that weapon.

    (Imbued with anti-darkness magic, a piece of divine armament...!)

    Despite suffering innumerable wounds, the Pdin continued to charge through the swirling des.

    Performing powerful spirit magic left the caster vulnerable for a brief period afterwards.

    Luminaris had been waiting for this particr instant.

    "--Enemy of the world, return to eternal darkness!"

    The thrown Lance of Longinus pierced Restia in the chest.

 Volume 9, 4 - Demon Sword of Darkness

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 4 - Demon Sword of Darkness</h4>

    Part 1

    Covered by a vast expanse of trees were the ruins of the massive city.

    "...Sigh, how unfortunate. Of all ces I ended up here on the very edge of the city."

    ire pouted with displeasure as she ran amidst copsed ruins.

    She had been transported to the outer edges quite far away from the center of the abandoned city.

    From appearance, it seemed quite easy to get outside despite the high surrounding walls because there were crumbling sections all over the ce. However, due to the powerful barrier raised by the Elemental Lords outside the city walls, neither humans nor spirits were able to exit.

    "Meow--!"

    At this moment, Scarlet walked ahead with its ears raised, staring at the center of the abandoned city.

    --In the next instant, apanied by a roaring rumble, a massive pir of fire rose up from the center.

    "...!?"

    ire felt an intense shiver along her spine.

    "What a truly powerful spirit..."

    They were unlike Scarlet''s noble mes.

    These belonged to the same type as demon mes that spread violence and destruction.

    (...Whose contracted spirit is that?)

    Neither the Knights of the Dragon Emperor nor the Sacred Spirit Knights should have a me elementalist on such a level.

    Or could it be the contracted spirit of that Ren Ashbell --?

    (...No, that''s not right.)

    ire ruled out the possibility mentally.

    During the battle in the forest, Ren Ashbell did indeed use spirit magic ssified under the me system.

    However, the burning pir of fire here did not give off the same impression as her.

    Abandoning control over a spirit, simply unleashing great power recklessly -- This was not like her.

    (Speaking of an elementalist who "drives" spirits in this manner...)

    ...ire had an idea.

    The gray-haired girl who addressed Kamito as Onii-sama.

    Team Inferno''s user of militarized spirits -- Muir Alenstarl of the Instructional School.

    Reportedly, by employing tactical-ss militarized spirits, she annihted several teams singlehandedly.

    Apparently, she was using an even more powerful militarized spirit in the finals.

    (...So the fighting has already started.)

    ire felt slightly worried.

    (Could it be, Kamito is fighting...?)

    She could not deny such a possibility.

    In any case, it was necessary to first investigate the power of the demon me spirit.

    "Scarlet, which path will lead there?"

    "Meow--?"

    The hell cat spirit inclined its head as if greatly troubled.

    "...Oh right. You''re just a cat, after all."

    ire shrugged slightly.

    The massive abandoned city was probably the type whose structure became moreplicated the closer one reached the center.

    Without the use of a guide spirit, it was probably not that easy to get close.

    "...Night would probably fall before I reach that ce."

    --Just as ire sighed.

    "...?"

    From some ce, the sound of weapons shing could be heard faintly.

    (...Someone is engaged in de dance?)

    ire suddenly held her breath and swiftly looked around.

    The noises sounded quite near. However, there were no signs of people around.

    "Meow, meow--!"

    "...Above?"

    Reminded by Scarlet''s voice, ire looked up towards the overcast sky, and in that instant--

    "...!"

    She could see a girl falling down from a nearby bell tower.

    Apanied by the scattering of ck feathers, the falling girl was wearing a dress.

    (She is--)

    Even from a distance, ire was sure she recognized correctly.

    That dress the color of the dark night and those beautiful ck wings.

    (Kamito''s darkness spirit, why is she here!?)

    ire screamed out in her mind.

    "W-We must hurry over there, Scarlet!"

    Swiftly chanting the words for releasing the elemental waffe, she formed the hell cat spirit into a ming whip.

    To this date, that darkness spirit had engaged in secret machinations many times, making moves on Kamito.

    Although the situation was unclear, ire decided it was a rare opportunity.

    (...I must catch her, in order to find out what exactly she is nning!)

    Relying simply on her sense of direction, ire rushed into the maze-like ruins to head towards the bell tower.

    Like her elder sister, the outstanding princess maiden, ire''s intuition was rather keen.

    After walking a certain distance--

    (I remember she was falling somewhere near here--)

    ire halted and swept her gaze over the surrounding scattered debris.

    Normally, one should search for a spirit by following the trail of divine power, but due to the chaotic mess of the abandoned city''s leylines, that method was no longer avable.

    metongue in hand, ire advanced cautiously.

    Even if wounded, that darkness spirit was still a powerful high-ranking spirit. She could not afford to be careless.

    Also--

    (...The one who struck down the darkness spirit should still be nearby.)

    As soon as they encountered each other, a battle was most likely inevitable.

    Suddenly.

    "...Ooh, ah..."

    "...!?"

    Carried by the wind, a soft moan entered ire''s ears.

    ire immediately headed towards the direction of the sound.

    Only to find over there--

    A faintly glimmering ck feather fallen on the ground.

    "It''s a feather from that darkness spirit."

    As soon as she picked it up, the feather dissipated into particles of light.

    ...On further examination, simr feathers were scattered all over the floor in the area.

    "...Ooh... Ah..."

    The voice was heard again. --This time, it sounded very near.

    Swiftly suppressing the sound of her footfall, ire circled the wall to the other side where the voice came from.

    "...!"

    --Over there.

    The darkness spirit girl was lying on the rubble moaning, her lovely face disying an expression of suffering.

    The dress of darkness was torn open. Her ck feathers were scattered pitifully.

    Her paleplexion disyed bluish pallidity while her dusk-colored eyes gradually dimmed.

    Furthermore--

    Her left chest was pierced by a massivence.

    "Y-You, why..."

    "...Ara, what a coincidence... Miss Hell Cat..."

    Noticing ire, the girl -- Restia -- shifted her dusk-colored gaze towards her.

    Her lovely cherry lips twisted as if in self-mockery.

    "Oh for shame... To let you witness me... In such a situation, ooh, ah..."

    Halfway through her sentence, she contorted her body painfully.

    The holy light emitted by thence was causing her pain, making her suffer.

    (That is radiance of the holy attribute...?)

    ire suddenly recalled.

    "You must have been defeated by the Sacred Spirit Knights!"

    Last night, Ellis had mentioned during the strategy meeting. The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights had apparently brought divine armaments from their home country.

    Divine armaments were the most effective magical equipment for capturing darkness spirits. As soon as they struck the target, they continued to deal holy damage persistently.

    (...However, why would the Sacred Spirit Knights want to get rid of this darkness spirit?)

    "...Yah... Ah..."

    "W-Wait a moment, you''re forcing yourself too far!"

    "...I... cannot, in this kind... of ce...!"

    "...!"

    ire held her breath.

    This darkness spirit girl was always smiling withposure.

    But now her face was frowning from the pain as she panted desperately.

    Even though her body was being scorched by holy light, she still--

    "--Kami...to..."

    The instant her lips uttered that name--

    ire''s hands naturally sprang into action.

    "L-Let me through!"

    Grabbing the holynce that pierced Restia''s chest, ire pulled it out in one swift motion--!

    "...Ooh, ah...!"

    Restia stared with her dusk-colored eyes wide open.

    "..."

    As for ire--

    She stared at her own two hands as if unable to believe what she had just done.

    Why on earth did I do that...?

    "...What are your intentions, Miss Hell Cat?"

    Restia breathed heavily as she stared at ire.

    ...ire was at a loss for words.

    "...I-I don''t know either, why."

    This darkness spirit was without a doubt an enemy of ire and her team.

    She was the one responsible for the giant spirit going berserk at the Academy town as well as Jio Inzagi''s assault on the Academy.

    During the Tempest, she had even used the monster Nepenthes Lore to destroy Team Scarlet''s stronghold.

    Even ire herself was almost killed by her.

    Honestly speaking, ire had neither reason nor obligation to help her at all.

    --Nevertheless, her body acted on its own.

    Restia continued to gaze at ire suspiciously.

    ire could not help but avert eye contact.

    "A-After all, you -- you are Kamito''s contracted spirit."

    That was what she said.

    How precious of an existence this darkness spirit girl was in Kamito''s heart, ire had a pretty good idea.

    This was the girl who bestowed a human heart upon Kamito who had been raised as an assassin by the Instructional School. Kamito''s reason for entering the de Dance this time was getting her back.

    Deep bonds,pletely irreceable, existed between the two of them.

    ...As this thought crossed her mind, ire felt an inexplicable stinging pain in her chest.

    "If you disappeared from this world, Kamito will be very sad. That''s why I''m helping you."

    ire returned her gaze towards Restia.

    "A-And also, I have many things I want to ask you. How could I let you die so easily in this kind of ce?"

    "..."

    "Follow me, darkness spirit."

    "You really think I will obey you?"

    "Don''t look down on me. Even if I need to resort to force I will take you away with me."

    "--You, are you able to do that?"

    Restia smiled and stood up unsteadily.

    In this manner, they stared each other in the eye for several seconds--

    Suddenly Restia copsed like an unstringed puppet.

    "H-Hey!?"

    ire reflexively caught Restia in her arms.

    Instantly, Restia''s body began to dissipate in the air as particles of light.

    "W-What?...What on earth is going on!?"

    "Ku..."

    Her beautiful face twisting in regret, the darkness spirit girl continued to disappear.

    Just as her figurepletely dissipated, a sharp metallic noise rang out with a ng.

    "...This is?"

    ire held her breath.

    A sword had fallen on the ground where Restia was just now.

    A de of darkness disying sleek splendor -- a straight sword for one-handed use.

    Invoking admiration of its beauty in the viewer, yet leaving an ominous impression, this was the demon sword of darkness.

    Apparently she had transformed from her human appearance to her demon sword form due to overexhaustion.

    It followed the same principle as Est going to sleep in sword form.

    "...That holynce was imbued with a Geis."

    It was a spell for severing the Circuit that connected a spirit to its main body, forcing the spirit to remain in this world. Mainly used to capture high ranking spirits, it prevented the target from returning to the location of its main body for several days.

    ire reached out towards the demon sword on the ground.

    --Just at that moment.

    A presence appeared behind her.

    "--Who!?"

    Turning around immediately, ire swung metongue.

    However, the ming crimson sh was deflected by a shining magical shield--!

    "...Ah, you are--!"

    The one who appeared was a blonde female knight in the uniform of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    "...Luminaris Saint Leisched."

    ire groaned in her throat.

    (...Foreseeably, almost the worst possible situation.)

    To encounter an ace-level elementalist as her firstbat opponent, truly rotten luck it was.

    "Hand that demon sword over. Ordesia''s hell cat user."

    Luminaris approachedpletely without apprehension.

    Despite the many wounds on her person, presumably from her battle with Restia, her sense of presence was quite intimidating.

    ire swiftly picked up the demon sword and wielded metongue in one hand.

    "Dame Luminaris, why are you targeting this darkness spirit?"

    Faced with ire''s question--

    "Who knows. The reason was not disclosed to us."

    "...What do you mean by that?"

    "We are simply executing orders issued by Des Esseintes."

    "Des Esseintes--"

    It referred to a political organization at the very core of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. Apparently, the kingdom''s politics were actually dictated by Des Esseintes from behind the queen.

    "--Wow, what a truly loyal dog, devoted to your mission."

    "Let us dispense with the idle chatter. Hurry and hand the darkness spirit over."

    Luminaris'' warning increased in the sharpness of its tone.

    "I intended toplete this mission as quickly as possible, to settle things conclusively with the matter of Ren Ashbell from three years ago. After all, I am not in peak condition either. Therefore if you hand that thing over obediently, I will pretend I never saw you."

    "..."

    --Not an unattractive proposal.

    Despite her wounds, Luminaris still was not an opponent ire could handle on her own.

    She probably would keep her word. Even though it was only a verbal promise, prideful elementalists generally did not go back on their promises once given.

    "What is there to hesitate about? Isn''t that darkness spirit an enemy to your side as well?"

    Was she feeling anxious because ire did not answer? Luminaris took another step forward.

    "..."

    --Right, Restia was without a doubt Team Scarlet''s enemy.

    She was definitely nning to make use of Kamito in some n.

    (However...)

    ire tightly gripped the demon sword in her hand.

    "I hate this..."

    "...What?"

    "Dame Luminaris, I am sorry but I will not hand this darkness spirit over to you."

    Staring straight at Luminaris before her, ire answered.

    No matter what, Restia was Kamito''s precious contracted spirit.

    If she were to disappear, Kamito would surely be sad.

    (...In that case, I must protect her well!)

    "Foolish--"

    Luminaris sighed with exasperation.

    "Then I shall retrieve it by force!"

    Instantly stepping against the ground to gain speed, she rushed forward, swinging her fist with sacredbat energy.

    ire instantly reacted. Using metongue to strike the floor, she made the rubble explode.

    She did not expect to deal damage but at least it would provide a visual distraction.

    Seizing the opportunity, ire jumped backwards greatly.

    "Go forth and devour, scorching ball of congration -- Fireball!"

    "--mes be vanquished, Sacred Shield!"

    Luminaris instantly chanted defensive magic to deflect the iing Fireball.

    Her chanting speed was quite fast. Not only was she adept in martial arts, she was also quite skilled in controlling her elemental waffe.

    Ignoring the obstacle of me, Luminaris kept charging forward.

    (...How could this happen!?)

    The instant just before she was about to strike with the fist infused withbat energy--

    Luminaris halted in her steps.

    "...?"

    From the crevices in the rubble, numerous shadowy arms reached out to restrain her.

    (W-What...?)

    "...Damn these ghosts of the abandoned city, to think they dare interfere at this time!"

    The swarm of shadows crept out onto the surface continuously.

    It seemed like they were reacting to the holy power Luminaris had released.

    (...A-Although I don''t quite get what''s going on, it''s an excellent opportunity!)

    Releasing dazzling mes in all directions, ire took the demon sword of darkness and began to flee.

    Part 2

    "These guys just keeping no matter how many I fight off...!"

    With dazzling brilliance, the Demon yer swept clear a group of Forsaken Spirits.

    Numerous shadows disappeared into nothingness, apanied by screams filled with resentment.

    --However, their numbers showed no signs of abating.

    "I don''t have time for dealing with you guys right now--!"

    Spinning around to unleash a sh, Kamito cut down the shadows approaching from behind.

    Even famous spirits in the past would lose most of their original power once they became lingering ghosts.

    The troublesome thing was that contact with the shadows resulted in contamination, thereby consuming divine power. If one were to recklessly charge through the swarms, divine power would probably be depleted in short time.

    This characteristic was extremely simr to the dark monster brought by Restia, Nepenthes Lore.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh--!

    Within the blink of an eye, Kamito found himself surrounded heavily again as he wiped the sweat off his brow.

    The de of Terminus Est in his hand also lost its radiance gradually.

    Naturally, the contamination from the Forsaken Spirits affected the elemental waffe as well.

    Although Est was crowned with the title of the Demon yer for vanquishing the Demon King, in actual fact, she was not a spirit possessing the holy attribute but a sword spirit with the attribute of steel.

    She did not possess the power to purify filth.

    In other words, every time Est made contact with the ghosts in battle, her power kept being consumed.

    If this continued, Est would reach her limit before even engaging elementalists from opposing teams.

    (...Tsk, this is bad.)

    --Just as Kamito clicked his tongue mentally.

    The back of his left hand began to hurt intensely.

    "...Guh, ah...!"

    Intense scorching pain caused Kamito to utter cries of suffering.

    Taking off his leather glove for a look, he found blood dripping down his wrist to the ground.

    Normally, the spirit seal was barely visible, but now it was shining with intense light.

    (...Restia!?)

    Ever since that day three years ago, the spirit seal on his left hand had never reacted this strongly before.

    "Guh, what on earth...!"

    Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the ground to stop himself from falling over.

    Along the way, the Forsaken Spirits swarmed in all at once.

    If Kamito were to get caught and entangled, his divine power would be utterly drained and he could even lose his life.

    (--How could I let you guys seed!)

    Kamito infused maximum divine power into the Demon yer:

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form--Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    He unleashed the anti-army technique of the Absolute de Arts.

    Resembling the image of the moon reflected on water, this swaying sh was delivered like a quick dance.

    A sh followed by a spin, further followed by a sh after the spin.

    Even when dozens of enemies surrounded him, they were unable to touch even his sleeve.

    Unleashing shes like a storm, Kamito broke through the barricade.

    His overwhelming destructive power swept the area clear of ghosts.

    "Huff, huff, huff--"

    Putting his sword away, Kamito kept panting.

    Using movements that surpassed the limits of his body caused all his muscles to scream in pain.

    ...I knew it, Greyworth''s Absolute de Arts take too much of a toll on the body.

    Furthermore, slicing Forsaken Spirits also caused contamination in Terminus Est''s de, causing its luster to dim progressively.

    Despite the massive decrease in the number of ghosts, new ones kept crawling out without end.

    "Damn it..."

    Kamito''s gaze rested on his left hand.

    The scorching pain had calmed down and the glow of the spirit seal gradually disappeared.

    "Restia--"

    Putting on his leather glove again, Kamito called out her name.

    Then.

    "--mito... Kami...to."

    "...?"

    Suddenly -- the wind whispered.

    It was a vague sound, akin to the rustling of leaves brushing against one another.

    Looking up suddenly, Kamito found a tiny butterfly-like fairy drifting in the wind.

    (...Isn''t that Ellis'' wind spirit?)

    No mistake about it. The one calling Kamito''s name was Ellis'' voice.

    She was probably using spirits to carry her voice and broadcast to the surroundings.

    (...Could she be nearby?)

    Within this abandoned city, there should be no way to send out wind spirits a great distance due to their rtively weaker power. After all, low level spirits without well-defined wills would most likely be caught and eaten by the ghosts before they could travel far.

    --At this time, the faint sound of weapons shing could be heard from the distance.

    "...!"

    This time, it was not a sound carried by the wind.

    Someone nearby was performing a de dance.

    "Ellis--"

    Sweeping away swarms of ghosts with his sword, Kamito sprinted in the direction of the sound.

    Part 3

    Her consciousness in a haze as if enshrouded by a thinyer of mist--

    "...mi,to... Kami... to..."

    Ellis repeated Kamito''s name.

    Perhaps because the poison secreted by the thorns of the demon tree spirit was spreading, she could not even lift a finger.

    No, even without the paralysis, it was impossible to escape the vines entangling her entire body. Restraining her four limbs, the vines ripped apart her tights, burrowing sharp thorns into her supple flesh.

    "...Ah, hah, ooh..."

    Ellis felt like her body was burning.

    The sense of debilitating sweetness caused Ellis to produce painful sighs.

    "Guh... To think you would, use poison... Yah..."

    "Assassins are unconcerned with the means employed. I have no reason to amodate your sense of chivalry."

    The orphan from the Instructional School, Lily me, looked down at Ellis with merciless eyes.

    "The demon tree spirit Titania was sealed in a sacred tree at the Elfim vige. It is able to refine several hundred types of poisons, including fatal poisons, paralytic poisons, hallucinogenic poisons and aphrodisiacs. However, fatal poisons cannot be used due to the disqualification rule--"

    "Guh..."

    The squirming vines dove beneath Ellis'' uniform and began to search her bosom.

    "Ooh, yah, ah...!"

    They were trying to find the magic stone hidden in her uniform.

    Once the magic stone was taken away, the owner''s body would be forcibly teleported to Ragna Ys and retired from the de Dance unless the stone was retrieved within thirty seconds.

    Pop. Pop pop.

    As the buttons of the uniform popped off, the massive bosom d in ck underwear was exposed.

    "...Oooh..."

    Ellis bit her lip hard in humiliation.

    From her inside pocket, the magic stone rolled out.

    "...With this, one member is eliminated from Team Scarlet."

    Bending over, Lily tried to pick up the magic stone.

    "...No... Don''t...!"

    Ellis struggled and desperately reached out despite the vines entangling her arm.

    Even though it made numerous scratch wounds on her arm, she still mustered all her strength.

    "Guh... Ah...!"

    "How unsightly, Ellis Fahrengart."

    Lily swept Ellis'' arm aside derisively.

    "Ultimately, you people, who simply train as though you were ying in a sandbox, can''t possibly defeat assassins who grew up in true hell."

    "...What, did you say..."

    Hearing that assertion--

    Ellis gritted her teeth hard.

    The faces of herrades back at the Academy surfaced in her mind one after another.

    --Rakka, Reishia,rades of the Sylphid Knights.

    The foster elder sister Velsaria who prayed for Ellis'' victory.

    Last but not least, her four teammates who were fighting in the same match.

    Lily''s current assertion was equivalent to insulting all of Ellis''rades back at the Academy.

    "Take those words... Back--"

    "...?"

    "To call it ying in a sandbox -- Take those words back!"

    Gathering divine power in both hands -- Ellis released it all in one go.

    As sharply slicing winds began to blow, all the vines tying her up were severed.

    "--The paralytic poison''s not working!? No--"

    Lily me disyed rm on her face.

    Ellis swiftly reached out to the magic stone and grabbed it.

    ...The poison was actually working. Ellis'' consciousness remained hazy and could barely remain standing.

    Even so -- as one of the Sylphid Knights, there were things she must defend at all costs.

    "...For myrades who entrusted dreams of victory to me--"

    She released Ray Hawk in her right hand, a storm gathering at its front tip.

    "I cannot be defeated in a ce like this!"

    "Tsk!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk with all her might.

    Faced with the onught of the swirling des of wind--

    Lily took a leap, evading the wind des as she threw knives.

    Two knives struck Ellis in the legs.

    "Guh... Ah..."

    Swallowing the scream she was about to emit, Ellis red at the enemy before her.

    Fortunately, the spreading paralytic poison reduced the intensity of the pain.

    "--If you stop resisting, you will be free of suffering soon."

    Lily grumbled calmly as she snapped her fingers.

    The severed vines of the demon tree spirit instantly regenerated.

    "...Darn, to think it would have such regenerative powers...!"

    For Ellis'' elemental waffe which was geared towards shing attacks, the demon tree spirit was a poor matchup.

    If it were ire''s me spirit or Rinslet''s demon ice spirit instead, the fight would perhaps be more in their favor--

    Ellis'' entire field of view was hazy. In a poisoned state, she could not fully refine her divine power.

    However--

    (I cannot let myrades back at the Academy witness an unsightly de dance--)

    Ray Hawk''s spear tip once again gathered wind.

    A prolonged battle must be avoided. Victory had to be decided in one strike.

    "--ughter the foolish sacrifice, Titania!"

    The countless wriggling vines all rushed towards Ellis.

    In that instant.

    "Fahrengart style of the spear, secret technique -- sh Gale!"

    The violent gale released with all her strength ended up prating the ground far from the target.

    "A futile struggle--"

    A jeering expression appeared on Lily''s face.

    At the same time, the demon tree spirit''s vines reached into the dust cloud to capture Ellis--

    "...What!?"

    However, in the next instant -- Lily''s expression froze.

    Behind the dust cloud, Ellis could not be found.

    "--Is she above!?"

    She suddenly realized -- But toote.

    Hidden amongst the dust scattering and flying in the wind, Ellis had flown high up in the air.

    (--Since my legs cannot move, I flew using the wind!)

    "Sess--!"

    Riding the wind, she altered her trajectory in midair.

    Firming her grasp of Ray Hawk which swelled with a violent gale, Ellis rapidly descended as she took aim at Lily on the ground.

    BOOM--!

    The instant the spear tip made contact with the ground, a storm erupted.

    "...!"

    In the veryst second, Lily tried to evade.

    However, her petite body was blown away, crashing hard into a wall.

    Landing on the ground, Ellis elerated once more, charging forth in order to deliver a decisive blow.

    But already -- the wind had begun to lose coherence.

    "Wha...!"

    Losing bnce, Ellis suddenly copsed on the ground.

    (...Oooh, my body, feels scorching hot...!)

    The cirction of divine power had caused the paralytic poison to spread even faster.

    As the wind enveloping her scattered, Ellis could hardly lift a finger.

    "...Guh, just a little bit more..."

    Ellis wed at the sand on the floor surface, trying desperately to muster her final strength--

    "...Too careless of me. I underestimated you."

    However, the first to stand up was Lily me.

    Although she suffered injuries from the attack just now, she was more than well enough to continue battling.

    "However, further struggles are futile--"

    "--Not necessarily."

    Suddenly.

    In her hazy state of consciousness, Ellis heard a familiar voice.

    "...What!?"

    Lily me turned back to stare at the great staircase in the ruins.

    (You, really...)

    Seeing his figure in her gradually blurring vision, Ellis suddenly smiled.

    (--Indeed, I was waiting for this voice.)

    Ellis believed firmly he would surelye.

    Hence she was able to persevere and continue fighting.

    "...Ka...mito...!"

    "Sorry to have kept you waiting, Ellis."

    Kamito jumped down from the great stairway andnded next to Ellis.

    "...How... did you get here?"

    "Ellis, your voice was carried by the wind."

    "I... see--"

    Kamito pressed a healing spirit crystal into Ellis'' hand and stood up lightly. Then he turned towards Lily who had taken abat stance.

    "The fifth member of Team Inferno turns out to be you."

    "Kamito..."

    The Elfim girl groaned in her throat.

    ...Apparently, these two seemed to know each other.

    But since they both came from the Instructional School, that possibility had crossed Ellis'' mind--

    "I''m so d, you and Muir are okay... Oh well, though reuniting in this manner was not what I hoped for."

    Just as Kamito sighed.

    "...Guh, go forth and ughter, Titania!"

    Responding to Lily''s voice, the demon tree spirit''s vines attacked Kamito.

    "--Kamito!"

    Ellis cried out. --However, such worry was unnecessary.

    Pulling out the Demon yer, Kamito instantly severed all the vines.

    "Stop it. You can''t defeat me... I''m sure you know that quite well, right?"

    "But..."

    Lily bit her lip in chagrin.

    "I-I''ll retreat for now!"

    She swiftly jumped towards the demon tree spirit that sprouted out of the ground.

    Leaping inside the massive red flower, the petals instantly closed up and disappeared into the ground.

    Within the blink of an eye, the demon tree spirit had swallowed Lily and disappeared without trace.

    "...That kind of trick again. That girl sure loves fancy tricks just like the way she''s always been."

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    "Ellis, are you okay?"

    "Ah, hmm... Because you are here, ah..."

    Still copsed on the ground, Ellis nodded.

    Immediately, her face suddenly became bright red.

    "K-Kamito, say..."

    "...Hmm?"

    Suddenly, Kamito found his gaze being drawn to a certain location.

    Those voluptuous breasts, d in ck underwear, fully exposed in view due to the unbuttoned uniform.

    "S-Stop looking... Jerk!"

    "S-Sorry...!"

    Kamito frantically turned his gaze away as he blushed.

 Volume 9, 5 - Spirit Weapon

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 5 - Spirit Weapon</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Here, it should be fine now."

    "...Mmm... Hmm..."

    Kamito picked up Ellis in his arms and carried her to a location a certain distance away from the center of the abandoned city.

    These seemed to be the ruins of a massive shrine, where the ceiling was supported by stone columns on the verge of copse.

    Assigning Simorgh to keep watch outside, they stepped into the premises, only to see a spring in the depths of the shrine that was used for divine purification. Although the spring itself had long dried up, arge amount of rainwater had umted.

    "--Water spirits, pure and clear, exorcise this filth."

    Chanting a spiritnguage incantation and tossing in a purification spirit crystal caused the water to bubble instantly and turn clear.

    Kamitoid down Ellis into the spring directly in her uniform.

    "S-Sorry, Kamito..."

    "Don''t force yourself to speak. Conserve your stamina."

    Turning his blushing face away, Kamito coughed lightly.

    The drenched uniform clung tightly to Ellis'' lithe body, an especially seductive sight.

    Even though Kamito understood that now was not the time to turn his attention to those matters, he could not stop his gaze from being drawn to the ck underwear showing underneath the drenched uniform.

    "Th-This is all we can do for now as treatment. Do you feel any better?"

    After all, using holy water for a bath was only emergency first aid.

    If only Fianna who was skilled in healing were present. But for someone like Kamito who was unskilled in spirit magic, this was as much as he could do.

    "Mmm, hmm, do not worry... Ah, ow..."

    Ellis panted painfully.

    Although elementalists had better poison resistance than ordinary people due to their advanced circtory systems, unfortunately, the demon tree spirit''s poison was far too powerful.

    "Ooh... Ka... mito..."

    Despite her irregr breathing, Ellis continued to call out Kamito''s name in a hoarse voice.

    In order to lessen her pain, the front of her uniform had been unfastened. Kamito''s gaze was naturally drawn to the undting cleavage.

    (I-I can''t let myself stare...!)

    As if trying to dispel evil thoughts, Kamito shook his head.

    "Your body, does it feel painful?"

    "Ah, yeah..."

    Ellis'' body twisted in the spring that resembled a bathtub.

    Biting hard on her glistening lips, she gazed at Kamito.

    Then fidgeting with her fingers, she said:

    "U-Uh, I hope you will notugh, but..."

    "Hmm?"

    "H-Hand... Can we hold hands?"

    "--Ah sure. I got it."

    Kamito instantly agreed and used both hands to lightly hold Ellis'' hand.

    "Hyah!"

    Halfway in the process, Ellis gave off a cute little scream.

    "...S-Sorry! Was I too sudden?"

    "N-No, I should apologize instead. It is just that, I am not used to it, holding a boy''s hand..."

    The skin on her hand was as delicate and tender as that ofdies of nobility. However, due to constant martial training, there were some calluses on her palm.

    "Ah, sob sob... I-I cannot believe I have done something so shameless..."

    "...?"

    Ellis'' face was as red as a cooked octopus.

    "B-By the way, Kamito..."

    Suddenly, Ellis looked up to face Kamito.

    "Yeah?"

    "Th-That Elfim girl, was she yourrade in the past?"

    The fingers holding the hand tightened slightly.

    "..."

    "N-No, if you do not want to answer, I will not force you to speak--"

    "Oh no, it''s not that reason... It''s just, how should I put it, describing her as arade is a little off."

    "Not arade...?"

    Ellis frowned.

    "C-Could she be... Your lover!?"

    "What kind of logic is that!?"

    Kamito objected loudly.

    "Hmm, not your lover, I see... Very good."

    Ellis breathed a sigh of relief.

    ...This motion of hers caused her massive bosom to quiver, way too conspicuously.

    "Muir Alenstarl, Lily me and I were a tactical unit of three... Back then, we had no sense of camaraderie at all."

    --Or rather, very likely, none of the kids raised in that insane facility ever had any understanding of the concept of rades."

    (However, now--)

    Kamito involuntarily tightened his grip on her hand.

    (...I haverades I wish to protect.)

    This was strength he had never possessed as the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    --At this time, Kamito suddenly noticed.

    "...?"

    Ellis'' hand in his grip felt quite hot.

    Her usually bright and lively brown eyes currently looked rather unfocused.

    "Ellis, do you have a fever?"

    Kamito asked with worry.

    It was not surprising for a demon tree spirit''s poison to include symptoms of fever.

    But in that case, although bathing was necessary for neutralizing the poison, the symptoms were exacerbated as a result.

    "Do you want to get out first?"

    "...No, d-do not worry... Ah..."

    Suddenly, Ellis emitted a cute little scream as her hand let go.

    "...E-Ellis, what''s wrong?"

    "Mmm... Ah, hah, mmm..."

    Ellis panted as her wet arms and legs twisted in suffering.

    "H-Hey,e on..."

    Kamito grabbed her shoulders with worry.

    "Mmm, hyah...!"

    Immediately, Ellis'' body shuddered intensely.

    "Ah.. Haa, haa..."

    She was blushing to her ears and her breathing was aplete mess.

    Wrapped in the wet skirt, her legs were rubbing against each other coyly.

    "Mmm, ooh... Ka, mito..."

    Looking as though her breathing was petering out, Ellis finally spoke up.

    "Ellis, what is going on!?"

    "D-Dunno why... M-My body, suddenly feels burning hot, huah..."

    "...Could it be that the slower-acting poison is now taking effect!?"

    "...Hmm, ce to think of it..."

    Ellis panted with great suffering as she tried to form words.

    "Th-That Elfim girl, did say... The demon tree spirit, ooh... Amongst the poisons it concocted, huah... Uh, there is also that kind, of effect..."

    "...That kind of effect?"

    Repeating her words, Kamito found Ellis lowering her gaze shyly.

    "B-Basically, an... A-Aphrodisiac..."

    "Aphrodisiac!?"

    Kamito''s voice was instantly turned inside out.

    ...What were known as aphrodisiacs were drugs that caused people to act in lustful ways.

    "...Huah, mmm... Help, me, Kami... to..."

    Embracing her bosom tightly, Ellis pleaded as she rubbed her legs together.

    Probably because she was suffering, her pleading eyes were moist with tears.

    "E-Even if you say that..."

    Kamito held his breath.

    ...What on earth was he supposed to do?

    "L-Let it stabilize, ooh... Once this hot sh passes..."

    "...!?"

    Sweet breath escaped from her glistening lips.

    The stern maiden knight''s enraptured eyes were emanating a dangerous aura of attraction.

    (...Th-This is clearly a no good situation!)

    Kamito shook his head vigorously in his mind.

    If he did that kind of thing to the Fahrengart family''s precious daughter -- a death sentence awaited him without escape.

    However.

    "...Haa, haa... Mmm... Ahuu..."

    "..."

    Hearing Ellis'' pained breathing--

    "...I-I got it!"

    Kamito steeled himself and nodded.

    ...After all, she was suffering and he could not ignore it.

    Still in uniform, Kamito entered the spring and embraced Ellis.

    "...I-Is this better?"

    "Mmmhmm..."

    Ellis nodded. Her sweet breath blew against Kamito''s ear.

    Her soft bosom pressed against him through the drenched uniform, amodating in shape with great suppleness.

    Kamito''s face instantly went red.

    "...If you''re feeling unbearable, don''t fight it so much."

    "S-Sorry..."

    Ellis obediently rxed and leaned tightly against him.

    Kamito''s heart raced in response.

    "...L-Let me be clear, do not mistake me for some kind of immoral woman."

    Ellis whispered softly with an ashamed expression.

    "...A-Acting this way, i-is all the poison''s fault."

    "Yeah, I know."

    To help relieve the pain and suffering from the poison, Kamito tightened his arm around Ellis'' waist.

    "Ah... H-Harder, a little more..."

    "L-Like this?"

    "J-Just a bit more... Ooh, smooch?"

    "...!?"

    At this moment, Kamito felt a sense of numbing sweetness rush into his brain.

    Ellis had begun to nibble Kamito''s neck.

    "Mmm, hmm... Smooch?"

    "E-Ellis, this... is too...!"

    Maintaining his posture of embracing Ellis, Kamito squirmed.

    (...Please, my sanity, you must endure!)

    Kamito closed his eyes and screamed in his mind.

    Part 2

    (...I-I''m saved. My sanity is mere inches from the limit.)

    --After that, several minutes had passed.

    Ellis was now sound asleep on Kamito''sp as he listened to her calm breathing noises.

    It seemed like the aphrodisiac''s effects had ended.

    Because sleeping in wet clothes would result in catching a cold, she was now in her underwear with Kamito''s jacket draped over her.

    Despite the immense difficulties faced when taking her clothes off just as she was falling asleep, Kamito channeled the superhuman self-control he had developed through the Instructional School''s training and managed toplete the task without distraction.

    ...That said, he did stare once or twice at the impressive contours of her cleavage.

    In any case, she should recover her strength after some rest.

    cing a fire spirit crystal on the ground to give off warmth, Kamito suppressed a yawn.

    The sun had just set outside, causing the interior of these ruins to be rather dim.

    (...We''ll have to spend the night in this ce.)

    As much as he wished to meet up with the rest of the team as quickly as possible, Ellis'' current condition did not allow for reckless action.

    "Mmm, Kamito, I will make you into a ham sandwich..."

    On hisp, Ellis talked in her dreams.

    "O-Of course, you are the ham, I-I am the bread, okay..."

    "What on earth is she dreaming about..."

    Kamito shrugged wryly.

    Ponytail untied, her innocent sleeping face was truly adorable.

    (By the way...)

    Kamito looked up and immersed himself into a different line of thought.

    (I never expected even Lily would be roped into being their teammate...)

    Number seven of the Instructional School -- "Venom" Lily me.

    Not only was she aplished inbat techniques, she was also top ss in espionage ability in the facility.

    When they were teamed up in the past, she was still a girl who spoke little. However, the impression she gave off just now was much different from back then.

    --Ever since the Instructional School''s destruction, four years had passed.

    (...In other words, I''m not the only one who changed.)

    Kamito had heard that basically all the orphans from the facility had obtained protection from the Knights of Ordesia. However, amongst those that were already executing missions, the so-called "Ranked Ones" there were apparently a few whose whereabouts were unknown.

    Team Inferno''smander -- the masked elementalist who stole Ren Ashbell''s name, where and how did shee into contact with the lost children of the Instructional School?

    "--Kamito."

    "Hmm?"

    Suddenly hearing his name called out, Kamito turned to look.

    Dressed in her uniform, Est was approaching from a dark corner.

    "Est, are you okay now?"

    "Yes. Although I still need rest in order to fulfill my duties as a sword."

    Depleted in power by the contamination of Forsaken Spirits, Est had apparently recovered enough to maintain human form.

    Est walked quickly over and sat down lightly beside Kamito.

    Her mysterious violet eyes kept staring at Kamito.

    "Kamito, I am hungry."

    "Yeah, it''s already that time of the day."

    Spirits normally did not need to eat but there were many high level spirits who treated human food as a kind of hobby they indulged in. Especially Est. Because she required three square meals a day at the Academy when together with Kamito, it did cause him some grief as he agonized over the increase in the food budget.

    "Speaking of dinner, all we have is this sort of thing..."

    Taking care not to wake up Ellis on hisp, Kamito took out from his uniform pocket a pill the size of a pea.

    This was a drug regarded as a treasure amongst portable food for elementalists.

    It was prepared from dozens of herbs and vored with sugar and honey.

    Filling, easy to digest and highly nutritious, it was known as a masterpiece.

    "..."

    "...Uh, Est?"

    "Kamito, you don''t have any food?"

    Est inquired with innocent eyes.

    "...I''m sorry. Right now there''s only this."

    ...Feeling inexplicably guilty, Kamito apologized.

    Due to the matter of weight, all conventional food and cooking equipment were stored in Fenrir''s belly. Before meeting up with Rinslet, they had no choice but to endure.

    "...I understand, Kamito."

    Est nodded obediently.

    "I''m really sorry. When we return to Ragna Ys, feel free to eat your favorites as much as you want."

    "Yes."

    Est nodded again, then said:

    "Then Kamito, please feed me that snack."

    Like a baby bird waiting to be fed, she opened her little mouth.

    "..."

    Currently, the legendary Demon yer was making an "Ah--" posture with her mouth open.

    ...How should one put it? It was cuteness overload.

    Kamito coughed and surveyed the surroundings.

    "...Yeah, say ah--"

    Holding the pill in his fingers, he delivered it to Est''s mouth.

    Bite... Chew chew.

    Expressionlessly, Est slightly dted her pupils.

    "...This is quite tasty."

    "Really? Good to know you like it."

    Seeing her offer unexpected praise, Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    Seeing Est looking like that--

    "By the way, Est--"

    Kamito suddenly thought of something and asked.

    "...?"

    "Just now, when we were being attacked by those swarms of Forsaken Spirits, you were trying to say something. Yeah, just before you changed into a sword, Est--"

    ''...Tsk, these guys are not targeting me but Est!?''

    ''Apparently so, Kamito. Very likely, I--''

    ...There had been an exchange like that.

    "What were you talking about back then?"

    Hence Est nodded.

    "Yes. Back then, the reason the Forsaken Spirits attacked was most likely because I am a spirit weapon -- that was what I wanted to say."

    "...A spirit weapon?"

    ...An unfamiliar term.

    (No wait, I remember from the lectures at the Academy...)

    Kamito tried hard to recall his supplementary lessons with his teacher Freya.

    (...Right. I remember it was an umbre term for powerful spirits mobilized during the Spirit War.)

    "Est, is it that kind of spirit weapon?"

    "Yes. That is what fragments of my memory tell me."

    Est nodded again.

    The reason why she acted so ambiguously was because the current Est merely inherited the memories of the true Terminus Est as fragmented knowledge.

    "I do not know whether I belonged to the side of the Elemental Lords or the rebels. However, I am sure my past self exterminatedrge numbers of spirits in this abandoned city."

    Est murmured with her usual ice-cold expressionless demeanor.

    ...No emotions could be read from that kind of face.

    "Those ghosts should all have been famous spirits before they fell to such depravity. However, they are now beings without sanity, relying on hatred to exist--"

    "..."

    Come to think of it, after leaving the central area of the abandoned city, Kamito no longer saw any signs of Forsaken Spirits.

    Considering that those things were ghosts bound to thend, perhaps their appearance depended on the location. Or maybe, they did not attack right now because Est''s current output of divine power was rtively weak.

    Est closed her violet eyes--

    "Kamito, I will enter a dormant state to prepare for the next battle. Please rouse me if anything happens."

    "...Yeah."

    Dissipating into particles of light in the air, she returned to sword form once more.

    Kamito swiftly reached out with his hand towards the sacred sword fallen on the ground -- At this moment.

    "Mmm, hmm..."

    Ellis stirred slightly on hisp.

    "Ellis, you woke up?"

    "Mmm, I already woke up back when you were feeding Est."

    "...Y-You saw it all!?"

    "I-I could not possibly get up during such an embarrassing situation!"

    For some reason, Ellis began to sulk and pout.

    "But wait, weren''t the things you did earlier even more embarrassing, Ellis?"

    "...~S-Speak of it no more!"

    Thud thud thud thud.

    Ellis sprang up and tearfully hammered her fists against Kamito''s shoulder.

    ...Oh well, it''s good to see her energy recovered.

    "Okay, go and sleep a little longer. You still have a bit of fever."

    "A-All your fault..."

    Ellis instantly blushed, but had no choice but to lie down again with Kamito''s jacket draped over her shoulders.

    Watching this pure and innocent maiden of a knight, Kamito smiled wryly--

    At this time, his gaze rested on his leather gloved left hand.

    (By the way, what was with that pain earlier...)

    Currently, there was no reaction at all from the spirit seal on his left hand.

    (...Did something happen to Restia?)

    --A long night was just beginning.

    Part 3

    --Meanwhile.

    In a dark underground maze that stretched to who knows where, a youngdy was walking with a white wolf.

    "Sniff sniff, I can''t find my way to the surface..."

    Rinslet''s eyes were full of tears.

    ...After the Leap took her to this underground maze, she had been spending hours walking in circles in the same ce.

    As if trying to encourage its master, Fenrir licked her hand.

    Rinslet rubbed the white wolf''s head as she illuminated the surroundings with a spirit crystal.

    "By the way, where on earth is this ce?"

    The faint light shone on the stone wall.

    Its surface was carved with spiritnguage script. Given enough time, Rinslet had sufficient knowledge to decipher them but her current priority was getting back out onto the surface.

    ...Rumble, her stomach growled.

    Sighing lightly, Rinslet sat down on the floor.

    "So tired. My feet hurt. I''m hungry too."

    In any case, she had already walked for several hours.

    Even though she was a trained elementalist, her stamina was reaching a limit.

    Fenrir caressed its master''s feet with its furry tail.

    Using ice-cold air, Fenrir soothed the pain in Rinslet''s red and swollen feet.

    "Let''s rest here. Walking around randomly isn''t the best choice."

    Shrugging, Rinslet leaned her back against the wall.

    "--Fenrir, take out the luggage."

    Fenrir opened its jaws with a roar and spat out the luggage bag.

    The demon ice spirit''s stomach was connected to an alternate dimension.

    "I originally hoped to make this for Kamito-san..."

    Readying chilled eggs and a bottle of milk, she used her familiar frying pan to make splendid pancakes with a fire spirit crystal ced on the ground.

    Then sheid out napkins on the floor and prepared teaware.

    Always maintaining theposure to enjoy a good cup of tea under any circumstance -- this could be considered one of the Laurenfrost family''s precepts.

    ...Several minutester, the fragrance of tea wafted through the dark underground maze.

    "...Phew."

    Finishing her after-meal tea, Rinslet breathed out a sigh.

    Beside her, Fenrir remained in proper sitting posture, having already finished eating the pancakes.

    "...Somehow it doesn''t taste too delicious when eaten alone."

    ...Then she sighed again.

    Her past self never considered matters of this sort before--

    Only recently did shee to realize the joys of having meals together with teammates.

    ...Furthermore, cooking for Kamito was also a joy.

    "Oooh..."

    As soon as she recalled his face, she could not help but smile.

    "Woof?"

    The surprised demon ice spirit tilted its head in puzzlement.

    Seeing that, Rinslet coughed lightly.

    "N-No, it''s not like I''m thinking about Kamito-san!"

    Frantically, she shook her head.

    "...Eh?"

    At this moment, Rinslet''s gaze stopped upon a certain location on the stone wall.

    On it was one of those carvings in spiritnguage that one could find all over the maze.

    --There, she found a familiar name.

    "...Terminus Est? Ah, that''s Est-san''s name!"

    Frowning slightly, Rinslet brought the glowing spirit crystal closer to the stone wall.

    Even though the words on the stone wall differed from contemporary script, it was still readable.

    Were it written in High Ancient that was taught only to high ranking princess maidens, it would have been apletely different matter. But this degree of difficulty was still within Rinslet''s ability to manage.

    "Fenrir, take out the spiritnguage dictionary."

    Fenrir opened its jaws wide and instantly spat out a dictionary. Spiritnguage dictionaries were essential for analyzing the spirit magic and barriers of enemy teams.

    Flipping through the dictionary, Rinslet deciphered the words on the stone wall.

    "Tiamat, Jormungandr... And also, Vraukar. All the ones recorded here seem to be very famous spirits."

    Anyone who had attended lectures in spirit studies at the Academy would find the names of these spirits familiar.

    Next, Rinslet''s finger stopped at a certain spot.

    She found a name on the stone wall that intrigued her.

    "Scarlet Valkyrie... That''s quite simr to the name of ire''s hell cat spirit."

    The inscription of the true name was in High Ancient and therefore undecipherable to Rinslet. But given that Scarlet was the renowned contracted spirit belonging to the Elstein family, it was not inconceivable for its name to be inscribed here--

    "--Carved on there are the names of ancient war princesses who once exhibited splendorous might here."

    Suddenly, a girl''s voice was heard.

    "...Who approaches!?"

    Rinslet swiftly released her elemental waffe and aimed towards the darkness.

    ...No one''s presence could be sensed. If the other person was an elementalist, she was definitely quite aplished.

    Is it an elementalist from the Sacred Spirit Knights or the Knights of the Dragon Emperor--?

    "Please show yourself. I, Rinslet the Ice Demon, shall be your opponent."

    Readying an ice arrow, Rinslet dered with awe-inspiring sternness.

    "--Wait. I am not an enemy."

    Out from the darkness appeared--

    A girl in a mysterious princess maiden outfit with hair like a watery mirror.

    Her bangs were cut to uniform length. With eyes resembling the surfaces ofkes, she gazed at Rinslet.

    Based on her rather petite stature, her age was probably about the same as Rinslet''s little sister Mireille.

    "...?"

    Rinslet tilted her head in puzzlement.

    Was there any girl this young amongst the participants of the de Dance?

    ...Though given the precedent of the imperial princess Linfa of the Four Gods, it was impossible to be certain.

    (...However, this uniform does not belong to any of the participating countries.)

    Rinslet pondered in amazement with her brow furrowed.

    "That..."

    At this moment, the young princess maiden pointed near Rinslet''s feet.

    "That?"

    "...That, I wanna eat."

    "Huh?"

    Lying by Rinslet''s feet was the frying pan used for preparing pancakes just earlier.

    Part 4

    --Enshrouded by the dark night.

    Two girls dressed in the Theocracy''s uniforms were stepping into some ruins.

    "Say, will we really be able to meet Onii-sama here?"

    "Yes. Although they have already left, with one teammate suffering from poison, they shouldn''t have gone very far off from here."

    Lily me nodded as she answered the gray-haired girl''s question.

    These were the same ruins where she had battled Ellis earlier.

    There were still severalrge holes dug out by the demon tree spirit in the ground.

    "Hmph, nearby eh--"

    Muir Alenstarl lightly jumped off a copsed wall of stone.

    "Then let me turn this area into a wastnd, then he''ll be found."

    "Muir!"

    Lily reflexively shouted to stop her.

    If she used the militarized spirit Vraukar provided by the Theocracy, indeed, the entire vicinity could be turned into a smoking and smoldering wastnd.

    However.

    (...That spirit is far too dangerous.)

    Muir had already fought an elementalist from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, defeating her.

    The pir of fire in the city center observed earlier was precisely the mes of spirit magic released by Vraukar during the battle.

    This level of destructive power even surpassed the annihtion spirit Tiamat that Kamito had defeated in the past.

    However, Vraukar had a major shoring -- or rather, w.

    The astounding power released by the spirit would attract Forsaken Spirits from the area.

    Ghosts appearing from all over the abandoned city rushed forth and attacked recklessly as if attracted by Vraukar, perishing in the crimson mes.

    After that, Vraukar began to get confused as if possessed by ghosts, on the verge of running totally amok.

    Although it was still unclear why exactly the ghosts swarmed Vraukar --

    (Hypothetically, what if the Theocracy''s Snake provided that spirit because they knew this would happen?)

    Most suspicious of all, why would the Theocracy''s military, which had refused to provide any additional militarized spirits, suddenly reverse their rigid stance to prepare such a powerful spirit --?

    It was not difficult to realize there must be ulterior motives.

    "Muir, postpone the battle with Kamito for now. Let''s meet up with Cardinal first."

    "Don''t wanna. Muir can''t wait to use this new toy to y with Onii-sama."

    "Muir!"

    "What? Are you ordering me?"

    Instantly. Woosh -- Lily felt an intense chill down her spine.

    Those eyes, evocative of bottomlesskes, pierced right through her.

    "...!?"

    Trembling in fear of a mere fourteen-year-old girl. This was no joking matter.

    Muir Alenstarl was the "Monster" born from the Instructional School. She probably would not show any mercy towards anyone who defied her will, not even apanion who had apanied her for years.

    Muir waspletely uninterested in obtaining victory in the de Dance.

    Neither did she possess any Wish she wanted realized.

    This petite Monster only sought the momentary thrill of destruction.

    The only exception was Kazehaya Kamito.

    The reason for Muir''s obsession with Kamito was unknown.

    Only that dating back to their days at the facility together, she adored Kamito as her elder brother with blind devotion.

    --No matter what, there was no stopping this Monster.

    "Wait for me, Onii-sama, I''ming to pick you up."

    "Muir, stop--!"

    The mithril bracelet gave off intense light--

    "Show yourself, creature of destruction, trailzer of those whoment the darkness -- Vraukar!"

    The gigantic demon of me was summoned to the abandoned city.

    Part 5

    --Boom!

    Crimson mes danced wildly as they swept across thend, devouring the red dragon''s massive body.

    With a massive roar that reached the skies, the red dragon soon disappeared in the burning mes.

    This was the red dragon spirit Lindwyrm, possessing high resistance against me type magic.

    Even so, its gigantic body was instantly burnt into charcoal.

    "...Is this as far as I can go...?"

    The girl dressed in the Dracunia military uniform -- the second-inmand of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, Yuri El Cid, copsed on her knees as she stared beyond the zing mes.

    The air shimmered from the heat.

    In that direction, the scarlet masked girl approached on foot.

    Commander of Team Inferno -- Ren Ashbell.

    "...Leonora-sama, I am truly sorry. But--"

    Yuri panted heavily in her hazy consciousness.

    "Upon the honor of Dracunia''s great name, I swear I shall not return emptyhanded--!"

    Pouring in thest of her power, Yuri chanted high level dragon magic.

    Gripped tight in her right hand was the Dragon''s Jaw formed from a vortex of mes.

    "--By these dragon mes of mine, vengeance shall be exacted upon Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer!"

    Devoting her entire body and mind to this strike, Yuri began to charge.

    This was the Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s traditional charging tactic, as well as Yuri''s most prided technique. Even if she could not currently use her elemental waffe, a direct hit should still inflict damage--

    However.

    "--These mes of yours are merely inferior knockoffs."

    Ren Ashbell lightly raised her hand and lit a fire on her fingertip.

    "To honor your courage in daring to challenge me singlehandedly, I shall bid you farewell with the mes of Elstein."

    Using the fire at her fingertip, she traced out a magic circle in the air.

    "Not even time can escape a frozen fate, congrating mes of absolute zero -- Frost ze!"

    "...!"

    The instant the dancing blue mes made contact with Yuri El Cid''s arm--

    The Dragon''s Jaw shattered into tiny particles as if it were frozen and brittle.

    "How could this be possible... I don''t believe it, mes that freeze other mes--!"

    --That sort of thing absolutely did not exist in this world.

    This was an unknown power that transcended thews and precepts of Astral Zero.

    "...Ren Ashbell... You, really..."

    Having exhausted thest of her strength, the dragon knight copsed on the spot.

    "..."

    Ren Ashbell took away Yuri''s magic stone and turned her gaze towards the evening sky.

    The sun had already descended and the cold moon was rising.

    "--The moon eh? Perfect for the Demon King''s revival."

    Her crimson overcoat fluttering, she gradually disappeared into the abandoned city beneath the evening sky.

    These freezing mes, one day they shall consume the entirety of my body.

    --Before that happens, I must end everything.

 Volume 9, 6 - Scarlet Valkyrie

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 6 - Scarlet Valkyrie</h4>

    Part 1

    Amidst endless darkness, even cker than night--

    The demon sword of darkness gradually regained consciousness.

    Here was a mental realmpletely isted from the outside world.

    Prohibiting movement, this ce only allowed the existence of consciousness.

    Currently, the demon sword that stood as her temporary state was being carried by the hell cat girl.

    "--How ironic. To think I would be saved by a rival whom I once tried to kill."

    In the darkness, Restia sighed softly.

    The damage inflicted by the divine armament would not recover immediately. Due to the effects of the strong Geis, there was also no way to return to her main body.

    As much as she disliked it, for the time being she had no choice but to remain in the form of the demon sword.

    Drawing her knees up to her chest, Restia surveyed the darkness enshrouding her surroundings.

    A pitch ck darkness surged forth, restless.

    This was not the darkness of the night which calmed her heart.

    Instead, this was some otherworldly substance possessing astounding will.

    Absolutely something that should not exist in this world.

    Furthermore, it was three years ago, just when he was about to realize the Wish -- That darkness devoured her.

    People had no idea, but the so-called miracle of the Elemental Lords that could reputedly grant all Wishes, its true form was this astounding darkness--

    "Over these past few days, the rate of corrosion has increased greatly -- There''s not much time left."

    Restia showed anxiety on her face.

    "Next, I shall be the Enemy of the World."

    Dark light lit up in her dusk-colored eyes.

    (...Kamito, even if it would cause you to resent me, hate me.)

    Even if it would cause her great suffering.

    What Restia recalled in her mind was the promise he had made in his youth.

    Should there evere a time in the future when I have changed so much I am myself no longer--

    --Kill me.

    Part 2

    "...?"

    Hiding in the ruins, ire turned her head towards the demon sword of darkness resting against the wall.

    The demon sword, which had remained silent all this time, seemed to be murmuring something.

    (...Was it an illusion?)

    ...However, the demon sword remained silent.

    The sharp de of darkness shone with ominous luster as it reflected the moonlight.

    Earlier, Restia was heavily injured by the divine armament that pierced her chest. Even for a high-level spirit like her, recovery would take quite a long period of time.

    (--That knight hasn''t caught up yet.)

    Leaning against a wall in the ruins, ire searched the area for presences.

    It was inconceivable that Luminaris would give up so easily--

    At this moment, ire felt a powerful presence up in the air, causing her to tremble intensely.

    "That''s...!"

    In the evening sky, a gigantic spirit resembling a multi-headed dragon was flying.

    (Demon spirit...)

    During the daytime, no spirits could be sensed other than those ghosts in this abandoned city.

    But as soon as the sun went down, it was as if the city changedpletely.

    It became a literal "City of Demons" with violent and ferocious demon spirits roaming the skies.

    Furthermore, the spirit flying overhead belonged to the highest rank, categorized as "archdemon ss" by the Spirit Knights of the Empire. An existence that none of the elite de Dance participants from various countries could possibly handle alone.

    If one were to attempt ying it, most likely an entire division of elite spirit knights would be required at least.

    However, Kamito had apparently defeated an archdemon ss spirit singlehandedly before.

    (...Probably some kind of joke. How could a single person defeat something like that?)

    ire looked up in trepidation at the demon spirit flying in the night sky.

    Of course, from the demon spirit''s perspective, beings like ire werepletely insignificant. So long as she did not attack first, it probably would not assault her--

    "Meow..."

    Scarlet also seemed to have sensed the danger and had humbly curled into a ball.

    After some time, the gigantic demon spirit leisurely flew into the distance.

    "...It''s gone."

    Seeing that, ire breathed a sigh of relief.

    ...As soon as she rxed, a rumbling informed her of the hungry stomach.

    Speaking of which, she still had not eaten yet.

    ire took out the little pill from her pocket and ced it in her mouth. Seeing Scarlet wagging its tail as if it wanted one too, she gave the cat a pill as well.

    (...What a tasteless meal.)

    However, ire was used to such lonely meals. Before she met Kamito, she spent her days alone in the Academy residence, subsisting on canned food.

    --Completely different from several years ago.

    Although the Elstein family''s dining table was not as luxurious as other great nobles, they did have exclusive chefs in the city who could provide hot meals on demand.

    Also, wheneverrge scale festivities were being held in their territory, their subjects would prepare and bring all sorts of prided specialties of local cuisine.

    (...The Fire Spirit Festival once a year, how nostalgic.)

    Stroking Scarlet''s head gently, ire muttered in her heart.

    Even now, ire could still vividly recall the figure of her elder sister in morous ritual attire as she danced in offering during the festivals back then.

    --It was a memory of her happy everyday life that had vanished like a dream.

    At this moment.

    "...!?"

    Sensing the presence that suddenly appeared, ire went into high alert.

    With her left hand, she grabbed the demon sword of darkness that was leaning against the wall.

    "...Who is it!?"

    A wild animal''s low cry responded to her sharp question.

    (...A wolf?)

    This word entered her mind momentarily but she instantly rejected the notion.

    Wild animals could not possibly appear in this abandoned city.

    If they did, they must be--

    "--Scarlet!"

    ire swiftly chanted spiritnguage to release her elemental waffe.

    The burning mes lit the dim surroundings.

    "...!?"

    Appearing out of the darkness was a pack of ck hunting hounds.

    Five... Or was it six? --Their outlines flickered nonstop as if melding into the surrounding darkness.

    "...Why? I couldn''t sense any elementalist just now."

    As if responding to ire''s murmurings, a voice answered:

    "My legion spirit Shadewolf possesses skills in tracking and presence concealment. Ordinary methods cannot detect us."

    A girl approached from the entrance of the ruins.

    ring sharply, this girl had hair that was cut short like a boy''s.

    "--Special Operative of the Sacred Spirit Knights, A Cedar."

    The girl bowed politely then snapped her fingers.

    Hearing the sound, the wolf pack began to make intimidating howls as they encircled ire.

    "That demon sword, hand it over."

    "I''m sorry, I cannotply."

    ire struck the floor with metongue to deter the wolves.

    (...A special operative, in other words, an expert tracker. What a troublesome opponent.)

    The wolves were very likely the minions of the shadow spirit.

    Despite the name of the Sacred Spirit Knights, it did not imply that all members employed spirits with the holy attribute.

    After all, an unbnced teamposition of that sort would be unlikely to win the current de Dance with its team format and regtions.

    Shadow spirits possessed excellent skills in presence hiding.

    Although the me spirit Scarlet was stronger in pure offensive power, ire could not afford to be careless because shadow elementalists were skilled in special de dances.

    "Go forth and capture, Shadewolf!"

    Heeding the calls of A Cedar, the shadow wolves attacked one after another.

    ire swung her whip to trace out a column of fire in an arc.

    --However, the enemy anticipated her move. The wolves instantly melted into the shadows on ground and dove into gaps in the rubble to get around the wall of me.

    "...Tsk, take this --!?"

    Faced with a pouncing wolf, ire incinerated it at thest second using her whip.

    An endlessly criss-crossing mad storm of whip strikes made it impossible for the wolf pack to approach.

    "As befits one hailing from the renowned lineage of me priestesses--"

    "After all, I''m used to training animals!"

    "I hope you will refrain from throwing insults, ire Rouge!"

    A Cedar snapped her fingers again.

    The shadow wolves divided and increased their numbers.

    (...With this many, I''m not going to be able to handle them!?)

    Instantly, the tides turned on ire.

    There was no end to things when dealing with legion spirits as enemies.

    "Go forth and devour, scorching ball of congration -- Fireball!"

    Releasing spirit magic from her palm, ire blew away the shadow spirit.

    The shadow wolves dispersed like mist but they were not defeated by the attack just now.

    Legion spirits which relied on numbers for victory were rather tricky to deal with. In that case--

    (--I''ll just attack the elementalist directly!)

    ire kicked the ground to elerate and closed in instantly.

    Due to the nature of their duties, special operatives tended not to be skilled in closebat using elemental waffen.

    The wolves that had escaped the earlier explosion now bared their fangs and ws as they gave chase, however--

    "Toote!"

    ire brandished metongue as she ran, establishing a barrier around her.

    Using a whip in a one-against-many de dance was precisely ire''s forte.

    Within the blink of an eye, ire had closed in before A, then--

    "--Turn into charcoal!"

    Mercilessly, she swung down the fiery whip.

    A whip strike with god-like speed, so fast that there was no trail of its trajectory.

    During practice, the only one capable of dodging this move was Kamito.

    A Cedar was just about to be devoured by the crimson mes -- However.

    "I am the shadow that moves in time -- Shade Leap."

    Her figure disappeared from before ire like an afterimage.

    (Transfer type spirit magic...!)

    ire''s mind began to turn rapidly.

    (I remember amongst spirit magic with the shadow attribute, Transfer type magic--)

    Having learned at the Academy about the basic magic systems of all the major attributes, ire had them all memorized with certainty.

    The title of the "Problematic Honors Student" was not simply for show.

    (...It is supposed to be a magic system with many ws that make it hard to control.)

    A''s figure vanishedpletely.

    Instantly, ire jumped away from her position.

    (Shade Leap -- its effect is the transfer between shadows that are closest together...!)

    Beneath ire''s feet, her shadow was shaking unnaturally.

    But having seen through her opponent''s attack, ire had already prepared countermeasures.

    "O me, dance a magnificent rondo -- Fire Burst!"

    She chanted spirit magic at high speed in midair.

    Countless glowing spheres of heat appeared from her palms and banished the surrounding darkness with dazzling light.

    Unlike the Fireball, this movecked damage but could shock and awe the enemy through powerful light and noise.

    The white sh instantly cleared the ground of shadows, cancelling the Shade Leap magic.

    Suffering the bacsh of the cancelled magic, A was ejected onto the ground.

    Landing nimbly, ire instantly attacked with metongue.

    "Yah!"

    The special operative was enveloped in fire and sent crashing into the floor.

    With a cracking sound of air, ire pulled metongue back into her hands.

    "--Victory has been decided."

    Just as she was about to inflict a decisive blow--

    "...!?"

    She found her foot sinking into a shadow on the ground as she took a step forward.

    "...This is an Istion Barrier!?"

    ire eximed in surprise.

    Before A started the fight, she must have set a trap in the surroundings--!

    "...How careless, hell cat user. After all, special operatives are most adept at relying on traps to fight."

    Lying on the ground, A smiled.

    However, even with one foot swallowed by shadows, ire remained calm andposed.

    "Relying on a barrier of this level, do you really think you can catch me?"

    The victor of the de dance was already decided.

    Struck by a direct hit from metongue, A was incapacitated from fighting within the near future.

    Unless the ensnarement urred during battle, otherwise this type of Istion Barrier, which only took mere minutes to dispel, was virtually meaningless.

    "No, I have already achieved my goal."

    "What?"

    "Because my goal was to keep you pinned down in this location."

    "...!"

    ire clicked her tongue as she realized her own stupidity.

    (...Herrades are nearby?)

    On further thought, it was only natural.

    Otherwise, this girl would not havee to challenge her one on one.

    --In that case, it was imperative to escape from here as quickly as possible.

    ire lit a fire with her finger and traced out a magic circle in the air for dispelling the barrier.

    ''--This method will not be anywhere quick enough, you know. ire Rouge.''

    "...!?"

    ire suddenly looked down.

    The exasperated voice came from the demon sword held in her left hand.

    "...You recovered your energy?"

    ''Only a bare minimum, enough to transmit my thoughts. Still not enough to resume human form... That aside, use me to pierce that shadow. Your spirit magic takes too long.''

    "Eh?"

    ''Do it quickly. The Pdin is hastening to this ce.''

    "...I-I got it."

    ire frantically nodded and used the demon sword''s de to stab the shadow.

    Instantly with an ear-splitting metallic ng, the Istion Barrier ensnaring ire''s foot was easily broken.

    "How could this happen!?"

    A eximed with surprise.

    (What power...!)

    ire could not help but gasp.

    Simply within an instant, a barrier that would upy an experienced elementalist quite some time was dispelled--

    --Well then, hurry and leave this ce.''

    "W-Why are you giving me orders!?"

    Despite retorting back, ire was already preparing to flee the scene. However.

    "Do you really think I would let the same prey escape twice?"

    "...!?"

    On the other end of the dim passage came a solemn voice.

    "Well done, A. Please rest there for a while."

    As her military boots sounded with every step she took, Luminaris Saint Leisched approached.

    Then from the opposite end of the alleyway came another person--

    "I''ll shoot you full of holes if you dare move."

    Wielding a silver longbow, yet another girl of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    (...This is bad.)

    The two knights were closing in on ire with a pincer formation.

    Her escape routes werepletely sealed off.

    (...This is hopeless. Nothing I can do but fight?)

    Paying attention to the archer behind her, ire readied metongue.

    The one before her was the runner-up from the previous de Dance who had fought and lost to Ren Ashbell.

    Although ire had no idea how well she could fight against an ace-level elementalist--

    --She could not allow herself to be defeated here.

    ire had a Wish she must realize no matter what.

    Also--

    (All this time, Kamito has protected me many times.)

    She gripped the demon sword of darkness in her hand tightly.

    Holding the contracted spirit from Kamito''s past, the darkness spirit girl.

    (...Therefore, I shall in turn protect what''s precious to Kamito!)

    Reacting to the divine power she released, metongue''s mes intensified instantly.

    The mes were so astounding that even Luminaris disyed wariness and halted her advance.

    "ire Rouge. Why are you going to so far in protecting that darkness spirit?"

    "...None of your business."

    "--Is it because the demon sword belongs to the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell?"

    "Like I said, none of your -- Eh?"

    ire''s jaw dropped in surprise.

    For an instant, she could notprehend what Luminaris had said.

    "...Just now, what did you say?"

    "...? Could it be, you didn''t know?"

    This time it was Luminaris who disyed an expression of surprise.

    Next--

    "Then I shall tell you. The darkness spirit over there is the elemental waffe -- the Vorpal Sword."

    An unbelievable statement was announced.

    "--Namely, the sword used by the strongest de dancer during the de Dance three years ago."

    Part 3

    ...After several seconds of silence.

    "...Eh?"

    ire uttered a weak powerless sound.

    "What do you mean...?"

    "Exactly as the words say. The demon sword you are holding right now in your hand is the contracted spirit of the Strongest de Dancer. The elemental waffe -- Vorpal Sword."

    Luminaris repeated the same content.

    "...!"

    ire instantly opened her eyes wide and her gaze fell upon the demon sword in her hand.

    ...Luminaris did not appear to be lying or providing misdirection. Furthermore, this rigid Pdin did not seem like the type to care for word games.

    However.

    "...H-How did you find that out!?"

    ire questioned to corroborate.

    ...Indeed, the sword''s appearance was extremely simr.

    But despite the simrity -- it was not entirely the same.

    The appearance of the elemental waffe used by Ren Ashbell whom ire had always idolized and revered remained vividly in ire''s memories to this day.

    ...ire could not possibly make a mistake in recognition.

    Elemental waffe were existences that materialized the user''s psyche. Hence it was understandable for Kamito and Ren Ashbell -- two people whose sword skills originated from the same master -- to have simrities.

    However, Luminaris quietly shook her head.

    "...I know without a doubt. After all, I fought directly against that demon sword three years ago."

    "..."

    ire closed her mouth.

    --Indeed, Luminaris had engaged the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, in de dance during the finals three years ago.

    As an elementalist of the highest ss, discerning the true nature of elemental waffen she had faced directly inbat before should not be a difficult task.

    Since she had determined this demon sword to be the Vorpal Sword, it was equivalent to saying -- it was fact beyond a doubt.

    The darkness spirit Restia was Kamito''s contracted spirit in the past.

    At the same time, Restia was the demon sword of the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell''s -- Vorpal Sword.

    From this, one could conclude--

    (In that case, Kamito really is...?)

    ire felt her breathing quicken and her heart beginning to race.

    All along, ire had suspected Kamito''s true identity many times.

    When Kamito used the same sword style as her, ire had even sought Ellis'' aid to investigate the truth.

    However, no matter how much she suspected, some part of her mind remained in denial.

    Three years ago, the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, had appeared out of nowhere like aet.

    Through her overwhelmingly powerful and magnificent de dance, she became the "maiden" idolized by all princess maidens across the entire continent.

    The one whom ire had idolized from childhood and regarded as her goal--

    --Turned out to be right by her side all this time.

    "That darkness spirit is taking part in the current festival as a member of Team Inferno. With that, it should be an elementary exercise to specte that she is Ren Ashbell''s demon sword, right?"

    Luminaris continued to disy a surprised expression.

    She looked like she was not aware of Restia being Kamito''s contracted spirit, and she even believed firmly that themander of Team Inferno was the real Ren Ashbell.

    ire''s gaze stopped on the demon sword of darkness in her hand.

    "...Is that really true?"

    She asked.

    But the demon sword did not reply.

    Whether this was intentional or because she simply exhausted her power to dispel the Barrier, ire was not sure--

    "..."

    ire felt her throat dry up. Her mind was in turmoil.

    ...The truth has yet to be confirmed.

    She could not be sure that Luminaris'' words were the truth.

    However--

    (The fact that Kamito is Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer...)

    ...There was no feeling of being deceived.

    Because Kamito''s wish to keep it a secret was understandable. Furthermore, the trusting rtionship they had built up over their days together was not so shallow as to waver so easily on a discovery like this.

    "...~I, how shall I face Kamito from now on?"

    ire felt her cheeks heat up instantly.

    ...She had yet to settle her emotions.

    Even though it was not the time to waver before a formidable enemy--

    "--In any case!"

    Luminaris closed in further at this time.

    "Hand the demon sword over. It is an existence that will one day be the Enemy of the World."

    "...!"

    ire brought her awareness back to the enemy at hand and readied metongue.

    Now was not the time to think too much. Kamito''s true identity could be ponderedter.

    (This is Kamito''s sword and his precious contracted spirit. Therefore--)

    Feigning ignorance as she swept away the prating ache in her heart--

    ire voiced out her determination.

    "I have no reason to hand it over to you!"

    The burning metongue shed across the night sky.

    Part 4

    Both Luminaris in front of ire and the knight in the back took action simultaneously.

    Ignoring the archer behind her, ire faced Luminaris.

    (The rule of one-against-many engagements is that the first strike must eliminate the greatest threat...!)

    Chanting a spiritnguage incantation--

    "Go forth and dance, the crimson mes summoning destruction -- Hell ze!"

    In the forward direction, ire released the strongest spirit magic with the fire attribute.

    This astounding heat wave, hot enough to melt rock, engulfed Luminaris.

    (...Sess! Once a direct hit--)

    But in the next instant.

    "...!"

    The intensely burning mes were instantly extinguished.

    What sliced through the mes -- was a sh of dazzling brilliance.

    (That is...!)

    ire had seen the sword before.

    Three years ago, Luminaris had used this elemental waffe on the stage of the de Dance finals.

    "With brilliance that illuminates for eternity, the demon vanquishing sacred sword -- Murgleis!"

    Luminaris called out the sacred sword''s title sonorously.

    The sword de gave off blinding light, devouring the mes, the torrential light sliced through the dark night.

    "Guh...!"

    Faced with dazzling light, ire could not help but narrow her eyes.

    "Together with Her Majesty the Queen''s sacred sword, Durandal, they are known as the highest ranking elemental waffen. Don''t delude yourself into thinking it could melt from mes of that level!"

    Luminaris stabbed the sacred sword into the ground.

    Instantly, the ground shattered as a sharp de of light rushed forward in a straight line.

    If ire attempted to evade by jumping, she would probably be a target for a second sh.

    "--Block it, me Wall!"

    ire urgently chanted defensive magic.

    Intending to reduce the power of the de of light--

    "Yah!"

    But the de of light easily sliced through the me barrier and struck ire''s body directly. As physical damage instantly converted into psychological damage, her mind was shaken.

    "...Guh, ooh.."

    "Wow, one hit was not enough to take you down?"

    Luminaris expressed mild surprise in her voice.

    (...Damn it, so this is what it means to be an ace-level elementalist.)

    Not just martial arts. The total volume of divine power at their disposal also differed substantially.

    Despite releasing the spirit''s power to such an extent, Luminaris remainedpletelyposed.

    "ire Rouge, you are an excellent elementalist. However--"

    Luminaris stopped in front of ire whoy copsed on the ground.

    Then--

    "You are still too inexperienced."

    She stepped on the demon sword of darkness held firmly in ire''s hand.

    Readying Murgleis with both hands, Luminaris pointed her sword straight down.

    "Vorpal Sword -- I originally hoped to defeat you in a proper de dance."

    "No, stop..."

    ire desperately moved her fingers as she panted.

    The darkness spirit Restia -- she was precious to Kamito.

    (I, must protect her...!)

    ire mustered all her strength, trying to pull back the darkness spirit who was stuck in demon sword form without any power.

    "Please spare me the futile struggle. I have no wish to enact unnecessary violence."

    However, Luminaris'' military boot crushed ire''s left hand.

    "...Ah, o...!"

    The blunt sound of bones shattering could be heard.

    ire suppressed the scream rising in the depths of her throat.

    An overwhelming disparity in power. Despite the progress ire had made during the current de Dance, her difference in levelpared to Luminaris was still massive.

    At least, in a one-on-one de dance, she had no hope of winning.

    (...But clearly that "Ren Ashbell" is even more powerful than Luminaris.)

    She recalled the scarlet-masked elementalist she faced off against in the forest.

    During that time, even partnered with Rinslet, they could not even put up any meaningful resistance.

    Suddenly.

    (Right, back then...!)

    ire had a sh of inspiration.

    The mes she disyed for Rinslet who was about to be killed.

    (That Ren Ashbell imposter called it the mes of Elstein...)

    If I could once again release those mes that incinerated other mes--

    "...mes!"

    Just like back then.

    ire imagined mes dancing madly and lit a fire in her right hand.

    However--

    (...No good, not this type of fire!)

    These current mes were converted from one''s own divine power using the contracted spirit as a medium.

    Fundamentally different from those mes that incinerated other mes.

    "You still have strength to resist huh?"

    Luminaris announced coldly, pointing the tip of her sacred sword at ire''s neck:

    "However, it is futile. You shall be defeated and retired right here."

    "...!"

    In that instant.

    "Luminaris-sama!"

    The archer girl screamed shrilly.

    metongue turned back into the hell cat and roared as it attacked Luminaris.

    "Scarlet!"

    "What a loyal and dutiful spirit."

    Luminaris turned swiftly and swatted Scarlet away with one strike of the sacred sword.

    Scarlet was instantly sent flying and crashed into the ground.

    Even its desperate strike ended in failure.

    (It''s all over, is it...?)

    ire bit her lip hard.

    Having exhausted thest of her strength, even maintaining her consciousness was difficult.

    At this moment.

    ''--There''s still a chance, you know.''

    A whisper was heard in her mind.

    (...Darkness spirit?)

    Restia was talking directly to ire''s consciousness like earlier.

    ''ire Rouge. Perhaps in your current state, you might be able to draw out her original power that was sealed.''

    (...By her you mean?)

    In her mind, ire questioned back with surprise.

    ''Please call out her true name. The spirit weapon once known as the bloodstained princess. The utmost treasure entrusted to the Elstein bloodline -- the Scarlet Valkyrie.''

    (Scarlet Valkyrie... Could it be that--!)

    ire opened her eyes wide.

    (You know Scarlet''s true name?)

    Come to think of it, that "Ren Ashbell" also mentioned this name before.

    --The me spirit serving the Elstein family, whose true name had been lost in the distant past.

    ''ire Rouge, touch the body of my de with the back of your hand. I shall transmit to your mind directly her image. As reluctant as I am to awaken my enemy, there is no other choice now that things have progressed to this point.''

    (...Eh?)

    ''Hurry!''

    Hearing Restia urging her--

    ire steeled her determination and used the back of her right hand -- the fire spirit seal to touch the tip of the sword.

    She had no choice but to believe in the darkness spirit and take a gamble.

    "...Guh, ahh..."

    Apanied by an acute sense of pain, an expanding torrent of images surged into her mind.

    The crimson princess knight wielded a massive scythe as she faced armies of countless spirits in battle.

    --The one who guided courageous warriors to the final battlefield.

    --The one whom the mes of destruction obeyed, bestowing eternal demise upon foolish enemies.

    ''Her name is--''

    ire loudly called out the true name transmitted from the darkness spirit.

    "Her name being, the Scarlet Valkyrie -- Ortlinde."

    Instantly, crimson mes swallowed Scarlet''s body.

    "...What!?"

    Luminaris eximed in rm.

    Next--

    "--You have finally called out my name, Master."

    Out from amidst the wildly dancing mes, a girl appeared.

    Part 5

    The sight of the red-haired girl appearing out of the crimson mes--

    Made ire even forget the pain in her bleeding right hand--

    "It''s Scarlet...?"

    ire murmured in shock.

    Within ire''s hazy and unsteady field of vision--

    The girl stepped up to protect ire, facing off against Luminaris.

    A petite, graceful and slender figure.

    Pristine paleplexion, d in a dress of mes.

    Emerging from her crimson hair that was redder than fire--

    Triangr ears like a cat''s.

    "Yes, Master."

    The pair of cat ears moved slightly.

    The red-haired girl nodded as she stared at Luminaris before her.

    "The Scarlet Valkyrie -- whose true name of old is Ortlinde."

    "...!"

    Instantly, the mes on the girl''s body burned even more intensely.

    ire held her breath in the face of such mes that seemed as if though they were charring the night sky.

    (Amazing...!)

    In contrast to its cute appearance as a cat, Scarlet was already a powerful spirit.

    However, the girl before ire''s eyes -- was an existence far surpassing norms.

    "...Is that the me spirit''s true appearance?"

    Luminaris groaned in her throat.

    Her expression no longer disyed the sameposure as before.

    "Spirits bearing human form are known as the highest level spirits--"

    Staring at Scarlet unerringly before her eyes, Luminaris held the sacred sword Murgleis with both hands.

    "Luminaris-sama!"

    At this moment.

    An arrow of light shot at Scarlet from behind.

    This was the doing of the other female knight lurking on the other end of the darkness.

    She probably intended tounch a surprise attack from the direction opposite to Luminaris.

    However.

    "--Too slow."

    Scarlet created little fireballs in both hands.

    The fireballs silently rotated around her, easily deflecting the iing arrow.

    "...Wha!"

    "Over there--"

    With a mere turn of her finger--

    Suddenly, a fireball flew towards where the arrow was shot from--

    In the next instant, an astounding explosion was heard as a pir of fire emerged.

    "...!"

    Taking this as the signal for their fight to begin--

    Wielding Murgleis in her hand, Luminaris stepped forward forcefully, instantly closing the distance.

    "--Master, please issue your orders."

    A crisp voice with a touch of sternness was heard.

    "...Please order the Scarlet Valkyrie -- Ortlinde!"

    Gradually slipping towards unconsciousness, ire cried out.

    "Defeat the enemy!"

    "Understood, Master."

    Scarlet swiftly swung her arm towards the air.

    With a burst of scattering fire, she summoned a massive crimson scythe in her hands.

    Its ferocious appearance seemed as if it were forged out of the mes of hell directly.

    Held in this adorable little girl''s hands, it seemed extremely out of ce.

    "--O Knight, thou art the one who prevaileth against the trials of fire!"

    Luminaris chanted for protection against fire.

    Producing slicing wind from the swings of her sword, she shed apart the burning mes.

    Scarlet leaped with agility, swinging the massive crimson scythe in midair.

    With an ear-splitting sound of impact, sparks flew all around.

    The shockwave from the sh caused rubble on the ground to fly.

    This was a de dance between a topnotch elementalist and a top-ss me spirit.

    "Amazing..."

    Seeing the de dance being performed before her eyes, ire could not help but exim in admiration.

    Scarlet''s movements far surpassed her speed in hell cat form.

    Although they were well-matched in the initial shes, the tides quickly turned against Luminaris who could not defeat the iing mes.

    "...So this is the power of a top-ss spirit!?"

    "--Unforgivable. I cannot show mercy to you who have hurt Master."

    Scarlet swung the massive crimson scythe, her shes forming mes that began to burn.

    The scorching mes she produced could not be defended against by mere defensive magic.

    "...No matter what, I cannot lose in this kind of ce!"

    Despite the mes surrounding her, Luminaris continued to swing her sword.

    "I must resume my duel with her and bring victory back to my homnd--"

    "Regrettably--"

    Instantly, Scarlet''s figure vanished.

    Or rather, using the sacred sword''s de as a stepping tform, she jumped into the air at once.

    "You will disappear here."

    --The crimson crescent shone against the dark night.

    An expression of despair was spreading from the blue eyes of the Pdin as she gazed upwards.

    Next--

    "O mes, let a night of red descend upon the earth -- Crimson Judgment."

    The dancing mes of congration devoured Luminaris.

    Part 6

    In the dark underground maze, the aroma of pancakes spread through the air.

    "...So very tasty."

    The mysterious young princess maiden was enjoying the delicious pancakes.

    Nibbling away in small bites, she looked extremely adorable.

    "I can make as many as you want, so please eat to your heart''s content."

    "Thank you..."

    The girl nodded happily.

    (By the way...)

    Rinslet suddenly inclined her head in puzzlement.

    (...This child, who is she actually?)

    ...Her identity was aplete riddle. How should one put it? No humans were supposed to be present in a ce like this except for participants in the de Dance.

    (Perhaps...)

    Rinslet suddenly thought of one possibility.

    "Like Est-san, she is a high-level spirit--"

    Then her presence in Astral Zero could be exined.

    "...?"

    Her cheeks stuffed full of food, the girl looked in Rinslet''s direction.

    "...You, perhaps you are a spirit?"

    "..."

    The girl silently nodded.

    ...It looked like the spection was correct.

    Rinslet adjusted her sitting posture lightly.

    This was the proper etiquette for a princess maiden towards a high-level spirit.

    "Well, may I be so bold as to ask what your divine name may be?"

    "..."

    The girl averted her gaze... Clearly she did not want to answer this time.

    "Well, may I ask why you have appeared in such a ce?"

    "..."

    No answer either. --Just as Rinslet concluded that...

    "...No idea."

    The girl looked up and gave that answer.

    "...No idea?"

    "Can''t remember."

    Did she lose her memory?

    But spirits were not supposed to lose their memory--

    (...Wait a minute, there''s also another case like that.)

    Rinslet had heard that the sword spirit Est only retained portions of her memory because of the irregr contract she established with Kamito.

    Perhaps this spirit who resembled a girl in outer appearance also lost her memory for some reason.

    Otherwise--

    (Could she be toying with me?)

    Rinslet muttered in her mind.

    "Just now, you said you knew the spirits whose names are carved on the stone wall, right?"

    "..."

    The spirit girl nodded.

    "Scarlet Valkyrie -- Ortlinde. In the Spirit War several thousand years ago, she was the me spirit revered and feared as the bloodstained princess."

    "Why would you know something like that?"

    Although Rinslet felt it was a little impertinent to question a high-level spirit like this...

    "...When clearly you''ve lost your memory."

    Rinslet still felt she had to add thest statement.

    "I have been imprisoned in this underground maze all along. The only thing I could do to alleviate boredom was to decipher the voluminous history carved on the stone walls."

    "Imprisoned?"

    If this girl really was a spirit--

    Physical imprisonment in a maze was not possible.

    Probably through some kind of magical means, she was sealed here.

    "So who did--"

    Just at this moment.

    "Yah!"

    The ground shook intensely, causing debris to rain down noisily from the ceiling.

    Shielding the girl reflexively, Rinslet looked up.

    "I-It''s an earthquake?"

    "Earthquakes do not ur in this abandoned city."

    The girl shook her head.

    "Very likely, a powerful spirit is rampaging on the surface."

    "A powerful spirit?"

    Rinslet''s expression froze.

    On the surface, the final round of the de Dance was in full swing.

    Perhaps, Kamito and the others were facing a crisis right this moment.

    "...What is it?"

    "It''s no time for me to be dilly dallying here like this."

    Rinslet stood up. Although she wanted to learn more about this spirit who bore a young girl''s appearance, it was clearly not the asion for this.

    ...In any case, she had to leave this underground maze to search for herrades.

    Then--

    The girl wiped her mouth using the sleeve of her priestess uniform and stood up lightly.

    "...Follow me."

    "Eh?"

    "The exit, I''ll show you."

    Part 7

    Kamito and Ellis shifted to some nearby ruins away from the ce they had been staying earlier.

    Staying in one spot was not a wise idea because as soon as an elementalist skilled in espionage spotted them, barriers and other traps could be set.

    Compared to the Tempest where it was advantageous to establish and defend a stronghold as early as possible, the Cross Fire requiredpletely different tactics.

    "Is the poison all gone?"

    Lying down on his back against the stone floor, Kamito asked.

    "Yeah, I feel much better... All thanks to you."

    Ellis blushed in response and nodded.

    "However, uh, I hope you do not get the wrong idea. J-Just now, it was all because of the aphrodisiac from the poison! O-Only because of it, did that kind of shameless behavior..."

    "...Y-Yeah, I understand."

    Recalling what had happened during the poison treatment, Kamito became embarrassed as well.

    ...The two of them avoided eye contact.

    "I-It''s about time we went to sleep. At this time, it would be best to stay away from outside."

    The abandoned city at night was the city of demons where archdemon ss spirits roamed.

    In a certain sense, they were even more dangerous than meeting an enemy team.

    "Mmmhmm, you are right. Because de dances in the night are dangerous! O-Of course, even though I mentioned de dance in the night, do note I am not referring to that particr meaning!"

    "...Ellis?"

    "H-Hurry and go to sleep! We must leave this ce early in the morning."

    "You''re not going to rest, Ellis?"

    "I have rested enough. After all, you were keeping watch all this time. When early morning arrives, I will wake you up."

    Wielding Ray Hawk in her hand, Ellis shook her head.

    Kamito could not help but smile wryly.

    "This is totally fine for me. In past missions, there were times when I went days without sleep."

    "Missions?"

    "Uh yeah... It was back during the days at the Instructional School."

    "...Sorry. I have made you remember unpleasant memories."

    "No--"

    Kamito scratched his head awkwardly.

    The memories he recalled were of the two whom he used to team up with.

    Lily me and Muir Alenstarl.

    These girls, whom he had not seen for four years, had now reappeared as Kamito''s enemies.

    --Is there no other way of life for the children who grew up in that facility but this?

    "...Those two''s hearts are probably still sealed and locked away."

    By that insane facility that was now destroyed.

    Pitying them would be an act of excessive arrogance.

    (--I had Restia.)

    Without her, Kamito''s hands would probably bepletely stained with bloodshed.

    Hands that were not for protecting preciouspanions--

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble --!

    Suddenly, the ground shook intensely.

    "Wha!" "...Hmm!"

    The quake sent Kamito tumbling forward and falling into Ellis.

    Burying his face into a soft mountainous valley, he was about to suffocate.

    "Uwah! K-Kamito, what are you doing! I-I am not quite ready yet..."

    "S-Sorry... No wait, what on earth is happening--?"

    As he lifted his head up from Ellis'' bosom, in the next instant--

    BOOM...!

    The ceiling of the ruins suddenly vanished.

    "...!"

    As if sliced open by a sharp de.

    Appearing right above was the starry night sky of Astral Zero.

    And also--

    A gigantic and vicious me demon, wielding a fiery whip.

    "A demon me spirit...!"

    On the shoulder of the vicious demon that spewed forth scorching mes--

    Sat a girl dressed in the Theocracy''s military uniform.

    Innocent eyes of pure blue. Ash-gray hair tied into twintails on the sides of her head.

    "Muir..."

    "Onii-sama, let''s y?"

    The Monster of the Instructional School smiled adorably towards Kamito.

 Volume 9, 7 - Cross Fire

    <h4>Volume 9, Chapter 7 - Cross Fire</h4>

    Part 1

    "...!"

    The earth was shaking violently.

    As Kamito and Ellis were rendered speechless, above them, a demon shrouded in crimson mes let loose a deep roar.

    The atmosphere trembled and the sweeping gust of scorching air seared skin.

    Gazing up at the massive demon overhead, Kamito groaned.

    "Muir..."

    "What is it, Onii-sama? You don''t want to y with Muir?"

    The innocently smiling girl -- Muir Alenstarl.

    A snake pattern was entwined around her right arm, glowing ominously.

    This was not a spirit seal.

    Rather, for this girl known as the Monster, this was the abnormal ability she was born with -- Jester''s Vise.

    In order to control this abnormal ability, a Cursed Armament Seal had been imnted.

    "If you want to y, isn''t it a bitte at night?"

    "Ara, Muir likes ying at night."

    Muir licked her lips.

    "...Ellis, jump quickly!"

    Kamito instantly yelled.

    The giant demon me spirit casually swung the ming whip.

    Apanied by a massive boom, the rubble on the ground exploded and rained down as scorchingva.

    (...W-What kind of strength is this!?)

    Jumping into the air, Kamito swallowed hard.

    The ground was split apart as if it had suffered an earthquake as well as bing scorched and burned tragically.

    Although there were simrities, the demon me spirit''s whip was closer to a blunt weapon like a clubpared to ire''s metongue which included the traits of a shing weapon.

    ...Even without a direct hit, getting swept in the wake of the weapon''s aftershock was probably enough to kiss goodbye to this world.

    If that kind of thing keeps being swung unhindered--

    (How utterly terrifying...)

    Moving along the nting wall of the ruins, Kamito jumped repeatedly. As a first step, it was imperative to find high ground to seek refuge from the mes. Naturally, he realized that this would notst for long--

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis caught up to him using Flight magic.

    Landing by Kamito''s side, she red at the demon me spirit that dyed the entire dark night red.

    "...What a terrifying spirit. Most likely, it is a tactical-ss militarized spirit."

    "Yeah. Muir is an expert amongst militarized spirit users."

    Back when Kamito was teamed up with her at the Instructional School, her main responsibility wasrge-scale destruction.

    In terms of pure destructive power, Muir''s ability even surpassed Kamito.

    "Fufu, as expected of Onii-sama. To think you escaped Vraukar''s attack."

    Sitting on the demon me spirit''s shoulder, Muirughed with delight.

    --Suddenly, her merciless blue eyes were turned towards Ellis.

    "Ponytail-neechan. Leave Onii-sama''s side immediately. Within two seconds."

    "...!"

    This was the gaze of a merciless murderer.

    Feeling the immobilizing intensity of the killing intent, Ellis faltered for an instant. However.

    "--Refuse."

    "Hmm?"

    "...I-I said I refuse!"

    She red back at Muir straight on.

    No, not only did she do that--

    "E-Ellis, what on earth are you doing!?"

    "S-Shut up!"

    Blushing, Ellis even went as far as to embrace Kamito''s arm tightly.

    "...I-I will never leave!"

    "Ellis..."

    Kamito''s arm was sandwiched between her supple breasts.

    ...Despite the kind of situation they were in currently, Kamito could not help but feel his heart racing.

    --At this time.

    "Eh, I see--"

    The air that was being surrounded by the demon me spirit''s heat instantly froze.

    "You really want to die that badly, Onee-chan?"

    Muir''s blue eyes lost their luster as the Cursed Armament Seal on her right arm shone with red light.

    Instantly, Vraukar roared as if going mad.

    "Very well. Before I y with Onii-sama, I will y my fill with you first."

    Muir smiled innocently.

    "I will string you up naked like a puppet, humiliating you nonstop in Onii-sama''s view until you scream and beg in pain. Then I''ll have you drawn and quartered. Finally, I''ll incinerate youpletely into ashes!"

    Intense mes spewed out from the demon''s ckva-like body.

    The ming whip traced out a red trail as it swung down, looking as though it was ripping the atmosphere apart.

    Ellis instantly released Kamito and jumped from the ground.

    "I am the witch who gallops across the blue sky -- Air Wings!"

    Enveloped in wind conjured by spirit magic, she flew through the gaps in the scorching mes.

    "Ellis!"

    Kamito was just about to rush over--

    Seeing Ellis turn her head back and gestured with her eyes, he instantly understood her n.

    (...She''s deliberately provoking Muir.)

    During this time while Ellis acted as bait, he was to defeat Vraukar.

    Because they had partnered up in the Sylphid Knights all this time, Kamito was able to understand immediately.

    "...This is totally reckless."

    That said, Kamito could not afford to waste this opportunity that she created.

    Kamito adjusted his grip on the Demon yer in his hand.

    "--We''re up, Est."

    He infused all his divine power into the de.

    As if illuminating the entire dark night, Terminus Est gave off dazzling brilliance.

    The energy exhausted during the battle with the Forsaken Spirits had almost recoveredpletely.

    Slicing through the mes, Kamito rushed forward towards the roaring demon me spirit.

    Being able to head straight forward was a good thing, seeing as the surroundings had turned into a sea of fire. Running along the ruins that provided a foothold above the ground surface that was being devoured by flowingva, he searched for a path to approach.

    A casual swing of the ming whip struck the ground, pulverizing the ruins.

    Whether it was due to madness brought on by the power of the Jester''s Vise or the original spirit itself was unstable, the demon me spirit''s skill with the whip was extremely crude and hence it was very easy to predict its trajectory.

    Compared to ire''s splendid whip techniques, it was as far apart as heaven and earth.

    (That said--)

    The whip''s overwhelming destructive powerpletely pulverized the surrounding territory, almost making up for the crudeness of technique. Even if one escaped the whip''s direct attack, a grazing blow from the super high temperature mes produced would cause fatal injuries.

    "This reminds me of the time when I soloed an archdemon ss spirit..."

    Wiping the sweat off his brow, Kamito groaned.

    Striking down iing masses of flyingva, he closed in.

    If he did not hurry -- amidst these intense heat waves, Ellis could not endure for long.

    Or perhaps, even before that, Muir might recover her calm rational judgment.

    This was Kamito''s second time fighting the Instructional School''s Number Two, Muir Alenstarl the Monster. The first battle happened back at Ragna Ys--

    She wasmanding the powerful annihtion spirit Tiamat that time.

    (Although I barely pulled throughst time...)

    It was because Kamito''sbat style was well-suited to countering spirits geared towards wide area damage.

    In terms of pure power, Muir was superior. Furthermore, this Vraukar was most likely a militarized spirit intended for singlebat.

    In a direct confrontation, it was not just troublesome for one would be overwhelmed by its strength.

    Furthermore--

    (...Back then, Muir didn''t seem like she was serious in wanting to fight me.)

    Vraukar roared as raging mes spewed forth from all over its body.

    "...!"

    Kamito instantly halted and stabbed the Demon yer into the ground.

    Immediately, an intense shockwave reached Kamito.

    Heated by the mes, the air swept forth like a storm.

    "Guh... What is this power..."

    Holding on for dear life to the sword stabbed into the ground, Kamito looked around for Ellis'' position.

    "Ellis!"

    --He found her instantly.

    Struck squarely by the shockwave in midair, Ellis was now falling towards the ground.

    Below her, the ground had already turned into a sea ofva.

    (...I must make it in time!)

    Pulling his sword out, Kamito performed a rolling maneuver and rushed forward.

    --At this moment, the whip swung down, forming a barrier of me to obstruct his path.

    "Don''t interfere, Onii-sama. Muir is currently ying with that Onee-chan."

    "...!"

    Sitting on the me demon''s shoulder, Muir giggled.

    "...Kamito, I am fine!"

    Ellis'' voice came from the other side of the me barrier.

    ...It looked like she managed to use Flight magic in time to avoid the dangers of crashing down.

    Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Ara, how resilient, Onee-chan."

    Muir''s gray-colored hair began to stand on end from anger.

    Kamito did not fail to notice her slightly trembling hands.

    (She''s over straining herself...)

    Muir''s abnormal power -- the Jester''s Vise, had a critical shoring.

    Namely, duration.

    Commanding such a powerful militarized spirit also ced an extraordinary burden upon Muir herself.

    If the spirit did not break first from her usage, Muir would suffer the fate of destruction herself.

    (...At most three, no, five minutes or so.)

    Running around as he stalled for time -- suddenly, this thought urred to Kamito.

    (...No, that''s not going to work.)

    Instantly, he shook his head to reject the idea.

    ...Retreating under such circumstances was impossible.

    Escape routes were all sealed by the copsed ruins and the barrier of me. Ellis probably could escape using flight magic, but fleeing while dodging the ming whip was very difficult.

    "This leaves breaking through by force only."

    Kamito readied the Demon yer in a stance and shed towards the barrier of me in front of him.

    These were not the same mes as the ones ire usually used when going easy on someone.

    Instead, these were super high temperature mes that turned everything into charcoal on contact.

    Kamito charged towards the me barrier.

    "...Onii-sama!?"

    Muir cried out anxiously.

    Was she staying wary of Kamito''s apparently reckless behavior or was she worrying about his safety--

    In any case, Kamito continued to elerate nonchntly and infused divine power into the sacred sword''s de.

    "Absolute de Arts, Fourth Form -- ze sh!"

    With a vigorous intensity, he unleashed the attack in one breath. Turning himself into a tornado, he flew into the mes.

    This was a special sword skill for countering the me attribute by using the vortex of wind generated from the sh to sweep away the mes and absorb them.

    Charging to the other side of the me barrier, Kamito found Ellis waiting right there for him.

    "Ellis, we''re up!"

    "Yes--!"

    Holding Ray Hawk in her hand, Ellis flew into the fiery crimson sky.

    "...Tsk, what a foolish Onee-chan. You will be struck down no matter how many times you try!"

    Muir''s Cursed Armament Seal glowed ominously.

    With the release of the Jester''s Vise''s power, the me demon began to rampage.

    Its roar turned into a shockwave fired towards Ellis.

    "--Evil wind, go forth and rampage."

    Ellis'' Ray Hawk gave off an intense sh of light.

    The des of wind cancelled out the shockwave and headed straight for the demon me spirit.

    "Something like that can''t possibly work against Vraukar!"

    Muir was right. The wild des of wind were all deflected by the skin ofva.

    As expected, an ordinary attack could not harm the spirit.

    However.

    "Of course I know that!"

    Ellis'' attack was simply a smokescreen.

    During this time, Kamito had closed in on the me demon by traveling along the ground.

    "...Wha!?"

    Leaping along the ground, he swiftly approached beneath the legs of the demon me spirit.

    Like an axe for chopping a great tree, the Demon yer was swung.

    In the next instant.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form -- Purple Lightning!"

    Kamito unleashed a sword technique for localized destruction, exploding at Vraukar''s ankle.

    R-ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAR--!

    Losing bnce, the demon me spirit''s massive body swayed as if about to fall.

    Even though it was a tactical-ss militarized spirit, this result was perfectly reasonable after suffering an attack from the strongest elemental waffe of the steel attribute, Terminus Est.

    Roaring angrily, the me demon copsed upon its knees on the burning ground.

    The tremors produced caused surrounding ruins to copse one after another.

    To avoid being ttened by the gigantic body, Kamito swiftly disengaged. Distancing himself, he readied his sword once more.

    "Muir. I''m sorry but we can''t stay and y with you any further."

    "..."

    Muir''s blue eyes gazed calmly at Kamito.

    The ash-gray twintails fluttered in the wind blowing against her.

    "I see, so Onii-sama too."

    "...Hmm?"

    "Onii-sama too, hopes to y with Muir."

    "...!"

    The light vanished from Muir''s blue eyes.

    Instantly, the kneeling demon produced an intense sh of light from its mouth, engulfing Kamito''s body.

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis'' shout sounded like a mournful scream, however.

    "...Guh, I never expected it to have an attack like that...!"

    Seeing Kamito emerge from the debris, Ellis instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

    After all, it was an attack made by the spirit before it regained bnce, hence Kamito managed to evade sessfully at the veryst moment.

    Despite the pain from burns causing him to grimace, Kamito continued to grip the Demon yer tightly.

    Vraukar propped up one knee, intending to stand up again.

    --The only chance was now.

    "...Escaping will not work, Onii-sama. If you are unable to move, then just promise you will never ever ever leave Muir''s side again."

    Branded upon Muir''s arm, the Cursed Armament Seal bled profusely.

    ...From the way it looks, she was being devoured by her abnormal power and gradually going out of control. If she continued to use the Jester''s Vise''s abnormal power in this manner, she could die in the worst case scenario.

    (...As if anyone was going to let that happen!)

    Kamito made a flying leap.

    Vraukar''s ming whip proceeded to sweep the scorching hotnd.

    Fragments of debris flew and scattered. --However, Kamito had long departed from that location.

    In that instant, Kamito had sneaked his way into the bosom of the demon me spirit who was kneeling on one knee.

    (--This next strike shall determine the victor!)

    From the ground, it was impossible tounch an effective attack against the gigantic demon me spirit.

    However, Kamito was confident.

    "Kamito, catch!"

    From midair, Ellis aimed beside Kamito''s feet and threw Ray Hawk.

    Enveloped in a vortex of wind, the spear tip prated the ground unerringly.

    This was the perfect opportunity created by the tacit understanding within the team''s vanguardbo.

    "I''m sorry, I''m borrowing this!"

    Kamito stepped onto the shaft of the spear that was embedded into the ground at a nt -- In that very instant.

    "--O Storm, release thy power!"

    Ellis chanted the words of release.

    Boom --!

    An intense cyclone instantly began to blow, shooting the spear out from the ground with explosive force.

    Standing upon the spear shaft, Kamito flew high into the sky. Then the instant Ray Hawk flew above Vraukar''s head, Kamito leaped from the spear.

    "How could this be possible...?!"

    Muir stared wide-eyed.

    "Muir, let me tell you. This is called a team battle."

    No matter how powerful a militarized spirit was, there were limits to solitary power.

    Kamito raised the Demon yer in midair.

    Immediately--

    "--Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Eighteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    The Absolute de Arts'' anti-spirit technique was unleashed explosively.

    Crushing, piercing, shing, shing, shing -- an eighteen-hitbo was delivered in flowing session.

    With each intense eruption of sparks, the demon me spirit''s body was split open.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    When the final shnded on the dead center of its skull, in that very instant--

    Vraukar''s gigantic body immediately crashed towards the ground.

    However, it was not yetpletely destroyed. Such astounding endurance.

    "Guh..."

    Panting heavily, Kamito supported himself using the upright sword against the ground.

    The strain on the body from using the Absolute de Arts was extraordinary.

    --At this time.

    "No way..."

    Amidst the sea of me, Muir murmured, her face all pale.

    "Muir..."

    "Muir''s spirit, how could it lose -- Guh..."

    The pallidity of her face was most likely not only due to the shock of losing to Kamito.

    (Starting from when she first started controlling the demon me spirit, over five minutes have already passed...)

    Prolonged usage of the Jester''s Vise caused Muir''s body to reach its limit.

    Bright red blood dripped continuously from the Cursed Armament Seal branded on her right arm.

    "It''s not over... It''s not over yet, Onii-sama."

    "Stop it. If you continue like this your life will be in danger."

    Kamito shrugged slightly, then--

    He caught Muir in both arms as she looked like she was about to copse.

    "...Onii...-sama!?"

    Muir''s body was instantly drained of all strength.

    "W-Why..."

    "...Muir, I''m sorry. For leaving you alone all this time."

    "Onii-sama...!"

    He heard Muir''s gasp by his ear.

    The Instructional School''s Monster -- Muir Alenstarl.

    Having lost her spirit, she was just amon little girl.

    (...In the past, I never noticed this fact.)

    He lightly stroked her ash-gray hair.

    "Ah, oooh..."

    Muir curled up her body as if feeling ticklish.

    "...Onii-sama, that''s no fair. To think you would do this."

    Muir pouted sullenly.

    Kamito turned his gaze to her right arm, only to find that the Cursed Armament Seal''s glow had vanished.

    Part 2

    "...Muir, I told you so already."

    In a tower far away from the battlefield of swirling mes of congration.

    Lily me bit her lip hard.

    She had stayed in this location all this time, watching over Muir''s de dance.

    Providing reinforcements was impossible. Spirits driven by the Jester''s Vise into a rampage were unable to distinguish friend from foe. For a demon tree spirit whose weakness was fire, even approaching was impossible.

    Failing to stop Muir could be considered a major blunder.

    After Cardinal -- Ren Ashbell, Muir was Team Inferno''s next strongestbatant. The original n was to send her against elementalists of Leonora''s level or above.

    (With this, Cardinal...)

    Of course, Lily never expected her lord to be defeated in battle.

    Whether the Knights of the Dragon Emperor or the Sacred Spirit Knights, neither of them were her match.

    However--

    (...Cardinal''s body cannot fight for long durations.)

    Lily had noticed this weakness she was hiding.

    Precisely because of it, she handed over the responsibility of annihting enemy teams to Muir during the Tempest.

    (Should I take Muir back, no--)

    Although Kamito was injured all over already, defeating him was impossible.

    That was how vast their difference in level was.

    Absolutely impossible to alleviate, an overwhelming difference in power.

    (Now is the time to abandon Muir and report back to Cardinal--)

    --Suddenly at this time.

    "...!"

    A presence was felt from behind.

    "...Who is it!?''

    Lily called out and threw a knife into the darkness--

    "Fufu, isn''t this a little rude against a fellow teammate?"

    "You are--"

    The girl appeared casually, ying with the knife she had caught.

    Her blue hair seemed especially vivid against the contrast of the night. An exotic foreign outfit that exposed her lightly tannedplexion.

    Bright red lips were shaped seductively in a smile of mockery.

    "Sjora Kahn--"

    Lily groaned in her throat.

    The Theocracy''s princess gave off an atmosphere with an inexplicable sense of dissonance.

    (...What is this?)

    There was a bone-chilling sense of intimidating presence.

    (...I am feeling afraid?)

    The witch was not like this previously.

    Although she was unpleasant, she never gave off such an ominous aura.

    (What on earth...)

    The witch walked over to the edge of the tower and looked at the burning mes afar. Jeering, she said:

    "Looks like that littless has no idea how to use Vraukar properly."

    "What are you talking about--"

    "Watch carefully and quietly. I shall show you the real way to use that thing."

    Sjora raised her hand lightly and drew a magic circle in the air with her finger.

    "...!"

    Lily''s eyes widened in shock.

    It was aplicated three-dimensional magic circle -- primitive magic once used in ancient times.

    "--Awaken, ghosts imprisoned in the city of demons. Hereby revive from mes of congration."

    Immediately--

    The demon me spirit roared again just as it was about to exhaust its strength.

    Part 3

    Just as Rinslet was wondering how long the underground ruins extended until--

    "--It''s here."

    Leading the way in front, the girl suddenly stopped.

    Rinslet tilted her head.

    "...? This is just a wall."

    "These ruins have a number of secret doors protected by magic."

    The girl pressed her hand against the wall and murmured something softly.

    "...?"

    At first, Rinslet thought it was a spiritnguage incantation but then again, it did not seem like it.

    Rinslet had no idea, but this was precisely the High Ancientnguage that was taught only to high ranking princess maidens.

    Very soon, the designs carved on the stone wall glowed with blue-white light. Apanied by a low rumbling, the wall opened up.

    Although there was still a flight of stairs beyond the door, at least a faint source of light could be seen somewhere in there.

    These steps really seemed like they would lead to the surface.

    (...Looks like fire light, actually.)

    An intense de dance was probably in progress on the surface.

    "You can reach outside by continuing along here."

    "What about you...?"

    "...I already said. I cannot go outside."

    The girl disyed a dream-like smile and pointed her finger towards the passageway.

    Instantly, with a popping sound -- something resembling a blue-white electrical current burst.

    "...!"

    The girl frowned due to the pain.

    "Why would this..."

    "It''s okay, after all, I already gave up."

    "N-No way, how can this be eptable!?"

    Rinslet held the girl''s hand. For her to be imprisoned in a ce like this when she had lost her memory and knowledge of her true identity, it waspletely uneptable.

    "R-Right! One of my teammates is a princess maiden specializing in ritual magic. If she were here, perhaps she could release the seal that binds you!"

    "...Thank you, Miss Princess Maiden of Ice."

    However, the girl quietly shook her head.

    "Your pancakes were very delicious. Although as a spirit I don''t suffer from hunger, I do wish for a tasty treat once in a while."

    She smiled once more.

    "Miss Spirit..."

    Rinslet bit her lip hard.

    "Miss Princess Maiden, you are a person with a good heart. Hence I shall make an exception and tell you my name."

    "...Name? Didn''t you lose your memory?"

    "All I remember is my name. --This is my only treasure. Hence I will only tell it to precious friends. Amongst humans, you are the first one."

    As if about to reveal a great and important secret, she drew her tiny lips close to Rinslet''s ear.

    "Iseria--"

    "...Eh?"

    "Iseria Seaward. That is my name."

    "This name, could it really be!?"

    Rinslet''s eyes widened greatly--

    But as soon as the girl withdrew from Rinslet, her figure vanished into the darkness.

    Part 4

    ROOOOOOAAAAAAAR--!

    The roaring caused the ground to shake.

    Amidst howling mes, Vraukar''s gigantic body slowly stood upright.

    "Impossible, why would this happen...!?"

    Held in Kamito''s arms, Muir muttered in shock.

    Muir''s right arm''s Cursed Armament Seal did not react.

    In other words, the demon me spirit was not currently under her control.

    "...Has it gone out of control?"

    Ellis swiftly released defensive wind magic.

    Blowing away the surrounding mes, the me demon''s appearance was fully exposed.

    As jet ck mes spewed out from all over its body, the demon me spirit stood up.

    The scorching mes charred the dark night, smoking the ground ck.

    (...Th-That''s not right.)

    Kamito noticed.

    (Those aren''t even mes at all...)

    Pouring out from the demon me spirit''s gigantic body was--

    Lamenting swarms of ghosts.

    "...Just what is going on?"

    As if answering Kamito''s doubts--

    "Kamito, the demon me spirit has been possessed by Forsaken Spirits."

    Est spoke up, having returned to human form without him noticing.

    "...Possessed? A militarized spirit of that level?"

    "Yes. That demon''s body is likely possessed by thousands of spirits at least. --With so much hatred and resentment umted, no spirit can resist no matter how strong."

    "...To have thousands of them!? Why would there be so many spirits--"

    "Now that you mention it, Vraukar did devour massive numbers of that type of spirit."

    In response to Ellis'' shocked exmation, Muir replied.

    "...Est, is that Vraukar one of those spirit weapons you mentioned earlier?"

    "Yes. Although it is not within my memory, based on the fact that so much resentment from the Forsaken Spirits has gathered, it is very likely true--"

    Est nodded lightly.

    ROAR, ROOOOAAAAR--!

    ck mes swirled intensely. The one-armed demon no longer looked anything simr to its original form.

    It currently resembled a seething mass of hatred.

    Suddenly, Kamito recalled the image of a monster of darkness.

    Nepenthes Lore -- despite the fact that the demon me spirit standing upright before their eyes was far more massive than that monster, the impression they gave off was surprisingly simr.

    "Kamito, we have to get out of this ce."

    "Yeah."

    Hearing Ellis'' sharp call, Kamito nodded in response.

    Carrying Muir in his arms like this, he turned back.

    "...!"

    He suddenly halted in his steps.

    Without them noticing, innumerable swarms of ghosts had gathered in the surroundings.

    "This is terrible..."

    Perhaps they had resonated with the resentment released by Vraukar and gathered here.

    "Breaking through is impossible, right..."

    After all, contamination resulted from mere contact and severely depleted divine power.

    Even if a break in the encirclement could be opened up for an instant, it was still quite hard to find their way when the density of spirits was so high.

    In their current state with Muir incapacitated, Kamito did not dare do anything rashly.

    ...Come to think of it, flying in the air would be even more dangerous.

    If one were to be dragged into that darkness, there would be noing back alive.

    "Ellis--"

    Kamito turned towards her.

    "W-What!? W-Why are you suddenly staring at me like that...!"

    "I entrust Muir to you. I will go defeat that demon me spirit."

    "Wha..."

    Kamito gentlyid down Muir from his arms.

    "...Can you stand on your own yet?"

    "What does Onii-sama take Muir for?"

    Tossing her ash-gray hair, Muir shyly averted her gaze.

    "Furthermore, Muir does not need the protection of that busty Onee-chan over there. Even without a spirit tomand, Muir has no trouble protecting herself."

    "...Ooh, th-this has nothing to do with chest size, okay!?"

    "--Say, this isn''t really the time for leisurely chatting."

    Kamito turned towards the demon me spirit.

    The ck mes spewing out from Vraukar burned even more intensely

    ...Burning to this extent, it was only a matter of time now.

    "--Est, I am relying on you. Please lend your power to me again."

    "Yes, Kamito. But--"

    Despite nodding, Est still gazed at Kamito with a worried expression.

    ...Kamito knew very well what Est wanted to say.

    Currently, his right arm was hurting intensely. The muscles in his entire body were screaming.

    The anti-spirit technique of the Absolute de Arts, the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, had exploited his body to the limit.

    This move was only supposed to be used roughly once a day at most.

    Furthermore, it was a skill meant to be used when dual wielding.

    Using it one-handed caused even greater strain on the body.

    (Am I able to use it one more time...?)

    Kamito clenched his right fist.

    Otherwise, there is--

    (--The Absolute de Art''s secret technique, Last Strike.)

    Inherited from Greyworth, the strongest sword skill that could even defeat the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance.

    However--

    (...No good. That is a countering sword skill for use against an elementalist. It won''t work against that demon me spirit.)

    Besides, Kamito still had not learned that secret techniquepletely.

    Trying to use it here was far too risky.

    "Do you want to use Flight magic to get close and decide the battle in one strike?"

    Faced with Ellis'' suggestion, Kamito shook his head.

    Ellis aside, Kamito had no ability to control Flight magic.

    Although rushing over in a straight line was possible, doing that will surely result in getting struck down by that ming whip.

    "But there is no way to approach the demon me spirit from the ground."

    "..."

    --Indeed.

    The ck mes surrounding Vraukar were burning intensely.

    As soon as he touched those mes, Kamito''s body would be contaminated and he would no longer be able to sustain Est.

    "What should I do--"

    Suddenly, at this moment.

    Filled with an aura of disaster, Vraukar''s eyes focused on them.

    GROOOOOOOWWWWWL...!

    Apanied by a sound of spiteful resentment that sounded like it came from underground, its mouth glowed with the color of intense scorching heat--

    "--It''sing!"

    Just as Kamito yelled out.

    A heat beam was shot.

    Mere protective magic of wind was nowhere enough to defend against the overwhelming raging torrent of me.

    "...Get down!"

    In a hurry, Kamito wrapped his arms around the three girls and jumped, pushing them all to the ground. Although it was not too effective, at least it was better than being bathed in mes.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Numerous arrows of ice flew in from afar, striking the heat beam.

    A massive explosion urred before their eyes.

    "...Guh!"

    The violent wind swept up debris, blowing Kamito''s body away.

    (...Just now, could that be!?)

    Steadying his shaken consciousness, Kamito turned his gaze towards where the arrow was shot from.

    "Phew, what perfect timing!"

    --Over there.

    On top of the copsed ruins was a lovelydy with long tinum-blonde hair fluttering in the wind.

    Her hand was holding an elegant shining arrow of ice.

    Her pose was the very image of a valkyrie from paintings.

    "...Rinslet!?"

    Kamito yelled with his eyes staring wide open.

    "Where on earth did she appear from!?"

    The surrounding area was supposed to be heavily surrounded by swarming Forsaken Spirits.

    "Hmph, I was thinking I could finally leave those underground ruins, only to discover a sea of mes after getting out, and even got chased by these inexplicable spirits, I''ve had enough of all this!"

    Rinslet snarled angrily with her hand at her waist.

    "I-I see..."

    ...Apparently she had suffered in various ways in some ce Kamito had no idea of.

    --However, let''s put that aside for now.

    (With this, we finally have a chance for victory...)

    "Kamito!" "Onii-sama!"

    From amongst the rubble, Ellis and Muir crawled out.

    "Seriously, w-why did you have to overextend yourself like that!?"

    "...Sigh, Onii-sama is always like that."

    Ellis pouted while Muir sighed.

    "Now that we have converged with Rinslet, perhaps we have a chance."

    "Hmm..."

    Hearing that, Ellis turned her gaze over towards Rinslet.

    She was currently breaking up swarms of ghosts using her bow and walking over here.

    "It''s just one person more. Nothing''s going to change."

    Muir frowned in exasperation, but--

    "That''s not correct."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "Increasing from two to three people raises our team''s power to a whole different level. Our Team Scarlet, that''s the kind of team we''ve got."

    "--Indeed."

    Ellis readied Ray Hawk.

    "Kamito, put your hand--"

    Standing beside her, Kamito held Est''s hand once more.

    "Let''s go, Est. Once again, please lend me your power."

    ¡ªThe Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!

    ¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!

    As the release of the elemental waffe was chanted, Est''s figure instantly dissipated into the air as particles of light--

    The Demon yer -- Terminus Est appeared in Kamito''s right hand.

    "Huff, huff... Kamito-san!"

    Rinslet arrived, out of breath.

    "We''re going to end this in one strike, okay?"

    "Yes!" "My thoughts exactly!"

    Ellis and Rinslet nodded simultaneously.

    Vraukar roared and prepared to fire off another heat beam.

    "--I won''t let you seed!"

    Instantly, Kamito kicked the ground and sprinted.

    Wielding the Demon yer horizontally, he charged towards the roaring ck mes.

    "Rinslet, we will open up a path!"

    "Understood!"

    Rinslet readied her bow elemental waffe and stretched the bowstring to its max.

    Softly chanting a spiritnguage incantation, she infused the maximum amount of divine power into the arrow.

    --Capable of piercing the scales of dragons, O Sword of Sagacity!

    --Now turn into endless des to vanquish mine enemy!

    This was a high level magic skill for multiplying the power of Freezing Arrow at the cost of a longer activation time.

    The same instant Rinslet released the arrow--

    Innumerable shining des of ice rained down upon the ck mes.

    At the same time, Ellis also swung Ray Hawk.

    --Rampaging demonic wind, you are the one who covets severity, you are the embodiment of absolute tyranny!

    --In ordance with your greed, sweep away mine enemies!

    As a rumbling vortex formed, a great howling tempest rampaged.

    " "O Winds of Ice, perform a dance of madness -- Ice Storm!" "

    This was abination magic skill that made use of the mutual interaction of ice and wind attributes.

    Strong gales infused with cold air instantly froze the ck mes, shattering them --!

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito rushed forward head on.

    He poured all his divine power into the Demon yer, causing it to sh with silver-white radiance.

    This was the only chance.

    But it was enough.

    The decisive opportunity created by the two girls was definitely not going to be wasted.

    Kamito took a flying leap andnded on the giant body of Vraukar that was akin tova.

    From the knee to its arm, then from its arm to its shoulder -- and finally from the shoulder to its head, Kamito leaped three dimensionally.

    As he shed apart the ck mes andmenting ghosts spewing forth from its body--

    "--I''m sorry but you''ll have to rest in peace this time."

    Kamito whispered in midair.

    Then--

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form -- Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Twenty-One Consecutive Strikes!"

    Unleashing the Absolute de Arts, the demon me spirit was smashed toplete pulverization.

 Volume 9, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 9, Epilogue</h4>

    ¡°Haa, haa...¡±

    ¡ªKamito and the others had fought with Vraukar, and at that moment.

    Fianna felt a strange sense of uneasiness, and went towards the heart of the abandoned city Megidoa.

    Her perception at times like this was often right. She, who held unparalleled talent as a princess maiden, would never neglect her intuition.

    (It¡¯ll be good if this was just needless anxiety...)

    She was running on a path covered by countless trees and shrubs in the darkness of the night, and at that moment.

    ¡°Kyaa!¡±

    Suddenly, something small came flying in front of her.

    The instant she stopped her footsteps, she ended up tripping and falling over. Unfortunately, she did not happen to have the reflexes like her female teammates.

    ¡°Ouch... W-What...?¡±

    While she rubbed her twisted foot, she looked up and¡ª

    ¡°Meow...¡±

    ¡°...Scarlet!?¡±

    What was there was ire¡¯s hell cat spirit.

    She noticed that it somewhat seemed smaller than usual.

    ...It might have been exhausting its power.

    ¡°...Why are you here? Could it be that ire is near here?¡±

    Fianna asked in rapid session.

    However, Scarlet turned around, and instantly disappeared into the rows of ruins.

    ¡°W-Wait...!¡±

    Fianna stood up in a fluster.

    Her twisted foot hurt, but now wasn¡¯t the time for that.

    Finally, she might have discovered the whereabouts of her teammates.

    Chasing after Scarlet¡¯s swinging tail, she ran on the pathway, and finally exited at an opened-up area, whererge amount of rubble had umted.

    ¡°This is...!?¡±

    Fianna widely opened her dim-colored eyes.

    The sight expanded before her eyes, that was¡ª

    The ground had been gouged out in a big way into the shape of a bowl. There were mes zing everywhere.

    The historic ruins in the surroundings melted into something likeva, and no longer contain their original shape.

    ...Just how extra-high of heat did it basked in to end up like this?

    ¡°What happened here?¡±

    She muttered in a daze, at that time.

    ¡°...Hn...¡±

    She heard a gasping-like groaning from somewhere.

    ¡°...!?¡±

    Fianna looked around in a fluster.

    Then, she saw Scarlet¡¯s tail swaying at the other side of a crumpled wall.

    She hurriedly went around to the other side of the wall.

    ¡°...ire!?¡±

    She discovered ire lying dead tired at the wall.

    ¡°ire, hey, get yourself together!¡±

    ¡°...Hn...Uu...¡±

    It seemed like her consciousness was hazy and it also seemed like she didn¡¯t noticed Fianna.

    Seemingly worried, the hell cat spirit was going in circles around her.

    Upon taking a spirit crystal from her uniform pocket, Fianna pressed it onto ire''s chest.

    The sacred light, possessing healing powers, faintly shone.

    "ire, it''s me....Can you speak?"

    "...Hn... Fia...nna...?"

    Within the empty ruby eyes of hers, a small me of consciousness lit.

    "What on earth happened?"

    "...Quickly, the demon sword... to... Kamito..."

    "...Demon sword?"

    Fianna frowned dubiously.

    Then, ire ced her shaky hand behind her back, and took out one sword.

    "...! Don''t tell me, this is..."

    It was a familiar demon sword of darkness....Even its appearance was subtly different, but there wasn''t a doubt, it was Ren Ashbell''s elemental waffe, the Vorpal Sword.

    "ire, why do you have...?"

    Fianna asked back, and at that moment.

    "I should have had already warned you not to appear in front of me again, Fianna Ray Ordesia."

    "...!"

    In an instant, her heart was grabbed by that voice.

    "..."

    She calmly gulped.

    While feeling cold sweat spouting out from her whole body, Fianna turned around.

    There was a crimson me violently zing.

    She appeared from within that me.

    She had morous long ck hair and a deep-crimson-red mask that was like scraped out of a burning me.

    She wore a military uniform of the Theocracy, and her body was d in sparks fluttering down.

    Leader of Team Inferno. Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell.

    ...No. Fianna already knew her true identity.

    (Rubia-sama...)

    She had been secretly maneuvering in the shadows so far, so why did she show herself at this timing?

    ¡ªHer motive was obvious.

    (...The Darkness Queen.)

    Fianna stood up to protect ire who had fallen.

    "...I will not hand over ire."

    She knew it was a futile resistance.

    Nevertheless, she couldn''t leave ire, who was vaguely conscious, behind and escape.

    "¡ªDon''t interfere. You''ll understand it one day."

    "Rubia-sama, I don''t understand what beliefs you have. However, if you''re going to hurt my friends¡ªI''ll... stop you!"

    Agilely drawing a magic formation in the air, she summoned Georgios.

    Instantly unsheathing its sword, the knight spirit rushed at her.

    "It''s futile. Your resolution will never reach me."

    ¡ªThe mes throbbed. There was a me that was clearly different from the surrounding mes, a freezing blue me.

    The moment that me touched its armor, the whole body of the knight spirit copsed instantly.

    "...!"

    The overwhelming difference in power was disyed.

    Ren Ashbell was d in the freezing me, and her ck hair was violently fluttering.

    "¡ªYour time is up. I shall wee the Darkness Queen into my hands."

    Then, she¡ª

    Removed the deep-crimson mask that concealed her face.

    *Crack* The masknded on the ground and broke.

    "...!"

    Fianna was petrified at that spot and couldn''t move.

    She had extremely beautiful eyes of ruby that harbored zing mes.

    The morous ck hair that was a trait of Ren Ashbell gently red up.

    As if the mes were painting over the darkness¡ª

    That was the color of her hair during the time she was once called the Fire Queen.

    Elstein red.

    At that time¡ª

    "...U...g..."

    "...!"

    There was a groaning voice from behind.

    "ire, no¡ª!"

    "...Nee...sama?"

    Within her hazy consciousness, ire muttered, seemingly puzzled.

    Both pairs of me-harboring ruby eyes met, and then¡ª

    "Now, let''s end everything."

    Rubia Elstein opened her mouth.

    "¡ªIt''s time for the awakening of the Demon King."

 Volume 9, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 9, Afterword</h4>

    --You have finally called out my name, Master.

    I am truly thankful to everyone who bought this book!

    I hereby present to you, Seirei Tsukai no de Dance''s ninth installment, "Cross Fire."

    --Defeat Ren Ashbell.

    Bearing Greyworth''s entrusted wish in his heart, Kamito stepped onto the stage of the final round. Engaging in a de dance of the night with the beauties in his team, what lies in wait for him in his peak condition of readiness--?

    Thick with conspiracies, the de Dance festival. The intense sh of weaponry, sounding out loud.

    Then there is the encounter between the demon sword of darkness and the hell cat girl -- the strongest mes awaken!

    Although the previous "Night Before the Finale" was centered on loveedy, this time we begin the final round atst, hence this volume is filled with battles. The main attraction of this volume is the rare teamworkbination between so-and-so and so-and-so. Also, we finally reach the scene for XXXXXX''s awakening. With Sakura Hanpei-sensei''s color illustration, it can even be described as the most intense and unforgettable scene.

    As is customary, here some acknowledgements.

    First of all Sakura Hanpei-sensei has once again drawn super cute and super cool illustrations. Rubia-oneesama on the cover truly gives me shivers. Whenever the beautiful illustrations are delivered to me, I can''t help but dance with delight. I am truly grateful.

    As always, we have Umeda Natsuno-sensei''s adorable chibi characters. I always look forward to the color page of the table of contents.

    Currently serializing the manga version of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance on Comic Alive is Hyouju Issei-sensei. High quality battle scenes, brisk developments, attractive performances -- every time he draws a creation that far surpasses expectations. I am truly thankful. Summed up in one word: Excellent. To readers who have only read the original novel, please do try the manga.

    Also, there is Shouji-sama who was responsible for the Seirei series ever since its earliest stages, supporting the work with an editor''s burning soul. Thanks to Shouji-san''s efforts all along. I am really thankful for the past two years. In the breaking of new ground, I look forward to your performance like a cheetah sprinting across the vast savannah (*meaning the way you always dress in a leopard print coat).

    Starting from this volume, there is Narita-sama who started taking on the role of the one in charge. Let all of us of the Seirei team try our best to make this work an even greater sess!

    And of course, the greatest thanks goes to all the readers who have supported this series all along. Thements returned through the surveys have really really given me great encouragement.

    Well then, because the afterword this time is quite long, so I''d like to announce the results of the poprity poll ending with the Volume 8 mobile phone survey. durarararara(sound effects)--

    Number 10 is the ace of the Four Gods, Shao Fu. She appeared in a Chinese-style dress in a Volume 8 illustration. Foremost in strength and forthright character amongst the Four Gods, was that the secret to her poprity? Number 9 is Rinslet Laurenfrost the highborndy. The number one bride equipped with all sorts of domestic skills. Number 8 is ire Rouge. Evenpared to the members of the team, she shoulders an especially heavy burden of a past, will she one day recover her original smile...? Number 7 is Kazehaya Kamito. Leaving a deep impression with his maid look and being ordered around by Greyworth in Volume 8... Or rather, his cuteness has already reached heroine levels. Number 6 is the expressionless fourteen-year-old, Mi Bassett. Who could have expected her to be a maid in her first appearance? Writing the parts about the Mi & Mireillebo was quite enjoyable. Number 5 is Fianna Ray Ordesia Her Highness the imperial princess. In Volume 8 while stalking the date, she became Dark Fianna at one point. She is the type whose poprity slowly rises. Number 4 is Ellis Fahrengart. Clearly a serious captain of the knights, but full of dangerous aura when she goes out of control, is that a mistaken impression? Also, her breasts are huge.

    ......Although Number 1 has a substantial lead on Numbers 2 and 3, in actual fact the difference from 4 to 9 is quite small. Anyway, now for the countdown of the top three!

    Number 3 is the darkness spirit Restia. There was a time when she gave Est a run for her money, but because she had too few appearances in Volume 8, she has now slipped to Number 3. Will she disy her power as the legal wife(?) in the future?

    Number 2 turns out surprisingly to be someone who jumped from outside tenth ce, the dragon knight Leonora Lancaster. I am quite surprised even as the author. Strong, cute, not wearing something -- bearing these three major elements, she will be a strongpetitor for Team Scarlet.

    And Number 1 is the Unmovable Queen, kneesocks spirit Est. Although she lost the top spot to Ellis once when Volume 3 was released, she has maintained supremacy ever since. Truly magnificent.

    The QR code for the poprity poll and cellphone survey is found in the lower left corner. If you havements, please send them together as well. The author and Sakura Hanpei-sensei are very happy to receive them!

    --In any case, we finally reach a climax in the de Dance Festival arc for the next volume.

    Let us meet again in the tenth installment, "The Awakening of the Demon King (tentative)"!

    Shimizu Yuu, October 2012

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you and wee back. This is Sakura Hanpei!

    Rubia finally makes her appearance in the illustrations!

    In actual fact, I racked my brain when drawing her. I had no idea how to get a grasp on her expression...

    She seems like a character without any smile at all... It was truly a challenge! I must work harder and practice more...

    With that kind of feeling, Seirei Tsukai has brought all sorts of developments...!

    What will happen in the next volume... Or perhaps, what exactly is Rubia''s goal? I really want to know! Shimizu-sensei, is the content for Volume 10 ready yet...!? (desperate)

    Next volume''s cover will be a new experiment! (Should be...!)

    If everyone looks forward to it, I will be very happy!

    This time in the Seirei team, whether Shimizu-sensei, Narita-san the one in charge, or me, we all caught a cold and got sick... Everyone should take better care!

    (Narita-san, Shimizu-sensei, I am realy sorry... OTL)

    Well then, let''s meet again next volume~!

    2012.xx —@¤Ï¤ó¤Ú¤ó

 Volume 10, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 10, Prologue</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThat was the worst fated encounter.

    Under the pale moonlight, a scarlet mask had fallen and made a solid sound.

    Her morous ck hair zed up like mes, turning burning-rouge.

    ¡°Rubia-sama...¡±

    Fianna gulped and muttered her name.

    That was the name of the 2-year-senior princess maiden, who she had most respected and admired before.

    Fire Queen¡ªRubia Elstein.

    Her real face beneath the mask appeared to be mostly unchanged from what she remembered in the past.

    It was the same as that day when she parted with Fianna at the Divine Ritual Institute¡¯s grand shrine that was zing up in mes.

    Her ruby eyes were not looking at Fianna.

    Her line of sight was directly pointing at ire, who was sitting down behind Fianna.

    ¡°U....g...¡±

    Fianna turned around in surprise at that delicate groan.

    With her back leaning on the stone wall, ire had opened her ruby-colored eyes.

    ¡°ire, no¡ª!¡±

    ¡°Nee...sama...?¡±

    ire muttered with a dazed expression.

    ¡°¡ªNow, let¡¯s end everything.¡±

    Rubia Elstein gently opened her mouth.

    ¡°¡ªIt''s time for the awakening of the demon king.¡±

    Part 2

    ¡°T-This can¡¯t be true, right...?¡±

    ire muttered with a quivering voice.

    ¡°...After all, Nee-sama... wouldn¡¯t do such....¡±

    ¡°Thest time we met was the Spirit Festival day held in the capital.¡±

    ¡°...N-No way... This can¡¯t be it.... This can¡¯t be it!¡±

    As if ire was denying the reality before her eyes, she violently shook her head.

    ¡°You¡¯re not Nee-sama. You¡¯re just mimicking her appearance and trying to confuse me¡ª¡±

    Her clear ruby pupils red at Rubia before her eyes.

    ¡°Stop the worthless farce, just reveal your true self, Witch of Theocracy!¡±

    In that instant, a crimson me was produced on ire¡¯s right hand.

    cing her hand on the wall, she stood up and released her elemental waffe.

    While she wasn¡¯t left with sufficient divine power or stamina, just the strength of her will had moved her.

    (She thinks that Rubia-sama is the appearance that Sjora Kahn has transformed into.)

    Fianna muttered in her heart.

    Before, Sjora Kahn had shown herself using the power of demon spirit Baldanders and freely changing her appearance. She came to bring unrest to ire¡¯s heart by taking Rubia¡¯s appearance. ¨CThat was the impression ire had, and it wasn¡¯t unreasonable.

    (Preferably, it¡¯ll good if she continues this misunderstanding but...)

    While she bit her thumbnail, she ended up unintentionally wanting to rely on such convenient thinking.

    (...If ire knew the truth, her heart will surely be unable to bear it.)

    On the other side of her strong heart and unyielding spirit, she was a very delicate girl. It wasn¡¯t like she had socialized with her for a long time like her childhood friend Rinslet, but she at least understood that.

    The moment when the cruel truth was thrust before her and her heart was broken, she might end up losing the power of her spirit contract.

    ¡ªLike herself, who was once called the Lost Queen.

    (I won¡¯t let you, never...!)

    Fianna scolded her shaky legs.

    She had to lead ire and escape from here.

    (...But how?)

    Fianna had no ways of stopping Rubia. Even her knight spirit Georgios had already been annihted by her mes¡ª

    ¡°Turn into cinders!¡±

    ire released her metongue, aiming at Rubia.

    It was a crimson sh that cut opened the night darkness. However, Rubia didn¡¯t even disy any behavior of dodging. She directly held up her fingertip,

    ¡°Just confirm it with your eyes whether this is an imitation me.¡±

    Freezing even time, the absolute-zero congration¡ªFrost ze.

    ¡°...Those mes!?¡±

    ire widened her eyes.

    Immediately following her words, clear sound like ssing shattering was heard¡ª

    The zing metongue was erased by the blue mes Rubia released.

    ¡ªCorrection, it wasn¡¯t erased.

    ¡°...The mes froze!?¡±

    Fianna shouted in a manner like she couldn¡¯t believe it.

    That was a phenomenon that was remote from themon knowledge she learned from the Divine Ritual Institute.

    Spirit magic¡ªwhich borrowed and used the power of a spirit¡ªshould be a physical phenomenon that followed thews of nature to the upmost, no matter how bizarre that power was.

    In other words, mes freezing mes¡ªwas a phenomenon that was impossible naturally.

    (...That isn¡¯t spirit magic? Then, what on earth is that pow...)

    ¡°...A-Ah...Ah...¡±

    ¡°...ire?¡±

    Upon turning behind, she saw ire had fallen on her knees on the ground with a shocked expression.

    ¡°...Are you really... Nee-sama?¡±

    Seeing ire¡¯s pale expression, Fianna understood.

    That freezing me was something that not even Sjora Kahn could imitate. ire grasped that in an instant and was convinced.

    ¡ªThat she was her real sister.

    ¡°...W...hy-Why, Nee-sama...?¡±

    Rubia Elstein didn¡¯t not reply.

    Passing by at Fianna¡¯s side, she was approaching ire.

    Fianna couldn¡¯t move. Her body instinctively recalled the fear from four years ago.

    Her legs cramped. Her throat cramped, and she couldn¡¯t even let out any sound.

    Rubia continued walking in front of absent-minded ire.

    ¡°ire¡ª¡±

    She called her sister¡¯s name in a surprisingly peaceful voice.

    ¡°Nee-sama...¡±

    ¡°Come with me. To overthrow this world ruled by mad lords.¡±

    ¡°What...What are you saying, Nee-sama...!¡±

    ire looked up at her sister and shouted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you be the Darkness Queen that serves the demon king.¡±

    ¡°Serve the demon king...?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s the reincarnated body of the Darkness Elemental Lord that was once sealed by the Five Great Elemental Lords. I need a princess maiden to control it.¡±

    ¡°...I don¡¯t understand... Ipletely don¡¯t understand what you are saying, Nee-sama!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all right for now. The time when you¡¯re able to understand wille eventually.¡±

    Rubia gently reached out her hand before ire, who was plugging her ears.

    ¡°ire, take my hand.¡±

    ¡°...N-No...No, Nee-sama...¡±

    ¡°Take my hand. ¡±

    ¡°...Ug...!¡±

    The moment she repeated herself once more time with a strong tone.

    ire had taken her sister¡¯s hand as she was told.

    She looked at her face with somewhat unfocused pupils, and staggeringly stood up.

    ¡°ire.¡±

    Fianna shouted but ire couldn¡¯t hear her.

    (...I see, she put Word of Power in her words.)

    It was one type of mind maniption that was the forte of the Elfim race and high-ranking princess maidens.

    Loading and releasing magical powers into their words, they could control the thoughts of their target.

    Elementalists of the academy should have received training to resist mind maniption, but when the Word of Power of a Queen, a top-ranking princess maiden, was concerned, it wasn¡¯t something one could resist for long.

    All the more when one was in an unstable mental state.

    (...So, this was what she was aiming for from the start.)

    Fianna ground her teeth in her mind.

    The reason she removed her mask and revealed her identity was to bring unrest to ire¡¯s heart.

    Wavering under the violent shock, her heart was more fragile than delicate ssworks. No matter how strong willed the person was, it was possible to easily steal her will with Word of Power.

    ¡°Nee...sa...ma...¡±

    Light slowly parted from ire¡¯s ruby pupils.

    (...I won¡¯t let you!)

    Encouraging her heart, she suppressed her fearful heart.

    Fianna turned towards the direction of the two of them and stepped forward.

    Whether her movements were not noticed or she was not significant enough to be concerned about, Rubia didn¡¯t even turn around. ¡ªIt was probably thetter.

    (...I can¡¯t call Georgios anymore.)

    It barely avoided beingpletely annihted, but it would take at least a day for it to recover.

    She was hiding a distraction spirit crystal in her breasts, but with that Rubia as her opponent, she didn¡¯t think that it would have much effect.

    (Something I could use as a weapon...)

    She quickly moved her eyes to the top of the rubble illuminated by the zing mes.

    ¡°...!¡±

    ¡ªThen, that was there like it was melted into the darkness of the night.

    Darkness shining in the darkness¡ªA jet-ck de, reflecting no moonlight.

    It was the darkness demon sword that ire had been in possession of for some reason.

    Vorpal Sword¡ªThe shape of its hilt and de was certainly but subtly different, but that was without a doubt the elemental waffe that was even called the synonym of the Strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell.

    Fianna continued walking like she was drawn in, and grabbed the demon sword that wasid on the ground.

    Contrary to its appearance, it was surprisingly light. On that subject, she recalled Ren Ashbell¡ªKamito¡ªswinging this sword with one hand three years ago.

    ¡°You do n on fighting me with that demon sword.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Like Fianna thought, her movements had been noticed.

    With her hand kept held onto nk-looking ire¡¯s, she turned towards her.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know if I don¡¯t try it, right?¡±

    She nned on acting tough with all her might, but her voice might have turned messed up.

    While she prayed that her hand holding the sword at least didn¡¯t quiver, she took a stance with both hands on the demon sword of darkness.

    Due to the fact that she had her knight spirit give her training before, only her stance looked somewhat right. At least it wasn¡¯t like the time she remembered when she cut her finger.

    (At any rate, why is there such a difference...?)

    While she gripped the sword with her shaky hands, she casually thought in doubt.

    When Rubia was in the Divine Ritual Institute, she should have been an amateur like Fianna in rtion to swords.

    (Despite that, she had overwhelmed Kamito once with a sword...)

    Was it possible to acquire such sword techniques in merely four years?

    No, now wasn¡¯t the time to be thinking about such things.

    ¡°Let go of ire.¡±

    Fianna discreetly opened her mouth.

    ¡°In exchange, I¡¯ll be the Darkness Queen. Sjora Kahn had said that I also have the disposition of the Darkness Queen.¡±

    ¡°You certainly have the disposition of the Darkness Queen.¡±

    Rubia coldly nodded.

    ¡°The disposition required for the Darkness Queen is having a strong bond with the Demon King. Although, with that meaning, it also means that there¡¯s the possibility for the Fahrengart girl and the Laurenfrost girl and so on to be the Darkness Queen.¡±

    ¡°...What do you mean by that?¡±

    Since, it concerned the bonds with the Demon King¡ªKamito¡ª she had no intention of losing to any of her teammates.

    And then, if the Darkness Queen existence held the same meaning as the Queens serving the Five Great Elemental Lords, there should be no reason to disqualify Fianna, who was a former Queen candidate.

    ...She didn¡¯t understand the reason that Rubia was particr over her sister.

    ¡°It¡¯s simple. ire¡¯stent quick-wittedness as a Queen surpasses mine.¡±

    ¡°...!?¡±

    Fianna widened her dim-colored eyes.

    (...A disposition greater that Rubia-sama, who¡¯s famed as a once in hundreds of years outstanding talent?)

    It wasn¡¯t a story she could believe all of a sudden. However, Rubia calmly continued.

    ¡°The truth is that Elstein¡¯s contracted spirit didn¡¯t choose me but my sister. If her original talent had matured, the one chosen to be the Fire Queen would be her.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s...¡±

    Certainly, the fact that Elstein¡¯s contracted spirit Scarlet chose ire and not her sister Rubia did not agree with the theory. It wasn¡¯t like there weren¡¯t also personality affinity problems, but spirits normally contracted princess maidens with great ability as an elementalist.

    ¡°There isn¡¯t anyone more suitable as the Darkness Queen.¡±

    Rubia pulled nk-looking ire to her chest.

    ire practically didn¡¯t put up any resistance and had given her body to her.

    ¡°Rubia-sama!¡±

    Fianna frantically shouted.

    ¡°ire had always lived for the sake of meeting with you. Even participating in this de Dance was just to meet you¡ª¡±

    ¡°I know that.¡±

    ¡°...You!¡±

    Sumbing to her fury, Fianna stepped forth with the demon sword in her hands.

    Immediately following a sword sh cutting air, her light feet were swept from under her and she fell to the ground.

    ¡°Guu...!¡±

    ¡°You''ll have to work on your basics before even picking up a sword.¡±

    Rubia coldly looked down at Fianna, who had fallen.

    Then, that gaze of hers turned towards the demon sword of darkness she was holding.

    And¡ª

    ¡°¡ªDarkness spirit Restia Ashdoll.¡±

    She muttered, and produced that absolute-zero me on her palm.

    ¡°...What are you nning to do?¡±

    Fianna was in chaos.

    This darkness spirit should have had an alliance rtion with Rubia. Whether they had a rtion likerades do was questionable, but at least the fact that they had joined forces with the goal of awaking Kamito as the Demon King was certain.

    ¡°Now that the awakening of the Demon King is drawing near, this darkness spirit is a hindrance to my ns. Therefore, I shall annihte it here and now¡ª¡±

    Cutting off with a dispassionate tone, she pointed her right hand with the blue me dwelling on it straight down.

    In its current state, the darkness spirit wasn¡¯t the elemental waffe Vorpal Sword, it was no more than an embodiment bearing the shape of a sword.

    The absolute-zero me she released would annihte the darkness spirit¡¯s existence without leaving a trace.

    ¡ªPermanently from this world.

    Then.

    ¡°...N-No...¡±

    ire weakly opened her mouth.

    ¡°...ire?¡±

    Fianna raised her head in surprise.

    ire had clung onto Rubia¡¯s arm in her state of clouded consciousness.

    ¡°...S-Stop...Nee-sama...!¡±

    ¡°She broke my mind control¡ª?¡±

    Rubia showed a surprised expression for the first time.

    ¡°That sword is...Kamito¡¯s...precious person... therefore¡ª!¡±

    ire¡¯s spirit seal emitted a sh, and violent mes were produced in her hand.

    The mes coiled into an eddy, zed up, and transformed into a hell cat before attacking Rubia. Rubia let go of ire¡¯s hand, and jumped back.

    Releasing a growl, Scarlet pursued Rubia. It should have been kitten-sized when it guided Fianna here, but it had now returned to its original size.

    (...Why? ire should have run out of divine power.)

    Normally, the power of a contracted spirit should not have been able to recover this quickly but¡ª

    Then, Fianna noticed it. The mes that were zing in the surroundings till a while ago¡ªRubia¡¯s mes that annihted Georgios had disappeared before she knew it.

    (...I see, it absorbed Rubia-sama¡¯s mes.)

    With its zing red-hot ws, Scarlet began its fierce attack.

    It seemed like it was in a condition where it lost control and was rampaging about.

    ¡°This power...You released the true name of the Scarlet Valkyrie.¡±

    While dodging the attacks of the rampaging hell cat, Rubia opened her mouth.

    ¡°Damn you darkness spirit, doing such unnecessary¡ª¡±

    Seemingly having sensed the presence of a de dance, light-ball-like spirits had gathered in the surroundings. It was a spirit that Divine Ritual Institute released into the field to broadcast the state of the de Dance.

    Rubia clicked her tongue and then she picked up the crimson mask and put it on once more.

    ¡°...A...guu...¡±

    An agonizing voice leaked out and could be heard above Fianna¡¯s head.

    Looking up, she saw ire raising her breathing with a pale expression. The spirit seal on her right hand took on a bizarre glow, and her scarlet hair had bristled up like zing mes.

    ...She was in a dangerous condition. If she continued using her contracted spirit in its rampaging condition, her divine power would be thoroughly taken and exhausted, in the worst case, it was possible that it would bring about death.

    ¡°H-Hey ire!¡±

    Fianna stood up in a fluster and held up ire¡¯s body which seemed like it was going to fall at any time.

    ¡°Hn... Fia....na...?¡±

    ire tilted her head to the side in her clouded state.

    ...She was in a so-called half-awakened state. However, as Rubia was away from her, it seemed like the light of sense was beginning to return to her eyes again.

    ¡°ire, get yourself together!¡±

    Fianna strongly struck ire¡¯s cheek. It was a violent method but it was most effective at undoing the mind control by the Word of Power.

    The effect was immediate. ire widened her eyes in a snap,

    ¡°...Fianna, Nee-sama¡ª!¡±

    ¡°Leave the talk forter. Our first priority is to escape from here now.¡±

    Fianna shook her head, and grabbed ire¡¯s hand. Scarlet¡¯s fierce attacks probably also wouldn¡¯tst that long. While they had the chance, they should get as far as possible¡ª

    However, when Fianna pulled her hand, ire ended up copsing to the ground just like that.

    ¡°ire!¡±

    ¡°...My legs... can¡¯t move anymore¡ª!¡±

    ire looked up at Fianna with a bitter expression.

    ...When she thought about it, it was natural.

    When Fianna came here, ire had already run out of stamina. Not to mention, in the condition where she was using the rampaging Scarlet, it was honestly impossible that she could move.

    If only she could at least summon Georgios, she would be able to carry ire.

    Transforming giant-sized, Scarlet gulped down the absolute-zero mes Rubia released.

    The hell cat spirit''s do-or-die spirited restraining probably also wouldn¡¯tst for another ten seconds.

    (There¡¯s nothing more that can be done, huh...)

    Fianna closed her eyes in despair, and at the moment.

    ¡°...Fianna, I have a request for you.¡±

    ire gazed at Fianna¡¯s eyes, and let out a voice.

    ¡°...A request?¡±

    ¡°Hold on to that demon sword, and go to Kamito.¡±

    ¡°...!¡±

    Fianna was lost for words, and widened her eyes.

    ¡°T-There¡¯s definitely no way I can do that, you know!¡±

    ...There¡¯s no way she could do that. If she forsook ire here, she would have failed as a teammate.

    ¡°¡ªListen to me.¡±

    However, ire interrupted those negation words of hers with a strong tone.

    ¡°In any case, I can¡¯t escape anymore. Honestly, I¡¯m barely holding onto my consciousness. However, if it¡¯s just you, you can still escape¡ª¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t escape!¡±

    ¡°Escape. ¡ªTogether with this kid.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡±

    ire reached out her right hand that held her glowing spirit seal before Fianna. She held out Scarlet¡¯s seal that was engraved with zing mes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll entrust Scarlet to you. Your Highness.¡±

    ¡°...? Entrust Scarlet?¡±

    For a moment, she failed to catch the meaning, and titled her head to the side but¡ª

    ¡°... You don¡¯t mean a contract transfer?¡±

    Your Highness. She intuitively knew it with that way of addressing that she normally didn¡¯t use.

    ¡°Yes. It should be possible between me from the Elsteins and you from the legitimate Ordesia royal family.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just in theory...¡±

    Spirit transfer¡ªThat was a unique pledge that came into existence in rtion of lord to retainer between the royal family and the nobles.

    The six great nobles of the empire including the Elsteins had pledged allegiance to the Ordesia Empire for a long time of several hundred years. To prove their loyalty, they practiced something more anciently traditional, and that was the spirit transfer pledge.

    For example, if there was a demand from the Ordesia royal family, the empire¡¯s six great nobles had to immediately give up the contracted spirit that served their family. This meant that the ownership of the six great nobles¡¯ spirits originally belonged to the royal family.

    However, there were almost no records of this system being used in the history of the empire. In other words, it was a system that became a mere shell for the sake of symbolizing the lord-retainer rtions of the royalty and the nobility.

    However, even that system that became a mere shell had at least left behind a framework.

    Therefore, this meant that although Fianna was the Lost Queen who lost the rights to the inheritance of the throne, it was possible for her, who had inherited the bloodline of the royal family, to transfer the spirit of the Elsteins.

    ¡°If we continue to do nothing, Scarlet will be annihted by Nee-sama.¡±

    While ire took a breath painfully, she said that.

    She didn¡¯t mean that it¡¯d lose the power to manifest in this world.

    She meant that it¡¯ll bepletely annihted from this world.

    ¡°So, please. Escape together with Scarlet.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    Fianna gulped at ire¡¯s ghastly face.

    She had merely several seconds of hesitation. However, those several seconds were extremely precious currently.

    ¡ªThere was no time to hesitate. Fianna made her resolution and nodded.

    ¡°I got it. Elsteins loyalist¡ª¡±

    Grasping the right hand that ire reached out, she recited from memory the words of the pledge.

    ¡°By my name Fianna Ray Ordesia, second princess of the Ordesia Empire, I humbly order you. Thou, by the pledge exchanged by our great ancestors, offer up thy sword to me¡ª¡±

    The spiritnguage words were strung out like a song. In response, ire also made her lips quiver.

    ¡°Our sword is our lord¡¯s sword, we shall offer up the undying, eternal me to thou¡ª¡±

    The fire spirit seal emitted a sh that even dazzled one¡¯s eyes, and ire¡¯s blood dripped down onto the ground.

    In that instant, a sharp pain like that of a burn ran through Fianna¡¯s right hand.

    ¡°...Guuu...!¡±

    Fianna frowned like she was bearing with the pain, and grasped her hand.

    Moving her hand timidly, a fire seal, glowing scarlet-red, had been engraved on the back of her right hand.

    ¡ªThe transfer of the contracted spirit seeded.

    ¡°...Thank you. Now, quickly get away.¡±

    ire smiled and copsed once more like she had used up all her strength.

    Rubia noticed the unusualness of Scarlet¡¯s sudden disappearance, and turned around towards them.

    ¡°After I meet up with Kamito-kun and the others, I¡¯ll definitelye to help!¡±

    After somehow leaving just those words to her, Fianna ran off with the demon sword of darkness in her hand.

 Volume 10, 1 - Muir Alenstarl

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 1 - Muir Alenstarl</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe first night of the de Dance final round had arrived.

    After defeating Muir Alenstarl''s militarized spirit Vraukar, Kamito and his entourage left the center of the abandoned city and took refuge at the historical ruins of a shrine to rest.

    The fire spirit crystal they ced on the ground glowed red, illuminating the pitch ck darkness in the shrine. A simple hearth was built using stones nearby and a pot bubbled as soup boiled inside it.

    "...Night time in Astral Zero is really cold after all."

    Sitting on Kamito''s right, Ellis shivered.

    "...Yeah. It really did not feel that cold during the preliminary round."

    "That was thanks to Her Highness the imperial princess'' Barrier."

    Sitting on Kamito''s left, Rinslet replied.

    Holding a bowl and a spoon in her hands respectively, she was dressed in a cute apron over her uniform.

    Despite being a highborn daughter hailing from the Empire''s elite nobles, the aproned look suited her unexpectedly well.

    "It is possible to set up a barrier of wind, but divine power will involuntarily spread out and easily attract swarms of Forsaken Spirits. Furthermore, it would be best to conserve energy for now."

    Ellis nodded honestly. After all, she had exhausted her strength in the consecutive battles against Lily me and Vraukar.

    Simrly, having exhibited norm-defying power for Kamito''s sake, Est was now in deep slumber in sword form. Resting against the wall, she was probably not going to wake up for quite a while.

    "Speaking of which, Captain..."

    Rinslet coughed deliberately.

    "Aren''t you leaning too close to Kamito-san?"

    Ellis instantly blushed.

    "I-I cannot help it. Unlike you who were born in the northern part of the country, I am very vulnerable to cold."

    "Your demon wind spirit should be quite warm to hug. ire frequently uses Scarlet as a body pillow."

    "...But Simorgh''s face is kind of scary."

    "Well, well, indeed it is an intrepid face."

    Watching Kamito''s group as they chatted¡ª

    "..."

    The girl sitting opposite them bore a nkly staring expression.

    Her ash-gray hair was tied up on the sides of her head. Her eyes were blue like the surface of a pristineke.

    Dressed in a military uniform, her petite body was sitting with her knees drawn up to her chest.

    Muir Alenstarl¡ªthe Instructional School''s second rankedbatant.

    The extraordinary Monster¡ªspecialized in mass destruction.

    Like a small animal that was wary of humans, she kept a delicate distance away from Kamito''s group.

    "Muir, you''re going to catch a cold. Why don''t you move closer to the fire?"

    Hearing Kamito''s words, the two youngdies beside him instantly prepared a stance.

    This sort of tense atmosphere had repeated itself many times.

    (...Oh well, it''s only natural for these two to be on alert.)

    After all, Muir was the one who attacked them only hours earlier.

    Furthermore, Muir had tried to kill them before.

    These acts could not be forgiven nor forgotten so easily. In actual fact, the two highborndies were not exactly pleased with the way Kamito was handling things.

    Muir quietly shook her head.

    "Don''t wanna. The temptresses who bewitched Onii-sama are over there."

    "W-What are you talking about!?" "Well I never!"

    Ellis and Rinslet raised their voices at the same time.

    "Kamito, I still think we should take away her magic stone."

    "Seconded. She is far too dangerous!"

    Indeed, after fighting Vraukar¡ª

    Kamito had decided explicitly not to take away Muir''s magic stone.

    In a de dance, taking the loser''s magic stone was the winner''s legitimate right. In fact, Kamito''s decision could be said to contravene the spirit of the de Dance held by the Elemental Lords.

    Naturally, Ellis and Rinslet were likewise opposed to Kamito''s decision. Even so, Kamito did not take Muir''s magic stone because he wanted to have a good chat with her after four years of separation.

    (Also...)

    On the day the Instructional School was attacked by the unidentified archdemon...

    Kamito felt quite guilty about leaving young Muir behind alone.

    "Muir is not an ordinary elementalist. Having lost her militarized spirit, she can''t do anything."

    In actual fact, Muir was not even capable of using a contracted spirit. The special power she was born with¡ªthe Jester''s Vise, caused spirits to go berserk until their very being was consumed to nothing.

    "Ara, even without a contracted spirit, killing you Onee-chans is still very easy."

    "...What did you say!?"

    Hearing Muir''s boastful remark, Ellis red back severely.

    "...Muir lost to Onii-sama, yes, but Muir did not lose to you two, Onee-chans."

    "Guh...!"

    "Muir, shut up¡ª"

    Kamito forcefully ended her conversation.

    "...What you just said now, even I would be angered!"

    "Onii-sama...?"

    "Stop talking about killing this or that whatever all the time."

    Kamito stared at Muir head on.

    "..."

    Muir began to sulk and pout¡ª

    "...Yes, Onii-sama."

    Despite her reluctance, she still nodded.

    Kamito secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

    (...Muir is not a bad kid.)

    She simply had no concept of good and evil.

    This was amon trait in the orphans raised by the Instructional School.

    (...Before meeting Restia, I was the same too.)

    "The soup is ready."

    Cough cough. Rinslet coughed deliberately.

    As she lifted the lid for the pot, a delicious aroma of fish soup wafted over.

    The crimson soup was filled with chilli peppers and spices with diced pieces of white-colored fish, shelled prawns, scallops, mussels and other sumptuous ingredients.

    "Wow, looks very delicious!"

    "This is Bouibaisse-style fish soup. It''s very effective in warming up the body."

    "...You really know how to make everything."

    "I made preparations in advance before the finals began. Besides, Fenrir''s alternate dimension is even able to keep the fish fresh."

    Sitting by her obediently, Fenrir barked happily when it heard words of praise from her.

    As soon as Kamito received a bowl of soup from her, he instantly drank in big mouthfuls.

    "Gulp gulp... Phew..."

    "Does it suit your tastes?"

    Rinslet asked, a little apprehensive.

    "...Tasty!"

    Kamito burped with satisfaction.

    Despite therge amount of chilli peppers in the red soup, it was not as spicy as its appearance suggested. Aplicated mix of delicious seafood vors were concentrated together. The soup warmed the entire body from within.

    "Phew, looks like my efforts were not in vain... Fufu?"

    Rinslet happily covered her red cheeks with her hands.

    "Hmm, so Kamito turns out to enjoy spicy cuisine, I see now..."

    For some reason, Ellis began to write a note in her mysterious booklet with a serious expression while sitting beside Kamito.

    "Muir, you must be hungry, right?"

    Kamito extended a bowl filled with fresh soup out to Muir.

    "Don''t want any. Not hungry either. I don''t want charity from enemies."

    "...~Y-You, what is with that attitude!?"

    Seeing Rinslet anger, Kamito frantically tried to make peace.

    "You just used a militarized spirit of that level. You can''t possibly be not hungry."

    "Trainedbatants from the Instructional School can executebat missions continuously for a week without eating."

    "...That''s true. However, now is not the same kind of situation."

    Kamito shrugged and moved the steaming bowl beneath Muir''s nose.

    "..."

    Gulp... Muir swallowed.

    "Come on, just drink a mouthful. While it''s still hot."

    "Hmph, Muir''s stomach is not hungry..."

    ...Growl.

    A cute sound resounded in the shrine.

    "...See?"

    "...~!"

    Muir shifted her gaze away from the soup defiantly.

    "D-Don''t wanna. Maybe it''s poisoned."

    "How impudent, of course I won''t poison it!"

    Rinslet objected loudly.

    "Hmph, who knows?"

    "...Sorry, Muir doesn''t mean any offense."

    Kamito apologized softly for Muir''s words.

    "In the ce where we were raised, wariness of poison is only natural..."

    "...I-I see."

    Despite her domineering airs, Rinslet was actually quite gentle at heart. Disying a mixed expression, she nodded.

    "Muir, don''t worry. See, aren''t I drinking it too?"

    Kamito drank a mouthful of soup in Muir''s view.

    "..."

    "See?"

    Muir gurgled in her throat.

    "I-In that case..."

    "Hmm?"

    "Onii-sama must feed Muir. Or else Muir refuses to believe."

    Suddenly, she said something incredible.

    "...Eh?"

    "What did you say!?" "What!?"

    Ellis and Rinslet yelled at the same time.

    "...I-I need to feed you, Muir?"

    "That''s right, Onii-sama."

    As if examining Kamito''s expression, Muir smiled mischievously.

    "Muir, don''t toy with me."

    "Not toying with Onii-sama... See, ah~!"

    She slowly drew her face near and opened wide her lovely dainty lips.

    Kamito could not help but feel his heart racing. Then¡ª

    "...Seriously, what am I going to do with you?"

    Shrugging lightly, he filled a spoon with soup and delivered it into Muir''s mouth.

    "...O-Onii-sama!?"

    Widening her eyes, Muir''s face instantly went bright red.

    She swallowed the soup with a gulp.

    "...Hmph, n-not bad!"

    She offered herment as she turned her gaze away.

    "A-Another, okay... Ah~!"

    "W-Wait a minute!" "Hold it right there!"

    Ellis and Rinslet frantically interfered.

    "Kamito, th-that is so unfair! Me too..."

    "S-Same here, I-I want..."

    Blushing, the two girls shyly demanded.

    "W-Why would you two want to be fed too, Ellis and Rinslet!?"

    "I just want it!"

    "Indeed! I simply want it!"

    Closing their eyes, the two girls brought their faces near.

    ...Although Kamito had no idea what was going on, he decided it would be prudent to simply do as they say.

    "...Okay, say ah¡ª"

    "...Aamph?" "...Ah~?"

    Kamito delivered the spoon into the lovely lips of the highborndies one after another.

    "Oooh... What is up with me, to have done something so shameful..."

    "Th-This is so embarrassing!"

    Covering their blushing faces with their hands, the two girls murmured in seductive-sounding voices.

    ...Looking like that, they really seemed so innocent and adorable.

    "No, I feel quite embarrassed too..."

    Kamito scratched his face awkwardly.

    "...Onii-sama!"

    Watching Kamito, Muir pouted unhappily.

    Part 2

    After enjoying a modest yet delicious meal consisting of bread and soup only¡ª

    "...How vexing, Onii-sama really became the Demon King of the Night!"

    Muir sulked and said.

    Currently, Kamito and Muir were the only ones present inside the shrine.

    Ellis and Rinslet had gone outside for regr princess maiden purification.

    There was apparently an ancient purification site near these ruins.

    Although the two girls left partially for scouting out iing attacks, their main reason was to let Kamito and Muir have some private time together.

    "...D-Demon King of the Night? Where did you hear that from?"

    "Lily has always been investigating Onii-sama all along!"

    "...I see."

    Kamito answered with his eyes half closed.

    "...This is totally a misconception, okay? By the way, why would a highly aplished master of espionage like Lily gather such erroneous information?"

    "Because instead of being erroneous, it is the truth?"

    "Rejected absolutely."

    Kamito shook his head insistently. That is so not the truth... Probably.

    (...Wait a minute, now is not the time for chatting about this.)

    He coughed deliberately.

    "Say, Muir¡ª"

    "...What is it? Onii-sama."

    "...Uh, why do you call me Onii-sama?"

    Kamito asked directly.

    Ever since their first encounter at the Instructional School, Muir had been addressing Kamito as Onii-sama.

    He had asked many times in the past and each time her answer was the same.

    "¡ªNot gonna tell you. Onii-sama, figure it out yourself."

    ...That was it.

    Muir turned away sullenly.

    "If I can''t remember, then I won''t recall it no matter how much I try. I basically remember nothing from my childhood or when I was first brought to the facility."

    Indeed, in the dark dungeon where the flow of time could not be sensed, Kamito and the others had receivedbat training nonstop.

    Or perhaps, it was precisely thebat training in the dungeon that gradually shaved off Kamito''s memories and emotions, destroying them.

    Probably because of that, Kamito had no impression of his homnd.

    The only memories he barely preserved were¡ª

    (Those times he spent together with Restia...)

    ...Anyway, pursuing the matter like this would probably just make Muir lock her heart away even more, which would be putting the cart before the horse. Kamito tried to change the subject.

    "Muir, what happened on that day?"

    "On that day?"

    "Four years ago. After the Instructional School was wrecked by the archdemon of me... By the way, you fought the archdemon directly, didn''t you, Muir?"

    "Yeah, fought¡ªand lost."

    As ifpletely unconcerned with her defeat, Muir nodded calmly.

    The archdemon who only needed half a day to destroy the Instructional School, an organization inmand of the strongestbat skills. Back then, Muir was obviously no match because she had level restrictions on the spirits she was authorized to employ.

    "Not long after that, the Empire sent the Numbers to investigate. Many people were captured, but Muir had already escaped long before then¡ª"

    Henceforth, she wandered around until she came into contact with Murders on a certain street.

    There, she was hired as a professional assassin and began living in the underground circuit.

    (...Just like me.)

    All the orphans who grew up in that facility knew no other way to survive. Let alone relying on rtives, even their family registry records were nonexistent. Where Muir and Kamito''s fates diverged was the fact that Kamito''s first assassination target was the Dusk Witch.

    "...Next, meeting up with Lily happened two yearster."

    After making contact with Lily me using the intelligencework of the Murders, Lily introduced Muir to that woman named Cardinal. After that, Cardinal¡ª

    "She is the one who now calls herself Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer."

    "Was she using the Murderswork to gather orphans from the Instructional School?"

    Due to the Instructional School''s copse, the orphans who were left with nowhere to go were highly likely to make contact with Murders.

    She probably put informants in ce beforehand in anticipation of that.

    That Jio Inzagi was most likely recruited in the same manner.

    "That woman told me I could meet Onii-sama as long as I entered the de Dance."

    "She¡ªRen Ashbell, what is her goal?"

    Muir shook her head.

    "No idea. I don''t care about what she thinks."

    "...I see."

    ...On further thought, it was true. Team Inferno''s members did not share amon a goal. They were simply an alliance with aligned interests.

    "However, that woman did say¡ª"

    Muir pressed her index finger against her lips.

    "Muir and others were gathered for the sake of making Onii-sama awaken."

    "¡ª''Awaken.''"

    Kamito was shocked.

    ...For some reason, the word made him feel quite unsettled.

    "So, awakening means... Making me retrieve my past power?"

    "Who knows? Indeed, Onii-sama is a lot more useless than before."

    Ignoring for now Muir''s causticmentary¡ª

    (...Was Ren Ashbell and Restia''s goal simply "that" alone?)

    Kamito muttered to himself mentally.

    ording to Fianna who was captured by Sjora Kahn once, Kamito was the current reincarnation of the Demon King who inherited the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll.

    (...Within my body, is that kind of existence really present?)

    Ever since the de Dance started, he kept feeling something awakening within him.

    Was he really recovering his power from three years ago gradually or was there more to it?

    "...Onii-sama?"

    "Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about something."

    Seeing Muir tilt her head, Kamito scratched his head as he apologized.

    "Seriously, all Onii-sama needs to think about is Muir."

    Muir pouted and rested her head against Kamito''s chest.

    "...Muir?"

    "All I want is to have Onii-sama by my side. Everything else is not needed. This world hates Muir, so it would be best if all others disappeared."

    "It''s not like that..."

    Kamito was just about to refute her assertion when¡ª

    "Because, see¡ª"

    Suddenly, Muir touched the burning fire spirit crystal with her hand.

    Instantly, the fire spirit sealed in the crystal went berserk and spewed out intense mes.

    "¡ªMuir!"

    Kamito frantically grabbed Muir''s arm.

    "W-What on earth are you doing!?"

    Only to find Muir''s palm slightly burned.

    "...See? I am being hated. By this world."

    "..."

    The special ability Muir was born with¡ªthe Jester''s Vise.

    Spirits touched by her all descended into madness.

    The berserk spirits eventually used up all their power and disappeared from the world.

    It could not even be considered a special power but a cruel curse.

    "Since the world has rejected Muir, Muir will reject the world."

    Looking down upon the fire spirit spewing intense mes, she murmured.

    "But back then, only Onii-sama did not reject me."

    "Back then?"

    "Yes. The day Onii-sama was brought to the Instructional School."

    "...Sorry. I really¡ªhave no recollection of those times."

    "It''s okay if you can''t remember. To Onii-sama, it was probably just an insignificant remark. But to Muir, it was an important promise."

    Muir disyed a dream-like a smile and yawned cutely.

    "...Hoo, getting sleepy here."

    "Probably time to retire for the night. I have to recover my energy too."

    Injuries could be cured using magic, but sleep was the best method to replenish depleted divine power.

    "Is it really okay for you not to take Muir''s magic stone?"

    "Hmm?"

    "Maybe while Onii-sama is sleeping, Muir will steal Onii-sama''s magic stone?"

    "You''re not going to do that, Muir."

    Kamito thenid himself down on the ground. With Ellis'' Simorgh keeping watch outside, surprise attacks from other teams should not be a worry.

    Looking up at the ceiling that was entangled with tree roots, Kamito spoke up.

    "Hey, Muir¡ª"

    "What is it? Onii-sama?"

    "Say, once the de Dance is finished, do you want to return with me to the Empire?"

    "...What do you mean?"

    "Given Greyworth''s resources, she should be able to fabricate family registry records for a younger sister. In addition, if I ask Rinslet, you can probably be a maid at the Laurenfrost family. After all, their only criterion for hiring maids is whether you''re cute or not."

    "C-Cute!?"

    Hearing Kamito''s unintentionalment, Muir blushed intensely.

    "Hmph, hmph. Muir hates maids!"

    Dering angrily, Muir turned away to the side and went to sleep.

    ...In the end, Muir never answered Kamito''s question.

    Part 3

    Ssh, quiet water noises were heard under the pitch ck night.

    "Captain, your breasts have grown even bigger..."

    "W-What are you talking about!?"

    Ellis frantically covered her bust with her arms. Droplets of water dripped down from the tips of her wet hair.

    Beneath the faint moonlight, Ellis and Rinslet were taking a bath in the purification site.

    As the clear spring water used for rituals stimted their skin, it helped calm their bodies which felt like they were burning.

    Naturally, Kamito was the reason why they felt scorching hot as if being burned.

    "Huff... With Kamito-san, an indirect, kiss huh..."

    "As a knight, what indecency have Imitted..."

    Having finally cleansed their bodies, they now found their minds instantly upied by these worries.

    For these sheltered highborndies, the "Ah~" act just now was too stimting.

    Losing their focus midway, they were unable to carry out the ritual very well.

    ...Hence, the two girls spent far more time on purification than usual.

    "Very soon, the sun will be up."

    The battle fromst night was not that long ago. As they looked towards the center of the abandoned city, the mes released by Vraukar were still burning intensely.

    "By the way¡ª"

    Wringing the water out of her wet hair, Rinslet spoke up at this time.

    "That girl who uses militarized spirits. Just a little bit, she reminds me of ire in the past."

    "...In hairstyle?"

    Ellis frowned.

    "Not that... Basically, after the Rubia incident, ire pretty much acted simr to that. Treating everyone around as enemies, like a little animal baring its fangs out of fear¡ª"

    "...Ah yes. Indeed, ire was pretty much like thatst year."

    Back when Velsaria was still the leader, the Sylphid Knights had engaged ire in battle numerous times. Even after Ellis took over the Knights, they were often in opposition with ire.

    That said, Rinslet here would often interfere in those battles too.

    "I hope ire and Fianna gathered together safely¡ª"

    Just as Ellis looked up at the night sky.

    ¡ªAn explosion was hearding from afar.

    "...What happened!?"

    "Captain, that''s¡ª"

    Rinslet pointed at the sky ahead of them.

    Over there was a flying dragon, pping its wings.

    "That''s the flying dragon spirit from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor...!"

    The flying dragon spirit seemed to be circling in the air as if searching for something, spitting fireballs at the ground.

    Then a bright light shed on the ground, dazzling Ellis and Rinslet whose eyes had already adjusted to the dark environment.

    "That sh? Could it be one of Her Highness the imperial princess'' spirit crystals?"

    "Yes, no mistake about it. I will immediately head forth to her aid. You hurry and go wake Kamito."

    "Understood!"

    Part 4

    Inside the shrine, Kamito''s quiet breathing could be heard.

    He must have umted a great amount of fatigue from the two consecutive battles against Vraukar. He was quite sound asleep.

    Of course, as soon as Muir emitted any killing intent, he would probably wake up instantly.

    Muir gazed at Kamito''s sleeping face.

    "...Onii-sama."

    She murmured with a barely audible voice.

    "Onii-sama, you really are the Onii-sama whom Muir loves most."

    Do you want to return with me to the Empire¡ªThat was what he said.

    Just like that day in the past, during their first encounter.

    ¡ªIn that case, I will be your friend.

    ¡ªHmph, that''s stupid of you. To think you''d try to make friends here.

    ¡ªThen let me be your brother. You''ll be the younger sister, Muir.

    (Onii-sama probably has forgotten already...)

    Even so, these words were very important to Muir.

    It brought a shred of sce to the Monster''s broken-down heart.

    (...However, I''m sorry. Onii-sama.)

    Having lived in darkness for so long, the Monster could no longer integrate herself into the world of sunlight.

    Muir ced her magic stone by Kamito''s pillow side.

    "¡ªGoodbye, Onii-sama. I will be very happy the next time we y together again."

    Finally, a sad smile surfaced¡ª

    Muir Alenstarl vanished from the front stage of the de Dance.

 Volume 10, 2 - The Darkness Beckons Invitingly

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 2 - The Darkness Beckons Invitingly</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThis person is the Demon King''s sessor.

    ¡ªWe of the Snake have, for a very long time now, looked forward to the child of destiny.

    In a dark prison, the young Kamito was surrounded heavily by a group of old men wearing faceless masks.

    His arms and legs werepletely immobile. Even trying to speak or shift his gaze was impossible.

    ...He realized he was in a dream.

    A dream where one was aware of being in a dream¡ªA lucid dream.

    However, Kamito could not wake himself up.

    It was as if someone had reached out and dragged him into an abyss of his consciousness.

    ¡ªOnce the nes to fruition, our tragic wish shall be realized.

    ¡ªBut it is still slightly too early for him to make contact with her.

    ¡ªFirst, the heart of this child of destiny must be obliterated first.

    The old men''s words reverberated in the prison.

    (Stop... it... Stop it immediately!)

    Countless arms reached out from the darkness, obscuring Kamito''s vision.

    His view went dark. As soon as he opened his eyes again, Kamito found himself suspended in endless darkness.

    His arms and legs were tightly entangled and restrained by darkness that felt like mud.

    (...What the heck is this?)

    It was not the first time for him to be having nightmares about his time at the Instructional School, but none of them were like this one.

    ¡ªYou are the child of darkness, our sessor.

    An astounding voice sounded within his mind.

    (...Who... is it...?)

    The voice did not belong to the old men. More alien in quality¡ªan inhuman voice.

    ¡ªWe are the past reincarnations of the Demon King. Our past existences were identical to yours.

    Amidst the pitch ck mud, numerous skeletons surfaced.

    (You are¡ªNepenthes Lore!?)

    That was how the ominous ck knight looked, the one whom Restia led around.

    (...Saying that I am the same existence as you, what on earth is that about?)

    This was a dream. The monster before his eyes was nothing but an illusion in Kamito''s mind.

    Even so, it was imperative to question the monster.

    ¡ªSleeping within you, the Demon King is about to awaken.

    ¡ªYou will likely fall to be an existence equal to ours, to be the most terrible Demon King in history.

    (...Complete rubbish! I''m neither going to be the Demon King nor will I be like you guys!)

    Squeezing out a voice that could not be described as a voice, Kamito yelled as hard as he could.

    Numerous Nepenthes Lores were restless in the darkness,ughing loudly as they disappeared.

    At the same time, Kamito''s consciousness sank into the pitch ck mud.

    ¡ªBy the way, Kamito.

    Just as he was about to lose consciousness, he heard her voice.

    ¡ªwhen I have changed so much that I am myself no longer...

    ¡ªKill me.

    (Res... tia...!)

    Part 2

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    Feeling an unpleasant feeling like he had fallen somewhere, Kamito woke up.

    His heart was racing abnormally quickly. His body also felt quite heavy with sweat.

    The sense of terror from falling into the darkness was still lingered vividly in his mind.

    "...A nightmare? Those have been rare ever since I came to the Academy."

    Kamito wiped the sweat off his brow and sighed.

    Probably due to the series of intense battles, his nerves had be over excited.

    At this moment.

    "¡ªKamito, are you okay?"

    He heard a cute voiceing from above.

    "...!?"

    Kamito frantically jumped up.

    Turning around, he found a cute little rabbit.

    Long lustrous silver-white hair. d over her milky-white skin was a tight-fitting, erotic, enameled outfit. Over her legs she was wearing fis tights with high heel boots. Behind her was a round fluffy tail.

    Most striking of all was the pair of rabbit ears on top of her head.

    The legendary sword spirit, who had vanquished the Demon King, was now gazing at Kamito with her mysterious violet eyes.

    "Umm..."

    Despite Kamito''s ignorance in worldly matters, he still knew this much.

    ...This wasmonly known as the bunny girl.

    The question was why would his contracted spirit be dressed up in this manner¡ª

    "...Est, what on earth are you doing?"

    "Yes. I am acting as Kamito''s pillow."

    Est nodded expressionlessly.

    "Pillow?"

    Dressed in her bunny girl outfit, Est was sitting formally in a kneeling position.

    ...Come to think of it, I was sleeping on the ground and yet my head didn''t hurt at all.

    "Est, were you providing me with ap pillow?"

    "Yes, Kamito. You seemed like you were having a nightmare."

    Est must have been quite worried as she watched Kamito experiencing a nightmare. However, rather than wake up Kamito who was exhausted, she chose to give him ap pillow instead.

    "Thank you, Est."

    As Kamito stroked her head, Est half-closed her eyes in enjoyment.

    "...But why are you dressed as a bunny girl?"

    "Even if it''s you, Kamito, I feel embarrassed if someone touches my bare legs."

    Est remained expressionless despite the blush on her face, answering in a whisper.

    ...I see. For some reason, this sword spirit was immensely ashamed of exposing her legs. Even though it was just herp, letting Kamito rest upon them must have been quite embarrassing for her. Hence, instead of wearing her usual kneesocks she chose fis tights instead.

    "...Then what about the rabbit ears?"

    "Yes. A rare opportunity."

    "...I see, a rare opportunity."

    "Yes."

    ...Oh well, if she simply wore fis tights with nothing else, it would be rather troubling after all.

    "Kamito, are you unhappy with this getup?"

    The rabbit ears she wore on her head were swaying slightly apprehensively.

    "No, umm... I-It''s very cute!"

    Kamito frantically followed up with apliment.

    "..."

    The rabbit ears jumped in joy.

    Although Est remained expressionless as always, it was much easier to read her emotions from the rabbit ears on her head.

    (...Hmm, this is quite convenient. Wouldn''t it be nice if she wore them all the time?)

    Just as this joking thought crossed his mind¡ª

    "...Strange?"

    Kamito suddenly realized.

    ...Muir was missing.

    "Est, where did Muir go?"

    "When I woke up, she was already gone."

    "...?"

    Kamito surveyed his surroundings.

    The fire of the spirit crystal still provided lighting within the shrine.

    Kamito could not have slept for too long a duration.

    "Where did that girl go?"

    She could not have left the shrine alone, right? Even for Muir, without a militarized spirit for her tomand, wandering alone in this abandoned city was too dangerous.

    ¡ªAt this moment, Kamito''s searching gaze stopped at a certain spot.

    Beside where Kamito had been sleeping, for an instant, something shed.

    "This is..."

    Approaching for a closer look, Kamito found a tiny red stone rolling there.

    As the symbol of Team Inferno, it was a magic stone carved with an emblem of snakes and mes.

    Magic stones had to be kept on one''s person. Once separated from the body for a certain length of time, Leap magic would be forcibly triggered.

    The cement of the stone implied that Muir had retired from the de Dance by her own volition.

    "Muir..."

    Muttering softly, Kamito picked up the magic stone.

    Clearly he still had so much more to chat with her about¡ª

    "Kamito?"

    "...Oh, it''s nothing."

    Nodding, Kamito ced the magic stone into his uniform pocket.

    (...Muir, you''re not some kind of Monster but a noble elementalist.)

    At this moment, the sound of frantic footsteps came from outside.

    "...What''s going on?"

    Kamito instantly readied his stance and looked towards the entrance.

    However, as soon as he recognized the girl''s figure in the darkness, he rxed his guard.

    "K-Kamito-san!"

    Rinslet rushed into the shrine.

    She was probably in the middle of purification when she made her way back, for her tinum-blonde hair was still wet.

    ''Rinslet, what happened?"

    "Her Highness the imperial princess is nearby... Hey, w-what are you two doing there?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Rinslet''s gaze was cast behind Kamito''s back.

    Obviously, that was where bunny girl Est was located.

    "A-A misunderstanding... B-By the way, what happened actually?"

    Kamito inquired hastily, prompting Rinslet to recall all of a sudden.

    "Her Highness the imperial princess is currently engaged in battle nearby against the Knights of the Dragon Emperor."

    "...Fianna? I got it, let''s go immediately."

    Kamito stood up, holding Est''s hand.

    "Est, I''m sorry we have to do this so soon after recovering, but I''m relying on you."

    "Yes, I am your sword, your wish is mymand."

    The pair of rabbit ears quivered slightly.

    Next, Est transformed into a massive sword shining with silver-white light.

    Part 3

    "Huff, huff... I hate this, such a hassle!"

    As fireballs rained down upon the roads in the ruins, Fianna was panting as she ran away.

    Hiding herself amongst the shadows in the copsed wastnd, she kept diving into blind spots in the flying dragon spirit''s overhead view.

    "...!"

    Suddenly, the nearby ground shook, forcing Fianna to stop running.

    The wall in the ruins she was using to hide herself began to crumble, producing a cloud of dust and dirt.

    "...W-What?"

    Peering at the road from behind a stone pir, she found arge earth dragon appearing out of the darkness.

    Like the flying dragon elementalist in the sky, this was also one of Dracunia''s dragon knights.

    (A terrible situation...)

    Fianna hid behind the stone pir once more and bit her thumb.

    Although an earth type tyrant dragon spirit was unable to fly, it possessed excellent sensing abilities.

    It would most likely discover Fianna if she continued to hide like this. But as soon as she left the ruins she would be found by the flying dragon spirit from the air.

    Unable to summon her contracted spirit, Fianna was currently a sitting duck.

    (...I still have three of those blinding sh stones.)

    It was quite inconceivable that the renowned Knights of the Dragon Emperor could be shaken off her trail using little tools like these.

    (How could I allow myself to be eliminated in a ce like this...)

    Fianna reached her hand towards the sword hanging at her waist.

    The demon sword of darkness that ire had entrusted to her¡ªThe Vorpal Sword.

    (...I promised her, I will hand this sword to Kamito.)

    Walking carefully to avoid making a sound, Fianna cautiously bided her time for an escape opportunity.

    Surprisingly, this opportunity arrived quite quickly.

    The sound of wind tearing through the atmosphere apart was heard.

    Instantly, the wings of the flying dragon spirit circling above were sliced apart!

    The flying dragon spirit spun as it fell.

    The tyrant dragon elementalist''s attention was drawn to that direction.

    (Now...!)

    Fianna had no idea what was going on, but undoubtedly this was a rare opportunity.

    She instantly jumped out from behind the stone pir and ran along the road.

    "You¡ª!"

    The tyrant dragon elementalist sensed Fianna''s presence.

    At the same time, Fianna tossed out two blindingly bright spirit crystals in one go.

    An explosive sh instantly dyed the pitch ck night into white.

    "Guh...!"

    Taking advantage of the opening, Fianna hid behind the pir again.

    Looking up, she found two knights engaged in an intense de dance with sparks flying and scattering.

    The shing weapons rang out acutely. A girl familiar to Fianna was enveloped in strong winds as she engaged the single-winged flying dragon spirit in an aerial battle.

    "...Ellis!"

    The ponytail fluttering in the wind and that stern figure undeniably belonged to no one but her.

    Wielding Ray Hawk in her hands, she intended to follow up the surprise attack just now with a ferocious offensive.

    This was no coincidence. She must have arrived as reinforcements, knowing Fianna was near.

    ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAR!

    "...!?"

    At this moment, an angry dragon''s roars shook thend.

    The tyrant dragon spirit on the ground had started to destroy the wall of the ruins where Fianna was hiding.

    (...If this continues, these ruins will copse!)

    Fianna produced a magical glow from her palm and jumped out from behind the pir.

    Possessing night vision, the dragon spirit instantly spotted Fianna and charged with a great rumbling.

    However, Fianna calmly chanted spirit magic¡ª

    "Those of small stature, go forth and dance in the moonlit night! ¡ªFairy re!"

    Fianna released numerous spheres of light towards the charging tyrant dragon spirit.

    Being the only light source in the darkness would of course make one the perfect prey, but it was apletely different matter when numerous glowing objects were present.

    Mixed amongst the irregrly dancing little spheres of light, Fianna''s figure once again disappeared into a back alley.

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    Weaving through the winding path, she reached a ce surrounded by a gloomy and creepy forest.

    Once here, even the flying dragon spirit would find it difficult to spot her from the air.

    (...!?)

    A sudden chilling sense of terror caused Fianna to halt in her steps.

    Immediately, a massive object flew past, right before her.

    Crash¡ªA heavy shattering sound was heard.

    As the stone tiled cracked open, a huge hole was opened up in the ground ahead.

    "...!"

    Fianna was instantly scared frozen.

    The object that had opened up a hole in the ground¡ªa massive wrecking ball connected to a chain.

    "...Hey, your instincts are not bad. To be able to escape this Morningstar."

    ck¡ªApanied by a heavy sound, the iron ball and chain were pulled back.

    Fianna turned to find a girl standing on top of a copsed stone wall.

    A petite girl with her dark brown hair trimmed neat and short.

    Wielding a massive wrecking ball in one hand, she looked down at Fianna.

    She was dressed in a red uniform with white trimmings.

    "The Sacred Spirit Knights..."

    Fianna groaned with despair.

    ...Backed into a corner, only to find herself targeted by yet another team.

    "Belonging to team Stahl Loewe of the Sacred Spirit Knights¡ªAlda Reed."

    The girl announced her name loudly and swung the chain nimbly.

    "¡ªHand over the demon sword of darkness in your possession immediately."

    The giant wrecking ball wasunched again¡ª!

    (...!)

    Just as Fianna closed her eyes, in that very instant¡ª

    ng¡ª¡ª!

    A clear metallic sound rang out through the dark night.

    "...Eh?"

    A voice of surprise escaped from Fianna''s lips.

    "At least I made it."

    Slowly, she opened her eyes.

    Only to find him standing before her.

    The young man wielding the Demon yer with dazzling brilliance.

    "Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna opened her dusk-colored eyes.

    Part 4

    "...Sorry for my dy."

    Shielding the copsed Fianna behind his back, Kamito turned around and said to her.

    Due to his forced entrance, the arm he used to deflect the wrecking ball was now slightly numb.

    "Kamito-kun... How did you know I was here?"

    Surprised rather than relieved, Fianna asked with astonishment.

    "Rinslet and Ellis told me. Also, I saw the sh from the spirit crystal."

    Rushing to the battlefield, Kamito and Rinslet had separated to look for Fianna.

    Seeing the intense burst of light, he tried to rush over here and seeded in finding her as expected.

    "...Kazehaya Kamito. The elementalist who defeated our second squad Stahl W?lfe huh."

    The wrecking ball-wielding girl red at Kamito with contempt.

    "Are you a member of the Sacred Spirit Knights?"

    "Alda Reed. Luminaris-sama''s right hand."

    The iron ball and chain rattled loudly.

    "If you retreat instantly, I''ll let you off for now. I''m sorry but you''re no match for me alone."

    Kamito shrugged and dered.

    Although his divine power had not recoveredpletely from the battle against Vraukar, a single opponent was no problem at all. So long as he restricted Est''s power, he should be able to de dance for several minutes.

    "I appreciate your goodwill, but the Sacred Spirit Knights never let prey get away from them!"

    "...!"

    Alda Reed yelled as sheunched the wrecking ball at Kamito.

    Kamito jumped and dodged. Like a dance, he leaped continuously in the forest.

    The shining Terminus Est traced out a trail of light in the darkness.

    Against the background of the night, the chain twisted and turned like a snake. In this forest with poor visibility, trying to read its changing trajectories would be challenging¡ªIndeed, that would be the case for a typical elementalist.

    (Compared to ire''s whip, these trajectories are way too crude.)

    Jumping between the trees, Kamito instantly read the chain''s path.

    Dodging the endlessly swinging chain by a paper-thin margin, he engaged the girl on the wall in close quarters¡ª

    Only to see Alda Reed''s lips twist slightly.

    (¡ªOh no, I made a mistake!)

    Kamito suddenly realized.

    Her target was not Kamito¡ª

    "This is your weakness. Male elementalist."

    The chain''s trajectory changed dramatically in midair, making its way to behind Kamito, towards Fianna who was watching the de dance from the ground.

    "¡ªFianna!"

    Fianna had not even noticed the iing attack. There was simply no time to dodge¡ª!

    Kamito threw his sword towards the air, stepped on a tree to perform a somersault, instantly squeezing the most out of his leg muscles¡ªjumping over.

    The Instructional School''sbat skill Thunderp¡ªmaking use of god-like speed, Kamito rushed before Fianna and blocked the wrecking ball''s attack with his arms crossed.

    "...Guh, ahh...!"

    The impact made his body feel like it was about to fall apart. The sound of bone shattering rang out.

    "Cough...!"

    "¡ªKamito-kun!"

    Fianna frantically embraced Kamito from behind as he copsed on one knee.

    Although he had enveloped his body in divine power beforehand, blocking an elemental waffe barehanded was too excessive.

    (...That wrecking ball ispletely materialized.)

    The de Dance was not about mutual ughtering without rules. Under normal conditions, elemental waffen were required to be kept in an astralized state, unable to cause physical damage to the body¡ª

    The thrown sword fell before Kamito after spinning several rounds in the air.

    Spitting bloody froth, Kamito clutched the Demon yer with a trembling hand.

    "...I misjudged you. To think the Holy Kingdom''s knight would resort to such underhanded means."

    "I am not so arrogant as to think I could defeat you in directbat."

    ying with the Morningstar which had returned to her hand, the female knight spoke coldly.

    "Besides, Luminaris-sama''s instructions were to destroy the demon sword of darkness¡ª"

    "Demon sword...? What on earth is that about¡ªGuh...!"

    Kamito coughed blood again.

    (...This is bad.)

    Sweat appeared on his forehead. The impact just now probably damaged his internal organs.

    "Kamito-kun, let me perform healing magic right now."

    "Don''t, it''s unfortunate but the enemy won''t give me time¡ª"

    "Of course!"

    Alda Reed yelled as she threw the Morningstar.

    Dodging was not possible. The target was not Kamito but Fianna.

    "You...!"

    Still about to move the Demon yer with one hand, Kamito swung it upwards in one breath.

    The sword''s edge deflected the heavy iron ball. If used at full strength, Est would probably have sliced the wrecking ball into halves. But currently, simply deflecting the attacks was already taking all of Kamito''s strength.

    "Hmph, how much longer can youst with one arm!?"

    "Tsk...!"

    Kamito clicked his tongue as he deflected the wrecking ball again.

    ...Indeed, he could notst long like this. Since the enemy''s target was Fianna, he could not leave this spot.

    "Fianna, hurry and summon Georgios¡ª"

    "I am unable to summon at this time."

    Fianna shook her head at Kamito''s call.

    (...Well, that makes sense on further thought.)

    The fact that she had not summoned her contracted spirit in a situation like this already indicated her inability to summon.

    Did she exhaust her divine power or did the spirit suffer too much damage and had to recover?

    In order to break out of the current situation, their only hope was waiting for reinforcements from Ellis and Rinslet who were fighting the dragon knight in the air¡ª

    (...They''re in a desperate struggle too.)

    The faint sounds of weapons shing could be heard from afar.

    The enemy was a member of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, a regrpetitor at the de Dance. Furthermore, they were fighting a flying dragon elementalist whose top specialty was aerialbat. Only through teamwork were the two girls barely able to keep up with the dragon knight.

    From the way it looked, Kamito could not expect any reinforcements within short time.

    ¡ªAt this moment, the sound of trees falling could be heard from behind.

    "...What now!?"

    Turning back, Kamito found amidst the copsed trees a massive ground dragon!

    "A tyrant dragon spirit...!"

    "You are the Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s prey!"

    Riding the viciously roaring dragon was a girl in a military uniform who looked down at him.

    "Kazehaya Kamito. Deceiving Leonora-sama is a severe crime!"

    "What are you talking about!?"

    "Talking is useless, prepare to die!"

    The ground dragon roared viciously and swung its massive front limbs.

    Kamito hastily used his sword to block the attack, but¡ª

    (...W-What is with this monstrous strength!)

    Tyrant dragon spirits were unable to fly, but instead possessed overwhelming strength.

    Even someone like Kamito could hardly block its attack with one hand.

    "...Take¡ªThis!"

    Even so, Kamito released divine power in his legs and endured forcibly.

    However, if this continued, Fianna would be crushed behind him¡ª

    "How foolish. To even dare try beating abat-type tyrant dragon spirit in a contest of strength!"

    "Guh... Oooh..."

    With a frightening roar, the tyrant dragon spirit concentrated all its weight on its ws.

    Kamito''s feet sank deeply into the ground as he fell upon his knees.

    (...Guh, if she wants a battle of strength¡ª)

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito infused the Demon yer with maximum divine power.

    Releasing dazzling brilliance, the sword sliced through the tyrant dragon spirit''s hard ws.

    "What!?"

    The female dragon knight faltered.

    (Sess¡ª!)

    Continuing the momentum from slicing the ws, Kamito chopped towards the tyrant dragon spirit''s neck¡ª

    "...Kamito-kun!"

    In that instant, Kamito was struck in the nk, sending his entire body tumbling to the side.

    "Cough...!"

    His vision began to spin. His body struck a stone wall.

    "Fufu, how helpful of you to seal his movements."

    "You... Bitch...!"

    The massive wrecking ball pierced Kamito''s abdomen deeply.

    "...How shocking to think he managed to take on the Morningstar''s attack."

    "Kazehaya Kamito is my prey. Stop interfering!"

    "Ara, the one who started making a move on other people''s prey is clearly you."

    Faced with the furious dragon knight, Alda Reed shrugged.

    "Kamito-kun, pull yourself together, Kamito-kun...!"

    ...He could hear Fianna''s cries. The voice was getting more and more distant and vague.

    Color swiftly faded from his face. Many ribs were broken¡ª

    (...Damn it, my consciousness... is..."

    Warm light enveloped Kamito''s entire body.

    Fianna was probably casting healing spirit magic. But its effects hardly amounted to a drop in the bucket. Kamito''s body repelled holy spirit magic.

    "Fianna... Hurry... Flee...!"

    "I won''t let you have your way¡ª"

    Alda sent Kamito flying with the wrecking ball again.

    Sparks flickered. As his body was struck into the air, Kamito''s consciousness suddenly dimmed.

    (...D-Damn it... In this kind of ce...)

    Just as Kamito fainted, he reached out involuntarily.

    ¡ªHurry and awaken, Kamito.

    He heard the voice of her whom he longed for.

    Part 5

    (...Eh?)

    Resounding in his mind was aforting voice¡ª

    (...Could it be Restia?)

    Opening his eyes slightly, Kamito felt intense pain all over his body.

    "...-kun, Kamito-kun...!"

    Thrown on the ground, Kamito could hear Fianna''s desperate cries.

    Then did the voice Kamito heard just now belong to Fianna instead of Restia¡ª?

    (...No, that''s not right. I couldn''t possibly have recognized her voice wrongly.)

    Kamito searched for signs of Restia in his view.

    ¡ªThen he noticed for the first time.

    A one-handed sword hanging by Fianna''s waist.

    (Could that be the Vorpal Sword!?)

    There was a reason why it took him this long to notice.

    The sword''s body was cker than night, seeming as if it melded into the darkness.

    Although there were slight differences in its shape, it was without a doubt the demon sword of darkness Kamito once wielded in the past.

    (...Why would Fianna be carrying Restia?)

    Just as this question struck Kamito.

    ¡ªng. A sudden intense pain.

    This was not the result of external injuries. Instead, this was intense paining from inside as if his head was being torn apart.

    Then¡ª

    ¡ªIf you wish to obtain enough power to protect what is precious to you, Kamito, then go on and awaken.

    Once again, he heard that voice.

    Coming from inside his skull, her whispers¡ªRather it is a voice very simr to hers.

    Bathump, bathump¡ªKamito felt his heart beating intensely. It was as if all the blood in his entire body was boiling.

    ¡ªA great power lies dormant within you. I can release this power.

    (...Wha...t... Who on earth, are you...?)

    Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump.

    His blood was boiling. All the muscles of his body began to convulse. His bones creaked noisily.

    "Ah... Guh, ah, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Kamito-kun, what''s the matter¡ªuwah!"

    Kamito roared and suddenly knocked Fianna away from his side.

    "Fian...na... Stay away from me, fur... ther...!"

    "Kamito... -kun...?"

    Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump. Bathump.

    As the heart beat drove his sanity mad, Kamito''s consciousness was consumed by darkness.

    ¡ªVery well, the time to awaken has arrived. Demon King Ren Ashbell.

    Then, it awakened.

    Part 6

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª!"

    Out from Kamito''s throat came a roar like a beast''s.

    "What!?" "What is going on!?"

    Kamito suddenly stood up, causing the two elementalists to widen their eyes.

    Wielding the Demon yer, he stared at the tyrant dragon spirit ahead of him with a hollow gaze.

    Instantly, the massive spirit stepped back as if fearful of Kamito despite its greater size.

    "Impossible! That body should not be able to move¡ª"

    The female dragon knight yelled with an expression of disbelief.

    However, her sentence which resembled a scream was not finished.

    Instantly closing in, Kamito swung the Demon yer.

    The tyrant dragon spirit''s massive body was instantly sliced into two.

    Its body cut into halves, the tyrant dragon spirit dissipated into the air.

    "...Eh?"

    The dragon knight who had been riding it fell to the ground, immobilized in shock.

    She seemed like she had not understood what just happened.

    "...No way... Right? With one hit, a tyrant dragon..."

    Raising his great sword, Kamito ignored her and continued.

    Dangling one broken arm, he advanced forward like a specter.

    (...What is this power?)

    The calm part of his mind puzzled.

    Chopping apart the tyrant dragon spirit just now came undoubtedly out of his own will.

    Driven by the impulse to destroy, he had swung the Demon yer.

    (What on earth, am I... Guh...)

    In opposition to his lingering shred of rationality, his boiling blood yearned for battle.

    "...W-What... What on earth is going on!?"

    Standing on the wall, Alda Reed could not help but waver, her voice trembling.

    Clear signs of fear appeared on her face.

    Kamito slowly turned towards her and leaped from the ground.

    "Yee¡ª"

    Alda''s face distorted out of fear¡ª

    "Y-You... Go and diiiiiiiiiiiiieee!"

    Sheunched her elemental waffe, the Morningstar.

    The iron chain flew haphazardly through the night sky.

    However, itsplicated motion looked as though it was standing still in Kamito''s eyes.

    Releasing divine power from his toes, he elerated¡ªRunning on the wildly dancing chains themselves.

    Alda''s face was consumed with disbelief. As if she were saying how could this be possible¡ª!

    "Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Entering aplete state of fearful panic, she swung the chain randomly.

    But it was merely a futile struggle. Kamito ran as if his feet were attracted to the chain.

    The Instructional School''s specialbat steps, the Demon Spider¡ªa technique that allowed one to stick to a surface by wrapping the soles of the feet in divine power.

    However, this was a technique intended for moving through narrow passages and was not supposed to work on a wildly dancing chain. Truly god-like in execution.

    Kamito jumped andnded lightly on the wall where Alda was standing.

    "Ah, ahhh... Ahhhhh..."

    Alda Reed loosened her grip and dropped her elemental waffe, falling to her knees.

    The tip of the sacred sword pointed to the girl as her mouth opened and closed.

    ¡ªIndeed, the sword was thrust towards the enemy.

    Her voice resounded in his mind nonstop.

    Unable to resist the impulse, Kamito raised the sword with his trembling hand.

    "O-Oh... Ohhhh, oh...!"

    (...No, I can''t...!)

    Freezing his posture with the sword raised, Kamito stopped his movements.

    The opponent had already dropped her weapon and stopped resisting. Swinging his sword at an opponent like that was not allowed. However¡ª

    ¡ªNo need to hesitate. You are the Demon King.

    ¡ªCommit atrocities as you desire, vite as you desire, destroy as you desire.

    (...I am the... Demon... King...)

    ...ng. ng ng ng ng.

    His head began to hurt again.

    Every time her voice resounded in his mind, his rationality was gradually swallowed by the darkness.

    "I... must... Ah, ahhh, ah... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Just as Kamito was about to swing down the Demon yer¡ª

    ¡ªKamito!

    The weight suddenly disappeared from his hands.

    "...!?"

    Losing bnce, Kamito fell over forwards.

    Poof¡ªThe one who caught him was a girl with silver-white hair.

    Her petite body embraced his injured body tenderly.

    Her fine hair bushed against his face.

    "Es...t...?"

    Kamito muttered hoarsely.

    His sanity recovered just as it was about to be devoured by the darkness.

    "It''s okay now, Kamito?"

    Est embraced Kamito''s back lightly as she whispered.

    Alda Reed of the Sacred Spirit Knights hadpletely lost all will to fight by this point.

    Part 7

    Enshrouded by the silence of endless darkness¡ª

    The darkness spirit girl could feel a slight pulsation.

    (Kamito, are you there?)

    ¡ªIndeed, he was by her side.

    However, her words could not reach him.

    The connection of the spirit contract had already been severed. Even if Kamito were to take up the demon sword that Restia had transformed into, it was already toote.

    (Kamito, do not listen to my voice, I have already¡ª)

    But her voice could not be transmitted no matter what.

    Thus hermentations were devoured by darkness, disappearing into space.

 Volume 10, 3 - Captive Claire

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 3 - Captive ire</h4>

    Part 1

    After taking the magic stones from the two elementalists, belonging to the Knights of the Dragon Emperor and the Sacred Spirit Knights respectively, Kamito met up with Ellis and the rest.

    The flying dragon elementalist instantly retreated as soon as she realized her teammate had been defeated.

    Including Muir Alenstarl who had forfeited voluntarily, Kamito''s team had now obtained three magic stones.

    Fenrir was used to take the injured Kamito and Fianna over to a nearby shrine. Arge piece of cloth wasid on the floor while Kamitoy on it, with a healing stone resting on top of his broken arm.

    Although Fianna''s spirit magic was normally more effective, due to her current unstable state of divine power, only magic amounting to emergency first aid could be used.

    "...Seriously, you are way too reckless."

    "To think you would use a broken arm to de dance, how unbelievable!"

    Ellis and Rinslet both eximed in surprise.

    Their expressions were both worried and relieved.

    "Umm... I don''t quite believe it myself... Ouch!"

    Kamito looked down at his arm that was bent strangely out of shape.

    (...Back then, what was that driving me?)

    The voice that resounded within his mind, whose was it¡ª?

    Even though it was very simr to Restia''s voice, there were subtle differences.

    Rather than the tonal quality or anything of that sort, it was the personality hidden behind the voice that gave him a sense of dissonance.

    (...It can''t bepletely unrted to her, I guess.)

    Suddenly, Kamito''s gaze shifted towards Fianna who was lying beside him.

    Her dusk-colored eyes seemed even dimmer. One could instantly tell she was currently very weak.

    Compared to fatigue of the body, her mental exhaustion seemed even more severe.

    Although Kamito hesitated over whether he should talk to her, there were some things he needed to ask.

    Regarding the demon sword of darkness she was carrying.

    Why would Fianna be holding on to the Vorpal Sword¡ª

    "Ooh, mmm..."

    Probably noticing Kamito''s gaze, Fianna turned towards him.

    "Fianna, are you okay now?"

    "Yeah. I''m sorry for making you worry. What about you, Kamito-kun?"

    "No need to worry about me, these kinds of minor injuries heal fast."

    "This is no minor injury okay, jeez..."

    Ellis interjected with mild anger.

    "By the way, aren''t you two hungry? Why don''t I prepare something to eat¡ª"

    "When the body is unwell, heavy meals should be avoided."

    "In that case, I have a lot of canned peaches. ire decided on her own to stuff them all in there."

    Saying that, Rinslet took out several tins of peaches from Fenrir''s mouth.

    Hearing ire''s name, Fianna suddenly stood up.

    "Fianna?"

    "...I have something I need to tell you all."

    Fianna turned her gaze towards everyone with a solemn expression.

    Part 2

    After listening to Fianna''s exnation¡ª

    For a moment, Kamito and the rest kept exchanging nces in silence.

    ...This was hardly surprising. What Fianna revealed waspletely shocking.

    Rubia Elstein¡ªire''s elder sister by blood, the Cmity Queen who had betrayed the Elemental Lords.

    She was the true identity of the fake Ren Ashbell.

    Fianna had first discovered the truth back when she was imprisoned by Sjora Kahn. Back then, it was Rubia Elstein who rescued Fianna.

    "I''m sorry for keeping this from everyone all this time. Even though I had wanted to tell you earlier."

    "...No, if I were in your ce, I would probably have done the same."

    Kamitoforted Fianna who had her head bowed down.

    Ren Ashbell¡ªthe greatest enemy she had to defeat was actually her very own elder sister, of course this sort of thing could not be told to ire.

    Despite appearances, ire was a very delicate girl. Confronted with the cold hard truth which couldpletely subdue her heart, she could very well lose her power as an elementalist.

    Fianna had kept things secret in her heart alone because ire''s keen senses might notice something if Kamito and the rest were told.

    However, ire had now discovered the truth.

    (ire...)

    Kamito knew how much effort she had invested in order to see her older sister again.

    The kind of thoughts, feelings and determination she embraced to participate in this current de Dance.

    Surely, she must have suffered an unimaginably heavy blow.

    (...In a critical time, I was not able to protect her.)

    I will be your contracted spirit¡ªThat was what he had promised her clearly.

    Kamito silently clenched his trembling fist.

    "But why would ire''s older sister steal Ren Ashbell''s identity to participate in this de dance festival?"

    "I don''t know what her intentions are either."

    Ellis inquired with puzzlement but Fianna could only shake her head.

    "However, the reason why she took ire away was obvious. In order to make her the Darkness Queen. ¡ªFor making Kamito-kun awaken as the Demon King."

    "...!?"

    ¡ªThrob. Kamito''s head began to hurt again.

    The Demon King¡ªthe sessor to the Darkness Elemental Lord whose existence had been purged from proper history.

    Like Rubia, Restia also wanted Kamito awaken as the Demon King.

    (...What on earth is the reason?)

    What rtion did this have with her Wish three years ago¡ª?

    Kamito looked at the demon sword Fianna handed over.

    The Vorpal Sword was apparently entrusted to Fianna by ire just before she was taken away.

    As for why ire was in possession of this sword¡ªWhat had transpired was unclear.

    (Could it be that she was protecting Restia?)

    ...The demon sword held in his hand gave no response.

    Even when Kamito tried infusing a small amount of divine power into it, there was no reaction. Given this kind of state, even if Restia could return to human form, she could not be used as an elemental waffe.

    Kamito had clearly been searching for her throughout these three years, but now that he finally retrieved her, there was no sense of reality. The current Vorpal Sword was merely a symbolic representation in the form of a sword.

    "We must hurry to save ire!"

    Rinslet stood up and yelled vigorously.

    Normally elegant in behavior, she was now quite anxious.

    ...She really did worry a lot about ire. Although the pair of childhood friends quarreled often, Kamito knew that they were close friends dating back to their childhood.

    "Indeed, although we have no idea what ire''s elder sister intends, we cannot stand back and ignore when ourrade has been abducted like this."

    Ellis nodded seriously and dered. She and ire were often in opposition in the past, but by now she hade to regard ire as a preciousrade.

    "But where is ire actually?"

    Suppressing his anxious emotions, Kamito asked calmly.

    The abandoned city Megidoa was a very vast ce. And covered by the sea of trees, the ruins were like abyrinth. Searching randomly would only prove fruitless.

    "Although this is only my spection..."

    Fianna nodded as she said.

    "Rubia-sama will surely perform the ritual for making ire the Darkness Queen here in this abandoned city. In order to conduct such arge scale ritual, naturally a ce with powerful leylines would be selected. Thinking back, when I was captured by Sjora Kahn, she also chose an ancient shrine with powerful leylines, right?"

    "But aren''t the leylines in this abandoned city unusable?"

    "Yeah. Indeed the leylines in this abandoned city have be broken and fragmented due to the past Spirit War. But exactly because of that, it is difficult to find areas where the leylines remain intact."

    "...I see."

    If a piece ofnd contained many leylines, there would be too many choices for performing rituals and very hard to narrow down. However, within this abandoned city, eligible locations were very rare.

    In other words, all they need to find was a ce where leylines gathered and very likely it would be the ce where the ritual for making ire the Darkness Queen would be held¡ªEssentially that.

    "Although I can''t use irvoyance at Princess Linfa''s high level, I can still use it to find leylines."

    Fianna turned towards Rinslet.

    "Can you give me a water basin for ritual use? Also, please prepare a few jewels."

    "Understood. Fenrir!"

    Hearing Rinslet''smand, Fenrir widened its huge jaws and spat out the luggage from the alternate dimension.

    Appearing before Kamito and the girls'' eyes was a massive water basin for rituals.

    "¡ªCreate water!"

    Rinslet ced her hand on the basin and used magic to fill it with purified water.

    Fianna knelt down before the basin and ced several jewels into the water.

    "O Jewels, disy for me where the power of the world is distributed¡ª"

    Reacting to the solemn spell, the jewels floating on the water surface began to spin rapidly.

    Treating this much smaller water basin as the abandoned city, the jewels began to seek out locations where leylines flowed.

    "How is it?"

    "Please wait a moment... The spirit seals'' interference makes things hard to read."

    Sweat appeared on Fianna''s forehead.

    (...The spirit seals are interfering with each other huh.)

    Kamito nced at Fianna''s right hand.

    The fire spirit seal ire had entrusted her was carved right there.

    Using the Covenant exchanged between royalty and nobility, ire had transferred Scarlet''s spirit contract to Fianna. Hence, Fianna was currently in a very unstable state for an elementalist, that of dual contracts.

    "There are no active leylines nearby... Probably, much farther away..."

    Widening her dusk-colored eyes, Fianna stared unerringly at the water basin.

    "ces where leylines are gathered... There... are a number of them... Yah!?"

    Suddenly, Fianna screamed as her hands left the basin as if they were repelled.

    A tiny me burst out from her right hand and started dancing violently in the air.

    "Fianna, are you okay!?"

    "Yeah... Just a bit surprised¡ª"

    "Your Highness, there''s fire!"

    Rinslet pointed at the water basin.

    The me suddenly crossed over to the water basin, finally focusing into a point.

    "...What is going on?"

    "Could it be Scarlet telling us where ire is located?"

    Hearing Kamito''s suggestion, everyone stared at the water basin.

    ...The fire remained in one position without moving.

    Soon after¡ª

    "...No doubt about it, this is Scarlet''s will."

    Fianna exined as she looked at the glowing spirit seal on her right hand.

    "Even after the spirit seal has been transferred, Scarlet still seems to maintain some connection to ire, the original master."

    Despite being unable to manifest in the form of the hell cat, Scarlet was still trying to help out her master.

    "As expected of Scarlet!"

    Rinslet eximed in admiration as she watched the me on the water basin.

    "Well then, Your Highness, do you know where this is located?"

    Ellis asked.

    "This is the most eastern end of the abandoned city. Uh, the distance from here is¡ª"

    Fianna swiftly calcted the rtive distance between the me and the jewels.

    "Based on our speed, two or three hours traveling directly in a straight line."

    "Two or three hours traveling directly in a straight line..."

    Kamito muttered with a solemn expression.

    Fianna''s conclusion was ultimately just a theoretical shortest distance in a straight line. But in actual fact, the abandoned city was abyrinth with a sea of trees growing all over the ruins. Along the way, they could be attacked by Forsaken Spirits and might evene into conflict with other teams.

    Although Ellis could use wind magic to fly in the air, flying continuously for hours was not possible. And alone, she could not get ire back from Rubia''s clutches.

    "We must get ire back before the Darkness Queen ritual ispleted..."

    Just as the entire atmosphere within the shrine was weighed down by a gloomy solemnity¡ª

    "All we need is a way that guarantees that we reach the destination without encountering enemies along the way, right?"

    Hearing Rinslet''s question, everyone turned to look at her in puzzlement.

    Part 3

    ...A dream. One that she seldom dreamt, a dream about that particr day.

    "No way... I won''t believe it..."

    Young ire could be heard crying her eyes out in the front gates.

    "Nee-sama couldn''t possibly have done that...!"

    Several horse-drawn carriages were waiting in front of the gates of the massive castle built on a gentle hill.

    As ire cried, the Empire''s soldiers were taking away her parents before her eyes.

    After a nominal trial at the imperial capital, Duke and Duchess Elstein were sentenced to Barses Prison that was notorious for detaining political prisoners.

    "...Father... Sniff... Mother... Waaaaaaaaaaaah!"

    As ire cried loudly, she clutched her one-piece dress, creasing the hempletely.

    But no one came to help her. All the retainers who used to act so gently were now casting ice-cold gazes at her.

    Rather thanpassion or sadness, their gazes were filled with hatred and derision. After the Elstein family lost their title and theirnds, the daughter held no residual value at all.

    "¡ªStand up, younger sister of the traitor."

    A haughty officer violently pulled young ire by the hand.

    "That Elstein spirit contracted to you, return it to the imperial family."

    "...Eh?"

    "Return your spirit to the imperial family. Come on, hurry and stand up!"

    "...No, no way!"

    ire shook her head and pleaded.

    "Scarlet is my precious friend."

    "Shut up! You''re the younger sister of the traitor who shamed the Empire!"

    The officer pped ire,pletely without mercy.

    "...!"

    "Are you trying to dy me from finishing my job!?"

    "I-It hurts... Yaaaaaaa....!"

    ire screamed as she was dragged forcefully by the arm.

    "Hey, hold on. Getting serious with a child is just simply unsightly¡ª"

    ¡ªSuddenly someone grabbed the officer''s arm from the side.

    "This girl and the me spirit shall be under my supervision for now."

    "W-What did you say? Dame Greyworth!"

    The officer looked at that person fearfully.

    "I can sense exceptional talent from this girl. Wrecking the opportunity here would be quite a shame. If she went to study at my Academy, I''m certain she will be an excellent elementalist."

    "Th-This is no joking matter! This girl is the younger sister of that Cmity Queen!"

    "...So what? Are you objecting to my decision, one made by the Dusk Witch?"

    With eyes as sharp as an eagle''s, she red at the officer.

    "O-Of course not, if Dame Greyworth says so, how would I dare..."

    The officer nodded reluctantly.

    "Dame Greyworth, this will only worsen your position within the imperial pce, you know?"

    Greyworth simply shrugged in response to the threat.

    Once the officer and the soldiers had left, she bowed her head and looked down at ire.

    Even someone as ignorant in worldly affairs as ire would have heard of the Dusk Witch''s title.

    Served by a powerful demon spirit, reputed to have vanquished even archdemon-ss spirits, the continent''s strongest elementalist.

    "Stand up, Elsteinss."

    "...!"

    "Don''t make me repeat myself. Hurry and get up."

    "Y-Yes...!"

    ire timidly stood up.

    "The parents who have protected you until now are gone. Are you ready to decide your own fate by your own will?"

    "Yes¡ª"

    Young ire was faced with a choice.

    At that point in time, it was still possible for ire to hand over Scarlet to the imperial family, move away to another ce to hide her identity and live the rest of her life as an ordinary girl.

    As for her other choice, a cruel fate undoubtedly awaited her.

    ¡ªBut ire had already made her decision.

    "I will see my elder sister again. To see her and to find out the truth!"

    "...Very well, then be strong, Elsteinss."

    Seeing something in ire''s eyes as she nodded¡ª

    Greyworth narrowed her eagle-like eyes and smiled.

    ¡ªSeveral months after that, having already abandoned the Elstein name, ire ced first in the entrance exams for Areishia Spirit Academy, thereby entering the gateway to sess through the preparatory institution for Ordesia''s prestigious families.

    However, that was merely the beginning of ire''s trials.

    "...Did you know? That girl is the younger sister of the Cmity Queen."

    "Woah! Why would such a scary child be in the same academy as us?"

    Mercilessly targeted by hateful and derisive gazes, ire spent every single day in fear.

    Even so, she did not run away because she had resolved herself to her goal of meeting her sister once again.

    "Hey, did you know? Having a girl like you around here is very troubling."

    "I-I''m sorry, but..."

    "So, how about we destroy this spirit seal for you?"

    "N-No, don''t...!"

    "What are you people doing!?"

    Rinslet yelled as she rushed into ire''s ssroom.

    "Ara, are you trying to oppose your elders?"

    "Even as a daughter of the Laurenfrost family, you are just a student like everyone else within this school."

    The upperssmen nobles mocked.

    "Indeed, family background means nothing within the Academy. Let us decide the victor purely through power?"

    Rinslet smiled withposure as she released a magical snowstorm at the upperssmen.

    "Woah! W-We''ll get you next time!"

    Leaving behind such words, the girls fled frantically.

    "Rinslet-chan... Th-Thank you."

    "Hmph, it''s not like I wanted to help you. I simply hate that sort of people."

    Rinslet blushed and shifted her gaze away.

    "I-I must be stronger..."

    "...ire?"

    Rinslet watched in amazement as ire immersed herself in deep thought.

    "That''s right, I''ll be stronger... Much much stronger, stronger than anyone else..."

    Strong enough to obtain victory in the de Dance, to meet up with her older sister again.

    ...Then on that day, three years ago, ire met her.

    Rather, it did not really count as meeting for ire simply idolized her from afar.

    The Strongest de Dancer¡ªRen Ashbell.

    An otherworldly beauty, roughly the same age as her.

    Love at first sight. ire wished to be just as strong, to be able to perform a de dance just as elegant.

    In the center of the arena where confetti flew, the ck-haired girl was surrounded by tremendous cheers.

    The face of the girl began to ovep with a young man''s face familiar to ire¡ª

    Part 4

    "...Kami... to...?"

    Waking up from a long dream, the first thing that entered ire''s view was a shining magic circle beneath her feet.

    "This ce is...?"

    She saw a vast space around her.

    Numerous stone pirs supported a tall ceiling. Candlesticks were lit up, illuminating walls with strangely designed sculptures carved upon them.

    (Looks like the ruins of some historical site...)

    ire surveyed the surroundings with unease¡ª

    At this time, she finally remembered.

    (Right... Nee-sama took me¡ª)

    The cruel truth she did not want to face.

    ¡ªThe fake Ren Ashbell turned out to be her own elder sister Rubia.

    She had captured ire and brought her here.

    ...If only I could simply treat this all as just a dream.

    However, her right hand, with its missing spirit seal, pointed out the cold hard truth.

    (...How much time has passed since I was brought here?)

    ire sighed in her mind.

    Could night have already arrived? Since light did not reach the interior of the ruins, there was no way to tell the passage of time.

    (Looks like my clothes have been changed to a priestess'' garb...)

    ire gripped the long hem that dangled all the way down to the floor.

    She was currently dressed in high-ranking ritual attire that only Queens wore.

    Her twintails had been untied and carefullybed. A golden jeweled crown had been ced upon her head.

    Thest time she ever dressed like this was back when she was invited to participate in the Grand Spirit Festival at the imperial capital during her childhood.

    (...Nee-sama mentioned she was going to make me the Darkness Queen for serving the Demon King.)

    ¡ªIn that case, this ritual attire must be part of the preparations.

    (¡ªScrew that. How could I let Kamito be the Demon King!?)

    She had to escape as quickly as possible¡ª

    Just as she stood up, intending to run¡ª

    "...Yah!"

    ire felt intense pain in her fingers.

    "...Oh well, of course."

    ire frowned painfully and groaned.

    The magic circle carved on the ground seemed to be a barrier for imprisoning ire.

    "Given some time, maybe I can dispel it."

    Just as ire bent over to decipher the spell¡ª

    "I constructed this barrier. No one can dispel it other than Queens equal in rank to me."

    The gates to the room were slowly being pushed open.

    "...Nee-sama!"

    ire held her breath.

    The one who appeared was her elder sister in a scarlet mask.

    Apanied by the sound of heavy military boots, the elder sister approached. ire red back defiantly.

    For the past four years, she had survived desperately for the sake of meeting her sister again.

    ¡ªTo see her and ask about the truth.

    However, even though she was now clearly before her, ire did not know what to say.

    To cry, to hate or to scold¡ªOr to express some other words. The thousands of words she had prepared for this very moment disappeared without a trace like a puff of smoke.

    (...I miss you. All this time, I wanted to see you.)

    Those ruby eyes filled with silent mes were identical to ire''s.

    Except with one decisive difference.

    Not simply the result of four years'' passage, but an even more absolute difference.

    (¡ªNee-sama has changed. Changed into a Nee-sama I don''t recognize.)

    First of all, she had to confirm this fact.

    (...However, I am the same in this regard.)

    ire had already bid her young self goodbye.

    Given ire''s earlier self, she would have submitted long ago.

    She was only able to stand before her sister now because she was no longer the same.

    (...I, as well as Kamito. And everyone else in the team.)

    Hence, she was not going to shift her gaze away from the truth before her eyes.

    "Nee-sama!"

    ¡ªire finally squeezed out a voice.

    Next¡ª

    "...Nee-sama, why did you betray the Elemental Lords?"

    ire asked as she stared straight into the eyes behind the mask.

    Rubia returned her gaze head on.

    "Because it is necessary. To save this world."

    "...Save this world?"

    Hearing her sister''s unexpected reply, ire became confused.

    "Indeed, to save this world, I must vanquish¡ªThose Elemental Lords."

    "¡ªAre you serious, Nee-sama?"

    ire shut her mouth in astonishment.

    Has she gone mad, driven by a sense of vengeance¡ª?

    "Without the grace and blessings of the Five Great Elemental Lords, the people living on this continent cannot start fires, cultivate thend, or even benefit from wind and water!"

    "¡ªIndeed. Hence, this world must be destroyed once."

    "...!"

    This time¡ªire was renderedpletely speechless.

    Rubia''s speech did not disy any sense of falsehood or confusion. Her words carried relentless resolve.

    Those eyes, the same color as ire''s, what on earth have they seen¡ª

    "Standing on equal footing with the Elemental Lords is the power of the Demon King¡ªSo long as that power is obtained, destroying the Elemental Lords is not impossible."

    "B-But in that case, many spirits will be destroyed!"

    The Elemental Lords were not only powerful spirits but also beings who ruled spirits of the natural world.

    Destroying them meant that the power of spirits would disappearpletely from the entire continent.

    Once this happened, who knew what terrifying chaos would result in this world that was built using the power of spirits¡ª

    (...No, surely it was not only limited to chaos.)

    Chaos brought distrust, distrust brought terror¡ªVery likely, a great tragedypletely surpassing the Ranbal War in the past would result.

    "Nee-sama, you are saying that causing that kind of war is necessary?"

    "In order to liberate humans from the spirits, sacrifice cannot be avoided, no matter howrge."

    "How could that be... Nee-sama!"

    ire''s fingertips touched the barrier, causing an intense eruption of sparks.

    "...I have already abandoned the name of Elstein. I am no longer your elder sister!"

    Rubia ended the conversation on her own and turned away.

    "The ritual will start after the preparations areplete. Before that, stay there obediently."

    "Nee-sama... Wait up, Nee-samaaaaaaaa!"

    ire''s screams were drowned out by the shutting sound of the stone doors.

 Volume 10, 4 - Iseria Seaward

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 4 - Iseria Seaward</h4>

    Part 1

    "¡ªThis direction leads to the underground entrance."

    Under Rinslet''s guidance, Kamito and the team returned to the central area of the abandoned city where they had fought Vraukar in a deadly battle.

    Avoiding the still burning mes, they entered the depths of the debris-filled historic ruins to find a long and narrow staircase leading down underground.

    "...To think there was a ce like this. How amazing of you to notice it."

    "I was initially transported by the Leap to the underground maze. Also, if it weren''t for this girl who led the way, I would probably still be trapped underground."

    "Girl who led the way?"

    "We''ll surely meet her again once I return underground."

    Rinslet used spirit magic to lit a light in her palm as they walked down the dark staircase.

    Kamito and the rest exchanged nces and followed her down.

    These steps seemed to have been built during extremely ancient times and were severely worn and eroded.

    "...What a creepy ce."

    Ellis hugged her shoulders and grumbled.

    "Ara, are you afraid?"

    "O-Of course not!"

    Ellis denied defiantly.

    Seeing the usually stern and awe-inspiring captain of the knights disy such an unexpected side, Kamito smiled wryly.

    "Ooh... Kamito, what are youughing at!?"

    "Sorry... Hey, don''t swing your sword in a ce like this!"

    "Okay, we''ve arrived."

    Rinslet turned around the hand with light.

    At the bottom of the staircase was a passageway with High Ancient script carved on the nking walls.

    "...This ce too, is it a historic site dating to the Spirit War?"

    "Apparently. Carved on the stone walls are names of ancient spirits."

    Fianna felt the carvings on the walls with her fingertips as she spoke.

    "Up ahead, there''s even a wall with Est-san''s name on it."

    "...Est''s name?"

    Kamito looked at the sacred sword at his waist.

    Est was a legendary spirit weapon active during the Spirit War. It was not too surprising for her name to be carved on historic sites dating back to the Spirit War.

    Next, Kamito looked up to examine the walls of the passageway.

    The passage was so narrow it was almost impossible to swing a sword. If they met an enemy ambush, things could get troublesome.

    "Are there any Forsaken Spirits here?"

    "Now that you mention it, I was not attacked at all."

    "This ce is different from the ground surface. It''s filled with an air of purity. Perhaps this was a mausoleum for spirits in the Spirit War."

    "...I see, a mausoleum."

    In that case, it was only natural that the Forsaken Spirits born from the spirits'' resentment would not appear in this ce.

    When they first heard Rinslet exin about the underground maze, everyone was still slightly apprehensive. But after considering the low chances of encountering enemies here, it should be much safer than traveling above ground.

    However, there was still a huge problem.

    "...So, do you know the way?"

    "Yeah, no problem for sure."

    "...For sure? This description makes me very worried."

    "¡ªFenrir!"

    Ignoring Ellis'' criticism, Rinslet snapped her fingers.

    The massive white wolf was summoned from empty space and opened its mouth.

    Together with blowing snow, out came¡ª

    "...A frying pan? As well as eggs, flour and milk?"

    Kamito frowned.

    "...Rinslet, what on earth are you doing?"

    "Next, I''ll make special pancakes."

    Rinslet held the frying pan and smiled adorably.

    "...Ooh, pancakes?"

    "Actually, I do feel a bit hungry."

    Ellis and Fianna looked at each other.

    Speaking of which, Kamito and the group only had a bit of soup and bread during dawn.

    Furthermore, in defense of the youngdies'' honor, elementalists easily be hungry through the use of spirits.

    ...Absolutely, it was not because these girls were gluttons.

    "I''ll prepare food for everyer."

    After putting a fire spirit crystal on the ground, Rinslet ced the frying pan on top of it.

    "These are offerings for summoning a spirit."

    "Spirit?"

    Kamito asked in amazement.

    "My savior who rescued me when I was lost underground and showed me the way to the surface."

    Part 2

    ...After that, several minutes passed.

    As sizzling sounds came from the frying pan, the sweet fragrance of slightly charred butter wafted through the passageway.

    While making her special pancakes, Rinslet exined the whole story about how she escaped the underground maze.

    ¡ªOf course, she also talked about the incredible girl she met inside the maze.

    "...A young girl spirit."

    After hearing her story, Kamito crossed his arms and muttered.

    ording to Rinslet, a spirit with a young girl''s appearance had told her how to reach the exit to the ground surface.

    "Must be quite a high level spirit to be able to take on human form."

    Like Est and Restia, spirits who manifested inplete human form were extremely rare, even in Astral Zero. Of course, not all high level spirits existed in human form, but appearing as a young girl implied that she must be quite a powerful spirit.

    "She really needs to be thanked properly for helping you, Rinslet."

    "Yeah, so I promised her already, we''ll help her leave this ce."

    The girl spirit was apparently sealed in this underground maze by a powerful barrier. Furthermore, she had lost virtually all her memories.

    "Are you able to release this seal, Your Highness?"

    "Eh, let''s see..."

    Prompted by Rinslet''s question, Fianna rested her chin on her hand as she entered deep thought.

    "I think in my current state, I will have difficulty releasing a barrier that is able to seal a high level spirit. But I will still try my best..."

    "Thank you."

    Rinslet bowed her head.

    "However, will that spirit really appear?"

    Ellis asked, a little doubtful.

    "Rest assured. Even Fenrir offers undying praise for my pancakes."

    Rinslet ced her specially made pancakes on a porcin dish and sprinkled liberal amounts of honey.

    "...But it is hard to imagine spirits of the highest level being enticed by food."

    Ellis said, somewhat worried. Kamito agreed on this point.

    (...Well, we do have a sword spirit here who loves bean curd.)

    After that, they waited a while longer¡ª

    "...No one ising."

    "H-How strange."

    Rinslet surveyed her surroundings, slightly taken aback.

    ...If this continued, her specially made pancakes were going to get cold.

    "Then can I test the taste, a little bit?"

    "Not allowed."

    Rinslet pped Kamito on the back of the hand just as he was reaching out to the food.

    "Kamito-kun, I allow you to taste me carefully, okay?"

    "Fianna, what on earth are you talking about!?"

    Just as Kamito retorted¡ª

    (...?)

    re¡ª

    He suddenly felt someone''s intense gaze.

    "What is it, Kamito?"

    "Well, I felt someone watching just now¡ª"

    Kamito reached for the hilt of his sword as he stared into the depths of the darkness.

    Twitch... Where the passage made a turn, he discovered a figure that quickly hid itself.

    "...?"

    Kamito rubbed his eyes.

    (...I think I saw something resembling insect antennae?)

    Twitch, twitch... He saw two bouncing antennae again.

    "That thing, Rinslet, could that be...?"

    "It''s Miss Spirit!"

    Rinslet raised her voice. Movements could be sensed in the darkness again.

    "Kamito-kun, hurry and give chase!"

    "Got it!"

    Before he replied, Kamito had already started running.

    The other party was also very swift in movement. Butpared to Kamito when he was serious, it was nowhere near enough.

    "W-Wait up!"

    "Fuah!"

    In the darkness, Kamito pushed his fleeing quarry to the ground. It was a little violent, but capturing this nimble fellow would be very difficult otherwise.

    "W-What are you doing, you insolent fellow!"

    The girl struggled desperately in Kamito''s grasp.

    She was apparently wearing an outfit with a very long hem. Kamito could hear the sound of clothing rubbing intensely.

    "...I''m sorry! Please calm down and listen to me!"

    "Noooooooooooooo!"

    Another round of struggling.

    "Kamito-san, where are you?"

    "Here!"

    Rinslet and the girls lit a light and ran over.

    Then¡ª

    "...Kyah!" "Ahhh!" "Wha...!"

    The three girls instantly froze in expression.

    "...?"

    Getting a bad premonition, Kamito looked at the girl he had captured.

    Over there¡ª

    "Sob, sob..."

    Tears glimmering in her clear eyes, the girl was half-naked with her priestess outfit pulled wide open.

    "Kamito-san, what on earth were you trying to take advantage of in the confusion!?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    "N-No, this is a misunderstanding!"

    On the floor, Kamito frantically screamed for dear life.

    Part 3

    Chew chew. Chew chew.

    The young girl dressed as a priestess was enjoying the pancakes.

    On top of her hair which resembled the color of shimmering water, two antennae of hair stood upright adorably.

    This girl was the spirit who had helped Rinslet.

    She was definitely a powerful spirit but one could not get that impression from her at all. In a certain sense, she was an even more carefree spirit than Est.

    "Please eat as much as you''d like. I''ve got plenty of ingredients."

    Rinslet smiled as she kept tossing the frying pan.

    "Thank you. Your snacks are really tasty."

    The spirit girl smiled as she handed the dish over to Rinslet.

    Having two younger sisters, Rinslet was especially adept at taking care of young girls. However, since this girl was a spirit, she should be actually much older than Kamito and the rest.

    Suddenly Kamito''s eyes met with the girl spirit.

    But she immediately averted eye contact.

    She seemed to be quite wary of everyone apart from Rinslet, especially Kamito.

    ...Oh well, I guess it''s because our first encounter happened in such a terrible manner.

    "By the way, Princess Maiden of Ice."

    The girl paused her hand that was holding a pancake and asked Rinslet.

    "Why have you returned here?"

    Rinslet ced the frying pan aside and instantly sat up properly.

    "Miss Spirit, in truth, I have a request to make of you."

    "A request?"

    The girl spirit tilted her head slightly.

    "Yes. Could you please show us the way through this underground maze?"

    Rinslet exined their situation to the girl.

    Hearing that¡ª

    "Of course. After all, I was able to enjoy these tasty pancakes."

    With honey still smeared around her mouth, the girl nodded.

    "Please ept my utmost gratitude."

    Rinslet bowed her head very politely.

    Although many high level spirits were quite hard to please, this girl acted like a forthright and obedient child.

    "Speaking of where the leylines are the most concentrated in this abandoned city, it should be¡ªthe Lost Cathedral."

    "...Lost Cathedral?"

    "The oldest sacrificial altar in the abandoned city. It was mentioned in the research materials Mi gathered."

    Fianna pped her hands together and said.

    "Right, it was the headquarters of the faction opposing the Elemental Lords during the Spirit War in the past¡ª"

    The girl spirit nodded with a meek expression.

    "You''re quite knowledgeable of this ce''s history... But didn''t you say you lost your memory?"

    Kamito asked.

    "I have been imprisoned here for almost three years. It''s been so boring all this time so I have spent the time reading the history carved on these walls of the maze."

    The girl spirit disyed an expression of despair.

    "Miss Spirit, regarding this matter..."

    Rinslet began to speak slowly at this time.

    "Regarding the seal ced upon you, perhaps there might be a way to lift it."

    "...Really!?"

    The girl spirit widened her crystal-clear eyes.

    "Yes. Princess, Your Highness¡ª"

    Urged by Rinslet, Fianna stepped forward.

    "My name is Fianna Ray Ordesia, the second princess of the Ordesia Empire. I wish to offer the best of my humble efforts to attempt releasing the seal that binds you."

    Fianna announced her name and title to the high level spirit with proper etiquette.

    "..."

    The girl looked at Rinslet with a troubled expression.

    This spirit was really shy.

    "Don''t worry. Her Highness the princess is my friend."

    "Rinslet''s friend...?"

    "Yes."

    "..."

    The girl spirit stared straight at Fianna¡ª

    "...I understand. I believe you."

    Finally, she nodded as if resolving herself to some decision.

    "In that case, may I be privy to your true name?"

    "My true name..."

    The girl spirit hesitated in response to Fianna''s inquiry.

    Rinslet suddenly understood.

    "The seal ced upon you is very likely one that has a fixed and specified target. If we don''t know your true name, it is impossible to release the seal."

    "..."

    The girl spirit remained silent for a while¡ª

    "...She is Rinslet''s friend, is that so?"

    Then turned towards Rinslet again.

    "Yes, that is correct."

    "Then I shall inform you expressly. My name is Iseria¡ªIseria Seaward."

    "...Iseria Seaward?"

    Fianna''s dusk-colored eyes widened.

    Kamito and Ellis could not help but exchange nces.

    Because, that name was¡ª

    ¡ªThrob.

    Suddenly, Kamito felt his head hurt.

    (...That pain again.)

    ¡ªThrob. Throb. Throb. Throb.

    (...What on earth is going on? As soon as I heard that name, why¡ª)

    Gritting his teeth, Kamito tried to hide his pain.

    Luckily, no one noticed his unusual behavior.

    Everyone else''s attention had been grabbed by the name the girl spoke.

    "That is¡ª"

    Fianna swallowed.

    "¡ªThe name of the Water Elemental Lord, right?"

    "..."

    Instantly, everyone fell into silence.

    One of the Five Great Elemental Lords. The Water Elemental Lord¡ªIseria Seaward.

    Her personification was generally regarded as a woman carrying a water pitcher.

    Why would this girl spirit utter this name¡ª

    Her serious expression did not seem like she was joking.

    "Indeed it is the name of the Water Elemental Lord. I found that out on the walls in this ce."

    The girl finally spoke amidst the tense atmosphere.

    "¡ªHowever, back when I first woke up in this abandoned city''s underground, this was the only name I could remember."

    The girl spirit bowed her head, a little disappointed.

    Fianna responded with a "Oh, I get it now" expression:

    "Perhaps you are kin to the water spirits?"

    "Yes, that should be right, I feel sce whenever I am near water."

    "The kin of water spirits have intimate ties to the Water Elemental Lord. It''s not that surprising for the name Iseria Seaward to be present in your memories."

    "Other than that, I have nothing that can identify myself. To someone who has absolutely nothing, this name is my cherished treasure."

    The girl spirit nodded.

    "¡ªHence, that is why I answered with the name of Iseria Seaward."

    "...I see."

    Rinslet gently ced her hand on the girl''s shoulder.

    "So, what else can you remember?"

    Kamito asked after his headache finally subsided.

    "All I know is the history depicted on these walls."

    "...Hmm, this might be a bit tricky."

    Fianna rested her chin on her hand as she worried.

    "After all, you must recall your true name in order to release the seal."

    "...I...see."

    Iseria slumped her shoulders in disappointment.

    "Wait a minute, Your Highness the imperial princess."

    As Rinslet red at her, Fianna frantically waved her hands and rified.

    "H-However, I will surely do my best to help. If I do some research in the Divine Ritual Institute''s Biblion, perhaps I may find methods for memory recovery. Although it might take some time, if you don''t mind waiting until the current de Dance finishes¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. I am already used to waiting... Thank you."

    Iseria looked up and disyed a sincere smile.

    Then she turned around and tugged Rinslet''s sleeve.

    "Very well, let''s go. I will take you all to the Lost Cathedral."

    Part 4

    ¡ªAfter that, Kamito and his group followed along the dark passage.

    ...Drip. Drip.

    "...Wah!"

    Providing lighting and walking in front, Ellis suddenly shuddered. She seemed like she was frightened by the water droplets dripping from the ceiling.

    At some point along the way, the walls of the passageway switched to uneven rock.

    The girl spirit¡ªIseria was holding hands with Rinslet with great affection between them.

    "...Kamito-kun."

    Fianna whispered from behind at this time.

    "Hmm?"

    "...Say, are you really okay?"

    "What are you talking about?"

    "Stop pretending. Just now, you looked a bit strange, Kamito-kun."

    "..."

    As expected of the former Queen candidate princess maiden. Her senses were truly keen.

    "...Well, it''s much better now."

    Kamito stopped ying dumb and admitted honestly.

    "¡ªI heard a voice. Her voice."

    "Kamito-kun''s past contracted spirit?"

    Fianna looked at the Vorpal Sword at Kamito''s waist.

    "No, that voice... Was not Restia''s. Although it was very simr."

    ¡ªThe beckoning voice, tempting him to awaken as the Demon King.

    Although Restia also hoped for Kamito''s awakening, Kamito was certain it was not her voice.

    "Somehow there''s an ominous feeling to it. Restia''s voice is supposed to be more soothing..."

    "...Hmph, how envious."

    The princess pouted for a moment then resumed a serious expression.

    "The Kamito-kun who rescued me was not the usual Kamito-kun."

    "...Yeah, I know."

    Fianna was referring to back then when Kamito pointed his sword at the girl from the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    (...At the time, I was swinging my sword purely on destructive impulses.)

    But without losing his consciousness. After all, he was still swinging his sword by his own volition.

    (If Est hadn''t stopped me, if I continued¡ª)

    A terrible chill ran down his back.

    That something lying dormant within Kamito would surely awaken.

    Whether or not it was the existence known as the Demon King, who knew¡ª

    "..."

    Restia did not answer.

    His beloved sword, so familiar three years ago, was now nothing but a heavy piece of iron.

    "Is the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power really lying dormant in my body?"

    Kamito whispered softly to himself.

    ...Anyone. He wanted someone, anyone, to refute him.

    However¡ª

    "Regarding that, I don''t know for sure."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "However, I do have some ideas."

    "...?"

    "Kamito-kun, your body deflects virtually all of my holy magic. Perhaps the reason is¡ª"

    Fianna stopped... What she was going to say was obvious.

    The darkness attribute was opposite to the holy attribute¡ªThat was what she meant.

    (I am the Demon King who will bring ruin and destruction to the continent?)

    ¡ªIn the past, that was what the old men at the Instructional School called him.

    "D-Don''t worry."

    Fianna spoke swiftly to cheer up Kamito from his depression.

    "Umm... O-On further thought, Kamito-kun, you''re already the Demon King of the Night!"

    "...Uh, that doesn''t really count as cheering up."

    Kamito shrugged wryly.

    "...Ooh. What are you two whispering about?"

    Walking in front, Ellis red back with displeasure.

    "W-We''re not whispering, okay... By the way, has your knight spirit recovered, Fianna?"

    Kamito frantically changed the subject.

    ...He did not want Ellis and the rest to worry over him as well.

    Fianna realized his intentions.

    "Yeah, recovered to a certain extent. However, the two spirit seals of Scarlet and Georgios are mutually interfering. Let alone highly systematic ritual magic, I fear I can''t even release my elemental waffe."

    "That''s really quite problematic, Fianna. Your elemental waffe is quite important."

    Kamitomented with arms folded.

    The elemental waffe Save the Queen was a trump card that was capable of greatly raising the team''s power.

    Without it, new tactics would need to be devised.

    (Come to think of it, ire has always been the one who came up with the team''s tactics...)

    Just at this moment¡ª

    "...Did you hear that?"

    Kamito heard faint sounds of water.

    Still holding Rinslet''s hand, Iseria turned around at this time.

    "There is an underground hot spring up ahead. One of my favorite ces."

    "Hot spring?"

    Kamito and the girls asked at the same time.

    "Well, the abandoned city isn''t located in a volcanic zone, right?"

    "Of course it is no ordinary hot spring. The fires of war left over from the millennia-old Spirit War continue to burn underground to this day."

    "Fires, several thousand years old... How amazing."

    Kamito was astonished by the grand scale of things.

    After walking a little while longer¡ª

    As described by Iseria, there was a massive undergroundke covered with white steam.

    "I never expected the abandoned city to have an undergroundke like this..."

    Ellis eximed emphatically.

    Intense pirs of fire gushed from the surroundings of the undergroundke.

    Just as Kamito and the group neared theke surface...

    "...Wah!?"

    Fianna suddenly screamed.

    The spirit seal carved on her right hand began to emit dazzling light, illuminating the surroundings.

    "Fianna, what happened!?"

    "I-I don''t know either... Wah!"

    Crimson mes burst out from the spirit seal andnded on the ground.

    From the mes appeared¡ª

    "Meow!"

    "...Scarlet!?"

    It was the hell cat spirit, lit on fire.

    Scarlet ran around nimbly in the cave, rushing towards the fires burning around the undergroundke.

    "...Scarlet has already recovered huh."

    Fiannamented as she breathed a sigh of relief.

    The hell cat spirit had appeared on its own will rather than being summoned by her.

    "...Probably attracted by the power of mes that fills this ce."

    Kamito turned to everyone.

    "...Well then, what are we doing next?"

    Scarlet most probably wanted to store up the power of the fire here.

    ¡ªIn that case, it was going to take quite some time.

    "As it so happens, we might as well perform purification here."

    "Good idea."

    "Seconded."

    Ellis and Rinslet expressed support for Fianna''s suggestion.

    Elementalists needed to cleanse and purify their bodies in order to tap into their full power. Naturally, even as a male elementalist, Kamito was no exception. Before sneaking into the Lost Cathedral, undergoing purification was necessary.

    "However, time is of the essence. We''ll have to do the brief version."

    "Right."

    The princess smiled mischievously.

    "So, in order to save time, how about you join us together, Kamito-kun?"

    "N-No way I''m doing that!"

    Kamito yelled with his face all red.

    Part 5

    The great throne¡ªLost Cathedral.

    The tallest tower in the abandoned city and the point where all the leylines converged.

    It was the castle residence of the Darkness Elemental Lord who led the rebel armies during the Spirit War in the past.

    For the purposes of the Darkness Queen''sing, there was probably no better location.

    Having finished preparations for the ritual, Rubia Elstein walked up the spiral tower.

    (...When was thest time I wore these clothes?)

    Instead of the Theocracy''s military uniform, she was currently wearing ritual attire from her days as Queen.

    In her hand were jewels infused with darkness.

    Climbing the stairs and looking out the stained ss windows that were installed with vivid colors thousands of years ago, one could survey the entire scenery of the abandoned city, all covered with trees.

    ¡ªThe abandoned city''s sky was always so dim and gray even at noon time.

    As if the resentment dating from the time of the Spirit War still lingered in the sky above to this day.

    The mes of the militarized spirit Vraukar still burned where Kamito and Muir Alenstarl''s battle had taken ce the previous night.

    Crimson mes burned entire streets. Faced with this scene, past memories were momentarily awakened¡ª

    "¡ªal... Cardinal."

    A voice from behind brought Rubia back to the present.

    Breathing heavily, a girl with jade-green hair was making her way to the top of the massive spiral staircase.

    Lily me¡ªthe girl picked up at the Instructional School four years ago.

    Rubia halted and waited for her.

    Panting, Lily knelt down before Rubia.

    "¡ªMuir has disappeared from the field."

    "I see."

    ...Not a shocking report.

    After losing Vraukar, that girl was already written off asbat potential.

    She had alreadypleted her mission perfectly. The battle against Muir Alenstarl should have greatly stimted the awakening of the Demon King within Kamito''s body.

    (...Kazehaya Kamito, you must be finding it increasingly difficult to resist the impulse to be devoured.)

    Once he waspletely swallowed by that impulse¡ªthe Demon King within him would awaken.

    "Muir wille in handy in future battles. Of course, the same goes for you."

    "Y-Yes!"

    After destroying the Elemental Lords, the continent was going to descend into massive chaos due to the loss of the power of spirits.

    In order to conquer that type of chaotic world, overwhelming military power was necessary.

    This was the most important reason behind Rubia''s alliance with the Alphas Theocracy''s Murders to gather mercenaries and users of militarized spirits.

    (...A great many lives will be sacrificed. But still, overall sacrifices can still be lessened.)

    If power brought forth destruction, then even greater power would be used to suppress it.

    ¡ªBathump. Intense pain throbbed in her heart.

    (The time for the Demon King''s awakening is fast approaching¡ª)

    The Sacred Maiden and the Demon King were opposing existences.

    This body could feel the signs of the Demon King''s awakening¡ª

    ¡ªJust at this moment.

    ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    A terrifying roar shook the atmosphere.

    "...!?"

    As the floor shook lightly beneath their feet, fragments of stone fell from the ceiling.

    "To think there would be an enemy attack...!?"

    Lily me cried out, greatly shaken as she looked outside the shattered window.

    Then¡ª

    "That''s a... dragon!?"

    Blowing the grey clouds apart, a ck demon dragon was flying towards Lost Cathedral.

    The attack just now was merely the demon dragon''s breath.

    "Leonora Lancaster''s demon dragon spirit!"

    "...The Dragon Princess huh. What an affront to the eyes."

    Rubia grumbled beneath her mask.

    She never expected the ace of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor tounch a direct assault here singlehandedly¡ª

    The pitch ck demon dragon opened up a great hole in the middle of the Lost Cathedral and flew inside.

    "...We''re being invaded."

    If Rubia intercepted her personally, it should be an easy victory.

    However, she currently had to perform the ritual for theing of the Darkness Queen.

    ¡ªThe me of her life was almost extinguished.

    The Sacred Maiden''s power could not be squandered here.

    "I will intercept her. But facing that Dragon Princess as my opponent, I fear I can only buy limited time."

    Lily withdrew her hand from the window and jumped down the spiral staircase.

    "...Lily, I am relying on you."

    Rubia nodded and continued on her way to the top level.

 Volume 10, 5 - Scarletâ€™s Secret

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 5 - Scarlet''s Secret</h4>

    Part 1

    ...Drip. Drip.

    Water droplets fell from the top of the limestone cavern. White steam swirled and rose.

    Heated by the ancient mes, the underground water helped rx stiff muscles.

    Although it was no time to indulge in leisure, a final purification was necessary before they assaulted the enemy''s main camp. Kamito carefully washed his body as he tried as much as possible to reach peak condition.

    The Cmity Queen¡ªRubia Elstein.

    The other Ren Ashbell and Strongest de Dancer whose identity had been uncovered.

    (...Am I able to defeat her?)

    Her power undoubtedly dwarfed Kamito''s in his current state. Even if he retrieved all his senses from three years ago, it was still uncertain whether he would be able to be a match¡ªThat was how things stood.

    Kamito''s only chance of victoryy in¡ª

    (¡ªThe Absolute de''s secret technique, Last Strike.)

    Kamito opened and closed his fingers several times, trying to confirm his feel for the sword.

    The secret technique learnt from Greyworth was Kamito''s final trump card.

    However, to be honest, he was not certain if he had truly mastered that secret technique.

    The Last Strike was an ultimate countering technique using the sword. It could not be used unless Kamito was facing an enemy of the same level.

    (By the way, how strange...)

    Kamito frowned and looked up at the ceiling of the limestone cavern. Even though it was now known that the true identity of the other Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, was Rubia Elstein, there was something impossible to ept about it. Namely¡ª

    ¡ªShe was far too strong, this simple fact.

    Indeed, as a former Queen, the total amount of divine power umted in Rubia Elstein''s body should far surpass most elementalists. Although an abundance of divine power would not result in a decisive difference in potency, it was undeniable that people with greater reserves of divine power were able tomand more powerful spirits for longer durations.

    However, princess maidens serving at the Divine Ritual Institute basically received nobat training at all.

    Hence, she was supposed to bepletely unversed in swordsmanship, just like Fianna.

    Rumors regarding the Cmity Queen as a master of the sword werepletely unheard of.

    The first thing that came to mind was the usage of a Cursed Armament Seal to strengthen the body, but even Cursed Armament Seals were unable to turn someone untrained in martial arts into a sword master.

    (...Even an Elemental Lord''s miracle can''t do that, right?)

    ¡ªThrob. Again, the acute headache returned.

    (...Damn it... What on earth is going on?)

    ¡ªThat pain is proof that your power is about to awaken.

    The voice very simr to hers resounded in his mind.

    ¡ªVery soon, you shall be the Demon King who brings ruin and destruction to the world.

    (...Shut, up... Already... Shut, up...!)

    Covering both ears, Kamito submerged his face in water.

    (Shut up! Shut up, shut up shut up...!)

    He yelled stubbornly in order to drown out the voice.

    "¡ªPlease be calm, Master."

    Suddenly, Kamito heard another voice from behind.

    "...!?"

    Raising his face out of the water, Kamito looked back.

    A swaying figure could be seem emerging from the other side of the steam.

    ...Not Rinslet or any of the girls, for they should be over with Iseria, performing purification at a ce a short distance away.

    Next, Kamito nced at a shaded position in the rocks. The Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword were both in sword form, resting against the rock.

    ...The figure behind the steam did not say anything more.

    "...Who are you?"

    Kamito intensified his tone of voice and swiftly swung his arm.

    The wind pressure caused the surrounding steam to disperse instantly¡ª

    "Meow¡ª!"

    The figure emitted a strange sounding scream.

    "...Wha!"

    Kamito''s eyes widened as he was renderedpletely speechless.

    Appearing from behind the mist was¡ª

    A fully wet and naked beauty.

    Her body was graceful and slim like a beast''s, with mildly bulging breasts. The scarlet hair was at shoulder length. For some reason, there were adorable cat ears on her head.

    Rather than make any attempt to cover up her nude body that was like a work of art, the beautiful girl simply froze.

    "..."

    "..."

    They stared at each other for a few seconds.

    Then immediately, the beauty blushed before his eyes.

    "Meow, meooooow!"

    Frantically, she tried to flee¡ª

    Ssh!

    ...But she ended up falling spectacrly, creating a column of water.

    "...Meow, meooow... Choke, chooooooke...!"

    "H-Hey, are you okay!?"

    Kamito rushed over and picked up the drowning cat-eared beauty in his arms.

    "Kyah, w-what are you doing!?"

    "I-I''m sorry... Eh, a tail!?"

    Kamito''s eyes stared wide open.

    Caught in his hand¡ªa tail seemed as if it were made of fire.

    (...W-Wait a minute? This tail, could it be...)

    Kamito suddenly reacted and gazed intently at the cat-eared girl''s scarlet eyes.

    "...Are you Scarlet... eh?"

    "M-Meow..."

    The drenched scarlet-haired girl nodded with embarrassment.

    Part 2

    Finally recovering from the initial shock¡ª

    "I am the Scarlet Valkyrie in service of the Elsteins¡ªmy true name is Ortlinde."

    Transformed into a girl''s form, Scarlet announced her name.

    ...It looked like she really was Scarlet, no mistake about it.

    "...Uh, sorry. I''m a little confused here."

    Kamito averted his gaze as he scratched his face.

    Although they were both submerged to their necks and there was no worry that he would view Scarlet''s naked body directly, Kamito still felt that the erotic lines of her neck was drawing his gaze involuntarily.

    However, Scarlet did not seem like she minded.

    "Yes. Well then, let me exin."

    She revealed why she had changed from a hell cat to a girl.

    Then¡ª

    "...I see, so your true name was released huh."

    After hearing her exnation, Kamito epted it despite his surprise.

    In order for a contracted spirit to fully release its power, not only did the contractor need to be well-matched in power but the spirits had to be summoned by its true name¡ªnamely, a release of the true name.

    When he first met ire, Kamito felt a certain dissonance regarding the name Scarlet. No matter how he looked at it, the name seemed like an alias for the hell cat spirit.

    Scarlet''s true name had been lost throughout the generations of the Elstein family, but for some reason, Restia who was apanying ire knew the name.

    Then having exhibited sufficient power in the current de Dance, ire sessfully released the true name. Obtaining her original power, Scarlet changed from her beast form as a high ranking spirit to recover her girl form as a spirit of the highest ss¡ªBasically something like that.

    Having lost her power during the battle against Rubia and returned to her hell cat form, Scarlet had apparently retrieved enough power to regain human form temporarily as a result of pouncing into the ancient burning mes.

    "By the way, umm Scarlet..."

    "P-Please don''t stare like that, Master."

    Blushing slightly, Scarlet began to blow bubbles in the water surface.

    "S-Sorry... By the way, why are you calling me Master?"

    Kamito posed a simple question.

    Scarlet''s master was supposed to be either ire, the original contractor, or Fianna, the current one.

    Scarlet responded by gazing at Kamito with serious eyes¡ª

    "Because Master''s master is also my master."

    "...? But I''m always being ordered around by ire as her ve spirit."

    Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement. Thinking back upon the rtionship between Kamito and ire all this time, no matter how one viewed it, Kamito could not be described as ire''s master in any way.

    "...Really?"

    But this time, it was Scarlet who turned her head incredulously.

    "But then there''s a contradiction."

    "What contradiction?"

    "As you may know, Master, contractors and contracted spirits will share their dreams on rare asions."

    "...? Yeah, that''s right."

    Still disying surprise on his face, Kamito nodded.

    When Kamito slept, he asionally shared Est''s dreams.

    However, perhaps because Est has lost the majority of her memories, the contents of her dreams always involved things that happened to her after meeting Kamito.

    The only exception was during the time when Est disappeared, Kamito had witnessed the memories of her past contractor, the Sacred Queen¡ªAreishia Idriss.

    "Uh... In her dreams, Master always bes your ve."

    "How can that be possible!?"

    Kamito instantly rejected it.

    "I-I surely won''t do anything like that!"

    "...Really? You won''t tie Master up and bully her or thrash her with a whip? N-Neither will you force her into unspeakable postures?"

    "O-Of course I won''t!"

    ...This hell cat spirit, what on earth is she talking about?

    "Then in her usual dreams, are those Master''s repressed desires..."

    Scarlet began to murmur to herself.

    "I-In any case, I am not ire''s master."

    Kamito coughed and spoke.

    "When calling me, using Kamito is fine."

    "...I understand. Well then, let''s go with this, ''Kamito.'' "

    Scarlet spoke with a serious expression.

    ...Despite such a dangerous-sounding nickname of the Scarlet Valkyrie, this cat girl was unexpectedly polite.

    "So does this mean you don''t have any memories from your hell cat form?"

    "That''s right. Because when the hell cat form manifests, only animal-level intellect is present."

    "...I see."

    ¡ªIn other words, it would be more appropriate to consider Scarlet the hell cat and this Ortlinde here as separate entities.

    "However, I do remember..."

    "...Eh?"

    "That you make tasty dishes for me and gently caress my head, Kamito."

    She smiled shyly but adorably.

    "I-I see..."

    Kamito scratched his face and turned his gaze away in response.

    ...Feeling embarrassed, he changed the subject.

    "B-By the way, is it really okay for a me spirit to be dipping into hot springs?"

    When in hell cat form, Scarlet was supposed to hate getting water on her.

    "Yes. After all, this ce is filled with the power of mes. Besides, having released my true name, mere water merits no fear at all."

    Scarlet puffed her chest slightly in pride.

    However, Kamito did not fail to miss the subtle sweating on her brow.

    "...Surely, you''re just putting up a front and desperately enduring."

    "..."

    Finding the truth pointed out, Scarlet instantly looked to the side.

    Then she slumped her shoulders dejectedly.

    "Originally, I really was not afraid of water or the like. But unfortunately I don''t have enough power right now. I can only maintain this state for a little while longer."

    "After your true name is released, you don''t stay in this form?"

    "I am just barely able to manifest this form right now because of the power of the ancient mes here. The current contractor, Ordesia''s princess, is probably unable to summon or use me."

    Scarlet shook her head from side to side.

    "The reason why I''ve appeared here is to inform you of something, Kamito."

    With a sincere gaze, she stared straight into Kamito''s eyes.

    "I beg you. Please save my Master¡ªRescue ire."

    "Yeah, I promise you. I will surely bring ire back."

    ...There was no need for her to beg expressly. Kamito agreed instantly.

    Hearing Kamito''s answer, Scarlet rxed with a relieved expression.

    Her figure began to quiver like a mirage. At this moment¡ª

    "Kamito-kun is taking so long..."

    "Maybe he fainted in the heat!"

    "Hmm, mmm, it''s worrying..."

    The youngdies'' voiced could be heard from afar.

    Probably worried about Kamito who had not returned for so long, they wereing to check out his situation.

    "...!"

    Scarlet''s cat ears suddenly twitched.

    "W-Well then, I shall take my leave."

    "Why are you hurrying all of a sudden?"

    "...Hmm, that ponytailed knight is very troublesome."

    Scarlet swiftly got up from the water, turning herself into a fiery hell cat and ran away.

    "...Ah yes, because Ellis keeps treating her like a fluffy toy, she hates it."

    Even without her memories as a hell cat, the troublesome impression still remained.

    "Kamito, are you okay?"

    Ellis'' voice reverberated in the cavern.

    "...Ah yeah, no problem here! I''ming out now!"

    Answering loudly, Kamito put the ck leather glove on his left hand.

    Part 3

    Having finished the purification at the undergroundke, Kamito and his entourage continued making their way towards the Lost Cathedral.

    Even though they were not able to perform a proper sacred purification, the divine power circting in their bodies was replenished.

    After escaping, Scarlet seemed like she had involuntarily returned to Fianna''s spirit seal.

    As Kamito passed on the story of how Scarlet released her true name, the girls were quite surprised.

    "I originally thought she was just a powerful spirit but never expected her to be a humanoid spirit."

    Ellis murmured emphatically.

    "I guess I need to find Fenrir in the future whenever I want to enjoy that fluffiness."

    "Hmm, what do you mean?"

    "¡ªVery soon, we are nearing the Lost Cathedral."

    Walking in front, Iseria spoke up slowly.

    "We can''t invade the ruins from directly below?"

    "This underground passage does not extend that far."

    Iseria shook her head at Kamito''s inquiry.

    "Which means we have to do a frontal assault, huh?"

    "However, I don''t think Team Inferno has constructed a stronghold. If they prioritized the ritual for the Darkness Queen''sing, there should not be any leisure to build arge scale barrier."

    "...Let''s hope so."

    Rubia Elstein was the former Queen once praised as the best. In the past, the istion barriers she constructed would cover all the castles and residences in Ragna Ys.

    But for Kamito, the true source of concern was himself.

    ¡ªThat voice which tempted him to awaken.

    The temptation was growing ever stronger.

    (If I hear that voice one more time, I''ll¡ª)

    He would probably be consumed by the impulse to destroy, awakening as the Demon King who leads the world towards destruction.

    "...mito... Kamito."

    Rustle. Rustle rustle. ¡ªSuddenly, Kamito found someone tugging his sleeve from behind.

    "...Est?"

    Looking back, Kamito found a pair of mysterious violet eyes gazing up at him with worry.

    Without him noticing, Est had transformed from sword form at some point in time.

    "Kamito, you''re showing a scary expression."

    In his surprise, Kamito found Est holding his hand gently.

    "Don''t worry. Kamito. You have me."

    The icy hand gripped tightly.

    "..."

    Kamito was rooted there for a moment¡ª

    "...Est, you are the Demon yer, you know."

    "...?"

    Est inclined her head in puzzlement.

    "Supposing, if I were to be the world-destroying Demon King, when the timees¡ª"

    "When the timees, I will simply be the ''Demon''s Sword.'' "

    ¡ªJust as he was about to continue talking, Est resolutely refuted him.

    "I am your sword. Your wish is mymand¡ªThat is what I swore."

    "Est..."

    Kamito felt the strength of her grip tighten.

    "...Yeah, you''re right. Sorry."

    Kamito shrugged. In this manner, he continued walking, holding Est''s hand.

    A while after that¡ª

    "¡ªThis is the closest exit to the ground surface."

    Iseria stopped and turned around.

    Before them was a wall entangled by a tree root.

    "This tree root is in the way."

    "Leave it to me."

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk, instantly severing the root to reveal a door with mysterious designs carved on it.

    "This is one of the six doors to the abandoned city''s underground¡ªthe Door of Persisting Darkness."

    Once Iseria chanted rarely heard spiritnguage, the carvings on the door glowed blue-white as the door opened with a low rumble.

    In the darkness, a staircase leading to the ground appeared.

    "I can only lead you this far."

    Iseria stopped at the door.

    Before the door was an istion barrier that sealed her here.

    "...Thank you, Iseria."

    "You really helped us a lot."

    "Pay it no heed. This is simply thanks for the pancakes."

    Iseria turned towards the direction she came from.

    Then she walked towards the darkness¡ª

    "S-Say..."

    "Please hurry. You need to help your friend, right?"

    "Once I find a way to recover your memory, I will surely return to this ce!"

    Towards the girl who was gradually moving farther away, Rinslet called out¡ª

    But Iseria''s figure had already vanished in the darkness.

    "...What an incredible girl."

    The high level spirit who had lost her memory, who was sealed in the abandoned city, and who had reported the Water Elemental Lord''s name as her own.

    Full of mysteries that one had no idea how to begin solving, she was truly a strange spirit.

    Next, Kamito turned towards the group.

    "¡ªLet''s go, ire is waiting for us."

    "Yes!" "Right!" "Indeed!"

    Team Scarlet''s youngdies nodded vigorously.

    "Your wish¡ªis mymand."

    Wielding in his hand Est who had transformed into the Demon yer, Kamito led the charge and rushed forward.

 Volume 10, 6 - Lost Cathedral

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 6 - Lost Cathedral</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Huff... Mmm, ooh..."

    Numerous candlelit mes flickered in the darkness.

    In the center of the Lost Cathedral''s spacious great hall, ire was squirming her body painfully.

    The ritual attire felt like it clung to her, heavy as soil. There was probably some burning incense, for she found her consciousness gradually getting hazy.

    The chanting of spiritnguage echoed in this vast space.

    Amidst the flickering mes, Rubia was performing a dance in ritual attire.

    Her figure reminded ire of the elder sister she used to admire.

    "Nee... -sa,ma... D-Don''t...!"

    Even though she yelled as hard as she could inside the barrier, the sound was not transmitted.

    The magic circle drawn on the floor glowed with eerie light as the mes on the candlesticks all rushed up high.

    Holding jewels of darkness, Rubia slowly walked up the stairs to the altar.

    "No... Stop it, I don''t want this, to be that whatever Darkness Queen...!"

    "This is the only mercy¡ª"

    Rubia stood before ire, holding the jewels high as she recited the words of release.

    The jewels released darkness which began to cover ire''s body.

    "...What... is this...?"

    "You shall now forget everything. Sleep in peace."

    "No, don''t... What are you doing... Nee-sama, Nee-sama!"

    Her desperate pleas in vain, ire''s consciousness was instantly shrouded in darkness.

    (...No, do not erase them! M-My precious memories...!)

    As her consciousness gradually became distant, ire reached out as if struggling¡ª

    Her parents and her older sister¡ªthe memories of the happy childhood she spent with them.

    Rinslet, Ellis, Fianna¡ªthe memories of therades she had met at the Academy.

    Memories of the precious contracted spirit who always stayed by her side at all times.

    Andst of all, the young man''s face that dissipated like a dream¡ª

    "...Kami... to..."

    But no one could hear those whispers leaking from ire''s lips any further.

    Part 2

    "¡ªOh my, is the princess'' taming alreadyplete?"

    This was the top level of the Lost Cathedral.

    Appearing out from the True Sanctuary before Rubia''s eyes was the witch whose eyes were like a snake''s.

    "She has already been tainted by darkness. Sooner orter, she shall fall,pletely devoured."

    "For the Darkness Queen to be your real sister, oh what a tear-inducing tragic story."

    "Do you wish to be roasted into charcoal?"

    Beneath the scarlet mask, Rubia''s gaze turned towards the witch,pletely filled with murderous intent.

    "Fufu, there''s no need to make such a scary face. While you and the princess were stuck indoors, interesting things are happening. I came to report them."

    Sjora smiled with a chuckle and licked her red lips.

    Remaining inpleteposure, the witch''s attitude suddenly gave Rubia a sense of dissonance.

    (This woman, she really does give off a different atmospherepared to before¡ª)

    ording to Lily''s report, Sjora apparently used primitive magic to revive Vraukar after it was defeated by Kazehaya Kamito. During that time, Lily had also sensed inexplicable dissonance from the witch.

    "¡ªInteresting things being?"

    Casting her suspicions aside for now, Rubia asked in return.

    ...Now was the time for listening to the report first.

    "Someone is invading this Lost Cathedral openly."

    "If you''re talking about the Dragon Princess of Dracunia, Lily has been sent to intercept her."

    Considering their difference in power, chances of Lily prevailing over Leonora were microscopic. However, using theplicated terrain of the massive structure, the Lost Cathedral, she should be able to buy some time.

    "Not the Dragon Princess, but Kazehaya Kamito."

    "...What?"

    The expression behind the mask was slightly frozen.

    Kazehaya Kamito had fought Muir Alenstarl''s militarized spirittest night in the center of the abandoned city.

    By the time he noticed ire was captured and rushed over this Lost Cathedral, ten-odd hours should have passed.

    (...Too fast.)

    It would be understandable if he had knowledge of the abandoned city''s structure, but there was no way he could have toured all the tree-covered historical sites in such short time.

    In theory, it was possible to use the underground maze, but those were ruins even more ancient than the abandoned city above ground¡ªEven Rubia herself did not haveplete knowledge of whaty down there. Supposing he had noticed the underground maze, getting here through them should still not be possible.

    "To think even you could be surprised at times."

    As if ridiculing Rubia''s loss ofposure, the witch smiled.

    "Could this be fake information? Your mouth is untrustworthy."

    "Witches do not lie."

    "But they never tell the truth either¡ª"

    "What a truly untrusting princess. Please have a look, over there."

    Saying that, Sjora raised a far sight crystal before Rubia''s eyes.

    Inside the crystal, Kazehaya Kamito could be seen traversing the forest.

    Beside him, the Fahrengart and Laurenfrost girls as well as Fianna Ray Ordesia could be seen.

    This was the vast forest on the slopes of the mountain where the spiral tower was located. They were most probably going to arrive very soon.

    "..."

    "To think there existed things that could take you aback."

    The witch whispered as she giggled.

    Ignoring these offensive words, Rubia contemted behind her mask.

    Time was still needed for ire to fallpletely and be the Darkness Queen.

    In the instant Kazehaya Kamito awakened as the Demon King, unless the Darkness Queen to serve him was present, he would only lead the world towards destruction without achieving the original goal of exterminating the Five Great Elemental Lords¡ªThat was not what Rubia wished to see.

    (The ritual cannot be interrupted now¡ª)

    Rubia red at Sjora as if about tomit murder.

    "Sjora Kahn. Now is the time for you to fulfill your duties as my ally."

    "¡ªYes, you need not mention it."

    Touching her moistened lips with a finger, the witch jeered.

    "After all, I also wish to try out that which my country delivered. Why don''t you concentrate on taming the princess of darkness."

    Turning around lightly, she descended the tower''s spiral staircase.

    Watching the witch''s back receding into the distance¡ª

    (Although the witch cannot be trusted, she is currently a useful tool.)

    Rubia coldly remarked to herself.

    (Once everything isplete, even the Theocracy''s Snake must be destroyed along with everything else.)

    Part 3

    Reaching the ground surface, Kamito and his group hacked and shed their way through the forest.

    It was supposed to be before dusk, but the surroundings were as dark as night. Heavy clouds were swirling in the sky directly above the majestic sight of the Lost Cathedral standing there.

    "...This is the castle of the Darkness Elemental Lord."

    Kamito looked up and held his breath.

    Looking up at the building from the ground, he could feel the intimidating presence of the historic site that stood out from the ruins of the abandoned city.

    In terms of appearance, the castle had numerous levels piled up into a spiral tower. Although the outer walls had steps along them, they were sealed off by numerous roots of trees.

    "The leylines are activating... No doubt about it."

    Fianna''s sharp gaze turned towards the top of the tower.

    "Very likely, ire is imprisoned on the topmost floor. This is because this historic site''s structure focuses the power of the leylines to the top of the spiral."

    "It doesn''t seem feasible to climb it from outside."

    "There''s a door over there."

    Rinslet pointed out to a huge entrance that was still visible behind the gaps in a thicket.

    "Okay, let''s go!"

    Just as Kamito''s group reached the entrance¡ª

    "S-So big..."

    Once again, they were intimidated by the gigantic size.

    This door was far too big for human ess. When the ce was still used as a castle, giants undoubtedly lived inside there.

    Using the front end of Ray Hawk, Ellis knocked on the door. Blue-white sparks immediately scattered from the spear tip.

    "The material is mithril. Furthermore, troublesome magic seems to have been cast."

    "The carvings on the door seems to carry ancient magic."

    Fianna murmured as she examined the great door intently.

    "It deflects the power of spirits."

    "Using Est''s strength, I should be able to destroy it?"

    Kamito ced his hand on the sword''s hilt and stepped forward. Terminus Est''s anti-magic properties were topnotch amongst elemental waffen. It was possible that it could even break ancient magic.

    "...It''s probably better not to do that."

    Fianna shook her head from side to side.

    "Indeed, Est''s power may be able to break the door. However, now is not a suitable time to use your divine power, Kamito-kun."

    "Hmm, always trying to solve everything with force is not good."

    "...I don''t really want to hear that from you, Ellis."

    Kamito retorted with half-narrowed eyes.

    That said, Fianna had a point. Kamito obediently released his grip on his sword.

    "I will analyze the magic. Kamito-kun, you should keep watch over the surroundings with everyone else."

    Fianna raised both hands before the door and slowly recited an incantation.

    "¡ªO ancient song. y music in response to my voice."

    Fluent spiritnguage flowed from her lips. Instantly, the carvings on the door gave off dazzling light.

    ¡ªJust in that very moment.

    "...! Something ising!"

    Rinslet instantly released her elemental waffe. As Kamito and the rest looked up, a Freezing Arrow was shot into the air.

    Crash!

    With a sound like ss being crushed, something shattered in the air.

    "Is that a spirit!?"

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and stared into the air.

    Ghosts from the Spirit War¡ªForsaken Spirits, that was what Kamito expected, but he was wrong.

    Appearing like a burst bubble in the air was¡ª

    Eyeballs with tentacles, monsters with only lower jaws, etc... A group of spirits with shocking appearances.

    "Demon spirits..."

    Demon spirits¡ªan umbre term for spirits who were impossible tomand due to their anomalous psychological structure.

    The only people capable ofmanding them were elementalists with special abilities, known as Witches.

    At this time, the space where the demon spirits appeared from, its center distorted¡ª

    "Fufu... We meet for the first time, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Apanied by a seductive voice, the witch appeared, dressed in a foreign exotic outfit.

    "¡ªWe meet for the first time, that is simply a meaningless greeting. Snake woman."

    Holding his hand against this sword, Kamito red coldly at the witch above.

    Even if they were enemies, if an elementalist challenged him with pride, Kamito would offer respect in return. But to this witch who had used a despicable trap to capture Fianna and harmed hispanions, Kamito had no need to offer any respect.

    "Disappear from my sight. Or would you like to be cut down again?"

    Kamito dered with an icy-cold voice, giving off merciless killing intent.

    "K-Kamito..." "Kamito-san...?"

    The undisguised killing intent of one who was raised by the Instructional School caused Ellis and Rinslet to shudder.

    However, the witch endured the killing intent withposure.

    "Ah yes. Right. This is not the first time for you to meet this appearance."

    "What do you mean?"

    "Pay it no heed. Fufu, before the princess'' investigation isplete, please y with me for a while¡ª"

    Sjora snapped her fingers, summoning new swarms of demon spirits from the magic circle in the air.

    As the numbers increased dramatically, the swarms of demon spirits even blotted the sky.

    Most likely simr to the time when Fianna was imprisoned, a summoning device belonging to the Lost Cathedral ruins was being used.

    "...These numbers are bad news!"

    Rinslet drew her bow and released arrows, piercing multiple demon spirits, but this amounted to nothing but a drop in the ocean.

    "..."

    Kamito nced over at Fianna on the side. Fianna seemed like she was still concentrating on releasing the door. Who knew how much more time she would need¡ª

    "I''ll clear them out in one go."

    Kamito drew out the Demon yer and held it in a reverse grip.

    Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz. This was a wild form of sword skill that could killrge numbers of enemies at once.

    However, a hand reached out from the side and held down Kamito''s arm.

    "Kamito, leave this to us."

    "Ellis... But¡ª"

    "We are a team. Members in a team have their individual missions. Your mission is to rescue ire."

    Ellis'' ponytail swayed as she stepped forward.

    With a swing of Ray Hawk¡ªthe iing demon spirit swarm waspletely sliced into halves.

    "¡ªKamito-san, you must seed in saving ire."

    Rinslet also stood by Ellis'' side, pulling the magical bow of ice taut.

    The two girls'' eyes showed strong resolve.

    Kamito¡ª

    "...I understand. I''ll leave you two to handle Sjora."

    Nodding lightly, Kamito released his hand from the sword.

    "However, don''t force yourself too much, both of you."

    "Yes." "No need to worry."

    Ellis and Rinslet nodded together.

    "¡ªThe door''s seal has been released!"

    Fianna cried out at the door.

    Rumble... Rumble rumble rumble... Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    As the carvings on the door gave off intense light, it opened slowly with a great rumbling.

    "Ellis, Rinslet, we''re depending on you to handle this location!"

    Kamito took Fianna''s hand and rushed into the doorway at once.

    "¡ªOh my, don''t go escaping."

    Sjora Kahn jeered as she prepared to direct the demon spirit swarms.

    In that instant¡ª

    "Sjora Kahn, your opponent is¡ª"

    "Us!"

    Ellis produced a tempest from her spear while Rinslet''s ice arrows descended like a storm.

    A technique ofbination magic using elemental waffen¡ªIce Storm.

    The howling tornado of icy wind devoured both the witch and her minions the demon spirits¡ª

    Hearing the great door m shut behind him, Kamito rushed up the stairs of the historic site.

    Part 4

    After the door shut behind them, the howling sounds of the ice storm stopped. Instantly, there was silence.

    Appearing before Kamito and Fianna was a massive spiral staircase extending upwards. However, the spiral was distorted in several ces in the air, producing a structure that resembled an infinite loop.

    "ire should be imprisoned on the top floor, right?"

    "Yeah. In order to carry out the ritual, it can only be there."

    Fianna nodded.

    (...Right now, I can only keep going, trusting Ellis and Rinslet.)

    Even though he still worried about what was happening outside the door, Kamito started to climb the spiral staircase.

    Because the staircase made sharp turns in the air in several ces, it muddled the sense of gravity. However, there was no confusion as to which way was up. In any case, they should not get lost.

    As Kamito worried about Fianna''sck of stamina, he rushed ahead in front.

    After running like this for a while¡ª

    "Huff, huff... Kamito-kun, say, is your body okay?"

    "Yeah. I still have plenty of strength."

    Kamito nodded as he ran. In actual fact, all the fatigue from his battle against Vraukar had already been swept away. The undergroundke where ancient fires burned was a purification site of extremely high spiritual quality.

    "You really do have extraordinary recovery powers as usual. However, that wasn''t what I meant."

    "..."

    Kamito reduced his running speed.

    Looking back, he found Fianna gazing at him with worried eyes.

    (...Looks like I can''t dodge the issue.)

    "...That voice, can you still hear it?"

    "Yeah, right now... There''s no problem."

    "Kamito-kun, perhaps it would be better if you handed the demon sword over for me to safekeep for now."

    Fianna red coldly at the Vorpal Sword hanging at Kamito''s waist.

    "This is simply intuition, but that sword... Somehow I get a dangerous feeling."

    "..."

    The intuition of the princess maiden and former Queen candidate could not be ignored.

    Kamito understood that, however¡ª

    "...I''ve said it already. The voice tempting me to awaken is not Restia''s."

    Wearing the leather glove, his left hand clutched the hilt of the Vorpal Sword.

    His past partner still offered no response. The spirit seal remained silent.

    ¡ªEven so, Kamito still believed in her.

    "I never want to let go of Restia ever again."

    "I know that darkness spirit is a very important existence to you, Kamito-kun, but¡ª"

    Kamito ced his hand on the head of the worried princess.

    "Let''s make a promise. I won''t be that Demon King or whatever."

    "Kamito-kun."

    Fianna bit her lip hard.

    "...Understood. I believe in you, Kamito-kun."

    Finally, she sighed and nodded.

    "Sorry, I said something stubborn."

    ¡ªNext, they continued running up the stairs without saying a word.

    Soon after, the path stopped as they reached a massive floor with a ceiling.

    "It''s the second floor..."

    "From here onwards, it looks like we can''t just rush ahead recklessly."

    Kamito raised a spirit crystal for illumination and surveyed the depths of the dimly lit floor.

    On the far wall were six decorated doors, equally spaced apart.

    "Which door leads to the top floor?"

    The Lost Cathedral was a historic site dating back to the Spirit War. Based on the wondrous structure of the staircase just now, this ce was constructed for spirits to reside rather than in consideration for humans. This was rted to the design principles of spirit engineering that Areishia Spirit Academy had imported.

    (...In other words, this is a building highly unsuited for humans.)

    Kamito sighed in his mind. Trying to seriously tour the entire ce would take forever.

    "Let''s simply break all the walls?"

    "I think that would take forever instead."

    Fianna shook her head and took out a metal lock from her bosom.

    "Let me check each door for the flow of the leylines."

    "This would also take some time... But that''s all we could do."

    Just as Kamito nodded¡ª

    "Yah... Hot!"

    Suddenly, intense mes gushed out from Fianna''s spirit seal on her right hand.

    The mes spun in midair and transformed into a ming hell cat.

    "...Scarlet?"

    Fianna murmured with a shocked expression.

    ...Apparently, Scarlet had manifested by her own will rather than being summoned.

    Landing on the ground, Scarlet nimbly ran towards the depths of this floor. Kamito expected her to linger and circle in front of the six doors, but Scarlet raised her tail in front of the door carved with patterns of mes.

    "Maybe that leads to ire''s location?"

    "Meow¡ª!"

    Scarlet raised a front limb lightly.

    "How could this be possible? To track down ire''s divine power even when the contract had been nullified."

    "As expected of Scarlet."

    Eximing at the same time, Kamito recalled the red-haired cat girl.

    The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde. Even though she did not retain her memories from her hell cat form, Kamito could feel how she misses her master ire based on Scarlet''s current movements.

    "We''re relying on you to lead the way, Scarlet."

    Kamito and Fianna were making their way across the floor when¡ª

    Apanied by an astounding noise, suddenly, the ceiling copsed¡ª!

    "...Est!"

    Kamito instantly drew the Demon yer and chopped apart the massive falling stones.

    Standing upright to protect Fianna, he chopped away at the scattered debris.

    Rumble. Massive stones shattered into pieces. Instantly, a dust cloud filled the air.

    "Cough, cough cough... Fianna, you okay?"

    "Ah, yeah..."

    Exhausted, Fianna sat on the ground, resting against Scarlet.

    "...What happened?"

    Kamito looked up¡ª

    A huge hole had suddenly opened up on the ceiling.

    And down below, a massive object was writhing restlessly.

    As the flying dust cleared, Kamito finally saw its figure.

    "That is..."

    With numerous roots squirming around, a tree monster in pain.

    "...Lily me''s Titania?"

    The spirit that had caused Ellis much suffering through the numerous poisons it produced in its body.

    However, the demon tree spirit''s life was currently like a dying candle in the wind.

    (Who could have done this...?)

    The answer to the question descended from above.

    As if delivering a final blow to the suffering demon tree spirit, a massive ck bodynded on it.

    "...Dragon!?"

    A massive demon dragon with teeth of steel and jet ck scales had appeared.

    The demon dragon''s sharp ws swiped at the tree,pletely preventing it from moving.

    ROOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    With a fearsome roar, the dragon released a heat beam from super close range.

    The demon tree spirit instantly caught on fire and dissipated into particles of light.

    (What astounding power...)

    Just as Kamito trembled in his heart¡ª

    "...Hmm, this is the end, is it..."

    From the demon tree spirit''s massive flower bud, a girl crawled out.

    Red eyes and beautiful jade-green hair. She was Team Inferno''s Lily me.

    Having lost her contracted spirit, she copsed on the floor without seeming to offer any intention to resist.

    And towards her¡ª

    "...Jeez. How troublesome to handle."

    A girl''s voice, very familiar to Kamito, reverberated throughout the entire floor.

 Volume 10, 7 - Blade Dance of the Dragon Princess

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 7 - de Dance of the Dragon Princess</h4>

    Part 1

    Jumping down from the demon dragon''s head was a female knight dressed in the military uniform of the country of dragons.

    ck hair neatly trimmed to shoulder length. A white beret on her head.

    The Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s strongest ace¡ªLeonora Lancaster.

    Gazing down at Lily copsed on the ground, Leonora shrugged slightly.

    "Amazing of you to fight me to this extent. Commendable."

    "...!"

    Despite receiving praise, Lily could only bite her lip in chagrin.

    "...A thousand apologies... Cardinal..."

    Leonora offered a knight''s salute before taking away Lily''s magic stone.

    Having lost her magic stone, Lily''s body disappeared as particles of light.

    An imposed transfer to Ragna Ys through teleportation magic.

    Without saying a word, Kamito could only watch silently.

    Because tainting another elementalist''s de dance through interference was contrary to etiquette.

    "Okay¡ª"

    Then Leonora turned towards Kamito.

    Naturally, she noticed Kamito''s group.

    "Kamito, did youe here aiming for the same prey?"

    "..."

    Despite the familiarity in Leonora''s opening remark¡ª

    Kamito understood very well.

    Leonora Lancaster''s true nature was like a ferocious dragon.

    Noble-minded and elegant, fully of chivalry¡ªand above all, loyal to herbat instincts.

    Leonora''s ck eyes gleamed with delight.

    She was like a dragon that had found its ideal prey.

    (...However, she doesn''t look like she''s currently being controlled by Dragon Blood.)

    Kamito groaned to himself.

    ¡ªVery likely, she was going to be even tougher to handle than during theirst battle.

    An elementalist''s intuition told him.

    "You havee here to defeat Ren Ashbell as well?"

    "Yes, because she is the most powerful prey in the current de Dance festival."

    Leonora nodded.

    "Then I have a suggestion¡ª"

    Kamito decided to try his luck and request they work together, however:

    "However, that prey is slightly less attractive than having a de dance with you."

    "...!"

    Leonora released a battle aura that instantly caused shudders down Kamito''s spine.

    The demon dragon Nidhogg proceeded to moan softly, its ferocious eyes shing brightly.

    Then¡ª

    "¡ªDivine soul of the jet ck evil dragon, turn into the power in my hand!"

    Heeding Leonora''s call, the dragon spirit Nidhogg transformed into a massive sword whose length equaled her height¡ªthe Dragon yer elemental waffe.

    (...Negotiations won''t work, apparently.)

    Left without a choice, Kamito readied the Demon yer.

    As much as he wanted to save ire as quickly as possible¡ª

    Perhaps due to the battle against Lily, Leonora''s fighting spirit was roused to a maximum.

    This wild dragon probably could not be brought under control without a fight.

    (...Besides, I already promised her.)

    ¡ªThe next time we speak, we will have a de dance together.

    Back then, Kamito had indeed agreed to her proposal.

    The de Dance stage was where de dances were performed as offerings by elementalists with their respective Wishes on the line. One was not supposed to evade battle when faced with direct challenges.

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Worried, Fianna grabbed Kamito''s sleeve.

    "Don''t worry. It''ll be over quickly."

    Kamito stared at Leonora before him as he spoke.

    Naturally, this did not imply that Leonora was easy to defeat. What Kamito meant was that this de dance was a sh of strength rather than a contest of skill, hence it was going to be a quick decisive match¡ªThat was what he was trying to say.

    (...In that sense, I must thank Leonora.)

    If Kamito had to face Lily who was skilled in taking advantages of openings, surely he would be dragged into a rather lengthy and protracted battle.

    "...I understand."

    Fianna swiftly moved towards the wall.

    Scarlet simply sat obediently in front of the door.

    "¡ªThis is it, Leonora."

    Facing Leonora, Kamito infused divine power into the Demon yer.

    "I have no intention of engaging in a graceful de¡ªLet''s attack with full strength on the get go."

    "¡ªAs you wish, Kamito."

    The strongest ace of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor smiled happily.

    Part 2

    "Captain, are you still able to continue?"

    "Of course. Do not underestimate a Fahrengart knight."

    Rinslet''s magic bow produced a rain of hailstones while Ellis'' gales blew intensely. The de dance performed at the entrance of the Lost Cathedral was intensifying.

    "Dragon king of ice who sleeps in a prison of frost, release your breath¡ªBreath of Ice!"

    Yelling loudly, Rinslet released an arrow.

    The magical ice arrow''s payload of wide area spirit magic exploded in midair. All the demon spirits appearing in the air were frozen.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    At the same time, Ellis swung Ray Hawk as she flew in the air using wind magic.

    The massive ice block shattered along with the demon spirits trapped within.

    "Fahrengart style of the spear¡ªsh Blossom!"

    As Ellisnded on the ground, only shattered fragments of ice remained fluttering in the air.

    "Hmph, Laurenfrost snow never stops!"

    Rinslet dered proudly as she tossed her tinum-blonde hair.

    "Pay attention. Carelessness is your bad habit."

    "S-Shut up!"

    Ignoring Rinslet''s raised eyebrows, Ellis turned to face Sjora.

    Although the demon spirit swarm was notpletely wiped out, its numbers had thinned greatly.

    However, the witch continued to smile withposure.

    "Do not look down on us, Sjora Kahn."

    Ellis readied Ray Hawk and gathered wind around the spear tip.

    Rinslet also nocked a new arrow of ice and aimed at the witch.

    "We lost in the past, but given our current selves, keeping you upied here is within our ability."

    "...Hmph."

    Sjora ced a fingertip on her lip and jeered.

    "...!"

    The repulsive smile sent chills down one''s back.

    "¡ªJust so you know, it was intentional."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "I am saying that I intentionally allowed Kazehaya Kamito to go first."

    Snickering¡ªthe vivid red lips twisted into a crescent.

    Her sheer silken garment fluttering lightly, Sjora walked amidst the demon spirit swarm.

    "As for me, I''mpletely uninterested in that woman''s n. Apletely ignorant and tragic princess¡ªAt the very most, she is going to simply die while cursing the world."

    "...What are you talking about?"

    "Me, I simply want Kazehaya Kamito¡ªthe Demon King''s body. That''s all."

    Sjora raised her arm in the air and began to chant to summon a contracted spirit.

    "...Tsk, are you intending to transform into Ren Ashbell again?"

    Ellis clicked her tongue disapprovingly. Sjora Kahn''s contracted spirit, Baldanders, possessed the power to copy a target''s appearance and abilities. Once summoned, things would get quite challenging.

    "You''re not going to have your way!"

    Rinslet instantly released a shower of ice arrows¡ª

    However, the descending ice arrows were sessively blocked by the swarm of demon spirits.

    "...Damn it!"

    In that case¡ªThinking that, Ellis held Ray Hawk and charged.

    ¡ªHowever, it was a step toote.

    A massive magic circle appeared above Sjora''s head.

    A in white hand appeared out from the air.

    "...Not Baldanders!?"

    Ellis'' eyes of sienna were staring wide.

    At the same time, her instincts could feel it. ¡ªThis was a dangerous spirit.

    "Fufu, once in the Demon King''s service in the past, one of the seventy-two spirits¡ª"

    Sjora''s mouth lightly whispered its true name.

    "The one who takes everything by force¡ªBandersnatch."

    Part 3

    The sound of ceiling fragments falling down signaled the beginning of the de dance.

    (¡ªDecide the match in the first stroke.)

    Holding the shining Demon yer in one hand, Kamito took half a step sideways.

    The fastest sh. Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning''s posture.

    The wind from Leonora''s sword swept up debris as she charged. Raising the Dragon yer overhead in preparation for a downward chop, she intended to decide the victor with a one-hit-kill just as she dered.

    Leonora''s elemental waffe was a massive sword, unsuited for turning back for defense.

    Using it preemptively in a charging assault was the logical thing to do.

    (If I get hit directly I''ll probably get blown away in one hit.)

    The pressure bursting from the sword made Leonora seem like apletely different personpared to before. Even back when she was rampaging from the Dragon Blood''s effects, Kamito did not feel such an intimidating presence from her.

    Probably because she was no longer confused? Something had changed her sword.

    Kamito could not be sure what the actual reason was.

    (...However, I can''t lose either!)

    Just as the wind from the sword swept across the top of his hair, in that very instant¡ª

    Kamito took a step with explosive power from his legs.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning."

    A sh of the de akin to lightning.

    Its true essence¡ªnothing but a simple straight thrust.

    Even so, it was a technique that reached an entirely different dimension when taken to the limit.

    In a battle against an elementalist, it could be described as a one-hit kill. In the first match during the de Dance three years ago, this was precisely the move that struck down Velsaria and the Silent Fortress with one strike of the sword.

    (¡ªSess!)

    Evading the front tip of the massive sword by the slimmest of margins, Kamito followed his momentum to crash towards Leonora''s chest.

    As sparks flew from the friction between steel, then¡ª

    (¡ªWhat!?)

    An acute metallic noise rang out.

    The trajectory of Kamito''s sword was deflected slightly by an invisible obstacle.

    (¡ªProtective spirit magic!?)

    Kamito clicked his tongue mentally.

    Very likely, she had cast it when charging.

    (...She swept up the debris cunningly to avoid her chanting from being detected?)

    Although spirit magic with the dragon attribute was hard to control and not very versatile, it was the strongest ss in terms of physical enhancement of the body. Also, rather than covering the entire body, it achieved its effects by shrinking the defensive area or raising its strength to the maximum limit.

    For example, had Kamito aimed for her throat instead of her chest, the match would be over already. However, Leonora saw through his target most splendidly.

    Instincts built from a solid foundation of experience¡ªIndeed she was an elementalist among the best of the best.

    Although the deflected sh swept over her shoulder, Leonora continued to charge and collided using her entire weight.

    Crash¡ªthe blunt sound of violent impact between bones was heard.

    Kamito''s body was sent flying, crashing into the ground a distance away.

    Leonora should have experienced the same impact but did not seem injured at all. This was because a contract with a dragon spirit conferred physical reinforcement upon her body.

    (Hmm...)

    Finding his vision shaking violently, Kamito had apparently suffered a concussion.

    Even so, Kamito was still able to discern the approaching danger and swiftly jumped aside.

    In that instant, the Dragon yer swung down. The instant the floor made of spirit crystal was struck by the tip of the sword, sparks flew and the floor shattered like ss.

    Terminus Est was surely capable of enduring a blow from the Dragon yer, but the wielder Kamito was a separate matter. He had no wish to engage in a battle of pure strength against a dragon elementalist whose body was physically strengthened.

    "Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna''s scream was heard.

    Following the momentum of his sideways leap, Kamito stepped on the wall, took a somersault and readjusted his stance.

    Although Leonora''s arm strength was immense, allowing her to swing the massive sword freely, the downside to these highly destructive single strikes was the great range of motion required for the swings.

    ¡ªTaking advantage of the momentary opening, Kamito instantly charged.

    (This will work...!)

    His gaze met with Leonora who was about to swing her great sword.

    Turning the hilt that was carved with a dragon towards him¡ª

    (...!)

    A certain thought shed through Kamito''s mind.

    The instant before he stepped into the opening, he shifted his center of gravity slightly.

    Immediately, a crimson heat beam was fired from the dragon carving.

    The heat beam flew over Kamito''s neck, destroying the wall behind himpletely.

    "...So it''s capable of a trick like that!"

    Giving no time for a breather, the Dragon yer swept horizontally.

    The intense wind from the sword caused Kamito to lose bnce.

    Leonora did not miss the excellent opportunity. Instantly, she shifted her grip on the sword''s hilt and swung it up high.

    "Yes...!"

    "...!"

    At this distance, even if Kamito could dodge the sword itself, he would still be smashed by the shockwave¡ª

    (...Please endure this for a while, Est!)

    Kamito infused maximum divine power into the Demon yer and blocked the hit.

    Light shed past. The impact sounded as if the noise would rupture eardrums.

    "Gah... Ohhhh...."

    Kamito barely managed to block the sword.

    "It''s not... Over...!"

    However, Kamito was pushed down by the momentum.

    "...This, monstrous strength...!"

    "Hoho, I''ll take that as apliment."

    Amidst the crossed swords, Leonora''s bright red face pressed near before Kamito''s eyes.

    It was an expression filled with utter enjoyment of this de dance.

    Watching her pure and innocent expression, Kamito felt as though he would be mesmerized in an instant.

    "I have never had such a rousing and exhrating de dance before, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "I am honored to hear that."

    Kamito rxed the tension in his face and smiled wryly.

    "You''re ratherposed here. But even for you, reversing this unfavorable posture would be¡ª"

    Halfway through her sentence, Leonora''s face froze.

    An intense sh of light was being generated from Kamito''s leather-gloved left hand.

    A short sword of steel manifested in that hand.

    This was the only spirit magic that Kamito knew, Weapon Forging.

    With a sh of the short sword''s de, Kamito shed lightly through Leonora''s fingers which she was using to grip her weapon.

    There was no bleeding because physical damage was instantly converted into psychological damage. However, the pain caused Leonora to frown and weakened the sword''s force slightly.

    Instantly, Kamito parried the sword to the side and escaped from his position of being pressed down. Then¡ª

    "Because this does not belong to orthodox swordsmanship, Greyworth used to correct me¡ª"

    Holding the short sword and the Demon yer in his left and right hands respectively, Kamito exined.

    "I actually started out as a dual wielder!"

    "Hmm..."

    Crashing towards Leonora''s chest while she was still off-bnce, Kamito made sharp slices with the short sword. As soon as Leonora switched to defense, he immediately attacked using the Demon yer.

    As sparks flew and scattered from the exchange of offense and defense, it looked like a magnificent dance to an observer¡ªhence that was why duels between elementalists were known as de dances.

    Then the brief dance finally approached its conclusion.

    "¡ªO demon dragon Nidhogg, unleash your wrath in my sword!"

    Heeding Leonora''s call, the Dragon yer''s de shone brightly.

    "Magical equipment release¡ªBalmung is its name!"

    "Unbelievable, magical equipment release...!?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened.

    Magical equipment release¡ªIn other words, an elemental waffe''s release of its true name. Depending on the type of the spirit being used, a contracted spirit''s normally restrained power could be unleashed all at once.

    The howling winds of the sword instantly vaporized the short sword created by Weapon Forging and even pushed Terminus Est back.

    Leonora was surrounded by a golden-colored tornado.

    ¡ªNo, that was not wind. Rather, the burgeoning divine power was being released from all over her body to an extent that was visible to the naked eye.

    (She''s gambling everything on this move to decide the battle huh¡ª!)

    The initial exchanges were all undertaken in preparation for this move, because activating the magical equipment release required rousing the elemental waffe through a de dance.

    (...However, magical equipment releases are extremely dangerous.)

    Releasing restraints was synonymous to letting a spirit go into a berserk state temporarily.

    Expanding divine power gushed from Leonora''s surroundings. This was proof that her demon spirit was forcibly releasing divine power.

    In this kind of situation, even someone of Leonora''s caliber could not sustain this for long.

    "You said you hoped for a swift duel, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    Leonora lifted the Dragon yer above her head. Its rumbling howls became even louder.

    "This is my strongest sword¡ª"

    "Fianna, protect yourself well!"

    Kamito shouted out hastily.

    Even though Leonora had no such intentions, it was currently very easy for Fianna to get caught up into things.

    (If possible, I want to save that move for thest, but...)

    Kamito knew he would be defeated unless he went all out. In that case¡ª

    (Est, I''m relying on you!)

    ¡ªYes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand!

    Kamito heard Est''s voice in his mind.

    At the same time, the Demon yer''s de gave off light several times brighter than usual.

    Kamito took half a step to the side and quietly stayed still as he waited for Leonora''s next move.

    The posture he took was that of a counterattack, the strongest anti-elementalist form.

    In her current state, Leonora was fully adequate as an opponent. This was an excellent opportunity for Kamito to test if he had truly mastered his understanding of Greyworth''s secret technique.

    To take on the strongest sword head on.

    Were he to lose here, it implied that Kamito could not hope to defeat Rubia Elstein.

    "¡ªO dragon, devour my body and unleash your wrath!"

    Leonora roared.

    Balmung shone with golden splendor as it chopped right down at Kamito¡ª

    In that instant, Kamito took action.

    The Absolute de''s secret technique was no ordinary sword counter. One needed to sense the flow of divine power in the iing attack and synchronize with the flow while engaging in the de dance¡ªIts true essence could be described as closer to a princess maiden''s ritual dance performance inparison to a de dance.

    Then¡ª

    (In the instant the des sh, cut the root of the flow¡ª)

    Rather than relying on vision, one had to see through by feeling.

    A failed activation of the technique would lead to nothing but defeat.

    The Demon yer and the Dragon yer. The two swords collided with each other.

    A sh of light erupted¡ªKamito was able to see within it.

    The root where the flow of divine power was concentrated.

    "Absolute de Arts, Final Form¡ªLast Strike!"

    An instantaneous sh of the sword shattered the Dragon yer and skewered Leonora.

    Part 4

    A de dance between elementalists of the highest ss.

    In terms of time, it was so brief that it did not evenst a minute.

    However, Leonora''s face disyed satisfaction as shey copsed on the floor.

    "Kamito, thank you..."

    Panting, her chest heaving up and down, Leonora still smiled.

    "...For a most splendid de dance performed together with you."

    Caught unaware by her sincere smile, Kamito felt his heart racing.

    Apparently, Leonora no longer had the strength to stand up. Nevertheless, for her to maintain her consciousness after being struck by the Absolute de''s secret technique, she truly lived up to her reputation.

    (...Oh well, it can''t really be consideredplete.)

    While his gaze was drawn to his numb right hand, he breathed a sigh of relief for her safety.

    Indeed, the very instant before he unleashed the secret technique, Kamito had slightly loosened the strength of his fingers'' grip.

    As a result, the secret technique was not performed in aplete manner.

    He did not inflict a critical wound on Leonora because¡ª

    "Kamito..."

    Leonora spoke up at this time.

    "My magic stone is kept in my bosom. As the winner, please take it."

    "In your bosom!?"

    Kamito could not help but find his gaze drawn to Leonora''s two massive bulges.

    At the same time, he recalled something else.

    During the Water Elemental Festival before the finals, Kamito had stared directly at her naked chest due to unavoidable circumstances.

    "D-Don''t be an idiot, how could I take it out like that!?"

    Frantically, Kamito shifted his gaze away.

    "Last time, weren''t you searching my chest once?"

    Leonora pouted angrily.

    "Ah, that time, yeah, uh..."

    Just as Kamito stammered...

    "Hey Kamito-kun, what is the meaning of this chest searching?"

    "Meow¡ª?"

    "...!"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Kamito looked back apprehensively to find the imperial princess bearing a lovely smile.

    ...For some unknown reason, Scarlet also seemed to be getting angry.

    "No, that... A-Anyway, putting that aside, could you get out a healing stone instead?"

    Kamito frantically changed the subject.

    "..."

    Fianna continued to re at Kamito with an icy-cold gaze.

    "Geez, you''re hopeless."

    Nevertheless, she took out a healing stone from her bosom and handed it to Kamito with a sigh.

    But rather than using it on himself, Kamito gripped Leonora''s hand around it.

    "W-Wait a minute, Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna jumped in fright.

    Given the weight restrictions of the de dance festival, the healing stone was a precious recovery tool. Handing it over for an enemy team''s ace to use was outrageously unwise.

    "Kamito, what is the meaning of this?"

    The one most confused was Leonora herself.

    "Are you pitying me?"

    She stared sharply at Kamito.

    "No, that''s not the idea."

    Kamito shook his head and refuted.

    "Sorry, Leonora, but I have a request for you."

    This was precisely the reason why Kamito had held back the instant when he unleashed the secret technique.

    Bending over, Kamito whispered by Leonora''s ear.

    ...After listening, Leonora:

    "...Don''t worry about it. Consider it my return gift for your de dancing together with me."

    She nodded, still lying on the ground.

    "Much appreciated."

    Kamito stood up and faced Fianna.

    "¡ªThank you for your patience. Let''s go now."

    Part 5

    "...Guh... Oooh, ooh..."

    Imprisoned, ire''s body was being devoured by darkness as she struggled stubbornly.

    Very soon, the cries of the newborn Darkness Queen shall be heard.

    "...Amazing. To think you still have the willpower to resist."

    Dressed in a pure white ritual outfit, Rubia Elstein eximed in admiration.

    A specially trained princess maiden might fare differently, but one would expect a rapid fall when corroded by thisrge amount of darkness.

    "¡ªAs expected of the Elstein''s bloodline."

    "...Who are you? Why are you doing this, doing something so cruel!?"

    ire cried out persistently as if in a dream. Apparently, her memories were already mixed up or eliminated. Even when she saw Rubia''s face, ire no longer recognized her elder sister.

    Unfazed, Rubia continued chanting a spiritnguage prayer.

    This was a blessing for princess maidens who were chosen as Queens.

    However, instead of using one of the Five Great Elemental Lords, the name woven into the blessing was of the Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll whose existence had been purged.

    "I hate this... No... Don''t want..."

    "Rest assured. You''ll feel a lot better once you fall."

    Whispering gently, Rubia stroked her younger sister''s red hair.

    Back when ire was young, this was how Rubia lulled her to sleep whenever she was crying.

    The darkness continued to devour ire''s memories¡ªwhether memories of pain or happiness, all were treated equally.

    Rubia did not think this could make up for what she had done to ire.

    Even so, she wished to grant her younger sister some sense of sce.

    "¡ªWille, that person wille."

    "...?"

    "¡ªThat person, surely... Wille to rescue me."

    ire''s soul-less eyes once again lit up with brightness.

    Rubia was taken slightly aback.

    (...Who is she talking about?)

    Her memories rted to Kazehaya Kamito should have been erased already.

    ire and Kamito encountered each other at the Academy a mere two months ago.

    Let alone his name, even his face should no longer be possible to recall.

    "Ren Ashbell-sama will surely..."

    "..."

    Hearing the words escaping from ire''s lips, Rubia sighed lightly.

    ire probably had not realized that the true identity of the past Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, was Kamito. She was simply making dream talk because her memories were confused, probably.

    "ire, the one to receive you will not be the Strongest de Dancer but the Demon King."

    As she murmured, Rubia felt faint vibrations beneath her feet.

    (Dracunia''s princess? No¡ª)

    ¡ªBathump. Her heart stung with pain.

    Rubia''s body sensed the presence of the awakening Demon King.

    "Apparently, Sjora Kahn''s dying failed."

    Or rather, it was the witch''s doing. The possibility existed for her to let him through intentionally¡ª

    "¡ªVery well. I shall personally give you the final push to awaken."

    Rubia lifted up her pure white ritual outfit and stood up lightly.

    "...I''m sorry, ire."

    Before walking out the door, she shifted her gaze away from her younger sister and whispered.

    "When everything is all finished, I shall be incinerated by the mes of congration to atone for my sins."

    This was the fate of the Sacred Maiden who brings salvation to the world.

    With a snap and rustling¡ªthe heavy ritual attire was shed off.

    Illuminated by the flickering mes, the graceful curves of a beautiful nude body were revealed.

    The pale white skin was covered entirely by ck patterns.

    Carved on her body were countless Cursed Armament Seals.

 Volume 10, 8 - Laevateinn

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 8 - Laevateinn</h4>

    Part 1

    In the spiral staircase that rose into the sky, the sound of hard footsteps could be heard.

    Chasing after Scarlet as she leaped nimbly, Kamito and Fianna sprinted.

    The third floor was already smashed to unrecognizable levels by Leonora and Lily''s fight. Weaving nimbly through the corridors where copsed stone columns piled over one another, Scarlet ran across.

    "W-Wait up... Humans can''t really pass through this kind of ce!"

    However, these restraining words came toote and could no longer reach Scarlet on the other side.

    Left with no other recourse, Kamito tried to find a way around¡ª

    "...We should be able to climb over there... Hmm!?"

    Suddenly, Kamito held his chest and bent over.

    "W-Wait up, Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna frantically supported Kamito''s back.

    "...Are you okay? Could it be that the battle just now¡ª"

    "No, it''s nothing."

    As sweat appeared on his forehead, Kamito shook his head.

    "However..."

    "Hurry. I have a bad feeling about what''sing."

    Kamito stood up and continued to chase after Scarlet.

    (...My endurance will reach a limit sooner orter.)

    Even though a healing stone was taking effect on his body right now, the body''s fatigue could not be recovered so simply.

    Due to the effects of performing the Absolute de''s secret technique, the Last Strike, his entire body''s muscles were screaming in pain.

    Although during his days at the Instructional School, Kamito had learntbat skills for self-suggestion to alleviate the body''s pain, he did not dare use these techniques.

    Relieving pain was essentially dulling of the senses. In a de dance against aparable opponent, it would be fatal.

    Passing through the corridor, they mounted the spiral staircase once more¡ª

    Finally, the door to a new floor appeared before them.

    "Is this the fourth floor...?"

    Opening the door, they discovered a floor roughly just as vast as the third floor.

    The ceiling was held up by arched pirs. Carved on the ground, a massive magic circle glowed faintly, lighting up the entire space.

    The instant they stepped on this floor¡ª

    Kamito could feel divine power coursing through his entire body.

    "...What is this?"

    "The power in the leylines has gathered together. Because this is the Lost Cathedral''s core function."

    "...In other words, we''re close."

    "Yes. ire should be just up ahead."

    Fianna nodded. Before them, Scarlet''s mes could be seen flickering ahead.

    Wagging its tail, she seemed to be urging them to hurry.

    "Very well, let''s go."

    Resolving himself, Kamito was just about to take a step forward¡ª

    ¡ªThrob.

    "...Ooh... Ah, guh...!"

    Intense pain like being pricked by needles caused Kamito to groan in pain.

    ¡ªThrob. Throb. Throb.

    No ordinary pain. This was¡ª

    (...Damn, it... Came again, did it...)

    ¡ªKamito, going any further

    An unknown voice, very simr to Restia''s.

    ¡ªWithout awakening the Demon King''s power, you definitely cannot defeat her.

    (...Mind your... own business...!)

    Against the murmurs resounding in his mind, Kamito desperately resisted.

    "...Kamito-kun?"

    "Fianna, stay away from me a little more...!"

    Hearing Kamito''s sharp voice, Fianna suddenly stared with her eyes wide open.

    "You''re hearing that voice again?"

    Kamito crouched down silently and covered his ears with his hands.

    However, as if mocking Kamito''s efforts, the voice continued to whisper.

    ¡ªForm a contract with me, Kamito.

    ¡ªThen I can grant you the Demon King''s power, allowing you to rule the world.

    (...Stop it! I don''t need that kind of thing!)

    The shapeless darkness eroded his consciousness.

    This was not theforting darkness of night.

    Not the mysterious darkness under Restia''s rule.

    Instead, this was an astoundingly otherworldly darkness.

    Resembling the Wish that devoured her three years ago on that day.

    The cruel and merciless darkness that devoured the warm heart Restia had given him, devoured his memories of the preciousrades he met at the Academy, and even devoured everything.

    (Stop, it... Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhhh...!)

    "Please be calm, Kamito."

    Suddenly, Kamito found himself being hugged by a pair of slender arms.

    A supple sensation enveloped him. Beautiful silver-white hair brushed against his face.

    "Es...t...?"

    The sacred sword hanging by his waist had transformed back into a girl without him knowing.

    "Kamito, don''t worry. I am here."

    Her slender arms wrapped around his neck as Est whispered softly.

    The phosphorescence of her silver-white hair covered Kamito''s entire body.

    (...My headache... Is gone?)

    At the same time, that voice which had been so clear earlier could no longer be heard.

    Terminus Est was both a demon sword with an umted curse and also a sword that could dispel all magical effects. Simr to how she sealed away the Brand of Darkness Rubia had carvedst time, she now sealed away the voice tempting Kamito towards the darkness.

    Soon after, the phosphorescence enveloping Kamito vanished and his headache was gone.

    As Est released her arms gently, Kamito slowly stood up.

    "...I''m fine now. Thank you, Est."

    As Kamito stroked Est''s head, she half-closed her eyes in enjoyment.

    "Kamito-kun... Are you seriously okay?"

    "Yeah... Sorry for making you worry."

    Kamito thanked Fianna for worrying about him.

    "...Let''s move on. Otherwise, the headaches mighte again."

    "Yeah, you''re right..."

    Fianna nodded, still showing a worried expression.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Meow¡ª!"

    "...?"

    Scarlet was waving her tail intensely in this dimly lit floor.

    Kamito turned his gaze towards Scarlet and in that very instant¡ª

    Crimson pirs of fire erupted from the magic circle that covered the floor.

    "...What!?"

    As the intense, swirling mes drove away the darkness, the vast floor''s entire appearance could be seen for the first time.

    In the furthest depths of the floor, the door to the top level opened slowly with a low sound.

    Then¡ª

    "Even now, do you still refuse to awaken as the Demon King, Kazehaya Kamito?"

    ¡ªShe appeared there.

    With ming red hair and crystal-clear eyes of ruby.

    The scarlet mask removed, showing her true face to all¡ªthe other Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    "...Rubia Elstein."

    Kamito''s forehead sweated as he called out her name softly.

    Indeed, her facial features resembled her younger sister greatly.

    ¡ªKamito could not help but find the word "pretty" surface in his mind.

    Walking amidst the bursting crimson mes, the figure of the Cmity Queen exuded a tragic sense of beauty.

    "I have already cast that name away four years ago."

    Rubia answered without much feeling.

    "Then your current name is the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell?"

    "Whether I am worthy of that name or not, that shall be determined here."

    She was unfazed by Kamito''s sarcasm.

    Walking to the center of the floor, she stopped.

    She was ten and a half steps away¡ªa distance that could be crossed within the blink of an eye.

    "¡ªGive ire back."

    "She has already fallen to darkness. All that is left is your awakening."

    "...!"

    Kamito stared with his eyes wide open¡ª

    (Am I toote again?)

    Then he clenched his fist tightly.

    (...No, it hasn''t ended yet.)

    Even if ire had fallen and be the Darkness Queen, so long as Kamito did not awaken as the Demon King, there was still a chance to save her.

    "ire is your sister, you know."

    "Indeed. Having inherited the same blood of fire¡ªwhich is why she is qualified to be a Queen."

    "If only you were as cute as ire."

    Kamito suppressed his anger as he spoke.

    "Don''t me me if I show no mercy."

    ...By this point, there was no room for negotiations.

    Kamitomunicated with his eyes with Fianna behind him, gesturing for her to retreat to the wall.

    As much as he would like to have Save the Queen''s support, given Fianna''s dual contract state with Scarlet, releasing her elemental waffe would be too much of a challenge.

    Kamito gripped Est''s hand as she stood beside him.

    "Est, I''m relying on you."

    "Yes, Kamito¡ªI am your sword, your wish is mymand."

    Est''s body dissipated into the air as particles of light¡ª

    Immediately, the Demon yer appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    "The strongest de dancer, Ren Ashbell¡ªreturn that title to me!"

    "¡ªCome with everything you''ve got, Demon King''s sessor."

    Thus began the de dance between the two Strongest de Dancers, both Ren Ashbell.

    Part 2

    The spewing pirs of fire signaled the opening.

    "Let''s go, Est!"

    Letting divine power concentrated in his legs explode, Kamito kicked the ground intensely.

    Carrying the dazzling Demon yer, he rushed like a sh of light.

    Kamito pulled out all stops and went with full power from the very start. After all, his opponent was not someone whom one could afford to hold back against and still hope for victory.

    Rubia Elstein was not wielding an elemental waffe.

    Simply waving her finger to one side, she moved her lips slightly.

    A tiny fireball appeared in midair¡ªand expanded instantly.

    (...Is this a fireball!?)

    The fireball was the most popr move amongst all offensive magic with the me attribute. Even for Kamito who was unskilled with all types of spirit magic, he understood a fair amount about it because the fireball was ire''s prided technique.

    Kamito instantly discerned the fireball''s attack range and slightly adjusted his route of advance. His aim was simply to avoid a direct hit and to ride upon the wake of the exploding wind to make his attack.

    Rubia released the giant fireball from her hand.

    The fireball struck the ground before Kamito directly, producing explosive wind as intense mes swirled.

    The unexpected power knocked Kamito from the side, causing him to strike the floor.

    (...It''s so powerful!)

    As his entire body hurt, Kamitomented.

    Despite being the same fireball magic that ire used, the level of power was as different as heaven and earth.

    (I guess I should say, as expected of the former Queen¡ª)

    Kamito instantly reformed his stance and readied his sword.

    However, Rubia had already finished her next chant.

    "¡ªCome out from the gates of fiery hell, scorching hunting hounds."

    Out from a magic circle that appeared in the air, three fiery Hellhounds were summoned, pouncing at Kamito from three different directions.

    "¡ªToo slow."

    The sweeping ws of me simply passed through empty space.

    Taking a leap with his explosive leg power, Kamito jumped straight up.

    Switching the Demon yer to a reverse grip in midair¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    With a sh of the sword¡ªthe three hounds were shed in one stroke of the sword.

    "The sleeping king of the volcano, release your breath¡ªme Howl."

    Without giving him a single moment of respite, mes in the form of a massive dragon attacked Kamito. Capturing Kamito''s movements with god-like speed, the fire dragon chased closely after him.

    (Auto-tracking magic huh?)

    Clicking his tongue, Kamito halted his footsteps.

    Turning around in a semicircle, he smashed the fire dragon''s skull as he spun.

    The fire dragon writhed painfully on the floor before disappearing into the air.

    As sparks scattered all around, new pirs of fire spewed out.

    But even the mes of purgatory were nothing but ragged cloth in the face of Terminus Est''s excellent magical resistance.

    (¡ªThis is working! As long as Est is at full power.)

    Using the momentum from his spin, Kamito rushed forth instantly.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Closing the distance within the blink of an eye, he unleashed a powerful strike. However¡ª

    "...What!?"

    The sliced figure of Rubia disappeared without a trace amidst flickering mes.

    "...Tsk, a me mirage!"

    "¡ªI see that you have apparently recovered your senses to a levelparable to the past, Strongest de Dancer."

    Kamito felt a presence behind him.

    "...!"

    He immediately spun around to unleash a horizontal sh.

    However, Rubia evaded his sword with minimal movement.

    "Then I shall be a little more serious¡ª"

    Blue mes were generated in her hand.

    "Not even time can escape a frozen fate, congrating mes of absolute zero -- Frost ze."

    "Your mes do not work against my Est!"

    Kamito advanced without hesitation and made a second sh from the front.

    Absolute de Arts, Fourth Form¡ªze sh.

    The ritual sword technique for absorbing the me attribute, this was meant to be the trump card against Rubia.

    "Kamito-kun, don''t do it!"

    Fianna''s voice suddenly called out.

    (...Eh?)

    Instantly, Kamito began to doubt the phenomenon before his eyes.

    As soon as the tip of his sword touched the blue mes, the Demon yer''s de was frozen.

    "What¡ªthese mes are!?"

    Demonic mes capable of prating the Demon yer''s magical resistance of the highest ss.

    For mes to freeze other objects¡ªthis phenomenonpletely ran counter to Astral Zero''s principles.

    "This is the primordial me inherited by the Elstein bloodline¡ª"

    Receiving the frozen de with one hand, Rubia spoke.

    "True fire that transcends the power of the Five Great Elemental Lords."

    The erupting blue mes gradually froze Terminus Est''s de.

    Crish¡ªa dry sound of something breaking rocked Kamito''s eardrums.

    (...Est is shattering!?)

    Kamito frantically withdrew his sword and leaped back.

    However, Rubia did not miss her chance.

    Carrying absolute-zero mes in her fist, she followed through and approached.

    "I can feel it, the awakening of the Demon King within you."

    "Why are you resurrecting the Demon King? What is your goal!?"

    Kamito yelled as he used the Demon yer to block the freezing mes.

    "A foolish question. The Demon King brings forth¡ªnothing but the destruction of this world."

    "¡ªThat''s not right."

    "Why would you think that?"

    "Because your eyes are the same as ire''s."

    "...What?"

    Rubia disyed wavering for the first time.

    Using this opening, Kamito swept away the blue mes and distanced himself.

    Rubia remained rooted to the spot, ring at Kamito with her burning eyes of ruby.

    "...Back when I first met ire, she had the same eyes."

    Hoping for victory in the de Dance, in order to learn the truth¡ª

    Back when ire dered her intentions, her eyes were extremely clear.

    However, it was also true that Kamito felt a certain sense of danger from the purity in those eyes.

    And currently, Kamito could feel the same sense of danger from Rubia''s eyes.

    Whatpelled her actions was definitely not ambition or desire.

    ¡ªBut an iparably pure sense of mission.

    "..."

    Rubia slowly put down her hand.

    Then¡ª

    "My goal is¡ªto use the Demon King''s power to exterminate the Elemental Lords."

    Calmly, she dered.

    "Exterminate the Elemental Lords... Come again?"

    Kamito''s eyes widened as he stammered in shock.

    This was because of that certain Wish¡ª

    "¡ªIndeed. Three years ago on that very day, you and the darkness spirit intended to realize that Wish."

    Rubia continued, as if reading Kamito''s mind.

    "¡ªThen you failed."

    "..."

    Hearing her cold words, Kamito held his breath.

    ¡ªIndeed, they had failed.

    Due to his memories being in a mess, Kamito could not recall what actually happened back then.

    However, the fact that the Elemental Lords continued to exist was clear beyond a doubt.

    "...Why?"

    Kamito spoke as if groaning.

    "Why do you want to kill the Elemental Lords?"

    He might have asked this particr question already, three years ago.

    In response to this question, how had the darkness spirit girl answered?

    "In order to rebuild this world."

    Rubia answered immediately.

    "Rebuild the world?"

    "Indeed. Destroying the Elemental Lords to create a world where spirits do not exist, that is my goal."

    "...What did you say!?"

    Pondering what that implied¡ªKamito could not help but tremble.

    The continent¡ªthe world''s order was founded upon the blessings provided by the spirits.

    If the power of spirits disappeared from the continent, the world would surely fall into great chaos.

    This was the reappearance of the Ranbal War as Greyworth feared¡ªNo, it would cause a great war that no other war in the past couldpare to.

    "...How many lives do you think you''ll sacrifice if you do that?"

    Kamito asked in a trembling voice.

    "Sacrifice huh¡ª"

    Rubia''s expression remainedpletely unchanged.

    "The price that all humans of the continent are obligated to pay for the sake of everything."

    Thus she asserted.

    "...Stop screwing around."

    Kamito gritted his teeth, his shoulders trembling.

    "For the sake of your goal... Hundreds of thousands, millions of people are going to be sacrificed."

    "Supposing that is the necessary sacrifice, I will not hesitate a single bit."

    "Then let me repeat myself¡ªStop screwing around."

    Immediately, Kamito''s body vanished from sight. A sh of light appeared for but an instant. Infusing the divine power from his entire body, Kamito shed at Rubia.

    Rubia''s Frost ze blocked the sword''s de¡ª

    "What!?"

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    But Kamito pushed the sword harder just like that.

    The shining light reflected diffusedly off the frozen ice.

    Sealing Rubia''s movements, Kamito yelled loudly.

    "Fianna, I''ll leave ire to you!"

    "...Understood!"

    She must have been biding her time carefully.

    Fianna ran at full speed without hesitation.

    "...Damn it!"

    Rubia instantly released Fireball magic with one hand.

    But before the massive fireball could devour Fianna¡ª

    A hell cat spirit jumped out from the shadows behind a pir, inserting herself in front of Fianna¡ª

    Striking Scarlet, the fireball was absorbed before it could explode.

    Passing through the burning mes, Fianna and Scarlet disappeared in the door''s direction.

    "That was careless of you. You forgot you are alone but we are a team."

    "¡ªIt is all futile. ire has already fallen to the darkness."

    "I don''t believe that willful littledy could fall so easily¡ª!"

    Yelling Kamito infused maximum divine power into the frozen Demon yer.

    Crack¡ª!

    The magical ice covering the de instantly shattered.

    "...Sorry, Est. I have to be a little rough."

    Panting, Kamito stabbed the sword into the floor.

    Blown away by the impact, Rubia murmured as she disyed an expression of disbelief.

    "How could this be possible, for you to shatter Frost ze..."

    "..."

    Kamito withdrew his sword from the floor and once again faced off, holding the sword with both hands.

    "Rubia Elstein. You are free to hold whatever ideals you want. However, when it involves unrted people, I cannot approve."

    A straight, prating gaze.

    Rubia epted such a gaze from Kamito head on with her eyes of ruby.

    ...For an instant, Kamito wondered if he was seeing things when he thought he saw the mes in her eyes waver.

    "You have no idea of the tragedies I have witnessed."

    "...?"

    ¡ªThe mood changed.

    The pirs of fire bursting all over the room extinguished.

    Like an omen before a storm, an instant of silence arrived.

    Then¡ª

    "Words without power to back them up are useless. I learned that the very day after I became Queen."

    The scorching air slowly revolved and gathered around Rubia.

    (...This amount of heat is astounding!)

    A wave of scorching heat made Kamito stomp his foot.

    The vortex of hot air caught fire all at once, turning into a howling tornado of me that began to dance.

    "Now let me show you¡ªthe strongest god-ying mes."

    "God-ying mes..."

    The strongest me spirit, the one that the Cmity Queen reputedly stole from the Fire Elemental Lord.

    The tornado of mes reached up to the ceiling and soon began to transform into some shape.

    The thing that appeared before Kamito''s eyes was¡ª

    Wrapped in crimson mes, an archdemon in the shape of a giant.

    "..."

    Kamito had seen It before.

    Unforgettable. Four years ago¡ªthat very day when the Instructional School was destroyed.

    "...! That was your doing, singlehandedly... Was it..."

    Kamito muttered hoarsely with shock.

    The archdemon-ss spirit that singlehandedly destroyed the Instructional School.

    "¡ªYes. Thinking back, from that moment onwards, I fear that our fates became intertwined."

    The archdemon of me knelt down before Rubia. As Rubia brought her fingers together and chanted the words of releasing in spiritnguage, the archdemon condensed itself into a crimson demon sword held in Rubia''s hands.

    With a swing of the demon sword in her hands¡ª

    "This is it, the strongest elemental waffe of the me attribute, Laevateinn."

    Rubia Elstein announced the name.

    Part 3

    "Huff, huff... W-What is that spirit!?"

    Wielding the magic bow of ice, Rinslet panted as she spoke.

    Sjora Kahn had summoned the demon spirit¡ªBandersnatch.

    Its appearance was a white sphere with two arms.

    The middle of the sphere had a huge opening that opened and closed like a mouth.

    Amongst spirits, demon spirits had particrly strange forms. This Bandersnatch was no exception. However, it was truly terrifying not because of its appearance¡ªbut because of its special ability.

    "...Hmm, I cannot believe my wind is being devoured..."

    Holding Ray Hawk, Ellis murmured in shock.

    Indeed, the demon spirit behaved as its name implied¡ªthe one who devoured everything.

    "¡ªIt''sing!"

    Rinslet warned.

    Bandersnatch opened wide its huge jaws, producing a rain of freezing fangs.

    These were the Freezing Arrows Rinslet had released earlier.

    "¡ªEvil winds, go forth and rampage!"

    Ellis hastily swung Ray Hawk, shattering the iing fangs of ice.

    However, engaging purely in defense was useless for it meant consuming divine power without achieving anything.

    The shattered ice turned into sharp des of ice that scratched Ellis'' face.

    "Captain! Damn it..."

    Unable to bear it, Rinslet prepared to release an arrow of ice¡ª

    "No! It will get devoured again!"

    "...!"

    But Ellis called out to stop her.

    ...Right, attacking that thing was a waste of effort.

    Or rather, it offered new power to it instead.

    Whether Rinslet''s magical ice or Ellis'' wind des, the monster had swallowed them all.

    "However, if this continues, the situation will only worsen!"

    "...Ooh, if only one could approach that thing¡ª"

    If the elemental waffe were used at close range for a direct attack, it should not be absorbed.

    ...However, it was impossible to approach. Having devoured the magical powers of both ice and wind, Bandersnatch was currently akin to an iron fortress.

    "Fufu, then I''ming?"

    Behind the howling winds of ice, Sjora Kahn''s noisy jeering could be heard.

    Then Bandersnatch''s spheral body suddenly shuddered.

    The winds of ice stopped, bringing an instant of silence, then¡ª

    The white sphere split through the middle, like gaping jaws¡ªjeering.

    "...W-What is going on?"

    Just as Rinslet whispered¡ª

    Bandersnatch vanished¡ª

    "...What!?"

    ¡ªOr rather, it jumped, using its arms to strike the ground.

    This unexpected movement caused Rinslet and Ellis to react toote.

    Rumble¡ªas the ground shook, Bandersnatchnded in front of Rinslet.

    "...Yah!"

    Rinslet screamed as she fired Freezing Arrows randomly.

    But the arrows of ice were all absorbed by the gaping jaws, disappearing all together.

    "How... could..."

    Rinslet stood there in shock.

    "Take this¡ª!"

    Ellis thrust Ray Hawk towards the monster''s arm.

    "...!?"

    But it was virtually useless.

    The monster grinned and extended a massive tongue towards Rinslet.

    "¡ªRinslet!"

    The astounding tongue was just about to swallow Rinslet.

    The magic bow of ice disappeared¡ªtransforming into a beautiful white wolf that pounced at the tongue.

    "Fenrir!"

    ROOOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    The demon ice spirit''s sharp ws shed across the massive tongue.

    But even its ws of ice were unable to slice open the extremely thick tongue.

    "Ara, what a brave child."

    Sjora narrowed her snake-like eyes.

    "¡ªThat child, I want it."

    As the witch brought her hands together slightly, Fenrir''s movements suddenly stopped after it jumped onto the ground. From Sjora''s hands came ck threads which were firmly restraining Fenrir''s four limbs.

    Bandersnatch wrapped its massive tongue around the white wolf''s body¡ª

    And just like that, Fenrir was swallowed whole.

    "...!?"

    "The Laurenfrosts'' demon ice spirit, thanks for the meal."

    "...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

    Rinslet''s despairden cries filled the air.

    Part 4

    The strongest elemental waffe with the me attribute¡ªLaevateinn.

    Rubia casually swung the sword and the erupting mes instantly consumed the surrounding space.

    (...What heat.)

    Evading the mes through instinct, Kamito could not dodge the heat.

    Ordinary mes could notpare to this astounding heat.

    The floor became red and broken likeva.

    Considering this Lost Cathedral was built using spirit crystals that resisted the five great attributes, it was even easier toprehend the overwhelming power of these mes.

    These mes seemed as though they embodied the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath.

    Wherever the mes burned, the floor was turned intova that dripped down into the floor below.

    "...Without adjusting its power, even the user could be turned into charcoal."

    On the other side of the swaying smoke, Rubia spoke.

    Her red hair waved in the air as if assimted with the surrounding mes.

    Kamito''s entire body broke out in cold sweat.

    (...Truly monsters. Whether that spirit there or Rubiamanding it.)

    The archdemon of me that singlehandedly destroyed the Instructional School.

    Even if Kamito had the legendary Demon yer, it was doubtful whether it could match up at only one-tenth of its original state.

    As if sensing his worries¡ª

    ¡ªDon''t worry, Kamito.

    "...!"

    He heard Est''s voice in his mind.

    ¡ªSo long as you believe in me, Kamito, I shall never break.

    "Est..."

    Kamito muttered to himself, then¡ª

    "That''s right..."

    He gripped the sword in his hand tightly.

    "Est, you are the best partner."

    ¡ªYes, Kamito.

    Terminus Est''s de gave off silver-white brilliance.

    Amidst the swirling mes, Rubia''s figure appeared, wielding the crimson sword.

    The scorching de heated the surrounding air, causing the entire floor''s temperature to rise gradually.

    "Careful you don''t turn the Lost Cathedral into a block of charcoal too, okay?"

    "This is already restrained to some degree. Because I cannot fully control this."

    As Rubia swung the crimson demon sword, roaring mes instantly flew towards Kamito.

    Kamito stepped on the wall and jumped up. The mes he dodged instantly destroyed the wall, creating a massive hole.

    Even without a direct hit, the released heat was probably enough to instantly vaporize a human body.

    "Aren''t you nning on making me the Demon King?"

    "If you''re going to die to something of this level, you won''t be able to kill the Elemental Lords anyway."

    "...Tsk, stop deciding things on your own!"

    Kamito stepped on the ceiling and turned around, charging at Rubia from above.

    Rubia held Laevateinn with a reverse grip and blocked his full powered attack.

    Using the reverse grip, Rubia swung the crimson sword. As sword struck sword, intense sparks were scattered.

    Perhaps because activation of the mes at such close range would affect her as well, the mes remained silent.

    The crimson and white des shed.

    Terminus Est barely managed to resist Laevateinn.

    However¡ª

    (...If this continues, I''m gonna lose.)

    Compared to Rubia the former Queen, Kamito''s total divine power was simply not on the same level.

    Sooner orter, his divine power would be depleted first.

    "How ironic, for your weapon to be that Demon yer."

    During the intense sh, Rubia murmured.

    "Oh well, assuming I really am the reincarnation of that Demon King guy¡ª"

    "Wrong. I am referring to the sacred sword that once fought alongside the Sacred Maiden, that now battles against me."

    "¡ªWhat?"

    Taking advantage of Kamito''s momentarypse in focus, Rubia suddenly applied greater strength.

    A sharp attack strong enough to numb the arms caused Kamito to enter a defensive situation.

    "Hasn''t the question ever crossed your mind? For a princess maiden like myself who was only responsible for rituals, how could I engage you, the Strongest de Dancer, in de dance as equals?"

    "...!?"

    A crimson sh shed across Kamito''s neck.

    Feeling the heat wave scorch his skin, Kamitomented.

    (...Yeah right, it''d be strange if that question never crossed my mind.)

    ¡ªAfter fighting her seriously, that sense of doubt deepened.

    Talent, training¡ªor the use of Cursed Armament Seals to strengthen the body.

    None of these were sufficiently convincing.

    "A thousand years ago, there was a girl who tended sheep on the edge of the continent. She obtained a sacred sword that was embedded in a rock."

    "...?"

    Rubia''s sudden recounting of the past caused Kamito to stare at her in surprise.

    (...What the heck? What is she talking about?)

    "How could a mere girl who tended sheep prevail against the Demon King who ruled over powerful spirits?"

    Continuing the sh of des¡ªKamito finally realized.

    "This is the story of Areishia Idriss?"

    The Sacred Queen who destroyed the Demon King a thousand years ago.

    The past contractor of the sword spirit Terminus Est.

    "¡ªRight. The Sacred Maiden is the opposing existence that awakens in response to the Demon King''s awakening. A seed created by the Five Great Elemental Lords who feared the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll''s resurrection."

    "Could it be¡ªYou are...!"

    With an acute sound, the crimson demon de and the silver-white sacred sword crossed.

    "Indeed, I am the existence that opposes the Demon King¡ªthe reincarnation of the Sacred Maiden."

    "...!"

    (To think she is the Sacred Maiden''s reincarnation?)

    Completely ridiculous hogwash¡ªdismissing her im was all too easy.

    However, Rubia Elstein''s power was the undeniable truth.

    "Speaking of irony, my existence itself is the most ironic. With the Demon King''s resurrection as my goal, intending to destroy the Elemental Lords, for me to carry the power left behind by the Elemental Lords. Or perhaps¡ª"

    ¡ªIt was already decided by fate long ago perhaps.

    Rubia murmured thest sentence to herself in self-mockery.

    Blocking Laevateinn''s de, Terminus Est''s brightness rapidly shed.

    Was it because Kamito''s divine power was about to run out, or¡ª

    (...Est, are you okay!?)

    Infusing as much divine power into the sword as he could, Kamito yelled inside his mind.

    Rubia Elstein was the one who inherited the Sacred Maiden''s power. The legitimate sessor of Areishia Idriss, Est''s past contractor. It was not surprising for Est to waver.

    However¡ª

    ¡ªIt does not matter, Kamito.

    A voice sounded in his mind to refute the idea.

    ¡ªI am a separate existence from the past Terminus Est. Even if she is the sessor of the past master, it does not matter.

    ¡ªBecause I am your sword.

    Instantly, the Demon yer gave off dazzling brightness.

    "Est...!"

    (...Right. I have the best partner.)

    Even if the opponent was the legendary Sacred Maiden¡ª

    "I cannot lose!"

    Using his entire strength, Kamito pushed Laevateinn and blew Rubia away.

    "I see. That sacred sword is one of the reasons why the Demon King''s awakening process has been dyed."

    Icy mes lit up in Rubia''s eyes.

    "Well then, I shall shatter that sacred sword¡ªto impart upon you true despair!"

    God-ying mes¡ªLaevateinn spewed forth a crimson ze.

    (¡ªNow is the moment!)

    Kamito had been waiting for this opportunity.

    Waiting for Rubia to release her strongest attack.

    This opportunity only presented itself for this one instant. Failure was absolutely not allowed.

    "Experience for yourself the mes of purgatory, Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell!"

    As Laevateinn''s sh traveled, in that instant¡ª

    Kamito used his explosive leg power to leap forward.

    Discerning the root of divine power, he aimed the secret technique at that very point.

    "Absolute de Arts, Final Form¡ªLast Strike!"

    The super high speed sh passed through Laevateinn''s de¡ª

    In the next instant, the Demon yer shattered.

    "Est¡ª!"

    "Very well, now awaken¡ªDemon King."

    Then the scorching hot demon de pierced Kamito''s chest.

    Part 5

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    At the top level of the Lost Cathedral, before the shut door, Fianna was catching her breath.

    ...Indeed, this was the True Sanctuary of this tower.

    "Meow..."

    Scarlet at her feet was impatiently knocking at the door.

    "...Wait a minute, it''ll be ready soon."

    Fianna spread her arms before the door to decipher the magic.

    An average seal of magic had been applied.

    Rubia probably never expected the True Sanctuary to be invaded. For a former Queen, this seal was quite crude and Fianna was able to dispel it without much trouble.

    As the patterns carved on the door gave off blue-white light, the door opened slowly.

    A gust of wind blew through the opened door, causing all the mes on the candlesticks to flicker all at once.

    Within the vast hall, the girl''s figure could be found.

    ire dressed in ritual attire.

    "...ire!"

    Fianna hastily rushed over.

    At this moment, standing at the altar, ire swiftly raised her hand¡ª

    In the next instant, mes erupted to block Fianna from advancing.

    "...ire?"

    As Fianna halted her steps in shock, ire faced her:

    "...Who are you?"

    ire asked with empty-looking eyes.

 Volume 10, 9 - The Awakening of the Demon King

    <h4>Volume 10, Chapter 9 - The Awakening of the Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªKamito. Hey, Kamito.

    It was that voice again... The voice very simr to hers.

    His consciousness enshrouded in darkness, Kamito found himself surrounded gently by the voice.

    The way her arms embraced Kamito when he was young.

    (...Me¡ªdid I fail to protect again?)

    The leather glove covering his left hand had been burned away by fire, revealing the spirit seal.

    On it was written his regrets from three years ago.

    This hand had failed to save her who had been devoured by darkness.

    Then Kamito had failed again to protect his preciousrade¡ªire Rouge.

    Despite possessing enough power to be called the Strongest de Dancer, when it came to truly precious people, he always¡ª

    ¡ªIt is still not toote, Kamito.

    (...Really?)

    In his hazy consciousness, Kamito asked with dependency.

    ¡ªReally. If you thirst for power, simply form a contract with me.

    (Con...tract...)

    Just as Kamito was about to follow the voice that surrounded him, as he was about to nod¡ª

    (Who are you...?)

    He gathered his little remaining willpower and resisted.

    Then the voiceughed lightly¡ª

    ¡ªMy name is Ren Ashdoll. The existence you people call the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    (...What did... you say!?)

    Suddenly, Kamito felt soft feathers against his face.

    Before his eyes, the ck-winged darkness spirit stood smiling.

    A being very simr to Restia, but not Restia.

    (...You are the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll?)

    Kamito asked with a hoarse voice.

    ¡ªIndeed, this darkness spirit is the vessel where my will inhabits.

    ¡ªThe being that guides towards awakening the Demon King who carries my power.

    The being with Restia''s appearance extended a hand towards Kamito.

    ¡ªCome on, take my hand, Ren Ashbell.

    ¡ªIf you form a contract with me, your Wishes will all be realized.

    (...My wish?)

    namely the power to protect preciousrades¡ªThe power to not lose anything ever again.

    (I... want...)

    Kamito''s final rationality was devoured by darkness.

    Thus, the Demon King took the Darkness Elemental Lord''s hand.

    The being with Restia''s appearance melted into a mass and turned into a single-edged sword.

    A jet ck demon sword exuding ominous miasma.

    His sanity devoured by darkness, Kamito''s throat let loose a roar.

    Part 2

    "ire..."

    Faced with ire who was dressed in a ritual outfit colored like darkness, Fianna stood rooted to one spot in shock.

    With her red hair untied, ire resembled her older sister greatly.

    The only differencey in the characteristic of the Elstein sisters, the crystal-clear eyes of ruby.

    ire''s eyes werepletely empty without any light at all.

    "...Who are you?"

    ire asked again. Her expression was as cold as ice.

    "Did you forget me?"

    Feeling a shock that frightened her, Fianna spoke up.

    ...It went without saying, her mind already understood. ire most likely had her memories wiped by Rubia Elstein''s magic.

    However, Fianna felt a stinging pain in her heart.

    Back during her days at the Divine Ritual Institute, the only people Fianna could call friends were her junior Reicha Alminas who wouldter be the Fire Queen and her senior Rubia.

    After Fianna lost the power of the spirit contract and became the Lost Queen, everyone either mocked her secretly or treated her with caution.

    However, on their first meeting¡ªire had treated Fianna as an equal.

    Even with circumstances imposed upon her as the Cmity Queen''s younger sister, ire still moved forward with resolute will.

    ire''s steadfast figure, pursuing her own Wish relentlessly, seemed extraordinarily dazzling from Fianna''s perspective.

    Fianna gazed into ire''s empty stares and spoke:

    "I am Fianna Ray Ordesia¡ªYour teammate."

    "...Teammate?"

    ire inclined her head in puzzlement.

    "Yes. Yourrade."

    "Com... rade..."

    She muttered with a sluggish voice... But soon after, she shook her head.

    "¡ªLiar. I have always been alone. I have norades."

    "ire..."

    Fianna clenched her fist tightly before her chest.

    ...She really has forgotten.

    Not only Fianna but also Ellis and Rinslet, even Kamito as well¡ª

    "Meow..."

    At their feet, Scarlet cried mournfully.

    "ire, have you even forgotten your own contracted spirit?"

    "...Contracted spirit?"

    "Scarlet. You''ve been saved by her countless times."

    "Scarlet..."

    Confusion appeared on ire''s face for the first time.

    Watching her, Fianna felt a little hopeful.

    (...She still hasn''t lost her memoriespletely!)

    "Scarlet... That name... I know it..."

    "Yes, it''s the name of your contracted spirit!"

    "¡ªlet... Scarlet... Ooh..."

    ire held her hand against her head and groaned.

    At this moment, the wall of fire blocking Fianna''s advance began to flicker and waver as if being blown by wind.

    In that instant, Fianna ran towards the altar.

    "...Don''te over!"

    ire released crimson mes from her hand.

    "...!"

    Fianna hastilyid herself t against the floor.

    The mes swept over Fianna''s head, forming an intense pir of fire behind her.

    "...I am the Darkness Queen. ¡ªThe princess maiden who serves the Demon King."

    ire''s red hair fluttered like mes.

    From atop the altar, she gazed down coldly at Fianna.

    "...Ooh, to think she could stillmand mes even though she has clearly lost Scarlet already."

    The power of spirit magic originated from one''s own contracted spirit. Commanding mes of this level when she had already lost her contracted spirit was supposed to be impossible.

    (...So these are the mes of Elstein.)

    Before these mes, even the me spirit Scarlet had to be wary of them.

    Because the mes of Elstein were mes that incinerated other mes.

    "...Retreat. Or else I will turn you into charcoal."

    Lifting up the skirt hem of her ritual attire, ire slowly began to walk.

    "...Where are you nning to go?"

    "By the side of the Demon King I am supposed to serve¡ª"

    "...! I won''t let you go. Definitely."

    Fianna red at ire and stood up.

    "¡ªThen if you are going to hinder me, disappear!"

    ire produced mes once more¡ª

    The mes were serious this time. A direct hit would mean death.

    "ire, I don''t mind your frankness¡ª"

    In that instant, Fianna took out a spirit crystal from her bosom and threw it out.

    Immediately, a bright sh filled the great hall.

    "...!"

    With ire''s aim disrupted, the mes spread and began burning the surroundings.

    With her eyes covered, Fianna instantly rushed up the steps to the altar.

    ¡ªThis was Fianna''s gamble.

    (ire can''t possibly have lost her memoriespletely.)

    Even though she was swallowed by darkness, the fire in her heart still gave off smoke.

    ire still remembered Scarlet''s name. Furthermore¡ª

    (The primordial mes had gone off mark on purpose.)

    Supposing ire was reallypletely devoured by darkness, that could not possibly happen.

    (It''s too early to despair!)

    As the spirit crystal''s effects ran out, the sh dissipated.

    There were still six or seven steps left¡ªthe altar was farther than imagined. Perhaps Fianna had misjudged the distance visually.

    However, stopping was not an option. Surrounding by spreading mes, Fianna sprinted.

    "...Stop¡ªStop!"

    Wavering, ire released especiallyrge mes.

    Fianna found herself surrounded by mespletely without any escape¡ª!

    "...!"

    Fianna ran as she closed her eyes. Just as she prepared herself for death, something red shed before her.

    ¡ªScarlet.

    Opening her jaws to swallow the mes that incinerated other mes, she then disappeared.

    "...Eh?"

    In that instant, ire''s eyes truly opened for the first time.

    Fianna did not stop running. Understanding Scarlet''s intentions, she charged.

    "Why, why won''t you stop!?"

    "Because I believe in you!"

    (...Four more steps... Three...¡ª)

    Fianna released divine power from her entire body and passed through the burning mes.

    So hot. So hot. So hot. The billowing heat wave almost made her lose consciousness.

    Mustering thest of her strength, Fianna reached out towards ire who stood there stupefied.

    "Wake up! Kamito-kun is waiting for you¡ª"

    "¡ªKamito?"

    Hearing the name, ire''s expression froze.

    (I made it¡ª)

    Fianna smiled with relief¡ª

    And grabbed ire''s right hand.

    Then¡ª

    "By the name of the Ordesia imperial family! Your mes, your soul¡ªHereby returned!"

    The spirit seal carved on Fianna''s right hand disappeared and the crimson crest was emzoned on ire''s hand.

    "...Ah... Guu...!"

    ire began to cry out in pain.

    (...I''ll leave the rest to you, Scarlet!)

    Part 3

    "...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

    Rinslet''s mournful screams resounded through the forest.

    Before her eyes, the demon spirit swallowed Fenrir.

    "Fenrir...!"

    Disying despair on her face, Rinslet stood motionless in shock.

    The spirit seal carved on her hand disappeared silently.

    "Rinslet, what are you doing!?"

    Ellis cried out acutely.

    In front of the dazed Rinslet, the massive white sphere opened its jaws.

    "..."

    However, Rinslet remained in a daze, copsed sitting on the ground.

    The gigantic tongue that had swallowed Fenrir licked its lips¡ª

    "...Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    At the veryst second, Ellis rushed from the side and took to the sky with Rinslet in her arms.

    Then shended some distance away and put down Rinslet.

    "...How could this be possible, to devour a contracted spirit?"

    Ellis moaned with a terrified expression.

    Ahead of her gaze, the sphere acted restless, its appearance undergoing a massive transformation.

    Expanding and contracting repeatedly, it gradually took on the form of a four-legged beast.

    The simple limbs grew sharp ws and teeth appeared in the gaping jaws.

    It looked like some sort of farce in mockery of proud Fenrir.

    "It assimted Fenrir...!"

    "How... could..."

    "Fufu, I already said so, right? Bandersnatch takes everything by force."

    Sjora Kahn giggled and sneered.

    "Well then, I''m not holding back against the Fahrengart spirit next."

    Bandersnatch opened its massive jaws and exhaled a blizzard.

    Its breath instantly froze the ground, pinning down the two girls.

    ¡ªIts power was now vastly superior to earlier.

    "...Take, this¡ª"

    Readying Ray Hawk, Ellis aimed at the demon spirit.

    However, Rinslet grabbed her arm with the intent of stopping her.

    "Rinslet, what are you¡ª"

    "Captain, Fenrir is inside there!"

    Rinslet cried andmented. Her emerald eyes were tearful.

    "..."

    Gripping Ellis'' arm tightly, she sobbed.

    Never shedding a single tear normally, she was now crying like a child.

    "B-But..."

    Amidst the howling blizzard, Ellis gritted her teeth.

    She could sympathize deeply with Rinslet''s feelings. For an elementalist, the contracted spirit was a special existence. These bonds wereparable to family ties.

    However, if she did not counterattack, they were going to be frozen to death helplessly.

    The witch''s jeeringughter was heard again. She probably figured out they were unable to counterattack.

    "Damn... it...!"

    Legs frozen to the ground, they were going to bepletely immobile very soon.

    "Is this the end..."

    Faced with the blizzard blowing forth, Ellis fell to her knees. Just at this moment¡ª

    "¡ªWhat a truly ugly monster."

    ng!

    "...!"

    Suddenly, a great sword descended from the heavens and pierced Bandersnatch''s head.

    ROOOOOOOAAAAAAAAR!

    The demon spirit instantly changed into a spherical form, howling as it rolled about on the ground.

    "...What!?"

    Sjora Kahn eximed with her eyes wide open.

    Swiftly pulling out the great sword andnding on the ins of snow was¡ª

    The lovely knight dressed in the military uniform of the country of dragons.

    Leader of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor¡ªLeonora Lancaster.

    Having retrieved the great sword that stood as tall as her, she embedded it into the ground.

    "Leonora-dono...!"

    Ellis eximed with surprise. Why would she be here¡ª

    Leonora turned towards Ellis'' side.

    "Kazehaya Kamito requested that I assist you two. Although I can''t use my full power, I should still have strength to spare for driving the witch away."

    "Kamito!?"

    At this moment, the Bandersnatch that had been rolling on the snowy in got up once again.

    The open cut rapidly regenerated and the original ball shape was restored.

    "I see, its endurance ismendable."

    Leonora remarked in admiration and took up the Dragon yer.

    "You still have the strength to spare for driving the witch away? Interesting words you said there, Dragon Girl."

    Sjora Kahn''s lips separated in a cruel expression.

    "Your dragon spirit, I want to eat it too."

    "What could a mere demon spirit do to my Nidhogg?"

    Leonora released the sword''s aura, shaking the atmosphere.

    (So this is the strongest elementalist from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor with their longstanding victorious renown...)

    Ellis gulped while Rinslet stared with her eyes wide.

    The Theocracy''s witch and Dracunia''s Dragon Princess.

    As the two faced off, tension levels rose to a maximum, at that very instant¡ª

    "...How!?" "What is happening!?"

    Suddenly, the Lost Cathedral shook as the sound of an earthquake was heard.

    "¡ªHmph, so it finally started."

    Sjora Kahn cast her gaze towards the tower and smirked.

    The sudden change in the witch''s tone felt quite jarring to Ellis¡ª

    "Started?...What is going on?"

    "¡ªThe Demon King awakened. Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll."

    "Wha¡ª"

    "...Demon King?"

    Ellis was dumbfounded while Leonora frowned with surprise.

    Sjora gazed up at the tower as if she had lost interest in these girls. Then¡ª

    "Feel grateful for the Demon King''s awakening. I''ll y with you girls some other time."

    Together with Bandersnatch, the witch disappeared into the magic circle on the ground.

    Part 4

    (...Ooh, mmm...)

    ire woke up in the darkness that locked her consciousness away.

    ...So hot. It felt almost like the inside of a furnace.

    Her memories were a mess. Currently, where was she¡ª

    (...In any case, I must leave this ce.)

    Someone important was waiting for her... That was the only thing she could remember.

    Feeling her way around and sweeping away the mud-like darkness, she discovered faint firelight in the distance.

    Rather than burning congration, this was a warm me that somehow felt nostalgic.

    ¡ªter... Master, where are you...?

    Someone''s voice could be heard. A dream-like and worried voice.

    (...Who?)

    ¡ªMaster!

    As ire reached out towards the flickering me, the me instantly burned intensely and transformed into a petite hell cat.

    The hell cat called out happily and pounced into ire''s bosom.

    "Ah, hot...!"

    ire could not help but cry out.

    However, the fiery hell cat kept rubbing its face against her affectionately.

    (...This feeling... I have an impression.)

    A hole was broken in her heart. The heat from the burning me seemed to be awakening memories from inside.

    (...I have forgotten? Something important¡ª)

    Looking down at the hell cat she held in her arms against her chest, ire desperately tried to recall.

    The daughter of the Elstein family in charge of mes.

    Blessing the Demon King''s awakening, the Darkness Queen.

    (No, I am¡ª!)

    ¡ªMaster, please remember! Master''s preciousrades!

    The mes began to burn intensely in her bosom, scorching ire''s chest.

    (...I know this... I know these mes!)

    Indeed, these were the mes that had guarded ire since childhood.

    Always by her side¡ª

    (...Scar...let...)

    With trembling lips, ire called out that name.

    ¡ªYes, Master!

    (...You have returned, Scarlet!)

    ire hugged the burning hell cat tightly.

    Instantly, the hell cat dissipated into the air as particles of light¡ª

    The spirit seal, symbolizing mes, was instantly branded upon ire''s right hand.

    As the power of mes filled her body, the false memories were instantly destroyed.

    Then¡ª

    "...Princess, you have woken up?"

    "...Mmm, Fian...na...?"

    ire opened her eyes and¡ª

    Her gaze met with the pair of dusk-colored eyes watching her from above.

    Fianna''s uniform was burned full of holes.

    Her gorgeous ck hair was in an utter mess.

    "Looking like that... What happened to you?"

    "...It''s actually all your doing, seriously."

    Sighing with exasperation, Fianna held ire''s arm and pulled her to her feet.

    "Uh... I was taken here by Nee-sama¡ª"

    ire tried to recall what happened after she came here... Then her head began to hurt.

    Speaking of which, why am I dressed in this type of ritual outfit?

    "No time to talk now. We must hurry over to Kamito-kun."

    "...Kamito."

    ire opened her eyes wide suddenly. Just at this very moment¡ª

    A frightening noise came from downstairs.

    Part 5

    "...Ah... Gah... Ahhh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    A howling roar like a warcry¡ª

    The awakened Demon King rushed into the madly dancing mes.

    The weapon he held with both hands was a jet ck demon sword that reflected no light. Surpassing the Vorpal Sword of the past, it was enshrouded in an ominous aura.

    All sanity consumed by darkness, the Demon King simply rampaged, driven by hatred and the impulse to destroy.

    ¡ªIndeed, you are the one to lead the world towards destruction.

    ¡ªDevour these mes of the archnemesis and ughter mine enemies!

    From the demon sword''s de, jet ck lightning burst out and smashed the great hall''s pir.

    His hair stood up on end as his eyes burned with intense hatred.

    "Finally awakened huh¡ªDemon King Kamito."

    Rubia Elstein readied her stance with Laevateinn.

    The body of its de was wrapped in zing mes as it attacked Kamito.

    The strongest mes of Astral Zero that could burn the whole world down.

    However, the ck miasma exuded from the Demon King''s body devoured the congration within the blink of an eye, transforming them into burning jet-ck demonic mes.

    "So this is the Demon King''s power¡ªcapable of devouring Laevateinn''s god-ying mes even in a half-awakened state huh?"

    "...Gah... Oh... Ahhhhhhhh!"

    Roaring, the Demon King swung the demon sword enveloped in jet-ck mes.

    The mes of darkness shed with the crimson mes, resulting in a massive pir of fire¡ª!

    "...Gah... Oh... Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª!"

    "¡ªYes. This is good."

    Swinging Laevateinn, mes burned in Rubia''s eyes.

    "This power is indeed¡ªthe Demon King''s power for destroying the Elemental Lords!"

    Demon King and Sacred Maiden¡ªas their powers resisted each other, the pir of fire disappeared.

    ¡ªKill them... Take our enemies, kill them...!

    Following the guidance of the voice, the Demon King brandished the jet-ck demon sword.

    Every time the des met, the miasma released by the demon sword continued to shave away Laevateinn''s mes.

    This could not even count as a de dance¡ªSimply the sh between overwhelming powers.

    "Hmm...!"

    In the magnificent battle, Rubia was gradually getting suppressed. Even though they were perfectly matched, the Demon King''s demon sword was slightly more powerful than the strongest mes.

    "Not even time can escape a frozen fate¡ªFrost ze!"

    Rubia chanted. The blue mes of absolute zero covered Laevateinn''s de and spread to the Demon King''s arm via the demon sword of darkness.

    The Demon King''s right arm was frozen. However¡ª

    "...Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The loud and angry roar even caused an earthquake.

    As dark ck miasma spread from his body, the mes of absolute zero were shattered within the blink of an eye.

    "Are you going to destroy me, Demon King?"

    Hoho¡ªRubia smiled at this time.

    "So be it. My will shall be inherited by ire¡ª"

    The demon sword of darkness was swung to decapitate the Sacred Maiden¡ª

    ¡ªIn that instant, a crimson sh shed.

    Part 6

    ...Momentary silence dominated the great hall.

    In that instant, even the burning mes stopped moving.

    "¡ªKamito!"

    Opposite the flickering mes¡ª

    The figure of ire Rouge appeared, metongue in hand.

    The ming whip extending from ire''s hand was wrapped around Kamito''s arm.

    Given the Demon King''s power, shaking off the whip should have been an easy matter, but for some reason, Kamito did not do that.

    "...Oh... Ohhh... Ohhhhhhhh..."

    His eyes, filled with hatred and the impulse to destroy, turned towards ire.

    He looked towards the Darkness Queen who had lightened the burden of her clothing by burning off the lower hem of the ritual outfit.

    "...Could it be possible, she recovered her memory?"

    Jumping back to create some distance just as the de was about to make contact with her neck, Rubia whispered in amazement.

    Holding the whip, ire walked directly over to Kamito who had stopped moving.

    "¡ªHold it! It is not Kazehaya Kamito¡ªYou''ll be killed!"

    Rubia warned. However¡ª

    "No, this is Kamito. I know very well."

    ire simply shook her head.

    "...Ohhh... Oh..."

    Kamito¡ªignored Rubia and gazed unerringly at ire who approached.

    The fiery whip lost its heat, melting away and falling from Kamito''s arm.

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Approaching within arm''s reach, ire gazed into Kamito''s eyes with her crystal-clear eyes of ruby.

    Then¡ª

    "...Thank you foring to save me. I am right here."

    A soft thud¡ªFlying into Kamito''s arms and leaning against his chest, she whispered.

    Dark miasma surrounded ire but quickly dissipated.

    "..."

    "So, it''s fine now."

    Then blushing slightly, she tiptoed to reach forward.

    "Turn back into the Kamito I love¡ª"

    "...!"

    Lips were lightly brought together.

    Kamito''s dull and life-less eyes suddenly opened wide.

    "...W-Wait a minute, what are you doing!?"

    Peering out from behind a pir, Fianna protested with displeasure.

    ire separated their lips lightly and continued to blush as she gazed up at Kamito.

    "...Has what possessed you been exorcised?"

    "......ire...?"

    Kamito stood there in a daze, muttering in a stupor.

    ire gazed directly into Kamito''s eyes.

    "That day, what I hoped for, was not that kind of de dance."

    "...?"

    As Kamito''s mind was filled with puzzlement, ire reached out with a finger and poked him in the chest.

    "What I hoped for was an even more magnificent and wonderful de dance... Wouldn''t you agree, Mr. Ren Ashbell?"

    ire made a slightly shy and awkward but attractive smile.

    "ire, y-you...!"

    As Kamito was rendered speechless, the demon sword of darkness slid and fell from his hand.

    Part 7

    The endless darkness of imprisonment began to show cracks.

    Locked away and tightly sealed in the depths of consciousness, the darkness spirit girl awakened.

    (I, why...)

    Her self and ego should have vanishedpletely, devoured by the Ren Ashdoll tainted by the Wish. Once Kamito awakened as the Demon King, he was not going to recall her anymore¡ªthat was what was supposed to happen.

    However, why did she awaken once more?

    ...Iprehensible. One could only attribute it to a miracle.

    A miracle that did not happen three years ago.

    (...He is calling for me.)

    In the darkness, she spread her wings out slowly.

    Then she extended her hand towards the air.

    To grasp the hand of the young man who needed her.

    Part 8

    ...Those mutterings could no longer be heard.

    Clearly he had been swallowed by the Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll''s voice, and fallen into darkness.

    Clearly he had awakened as the Demon King who brought destruction to the world.

    However, Kamito was able to recall his consciousness. As well as the soft sensation lingering on his lips.

    "Why..."

    Rubia Elstein was so surprised her voice was trembling.

    "Seeing as you had already awakened as the Demon King, why would you..."

    "I''m sure you can understand that point best, Nee-sama."

    ire was the one who answered.

    She stared straight at Rubia with her fiery eyes of ruby.

    "The Darkness Queen is the queen who serves the Demon King. And my wish as queen was delivered to Kamito."

    "Refusing to fall into darkness, and yet you obtained the Darkness Queen''s rights...?"

    "Don''t underestimate me. After all, I am Nee-sama''s sister."

    Facing Rubia whose expression was filled with disbelief, ire pointed metongue at her.

    "Nee-sama, your n has failed. Kamito won''t be the Demon King anymore."

    "...Failed?"

    Rubia spoke coldly.

    "The genes of the Demon King remain in Kazehaya Kamito''s body still."

    She readied the incandescent Laevateinn.

    "If it sleeps again, I shall simply awaken it once more."

    "Nee-sama..."

    mes burst forth from the crimson de, destroying Lost Cathedral''s ceiling.

    "¡ªPick up your sword, Demon King Kamito. Let us continue to de dance."

    "Nee-sama, stop it... Please stop...!"

    "Take cover and hide on the side. If you don''t want to be a liability."

    "Nee-sama..."

    Holding the intensely burning crimson sword, Rubia stepped forward slowly.

    Intimidated by that overwhelming presence, ire held her breath.

    ...No way. In his current state, Kamito cannot defeat Nee-sama for sure.

    "¡ªire, it''ll be fine."

    "...Eh?"

    Kamito tapped her on the shoulder.

    Pushing ire to the back, he stepped up.

    "N-No way! Once you fight Nee-sama, again you will¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. I''m not going to rely on the Demon King''s power."

    Kamito smiled fearlessly and picked up the demon sword of darkness that had fallen on the floor.

    "¡ªConsidering the title of the Demon King, having one title as the Demon King of the Night is enough."

    Kamito had faith for some reason. That she was present.

    "Kamito, that hand..."

    ire''s eyes widened suddenly.

    "Yes, the one I will rely on is¡ª"

    Instantly, the spirit seal carved on his left hand gave off dazzling brilliance.

    What appeared was proof of the Strongest de Dancer, the seal of the darkness spirit.

    The pain of what he lost three years ago. The nostalgic feeling of souls linked deeply.

    "...Hey, can you hear my voice?"

    Kamito whispered intimately to the demon sword in his hand.

    The brightness of the darkness seal instantly intensified. Blood dripped from the seal, flowing along the demon sword''s hilt to gradually dye the jet-ck de red. Then¡ª

    "Please! Lend your power to me once more¡ªRestia!"

    ¡ªI''ve been waiting all this time for you to say that, Kamito.

    In his mind, her voice resounded.

    It was not the voice of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll. Kamito was certain he had not heard wrong, this was her voice.

    Intense sparks flew from the seal on his left hand and the demon sword of darkness instantly changed its form in his hand.

    A familiar sense of bnced weight. In his hand was the feeling of the sword he was well ustomed to.

    The original appearance of the demon sword of darkness¡ªthe elemental waffe, the Vorpal Sword.

    "Restia..."

    Kamito''s sword which had finally returned after three years.

    The cold gleaming body of the ck de was beautiful to a breathtaking degree.

    However¡ª

    ¡ªKamito, let''s save the talking forter. First we must figure out how to defeat her.

    "Yeah, you''re right."

    Reminded by Restia''s voice, Kamito''s attention returned to Rubia before him.

    "Useless."

    Wielding Laevateinn, Rubia closed in.

    The heat from the madly dancing mes mercilessly roasted Kamito''s skin.

    "That sword you hold there cannot defeat me, the Sacred Maiden."

    "...Yes, you are right."

    Kamito nodded frankly and admitted the fact.

    It was just as she said. Even if he retrieved his power from his Ren Ashbell dayspletely, it was still not enough to defeat the Sacred Maiden who wielded Laevateinn''s god-ying mes.

    Ren Ashbell''s power alone was not enough.

    Hence¡ª

    "Come forth, Est!"

    Kamito summoned his other partner.

    The Demon yer that Rubia''s Laevateinn had shattered.

    ¡ªYes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand.

    An adorable voice resounded in his mind.

    As the spirit seal on his right hand glowed, Terminus Est''s de was reconstituting itself in Kamito''s hand.

    "What!?" "No way...!"

    Rubia stared with her eyes wide open as ire eximed in surprise.

    The Vorpal Sword with its jet-ck darkness as well as the Demon yer with its silver-white brilliance.

    Two legendary swords of equal standing were now gathered in Kamito''s hands.

    "Thanks, Est."

    Kamito expressed his gratitude to the sacred sword that appeared in his right hand.

    At this time, the de of the demon sword in his left hand shook slightly.

    ¡ªMiss Sacred Sword, please don''t drag me down.

    ¡ªThe same goes for you, please don''t get in my way.

    In response to Restia''s taunting, Est disyed a rare moment of oppositional defiance.

    "You two, please don''t talk in my mind at the same time..."

    Smiling wryly, Kamito crossed his twin swords and entered a stance.

    Perhaps intimidated by the wind produced by the swords, Rubia quietly halted her steps.

    "ire, watch carefully."

    "Eh?"

    Kamito dered boldly to ire behind him.

    It seemed like ire had already figured out Kamito''s true identity.

    Then there was no need to hide his past from her anymore.

    "¡ªI am the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell."

    "...!?"

    Hearing her gasp behind him, Kamito sprang into action.

    Wielding the two strongest swords, he ran forward all at once¡ª!

    "Foolish. Elemental waffen cannot be used under conditions of dual contracts."

    Rubia''s Laevateinn swept horizontally all space before him.

    The crimson mes bursting forth instantly vaporized a stone pir and flew towards Kamito.

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!"

    ire and Fianna''s screams echoed within the floor. However¡ª

    "I''ve heard that the Demon King in the past was able to use seventy-two spirits all by himself!"

    Kamito kicked the ground to take a flying leap, stepping decisively into the mes.

    "¡ªO darkness, devour the mes to be my strength!"

    The horizontally sweeping Vorpal Sword cleared away the crimson mes. Taking advantage of Rubia''s instant of wavering, Kamito proceeded to swing the Demon yer wielded in his right hand.

    "...!?"

    Rubia barely blocked the sword. In the instant the des shed, intense mes exploded from Laevateinn''s body.

    Kamito did not stop his series of attacks. Still crossing des with Laevateinn using the Demon yer, Kamito added on top of it a strike from his left hand''s Vorpal Sword.

    The spewing mes were suppressed entirely by the demon sword of darkness while the shining Demon yer gradually pressed near Rubia.

    "Impossible... Why!?"

    Rubia Elstein''s eyes disyed signs of fear.

    Faced against the consecutive strikes of the twin swords, Laevateinn was subdued despite the fact that it was supposed to be the strongest me spirit.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhh!"

    Pushing against Laevateinn, Kamito hammered the Demon yer again. Repeatedly, again and again, it was as though he were forging a long sword in a fiery furnace.

    "...I cannot lose, in order to save this world."

    "Your way of doing things is not going to save the world!"

    Yelling, Kamito swung down the twin swords infused with divine power.

    The elemental waffe Laevateinn''s crimson de began to show cracks.

    Kamito was overwhelming the opponent, purely through sword skills rather than the Demon King''s power.

    "Sacrificing the weak and using your younger sister is wrong!"

    "Shut up. You have never tasted true despair, that''s all."

    "I understand despair very well. Three years ago, when I failed to protect her¡ª!"

    As the twin swords of light and darkness danced, the mes of purgatory were swept away. Realizing her disadvantage in a close rangebat, Rubia distanced herself and raised Laevateinn up high overhead.

    Intense, burning, gigantic mes formed a vortex with the crimson de as the center.

    This was the Cmity Queen¡ªRubia Elstein''s full powered special move of the sword.

    That was exactly what Kamito targeted.

    (Est, Restia¡ªI''m relying on you!)

    The Demon yer gave off dazzling brightness while the Vorpal Sword became enveloped in jet-ck lightning.

    This next attack was infused with all of his remaining divine power. Failure meant death.

    "Magical equipment release¡ªMuspelheim!"

    Rubia Elstein unleashed the greatest and most powerful mes.

    "¡ªLet this strike decide the victor!"

    Yelling that, Kamito leaped at the intensely burning purgatory.

    Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Final Form¡ªLast Strike?Dual!"

    Using dual wielding to perform the secret technique, Kamito smashed apart Rubia''s Laevateinn.

    ¡ªEND

 Volume 10, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 10, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªConsidering the title of the Demon King, having one title as the Demon King of the Night is enough!

    Hello everyone, I am Shimizu Yuu. I am once again very thankful for everyone who has picked up this book. This time, I present to you the tenth installment of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "The Awakening of the Demon King"!

    The worst reunion urring amidst burning mes. With the entrusted Vorpal Sword returning to Kamito''s hands, her murmurs will lead Kamito to awaken as the Demon King. The conspiracy-filled Cross Fire finally wees the final battle against Rubia Elstein. Will Kamito be able to save the captive ire¡ª?

    And thus, the series finally reaches double digits with the tenth volume. This work has only been able to get this far with all the readers who have supported all along, as well as the efforts of many many people. I will continue to strive hard and I hope everyone can continue to support!

    Nextes the acknowledgements. To Sakura Hanpen-sensei who has drawn many beautiful illustrations again, I am truly very grateful. The two spirits on the cover are too adorable.

    Narita-sama in charge, for making up lots of different ns for promoting the Seirei series, thank you thank you. Let''s continue to work hard together.

    Also, there''s Hyouju Issei-sensei who serializes the manga version on Comic Alive. Congrattions on the release of the manga''s first volume.

    The girls are very cute, the de dance scenes are super cool, together with some slight hi fan service, it is simply the best. Due to the Hyouju-sensei''s supplementing the designs on the art front, I feel that those who have read the original can still immerse themselves even deeper and enjoy the Seirei world through the manga. This is a really great and high quality manga, so I hope everyone can grab it together with this book to the cashier (it''s being sold at the same time as Volume 10!) Also, the official mini guidebook is being given out through lucky draws at the manga promotion event going on right now, please feel free to attend (For details please read the apanying book band).

    Finally, the greatest thanks goes to the readers. I am very happy to receive letters and surveyments. In Volume 9''s poprity poll, Est remains supreme but Restia has returned to second ce. 3rd is Ellis, 4th is Leonora, 5th and 6th are Rubia and ire respectively, giving a kind of Elstein sistersbo impression.

    ¡ªWell then, the de Dance festival arc finally draws to an end in the next volume. Let us meet again in the in the eleventh installment, "Elemental Lord Assassination (tentative)", when the truth of what happened three years ago will be revealed!

    Shimizu Yuu, January 2013

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Wee and wee back, I am Sakura Hanpen!

    A dual character cover! The dual spiritbo cover.

    To be honest, trying to draw two people on the cover with the same dimensions really gave me a hard time figuring out... So difficult.

    I must work even harder, that was what I felt strongly in this volume.

    Also, we finally see it! Kamito''s dual wielding!

    Thinking far back to when Restia first appeared, I was specting the possibility of Restia dying ¡ú Est awakening... (stares into the distance)

    Because I personally like matching ck with white, I like these two characters very much, drawing them together was very enjoyable.

    And now I really want to see Volume 11 as soon as possible...

    Besides, because of these two taking up space I must stop here...

    So let us meet again next volume!

    2013 XX —@¤Ï¤ó¤Ú¤ó

 Volume 11, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 11, Prologue</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡°Absolute de Arts ¡ª Final Form, Last Strike?Dual!¡±

    There were the Demon yer in his right hand and the Vorpal Sword held in his left hand.

    Crossing each other, the light and dark swords smashed Rubia Elstein¡¯s sword.

    At that moment her crimson sword broke.

    Her overflowing incandescence mes swept over immediately.

    ¡°...Don¡¯t tell me...¡±

    It was a moment of stillness. Within the rampaging mes¡ª

    A sigh of despair leaked out from her mouth.

    Or perhaps, she might be just simply gasping for oxygen.

    In any case¡ª

    (¡ªShe wouldn¡¯t get another breath.)

    The exploding mes were fanned by the wind from the swords and winded into eddies.

    In that instant, Kamito rushed further in¡ª

    ¡°Oooohhhhhh!¡±

    He let the crossed dual swords fly.

    It was a sh of great speed released at super point-nk range.

    The sword tip of Vorpal Sword, glowing in the color of darkness, disappeared into her chest like it was being sucked in.

    ¡°...Ka...Ha¡ª!¡±

    Her ruby pupils widened like she was saying impossible.

    Even as she was facing such a defeat, her appearance looked noble and beautiful.

    Beautiful¡ªhe honestly thought.

    ¡ªHowever, that strong feeling was also something of a moment.

    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯ll be taking back the title of the Strongest de Dancer.¡±

    While the demon sword in his left hand was stabbed in her chest¡ª

    Kamito brandished the Demon yer held in a reverse grip.

    Part 2

    Within the whirling mes and winds, fragments of Laevateinn fluttered down like sparks.

    Having received that close blow, Rubia¡¯s body danced in midair and violently hit the ground.

    ¡°...Kk....Ah...!¡±

    What Kamito let loose was a blow that was not materialized and delivered only mental damage to the opponent. There was no damage to her physical body.

    Although she would have trouble breathing, much less speaking normally,

    Nevertheless¡ª

    (...Despite receiving that dual sword secret skill, she¡¯s still conscious.)

    While stabilizing his wild breathing, Kamito muttered within his heart.

    She probably had most of her power drained out by Laevateinn.

    Even so, having received that on one¡¯s body and staying conscious wasn¡¯t something ordinary.

    When Kamito was entrusted the secret skill by Greyworth, he hadpletely fainted.

    (So, this is the power of the Sacred Maiden...)

    Areishia Idriss¡ªThe Sacred Queen that destroyed the Demon King thousands of years ago.

    Rubia Elstein was the reincarnation that seeded that power.

    In other words, she was an existence that would have opposed Kamito, who seeded the power of the Demon King. That power transformed a sickly girl, who had never properly wielded a sword, into the strongest elementalist.

    In any case¡ª

    Kamito was looking down at Rubia gasping in agony while he calmly put down his left and right swords.

    The de dance hadpletely concluded. Although she had the power of the Sacred Maiden, having lost her elemental waffe meant that she no longer had the power to fight.

    (...Well, it¡¯s the same for me too though¡ª)

    The moment that air of tension was gone, his vision grew hazy and intense sleepiness assailed him.

    (...Like I thought, releasing two elemental waffe at the same time was a little too much...)

    Demon yer and Vorpal Sword. Both were extraordinary elemental waffe. Even if it was Kamito, wielding them both at the same time would certainly rob him off all his divine power.

    The spirit seals on both his hands lost their glow, and at that moment.

    Strength suddenly left from his knees and he tumbled over his steps.

    ¡°...Kamito!¡±

    Kamito was about to fall over as ire in her ritual costume hugged him in a fluster.

    ¡°A-Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°...Yea. I just used a little too much divine power, that¡¯s all...¡±

    While he was wrapped in the texture of something soft-feeling, he closed his eyelids.

    His consciousness grew hazy. However, only his hands that held both his left and right swords wouldn¡¯t let go no matter what.

    Even when Kamito fell as the Demon King, Est had sworn to be together with him as the "Demon''s Sword". Then¡ª

    (Restia...)

    Since that day three years ago, she was the darkness spirit girl he had been pursuing all this time.

    He felt like she would disappear again if he let his hand go¡ª

    He held the sword hilt with so much strength that his fist turned white.

    ¡°¡ªKamito-kun, rx. I¡¯ll apply the healing magic now.¡±

    Having dashed over, Fianna whispered that into his ear.

    However, Kamito shook his head while he was in ire¡¯s arms.

    ¡°...N-No...It¡¯ll be better if you don¡¯t touch me now.¡±

    ¡°...Eh? W-Why?¡±

    ¡°I had once awakened as the Demon King. The Demon King¡¯s power is the power of the reincarnated Ren Ashdoll¡ª¡±

    ¡°In other words, it¡¯ll cause a bacsh with my divine power that¡¯s cloaked in the holy attribute?¡±

    ¡°...Something...like that.¡±

    Kamito made a light nod.

    To begin with, Kamito¡¯s body had a constitution that repelled healing magic.

    Because of that, Fianna had to take a roundabout method of making direct contact with her skin to send her divine power in to boost Kamito¡¯s own healing ability, however¡ª

    If she did that in Kamito¡¯s current state of just having awakened as the Demon King, there was no telling what kind of effect it would have.

    Even if it was an unlikely thing, he couldn¡¯t let her face such dangers.

    ¡°But, at least get some non-magical emergency treatment¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m...fine. More importantly...¡±

    Then, Kamito moved his line of sight somewhere in front after shaking his head.

    At the heart of the spewing mes, Rubia was ring at him while she raised a voice of anguish. It was remarkable that she still had not lost consciousness but that was just prolonging the agony on herself.

    ¡°Treat her first. Even if she was healed and recovered some strength, with her elemental waffe gone, she cannot be a threat.¡±

    ¡°Kamito-kun...¡±

    ¡°...I...have...not lost yet ...!¡±

    Rubia groaned from the depths of her throat.

    With stern mes filled within those ruby pupils of hers, she staggered about as she stood up.

    However¡ª

    ¡°No, it is your loss, Rubia.¡±

    Kamito coldly denied.

    ¡°As I recall, you did say that the Sacred Maiden is the opposing existence to the Demon King. In other words, that means if my Demon King powers grow, your powers too would increase by my growth. Am I wrong?¡±

    ...She did not reply. The same ruby pupils as ire¡¯s just red at Kamito loathsomely.

    ¡°But your ns failed. I had shut out the power of the Demon King that was beginning to awaken. Which means¡ª¡±

    Taking a light breath, Kamito concluded.

    ¡°Your Sacred Maiden powers that made you the Strongest de Dancer also got shut out at the same time, right?¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    He probably hit the mark. Her shoulders trembled weakly.

    However¡ª

    ¡°It...doesn¡¯t...¡±

    ¡°...What?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t...mean that the powers of the Demon King havepletely vanished yet!¡ª¡±

    A blue me was created in Rubia¡¯s right hand.

    Frost ze¡ªA heretic me that was disconnected with the logic andws of this world.

    ¡°...The two of you, get away from me!¡±

    Kamito shouted and wielded both his right and left swords.

    But, at that moment, a sharp numbing-like pain ran throughout his arms. It was the repercussion from releasing the secret skill of the Absolute de.

    The nerves in his arms were paralyzed and Kamito became defenseless for a moment, when¡ª

    ¡°Awaken once more now, Kazehaya Kamito. Otherwise¡ªdie.¡±

    She let loose the absolute-zero blue me that would even freeze one¡¯s soul at Kamito.

    ¡°¡ªKamito!¡±

    ire stood up and jumped out before Kamito.

    ¡°ire!?¡±

    ¡°O¡¯ true mes, carved in blood of ancient times, dwell in my hand and devour mes¡ª¡±

    As she quickly spun the words of an aria in the spiritnguage, crimson mes were d over her hand.

    Kamito widened his eyes. It wasn¡¯t ire¡¯s specialty of spirit magic mes.

    Those were heretic mes that would oppose Rubia¡¯s mes.

    ¡°Those are the mes that return all to nothing¡ªEnd of Vermillion!¡±

    Those dignified words trembled the atmosphere, and the crimson mes were released.

    The raging mes of demise collided into the Frost ze Rubia released in midway¡ª

    ¡°...!?¡±

    The explosion that would normally happen from a collision between two spirit magics didn¡¯t ur.

    The crimson mes ire let loose burned out Rubia¡¯s mes in an instant.

    Having greedily devoured the blue mes, ire¡¯s mes stayed at that spot for a while¡ª

    And, eventually disappeared into nothing, without leaving any traces behind.

    (This is ire¡¯s me-Burning mes...)

    Kamito gulped. He had heard about it but this was the first time he saw it himself.

    ¡°...Tch, falling as the Darkness Queen has awakened your nature...¡±

    Rubia muttered in astonishment.

    ¡°...Nee-sama, just stop it.¡±

    Then¡ª

    ire promptly put her hand down and stepped forward.

    ¡°I will definitely not let Kamito be the Demon King.¡±

    The Elstein sisters confronted each other.

    Within that tensed atmosphere, eyes of the same ruby pupils red at each other.

    It seemed like Rubia¡¯s eyes wavered for a mere instant but¡ª

    ¡°...Don¡¯t...get in my way, ire.¡±

    Leaking out from her lips were dispassionate words of farewell.

    ¡°I...have to save this world. That¡¯s the responsibility of those knowing the truth.¡±

    ¡°The truth...¡±

    ire widened her eyes in surprise.

    ¡°Yes. I came here to hear the truth from your mouth, Nee-sama.¡±

    Having seemingly made her resolve, she nodded and, just like that, she walked on straight towards her sister.

    ¡°¡ªThe truth four years ago¡±

    ¡°ire, it¡¯s dangerous¡ª¡±

    At the same time, Kamito gave a warning.

    Absolute-zero mes again were created on Rubia¡¯s hand and they were zing violently.

    However, ire did not falter. Keeping her arms defenselessly lowered, she drew closer towards her.

    ¡°...Tell me, Nee-sama. Why did you rebel against the Elemental Lord that day?¡±

    ¡°It has nothing to with you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way it has nothing to with me. After all¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shut it!¡±

    ¡°After all, Nee-sama¡ª¡±

    ¡°... I said shut it!¡±

    The absolute zero mes were released from Rubia¡¯s fingertip.

    ¡°ire¡ª!¡±

    With a shout, Kamito frantically reached out his hands but he didn¡¯t make it.

    Just as the surging blue mes were about swallow ire whole.

    ¡°¡ªNee-sama, as far as I¡¯m concerned, you have always been my beloved sister.¡±

    ¡°...!¡±

    Rubia¡¯s eyes of ruby pupils widened in shock.

    Without even thinking of dodging the mes, ire plunged right into Rubia¡¯s chest.

    ¡°...Why...didn¡¯t you avoid it?¡±

    ¡°I believed in you, Nee-sama, that you really wouldn¡¯t hit me.¡±

    ire gently held Rubia¡¯s wounded body close to her.

    ¡°...!?¡±

    ¡°...Nee-sama, just stop all this...¡±

    Her muffled voiced changed into a tearful sobbing in an instant.

    Having lost her ability to move, Rubia stood still with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°¡ªLooks like you¡¯ve reached a conclusion, Rubia.¡±

    Kamito calmly told her.

    ¡°...¡±

    After a short silence, she¡ª

    ¡°...It would seem that way.¡±

    Looking up at the empty skies, she muttered with a sigh.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much time remaining. Now that I¡¯ve failed to awaken the Demon King here, the means to kill the Elemental Lords no longer exist¡ª¡±

    (...Time remaining?)

    He got concerned with those words she casually said but¡ª

    There was something that he had to ask her first.

    ¡°Tell us. You said something like your goal was to remake this world into a world without spirits.¡±

    ¡°...¡±

    ¡°You were once a Queen but why would you try to kill the Elemental Lords?¡±

    ¡°Nee-sama...¡±

    ire gently raised her crying face.

    ¡°Please, tell me the truth. The reason why you had to betray the Elemental Lord.¡±

    Rubia¡ª

    Her lips slightly trembled and she forced out a small sigh.

    ¡°You guys will never believe it. Even I couldn¡¯t believe it until I saw it with my own eyes. That such a thing exists in this world¡ª¡±

    ¡°I believe you, Nee-sama. Regardless of what others say.¡±

    ¡°ire¡ª¡±

    Rubia¡¯s pupils wavered.

    ire looked straight back at those pupils of hers.

    ¡°...¡±

    Rubia took another breath and her lips quivered slightly.

    And¡ª

    ¡°Four years ago, the reason I rebelled against the Elemental Lord was¡ª¡±

    She calmly opened her mouth.

    ¡ªThat the Elemental Lord had gone mad.

 Volume 11, 1 - Calamity Queen

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 1 - Cmity Queen</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªFour years ago, the Divine Ritual Institute''s supreme council selected Duke Elstein''s eldest daughter, Rubia Elstein, to seed the position of the Fire Elemental Lord''s Queen.

    The previous Queen had already passed the age of twenty-five and her ability tomune with spirits was beginning to wane. Although her age still qualified for an incumbent elementalist, the Fire Elemental Lord desired to be served by young girls.

    Back then, Rubia was just a young maiden who had just reached the age of fifteen. However, no one objected to her being chosen.

    The prestigious House of Elstein had produced many Fire Queens in the past. Given that her talent was already flourishing and bearing fruit, it was only natural for Rubia to be selected.

    The popce offered their blessings to the new Queen. In turn, the young Rubia responded to the people''s expectations and devoted all of her attention to serving the elemental lord.

    Her kagura ritual dancing pleased the Elemental Lord, bringing happiness and fortune to the people on the continent.

    That was what she once believed firmly.

    "¡ªBack then, I was nothing but a foolish and ignorant little girl."

    Rubia''s voice trembled as she mocked herself.

    "Offering my kagura to the Elemental Lord without the slightest doubt, I prayed for fire''s blessings to bring peace to the continent. I firmly believed that it could bring happiness to the people¡ª"

    "Nee-sama, you were the object of our admiration."

    ire sobbed as she spoke.

    "Nee-sama, you were praised as the continent''s most gentle Queen... I-I also resolved myself to be a princess maiden like you when I grew up, Nee-sama."

    "Rubia-sama was once the goal of all the princess maidens at the Divine Ritual Institute. Ever since Rubia-sama was selected as the Fire Queen, the power of mes was augmented and the popce was delivered from the hardships of cold winter¡ª"

    This time, it was Fianna''s turn to speak.

    Speaking of which, Rubia and Fianna had apparently been close friends during their time at the Divine Ritual Institute. Kamito suddenly recalled this fact.

    "¡ªIndeed, I once believed firmly. Those acts were for the people. The great Elemental Lord was a being who brought blessings to the people."

    Rubia''s prim and proper face was twisted in pain as shemented in despair.

    "¡ªUntil that particr day."

    "...That particr day?"

    Kamito frowned and asked.

    Rubia bit her lip as though to suppress the rising anger in her heart.

    "¡ªIndeed, that particr day. It was roughly half a year after I became the Fire Queen. A small town on the Empire''s border was obliterated from thend."

    "...!?"

    ire suddenly opened her eyes wide.

    "Could it be the disaster of Dylus?"

    "Yes. The town known as Dylus no longer exists."

    "...That incident was not your fault, Nee-sama."

    ire shook her head in denial.

    "...Back then, it was only thanks to your nonstop prayers, carried out with neither sleep nor rest, that the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath was pacified¡ª"

    "Umm, could you pause right there?"

    Kamito interrupted at this point.

    "...Eh?"

    "Say, what''s the disaster of Dylus?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, ire''s face was filled with disbelief.

    "...Is it possible that you don''t know about that incident?"

    "Although there was a gag order at the time, it''s a monumental incident that is known to virtually everyone in the Empire."

    Fianna also cocked her head in puzzlement.

    "Four years ago, I was still in the Instructional School. The children who grew up there are not taught anything unrted to their missions."

    Even though Kamito had acquired basic knowledge from Restia''s education, he was stillpletely ignorant of events that happened outside the facility at the time. Hence, he had never heard of the incident known as the disaster of Dylus.

    "...Fair enough. Particrly after Nee-sama''s betrayal, people seldom bring up that incident again. It''s normal for Kamito not to know."

    ire shrugged and spoke quietly.

    "The disaster of Dylus refers to the incident where the little town of Dylus on the border of the Ordesia Empire was obliterated from thend because they angered the Fire Elemental Lord."

    "Obliterated?"

    "Yes. Bathed in a rain of fire for three days and three nights, not a single trace remained."

    ire sorrowfully bowed her head.

    "...Umm, and the reason?"

    "The reason?"

    "The reason for the elemental lord''s anger. That''s really unusual for an entire town to be destroyed."

    Kamito''s question prompted ayer of gloom to cloud ire''s face.

    "The people of Dylus failed to prepare enough offerings¡ªSupposedly."

    "...Offerings?"

    "Yes, due to the protracted drought that year,nds on the Empire''s borders were unable to harvest enough grain to make offerings to the elemental lord. This ended up incurring his wrath."

    "...! J-Just because of something like that¡ª"

    Kamito was dumbfounded.

    Throughout the entirety of history, there had been multiple instances of monumental disasters caused by the Elemental Lords.

    Storms, severe earthquakes, river floods, volcanic eruptions¡ªThese monumental natural disasters, recorded in the continent''s history, were essentially all caused by incurring the elemental lords'' wrath.

    However, who could have thought a city could be destroyed over such a thing¡ª

    "¡ªIndeed. Precisely because of such a thing."

    Rubia remarked sharply.

    "Precisely because of such a thing, that town was turned into ash."

    Her eyes burned with dim mes as she spat her words out in utter contempt.

    "The rain of fire brought destruction to Dylus over three days and three nights. The mes incinerated people''s homespletely. The surrounding soil was utterly ruined. The popce''smentation was unheeded, their pleas rejected as well¡ª"

    "B-But!"

    ire raised her voice to object.

    "At the time, Nee-sama, your prayers did manage to reach the Elemental Lord. Everyone said that you pacified the disaster of Sidonia¡ª"

    "...Indeed. At the time, I saved that town."

    Her voice trembled. Then the sound of gritted teeth was heard.

    "The people of Dylus did not me me. They even thanked me. They thanked me, the one who could do nothing about the town that was engulfed by mes. Everything went ording to the Elemental Lord''s wishes. This was all their own fault for incurring the elemental lord''s wrath¡ª!"

    Crying out with erupting emotion, Rubia hammered a stone pir with her fists.

    (...The townspeople epted their destruction without harboring any doubts.)

    Kamito muttered in his heart.

    In the human realm where everything borrowed the power of the spirits, the judgment of the Elemental Lords, the rulers of Astral Zero, was absolute. People were not permitted to harbor the slightest doubt.

    (However, back then, she...)

    ¡ªDoubts formed in her mind.

    As a Queen who served the elemental lord directly...

    (Absolutely forbidden doubts were formed¡ª)

    Rubia spoke as though she were reading Kamito''s thoughts.

    "Indeed, that was the first impetus giving rise to my doubts."

    "...The first."

    "¡ªIndeed. The disaster of Dylus was just the beginning."

    Part 2

    After that, the Elemental Lord''s judgment swept through variousnds in the continent on several asions.

    Every time, Rubia would beg for mercy and prayed to appease his anger. But on each asion, by the time her prayers finally went through, people had already lost all their possessions.

    "I was powerless at the time. I could do nothing butment my powerlessness...!"

    Erupting from her throat were cries of sorrow.

    The mes of hate burned intensely in her eyes of ruby.

    "One day, the first time I voiced the doubt hidden in my heart was at the supreme council. I questioned the elemental lord''s unreasonable instances of judgment. Next, I requested for a chance to have a direct audience with the elemental lord."

    "An audience with the elemental lord!?"

    Fianna cried out in surprise.

    For her who was once a princess maiden at the Divine Ritual Institute, these words carried special significance.

    Even for the Queen who was chosen from among hundreds of princess maidens, wanting to meet the True Sanctuary''s Elemental Lords was absolutely taboo.

    Throughout the entirety of history, there did exist Queens who were admitted to a direct audience with the elemental lords, but they all died unnatural deaths without exception.

    "Of course, I did not receive permission for a direct audience with the elemental lord. The supreme council imprisoned me for the crime of irreverence and that ended up causing more displeasure to the elemental lord."

    Repeated tragedies. Prayers that absolutely failed to get through.

    Carrying these doubts,menting her own powerlessness, even so, she continued to plead for mercy.

    During those days, filled with despair¡ª

    The decisive event urred, prompting her betrayal to be the Cmity Queen.

    "The elemental lord demanded a certain offering from me as the price to appease his anger."

    "Offering..."

    It was quitemon for high-ranking spirits to demand offerings from humans.

    The Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens made offerings of the dance performances they had learned. Elementalists offered their divine power to contracted spirits.

    However, what exactly did the Fire Elemental Lord seek from Rubia¡ª

    "The elemental lord demanded from me..."

    As though squeezing her voice out from the depths of her throat, Rubia spoke:

    "¡ªElstein''s True me."

    "...!?"

    Everyone''s face froze.

    Elstein''s True me.

    These words meant¡ª

    "¡ªIs it possible that it meant using ire as an offering?"

    "..."

    Rubia''s silence gave the answer.

    Elstein''s True me. These words meant the House of Elstein''s bloodline.

    Carried by the two sisters, the heretical mes that transcended the world''sws and principles.

    "...No... way..."

    ire murmured in shock.

    "The Elemental Lord wanted my life?"

    "This is impossible to believe, Rubia-sama."

    Fianna instantly rejected it.

    (...Indeed, it was inconceivable for an Elemental Lord to demand a living person''s life as a sacrifice.)

    Spirits who demanded live sacrifices were rare indeed. This was fact.

    However, those spirits that ruled over people through fear were sessively defeated by human heroes over the generations.

    It was possible for an evil spirit of the earth, but it waspletely inconceivable for an Elemental Lord to demand this kind of offering as one of Astral Zero''s exalted rulers.

    Nevertheless¡ª

    "Whether you believe it or not, that is the truth."

    Dim mes in her eyes, Rubia spoke.

    "At first, I could not believe it either. I thought it was a test of loyalty for me, the one who had doubted the Elemental Lord''s judgment. I regretted my suspicions and pleaded for absolution. I kept offering kagura dancing and prayers so that the demand for sacrifice would be withdrawn. Every night, until I fell unconscious to the ground, I kept at it nonstop, nonstop, nonstop..."

    However, those prayers werepletely in vain.

    "I pleaded to use my own life as a sacrifice. My body also carried Elstein''s True me. I hoped my younger sister''s life could be spared in exchange for mine."

    "Nee-sama..."

    The answer was no.

    What the elemental lord sought was not Rubia''s me but the me of her sister, ire.

    Next, the elemental lord''s mes of wrath were stoked by the Queen''s persistent pleas for mercy.

    The mes of his wrath were directed towards the people of Ordesia. The elemental lord issued a decree that threatened to rain down destruction upon the imperial capital equivalent to Dylus'' plight if the sacrifice was not offered.

    "How... could..."

    "Even for an Elemental Lord, such an atrocity cannot possibly be epted!"

    Fianna objected sharply.

    "What did the Divine Ritual Institute''s supreme council say?"

    "The elderspletely ignored my appeals. Despite their doubts about the disastrous decree, they simply kept repeating that the Elemental Lord''s will is absolute."

    Rubia gritted her teeth hard and shook her head.

    "I despaired. Towards the Divine Ritual Institute, the elemental lord, as well as myself, powerless to resist¡ª"

    Then the night before the imperial capital was about to turn into a burning inferno...

    She made her decision.

    Part 3

    At daybreak as judgment loomed over the imperial capital.

    Rubia broke the Divine Ritual Institute''s taboo and entered the deepest part of the shrine.

    This was a ce where even Queens were absolutely forbidden.

    Astral Zero''s True Sanctuary.

    She went before the guardian spirit that protected the True Sanctuary.

    It probably had not expected a Queen would break the taboo. Suffering a surprise attack, the guardian spirit was devoured and destroyed by the mystical mes of absolute zero before it noticed Rubia''s intentions.

    The one hindering her from gaining an audience with the Elemental Lord no longer existed.

    In the first ce, only Queens were permitted to step foot in the shrine. Stationed outside the shrine, the spirit knights could not notice what happened inside.

    Passing through the endless corridor leading to the True Sanctuary, Rubia reached the deepest room.

    Then she opened the towering final gates.

    Following the steps that led high above, she reached the top level.

    She arrived at a throne that was covered by a massive curtain.

    "¡ªI saw that."

    Trembling¡ª

    Her entire body shuddered from terror.

    This girl who was the Strongest de Dancer''s imposter...

    Rather than anger, she was trembling from pure terror.

    Seeing her pale expression, the trio involuntarily swallowed a mouthful of air.

    "What was it¡ª"

    Kamito was the first to speak.

    "At the True Sanctuary where the Elemental Lords reside, what did you see?"

    Rubia¡ª

    The color of fear clearly surfaced in her eyes of ruby.

    "¡ªYou must have witnessed the same sight as I did. Three years ago."

    "...!"

    Kamito recalled the feeling that felt as though a sharp de had stabbed into his heart.

    Cold sweat broke out from his forehead and dripped on the ground.

    "Kamito and Nee-sama both saw the same thing?"

    ire frowned with surprise¡ª

    She instantly understood.

    "...Th-That''s right. You were the previous de Dance''s¡ª"

    (...Come to think of it, ire already knows.)

    Turning his gaze away, slightly embarrassed, Kamito sighed in his heart.

    ire''s gaze towards Kamito did not show any signs of reprimand. Although Kamito still had some doubts, he swept them aside for now¡ª

    (...I saw the Elemental Lords three years ago?)

    Having an audience with the Elemental Lords was an absolute taboo even for a Queen.

    However, there was one and only one exception.

    ¡ªNamely, the winner of the de Dance.

    The elementalist who obtained victory throughout the brutal de dances was rewarded with the chance to personally voice their Wish in front of the Elemental Lords ruling from the True Sanctuary.

    (...!)

    Throb¡ªInstantly, Kamito''s brain felt a pang of intense pain.

    Whenever he tried to recall what had happened back then, his thoughts entered a hazy state.

    "...That day, I probably saw the same thing."

    Recovering barely enough to speak, Kamito shook his head lightly.

    "But I have no memories of that time at all."

    That which existed in the deepest part of the True Sanctuary.

    The only image he could recall was the darkness that devoured Restia.

    Kamito''s gaze was drawn to the demon sword of darkness gripped in his left hand.

    (Restia, you should know, right?)

    The true identity of that which had caused the Cmity Queen to despair.

    "That day, what I saw was¡ª"

    Just as Rubia was about to speak...

    Raging mes suddenly poured out from thin air.

    "...What!?"

    Kamito swiftly readied his dual swords¡ª

    Next, he suddenly turned his gaze towards Rubia.

    "...Ah, guh...!"

    Rubia was crouching on the floor, groaning in pain.

    Many beads of sweat appeared on her forehead while red droplets of blood dripped from her arms.

    "N-Nee-sama, what''s going on!?"

    The first to notice Rubia''s unusual symptoms, ire held her hand.

    "So hot!"

    As soon as she touched the dripping blood, ire screamed softly.

    The blood flowing from her body was boiling like seethingva.

    "What... is this... Nee-sama, what on earth, happened...?"

    Rolling up Rubia''s sleeve, ire could not help but hold her breath.

    Covering her arm was an ominous seal that resembled a snake.

    (That''s a Cursed Armament Seal...!)

    "...Looks like the final moment has arrived."

    Losing all color of blood from her face, Rubia smiled in a dreamlike manner.

    "The final... Nee-sama, what on earth... is going on...?"

    "¡ªThe mes of purgatory are demanding my soul."

    Suddenly, the crimson mes that had manifested out of the air bared their fangs towards Rubia.

 Volume 11, 2 - Dance of the Dual Swords

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 2 - Dance of the Dual Swords</h4>

    Part 1

    "...!"

    Almost reflexively¡ª

    Kamito swung the dual swords he was wielding.

    Giving off dazzling brilliance, the sword of steel¡ªTerminus Est¡ªdeflected the iing mes. Held in a reverse grip, the demon sword was swung towards the mes attacking from the opposite direction.

    "ire!"

    Before Kamito cried out, ire had already summoned metongue.

    Sweeping her surroundings in a circr manner, she produced an intensely burning wall of fire.

    "What''s going on? Why did your mes attack you?"

    Kamito turned his gaze towards Rubia behind him.

    Rubia showed an expression of enduring intense pain.

    "Those are not my own mes..."

    "What?"

    "That type of me... was acquired... using this life as the price..."

    "Kamito, it''sing!"

    ire yelled out.

    The roaring mes prated her wall of fire and attacked the immobile Rubia.

    Kamito clicked his tongue and blocked the mes by crossing his dual swords.

    (...The mes have strengthened?)

    Judging from the heat scorching his skin, Kamito sensed through instinct.

    "...Take this, turn into charcoal!"

    Gnawing at the dual swords persistently, the mes were incinerated by ire''s me-Burning mes.

    Where the mes vanished, a sharp noise resembling ss shattering could be heard.

    Staring in shock at what had shattered¡ªKamito''s eyes instantly widened.

    It was a transparent crimson crystal¡ªa fragment of the Godying mes.

    "...What!? Laevateinn should be smashed already¡ª"

    "What you smashed was my elemental waffe. The spirit itself was not... destroyed."

    Rubia panted as she spoke.

    The Cursed Armament Seals on her arms were glowing ominously while the color of blood seeped through her military uniform.

    "Laevateinn is a spirit weapon that was defeated by the Five Great Elemental Lords during the past Spirit War and sealed away. Hence, it hates the Elemental Lords and lent its power to me due to our shared goals. However¡ª"

    Rubia coughed violently. The crimson and bloody froth began to spread on the ground.

    "Originally, it was not a spirit that humans could form a contract with. As the price for a contract imensurate with oneself, that spirit demanded¡ªMy life."

    "...H-How could that be...!?"

    ire cried out sorrowfully¡ª

    "A contract whose price is one''s life cannot be sustained for years¡ª"

    But in the middle of speaking, ire suddenly realized something and held her breath.

    "Those excessive Cursed Armament Seals. Are they for sustaining the impossible contract?"

    Kamito asked calmly.

    "..."

    Rubia did not answer. Biting her lip, she was enduring the intense pain tormenting her entire body.

    (...Through the Theocracy, she had contacted Murders.)

    An organization formed by merchants of death, Murders was involved in the transntation of illegal Cursed Armament Seals. Rubia had probably transnted Cursed Armament Seals on her body through them.

    Using countless fake contracts, piling multipleyers on top of the original contract, the strongest me spirit was restrained.

    However, this kind of method could notst indefinitely. Even for a Queen possessing a princess maiden''s disposition of the highest rank, the burden on the body would eventually reach a limit.

    "So you intended to die from the very start?"

    "Had you awakened as the Demon King and epted the will of the Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll who is dominated by hatred, you would have gone to murder the Elemental Lords... In that event, my death would have been worthwhile."

    While coughing blood, Rubia spoke indifferently.

    Kamito stared at her.

    "What a willful n that was."

    "...Idealism alone cannot save anything. That was what I truly experienced back when I was still a Queen. Even if great sacrifices must be made, this is the only way to save the world."

    "No. That''s not what I''m talking about."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "...What...?"

    "Did it ever cross your mind? If you died, there are people who would be heartbroken."

    "..."

    Crimson mes roared. The noise sounded as though it came from underground and caused Kamito''s nerves to tense all over his body.

    "Kamito..."

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Hearing ire''s worried voice, Kamito nodded.

    "That must be¡ªthe main body of the Godying mes."

    Cold sweat flowed down his forehead.

    Over there was¡ª

    A hand hovering in midair.

    Surrounded by roaring mes, a giant hand.

    Madly, it roamed the air as though in search of something.

    "It''s not really the main body. That''s just one part of the Godying mes."

    "...Just one part?"

    Kamito groaned in disbelief.

    An elemental waffe was simply a fraction of a powerful spirit''s strength, merely drawn out through the contract.

    In other words, the Laevateinn that Rubia had wielded was merely making use of a minor fraction of the strongest me spirit''s power.

    However, the hand extending out from thin air¡ª

    (...Archdemon ss, at the very least probably.)

    Just an arm already produced such astounding heat. Once the main body manifested, surely the entire space itself would be destroyed.

    "¡ªire."

    At this moment, Rubia forced out a weak voice.

    "Nee-sama?"

    "You can still make it. Leave this ce."

    "...I-I don''t want that!...I must fight it."

    "Useless. It''s not a being that humans can defeat."

    Rubia disyed a grim gaze and shook her head.

    Watching the arm of me slowly crawling out of the air¡ª

    "What it seeks is the contract''s price. Once I offer my life, it will probably return to where it came from. I have lost¡ªThis is merely epting myeuppance."

    She smiled as though giving up.

    "O-Oh right! All we need to do is break Nee-sama''s magic stone and she''ll be forcibly transferred to Ragna Ys."

    "This thing is summoned using the spirit seal carved in my heart that serves as the medium. It will surely cause destruction if brought over to Ragna Ys."

    "...!"

    ire bit her lip hard.

    She could not save her precious elder sister. She did not have the power to rescue her.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Don''t give up."

    A hand touched ire on the shoulder.

    It was Kamito. Smiling fearlessly, he stared at the arm of me floating in midair.

    "Kamito..."

    "Rubia, the same goes for you. It''s too early to despair."

    Kamito looked back, causing Rubia to stare in surprise.

    "Guarding my life... What meaning is there...?"

    "...Who knows."

    Kamito shrugged casually and readied his dual swords again.

    (...Only that I don''t want to see sorrow on your sister''s face again.)

    If anything, his reason was that simple. But Kamito had no obligation to tell her that.

    Furthermore, it was too embarrassing to say out loud in front of ire, the person in question.

    "Also, I still have stuff to ask you."

    "Then you''ll have to survive this first. It''s currently just an arm right now, but once the true body appears, it will not be satisfied with just me as the sacrifice."

    "¡ªWell then, I''ll just have to defeat it."

    "...Foolish. It would be okay if your power as the Demon King was awakened, but in your current state, all covered in wounds, you have no such ability¡ª"

    "It''s not like there''s no chance for victory at all. Its main body hasn''t manifested yet, right?"

    Turning his gaze away from Rubia behind him, Kamito took a step forward.

    (...Yes, there''s still a chance for victory.)

    Telling himself that, he took another step forward.

    The giant arm was surrounded with mes.

    It was slowly entering from that tear in space.

    However, it was just an arm.

    For the true body to manifest, that tear was far too narrow.

    The Cursed Armament Seals that had been transnted onto Rubia''s body were still restraining the contract.

    (If it''s before the true body manifests, there''s a possibility that¡ª)

    Gazing at the arm of wild mes, Kamito infused divine power into his dual swords.

    This Lost Cathedral was arge-scale magic device for absorbing divine power from the abandoned city''s leylines. Simply standing in this space was enough to replenish divine power.

    (¡ªThe problem lies in my body''s condition.)

    The burden of unleashing the dual sword secret technique had caused all his muscles to scream in pain.

    ...Sizzle... Sizzle sizzle... Sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle... Sizzle...!

    Apanied by annoying noises, the arm of me crawled out all at once.

    (¡ªNo time to think, huh?)

    Laevateinn¡ªthe spirit weapon sealed in the sanctuary¡ªwas also the strongest me spirit.

    Were it to manifestpletely, things would be over.

    Kamito must take this opportunity while it was still iplete to stuff it back where it came from.

    However, even after defeating it, so long as the spirit contract remained, this would amount to nothing but stalling for time. No matter how many more attempts it would take, it was probably still going to keep demanding Rubia''s life.

    However, Kamito had an idea.

    Although he did not know if it would work¡ª

    No matter what, it would be meaningless unless the issue was resolved right now.

    The me spirit opened its palm.

    "Kamito, it''sing!"

    The warning came from ire.

    A heat wave shook the air in the next instant.

    A giant fireball was being released from the hand''s fingertips¡ª!

    An overwhelming mass of heat was attacking, dragging a crimson tail behind it.

    This was ire''s prided specialty, Fireball magic, except the difference in power was as far apart as heaven and earth.

    An explosion urred. Before Kamito''s eyes, the fireball exploded into roaring mes.

    The sound of the explosion and the swirling center of the heatwave¡ª

    "Such power..."

    Stabbing her silver rapier into the ground, Fianna wiped sweat off her brow as she grumbled.

    Kamito''s group was surrounded by a radiant shield of light.

    This was Save the Queen¡ªthe elemental waffe that erected a sturdy barrier around its user.

    Due to returning Scarlet''s contract back to ire, Fianna''s circuits reconnected, allowing her to use her knight spirit again.

    "Fianna, can I entrust Rubia''s protection to you?"

    "Yes. But it can''t be sustained for long."

    Fianna replied in an urgent voice.

    Although her elemental waffe barely managed to defend against the current attack¡ª

    Once the original power of the Godying mes manifested, even Save the Queen would probably be smashed easily.

    "Yeah. Before ites out¡ªI will settle things!"

    Kamito nodded and leapt from the ground, wielding both swords in his hands.

    Concentrating his awareness in his hands, Kamito yelled out in his heart.

    (Both of you, lend me your power!)

    ¡ªYes. I am your sword, your wish is mymand.

    ¡ªI am yours, Kamito. The sword spirit''s power is not needed.

    ¡ªI don''t need the darkness spirit''s power either.

    Sparks flew between the two contracted spirits.

    (Come on, stop arguing inside my mind¡ª)

    The giant arm swung through the air. Infusing his dual swords with divine power, Kamito charged forward all at once.

    The mes of purgatory approached, incinerating a wide area. It was impossible to dodge at this range.

    However, there was nothing to fear. If those were ordinary mes¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Fourth Form¡ªze sh!"

    This technique of the Absolute de absorbed mes and imbued elemental waffen with the me attribute.

    The mes were sliced apart. Shining with silver-white brilliance, Terminus Est''s de became incandescent.

    Hot wind was roasting Kamito''s face. Unconcerned, Kamito charged.

    "You, O true darkness¡ªPierce!"

    Sleek and pitch-ck, the de of darkness shed with ominous red light.

    With godlike speed, Kamito attacked the me-spewing arm.

    The de''s tip pierced the me spirit. He could feel a definite hit from the sensation.

    However¡ª

    "...!?"

    The demon sword of darkness was engulfed in mes.

    Despite having vanquished numerous spirits in the past, a strike from the Vorpal Sword failed to inflict decisive damage to Laevateinn.

    Be that as it may, Kamito''s attack was notpletely ineffective.

    Due to the damage suffered, it finally recognized Kamito as an enemy rather than a target to be devoured.

    Fingers of me grabbed the Vorpal Sword''s de, dragging it into midair.

    "...!"

    Urgently, Kamito swung his right hand''s Demon yer.

    The fingers of me were severed and sent flying. Kamito instantly withdrew the demon sword of darkness and jumped back.

    The arm of me chased in pursuit. Although one could not tell since it was just an arm, the spirit was probably angered.

    (...Oh well, that''s only natural. After all, it suffered a counterattack from the contract''s sacrifices.)

    Kamito instantly shifted his gaze over towards Rubia''s side.

    Fianna had erected Save the Queen''s barrier. Inside there, Rubia was crouching while looking towards him.

    ¡ªWith an expression of total iprehension.

    (I have no idea what you saw four years ago in the True Sanctuary¡ª)

    Crossing the two swords to deflect the descending fist, Kamito pulled back and distanced himself.

    (But you despaired far too quickly, Rubia Elstein.)

    Kamito''s mutterings carried a hint of self-mockery.

    He himself had plunged into deep despair in the past as well.

    Three years ago, when he lost Restia.

    (¡ªAfter that, I lived as though I were a hollow shell.)

    However, he finally freed himself from despair, all thanks to¡ª

    The severed fingers of the me spirit regenerated. Kamito dodged the swinging fist by a hair''s breadth.

    ¡ªNo good, Kamito!

    His mind suddenly rang with Restia''s warning.

    Suddenly, the tear in space was forced apart¡ª

    ¡ªSizzle... Sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle sizzle...!

    The me spirit''s arm extended as a result.

    (...Crap¡ª)

    Surpassing Kamito''s expectations, the giant arm drew near before his eyes.

    As much as he tried to defend against the mes with his two swords, however¡ª

    (...I''m gonna be crushed to death!?)

    He could not block the Godying mes'' overwhelming power.

    Together with the two swords, Kamito was being crushed against the ground.

    "Guh, ah...!"

    His entire body was sinking into the stone floor. The heat wave charred his hair and slowly stole oxygen from his lungs. Without the protection from his elemental waffen, his body probably would have been vaporized just now¡ª

    At this moment¡ª

    "Kamito!"

    Slicing through wind, the ming whip entangled the Godying mes'' arm.

    The pressure disappeared for an instant. Kamito did not miss this opening. Using the Demon yer as a shield and sliding the Vorpal Sword that crossed it, he flipped to the side and escaped.

    The giant arm crashed down. The wind of the explosion blew Kamito away.

    Kamito lost bnce but metongue grabbed his leg and swiftly pulled him to the ground.

    "...Thanks a lot, ire."

    "Seriously, stop going at it recklessly alone."

    "Sorry..."

    Kamito shrugged and smiled wryly.

    Indeed, the reason that Kamito was able to break free from despair was all thanks to¡ª

    ire and the teammates he met at the Academy.

    Even for Kamito who was once known as the Strongest de Dancer, he could not havee this far by his own efforts alone.

    (...You should rely on others more.)

    However, in Rubia''s despair, she sought capable pawns instead ofrades.

    Team Inferno¡ªa group of outstanding users of extraordinary powers.

    Suddenly¡ª

    "Kamito, you should retreat from the line of fire for now."

    "Uh?"

    "Your divine power is about to deplete."

    "...!"

    Kamito only noticed from the reminder.

    Held in his respective hands, the two swords were shing unsteadily.

    Simultaneously releasing two elemental waffen of the highest rank was consuming more divine power than he imagined.

    Even the divine power supplied by the Lost Cathedral could not keep up with the rate of consumption.

    ¡ªDon''t... worry... Kami.. to...!

    ¡ªStill... can... do it...!

    Est and Restia''s voices sounded out in his mind simultaneously.

    However, their voices were much less clear than before.

    Soon after, the spirit seals on his hands stopped glowing and he could no longer hear their voices.

    "...Tsk, this is bad..."

    "I''ll buy us time. Kamito, you focus on recovering."

    "But you¡ª"

    Kamito hesitated.

    The opponent was the highest ranking me spirit. ire alone¡ª

    "Fianna, please¡ª"

    "Yeah."

    "...?"

    Unnoticed by Kamito, she had sneaked up on him¡ª

    The voice came from behind.

    Feeling a sudden tug on his cor, Kamito found himself pulled into the barrier of light.

    "Fianna, let go¡ª!"

    "No."

    Fianna scolded him.

    "Leave things to ire for now. In your current state of divine power depletion, you are unable to inflict critical damage on Laevateinn."

    "...!"

    Sweeping her hand aside was not hard.

    But Kamito did not do that because he had no choice but to admit that she was right.

    Kamito put down his hands that were wielding the two swords.

    "This tower is a device for gathering divine power. If you concentrate, you can recover divine power rapidly."

    "...True, but it''s not like it can be done in a matter of seconds."

    Both of Kamito''s elemental waffen consumed vast amounts of divine power.

    Recovery would take a few minutes at least... It was hard to imagine ire buying that much time.

    "...I will protect Nee-sama!"

    Her hair fluttered and floated like burning mes¡ª

    ire jumped.

    The giant arm extending in midair was severed by her crimson sh.

    "No way¡ª"

    Kamito stared wide-eyed in surprise.

    ording to the rules of Astral Zero, mes cutting other mes was an impossible phenomenon.

    ire had applied the power of her me-Burning mes to her elemental waffe.

    Crimson mes were cleaved in all directions as metongue sliced Laevateinn apart.

    Having awakened as the Darkness Queen, ire now seemed able to control those mes.

    (However¡ª)

    Laevateinn''s arm quickly regenerated and formed even stronger mes to attack ire.

    Signs of fatigue began to show on ire''s face.

    (...I knew it. Ordinary attacks don''t work.)

    While suppressing his anxiety, Kamito groaned in his mind.

    He closed his eyes and focused his mind to gather divine power in the two swords in his hands.

    He could feel the divine power he obtained from the leylines, circting in his body.

    However, the amount was too little.

    Having awakened as the Demon King at one point, Kamito''s body even deflected Save the Queen''s effects that granted every type of protection.

    His current level of divine power could not activate elemental waffen of the highest ss.

    (Hurry... Hurry...!)

    At this moment¡ª

    "Why¡ª"

    Kamito heard a weak voice.

    "Why... haven''t you all despaired?"

    Rubia gazed intently at Kamito with a bloodless expression.

    "..."

    Just as Kamito was lost at how to answer¡ª

    "It''s enough for me to be the only sacrifice. There is still a chance to escape¡ª"

    She took out a certain object from her bloodstained military uniform.

    Disying metallic luster, held in her hand was¡ª

    A small pendant on a chain.

    "That''s¡ª"

    ...Kamito had some recollection.

    Two months or so earlier.

    On that day when Kamito transferred into the Academy, ire had shown such an object.

    Decorated with a lion emblem, it was the House of Elstein''s pendant.

    She handed that item to Kamito''s hands.

    "...What do you intend?"

    "I wish¡ªto give it to my sister."

    Kamito shrugged and spoke:

    "Spare me thest words. If you die, ire will be sad. I don''t want to see her making that kind of face ever again."

    "..."

    "¡ªListen, Rubia, I will protect you even if it means putting my life on the line."

    Hearing Kamito''s firm resolve, she¡ª

    Bit her cherry lips hard.

    "¡ªYou''re seriously... a fool."

    Then she touched Kamito''s arm lightly.

    Instantly...

    (...W-What!?)

    Scorching mes swirled around Kamito''s entire body.

    So hot. His heart was burning like a furnace and his blood was boiling.

    "...What did you... do to me...?"

    "Eternal Blood of the Phoenix¡ªRecovery magic. Only high-ranking princess maidens are qualified to chant it."

    "Recovery magic...?"

    Kamito was astonished.

    "It shouldn''t work on me¡ª"

    "Kamito-kun, Eternal Blood is not holy-attribute spirit magic."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "This is the only existing fire magic under the healing system."

    "Fire-attribute healing magic..."

    Scorching mes were flowing over from Rubia''s fingertips.

    "This won''t cause any problems... will it?"

    Kamito recalled what happened when Rubia used seal magic earlier.

    However, the intense pain from that time was absent¡ª

    "No it won''t. This is legitimate Queen magic. However, unlike usual healing magic, it only imitates those properties."

    "...You are the Demon King''s sessor. The only being who can destroy the Elemental Lords. You cannot die... here..."

    Rubia''s fingers left Kamito''s arm.

    "...I entrust my sister to you."

    After murmuring softly in a feeble voice¡ª

    With that, her knees copsed and she fell to the floor.

    "...Yeah. Leave it to me."

    Kamito nodded calmly.

    The mes of purgatory were rampaging in his body. Almost out of control, the divine power was forcibly suppressed by Kamito.

    As soon as he poured divine power into his hands, the dual swords shone with brilliance once more.

    (So this is the divine power from the continent''s strongest Queen...!)

    Powerful light, strong enough to bring pain to his eyes, caused Kamito to hold his breath.

    No ordinary elementalist couldpare to this. The difference in the amount of divine power was as far apart as heaven and earth.

    "Kamito-kun, the barrier won''tst much longer!"

    As Fianna screamed, the silver rapier embedded in the ground vanished.

    Once Save the Queen''s protection was released, a wave of heat instantly rushed over all at once.

    "...Kamito, hurry...!"

    ire cried out. Kamito took a leap and¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    He sliced apart the mes that were attacking ire.

    "ire, it''s okay now. Step back."

    "...Got it."

    Instantly trading positions, ire retreated to the back.

    Sliced into two, the burning arm of mes regenerated immediately and attacked Kamito.

    As expected, against the strongest me spirit that possessed infinite reserves of divine power, anything less than a full-powered attack would be useless.

    (There''s no choice but to use overwhelming power to destroy the Gate in the air outright¡ª)

    Just at this moment...

    ¡ª... Kamito, can you hear me...?

    A voice was heard in his mind.

    (...Restia?)

    While deflecting the oing mes, Kamito asked.

    ¡ªUnder the current conditions, unleashing a bold move would be foolhardy.

    Kamito understood her point. Even with the divine power Rubia entrusted to him, this body, covered in injuries, could hardly perform the strongest sword technique.

    But in order to take out Laevateinn, there was no choice but to use the anti-spirit Absolute de Arts.

    (...But I can only gamble on that¡ª)

    ¡ªImagine. The form of the sword that matches you.

    (...Uh?)

    ¡ªThere''s no need to be bound by the form used three years ago, right?

    Kamito realized only after it was pointed out to him.

    (¡ªRight!)

    Currently, both of Kamito''s elemental waffen were two-handed greatswords.

    Although they were highly destructive in single strikes, the strain on the body was equally intense.

    In that case¡ª

    ¡ªYou don''t mind either, Miss Sacred Sword, do you?

    ¡ªI am Kamito''s sword, Kamito''s wish is mymand.

    Faced with Restia''s slightly taunting tone of voice, Est''s de responded with dazzling radiance.

    (Dual swords huh...)

    Kamito imagined in his mind the assassination swords that were familiar to him in the past.

    As he poured divine power into the seals on his hands¡ª

    That weight, shape and bnce awakened in his memory.

    (...That''s it!)

    The instant the image became clear...

    The two swords turned into particles of light and transformed.

    Fromrge-sized greatswords to small one-handed swords¡ª

    (¡ªThis will work!)

    Holding the white and ck swords in reverse grips, Kamito jumped up.

    His body felt very light as though he could not feel the weight of the two swords in his hands.

    While slicing apart the roaring mes, he swiftly crossed the great hall.

    Laevateinn''s palm released a rain of fireballs.

    Scarlet mes instantly buried his view and were about to swallow Kamito.

    However, Kamito moved even faster. Flying among the mes, he then¡ª

    "Dual sword technique¡ªOrochi!"

    An endless stream of ck and white shes struck down the fireballs one after another.

    This was an assassination technique from the Instructional School¡ªan unorthodox sword skill that Greyworth had banned him from using.

    ¡ªYou''re going to get scolded by the witch again, Kamito.

    "Who cares about her right now¡ª"

    Retorting to Restia''s jest, Kamito charged.

    Laevateinn produced fireballs again¡ª

    "I''m not going to let you seed!"

    Before that, Kamito had already swept the ck demon de¡ªthe Vorpal Sword¡ªhorizontally.

    Jet-ck lightning erupted from the dark and shiny de.

    ¡ªVorpal st. This sword skill had defeated numerous elementalists at the de Dance three years ago.

    The fireballs exploded inside Laevateinn''s hand. The impact shook the great hall.

    "Ohhhhhhh!"

    Flying past the scattering debris, Kamito instantly closed in. Kicking the ground, he leapt into the air.

    (This will decide the victor¡ª!)

    Pouring the maximum amount of divine power to the two swords, he swung them both down at the same time¡ª

    Suddenly, the tear in space expanded.

    (...!?)

    Out crawled another arm.

    (...Crap, I can''t dodge this!)

    Kamito instantly made his decision and ovepped his swords to make a cross.

    (¡ªPlease hold out!)

    Compared to the two-handed greatswords, the durability of one-handers were much lower. Even for the legendary demon sword and sacred sword, whether they could withstand the strongest me spirit''s power was still unknown¡ª

    (If they yield now, I''m gonna turn into charcoal¡ª)

    At this moment, the wall of me covering the great hall suddenly split apart.

    "¡ªFahrengart style of the spear, sh Gale!"

    Prating the wall of fire, enveloped in a gale, the magic spear charged in between the Kamito and the arm of me.

    The one who had thrown the spear was¡ª

    (¡ªEllis!)

    Ponytail flying in the wind, the maiden knight entered Kamito''s view while he was in midair.

    Stabbed into the ground, the magic spear produced a whirlwind, causing Kamito''s body to rise.

    His teammate had created an opening for him.

    Despite its brevity, it was enough.

    Readying his two swords in the air, Kamito infused the swords with the divine power that was rampaging in his body.

    Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Thirty-six Consecutive Strikes!"

    Countless shining shes ripped Laevateinn apart together with the Gate in the air.

    Part 2

    "Ha, hahaha! How amusing, you really are quite interesting, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    On the Lost Cathedral''s top level, the shrine where ire had been imprisoned earlier¡ª

    The Theocracy''s witch gazed into the distant scene disyed in the crystal ball andughed on her own.

    "However, Rubia Elstein turned out to be far too naive. This is the result of injecting half-baked emotions. Were I in her ce, I would surely destroy ire Rouge''s mindpletely, then proceed to create the Darkness Queen of my liking¡ª"

    Her lips twisted sardonically.

    "Thanks to that, the n failed... But no matter. Depending on circumstances, this might turn out to be even more interesting, kukuku..."

    Serpentine eyes were staring at the demon sword of darkness shown in the crystal.

    The will of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, guided the Demon King''s awakening.

    However, the darkness spirit currently seemed to have changed in nature under some sort of influence.

    That which wore the guise of Sjora Kahn grinned fearlessly.

    "Victory shall be yielded to you here, Kazehaya Kamito. Since that littledy failed, I am not obliged to entertain this any further."

    She took out the magic stone carrying Team Inferno''s crest from her bosom.

    Applying slight force with her fingers, the magic stone cracked and quickly shattered.

    Apanying the magic stone''s destruction, Transfer magic immediately activated. Sjora Kahn''s body turned into particles of light and gradually disappeared into the air¡ª

    "Kuku, let the war begin. A great war unprecedented in the human realm, surpassing the Demon Lord War and the Ranbal War in the past!"

    Part 3

    "¡ªOhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The final sword strike shed through the air.

    The rampaging arm of me vanished without trace along with the tear in space.

    The sea of me covering the floor disappeared at the same time. Instantly, silence dominated the scene.

    Maintaining his dual wielding stance, Kamitonded on the ground.

    Then following his momentum, he copsed on his knees.

    "...Kamito!" "Kamito-kun!"

    ire and Fianna frantically hurried over.

    Appearing over at the door, Ellis and Rinslet also rushed over.

    "Kamito, are you okay!?" "Kamito-san!"

    "...Ouch..."

    Groaning while he looked up, Kamito''s view was dominated by the four faces that were watching him worriedly.

    They seem to be crying out something but he could not hear very clearly. Perhaps his hearing was numbed.

    "...Ellis... Rinslet... Thank goodness you''re both safe and sound..."

    Not even able to stand up, Kamito spoke softly.

    Perhaps the nerves in his arms were damaged, he could not even lift a finger.

    This was the bacsh from using spirit-vanquishing Absolute de Arts.

    "...Has Sjora Kahn... been defeated?"

    Kamito tried to move his lips and asked the two girls.

    "No¡ª"

    Hearing him, Ellis shook her head in chagrin.

    "The Theocracy''s witch escaped... Or rather, she let us go. If Leonora-dono had not hurried over to offer her assistance, we would have lost to that demon spirit."

    "...Leonora made it in time huh."

    During the fight in the lower levels, Kamito had not taken away Leonora''s magic stone. Instead, he asked her to assist Ellis and Rinslet who were fighting Sjora Kahn.

    She had fulfilled her promise with Kamito, her opponent.

    "...Uh, Leonora?"

    Copsed on the ground, Kamito looked around him.

    There were no signs of the demon dragon user.

    "...She forfeited the final round."

    "Forfeited?"

    "Yes. Leonora-dono left a message for you."

    Ellis nodded and took out a magic stone from her bosom.

    "I have already de danced with Kamito with my full power and lost. Obsessing over victory and refusing to admit defeat would be a taint to that supreme de dance¡ªThat was what she said."

    "...I see."

    Exiting the stage like that really suited her style.

    Having de danced with her with everything he had, Kamito felt pride from the bottom of his heart.

    "...ire is fine too."

    "...Yeah. Umm... Thank you, everyone."

    "H-Helping a teammate is only natural."

    "It somehow feels weird to hear honest thanks from you."

    "Does untying your hair change your personality?"

    "...S-So annoying. What the heck."

    ire pouted with displeasure.

    At her feet, Scarlet wagged her tail happily.

    "...Anyway, it''s great that everyone is safe and sound¡ªCough, ah..."

    Suddenly, Kamito''s entire body was filled with intense pain.

    His heart raced madly and his muscles were convulsing. He felt pain as though his body was burning inside.

    "Kamito... W-What''s the matter!?"

    ire frantically picked up Kamito''s body in her arms.

    "...S-So hot...!"

    "¡ªIt''s the Eternal Blood''s side effects."

    A calm voice was heard from behind.

    Everyone turned to look back.

    "Nee-sama, what''s going on!?"

    "The mes driving Kazehaya Kamito''s body have burnt out. Since he used a technique that strained his body this much, the bacsh must logically be quite astounding¡ª"

    "How could this...!?"

    "Rx. This boy will not die from this. Once the Demon King''s power ispletely withdrawn, it will be fine for Fianna over there to heal him."

    "...By the way, you... And there I was, thinking this healing was so fast..."

    Enduring the intense pain, Kamito poked fun at her.

    "Healing was never my specialty in the first ce."

    However, the former Queen shook her head nonchntly.

    "Rubia Elstein..."

    In response, Ellis readied her spear and red at her warily.

    "What is your goal?"

    "...The Fahrengart family''s daughter, huh."

    Leaning against a stone pir, Rubia looked at Ellis indifferently.

    "...Stop it, Ellis."

    "Kamito? But she¡ª"

    "...She no longer has the power to fight. Swinging your weapon at a person who cannot resist will taint a knight''s honor..."

    "No power remaining?"

    "...That is true too. Indeed, it appears that my remaining power.. has vanished."

    In a slightly sardonic tone of voice, Rubia spoke.

    Blood had stopped flowing from the Cursed Armament Seals on her arms.

    "...To think a spirit contract could be severed¡ªIs it that sacred sword''s power?"

    "I already tried it once before."

    Supported upright by ire, Kamito nodded.

    Temporarily driving Laevateinn away did not solve the problem at its root. So long as the contract''s connection remained, the spirit was surely going to continue making attempts to im Rubia''s life relentlessly.

    However, defeating the strongest me spirit''s main body was absolutely impossible. It was not an opponent that a human elementalist could oppose.

    Hence, Kamito had severed the contract connecting Laevateinn to Rubia.

    He relied on the power of the Demon yer¡ªTerminus Est.

    Possessing the strongest anti-magic properties, this "cursed sword," capable of absorbing all curses, was simultaneously a sacred sword that could lift all spells. The contract exchanged between a spirit and an elementalist was also a type of spell.

    In the past, Kamito had used Terminus Est to destroy the Cursed Armament Seal transnted on Velsaria Eva''s heart. However, back then, he had only destroyed the Cursed Armament Seal that was driving her spirit mad, rather than the spirit''s contract.

    (...But it looks like my gamble paid off.)

    Kamito called upon the sacred sword in his hand.

    (...Est, good job.)

    ¡ªYes. Because I am Kamito''s beloved sword.

    ¡ªOh dear, what is Miss Sacred Sword muttering on her own about over there?

    ¡ªKamito is talking to me. The darkness spirit should shut up.

    (I beg you, please don''t argue in someone else''s mind...)

    Kamito pressed his temples and groaned.

    "The contract was severed..."

    ire reacted and spoke up.

    "In other words, the contract''s price won''t be exacted from Nee-sama, right?"

    "...Yes. That should be the case¡ª"

    Kamito turned his gaze towards Rubia.

    "I still have things to ask you. How could I let you die so easily here?"

    Staring her straight in the eyes, Kamito asked.

    "¡ªAlso, tell us already. Four years ago, in the shrine of the Elemental Lords, what exactly did you see?"

    "I..."

    Rubia''s eyes wandered in space for an instant.

    Kamito did not fail to catch the emotions appearing on her face for an instant.

    It was irrepressible fear.

    This girl, the former Queen, had destroyed the Instructional School in the past and was capable of dealings with Murders and the Theocracy''s military. What could possibly inspire such fear in her¡ª

    After several seconds of silence¡ª

    She finally spoke.

    "¡ªSomething beyond this world."

    "Something beyond this world?"

    "Yes. Very likely, it is the existence causing the current Elemental Lords to go mad. Furthermore, it is the true form of what you people call the Elemental Lords'' miracle."

    "...Nee-sama... What... What are you saying?"

    ire''s voice was doubtful.

    "Bear this in mind. The miracle transcending this world''s rules and logic, granted to the victor of the de Dance, does not actually grant the Wish you hope for."

    "...What does that mean?"

    While raising this question¡ª

    Kamito recalled what he heard in the past.

    ¡ªThe elemental lords'' blessing is not as omnipotent as rumored.

    (...I remember Greyworth saying something like that.)

    Simrly, she was also someone who had had an audience with the elemental lords.

    (...The Elemental Lords'' miracle huh.)

    Had these wordse from an ordinary person, they could be dismissed as utter nonsense.

    But she¡ªRubia Elstein¡ªwas formerly a Queen serving the elemental lord.

    This was her reason for choosing betrayal at all costs, going as far as to abandon her position and duties, even sacrificing her own life.

    The insanity of the Elemental Lords. If it were real¡ª

    "But since the Demon King''s awakening failed. Everything is toote now."

    Rubia took out something from the sleeve of her military uniform and tossed it over to Kamito.

    Kamito caught it reflexively.

    "...?"

    She had thrown a magic stone, shining with red light.

    "You can confirm the truth with your own eyes."

    "W-Wait up, Rubia!" "Nee-sama!"

    Kamito and ire noticed her intentions at the same time¡ªBut it was toote.

    Due to forsaking the magic stone, the transfer magic activated.

    Rubia''s body turned into particles of light and vanished from the scene.

    "Nee-sama, wait, Nee-sama...!"

    ire''s voice echoed in the great hall.

    "...Nee-sama."

    The scene fell silent.

    Finally¡ª

    "...With that, it means that Team Inferno''s leader has exited the stage."

    Casting his gaze on the magic stone in his hand, Kamito muttered.

    Muir Alenstarl had disappeared. Lily me had lost to Leonora.

    And Leonora had also retired by her own volition.

    "The only ace-ss enemy left is the Theocracy''s witch. Also, Luminaris of the Sacred Spirit Knights, right¡ª"

    There were still ten-odd hours left until the de Dance''s final round ended.

    Outside the crumbling walls, the sun had set.

    Just at this moment...

    "W-What!?"

    "What is going on?"

    Ellis and Rinslet screamed.

    Beneath their feet, shining magic circles suddenly appeared.

    "This is Transfer magic... Kyah!"

    "W-What!?"

    The same magic circles appeared around Kamito and the rest.

    Then¡ª

    "...!?"

    His view was overwhelmed by the dazzling light.

    Part 4

    The entire field of vision was pure white.

    An intense dizziness caused all the sensations of the body to disappear instantly.

    When Kamito opened his eyes¡ª

    In his view was a white ceiling.

    "...This ce is?"

    Surprised, just as he was about to get up from the hard floor¡ª

    "Ouch¡ª!"

    "N-No! You should not be impatient to get up..."

    He heard the cute voice of a girl.

    "...?"

    It was not ire or the others. However, it was notpletely unfamiliar either.

    (This voice, I remember it''s...)

    Frowning, Kamito surveyed his surroundings by sight.

    He saw¡ª

    "...Are you alright...?"

    Looking straight into Kamito''s face was a princess maiden in a crimson ritual outfit.

    Gorgeous ck hair draped over her face. Eyes like a timid pet''s.

    "You are...!"

    Kamito remembered.

    As the Cmity Queen''s sessor, the princess maiden chosen as the Fire Queen.

    Reicha Alminas.

    "...Reicha, why are you here?...No wait, where is this?"

    Still in confusion, Kamito asked.

    Hearing him, the young Queen produced a gentle smile.

    "Please calm down. All of you have returned to Ragna Ys."

    Shocking words.

 Volume 11, 3 - The Closure of the Blade Dance

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 3 - The Closure of the de Dance</h4>

    Part 1

    Having awoken, Kamito followed Reicha to another room.

    His broken arm was simply secured between two pieces of wood. His elemental waffen, the two swords, were hanging at his waist. Although Reicha suggested handing them over to her for safekeeping, Kamito declined.

    Along the way with Reicha in the lead, Kamito saw a garden surrounded by colonnades. He had some recollection. In the past, he had cross-dressed and sneaked in here with Fianna.

    (...The Divine Ritual Institute''s True Sanctuary, I guess?)

    He did not know why, but from the way it looked, he really had been transferred to Ragna Ys.

    "Do ire and the others know the situation already?"

    Kamito asked the Queen in front of him.

    "No. Everyone will be notified togetherter. Kamito-san, you were all transferred here at virtually the same time, but because your injuries were too severe, you were moved here to rest and undergo simple treatment."

    "I see..."

    ...Indeed, his body''s pain had subsided substantially. Oh well, it was just the pain that had disappeared. In actual fact, he was probably still covered in wounds.

    "Uh, my body is supposed to be the type that deflects holy-attribute magic¡ª"

    "Yes, I have already heard that from Fianna-senpai¡ªno, Fianna-sama. Hence, uh, that method was used."

    For some reason, Reicha''s face went red with embarrassment.

    "Th-That method... What method is that!?"

    "U-Uh, for me to say it, really would be... Fianna-senpai was very proactive..."

    "..."

    Kamito resolutely pretended he heard nothing and shut up.

    When they reached the door at the end of the colonnade, Reicha stopped. Pushing the door open, Kamito saw a spacious room asrge as the garden earlier.

    Very likely, this was prepared for VIP guests. There was a wooden table in the center where all the youngdies were seated.

    "Ah, Kamito, you finally woke up."

    ire spoke up as soon as she spotted Kamito. She had changed out of her Darkness Queen ritual attire and back into her usual uniform with her twintail hairstyle.

    "Kamito-kun? Are you okay? Does your body still hurt?"

    "...Y-Yeah."

    Kamito nodded. Sitting down beside Fianna, he asked quietly:

    "Fianna, could it be... You actually did that in front of everyone?"

    "Fufu?, Reicha and the other''s faces were all flushed bright red."

    Fianna smiled mischievously.

    "Rx. ire and the rest did not see it."

    "I-I can''t believe you..."

    "Hmm, what are you two whispering about?"

    Sitting opposite to them, Ellis stared at them suspiciously.

    "Oh, no, nothing."

    Kamito frantically tried to brush the matter aside. Then with a serious face, he looked towards Reicha.

    "..Uh, you can exin now, right? The reason why we were transferred here."

    "Yes. It''s quite hard to ept why we were suddenly transferred here."

    "Since everyone has gathered, please do exin."

    "Very well."

    Faced with ire and the other''s queries, the princess maiden nodded lightly.

    "Team Scarlet, representing the Ordesia Empire, you have obtained victory in the de Dance."

    Smiling radiantly, she made the announcement.

    Part 2

    "...Victory... Us?"

    The first to break the silence was ire again.

    "What happened?" "How did this transpire?"

    Ellis and Rinslet voiced their queries in session.

    Kamito was equally puzzled.

    The de Dance''s final round, Cross Fire was scheduled for three days.

    Only two days had psed since Kamito''s group was transferred to the abandoned city. No matter how you counted it, there were at least ten-odd hours remaining.

    However, Reicha spoke calmly.

    "It is not surprising that you would find this puzzling. However, the Elemental Lords have issued this decree through us Queens: Team Scarlet''s de dancing has brought them great joy and satisfied them."

    "The result was decided by the Elemental Lords?"

    "Yes. The de Dance is the supreme ritual for making offerings to the elemental lords. Hence, ultimately, everything is decided by the Elemental Lords."

    "Yeah, that''s true, but..."

    Kamito muttered, his face disying his reluctance to ept.

    "Furthermore, based on the battle results, Team Scarlet''s victory is indisputable. Apart from all members surviving, even the number of magic stones obtained is overwhelming. Even with ten-odd hours remaining, one would not expect the result to change."

    "...Magic stones, did we really get that many of them?"

    Kamito took out from his breast pocket the magic stones he had obtained.

    The crimson spirit crystals, carved with the crests of various countries, numbered five in total.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights'' vice-captain, Alda Reed. The Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s tyrant dragon spirit user, Reglisse Roa. Muir Alenstarl. Leonora Lancaster. Finally, there was Team Inferno''s leader, the self-styled Strongest de Dancer, Rubia Elstein.

    Multiple ace-ss andmanding officer-level elementalists from various countries had been defeated.

    In terms of results in the team battle, this was overwhelming indeed.

    "I defeated one. The Sacred Spirit Knights'' special operative."

    Next, it was ire''s turn to take out a magic stone and ced it on the table.

    "Special Operative A Cedar. A shadow spirit user."

    "That makes six... Right?"

    "Meow, meow..."

    "Hmm, what''s the matter, Scarlet?"

    Under the table, the hell cat spirit seemed to be mewing desperately, trying to say something.

    Puzzled, ire picked her up in her arms. Scarlet stuck her tongue out.

    Another two magic stones rolled on the table.

    Carved on each of their surfaces was the crest of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    "Scarlet, these, how did you get them!?"

    ire stared eye-wide in surprise. Apparently, she did not know what happened.

    Reicha picked up the two magic stones and said:

    "This one belongs to the Sacred Spirit Knights'' Lansa Kairod-sama, while the other belongs to their captain, Luminaris Saint Leisched-sama."

    "...Eh?"

    "You defeated that Luminaris!?"

    This time it was Kamito''s turn to be shocked.

    Luminaris the Pdin. Three years ago, she was Ren Ashbell''s de dance opponent in the finals. For the current festival, she was also one of the top candidates for victory along with Leonora.

    "Uh, umm..."

    ire made a troubled expression and stammered.

    "I''ve released Scarlet''s true name. Kamito''s darkness spirit knew this child''s true name, then... I lost consciousness in the middle of it and can''t remember much, but it seems like the power that hadin dormant for centuries was released all at once..."

    (So she is the one who defeated Luminaris...)

    Kamito stared intently at Scarlet in ire''s embrace.

    The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde.

    Despite looking like a cute hell cat, her true form was a high-level spirit who looked like an adorable young girl.

    "Meow?"

    The hell cat tilted her head in puzzlement.

    Recalling the cat-eared girl''s nude body, Kamito could not help but blush.

    "In other words¡ª"

    At this moment, Ellis gazed at the magic stones on the table and murmured.

    "Team Scarlet has defeated themanders of the three other teams participating in the finals."

    "Indeed. Precisely. As a further note, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor''s vice-captain, Yuri El Cid lost to the Strongest de Dancer while Team Inferno''s Lily me was defeated by Leonora Lancaster."

    "May I ask, what happened to the Theocracy''s witch¡ªSjora Kahn?"

    (...Rinslet?)

    Her helpless expression gave Kamito an instant sense of dissonance¡ª

    "Team Inferno''s Sjora Kahn destroyed her own magic stone and retired."

    "...Uh?"

    Everyone looked at one another.

    (...Forfeited? That witch?)

    Judging from her personality, it was difficult to imagine her admitting defeat.

    Was there some hidden story, or perhaps¡ª

    (...That witch, what was she actually nning?)

    ording to Fianna, one part of Rubia''s n¡ªregarding the Darkness Queen¡ªwas known to some extent, but¡ª

    "¡ªHence, currently, as already exined, the other countries''manders and ace-ss participants were essentially all retired from the stage. Team Scarlet is the only team that survived intact. At the point in time when you were all transferred, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor and the Sacred Spirit Knights respectively had two and one survivor. However, the elemental lords decided there was no need to continue the de dance."

    The Fire Queen exined calmly.

    "¡ªI... see."

    Kamito stopped thinking briefly¡ª

    Then he exhaled.

    "Victory huh... Us."

    "Yeah... Seems like it."

    ire answered in shock.

    ...Somehow it doesn''t feel real at all.

    Meeting ire by the side of theke. Establishing a contract with Est. A decisive match against the Sylphid Knights led by Ellis. Adding Fianna as a teammate and the battle against Jio Inzagi. Defeating Velsaria in the school ranking battle. The tough struggle during the Tempest. Also during the Cross Fire¡ªSettling things with Rubia Elstein.

    After entering Areishia Spirit Academy under Greyworth''s guidance, all sorts of things had happened.

    Everything was for the sake of victory at the de Dance.

    "We finally reached this point..."

    Tears appeared in ire''s clear eyes.

    "ire..."

    Kamito ced his hand on her head.

    (...It''s this girl who gathered us all together.)

    Before encountering Kamito¡ª

    She had always fought alone.

    Wiping her tears with the sleeve of her uniform, ire stared at Kamito with her reddened eyes.

    "I-I wasn''t crying, okay!"

    "Don''t force yourself. Cry if you want to cry."

    "I-I already said I wasn''t, so annoying..."

    She puffed her cheeks in a sulking manner and hammered her fists against Kamito''s chest.

    The youngdies in the team all gazed at ire''s behavior with gentle eyes.

    "ire, thank you. You''re the one who brought us here."

    "Thanks to this, that''ll show those people in the imperialist faction."

    "Y-Yes... Everyone, thank you..."

    Habituallycking in forthrightness, ire uttered words of thanks for once as she wiped her eyes.

    "¡ªCongrattions, everyone."

    Reicha offered warm words of blessing.

    "Ragna Ys has released news of Team Scarlet''s victory. In particr, Kamito-san''s defeat of the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, has be the topic of interest."

    "...!"

    Just at this moment¡ª

    Kamito realized something important.

    (...This is bad.)

    In theory, the proceedings of the de Dance were observed by the spirits sent out by the Divine Ritual Institute and should have been projected to various ces on Ragna Ys. In that case, inevitably, her battle with Kamito would be seen byrge numbers of people.

    In other words, the true identity of the unmasked Strongest de Dancer would also¡ª

    Probably having predicted that kind of reaction from Kamito, Reicha resumed a serious expression and spoke:

    "...Kamito-sama, you are worrying about Rubia-sama, right?"

    "Y-Yeah."

    ire and the girls also reacted and turned towards Reicha.

    "Please rest assured. The Divine Ritual Institute''s spirits were unable to approach the de dance that took ce amidst the intensely burning mes. The images recorded from afar were also, uh... ording to the supreme council''s judgment, publicizing her true identity will cause a massive uproar, hence they have issued orders for corrections. Regarding the true identity of the Strongest de Dancer being the Cmity Queen who had brought disaster to the continent in the past, only a small number of people including us Queens are privy to that fact."

    "...I see."

    Kamito secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

    Since the spirits were unable to get close, then even if Rubia''s true face was seen, her dialogue with Kamito probably was not overheard. Also what she said about the Elemental Lords going mad, the Demon King''s power residing in Kamito''s body, and other things¡ª

    "Nee-sama¡ª"

    At this moment, ire spoke up.

    "Where is Nee-sama now?"

    "...!"

    ¡ªRight. Rubia Elstein had abandoned her magic stone and was transferred.

    Then she should have returned to Ragna Ys as well.

    "Well¡ª"

    The Queen bowed her head.

    "Including Rubia-sama, none of Team Inferno''s members were transferred to the designated location¡ªthe return point that was set in the magic stones."

    "...Huh?"

    "What happened?"

    "Very likely, the magic in the magic stones was overwritten. Those magic stones all received magic that was injected by us Queens. Although ordinary elementalists probably cannot manage it, if it were Rubia-sama who was once renowned as the continent''s premier princess maiden, it is possible¡ª"

    "In other words, they set a new transfer location..."

    Kamito was suddenly struck by the thought of Muir who had disappeared without saying a word.

    Living in darkness, did she have a ce to return to?

    "What is the Divine Ritual Institute''s decision on Rubia-sama?"

    Fianna asked.

    "I believe the Divine Ritual Institute will not send out pursuers directly. However, the Ordesia Empire''s cadre might have received news already."

    "...How did that..."

    ire bit her lip.

    The Cmity Queen was the great sinner who had brought immeasurable loss to the Empire. Once her location was found, the Empire was sure to hunt her down.

    Once the elite Numbers were sent to execute the arrest mission, would Rubia have any way of escaping, having lost the Sacred Maiden''s power?

    "Nee-sama..."

    Faced with ire''s worried murmurs, Kamito whispered softly.

    "Don''t worry. This Ragna Ys has countless secret subterranean passages. Surely she must have prepared her escape beforehand."

    "Th-That''s true..."

    ire nodded¡ª

    Suddenly, she copsed towards Kamito as though suddenly struck with dizziness.

    "ire, are you okay!?"

    "W-What happened?"

    "...Y-Yeah, it''s okay. I''m just... a bit tired."

    "...After all, so much happened."

    Not much time had passed since Rubia had imprisoned her to be the Darkness Queen. Mentally, she must have umted a lot of fatigue.

    Once her tense state of mind rxed, the fatigue surged all at once.

    "Sleeping quarters have been prepared at the shrine. Please have a good rest."

    "I am very grateful for your kind offer. But before that, I would like to undergo a ritual purification. If possible, a bath would be good."

    "Very well. A hot water bath, right?"

    Reicha answered Fianna in a rxed tone of voice.

    "I''ll go rest too."

    Kamito suddenly felt sleepy. Despite the princess maidens'' treatment, those were merely superficial measures to close up his wounds. His physical fatigue was reaching a limit.

    "So, let''s all go together, Kamito-kun. I''ll help you scrub your back."

    "...Okay. No wait! I-I''m going to sleep!"

    "Fufu, just joking?"

    "Hmm, is that so... I-I would not mind too much, actually..."

    Ellis awkwardly twiddled her fingers.

    "ire, youe for a bath too."

    "Uwah, s-stop it, pervert princess!"

    Apanied by a noisy racket, the youngdies left the room together.

    Kamito shrugged and prepared to leave as well.

    "A-Ah, uh, Ren Ashbell-sama¡ª"

    Reicha stopped him.

    "...!"

    Hearing her say that name, Kamito held his breath.

    Her gaze rested on Kamito''s left hand.

    (...R-Right!)

    During the de dance with Rubia, Kamito had used the Vorpal Sword and the seal of darkness had appeared on that hand. Anyone who saw it would quickly deduce his identity.

    While Kamito was speechless...

    "Oh, p-please rest assured. Those images, together with Rubia-sama''s true face were all edited on this side. Because in a certain sense, your true identity will cause an even greatermotion than Rubia-sama''s."

    "I-I see..."

    Kamito mentally breathed a sigh of relief.

    "But the princess maidens at the Divine Ritual Institute should have found out already."

    "No, editing the seal was my sole and arbitrary decision. Hence, most likely, I am the only one among the Queens who knows of this."

    "Eh?"

    "Although the demon sword of darkness was too difficult to hide, Kamito-sama, you were using dual swords. And that demon sword with the darkness attribute was also used by that Nepenthes Lore monster. Besides, no one could possibly connect your current appearance with Ren Ashbell... Oh, excuse me, I had no intention of insinuating¡ª"

    "Oh, no... That doesn''t matter."

    Kamito scratched the back of his head as he shifted his gaze away.

    Suddenly, a question popped up in his mind.

    "Your ''arbitrary decision''?"

    "Yes. Last time when you two visited the shrine, Fianna-senpai made a request, hoping I could hide the fact if the seal on Kamito-sama''s left hand ever appeared."

    (Was that when I was unconscious...?)

    "That princess really misses nothing."

    Kamito smiled wryly.

    As much as she would deny it, Fianna really did seem to possess the wisdom of royalty.

    "...That''s a great help. If possible, I hope you can keep my true identity a secret."

    "Y-Yes..."

    The Fire Queen nodded politely then¡ª

    "E-Excuse me..."

    "Hmm?"

    "At the time, what did Rubia-sama say?"

    "..."

    Should he tell this young girl? Kamito agonized over it for a while¡ª

    "What''s your opinion on the Elemental Lords?"

    Finally, that was what he said.

    "...Eh?"

    "Regarding the fact of the Elemental Lords ruling over the world."

    "Everything goes ording to the divine wishes of the elemental lords. That is what we were taught."

    Reicha stared Kamito straight in the eye and answered thus.

    "That''s... true."

    That was the consensus shared by the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens.

    Kamito recalled the words that Rubia left behind.

    ¡ªYou can confirm the truth with your own eyes.

    "For the continent''s future¡ªThat was what she said."

    "For the continent''s future..."

    Reicha disyed a puzzled expression as she murmured.

    Part 3

    After entering the prepared sleeping quarters, Kamito fell on the bed.

    Feeling as though his entire body would sink into the bed, it was a veryfortable sensation.

    Having slept on hard ground throughout the final round, Kamito found the current sense offort quite touching.

    "...It''s over."

    Looking up at the marble ceiling, Kamito spaced out as he muttered to himself.

    The de Dance had drawn to a close with the best possible result¡ªHis team''s victory.

    Despite his concerns about Sjora Kahn''s whereabouts, what Rubia had said regarding the Elemental Lords, etc, Kamito''s greatest personal goal was already aplished.

    Kamito ced the two swords in his hands lightly onto the bed.

    Yes, the purpose of entering this de Dance was to take her back personally.

    His hand stroked the Restia''s de that reflected no light at all.

    As though she would disappear off to somewhere again if he did not do so¡ª

    (Restia...)

    Enticed by a sense of sleepiness, Kamito''s consciousness gradually drifted off to deep slumber.

    ¡ªAs promised, Kamito.

    At this moment, he seemed to be hearing a tiny voice from the distance.

    Like soft feathers, afortable voice was tickling his ears.

    ¡ªLet me tell you about the truth three years ago.

 Volume 11, 4 - The Truth Three Years Ago

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 4 - The Truth Three Years Ago</h4>

    Part 1

    Kamito opened his eyes¡ª

    Only to find himself in a space enclosed by walls of stone.

    (This ce is...?)

    After one revolution of looking at the surroundings, he suddenly noticed.

    He had recollections of this ce.

    (...Could this be the Elemental Lords'' sanctuary!?)

    Kamito suddenly gasped. The mes flickered slightly on the candlesticks on the wall.

    Before his eyes, a door stood open, leading to a long passage whose end was nowhere in sight.

    It was the endless corridor that led to the True Sanctuary. Let alone ordinary princess maidens, even the continent''s five Queens were forbidden from stepping inside.

    The only exception was¡ª

    (...The de Dance''s winner, right?)

    Muttering to himself in his mind, Kamito looked down to check out his appearance.

    Gorgeous, waist-length ck hair. A foreign dress with a fairly long hem, resembling ritual attire. His left hand was holding a dark and sleek longsword.

    This appearance belonged to the Strongest de Dancer three years ago¡ªRen Ashbell.

    (...A dream. Furthermore, it''s the memories of three years ago.)

    These were the memories he could not recall no matter how hard he tried.

    (...In other words, I will proceed to¡ª)

    The sound of a door slowly opening behind him could be heard.

    Turning his head back, he saw four princess maidens emerge, dressed in top ritual attire.

    Naturally, those appearing here could not possibly be ordinary princess maidens.

    They stood at the pinnacle of all princess maidens. Four Queens.

    Back then, Rubia''s sessor had not been decided yet. Hence, the Fire Queen''s position was still vacant.

    The Queens bowed respectfully towards Kamito who was the winner. Then one of them took a step forward.

    She was slightly older than Kamito. On her neck was a ne weaved from silver threads. Kamito recalled that silver symbolized the Queen serving the Holy Lord.

    "Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    At this moment, the girl spoke.

    "Have you already decided on the Wish to ask of the Elemental Lords?"

    "¡ªYes."

    Ren Ashbell answered in a clear and pure voice.

    Back then, Kamito''s voice had not changed yet. Although Greyworth had reminded him to avoid speaking too much, he was still able to maintain a girl''s voice if it were merely two or three sentences.

    "¡ªIs that so? Very well."

    The Queen nodded and smiled.

    Kamito had expected the possibility of being asked about his Wish''s content and therefore thought up a different answer. However, that seemed to be unnecessary worrying after all.

    (Right. The me back then¡ª)

    Did not have a Wish to fulfill.

    The de dancing that Kamito exhibited in the de Dance had greatly satisfied the Fire Elemental Lord. The anger incited by the Cmity Queen''s betrayal was hence appeased.

    This already counted as returning Greyworth''s favor. The witch had made Kamito participate in the de Dance because she wanted to appease the Elemental Lord''s anger towards the Ordesia Empire through Kamito''s de dance.

    Greyworth did not hide this motive deliberately. Also, she did not say anything regarding Kamito''s own Wish.

    However, she had warned that a Wish beyond one''s means will lead to one''s own demise.

    The miracle of the Elemental Lords was not of this world.

    Hence, the greater the Wish, the higher the price demanded.

    Rumors often circted about the elemental lords'' miracle being able to grant all Wishes but never mentioned anything about a price. However, the Dusk Witch was the de Dance victor twenty-four years earlier after all. Her words naturally carried weight.

    In any case, Kamito did not have any Wish motivated by self-interest at all.

    From the beginning, he had entered this de Dance only to fulfill her Wish.

    However, Restia had not told him her Wish yet.

    She simply repeated that she would naturally tell him when the time came¡ª

    Hence, he finally arrived at this juncture.

    Gripped in his left hand, the Vorpal Sword still remained silent.

    "¡ªWell then, please follow this endless corridor and keep going straight forward."

    The Queen pointed to the other side of the door.

    "The path onwards is a special ce separated from normal space. Along the way, the corridor will have passages branching off to the side but absolutely do not step foot into them. In the past, a number of de Dance victors have vanished into the dimensional gap."

    "...Got it."

    Ren Ashbell gulped, nodded and stepped into the corridor that stretched ahead endlessly.

    (...Not... good¡ªAhead of here...)

    He felt a splitting headache. An ominous premonition.

    Kamito knew clearly what the future resulty ahead.

    (...No! If you continue forward, you will lose Restia¡ª)

    However, Kamito''s consciousness could not interfere with Ren Ashbell.

    This dream was simply reenacting memories of reality that had already happened.

    "What an incredible space..."

    Walking along the dimly lit corridor, the Kamito from three years ago muttered.

    ¡ªYour hand is shaking, Kamito.

    A girl''s adorable voice sounded in his mind.

    Kamito stopped walking and stared with displeasure at the demon sword of darkness in his hand.

    "...Why didn''t you speak earlier?"

    ¡ªSorry. Who knows if we might be monitored in the shrine, so there was no way to talk secretly. Furthermore, the Empire''s intelligence agency is also investigating you.

    "Couldn''t you just speak in my mind like now?"

    ¡ªAmong high-ranking princess maidens, there exist those who can listen to mental speech. Do not be careless. On that point, this space ispletely isted from the outside world and is perfectly suited to secret conversations.

    The demon sword of darkness dissipated into the air as particles of light.

    Fluttering ck feathers obscured Kamito''s view as the adorable maiden in the pitch-ck dress appeared.

    "Stop sulking, Kamito. Next, let me tell you my Wish."

    Restia smiled and drew her face close to Kamito''s ear.

    ¡ªI hope you can assassinate them. The five Elemental Lords.

    Part 2

    (...!?)

    His consciousness suddenly went dark in the dream.

    In the next instant, Kamito found himself standing before a huge set of ornate gates.

    This was the door at the deepest point¡ªThe door to the True Sanctuary where even Queens were forbidden from entering.

    "...Seriously, can that actually be done?"

    Kamito kept repeating the same question to Restia who had turned back into the demon sword''s form.

    Assassinating the elemental lords.

    The reason was not clear why she would want that to happen, being a spirit herself.

    (However...)

    She said it. It was for saving the world.

    This was the only way to return the world to normal.

    (...Well then, I''ll just have to realize her wish.)

    Because to Kamito, she was the meaning of life itself.

    ¡ªDon''t worry. You are the strongest warrior, Kamito.

    As though pushed by that voice, Kamito went up to the gate.

    "I will do it. So long as it''s Restia''s wish."

    ¡ªThank you, Kamito.

    The conversation ended there.

    Kamito silently gripped the hilt of the Vorpal Sword.

    After he touched the gate''s surface with one hand, the heavy gates slowly opened.

    Appearing before his eyes was a massive stone staircase.

    At the top were five dazzling lights.

    "...!"

    Kamito breathed in and took a step forward.

    In this manner, he gradually climbed up¡ª

    Assassinating all the elemental lords straight away on the spot was impossible.

    But killing at least one of them would be enough¡ªThat was what Restia had said.

    (...The assassination target is the Holy Lord Alexandros who wields the greatest influence over the human realm.)

    While walking, he looked up at the top of the steps.

    (The Holy Lord''s throne is over there, huh...)

    Kamito stepped onto an intermediatending. Suddenly...

    ¡ªYour de dance this time was outstanding.

    As though shaking the space, the voice echoed in the giant hall.

    "...!?"

    Kamito stopped walking.

    (This won''t be easy, huh...)

    He was too far from the target''s position. This distance was not ideal for assassination.

    However, if he continued to walk forward, surely he would be punished.

    cing the Vorpal Sword on the floor, Kamito knelt down on the spot.

    ¡ªWe can grant one Wish through a miracle to reward you for your de dance.

    ¡ªYou, what would you request of us?

    "I¡ª"

    Feeling as though his heart was being gripped tightly, Kamito whispered.

    There was only one chance. If he failed, there was nothing but death waiting for him.

    (...Is it really possible to kill them?)

    Once again, he asked in his heart.

    She did not reply. The sword''s dark de seemed to reflect Kamito''s own heart.

    "My wish... is¡ª"

    Keeping his head bowed¡ª

    "¡ªThe death of the elemental lords."

    Kamito spoke the Wish she had entrusted to him.

    While speaking, Kamito began to sprint.

    Without thinking over unnecessary things, he closed the distance in one breath.

    (¡ªI am the weapon born for destruction.)

    This was his mental switch, instilled in his body''s memory through the teachings of the Instructional School.

    In that instant, the Strongest de Dancer turned into a cold-blooded assassin.

    (¡ªO lost darkness, residing in my hand, turn into my strength!)

    Infusing divine power into the Vorpal Sword¡ªthe elemental waffe that had defeated numerous enemies¡ªhe drew his sword.

    Hit and run. He would use the demon sword of darkness to pierce the elemental lord and then pull it out and withdraw as quickly as he could.

    While calmly deciding on the sequence, Kamito rushed up the steps.

    The Elemental Lords did not show any visible reaction. Originally, Kamito''s body was supposed to be destroyed the instant he stepped beyond thending.

    It was as Restia described.

    The miracle employed by the Elemental Lords was a power that did note from the elemental lords'' own abilities. Hence, the miracle would fulfill the Wish as much as possible.

    It was akin to some kind of system. That was what she had told Kamito.

    A miraculous power that even the rulers of this world, the Elemental Lords, could not control.

    At the same time, this power would bind the Elemental Lords, the executors of the miracle.

    Historically, this was an unprecedented Wish.

    Seeking to bring about the death of the elemental lords.

    (¡ªBut that willst but for an instant.)

    The elemental lords'' death was an irregr Wish.

    The miracle''s power was not going to destroy the elemental lords who served as its executors.

    Very likely, the miracle would be interrupted once it judged Kamito''s Wish to be invalid.

    He was still a few more steps away from the Elemental Lords'' thrones.

    However, those few steps could easily be mistaken for an infinite distance.

    Death followed closely like a shadow. If he did not make it in time, both Kamito and Restia were going to be annihted.

    (Two more steps¡ª)

    Kamito ran as he judged the distance visually.

    The target for elimination was the Holy Lord. Kamito charged towards the central throne all at once¡ª

    ¡ªBut just at that moment.

    "...!?"

    A sense of dissonance grew.

    Approaching this close, only now did Kamito noticed for the first time.

    Brimming with dazzling light, the central throne.

    What should exist on top of it¡ª

    Did not exist.

    (¡ªHow could this be possible?)

    Kamito yelled in his heart.

    Why was the central throne empty where the Holy Lord should be?

    ¡ªKamito, the situation is abnormal!

    Restia''s voice sounded in his mind. The situation was apparently beyond her expectation.

    However, the assassination could not be stopped¡ª

    Withdrawing now meant only death.

    "Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito infused divine power into the Vorpal Sword.

    Darkness erupted from the demon sword''s de and sliced light apart.

    Kamito instantly switched targets and swung the demon sword towards the throne next to that of the Holy Lord''s.

    Towards the throne of the Water Elemental Lord¡ªIseria Seaward.

    A sword strike with godlike speed pierced the shining light on the throne.

    (...Killed!?)

    His arm felt a definite hit. However¡ª

    "...!"

    Kamito widened his eyes in surprise.

    Amidst the dazzling light was¡ª

    A young girl,pletely nude, with hair the color of shimmering water.

    (...This is¡ªan Elemental Lord?)

    Stabbed into the girl''s chest, the demon sword of darkness was exuding astounding miasma.

    Then¡ª

    ¡ªThank you. With this, I am finally liberated.

    Opening her eyes slightly, the girl murmured.

    (...Liberated? What''s going on¡ª)

    Just as this question rose up in Kamito''s mind...

    ¡ªNo good, Kamito! Hurry and leave!

    Restia''s screams echoed in his mind.

    (...Uh?)

    In the next instant, amidst the light where his sword was embedded, a great amount of darkness spewed out.

    "...What...!?"

    The overflowing darkness instantly swallowed Restia and Kamito.

    His view became ck. The sticky darkness entangled his entire body, gradually pulling Kamito''s body into the abyss.

    (...This... This ominous darkness, is it the true form of the elemental lords¡ª?)

    At this moment, Kamito noticed.

    The sword that should be held in his left hand had suddenly vanished.

    Most likely, he had loosened his grip when swallowed by the darkness.

    (Restia... Where are you, Restia...!)

    In the bottomless darkness, Kamito yelled.

    However, despite his will to resist, Kamito''s consciousness was gradually being devoured by darkness.

    ¡ªKamito, sorry... I¡ª

    "...Restia!"

    Inside the mud-like darkness¡ª

    Kamito finally found signs of the sinking demon sword.

    "Wait up, I''ll save you right now..."

    Just as he reached out towards the darkness...

    Kamito suddenly noticed.

    (...!)

    The center of the vortex in the abyss that was swallowing Restia, over there was¡ª

    ¡ªSomething.

    Instinctive fear dominated his entire body.

    Easily surpassing a human''s mental strength, this fear was carved in the body of flesh.

    At the bottom of the abyss.

    ¡ªAn existence beyond this world was writhing restlessly.

    (...What...? What, that''s...!)

    Restia kept sinking towards the center of the abyss.

    Desperately reaching out, his fingers still could not reach.

    ¡ªKamito, can you hear me? Kamito...!

    "I''m here, Restia!"

    Her voice gradually grew distant.

    Kamito kept sweeping the sticky mud of darkness aside as he advanced.

    ¡ªThe promise back then, do you still remember?

    "...Promise?"

    The demon sword of darkness turned and drew aplicated pattern in the space.

    Kamito frowned¡ªHe quickly realized her intentions.

    A magic circle. She was preparing to invoke spirit magic while in the demon sword''s form.

    "Restia, you''re going to..."

    As soon as he touched the magic circle, Kamito''s arm immediately turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    (...This is transfer magic!?)

    Restia was nning to transfer Kamito to somewhere else.

    "No, Restia! I-I must stay with you together forever, Restia¡ª"

    ¡ªListen, Kamito.

    However, Restia began to speak in a calm voice.

    Had she given up already¡ª?

    (...No! Restia intends to make a request to me!)

    Kamito''s entire body was enveloped in the glow of the transfer magic and was gradually disappearing.

    Under these conditions, her voice continued to be heard.

    ¡ªKamito, if one day I should be no longer myself...

    ¡ªKill me.

    "Restiaaaaaaaa¡ª!"

    Part 3

    "...!?"

    Amidst his sinking consciousness¡ª

    Kamito woke to a start.

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    Breathing irregrly, he was also breaking out in cold sweat all over.

    "Restia..."

    "I''m here, Kamito."

    Her voice came from above.

    Clear and pure, aforting voice.

    Inclining his head to look up, Kamito found her deep dusk-colored eyes gazing quietly at him from above.

    "...Restia!"

    "Kyah!"

    Kamito immediately lifted his body as though trying to jump up, causing the girl in the dark dress to emit an adorable scream.

    "Seriously, don''t scare people, Kamito."

    "...S-Sorry."

    Kamito stared intently at Restia before him.

    Gorgeous ck hair. Lustrous wings of pitch ck.

    Yes, this was no dream.

    The contracted spirit girl whom he had lost three years ago was now returned to Kamito''s side.

    Through the spirit seal on his left hand, he could sense Restia''s presence.

    That filled him with iparable joy.

    ...Just at this moment, Kamito realized.

    She was sitting here, which meant that¡ª

    Kamito had been lying down, using herp as a pillow.

    "...Uh, you''ve been providing me with ap pillow all this time?"

    "Yes."

    Restia nodded.

    "Didn''t we do this often in the past?"

    "C-Come on, you..."

    Kamito''s face turned red and he could not help but turn his gaze away. Childhood aside, he felt quite embarrassed to be enjoying someone''sp pillow even after growing up.

    Seeing Kamito''s reaction, Restia chuckled and smiled.

    "...My apologies. I made you see something frightening."

    She gently caressed Kamito''s head.

    Her fingers sliding through his hair was a nostalgic feeling, causing Kamito to be speechless for a moment.

    Finally¡ª

    "...The dream just now... You?"

    Kamito asked.

    "¡ªYes. Those were the lost memories of three years ago."

    Adjusting her disarranged skirt hem, she nodded.

    Kamito recalled the dream just now with a suffering mood.

    The lost memories. The experiences of that day that he could not recall no matter what.

    The truth of the elemental lord assassination.

    Yes. Those were indeed Kamito''s own memories.

    "...On that day, I failed. The elemental lord assassination you hoped for."

    In terms of results, Restia was swallowed by that mass of darkness and separated from Kamito.

    Then engulfed by the same darkness, Kamito had awoken in the forest on the Empire''s borders.

    Having lost his memories of that day, inside the elemental lords'' sanctuary¡ª

    "..."

    After a long awaited reunion after three years, he had countless things to ask her.

    Hence he was at a loss where to begin¡ª

    "Restia, you, who are you actually?"

    Finally, he spoke.

    "I am Restia Ashdoll. The guide tasked with the mission of awakening the Demon King."

    Gazing directly into Kamito''s eyes, the darkness spirit girl answered.

    Part 4

    "...Restia Ashdoll. Is that your true name?"

    "Yes, because I was born from the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, an existence akin to an alter ego."

    "...Ren Ashdoll, huh."

    Kamito repeated apprehensively.

    "...I don''t get it. Why would that guy''s power be dormant in a human like me?"

    "¡ªThat goes back thousands of years."

    Restia sighed¡ª

    Then as though reminiscing, she closed her dusk-colored eyes.

    "After losing the war against the five elemental lords, the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, during thest instant of his life, invoked magic to reincarnate his power into a human male. This was for the sake of retrieving his power one day to exterminate the five elemental lords. That''s Kamito¡ªYou."

    "Why choose a human male?"

    "Spirits cannot be vessels for other spirits¡ªThe same way that powerful spirits cannot make use of elemental waffen. Even an elemental lord is no exception. Ren Ashdoll predicted that the human race was going to start thriving in the future and gradually be able tomand spirits. In that case, they were the most suited as a vessel for reincarnating his power."

    That said, this is only my spection¡ªRestia added.

    "Reincarnating in a male might possibly be for the sake of deceiving the eyes of the humans who obey the elemental lords. This is because it is amonly believed rule that only pure maidens are able tomune with the elemental lords."

    "...Making so much trouble for me."

    An inborn power to be an elementalist.

    Only because of that power, Kamito was taken to that insane facility.

    That said¡ª

    "...Thanks to that, I also met you, Restia."

    Casting his gaze on his left hand''s spirit seal, Kamito muttered softly.

    Restia smiled lightly and continued:

    "As for me, I shoulder the mission of guiding those who inherit the Demon King''s power, the will of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll. Over millennia of human history, quite a number of humans appeared who had inherited the Demon King''s power. However, virtually all of their lives ended before they could encounter me. Or like the legendary Demon King Solomon, they would awaken in an irregr manner, devoured by the power they could not control, thereby turning into a concentrated cluster of resentment."

    "Are you referring to that Nepenthes Lore monster?"

    "Yes. That was a portion of the lingering Demon King''s power, given form through forbidden magic."

    "...I get it now, yeah."

    Restia was the spirit born to guide those who inherited the Demon King''s power. Hence, that was why she executed the will of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, to use Kamito to destroy his enemies, the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    Kamito could understand up to this point, however¡ª

    (...Obeying Ren Ashdoll to seek revenge on the Elemental Lords. Is that really the goal?)

    ...Something didn''t feel right somewhere.

    "That mass of darkness was¡ª"

    Kamito asked.

    "What exactly was the mass of darkness that swallowed us?"

    The pitch-ck Wish overflowing from the throne of the Elemental Lords.

    Was that the true appearance of the Elemental Lords who ruled the world¡ª?

    "¡ªThat is something beyond this world."

    "Rubia used the same description. Is that some kind of metaphor?"

    "No. It''s literally as the words say, a substance belonging neither to Astral Zero or the human realm. An existence that came from another world."

    "In other words, an unknown existence?"

    "...I can''t deny that. However¡ª"

    Restia paused and looked into Kamito''s eyes.

    "Undoubtedly, it caused the Elemental Lords to go mad."

    ...Kamito fell silent. He recalled what Rubia had said.

    She said that the Elemental Lords were mad¡ª

    "Restia, at the time, you¡ª"

    Kamito licked his parched lips.

    "...were nning to save the world?"

    "In terms of results¡ªYes, that was supposed to happen."

    ¡ªThree years ago on that day, Restia mentioned saving the world.

    For that, it was necessary to assassinate the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    But back then, the elemental lord assassination failed and Restia was swallowed by darkness.

    "On that day, I was contaminated by the darkness from another world. But more disastrously, through me as a medium, Ren Ashdoll''s will was contaminated."

    "...So something like that happened."

    During the de Dance''s final round, Kamito had heard a voice calling the Demon King to awaken.

    That voice was not Restia''s.

    It was the voice of the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ªRen Ashdoll.

    "Ren Ashdoll''s will intended topletely liberate that darkness using the Demon King''s power dormant in your body. The darkness that leads the world towards destruction¡ª"

    "You intended to exterminate the elemental lords, destroying that darkness at the same time?"

    "No, I had no intention of exterminating the elemental lords."

    Restia gripped her skirt hem tightly.

    "Three years ago, what you killed was the Elemental Lord''s insane personality. The Elemental Lord''s original consciousness had not beenpletely contaminated and continued to linger in that darkness."

    "...I see. That Water Elemental Lord was like that."

    Piercing the elemental lord''s throne with the Vorpal Sword, Kamito had seen the young girl''s figure.

    Iseria Seaward.

    The girl spirit was sealed underground in the abandoned city.

    Specting from the current conversation, she was probably the Water Elemental Lord''s consciousness that had split off¡ª

    "The n three years ago was to use the Demon King''s power to liberate the Elemental Lords'' personalities that had not been contaminated yet."

    "But I failed¡ª"

    In terms of results, he had sessfully freed the Water Elemental Lord, but in turn, Ren Ashdoll''s consciousness, sealed inside Restia, was contaminated.

    "By separating from the Darkness Elemental Lord''s will, I was able to escape contamination. I hoped to awaken you, Kamito, as the Demon King before Ren Ashdoll awakened inside me. And this time, it was for releasing the elemental lords from that darkness¡ªsomething beyond this world."

    For this purpose, Restia had formed an alliance with Rubia Elstein.

    But even though their ns were aligned for awakening Kamito as the Demon King, their final goals werepletely different. Restia''s goal was to liberate the true elemental lords. On the other hand, Rubia''s goal was exterminating the elemental lords.

    Rubia firmly believed in exterminating the insane Elemental Lords. However, once the elemental lords were destroyed, Astral Zero would lose all order, thus bringing cmity to the human realm.

    All along, Restia had advocated liberating the elemental lords but Rubia did not ept the words of Restia who carried Ren Ashdoll''s will.

    "¡ªThat said, it''s impossible to assert that her method is wrong. The liberation of the elemental lords has already failed once. Furthermore¡ª"

    "Ren Ashdoll had awakened before I awakened as the Demon King."

    "Yes. Although the Darkness Queen was there to suppress it at the time, who knows when Ren Ashdoll''s contaminated will is going to reawaken again¡ª"

    "In other words..."

    Kamito fell silent to organize his thoughts.

    Three years ago, in order to rescue the Elemental Lords who were contaminated by the unidentified darkness, Restia made ns to assassinate the elemental lords.

    However, the n failed. Even though the consciousness of the Water Elemental Lord was sessfully rescued, Restia and Ren Ashdoll''s consciousness ended up contaminated.

    The contaminated will of Ren Ashdoll attempted to use the Demon King''s power to summon that darkness to the world on this side. Finding out about that, Restia nned to awaken Kamito first before Ren Ashdoll could fully awaken, in order to make another attempt at liberating the consciousness of the Elemental Lords¡ª

    Kamito looked up.

    "...What on earth should I do now?"

    He clenched his fists tightly.

    Just as Restia said, the Demon King''s power still existed inside Kamito.

    Ren Ashdoll''s contaminated will could resonate with the Demon King''s power and dominate Kamito again.

    "This is decided by your own will, Kamito."

    Restia held Kamito''s hand lightly.

    "I have already told you everything. Next, all you need to do is make a decision."

    "I..."

    "No matter what decision you make, I will stay with you."

    "Restia..."

    By the time he noticed¡ª

    Her sad dusk-colored eyes were already right in front of him.

    "...!?"

    Her gorgeous lips breathed out softly, tickling his face lightly.

    Her mischievous smile was causing his heart to race¡ª

    "¡ªWhat are you doing, Kamito?"

    Suddenly.

    A voice was heard, as cold as a sword''s de.

    "...E-Est!?"

    Kamito frantically jumped up from bed.

    Without him noticing, the sword spirit was on the bed,pletely nude except for kneesocks.

    Her cold gaze stared straight at Kamito.

    "...Kamito, what were you doing with the darkness spirit over there?"

    Her face was expressionless as usual.

    However, Kamito knew.

    ...She was angry. Est was very angry.

    "E-Est, calm down..."

    As Kamito tried to appease her, Restia interrupted.

    "Oh dear, do you have any objections, Miss Sacred Sword?"

    Restia smiled tenderly.

    She withstood Est''s freezing gaze head on.

    "Darkness spirit, please leave. Kamito is my master."

    "Do know that I am the one who first contracted with Kamito. Instead, you should be the one to stop hindering Kamito and my long awaited reunion."

    "Kamito''s current contracted spirit is me. Leave Kamito."

    "No. If you must insist no matter what, please back up your words with power."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Invisible sparks were flying as the darkness spirit and the sword spirit red at each other.

    "S-Say, both of you..."

    Kamito sighed helplessly.

    "Can''t contracted spirits just get along together?"

    "No." "How rare for our opinions to coincide. I agree."

    They answered immediately.

    Restia stood up on the bed.

    "We could settle this here and now. Let''s see who is more worthy of being Kamito''s contracted spirit."

    "As you wish, darkness spirit."

    "W-Wait up, you two¡ªDon''t damage the Divine Ritual Institute''s facilities!"

    Ignoring his pleas to stop¡ª

    "O ck lightning, even capable of incinerating souls to oblivion¡ªHell st!"

    Restia''s released lighting smashed a wall in the room.

    However¡ª

    "For me who possesses the strongest anti-magic properties, spirit magic has no effect."

    Est remained standing amidst the sparking lightning as if nothing had happened.

    "Nothing less from the legendary Demon yer. However¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Est widened her violet eyes. The intense lightning strike was nothing but a distraction. Restia instantly circled her way to Est''s back.

    "What about this?"

    Pinning Est''s arms behind her back, Restia dragged her over to the bed at the same time.

    "...What do you... intend to do?"

    "Fufu, to you, this would be something very embarrassing."

    Restia pushed Est down and ced her fingers on the tip of Est''s kneesock.

    "Wha..."

    Est instantly froze.

    Her expression remained nk except her face turned red.

    "Miss Sacred Sword, I remember you are particrly ashamed of exposing your bare feet, yes?"

    "...That... is..."

    In one motion, Restia pulled down the kneesock from Est''s thigh to below the knee.

    "Uwah!"

    "Miss Legendary Sacred Sword, who could have thought you''d make such a cute sound?"

    "...Don''t do this... Stop..."

    Est desperately tried to lift her kneesock, however...

    "I refuse?"

    Restia continued with her task and pulled the kneesock down to Est''s ankle.

    "...Ooh, ah... Nooo..."

    Tears glimmered in Est''s eyes as she tearfully looked at Kamito.

    Kamito sighed.

    "Restia, w-what are you doing!?"

    "Oh dear, Kamito, don''t you want to see this child''s bare foot?"

    "...U-Umm..."

    Kamito was instantly speechless.

    Est absolutely refused to show her bare feet.

    ...To be honest, he could not deny his definite curiosity.

    "See, Kamito wants to look as well."

    "...No... Don''t..."

    Just as the fingers holding onto the kneesock''s tip were about to expose the heel¡ª

    (...N-No!)

    Kamito recovered his senses and shook his head.

    "R-Restia, that''s enough!"

    He pulled her away from Est.

    Restia puffed her cheeks and sulked.

    "Hmph, Kamito is taking sides with Miss Sacred Sword now."

    "No, it''s not like we have enemies and allies here..."

    While scratching his head, Kamito answered, feeling troubled.

    "...Fine."

    Restia sighed.

    "Let''s continue next time, Kamito."

    "..."

    "...!?"

    Then she kissed Kamito on the cheek.

    Spreading the ck wings on her back, she flew out of the window.

    "..."

    Left behind, Kamito continued staring in a daze.

    Beside him, Est swiftly pulled her kneesock up properly.

    "Kamito, did you see it?"

    "Huh?"

    "Did you see my bare foot?"

    Her mysterious violet eyes stared at Kamito.

    "I-It''s okay! Just a little, I didn''t even see the heel!"

    Kamito frantically shook his head.

    "...Kamito is such a perv."

    Still expressionless, Est''s face went slightly red.

    Part 5

    Beautiful ck wings were fluttering beneath the sunset sky.

    Flying through the air, Restia lightly stroked her gorgeous ck hair.

    "How unsightly of me. To think I would be jealous."

    Grumbling in self-mockery, she closed her dusk-colored eyes.

    Then as though in contrition, she brought her hands to her chest.

    "Sorry, Kamito¡ª"

    ¡ªI told you a lie.

    Part 6

    In a secret underground passage beneath the elemental lord''s sacred domain of Ragna Ys¡ª

    Rubia Elstein was stumbling as she walked.

    "...Guh... Ooh..."

    She wheezed painfully as she made her way step by step along the walls of the passage.

    Her body was fast approaching its limits.

    A Cursed Armament Seal was carved on her heart to sustain the contract with Laevateinn.

    The price was too great. Even if Laevateinn did not demand her soul, her life was not going tost long.

    (...But I can''t die yet.)

    While coughing blood, she murmured in her heart.

    Yes, not yet. She still had things to do.

    (...How odd. Earlier, I had clearly prepared myself to die.)

    Who could have thought that a contract made using life as a medium could be severed¡ª

    (Kazehaya Kamito, you never fail to surprise me¡ª)

    Rubia could not help but smile faintly.

    In her mind, the image of his back surfaced.

    The young man wielding dual swords.

    ¡ªRubia, I will protect you even if it means putting my life on the line.

    He had promised her that.

    Thump¡ªAmotion in her heart.

    This was not pain that tormented her body. Rather, it was a sweet kind of pain that gripped the heart.

    A pain that she experienced for the first time, being a girl who had undergone a princess maiden''s strict education since early childhood.

    (...This unbelievable emotion, what is it?)

    The unidentified emotion was causing Rubia anxiety.

    (Now is definitely not the time for turbulent emotions¡ª)

    The world''s fate was entrusted to Kazehaya Kamito''s choice.

    No matter what choice he made, the human realm was sure to undergo monumental chaos. Chaos would instantly sweep across the continent, finally erupting in a conflict surpassing the Ranbal War.

    That was the only thing that must be avoided absolutely.

    Suppressing chaos required overwhelming military strength.

    There was the Murders organization that possessed extensiveworks across the continent, her connections with the Demon King cultist faction in the top echelons of the Alphas Theocracy''s military, as well as the private army whose coreprised Instructional School orphans.

    (I will first use those girls to bring the Alphas Theocracy under my control¡ª)

    With burning mes in her ruby eyes, Rubia continued her way forward.

    The underground cavern led to the eastern part of Ragna Ys. The small flying craft that Lily me had prepared should be there.

    Most likely, the Empire had already sent troops to pursue her. Rubia in her current state would not be able to offer any resistance if they sent Numbers-ss spirit knights.

    (I... must hurry...)

    Just as Rubia stumbled as she supported herself with her hand against the wall...

    A dagger sliced through wind to pierce Rubia''s arm.

    "...!"

    Suppressing a scream, she stared into the darkness.

    What struck her was a dagger used for assassination, dripping with blood.

    "...Who are you?"

    Rubia asked the darkness. In her current state, having lost the contracted spirit and the Sacred Maiden''s power, she did not even have the ability to sense the enemy''s presence.

    Next.

    "To think you''d use ''who are you'' as a greeting. Clearly we belong to the same team."

    The light of magic glowed.

    "Sjora Kahn, you..."

    Rubia gritted her teeth.

    Appearing out of the darkness was the scantily d witch of the Theocracy.

    Behind her, a crowd of girls in crimson military uniforms stood on guard, surrounding Rubia.

    White masks appeared in the darkness. All of them held daggers in their hands.

    "The Theocracy''s Snake huh¡ª"

    Pulling the dagger out from her wound, Rubia groaned.

    This organization of executors was not under the military''s authority. Most likely, the Theocracy had issued orders for them to execute Rubia for failing her mission of winning the de Dance.

    (¡ªIn any case, they came to silence me.)

    Rubia knew that country''s dark side all too well.

    It was only natural for the military to consider silencing her through death.

    Rubia extended her right hand in a posture for counterattacking. Although losing her contracted spirit rendered her unable to use me spirit magic, she was still able to use mes that did not originate from spirits¡ªFrost ze. Inside the narrow tunnel, she should be able to defeat two or three opponents.

    (But that would be all I can manage. Given my current state¡ª)

    "The Theocracy''s Snake? Sorry, you''re wrong."

    The witch jeered and snapped her fingers.

    The girls in military uniform took off their white masks mechanically.

    "Wha..."

    All were girls whom Rubia had seen before.

    These were the assassins with unusual powers whom Rubia had gathered from the continent¡ªThe Instructional School''s orphans.

    A total of thirteen girls. They stared coldly at Rubia with dim and hollow gazes.

    "The girls you cultivated have been absorbed outright into the military as my private army. Although they originally possessed a redundant sense of self, the Theocracy reeducated them."

    "Witch, how dare you!"

    Rubia released mes of absolute zero.

    "Poor little princess."

    Instantly, a dark figure appeared out of thin air.

    The shadow roared, then its giant jaws expanded several fold and swallowed the roaring mes of blue in one gulp.

    "...That spirit, could it be¡ª"

    Four sturdy limbs. Eyes glowing red ominously.

    A pitch-ck demon wolf making an astounding roar that shook the atmosphere.

    "Good boy, Fenrir."

    Sjora Kahn stroke the demon wolf''s neck.

    "Even the ''mes of absolute zero'' that can freeze everything are useless against this demon ice spirit¡ªThe Laurenfrost''s daughter really gave me quite an excellent present."

    She walked over to Rubia who had copsed, exhausted.

    Her expression proceeded to change.

    "What a pity. You were simply dancing in the middle of my palm."

    "...!?"

    Seeing the witch suddenly change her tone of voice, Rubia frowned.

    "Although I did not obtain the Demon King''s body, it was still quite interesting. Breathing the so-called outside air is not bad after so long."

    "...Who are you?"

    "How unexpectedly slow of you, Sacred Maiden. There is only one who seeks the Demon King''s body."

    "Could it be...!? You should have perished a thousand years ago..."

    "Ha, that is what the contemptible Divine Ritual Institute''s history books recorded."

    That which bore Sjora Kahn''s appearance was stepping on the side on Rubia''s face.

    "...What... is your goal?"

    "I''ve said it many times already. I want aplete body. This decrepit snake princess'' body does not allow me to release my power. Oh well, it would be asking for too much¡ª"

    Her lips in a twisted grin, Sjora revealed the glowing spirit seal on her right hand.

    A pattern of crystallized ice.

    "I have found something interesting in this demon ice spirit''s memory. For some reason, an alter ego of an elemental lord seems to be sealed in the abandoned city."

    "...A sealed Elemental Lord? How on earth...?"

    "There is no point in telling someone who is about to die here."

    Sjora''s fingertip produced a dazzling sh of light.

    "Kuku, don''t worry. Your useless little sister will be joining you on the other side soon."

    Just at this moment...

    Apanied by an astounding explosion, the underground cavern''s walls crumbled.

    "...What?"

    Sjora Kahn hastily dodged.

    The Instructional School''s girls swiftly surrounded her to protect her.

    Where the cloud of dust and debris settled¡ª

    A strangely shaped giant was standing.

    Formed from amorphous water, the giant looked female.

    "Looks like we made it, Lily."

    Sitting on the giant''s shoulder, a girl spoke.

    "¡ªCardinal."

    The other girl jumped down from the giant''s back.

    She swiftly hurried over to the copsed Rubia''s side.

    "It''s... Lily huh..."

    "Please don''t speak. Save your strength."

    Lily took out a healing spirit crystal from her bosom and pressed it against Rubia''s arm.

    A warm glow enveloped Rubia''s arm and began to heal the wound.

    Lily red at Sjora Kahn.

    "You''ve rebelled, witch!"

    "Hey hey, in terms of using each other, the same goes for you eh?"

    Jeering, the witch turned her gaze to the girl riding on the giant''s shoulder.

    "¡ªThat thing is the tactical-ss militarized spirit Apsara, I suppose."

    "Yes. Obtained during the Tempest, one of the three militarized spirits. Colossus and Garuda are already broken from use, but this is still unused so I saved it."

    Tossing her ash-gray hair, Muir Alenstarl replied.

    "The Snake''s elites should have gone to silence you?"

    "All taken care of."

    Muir answered immediately.

    "Don''t underestimate Muir. You will be killed too."

    "Hierarch, please step back. Let us¡ª"

    The Instructional School''s girls warned in an inorganic voice and readied their daggers.

    "Heh, these third-rate flunkies, who didn''t even qualify as one of the Ranked, you intend to fight Muir huh¡ª"

    Muir smiled in amusement.

    "If you want to die that much, Muir will y with you, okay?"

    "...!"

    The Instructional School''s group wavered.

    Topbat specialists in the continent were faltering from a single girl''s intimidating presence.

    However, Sjora shrugged and stepped forward.

    "Aren''t you confident? But this is yourst militarized spirit. If you were to fight all my pawns, you should understand that this thing will break halfway through."

    "Then Muir will just destroy this entire cave."

    "Are you stupid? You''ll die too."

    "Muir won''t die. Surely, Muir will live for Onii-sama."

    Muir''s expression remained unchanged as she murmured softly.

    "...Damn Monster. Insane."

    Sjora clicked her tongue.

    "Muir is serious. You don''t want to lose the majority of your forces here, right?"

    Hearing Lily''s words, Sjora instantly disyed a look of contemtion¡ª

    "...Retreat. This is a waste of time."

    Next, she walked towards the darkness.

    Her subordinates also followed quickly behind her and disappeared.

    "..."

    A few seconds'' silence. Then¡ª

    "Muir, well done. I never knew you were that good at bluffing."

    "That was no bluff. Muir really is serious."

    Muir tilted her head in a daze.

    "What, y-you intended to bury us alive here!?"

    "If you''re lucky, you won''t die."

    "...Sigh. Jeez."

    Lily sighed deeply and turned to Rubia.

    "¡ªThank goodness you are safe, Cardinal."

    "Sorry, Lily. The Instructional School people have been taken away. This is my oversight."

    "No, this is because I didn''t gather enough intelligence. Although I knew the Theocracy could not be trusted, I never expected them to act this swiftly."

    "They most likely conspired together with Murders. With the Divine Ritual Institute and the Empire''s spirit knights in pursuit, there is no ce for me to hide now."

    The situation had changed dramatically.

    Since her military forces had been taken by the Theocracy, Rubia had to reconsider her direction anew¡ª

    Rubia stood up¡ª

    "What about you?"

    "...Huh?"

    "Like I said, there is currently no ce for me to stay. I''ve lost my power as an elementalist. There is no need to follow me."

    "You must be joking."

    Lily knelt down before Rubia.

    "You were the one who freed us from the Instructional School and treated us like people. I have no intention of serving anyone else. Henceforth, please continue tomand me as you please."

    "...I see."

    Rubia ced her hand on Lily''s shoulder.

    "¡ªWell then, follow me. Lily me."

    "Y-Yes!"

    "It can''t be helped."

    Muir jumped down from the militarized spirit.

    "Muir will ally with you as well. Having no ce to go is shared by Muir as well. Although Muir hates you, she hates the Theocracy''s people even more. Also, Lily can''t do anything without Muir by her side."

    "Th-That''s you, okay! Without me, you can''t even cook!"

    "Lily, shut up or be killed."

    "Your request for an alliance is epted, Muir Alenstarl."

    Crimson hair fluttered as Rubia walked towards the depths of the darkness.

    ...As though crushing underfoot the destiny waiting for her ahead.

    "¡ªA war is about to begin."

 Volume 11, 5 - Rinsletâ€™s Resolve

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 5 - Rinslet''s Resolve</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Phew, it feels so good after a bath."

    In the single room prepared at the Divine Ritual Institute''s shrine¡ª

    Having finished her ritual purification, ire was changing her uniform.

    Holding her favorite ribbon in her mouth, she tied her hair into twintails.

    Next, her team was going to make a visit to the castle they had stayed at previously.

    Suddenly, ire looked out the window.

    It was already dusk outside.

    Just earlier, they were still de dancing in the abandoned city. It seemed like a dream now.

    "...In the end, I didn''t get a chance to talk much with Kamito."

    Buttoning her shirt, ire sighed.

    She clearly wanted to spend time with Kamito alone and talk more¡ª

    (...Seriously, so much happened.)

    To be honest, she was still very confused.

    The whereabouts of the sister who disappeared. The reason she revealed to exin her betrayal.

    The Demon King''s power dormant in Kamito¡ª

    Also¡ª

    (...U-Unbelievable. To think that Ren Ashbell-sama''s true identity is...)

    Her cheeks went hot instantly.

    Ren Ashbell was the girl whom ire admired.

    All along, ire had regarded her as the ideal elementalist and worked hard to that end.

    Never did she expect¡ª

    (...T-To think she turns out to be Kamito.)

    But at that time, Kamito definitely said.

    I am the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell¡ª

    Instantly, ire''s heart began to race.

    (Kamito back then, was so very... cool.)

    Lying on the bed, ire buried her face in the pillow.

    She hugged the pillow tightly and rolled from side to side in that manner.

    (A-Also...)

    She looked up from her pillow and touched her lips softly.

    (We even... k-kissed.)

    Her heart pounded nonstop.

    As soon as she recalled it, a hot sensation rushed through the inside of her body.

    Her mind became filled with Kamito.

    "...~! So annoying, what''s with this..."

    ire began to pound away at the pillow. At this moment¡ª

    "...Meow?"

    "Uwaaa, Scarlet!?"

    Climbing onto the bed was the hell cat spirit, wrapped in mes.

    She stared with her round eyes, tilting her head in puzzlement.

    "Seriously, don''t scare me."

    ire put down the pillow...

    And picking up Scarlet, embraced her gently.

    "...Thank you, Scarlet."

    As she stroked Scarlet''s head, the cat purred infort.

    Her gratitude towards Scarlet could not be contained in a few words. Only thanks to the calls of this hell cat spirit was ire able to recover her consciousness when she fell to be the Darkness Queen.

    "...Speaking of which, your true name was released."

    ire suddenly recalled.

    The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde. The lovely girl who was d in a dress of mes.

    Reportedly, she had fought in the Spirit War several thousand years ago as one of the primeval spirit weapons.

    At the time, ire had quickly lost consciousness and did not have the chance to talk with her more¡ª

    "Meow?"

    Judging from the way she looked, Scarlet did not remember what happened back then.

    ire ced her right hand lightly on Scarlet''s head.

    As she supplied divine power, the me seal gave off dazzling light.

    "True name release¡ªAwaken, Scarlet Valkyrie Ortlinde!"

    With divine power poured into Scarlet''s entire body, intense mes surged.

    However¡ª

    "..."

    Scarlet''s appearance remained unchanged.

    She did not transform into that girl.

    "...Strange."

    ire tilted her head.

    "...Whatever."

    Since she had released it once already, with further training, she would surely release it again.

    Furthermore, adding more rivals would be troublesome too¡ªShe murmured softly.

    Looking up, she suddenly spotted a figure outside the window.

    Rinslet.

    "What is she doing?"

    The way she looked from behind was rather unenergetic.

    "Come to think of it, she didn''t say much during the ritual purification either."

    ire stepped onto the window sill and jumped out.

    Part 2

    Rinslet was walking towards the Grand Shrine''s garden.

    Coming before a spring in the center of the garden, she reached out towards the water surface that was reflecting moonlight.

    (...Spirit magic?)

    ire was watching in surprise when¡ª

    "¡ªRay of Frost!"

    Rinslet was softly reciting an incantation.

    This was basic ice-attribute magic for freezing the target.

    Resonating with Rinslet''s divine power, the spring''s water surface gave off faint light.

    In the end, she slumped her shoulders dejectedly.

    "...Rinslet, what are you doing?"

    "ire!"

    Rinslet frantically looked back.

    "N-Nothing!"

    "Liar."

    ire asserted. No matter what, they were longtime childhood friends. It was too easy to see that something was amiss.

    "During the ritual purification just now, you were uncharacteristically quiet. What happened?"

    "...N-None of your business, ire."

    "W-What, to think I was so worried..."

    "H-Hmph, redundant!"

    Rinslet suddenly turned her face away and prepared to leave.

    "Wait up...!"

    ire swiftly grabbed Rinslet by the arm.

    ...I can''t leave her alone.

    She could see traces of tears on the side of Rinslet''s face.

    "Rinslet, you..."

    Looking down at the arm she had grabbed, ire suddenly noticed.

    The spirit seal that should have been carved on Rinslet''s right hand was nowhere to be found.

    ire remembered that back when she was unable to use her spirit, the seal would be in a state that was almost invisible to the naked eye. But even so, it could still be confirmed by close examination.

    However, Rinslet''s spirit seal had vanishedpletely.

    "What happened? Where''s your Fenrir?"

    "..."

    Rinslet turned her gaze away in embarrassment.

    "¡ªThe bond is weakened. Even near a spring, I can''t produce cold air."

    Her voice was trembling. Usually arrogant, she was quite dispirited currently.

    ire looked towards the spring. There was a thin membrane of ice on the water surface.

    But that was all. The power of Rinslet''s Ray of Frost was not limited to this level, of course.

    Originally, she should have been able to freeze the entire spring''s water instead.

    "What happened?"

    "..."

    "Tell me. We''re teammates."

    "ire..."

    Rinslet bit her lip hard.

    "...During the battle with the witch, I lost Fenrir."

    Rinslet recounted how Fenrir was devoured by the demon spirit during the battle with the witch. That demon spirit apparently had the ability to steal contracted spirits. Even her spirit seal disappeared as well.

    Hearing that, ire¡ª

    "...To go so far as stealing spirits, that behavior clearly contravenes the de Dance''s ethos!"

    Anger was causing her hair to stand vertically.

    The de Dance festival was not a war for mutual violence. Instead, it was a de dance offering to the elemental lords.

    Trying one''s best was required but that did not imply unscrupulous means were eptable.

    "Raise objections with the Alphas Theocracy."

    "¡ªThat''s most likely futile."

    Suddenly a voice appeared from behind.

    Looking back, ire found Fianna and Ellis at the garden''s entrance.

    "I heard from Ellis about what happened."

    "Sorry, I disclosed it without consulting you, because I was thinking Her Highness the imperial princess might have some solution."

    Ellis bowed her head politely.

    "No, I don''t mind..."

    "What do you mean by futile?"

    "Sjora Kahn is ostracized even among the Alphas Theocracy''s royal family. She is regarded as the taboo child who employs demon spirits. Oh well, it''s simr to my situation except throughpletely different causes. However, she wields authority through her connections with part of the military and the Demon King cultists based inside the Theocracy. Even if objections are raised with the Theocracy, they will surely be ignored."

    "So what can be done? Do you know anything about that demon spirit?"

    "Regrettably, I don''t know much about that spirit-stealing spirit either. It''s Bandersnatch¡ªThe Theocracy''s secret spirit, right?"

    Fianna shook her head.

    Information regarding demon spirits and their rare users was extremely scarce.

    "Is there nothing we can do..."

    Ellis hugged her shoulders.

    "...No, there must be something."

    ire was murmuring when...

    The voices of princess maidens could be hearding from the Grand Shrine''s building.

    "¡ªEveryone, the horse-drawn carriage is ready."

    Part 3

    Inside the carriage prepared by the Divine Ritual Institute¡ª

    "So, Fenrir was..."

    Hearing what had happened, Kamito remarked quietly with a grave expression.

    (...So that''s why she is so disheartened.)

    Kamito knew very well the pain of losing a contracted spirit.

    That feeling was like having one''s body ripped in half.

    "So we''re now considering if there''s any method to retrieve Fenrir¡ª"

    "Sjora Kahn still hasn''t been located?"

    "Apparently, even the Divine Ritual Institute has not been able to ascertain Team Inferno''s location."

    Fianna shook her head.

    Sjora Kahn was a witch who could not be underestimated. Catching her would probably be very difficult.

    Besides, it was unknown whether a spirit whose contract was voided could be retrieved in the first ce. If Fenrir was already stolenpletely¡ª

    (Then they could only rely on a miracle...)

    "So, I was thinking¡ª"

    At this moment, ire brought up a topic with a serious expression.

    "I''ll use my Wish to get Fenrir back, how''s that?"

    "Using your Wish, ire?"

    "Yeah. I''ve already seen Nee-sama and heard the truth. So I don''t have any Wish to realize anymore. If it''s the Elemental Lords'' power, taking back a spirit whose contract was voided should be possible."

    "N-No way. That Wish clearly belongs to you¡ª"

    "Don''t you already have a Wish you must realize? A-After all, I owe you so much, with this I won''t need to go out of my way to pay you back."

    "ire..."

    Rinslet''s eyes of greenstone wavered subtly.

    "¡ªAbout that, let''s wait first."

    Suddenly, Kamito interjected.

    "Huh?"

    "About the Elemental Lords'' miracle, I think it''s better to be more cautious. Rubia''s words are quite concerning too."

    "Well..."

    ¡ªThe miracle transcending this world''s rules and logic.

    ¡ªDoes not actually grant the Wish you hope for.

    That was what she definitely said.

    He was not trying to advocateplete belief in Rubia''s words.

    But Kamito had witnessed it.

    ¡ªIn the memories three years ago, the Elemental Lords'' miracle devoured Restia.

    Transcending this world''s rules¡ªSomething beyond this world.

    If that was the miracle''s true form¡ª

    (...Relying on that power is far too dangerous.)

    "¡ªIndeed, perhaps that''s true. But..."

    ire bit her thumb''s fingernail.

    "I believe we should search for another method."

    "I agree with Kamito-kun. Although I was formerly a princess maiden at the Divine Ritual Institute, after hearing Rubia-sama''s words, I cannot find any reason not to doubt the Elemental Lords."

    Hearing Fianna''s words, Rinslet bit her lip hard.

    "...I-I know. It''s as you say."

    But she still nodded.

    "...ire, your kind intentions are enough."

    "Y-Yeah.."

    "I will try to investigate that demon spirit."

    "Yes, the Fahrengart family will also spare no effort in providing assistance."

    "Speaking of demon spirits, Greyworth might know something."

    "E-Everyone..."

    Rinslet covered her eyes with her uniform''s sleeves.

    Then she looked up.

    "S-Staying depressed would be too unseemly!"

    She disyed her usual elegant smile.

    Part 4

    The carriage stopped before the castle.

    Holding Est in sword form, Kamito walked towards the lobby.

    He stared into the starry sky as he walked.

    (By the way, where did Restia run off to?)

    After disappearing from the Grand Shrine, she still had not returned.

    Oh well, since I can feel the connection through the spirit seal, there shouldn''t be a problem¡ª

    (She''s always been willful from the very beginning...)

    Kamito sighed in his heart.

    As soon as Kamito''s group approached, the castle''s gates opened from inside.

    "Wee back, mdy."

    The maid Carol hade to wee them.

    Her radiant smile healed everyone''s hearts.

    "Carol, did anything happen while I was away?"

    "Yes. Although there were three instances of fire disasters when making breakfast, luckily, they were all confined to mdy''s room."

    "...Sigh. If that''s where it ends, I guess it''s alright."

    "...Of course it isn''t."

    Kamito calmly remarked snidely.

    ...Employing such a maid, was the Laurenfrost home really alright?

    "Wee back, Onee-sama, Onii-sama!"

    It was Rinslet''s younger sister Mireille. Skipping along, she rushed over and hugged her sister.

    "S-Seriously, Mireille, mind your manners!"

    Rinslet instantly put on airs like an elder sister and began to lecture.

    However, her hand was gently stroking her sister''s head... As usual, she liked to indulge her younger sister.

    After separating from her sister, Mireille hugged Kamito next.

    "Hmm..."

    The youngdies'' icy stares stabbed him in the back.

    "Also, Onii-sama, congrattions for your victory!"

    "L-Like I said already, stop calling me ''Onii-sama''."

    Kamito was feeling overwhelmed.

    "Mireille-sama, please stop troubling Kamito."

    At this moment, someone reached out from the side and pulled Mireille off from Kamito.

    "Ah, Mi, what are you doing!?"

    Grabbed by the cor, Mireille struggled violently.

    The new arrival was the former leader of the Rupture Division, Mi Bassett, dressed as a maid.

    She gazed at Kamito with her heterochromatic eyes then said:

    "Kamito, wee back."

    "Yeah, I''ve returned, Mi."

    Kamito ced his hand on Mi''s head.

    "...Ah, ooh..."

    Instantly, Mi froze and her face went red.

    "...Eh. Kamito-kun, as expected of the Demon King of the Night."

    "Th-The title of the Demon King, having one title as the Demon King of the Night is enough... I-Isn''t that what you said?"

    "H-Hold on, you girls, are you misunderstanding something?"

    Kamito frantically tried to exin himself.

    ¡ªAt this moment.

    "Good grief. You''re still the same,d."

    An exasperated voice came from the staircase inside.

    "...!"

    Apart from Kamito, everyone straightened their posture and stood in a line.

    "¡ªMembers of Team Scarlet, congrattions on your victory."

    Apuding as she descended the stairs, Greyworth arrived, dressed in a suit.

    "You, umm... Has your body recovered?"

    Hearing Kamito''s stiff gesture of concern...

    "Fufu, to think the first thing you worry about would be the body. Looks like you find my body impossible to forget."

    "W-What nonsense are you talking about, how could that be true!?"

    "K-Kamito, even towards the headmistress, you..."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    The youngdies'' stabbing res were really hurting his neck.

    Seeing their reactions, Greyworth smiled with amusement.

    "Kamito,e to my room."

    Then she ordered in a tone of voice that tolerated no objections.

    "Huh?"

    "I will teach you the final secret technique."

    Part 5

    Enduring the girls'' icy gazes on his back, Kamito was led to the room.

    Greyworth sat down on the sofa and picked up a wine bottle from the table.

    "Just sit down there. Want a drink?"

    She poured the amber liquid into a ss.

    "You''re still recuperating, right? Watch what you drink."

    "Oh my, how rare. You''re worried about me?"

    "...Like anyone would worry about you."

    Kamito silently took the ss away.

    "...Fine, what''s this about? That final secret technique you mentioned just now."

    The night before the final round, Kamito had inherited the Absolute de''s secret technique.

    Last Strike¡ªA countering sword skill for using against humans. Due to teaching this sword skill, the Dusk Witch had lost her power as an elementalist.

    "Don''t be so impatient. Once you master this de dance move, you''ll became the true Demon King."

    "...True Demon King? What''s this about?"

    Kamito was shocked.

    Greyworthy down on the sofa and said:

    "Let me teach you now¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance of the Night."

    "..."

    "..."

    Silence fell.

    "...You fiend."

    Kamito could not help but grab Greyworth by the cor.

    "Fufu, once you learn this secret technique, all the girls in the Academy will quickly fall. However, if you''re the one using it, perhaps they''ll lose their minds because it''s too intense."

    "H-How can you still consider yourself the headmistress!?"

    Kamito roared angrily.

    "In that case, you may test it out on me. After all, I can''tmune with spirits anymore. There''s no need to stay pure, right?"

    Using her fingers to push her neckline open, her ck underwear came into view.

    "S-Stop toying with me..."

    Kamito blushed and turned his gaze away.

    "Fufu, thed is so cute."

    Greyworthughed in her throat then sat properly on the sofa again.

    "First of all, allow me to praise you. Well done. As expected, summoning you to the Academy was not a waste of effort."

    "Receiving praise from you makes me feel worse."

    While retorting¡ª

    "...Oh well, in any case, let me thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to meet myrades at the Academy¡ª"

    Kamito took off his glove, revealing the spirit seal on his left hand.

    "I''ve also retrieved what''s precious to me."

    "It''s your own power that allowed you to retrieve the darkness spirit. I didn''t do anything."

    Greyworth shrugged.

    Kamito sat down on the opposite chair then¡ª

    "...Greyworth, let me ask you something."

    He posed a question.

    "Oh?"

    "¡ªTwenty-four years ago. What happened on the day you obtained victory in the de Dance?"

    "...How nostalgic."

    "Twenty-four years ago on that day, you prayed to the Elemental Lords for a miracle and obtained eternal life and youth."

    "...It''s not really eternal life and youth, that."

    Greyworth''s gaze turned sharp.

    "Yes, you did say that before. The elemental lords'' miracle is not actually omnipotent."

    "However, the ability to achieve something like that can only be called a miracle. At the time, I needed to guard the Empire, even if it meant nting the seeds of disease personally into my own body."

    The witch pointed to her heart.

    "A Cursed Armament Seal. Transnted on the heart."

    "Lurie Lizaldia of the Numbers already told me."

    "...That talkativess."

    Greyworth clicked her tongue.

    "You, what did you see inside the Elemental Lords'' True Sanctuary?"

    "You should know about the Geis, right? What is seen and heard in the Elemental Lords'' True Sanctuary cannot be disclosed at all. That is the strictest contract."

    "You don''t need to say it out. Just answer a question."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "Did you see that darkness inside the True Sanctuary?"

    "Darkness?"

    She disyed a surprised expression.

    "What is that about?"

    (...Greyworth didn''t see that?)

    Kamito was surprised.

    ¡ªAt this moment, suddenly, the window in the room opened and ck wings fluttered and spread.

    "Wha..."

    Kamito stood up from his chair.

    Landing on the windowsill¡ª

    The darkness spirit whose dress was colored like night.

    "It''s been a while, Dusk Witch."

    "Hmph, the darkness spirit huh."

    Greyworth smiled impertinently.

    "Restia, what happened? Where did you go just now¡ª"

    "Kamito, the Theocracy''s flying vessel is secretly heading towards the abandoned city..."

    "...What?"

    An ominous feeling shed across his mind.

    "The de Dance already ended. Why return to the abandoned capital..."

    "She is likely targeting¡ª"

    Saying that, Restia looked up into the sky¡ª

    "The Water Elemental Lord''s alter ego, right?"

 Volume 11, 6 - Back to the Abandoned City

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 6 - Back to the Abandoned City</h4>

    Part 1

    Kamito immediately summoned his teammates to the castle lobby.

    Everyone was about to sleep at this point in time, hence the girls all disyed displeased expressions.

    Only Scarlet was still very energetic.

    (...Perhaps it''s because cats are nocturnal.)

    "...Jeez, what happened? The de Dance already ended."

    "I will have you know that I sleep regrly on the dot at nine."

    ire and Ellis had their arms akimbo as they remarked angrily.

    However, since they were both wearing cute pajamas, they were totally not intimidating.

    ...Rather, they were quite adorable.

    "Sorry, there''s an emergency. Things are very bad."

    "What emergency?"

    "The Alphas Theocracy''s flying vessel seems to be heading towards the abandoned city."

    "...Abandoned city?"

    ire frowned in surprise.

    "What would she do in that kind of ce at this time?"

    "Most likely, her target is Iseria."

    "...!"

    All the team members were shocked. That was the girl with hair the color of shimmering water who had assisted them during ire''s rescue.

    "Why... Why target that child!?"

    Rinslet demanded from Kamito.

    "Iseria is a top-ranked spirit. Sjora perhaps intends to capture her as a contracted spirit."

    "How could that...!"

    Probably recalling the demon spirit''s theft of Fenrir, Rinslet cried out sorrowfully.

    (Or perhaps, for some other purpose...)

    Iseria Seaward.

    Three years ago on that day, Kamito had liberated one of the elemental lords.

    Did the witch act because she found out about that¡ª?

    "But how did those people find out about Iseria?"

    Ellis voiced her puzzlement.

    "Most likely by tracing Fenrir''s memories."

    Greyworth descended slowly down the stairs.

    "Through the spirit seal, a contractor can see fragments of the contracted spirit''s memories. That spirit probably appeared in Fenrir''s memories."

    "No way..."

    Rinslet wavered.

    "Greyworth, seeing as you employ demon spirits, do you know any method for retrieving Fenrir?"

    "My condolences. I am a knight and not an authority on spirit research."

    Greyworth shook her head.

    "Besides, the category of demon spirits is simply something that the Spirit Investigation Association defined on their own. An umbre term for spirits whose mental structure cannot be analyzed. Hence, there is basically no information on individual demon spirits unless they have been researched specifically."

    "...I see."

    "However, speaking of saving that demon ice spirit, that''s not totally impossible."

    "Eh?"

    "Although the demon spirit Bandersnatch possesses the power to overwrite existing contracts, that effect can be considered a type of spirit contract. Being a spirit contract, it must be apanied by a certain something¡ª"

    "...A spirit seal?"

    "Smartd. On Fenrir that was taken away, there should be a spirit seal carved by demon spirit. Aiming there¡ª"

    "Destroy it with Terminus Est, right?"

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer''s hilt firmly.

    "However, that''s only a possibility. I don''t know that much about that demon spirit''s characteristics."

    "...Yeah, got it. But it''s worth a try."

    Kamito nodded at Rinslet.

    "Anyway, I think we should hurry over to the abandoned city. We can''t passively let her get taken away."

    "Eh, yeah, that''s right! I promised that child that I''ll definitely bring her out of that ce."

    "...However, we still don''t know how to lift the seal."

    "I have some ideas on that."

    As Fianna showed hesitancy, Kamito responded.

    If the girl he saw in his dream really was the liberated Elemental Lord¡ª

    Then the seal could be lifted using her true name as the medium.

    (...Also, there''s something that I must ask her no matter what.)

    "But how do we get to the abandoned city?"

    Ellis raised a question.

    "Can''t we use the Divine Ritual Institute''s transfer magic?"

    If they exined the situation to the Divine Ritual Institute, they probably would lend out the Gate for transfer.

    "That requires a ritual. Also, the magic stones can only transfer to fixed locations."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "Then what should we do¡ª"

    Just as Kamito gritted his teeth in frustration...

    "Good grief, looks like my power is needed."

    Greyworth shrugged.

    "Didn''t you lose your powerpletely...?"

    "The word power is not limited to an elementalist''s power, you know?"

    Greyworth smiled.

    "Head over and wait at the tip of Ragna Ys. I will prepare equipment for you."

    Part 2

    "...Telling us to wait here, what exactly is she nning?"

    "The headmistress will have arrangements."

    An hourter, Kamito''s group had gathered at the northwestern tip of Ragna Ys.

    The night air was very cold. Despite the barrier covering Ragna Ys entirely to stop the wind, the air itself was enough to make the skin chilly.

    "...So cold. My hands are almost freezing."

    Under thick winter clothes, Kamito shivered.

    "It reminds me of the training camp at the Laurenfrost snow mountains when we first entered the Academy."

    "Hmm, that was hell."

    Hearing ire remark as she hugged her hell cat tightly, Ellis expressed full agreement.

    "This level doesn''t really count as cold."

    Only Rinslet, who was born and raised in and of snow, remained unfazed.

    "...Say, that looks very warm. Let me hug Scarlet too."

    "I don''t really mind, but Scarlet doesn''t let anyone close apart from me."

    ire took Scarlet from under her arm and handed her to Kamito.

    Scarlet shrank into a ball then stayed obediently in Kamito''s arms.

    "...Wow, so warm."

    He felt a sense of warmth rise from within his body.

    "Meow¡ª, meow¡ª?"

    The hell cat spirit seemed to be meowing very happily.

    "...Tsk, w-why is Scarlet acting so intimate!?"

    "K-Kamito, that''s so unfair! I want a hug too!"

    As soon as Ellis reached over, Scarlet began to struggle as though greatly repulsed.

    "Kamito-kun, this kind of skin to skin contact would be even warmer."

    Boing boing boing.

    "Fianna!?"

    "W-What, w-what are you doing, pervert princess!?"

    At this moment, there was sudden gust of wind, causing the girls'' hair to fly at the same time.

    "W-What!?"

    From under the precipice, a massive object rose up.

    Bathed under the moonlight, the object appearing out of the darkness was¡ª

    "Thetest model of the Winged Raptor-ssbat craft!"

    ire cried out with surprise.

    The streamlined craft was shaped like a flying dragon. The ship''s body was ted with mithril. The wings on both sides gave off faint light.

    Kamito recalled that this was one of the twelve small-sized flying ships owned by the Empire.

    At this moment, the control room''s door opened and Greyworth appeared on the deck.

    "Just use this. However, absolutely do not break it."

    "To think you were able to get authorization to use a flying ship in such short time!?"

    Beneath the roaring wind, Kamito yelled.

    Apart from those reserved for the imperial family, all flying ships were under the Fahrengart family''s administration. Without the Knights'' authorization, mobilizing a flying ship should be impossible.

    "Who do you think I am? I''ve got plenty of ckmail material to threaten the military with."

    "That exins why your life is always being targeted."

    "When the timees,d, you''ll protect me, right?"

    "...As if."

    Kamito turned his gaze away.

    "Hurry ande up, there''s not much time left."

    Urged by Greyworth, ire and the others jumped off the precipice and onto the deck.

    "Okay, let''s hurry¡ª"

    "W-Wait a sec... Kyah!"

    As Fianna hesitated, Kamito picked her up in his arms and jumped over together.

    "K-Kamito-kun, you''re really..."

    Landing on the deck, Fianna muttered with her face red.

    "Given this ship, it should be able to catch up to the Theocracy''s older style flying ship."

    "Yes. After all, it is thetest and most advanced flying ship that my grandfather purchased."

    Ellis expressed agreement with Greyworth. The Alphas Theocracy did not have thetest model of flying ships. At most, it would be an old-style craft from the Ranbal War era, supplied by Murders.

    Greyworth got off the flying ship and looked back at Kamito''s group.

    "This is all I can do. You guys will control it from here on."

    "You can''t find a pilot?"

    "It''s already the middle of the night, of course it can''t be arranged. It is able to hover like this in the surroundings of Ragna Ys where the ether density is high, but if you want to elerate, you need to activate the spirit mechanism that uses a wind spirit crystal as its core. Ellis, can you manage it?"

    "Y-Yes!"

    Ellis immediately straightened her posture and nodded.

    "Who will pilot it?"

    Even though he was trained in the Instructional School, Kamito had never learned the skills for controlling a flying ship.

    (On the other hand, specialized in espionage, Lily does have that type of skill¡ª)

    "At least, I''ve driven the imperial family''s mini-craft before."

    Fianna looked towards the control room and said quietly.

    The control room''s center was outfitted with a ck b of stone that had spiritnguage carved on it.

    It looked like a stone panel that responded to touch and was controlled by thoughts.

    "The basic controls are simr. As an outstanding princess maiden, you should not find it hard to control."

    Greyworth''s voice was heard from outside.

    "I will stay on deck with Scarlet to guard against spirits. Rinslet, please prepare some midnight snacks. There should be a simple kitchen on a mini-craft."

    "Understood!"

    "What should I do?"

    "Uh, Kamito should..."

    ire pondered for a while¡ª

    "Anyway, getting some sleep before we arrive would be nice, right?"

    ...Nothing he could contribute.

    Oh well, it was true that there was nothing else he could do.

    "Who knows the abandoned city''s location?"

    "The darkness spirit over there should know, right?"

    "...Still the same, you don''t know your manners, Dusk Witch."

    The demon sword of darkness transformed into a girl in a dress the color of night.

    Her beautiful ck wings spread open and fluttered in the night sky.

    "Restia!"

    "...Fine. I shall lead the way until we reach the abandoned city. Be grateful to me."

    "Darkness spirit, I don''t trust you. Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten everything you did back at the Academy."

    ire red at Restia overhead.

    "It matters not to me, if you know a safe route as humans. Once you enter the territory of archdemon-ss spirits, this ship will be turned into sawdust."

    "...!"

    "ire, it''s okay. Believe in my partner."

    "...Sigh, I know."

    ire shrugged.

    Then lighting a small me, she handed it over to Restia.

    "...What''s this?"

    Restia inclined her head in puzzlement.

    "You can''t use light-attribute magic, right? It''s hard to see you in the dark, so use this as a signalmp."

    "Ah yes, I see. How inconvenient it is to be human."

    Understanding, Restia caught the fireball.

    "Very well, let''s go. To protect Iseria."

    Part 3

    "...As expected of thetestbat craft model. It''s like a wind spirit."

    The sound of the wind rumbled. Looking outside the window in the cabin, Kamito muttered.

    A wind barrier was erected around the ship''s body and kept slicing through the clouds. Down in the engine room, Ellis must be working quite hard.

    "...But to think I would be asked to go sleep."

    Kamito muttered to himself.

    Although there was some remaining fatigue umted from the final round, Kamito did not feel at ease leaving everything to the girls and going to sleep by himself.

    "Oh well, if I try to help, I''ll just end up getting in the way..."

    Kamitoy down on his side on the bed.

    At this moment, he felt a hard object in his pocket.

    "...Speaking of which, I should pass it along."

    Kamito recalled.

    It was the pendant from ire''s older sister.

    The pendant carved with the House of Elstein''s crest, the me lion.

    Even after plunging into her hellish path, Rubia still held on to this object.

    Kamito got up from bed.

    Walking in the corridor, he was about to take the stairs up to the deck¡ª

    ...Unable to resist, he halted in his steps.

    A wonderful aroma was drifting through the kitchen door''s gap.

    (...Rinslet''s making midnight snacks, right?)

    His stomach began to growl. Thinking back, he had not eaten since morning.

    Following the aroma, he pushed the kitchen door open.

    "...Kamito, what''s the matter?"

    Dressed in an apron, Rinslet turned around with a spoon in hand.

    Kamito could see a pot bubbling on top of a fire spirit crystal. Looks like the aroma came from this pot of soup.

    "I''m hungry. Smelling this aroma, I couldn''t help bute here."

    "...I see. Please be patient for a while."

    Rinslet served the steaming soup into a bowl.

    "This soup is made from bacon and potatoes. Those are all the ingredients I could find in storage."

    "No, that''s enough. It looks very tasty."

    Kamito took a sip of soup.

    "...Ahhh, delicious."

    The delicious taste felt as though steam was rising from the bottom of his heart.

    "The saltiness is just right."

    "I-If you don''t mind this type of crude cooking, I can make as much as you want."

    Blushing, Rinslet kept twirling her hair in her finger.

    Kamito finished the soup in one breath.

    "Thanks for the meal... Thank you."

    "You''re going back to the room?"

    "No, I still want to check out the deck."

    Just as he was about to exit the kitchen¡ª

    "Uh, umm..."

    "...Rinslet?"

    Kamito''s uniform sleeve was grabbed from behind.

    ...No, rather than grabbed, it felt more like it was held between fingers.

    "U-Umm..."

    Rinslet''s head was bowed, looking very indecisive.

    "C-Could you hold... my hand?"

    Finally, she spoke quietly.

    Gazing up at Kamito, her emerald eyes seemed to be wavering.

    Her right hand had lost the spirit seal. Her fingers were trembling.

    One could hardly me her. Despite acting full of vigor in front of everyone¡ª

    She was actually still very ill at ease.

    ...Kamito silently held her hand. He held her frail, delicate and feminine fingers.

    "Fenrir will be taken back for sure. Don''t worry."

    "...Yes."

    With Kamito holding her hand, Rinslet nodded.

    Part 4

    As soon as he walked outside the cabin, it felt cold as expected.

    While shivering, Kamito looked for signs of ire.

    She was sitting on the deck, hugging Scarlet.

    "ire¡ª"

    Walking up the stairs, he called out.

    "Uwah... K-Kamito!?"

    Startled, she turned her head back.

    "Go back down and sleep. You must be tired."

    "I can''t fall asleep. Here, I''ve brought you some of Rinslet''s soup."

    Kamito ced the steaming soup on the floor.

    "Th-Thank you..."

    "Can I sit beside you?"

    "...Eh? Ah, y-yeah..."

    Kamito bent over and sat down by ire''s side.

    ...An awkward silence descended.

    After all, too many things had happened during the final round.

    Both of them were searching for a suitable topic of conversation¡ª

    "It''s great that you were able to get back your darkness spirit."

    ire ended up the first to speak.

    While gazing at the bright light in the distant clouds ahead, she murmured.

    Despite being out of view, mixed into the darkness, Restia was there, acting as the flying ship''s guide.

    "...Yeah. That''s why I''ve journeyed nonstop for the past three years."

    "I see..."

    ire began to pout and sulk a bit.

    "Umm, what a shame... You finally saw her again."

    "...Yes. It''s wonderful to see Nee-sama again, but hearing that kind of thing¡ª"

    "You mean the Elemental Lords'' madness?"

    "Yeah. It''s hard to believe, but..."

    Worrying, ire embraced Scarlet tighter.

    "The reason why Nee-sama rebelled was because the elemental lord wanted me as a sacrifice..."

    "...Indeed, that''s very disturbing."

    The Fire Elemental Lord had demanded the user of Elstein''s me, ire, as a sacrifice.

    The me-Burning mes that transcended the rules and logic of this world.

    Why did the Elemental Lord demand that sort of thing¡ª

    "Next, what should we do? Continue searching for Rubia?"

    "...Right."

    ire murmured with a pained expression.

    She still had not organized her thoughts.

    The de Dance''s winners'' blood rtives would receive a special pardon. This was customary since antiquity. However, even if ire begged, it was unlikely that the Empire would let Rubia Elstein off.

    Betraying the Elemental Lord was an unforgivable crime.

    (¡ªBesides, Rubia''s grievances cannot be disclosed to the public.)

    Although few would believe it, if news spread of the Elemental Lords being corrupted by something unidentified and even going mad, surely a greatmotion would result.

    "Oh yeah, this thing¡ª"

    Kamito took out the pendant from his pocket.

    "...The lion''s crest! Kamito, why do you¡ª"

    "Rubia entrusted it to me. To give to you."

    He handed the pendant over. ire held it tightly.

    "...So warm. This chain is infused with the power of mes."

    She stared at the pendant with gentle eyes.

    The side view of her face was causing Kamito''s heart to race.

    "...However, why did Nee-sama give this to me?"

    "At the time, she probably intended for you to inherit it upon her death."

    "How..."

    "...Don''t worry. Your sister is very tenacious. Just like you."

    Kamito ced his hand on her head.

    "Y-Yes... Nee-sama has great mental strength."

    ire nodded lightly.

    "That thing, just return it the next time you see her."

    "Yeah..."

    After putting the pendant away safely...

    ire looked up¡ª

    "B-By the way..."

    Coughing once, she leaned closer to Kamito.

    "Hmm?"

    "¡ªKamito, you''re the real Ren Ashbell, right?"

    "Guh..."

    ...He was totally caught off guard.

    "U-Umm... Uh..."

    "Save it. You''re wasting your breath if you want to keep hiding it. You''ve already admitted it yourself."

    "I-I wasn''t trying to hide it... okay..."

    Kamito turned his gaze away and scratched his head.

    "...So, what do you have to say for yourself?"

    ire red at him.

    "...Uh, sorry for deceiving you."

    Kamito apologized honestly.

    "Hmph, you''ve been deceiving me all this time?"

    "Ugh..."

    "¡ªBefore, I had always admired her."

    "...S-Sorry."

    Putting his hands to the ground, Kamito bowed his head and apologized.

    Seeing that¡ª

    "...Sigh, fine. Okay, look up now."

    ire sighed and then¡ª

    "...Umm, thanks."

    "Huh?"

    Hearing unexpected words from ire, Kamito frowned.

    ire rxed the corners of her mouth slightly and said:

    "Uh, I already mentioned it before... Three years ago, what saved me after I had given up on everything was her de dance I saw back then. If it weren''t for Ren Ashbell, I surely would not have made the de Dance my goal... So, thank you."

    "ire..."

    "I-It feels a bit embarrassing, like this..."

    "O-Oh..."

    Blushing, both of them averted their gaze.

    "...B-By the way, are you going to tell Ellis and the others?"

    "...No, let''s wait first..."

    "I see..."

    ire chuckled and smiled, pressing her index finger lightly to her cherry lips.

    "Very well, I will keep your secret. ¡ªA secret between two people."

    Her smiling face was so charming that Kamito could not help but stare, mesmerized.

 Volume 11, 7 - The Seal-Breaking Ritual

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 7 - The Seal-Breaking Ritual</h4>

    Part 1

    After setting off from Ragna Ys, several hours psed.

    The flying ship Winged Raptor arrived above the abandoned city.

    "It feels quite different, looking at the city from above."

    Looking out the window in the control room, Kamito muttered to himself.

    The ruins were covered by dense forest. Relying on just moonlight, nothing could be seen at all.

    But mere hours earlier, Kamito''s group was still de dancing in this ce.

    "I remember that the entrance to the underground ruins is located in the abandoned city''s central zone."

    "It''s quite hard to locate from above."

    Controlling the stone tablet, Fianna sighed.

    "I think it''s roughly there. Look, where the mes are burning intensely."

    ire pointed diagonally forward.

    Kamito turned his gaze to find mes burning in a radial pattern over there.

    "Right. That''s where Muir''s demon me spirit, Vraukar, was rampaging."

    The mes shot out in the abandoned city''s central zone were still burning intensely even now.

    "I can''t find any signs of the Theocracy''sbat craft. Maybe we passed it along the way?"

    "With such poor visibility, it''s too difficult to find them. Fianna, could yound over there where it''s rtively wide open?"

    "I''ll try."

    Fianna nodded and traced her finger on the stone tablet''s surface.

    The flying ship then changed direction and slowlynded in the abandoned city''s central zone.

    Part 2

    The entrance to the underground ruins was inside a shrine where debris was scattered everywhere.

    During the battle against Muir''s Vraukar, that was where Rinslet had emerged.

    "Ghosts of the abandoned city, rest in peace¡ªHell st!"

    Therge swarms of Forsaken Spirits that seemed to be guarding the ce were wiped out by Restia''s wide-area annihtion magic.

    The shadow-like Forsaken Spirits instantly vanished into space.

    "...Completely merciless."

    Hearing Kamito''s muttering...

    "Those used to be heroes in the past Spirit War. Rather than let them live forever in resentment like that, viciously burying them in this manner would be proper mercy."

    Restia lightly closed her dusk-colored eyes.

    "So, Kamito¡ª"

    "Hmm?"

    "If I were to turn into that, please likewise¡ª"

    "...Restia, please spare me the unfunny jokes."

    Saying that, Kamito wielding the shining sacred sword and started down the stairs that led underground.

    "We better hurry. The releasing ritual takes time."

    "Also, I''m worried about those two who are staying on the ship."

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    With Kamito in the lead, Fianna and Rinslet followed.

    ire and Ellis had stayed above ground because the flying ship was at risk of being taken away once the Theocracy discovered it. On the other hand, Fianna was needed for the seal-breaking ritual while Rinslet was needed to summon the girl spirit, so they went on the expedition.

    Kamito was their bodyguard.

    Assuming Sjora Kahn had discovered Iseria''s existence through Fenrir''s memories, she had likely invaded the underground ruins already.

    "This set of ruins is a tomb for spirits."

    Fianna touched the surface of the stone wall as she whispered.

    "Carved here are the true names of the spirits who fought in the Spirit War."

    Restia halted in her steps and nodded in agreement.

    The Spirit War.

    Far in the distant past, during times immemorial, the Darkness Elemental Lord, Ren Ashdoll, had rebelled against the Five Great Elemental Lords, thus causing a war¡ªThat was what everyone said.

    "Restia, were you in Ren Ashdoll''s army?"

    Kamito looked back and asked.

    "Yes. In the past, I held the position of leading the army. I also fought that Scarlet Valkyrie many times on the battlefield in the past."

    In a rare moment, Restia was murmuring with a pained expression.

    ...She apparently did not quite want to recall those memories.

    "Speaking of which, Restia, you were the one who told ire about Scarlet''s true name."

    "Despite my reluctance, it was the only solution at the time. ire Rouge is not supposed to be able to use that hell cat yet."

    "I see..."

    Kamito starting walking again.

    "I remember that Est was also a spirit weapon¡ª"

    In the mean time, he used the sacred sword''s glow for illuminating the depths of the road ahead.

    "Have you two ever met before?"

    "In direct battle, not even once."

    Surprisingly, Restia shook her head.

    "By her own arbitrary decision, she did not belong to any faction. Both factions of the Elemental Lords and Ren Ashdoll feared the strongest sword spirit. Since the current Miss Sacred Sword did not inherit her memories and power from that time, I could still joke around with her, but to be honest, I would not want to enter a conflict with her original form."

    "...Hold on. From what I know, the current Est is already a spirit of the strongest ss."

    "I have no objections to that statement."

    Restia shrugged.

    "But don''t forget that the sacred sword in your hand is the existence that even the Elemental Lords feared. And that same power is cursing and eating away at you."

    "...!"

    Kamito suddenly gasped¡ª

    His gazended on the shining Demon yer.

    (...Come to think of it, I haven''t considered that.)

    The legendary sacred sword had vanquished Demon King Solomon in the past.

    However, its true form was the cursed demon sword that had taken the Sacred Queen''s life.

    Although Kamito had considered using the Elemental Lords'' miraculous power, which was granted to de Dance winners, to lift that curse, however¡ª

    (...I can''t possibly let that darkness touch Est.)

    Lifting Est''s curse requireding up with another solution.

    While pondering this, Kamito continued advancing through the passage. Shortly after.

    The group reached a giant cavern where many passageways branched off.

    "I think this ce is fine."

    "True. With this much space, performing the seal-breaking ritual won''t be a problem."

    Hearing Rinslet''s whispers, Fianna agreed.

    "Got it."

    Kamito stabbed the sacred sword''s de into the ground and the dazzling light illuminated the surroundings.

    "Respond to the summons of your lord,e forth¡ªGeorgios!"

    Fianna chanted the words for summoning and called forth the knight spirit.

    The knight spirit opened up its breastte. Apanied by rattling metallic noises, Fianna took out all kinds of cooking equipment.

    "This is okay?"

    "Yes. With this, I can make a hundred or two without any problem."

    Rinslet held a frying pan in one hand with a fire spirit crystal and went to work with great enthusiasm.

    Soon, she added butter to the heated pan.

    An appetizing sound of sizzling could be heard in the cavern.

    "Say, Kamito, what is she doing?"

    Restia asked, rather intrigued.

    "Yeah, it''s for summoning the spirit fromst time."

    "...Huh?"

    She was instantly taken aback.

    This expression was quite rare for her.

    "How exactly did youe up with this? How could that actually be possible?"

    "Well, I also thought the same originally."

    The summoning of high ranking spirits required grand rituals taking ce over multiple days. This wasmon sense.

    Using pancakes to sessfully summon a high ranking spirit waspletely unprecedented.

    "I also received quite a shock the first time I witnessed it. I felt as though all the basic knowledge and values I learned at the Divine Ritual Institute were uprooted outright."

    "Oh well, I''m thinking it''s just this spirit that''s a bit special..."

    Hearing Fianna''s astounded murmurings, Kamito smiled wryly.

    "...Impossible to believe."

    Restia was not wholly convinced.

    Soon, the aroma of melted butter wafted out.

    "Fufu, cooked to perfection."

    Rinslet ced the fried pancake onto a te.

    Steaming hot. With honey dripped on top, it looked very delicious.

    "Can I try some?"

    "Of course. I will be making many more of them. Please, you too, Miss Darkness Spirit."

    "...Given this rare chance, I thank you for your hospitality."

    Restia adjusted her skirt hem and sat down beside Kamito.

    Gracefully, she sliced the pancake into small pieces and ced one in her mouth.

    "...!"

    Instantly, her eyes opened wide.

    ...Bite. Munch munch.

    Very quickly, she began to eat without saying a word.

    "That''s the same reaction as when Est ate beancurd for the first time."

    Kamito teased.

    "H-How unbing..."

    Restia coughed and turned her gaze away.

    Suddenly, her gaze settled on a spot in the darkness.

    "..."

    "Restia, what''s the matter?"

    Kamito frowned and followed her gaze¡ª

    "...!"

    At the fork ahead, a few trembling strands of hair could be seen.

    "C-Could that be..."

    "It''s Miss Spirit!"

    Rinslet stood up and hastily rushed over.

    "An Elemental Lord really was summoned using pancakes..."

    Restia trembled as she remarked.

    Part 3

    ...Nom nom nom.

    Dressed in a priestess outfit, the girl spirit was happily enjoying the pancakes.

    "Rinslet''s cakes, so tasty."

    "Fufu, eat to your heart''s content."

    By her side, Rinslet proceeded to make more pancakes for refills.

    Looking at the two of them¡ª

    (...Indeed, this child is the one.)

    Kamito muttered in his mind.

    Hair the color of shimmering water with t bangs. Eyes as clear aske water.

    This appearance was undoubtedly that of the girl whom Kamito had liberated in his past memories.

    The Water Elemental Lord¡ªIseria Seaward.

    That face in his memory was exactly the same as the appearance of this girl right here.

    Her testimony about being summoned to this ce three years ago in a state of amnesia also matched Kamito''s memories.

    She was transferred to this abandoned city the day that Kamito had failed to assassinate the elemental lords.

    However¡ª

    (...It''s hard to believe. To think this child is an Elemental Lord.)

    Kamito was still half-convinced.

    He drew close to Restia''s ear beside him and whispered:

    "Say, is this child really the Water Elemental Lord?"

    "Yeah, absolutely no mistake about it."

    Restia nodded readily.

    "...I see."

    Kamito nodded and went over to Fianna''s side.

    Fianna had already changed into official ritual attire and was preparing the ritual.

    She lit a candlestick and drew a giant magic circle on the floor.

    "The ritual can start soon?"

    "Just hold on a bit. The leyline here is not very stable."

    Fianna carved seals on the ground as she answered.

    "...If only Est could be used, that''d be so much easier."

    cing his hand on the Demon yer''s hilt, Kamito muttered.

    Although Terminus Est possessed the highest level of spell-lifting properties, when it came to releasing an entire barrier, it could not beplimented for its ease of use.

    In order to release an istion barrier, the carved seal serving as the core of the magic needed to be located and destroyed.

    Very likely, there was a core somewhere in these underground ruins¡ª

    However, finding it in these ruins would be virtually impossible.

    "...Sorry. Could you please wait a while longer."

    "I''ve been waiting here for three years. I''m already used to waiting."

    The girl nodded.

    "Also, I never expected you guys to return so soon."

    "Yeah. Actually, someone is targeting you."

    "Targeting me... Could it be those people just now?"

    The girl spirit reacted.

    "You know something?"

    "There were quite a few armed humans who entered these underground ruins. Some of them seemed to be capable of employing spirits."

    "...Those are Sjora Kahn''s subordinates. They came for you."

    The girl spirit sighed.

    "They probably n to capture me to use as a militarized spirit. But unfortunately, even though I have human form, I do not possess a high ranking spirit''s power."

    (...Not only her memories but even her power as an Elemental Lord were lost after all?)

    Was her power currently being restrained by the barrier or did she lose almost all her power when she was liberated from that horrendous darkness?

    "...In any case, we better hurry. This ce might be found."

    Saying that, Kamito focused his attention on the darkness.

    Part 4

    ¡ªA few minutester, Fianna had finished her magic circle in the cavern.

    The candlestick''s me burned intensely while the pattern drawn on the ground glowed faintly.

    The girl spirit in the priestess garb was standing in the center of the pattern.

    "I just need to wait here?"

    "Yes. In the next part, you might feel some strain, so please endure it."

    Fianna waited on the girl spirit. Dressed in the top-ss ritual attire, the imperial princess was exuding a sacred aura that Kamito never would have imagined in the past.

    (...She really is a princess maiden who was the Queen candidate.)

    "Kamito-kun, you''re not thinking something impertinent, are you?"

    Fianna red at Kamito.

    "Also, Kamito-kun, is it really true? This spirit is¡ª"

    "Yes. I was half-skeptical at first, but there''s definitely no mistake."

    The one who answered was Restia rather than Kamito.

    "That child is the Water Elemental Lord''s incarnation that was separated."

    ¡ªAfter the ritual''s preparations wereplete, Kamito had revealed the girl spirit''s true identity.

    Namely, she was the incarnation of the Water Elemental Lord¡ªIseria Seaward.

    Of course, he did not mention the assassination n from three years ago.

    "...Extremely difficult to believe that this child is really the Water Elemental Lord."

    "Yes, the same goes for me..."

    Unsettled, the girl held Rinslet''s hand.

    Upon hearing about her true identity, she seemed to be the one in the most shock.

    "Darkness spirit, you''re not trying to scheme against us, are you?"

    "Oh dear, what purpose would that serve? In any case, everything will be clear once that child is unsealed."

    Restia effortlessly deflected Fianna''s questioning.

    "If the true name turns out to be mistaken, the unsealing will fail."

    "Let''s believe Restia for now, Fianna. This child''s existence might prove to be the key to understanding the mystery of the Elemental Lords'' madness that Rubia mentioned."

    Kamito interrupted.

    "...I understand. Seeing as Kamito-kun says so."

    Hearing him, Fianna nodded reluctantly.

    Holding her palms together, she turned to face the girl spirit.

    "Iseria-sama, once the ritual begins, it cannot be stopped midway. May I ask if it is okay?"

    "...Understood."

    She nodded.

    "Kamito, all of you should keep your distance until the ritual ends."

    "Yeah, got it."

    Pulling the Demon yer out from the ground, Kamito retreated to the walls of the cavern.

    Fianna slowly stood up¡ª

    "¡ªYou, Iseria Seaward, shall be liberated from here."

    She dered in a clear and pure voice.

    The altars at the four corners gave off intense light.

    Sparks burst forth from the giant magic circle, piercing Iseria''s entire body.

    "...! A-Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Screaming as though she were struggling, the girl clutched her head with both hands and knelt down in pain.

    "Miss Spirit!"

    "...Did the ritual fail!?"

    Rinslet and Kamito could not suppress the urge to rush over¡ª

    "No, Kamito¡ª"

    But Restia reached out to stop them.

    "That is the strain from releasing the seal. It is evidence that the seal-breaking ritual is seeding... That princess over there really lives up to her position as a former Queen candidate."

    "...O-Ooh... Head... hurts... so much..."

    Confronted with the rushing flow of light piercing her, the girl spirit desperately endured.

    Her petite body began to tremble slightly.

    "...So scary... darkness... is... swallowing... me..."

    "...Darkness?"

    Hearing the girl''s murmurs, Kamito suddenly reacted.

    "Could it be that she''s remembering her past memories...?"

    "Yes, that seems to be the case."

    Restia concurred.

    ¡ªJust at this moment.

    "¡ªHeh, well isn''t this interesting?"

    "...!?"

    A voice was heard in the darkness.

    Kamito turned his head back¡ª

    Only to see the Theocracy''s witch, her bright red lips twisted in a sneer.

    Part 5

    "Sjora Kahn...!"

    "¡ªAn amazing coincidence. To think I would run into you here in a ce like this."

    The Theocracy''s witch giggled and walked out of the darkness.

    "But regrettably, my target is that spirit. I don''t have time to y with you."

    "...Is that so?"

    Kamito readied the Demon yer.

    "What happened to Fenrir?"

    Kamito demanded with murderous intent.

    "¡ªFufu, if you''re asking about that demon wolf, it''s right here."

    Sjora sneered and chanted a summoning incantation.

    Instantly, a blizzard blew in the cavern and a giant wolf appeared out of thin air.

    "...!"

    But despite resembling Fenrir''s appearance, there were decisive differences.

    The snow-white fur had turned pitch ck and its eyes were bright red like blood.

    The demon ice spirit''s noble bearing waspletely lost, exuding an ominous aura from its entire body.

    "Fenrir...!"

    "Wait, Rinslet¡ª"

    Kamito frantically caught Rinslet by the hand before she could rush over.

    "Kamito-san...!"

    (...They have seven or eight elementalists?)

    Kamito calmly counted the enemies lurking in the darkness.

    Sjora Kahn''sbat strength was already known, Although she was feared as a demon caster within the Theocracy, what she specialized in was summoning magic. She did not seem to be used to de dancing with elemental waffen.

    Her prowess was far inferior to top elementalists like Muir or Leonora.

    (...The problem lies in her subordinates. There''s quite a number of them.)

    White masks appeared in the darkness. All of them were dressed in crimson military uniforms.

    If they were elementalists belonging to the military, their strength should surpass a certain threshold. He could not act recklessly.

    While staying alert of Sjora before him, Kamito turned his gaze towards the back.

    The seal-breaking ritual continued. Unperturbed by the change in situation, Fianna was focused on offering prayers with her eyes closed.

    (...Nothing less from the imperial princess. Calm andposed despite the crisis.)

    Kamito curled his tongue.

    She trusted in Kamito''s group and focused on her own mission.

    Iseria was inside the magic circle, appearing to be in great suffering.

    "Rinslet, go over to Iseria''s side."

    "...I-I understand."

    Even though she red at Sjora, Rinslet obediently followed his directions.

    "Kamito-san, please... Fenrir¡ª"

    "Yeah, I know."

    Kamito nodded.

    "Restia¡ª"

    He called out behind him. The darkness spirit girl proceeded to hold Kamito''s hand.

    "¡ªI am your sword. Your wish is mymand."

    Apanied by the sound of her pure voice, the Vorpal Sword formed itself in Kamito''s hand.

    ¡ªPlease don''t copy me, darkness spirit.

    ¡ªOh dear, Kamito won''t like you if you''re too petty.

    Immediately, the two voices sounded in his mind.

    "...I already told you not to argue, right?"

    Groaning, Kamito infused his dual swords with divine power.

    Holding both swords in a reverse grip, he instantly converted them into small-sized daggers.

    Although the power was less per hit, this was more flexible and nimble in a group battle.

    "...Using two spirits at once. As expected of the Demon King''s sessor."

    Sjora Kahn smiled with delight.

    (...Her tone of voice changed?)

    Suddenly, Kamito felt his hair stand on end.

    Kamito had heard from Ellis and Rinslet about Sjora Kahn''s subtle change.

    Back when the battle was in full swing, she suddenly seemed as though she were a different person¡ª

    (Indeed, there''s something different about the witchpared to before...)

    "Although this might be overkill for the sake of targeting one spirit¡ª"

    Sjora extended her hand.

    "Bringing these girls here turned out to be the right decision."

    Instantly, the masked girls advanced with perfect discipline.

    "¡ªMaster, please issue your orders."

    The military uniformed girls spoke in unison.

    "Capture the spirit. It''s fine to kill the rest. However, do not damage Kazehaya Kamito''s body. It belongs to me."

    "Affirmative¡ª"

    The girls drew their weapons. The des glowed faintly. They were mithril daggers.

    (Those weapons... Are not used by knights. They''re assassins!?)

    Instantly, the air shook. Kamito could sense it through his skin.

    The girls attacked, their breathing in unison¡ªno, there were slight discrepancies in timing.

    (...These movements, could they be¡ª!?)

    Kamito instantly noticed.

    The attack trajectories were unpredictable for ordinary people. These three-dimensional movement skills, treating the walls of the cavern as no different from t ground, belonged to assassins originating from the Instructional School.

    Within the blink of an eye, some of them had circled behind him to surround him from all sides. The naked des shone in the darkness. Bound to the mithril daggers, steel wires were entangling Kamito''s arms and legs.

    (...The formation of absolute death!)

    This was part of the Instructional School''s group tactics. This was a technique developed to allow assassins who were not elementalists to defeat powerful spirit knights. Once tightenedpletely, Kamito''s four limbs were going to be sliced to pieces before he could resist¡ª

    (...Don''t underestimate me!)

    Kamito poured divine power into the Vorpal Sword.

    The pitch-ck lightning exploded and traveled to the masked girls along the steel wires.

    This was an application of the Vorpal st¡ªhis prided technique as the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell.

    (...Only two of them were taken out. Unexpectedly few.)

    Kamito counted the number of disappeared presences.

    The others had apparently released the steel wires at thest instant. They looked quite highly trained.

    With both of his arms free now, Kamito readied his dual swords¡ª

    "...Who could have thought that the Theocracy''s princess would be rearing assassins from the Instructional School."

    Kamito yelled out at Sjora in the passage.

    "This group was Rubia Elstein''s private army."

    The witch shrugged and said:

    "That woman took in the Instructional School''s orphans to serve as her subordinates. I simply interfered and reeducated them to be the cult''s elite troops."

    "...So Rubia was being used by the Theocracy as well."

    Muttering, Kamito took a step forward.

    (...Six of them remain.)

    These assassins'' average ability was roughly the same as the nobles studying at the Academy.

    However, they were experts in killing elementalists.

    They were highly proficient in ways to neutralize elementalists.

    Possibly, they might even include Cursed Armament Seal test subjects like Jio Inzagi or people with inborn special powers like Muir Alenstarl... They could not be underestimated.

    However¡ª

    "...I''m not gonna let you harm a single hair of mypanions."

    "Now that''s the Demon King I hoped for."

    Sjora snapped her fingers

    The pitch-ck demon wolf blew an astounding blizzard.

    Part 6

    The howling blizzard blew inside the cavern.

    Staying by Iseria''s side as she endured the pain inside the magic circle, Rinslet clenched her fist tight.

    On the other side of the blizzard, she could hear the noise of a beast''s roars and weapons shing.

    "Kamito-san...!"

    As much as she wanted to rush over, her footsteps faltered.

    With her contracted spirit currently lost, Rinslet was nothing more than a powerless girl.

    (...I must act stronger. I am the eldest Laurenfrost daughter after all!)

    Iseria was trying her best beside Rinslet.

    Rinslet could not allow herself to disy worry.

    In spite of that¡ª

    (Fenrir... I beg you... please listen to me!)

    The gentle demon ice spirit was baring its fangs and ws at Kamito.

    This reality was making Rinslet suffer with heart wrenching pain.

    Just at this moment...

    She felt someone tug her sleeve.

    "...Miss Spirit?"

    She suddenly looked back.

    ...Only to find Iseria reaching out from the center of the magic circle.

    "...Rinslet, please. Hold... my... hand..."

    While enduring the pain, she squeezed out her words in a moaning voice.

    "I-I understand!"

    Rinslet swiftly held Iseria''s hand.

    "Umm, are you okay?"

    "Yes... I''ve begun to recall... memories about myself, a little..."

    She spoke while holding Rinslet''s hand as hard as she could.

    "...I am... the one ruling over the element of water... So... I shall slightly, give you, a bit of power..."

    "...Huh?"

    Instantly, faint light glowed from Rinslet''s right hand.

    This was the light of spirit magic, a spirit''s strength drawn out by divine power.

    "...What on earth happened¡ª"

    Rinslet''s eyes of greenstone opened wide.

    Extraordinary divine power was pouring into her through Iseria''s tiny hand.

    "This is¡ª!"

    "Use my power... to... help, him¡ª"

    Part 7

    (This is trickier than imagined¡ª)

    Kamito used his dual swords to deflect the numerous steel wires released inside the blizzard.

    Fenrir''s ws attacked while his view was obscured. The howling wind numbed his hearing and the cold air was gradually sapping Kamito''s stamina.

    (...I''m reaching my limit in dodging through sensing their presences alone.)

    Using the demon sword''s de, he parried the shining ws of ice¡ª

    Kamito pulled back from the berserk demon ice spirit.

    Simply in terms of defeating it, there were quite a number of opportunities.

    However, the opponent was Fenrir. If he used the wrong level of strength, he might kill it.

    (The spirit seal carved by the demon spirit should be somewhere¡ª)

    He just needed to destroy it using the Demon yer.

    However, he still could not find a remotely usible target.

    As soon as he exited the range of the blizzard, daggers would immediately flit across his face.

    The Instructional School''s assassins ambushed Kamito as they continually changed their positions.

    ROOOAAAR!

    Fenrir''s figure suddenly appeared inside the blizzard.

    Its giant jaws opened wide before him, releasing cold breath¡ª

    (Crap¡ª)

    Just at that moment¡ª

    Kamito noticed.

    (...It''s over there!)

    At the same time, he sensed presences behind him.

    The assassin''s magic mithril daggers were nearing his neck.

    "...!"

    Just as the icy des touched his neck, in that instant¡ª

    "Imprison my enemies in an eternal curse of ice, until the time of judgment¡ªIce Forest!"

    The stern voice shook the air.

    Out from the ground, vines of cursed ice turned the assassins surrounding Kamito into ice sculptures.

    This was high-level spirit magic for incapacitating multiple targets.

    (...Could it actually be Rinslet?)

    In a state with her contracted spirit lost, she could not possibly perform this level of spirit magic.

    But the voice he heard was unmistakably hers.

    Just as the killing intent disappeared behind him¡ª

    "If you want to eat my arm, here you go¡ª"

    Kamito inserted his right arm into Fenrir''s mouth.

    Next¡ª

    "¡ªI''m relying on you, Est!"

    He poured all his divine power into the Demon yer.

    In the next instant, a sh erupted and the demon ice spirit''s entire body was enveloped in light.

    Indeed, the cursed spirit seal was carved right on the demon wolf''s tongue.

    The instant Fenrir opened its huge jaws, Kamito pierced the seal.

    The howling blizzard subsided and the cavern''s interior returned to silence.

    "...Do you still want to continue? Sjora Kahn."

    Pulling out the Demon yer from the motionlessly standing Fenrir¡ª

    Kamito turned his gaze towards the Theocracy''s witch.

    "..."

    There were three subordinates of the Instructional School remaining. Although Sjora had not summoned her demon spirit, Bandersnatch, so long as he stayed wary of her power to steal spirits, there was nothing to fear.

    "So be it. Using this body, I have no chance of winning."

    Sjora was unexpectedly up front.

    She made a gesture to her subordinates.

    Once they had swiftly taken away their copsedpanions and disappeared into the darkness, the witch turned towards Kamito again.

    "¡ªSee you next time. The other Demon King."

    Then just as Kamito was thinking she was going to chant some kind of spell¡ª

    Sjora vanished into thin air.

    Part 8

    "¡ªFenrir!"

    Rushing over, Rinslet hugged Fenrir''s giant body.

    "...Thank goodness... Finally, you''ve returned."

    Tears appeared in her eyes of greenstone.

    She buried her face into the snow-white fur and cried.

    Fenrir licked Rinslet''s face with his wide tongue.

    "...S-So ticklish, seriously..."

    "¡ªThis is wonderful, Rinslet."

    Kamito called out.

    "I-It''s all thanks to you, Kamito-san!"

    This time, Rinslet hugged Kamito.

    "...! R-Rinslet...!"

    Soft.

    A girl''s fragrance.

    The soft sensation of a bosom was making his heart race.

    ¡ªAt this moment.

    "Things have finished on this side as well, Kamito-kun."

    Kamito suddenly looked over.

    Only to see in the center of the magic circle¡ª

    The girl was standing quietly.

    "Iseria... Did your memories return?"

    The girl nodded politely.

    "Yes. I am the Water Elemental Lord¡ªIseria Seaward."

    Solemnly, she announced her name.

 Volume 11, 8 - The Freed Elemental Lord

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 8 - The Freed Elemental Lord</h4>

    Part 1

    After bringing Iseria out from the underground ruins, Kamito''s group immediately made their way to the flying ship.

    When they converged, ire and Ellis seemed quite exhausted.

    While Kamito''s group was fighting Sjora Kahn''s side underground, they had defended against ceaseless attacks from Forsaken Spirits above ground.

    Even so, the two girls still seeded in keeping the flying ship safe.

    "...Sorry, we returned a bitte. Are you two okay?"

    Seeing them copsed on the deck, Kamito asked.

    "Well, I suppose..."

    "...I really want to take a hot water bath for a ritual purification."

    They answered with exhausted smiles.

    Although they did not seem to have suffered any major injuries, they looked quite tired. Scarlet was lying on the floor while Simorgh was resting by the ship in its demon bird form.

    "I''ll go prepare some nutritious food!"

    Rinslet quickly rushed towards the kitchen.

    "I''ll go get some healing crystals."

    Fianna followed closely behind her.

    "¡ªThe way it looks, we can''t take off immediately huh."

    Restia leaned against the railing and grumbled.

    Indeed, asking Ellis to activate the wind spirit mechanism in her current condition would be pushing it.

    "...Sorry, Kamito."

    "Don''t mind it. I''ll stay on watch. You two should rest properly."

    Holding the Demon yer, Kamito looked down below the railing.

    The abandoned city''s shadowy ghosts kept swarming under the ship.

    "This will be quite tricky..."

    At this moment.

    "¡ªAll we need is to help those two recover their divine power, right?"

    Emerging from the cabin, a girl spoke.

    "Iseria?"

    Everyone present was stunned.

    Iseria walked over to ire and Ellis, extending her hand lightly.

    "¡ªO water, heal the souls of pure maidens."

    She chanted a short incantation.

    Gentle light enveloped the two girls, healing their injuries within the blink of an eye.

    "This is...!"

    "Our divine power recovered!?"

    Ellis and ire stared in wide-eyed amazement.

    Kamito also stared with his eyes wide open. Even Fianna''s healing magic could not recover divine power rapidly. Yet this sort of thing was easily achieved by this girl.

    "...I see. It appears that I can still use this level of magic as usual despite having lost my power."

    Iseria murmured softly as though confirming her power.

    She looked at Ellis'' dumbfounded face.

    "Have you recovered?"

    "Yes. I can feel my body filled with divine power."

    "Wonderful. Then let''s start the flying ship¡ª"

    Iseria turned over to Kamito:

    "¡ªI have things to say to you all."

    Part 2

    "...Th-This child is the Water Elemental Lord!?"

    The first to speak and cry out in astonishment was ire.

    In the ship''s most spacious room, Kamito''s group had gathered at a long table to hold a conference. On the table were snacks and tea that Rinslet had specially prepared, giving off an elegant fragrance.

    "...We have no choice but to ept this."

    Fianna sighed and nodded.

    "The seal-breaking ritual is ritual magic that involves unsealing a spirit''s true name. This is Iseria Seaward-sama without a doubt."

    The ship had already entered a stable course and did not require fine control.

    Hence, since the driving mechanism''s spirit crystal was sessfully activated, Fianna and Ellis could temporarily join them in this gathering.

    The task of staying vignt of the surroundings was entrusted to Restia.

    "H-However..."

    ire still found it difficult to believe.

    The one in question, Iseria, stayed by Rinslet''s side and drank tea.

    Whenever she popped a snack in her mouth, her shimmering watery hair would quiver. She looked absolutely adorable.

    She quietly put down her teacup.

    "Despite being an Elemental Lord, I am currently just a manifested avatar."

    "Manifested avatar?"

    "Yes. My memories are still iplete while virtually all of my power resides in the main body. Although simple spirit magic can be used, it''s a far cry from my original power."

    "...Simr to the current Est."

    Casting his gaze to the spirit seal on his right hand, Kamito muttered... That said, her power to instantly heal ire and Ellis still surpassed ordinary spirits by far.

    "...However, why were you sealed in that kind of ce, Your Majesty the Elemental Lord?"

    Ellis voiced her puzzlement.

    "...I don''t quite remember."

    The girl shook her head.

    "But three years ago, something definitely happened. Someone rescued the insane me, imprisoned in the darkness¡ª"

    "...!"

    Kamito almost spurted tea from his mouth.

    Iseria looked over at him with surprise.

    Luckily, she did not seem to have noticed¡ª

    (The insane Elemental Lords huh...)

    The existence that had swallowed Restia and contaminated the Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll inside her.

    ¡ªThe Darkness Beyond This World.

    "That darkness made the Elemental Lords insane?"

    "...Yes."

    As Iseria nodded, her fingers trembled slightly.

    "Nee-sama was speaking the truth..."

    ire murmured.

    "But what is it actually? The darkness parasitizing the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    "¡ªIt is an otherworldly existence impossible to put into words."

    "...Otherworld?"

    Everyone present was shocked.

    "Uh, umm, what..."

    "Exactly as the words imply, a third realm that is neither the human world or Astral Zero. Why this thing was summoned, and when and by whom, I do not know¡ª"

    "Neither the human world or Astral Zero, a third..."

    Completely absurd. The Divine Ritual Institute and the Spirit Investigation Association both denied the existence of other worlds.

    However¡ª

    Kamito had seen that darkness with his own eyes.

    The root source of the miraculous power granting all Wishes.

    The existence that devoured even the Elemental Lords ruling over Astral Zero¡ª

    "...Hard to believe. But even though it''s hard to believe..."

    ire''s lips trembled.

    "But Nee-sama did call it ''something beyond this world''¡ª"

    "..."

    The scene was plunged into silence. The truth recounted by the Elemental Lord herself had made everyone speechless.

    Finally¡ª

    "...From this point, the main topic begins."

    Iseria brought up a new topic.

    The room instantly entered a tense state.

    "I have one question for you all. Why do you think that this de Dance festival was held, continuing all this time, over the past few centuries?"

    "...?"

    Faced with this sudden question, Kamito''s group looked at one another.

    "Isn''t it for pleasing the Elemental Lords?"

    "Yes, but that is simply one side of the festival."

    Saying that, Iseria shook her head.

    "The de Dance is the system that we Elemental Lords devised to keep our madness in check. Over the past few centuries, only by using the miraculous power beyond this world, imparted upon humans, were we able to stabilize our minds¡ª"

    "A system to calm the Elemental Lords..."

    Fianna murmured in shock.

    "Whenever the darkness'' corrosion deepened, we would inform the human realm to hold a de Dance, hoping that one day, the darkness eating away at us could bepletely purified. In fact, the system proved to be very effective¡ªUntil now."

    "..."

    The meaning of the de Dance. This truth caused everyone to hold their breath.

    The de Dance system was established several centuries ago.

    ¡ªIn other words, at least a few centuries earlier, the otherworldly darkness had already corrupted the Elemental Lords, gradually sending their minds into disarray.

    "Yes. The recent de Dance festivals failed to functionpletely. It is unknown whether it''s due to a w in the original design or if it had been tampered with. But undoubtedly, it resulted in the Elemental Lords going out of control."

    ...This finally began to make sense.

    Indeed, there were far too many irregrities in thetest de Dance.

    A mere three-year interval since the previous festival. The participation of a monster like Nepenthes Lore. Choosing the abandoned city as the match grounds¡ª

    It all implied that the de Dance system was showing ws.

    "We can no longer count on the de Dance festival''s purifying effects. If we Elemental Lords continue to be eaten away by the otherworldly darkness, we will surely destroy the world ourselves in the end. Whether this Astral Zero or the human realm¡ª"

    "How could this...!"

    ire could not help but stand up from her chair.

    ¡ªThe world''s destruction.

    Suddenly confronted with this kind of thing, no wonder she was unable to remain calm.

    "In other words, the otherworldly darkness will destroy Astral Zero?"

    Kamito had not expected the darkness itself to possess a will¡ª

    "It has nothing to do with the darkness'' will. But our madness will eventually bring about destruction."

    ...Indeed, this was not idle talk.

    There was the tragedy of Dylus which led to Rubia Elstein''s betrayal.

    If those kinds of incidents happened repeatedly¡ª

    "¡ªSo, I have one request."

    Iseria brought it up slowly.

    "Request?"

    "In the meeting tomorrow, you all will have a chance to have a direct audience with the Elemental Lords."

    (Could it be...!)

    Kamito suddenly held his breath.

    "¡ªUsing that opportunity, liberate the Elemental Lords who are imprisoned by the otherworld''s darkness."

    "...!"

    Everyone looked at one another.

    "...C-Can that kind of thing be done?"

    Rinslet asked.

    "Impossible. That kind of thing¡ª"

    "After all, we''re just students..."

    "I will assist."

    Iseria interrupted.

    "Otherwise, the world will be swallowed by that darkness¡ª"

    "..."

    "Meeting you all at that abandoned city was perhaps not coincidence. I can only entrust this world''s fate to you all¡ª"

    The Water Elemental Lord spoke with an extremely critical expression.

    (Assassinating the elemental lords huh...)

    Kamito recalled in his mind the memories from that day, three years ago.

    (...Back then, I failed once.)

    Lost Restia¡ª

    The will of Ren Ashdoll inside her had been contaminated.

    Kamito looked over at each of the girls in turn in their shaken state.

    "...Let us think about this for a bit first."

    Finally, he spoke.

    "No problem. But I hope you can give an answer before having an audience tomorrow."

    The Water Elemental Lord''s eyes gazed straight at Kamito.

 Volume 11, 9 - The Last Night

    <h4>Volume 11, Chapter 9 - The Last Night</h4>

    Part 1

    The sky was getting bright. Kamito''s entourage returned to the castle at Ragna Ys.

    Entrusting Iseria with Rinslet for now, Kamito returned to his room.

    There was a mountain of problems he had no choice but to think about.

    Even so, Kamito could not resist the onught of drowsiness and fell on the bed, catching up on lost sleep.

    It really had been quite a while since he wasst able to sleep so deeply.

    ...Several hourster, Kamito finally woke up from his nap.

    "Ah, mmm..."

    "Huah..."

    Every time he tossed and turned, he could hear cute sounds faintly.

    (Hmm, a dream...?)

    Still half asleep, Kamito cocked his head.

    There seemed to be soft sensations on both of his arms.

    (What is this? Feels sofortable...)

    Kamito absentmindedly grabbed what was in front of him.

    Boing boing. Boing boing.

    "...Mmm, Kami... to, that''s..."

    "...Stop... that, don''t..."

    As soon as he moved, a faint breath swept over his neck.

    (...Wait, this is no dream!?)

    Kamito suddenly opened his eyes¡ª

    "Oh dear, you''re already getting up?"

    Restia was looking at him mischievously.

    "R-Restia!"

    Kamito''s face instantly felt hot.

    She was dressed only in underwear, apanying Kamito in bed.

    "W-What, w-what are you doing!?"

    "I am your contracted spirit, Kamito. Isn''t sharing the same bed only natural?"

    Murmuring, she pressed her modest but bouncy bosom against him.

    Her ck hair draped over her face. The shoulder sp of her bra was undone, looking especially seductive.

    "Okay, let''s continue sleeping."

    "H-Hey..."

    She entwined her slender arm around Kamito''s arm.

    At this moment, his other arm was being tightly gripped.

    "...Eh?"

    "Kamito, please leave the darkness spirit."

    Words like cold steel.

    Shiny silver-white hair. Snow-white skin the color of fresh milk.

    On the other side, the naked kneesocks sword spirit was also apanying him in bed.

    "E-Est...!"

    "Kamito is my master."

    Est hugged his arm tightly. Her petite and cute chest pressed against his arm.

    "...Wah!"

    "Oh dear, Miss Sacred Sword, you should be the one to leave Kamito instead, right?"

    This time, Restia pulled Kamito to her side, squeezing his arm between her cleavage.

    "...W-Wait!"

    "Fufu, Kamito, your body is stiffening up."

    "Kamito, with me as your sword, isn''t that enough already?"

    Sweet whispers were delivered to his ears from both sides. Their exhaled breaths swept across his neck.

    (Th-This is a spirit sandwich...!)

    This sentence surfaced in his mind.

    "Over here, Kamito."

    "Kamito, don''t be tempted."

    Boing. Boing boing.

    "N-No, this cannot continue...!"

    Suddenly.

    "Kamito, the celebration is about to begin¡ª"

    The room''s door opened.

    "...!"

    Making an appearance¡ª

    Were ire and the youngdies, shocked the moment they opened the door.

    "Y-You, y-you, what are you doing, Kamito?"

    "To do something so shameless in the Divine Ritual Institute''s castle, how bold..."

    "Th-The spirits are so sly!"

    "...Kamito-kun, I cannot tolerate this."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    "N-No, this is¡ª

    Embraced by two almost naked spirits in bed, Kamito tried to exin himself in vain.

    Part 2

    Evening. Having changed into a suit, Kamito was attending the victory celebration party held at the Grand Shrine.

    Gathered in the spacious hall were nobles from the various countries, enthusiastically conversing about the de Dance.

    After the earlier incident, Est had went back to sleep in sword form. Kamito leaned her against a wall.

    After all, carrying a sword was not appropriate for a banquet. But if he ced her there, at least he could keep her in sight throughout his time there.

    Restia had disappeared off who knows where again. Oh well, given how willful she always behaved, she was probably going to suddenly return again.

    "Team Scarlet''s male elementalist..." "Reportedly defeated Ren Ashbell-sama¡ª" "Although he''s a bit scary, should we go greet him?" "N-No way, once you approach, you''ll be enved by his demonic qualities." "But he''s a bit handsome..."

    The young noblewomen were chattering nonstop as they watched Kamito from afar.

    The members of the winning team were the guests of honor. Being the center of attention could not be helped¡ª

    "L-Let''s go, Kamito."

    "Oh okay..."

    Arm in arm with Kamito, ire passed through the crowds.

    Her slightly bulging chest was touching his arm, causing his heart to race.

    ire''s formal dress was in yet extremely beautiful.

    It was a simple dress with a rose decorating the bodice. The pure white of its base color offered excellent contrast that brought out ire''s crimson hair and ruby eyes.

    (...Damn she''s really cute when she''s not talking.)

    Kamito blushed, turning his gaze away from the boldly open neckline.

    The de Dance participants had all gathered to the center of the great hall.

    There were a few familiar faces but Team Inferno was nowhere to be found.

    Kamito was thinking he might be able to see Muir¡ª

    "Oh, isn''t this Kamito?"

    At this moment, greeting without reserve was¡ª

    "Ah, hi, Shao¡ª"

    It was Shao Fu of the Four Gods. Despite being on opposing teams, their rtions were enough to converse without reserve.

    Shao was wearing a traditional Quina Empire outfit with a bold, high-slit design.

    "You''re still wearingbat clothing for a celebration?"

    "This isn''tbat clothing. It''s formal attire."

    Shao smiled wryly and shrugged.

    "S-Sorry..."

    "Oh well, it does resemble what I wear during de dancing, so calling itbat clothing isn''t wrong. However, the fabric is a bit different."

    Saying that, Shao flipped her skirt hem to disy her outstretched leg.

    "...G-Girls should pay more attention in this area!"

    Kamito frantically reminded her.

    "Girls... To think that''s the first time someone referred to me that way."

    Shao muttered with her face all red in response.

    Suddenly¡ª

    "Muu, Shao! Bring me some of that cake over there!"

    From a distance, the voice of a slightly familiar imperial princess was heard.

    "Oh, Linfa-sama is calling me. So, farewell, Kamito. Should you visit the Quina Empire in the future,e visit the residences of the Four Generals'' families. You are definitely wee."

    "Yeah."

    The two shook hands to say farewell.

    "...~!"

    For some reason, ire was ring unhappily from beside him.

    "...My, aren''t you close with that Shao Fu?"

    "Well, after all, she''s a good opponent, worthy of respect."

    "...Hmph."

    ire pouted with displeasure.

    "Is that really all? Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito turned his head towards the voice¡ª

    Only to find a nobledy in a lovely dress standing behind him.

    "Y-You''re Leonora!?"

    "Hmm, how rude. Is this attire really that ludicrous?"

    "N-No it''s not...!"

    Kamito frantically shook his head.

    "It''s just that I''m used to the military uniform of the Dragon Knights. Uh, it''s a bit surprising..."

    If he really had to give his honest opinion, Leonora in a dress was so beautiful that he could not help but gasp.

    A bodice decorated with ribbons. A violet one-piece dress revealing her shoulders,pletely entuating the curves of her excellent figure without reservation.

    At this moment¡ª

    Kamito suddenly realized something.

    "...Say, are you not wearing that currently?"

    "W-Wait a sec, what kind of question is this!?"

    ire waspletely stupefied.

    "...No, given this rare asion, I wore the underwear you picked."

    Leonora blushed as she replied.

    "The underwear I picked... Y-You mean the swimsuit?"

    Probably, she meant the swimsuit she was wearing at the Water Elemental Festival before the final round.

    Kamito remembered that it was a swimsuit that could be worn as underwear as well¡ª

    ...Inexplicably, as soon as he became aware that she was wearing a swimsuit under the dress, he began to imagine all sorts of strange things.

    "W-Why are you staring at my body! Pervert, what a pervert!"

    Leonora red at Kamito as if he were an insect.

    "Y-You, y-you, even Leonora also..."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble... ire''s hair was standing up like mes.

    "Hold on, don''t jump to conclusions! I just wanted to thank you."

    "...Thank?"

    Leonora tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "At the Lost Cathedral, you helped out Ellis and Rinslet."

    "That was only to return your favor. There is no need for thanks."

    "Even so, it still was a great help. Thanks."

    Kamito extended his hand¡ª

    Then Leonora shook it without hesitation.

    Her expression rxed.

    "...How funny."

    "Hmm?"

    "Before encountering you, I never could have imagined I would shake a man''s hand."

    "I-I see..."

    Her direct gaze caused his heart rate to rise.

    "I look forward to a future de dance with you again."

    Saying that, Leonora turned her heel and left.

    Seeing her majestic and gant figure, Kamito could not help but stare mesmerized¡ª

    "Seriously, what are you gawking at? Let''s go."

    Hence, ire resolutely dragged him away.

    Part 3

    Offerings to the Elemental Lords were enshrined in the depths of the great hall. An altar was set up there with the five Queens performing a solemn dance currently.

    "A chance to see the Queens'' dance performance is quite precious. Kamito, you should pay attention and watch carefully."

    "Yeah. Reicha is very pretty too."

    Dancing in front of the mes, Reicha lookedpletely different from when she was talking to Kamito''s group.

    Kamito eximed in earnest as he watched.

    "...~T-To think you would ogle the Queens with such indecent eyes, what a pervert!"

    "Y-You''re the one who asked me to watch!"

    "I didn''t ask you to stare in obsession!"

    He ended up causing ire to sulk and pout.

    At this moment.

    "Onii-sama!"

    Someone hugged Kamito from behind.

    "M-Mireille..."

    Hugging him was Mireille in a cute one-piece dress.

    The Laurenfrost family''s third daughter was gazing up at Kamito with lovely deep blue eyes.

    "Onii-sama, you brought back Onee-sama''s Fenrir, right? Thank you!"

    She hugged him tightly again.

    "Nah, saving Fenrir was thanks to Rinslet''s resolve."

    Kamito smiled wryly and lightly caressed her tinum blonde hair.

    Stroking, stroking.

    "...Hua, Onii-sama is really..."

    Mireille partially closed her eyes infort.

    "O-Ooh~..."

    ire''s displeased voice could be heard from beside him.

    Next¡ª

    "Seriously, Mireille, so you ran over here."

    Rinslet hurried over in her formal dress.

    "Rinslet... So pretty."

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    Rinslet was wearing a blue dress with a mature design exposing the shoulders.

    Her dazzling tinum blonde hair shone like bright starlight in the night sky.

    "W-What are you talking about, Kamito-san!?"

    Her face instantly turning bright red, Rinslet looked as though she was going to emit steam.

    "Fufu, this is great, Onee-sama. And here was Onee-sama, talking about Onii-sama nonstop ever since she got back to the room this morning¡ªKyah!"

    At this moment, maid Mi appeared without notice and pulled Mireille away from Kamito.

    "So annoying, Mi is so stubborn. But I''ll have you know that when Mi makes Onii-sama''s bed, she sniffs the sheets... Mugugu."

    "Mireille, you need some strict schooling."

    "Mugugu... Muu~"

    The muffled Mireille was dragged off to somewhere unknown.

    "...Mi has be quite a capable maid."

    Kamito nodded for a while, greatly impressed.

    "Say, where''s Carol?"

    Then he realized that Rinslet''s maid was missing.

    "Carol stayed in the room. Together with Iseria-sama."

    "...Really? Speaking of being with Carol, that feels worrying."

    Kamito began to worry and mutter.

    "...Ahhh, free atst."

    At this moment, Fianna walked over with a haggard expression.

    "Thank you for your hard work. Sorry to shove this troublesome task to you."

    "Don''t mind it. Just reward me with La Parfait cookies."

    "...Yeah, got it."

    ire shrugged.

    Fianna had gone over to where the Ordesia Empire''s nobles and VIPs were gathered in order to greet them as the team''s representative.

    This was supposed to be the job of the team leader, ire, but there were many nobles who viewed her with disdain as the Cmity Queen''s sister. Hence, the imperial family''s Fianna went in her stead.

    The one tasked with this responsibility, Fianna was dressed in an extravagant dress sewn with silver threads.

    She had a silver bracelet on her slender arm. On her head was a gemmed tiara.

    "The way you look is really like a true princess."

    "I am a true princess originally. Say, were you trying to praise me?"

    Pressing a finger to her cheek, the princess inclined her head.

    "...Hmm, K-Kamito, you are here."

    This time, Ellis appeared.

    She was wearing a ck dress that boldly exposed her back.

    Combined with her hair let down, she exuded even more mature airs than usual.

    As soon as she met gazes with Kamito, Ellis turned her eyes away in embarrassment.

    ...Somehow, the way she acted felt a bit strange.

    "Ellis, what''s the matter?"

    She looked down and fiddled with her fingers awkwardly.

    (Ellis'' grandfather... is Duke Fahrengart, right?)

    He was the head of the Fahrengart family as well as being the Empire''s premier military consultant.

    An exalted noble whomanded the Ordesia Imperial Knights.

    "Could it be that Duke Fahrengart was not satisfied with the victory?"

    "U-Um, not that, but..."

    Ellis stammered.

    "Seeing your performance in the de Dance, grandfather sees you as, uh, a s-suitor for a marriage contract..."

    Her voice grew smaller and smaller... Thest part was virtually inaudible.

    "...Hmm?"

    Kamito perked his ears in surprise.

    ¡ªAt this moment.

    "...!?"

    He felt a sharp pain from the seal on his left hand.

    "Kamito, what''s wrong?"

    "...Sorry, I''m going outside for some air."

    "Huh? W-Wait..."

    "I''ming back soon!"

    Parting ways with ire and the girls, Kamito slipped into the crowd and disappeared within the blink of an eye.

    Part 4

    As though guided by the pain on his left hand¡ª

    Kamito walked over to the terrace outside the Grand Shrine.

    The cold air of the night brushed against his face softly.

    There was no one on the terrace.

    (...A barrier for driving people away huh.)

    Guided by his left hand, he went directly to the terrace.

    Suddenly, on the railing¡ª

    The ck winged angel in the dress of darkness descended lightly.

    "Sorry for calling you out in the middle of the celebration, Kamito."

    "No, I was thinking of getting some fresh air actually."

    Kamito leaned against the railing.

    "Is it okay for you to appear in this kind of ce?"

    The Sacred Spirit Knights led by Luminaris were inside the Grand Shrine. Since they were targeting Restia, appearing here might be dangerous.

    "No problem. The Holy Kingdom of Lugia cannot make their move in a densely crowded ce like here."

    "That''s true."

    "Also, should anything happen, you''ll protect me, Kamito."

    Restia got down from the railing and drew near Kamito''s face.

    Then¡ª

    "Kamito, have you reached a conclusion?"

    "..."

    What conclusion? ¡ªHe did not ask this question.

    "Very soon, you will be having an audience."

    "...I know."

    The answer was already decided.

    Assuming Iseria Seaward''s words were true¡ª

    Destruction would one daye to the world unless the Elemental Lords were liberated from that darkness.

    However, it was true that he still could not dispel his confusion.

    (...I am afraid.)

    Afraid of losing something precious again.

    (...I am not as strong as Rubia Elstein.)

    He did not have the resolve to give up everything for the continent''s future.

    "...It''s worrying. Will the Demon King''s power awaken again?"

    The Demon King''s power was suppressed by the Darkness Queen, ire, for the time being.

    But Rubia had said that the Demon King''s power had not vanished.

    Tempted by Ren Ashdoll''s voice again, Kamito could end up losing his reason.

    "¡ªDon''t worry. You have me here."

    Restia ced her hand on top of Kamito''s hesitating hand.

    "Kamito, no matter what decision you make, I will stay with you."

    Her sorrowful dusk-colored eyes stared at Kamito.

    "¡ªSo, you must make a decision you won''t regret."

    "...!"

    Kissing him lightly on the cheek, she took off.

    "...Farewell."

    Leaving ck feathers under the night sky, the darkness spirit flew away.

    "...Restia."

    The moon was obscured by clouds.

    ¡ªThe moment to make a decision was approaching.

    Part 5

    (...A decision I won''t regret, huh.)

    On the way back from the terrace¡ª

    "Kamito... Hey, Kamito."

    "Hmm?"

    He suddenly found his cor grabbed from behind.

    "...Jeez, where did you go?"

    It was ire... Apparently, she came to search for him.

    "Sorry..."

    "You were talking with the darkness spirit, right?"

    Saying that, she looked towards the terrace.

    As expected of a Queen''s younger sister, her senses were rather sharp.

    "Yeah, you''re right."

    "..."

    After he admitted honestly, ire pouted slightly.

    "Hey, Kamito¡ª"

    Suddenly, she drew her face near.

    "W-What...?"

    Recalling the kiss just now, Kamito wavered to some extent.

    "I don''t have a partner. Let''s dance?"

    "You''re pretty cute when you don''t speak. I''m sure you could find a couple of partners¡ª"

    "There''s no one I want to dance with, idiot. B-But... I-If it''s you, I guess it''s fine."

    She nced up as she murmured.

    "...Then I''m really honored."

    "O-Okay, lead the dance."

    ire held both of Kamito''s hands and leaned her petite body close to him.

    Kamito''s heart was pounding uncontrobly. Due to his height, he was catching a top view of her slightly bulging chest beneath the dress.

    "I don''t know any proper dance steps."

    Turning his gaze away, Kamito put one hand on her waist.

    "Fine, I''ll take the lead then."

    "Okay..."

    ire took over the job of leading the dance without any fuss.

    As expected of a daughter from a noble family. Her dance steps were quite wless.

    Through intimate skin contact, sensations of body warmth and a feminine body''s suppleness were transmitted.

    Kamito found it difficult not to feel conscious of it.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Kamito, listen to me¡ª"

    ire whispered by his ear.

    "That matter... I have alreadymitted to my decision."

    "...Is that so?"

    Kamito nodded lightly.

    "Nee-sama intended to save the continent''s future on her own. Although her method was wrong... I want to inherit Nee-sama''s will."

    "...If you fail, you lose your life."

    "I know."

    ire nodded with a serious expression.

    They stopped in a corner of the great hall.

    "But it''s already decided."

    She released her hand lightly and turned her head.

    Over there ¡ª

    Was the trio of Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet.

    Everyone nodded with an expression of resolve.

    "Everyone..."

    "¡ªLet''s liberate the Elemental Lords and save the continent."

    ire dered without hesitating.

    (...Yeah. My teammates. This is the way it is.)

    Kamito smiled wryly.

    Serious, prideful, magnificent, very dazzling.

    They were quite attractive¡ªgirls.

    He could not help but feel proud of having fought together alongside them in the de Dance.

    Facing them, Kamito¡ª

    "Yeah."

    He made a slight nod.

    ¡ªHis decision was made.

 Volume 11, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 11, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThis was fine.

    The girl murmured to herself.

    ...While flying through the dark night.

    ...While recalling the final sensation on her lips as she parted with him just now.

    ¡ªThis was fine... With this, I can finish my mission.

    The tears falling on her cheeks scattered in the wind.

    Inside her heart, she was about to awaken.

    The Darkness Elemental Lord¡ªRen Ashdoll.

    Her will, corrupted by the otherworldly darkness, was surely going to turn him into the Demon King.

    If that were to pass, then all hope would be lost.

    The Elemental Lords would be devoured by the otherworldly darknesspletely, thereby bringing about the end of the world.

    ¡ªThat absolutely cannot be allowed to happen.

    If he and the world where he lived were to be protected¡ª

    Part 2

    Before dawn while the moon was still about¡ª

    Kamito''s team was summoned to the ritual for gaining an audience.

    After performing a ritual purification thoroughly, everyone changed into brand new uniforms.

    The Academy''s uniform was a simplified version of spirit attire. As ritual attire, its ss was not particrly high, but wearing thebat outfits used in the de Dance in the meeting ritual had already be customary.

    Led by the five Queens, Kamito''s group arrived before the door in the Grand Shrine''s depths.

    Connected to the alternate dimension¡ªthe door of the Endless Corridor.

    Probably nervous, none of them spoke.

    (...That door is exactly the same as what I remember from three years ago.)

    Kamito muttered to himself mentally.

    "¡ªPlease pass through this door and walk forward. However, do not take any detours off the path and do not turn back. Otherwise, you will end up wandering the Endless Corridor forever."

    After nodding to the Queens, Kamito''s group stepped through the door.

    ¡ªThe corridor stretched endlessly.

    Walking nonstop along this Endless Corridor that confused one''s sense of distance...

    They arrived before the gates of the throne room.

    Kamito halted in his steps.

    "It''s already okay now."

    "Yes, this is an isted alternate dimension. No one can eavesdrop."

    Fianna nodded and agreed.

    Liberating the Elemental Lords from the otherworldly darkness that was beyond this world.

    However, things were not that simple.

    Rubia Elstein had nned to use the Demon King''s power to destroy the Elemental Lords together with the darkness.

    However, once the Elemental Lords were destroyed, Astral Zero and even the human realm were going to suffer a devastating blow.

    That sort of method could not be epted no matter what.

    Furthermore, if Kamito relied on the Demon King''s power¡ª

    (...The contaminated her was going to summon that darkness to the world, right?)

    Hence, it was necessary to liberate the Elemental Lords without using the Demon King''s power.

    The keyy in the Water Elemental Lord''s manifested avatar, Iseria Seaward.

    Whether she was able to awaken the Elemental Lords'' remaining sanity¡ª

    Shall determine their sess.

    A risky n as though walking on thin ice.

    Upon failure, more lives were going to be lost in addition to Kamito''s.

    "Final check. Is it really okay?"

    "¡ªDon''t make me repeat myself, Kamito."

    ire shook her head and asserted firmly.

    "Knights do not go back on a made decision."

    "My decision is already made."

    "I also believe in you, Kamito-kun."

    Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna all nodded respectively.

    ¡ªI am your sword, your will is mymand.

    ¡ªKamito, our fates are as one.

    Held in his hands, the dual swords replied.

    "Got it. Let''s go¡ª"

    With a forceful nod, Kamito opened the gate to the throne room.

    Part 3

    The giant staircase appeared before Kamito''s group.

    The thrones at the top were surrounded by dazzling light and impossible to see.

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer.

    Freeing all the Elemental Lords would not be realistic.

    (¡ªThe target is the Fire Elemental Lord, Volcanicus.)

    Despite being in a state of suspended activity currently, he was actually the Elemental Lord who was corrupted the most by the darkness.

    Should his madness re up again, Volcanicus would most likely demand ire as a sacrifice again.

    Led by Kamito, Team Scarlet climbed the great staircase step by step.

    Invisible des concealed in their hearts.

    At the altar midway along the stairs, Kamito''s group knelt down.

    ¡ªQuite an outstanding de dance from you all.

    The Elemental Lords'' voices were heard overhead.

    ¡ªWe shall bestow an otherworldly miracle to reward your most excellent offerings.

    ¡ªWhat do you desire?

    "We¡ª"

    Kamito slowly looked up.

    Then he repeated the same Wish from three years ago.

    "¡ªWe wish for the death of the Elemental Lords."

    In that instant...

    Darkness surged out from the bright light at the thrones.

    Unlike theforting darkness of night¡ª

    This was an otherworldly darkness that was not supposed to exist in this world.

    "That is the elemental lords'' Wish¡ª!"

    ire''s terrified moan leaked out of her throat.

    Arge amount of darkness flowed out from the thrones, slowly immersing the stairs like flowing blood.

    "¡ªIt''s begun. The Elemental Lords'' assassination!"

    Yelling at the same time, Kamito formed elemental waffen in his hands and climbed the massive staircase all at once.

    During the few seconds when the Elemental Lords'' miracle was correcting the paradox of their own deaths...

    They had to seize this chance to end everything¡ª!

    "Come on out, the beast of the freezing fangs of ice¡ªFenrir!"

    Behind him, Rinslet summoned Fenrir.

    The giant white wolf leapt using the tenacious leg strength, reaching Kamito''s side.

    ROOAAR!

    Fenrir howled. It wide open jaws released ice and snow.

    No. What came out was not only a blizzard.

    "Elemental Lords! If your minds still remain, listen to my voice¡ª!"

    The howling blizzard blew and scattered that hair, the color of shimmering water¡ª

    Appearing out from Fenrir''s mouth, Iseria Seaward yelled.

    "Do it now... While I... summon their consciousness...!"

    The darkness spilling out stopped for an instant.

    Was it because Iseria''s voice reached the sliver of rationality remaining in the Elemental Lords¡ª?

    "Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    The Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword.

    Wielding the dual swords of light and darkness, Kamito took a leap.

    The thrones were covered by the horrendous otherworldly darkness.

    A burning me was there. Kamito definitely saw it.

    Sweeping away the surging darkness, he ran in one breath.

    "¡ªWake up, Fire Elemental Lord."

    Shining with silver-white brilliance, the Demon yer sliced through the darkness upying the throne.

    The sacred sword''s de, pierced the fire burning in the darkness¡ª

    ¡ªO child of darkness¡ª

    "...!?"

    Just at this moment, the voice came.

    Tempting Kamito to awaken as the Demon King, her voice.

    (...How could this... be possible...!?)

    Kamito was dumbfounded.

    "...!"

    Against his will, his body froze in posture with the Demon yer still extended.

    Unable to move. It was as though the words sounding in his head were binding him.

    The silver-white de for freeing the Elemental Lord still had not reached its target.

    Time stopped.

    ¡ªO Demon King... Go on and release the true darkness¡ª

    "...A-Ah, ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    In the next instant, Kamito''s consciousness was swallowed by the otherworldly darkness.

    Part 4

    (...This ce... is...?)

    Kamito was continuously sinking in bottomless darkness.

    Eternal darkness without any boundaries.

    Even the Demon yer''s brightness had instantly disappeared.

    (...Is this inside my consciousness? Or perhaps¡ª)

    His body was falling without end. Impossible to resist.

    (Where, am I going¡ª)

    Even that kind of question was disappearing like smoke.

    His mind was being eroded. Even thought was about to be abandoned.

    Before that, in the depths of the darkness¡ª

    Kamito saw that.

    (What... That''s...)

    His entire body trembled in fear.

    Inside this darkness that was not supposed to exist in this world, something was restless.

    Neither spirit nor human.

    Those were countless¡ª

    (...Angels?)

    That name suddenly appeared in his mind.

    A fairy tale existence that did not exist in this world.

    It¡ª

    An army of thousands, tens of thousands, preparing to climb out of the darkness.

    (That''s the true form of the despair that Rubia saw...)

    The worst prediction shed through his mind.

    (...If those things entered Astral Zero¡ª)

    The world was going to end.

    At this moment¡ª

    "¡ªDon''t worry, Kamito."

    He heard a voice.

    (...?)

    This was not the voice of the contaminated Ren Ashdoll.

    The owner of the voice was smiling in front of Kamito''s eyes.

    "Res... tia...?"

    The demon sword he was gripping in his left hand had disappeared without him noticing.

    She spread both arms¡ª

    And embraced Kamito who had been falling nonstop.

    Part 5

    The infinite darkness devouring Kamito disappeared.

    As he regained his senses¡ª

    Kamito found himself standing before the Elemental Lords'' thrones.

    Before his eyes was Restia''s face, smiling as though in a dream.

    Her lovely lips were trembling lightly.

    "Miss Sacred Sword. I apologize. For pushing this mission on you."

    "...!"

    The Demon yer was giving off dazzling brilliance.

    Its cold de¡ª

    Had pierced Restia''s chest directly.

    "...Restia?"

    Kamito stared wide-eyed and muttered hoarsely.

    "...W... HY..."

    "It''s very... simple, Kamito..."

    Breathing extremely feebly, Restia shook her head.

    "Once Ren Ashdoll''s will is destroyed, you will no longer be the Demon King. Hence, I hoped to be killed the instant her will took over me."

    "Why... would..."

    From the very start¡ª

    From the very start, she had already decided to do this, right?

    By her own efforts alone. Personally sending Ren Ashdoll''s will to the grave.

    Fingers trembling, she released the hilt of the sword stabbed inside her body.

    "¡ªA final farewell, Kamito."

    Tears streamed down her cheeks.

    "Miss Sacred Sword, please protect... Kamito well..."

    "Restia... RESTIAAAAAAAA!"

    At the same moment when the Demon yer lost its brightness...

    The figure of the darkness spirit girl vanished.

    ¡ªEND.

 Volume 11, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 11, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªNo matter what decision you make, I will stay with you.

    Thank you very much to everyone who is holding this book in their hands. I hereby present to you, the eleventh installment of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, Elemental Lord Assassination!

    Okay, after persisting for so long, the ''de Dance festival arc'' finally draws to a close in this volume. However, because this is just the end of the second arc, (there are still tons of mysteries and unresolved foreshadowing), the main story will continue to keeping!

    Next are the acknowledgements. To Sakura Hanpen-sensei who has again drawn the cover and illustrations beautifully, many thanks. A ire with a radiant expression is very adorable.

    To Hyouju Issei-sensei who is producing the super high quality manga version, I see that Est finally makes her appearance in the story. As a reader, I look forward to reading it every month.

    Narita-san, the editor in charge, thank you for taking care of me this time as well.

    Of course, my greatest thanks go to everyone of you, the readers!

    Next, let''s talk about my recent news as the author. In February, there was an opportunity for me to visit Taiwan for an autograph session. The passion of Taiwan fans are no less than those in Japan, so amazing. Everyone was very friendly and the food was great. What a wonderful experience. If another chancees along, I really want to visit again.

    On the work side, I am participating as a yer in the TRPG rey of Fujimi Shobo x MediaFactory joint venture ''GranCrest.'' The MF Bunko J side had Hirasakayomi-sensei, Sagarasou-sensei, Suzuri-sensei as well as Shimizu participating. It feels like it''s going to be a very interesting rey. I''m so looking forward to it.

    Finally, we have the customary poprity contest results (up to Volume 10). The first and second ce are dominated by overwhelming votes for the spiritbo, Est and Restia. 3rd ce is Kamito, 4th is Leonora, 5th is ire, 6th is Fianna, 7th is Rinslet, 8th is Ellis, 9th is Rubia, 10th is Scarlet. As usual, 5th to 8th ce was a huge free-for-all with very small differences. I will treasure the surveyments so please continue to send them in.

    ¡ªSo, the next volume is the beginning of the 3rd arc: ''Spirit War.'' When I first started the series, I nned to end things with the third arc so it''s quite gratifying to finally reach this stage. Using "more love, moreedy, battles above all!" as the goal, I''ve charged forward to this point. Here on, I hope to continue receiving everyone''s support!

    Shimizu Yuu, June 2013

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Scarlet: "With less to cover up, my job is easier, meow¡ª"

    Hello and hello again. I am Sakurahanpen! This time''s cover is a radiantly smiling ire-san!

    Why does it feel so much like the final volume...!? You''re smiling too happily, ire-san! (says the guy who drew her)

    On the other hand, when drawing her, I was thinking worriedly, will there be a problem with ire-san like this!? I wanted to make her cuter, but felt worried about it(¡ä¦Ø£à)

    Oh dear, I never thought the volume would end like that. It feels like Kamito-kun is so pitiful! Do your best, Kamito... Also, Rubia-san is so cool. So firmly resolved, super cool...!

    I''m so curious about Volume 12! I really want to see what happens next... Looking forward to it, Shimizu-sensei...!

    So, see you next volume!

 Volume 12, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 12, Prologue</h4>

    Hey Kamito.

    If ever a timees when I am no longer myself, should that happen¡ª

    Please kill me.

    Also, if possible¡ª

    Please forget me.

    "Ugh..."

    Kamito opened his eyes. The first thing to enter his view was a pure white ceiling.

    Warm sunlight was streaming into the room through the curtains. The bedsheets were white and newly washed.

    Why exactly was he here?

    Before that, what on earth...?

    (Where is this?)

    ...His body could not move.

    The first possibility entering his mind was that something was restricting his freedom.

    But on top of sleepiness, there was nothing resembling shackles. Had he been restrained by magical means, then he should not be able to lift even a finger.

    (Am I this weak simply from exhaustion?)

    Reaching this tentative conclusion, he surveyed the room to get a grasp on the situation.

    First he saw the vase on the bedside shelf. Also, there was arge table in the middle of the room with a wardrobe ced against the wall. Although this furniture was not ornamented with exceptional luxury, it was evident at least that they were high quality and chosen with care.

    Also the bed was extremelyfortable, as though his body could sink into itpletely.

    (...Is this a room used by a noble?)

    At least, it did not seem like amoner''s room.

    Then if that were the case, why was he ced into a noble''s room?

    (...Imprisonment? No.)

    This room had a window. The door was also made of wood and easy to break.

    Unlike that jail-like facility, surrounded by cold rock, this was different.

    ¡ªAt this moment, footsteps were heard outside the room.

    The approaching steps showed no intent to conceal them.

    ...Judging from the situation, it was probably one person. Was it the one who had moved him to this room? Kamito had no idea what the intentions were, but if necessary, he would force the person to speak the truth.

    His trained body responded naturally, by picking up something nearby to use as a weapon¡ªThe vase on the bedside shelf.

    The footsteps stopped. Then came the sound of a key and the door slowly opened.

    Kamito inadvertently gasped.

    Appearing at the door was a red-haired beauty.

    The instant their eyes met, the eyes of ruby suddenly widened greatly.

    "...Kami... to...?"

    "Huh?"

    The water jug in her hand fell to the floor with a loud crash.

    But she remained stunned, her body frozen and rooted to the spot.

    (...What?)

    Holding the vase, Kamito was a little unsure of what to do.

    He never expected the one to imprison him to react like this.

    Several seconds of silenceter, the girl took a deep breath¡ª

    "Kamito, you finally woke up."

    Without any wariness at all, she rushed straight at Kamito.

    (...)

    Due to the unexpected action, Kamito''s reactions were slowed down.

    The girl spread her arms and hugged Kamito on the bed.

    Then...

    "WAAAAAAAAAAAAH..."

    She suddenly began to cry loudly.

    "What are you... doing...?"

    Quite confused, Kamito whispered.

    (...What the heck is up with this girl?)

    Completely bewildered. Didn''t this girl imprison him?

    On the bed, the girl rubbed her eyes that were slightly swollen from her crying.

    "You haven''t opened your eyes for the past week. The Academy''s healers couldn''t cure you. All this time, I was thinking what if you stayed this way, Kamito, never to wake up, what on earth should I do... All this time, I was thinking about this, all this time."

    "...A week, Academy?"

    Kamito frowned and tilted his head.

    "Yes. Everyone, everyone is so worried about you, wahhhhhhhhhh!"

    Burying her face in the sheets, the girl began to cry again.

    "Everyone?"

    "Do I need to spell it out? Whether Ellis, Rinslet or the perverted princess, everyone."

    "...Hold on. Let me ask a question before anything else."

    Kamito interrupted the girl.

    "What?"

    At a loss, the girl looked up from the sheets.

    "¡ªFirst of all, who are you?"

    Instantly, the girl''s face froze.

 Volume 12, 1 - Amnesia

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 1 - Amnesia</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe de Dance was held in Astral Zero.

    Its closing ceremony had already taken ce over a week ago.

    After a deadly battle where they prevailed against Team Inferno that was led by the Strongest de Dancer, Team Scarlet''s maidens had achieved a spectacr victory. Completing the parade of triumph at the imperial capital, they then returned to Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Despite the sounds of repeated cheering, the girls remained grave in expression.

    The world''s fate had changed on that day.

    Ever since the audience with the Elemental Lords at their True Sanctuary...

    Kamito had lost consciousness. Even after returning to the human realm, he still did not open his eyes at all.

    Then¡ª

    Part 2

    "¡ªVery likely, it is amnesia caused by mental strain."

    At the headmistress'' office on the school building''s third floor...

    Looking at each of the seated girls'' faces in turn, Greyworth spoke thus.

    "..."

    The room fell into absolute silence.

    Given that everyone present could not digest the current situation¡ª

    "Amnesia.. huh?"

    Ellis spoke at this point.

    "I am no expert, so I can''t be sure."

    Greyworth sighed and continued:

    "When suffering shock that overloads capacity, the mind will automatically erase memories rted to that incident in an attempt to prevent mental trauma¡ªHumans apparently possess this kind of function. In past wars, I have seen many simr cases."

    "No way...! Then Kamito¡ª"

    Ellis reached forward towards the desk.

    Greyworth slowly shook her head.

    "If his childhood memories regarding his encounter with the darkness spirit were all erased, then assuredly, the majority of memories rted to her were lost¡ªThat''s essentially the situation."

    "..."

    The cruel conclusion caused the girls'' expressions to turn even more grim.

    "Th-Then Kamito..."

    ire spoke in a hoarse voice.

    "Then it''s equivalent to forgetting all of uspletely?"

    "...Not just you but the same also goes for the Academy and me."

    Greyworth''s gray eyes disyed a shred of gloom.

    After Kamito regained consciousness, ire had immediately reported the incident to Greyworth.

    Greyworth had met with Kamito and talked for a while to confirm his current condition.

    What she discovered was the shocking truth that Kamito had lost his memories for the past few years.

    "Most likely, thed''s memories have regressed back to the time when he was still an assassin at the Instructional School. Back to the time when all humanizing emotions were erased, raised as a tool for ughter¡ª"

    Listening to Greyworth, ire bit her lip hard.

    (...So that was Kamito before he met the darkness spirit?)

    ¡ªWho are you?

    Eyes gazing as sharp as knives, rejecting all emotions.

    At least, ire had never seen Kamito with such icy cold eyes before.

    While feeling shocked, she also felt a bit of jealousy sprouting in her heart.

    (...So Kamito cherishes that darkness spirit to this extent.)

    Cherishing her to the point of being unable to ept the truth of Restia''s death¡ª

    To the point of erasing all memories rted to her.

    "Then, may I ask¡ª"

    "Should we try mentioning the darkness spirit to Kamito again¡ª"

    "¡ªBetter not."

    Greyworth shook her head.

    "Thed''s amnesia is for protecting his mind after all. If confronted with the unbearable truth again, thed''s psyche could very well copsepletely. In the worst case scenario, he could lose the ability to use spirit seals."

    "...You have a point. That possibility is not unlikely."

    Fianna nodded and agreed.

    She had personally experienced losing the ability to use spirit seals before. A contractor''s psychological condition had a massive effect on their rtionship with the contracted spirit.

    "Th-That does sound usible..."

    Rinslet''s shoulders sank.

    Greyworth lifted her sses then looked at the girls'' faces again.

    "Very regrettably, I am not in a position to be privy to what actually happened in the True Sanctuary of the Elemental Lords. But let me ask this, is thed''s amnesia rted to the loss of that darkness spirit?"

    "...Yes."

    ire nodded.

    What happened in the True Sanctuary of the Elemental Lords was absolutely forbidden from being disclosed to others.

    This was not only because of the oath imposed on de Dance winners but also their promise with Water Elemental Lord, Iseria Seaward.

    While in audience with the Elemental Lords to pray to them, something happened.

    This resulted in Kamito losing the darkness spirit.

    Apart from that, Greyworth did not know anything about it. The only ones who knew what happened there on that day were the members of Team Scarlet.

    ¡ªThe n to release the Elemental Lords who were driven mad by the corruption of the Otherworldly Darkness.

    Having obtained the assistance of Iseria Seaward, the Water Elemental Lord''s avatar that was sealed at the Abandoned City, they almost seeded in their n.

    However, the instant just before Kamito was about to release the Fire Elemental Lord, the Demon King''s power had gone out of control. Ovee with pain and suffering, Kamito was engulfed by the Otherworldly Darkness gushing out from the throne.

    Everyone despaired. No one had the heart to imagine what would happen when body of flesh came into contact with the otherworldly darkness that caused even the Elemental Lords to go mad because they could not endure.

    But in the next instant, an incredible phenomenon took ce right before their eyes.

    The Otherworldly Darkness, which should have devoured Kamitopletely, suddenly vanished.

    Next, as the darkness was swept away, ire and the girls witnessed an unbelievable sight.

    Held in Kamito''s hand, the Demon yer''s de¡ª

    Stabbed right through Restia''s chest.

    The meaning of her action waspletely unclear.

    But ire could understand why she did it.

    Darkness spirit Restia¡ª

    (...intends to save Kamito.)

    As the scene from that day reyed in her mind, ire murmured in her heart.

    Pierced in the heart, Restia soon disappeared.

    At the same time, the Otherworldly Darkness gushing from the elemental lords'' throne also ceased activity.

    ...After that, ire could not remember clearly. Everyone felt as though they were plunged in a dream.

    Fenrir picked up the dazed Kamito and retreated from the spot while ire and the girls fled the True Sanctuary as fast as they could as well. The Endless Corridor''s door could be heard shutting behind them. As soon as they came to their senses¡ª

    They were back to the Divine Ritual Institute''s shrine where the five Queens were waiting.

    Back then, Kamito was unconscious, still holding Est in sword form.

    Then the Demon yer also¡ª

    "...Excuse me, Headmistress, how is Est?"

    Suddenly recalling, ire asked.

    "ording to the reconnaissance team''s report, there are no obvious changes. Currently still in deep slumber, most likely."

    "I see..."

    They had originally hoped that something might change once Kamito recovered consciousness.

    Indeed. Having destroyed the darkness spirit, the Demon yer likewise departed from Kamito''s hand.

    The moment Kamito''s body returned to the Divine Ritual Institute''s shrine, the Demon yer disappeared.

    ¡ªThat said, Est did not vanishpletely from the world.

    The spirit seal was still present on Kamito''s right hand and her location was also found out.

    In the instant the Demon yer vanished...

    Within the Spirit Forest in the Academy''s territory, a phenomenon involving a massive release of divine power was observed.

    This was the underground temple where Est was sealed in the past.

    It was reportedly an old military instation that was currently sealed.

    The Academy had assembled a reconnaissance team to analyze the divine power''s type and discovered that it came from a powerful sword spirit possessing the steel attribute.

    Why had Est teleported to that kind of ce¡ªThe reason was not yet known. However, this was probably rted to the fact that Est had been sealed in that temple in the past.

    (...The headmistress seems to have some idea.)

    The underground facility was originally a military secret and not disclosed to ordinary students. In actual fact, ire previously did not know about its existence in the Academy''s territory.

    In any case, the underground facility could not be searched without the nation''s authorization.

    One would need to wait several days at least before an official search could start.

    "Oh well, let''s just observe quietly for now. The imperial capital will send experts shortly. Before that, don''t make a fuss and refrain from provocation."

    "...Experts?"

    "Yes. The Empire''s number one spirit doctor, no doubt about it. If it''s her, she might be able to find a solution."

    Saying that, Greyworth turned her gaze towards Ellis.

    "Ellis, increase the number of knights on surveince to four."

    "Four knights?"

    Ellis asked in response.

    "Uh, I do not think it is necessary to keep him under such strict surveince. Kamito is not a dangerous character."

    "Oh really?"

    Hearing her reply, Greyworth smiled in amusement.

    ire was shocked. This was also her first time to see Ellis raising objections to the headmistress.

    "It''s like you''re apletely different person. Two months earlier, who was the one who opposed vehemently on grounds of a male elementalist being extremely dangerous¡ª"

    "U-Umm..."

    Ellis''s face gradually turned bright red.

    "I can understand how you feel, but it is decided already. Very likely, thed''s mental state has regressed back to his days as an assassin at the Instructional School. Regrettably, it would be best if you don''t treat him as the Kamito you know so well."

    "No way..."

    At this moment, the bell rang to signal the beginning of afternoon sses.

    "¡ªThis conversation is hereby concluded. Return to your duties as students."

    In amanding tone of voice, Greyworth dismissed ire and the girls.

    Part 3

    The office door opened and ire''s group exited the room.

    "So, see youter."

    "Yeah."

    Parting ways with Ellis who had Sylphid Knights duties and Fianna who had to head off to a supplementary lesson for a cooking practical, ire and Rinslet walked in the opposite direction.

    As Raven ss''s most problematic duo, they also had top grades and were already taking upper division courses back when they were in the lower division.

    This was also one reason why they were feared and ostracized by the upper division students.

    "...He finally regained consciousness, but never did I expect him to lose his memory."

    Walking in the corridor, Rinslet sighed.

    "This cannot be helped. Better than his mind breaking."

    Darkness spirit Restia¡ªThe contracted spirit of Strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell three years ago.

    She was the girl who had conferred human emotions upon Kamito whose heart had been denied by the Instructional School.

    Whethering to the Academy or participating in the de Dance again, Kamito had done everything in order to find her, the one whom he lost three years ago.

    However, having finally found her, she was destroyed before Kamito''s eyes.

    ¡ªRather, Kamito had killed her by his own hand.

    "If the spirit seal remained, at least there''d be a glimmer of hope."

    "Yeah..."

    Last time when Est disappeared, the spirit seal branded upon Kamito''s right hand did not vanish.

    Hence, Kamito was not devoured by despair and was able to pull himself together.

    But Restia''s seal had vanishedpletely.

    "She saved Kamito. And definitely, that includes the world¡ª"

    Murmuring, ire turned her gaze towards the blue sky outside the window.

    It was still unknown whether Kamito had sessfully released the Fire Elemental Lord or not.

    But ording to Iseria Seaward who had remained behind in Astral Zero to monitor the Elemental Lords, their madness had currently subsided somewhat. This was simr to three years ago when the Strongest de Dancer had released the Water Elemental Lord.

    "After that, we still haven''t received anymunications from Iseria-sama, right?"

    "No, and there''s no way to summon her from this side."

    Rinslet''s gaze fell upon the spirit seal branded upon her left hand while she spoke.

    The seal of the ice rose¡ªThis was the gift that Iseria had bestowed directly upon Rinslet.

    Although different from spirit seals that served as the proof of spirit contracts, through this seal, Rinslet was able to hear Iseria''s voice from Astral Zero.

    That said, her only message was the one time when they moved the unconscious Kamito back to the human realm. The Elemental Lords'' current condition was quite worrying.

    ¡ªThe liberation n was just an emergency measure after all.

    Even if the n seeded, the Otherworldly Darkness was still eating away at the elemental lords.

    Henceforth, which direction shall the world take¡ª

    This burden was too heavy for mere students.

    "...Uh, your sister needs to recover soon."

    "Yes. Once Iseria-sama recovers her powerspletely, it should be an easy task..."

    The Laurenfrost family''s second daughter, Judia, had angered the insane Water Elemental Lord and was imprisoned in eternal, cursed ice.

    Rinslet had entered the de Dance in order to save her, but ultimately, she did not get a chance to voice that wish in the True Sanctuary.

    Judia Laurenfrost was still currently imprisoned in the cursed ice.

    (Nee-sama is still missing as before...)

    Sighing lightly, ire turned her gaze back to the ground.

    In the spring at the courtyard, girls from the lower division were setting up a shrine for making offerings to spirits. In the surroundings, there were even people frolicking in swimsuits or ying musical instruments, etc. The mood seemed quite harmonious and joyful.

    "...Good grief. Look how peaceful this ce is."

    "Yeah."

    The Academy was busy preparing for the Great Festival of the Spirits to be held two dayster.

    The Bountiful Harvest Supplication Festival, Water Spirit Festival and other seasonal celebrations weremon in Areishia Spirit Academy, but the Great Festival of the Spirits was probably still thergest in scale.

    Lasting for two days, this school festival''s purpose was to express gratitude to the spirits. It was a grand event that attracted visitors from all over the Ordesia Empire and even foreign tourists. This was one of the rare opportunities for the Academy''s sheltered youngdies to have contact with the external world.

    Furthermore, since the Academy also produced the de Dance''s champion team this year, the festival was expected to get even more crowded than in previous years.

    Having brought the Elemental Lords'' blessings and protection to the Empire, Team Scarlet naturally had to attend the second day''s ceremony as the festival''s main attraction.

    "Naturally, Kamito-san must attend, right?"

    "...Yeah. After all, Kamito is the main star who defeated that Strongest de Dancer to obtain victory. The crowd won''t ept it if he doesn''t even show up."

    Only a small number of people including Freya the homeroom teacher were privy to the fact that Kamito had been unconscious for the past week. Ordinary students were told that he was recuperating due to injuries from the de dance against the Strongest de Dancer.

    Thanks to that, the headquarters of the Sylphid Knights, of which Kamito was a member, received a huge number of bouquets, letters and handmade confectionery from girls worrying about Kamito.

    "...Say, that guy seems to have risen in poprity ever since returning to the Academy."

    "Y-Yes, that''s true indeed..."

    Cough cough, Rinslet coughed.

    Indeed. Although many girls feared Kamito back when he first enrolled as a male elementalist, after witnessing his active performance in the de Dance, increasing numbers of girls were secretly bing his fans.

    Naturally, this was nothing surprising for ire who knew Kamito''s true identity. After all, Kamito had enamored all the young maidens across the entire continent three years ago as the Strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell.

    (It''s true that when engaged in a de dance, Kamito is very, very cool...)

    ire pouted, sulking a little.

    ...Somehow, she felt displeased. There was an indescribable feeling.

    She still had not settled her feelings regarding Kamito''s true identity.

    Ren Ashbell was the one whom ire idolized. It feltpletely unreal to suddenly say that her true identity was Kamito.

    (...Sigh. It seems all I can do is think about Kamito''s matters.)

    Her cheeks involuntarily went hot. ire shook her head as though trying to cover it up.

    At a fork in the corridor, Rinslet stopped walking.

    Although both girls were taking upper division courses, they pursued different specialties and therefore had separate ssrooms. Rinslet''s ss was high level ritual performance while ire''s was introduction to summoning spells.

    "Then see you shortly after. I will make some nutritious soup for Kamito-san and visit him."

    "Yeah, I should also make something that''s easy to digest."

    "...Uh ire, charcoal is not easy to digest, you know?"

    "S-Stop looking down on me! I-I can do it when I put my mind to it!"

 Volume 12, 2 - Escape

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 2 - Escape</h4>

    Part 1

    While ire and Rinslet were walking in the corridor...

    (...It''s about time.)

    Under the covers in bed, Kamito summoned his consciousness.

    Rather than waking up naturally, he had applied self-suggestion beforehand to wake up on purpose¡ªThis was a special skill taught by the Instructional School.

    (My stamina seems to have recovered to some extent.)

    Maintaining his posture lying in bed, Kamito confirmed his body''s condition.

    The woman had not questioned him for long, probably in consideration of his exhausted stamina. Once she found out he had woken up already, surely she was going to resume the questioning.

    (...But the situation seems even trickier than imagined.)

    Through that woman''s questioning, Kamito was able to understand the current situation to some extent.

    Areishia Spirit Academy¡ªThis was the organization where the Empire trained elite elementalists. From the way it looked, he was being imprisoned here and suffering from severe memory loss as well.

    Indeed, he had forgotten everything about why he was here.

    (Infiltrating this facility on a mission and fighting elementalists, then losing my memory due to physical trauma to the brain or mental maniption¡ªProbably something like that.)

    Calmly reaching a conclusion, his thinking proceeded to the next step.

    In order to prevent the organization''s existence from being exposed, the Instructional School''s assassins were ordered tomit suicide as soon as possible if they became captives.

    The organization''s orders were absolute. Well-trained assassins did not cling needlessly to life.

    Even without tools, there were many methods tomit suicide. Even without deadly poison buried in a tooth, it was possible to end one''s life in short time.

    (But¡ª)

    After all, suicide was only limited to situations when one was rendered a captive.

    Currently, Kamito''s state was¡ª

    (...It''s hard to call myself a captive.)

    Whether by physical or magical means, he was not restrained in any way. As frail as his body''s condition may be, it posed no particr hindrance for an Instructional School''s assassin.

    (If they intended to render me helpless, they should at least apply a sealed barrier.)

    Was the renownedir of the Empire''s elite elementalists nothing more than a mere educational institution?

    (There are two guards outside¡ª)

    Lying in bed, Kamito counted the presences outside the door.

    They were presumably able to use elemental waffen and experienced to a certain degree. In his current state of depleted stamina, without a weapon, fighting elementalists head on would be undoubtedly suicidal.

    Then how about passing through here¡ªKamito lifted his upper torso and looked towards the window. Gathered below were a great number of uniformed girls, apparently making preparations for some kind of festival.

    (...Oh well, at least it''s better than jumping there.)

    Kamito swiftly got up and quietly left the bed.

    At this moment, he suddenly lost bnce and almost fell over. Possibly due to his memory loss, perhaps he needed some time to refamiliarize himself with his senses.

    (Somehow, this body feels a bit strange.)

    He soon noticed the sense of dissonance but decided to put it aside for now.

    Kamito drew in a quick breath then:

    "¡ªRelease."

    He muttered quietly.

    Instantly, his entire body''s senses became sharp and his mind became focused.

    This was a skill to remove mental shackles through powerful self-suggestion, thereby allowing him to temporarily surpass the body''s limits. Entering this state, an assassin would stop feeling fatigue and also be numb to pain to a certain extent.

    Surpassing limits meant releasing the body''s original safety mechanisms in the first ce. A strong bacsh would inevitably follow.

    In this manner, without hiding his presence at all, Kamito walked to the door.

    The two girls outside began to get nervous. He could sense them readying themselves.

    "...The two of you over there, I''d like to ask you something."

    Kamito deliberately used a barely audible voice to speak.

    Hence, the two guards'' presences moved close to the door.

    "Say. I''d like to hear a bit about my situation."

    "E-Ellis-sama has orders not to speak with you!"

    "P-Please return to bed without a fuss."

    Inexplicably, the replying voices sounded slightly timid.

    "Oh no... I talked to the king of lust, what should I do..."

    "D-Don''t worry. A short exchange of words won''t deprive you of your purity."

    "A short... What if we talk too much?"

    "I-In that case, I''m not too sure..."

    Whispers came from outside the door.

    As to what the content meant, although Kamito could notprehend¡ª

    "¡ªI see, I get it."

    Hearing Kamito''s reply, the two''s presence rxed somewhat.

    Instantly, Kamito aimed a palm strike at the door.

    "...Ooph...!"

    A brief moan was heard, quickly followed by the sound of the girls copsing to the ground.

    Destructive Impact¡ªAn assassination technique performed by wrapping a fist in divine power and releasing a shockwave to pass through objects.

    Next he broke the locked door and pushed it open.

    The girls by the door had fainted, having suffered concussions.

    Part 2

    "Th-This is not stealing a march... A-Absolutely not stealing a march..."

    Ellis murmured to herself while walking along the Academy''s long hallways.

    Carried in her hand was a small pot. After parting ways with ire and the others, Ellis had returned to her room, warmed up the porridge she had made in the morning and taken it out.

    Made with quite a few medicinal nts, this special seven-herb porridge was not only easy to digest but also very nutritious.

    As food, it was quite appropriate for Kamito who had just woken up.

    "Th-Thises purely out of my responsibilities as captain of the Sylphid Knights, I am just visiting a fellow member of the Knights. Simorgh, you agree, right?"

    Hearing its master''s question, the demon bird standing on Ellis''s shoulder cooed.

    Ellis nodded with satisfaction and gave a piece of dried meat to her contracted spirit with the horrifying appearance.

    "Yes, indeed indeed. When initially recovering from illness, eating easily digested porridge is the best. However, I identally warmed it up too much, s-so it is now necessary for me to blow on it to cool it. Th-Then, umm, a-ah..."

    Looking up, Ellis entered a delusion.

    ''Kamito, h-how is my porridge?''

    After blowing on it, Ellis sent the spoon into Kamito''s mouth.

    But after swallowing the porridge, Kamito went:

    ''¡ªSo-so. Not salty enough.''

    That was his criticism.

    ''...~I-I see. My apologies. I will pay more attention next time...''

    ''No, this is fine.''

    Kamito lightly ced his hand on the disheartened Ellis''s shoulder.

    ''...Ah, w-what are you doing, Kamito... Kyah~?''

    Lick. Suddenly, she felt her neck being licked gently.

    ''Now, this saltiness is just right.''

    Lick. Lick lick. Lick.

    ''Hyah... Oh no, Kamito... I-If you like that spot...''

    ''Where has all your strength gone now, straiced captain?''

    Lick. Lick lick lick.

    ''...N-No... Mmm... This intensity, no good, a-ahhhh!''

    ...His personality vastly modified, Kamito violently pushed her down.

    Then, then, then¡ª

    ...Peck. Peck peck.

    Suddenly, she felt her neck being pecked by a sharp beak.

    Walking while plunging into a delusion, Ellis suddenly regained her senses.

    (...W-What am I thinking about!?)

    Cough cough, Ellis coughed and straightened her posture.

    (Clearly Kamito lost his memory due to encountering a painful experience¡ª)

    Shaking her head repeatedly, she soon recovered a stern and dignified face as befitted the captain of the knights.

    Taking a turn in the corridor¡ª

    "...Wha!?"

    Ellis could not help but find herself speechless.

    In front of Kamito''s room, two girlsy copsed on the floor.

    They were the members of the Sylphid Knights in charge of monitoring him.

    "A-Are you okay!?"

    Ellis ced her pot on the floor then frantically ran over to the two girls'' side.

    ...They were still breathing. No external injuries visible, they probably only lost consciousness.

    "...Attacked by a mass of divine energy at close range huh."

    Upon hearing these whispers, one of the girls woke up.

    "...Ugh... Captain..."

    "...Ruska**, what happened?"

    "The king of lust... escaped..."

    Ellis''s face went livid.

    It turned out she should have followed Greyworth''s directions and quickly increased the number of knights on surveince duty.

    Kamito was not a man who would harm girls. Ellis knew this fact very well.

    However, the amnesiac Kamito currently was a wild beast let loose among crowds of girls. The Demon King of the Night''s basic instincts were thoroughly exposed, doing this to innocent young maidens¡ª

    "...Th-That type of thing is forbidden¡ªForbidden!"

    Ellis stood up and yelled.

    "I-In any case, Kamito must be captured as soon as possible¡ª"

    He must be captured before anything happened.

    Apart from protecting the chastity of the Academy''s girls, more importantly, it was for the sake of Kamito''s reputation.

    Ellis gathered wind spirits from the surroundings and issued orders to herpanions in the Knights.

    Part 3

    (...This is almost like the Instructional School''s Cave Castle)

    At this moment, having escaped his room, Kamito was roaming the buildings in his pajamas.

    Perhaps due to having slept for a long period of time, he was still feeling a sense of dissonance about his body.

    Since lessons were currently taking ce throughout the entire school building, he did not encounter any students. The spirits he ran into along the hallways did not particrly pay any attention to him.

    Prioritizing thefort of spirits over humans, the Academy''s architecture included crisscrossing staircases and hallways with many turns and forks.

    Along the path ahead, there were spirits hovering lightly like spheres of light. One could easily mistake themselves as being lost in a fairy tale world.

    The Instructional School, where Kamito was raised, also had a simrbyrinthineyout, but to his knowledge, its purpose was only for defense against external enemies.

    (So I still remember inane stuff of that sort...)

    Why was he here¡ªHe still could not recall this most important point.

    (What clues are there¡ª?)

    Suddenly, a certain girl''s face surfaced in Kamito''s mind.

    The girl who had hugged him while crying when Kamito woke up.

    (...That girl seems to know me.)

    What sort of deep rtion did she share with Kamito before he lost his memory¡ª

    Kamito suppressed his presence at this moment and walked over to the window.

    Arge number of princess maidens had gathered at the front gates, preparing for arge-scale ritual.

    Indeed, some grand festival was apparently being held in a few days.

    (...Looks like I won''t be able to escape through the front gates.)

    Although the opponents were studentscking inbat experience, fighting this many elementalists with his bare hands would be far too rash. If the militarized spirit user, Muir Alenstarl, were here instead, perhaps breaking through by force would be possible¡ª

    Just as Kamito was thinking...

    His stomach''s rumblings echoed loudly in the corridor.

    (...Crap...)

    The Instructional School''s assassins were trained such that it was possible for them to fight and undertake operations for multiple days even without food. Nevertheless, it was merely a possibility.

    Furthermore, Kamito had been confined to bed for the past while and his body was probably sustained by nothing more than revitalizing magic from healers.

    Currently relying on powerful self-suggestion, he was still able to move, but at this rate, he was going to copse from hunger sooner orter.

    (Why did I fail to notice something so elementary?)

    This was the type of mistake he absolutely would not make normally.

    Kamito could not deny that his amnesiac state was making him anxious.

    (...Is there.. anything here?)

    Thinking wishfully, he checked his pajamas pocket.

    Of course, there was no food ced there so conveniently...

    "...Kamito-kun?"

    At this moment, a girl''s voice was heard behind him.

    "...!?"

    Kamito looked back to see that several students had appeared from a door in the corridor.

    Most striking of them was an especially beautiful maiden with gorgeous ck hair and dusk-colored eyes. For some reason, the design of her uniform differed from the other girls.

    "Kamito-kun, why are you here¡ª"

    In the middle of speaking, she suddenly covered her mouth.

    "Umm... Could it be that you escaped?"

    Instantly, Kamito suddenly kicked the ground and closed in on the girl.

    Using the momentum, he covered her mouth and pushed her to the floor.

    "Wait¡ªKamito-kun... Mmmmmmmph~!"

    "¡ªQuiet. Make a further sound and I''ll kill you."

    Kamito pinned the girl down and dered coldly.

    "You too¡ª"

    Keeping that posture, Kamito red at the girls who were peeking from the doorway. However¡ª

    "Kya, kyaaaaaaah!"

    "The king of lust shows his true nature!"

    "H-Help, anyone!"

    The girls screamed while scattering in all directions to flee.

    "Wha¡ª"

    Kamito was speechless.

    It looked like pushing the ck-haired girl down not only failed to serve as a threat but also backfired with the opposite effect.

    (...It''d be a problem if they called in morerades.)

    In that case, he had to leave the scene as quickly as possible.

    Kamito took his hand away from the lips of the pinned-down girl. At this moment¡ª

    "...~Good grief, as great as it is for you to take the initiative, but all things considered, doing this out in the open under public scrutiny, Kamito-kun, you''re such a pervert..."

    The girlined, blushing to her ears.

    "P-Pervert?...W-What are you talking about?"

    Faced with the unexpected usation, Kamito felt quite awkward.

    Kamito gazed at the girl''s face again.

    Gorgeous ck hair. Eyes the color of dusk, seeming as though they would meld into the night.

    An extremely beautiful girl who would leave a deep andsting impression with but a single nce...

    ...Growl.

    Suddenly, a noise broke any tension that could exist in the corridor.

    ...Still pinning the girl down, Kamito was taken aback.

    "Uh... Kamito-kun, are you hungry?"

    "None of your business."

    Trying as hard as he could to conceal his wavering, Kamito replied calmly.

    Hence, she smiled and reached towards her cleavage.

    "...I made some snacks during the cooking practical, would you like some?"

    She took out a small bag.

    Kamito swallowed his saliva.

    (A trap¡ªI have to consider that possibility...)

    Encountering this girl here was by chance.

    There was no reason for a student at this prestigious academy to be carrying poisoned snacks.

    It was probably a snack intended to be offered to spirits.

    "Why?"

    "Huh?"

    "I''m a dangerous, escaped prisoner, right?"

    "I can''t leave you to suffer if you''re hungry, Kamito-kun."

    The girl gazed at Kamito with sincere eyes.

    After a moment''s hesitation¡ª

    "Found him, over there!"

    "Carefully circle around to his back! You''ll be taken captive as soon as you make eye contact!"

    "We must rescue Fianna-sama!"

    Armored knights were climbing up the stairs.

    "...Sorry, I''ll be taking this."

    Kamito took the bag of snacks and ran down the corridor.

    Part 4

    ...Several minutester.

    "Gu... ah..."

    Hiding in an empty ssroom, Kamito copsed in suffering alone.

    After eating the cookie, a searing sensation of pain instantly rushed through his throat, paralyzing his entire body.

    Clutching his belly, Kamito rolled on the floor, feeling like he was about to break out with fever.

    (...Guh... It was poisoned after all?)

    No wait, as an Instructional School''s assassin, his body was already ustomed to poison. Ordinary poison should not have an effect. This was simply¡ª

    (...Unimaginably horrible in vor!)

    Trembling, Kamito came to this conclusion.

    (...Offering this to spirits? Or perhaps, this is what spirits prefer?)

    Kamito pondered over and over again. However, now was not the time to be thinking about such matters.

    "Capture the beast of lust!" "Underwear! Use underwear to lure him out!"

    A patter of footsteps arrived at the corridor in front of the empty ssroom.

    Things would be over if they found him.

    Kamito was unable to fight in his current state.

    (...Speaking of which, why are they calling me a beast of lust?)

    Before losing his memory, what had he done in this Academy¡ª?

    "He should be nearby!" "Search the empty ssroom!"

    Intense footsteps were approaching.

    (...No other choice.)

    Looking outside, there seemed to be no one in the yard behind the school building.

    Kamito took off his pajama top, tore it up, tied knots and made an impromptu rope.

    Although baring his upper torso made him look even more suspicious, he decided to ignore that for now.

    Tying one end of the fabric to arge table, he escaped outside through a window.

    Using the knotted cloth, Kamito swiftly slid down the school building''s outer wall. Although the fabric was not long enough to reach the bottom, jumping from that height should not result in a twisted ankle given his body''s abilities.

    Just as he sessfully descended one floor¡ª

    Woof, woof!

    Barking was heard from somewhere.

    (...A dog?)

    Turning to look in the direction of the barks¡ª

    Kamito found arge white dog amidst the bushes opposite the school building.

    (...No, that''s not right, it''s not a dog!)

    A direwolf¡ªa high-level spirit in beast form.

    The wolf with white fur suddenly pounced as soon as it caught sight of Kamito.

    "Woah!"

    Kamito almost lost grip of the cloth.

    The wolf''s sharp ws missed him by a mere inch.

    Woof woof!

    The direwolf spirit did not look hostile, but was simply acting yful with Kamito.

    (Do spirits show intimacy with anyone apart from their contractor?)

    ...Impossible. At least, Kamito had never heard of any simr cases¡ª

    "...Fenrir, what''s the matter?"

    At this moment, a window of a ssroom below opened and a girl looked out.

    A youngdy with dazzling tinum-blonde hair and beautiful eyes of emerald.

    Her eyebrows lifted with surprise as she looked up. Then¡ª

    "Kyaaaaaaaaaaah!"

    She screamed shrilly.

    This was hardly surprising. After all, a half-naked man was currently scaling down the wall.

    "Rinslet-san, what''s the matter?"

    "As the daughter of the prestigious Laurenfrost family, screaming like that is truly... Kyah!"

    Girls'' faces popped out of the ssroom''s windows one after another. Furthermore, apparently in the process of changing for a purification ritual, they were all in their underwear.

    "D-Don''t look!"

    "It''s a misunder¡ª"

    Kamito frantically tried to deny.

    "Shut up, this pervert!"

    But before he could do so, the light from a girl''s spirit magic burned through the cloth Kamito was holding onto.

    "...!"

    Falling on the ground, Kamito''s whole body still suffered the painful impact despite performing a break-fall.

    "...Ahhh, K-Kamito-san!?"

    The tinum blonde hurried over in worry.

    The girls in the ssroom also climbed out the window one after another.

    A number of them were wielding elemental waffen.

    "Guh..."

    ...He had to escape. He could not allow himself to be caught here.

    "A-Are you okay?"

    The beauty in her underwear was examining Kamito''s eyes.

    Kamito grabbed her arms and swiftly twisted, pinning them behind her back.

    "...Yahhh... W-What are you doing!?"

    "Be quiet, girl."

    "...Hyau... Kamito-san, whispering like this, ahuu..."

    After he whispered by her ear, the girl gradually lost strength.

    As expected, the students of the Academy had no endurance against males.

    "Damn you, cowardly viin!" "You dare to take a hostage! You''re the worst!" "T-To think I was starting to revise my impression of you!"

    Dressed in their underwear, the girls stopped running and surrounded Kamito.

    The direwolf spirit was also circling in the surroundings, looking troubled.

    (...Okay, what should I do?)

    He was going to use this girl as a hostage to make his escape¡ª

    Suddenly, a violent gale blew overhead.

    "...!?"

    Kamito looked up¡ª

    "K-Kamito... W-What on earth are you doing!?"

    Wielding a spear of gales, a girl jumped down from a second floor window.

    The young female knightnded lightly, her ponytail swaying.

    "Captain..."

    The blondedy with her arms pinned behind her back spoke quietly.

    ...This ponytailed girl was apparently the leader of the knights.

    Her dark-brown eyes red at Kamito.

    "...Hmph, seriously, even with amnesia, y-you are still behaving as the Demon King of the Night!"

    "...Demon King of the Night?"

    The unfamiliar term made Kamito repeat it as a question. The old people of the Instructional School did indeed call Kamito the Demon King''s sessor¡ª

    (Are the two titles connected somehow?)

    The young female knight readied her spear, enveloped in gales.

    "Kamito, I have no intention of harming you. Although I understand that you feel ill at ease due to your amnesia, I still hope you could release Rinslet and return to your room obediently."

    "That''s not gonna fly."

    Kamito gripped harder on the hostage''s arms.

    "...Ah, K-Kamito-san, so perverted...!"

    "If you want to catch me, try me, okay?"

    Kamito tried to taunt his opponent and make her falter¡ª

    "...Then it cannot be helped!"

    The captain swung her spear horizontally.

    A roaring airmass shot out from the spear''s tip.

    "...!?"

    Kamito pushed Rinslet aside and jumped sideways.

    The raging wind dug up arge hole where the two were originally standing.

    (...She intended to get the hostage caught up as coteral damage!?)

    This attack exceeded Kamito''s expectations.

    "How displeasing, Captain, you are being too reckless!"

    "My apologies. But even if it really struck you, there is still Fenrir''s protection."

    "Th-That''s true but still..."

    Unconcerned with theining girl, the captain shot out a raging gust of wind.

    A directional st of wind pressure. Being struck would not be fatal, but in his current state, Kamito would definitely lose the ability to fight after getting hit by this attack.

    At the same time, she charged.

    The spear tip, enveloped in gales, brushed past Kamito''s body.

    (...So strong. She''s far above the other students.)

    While rolling on the ground, Kamito calmly analyzed. Her spear technique and speed were quite excellent. Probably a wind elementalist, she was skilled inbining wind magic with her own martial arts.

    ¡ªOn the other hand, Kamito''s body was far from peak condition. Taken together with the damage from the cookie he ate and the sense of dissonance he could not dispel, his movements were quite sluggish.

    "Kamito, give yourself up!"

    Kamito barely managed to dodge the spear''s downward swing.

    "Good skills. Female knight, your name?"

    "...!"

    In that instant, her stern and dignified eyes filled up with great teardrops.

    (...Huh?)

    "You really forgot¡ª"

    The girl made a lonely expression and bit her lip tightly.

    "I am the Fahrengart family''s second daughter¡ªEllis Fahrengart."

    "...Fahrengart family?"

    Kamito had heard the name before.

    He remembered it was the name of renowned military family that was in charge of the Ordesia Empire''s military affairs.

    Ellis raised her spear high¡ª

    "I am your fianc¨¦e!"

    "¡ªHuh?"

    The shocking words caused Kamito''s movements to stop for an instant.

    Wrapped in fierce winds, the spear swung down overhead mercilessly.

    (Crap...!)

    Evasion was toote. Kamito hastily crossed his arms and entered a defensive pose.

    Although he knew deep down that this level of defense was pointless in the face of elemental waffen¡ª

    ng¡ª!

    Just as his arms crossed, he felt a sharp pain on the back of his right hand.

    (...Whaaaaat...!?)

    Ellis''s dark-brown eyes widened greatly.

    The instant the elemental waffe''s de was blocked...

    Bright light erupted and swept away everything in the surroundings.

    Part 5

    "...Ugh...!"

    Feeling intense pain all over, Kamito could not help but groan painfully.

    Hey copsed in the bushes some distance away from the back of the school building.

    (What the heck happened...)

    Scolding his hazy consciousness, he was just about to stand up when¡ª

    Something grabbed the back of his cor.

    "...Uwah!?"

    In that manner, he was forcibly dragged into the bushes.

    In the bushes was the red-haired beauty from before.

    "Y-You..."

    "Quiet. Or you want to be discovered?"

    The girl stopped him by pressing a finger against his lips.

    The soft sensation of her finger caused Kamito''s heart rate to speed up.

    "The pervert has escaped!" "He must be captured at all costs!" "Find him, find him!"

    A crowd of armed girls passed by the bushes.

    "...Sheesh. When I caught sight of you in the ssroom, I was thinking something happened¡ª"

    The girl sighed and red at Kamito.

    "If you get found now, you''ll be drawn and quartered by the girls."

    "...I can see that."

    Cold sweat flowed down Kamito''s forehead.

    Many spirits flew back and forth in the surroundings in search of Kamito.

    Escaping from the Academy peacefully was virtually impossible now.

    "What happened? It seemed like there was a sudden explosion."

    "Who knows¡ª"

    Kamito looked at his right hand.

    Suddenly, aplicated design appeared on the back of his hand.

    "...W-What is this!?"

    "That''s a spirit seal. Proof of the bond between you and your contracted spirit."

    The girl told Kamito with a serious expression.

    "Spirit seal? How did I enter into a spirit contract¡ª"

    Throb¡ª!

    A sudden pang of intense pain was instantly produced in his brain.

    "...Tsk... Ooh... Guh...!"

    Kamito could not help but clutch his head and groan.

    "...You were probably about to summon Est unconsciously."

    "Es...t...?"

    Throb, throb, throb¡ª

    "...You know something about this seal?"

    "Yes."

    The girl nodded.

    "Anyway,e to my room. I''ll tell you as much as possible about your memories. After all, it''s best if you hid for a while until themotion subsides."

    "Guh..."

    Recalling the group of armed girls, Kamito covered his mouth.

    (Clues about my lost memories huh...)

    At least, this girl did not seem like she intended to hand him over to the knights¡ª

    Kamito hesitated for a moment, then...

    ...Growl.

    His stomach rumbled loudly.

    ...Speaking of which, ever since waking up, I haven''t eaten anything except for that deadly cookie.

    "...Umm, I''ll prepare snacks as well."

    Hearing her suggestion¡ª

    Kamito waspletely swayed this time.

 Volume 12, 3 - Upheaval in the Theocracy

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 3 - Upheaval in the Theocracy</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe scene enacted there was hell on earth.

    "Please stop, royal sister! You must not advance any further!"

    Scorpia¡ªording to legends, the demon scorpion pce used to be Demon King Solomon''s residence. It was now being assaulted by hundreds and thousands of demon spirits.

    Fighting alone inside a bloodstained hall was the Alphas Theocracy''s second princess and general of the hierarch''s royal guard, Sdia Kahn.

    Waist-length blue hair. Amber eyes infused with intense light.

    However, heavy despair filled the face of this young girl who had only reached sixteen this year.

    She was holding in her hand a grimoire.

    Alf Lah Wa-Lah¡ªthe elemental waffe for summoning countless spirits.

    "Oh my, you''re looking energetic, my dear Sdia¡ª"

    The witch''s lips were distorted in a grin of mockery.

    She knew that her twin younger sister was bluffing.

    ¡ªSeveral hours earlier, the eldest princess, Sjora Kahn, had suddenly led two hundred cult troops and taken over Scorpia. The soldiers guarding the royal pce were crushed helplessly by the onught of the demon spirits. The militarized spirits controlled by elementalists were devouredpletely before they could bring out any of their true worth.

    The Theocracy''s royal guard were no pushovers. Led by Sdia Kahn, these elementalists guarding the pce were all experts who could each take on a thousand.

    However, they were all defeated in quick session before they could even release their elemental waffen.

    The summoned contracted spirits were all in disarray, baring their fangs at their own contractors.

    Simrly, the countless spirits summoned by Sdia Kahn started ughtering one another.

    While this hellish scene repeated nonstop in the center of the great hall, the witch walked leisurely.

    "Fu, fufu, fu..."

    "...Tsk... Oooh, ooh..."

    Further ahead from the hall was the throne. Naturally, Sdia could not allow the witch to advance any further¡ª

    But with knees trembling, she was rooted to the spot. The witch''s serpentine eyes pinned her down.

    (...That''s not my elder sister Sjora. It''s a monster that will devour the nation!)

    With a trembling hand, Sdia drew the scimitar from her waist.

    "Ah... O-Ooh... Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    With a mighty yell, she charged at the witch.

    "Oh dear, you really seek death that much?"

    The witch jeered.

    She dodged the de lightly and punched Sdia in the gut.

    "Kahah¡ª"

    "Ahh... Guh... Ooh...!"

    The Theocracy''s princess general moaned and spat out blood.

    At the same time, Sjora picked up the scimitar¡ª

    "Foolish sister. Despite the fact that you have never wielded a sword before."

    "...Guh... Go ahead, kill me¡ª"

    The amber eyes were filled with hatred as the girl red at her elder sister.

    "Fufu, of course I won''t kill you so easily. Because you are still useful."

    The witch stepped over Sdia, copsed in a pool of blood, and continued towards the throne.

    Then¡ª

    "¡ªI have returned. Hierarch."

    She pointed the scimitar at the old man on the royal throne.

    "...Have you gone mad? Cursed woman."

    Next, a hoarse voice echoed in the great hall.

    "A snake''s child is ultimately a snake. Letting you live was evidently my greatest blunder."

    Dressed in a crimson robe, the old man spoke with bitterness in his voice.

    The Alphas Theocracy''s current hierarch¡ªRajihal Kahn.

    Despite having passed the age of eighty, the old king''s gaze still had not lost its sharpness.

    He was the tough warrior who survived the two Ranbal Wars despite the Theocracy''s location, surrounded by the Ordesia Empire, Dracunia and other powerful countries.

    Bloody conflicts between n members were nothing rare. Nevertheless, he had crushed countless enemies along his path, stepping over numerous corpses, remaining in power to rule this Theocracy in spite of its political instability.

    But right now, the witch was pointing a murderous de at his throat.

    "¡ªYou have no right to sit on that throne."

    "And you do? Cursed snake woman¡ª"

    "Fufu¡ª"

    Sjoraughed in mockery and swung the scimitar horizontally.

    Throat shed, the old man fell from the throne as a corpse.

    "¡ªHierarch!"

    Sdia screamed mournfully.

    "¡ªThis throne was mine in the first ce."

    Sitting down on the bloodstained throne, the witch snapped her fingers.

    Immediately, powerful cult troops entered from the great hall''s open door.

    "Find the surviving royals and throw them in prison. Kill anyone who resists, I don''t care. Oh, but don''t kill any princess maidens, or the princess general fallen over there. Aplished elementalists still have value for certain uses."

    "...Doing this, royal sister, what are you nning!?"

    Copsed in a pool of blood, Sdia yelled.

    "Ahhh?"

    "The continent''s various nations will condemn this coup d''etat. Royal sister, you have provided the wolves with a perfect pretext to invade the Theocracy!"

    Suspected of connections to the Demon King cult, the Alphas Theocracy was frequently decried by neighboring countries. In spite of that, it had sessfully remained free fromrge scale invasions owing to the diplomatic prowess of Rajihal Kahn¡ªthe hierarch who was now lying dead before the throne.

    "Pretext huh¡ª"

    Sjora Kahn scoffed.

    "I am the one looking for a pretext. I want to ignite the fires of war on this continent."

    "Wha... Why, why are you doing that¡ª"

    "Kukuku, need I spell it out? It is the Demon King''s mission!"

    "..."

    The clear-cut voice rendered Sdia Kahn speechless.

    "Royal sister... You, what on earth..."

    Muttering in shock, the second princess was arrested by the cult troops.

    Part 2

    After the cult troops were dismissed, in the king''s room where there was no one else¡ª

    "¡ªCongrattions, newest Hierarch. How splendid."

    Suddenly, a figure appeared from the darkness.

    Making an appearance was a cute young girl, roughly twelve or thirteen in age.

    Blonde hair of dazzling golden luster. Violet eye color carrying an air of mystery. However, it was a lone eye¡ªthe left eye was covered by a simple eye patch.

    The girl was wearing sacred vestments of pure white resembling what was worn by priests serving the Holy Lord.

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Cardinal¡ªMillennia Sanctus.

    Several months earlier, she had been sent to as a diplomat to the Theocracy to make contact with the Demon King cult within its borders.

    Through her, the Demon King cult had obtained financial support from the Holy Kingdom.

    "Personally, I am utterly disappointed. To think that the residence of the Demon King who once shook the continent would fall so easily¡ª"

    "Without being able to use spirits, even the royal guard is nothing."

    The girl reached to the eye patch on her left then exposed her left eye.

    Inside the clear, violet eye, horrifying darkness was squirming restlessly.

    "Hey, that is¡ª"

    Witnessing the sight, Sjora gasped and whispered.

    "Residing within you is that darkness not of this world huh."

    ¡ªIndeed. What made the royal guard and Sdia''s spirits go mad was this girl''s eye.

    The demon eye of pitch ck, causing everything within its sight to go insane.

    Madness brought forth ever more madness, filling the entire pce within the blink of an eye.

    "True darkness that caused the Elemental Lords to go mad. Bathed in such darkness, the only ones capable of remaining unaffected are demon spirit minions that are mad to begin with¡ª"

    Smiling in this manner, perhaps this girl was the maddest one of all¡ª

    Sjoramented sardonically in her mind.

    (¡ªThe cardinal sent by the Holy Kingdom huh.)

    This girl was definitely not acting alone. Most likely, she was backed by the Holy Kingdom''s highest decision-making agency, Des Esseintes.

    "The reward you seek¡ªNo, the Holy Kingdom''s reward are militarized spirits, right?"

    "¡ªYes. The Theocracy''s strategic-ss militarized spirits, seven of them, more or less."

    "¡ªSeven huh. Certainly nock of greed there."

    Seven strategic-ss militarized spirits. Military force capable of annihting within a single night a city where spirit knights were stationed. Furthermore, using militarized spirits required gathering sufficient numbers of elementalists.

    "Elementalists are not needed. Furthermore, new Hierarch, you must have confiscated all the militarized spirits gathered by Rubia Elstein, haven''t you?"

    "Hmph, your investigations are quite thorough..."

    Rubia Elstein had sentbatants originating from the now-defunct Instructional School, such as Jio Inzagi, to various ruins in an attempt to build up her own personal army.

    However, Rubia''s ally, the Demon King cult had betrayed her and taken possession of the militarized spirits and the Instructional School''s assassins.

    "A number of them were broken by Muir Alenstarl''s use, but even so, Rubia Elstein should still have a number of militarized spirits, right?"

    "What is your goal? The Holy Kingdom''s dog?"

    Sjora stared down sharply at the young girl.

    The darkness residing in Millennia Sanctus''s eye wavered slightly.

    "Hierarch-sama, are you aware that the Burial Chamber has manifested underground at Areishia Spirit Academy?"

    "Who do you take me for?"

    The Burial Chamber¡ªa treasure vault bestowed to eligible Demon Kings.

    A special dimension where the Demon King''s weapons and the seventy-two spirits under hismand were sealed.

    Manifesting in the world upon the Demon King''s awakening to confer upon him the power to rule the world.

    "Excuse my impudence. Then the same goes for the matter of the Demon yer being sealed in the Burial Chamber?"

    "...Apparently so."

    Sjora nodded bitterly.

    Originally not the Demon King''s possession, now that the Demon yer was kept in the Burial Chamber, this meant that the burial chamber had recognized Kazehaya Kamito as the legitimate Demon King.

    (...As much as it infuriates me, there is nothing I can do about it for now.)

    Currently, he was nothing more than a mass of obstructing thoughts possessing Sjora Kahn''s body.

    Although an eligible Demon King candidate carrying Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll''s power, the power conferred was onlyparable to that of the Demon King failure, Nepenthes Lore. As the top Demon King candidate, it was perfectly logical for Kazehaya Kamito to be chosen.

    As for the Demon yer bing the Demon King''s personal sword, that was quite ironic¡ª

    "¡ªMy lord seeks the Demon yer."

    "Hmph, what does the Grand Master of Des Esseintes want with that thing?"

    "None of your business. Hierarch-sama."

    Millennia smiled... Apparently with no intention of answering.

    "Hmph, so be it. But then, how should one steal that sword spirit? It is the highest level sword spirit after all, despite its iplete state. Even my Bandersnatch cannot steal it."

    "¡ªA fair enough point. Assuming normal conditions."

    "Huh?"

    "Kazehaya Kamito is currently in a state of amnesia. In other words, his connection to the sword spirit is suspended."

    "¡ªI see."

    If Kamito was unable to make the sword spirit manifest, then there was the possibility of stealing the sacred sword''s physical form that had materialized in the Burial Chamber. However¡ª

    "The Burial Chamber manifested underground at Areishia. Its surroundings are covered by the unassable spirit forest, with defensive barriers of the highest ss and guardian spirits. The town at the foot of the mountain is also garrisoned by a standard Ordesian army. Even using seven militarized spirits, that stronghold cannot possibly be conquered."

    "Worry not. Even the most secure stronghold will be fragile in the face of an attackunched from within. The eye of Des Esseintes is omnipresent."

    Millennia Sanctus licked her lips and smiled with a chuckle.

 Volume 12, 4 - Demon Kingâ€™s Burial Chamber

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 4 - Demon King''s Burial Chamber</h4>

    Part 1

    "...The Instructional School... destroyed?"

    In ire''s room in the Raven ss dorms¡ª

    Listening to her, Kamito was muttering in shock.

    The bed could be heardpressing where he was sitting.

    "No way... That kind of thing..."

    "¡ªIt''s true."

    However, ire shook her head candidly.

    ording to her¡ª

    Four years ago, the Instructional School was destroyed due to a certain sealed spirit running amok. All the instructors were killed by spirits while the majority of orphans went into the Empire''s custody.

    After that, the facility was utterly destroyed by the Empire''s knights and wiped off the mappletely.

    Literally, it became a ce that no longer existed on the map.

    ...Unbelievable. Suddenly informed of this, Kamito found it utterly impossible to believe.

    However¡ª

    (...She knows of the Instructional School''s existence.)

    That was absolutely impossible originally.

    The Instructional School''s existence was absolutely kept hidden from the outside world.

    Even for the children of nobles, this was not information a mere student would be able to obtain.

    Furthermore¡ª

    "This is proof¡ª"

    Saying that, ire dumped a stack of materials on the table.

    "These were taken from the library''s materials room. Although I wasn''t able to take out the most important secret documents, these should be enough."

    "..."

    Kamito read the materials ravenously.

    He had nock of doubts regarding the possibility that he had fallen into an borately disguised trap.

    However, therge amount of information corroborated the veracity of her words.

    These documents were real. They recorded information that only internal personnel would know¡ªlogs ofbat operations and the names of the associatedbatants.

    (...To think that this type of document would be kept somewhere so easily within a student''s reach.)

    ¡ªApart from that, the date was even more shocking.

    (...This really happened four years ago.)

    Currently, Kamito''s remaining memories roughly covered from age five to twelve.

    All memories dating before that period had been thoroughly wiped. Those that came after were also gone.

    He already knew the fact of his amnesia. But even though he knew in his heart¡ª

    He never expected hisst memory to be four years ago.

    "I know you''re confused but this is reality. See¡ª"

    ire pointed at Kamito.

    "Your body has grown in height."

    "...Eh?"

    Only after it was pointed out did he realize.

    So that was why there was strange sense of dissonance ever since he woke up.

    It felt like he could not move his body freely.

    After realizing this fact, it felt quite incredible.

    ...He finally understood the reason behind it.

    (...That''s right, I''ve grown.)

    His physique differed from what he remembered.

    This was the physique of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy.

    "I..."

    In shock, Kamito looked down at his hands and feet.

    Watching Kamito with eyes of pity, ire spoke up:

    "¡ªAnyway, let me tell you what happened in these four years."

    Part 2

    While cautiously choosing her words¡ª

    ire recounted Kamito''s experiences to this date.

    After the Instructional School was destroyed, wandering all over the ce without anywhere he belonged to, Kamito was taken in by the Dusk Witch and enrolled into this Academy as the continent''s one and only male elementalist. Then as a member of Team Scarlet, he had participated in the de Dance.

    "...I entered the de Dance?"

    Kamito muttered with an expression of disbelief.

    It was the continent''s biggest festival that was only held every few years or decades.

    For an Instructional School''sbatant living in the dark side, it was apletely foreign world.

    "Undoubtedly. Thanks to you, Kamito, we obtained victory. However¡ª"

    During the de Dance''s finale, Kamito was injured when engaging the Strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell in de dance, suffering damage to his memory.

    "So that means that this contracted spirit also, at the time¡ª"

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon his right hand.

    Branded on the back of the hand was the spirit seal belonging to the sword spirit he had contracted in the underground cavern at this school.

    The facility''s instructors absolutely forbade Kamito from forming spirit contracts.

    When the time is ripe, we''ll give you the strongest spirit¡ªThat was what they had promised.

    (The strongest spirit huh...)

    Throb¡ª

    His head began to hurt again.

    ...Again. Again when thinking about spirits¡ª

    "Kamito, are you okay?"

    "Yeah... Just a headache..."

    ire asked with worry at the sight of Kamito holding his temples.

    "Maybe I said too much at once. Or perhaps when you tried to recall your memories, it caused a rejection reaction."

    At this moment, she saw the seal on Kamito''s hand.

    "Eh?"

    ire showed a surprised expression.

    "No way, this..."

    "What''s the problem?"

    "No, nothing, nothing at all..."

    ire shook her head in denial.

    (...What is she hiding?)

    Although a bit concerned, Kamito did not press the matter much.

    "Can this contracted spirit be summoned?"

    Instead, he asked something else.

    Having lost his memory, Kamito did not know how to summon a spirit. However, if ire were to teach him, he might be able to recall the feeling and perform a sessful summon.

    "...Probably not. Est is currently in a materialized state and sealed underground at the Academy. Currently, we have to wait for the headmistress to authorize the unsealing."

    "Why is the spirit underground?"

    Unsummoned spirits were supposed to return to Astral Zero instead.

    "That I''m not too sure about. But Est had been living in this ce for the past few centuries. She''s a special sealed spirit..."

    "...Sealed spirit huh. So it''s actually possible to contract with that kind of thing."

    Spirits sealed in ancient artifacts had a tendency to be ill-tempered and would harm humans.

    Unless overflowing with confidence, one would not make a move on them¡ª

    Kamito looked at the spirit seal on his right hand again.

    Although the result was a runaway reaction¡ª

    (Sword spirit, do you really intend to protect me?)

    At this moment, a meow was heard from within the room.

    "...?"

    Kamito turned his head to see a hell cat spirit in the kitchen heating a pot.

    "Oh, the stew seems to be warmed up."

    ire stood up from the chair, her twintails swaying and hurried over to the kitchen.

    Soon, she came back with a dish of stew.

    ...Kamito could smell a fragrant aroma. Beetroot stew with herbs scattered on top.

    Kamito''s throat gurgled.

    "This is?"

    "Borscht. A local dish from the Laurenfrost region. Rinslet... The girl who uses a wolf-shaped spirit taught me how to make it."

    Kamito tried a mouthful of stew.

    Thanks to the deadly cookie, Kamito was quite wary this time, however¡ª

    "......This is good."

    Although the salt content seems to be wrong, it was good enough for an empty stomach.

    "...!"

    The twintails swayed happily.

    "...Th-Thank goodness."

    Then she breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Actually, I was wondering if it would turn into charcoal."

    "Ch-Charcoal?"

    "Because until Nee-sama taught me how to use mes, I''ve never been able to control the intensity. All I knew was how to manipte the power of mes to use for attack magic."

    "Oh, so you have an older sister."

    "Yes. Nee-sama was also saved by you, Kamito."

    "...Sorry, I don''t remember."

    Kamito quietly put down the spoon.

    "...ire Rouge. What should I do next?"

    He had no idea when his memory would recover.

    Right now, all Kamito knew were thebat skills he had mastered at that facility.

    What should his goal be next, to be honest, he had absolutely no idea.

    "Life here isn''t bad at all. Before your memory recovers, just rx and recuperate for now."

    Part 3

    "...So, how is Kamito-san''s condition?"

    With hair tied up, Rinslet asked with worry.

    Late that night, ire and the girls had gathered at thergemunal bath to discuss how to proceed.

    Due to howte it was, the bath was essentially monopolized by them.

    On the other side of the steam, Fenrir was swimming leisurely.

    "He''s currently sleeping in my room, looking quite exhausted. I don''t think he''ll escape again."

    "To think he even forgot Est..."

    As Fianna sighed, her bosom quivered while floating on the water surface.

    "Probably, the greater one''s ce in his heart, the greater the power causing memories to be forgotten. Otherwise, his mind would break..."

    "Speaking of which, how did this morning''smotion end?"

    Rinslet turned to Ellis and asked.

    "The Knights have handled it appropriately. Actually, the incident should have been taken care of before amotion happened. In the end, it became a huge mess."

    Ellis murmured with a depressed look.

    "...I-I might be hated by Kamito now."

    "I did try to exin the truth of the incident. I don''t think you need to worry."

    It was possible that Kamito might not have a good impression of Ellis and the Sylphid Knights who were trying to capture him.

    "U-Umm..."

    Rinslet spoke up again.

    "What?"

    "I knew it, at this rate¡ªthis kind of thing, cannot be possible, right?"

    ...Hearing this, everyone fell silent.

    They were probably all thinking the same thing.

    (His memory must be recovered, I know this very well in my heart. But¡ª)

    If his amnesia persisted, perhaps Kamito could forget everything and live a peaceful life at the Academy.

    "...That would require Kamito-kun''s own decision."

    Fianna murmured.

    "No matter what..."

    In any case, ire coughed once.

    "...All along, it was always Kamito who protected us."

    She stood up from the bath and clenched her fist.

    "Therefore, this time it''s our turn to protect Kamito."

    "Yes." "That''s right." "Indeed!"

    Everyone nodded vigorously.

    ...Yes, when a friend was in need, everyone would pitch in to help.

    Like when all members of Team Scarlet fought victoriously throughout the de Dance.

    However, one thing bothered ire.

    Just now, when she saw the seal on Kamito''s right hand...

    (That spirit seal, why...)

    Instead of Terminus Est''s emblem with the two intersecting swords¡ª

    Never seen before, the seal''s emblem consisted of a sword and a moon intersecting.

    Part 4

    "¡ªThus concludes the report on Kamito, Headmistress."

    In the headmistress'' office where moonlight was streaming in¡ª

    Greyworth was listening to the report from Freya the teacher.

    This was about Kamito''s escapemotion that morning. Despite running low on stamina, he had unexpectedly sprang into action as soon as he woke up.

    Thanks to that, there were even rumors of him peeking at girls changing.

    "...What ad who only causes trouble."

    "Indeed that is so."

    Facing the wryly smiling Greyworth, Freya sighed.

    "Rumors of the king of lust''s revival have already spread throughout the Academy. Not limited to the youngdies in his team, he even intends to devour all the girls in the Academy, seriously..."

    "That would be troubling. Girls who have lost their purity are no longer fit to be elementalists."

    "If that were to happen, this Academy would be ruined as a school."

    Freya nodded without any change in expression.

    (...Oh well, but through this, one thing is made clear.)

    Greyworth shifted her sitting posture.

    Unexpectedly¡ª

    Kamito did not cause any direct injuries to the Academy''s girls.

    Take for example, the two members of the Knights who copsed in front of Kamito''s room.

    When Ellis discovered them, although they had lost consciousness, this was due to the phenomenon of divine power intoxication from being struck by arge amount of divine power. Physically, they had not suffered any harm at all.

    Also, when discovered by the students, he had not takenbat measures.

    An Instructional School''s assassin would have murdered them without hesitation. Had Kamito tried to escape at all costs, by any means necessary, that could very well have happened.

    (...Thed is subconsciously taking care not to harm students.)

    Even having lost memories about Restia, the human heart she had conferred to him was not lost¡ªWas that the case here?

    (...Hmph, enviable darkness spirit.)

    "Headmistress?"

    "Ahhh, sorry. So, how''s thed?"

    "Sleeping in ire Rouge''s room. Let''s hope nothing wronges out of it."

    "...Hmph, if only thed had the talent to do wrong. Oh well, whatever. Just leave things to those girls for now."

    Greyworth smiled wryly but her smile quickly vanished.

    "¡ªSo, how about that Demon yer''s situation?"

    "Yes, just as you predicted, Headmistress, when the reconnaissance team attempted spirit vision, they observed a dimensional disturbance that was not supposed to exist in the underground cavern."

    "...I see. As expected."

    "Headmistress, what exactly is that dimension...?"

    "The Burial Chamber¡ª"

    Greyworth whispered.

    "...?"

    "¡ªGranted to the Demon King''s legitimate sessor, a legendary treasure vault."

 Volume 12, 5 - Invader

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 5 - Invader</h4>

    Part 1

    ...Nibble.

    "Hmm... Mmm..."

    ...Nibble nibble.

    "...?"

    Feeling a numb sensation on his fingertip, Kamito woke up.

    "...What''s happening?"

    Rubbing his sleepy eyes, he lifted the nket, only to see...

    A cat in his bed under the covers.

    A ming hell cat. ire Rouge''s spirit.

    It was biting Kamito''s finger lightly.

    "What are you doing?"

    Just as he asked with a frown, the hell cat leaned its body against him in an intimate manner.

    Carrying mes of divine power, it felt very warm.

    "...Could it be that you''re warming my bed?"

    "Meow..."

    The hell cat spirit seemed to be meowing affirmatively. It kept licking Kamito''s fingers.

    "..."

    Contracted spirits did not get affectionate with anyone apart from their own contractors.

    Thismon sense knowledge was overturned a second time.

    (Other people''s contracted spirits are acting affectionately with me huh...)

    What kind of person was he before losing his memory¡ª

    "...~S-Scarlet, what are you doing!?"

    Suddenly, the bathroom door opened and ire appeared in her uniform.

    The hell cat spirit jumped down from bed and frantically ran over.

    "...Seriously, Scarlet, you like ying pranks too much."

    Rubbing her wet hair, ire approached.

    "...No, the spirit only seemed to be helping to warm me up."

    "Eh?"

    Wavering signs appeared on ire''s face.

    "...~Th-That child, when did she start getting so affectionate..."

    "Who knows..."

    Scratching his head, Kamito took his time getting up.

    ...Sleeping for who knows how long after that. The morning sun''s rays streamed into the room.

    "After a night''s sleep, is your mind awake now?"

    "...I guess."

    But the nk in his memories remained.

    "Next, there''s ss. Come along as well, Kamito."

    "...ss?"

    Part 2

    "How do you remember this kind of path?"

    "You get used to it very quickly if you walk along it every day."

    Her twintails swaying, ire answered without looking back.

    Changed into the Academy''s uniform, Kamito was walking in a long hallway following after ire.

    ire had effortlessly passed through the ce where Kamito had gotten lost yesterday.

    "Today''s ss is continental history. Compared to spirit studies, I guess it''s a ss you''re rtively good at."

    "Yeah. I have been taught continental history to a certain extent."

    The Instructional School''s assassins did not need to learn nonessential knowledge.

    However, knowledge necessary for infiltration missions were taught after all.

    "...That said, the stuff I know are just on the level ofmon sense."

    At this moment, ire stopped walking and looked back.

    "Speaking of which, could you stop using boku as a first person pronoun?"[1]

    "...What do you mean?"

    "Kamito, you''ve always been using ore to refer to yourself."

    "I see."

    "Yeah. It''ll be troublesome if other people noticed, so you''d better change it back."

    Kamito''s memory loss was apparently kept a secret from the Academy''s students.

    Suddenly changing first person pronouns could raise suspicions in the other students.

    "Got it. I''ll start using ore to refer to myself."

    Despite finding the use of an unfamiliar term of self-address a bit troubling, Kamito still nodded.

    After walking a while, they reached arge ssroom.

    As soon as they opened the door, all the students sitting at their seats looked at Kamito together.

    Most of the gazes expressed puzzlement. Signs of curiosity and wariness were also obvious to see.

    Among them, there were quite a few enthusiastic gazes mixed in.

    "It''s Kamito the king of lust." "I heard that he holds de dance of the night every night." "Is it really true that he calls himself the Sex Elemental Lord?" "Oh no, that''s sphemy to the great elemental lords." "A girl from Fox ss was apparently osted and asked, allow me to be your contracted sex spirit." "What, that''s deplorable!"

    Kamito was able to hear these whispers.

    (B-Before losing my memory, how much of a fiend was I?)

    Suddenly, the lectern was tapped loudly.

    "Private talk is not allowed. Kazehaya Kamito and ire Rouge, hurry and sit down."

    As the teacher in the suit gave a shout, the whispering voices gradually subsided.

    Together with ire, Kamito frantically took a seat in thest row.

    "She''s the homeroom teacher, Freya. A shadow elementalist."

    ire whispered quietly.

    "Kamito-san, are you okay already?"

    A greeting came from behind. Hearing it, he turned his head back...

    Only to see the tinum-blonde youngdy whom he had taken hostage yesterday.

    ...He recalled her name to be Rinslet.

    "...Yeah. Uh, sorry about yesterday."

    "No, don''t mind that, it could not be helped. We are the ones who ought to apologize for chasing you relentlessly."

    Rinslet bowed her head deeply and apologized.

    Kamito had expected her to be an arrogant and spoilt youngdy but she turned out to be surprisingly upfront and gentle.

    "Before your memory recovers, we will assist you. Please don''t be shy. O-Of course, perverted things excepted!"

    "...? Y-Yeah, got it."

    Faced with the blushing youngdy, Kamito nodded in puzzlement.

    "Kamito-sama, what mdy meant just now was please do not hold back on asking about adult things."

    "Carol, w-what are you talking about!?"

    "Fufufu..."

    Rinslet hammered her fists on the back of the giggling maid.

    ...That said, why was there a maid in the ssroom in the first ce?

    "Hold on, you''re being too noisy!"

    ire red back at the two.

    "As expected, Rinslet-san has already fallen into his fiendish grasp..."

    "Including the maid for a sandwich situation."

    The girls'' cold stares pierced Kamito.

    Part 3

    After the lecture on continental history, Kamito''s entourage went for ate breakfast.

    "Kamito, does this bore you?"

    "No, it''s quite interesting although there''s a lot that I don''t get."

    Quite interesting. This was not a lie.

    Kamito found things in this area quite refreshing because he had little contact with outside knowledge. Furthermore, Freya''s lecture was clear and easy to understand without requiring prerequisite knowledge.

    "Perhaps she specially made it easier to understand for your sake, Kamito."

    Saying that, ire halted in arge round hall.

    "...Is this ce the dining hall? As expected of the high-ssdies'' world. Quite luxurious."

    The hall contained many wooden chairs and tables. Girls were sitting there chatting amiably. The tables even had baskets filled with bread.

    "Kamito-sama, this is not a dining hall but a cafeteria."

    Carol informed.

    "What''s the difference?"

    "The dining hall is at another building, it''s a formal restaurant. This ce only provides all-you-can-eat refreshments such as baked bread and coffee."

    While taking a seat at a nearby table, ire exined.

    "All-you-can-eat?"

    Kamito was shocked... It was inconceivable that all this tasty looking bread was all-you-can-eat. Unbelievable.

    "This is an academy for the children of nobles after all. It''s perfectly natural."

    Rinslet also sat down next to Carol.

    "I like the bread here a lot. This bread here with the jam filling is very delicious."

    Saying that, ire tore a piece of bread in half and handed it to Kamito.

    "...This is good!"

    "I know right... Yumm?"

    "Yeah. I''ve never eaten any bread this good at the ce where I used to live."

    Kamito chewed his bread while speaking.

    "..."

    "...Hmm, what''s the matter?"

    It felt like the surrounding atmosphere had frozen.

    "Ah, yeah... G-Good point..."

    "M-M-Mere bread, I could make it every day for you."

    "Yes, spoken like a true marriage proposal, mdy."

    "Carol! Th-That''s not right!"

    Rinslet screamed, blushing intensely.

    Seeing the way Kamito''s group acted, girls sitting nearby began to whisper again.

    At this moment, abundant cheers could be hearding from outside the building.

    "What''s going on?"

    "Her Highness the Imperial Princess is getting ready for the gate opening ritual."

    "The imperial princess?"

    Kamito looked out the window.

    On a gentle hill side, a girl was performing a dance. She seemed familiar.

    It was the girl who gave him the cookie yesterday.

    "Fianna Ray Ordesia. Her Highness the Empire''s second princess."

    "...Her Highness the princess!?"

    Kamito recalled what he had done to the girl yesterday.

    Gruffly pushing her down in the corridor, he had intended to take her hostage.

    "Uh, will I be sentenced to death¡ª"

    "Normally speaking, yes. Oh well, but since it''s Fianna, don''t worry about it."

    "...R-Really?"

    Kamito muttered, not entirely convinced.

    "The ritual''s preparations seem to be going very smoothly."

    "What kind of preparations?"

    "Preparations for the Gate that the spirits will use for the Great Festival of the Spirits tomorrow."

    "...Great Festival of the Spirits?"

    Hearing the unfamiliar term, Kamito frowned.

    "A day where the entire Academy expresses gratitude to the spirits. Simply stated, it''s the school festival."

    "Because there''s the de Dance this year, it was rescheduled."

    "School festival..."

    For Kamito who grew up in the Instructional School, school festivals werepletely foreign as well. On the other hand, bloody celebratory events such as the Festival of the Death Dance and the Festival of Blood Sttering Battles did take ce.

    "Raven ss is preparing for a cafe imitation shop."

    "Well, although it''s slightly different from a normal cafe..."

    ire sighed. ¡ªAt this moment...

    "Kamito, so you are here!"

    At the hall''s entrance, a ponytailed girl was speaking.

    "...!"

    Hearing her, Kamito could not help but stand up from his chair.

    It was Ellis Fahrengart, the knight''s captain who intended to capture Kamito yesterday.

    Ellis approached the table where Kamito''s group was at.

    "...S-Sorry about yesterday."

    Unexpectedly, she bowed her head and apologized.

    "As the leader of the Sylphid Knights, I had no choice yesterday."

    "...Y-Yeah, I got it. I should be the one to say sorry."

    Kamito bowed his head as well.

    He was the one who escaped after all. She was simply fulfilling her duties.

    "Ellis, you came for breakfast too?"

    "No, I came to find Kamito."

    "...W-What for?"

    ire''s eyebrow rose in response.

    "Kamito, you are a member of the Sylphid Knights. You have to assist with security for the Great Festival of the Spirits."

    "Hold on, Kamito still hasn''t recovered his memory."

    "It cannot be helped. The Knights are shorthanded as well."

    "...~Th-That won''t do. Kamito must stay with me¡ª"

    "¡ªNo, I get it."

    Kamito interrupted.

    "...Kamito?"

    "I want to work as much as possible. Also, I owe her a favor for the trouble I caused yesterday."

    "I-I see!" "W-Wait up!"

    Ellis''s face rxed while ire grew frantic.

    "Well then, I shall borrow Kamito for now."

    Taking Kamito arm in arm, Ellis actively leaned against him.

    "H-Hey, your chest is touching me..."

    "...~I hate this, Kamito is such a jerk!"

    "Captain, that''s so unfair!"

    The two girls'' voices could be heard from behind.

    Part 4

    The Academy town was located at the foot of the mountain where Areishia Spirit Academy was located.

    At its gates, a pair of strangely dressed people were standing there.

    Gray overcoats covering the entire body. Hoods that covered their heads and facespletely.

    "¡ªThe Empire''s premier institution for nurturing elementalists. It''s been a long time since Ist visited."

    "Oh dear, how unexpected."

    "After all, we spend most of our time outside the Empire."

    The shorter of the pair answered and walked towards the entrance.

    "Hold on, Virrey, entering requires proper procedures."

    "What a pain. Also¡ª"

    "I''d like to test this Academy''s security level¡ª"

    "Name yourself, visitors¡ª"

    Suddenly, the space above the door distorted and a giant metal knight appeared.

    Made entirely of steel and d in armor, carrying a double-edged de as big as a log.

    This was the guardian spirit contracted to the Academy city.

    "Hmph, a knight spirit huh. Another straiced¡ª"

    The girl grumbled with annoyance.

    "Warning. Unauthorized persons are prohibited from entering¡ª"

    "Shut up."

    Instantly, numerous shes of light were released from under the gray overcoat.

    "Oh... Oh... Ohhhh, you... bastard..."

    Pierced with many holes all over, the knight spirit left final words of chagrin before vanishing.

    This all happened in an instant.

    "How could their level be so low? This makes it evident how capable these Sylphid Knights actually are."

    "Virrey,e on..."

    The other person sighed helplessly.

    "Do you think this will cause Kazehaya Kamito to appear?"

    "Who knows? He is listed under the Sylphid Knights, but whether he is on duty or not, no idea."

    "...Hmm, is there a need to cause an even greatermotion?"

    "Ah, h-hold on, stop it!"

    Ignoring herpanion''s efforts to stop her, the girl entered the Academy town.

    Part 5

    "H-Hey..."

    Dragged by the arm by Ellis, Kamito was walking through the Academy''s courtyard.

    Ellis was silent all along. Perhaps it was his imagination, but her face looked a little red.

    "K-Kamito..."

    Finally, she spoke up.

    "U-Umm, how is your memory? Have you recalled anything?"

    Kamito shook his head.

    "...Nothing. I''ve heard about recent events from ire but my memory still hasn''t recovered... Sorry."

    "I see. If there is anything you are unclear, please feel free to ask me. I will surely assist you."

    Her stern dark-brown eyes stared straight at him.

    Although it felt a little forceful sometimes, surely it ultimately stemmed from her righteous and honest personality, right?

    "Speaking of which..."

    Kamito suddenly recalled and asked:

    "I remember you calling yourself my fianc¨¦e. What do you mean by that?"

    "...~!"

    Ellis instantly went bright red in the face.

    "N-No! Th-That is a misunderstanding!"

    In a panic, she shook her head forcefully.

    "I-It was my grandfather who decided on his own, i-ignoring your opinion, sorry..."

    Her voice grew more and more quiet.

    "Ellis, your grandfather, could it be..."

    The Empire''s chief advisor on military affairs¡ªDuke Cygnus Fahrengart.

    A person whom Kamito had heard of despite his meager knowledge of the continent.

    "Hmm. After witnessing your de dancing at the de Dance festival, my grandfather decided to make you my fianc¨¦e. O-Of course, this does not sit too well with me..."

    "...I see."

    Ellis''s grandfather had apparently ignored her will and decided on the engagement. A decision based on swordsmanship without worrying about status or origins¡ªThis was quite in line with a military family''s style. But from Ellis''s perspective, it was probably difficult to ept lightly.

    If the im of an engagement were true, Kamito originally considered the possibility of taking responsibility or something like that.

    "Th-This sort of thing should respect both people''s wishes. So..."

    Ellis awkwardly twiddled with her fingers.

    "...I understand."

    "Huh?"

    "Let''s meet the Duke next time. I will try to convince your grandfather."

    "...Wha! R-Really!?"

    "Yeah. Once my memory recovers, I''ll do my best not to give you any trouble."

    "K-Kamito..."

    Ellis''s eyes turned moist and her face went red.

    "Ah, ooh... E-Entrusted to you... Eternally."

    (...Eh?)

    Was there some sort of great misunderstanding on his part¡ª

    Instantly, this disturbing notion shed across his mind¡ª

    At this moment, two girls in armor hurried over.

    "Oh, it''s the captain¡ª"

    "Oh dear, are you on a date with Kazehaya Kamito?"

    "N-No, you fools!"

    Ellis frantically released Kamito''s arm and distanced herself.

    Then her gaze fell upon their hands.

    Both girls had released their elemental waffen.

    "...Hmm, has something happened?"

    "Just now, the guardian spirit at the Academy town''s main entrance stopped reacting."

    "Guardian spirit?"

    "Although it''s possible that the spirit returned temporarily to Astral Zero because the contract became unstable due to the approaching Great Festival of the Spirits. But just to be safe, it''s better to check out the situation."

    "I see. Perhaps the contract medium has been damaged. Investigate thoroughly."

    "Orders received!"

    The two girls nodded slightly and ran again.

    ¡ªSuddenly, the short-haired girl stopped and turned towards Ellis.

    "Oh, captain. What was mentioned previously is already prepared in the wardrobe at headquarters."

    "I-Is that so? Got it."

    Cough cough, Ellis coughed and nodded.

    "...Those two just now are Rakka and Reishia, my friends."

    "You''re quite respected, Ellis."

    "...H-Hmph, okay, let us be on our way."

    Grabbing Kamito''s arm again, Ellis set off again.

    Part 6

    The Sylphid Knights'' headquarters was an ancient building modified from an old church.

    Kamito opened the entrance''s heavy iron door to see a vast sky-blue ceiling with many conference tables beneath. This was a boring ce that prioritized practicality.

    "No one''s here?"

    "It''s the day before the Great Festival of the Spirits after all. Everybody is out on duty."

    Ellis exined while walking into the church.

    "Not enough manpower?"

    "It is already much better. Thanks to you."

    "...Me?"

    "Yes. You defeated my adopted elder sister in the schoolpetition, led Team Scarlet to emerge victorious at the de Dance, thereby increasing the number of volunteers joining the Knights. Of course, no matter how shorthanded we are, we cannot ept everyone without scrutiny."

    Saying that, Ellis stopped before a wardrobe by the wall and opened the lock.

    "This is your equipment."

    Ellis handed over the same kind of sword belt and sword she was wearing at her waist.

    "Perhaps this might be a little redundant for those who are capable of using elemental waffen, but it is equivalent to a symbol proving membership in the Knights. Made of mithril after all, it is capable of fighting spirits once you inject divine power into it."

    Kamito took the sword and swung it lightly.

    "Uh, can I go without stuff like armor?"

    "Regrettably, there are no male versions. If there is a need, it could be custom made."

    "...No, I don''t have any need for it."

    "I see."

    Nodding, Ellis reached towards Kamito''s chest.

    "Okay, here is the Knight''s crest."

    She pinned a crest, shining with golden luster.

    "...Suits you great, Kamito."

    The crest seemed to be infused with some kind of magic. Kamito could feel a slight amount of divine power from it.

    "B-By the way, I have a favor to ask of you..."

    "A favor?"

    "H-Hmmm... I would like your help in taking a look at the ornamental armor I will be wearing at the Great Festival of the Spirits."

    Ellis coughed and spoke.

    "Ornamental, so it''s different from your current equipment?"

    "Yes. After all, it is the Great Festival of the Spirits, held only once a year. As customarily in past years, the captain has to wear special attire."

    "...I see. I understand that part, but why ask me?"

    "W-Well, uh..."

    Ellis''s face went bright red instantly.

    But soon, she red at Kamito¡ª

    "Captain''s orders. A-Any objections?"

    "A-Affirmative..."

    Feeling signs that she was about to draw her sword, Kamito frantically nodded.

    "Okay. Then wait here a moment."

    Saying that, Ellis turned her heels and went through a small door deeper inside.

    (...What''s going on?)

    He could hear the friction of clothing from inside the room.

    Then after waiting like this for a while¡ª

    "Ah, ooh... W-What, is this...!?"

    Suddenly, he heard a scream from inside.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "Ah, ooh... Uh... This is too embarrassing..."

    "...Embarrassing?"

    Did she mean the ornamental armor she was wearing?

    Just as questions surfaced in Kamito''s mind¡ª

    Ellis timidly opened the room''s door.

    "...!"

    Ellis''s current getup forced Kamito to hold his breath.

    "...Ah... Oohhhh..."

    Hiding behind the door in the shadows, Ellis was rubbing her smooth thighs together.

    Clear whiteplexion. Covering her lower body, the armor was no different from underwear. Her massive bust was covered by nothing more than a breastte consisting of a small piece of metal.

    Although it was ritual attire, in terms of armor, this design was excessively impractical.

    "T-To think that such shameless armor existed... D-Does this not make me an exhibitionist..."

    Blushing to her ears, Ellis ced her arms over her breasts that looked like they were about to pop out.

    "You didn''t pick it yourself?"

    "A-Assuredly not! I-I was deceived by Rakka and Reishia!"

    Shouting, Ellis swung her sword.

    "Uwah!"

    Seeing that, Kamito turned and evaded¡ª

    Losing bnce and falling forwards, Ellis pounced on him.

    Boing.

    "...Mmmmmmmph!"

    Pinned down by therge and soft bosom, Kamito was about to suffocate.

    "K-Kamito!? S-Sorry..."

    Ellis frantically tried to get up, but could not stand steadily, apparently unustomed to the armor.

    Boing. Boing boing.

    "Ah... Ooh? K-Kamito... Where are you touching... Ah?"

    Tears welled up in her dark-brown eyes as Ellis moaned in suffering.

    "...H-Hey...!"

    Kamito''s face began to burn hot.

    (W-What is this feeling...!?)

    Confronted with the sight of Ellis''s unsuited apparel, his heart was pounding hard.

    "K-Kamito..."

    Ellis looked at Kamito with a serious expression.

    "...N-No way, your heart is racing?"

    Ellis touched the location of Kamito''s heart with her fingers.

    ...The heart''s intense beating apparently transmitted to her.

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Kamito answered honestly.

    "Seeing me dressed in such an unsightly manner, y-you''re getting excited?"

    "Uh, no, umm..."

    Seeing Kamito shake his head frantically¡ª

    "I am not reprimanding you. Rather, I feel relieved."

    Ellis showed a gentle gaze and smiled.

    "...Huh?"

    "Because you still retain your emotions even after losing your memory."

    Kamito realized with surprise.

    (...That really is true.)

    After being abducted by the Instructional School, Kamito''s memory and heart had been thoroughly destroyed.

    He was educated that emotions were useless.

    Then why was he feeling the turbulence of emotions now¡ª?

    Throb, throb, throb¡ª

    (...Guh... My head...)

    "Kamito, a-are you okay?"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Just as he held his temples and stood up...

    An explosion was heard from outside the church.

    "...What!?"

    Part 7

    Ellis kicked the church''s door open.

    "¡ªWhere?"

    As soon as she spoke, the air shook.

    The trees of the Spirit Forest extending out from the school building''s surroundings were being uprooted together with a great amount of soil and dirt.

    Appearing amidst the swirling dust storm was a giant all covered in rock.

    "...That''s an earth spirit?"

    "It''s Rakka''s Cabracan¡ª"

    Rakka. Kamito recalled it was the girl from the Knights he had met just earlier.

    "What''s going on? Who is that spirit fighting?"

    "No idea. However, it should not be a conflict between students. Duels on campus are prohibited by the school rules."

    Ellis spoke in an urgent voice.

    "Stand by here."

    "...? I''ll go too."

    "It is dangerous. Right now, you are incapable of using your elemental waffe, right?"

    "I have a sword. Plus I''m also a member of the Knights, right?"

    Kamito tapped the sword at his waist.

    In that instant, the giant roared.

    An impact shook the atmosphere and the giant''s rock-covered body was shattered.

    "...Impossible, Rakka''s Cabracan was!?"

    Ellis eximed in shock. Kamito stared wide-eyed.

    Earth spirits were particrly durable, to be crushed so easily¡ª

    (...Who on earth?)

    Ellis still looked hesitant¡ª

    "...I understand. Please assist me."

    But finally, she still nodded. Holding Kamito''s hand...

    "O wind, grant me protection¡ªFly!"

    Chanting an incantation of spirit magic, a howling whirlwind began to blow.

    Ellis kicked the ground lightly and the two of them flew high into the air.

    "Uwah!"

    "Hold on tight. Do not fall down."

    She kicked a wall of air to elerate. The two of them flew straight towards the Spirit Forest.

    Arriving above the forest, she stopped nimbly andnded in one flowing motion.

    "...C-Captain..."

    Copsed on the ground, Rakka could not help but moan.

    "Rakka, what on earth happened...!?"

    They were surrounded by fallen trees, probably the aftermath of the rock spirit''s destruction.

    "That bastard. That bastard did this to... me and Reishia..."

    "...!?"

    Rakka''s gaze was directed to another copsed girl in front.

    "Reishia..."

    Ellis could not help but cry out.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Oh my oh my, to think that it would be this poor. The power of the Sylphid Knights guarding the Academy."

    Thud¡ªThe sound of a boot striking the ground.

    "...!?"

    A petite hooded figurended next to Reishia.

    "...Who goes there!?"

    Ellis yelled acutely.

    "Trespassers in the Academy will be punished ordingly."

    "Heh, who are the ones who watched helplessly as a third-rate character like Jio Inzagi invaded?"

    "...How did you know¡ª"

    "Also¡ª"

    The hooded figure red coldly at Ellis.

    "What''s with that getup? Have the Knights started wearing such shameless armor recently?"

    "Ugh... Th-This is a misunderstanding!"

    Blushing to her ears, Ellis pressed her legs together.

    "I-In any case, I will make you regret hurting mypanions¡ªCome, Simorgh!"

    With a yell, Ellis summoned her elemental waffe, a spear, readying herself for battle.

    "Kamito, I will arrest the intruder. I will count on you to cover me."

    "¡ªUnderstood."

    Kamito drew the sword at his waist and took a leap opposite to Ellis.

    (...Although it''s not a dagger like I''m used to, whatever¡ª)

    While running rapidly in a wide arc, he infused divine power into the de.

    With an eruption of blue-white lightning, the de glowed faintly.

    "Haaaah¡ª"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk horizontally.

    An invisible de flew out, instantly slicing through the forest''s trees.

    "I see, a powerful elemental waffe. However¡ª"

    The attacker kicked a fallen tree into the air to locate the wind de and evaded.

    "Wha¡ª!"

    The gray overcoat fluttered.

    She instantlynded in front of Ellis and released a power knee strike without any dy.

    Ellis blocked the attack with her spear''s shaft but losing bnce severely, she slipped.

    Seizing this opening, the attacker made an overarm stroke at her throat.

    "That''s not gonna happen!"

    With explosive leg strength, Kamito jumped. Closing in instantly, he swung his sword.

    ¡ªHowever, his actions were read. The enemy retreated nimbly and evaded the sh, then took a backstep to create distance and faced off against Kamito.

    "Able to close in on such a distance in an instant, not too shabby at all¡ª"

    (...Evaded!?)

    Kamito mentally clicked his tongue.

    Even the Empire''s top spirit knights should not be able to see through his motions.

    Although this was partially due to his not being in peak condition, still...

    "¡ªKamito, dodge!"

    Ellis cried out from behind. Kamito instantly jumped sideways.

    A giant wind storm gouged the ground as the impact advanced.

    This massive attack was probably going to be dodged. However, the enemy only had limited space to do so¡ª

    "Do not underestimate the Sylphid Knights!"

    Ellis opened her hand. Instantly, the wind storm exploded.

    The attacker was blown away by the astounding gale and rolled on the ground.

    Ellis instantly closed in and mercilessly attacked her opponent with a thrust.

    Her attack brushed the edge of the hood.

    A lock of severed ck hair scattered in the wind.

    "¡ªAs expected of the captain. Looks like you''re different from the rest."

    The attacker praised. Kamito also secretly counted his good fortune.

    Evidently, Ellis had not gone all out when trying to catch Kamito yesterday.

    Ellis''s de dancing skills were far beyond a typical student''s level.

    (But¡ª)

    Kamito''s gaze turned back to the hooded attacker.

    The opponent was still confident and had effort to spare. This was proven by the fact that no weapon had been drawn yet.

    (...The level of the Instructional School''s high rankers? No, even superior to that¡ª?)

    "Okay, just surrender obediently¡ª"

    Pulling her spear from the ground, Ellis readied it in a renewed stance.

    "¡ªLike I said, you''re too inexperienced!"

    The attacker swiftly turned, catching Ellis by the ankle and flooring her.

    "¡ªEllis!"

    Kamito turned his sword to a reverse grip and leaped, kicking the ground.

    (Assassination technique¡ªSnakes and Scorpions!)

    Keeping a low stance, he zoomed across the ground, aiming at the enemy''s feet.

    The opponent jumped straight up to evade and his de pierced the ground.

    However, that first strike was bait. The key was¡ª

    (Assassination technique¡ªFlying Snake!)

    Swinging the de, embedded in the ground, upwards all at once, he unleashed a sh with godly speed.

    The sh traced out a vertical line, severing the hood and the overcoat in one cut.

    "...What!?"

    The overcoat covering the attacker''s entire body fluttered to the ground.

    Revealed was a young girl with a cute face, dressed in a magnificent battle outfit.

    Her hair, cut short like a boy''s, silently scattered.

    Her eyes of amethyst, glinting brightly, red sharply at Kamito.

    "The unorthodox sword huh. How unsightly, Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Instantly, Kamito found himself being pointed at by a weapon.

    An unadorned weapon crafted from ck iron.

    (No way¡ª)

    Kamito had witnessed identical objects at the Instructional School.

    Manufactured in the factories of the Kingdom of Balstan, this was the pinnacle of spirit engineering.

    This was a destructive weapon that shot out spirit crystals at high speed through a reaction between pyromatter and divine power.

    A handgun.

    (¡ªAn Artificer huh!?)

    An elementalist who used artifacts to fight instead of contracted spirits.

    The muzzle shed. Kamito hastily dodged¡ª

    However, upon striking the ground, the spirit crystal shattered. Howling, cold wind surrounded Kamito.

    (...An ice spirit bullet!)

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis yelled. However, Kamito''s figure was being covered entirely by the blizzard¡ª

    "...It''s my win, Demon King Kamito!"[2]

    The girl reloaded her gun.

    This time, she loaded a bullet that was meant to defeat the enemy instead of merely immobilizing them.

    However¡ª

    "...What?"

    The girl frowned in surprise.

    Amidst the howling blizzard, an explosive sh of light appeared.

    "...A-Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito''s right hand''s crest of the sword and moon was glowing.

    "Stop it, Kamito! Dangerous¡ª!"

    Ellis''s voice was heard beyond the blizzard.

    (...I know, but... I can''t control it...!)

    This was not Kamito''s own will.

    In response to Kamito''s crisis, a reverse flow of divine power was pouring back into him.

    The massive divine power was expanding instantly within Kamito''s body.

    Then¡ª

    The rampant divine power erupted from his swinging right hand.

    Part 8

    "Kamito... Kamito, are you okay...!?"

    "Ugh... Gah..."

    Feeling someone shaking his shoulder, Kamito slowly opened his eyes.

    Only to see Ellis''s greatly worried face.

    "...That girl?"

    "After the Knights arrived, she fled... But she''s likely still within the Academy."

    "I see..."

    Enduring the pain all over his body, Kamito pushed himself up.

    Intense signs of burning were left on his right hand at the location of the spirit seal.

    Trantor''s References and Notes

    1. ¡ü The Japanesenguage has many pronouns for different contexts. Compared to using boku, ore would be more informal or manly depending on context.

    2. ¡ü Note: the attacker uses the boku first person pronoun despite being a girl.

 Volume 12, 6 - Numbers

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 6 - Numbers</h4>

    Part 1

    Meanwhile, in an empty ssroom in the secondary block separate from the school building...

    Having eaten breakfast, ire and the others were preparing for the Great Festival of the Spirits.

    "Jeez, Kamito is clearly my contracted spirit..."

    "The captain is so sly!"

    Dressed in their cafe uniforms, ire and Rinslet were pouting.

    They were dressed simr to maids while wearing decorated headbands. The decorations came with cute animal ears and were very popr with the spirits, known for their love of beautiful girls.

    As a side note, ire had cat ears while Rinslet''s were those of a fox.

    "Aha, you two are jealous."

    Carol wiped the table while smiling.

    "N-No way!" "Of course not!"

    Hearing that, the two girls blushed intensely and frantically denied.

    "Putting that aside, who knows if we''ll be able to handle the customers properly tomorrow. Due to participating in the de Dance, we didn''t even have time to practice much. I''m a bit worried."

    "Don''t offend the visiting nobles and spirits."

    "I know that..."

    Tomorrow, not only nobles but also many aristocratic spirits from Astral Zero were going to be visiting. Since high-ranking spirits wielded massive influence over the human realm, they definitely could not be treated lightly.

    "Oh well, it would be bad to be overly self-aware and cause stiff expressions. I am cute enough as things stand already, so all I need to do next is practice smiling a little¡ªOuch."

    Suddenly, Rinslet frowned.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "The seal..."

    "...!"

    The rose seal branded on her left hand was shing intensely.

    "It must be that esteemed one."

    "That esteemed one, could it be...!"

    ire instantly became nervous and looked at the surrounding students.

    "Uh, Rinslet is feeling a little unwell, I''m going to apany her to the infirmary to get some rest."

    Then, grabbing Rinslet''s left hand to hide it, she exited the ssroom.

    "ire-sama, just allow me to apany her instead."

    Carol tried to help but Rinslet stopped her.

    "I have important matters to discuss with ire. Stay here, Carol."

    "...Understood."

    Carol bowed reverently. Useless as a maid usually, it was a great help that she instantly understood Rinslet''s intentions during times like these.

    ire and Rinslet walked through the corridor to reach a first-floor ssroom that was being used for storage.

    "...There''s no one listening here."

    Confirming no presences around, not even spirits, ire whispered.

    The dim ssroom was illuminated by the seal''s dazzling light.

    "...Fenrir!"

    Rinslet called out the name of the demon ice spirit.

    Instantly, arge magic circle appeared in midair, summoning the white direwolf.

    Fenrir sat down on the dusty floor, supporting itself on its front limbs and opened it giant jaws¡ª

    "¡ªExcuse the suddenness of thismunication, princess maiden Ice Demon."

    A calm voice came out.

    "Y-Your dog can speak!?"

    "A direwolf not a dog, okay!?"

    Rinslet corrected rigorously.

    "Ahhh, the Elstein princess maiden is present too. Perfect."

    The person on the other side spoke using Fenrir.

    ire took a deep and sudden breath¡ª

    "Could it be... Iseria-sama?"

    "Yes. Only through this demon ice spirit, I am able to make an appearance."

    The wolf''s head nodded once.

    ire and Rinslet frantically knelt down on the spot. Even when appearing in the form of an adorable wolf, she was still an Elemental Lord''s avatar. The highest level of respect must be expressed.

    Still in Fenrir''s form, the Elemental Lord coughed lightly.

    "My apologies. I originally intended to enter in a dialogue earlier but stabilizing my main body has already consumed all of my strength. Simply opening the Gate took a great deal of effort."

    Listening to the elemental lord, ire and Rinslet looked at each other.

    "...Speaking of which, are the Elemental Lords still in a state of insanity?"

    ire asked gingerly.

    They had undertaken the Elemental Lord liberation n during the audience.

    Was the darkness spirit girl''s sacrifice in vain¡ª?

    "I remember it was mentioned that the Fire Elemental Lord''s madness was supposed to subside somewhat."

    Rinslet also spoke up.

    "Volcanicus has stabilized now. The Demon King''s sacred sword did indeed seed in liberating the Elemental Lord''s consciousness from being swallowed by the darkness. Vanishing from the True Sanctuary, it was most likely reborn in an amnesiac state somewhere, presumably in the same manner as I was sealed underground in the abandoned city¡ª"

    "Sessfully liberated, I see."

    "Yes. But the Otherworldly Darkness''s corruption continues. This is temporary respite at best. In the near and foreseeable future, it will most likely exceed the level where I can suppress it on my own."

    "No way...!"

    "At least, if Alexandros and the liberated Volcanicus return, taking back the initiative should be possible, maybe."

    Still in Fenrir''s form, the elemental lord shook her head powerlessly.

    "...The Holy Lord?"

    ire and Rinslet frowned at the same time.

    Back then, Kamito was only supposed to have freed the Fire Elemental Lord.

    "...The empty seat."

    "Huh?"

    "Three years ago, even before I was liberated, the Holy Lord''s seat was already empty. As for when the absence started and where the Holy Lord had vanished to, I have no idea at all."

    (...Liberated by someone else apart from Kamito?)

    ire tilted her head and wondered in her mind.

    ¡ªThe Holy Lord''s unexined disappearance.

    There was an inexplicable sense of foreboding. As much as it was merely instinct, it was ire''s instinct after all, and ire''s potential as a princess maiden even exceeded her elder sister''s. It could not be ignored.

    (That said, it''s useless no matter how much I tried to ponder this...)

    ire shook her head and asked the first question she should have raised.

    "Excuse me, Iseria-sama, do you know anything about the situation of Kamito''s darkness spirit?"

    "Darkness spirit¡ªYou are referring to Restia Ashdoll, aren''t you?"

    The elemental lord whispered through the direwolf. As though choosing her words, the wolf cautiously spoke:

    "The disappearance of that youth''s spirit seal implies what has happened. Originally nothing more than the tool for realizing Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll''s will, she must have obtained a humanized heart through her interactions with that youth. In exchange for her own life, she saved the world. Rather, whom she saved was the youth, but in doing so, the world was saved as a bonus."

    "I... see..."

    The elemental lord''s message was positive but merciless at the same time.

    The darkness spirit was gone from this world. So long as reality was not rewritten¡ª

    Then even if Kamito recovered his memory, he would plunge into despair once more.

    (...When the timees, his mind and soul will surely copse.)

    Perhaps in consideration for Kamito, staying in his amnesiac state might be better¡ª

    ire wondered.

    "The Knights of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia are also searching for the whereabouts of the missing darkness spirit."

    "Luminaris?"

    During the final round of the de Dance, the Sacred Spirit Knights intended to exterminate the darkness spirit for some unknown reason. Their actions were almost as though they regarded the team''s victory as irrelevant¡ª

    (...After the de Dance ended, they were still looking for the darkness spirit?)

    ¡ªWhat on earth for?

    "Ignoring the Divine Ritual Institute''s warnings, they persisted in staying on Ragna Ys. Only after repeated warnings did they finally give up on the search and made their return."

    "Why do they know that Kamito lost his darkness spirit?"

    "The Holy Kingdom of Lugia seems to be suspicious too..."

    ire spoke with her chin resting against her hand. At this moment¡ª

    "Speaking of which, how is the youth''s condition now?"

    Iseria asked.

    "Kamito, uh¡ª"

    ire exined about Kamito''s amnesia due to losing the darkness spirit as well as Est being sealed underground at the Academy at the same time.

    Hearing this, Iseria¡ª

    "So this caused him to endure something harsh..."

    The wolf''s face distorted in suffering and murmured:

    "The sacred sword being sealed, in other words, the Burial Chamber has manifested in the human realm."

    "Burial chamber?"

    Hearing the unfamiliar term, ire and Rinslet cocked their heads in puzzlement.

    "The Demon King''s Burial Chamber¡ªA special dimension conferred to those eligible Demon King candidates. In it are the seventy-two spirits under the Demon King''smand and all his possessions."

    "...Why would that kind of thing be at the Academy?"

    Rinslet asked.

    "The Burial Chamber manifests itself at the Demon King''s base of operations. In other words, that youth subconsciously regards the Areishia Spirit Academy, where you are present, as his ce of shelter that he is supposed to protect."

    "...So it''s like that."

    The corners of ire''s lips rxed somewhat. But in the next instant, she reacted strongly.

    "The headmistress said that an investigation team assembled from the Knights will be arranged soon!"

    The seventy-two spirits serving the Demon King. If that were to be discovered, the fact of Kamito being the Demon King''s sessor would be revealed to the world.

    If that came to pass, even the headmistress would no longer be able to protect Kamito.

    Things were still fine as a male elementalist.

    But being the Demon King''s sessor was an entirely different matter.

    "Don''t worry. The only one capable of discovering the Burial Chamber is none other than the Demon King himself. Other humans definitely cannot open it nor find it. However¡ª"

    At this moment, the elemental lord seemed a bit lost.

    "Retrieving the Demon yer once more would imply that the lid over his memories must be lifted¡ª"

    Saying that, the direwolf suddenly stared off into space.

    It froze like that, as though time had stopped.

    "...Iseria-sama?"

    "...Otherworldly Darkness... Active again... I must go, back..."

    "A-Are things okay?"

    "I can still... do my best... to suppress..."

    Fenrir''s eyes gradually lost brightness.

    Then¡ª

    "..."

    Fenrir remained seated in front of the two girls.

    "...Iseria-sama?"

    "Woof!"

    ...Fenrir barked.

    It looked like the elemental lord had stopped possessing it.

    "...Iseria-sama was pushing herself in order tomunicate."

    Fenriry down on the floor, looking exhausted.

    Rinslet snapped her fingers. The white wolf instantly returned to Astral Zero.

    "...The Demon King''s Burial Chamber. Something troublesome has arrived as well."

    ire sighed.

    Kamito himself had lost his memory, yet the Demon King''s destiny still clung relentlessly to him¡ª

    "Hey, you two over there¡ª"

    Suddenly, a voice was heard inside the empty ssroom.

    "...!?"

    The two girl frantically looked back.

    Outside the window, a person was standing, covered all over by a gray overcoat.

    ...Evidently not one of the Academy''s students. Obviously someone suspicious.

    Furthermore, this person''s presence was hidden even to first-rate elementalists like these two here. Clearly no ordinary aplishment.

    (No way, our conversation with the Elemental Lord was overheard!?)

    ire released metongue and questioned acutely:

    "You, who are you!?"

    Hearing her, the person simply put down her hood.

    Long ck hair fell down and scattered. Beneath the overcoat were vestments of the highest rank.

    "Mypanion went off somewhere on her own, so I''m totally lost."

    "Eh?"

    ire had seen this bespectacled face before.

    "Y-You are¡ª!"

    "Could you please take me to the headmistress'' office, littledy of the Elstein family?"

    Part 2

    "¡ªOver here, Kamito."

    After handing the two injured girls to theirpanions, the other knights, Kamito and Ellis hurried swiftly to the headmistress'' office.

    The Sylphid Knights dered a state of emergency. Although the attacker''s goal was unknown, Ellis decided that the headmistress'' safety came first.

    "Quickly. The intruder could very well be aiming for the headmistress'' life¡ª"

    "Isn''t the Empire''s Dusk Witch the strongest spirit knight?"

    Seeing Ellis in a panic, Kamito raised a question. Indeed, the Artificer earlier was an aplished expert, but it was hard to imagine the Dusk Witch could be killed by someone like that.

    (In actual fact, even the Instructional School did not dare make a move on the Dusk Witch.)

    Normally, elementalists would gradually lose the power of the spirit contracts as they aged. However, it was said that the Dusk Witch ignored that absolute rule and still possessed overwhelming power to this day.

    However, Ellis disyed a pained expression¡ª

    "This is something that only a small number of people know, but currently, the headmistress has already lost the power of the spirit contract."

    "...Huh?"

    In front of the office, Ellis stopped.

    "Headmistress, are you safe!?"

    She opened the door, almost as though kicking it open, only to see¡ª

    "...Hmm, you''re quite early."

    Sitting before her desk, Greyworth spoke calmly.

    "...Thank goodness. You are safe¡ª"

    Ellis had just breathed a sigh of relief when...

    "...!?"

    In the next instant, her dark-brown eyes opened wide.

    "Wha¡ªY-You!?"

    There was already a visitor at the headmistress'' office.

    A petite young beauty dressed in ck leatherbat attire.

    Boyish short ck hair. Eyes of amethyst, glinting like sharp knives.

    In the leather holster around her exposed thigh was a ck iron gun.

    ¡ªUnmistakable. This was the attacker whom Kamito and Ellis had just fought.

    "Damn it, get away from the headmistress!"

    Making a warning, Ellis prepared to summon her spirit but¡ª

    "Hold on¡ª"

    The one who stopped her was Greyworth despite her apparent impending crisis.

    "H-Headmistress, may I ask why? That person is¡ª"

    Ellis asked in puzzlement. However, Greyworth remainedposed:

    "...Well, calm down. By the way, what''s with that shameless getup?"

    Eyes half-narrowed, she stared at Ellis''s greatly exposed skin.

    "Howmentable. In the position of upholding the Academy''s morals and discipline, to think you''d dress up in this manner. I understand your wish to seduce thed, but please do pay more attention."

    "...Th-This is... N-No, this is..."

    Ellis instantly blushed to her ears and hid behind Kamito''s back.

    Kamito sighed and looked at the beauty in thebat outfit.

    "...What''s going on? Why is the intruder here?"

    "Oh, you''ve already fought?"

    Hearing that, Greyworth smiled wryly, quite amused.

    "She is Virrey Branford. Ninth of the Numbers in the Imperial Knights."

    " "¡ªNumbers!?" "

    Ellis eximed in shock. Kamito could not help but be taken aback as well.

    There was probably no one on the continent who did not know this term.

    The Ordesia Empire''s renowned, elite knights, twelve in number.

    The witch seated before them used to be ranked first among them.

    "Ninth... Could it be the Umbra''s¡ª"

    Ellis''s throat was shaking.

    "Umbra?"

    "It''s the Empire''s intelligence agency."

    Greyworth exined.

    "The Numbers being spirit knights who roam the battlefields is already a thing of the past. Right now, their duties are a lot different. Dame Virrey Branford is a special operative knight belonging to the Umbra."

    "...Special operative knight. Ellis, you didn''t notice?"

    "It could not be helped. I have never seen Dame Virrey''s face either."

    "After all, special operative knights seldom appear before others. Not knowing her is only expected."

    Greyworth shrugged. However, Kamito still had a question.

    (But as one of the Empire''s Numbers¡ª)

    "Fifteen."

    "Huh?"

    "My age is fifteen. You''re thinking that I''m too young, right?"

    Saying that, the Umbra''s special operative knight red at Kamito with displeasure.

    ...In actual fact, that made her seem especially childish.

    "You''re already one of the Numbers at age fifteen?"

    "The Numbers don''t have age limits. I was only sixteen when I first joined their ranks."

    Greyworth interjected.

    "Like the de Dance this time, I am actually qualified to take part. However, I withdrew because group battles do not fit my personality."

    Ellis changed the direction of her gaze and red at Virrey with displeasure.

    "Dame Virrey. As a member of the Numbers, why did you attack the Academy''s knights?"

    Hearing that, Virrey looked at Kamito.

    "Think about it. Kazehaya Kamito''s abilities."

    "My abilities?"

    "Yeah. The male elementalist who defeated that Strongest de Dancer Ren Ashbell¡ªI was thinking how powerful he''d be, but ended up so disappointed. To think you can''t even control your contracted spirit well."

    "Kamito is far from his normal level right now. If he went all out¡ª"

    Displeased, Ellis intended to rebutt but Kamito stopped her.

    "Then what is the Numbers'' Umbra doing here?"

    This question caused Virrey to shrug.

    "I''m serving as the bodyguard for another member of the Numbers. It looks like she got herself lost somewhere in the Academy. Jeez, where did she go¡ª?"

    "I don''t think it''s quite appropriate for a bodyguard to leave the one you''re protecting and go off to y."

    "I never thought she''d be so directionally impaired."

    "Well, it should be fine inside the Academy. As long as there''s protection from the Knights on campus."

    "The Knights are currently tracking down the unidentified assant and are probably too tied up to do so."

    Ellis spoke sarcastically.

    "By the way, why would a member of the Numbers need a bodyguard?"

    Kamito asked in surprise.

    "Just as Dame Greyworth said just now, even among the Numbers, not all of them are knights skilled in martial arts. Especially considering her spirit, which is the type which cannot fight at all."

    ¡ªJust at this moment, there came a knocking at the office''s door.

    Everyone turned towards the door.

    "Headmistress, I''ve brought you a visitor."

    Kamito instantly noticed.

    (...This voice, it''s ire''s?)

    "Come in."

    "Excuse me¡ªOh, Kamito." "Well I never, it''s Kamito-san!"

    Pushing the door and entering was ire as expected. Rinslet was with her as well.

    "W-What''s with that getup¡ª"

    Kamito was the first to be surprised by the two girls'' appearances.

    ire and Rinslet were dressed in cute maid outfits for some reason.

    Proper maid uniforms in ck and white. On their heads were decorations of cat ears and fox ears respectively... Frankly speaking, they looked very cute.

    Kamito watched in mesmerization for a few seconds¡ª

    "Kamito-kun, it''s been a while."

    Presently, another figure appeared from behind ire.

    A sses-wearing woman with a calming atmosphere. Aged roughly twenty or so, she was dressed in pure white vestments resembling a robe.

    "...Dame Lurie."

    Ellis spoke. However, Kamito did not recognize the name.

    "Nice to meet you, although that''s not actually urate. The way you are currently, you probably don''t remember."

    "I''m sorry..."

    Kamito apologized to her.

    "You''rete, Dame Lurie. Lost again?"

    Virrey shrugged while speaking.

    "Virrey, how are you treating the one you''re supposed to be guarding?"

    Pressing on her temple, Lurie walked over to stand by Virrey''s side.

    ire swiftly leaned against Kamito and whispered in his ear.

    "That''s the eighth of the Numbers¡ªLurie Lizaldia."

    "Numbers..."

    "The Empire''s top healer. She''s called ''Lurie the Miraculous''."

    This time, it was Rinslet who whispered to add an exnation.

    "No need to be nervous, Kamito-kun. I was called here to treat you."

    "Treat me?"

    "Yes. I applied to the imperial capital for a healer with outstanding skills, so she came."

    Greyworth spoke up.

    "Since I wasing anyway, I might as well deal with Kamito-kun''s matter while I''m here. I only came to visit the Great Festival of the Spirits."

    "Hmph, just treat it as something like that. But thed is mine, Dame Lurie."

    "I know. Kamito-kun is quite loved by Greyworth-sama."

    Lurie walked up to Kamito and gently put her hand on his forehead.

    "...?"

    Kamito was puzzled. Next, she closed her eyes and softly chanted spirit magic.

    "¡ªO light of healing. Illuminate this person''s darkness."

    Instantly, a bright light appeared on her fingertips. A light giving off a warm and gentle impression.

    (...This light, what is it...)

    Kamito felt his strength escaping from all over his body.

    Amidst pleasant, light slumber, his consciousness kept sinking.

    "Yes. Just let your strength drain and rx¡ª"

    Lurie''s whispers were heard by his ear. Kamito did as told, closed his eyes and nodded silently.

    "What do you see?"

    "No, nothing at all..."

    "...I see. Then what do you hear?"

    "Nothing at¡ª"

    Just as he was about to reply in the negative...

    ¡ªKamito, hey, Kamito.

    (...?)

    A voice in his mind suddenly called out for his name.

    (...This... voice is...?)

    Not Lurie''s. It was a voice that Kamito did not recognize.

    (...No wait. I recognize this voice.)

    It felt very soothing. A very very nostalgic voice.

    ¡ªKamito, I offer everything to you.

    ¡ªMy heart, my power, my destiny.

    Fragmentary images surfaced in his mind.

    Beautiful ck wings. Gorgeous ck hair fluttering in the wind.

    Dating back to his childhood, the touch of slender fingers that always caressed his head gently.

    (You... who exactly are you...?)

    ¡ªTherefore, I hope. You can... me.

    The lips of the girl, whose face he could not see, touched him gently.

    Instantly, the light shattered.

    "...!?" "Kyah!"

    Kamito and Lurie were blown away, each crashing into opposite walls in the office.

    "Kamito, are you okay?" "Kamito-san!" "Kamito!"

    ire and the girls hurried over.

    "Dame Lurie, are you hurt?"

    Virrey helped Lurie up and swiftly pointed her gun at Kamito.

    "What did you do to Dame Lurie?"

    "N-Nothing at... guh..."

    While holding his painfully throbbing head, Kamito groaned.

    "Virrey, that was not Kamito-kun''s fault just now."

    Lurie slowly shook her head.

    "Looks like Kamito-kun''s heart has been locked up."

    "Locked...?"

    "Yes. This is not memory loss simply due to a psychological blow. If that were the case, the hole in his memory would be far too clean."

    ...This a clue. The hole in his memory was too clean, Kamito felt that personally.

    Rather than recalling nothing about himself, it seemed as though memories rted to something specific were dug out¡ª

    "This is sealing magic cast on Kamito-kun by someone. High-level darkness magic thatpletely seals away all memories rted to the one who cast the spell."

    "...Hmm, simr to hypnotic suggestion?"

    Greyworth pushed her sses while asking.

    "Yes. In that case, it looks like it will take some time."

    "That magic can be lifted given enough time?"

    "It''s worth a try. However, this magic is rooted deep in Kamito-kun''s psyche. Forcibly making a move on it could very well end up destroying Kamito-kun''s mind¡ª"

    "No way!"

    ire screamed mournfully. Lurie shrugged.

    "Oh well, just do our best. After all, this is for the sake of Kamito-kun who has brought honor to Ordesia for the second time."

    "Yeah, thanks¡ª"

    Next, Greyworth turned her gaze to Ellis.

    "Ellis, take Dame Lurie and Dame Virrey to the guest quarters."

    "¡ªA-Affirmative."

    Hearing that, Ellis ced her hand on her chest and nodded.

    "By the way, Headmistress¡ª"

    Finally recovered from the headache, Kamito asked.

    "What?"

    "Uh, about my contracted spirit, has authorization still not been issued for searching the underground facility?"

    "...Yeah, about that matter."

    Greyworth pressed her finger against her temple.

    "No matter what, it is an abandoned military instation after all. The formalities are quite time consuming¡ªBesides, even if authorization is issued for investigation, in order to prevent the risk of a rampage, you cannot contact your contracted spirit in your current state."

    "But won''t that spirit help me recover my memory?"

    "...It''s true that the possibility exists."

    Greyworth nodded candidly.

    "But the risk is too high."

    "...!"

    Kamito clenched his right fist tightly.

    "Kamito, uh, the headmistress is being considerate for you¡ª"

    "...Yeah, I know."

    "¡ªThen this concludes the conversation. Kamito''s matter will be handed over to Dame Lurie. The Demon yer''s retrieval will wait until progress is made on analyzing your memories."

    Greyworth ended the subject, issued orders and dismissed everyone.

 Volume 12, 7 - Great Festivalâ€™s Eve

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 7 - Great Festival''s Eve</h4>

    Part 1

    Walking out of the office, Kamito parted ways with Ellis in the corridor.

    "Well then, pleasee over here, Dame Lurie."

    "See youter, Kamito-kun."

    Lurie smiled faintly while Virrey silently turned on her heels.

    "...Okay. I''ll be returning to my room too."

    Just as Kamito muttered...

    "Hold on, Kamito."

    ire grabbed his wrist from behind.

    "W-What''s up?"

    "Why is Ellis wearing such a terrible set of armor?"

    "I can''t believe you forced the captain to wear that kind of thing... S-Shameless!"

    ...These girls looked like they had a huge misunderstanding.

    "...Umm, that''s apparently the uniform the Knights are wearing for the Great Festival of the Spirits."

    "U-Uniform!?"

    ire''s eyes were opened so wide that they were round.

    "...N-No way, wearing such radical clothing out on the streets?"

    "It''s almost like underwear."

    "...Yeah, I found it strange too."

    Kamito scratched his head in embarrassment.

    "Ellis..."

    "The captain, how pitiful."

    After learning of the story, the two girls showed pity in their eyes.

    "By the way, what''s with the getup, you two?"

    Kamito was also raising questions about the two girls'' maid uniforms.

    "Th-This is what we''re wearing for the imitation shop!"

    "I will be serving customers."

    "I see..."

    Speaking of which, they had mentioned this morning about Raven ss running a maid cafe imitation shop.

    That was apparently where these clothes came from.

    "Kamito, you have no more duties today for the Knights, right?"

    Suddenly, ire put her hand at her waist and asked.

    "Yeah, I guess."

    "Then head over there to help."

    "...Got it."

    Kamito shrugged and agreed.

    Passing through the courtyard to reach the secondary block, they then climbed up ancient wooden steps.

    The venue assigned to Raven ss was an empty ssroom on the second floor.

    A sign hung over the ssroom''s number te.

    Luna Forest¡ªThat was apparently the shop''s name.

    Opening the door, Kamito found himself in a carefully decorated shop space.

    "This is quite proper."

    "I know right."

    ire nodded with satisfaction. The tables and chairs were carved from wood. The pleasant grass-green wallpaper was apparently specially switched.

    Kamito surveyed the ssroom, deeply impressed.

    "ire, where did you go off to¡ªOh my, it''s Kamito-kun?"

    Suddenly, Kamito heard a voice he seemed to have heard before.

    Turning around, he found a ck-haired beauty dressed as a bunny-eared maid.

    This was Her Highness the princess who had given him the killer cookie in the corridor yesterday.

    "Ugh¡ª"

    Recalling the surreal taste of the cookie, Kamito could not help but groan.

    "Ugh... What''s that supposed to mean, Kamito-kun?"

    "Oh, nothing..."

    The princess pouted with displeasure. Seeing that, Kamito frantically waved his hands to cover up.

    "Fianna, is the magic circle''s construction going well?"

    "It''s basicallyplete. Now I''m just taking a break and checking out the situation on this side."

    Saying that, Fianna turned her gaze back to Kamito¡ª

    "Kamito-kun, do you have shifts too?"

    "No, I belong to the Sylphid Knights¡ª"

    Kamito shook his head, but...

    "The festival onlyes around once a year, Kamito, you should join in. You should have free time on the second day, right?"

    ire suggested.

    "...However, there''s nothing for boys to wear here, right?"

    "Well, that''s true too. Let''s borrow a butler uniform from somewhere."

    "On the other hand, I believe that it''s fine without a butler uniform, yes?"

    "Eh?"

    Fianna smiled impishly at Kamito.

    "Uh, what''s that..."

    "Hmph, exactly what I mean, literally¡ª"

    Fianna snapped her fingers. Immediately, a crowd of girls from Raven ss appeared from inside the part of the room sectioned off by a curtain, surrounding Kamito.

    "...!"

    "Very well, dress Kamito-kun up as a beautiful maid!"

    "H-Hold on..."

    "How interesting!" "P-Perhaps it will be surprisingly suited to him..." "Leave the make up to me!"

    The girls of this ss seemed a bit strange, showing great interest in Kamito.

    "You two, s-s-save me¡ª"

    Kamito turned his gaze at ire and Rinslet but...

    "...Uh, don''t worry. I think you''ll look very good in it."

    "Me too, uh... I actually want to see."

    The two girls avoided eye contact at the same time.

    "Okay, okay!" "Just count the stains on the wall and it''ll be over." "Hurry hurry~"

    "U-Uwahhhhh!"

    The screams of Kamito resounded in the entire ssroom after he was taken into the room.

    ...Several minutester, changed into a maid''s outfit, Kamito reappeared from behind the curtain.

    A wig was ced on his head,bed neat and tidily. He even had light make up like a princess maiden.

    On his head were cat ears ornaments just like ire''s.

    (...H-How strange. Inexplicably, there''s no sense of dissonance.)

    Standing before the mirror, Kamito had this conclusion.

    It was as though he was already used to this¡ª

    "...K-Kamito, so pretty!"

    "...I-It suits you quite well!"

    ire and Rinslet could not help but exim.

    "Kamito-kun, you can join the Beauties'' Festival next time!"

    Fianna clenched her fist while the girls in the ss all nodded repeatedly.

    "Y-You girls..."

    Kamito groaned in his throat¡ª

    "...Kazehaya Kamito, I never knew you had this kind of fetish."

    At this moment, there was a surprised sounding voice.

    "...!?"

    Changed into her Knights of Ordesia uniform, she was Virrey Branford.

    Her eyes of amethyst red sharply at Kamito.

    "N-No, you''re wrong! Don''t get the wrong idea!"

    Kamito shouted frantically but Virrey did not change her cold expression.

    "This pervert."

    "Who is that person?" "She''s not a student here. She must be one of the Empire''s spirit knights."

    The girls in the ssroom began to chatter.

    The majority of elementalists looked up to the spirit knights.

    But it looked like no one realized she was one of the Numbers.

    Virrey sat down at a nearby table.

    "I can order tea and cake, right?"

    "Y-Yes. Pleased to be of service."

    One girl happily nodded but¡ª

    "No¡ªKamito, you prepare the tea."

    ...He was named.

    "I''m not a noble, so I''m a total amateur at brewing tea."

    Kamito grumbled with his eyes half closed.

    "Doesn''t matter. I''m not particr either."

    "...Sigh. Got it."

    Sighing, Kamito boiled water in the kitchen and started to brew tea.

    Although the tea leaves were arbitrarily picked from the dozens of jars, all of them were probably high ss stuff no matter which he picked. The rather ssy fragrance went straight into his nose. While the tea was steaming, Kamito took the best-looking roll cake nearby, cut a neat slice and ced it on a te.

    Clearly with no memory of it, for some reason, he knew how to brew tea.

    This was a skill unneeded at the Instructional School... Who on earth taught him?

    (...Did I actually work as a maid before?)

    Kamito was getting more and more confounded by what kind of person Kazehaya Kamito was before losing his memory.

    Virrey Branford sipped a mouthful of tea, then...

    "...You pass. Perhaps you are quite suited as a maid."

    "You are too kind."

    Kamito shrugged and sat down opposite to Virrey. Getting unrted girls caught up just for testing Kamito''s abilities, this fact made Kamito feel that he could not get along with this member of the Numbers.

    "What about you, why do you talk like a man?"

    Hearing him, she quietly put down the cup of tea.

    "Special operative knights'' chief duties consist of espionage activities in other countries. Cross-dressing offers many conveniences. Since male elementalists do not exist in principle, it eliminates the worry of being exposed as an elementalist."

    "...I see. You''ve already experienced many hellish battlefields by this age."

    "This has nothing to do with age. The same goes for you, right?"

    She red sharply at Kamito, then cut a piece of the roll cake and brought it to her mouth.

    In the next instant, Virrey''s face suddenly went livid.

    "...C-Cough... W-What is this... Is it poisoned!?"

    Shey on the table, her arms convulsing nonstop.

    "...How could it be poisoned¡ªAh!"

    Kamito suddenly realized.

    ire and Rinslet were silently pointing at Fianna.

    It looked like the piece of roll cake came from the hand of Her Highness the imperial princess.

    ...Because it looked the best, I took it out without thinking.

    "...S-Sorry..."

    "Urghhh... You bastard, it is poisoned after all... Underhanded... viin..."

    Holding her belly, Virrey stood up unsteadily.

    "...I, shall, excuse myself."

    "H-Hey, are you okay?"

    Just as Kamito went up to help her...

    "Kazehaya Kamito. My true mission is to observe and see what kind of person you are."

    She whispered in his ear.

    "...Huh?"

    "Hypothetically, if you were the Demon King leading the world towards destruction¡ª"

    ¡ªI will mercilessly kill you when the timees.

    Part 2

    ¡ªIn this manner, they busied themselves with the Raven ss''s interior decorations until night had fallen.

    Kamito and Ellis went to the Spirit Forest together.

    "Sorry Ellis for needing you to help lead the way."

    "Pay it no heed. This is part of the disciplinemittee''s duties."

    She was leading him to the ritual purification site used by princess maidens. The spring water here apparently had fatigue recovering effects and was useful even for the Empire''s knights. Of course, this was originally a ce where males were forbidden. After Ellis had a discussion with Greyworth, Kamito was authorized to use it duringte night.

    Having reached the spring, Ellis handed a fire spirit crystal to Kamito.

    The mineral had a smander-shaped fire spirit sealed inside.

    "Just activate this mineral then put it in the water. The water is a bit cold at night."

    "Oh okay, thanks."

    "W-Were it not for the rules, I would enter together with you..."

    "Hmm?"

    "N-Nothing! D-Do not bete for the morning meeting tomorrow!"

    Ellis shook her head to cover up then flew across the sky to the other end.

    "...She seems quite busy."

    Kamito took off his uniform and soaked himself in the spring with only a pair of shorts.

    ...So cold. Taking Ellis''s suggestion, Kamito injected divine power into the fire spirit crystal.

    Glowing red, the spirit crystal released heat in the water.

    "Wow, this really is convenient¡ª"

    The water temperature rose slowly, then steam resulted. It was almost the same as a hot spring.

    Kamito looked up at the night sky and exhaled, sighing.

    "...So much happened today."

    Why was Kamito''s contracted spirit sealed away?

    Did it have some connection to why his memory was lost?

    Then there was what Virrey Branford had said.

    (...I am the Demon King leading the world towards destruction?)

    Why did she say something like that¡ª?

    ...Ssh. Suddenly, he heard sounds of water from behind.

    "...?"

    Looking back, he found a figure standing at a bush.

    "¡ªWho is it?"

    Releasing killing intent, Kamito asked.

    ...Ordinary students were not supposed to go out during such hours.

    "Wait, Kamito-kun, it''s me."

    "...This voice. You''re Lurie Lizaldia?"

    The figure nodded.

    "...S-Sorry. I''lle out right away!"

    Kamito frantically tried to stand up.

    Speaking of which, she was wearing sses. Perhaps in the darkness of the night, she failed to notice that Kamito had entered this ce. After all, it was a ritual purification site supposed to be used exclusively by princess maidens.

    "Oh, it''s fine if you stay there. I came to see you, Kamito-kun."

    "...See me?"

    "Yes, didn''t I mentionst time? You need regr treatment."

    As soon as she spoke, on the other side of the rising steam, Lurie''s vestments fell to the ground all at once.

    "...!?"

    Before Kamito could make a sound, she had already entered the spring.

    Wet, sleek, ck hair. Delicate and smooth skin. Kamito had not noticed when she was dressed in her vestments, but her figure was actually quite good.

    Her seductive bosom, quite impressive in volume, was swaying before Kamito''s eyes.

    "...I-If it''s treatment, surely in a room¡ª"

    "Isn''t it easier to rx here? Besides, it also helps strengthen my powers."

    Yeah right, rxing in such conditions¡ª

    Kamito intended to retort but his convulsing throat could not make a sound.

    "W-Why naked?"

    "Oh dear, you haven''t heard from Greyworth-sama? Yours is an unusual constitution where magical effects are difficult to transmit to you without direct skin contact. Fianna-sama does this usually as well, I expect¡ª"

    "...T-To think I''ve done that kind of thing before!?"

    Kamito was shocked by his own experiences.

    (...I-I can''t believe I did that with a proper princess!)

    Lurie pressed her chest against Kamito''s arm.

    "Okay, rx."

    Finally giving up, Kamito sat down obediently. Then sacred light appeared from Lurie''s hand and faintly illuminated the surroundings. Then like that, she ced her hand over Kamito''s heart.

    "...Your heart is pounding."

    "Th-That goes without saying!"

    Face red, Kamito looked away to the other side.

    Lurie chuckled and whispered in his ear.

    "...Close your eyes and take a deep breath."

    Feeling his body filled with warm light, Kamito nodded.

    "¡ªSo, first question. Girls withrge busts or small busts, which do you prefer?"

    "...Does this have anything to do with my memory?"

    "No, I''m just curious."

    "...I''m begging you. Please be more serious."

    Kamito closed his eyes and groaned.

    "...Well then, I''ll ask seriously. After obtaining victory at the de Dance, you lost your memory at the Elemental Lords'' sanctuary. Do you still remember anything about what happened there?"

    "The sanctuary of the Elemental Lords... No, I remember nothing at all..."

    ...Throb. Kamito felt a slight headache.

    "Different question. What is your contracted spirit like?"

    "My... contracted spirit... is..."

    ...Throb. Throb.

    Beneath his eyelids, something shing with silver-white luster inexplicably appeared.

    "Silver-white hair... A very pretty girl... It feels something like that..."

    "Looks like that''s the Demon yer. What about your left hand''s spirit?"

    "...Left hand?"

    ...Throb. Throb. Throb. Throb.

    "Ugh... Guh... Ahh..."

    Spirit. Left hand''s¡ªck wings, her heart¡ªI, using this sword¡ª

    "¡ªKamito-kun, you, what did you see in the elemental lords'' sanctuary?"

    "...Ahhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito howled from the depths of his throat.

    Lurie''s body was sent flying.

    "Huff, huff, huff, huff, huff..."

    Kamito copsed again, on the water surface.

    "Sorry. This, what a mess."

    "...Let''s call it a day here."

    Lurie shook her head and stood up.

    ...Imperceptibly, the spring water had gone cold already.

    Part 3

    Returning to the room, Kamito found ire still awake in bed.

    Under the light provided by a spirit crystal''s me, she was reading a book zealously.

    "ire, what are you reading?"

    "Waaah!"

    Dressed in pajamas, ire closed the book in a panic upon hearing his voice.

    "...Th-This is preparation for tomorrow. A reference book about ying a maid''s role."

    "I see. As expected of the honors student."

    Although the book''s title, "Tale of the Maid of the Night" entered his view, Kamito did not take any particr note of it.

    Because he could not tear his eyes away from ire''s appearance.

    Normally, tied up on the sides of her head, her crimson hair was now let down.

    Probably having just taken a bath, her hair was still a little moist.

    "...What''s the matter?"

    ire asked in puzzlement.

    "No, it''s just the sight of your hair untied..."

    "Oh okay. Like this, it''s easy to mix me up with Nee-sama."

    Using her fingers as ab, ire straightened her hair.

    "Kamito, do you like this hairstyle?"

    "...Well, I think the twintails suit you very well too."

    Kamito turned his face away to hide his embarrassment.

    "I-I see..."

    Hearing that, ire whispered quite happily.

    "Kamito, do you have any ns for tomorrow?"

    "The morning is with Ellis patrolling the Academy town."

    "...Hmm. F-Fine. After the patrol duty is over,e with me to take a tour."

    "I don''t need to help out the ss?"

    "You still want to dress up as a maid?"

    "No..."

    Kamito shook his head.

    At this moment, ire extended her little finger¡ª

    "Agreed? Tour the Great Festival of the Spirits with me tomorrow. It''s a promise."

    "...?"

    "Th-There¡ª"

    She hooked hers and Kamito''s little finger together.

    Suddenly, her gaze fell upon the spirit seal on his right hand.

    "Hey, Kamito¡ª"

    "Hmm?"

    "Kamito, do you really wish to recover your memory?"

    Faced with ire, gazing sincerely¡ª

    "...I''m not sure."

    Kamito answered thus.

    Part 4

    "¡ªFufu, beloved children. I can feel you stirring in excitement."

    Under the moonlight, golden hair was fluttering in the wind of the night.

    Within the flourishing forest stretching outside the pce, a girl in vestments smiled tenderly.

    Millennia Sanctus¡ªthe cardinal from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    In her hand, she was holding a ne, a rusted sword, a silver bracelet and four rings.

    These were all ornaments from royalty of antiquity. These Artifacts each sealed within them a tuned militarized spirit.

    Inside were spirits for assaulting strongholds, originally requiring a high level of skill to use. Also present were forsaken spirits that were impossible to control and deemed unsuitable for military use.

    The girl''s finger slid across a knife''s de.

    Immediately, darkness flowed out from her finger tip and through the de, corrupting all of the artifacts.

    "¡ªO True Darkness. Spill out and corrupt the insane, beloved children."

    Flowing out endlessly, the darkness dripped to the girl''s feet, forming a pool of blood.

    Watching the scene with one eye, the girl¡ª

    "Fu, fufu, fu¡ª"

    She could not help but smile.

    Part 5

    With a campfire lighting up the darkness, a figure appeared next to the stone circle.

    There were no other active presences in the surroundings. The twelve princess maidens constructing the Gate for inviting the spirits to the Academy as well as the supervising knights were all copsed on the ground, unconscious.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia was not among them. At this moment, she was sleeping at the secondary block. The fact of her absence had been confirmed beforehand.

    Had an outstanding princess maiden like her been present, things would have been a bit troublesome.

    The figure touched the giant magic circle that was traced on the ground.

    Although the rejection reaction of protective magic caused sparks, that merelysted but an instant. Soon, the defenses were broken through and the activation spell,posed of spiritnguage, was gradually rewritten¡ª

    By dawn, these girls would have forgotten everything.

    As though nothing had happened at all.

 Volume 12, 8 - Great Festival of the Spirits

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 8 - Great Festival of the Spirits</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªKamito... Where are you, Kamito?

    (...?)

    A voice came from the darkness.

    A girl''s voice, sounding as though it might disappear any moment.

    (...Who, are you?)

    Amidst darkness so dark that he could not even see underfoot, Kamito gingerly reached out.

    This was like wandering in a wilderness of memories.

    This was a dream. Simply his subconscious unease manifesting in the form of a dream.

    While walking towards the voice, Kamito calmly reached his conclusion.

    (But¡ª)

    Kamito continued to think. Retaining the ability for lucid thought even in dreams was part of the most basic training taught by the Instructional School.

    Rather than a dream, it was more like his mind moving through his subconscious¡ª

    (...There might be clues to my memories.)

    Reaching on in the darkness at this time, he suddenly felt a sharp pain.

    The spirit seal branded on his right hand gave off light.

    ¡ªKamito... Do you hear... my voice?

    The seal''s glow slightly illuminated the surrounding darkness.

    In his view, straight ahead¡ªA girl could be seen chained up.

    "...!?"

    Unimaginably beautiful, a girl with silver-white hair.

    Her pale, white, nude body appeared in the darkness.

    (...That''s my contracted spirit?)

    Terminus Est¡ªLiterally the strongest sword spirit, crowned with the title of the Demon yer.

    But in contrast to her title, she looked so fragile and delicate in appearance.

    She looked like she would shatter like ss with a single touch of the finger.

    With some hesitation, Kamito stopped walking.

    The darkness in the surroundings began to move and gradually swallowed the girl''s nude body.

    "...Est...!"

    In that instant, Kamito cried out the girl''s name, forgetting it was a dream.

    He called out the name of the contracted spirit that had been erased from his memory.

    However, when he stepped forward, his feet sank into dark mud.

    Like that, he gradually sank.

    "...Wait... up...!"

    Reaching out furiously, his finger touched the girl''s hand slightly.

    Suddenly, her thoughts seemed to be transmitted to him, using their point of contact as a bridge.

    ¡ªKamito, I am waiting here.

    ¡ªWaiting for you, Kamito, to return after fulfilling her promise.

    Part 2

    "...Seriously, you dreamt of Est?"

    "Yeah. No mistake about it... I think."

    When dawn came, on the day of the Great Festival of the Spirits¡ª

    While walking on the path to the secondary block, Kamito told ire the dream he had this morning.

    When he woke up, he found no change in his condition.

    His memories remained lost.

    But the pain he felt in his right hand seemed like a lingering part of the dream.

    (...Perhaps it''s the result of Lurie''s treatmentst night.)

    Kamito pondered.

    "Connecting to the contracted spirit through dreams is quitemon. I often share Scarlet''s dreams. Like dreams about pigging out on canned tuna."

    "M-Meow¡ª"

    While walking by her side, Scarlet made sounds of protest.

    "...You sure it''s not a dream from your side?"

    "O-Of course not..."

    ire pouted with displeasure, her face going mildly red.

    But soon, she recovered a serious expression¡ª

    "...However, it seems that Est is calling for you, Kamito."

    "But why doesn''t she return to me?"

    Kamito cast his gaze at the seal on his right hand.

    "Probably due to the memory loss, your connection to the spirit is interrupted."

    "...I see."

    "So, what kind of dream was it?"

    "Oh... Umm, a girl,pletely nude, chained up in the darkness¡ª"

    "H-Hold on a sec!"

    ire suddenly stopped walking.

    "Th-That dream, no way... It''s an e-erotic dream... Right?"

    "Completely wrong!"

    "Don''t be shy. K-Kamito, you''re a boy of that age after all. E-Even me, I sometimes dream of being chained up¡ªOh no, w-what have you made me say!?"

    ire''s face instantly went red and she started beating on his shoulder nonstop.

    "Like I said, it wasn''t like that..."

    "Oh, Kamito-kun¡ª"

    Kamito heard someone calling his name from afar.

    Running over was the ck-haired girl in the Divine Ritual Institute''s uniform, Fianna.

    She was originally on a hill with a massive ring of rock, surrounded by gathered princess maidens, preparing for the gate opening ritual mentioned previously.

    "Kamito-kun, would you like to visit the imitation shop at the secondary block?"

    "Yeah. I guess I should show up at least."

    Hearing Fianna''s question, Kamito answered and shrugged.

    After walking ire there, he intended to hurry over to the Knights immediately.

    "Fianna, is the gate opening ritual ready?"

    "Of course, Now we''re just preparing the fireworks for pleasing the spirits."

    "Not bad..."

    ire eximed honestly.

    The princess was apparently one of the candidates to the continent''s five Queens, with outstanding abilities in ritual magic that far surpassed upperssman students.

    Hence, even as an underssman, she was still appointed as the one in charge of the most important ritual.

    "However, I can''t say it was a walk in the park. Although the stone circle''s power is being borrowed, opening a Gate that allows ruler-ss spirits to pass through..."

    On the princess''s wryly smiling face, there were heavy signs of fatigue.

    She had worked continuously for this day, presumably umting a lot of fatigue.

    "However, we''re already at the final stage. It must seed!"

    As though cheering for herself, Fianna raised her arm.

    Beneath her uniform, her bosom quivered as a result.

    "So, Kamito-kun, you must enjoy the festival today as well!"

    "Yeah."

    With a flutter of her skirt, Fianna jogged back over to the hill.

    "Doesn''t feel like a princess somehow."

    Kamito smiled wryly.

    "Perhaps she stopped putting on airs a little due to being tired. She must have built up a lot of stress over these past few days. Well, a royal''s position is quite troublesome too."

    Hearing Kamito, ire murmured, a little worried.

    Part 3

    In front of the secondary block, arge number of students were mixed together already.

    The aroma of baked goods wasing from the imitation shop. Spirits of various forms were gathered in the surroundings. These not only included the students'' contracted spirits but also visiting spirits from the nearby Spirit Forest... Kamito had never seen this many spirits before.

    "...Wow, this bread stick smells so good, it looks quite tasty."

    "Our ssroom is over there."

    Grabbing ire who was wandering leisurely, Kamito frantically pulled her back.

    "...~!"

    Instantly, ire''s face went red.

    Her wandering legs froze.

    "...What''s the matter?"

    "Ah, uh... Umm, hand, suddenly being held..."

    Her voice was almost inaudible.

    At this moment, whispers started in the surroundings.

    "G-Grabbing a girl''s hand." "So naturally!" "Feels like he''s very used to it!"

    "...Oh."

    Only then did Kamito react.

    This was a school where rich girls attended. Holding hands with a boy waspletely inconceivable.

    ire getting surprised was unavoidable.

    "...S-Sorry for startling you."

    Kamito frantically released her hand.

    "...I-It''s nothing, don''t worry."

    ire''s twintails swirled as she shook her head.

    ...Amidst this inexplicably embarrassing atmosphere, the two of them walked silently.

    Walking in front, the hell cat spirit skipped up the stairs.

    Students from various sses were gathered in the secondary block. It was very crowded.

    Instead of wearing their uniforms, some of the girls were dressed in ritual dresses or inexplicable mascot costumes.

    Walking upstairs, Kamito and ire finally arrived at the cafe of Raven ss.

    The door was beautifully decorated, looking almost like a real cafe.

    Of course, given the wealth and influence wielded by these students of the Academy as daughters of noble houses, cooperating to set up a beyond first-rate cafe was nothing impossible. However, they had been instructed to open imitation shops using their own efforts in the Great Festival of the Spirits.

    Pushing the door open¡ª

    "Oh, Kamito."

    A girl dressed as a maid turned her head back to look at him.

    "Wee to the Luna Forest cafe!"

    Rinslet Laurenfrost curtsied and greeted elegantly.

    Shining tinum-blonde hair. Clear eyes of emerald. A noblewoman through and through, nevertheless, she seemed inexplicably authentic in a maid outfit.

    "...As always, a maid outfit suits you very well."

    "Yeah, I agree."

    Kamito concurred.

    "H-How rude, do know that Ie from a noble family, that of a margrave''s!"

    ...Even with a face filled with fury, while she was dressed up as a fox-eared maid, she did not seem intimidating at all.

    On the table next to her, the one who was supposed to be the real maid, Carol, was gracefully having breakfast.

    "Hmm~, mdy''s tea and roll cake are simply exquisite~?"

    "Ah, how unfair. I want to eat roll cake too."

    "ire,e here and prepare."

    "W-Wait, what are you doing!"

    Resisting, ire was shoved by Rinslet over to the other side of the curtain.

    "You''ve arrived, ire."

    "Very well, prepare yourself."

    "...Huah... W-Wait a sec, what are you doing, kyah¡ª"

    ire''s suffering screams could be heard from behind the curtain.

    "What a troublesome child."

    Rinslet pped her hands.

    Suddenly, she turned towards Kamito.

    "Speaking of which, have you had breakfast yet, Kamito-san?"

    "...I need to head over to the Knights next. Sorry."

    Kamito had no choice but to refuse the much wanted invitation.

    Eating breakfast here would mean beingte for the Sylphid Knights'' morning meeting.

    "...I-I see."

    Rinslet seemed a bit disappointed, her shoulders slumping.

    "Sorry. How about next time?"

    "It''s a promise."

    Hearing that, her mood soon recovered and she smiled.

    At this moment, the ssroom''s door opened¡ª

    "Hi, Onee-sama... Onii-sama too!"

    Dressed in a blue one-piece dress, an eight or nine-year-old girl was speaking.

    She had blonde hair like Rinslet and was a very cute girl at that.

    No matter how you looked, she did not seem to be a student at the Academy.

    Kamito was thinking she was lost in the Academy¡ª

    (Just now, she called me her older brother...)

    In the ssroom, Kamito was the only male present.

    The girl''s eyes of emerald were gazing straight at Kamito:

    "Onii-sama?"

    "...Uh, you''re talking about me?"[1]

    Unable to hide his bafflement, Kamito pointed at himself.

    identally, he switched back to using his old manner of self-referral.

    Suddenly, the girl skipped over and hugged him.

    "...!?"

    "Onii-sama, what''s the matter?"

    The girl cocked her head in puzzlement.

    "Uh, ''Onii-sama''... means me?"

    Kamito had some idea of a girl who called him her older brother. However, this girl here was not the Instructional School''s Muir Alenstarl.

    "Mireille, stop giving Kamito-san a hard time."

    Rinslet grabbed the girl by the ear.

    "...~Onee-sama, what are you doing?"

    "Onee-sama?"

    "This child is Mireille Laurenfrost. My younger sister."

    Rinslet held her temple as she introduced.

    "...Sister?"

    Kamito looked at the young girl again.

    ...They did look quite simr.

    She was probably going to grow up into a beauty like her sister.

    "But why do you call me Onii-sama?"

    Mireille Laurenfrost proudly puffed out her tiny chest.

    "Onee-sama is Onii-sama''s future wife. So that makes me Onii-sama''s younger sister."

    "...W-Wife!?"

    "W-W-W-What are you talking about!?"

    Thud thud thud.

    Blushing to her ears, Rinslet hammered her fists against Mireille''s back.

    On the other hand, Kamito shuddered at thetest revtions.

    The Fahrengart daughter was his fianc¨¦e. He had experienced intimate skin contact with the imperial princess. Now, the Margrave Laurenfrost''s daughter was his future wife¡ª

    (...Kazehaya Kamito, who the heck are you!?)

    Kamito was having an increasingly tough time understanding who he was before he had lost his memory.

    ...No wonder he was called the king of lust.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Mireille, do not cause trouble for mdy and Kamito."

    A calm voice came from somewhere.

    "...?"

    Without any warning, a maid grabbed the young girl by the back of her cor.

    She was probably thirteen or fourteen in age.

    Dressed in another school''s uniform, she had dark-brown hair.

    Most striking of her appearance was the sight of her eyes.

    Heterochromia.

    (...Demon Sealing Eye?)

    Kamito soon noticed the true nature of her eyes.

    Among the special ability users at the Instructional School, there were several who possessed the same type of eye. However, none of these girls were able to suppress the spirits sealed inside and every one of them died.

    "Mi, l-let go!"

    Caught by the cor, Mireille struggled.

    However, the girl named Mi remained unmoved.

    Continuing to hold Mireille''s back cor, she turned towards Kamito.

    "Sorry for mdy making trouble."

    She bowed her head very politely.

    "Uh, you are¡ª"

    ...This child, was she also one of Kazehaya Kamito''s acquaintances?

    Carrying this question, Kamito cast his gaze towards Rinslet¡ª

    "She is Mi Bassett, Mireille''s maid."

    Rinslet introduced.

    "...The memory loss appears to be real."

    Mi remained expressionless but her eyes lowered as though in mncholy.

    "...Sorry for not remembering you, uh, and Mireille¡ª"

    "Memory loss?"

    Mireille tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "Kamito currently has amnesia due to his injuries from the de Dance. Don''t cause more trouble for him."

    "I see now... Sorry, Onii-sama."

    After listening to Mi, Mireille reflected on her behavior.

    ...Although it was a bit surprising, this child was fundamentally very honest and upfront.

    "By the way, Mi, what''s with this way you''re dressed up?"

    Rinslet asked at this moment.

    Kamito felt equally curious.

    She was wearing what appeared to be a military uniform with red embroidery against a white background.

    It did not seem like a maid uniform at all.

    "Yes, because today is the Great Festival of the Spirits, I put on my homnd''s military uniform."

    "Homnd?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question...

    "The military uniform of the Principality of Rossvale."

    Mi replied expressionlessly.

    The Principality of Rossvale was a small country that had seceded from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia in recent years.

    "Mi came from the Principality of Rossvale."

    "Yes. This set of clothing was what I wore in my encounter with you, Kamito, so it hasmemorative value, hence¡ª"

    Halfway through, Mi stopped speaking.

    Her heterochromatic eyes stared straight at Kamito.

    "Mi spent a lot of time thinking over what to wear for today, you know?"

    "Mireille, that''s¡ª"

    Mi''s face blushed slightly.

    "Also, the closet was basically filled with erotic clothing no different from underwear... Mugugu..."

    Mi silently covered Mireille''s mouth.

    Then she red towards Kamito¡ª

    "Kamito, Mireille is lying. There is no erotic clothing in the closet."

    "G-Got it. I believe you."

    Fearing Mi''s mysteriously intimidating aura, Kamito nodded repeatedly.

    At this moment, the curtain was forcefully opened from the changing area¡ª

    "ire has finished changing!"

    "Huaaaah, jeez, this is totally unruly!"

    Turned into a cat-eared maid, ire made her appearance.

    "ire, that looks very good on you."

    "You''re almost the same as a cat fairy!"

    Rinslet and Carol''sments were heard.

    "H-Hmph, shut up!"

    ire shyly turned her face away.

    Then she nced at Kamito.

    "..."

    "...W-What about you?"

    "Uh, I find it quite cute."

    Kamito offered his honest opinion¡ª

    "...~!"

    Hearing that, ire blushed to her ears and hid behind the curtain again.

    Part 4

    "...Oh no, I''m going to bete."

    Looking at therge clock in the lecture hall¡ª

    Kamito hurried over to the church that served as the Knights'' headquarters.

    The Academy''s grounds were very vast. Furthermore, the church''s location was on the opposite side rtive to the secondary block.

    Originally, there were many leylines running through the school ground. He could get there quickly using divine power to power up his legs, but given the current crowded conditions, he had no choice but to walk normally.

    "Oh, hurry and look, hurry and look, it''s Kamito the king of lust!" "I heard that his wish for a harem was rejected by the Elemental Lords." "Deplorable!" "King of lust! King of lust!" "N-No, don''t point at him¡ª"

    ...He could hear all sorts of gossip.

    Evidently, the notorious name of Kazehaya Kamito was widespread among the public.

    (I-I can''t believe that even such young children would...)

    Hearing the little girl mumbling "king of lust" unintelligibly, Kamito was greatly shocked.

    ...I might as well give up and stay in amnesia, for the sake of world peace.

    While evading the gathering spectating crowd, Kamito hastened his pace.

    Weaving through the crowd, he finally reached the church at the outskirts of the Academy''s territory.

    At the church za, Ellis was currently giving orders to the members.

    Seeing Ellis standing on a wooden crate, Kamito stopped.

    (...Different from yesterday''s armor?)

    Beautiful, ck, lustrous pauldrons. The jet-ck background was reminiscent of night''s darkness. Combined with whitece, it gave a very mature impression.

    Faced with Ellis''s getup, Kamito could not help but stare in amazement¡ª

    "¡ªKamito, you arete."

    Ellis called out from atop the wooden crate.

    "Sorry, there were more people than expected."

    "...Seriously. There are even more people over at the Academy town."

    Ellis shrugged then turned her gaze back to the members of the Knights.

    "¡ªWell then, final confirmation. Team Sierra and Team Diane will take the school building. Team Reishia and Team Rakka will be stationed respectively on the Academy''s grounds. Team Falnesia will take the Spirit Forest. Team Froza, with the most members, will be in charge of the Academy town together with Kamito and me. Any questions?"

    "¡ªAll clear!"

    The knights all answered in unison then dispersed to head towards their area in charge.

    Even as a student organization, they were very well-trained.

    "...I still haven''t gotten used to thispletely."

    Getting down from the wooden crate, Ellis sighed.

    "My elder sister would have encouraged everyone even more."

    "Really? In my view, it went quite well."

    "Hmph, spare me the ttery..."

    Cough cough, Ellis coughed lightly.

    Her bosom shook inside her formal dress, a sight causing Kamito''s heart to race uncontrobly.

    "Hmm, w-where are you staring..."

    Ellis red at him.

    "Uh... What''s with that armor?"

    Kamito frantically changed the subject. Ellis blushed in response.

    "K-Kamito, are you saying you prefer yesterday''s erotic armor?"

    "N-No, that''s not what I mean¡ª"

    "Yesterday''s armor was apparently made by Rakka and Reishia as a joke. They told me that they never expected me to put it on for real¡ª"

    "...Yeah. I thought so."

    Kamito understood. Even for a festival, wearing that kind of unsightly armor to patrol the streets would be too unusual.

    "...What do you mean, you thought so!? So even you noticed there was something weird!?"

    "No, umm..."

    Confronted with the tearful and angry Ellis, Kamito averted his gaze awkwardly.

    "...~Why did you not tell me!?"

    "Oh, the new armor looks great on you."

    "Eh¡ª"

    Kamito sessfully changed the subject, causing Ellis''s anger to be swept asidepletely.

    "...A-Are you serious?"

    Her ponytail swayed this way and that.

    This was amenting straight from his heart. d in mature-looking armor, Ellis looked more like a goddess ruling the winds rather than a stern and awe-inspiring knight.

    "Better than the erotic armor... Yes?"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Kamito nodded honestly.

    "...I-I see. Good to know."

    Face red, Ellis clutched her hem tightly.

    At this moment...

    "Stop flirting in front of a sacred church."

    A displeased voice came from behind.

    Turning around, Kamito found Greyworth arriving, dressed in a suit.

    Inbat attire, Virrey Branford was also with her.

    "H-Headmistress!"

    Ellis instantly straightened her posture.

    "How shocking. Knights who should be upholding the Academy''s morals are having a tryst here."

    Virrey stared coldly at Ellis.

    "Th-This is a misunderstanding! We are heading to the Academy town for patrols next¡ª"

    "I understand, captain. The one at fault is the boy over there, deceiving innocent and pure maidens."

    Virrey red even more sharply at Kamito.

    Her eyes looked like they could murder someone.

    "¡ªIndeed, you are the Demon King''s reincarnation, aren''t you?"

    "Demon King Solomon or whatever is just an old legend, right?"

    "Regrettably, the Empire does not think so."

    Kamito and Virrey''s gazes shed.

    Both of them were about to draw their weapons.

    "Dame Virrey, the Academy prohibits duels within its grounds."

    Seeing this, Greyworth dered calmly.

    Virrey shrugged with dissatisfaction¡ª

    "...Whatever. All shall be clear sooner orter."

    Finally, she put down her hand that was ced on her gun.

    "...B-By the way¡ª"

    Ellis spoke nervously.

    "Why are you here, Headmistress?"

    "I have a meeting with the Empire''s bigshots. I don''t even have the leisure to enjoy the Great Festival of the Spirits."

    "A meeting... On this kind of asion?"

    "Yeah. Two days ago, a great incident apparently took ce in a neighboring state."

    Saying that, Greyworth''s gray eyes narrowed and glowed sharply.

    "The Theocracy apparently had an internal coup d''etat."

    "Coup d''etat?"

    Ellis widened her eyes greatly.

    "As a secretive country, the details are unknown but ording to reports from spies, Hierarch Rajihal Kahn was executed during a rebellion in the capital."

    "Who is the mastermind?"

    "ording to reports, the eldest princess, Sjora Kahn."

    "That witch¡ª"

    Ellis eximed in surprise.

    "Since something like that happened, the neighboring states are not going to remain silent¡ª"

    "...Assuredly so. This could very well spark a war."

    Greyworth sighed. Her face looked a bit tired.

    "...It must be tough for you, Headmistress."

    Hearing Kamito''s mutterings, Greyworth red at him.

    "Talking like it''s not rted to you. This meeting will also discuss whether to authorize an investigation of the underground facility mentionedst time. Whether you can retrieve your sword spirit or not will depend on this."

    "...Will they authorize it?"

    "The military will probably refuse. After all, underground facilities are mostly liabilities they have no wish of publicizing."

    "No way¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. I am no longer as influential as during my days in active service, but I still have a right to speak after all. It should be possible to authorize an investigation team assembled from a small number of people affiliated with the military."

    "...Sorry for making so much trouble for you."

    Kamito bowed his head.

    "Hmph, this is my first time hearing something sincere from you without sarcasm."

    "...Really?"

    "Yeah, that''s right. That mouth of yours keep saying rude things like witch or old hag."

    "Unbelievable. How could someone say that to a beauty like you¡ª"

    "What...!?"

    Greyworth was rendered speechless with her mouth open in shock.

    "Dame Greyworth, it''s about time¡ª"

    "...Y-Yeah. Then Ellis, I shall leave themanding on scene to you."

    "Yes, you can count on me!"

    Greyworth departed, a little awkwardly.

    Watching her leave¡ª

    "...The headmistress was shaken. How rare."

    Ellis murmured to herself.

    Part 5

    The Academy town, located at the foot of the mountain where Areishia Spirit Academy was situated, hadrge crowds gathered.

    The town was divided into fiverge zones based on the Five Great Elemental Lords. Open air stalls covered the road side space along the main roads passing through the town. At the za, there were even princess maidens sent from the Academy to perform ritual dances.

    Unlike the Academy, nobles were rarely seen here. Most of them were localmoners. However, the gender ratio was still skewed towards females.

    Kamito had never seen such lively streets before.

    The aroma of food drifting from the open air stalls made him swallow his saliva involuntarily.

    "We are responsible for the Undine Area near the outer gate, a ce where leisure facilities prepared for the students are gathered. It is also the Academy town''s central area."

    Ellis exined while walking.

    "With so many people, won''t criminals try to sneak in?"

    While walking and avoiding the crowds, Kamito muttered.

    In actual fact, Kamito could invade any time he wanted.

    "The main gate has a guardian spirit to perform identification checks. People are not allowed in without documents issued by the Empire. But it is true that people have gotten past it. You may not remember, but a few months ago, there was a ck market merchant from Murders who infiltrated."

    "Virrey Branford also forced her way in."

    "That guardian spirit has been dismissed. Now, the Imperial Knights are serving as guards. Mere terrorists should not be able to force their way in."

    "So we need to look out for spirits running amok?"

    "Yes. Exactly."

    Ellis nodded.

    "By the way..."

    Suddenly, she looked around uneasily.

    "...S-Starting a while ago, I have been feeling gazes."

    "...I don''t think you''re imagining things."

    In fact, Ellis''s appearance was still very attention grabbing amidst the festival''s hustle and bustle.

    Striking ice-blue hair. Stern and dignified dark-brown eyes.

    Also, there was¡ª

    Her massive bust, quivering under her formal dress armor.

    Walking beside her, Kamito could not help but feel very aware of that swaying entity during all this time.

    "Ooh, I-I do not want to be stared at by any man apart from Kamito..."

    Blushing, Ellis looked quite embarrassed.

    "Knightdy from the Academy, here''s a special discount for you!"

    "Come check out my shop, my donuts are very tasty."

    Unconcerned with Ellis''s appearance, the various shop keepers called out to her one after another.

    "You''re not going to buy something?"

    Seeing that, Kamito tried asking.

    "We are currently on duty."

    A serious answer very much in line with her style.

    "Being hungry is not good, though."

    "W-Well..."

    Ignoring Ellis in her serious dilemma, Kamito bought a kebab sandwich with roasted meat.

    Wrapped in the wheat bread, there was a generous amount of meat and vegetables topped with a spicy sauce.

    The hot aroma was very appetizing.

    "Here, we can eat this while we walk."

    "Hmm, mmm..."

    Bite.

    Ellis took a bite out of the sandwich.

    As expected of a youngdy from a prestigious family, her manner of eating was very graceful.

    "Th-This is very delicious...!"

    After a taste, she widened her dark-brown eyes.

    "Oh, so noble youngdies have never eaten this kind of thing before?"

    "Do not take me for a fool. Of course I have eaten things like kebab sandwiches before."

    Ellis pouted.

    "However, eating like this while walking feels quite new as an experience."

    "I see. But you look like you''re not very used to eating this."

    "What?"

    "There''s some sauce here."

    Kamito used his finger to wipe the sauce next to Ellis''s mouth and licked it off.

    "...W-W-W-What...!"

    Instantly, Ellis''s face went bright red while her mouth opened and closed.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "Y-You, to think you did that out in full public¡ª"

    Just at this moment...

    "Hey there, knightdy!"

    A five or six-year-old girl came up to Ellis.

    "...Yes, what is the matter? Are you lost?"

    Ellis instantly recalled her duties and recovered a solemn knight''s expression.

    The girl shook her head.

    "Lady, you''re an elementalist, right? I wanna see a spirit."

    "My apologies, but summoning spirits recklessly on the streets is against school rules."

    "But during festivals, there are many spirits."

    "My contracted spirit is a purebat type, so unless it is absolutely necessary¡ª"

    "No, don''t make things difficult for the knightdy!"

    At this moment, a woman who appeared to be the child''s mother came over and took the girl''s hand.

    "Sorry, miss knight. My daughter is too willful¡ª"

    However¡ª

    "Eeeee¡ª, I wanna see a spirit, I wanna see¡ª"

    The child began to cry loudly.

    The surrounding adults also began to mor.

    At this rate, the crowd was going to block the way.

    "Well, just a look would be fine, right?"

    "...I-I guess. Very well, this is an exception."

    Coughing lightly, Ellis stroked the child''s head.

    Instantly, the girl''s face brightened.

    Ellis took a breath and raised her arm lightly¡ª

    "¡ªHailing from the far beyond, the violent demon wind spirit, Simorgh!"

    She spoke the words of summoning.

    Instantly, a whirlwind blew above and a demon bird appeared out of thin air, spreading its wings.

    The surrounding spectators all cheered.

    Seeing the demon wind spirit flying in the air, the girl widened her eyes¡ª

    Keeeeeeeeeee!

    At this moment, Simorgh gave a great cry in the air.

    Instantly, the girl''s face went livid.

    "Uwaaaaah! So scary!"

    "There, there! The knightdy summoned it just for you!"

    The girl ran away crying while her mother chased frantically.

    The demon wind spiritnded on Ellis''s shoulder, its shoulders slumping.

    "...Looks like it scared her off."

    "Even though the spirit is clearly so cool."

    Hearing Kamito''sforting words, Simorgh cooed and called out.

    ¡ªAfter that, Kamito and Ellis walked towards the central za.

    There was arge spring at the za, attracting many spirits with its sacred properties.

    "This is the famous Spring of Undine."

    Ellis exined.

    "Rumor has it that throwing in coins will grant wishes."

    "Here..."

    Indeed, there were many coins at the bottom of the spring.

    Ellis took out silver coins from her pocket and quietly tossed one in.

    Seeing her, Kamito did the same as her and tossed a silver coin.

    "Ellis, what wish did you make?"

    After he asked this...

    "...S-Secret. What about you, Kamito?"

    "Recovering my memory, first things first¡ªThat''s it."

    "I see."

    Kamito''s gaze settled on the surface of the spring water.

    Reflected on it was his grownup sixteen-year-old self.

    "Actually, I should have a wish I want the most, but I just can''t remember it."

    "Kamito, you¡ª"

    Ellis was just about to speak when...

    Suddenly, a pir of water rose from the spring.

    "...!"

    Bathed by arge amount of sshing water, standing in front of the spring, Ellis was thoroughly drenched.

    "Ellis, are you okay?"

    "Y-Yeah, just that my clothes are wet..."

    Seeing Ellis soaked, Kamito felt his heart pound uncontrobly.

    Her hair in a ponytail was soaked.

    The jet-ck formal dress clung tightly to her skin, revealing the outlines of her white underwear beneath.

    Even the patterns of delicatece surfaced clearly.

    Kamito frantically diverted his gaze.

    "A-Anyway, let''s go somewhere with fewer people."

    "I-Indeed! The clothes must be dried."

    Taking Ellis by the hand, Kamito ran away from the za into a small alley.

    While the main roads were filled with crowds, there were extremely few people in the alleys.

    "O wind¡ª"

    Running behind a shop, Ellis chanted an incantation for wind.

    A whirlwind swirled and started to blow her clothes dry. As a result, her skirt fluttered and exposed white panties, causing Kamito to hastily turn his gaze away.

    "Did that spring''s spirit anger because I''m male?"

    "No, I think it is likely that the spirit was intending to grant my wish."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "U-Uh... L-Letting Kamito witness my victory underwear, something like that..."

    "...?"

    Mixed in the sounds of the wind, Kamito could not quite catch what Ellis was saying¡ª

    "¡ªOh, you two are here. Kamito-kun."

    Aid back voice was heard, causing Kamito to look back frantically.

    Over there was¡ª

    "Fufu, am I disturbing the two of you?"

    "L-Lurie-san¡ª"

    Lurie Lizaldia of the Numbers.

    Dressed in vestments, her arms were holding a great amount of snacks including apple pie, sugar churros, roasted corn, a chocte banana, etc.

    On the side of her head was even a weird mask bought from a stall.

    "Dame Lurie, why did youe here without even a bodyguard knight!?"

    Ellis eximed in surprise.

    "Why? Of course it''s for sightseeing. It''s been a while since Ist visited a festival."

    Her vestment''s sleeves swayed. Seeing this, Ellis sighed.

    "You cannot go without a bodyguard. If something were to happen to you, as one of the Numbers¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. This Academy town is probably the second safest ce in the entire Empire."

    "Be that as it may¡ª"

    Ellis did not get to finish her sentence. At this moment...

    A shocking explosion was heard,ing from somewhere in the Academy.

    "...!?"

    Trantor''s Notes and References

    1. ¡ü Note: Kamito went back to using boku here.

 Volume 12, 9 - Academy Attacked

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 9 - Academy Attacked</h4>

    Part 1

    Dressed in ritual attire, the twelve princess maidens had lost consciousness and copsed by the side of the stone circle.

    Just when the ritual was under way, a sudden sh of light erupted, blowing everything away in the surroundings.

    Intense sparks flew out from the magic circle used for summoning spirits. The audience speechlessly watched thetest developments.

    "...Could it be... the Gate opening failed?"

    Copsed on the ground, Fianna opened her eyes wide, eximing in shock.

    (...No, that''s not right. The ritual did not have any problems.)

    Using the Gate for summoning was not very difficult magic in itself. Even if a summoned spirit went berserk, it seldom caused the summoning to fail.

    Then did the Gate at the historical site show abnormalities?

    (...That''s not very possible either.)

    Before constructing the magic circle, experts in historic sites should have conducted a thorough examination already.

    In that case, the only remaining possibility was¡ª

    (...The magic circle itself was rewritten?)

    "Calm down! Please calm down and evacuate."

    "Rakka, go help the copsed princess maidens!"

    "...Right away!"

    Despite the utmost efforts of the Sylphid Knights to respond, the audience were still on the verge of panic. If themotion spread beyond the Academy, it could end up causing a tragedy of the worst kind.

    (...I must find a solution.)

    The reason had to be found, so that the Gate could be closed as quickly as possible. Otherwise, evil spirits from Astral Zero might use it to enter the human realm.

    "Repair the magic circle! Everyonee and help!"

    Fianna tried her best to stand up and rally the princess maidens. However¡ª

    Her body was violently stunned.

    Seeing that appear before her eyes, she began to rue her naive thinking.

    From the magic circle where sparks were scattering out, something was about to crawl out.

    Covered by darkness resembling mist, there were pitch-ck ws.

    ¡ªA spirit.

    A spirit giving off astounding miasma was currently being summoned here.

    Furthermore, this was not the type of spirit residing in Astral Zero.

    This was¡ª

    (Tuned specially for use in war, a militarized spirit¡ª)

    In the next instant, a howl tore through the atmosphere.

    Part 2

    "...Militarized spirits!?"

    Looking at the sky, Ellis cried out.

    Above the Academy, giant flying spirits were circling in the air.

    Wrapped in darkness, spirits in the shape of winged dragons.

    There were a total of three¡ªno the numbers were still increasing.

    "No way, the princess''s ritual failed?"

    "No, even if the gate opening failed, it would not cause militarized spirits to¡ª"

    Ellis murmured in shock.

    Militarized spirits were weapons specially tuned for war. They were mostly sealed in artifacts and under strict safekeeping by the military. At least, they were not things that could be summoned from Astral Zero.

    "Did someone intentionally release militarized spirits? But more importantly, right now¡ª"

    Themotion in the za''s direction was gradually expanding in scope.

    The crowd was beginning to realize the abnormality of the situation.

    Pitch-ck winged dragons were circling in the air, causing destructive storms that smashed nearby buildings.

    The earthquake-like sound and people''s screams were all superimposed together.

    Escaping from the za, the crowd instantly rushed into the alleys.

    "¡ªKamito, above!"

    Ellis chanted wind magic, bringing Kamito and Lurie together to a roof.

    The militarized spirits spread their wings and shook the air with their roars.

    Tiles of roofs were blown away, about to fall upon the dense crowds packed in the alleys.

    "...Take this!"

    Ellis mustered full strength and swung Ray Hawk.

    The countless roof tiles were shattered by the howling gales.

    "Are you okay!?"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Kamito drew his sword from the waist and helped Lurie deflect small pieces of debris.

    "...Thank you, Kamito-kun."

    "Sorry, please protect yourself. I can''t guarantee your safety with just this single sword here."

    "Captain, over here!"

    Footsteps from multiple people were heard on the roof.

    The arrivals were the members of Team Froza in charge of security in the Academy town. They looked like they had not grasped the situation and everyone looked puzzled.

    "Captain, what on earth is going on!?"

    "...Someone released militarized spirits apparently."

    "Anti-Empire terrorists?"

    "...Who knows."

    Ellis shook her head and stared at the berserk militarized spirit.

    The spirit had gonepletely out of control.

    Normally, militarized spirits were supposed to be controlled by multiple elementalists. Releasing them like this meant deliberately letting them run amok.

    Ultimately, how were the militarized spirits brought to the Academy?

    This was a ce where top-rate elementalists were gathered. Trying to smuggle artifacts containing sealed spirits should have been quickly discovered.

    "The Gate was used huh¡ª"

    "Captain, orders please¡ª"

    Froza urged.

    "I will lead a team to destroy them. Froza, you will be in charge of evacuating the audience. The rest of you, follow me."

    "Y-Yes!" "Understood!" "Leave it to us!"

    Three girls stepped up and released their respective elemental waffen.

    Even among elementalists, those capable of releasing elemental waffen were not many. The members of the Sylphid Knights must be the Academy''s elite, presumably.

    However¡ª

    (Even so, mere students cannot handle militarized spirits¡ª)

    Kamito calmly reached a conclusion. Joining forces to handle one spirit might be possible, but defeating all seven militarized spirits was totally impossible.

    As though reading Kamito''s mind, Ellis looked back.

    "Of course, this is only for buying time. Until the Imperial Knights arrive."

    "...I see."

    Naturally, the Academy town also had knights stationed.

    After all, this Academy was also a strategic location for the military. The army, which stayed out of sight in respect for the student''s autonomy under normal conditions, could not possibly stay their hand in times like these.

    "What should I do?"

    "Kamito, you stay here and protect Dame Lurie. Dame Lurie, may I trouble you to heal the wounded?"

    "Sure, I got it."

    Lurie nodded slightly.

    "..."

    Kamito subconsciously gripped his sword''s hilt tightly.

    (If I''m able to use an elemental waffe¡ª)

    The town was filled with panicking and fleeing crowds. Among them were many small children.

    As a member of the Sylphid Knights, he felt frustrated that he could not help them.

    However, pouring divine power into his spirit seal would probably cause another runaway reaction.

    A shadow shaped like a giant winged dragon seemed to notice them.

    Screeching with high pitch, it tore through the air and glided over.

    "¡ªIt ising, spread out!"

    Under Ellis''s orders, the girls wielding elemental waffen dispersed in three different directions.

    "¡ªGo forth and pierce, evil-vanquishing whirlwind!"

    Right in front of the militarized spirit...

    Ellis released a howling wind de, forming a prating whirlwind.

    The wind de pierced the militarized spirit''s mouth, skewering it.

    "Yes¡ª" "Do it now, attack!" "Take this!"

    The girls of Team Froza assaulted the militarized spirit that was rolling in the air. Their coordination was excellent, as expected of a well-trained organization of knights.

    Dealt with¡ªEllis murmured softly. But in that instant...

    "Wait, the situation is a bit weird¡ª"

    "Eh?"

    Hearing Kamito''s warning, Ellis frowned.

    Suddenly, the militarized spirit''s body expanded all at once.

    Then¡ª

    Its body, filled with ck miasma, exploded in midair.

    Part 3

    "...No way... How could this happen..."

    Looking up at the militarized spirits circling midair, Fianna eximed in despair.

    Before her eyes were the ruins with the broken gate. The remains of the shrine that was blown away were scattered randomly all around.

    Having lost her ce in the pce, she had found somewhere she belonged for the first time.

    But now, she could do nothing but watch as this precious ce was being trampled.

    The Academy had entered a state of emergency and was evacuating students and visitors.

    Combat teachers, the Sylphid Knights and some of the students were heading to engage the enemies in battle but could not handle the militarized spirits.

    (...One could hardly me them.)

    This was not a de dance to make offerings to spirits.

    Those in the Academy with realbat experience were extremely rare.

    "It''s my fault... It''s my fault for the ritual''s failure¡ª"

    Lips trembling nonstop, Fianna knelt down on the spot.

    At this moment, one of the militarized spiritsnded in front of Fianna.

    "...!"

    The ck, winged dragon opened its jaws, preparing to swallow Fianna.

    Apart from demon spirits afflicted with strange mental structures, spirits had no concept of eating humans. However, a portion of evil spirits would devour princess maidens'' physical bodies to absorb divine power.

    Fianna, with her divine power far surpassing average princess maidens, was top-quality prey.

    "No... Don''te here...!"

    Copsed and sitting on the ground, Fianna kept backing away.

    The winged dragon''s great jaws opened, revealing a row of small but sharp teeth.

    "...Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna could not help but cry out his name¡ªJust at that moment.

    Whoosh¡ªthe sound of wind being sliced was heard.

    "...Eh?"

    In the next instant, the winged dragon''s head was covered by crimson mes.

    The militarized spirit made a frightening howl and jumped up.

    "Fianna, are you okay!?"

    Hurrying over was ire, wielding the intensely burning metongue.

    Her crimson hair fluttered in the wind. Her maid uniform was already full of holes.

    "What on earth happened? Where did the militarized spiritse from?"

    "No idea. But¡ª"

    Still sitting on the ground, Fianna shook her head.

    "I believe that the magic circle controlling the Gate was rewritten."

    "...Who did it¡ª"

    "..."

    For an instant, the image of a certain person, wanted by the Empire, shed across Fianna''s mind, but...

    "This is not Rubia-sama''s style."

    "Nee-sama won''t do this kind of thing, okay!?"

    "I know."

    She absolutely would not permit a terrorist attack that caught ordinary people in it.

    (...But I can''t figure out the purpose.)

    Some kind of organization, objecting to the Empire''s rule, targeted the Great Festival of the Spirits as an attempt to undermine the Empire''s authority¡ªThis was usible, but the n would be far too crude if that were the purpose.

    Perhaps this would plunge the Academy in turmoil for the short term, but the Empire''s knights stationed at the Academy town would quickly arrive and suppress the attack.

    (If only as a show of force, they used seven militarized spirits as disposable pawns?)

    ...Considering therge number of militarized spirits being consumed, this n would be far too absurd.

    (There''s most likely another goal¡ª)

    "Fianna, it''sing!"

    ire screamed acutely at this time.

    After the fire went out, the militarized spirit slowly crawled back up and roared threateningly.

    "As expected of a militarized spirit, that''s quite sturdy of it!"

    ire began to chant spirit magic. A triple release of extrarge Fireballs in session.

    ¡ªDirect hits on target. The ming explosive shockwaves swept over the entire area.

    "Wait, ire, are you trying to blow up the entire school yard!?"

    "I''m not done yet. This kind of half-baked attack won''t destroy a militarized spirit¡ª"

    As though to prove ire''s point¡ª

    Amidst dancing mes, a pitch-ck winged dragon flew out.

    Ascending up into the sky all at once, it glided down, apanied by furious howls.

    "¡ªI knew you''d do that!"

    ire swung metongue.

    The crimson shing whip traced out aplicated trajectory, wrapping around the dragon''s wing.

    The militarized spirit lost its bnce in the air. However¡ª

    Urgh... Gah... Ohhhhhhhh¡ª!

    The militarized spirit gnawed and shredded its own single wing.

    "What¡ª"

    Miasma of darkness flowed out from the wound, instantly growing a new jet-ck wing.

    "I can''t believe it has regeneration powers!?"

    Recovering its ability to fly, the militarized spirit tore through the air and rushed over again.

    "T-Take this, I''ll strike you down!"

    In response, ire frantically invoked fireball magic repeatedly, but her offensive power was clearly weaker when used without chanting. The mes were easily deflected by the miasma enveloping the winged dragon''s body.

    "...!"

    The winged dragon''s sharp ws swung down. In that instant...

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    The militarized spirit''s giant body was pierced by countless arrows of ice.

    Struck by the sudden attack, the winged dragon fell to the ground, turned into a giant block of ice.

    A great dust cloud was produced, apanied by intense earthquakes and rumbling.

    "Hmph, right at a critical crisis¡ª"

    Wielding the magical bow of ice, Rinslet rushed over from a hill.

    "Rinslet... Uh, thanks a lot."

    "Oh my, that''s quite honest of you."

    "S-Shut up!...Are the other princess maidens okay?"

    "They''ve been evacuated by the Sylphid Knights already."

    "Okay. Then before the Empire''s proper knights arrive, let''s stall for time. Fianna, can you stand?"

    "...Yes, I''m okay."

    Pressing on her painful legs, Fianna stood up.

    She really was saved by ire''s forcefulness in attitude.

    (...I just need to do what is within my ability right now.)

    Fianna chanted the words of summoning, calling forth the knight spirit Georgios.

    With Fianna in charge of support in the center, the trio swiftly formed a triangr defensive formation.

    At this moment¡ª

    "Don''t go to the frontlines. Stay back and focus on supporting us."

    "¡ªEh?"

    Looking back, they saw the teachers ofbat courses standing behind them.

    "We have no right to be teachers if we let students shield us."

    One of them, Freya, chuckled lightly.

    "Hmph, it''s been a while since I got some exercise. This reminds me of my days in the knights!"

    "We shall protect the students of the Academy."

    Wielding their respective elemental waffen, they red at the militarized spirit.

    Combat teachers were either former soldiers or participants of the de Dance. Even with some diminishing of divine power, their skills still rivaled those of spirit knights in active service.

    "But Sensei¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. We just need to stall for time until the Imperial Knights arrive."

    Freya gently put her hand on ire''s head.

    ¡ªSuddenly.

    "Giggle giggle... Gathered together, gathered together. Foolish insects."

    "...!?"

    A cute voice, one that did not belong to the tragic battlefield, caused everyone to look around.

    It was not a real person''s voice. This was a magical voice sounding directly in one''s mind.

    "...That is?"

    Freya looked upwards and murmured.

    Looking up, a girl could be seen riding on the back of a militarized spirit circling in the sky above.

    Her golden hair was fluttering in the wind. Dressed in a military uniform of pure white, she was looking down at the ground.

    On her left eye was an eye patch that did not match her look as a beautiful young girl.

    "W-Who are you!?"

    ire yelled at the girl.

    "Millennia Sanctus."

    The girl smiled and reached for the eye patch over her left eye.

    "Sent to this world¡ªThe Evangelist bringing prophesies of the end times."

    The girl took off the eye patch, revealing the eye.

    ¡ªInstantly, Fianna felt an intense chill down her spine.

    (That''s...!)

    Even at this distance, it was clear from a single nce. Residing in that girl''s eye was¡ª

    "...That child''s eye, no way¡ª"

    Possessing outstanding potential like Fianna as a princess maiden, ire also seemed to have noticed.

    They noticed that what the entity residing in the girl''s eye was.

    "...Yes. It''s the same as what we saw in the sanctuary of the Elemental Lords."

    Fianna gasped and whispered.

    Eating away at the Elemental Lords'' minds, causing them to go insane, the Otherworldly Darkness.

    Why was something like that inhabiting the girl''s eye?

    A scream suddenly came from behind.

    Freya''s and the other teacher''s elemental waffen had released their waffen state at the same time and started attacking their own contractors.

    "The spirits are going crazy!"

    "I won''t let them... Go forth and pierce, Ice Prison that freezes everything!"

    Rinslet hastily released a hail of magical ice arrows.

    Spirits that were struck were instantly locked away in prisons of magical ice.

    "Heh, splendid. Seeing this eye without going berserk, your spirits."

    Millennia Sanctus smiled tenderly.

    "¡ªAs expected, you must have seen that inside the sanctuary of the Elemental Lords."

    Part 4

    The expanding body of the militarized spirit exploded.

    High-density miasma of darkness was spreading, slowly covering the roof tops in the streets.

    "Self-destructed!?" "W-What, what''s going on!?"

    "Iriga, Tissier, do not recklessly get close to it!"

    Ellis hastily shouted.

    ¡ªHowever, she was a step toote. Contaminated by the dark miasma, their elemental waffen turned into spirits and attacked the knights, their own contractors.

    "Uwahhhhh!" "No way, why¡ª"

    "...I will not allow this!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk, flooring the berserk spirits.

    The spirits turned into particles of light and dissipated in the air.

    "Captain¡ª"

    "Rx. I did not kill your spirits."

    "...Y-Yes. Thank goodness."

    Pressing on their wounds from being bitten by their own spirits, the knights sat down where they stood.

    "Are you okay? Allow me to have a look¡ª"

    Chanting healing incantations, Lurie healed all the wounds.

    "Ellis, what''s that?"

    Seeing that, Kamito asked.

    "..."

    With solemn eyes, Ellis red at the spreading darkness¡ª

    "...Could that be the darkness that is corrupting the Elemental Lords? But why¡ª"

    She murmured softly to herself.

    ¡ªJust at this moment...

    "Captain, it''s the Imperial Knights!"

    One knight pointed to the other end of the sky.

    A squad of spirit knights in silver armor was hurrying towards the Academy city, driving a giant spirit.

    sya-Labs¡ªA heavily-armed giant spirit tuned for use againstrge spirits.

    They were nning to use a militarized spirit to get rid of the attackers all at once.

    However¡ª

    "...Oh no!"

    Ellis''s scream resounded through the air in vain.

    The giant spirit swung its fist at one of the militarized spirits.

    Instantly the militarized spirit exploded again.

    The released miasma of darkness swallowed the giant spirit and the squad of spirit knights.

    "...How could this happen...!?"

    Sounds of despair escaped from Ellis.

    Swallowed by darkness, the giant spirit howled violently and started destroying surrounding buildings.

    "Guh, damn it¡ª"

    "Hold on, Ellis!"

    Seeing Ellis holding Ray Hawk, intending to rush over all on her own, Kamito frantically stopped her.

    "Kamito, do not stop me. I will¡ª"

    "You won''t seed on your own."

    Kamito said.

    Indeed, Ellis''s power far surpassed the level of students.

    However, defeating a militarized spirit single-handedly was absurd.

    "B-But at this rate, the town as well as our school will¡ª"

    "¡ªI''ll do it."

    Kamito drew the sword from his waist.

    "Since this sword is a normal weapon, even if it touches the darkness, it won''t go berserk, right?"

    "I-Idiot!"

    Ellis roared loudly.

    "Even for you, how could you do anything to a militarized spirit with nothing more than an ordinary sword!? Besides, you are currently far from peak condition¡ª"

    "¡ªBut, I must protect."

    ¡ªThis was a feeling that even Kamito found strange himself.

    Whether this town, this Academy or people''s lives, for Kamito in his amnesiac state, he should not care about what happened to them. The Kamito back in the Instructional School would surely think that.

    Back then, Kamito cared little even for his own life.

    Wanting to protect something, wanting to protect someone, these feelings had never been felt.

    Never been felt¡ªThat was supposed to be the case.

    ...But no, he could understand.

    His current self was not the one from the time at the Instructional School.

    The feelings of the pre-amnesiac Kamito were definitely lingering somewhere in the depths of his mind, resulting in this notion of wanting to protect this town, this Academy and the youngdies who were hispanions.

    (...Yes, to protect. I absolutely will¡ª)

    ¡ªBecause I promised, I promised to protect them well.

    "...Kamito?"

    Ellis watched Kamito with a surprised look on her face.

    "Eh... Huh...?"

    Tears fell to his feet.

    "...Me... Why am I... crying...?"

    Kamito muttered in shock.

    He was not feeling sad. Nevertheless, tears were inexplicably spilling out, unstoppable.

    ...Iprehensible. Why exactly was he crying? For whom was he crying?

    However, inexplicably, he was able to imagine his reason for crying.

    (...Yes. I must¡ª)

    I must have said that before.

    ¡ªTowards a certain precious person, I promised to protect you.

    But I failed.

    I lost a certain precious someone.

    Yes, probably¡ª

    ¡ªKamito, I am waiting here.

    ¡ªWaiting for you, Kamito, to return after fulfilling her promise.

    That silver-white-haired girl had said that in the dream.

    The promise with her¡ª

    "I¡ª"

    Kamito gripped his sword''s hilt harder.

    "Kamito-kun¡ª"

    Seeing Kamito like that, Lurie spoke up.

    "So long as you have the will, there is nothing precious that you can''t protect."

    "...Yeah. I know."

    "But you should possess enough power to protect."

    "Dame Lurie, could it be that¡ª"

    Ellis suddenly came to a realization.

    "¡ªYour Demon yer possesses the strongest magic resistance. By my guess, even sufficient to resist that rampaging darkness."

    "...Yeah."

    Kamito concurred, staring at the seal on his right hand.

    "B-But, if you lose control, Kamito, you will¡ª"

    "Yes, the risk does exist. But is there any other method to break through the current situation?"

    "Well¡ª"

    As soon as she started speaking, Ellis found herself searching for words. But she had a point.

    "What are you going to do, Kamito-kun?"

    "¡ªGo get my sword back."

    There was no time to hesitate. Kamito acted decisively.

    The girl with silver-white-hair had appeared in his dreams.

    He felt certain that once she was retrieved, he would be able to protect this town.

    "Time considerations?"

    "The path leading to the underground facility should be connected to the Imperial Knights'' third garrison point. Walking there on foot will take some time, but flying there should be quick."

    Lurie turned her gaze to Ellis.

    "...Understood. I will escort you two there. Team Froza will guide the crowd to evacuate."

    "You can count on us!"

    The girls answered, thumping their chests.

    Ellis chanted a wind spell, resulting in swirling whirlwind.

    "¡ªKamito, we are gambling everything on you."

    Part 5

    "¡ªRight. The Gate on the forest''s side should be opened too. Transfer people to Astral Zero."

    At the meeting room on the school building''s third floor¡ª

    Greyworth was using amunication spirit crystal to issue orders to teachers.

    Outside the window, the Sylphid Knights could be seen guiding the evacuating crowds. Using the Gate located at the forest, students and visitors should be able to take refuge in a safe ce for now.

    "...How troublesome. To think it''s the type that causes contracted spirits to go mad."

    Standing by the window, Virrey Branford grumbled while firing her handgun.

    The targeted crow-shaped spirit was blown away and destroyed.

    The winged dragon militarized spirits were not the only threats.

    Infected with madness, numerous spirits were attacking the school building.

    Students and teachers had already left the school building to evacuate, hence Virrey was the only one protecting Greyworth. Also, because bullets with sealed spirits could not be used, she had to use a type of gun that shot out her divine power directly. Although there was no worry of spirits going mad, the consumption of stamina was quite pronounced.

    "¡ªI''ve seen that type of militarized spirit before."

    Greyworth murmured at this time.

    "The Nazgul series¡ªan old type of spirit used for base assaults. Still in use until during the Second Ranbal War, two units were destroyed in battle. The remaining seven were sealed and abandoned, falling into the hands of Murders during the chaotic aftermath of the war, ording to rumors."

    "My, that''s quite some detailed knowledge."

    "Because I''ve infiltrated Murders before."

    "Does this type have the ability to make spirits go mad?"

    "No, even as militarized spirits, their power level can only be said to be mediocre. It''s absolutely unheard of for militarized spirits to possess this kind of ability."

    Virrey shook her head. Greyworth stared out the window and shrugged.

    "If I had my elemental waffe, this level of militarized spirit could be instantly obliterated."

    The Dusk Witch''s personal sword, the Stormbringer, was a high-level demon spirit minion.

    Also, a demon spirit, mad to begin with, could not go berserk.

    "If your power was still intact, then this kind of terrorist attack wouldn''t have happened in the first ce."

    "¡ªHmph, that''s true too."

    Greyworth nodded with a wry smile.

    Indeed. Only a small number of people in the Empire knew that she had lost the power of spirit contracts. ¡ªNevertheless, the mastermind behind the terrorist attack clearly knew that Greyworth had lost her power. Also, the terrorist attack made use of the ritual in the Great Festival of the Spirits, thus implying that there was undoubtedly a traitor in the Academy.

    "Dame Greyworth, are you suspecting there''s a traitor?"

    "Of course. Given this kind of situation."

    Greyworth pushed her sses frame up slightly.

    "Dame Virrey, do you know something about it?"

    "The imperial family has also learned of a traitor among the Empire''s top echelons. Now that things havee to this, I''ll be blunt. The imperial family did suspect you of being a traitor at one point."

    Virrey stared out the window while answering.

    "Dame Lurie''s protection and Kazehaya Kamito''s surveince are just the superficial mission. My true mission is to spy on you."

    "Oh, and so?"

    Greyworth asked, looking quite amused. Virrey shrugged.

    "At least in this particr matter, you are innocent. Without my protection, you''d have died already. Although there are unidentified funds flowing into the Academy, well, that''s not under my jurisdiction anyway."

    "You''re excellent, you know? You really make me feel like recruiting you as my subordinate."

    Greyworth smiled wryly.

    "For you who are so excellent, I have a favor to ask."

    "No need for favors. I will protect you well. After all, it''s part of the mission."

    "No, not me. Could you protect thed?"

    "Kazehaya Kamito?"

    Part 6

    "...Open up, a paaaaaaaath!"

    Releasing a tornado, Ellis blew away the rampaging spirits.

    "Found it, over there¡ª"

    The Imperial Knights'' third garrison point was a facility neighboring the Academy town''s outer wall. Ellis stopped in midair and took Kamito and Lurie tond at the center of the garrison point.

    The parade ground, opened for people to take refuge, was already packedpletely.

    There were three spirit knights stationed here with roughly fifty ordinary soldiers. Apparently, the spirit knights had already mobilized to engage the militarized spirits in battle and were therefore not present.

    "Y-You, what are you doing so suddenly?"

    A sword-wielding male soldier ran over frantically.

    ...Well, this was a suddennding from the air after all. Being treated as someone suspicious was only natural.

    "I am the captain of Areishia Spirit Academy''s Sylphid Knights, Ellis Fahrengart. I request the Imperial Knights'' assistance."

    "...Assistance huh?"

    Realizing he was facing the Fahrengart family''s daughter, the soldier''s attitude changed.

    "Yes. I hope to enter the old military instation underground."

    "...The old military instation? Why on earth at this time¡ª"

    "This is necessary precisely to change the current situation."

    "B-But even for Duke Fahrengart''s granddaughter, without authorization¡ª"

    "Okay, that''s enough. Excuse me¡ª"

    Lurie stepped forward and lightly touched the soldier''s forehead¡ª

    "Could you lead us to the entrance to the underground facility?"

    "...Roger that. Come this way please."

    The soldier nodded expressionlessly and immediately started walking silently.

    "The authority of Numbers has taken effect eh?"

    "...No, what took effect was probably your magic¡ª"

    Commenting snidely with his eyes half-narrowed, Kamito followed Lurie and Ellis behind the soldier.

    The entrance to the underground facility was located inside a massive weapon storage.

    However, the entrance was sealed securely by a massive stone tablet with spiritnguage carved on it.

    "Dame Lurie, this is a seal of the highest level¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. Leave it to me."

    Lurie lightly touched the stone tablet''s surface.

    Next, the spiritnguage carvings glowed faintly and the stone tablet opened up immediately.

    A metal staircase, covered with rust stains, extended forward into bottomless darkness.

    "Amazing..."

    "This is nothing. The Numbers are bestowed with the authority to lift seals up to Level 3."

    Lurie chuckled then lit a magical light on her fingertip and started down the stairs.

    "I-It is dangerous! Allow me to go first¡ª"

    Wielding Ray Hawk, Ellis hastily rushed to the front.

    Part 7

    Drip, drip, drip¡ª

    Kamito''s group walked along the passage to the underground facility amidst sounds of water dripping.

    Unattended for decades, the underground facility was very decrepit already. The ceiling had copsed in many ces, forming piles of debris.

    "The air is very musty, almost as though it was left behind from the darkness of the Ranbal War."

    Walking in front, Ellis gave herment.

    "To me, this actually feels nostalgic instead."

    Kamito was long used to this kind of suffocating atmosphere.

    The presence of death, impossible to dispel¡ªJust like at the Instructional School.

    "Research on Cursed Armament Seals was apparently conducted here."

    "No way, Cursed Armament Seal research took ce even underground below the sacred Academy?"

    "Students from over there were apparently used for experiments. Of course, they were volunteers."

    Hearing Lurie''s words, Ellis bit her lip with aplicated expression on her face.

    "Why didn''t the Empire scrap that kind of ce?"

    "Probably impossible to scrap due to its sheer size. This was a facility originally rebuilt from ancient ruins. Most likely, even in the army itself, no one knows fully howrge it actually is¡ª"

    At this moment, walking in front, Ellis stopped in the center of a spacious hall.

    "¡ªOver here. The coordinates for the temple above ground."

    "Here?"

    Kamito looked around the temple''s hall, all surrounded by walls of rock.

    "I don''t see anything?"

    There was nothing except abandoned experimental apparatus and piles of debris.

    There was not a single sign of the Demon yer.

    "Does your spirit seal have any reaction?"

    "..."

    Kamito closed his eyes and focused his attention to the spirit seal on his right hand.

    "It feels like I can sense a presence..."

    "Don''t worry. The Burial Chamber is a magical and special dimension and does not exist at physical coordinates¡ªSo, it will appear so long as you have a need for it."

    "So long as I have a need for it...?"

    Hearing Lurie''s calm exnation, Kamito felt a strange sense of dissonance and turned his head to look back.

    "Yes, for example¡ª"

    Lurie smiled tenderly.

    "When it senses that your life is in danger, yes?"

    "¡ªEh?"

    In the next instant, a de stabbed into Kamito''s chest.

 Volume 12, 10 - Releasing the Sealed Sword

    <h4>Volume 12, Chapter 10 - Releasing the Sealed Sword</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Gah... Huff¡ª"

    The ck de was dyed with blood.

    Kamito watched in shock as this sword stabbed into his own heart''s location.

    "Luri...e... Why...?"

    "Sorry, Kamito-kun."

    She smiled with a troubled expression.

    As though feeling sadness from the bottom of her heart.

    Whoosh¡ªShe swiftly pulled out the sword held in her hand.

    "Ughh... A-Ahhhhhhh...!"

    A great amount of blood gushed out, dyeing Kamito''s uniform red all over.

    With that, he copsed on his knees.

    (...What? What on earth happened?)

    Unable to grasp the situation. Why did she¡ª

    "¡ªKamito!"

    In the underground hall, Ellis''s scream was heard.

    She rushed over to Kamito who was copsed in a pool of blood, pressing a healing spirit crystal against him.

    The sacred light of healing enveloped Kamito''s entire body¡ª

    "It''s useless. Wounds inflicted by this sword cannot be healed by something of that sort."

    However, a cold voice came from behind.

    Holding the bloodstained sword, she looked down at the two of them indifferently.

    "Dame Lurie...!"

    Ellis looked back and readied Ray Hawk in a stance to protect Kamito.

    Her dark-brown eyes were filled with intense rage.

    "Why did you do something like this..!? You, why on earth¡ª"

    "Please put your weapon away, Ellis. I have no interest in killing an unrted girl."

    Lurie spoke coldly while flinging the blood off the jet-ck de.

    "Didn''t I say already? Obtaining the Demon yer is my lord''s wish."

    "...Est?"

    Ellis spoke while ring at her angrily.

    "Est is Kamito''s contracted spirit. She can''t possibly be taken away¡ª"

    "It''s possible. Given Kamito-kun''s current condition."

    Saying that, Lurie reached out into empty space.

    (...Wh...at...?)

    Something resembling a crack appeared in a space where nothing existed earlier.

    On the other side of the crack, several shing geometric patterns appeared.

    "The Burial Chamber¡ªAs expected, it reacted to the Demon King''s life and death crisis."

    "Burial... Chamber... Come again?"

    In his hazy consciousness, Kamito muttered.

    "The treasure vault inherited by the legitimate Demon King. In actual fact, I didn''t want to resort to such violent means to begin with, but given your current state, Kamito-kun, there''s no way you could open the Burial Chamber through your own will, is there?"

    Lurie continued while reaching into the crack in space.

    "The Demon yer is being kept in the Burial Chamber in its materialized form and currently with its connection to Kamito-kun interrupted. This is a perfect opportunity to intervene."

    "...Could it be that those militarized spirits, you are the one!?"

    Ellis cried out with an expression of trepidation.

    Was it that in order to distract the Imperial Knights and lead Kamito to this ce where Est was sealed, arge-scale act of terrorism was perpetrated¡ª

    "Tampering with the princess''s magic circle was not difficult. Neither Greyworth nor Virrey ever suspected me, one of the Numbers, of being the traitor."

    "...Dame Lurie, as the noblest healer, why did you¡ª"

    "Didn''t I say so already? Because my lord wishes to obtain the sacred sword."

    She pulled her hand out from the crack in space.

    Held in her hand was a sword bound by countless chains.

    (That... is...!)

    Kamito recognized instinctively.

    That sword was the girl he had seen in his dream¡ªthe Demon yer.

    "¡ªThank you for your generosity, Kamito-kun."

    Lurie pulled the sword out with her slender arm.

    "W-Wait up!"

    Seeing that, Ellis yelled loudly and swung Ray Hawk.

    This was apletely merciless strike. However¡ª

    Lurie''s figure vanished. In the next instant, apanied by a dull and heavy sound simr to bone being crushed, Ellis was easily sent flying into one of the rock surfaces.

    "Ell...is...!"

    "You would do well to value your life more. I won''t hold back from a killing move next time."

    Swinging the Demon yer in her left hand in an experienced manner, she taunted.

    (What''s going on... That power...)

    Lying in a pool of blood, Kamito could not help but groan.

    As a healer, Lurie Lizaldia should be unversed in swordsmanship.

    However, the skill she had just disyed was on the level of a knight''s swordsmanship¡ªin fact, that of a sword master.

    Was the impression she had given off until now all an act for the sake of concealing her true power¡ª

    "Farewell, Kamito-kun. Most likely, we shall never meet again¡ª"

    The Numbers woman turned her heels and walked towards the darkness.

    The crack in space closed up and the surroundings were plunged into darkness once more.

    "Wait... Wait..."

    As though trying to grab the gradually distant Demon yer, Kamito reached out with a trembling hand.

    But it was not enough. He failed to protect again.

    (I... have once again¡ª)

    As blood loss continued, his consciousness gradually grew distant.

    Just as he was about to lose consciousness, Kamito yelled.

    As if pleading to the departing sword onest time to make it stay.

    (...Please, Est... Lend to me, lend me enough power to protect!)

    ¡ªJust at this moment.

    The seal on his extended right hand gave off powerful light.

    Part 2

    "Teachers, please retreat¡ª"

    Saying that, Fiannamanded Georgios, wielding his shield, to advance.

    "B-But¡ª"

    In the middle of her sentence, Freya stopped talking.

    Under conditions of contracted spirits going mad, the teachers were only a liability.

    "...Understood. Your spirits are okay?"

    "Yes, apparently so¡ª"

    Scarlet, Fenrir and Georgios¡ªThese three spirits remained sane and maintained their elemental waffen states. As for whether it was because these three were high-level spirits or for some other reason, the answer was currently unknown¡ª

    Using magic to create shadows by her feet, Freya picked up wounded teachers and disappeared into the shadows.

    Taking the ce of the departed teachers, ire rushed forward, wielding metongue.

    "¡ªTake this and turn into charcoal!"

    A crimson sh traced out an arc, producing a wall of me on the ground.

    "¡ªFufu, that kind of fire cannot stop Nazgul, you know?"

    Riding on the back of a winged dragon, Millennia Sanctus smiled with a chuckle.

    The militarized spirit''s roar shook the atmosphere, blowing out the burning mes.

    "¡ªThat''s Dispel, it neutralizes ordinary spirit magic!"

    Fianna issued a warning.

    "...Then how about this!?"

    ire closed her eyes and injected her imagination into metongue in her hand.

    She injected images of the strongest mes that incinerated all creation to naught.

    "Namely, the true me beyond this world¡ªEnd of Vermillion!"

    metongue instantly glowed red and produced a howling tempest.

    ¡ªmes that existed in neither Astral Zero nor the human realm.

    The power of the true me, passed down the Elstein lineage, was added to Scarlet.

    The sh, glowing with crimson light, instantly destroyed a militarized spirit''s wing.

    "Heh, so that is the me usurped by the Elstein''s princess maiden¡ª"

    Millennia''s lips distorted into a grin.

    "That which Volcanicus desired greatly."

    "You know about this me!?"

    ire eximed in shock. Who exactly was this girl¡ª

    "But it''s useless unless you can use that power properly."

    Millennia chanted an incantation. A sword of light appeared in the girl''s hand and was fired towards ire.

    Manifesting the true me required extreme concentration. Maintaining the mes with all her effort, ire evaded a step toote.

    ¡ªImmediately, numerous swords of light struck ire all over her body.

    "...Tsk, ahhh... Guh...!"

    "¡ªFenrir!"

    Rinslet gave orders. Instantly, the magic bow of ice turned into a direwolf. Fenrir took a mighty leap, used its mouth to pick up ire by the nape and pulled her back to retreat.

    "Thanks for saving me, good doggy."

    Enduring the pain from all over her body, ire stumbled and stood up. Any disruption to her concentration would likely cause the True me to extinguish. The enemy saw through her weaknesspletely.

    "ire, don''t go at it recklessly on your own."

    Rinslet released the magic bow again and shot a series of arrows to pin down the enemy.

    However, for militarized spirits possessing high magic resistance, the cursed ice did not have any obvious effect.

    ¡ªJust at this moment, scattered in three directions, the militarized spirits'' bodies expanded¡ª

    ck breath was then exhaled.

    "O knight, protect thy vassals¡ªSave the Queen!"

    Fianna instantly released her elemental waffe of the rapier.

    A shield of light appeared all around, deflecting the dark breath¡ª

    (...Could this be the Otherworldly Darkness as well!?)

    But the shield of light, which was logically supposed to neutralize the darkness attribute, was slowly being eroded and weakened.

    "Fufu, how much longer can you endure?"

    Millennia Sanctus smiled in mockery.

    Part 3

    "No way¡ª"

    Lurie Lizaldia''s face showed wavering for the first time.

    "...That sword... is my... sword¡ª"

    Kamito stood up unsteadily from the pool of blood.

    Not to the point of being all covered in wounds, but Kamito felt quite incredible that he was still conscious.

    His right hand dangled powerlessly. Branded on the back of that hand, the spirit seal shed intensely.

    As though crying inmentation.

    "The connection to the sword spirit should have been interruptedpletely¡ª"

    Unbelievable¡ªMaking a face that expressed that, Lurie gasped.

    The Demon yer in her hand showed almost no change at all.

    But Kamito knew.

    That sword was calling for Kamito.

    Terminus Est¡ªThe girl with silver-white hair whom he had seen in his dream¡ª

    With a trembling hand, Kamito drew the sword at his waist, ring murderously at Lurie.

    "Lurie... That sword, give me... Return it...!"

    Hence¡ª

    "...Kamito-kun, you really scare me."

    Lurie stabbed the Demon yer into the ground.

    "There is still value in using you, so I didn''t want to kill you originally¡ª"

    Then she raised her other hand, holding the jet-ck sword.

    "But if you continue to live, you could very well end up a hindrance to that person."

    Instantly, the murderous intent given off Lurie Lizaldia brushed past Kamito''s skin.

    This dense aura of murderous intent was enough to cause an intense chill down one''s spine.

    "...Is that thing your elemental waffe?"

    The jet-ck sword gave off an ominous aura. No matter how you looked, it did not look like it carried the holy attribute.

    "Mournde¡ªa minion that''s a pure demon spirit."

    Lurie injected divine power, causing countless blood vessels to pop up on the demon sword''s de surface.

    This strange appearance, resembling a hybrid between metal and a living creature, caused Kamito to gasp.

    "A holy spirit and a demon spirit¡ªA double contractor huh."

    Double contractors were not particrly rare in themselves. However, due to the instabilities in divine power caused by contracts with multiple spirits, almost no one used it officially.

    Furthermore, Kamito never expected one of the spirits to be a demon spirit which could not bemanded without special talents.

    "Poor Kamito-kun. At least, you shall be food for this child."

    Lurie licked the demon sword''s de.

    "¡ªDon''t underestimate an Instructional School''s assassin."

    Saying that, Kamito kicked the ground forcefully. Staying conscious under his condition of blood loss was very hard. Unlike a de dance of shing swords, he had to end things in an instant.

    (¡ªI''ll end this battle with this one strike!)

    Kamito poured as much divine power as possible into the Sylphid Knights'' sword¡ªthe sword of mithril.

    Massive divine power flowed out from thementing seal on his right hand.

    Lurie Lizaldia swung her demon sword¡ªSo fast!

    Confronted with the demon sword, approaching before his eyes¡ªKamito did not evade but stepped forward bravely and decisively.

    Assassination technique¡ªshing Fang.

    Enveloped in divine power, the mithril slid over the demon sword''s de, making a beeline for her throat¡ª!

    But the shing murderous de¡ª

    Was eaten by the demon sword''s de.

    "...Wh...at!?"

    Lurie narrowed her eyes and recited:

    "¡ªO Mournde suck the Demon King''s de to your heart''s content."

    The demon sword''s de writhed like a creature, instantly swallowing the mithril sword. Next, the gluttonous demon sword extended blood vessel-like tentacles, biting Kamito''s throat.

    "...Guh... A-Ahhhh, ahhhhhh...!"

    Numerous teeth appeared on the demon sword''s tentacles, gradually stealing Kamito''s blood¡ª

    (Damn... it... I... will...)

    Losing brightness in the seal, his right hand dangled vertically.

    Just at this moment...

    "¡ªLet go, Kamitoooooooooo!"

    A yell was heard.

    Recovering consciousness, Ellis charged Lurie to engage at close range, making a thrust with her full strength.

    "Tsk...!"

    Lurie clicked her tongue briefly and withdrew the demon sword.

    Without letting go of that opening, Ellis desperatelyunched a forceful offensive.

    In the darkness, intense sparks sshed about.

    "...Ellis¡ª"

    "Kamito, I will absolutely protect you!"

    While she yelled, Ray Hawk''s spear tip gave off dazzling light.

    "Please endure¡ªSimorgh!"

    "...A waffe release!?"

    Lurie eximed in surprise.

    This was a skill to deliberately make the elemental waffe go berserk in exchange for power transcending limits.

    An astounding storm was released from the spear''s tip, howling in the subterranean hall.

    "Hahhhhhhhh!"

    "...Damn, this..."

    Lurie was being pushed away by the violent wind pressure.

    Slight anxiety crept onto her face¡ª

    "I already warned you, the next time will be a killing move¡ª"

    Mournde''s tip flew straight at Ellis, piercing the heart''s location.

    However¡ª

    "...Guh... Ow, ahhhhhhhhh...!"

    "Wh...at...!?"

    Despite having her heart pierced, Ellis continued to pour divine power into her elemental waffe.

    The howling tempest turned into numerous des, shing Lurie''s vestments open.

    "...Ell...is...!"

    "Kamito... Now, hurry and... escape...!"

    "...!"

    ¡ªThrob.

    Suddenly, Kamito felt a bout of pain in his head.

    This scene gave Kamito a sense of deja vu.

    A sword stabbed into the chest. In order to protect Kamito, the girl who sacrificed her life and disappeared.

    Gorgeous ck hair. A dress in the color of night. Eyes where dusk resided.

    ¡ªThrob. Throb.

    Kamito felt cracks appearing over his sealed memories.

    The sealed and suppressed emotions were gushing out as though a dam had ruptured.

    ¡ªThrob. Throb. Throb. Throb.

    (...Yes, right... Recall, Kazehaya Kamito!)

    While crawling on the ground, Kamito clenched his fist tightly.

    Before him, a girl was pitting her life in a fight to protect Kamito.

    For the sake of protecting this noble, serious and awkward knight...

    (I don''t want to lose anything anymore. I don''t want to lose¡ª)

    Kamito infused divine power into the spirit seal on his right hand.

    Sparks sshed out intensely. The sword spirit''s power of steel was flowing in reverse.

    At this rate, it was probably going to run out of control again. However¡ª

    Gathering his remaining willpower, Kamito suppressed it.

    Then he faced the fragments of memories sealed in the depths of his consciousness.

    Reaching out towards those fragments, he cried out.

    (So please, return my memories¡ªRestia!)

    Instantly, his consciousness turned nk.

    Part 4

    Surrounded by endless emptiness that stretched on to who knows where¡ª

    A girl''s figure surfaced.

    Beautiful, jet-ck wings. A cute girl dressed in a dress the color of night.

    Dusk-colored eyes. Gazing at Kamito as though in a dilemma, she smiled.

    "...You remember everything now, Kamito."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded in response.

    ¡ªYes, the instant he called out her name, Kamito remembered everything.

    What had happened at the sanctuary of the Elemental Lords. In order to save Kamito whose consciousness was being possessed by Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll, Restia had sacrificed herself and was destroyed.

    (...I killed her, by my own hand.)

    The girl, whom he had promised back in his childhood days to protect her¡ª

    He had killed her by his own hand.

    Hence, the girl appearing before his eyes now could not be Restia.

    Most likely, she was¡ª

    "Restia sent to my consciousness, her psyche?"

    "Correct¡ª"

    Saying that, she gently caressed the back of Kamito''s right hand.

    Est''s emblem of the intersecting swords. Carved over that, the emblem of the moon was Restia''s.

    "...Stay here, forever, Restia."

    "What a troubling guy you are. It wasn''t easy making you forget."

    Restia before him was making aplicated expression, unclear whether she wasughing or crying.

    "You sealed my memories to prevent me from despairing."

    "If I remained forgotten, perhaps you could have lived on in peace as a normal human rather than the Demon King¡ª"

    "...Possibly."

    In fact, his life in the Academy during his amnesia was not bad at all. Quite delightful. Supposing he remained in memory loss, perhaps he could continue to live that sort of ordinary school life.

    "But you chose to retrieve your memories¡ªBy your own will."

    "That''s what you must have believed as well. You believed I will open the seal of my memories myself."

    "...Yes. Indeed, I did hope for that."

    Restia smiled and gently embraced Kamito, kissing him on the cheek.

    d in her dress of darkness, she was beginning to dissipate like mist.

    "I am here, Kamito. Undoubtedly here in your heart¡ª"

    "Yeah, I know."

    She was there, supporting Kamito''s heart.

    Kamito tightened his embrace of the gradually disappearing darkness spirit girl and said his farewell.

    Part 5

    "...Guh... Ah..."

    While Ellis copsed like a stringless puppet, the howling storm disappeared as a result.

    "...Seriously, what a pain."

    Pulling out the demon sword from Ellis''s chest, Lurie wiped off the sttered blood.

    Things were taking longer than expected. Millennia Sanctus was probably impatient, waiting above ground.

    ncing at the two, copsed on the ground, Lurie turned around and left.

    Walking towards the Demon yer stabbed into the ground, she reached out to draw it.

    Crack¡ª

    "What!?"

    Lurie frantically pulled her hand back.

    As soon as she touched the hilt, her left hand had suddenly turned into stone.

    "The sacred sword''s curse!? Why¡ª"

    At this moment, she sensed someone standing up behind her.

    "Sorry. I guess she doesn''t want to be touched by anyone apart from me."

    "...Impossible, you shouldn''t be able to stand¡ª"

    Lurie cried out in shock.

    But soon, she quickly noticed. Kamito''s expression had changed.

    "¡ªYeah. I remember now, everything."

    Kamito reached out lightly in the air.

    In that direction was the Demon yer, stabbed into the ground.

    With a light clench of his fist, the chains wrapped around the de were blown away, one after another.

    "...Sorry to make you wait."

    Then Kamito spoke:

    "¡ªCome, Est!"

    Part 6

    Responding to his words, the sword embedded in the ground vanished.

    Immediately, a dazzling sh of light erupted before Kamito''s eyes and a young girl appeared.

    Shining, silver-white hair. Violet eyes of mystery.

    Her legs covered by kneesocks, this body was as adorable as a snow fairy''s.

    The sword spirit¡ªTerminus Est.

    Kamito''s contracted spirit, the best partner.

    "¡ªSorry you had to wait so long, Est."

    "Yes. I have waited a long time, Kamito."

    Est nodded, then she hugged Kamito''s arm tightly.

    Instantly, Kamito felt his body be as sturdy and resilient as steel.

    This was the blessing conferred on his physical body once the connection with his contracted spirit was restored.

    "Ellis, it''s okay now. You retreat first."

    Saying that, Kamito went up and shielded Ellis behind him.

    "Kamito, y-you are seriously... fine?"

    Ellis murmured with worry.

    She did not mean his health but was worrying about the recovery of his memory.

    "...Yeah."

    Kamito nodded slightly and stared at the spirit seal on his right hand.

    Restia had left her psyche within Kamito''s.

    This was to allow Kamito to retrieve his memories when he desired power by his own will.

    Even if to respond to Restia''s intentions, now was not the time for despair.

    Because having the courage to confront despair and take action¡ªThat was her wish.

    (...Restia is here. Right in my heart.)

    As though responding to Kamito''s voice, the moon''s emblem shed with light.

    "...I see."

    Seeing this, Lurie groaned in her throat.

    "You and that sword spirit, your hearts are as one¡ª"

    Wielding the pulsating Mournde in both hands, she red coldly at Kamito.

    "The Demon yer¡ªIf it cannot be taken, I have no choice but to destroy it."

    Instantly, the demon sword''s de produced countless tentacles, biting Lurie''s own body.

    "...Wha!?"

    "O demon spirit Mournde, feed on my blood, turn into my strength!"

    Thud¡ªThe demon sword pulsated strongly.

    The tentacles wrapped around her gradually expanded, fully sucking Lurie''s blood.

    The demon sword''s de was dyed with the color of blood while divine power expanded rapidly¡ª!

    "Kamito, that''s dangerous."

    "Seems like it..."

    Kamito licked his lips and muttered.

    The demon sword exuded great pressure, rivaling Greyworth''s Stormbringer.

    Most likely, Lurie intended to decide the battle with this attack.

    But that suited Kamito''s intentions just fine¡ª

    "We''re up, Est."

    "Yes. I am your sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    Hold Est''s hand, Kamito chanted the words of releasing.

    ¡ªDispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!

    ¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!

    Est''s body vanished into thin air, immediately, a shining de of steel manifested in Kamito''s hand.

    Possessing the alias of the Demon yer, the strongest sword spirit.

    On the de''s surface, there was roving jet-ck lightning.

    "...This is!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes. Suddenly, he heard Est''s voice in his mind.

    ¡ªThe darkness spirit allowed me to inherit part of her power.

    ¡ªShe told me to use this power to protect you, Kamito.

    "...Restia huh?"

    Kamito realized and cast his gaze upon the Demon yer''s de.

    On the t of the de, the sword was engraved with spiritnguage.

    This was its proof as the legitimate Demon King''s weapon of choice, selected by Restia Ashdoll as the Demon King''s guide.

    On a foundation of steel''s affinity, inheriting the power of darkness, its name was¡ª

    The Demon King''s Sword¡ªTerminus Est Zwei.

    The engravings of spiritnguage shed intensely, releasing sword pressure that shook the atmosphere.

    At the same time, Lurie Lizaldia roared.

    "Soul devouring king of demon swords, ughter mine enemies¡ªBloody Strike!"

    Dyed with fresh blood, the bulging crimson de gave off a great scream that sounded like metallic friction.

    Carrying massive miasma, the mass of divine power was released towards Kamito.

    "...Kamito!"

    Ellis screamed out, but Kamito stood his ground, readying his sword to take the attack head on¡ª

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    Enveloped in jet-ck lightning, the Demon King''s Sword was swung horizontally.

    This was the demon sword technique converting one''s own divine power into the darkness attribute.

    At the same time, it was the prided technique of the Strongest de Dancer three years ago¡ªRen Ashbell.

    Amplified by Terminus Est, the demon lightning of darkness vaporized the ground, shing head on with the crimson divine power that Lurie had shot out.

    The expanding divine powers resisted each other in midair, stopping.

    The ground surface was being dug up, causing countless pieces of shattered rubble to swirl in the great hall.

    "...Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito roared, pouring as much divine power as he could into the Demon yer.

    The appearing emblem of the moon and sword gave off dazzling light.

    "¡ªDefeat is impossible!"

    "Wh...at...!"

    Lurie Lizaldia''s expression distorted. Instantly¡ª

    The demon lightning of darkness forced the crimson divine power back¡ª

    In this manner, it devoured Lurie''s bodypletely.

    Part 7

    As the rampaging lightning strike subsided, after the billowing dust cloud settled¡ª

    "...I won... huh...?"

    Exhaling, Kamito lowered his sword and muttered.

    There was no one in front of him in this space. Everything had been annihted without trace.

    This was the result of releasing the sealed Est''s power all at once. No holding back or mercy at all. Since this was not Astral Zero, it was possible that Lurie was charred into ash. However¡ª

    ¡ªNo, I believe she escaped.

    Est''s voice was heard in his mind at this time.

    "...Really?"

    ...Due to having that kind of premonition inexplicably, Kamito was not surprised. Although it was a shame that she escaped, there were more important things right now.

    Looking back, Kamito held the copsed Ellis''s hand. There was a great amount of blood flowing from her chest.

    "Ellis... Damn it..."

    Kamito was unable to use healing spirit magic. Although the sword spirit possessed the blessing of steel, its effects were limited to his body only.

    "Kami...to, I am fine... Hurry, head over to the others..."

    Ellis groaned feebly. She looked like she was about to lose consciousness.

    "How can I abandon you in this state!? At least I have to give first aid treatment¡ª"

    Just at this moment...

    "¡ªIs that Kazehaya Kamito over there?"

    "...!?"

    Kamito turned his head to face the voice''s direction, only to see Virrey emerging from the darkness.

    Seeing Kamito and Ellis, she quickly understood the situation.

    "...I never expected Dame Lurie to be the traitor."

    "Yeah. The Umbra''s investigative skills aren''t so hot after all."

    "...I can''t refute that."

    Surprisingly, Virrey admitted honestly. She took out a healing spirit crystal from her pocket.

    "Why are you here?"

    "On Greyworth''s orders. To take you over."

    "...That old hag really loves ordering people around."

    Kamito sighed. Holding the Demon yer, he stood up.

    "Kamito, use my demon wind spirit."

    In response, still copsed on the ground, Ellis spoke to Kamito.

    She released her elemental waffe and a giant demon bird immediately appeared. The majority of spirits aligned to the wind attribute were capable of autonomous action to some extent even without their contractor by their side.

    "...Myrades... The Academy, please."

    "...Yeah, don''t worry."

    Kamito nodded lightly and grasped the feet of the demon wind spirit as it spread its wings.

    Part 8

    "No good, the barrier can''t be sustained anymore¡ª!"

    Fianna cried out. Corroded by darkness, Save the Queen was about to vanish. The winged dragon spewed out Otherworldly Darkness that flowed down the hill area and gushed forth.

    "Fufu, it''s useless. Be devoured by darkness just like that¡ªHmm?"

    Suddenly, Millennia Sanctus frowned.

    She looked up in the air and was rendered speechless. ire and the girls also turned their gazes up¡ª

    Only to see a demon bird spreading its massive wings, flying overhead.

    "...That''s Ellis''s demon wind spirit!?"

    ire cried out. Furthermore, holding onto its feet was¡ª

    "K-Kamito!" "Kamito-san!?" "Kamito-kun!"

    "¡ªSorry for making you all wait."

    Yelling at the same time, Kamito released his grip on the demon wind spirit.

    Holding the Demon yer, he descended from the air. Swinging the tip of his de down, he smashed the head of one of the militarized spirits.

    Gahhhhhhhhh!

    Having lost its head, the militarized spirit''s giant body copsed, struggling on the ground, disappearing into thin air.

    "One down huh¡ª"

    Flinging away the darkness stuck to the de, Kamito muttered.

    "Kamito, your memory is back!"

    "Yeah. Sorry for causing everyone so much trouble¡ª"

    Saying that, Kamito turned around. He red at the vestment-d girl riding on the militarized spirit''s back and said:

    "¡ªSo it''s you, the one who released the militarized spirits."

    Faced with the serious killing intent exuded from Kamito, Millennia''s face twitched.

    "Could it be that Yggdra failed?"

    "...Yggdra?"

    Hearing the unfamiliar name, Kamito frowned.

    However, Millennia ignored him and raised her hand lightly in the air.

    "¡ªThen there''s no point in staying here."

    Instantly, four militarized spirits raised their scythe-like necks towards Kamito.

    "Kamito, they''reing!"

    Seeing that, ire cried out. But Kamito stood his ground and silently gripped his sword.

    "Let''s go, Est¡ª"

    ¡ªYes, Kamito.

    Having be the Demon King''s weapon of choice, Terminus Est was infused with the entirety of Kamito''s divine power.

    ordingly, a strike of jet-ck lightning erupted from the tip of its de.

    The seal on his memories had been released¡ªAt the same time, the skills branded upon Kamito''s body were also released.

    Not the Instructional School''s assassination techniques but the Strongest de Dancer''s sword arts.

    Four militarized spirits roared, charging and causing the ground to rumble. Faced with these giant bodies, capable of trampling armies of several thousand troops, Kamito faced them head on.

    Then just as the militarized spirits were all in a line, in that instant...

    "I''ll show you my true de dance¡ª"

    Kamito instantly exhaled all the air in his lungs and took a leap.

    "Absolute de Arts ¡ª Destructive Form, Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Eighteen Consecutive Strikes?Lightning re!"

    Numerous shes and jet-ck lightning raced in all directions.

    Four units of Nazgul were instantly turned to ash and disappeared into thin air.

    Kamitonded and stabbed his sword into the ground.

    ¡ªBy the time he noticed, Millennia Sanctus had already vanished from sight.

 Volume 12, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 12, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªIn this manner, this tragic crisis, unprecedented in the Academy''s entire history, finally reached a close.

    The militarized spirits sent to town were all driven off, thus ending the turmoil in the streets.

    The rampaging spirits were sessfully pacified by a dance performance carried out by the Academy''s princess maidens under Greyworth''s directions.

    Originally, there was supposed to be a second day of the Great Festival of the Spirits. Naturally, it was suspended. Students worked together with the restoration team sent by the Ordesia Empire to restore the city streets.

    The Imperial Knights were still investigating where the militarized spirits attacking town came from. A rough hunch would point to them being possessions of Murders that was deeply connected to the interior of the Alphas Theocracy.

    The Empire issued an ultimatum to the Theocracy to ept investigations. Once the newest hierarch, Sjora Kahn, expressed refusal, it would most likely develop into a war between the Empire and the Theocracy.

    Lurie Lizaldia remained elusive. The presence of a traitor among the Numbers also came as a great shock to the Empire''s top echelons.

    Including the organization she belonged to, the Knights'' Umbra and Virrey Branford started investigations in pursuit of her.

    Also, deemed the mastermind of this incident, Millennia Sanctus¡ª

    There were currently still no clues regarding her.

    Part 2

    ¡ªHence, three days after the incident.

    Having recovered his memory, Kamito was having a meal in the room while discussing future ns with the members of Team Scarlet.

    "In the end, the Great Festival of the Spirits was postponed."

    iremented slightly.

    "Postponed, so that means it''ll still be held?"

    "After all, they can''t let the world think that they''re bowing down to terrorism."

    "Kamito-kun, you''re still going to wear that maid outfit, right?"

    "...Maid outfit."

    Kamito groaned... He still retained clear memories of the time during his amnesia.

    "Hmm, I-I did not get to see it!"

    Ellis grumbled as a result.

    "Ellis, are your injuries okay?"

    "Yes, I suppose..."

    Ellis was heavily injured, wrapped all over in bandages. It looked quite painful.

    Even after receiving treatment, she still could not move on her own.

    "...We have to be stronger."

    Everyone agreed with Ellis.

    Coming up next was no longer apetition like the de Dance. They were going to be swept into a real war.

    "I will protect Kamito."

    Sticking to Kamito''s side, Est spoke expressionlessly.

    "Yeah, I''m counting on you, Est."

    "Huah, Kamito..."

    Est rested her head on Kamito''sp.

    ...Was it because of the long separation? She seemed to be trying harder to make him spoil her.

    "...Ah, s-so unfair."

    "Kamito!" "Kamito-san!" "Kamito-kun!"

    The girls brought their faces forward, displeased.

    ¡ªThese ordinary days, soon about to end, were especially precious right now.

    Kamito cast his gaze towards the seal on his right hand.

    (...Restia, I''m being protected by you.)

    "Kamito..."

    Seeing Kamito like that, ire and the girls remained silent.

    Part 3

    ¡ªThat night.

    Near the Ordesia Empire''s border, in a certain dark forest, a girl woke up.

    Her long, ck hair scattered. Her dress, the color of night, was torn and tattered all over.

    Her pale skin was covered with numerous marks, as though scraped by tree branches.

    The half-naked girl opened her dusk-colored eyes and looked around her with unease.

    "...Where, is this?"

    No one replied. Frightening cries of spirits wereing from faraway.

    "Why am I in this kind of ce¡ª"

    Presently, the sound of bushes rustling could be heard.

    An elderly couple, looking like they were taking a stroll in the woods, emerged from the bushes.

    "Oh no, there''s a girl copsed in the forest!" "What?"

    The olddy helped the girl up and fed her water from a sk.

    "Lady, what happened? Are you lost in the forest?"

    "...I don''t know."

    "Then where did youe from?"

    "...Where?"

    The girl cocked her head in puzzlement.

    "Hmm. That''s something you should know, right? What''s your name,dy?"

    "I am..."

    The girl''s face gave a distinct reaction for the first time.

    She nodded and moved her lips gently, speaking a name.

    "Restia¡ª"

 Volume 12, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 12, Afterword</h4>

    "I am here, Kamito. Undoubtedly here in your heart¡ª"

    A thousand thanks to everyone holding this book in your hands. Thank you for your patience, I now present to you the 12th installment of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "Releasing the Sealed Sword"!

    Okay, the third part, the "Spirit War arc" is finally starting. Things are predicted to increase in scale while the main characters'' love battles will likewise escte, so please look forward to future developments!

    Now for acknowledgements. Drawing a beautiful cover and illustrations again, Sakura Hanpen-sensei, I am truly grateful. This time, our cover is Ellis-san (School Festival Version). A bit unlike the usual uniform, it''s a more mature design.

    Former editor in charge, Narita-sama, thank you for all your help along the way. Every volume''s discussion and the autograph events at Taiwan and Hiroshima, I have so many happy memories. I look forward to your active performance in your new environment. Former chief editor Misaka, I am so grateful that you''ve been overseeing my unworthy works ever since my debut. Sorry for causing you so much trouble. Also, there''s the new editor in charge, Sukawa-sama, I will be in your care from now on. That said, I am very very sorry for suddenly handing the draftte. (I''m so sorry that I have to say sorry twice.)

    Hyouju Issei-sensei, I''m really looking forward to your every chapter. Combat, performance, the girls'' cuteness, everything is super high quality and the manga''s second volume is selling with great acim. Those who haven''t read it, please go buy and check it out.

    (Also, the inner cover''s image is making me almost lose control.)

    Finally, of course, I offer the greatest thanks to the readers!

    Also, also, there''s great news. Recently, it has been decided that Seirei Tsukai will be animated (fireworks!) This is all thanks to everyone''s support, dear readers. Also, special thanks goes the first editor in charge, Shouji-sama, Narita-sama for working tirelessly for anime-rted affairs. There are many excellent teams and staff on the production side, so please look forward to it.

    In the reader''s poprity poll, Est and Restia are first and second respectively, separated by a slim margin. 3rd is ire, 4th is Kamito, 5th is Leonora, 6th is Rubia, 7th is Rinslet, 8th is Fianna, 9th is Ellis, 10th is Scarlet. Readers, yourments in the questionnaires help me a lot, so please send them to me.

    ¡ªWell then, see you next time with Volume 13!

    Shimizu Yuu, October 2014

 Volume 13, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 13, Prologue</h4>

    ¡ªI am here, Kamito. Undoubtedly here in your heart.

    Echoing in his mind was her voice.

    A gentle voice that one could submerge oneself within.

    However, she was no longer in this world. The spirit seal that stood as evidence of the contract had already vanished. Only a moon-like crest remained branded on his right hand.

    In order to protect Kamito, she had left behind the power of darkness.

    This power was bequeathed to Terminus Est, the Demon King''s Sword.

    (...Restia''s will has already be a part of my heart, but¡ª)

    Lying on the bed in his room right now, Kamito reached out to block the light in front of his eyes.

    He had already discarded the ck leather glove he used to wear on his left hand.

    ...Right now, with the seal gone, it was no longer necessary to wear that thing.

    "Because, you''re already..."

    Kamito sighed lightly. Suddenly, he felt an rming squirming under his sheets.

    "...!?"

    Kamito frantically pulled his sheets.

    "...Wah, that feels cold, Kamito."

    The adorable silver-haired spirit emerged from under Kamito''s sheets.

    To Kamito, this was already a scene that could not be more familiar. However, this sight¡ª

    "E-Est, what''s with your look..."

    Indeed, Est was not in her usual naked kneesocks getup.

    Two twisted horns, one on each side of her head. The snow-likeplexion of her skin was covered by a bondage suit of ck leather. Pitch-ck wings sprouted from her back. Her mysterious violet eyes looked down coldly at Kamito from above.

    In contrast to her usual purity and innocence, Est was currently the very image of depravity and seduction.

    (...N-No way¡ª!)

    Kamito suddenly realized that Est had inherited Restia''s power of darkness as the Demon King''s Sword. Did she turn into this under that power''s influence?

    "¡ªKamito."

    Dressed in the ck outfit, Est touched Kamito''s lip lightly with her index finger.

    Sultry to the point of shaking Kamito to the core, her appearance was making his heart pound uncontrobly.

    "Est, y-you..."

    "No, I am no longer the sacred sword Terminus Est."

    "...Huh?"

    Seeing Est shake her head in disagreement, Kamito was at a loss for words.

    Expressionlessly, Est gazed at Kamito.

    "I am... the spirit that has fallen into darkness, Dark Est."

    "Dark... Est...?"

    "Indeed. I am now the messenger of eternal night, the existence that shall plunge the world into darkness¡ª"

    Est gently closed her violet eyes and dered lightly in a voice so sorrowful that it almost plunged the listener into darkness.

    "...Hey Est."

    Resting his forehead against his hand, Kamito sighed while reaching one hand towards Est''s head.

    "Ah, what are you doing, Kamito?"

    With her horns suddenly plucked off, Est frantically tried to snatch them back.

    ...So light. They felt as though they were made of something like cardboard.

    "...Jeez. Where the heck did you find these things?"

    Kamito asked lightly while dodging Est''s hands that were trying to snatch back the horns.

    ...Well, the answer was obvious. Most likely from among a certain princess''s ritual equipment or something like that.

    "Kamito, please return that to me."

    Est made a rare, shaken look.

    "Without that, I cannot be Dark Est."

    "...Then just don''t be that whatever Dark Est. By the way, what exactly is Dark Est?"

    "Yes, because Kamito won''t y with me recently, I have turned into a bad girl."

    Est''s words shocked Kamito.

    Indeed, Kamito had been pondering the issue of Restia''s disappearance for the past few days, leaving him no time to spend with Est. She was apparently sulking for this reason.

    "S-Sorry Est."

    Kamito apologized while stroking Est''s silver hair gently.

    "Huah~"

    "But you must turn back to the original Est for me. I still like the usual Est better."

    While Kamito was hugging her in his arms and stroking her head lightly, the legendary sword spirit half closed her eyes in pleasure.

    "Yes, Kamito."

    Est nodded.

    "¡ªI am your sword, your wish is mymand."

    ...Rustle, rustle.

    Est started to take off the ck bondage suit while still being held in Kamito''s arms.

    "W-Wait! You don''t have to strip right here¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to stop her¡ª

    "Kamito-san, bad news!"

    Suddenly, his room door flew open.

    "...What!?"

    Barging into the room, the girl stared with her emerald eyes wide.

    A dazzlingly beautiful face, adorned with sleek, lustrous tinum blonde hair.

    The visitor turned out to be Rinslet Laurenfrost, the daughter of Margrave Laurenfrost from the Ordesia Empire.

    "...~K-Kamito-san, what, exactly, are you doing!?"

    "H-Hold on! This is a misunderstanding, Est was saying she''s going to plunge the world into darkness, umm¡ª"

    Kamito desperately tried to exin but¡ª

    He was currently sitting in bed, holding in his arms a half-naked spirit in the form of a beautiful young girl. No amount of exining could ever help.

    "Th-That is truly too vulgar. Sure enough, Kamito-san, you are the king of lust."

    "Rinslet! Lower your voice or else people will hear outside¡ª"

    "Kamito, this outfit is hard to take off because of the wings."

    "Like I said, stop stripping!"

    "So you prefer a partial state of undress, Kamito?"

    "...!?"

    "...Kamito-san!!"

    Byoooooooo...!

    Cold air exploded from all over Rinslet''s body, freezing the air in the room all at once.

    Frost appeared on the window. The rug underfoot was also frozen solid.

    "¡ªSeriously, what exactly are you two doing?"

    "...Eh?"

    As Kamito eximed in surprise, a giant white wolf appeared outside the door¡ªRinslet''s contracted spirit, Fenrir.

    "Fenrir... Y-You can talk?"

    Completely forgetting the crisis at hand, Kamito asked in shock.

    However, Fenrir shook his head.

    "No, I am merely borrowing the body of this demon ice spirit."

    Kamito remembered this voice.

    The clear voice of a girl''s, conveying strong willpower.

    "...Could it be, you''re the Water Elemental Lord?"

    "Listen carefully, Demon King''s sessor. I have very important things to tell you right now."

    "...Very important things?"

    Fenrir nodded affirmatively, his eyes shining brightly as they stared at Kamito.

 Volume 13, 1 - The Awakened Girl

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 1 - The Awakened Girl</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªGreat Festival of the Spirits. On that day, militarized spirits of unknown origin had taken the opportunity to attack the Academy.

    Not only the Academy but the town at the foot of the mountain was also caught up in this incident. Several days had passed since then.

    Almost half of the attacked Academy was wrecked. Led by Greyworth, the teachers were actively discussing solutions. Including Ellis the captain, all members of the Sylphid Knights ceased their duties since lessons at the Academy were also suspended in the meantime. The majority of the highborn daughters had returned to their families'' territories. Even the Raven ss dorm where Kamito lived was no exception.

    Kamito''s roommate, ire, had returned home to meet her parents who had been released. A special pardon had been granted due to Team Scarlet''s victory in the de Dance.

    The other roommate, Fianna, had already set off even before ire, making her return to the imperial family. Although Fianna had already given up her session rights to the throne and left the imperial family, due to retrieving her power of the spirit contract, no matter how reluctant Fianna felt, asions when she was summoned back as an important member of the imperial family were gradually getting more frequent.

    Hence, the only two people currently remaining at the student dormitory were Kamito who had nowhere else to go and Rinslet who had yet to return to her family''s territory. Her departure was dyed because recent snowfall contrary to seasonal norms had blocked the mountain route back to Laurenfrost territory.

    (...That snowstorm might be rted to the rampage of the Elemental Lords.)

    Thinking over these matters, Kamito picked up the cup of ck tea prepared on the table.

    "...Mmm, smells so good."

    "That goes without saying, these are top-quality tea leaves, a Laurenfrost local specialty."

    Sitting on Kamito''s right, Rinslet smiled proudly.

    "Yeah, but I think it''s because you brewed the tea personally, Rinslet."

    "...! You are not getting anywhere even if you tter me."

    Blushing, Rinslet went "hmph" and turned her face away.

    There were also many tasty-looking snacks on the table, the scones she had baked this morning. Sweet syrup was dripped over the crisp surfaces of the scone. Truly delicious.

    Having taken off her Dark Est outfit, Est had changed into her uniform and was stuffing herself with scones beside Kamito. Meanwhile, sitting on the floor, the white wolf was using its paws to hold a teacup nimbly, enjoying the ck tea.

    "It is truly suffering that this body cannot enjoy the tea and snacks that you''ve prepared specially. I would really love to savor those pancakes of yours again some time."

    "Just let me know any time and I could make offerings to you at the imperial capital''s shrine."

    Rinslet bowed her head respectfully and answered.

    After a short while, Kamito returned his cup to the table and said:

    "So¡ª"

    Cutting straight to the point.

    "So what is the important thing you mentioned just now?"

    "...Yes. Counting today, it is something that happened four days ago."

    The elemental lord''s incarnation appearing in a white wolf''s form¡ªIseria¡ªstarted speaking solemnly.

    "The Divine Ritual Institute''s Queens have observed the appearance of a Gate at a certain location in the human realm."

    "Gate...?"

    Kamito frowned.

    "You mean an Astral Gate?"

    At special locations such as the Spirit Forest, it was perfectly natural for Gates leading to Astral Zero to manifest. In actual fact, the Academy''s Sylphid Knights were frequently troubled by the spirits and beasts that identally pass through the Astral Gates.

    "...That Gate, is there a problem?"

    "A Gate appearing in the human realm is in itself nothing particrly special. However, that forest is not a ce where ordinary gates can manifest."

    "...A gate outside of the Spirit Forest, you''re saying?"

    "Is something like that even possible?"

    Seeing Rinslet not entirely convinced, Iseria nodded solemnly.

    "Indeed. Due to the Elemental Lords going insane, it is uncertain whether anomalies could ur between Astral Zero and the human realm. Feeling a bit concerned, I sent subordinate spirits to investigate the ce where the Gate had appeared. In the end, nothing anomalous was found, but¡ª"

    The white wolf''s round eyes stared straight at Kamito.

    "The spirits I sent over there found something strange in the vicinity."

    "...Something strange?"

    "¡ªYes, a girl with hair the color of darkness, wearing a dress of ck."

    "...!"

    Kamito stared wide-eyed.

    That image of her, carved into his mind, instantly surged forth.

    "¡ªA final farewell, Kamito."

    Tears streamed down her cheeks.

    "Miss Sacred Sword, please protect... Kamito well..."

    (...Yeah, she¡ªshould have disappeared already. Only remaining in my heart.)

    For the sake of saving Kamito from the Darkness Elemental Lord''s control¡ª

    Looking at his left hand where the spirit seal had already disappeared, Kamito then stared at the elemental lord''s incarnation in front of him. An anxious voice was squeezed out of his throat:

    "...This must be a coincidence. I''m sure girls dressed like that can be found everywhere."

    "Indeed, it could be a coincidence. Girls in dresses can be found in any number on this continent."

    Iseria nodded honestly.

    "However, that girl suddenly appeared in a forest at the border. Howrge of a coincidence is that? And the gate also happened to be observed four days ago."

    "Speaking of four days ago¡ª"

    Rinslet spoke up in surprise:

    "That would be the very day when Kamito-san retrieved his memories, isn''t it!?"

    "..."

    Four days earlier, in order to retrieve Est who was sealed in the Burial Chamber, Kamito had gone to the underground military instation. That was where he had been attacked by Lurie Lizaldia of the Numbers. Severely injured on the verge of death, Kamito had awakened Restia''s consciousness, reviving his own memories.

    Was this still coincidence?

    "...Restia is still alive, isn''t she?"

    Iseria shook her head.

    "I do not know. Perhaps I have merely given you a bubble of hope. Your contracted spirit, Restia Ashdoll, had disappearedpletely, this is what you experienced personally, what you witness personally with your own eyes. However, suppose... Suppose a part of her remained and passed through the Gate to the human realm¡ª"

    "...!"

    (But she¡ª)

    The left hand''s spirit seal had vanishedpletely... Yes.

    Currently, he could not even sense her presence the slightest.

    A girl resembling Restia had appeared in that forest.

    ...That was all. There was no proof to confirm at all.

    Kamito looked at the seal on his right hand.

    ...She''s here, only here.

    "That is all I have to tell you. I will leave the rest to you, Demon King''s sessor."

    Iseria shook her head lightly and spoke.

    Kamito bowed his head.

    "I..."

    He exhaled deeply.

    It was impossible to assert that the girl was Restia.

    Perhaps this would bring even deeper despair.

    However¡ª

    Suddenly, Kamito felt something tug his sleeve.

    Kamito looked back to find Est''s mysterious violet eyes currently staring at him.

    "That darkness spirit is my rival. She will not disappear so easily."

    "Est..."

    Est held Kamito''s right hand tightly.

    The hand where Restia''s crest was branded¡ª

    "..."

    "..."

    "Yes, so..."

    Kamito took a deep breath and nodded.

    (...For me, my decision is already more obvious than anything.)

    Indeed, no matter how small the possibility.

    ¡ªNo more hesitation.

    Kamito turned to face Iseria and asked:

    "So, where exactly is it? Where did the Gate appear?"

    "The boundary between the Ordesia Empire and the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, the border forest."

    "The Empire and the Holy Kingdom''s boundary? In other words¡ª"

    "Indeed, it is Laurenfrost territory."

    Part 2

    "...Mmm, ooh..."

    The girl opened her eyes¡ª

    First to enter her view were the leaves covering the ground and the ceiling.

    (...Where is this?)

    Just as she was about to get up, she noticed.

    It looked like she was lying on a bed woven from grass.

    There was almost no sunlight streaming in. A dark room. Incense was burning, filling the air with a choking smell.

    Her gorgeous hair of darkness draped down, scattered.

    Just at this moment¡ª

    "Oh, Onee-chan has woken up!"

    "Hurry and tell Rana-sama!"

    Suddenly, she heard these voices.

    "...?"

    She looked over to the direction of the voices.

    In front of the room''s tiny door, a group of children was gathered.

    Their snow-whiteplexion was reminiscent of white oak. Hair the color of green jade. Pointy ears. Pairs of shining crimson eyes were watching her in curiosity.

    (...These children are?)

    ...She searched her memories desperately.

    Why was she in this kind of ce?

    Before losing consciousness, she was definitely wandering in a forest, it should be something like that¡ª

    (Right, I was being chased by something...)

    Gradually, her memories grew clear.

    When she first woke up, it was in a cold, dark forest.

    Hearing terrifying howls everywhere, she ran desperately.

    She could not remember what was chasing her.

    All she was certain was that she was just about to be caught by something.

    (...But I tripped over something and fell.)

    ...That was only natural. Sitting up in bed, the girl confirmed her condition. Under the long hem of the ck dress, she was wearing boots decorated with cute ribbons.

    ...Attire unsuited for running in the forest no matter how you looked.

    Inside the dark forest, the girl could not move.

    If she continued to lie down there, she would probably be food for wild beasts eventually. Or lose her life to something even more terrifying.

    Indeed, just like forest spirits¡ª

    (But in the end, what I encountered were not spirits. Right, they were¡ª)

    ...She remembered. They were humans.

    Passing through the forest, an old human couple who were carrying firewood on their backs.

    (Those two people saved me and gave me food and water¡ª)

    "Onee-chan¡ª"

    One of the children called out. The boy''s clear voice brought her back to reality from her thoughts.

    "Onee-chan was captured by humans."

    "Yeah! That''s why we rescued Onee-chan."

    The children in the surroundings all nodded.

    "...You rescued me?"

    On the bed, the girl leaned her head forward.

    "Could it be, you took those friendly elderly people and¡ª"

    The girl cried out, her face deathly pale.

    "¡ªWe didn''t kill them. Just scared them a bit then stole their memories."

    Walking in¡ª

    A girl dressed in a princess maiden''s outfit of white, roughly the same age as her.

    "Rana-sama."

    The children all made way for the girl who had entered. The girl named Rana walked over to the bedside and ced her hand over the awakened girl''s forehead.

    "Looks like you were caught in our magic too."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "We Forest Dwellers will erase human''s memories if they catch sight of us."

    "Forest Dwellers?"

    The girl cocked her head.

    "You''re different from those humans?"

    Hearing this question, Rana and the children all exchanged nces in surprise.

    "Isn''t that obvious?"

    shing with wondrous light, those crimson eyes stared into the girl''s eyes.

    "¡ªBecause this is the forest of the Elfim race."

    Part 3

    "¡ªYou there, did you really see a girl in a ck dress?"

    "Y-Yes, no mistake about it..."

    At the northern limits of Laurenfrost territory in the Ordesia Empire, a dense and flourishing forest grew along the border with the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. Even during the daytime, sunlight did not prate inside.

    A small vige at one end of the forest had been taken over by a band of strange people.

    Girls dressed in gray overcoats.

    A total of five. All carrying swords. They swept their gazes across the frightened vigers.

    "...What do you think?"

    The girl, apparently themander, pointing her sword at the old man while asking her subordinates behind her.

    "It is most likely that darkness spirit, no mistake about it."

    "Hmph, so Des Esseintes turned out to be correct in their predictions¡ª"

    The girl murmured quietly to herself and turned to the old man again.

    "So, you lost the girl that you rescued in the forest?"

    "Y-Yes, that''s right. When me and the ol'' missus were walking together, dense fog suddenly came down. By the time we realized, the girl had suddenly disappeared."

    The old man was trembling all over in fright, shaking his head desperately.

    (...Doesn''t seem to be lying, I suppose?)

    The girl slowly withdrew her sword¡ª

    The Holy Kingdom''s knight¡ªLuminaris Saint Leisched¡ªsighed in exasperation.

    (Mischief wrought by forest spirits? If the darkness spirit were to fall into the hands of other powers apart from the Holy Kingdom, it would be troublesome.)

    It was already a few days ago when Des Esseintes had confirmed the anomalous Gate appearing in the forest on the Ordesia Empire''s border. The Sacred Spirit Knights'' direct superior, Cardinal Millennia Sanctus, instantly issued orders to arrest the being that had appeared near the Gate¡ªthe darkness spirit.

    Although this was the border, it was clearly illegal for the Holy Kingdom''s knights to enter Ordesia territory. If they were to be discovered, it would develop into a foreign rtions problem between countries.

    (Going this far to capture her, is the darkness spirit really that important?)

    ...All sorts of doubts swirled in her mind. But as a knight, she was not supposed to harbor doubts.

    The Holy Kingdom''s knights were simply executors who fully carried out the will of Des Esseintes.

    (I lost in the de Dance against that girl and also failed the mission to exterminate the darkness spirit.)

    Before this mission is aplished, I am probably not permitted to step back into my native soil.

    In order to recover the Sacred Spirit Knights'' honor, I must find that darkness spirit no matter what¡ª

    "Everyone, because of that, we¡ª"

    "Luminaris-sama¡ª"

    She was interrupted by A Cedar.

    "What is it?"

    "There are problems with invading the forest."

    "What?"

    Luminaris frowned¡ª

    "...Snow?"

    She could not help butugh wryly and quietly.

    White snowkes were dancing in the forest, fluttering in the air.

    Even for the Laurenfrost region that was known for its cold climate, normally speaking, snow was not supposed to fall this time of the year.

    A great snow contrary to seasonal norms.

    "Ever since the de Dance ended, the Laurenfrost region''s climate has been very anomalous."

    "The Empire should have received the Elemental Lords'' blessings."

    "If this can be considered blessings, it''s truly uneptable¡ª"

    Although not as bad as the Spirit Forest, this forest was also a very dangerous ce. Besides, going on an expedition in this kind of weather, merelying back alive was already uncertain.

    "How about we return for now and call for reinforcements?"

    Hearing her subordinate''s suggestion, Luminaris shook her head.

    "How could we possibly turn back empty-handed? To recover the tarnished honor of the Sacred Spirit Knights, the darkness spirit must be captured and taken back no matter what."

 Volume 13, 2 - Demon Kingâ€™s Inheritance

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 2 - Demon King''s Inheritance</h4>

    Part 1

    As soon as he finished breakfast, Kamito began to pack his luggage for the uing trip to Laurenfrostnds.

    "...Although it was said already, I can''t believe I''m actually going to a ce like Laurenfrost."

    "What about a ce like Laurenfrost, Kamito-san? Although it is on the Empire''s border, indeed, I''ll have you know that my homnd is a picturesque ce with beautiful scenery."

    "No, I''m sorry, you''re getting the wrong idea from what I said."

    Kamito frantically apologized to Rinslet.

    Rinslet pouted angrily.

    After possessing Fenrir earlier, Iseria''s consciousness had returned to Astral Zero already. Due to being corroded by the otherworldly darkness, the other Elemental Lords required a great deal of her energy to suppress. As a result, she could only make appearances that were very limited in time.

    Continuing to pack, Kamito silently prayed in his heart.

    (She must still be alive, definitely¡ª)

    Apanied by the anomalous Gate, the girl in the ck dress had appeared in the bordend forest.

    ...Perhaps this really was just a coincidence.

    Simply spection carrying a wonderful wish. Kamito understood clearly in his heart.

    Nevertheless, he was still willing to believe in the slight possibility.

    (¡ªYou must wait for me, Restia.)

    Kamito secretlymitted his determination while swiftly packing all the equipment needed for crossing snow-covered mountains.

    The equipment was borrowed from the Academy''s training room and included Artifacts specialized for use in snow terrain.

    The shortest route to Laurenfrost territory¡ªThe Kyria Mountain Range¡ªwas currently under heavy snowfall for unknown reasons. Although back at the Instructional School, Kamito had already undergone plenty of training for expeditions across snow terrain, he knew that crossing snow-covered mountains without appropriate equipment was equivalent to suicide.

    "Well, having prepared this much, it should be enough..."

    Kamito patted the bulging backpack and confirmed the equipment while talking.

    "Kamito-san, please do not underestimate the Kyria Mountain Range."

    Rinslet spoke with a serious expression.

    "That mountain range has already taken the lives of hundreds. Although I can understand your feelings thatpel you to set off as soon as possible, if you don''t want to die there, no amount of preparation is too much."

    "...I-I see."

    Kamito gasped.

    As the daughter of the margrave ruling thosends, Rinslet''s words carried extra impact.

    "...But I still need to thank you, Rinslet."

    In the middle of packing, Kamito paused his hand and spoke.

    "Eh?"

    "Umm, I''m really d that you''re apanying me."

    Rinslet''s face instantly turned bright red.

    Just this morning, when Kamito made his decision to travel to Laurenfrost territory, Rinslet had suggested going with him because she was familiar with the local terrain and road conditions. Since it was his first time visiting Laurenfrost, Kamito could not be more d to receive her assistance.

    "Th-That would be because I was nning to go home in the first ce. I-It''s not like I am going back just for your sake, Kamito-san, please do not get the wrong idea."

    Rinslet turned her face shyly to the side.

    Already used to this kind of attitude from her, Kamito could not help but smile wryly. Despite looking like an overbearing girl at first nce, she was actually just bad at expressing her feelings. At her core, she was really a kind youngdy.

    "...~! W-What are you smiling at, Kamito-san?"

    Rinslet red angrily at Kamito.

    "Oh, umm¡ª"

    Kamito frantically turned his gaze away.

    "Speaking of which, won''t ire get mad if we take her stuff without asking?"

    Kamito picked up a spirit crystal nearby and asked worriedly.

    The spirit crystal he had just put in the bag was found in ire''s cupboard. Although it was an inferior item with very low purity, even so, it was still quite an indispensable tool for elementalists.

    "No problem. ire frequently eats my snacks without asking too."

    "...I guess that''s true."

    ire frequently took snacks to eat from Rinslet''s room without permission, but she did not hog them all to herself. Using the stolen food as tea snacks, her roommates Kamito and Fianna, as well as Scarlet the actual perpetrator were all aplices in a certain sense.

    ...Oh well, it should be okay given that ire and Rinslet grew up together as childhood friends.

    Despite feeling guilty, Kamito still "borrowed" the cans hidden in the depths of the cupboard. As much as he hoped it would not happen, if they actually got stranded in the snow on a mountain, this would serve as extremely precious emergency rations.

    (...She should forgive me if I exin properly to her next time. It seems like she''s be less violenttely.)

    Meeting her older sister probably helped calm her down. Although they had met under those circumstances, in spite of that, Rubia still managed to convey her reasons for betraying the Elemental Lords as well as how much she missed her sister. For ire, this could be considered some kind of salvation.

    Back when Kamito first encountered her, ire would close off her heart like a wounded little animal, always attacking others. However, that kind of personality had already disappeared now.

    (...Yeah, she was a kind and gentle girl to begin with, after all.)

    Just as Kamito was thinking about the girl who had already returned to her homnd...

    "These spirit crystals¡ª"

    Rinslet murmured softly.

    "Many of them don''t have sealed spirits inside."

    On closer examination, the spirit crystals in Rinslet''s hands had lost their shine indeed. If crystals had spirits sealed inside them, even without infusing divine power, they should still give off a weak glow.

    "Throwing them into the back of the cupboard like this, she totally failed to maintain them properly."

    "...Seriously, howzy of her despite clearly being an honors student."

    Rinslet shrugged in exasperation.

    Spirit crystals served as temporary residences for spirits. Hence, they must be carefully wiped and frequently undergo purification rituals to create afortable and rxing atmosphere for the spirits living inside. Otherwise, the spirits might break the seal on their own and escape. This was doubly true for poor quality spirit crystals like these ones.

    "Then I shall head over to the Spirit Forest to catch a few fire spirits."

    "Yeah, I''ll go find that hag Greyworth to get permission to leave."

    Saying that, Kamito took down Terminus Est that was hanging on the wall.

    "Going to the school building?"

    "¡ªI''m guessing she''s probably at the Academy Town."

    Part 2

    Leaving the Academy''s front gates, Kamito stepped onto the main road that went through the entire Academy Town.

    "...It''s already four days huh."

    Looking at the wide streets at the foot of the mountain, Kamito muttered quietly.

    Using the Great Festival of the Spirits as an opening, seven militarized spirits had attacked the Academy Town. Even the Imperial Knights'' tactical-ss militarized spirit sya-Labs was corrupted by darkness and had gone on a rampage, wrecking the town.

    The wrecked town''s reconstruction was being carried out under the leadership of the Imperial Knights. However, the most heavily damaged Undine Area was still a wastnd.

    Walking on the rubble-buried road, Kamito saw the figure of a familiar rock spirit. Its giant rock-covered body was currently clearing away scattered soil and stones.

    "I see, this should be moved over to... Hmm?"

    Riding on the rock giant''s shoulder, the short-haired girl looked back. It was Rakka from the Sylphid Knights.

    "...My, isn''t this Kamito? What are you doing here?"

    "Just looking for Greyworth for something."

    Rakka jumped down lightly from the rock giant''s shoulder.

    "She''s helping with the town''s revival work. How amazing."

    "This Cabracan is really suited to this kind of work, you know?"

    Hmph, Rakka puffed out her chest with pride.

    "I have to work hard enough to do the Captain''s share as well while she''s recuperating."

    "Ellis did say she had to get back to the Knights'' duties as quickly as possible."

    Injured in the attack incident earlier, Ellis was currently receiving treatment at the Academy Town''s medical facility. Although she had insisted she was fine, Ellis definitely suffered corrosion from Lurie Lizaldia''s demon sword. Having inherited the Demon King''s power, Kamito was a totally separate matter.

    "The Seraelle Hospital has the most advanced medical facilities, so she should be discharged soon."

    "You should go visit her, Kamito. I think the Captain will definitely be happy to see you."

    "Yeah, I''ll pay her a visitter."

    Bidding Rakka goodbye, Kamito continued on his way.

    Finally, he reached his destination¡ªa military instation under the Imperial Knights'' jurisdiction.

    "Is Greyworth here?"

    "Oh it''s you. She should be present every day during this time¡ª"

    After showing his authorized pass to the guard, Kamito entered the facility sessfully. Due to a top-level alert, the only people allowed into the underground instation were Greyworth and Kamito.

    Guided by the light from spirit crystals on the walls, Kamito followed the underground passage.

    The atmosphere underground was exceptionally oppressive. No matter what, this was a facility used for military research during the Ranbal War.

    (...Such a creepy ce, I can''t believe she''s stilling here every day.)

    After walking for a while, he saw Greyworth''s figure in the distance, holding antern.

    Probably hearing Kamito''s footsteps, Greyworth looked back.

    "So it''s you,d."

    "Yeah~ Don''t you get tired of visiting this kind of ce every day?"

    This was a wide open space in the underground passage. The surrounding walls were crumbling and the ground surface was also sunken.

    The center of the destruction was where Kamito had battled Luriest time.

    Stepping on debris underfoot, Kamito walked over to Greyworth.

    "You should bring a bodyguard at least. Clearly you''re no longer the continent''s strongest witch."

    "Oh? Thed is worrying about me?"

    "You''re overthinking it."

    Kamito averted his gaze.

    "Hoo~, in the end, you''re more adorable when you lost your memory."

    Greyworth shrugged and looked up at the ceiling of the devastated underground space.

    "I wouldn''t want anyone aside from myself toe here."

    Kamito followed her gaze.

    For no particr reason, simply due to the endless darkness spreading from there...

    However, he could feel a vague sense of dissonance.

    There seemed to be something there.

    Greyworth probably felt it too.

    "The Demon King''s Burial Chamber huh..."

    The Burial Chamber¡ªa treasure vault bestowed to eligible Demon Kings.

    That was what Lurie Lizaldia had mentioned.

    Sealing away the possessions of the Demon King from a thousand years ago, it was a special dimension with magical properties. At the same time, it was the ce where Est had been sealed when Kamito had lost his memories at the sanctuary of the Elemental Lords.

    The ce where Est had been sealed.

    It automatically manifested at the Demon King''s base of operations. Only those possessing true eligibility to be the Demon King were able to unseal it.

    "Truly quite an unbelievable dimension. No matter what system of magic, it cannot be analyzed."

    Greyworth nodded, slightly impressed, then looked back at Kamito.

    "Lad, try using your power to activate the Burial Chamber."

    "It''s not like it''s that easy to do."

    Kamito shrugged helplessly.

    There was no way for Kamito to open the Burial Chamber by his own will¡ªLurie had said so. Hence, she only barely managed to activate the Burial Chamber by resorting to the method of putting Kamito in a desperate crisis on the verge of death.

    "...Indeed, it''s still no good the way you are currently."

    "There''s no use provoking me. Besides, I don''t need that kind of thing."

    "Are you sure? Sleeping inside there are absurdly powerful spirits, you know?"

    The Burial Chamber¡ªThe Demon King''s treasure vault. If that were really the case, it was highly likely that the seventy-two spiritsmanded by the legendary Demon King Solomon were sealed inside.

    Although the majority of the Demon King''s spirits had gone missing, rumor had it that some were sealed while others were modified into militarized spirits, there should be some left inside the Burial Chamber.

    However¡ª

    "...Don''t need them."

    Worn at his waist, the Demon yer spoke.

    "...Est?"

    "Kamito already has me as the Demon King''s weapon of choice and does not need any rubbish spirits."

    A tone of absolute certainty. Calling the Demon King''s spirits rubbish, this was Est who had in the Demon King as the Sacred Maiden''s personal sword.

    "...So that''s the way it is. I don''t need whatever Demon King''s spirits."

    Kamito patted the sword at his waist lightly while he spoke.

    "Is that so? Oh well, if that''s the case, never mind. Then let''s seal off this area first."

    Speaking with slight disappointment, Greyworth¡ª

    "Say, why exactly did youe to find me?"

    Only then did Kamito remember¡ª

    "Oh yeah..."

    That was close. He had almost forgot his initial reason foring here.

    Kamito hastily took out the request form from his shirt pocket.

    "I''d like long-term permission for leaving school grounds. Sign here please."

    Reading the request form, Greyworth made a surprised look.

    "Laurenfrost?"

    "Yeah, there''s something urgent."

    Kamito repeated what Iseria had said this morning about the girl resembling Restia who was sighted in Laurenfrost.

    Things regarding the Elemental Lords were an absolute taboo from Iseria''s perspective, so Kamito skillfully avoided this subject.

    After listening to Kamito, Greyworth said:

    "Lad, is this information reliable?"

    "...Probably, I guess."

    Kamito nodded vaguely.

    "I have heard that heavy snow is currently falling in the Kyria Mountain Range leading to Laurenfrost. Will I permit my precious students to go somewhere so dangerous for the sake of such uncertain information?"

    "...One time in the past, a certain person was apparently thrown into a snow-covered mountain for many days as so-called training. I wonder if you still remember?"

    "That''s long long ago. Forget it."

    Seeing Greyworth still making that look, Kamito sighed helplessly.

    "...I also know that this news is very low in certainty. However, as long as there''s a shred of hope, I¡ª"

    Kamito clenched his fist hard.

    "Sigh¡ª"

    Greyworth gazed at Kamito with gentle eyes.

    "You''re always so concerned about that darkness spirit... It makes me feel a little envious."

    Snickering.

    "...Then so be it. But when little miss hell cat returns, won''t she be mad at you?"

    "If it''s ire, I''m counting on you to exin to her when the timees."

    "I''m sorry but I probably won''t be able to help. I will be leaving the Academy soon."

    "Leaving the Academy at a time like this?"

    Kamito frowned.

    The school was being rebuilt currently. During a time like this, Greyworth should be needed even more as the Academy''s headmistress.

    "Precisely because it''s a time like this. You should have heard from Fianna too about the All Nations Conference to be held at the imperial capital. The continent is currently in an unprecedented state of emergency."

    "The coup d''etat at the Theocracy huh..."

    Several days earlier, Sjora Kahn had murdered the hierarch in the neighboring Alphas Theocracy. Furthermore, she had takenmand of the demon scorpion pce, Scorpia. Very clearly, the upheaval was not going to subside with that. The hierarch faction in the Theocracy was rioting all over the ce, starting wars everywhere, plunging the nation into chaos.

    "There are also reasons on that front, but my true worries lie over with the Holy Kingdom instead."

    "...The Holy Kingdom of Lugia?"

    Hearing unexpected words from the witch''s lips, Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement.

    Speaking of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, it was a very stable country like Ordesia. Ever since the Principality of Rossvale dered independence, nothing concerning had been heard from there in recent years¡ª

    "¡ªA witch''s intuition."

    Greyworth narrowed her gray eyes.

    "It''s the same feeling I experienced just before that war. At this All Nations Conference, I am going to personally verify the Holy Kingdom''s inclinations. Kamito¡ª"

    Part 3

    (...A witch''s intuition huh.)

    Holding the signed permit, Kamito returned to the ground surface, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

    (...Oh well, it''s got nothing to do with me, I guess.)

    For Kamito, how political issues between countries ended up had nothing to do with him. However, if it was rted to searching for Restia, then it would be a different matter¡ª

    Hunching his body slightly, Kamito walked over to the shopping street in the Sylphid Area.

    Food ingredients and other daily necessities could be bought here. In fact, students at the Academy almost never came here to shop. Most of the consumers here were residents of the Academy Town. But for Kamito who was not a noble, this was an important ce for buying cheap food.

    Luckily, because it was quite far from the heart of the Academy City and there were no military instations nearby, the attack several days earlier did not affect this ce.

    Kamito hade here to buy a gift for visiting Ellis. Because he was leaving the Academy temporarily, it was only natural for him to inform Ellis who was his teammate as well as the captain of the Sylphid Knights he was a member of.

    After buying Ellis'' favorite honeydew melon at a grocery store, Kamito made his way to the facility where she was hospitalized.

    Saint Seraelle Hospital¡ªThe facility was named after a Queen who had served Holy Lord Alexandros several centuries ago. Although Areishia Spirit Academy''s hospital also had high standards, it was still far inferior to Seraelle Hospital.

    Kamito went through the front door to enter the building''s center. The girl at the reception was so frightened that she gasped.

    "...T-The bestial king of lust!"

    This was already his fourth time visiting Ellis. Kamito''s appearance was apparentlymitted firmly to memory by now.

    (...If possible, could you please remember my name as well?)

    Feeling deeply hurt, Kamito finished handling the visiting procedures then walked to Ellis''s sickroom.

    Knocking lightly at the door, Kamito asked softly:

    "Ellis, are you still awake?"

    "...Yes. K-Kamito!? Oh, yes. I am awake!"

    After a tter of noises, her frantic answer was heard.

    "Okay, then I''ming in¡ª"

    Opening the door, Kamito saw Ellis lying in the sickbed.

    "...Kamito!"

    Her pink lips parted slightly, dressed in a loose white gown, her ponytail untied, Ellis looked quite different from usual, almost like a scene from fantasy.

    "Ellis, how''s your health?"

    "O-Okay. I have almost recovered... I should be able to get back to my duties at the Knights soon."

    "Really?...That''s great."

    Kamito sat down on the chair next to the sickbed. Ellis''s face seemed a bit red.

    "I bought your favorite, Ellis, honeydew melon. I''ll cut it up for you right away."

    "...O-Okay. I feel so sorry for troubling you all the time."

    "Ellis, it''s thanks to you that I''m still standing here. So just leave this kinda stuff to me."

    Kamito took out a knife from his shirt pocket and sliced the melon into small pieces, arranging them on a te in an experienced manner.

    "Speaking of which, what were you doing just now?

    "...Huh?"

    "Before I entered the room, I think I heard a tter of noises. If I disturbed you, I''ll apologize¡ª"

    "...~! That was, u-umm... nothing I was doing, nothing at all, honestly!"

    Ellis went bright red in embarrassment, turning on her side in bed. At this moment, something fell out of her shirt.

    "...!?"

    Ellis frantically went to pick them up... But it was toote.

    Kamito''s gaze stopped on the books fallen on the bed.

    "...''Nectar Dripping in the Night''?"

    Kamito seemed to recall seeing ire read this novel a few days ago.

    "T-This, this is not what you think!"

    Ellis frantically picked up the books and stuffed them under her shirt.

    "T-These are, umm... books confiscated by the Knights, I was just, umm, checking them!..."

    "I-I understand."

    red at by Ellis, Kamito kept nodding.

    "B-By the way, have some melon¡ª"

    "..."

    Ellis stared at the te carrying the sliced melon...... Apparently at a loss of words, she was acting very awkward.

    "...? What''s the matter, no appetite?"

    "No, umm, my hand... cannot move very well."

    Ellis suddenly said that.

    "...? Weren''t you fine just now?"

    "I-It suddenly started hurting!"

    Ellis pouted.

    "So, umm, basically... umm..."

    "Hmm?"

    "Y-You can... feed me, right?"

    "...!"

    Ellis lowered her head and looked up into Kamito''s eyes.

    Faint glimpses of her cleavage shed in and out of view, drawing Kamito''s gaze coercively.

    "...Y-You refuse...?"

    With an uneasy expression, Ellis bit her lip hard.

    Seeing her ask in this manner, how could Kamito possibly refuse¡ª

    "...I-I get it, okay."

    Kamito shrugged helplessly and used a fork to pick up a piece of melon.

    "...Here, open wide."

    "Hmm, are you ordering me?"

    Ellis was pouting but she actually looked a bit happy.

    "Hmm, the tone of an order does not feel bad, actually..."

    ...Ah~

    "...Mmmmmm~?"

    Swallowing the melon, Ellis held her hands to her cheeks in bliss.

    "A-Another..."

    Like a young chick waiting to be fed, she parted her adorable lips.

    "...I surrender. Here~"

    ...Ah~

    "...Huah~?"

    Ellis made another cute sound.

    "...Looks like you really love eating melon."

    "N-Not exactly. What I love is not the melon but..."

    Ahem~ Due to being too embarrassed, Ellis cleared her throat deliberately.

    Kamito put down the fork and said:

    "Umm, Ellis. I''ve got something to tell you¡ª

    "W-What is it!?"

    "I''ll be leaving the Academy for a while."

    "...Eh?"

    Ellis widened her dark-brown eyes, so shocked that she could not speak.

    Facing Ellis, Kamito recounted what had happened this morning.

    "...Because of that, I have to visit Laurenfrost to search for Restia. As for when I''ll be back, I still don''t know yet¡ª"

    "...I-I see."

    After listening to Kamito, Ellis nodded obediently.

    "If possible, I would like to go with you¡ª"

    "O-Oh~ I''m very d that you want to do that, but given your current state of health, I don''t think you should push yourself that much."

    Saying that, Kamito stroked Ellis''s head.

    "...~!"

    Ellis''s face seemed to be giving off steam.

    "Then I''ll be¡ª"

    "H-Hold on, Kamito¡ª"

    Ellis grabbed Kamito''s hand just as he was getting up to leave.

    "...Ellis?"

    "Umm, if you are going on a long journey, it would be more convenient to be enchanted with Wind''s Protection."

    "...Oh, that''d be wonderful if you can, but..."

    Among all kinds of spirit blessings, Wind''s Protection was the one most prized by travelers. Turning the surrounding wind into one''s allies, it would also improve movement speed.

    "But is it really okay?"

    Among different kinds of spirit magic, magic that persisted for long durations also consumed massive amounts of divine power. Hence, Kamito could not allow Ellis to push herself in her hospitalized state.

    "Do not worry. My physical body aside, my energy has already recovered fully thanks to the princess maidens."

    Ellis nodded and finally released Kamito''s hand.

    "...Please close your eyes for a moment."

    "Oh sure..."

    Kamito closed his eyes obediently.

    He could hear the sound of Ellis beginning to chant prayers near his ear.

    "O wind sweeping across thend, please bestow upon this traveler thy protection¡ª"

    A gentle breeze blew in the room, caressing Kamito''s face. His entire body was enveloped in the mild wind¡ª

    Smooch~

    "...Huh?"

    Suddenly feeling a soft sensation from his lips, Kamito opened his eyes wide in surprise.

    "...~!"

    He could see Ellis, her face flushed red¡ª

    "...E-Ellis?"

    Kamito blinked¡ª

    "Y-You have the kind of constitution that renders magic ineffective unless this is done, right?"

    Ellis shyly shifted her gaze away and said.

    "That''s... true, but..."

    "H-Hmph... Wind''s Protection is granted to you without fail now!"

    Ignoring Kamito who was totally lost, Ellis frantically buried her face in her clothes.

    Part 4

    (...Wind''s Protection huh?)

    Exiting the hospital, Kamito scratched his face and muttered.

    ...His heart was beating so fast. The sensation of those gentle lips still seemed to linger.

    "¡ªKamito has no fidelity."

    Worn at his waist, the sacred swordined unhappily.

    "M-Misunderstanding! Ellis was just giving me Wind''s Protection."

    "Steel''s Protection alone is enough for guarding Kamito!"

    ...Est did not say anything after that,pletely in a sulk.

    "...Well, anyway, it was a great help."

    If going on a journey, being able to lend the power of wind was worth celebrating. Because under the action of wind, there was a dramatic increase in speed.

    "Next, I guess I''ll go help Rinslet catch spirits."

    Saying that, Kamito walked towards the Academy.

    "¡ªThe very image of the Demon King of the Night as always. Kazehaya Kamito."

    "...!"

    A jeering voice. Kamito hastily looked at the voice''s direction.

    Out from the shadows of the building, a petite girl with a boyish haircut emerged.

    "...Ugh, it''s you, Virrey Branford!"

    Kamito''s face was very awkward.

    She was number nine of the Empire''s elite spirit knights¡ªNumbers.

    A special operative knight who belonged to the Umbra agency that specialized in foreign intelligence operations.

    She was under orders from the Empire''s top echelons to monitor Kamito. From Kamito''s perspective, she was someone whom he wanted to avoid like the gue.

    "What do you mean by ''ugh,'' Kazehaya Kamito?"

    "Oh, umm..."

    The special operative knight stared at Kamito, walking in front of him nonchntly.

    "I saw you enter the sickroom of Duke Fahrengart''s granddaughter... Could it be that you were engaged in something shameless and immoral?"

    "...You''ve been following me all this time huh."

    Nothing less expected from the dark side of Numbers, although she was hiding her presence in the Academy Town, to think that even Kamito had failed to notice her.

    "Stop talking about made up things, how could I possibly do something shameless and immoral?"

    Kamito denied firmly. Indeed, it was just a ritual necessary for Wind''s Protection. Definitely not something shameless and immoral... Probably.

    "Your eyes are wavering, Kazehaya Kamito."

    ...True to her name as a knight of Umbra, she saw with a single look.

    "In my view, your getup is even more shameless."

    "Wha...!?"

    Kamito was forced to retaliate, forcing the Numbers girl to go red with embarrassment.

    In actual fact, the highly revealing ck leather suit made Kamito at a loss where he should look.

    "T-This was developed specially forbat, thebat outfit for special operative knights!"

    Virrey drew her handgun from her waist and pointed it at Kamito.

    "How dare you look at me with such lewd eyes, you, you bestial king of lust!"

    "Hey, pulling out a gun on the streets is very dangerous."

    Kamito took Virrey''s gun and held it up high.

    "G-Give it back. Bad guy!"

    It looked like it was really very precious to her. Virrey suddenly burst into tears, jumping up and down trying to snatch her gun back. But very unfortunately, her height was totally not enough.

    "Before I do that, let me ask you something... Why are you still in town?"

    Holding the gun up high, Kamito asked. ording to what Greyworth had said, she should have gone to chase the escaped Lurie.

    "...!"

    Virrey was speechless for a moment. Then¡ª

    "The mission for apprehending Dame Lurie has been... called off."

    With a trembling voice, mixed with regret.

    "...What on earth happened?"

    Although it was true that she had failed to realize Lurie was a spy, that was not her fault alone. As a special operative knight, there should be no one more suited than her for hunting down Lurie.

    "Those are orders from above, demanding Umbra to cease hunting Dame Lurie."

    "...No way, how can the culprit who caused such a huge incident be... just like that..."

    Kamito could not help but cry out... Suddenly hearing such an uneptable thing.

    "Of course, I have suggested continuing the hunt to the higher-ups. However, totally set aside. ''With the All Nations Conferenceing up, do not make a big deal out of this matter.'' That was the answer from above. I am very concerned whether the higher-ups are hiding something."

    (The Empire''s top echelons are shielding Lurie on purpose¡ªIs that it?)

    If the Empire''s interior¡ªin other words, there were traitors in the council¡ªit made sense how Lurie was able to lurk in the Empire for so long.

    Besides, Lurie Lizaldia¡ªwho on earth was that woman?

    While Kamito was in deep thought, Virrey finally snatched her gun back.

    "It would still be okay if she''s still in the area near the Theocracy, but as soon as she crosses the border, there''s nothing we can do about her. We have also lost touch with Umbra spies who have infiltrated Murders."

    "Is it because of that coup d''etat as well...?"

    Under these chaotic conditions, trying to hide one''s tracks was probably not a hard thing.

    "About her past, did you manage to dig up anything?"

    Virrey shook her head.

    "Seven years ago, she appeared in the Empire and was called the miraculous healer. But how she infiltrated the Empire, how she was recruited to Numbers, regarding her past, everything is still unknown."

    "...I see,e to think of it¡ªdo you have any idea about the name Yggdra?"

    "Yggdra?"

    Virrey stared at Kamito with a very surprised look.

    "...Yeah. During the attack on the Academy, that girl in vestments mentioned the name... Have you heard of it?"

    The girl with the eyepatch, host to the Otherworldly Darkness¡ªMillennia Sanctus. On the day of the Great Festival of the Spirits, she was the main culprit who had summoned the militarized spirits, letting slip of that name in front of Kamito.

    "Could it be that Yggdra failed?"¡ªThat was what she said.

    That name might be linked to Lurie''s true identity perhaps.

    "Any idea would be an understatement¡ª"

    Virrey said with a surprised face:

    "¡ªThat''s the name of the de Dance winner fifteen years ago."

    "...Huh?"

    An unexpected answer¡ªKamito could not help but make a weird sound.

    Greyworth was the winner of the de Dance twenty-four years ago.

    Then three years ago, Ren Ashbell was the winner.

    But there was also a de Dance held fifteen years ago.

    The country that had obtained victory fifteen years ago should be¡ª

    (...The Holy Kingdom of Lugia, right?)

    In any case, Lurie currently looked about twenty-five years in age right now. Based on that, she could not possibly havepeted in the de Dance fifteen years earlier... That was probably no rtion to her at all.

    "Seriously, this is just a deduction based on ordinarymon sense. Oh well,pared to the Dusk Witch and Ren Ashbell the Strongest de Dancer, Yggdra-sama is not very famous, but that can''t be helped either¡ª"

    Virrey shrugged.

    "If it bothers you, I could go investigate it. I will be returning to the imperial capital next."

    "Back to the capital?"

    "Mytest mission is to serve as the bodyguard for Dame Greyworth who is participating in the All Nations Conference. Although she has already retired, she is still highly influential."

    "...I see. If it''s the imperial capital, that would bepletely opposite the direction to Laurenfrost."

    Saying that, Kamito exhaled deeply.

    ...In any case, he would not need to be monitored by this girl anymore.

    "...Hmm? Could it be that you''re going to Laurenfrost?"

    Virrey raised an eyebrow and asked.

    "Oh, yeah..."

    "Are you tired of living? The Kyria Mountain Range is currently being ravaged by a great snowstorm of unknown cause, you know?"

    "I know that too. Oh well, since I''ve got someone reliable to lead the way, there probably won''t be a problem, I think."

    "...Hmph, not like your life or death is any of my business."

    Virrey shrugged with exasperation.

    "Oh, speaking of Laurenfrost¡ª"

    Virrey casually thought of something and said:

    "Umbra has apparently received reports that the Holy Kingdom''s knights have been discovered in the forest near the border."

    "...What?"

    Kamito''s face instantly went livid.

    "¡ªHold on, please tell me the details about this report."

    "Uwah...! Your face is too close, Kazehaya Kamito!"

    Kamito suddenly leaned up close, causing Virrey''s face to blush bright red.

    "I recently heard about the Holy Kingdom''s knights appearing near the border. Had it been normal times, the Empire would surely raise objections on grounds of territorial invasion. But since it''s the sensitive period of the All Nations Conference right now, to avoid provoking the Holy Kingdom, the higher-ups have apparently decided to just watch for now¡ª"

    "Is it Luminaris Saint Leisched''s team?"

    "Seems to be¡ª"

    Kamito released Virrey''s shoulder.

    (...Why are the Holy Kingdom''s knights appearing in Laurenfrost now?)

    ...A foreboding sense. During the de Dance, the Sacred Spirit Knights led by Luminaris had taken action to exterminate Restia.

    ...This was absolutely no coincidence.

    (...Now''s not the time to be dallying leisurely.)

    Part 5

    "O Smander born from primordial mes, I hereby beseech thee to make thy way here¡ª"

    Hidden behind a tree, the smander spirit entered the spirit crystal in her hand with a whoosh.

    Behind the school building, Rinslet was currently preparing indispensable fire spirits for crossing snow-covered mountains.

    "...Hoo, spirits in the area have reduced greatly in number too."

    "Probably affected by the attack several days earlier, it looks like the forest''s trees have been contaminated."

    The maid Carol answered.

    Just as she pointed out, the damaged tree''s edges had already turned ck.

    Spirits would not live in hatednd that was contaminated by darkness. Although the princess maidens tried to use prayers for purification, returning things to the way they were would still require a very long time.

    "At this rate, the sun will be going down. Should we go deeper into the forest?"

    "Yes, mdy."

    As Rinslet walked into the depths of the forest, Carol followed in a patter of footsteps.

    That said, students were only allowed into the outskirts of the Spirit Forest. Going deeper, not only the Sylphid Knights but even teachers were not permitted to enter.

    After walking briefly in the forest¡ª

    "...Umm, Carol."

    "Yes, mdy."

    Rinslet stopped walking and coughed once.

    "I-I am about to go on a journey with Kamito-san, just the two of us..."

    "Yes."

    "U-Umm. Going on a journey with a boy, this will actually be the first time. To be honest, it is a bit unsettling."

    Indeed, in actual fact, Rinslet was very nervous right now.

    "No problem, mdy. I''ve heard that journeys will help deepen feelings between opposite genders."

    Carol smiled "fufu~"

    "...! W-What deepening feelings, nothing of that sort is within my considerations at all!"

    Rinslet denied with her face red. Carol whispered into her ear:

    "...A small trip with only mdy and Kamito-sama alone. This is a great chance to get ahead of everyone else!"

    "I-I did not propose apanying Kamito-san for such reasons!"

    Rinslet turned around guiltily.

    "Indeed, I simply, simply want to be Kamito-san''s strength, that is all¡ª"

    (...But was that really the case?)

    Kamito was always surrounded by many cute girls¡ª

    Rinslet had almost no opportunity to spend time alone with Kamito.

    But this time, it was a small trip just the two of them.

    ...It would be lying if she said she was not looking forward to this at all.

    (...Although Est-san is with us, she''s almost always sleeping during the day.)

    Her heart could not help but pound.

    ...Speaking of which, the novel she had borrowed from ire a few days earlier was about a man of low status falling in love with a highborn youngdy. While they were eloping, resting together, the couple had naturally embraced tightly in bed¡ª

    (...Ah, w-what manner of perverted delusions am I imagining!?)

    Huff... Huff... Huff...!

    Rinslet shook her head forcefully. Just at this time¡ª

    "¡ªRinslet!"

    "K-Kamito-san!?"

    On the forest trail, Kamito ran over frantically.

    "...Sorry, can we set off immediately?"

    "...Eh? But I still haven''t collected enough fire spirits."

    "These ones we have on hand are enough. Let''s set off now."

    "Why are you suddenly so impatient to leave?"

    "Apart from us, there seem to be others searching for Restia."

    "Huh?"

    Kamito briefly exined about the Holy Kingdom''s knights appearing near the border.

    "...! Now is definitely not the time for slow preparations."

    Rinslet nodded and turned to face Carol.

    "I am leaving the rest to you, Carol."

    "Yes, please rest assured, mdy."

    Carol nodded solemnly.

    "Then let us depart, Kamito-san¡ª"

    "Yeah!"

    Part 6

    On the grass-woven bed, the girl opened her eyes.

    She had already changed out of her torn dress of ck and was currently wearing ck clothing prepared by the Forest Dwellers. This outfit only consisted of simple cloth wrapped around the chest and the waist. The more she looked at it the more it seemed like being half-naked.

    Even so, she did not feel cold at all, apparently because this type of fabric was blessed by forest spirits.

    "Spirits¡ªI definitely know of existences like them."

    As though confirming her memories, she murmured softly.

    "Existing in another world different from this realm, special beings¡ª"

    Her memories rted to this realm only consisted of lingering fragments. For example, the being known as humans¡ªthey were the most flourishing race in this world.

    (...At the same time, they are the ones hunting for me.)

    ¡ªHowever, she had virtually no memories about herself.

    After waking up in the forest, her only memory was the single word "Restia."

    Saying the word aloud gave her a mysterious, nostalgic feeling, just this single word.

    ...Hence, this was probably her own name.

    (Saying that I''ve lost my memory because of these children''s memory manipting magic¡ª)

    But that was not the truth. Several days earlier, when she appeared in this forest, she was already unable to recall the past.

    The girl sighed and sat up from bed.

    Inside a tent made from animal hide, some kind of herb was burning. The choking smell stimted her nerves. Perhaps this was used for some kind of ritual.

    Then she walked out of the tent to the outside. Stretching endlessly was a vast forest of frost-covered trees, frozen all the way to the branches.

    Frozen branches hanging on the trees resembled blooming flowers, hence this ce was known as the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    In this forest, the children of the Forest Dwellers were ying.

    Incredibly, this vige consisted only of children. The eldest was perhaps the princess maiden known as Rana.

    (...Or perhaps, this is what the Elfim race is like.)

    There were no memories about the Elfim race in her mind. From Rana, she had learned that unlike humans, the Elfim were a race that hade from Astral Zero.

    The children ying in the forest noticed her and waved. She waved back amiably.

    The Forest Dwellers were all very friendly. Not only did they offer her shelter from being hunted by humans, but also offered warm hospitality to her.

    ...But she still did not know why they saved her.

    "Restia-san¡ª"

    She suddenly heard a girl''s voice.

    Looking back, Restia found the princess maiden Rana standing behind her, staring at her.

    "Don''t walk outside carelessly. The forest is a very dangerous ce."

    "...Sorry."

    Restia apologized honestly.

    Then she turned to look at the children ying in the forest again.

    "...It seems, there''s only children here."

    "The adults here were driven out several decades ago in a war against the humans. We princess maidens of the Elfim were able to stay here due to wielding elementalist powers."

    Rana bit her lip with chagrin, her voice filled with resentment.

    "Do you hate humans very much?"

    "All of us Forest Dwellers are like this. Because the humans of the continent want to take away our forests..."

    "In that case, why did you still save me?"

    "...Huh?"

    Hearing Restia''s question, Rana tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "Because, I''m human too."

    "That''s because..."

    Restia''s dusk-colored eyes stared straight into Rana''s crimson eyes.

    Dusk-colored eyes¡ªAt least, Restia was certain that she was not part of the Elfim race.

    Rana''s wavering eyes carried hesitation¡ª

    "Because you resemble a certain esteemed one very much."

    ...

    "A certain esteemed one?"

    "Yes, the Queen of Ice Blossoms."

    "Queen?"

    Restia repeated the word without thinking. This was the first time she had heard of a queen in this vige.

    "She''s not one of the Forest Dwellers?"

    "No, the Queen of Ice Blossoms is not one of the Elfim. However, she is not human either. Although called human, yet different from humans, in this regard, you are very simr to her."

    "Although called human... yet different from humans."

    Restia was confused... It was getting more and more iprehensible.

    (Also, very simr to me...)

    "Okay, let''s go in and have a good long talk. I''ll brew you some tea."

    Saying that, Rana entered the tent and sat down on the fur rug.

    Then she recounted the story of the girl known as the Queen of Ice Blossoms.

    ¡ªThis had happened before Restia''s appearance in the forest.

    Like Restia, the girl had lost her way in the forest. She possessed a miraculous power, inconceivable to the Elfim race. Unbelievably, the ice dragon, thought to be extinct in Laurenfrost, would obey her control.

    "...Control dragons?"

    "Ice dragons are the minions of Zirnitra, the guardian spirit of Forest Dwellers. Being able to control ice dragons at will, she must be the princess maiden sent by Zirnitra, the true princess maiden we have been looking forward to for centuries¡ª"

    Rana spoke in an excited tone of voice. She seemed like she really worshiped that girl.

    Putting aside the matter of the guardian spirit''s princess maiden¡ªRestia was very intrigued by the topic of the Queen of Ice Blossoms.

    ...Perhaps she might recall something if she carefully dug into her memories.

    "If only I could meet this Queen of Ice Blossoms directly."

    "Yes, you will have a chance to meet her eventually."

    Rana nodded.

    "...I can''t meet her now?"

    "She is currently in slumber. The Queen of Ice Blossoms will not wake up unless she sleeps for a period of time."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "The Queen of Ice Blossoms is currently forced to store up power for a certain important ritual. So she has been sleeping in the Forest Dwellers'' shrine for a while now."

    "...I see. That''s too bad then."

    "But she should be waking up soon. In a few more days."

    "A few more days..."

    Restia fell into deep thought.

    "I don''t want to stay here for too long¡ª"

    "...Eh? Why is that?"

    Rana widened her eyes in surprise.

    "Those human pursuers must still be hunting for me."

    Continuing to stay here would bring trouble for everyone.

    "Don''t worry about that at all. This forest has an ancient Barrier. Even elementalists have no way of finding this ce. Also¡ª"

    Saying that, she looked at Restia.

    "Imminently, the Queen of Ice Blossoms will revive Zirnitra who is sleeping in the Kyria Mountain Range. Once we obtain the guardian spirit''s power, there is nothing to fear from humans at all."

 Volume 13, 3 - Team Inferno Reborn

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 3 - Team Inferno Reborn</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªA few days prior to Kamito and Rinslet''s departure from the Academy...

    ire returned to her homnd by herself¡ªThe former territory of Elstein.

    "Father and Mother are here, right..."

    In front of a small house by the riverside, ire pressed her hand against her chest, adjusting her breathing, trying to calm down.

    It was already four years since she was separated from her parents. Four years ago, due to the Cmity Queen''s betrayal, ire''s parents were stripped of their noble status and thrown into the imperial capital''s Balsas Prison.

    Due to having served the Ordesia imperial family for many years, they were not treated like other convicts of heavy crimes despite being imprisoned. With only their freedom restricted, it was a state more akin to house arrest.

    However, these long years of prison life finally came to an end recently. During the de Dance held earlier, the Ordesia Empire''s team had obtained victory. As the leader of the winning team, ire Rouge was rewarded by the Empire.

    Naturally, ire''s wish was a pardon for her parents.

    The Empire''s council was greatly divided over this matter, hence her wish did receive an official response. But due to the increased prestige and influence of the second princess, Fianna''s words now held greater weight and finally under her efforts, ire''s parents finally regained their freedom.

    However, their noble title was not restored, and their castle andnds were taken by the Empire. All that was left for the Elstein family was a small patch ofnd and this house.

    Compared to their former castle, this was a very modest house.

    Standing at the door to the house, ire looked around nervously.

    She pressed the spirit crystal at the door. After a brief wait, the door opened slowly inwards.

    Inside the tiny home, ire''s parents came to the door to greet her, dressed in simple clothes.

    "¡ªWee home, ire."

    "...You''ve grown so much now."

    "Father, Mother..."

    Hugging her parents tightly, ire cried her heart out like a little child.

    Part 2

    Dinner that night consisted of potato and bacon stew, walnut bread, boiled eggs and pheasant roasted until its skin was crisp. Dessert was ire''s favorite peach tart.

    There was no need to reminisce about former dinners eaten in the Elstein castle. Although this meal was very simple, to ire, her mother''s cooking was more delicious than anything in the world.

    Sitting around the table in the room, there were too many things to talk about after being separated for four years.

    Life in the prep school, enrolling in Areishia Spirit Academy, entering the de Dance, also about Kamito¡ª

    "Eating canned food all the time is not good for your health."

    Her mother reminded with care and concern.

    "I-I''ve already started cooking recently."

    ire puffed out her chest proudly.

    "...Really? In a previous letter, you even said there was a boy who cooked for you¡ª"

    "Y-Yeah, that''s¡ª"

    ire''s gaze began to wander and she mumbled her words.

    "Or perhaps, you mean you''re cooking particrly for that Kamito child?"

    "...Hmm?"

    Duke Elstein seemed to catch on to a sensitive topic.

    "N-No way. Why on earth would I cook particrly for him¡ª"

    Blushing red, ire shook her head vigorously.

    "Is that so...?"

    "K-Kamito is just a ve... And a teammate, that''s all! Anyway, putting that aside¡ª"

    ire coughed lightly, hastily changing the subject.

    "I met Ren Ashbell in this time''s de Dance."

    "...Ohoh, the girl who cated the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath."

    "Yeah... I worship her very much. This time, I finally got to meet her."

    With great fervor, ire kept telling her parents about her(him). Not the Strongest de Dancer she idolized from three years ago but the Ren Ashbell who had fought alongside her as a teammate.

    "She(he) is stronger and kinder than anyone. A very gant person¡ª"

    Only when talking about Ren Ashbell was she the most able to express the feelings in her heart with honesty and forthrightness.

    (W-What should I do, these feelings in my heart are suddenly surging forth...)

    In the middle of the conversation, noticing her feelings towards Kamito, ire''s face went fiery hot.

    Even so, she still continued to talk about her(his) deeds...

    These feelings, suppressed for such a long time, flowed out in a torrent.

    (...So these are my true feelings huh?)

    ire pressed hard against her chest.

    ...These were the true feelings she was unable to convey to Kamito''s face.

    The feelings that she had always kept buried in the bottom of her heart ever since their first encounter by the spring in the Spirit Forest.

    "When I was alone, she(he) reached out to me..."

    Indeed, Kamito had always stayed by ire''s side.

    Protecting ire.

    "...She(he) is the one I love."

    ire blushed to her ears.

    "Is that so¡ª?"

    Smiling, her mother caressed ire''s scorching hair.

    "...You''ve made very good friends, I see."

    "Y-Yes!"

    After having dinner, ire went to sleep, squeezing onto the same bed as her mother.

    Like when she was young, ire hugged her mother''s arm.

    She had been hesitant whether she should tell her parents about her sister. But if she did that, it would involve the matter of the Elemental Lords going insane. About the Otherworldly Darkness eating away at this world, the water elemental lord had forbid them to tell anyone else.

    (...Mother, I will surely bring Nee-sama back.)

    Held in her mother''s arms, ire secretly steeled her determination.

    Part 3

    Balsas Prison was a fortress prison situated on the north side of the imperial capital.

    All inmates of this impregnable prison were either high-ranked nobles in the country or elementalists who had contravened the Empire''sws. Hence, unlike ordinary prisons, multipleyers of barriers for sealing spirit magic were erected here.

    At the deepest level of this prison, a ce where not the slightest light seeped through¡ª

    "I heard someone upstairs got pardoned. Howme."

    The voice of an arrogant youth.

    "Hey, you think so too, right?"

    Doing one-handed pushups, the youth struck up conversation with his neighboring inmate.

    "...I don''t care. No matter what, I''m on a life sentence."

    The woman who replied had crimson eyes and jade-green hair.

    Vivian Melosa. A merchant belonging to Murders who had infiltrated the Academy Town several months earlier to sell Cursed Armament Seals to students. Condemned with a death sentence, she finally managed to avoid death thanks to the Dusk Witch''s help. However, havingmitted atrocious crimes, she was probably never going to see the light of day again.

    "I was too foolish. To think I could get away with doing such things right under the witch''s nose¡ª"

    Thinking over these things, she could not help but clench her fist hard, producing creaking noises.

    "...Hmph, stop making meugh."

    The youth switched to a one-armed handstand.

    "...I will surely escape from here."

    The grinning youth''s arm was hanging loosely. Although the wounds had healed, it was impossible to swing a sword properly without trouble.

    "¡ªThen I''ll kill that guy."

    Visible under the faint lighting was a face branded with seals.

    Jio Inzagi. The former Instructional School assassin who was imprisoned by the Empire after his defeat at Kamito''s hands in the battle at the Academy Town''s abandoned mine. With one arm amputated and the power of the Cursed Armament Seals lost, only the mes of hatred still burned violently, shing in his eyes.

    "¡ªI''ll kill him, kill him, kill him, kill him!"

    While standing upside down, he repeated those words nonstop like a curse. But he could not even remember at all what the target of his vengeance looked like.

    "Damn that ursed darkness spirit. I can''t believe she wiped my memory¡ª"

    All memories rted to that boy had vanishedpletely.

    While he was being handed to the Imperial Knights, she had cast a spell on him.

    To prevent Jio from seeking revenge? Or to avoid trouble arising if Jio told the Imperial Knights about that boy¡ª

    "I''ll definitely find you, the guy who took away my left arm..."

    "...Futile. No one can escape from this prison!"

    "Hmph, how will you know if you don''t try it!?"

    Jio jumped down from his bed and threw a punch at the cell''s bars.

    "Oahhhhhhhh.... That really hurts!"

    The sound of finger bones breaking seemed to have sounded. The bars had been strengthened using spirit magic, not something an Instructional School assassin could break barehanded.

    "...Oh my, watching your stupidity makes me want to cry."

    "...Shut the fuck up!"

    Spitting, he turned to the other side.

    "Hey, what about you? I''ve heard that you''re quite something."

    "..."

    But there was only silence in the depths of the single cell shrouded in darkness.

    "...Tsk. Every single one of you is so pathetic..."

    Jio Inzagiy down in annoyance. Just at this time¡ª

    Suddenly, there was violent shaking, causing even the deepest level of the prison to shake.

    "...W-What''s happening!? Is it because of my punch just now?"

    Jio Inzagi yelled. Just at that moment¡ª!

    Crash¡ª

    Apanied by a deafening sound, the prison''s ceiling crashed down.

    "...Wha!?"

    Jio stared wide-eyed, unable to speak.

    A copsed ceiling. Billowing dust in the air. On a small pile of debris, a giant monster appeared.

    A frighteningly massive body, stout legs as thick as prison pirs, blood-redpound eyes shing in the dark¡ªAn impossiblyrge spider.

    "...A militarized spirit!? Why in this ce¡ª"

    "An enemy!" "I-Impossible..." "How could this ce be attacked¡ªuwahhhhhhh!"

    The soldiers guarding the prison screamed pitifully one after another. For the central region of the imperial capital to be attacked, it was totally unthinkable.

    "Haha, kick them all away¡ªUngoliant!"

    A girl''s adorable voice resounded in the underground darkness. The giant spider spirit waved its eight legs, sending the surrounding walls and soldiers flying like cut grass, creating a total mess.

    "...! That girl..."

    Jio remembered the appearance of this petite girl.

    Gray hair tied as twintails on the sides of her head. Blue eyes as clear as ice.

    "You, aren''t you the Instructional School''s number two¡ªMuir Alenstarl!?"

    "...Hmm?"

    Sitting on the spider''s head, the girl looked back, narrowing her eyes at Jio.

    "...Are you Jio Inzagi? What the heck are you doing here?"

    "...This kind of thing should be totally obvious. I was caught by those damned knights! By the way, why are you even here? You''re not here to save me, right?"

    "...Huh?"

    Muir Alenstarl was totally speechless.

    "Why would Muir save a small fry like you?"

    "Wha... small fry?"

    Jio angrily hammered the iron bars but of course, the bars remained unmoving.

    "Hey, get me out right now, Monster!"

    The instant he yelled at Muir¡ª

    The giant spider''s front leg descended before Jio''s eyes.

    The ground was split into two. Jio''s forehead broke out in cold sweat.

    "Don''t call Muir with that name, or else you''ll suffer the same fate as these destroyed cells."

    "¡ªMuir, ignore that guy. Continue destroying."

    Amidst the screaming and shouting, another girl jumped down from the spider.

    "Once the Numbers arrive, it''ll be troublesome."

    "Hmph, Muir got it, Lily¡ª"

    The spider-shaped militarized spirit spewed out a great amount of silk, wiping out the soldiers guarding the prison. Having gotten off the spider, Lily walked past Jio''s cell,ing in front of Vivian''s.

    "Hey hey. Stop ignoring me, bitch!"

    "Shut up, fake Demon King. Scum like you arepletely worthless¡ª"

    A spirit crystal''s light shone on Vivian who was sitting in a corner of the cell.

    "¡ªMurders merchant, Vivian Melosa."

    "..."

    "You should feel honored. The Cardinal holds expectations for your power."

    "...Give me a break. Just let me continue to stay here."

    Sitting there, Vivian Melosa answered emptily. Apparently, her fear of the Dusk Witch hadpletely crushed her mind.

    "You don''t want to regain your freedom?"

    Saying that¡ª

    "If you wish to stay here like this, be my guest. I have no intention of forcing you¡ª"

    The sound of hard military boots wereing from the depths of the darkness.

    Slowly appearing was a woman wearing a red mask, dressed in the Theocracy''s military uniform.

    Vivian held her breath. Jio was also stunned by her powerful presence.

    Ignoring those two, the woman walked over to the farthest cell.

    To confront inmate who had remained silent all this time,pletely unfazed by the situation at hand.

    "Hey, you bitch! Don''t ignore me¡ª"

    Regaining his senses, Jio yelled at the woman.

    "...What now?"

    "You need power, right? Then take me. I am the Instructional School''s only sessor of the Demon King¡ª"

    "Sessor of the Demon King, you say?"

    Cardinal stopped walking and looked back.

    "...Yeah. I am the man nearest to that Demon King¡ªSolomon."

    Jio grinned as he spoke.

    Behind the mask, those crimson eyes shone with sharp light.

    "Amusing. Then allow me to try using that power."

    She pointed her finger towards Jio''s cell. Generated from her fingertips, the mes instantly melted the iron bars that were protected by spirit magic.

    "Hmph, show your gratitude to the Cardinal''s magnanimity, Jio Inzagi."

    Lily nced sideways at Jio.

    Having obtained his freedom, Jio swiftly ran out of his cell, but¡ª

    "...Gratitude? Hoh, how unfortunate for you, kind-hearteddy!"

    With that, he escaped into the depths of the darkness...

    "Jio Inzagi, you bastard!"

    "Ignore him. Just let an insignificant character like him go."

    Leaving the furious Lily, Cardinal turned to that cell.

    She was standing before the cell. The presence inside seemed to waver slightly.

    "What business do you have with me? Fake Ren Ashbell."

    "Ah, you discerned it?"

    She seemed a little surprised.

    "I happen to know the real one."

    "I see. Come to think of it, you have fought her(him) before."

    The mes at her fingertips illuminated the cell brightly.

    Shining blonde hair. Clear blue eyes. An even more powerful will exuded from the deepest level of the prison.

    "Then I shall be brief, glorious knight. I need your power."

    "I am already shouldering sins. Do you believe I will do as you say?"

    Looking at the inmate in the cell, the masked girl sighed.

    "Atonement huh? However, the more you act like this, the more I want you."

    "...What are you talking about?"

    Cardinal took off her mask to show the other party her true appearance.

    "¡ªI am saving this world."

 Volume 13, 4 - Frost Town

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 4 - Frost Town</h4>

    Part 1

    After setting off from the Academy this morning, a number of hours had passed. Riding galloping horses all the way along the roads, Kamito and Rinslet finally arrived at a ce called Frost Town. From here, the Kyria Mountain Range could be seen in the distance.

    Reaching Rinslet''s homnd required crossing the precipitous Kyria Mountain Range, towering before their eyes. Although its altitude was lower than Dracunia''s Kelbresse Mountain Range, the Kyria Mountain Range was actually the most dangerous in the continent. In the vast coniferous forests growing on the mountains, there lived many ferocious magic beasts.

    Although there were mountain paths prepared, they were impossible to use under the current snowing conditions. Most of the merchants traveling back and forth between Laurenfrost and the imperial capital would take the long route around the mountain by going south.

    (...Well, for us, that''d take too long.)

    Riding on horseback, Kamito sighed, exhaling white mist.

    If they took the long route around the mountain, it was anyone''s guess when they were going to arrive at the Forest of Ice Blossoms. In an attempt to get there as quickly as possible, crossing the Kyria Mountain Range directly was the only choice.

    Besides, the sun was gradually setting in the west right now. After racing for a day, the horses were almost at their limits. Had he not received the Wind''s Protection from Ellis before setting off, they probably would not have made it to this town today.

    "But speaking of which, the change in scenery here is really quite dramatic¡ª"

    Reaching the town gates, Kamito could not help but exim with heartfelt emotion. The streets and town walls were all snow-white.

    "After passing through these town gates, you have basically entered Laurenfrost territory."

    Rinslet gracefully dismounted and showed the Laurenfrost family''s crest to the guard¡ªThe emblem of a dire wolf. The guard instantly panicked and hastily ushered the two of them into town.

    Leaving the horses at the stables at the town entrance, Kamito and Rinslet entered the town. The instant they stepped inside, the Wind''s Protection applied on travelers was dispelled, causing the domain of wind surrounding the two of them to disappear. Once protected by a town, they were no longer considered travelers.

    "Cold, it''s so cold... I guess we''d better hurry and find a ce to stay."

    "Then how about we head over there to have some hot food first?"

    Rinslet''s finger was pointing at a tavern where the sign "The Sunny Fox Inn" was hanging.

    Part 2

    Ignoring the other customers in the tavern, Rinslet walked straight up to the bar.

    Her long, dazzling tinum blonde hair was attracting every pair of eyes in the tavern.

    (...Oh well, it''s an expected sight.)

    Kamito felt slightly helpless inside. Although that was not to say that the tavern customers were ill-behaved, in terms ofmon sense, this was really not an establishment that highborndies would ordinarily visit.

    But Rinslet did not mind at all, walking directly to the counter.

    "A ss of hot wine please, the best you have."

    "N-Nobledy... The best we have is only a ten-year-old vintage from Arber..."

    "No problem. Also, bring some simple food."

    "Umm, I''ll have the same¡ª"

    Kamito sat down next to Rinslet.

    "Say, Rinslet, you actually drink?"

    Alcoholic beverages were essentially banned at Areishia Spirit Academy, with only exceptions for when princess maidens made offerings of kagura dance.

    "Inhabitants of Laurenfrost frequently drink hot wine to stay warm. A small sip is enough to warm your entire body... So, how about you, Kamito-san?"

    "In my case, I can only drink a little."

    Kamito answered ambiguously. He was actually not that bad at holding his alcohol, but it was just that during his former days working under Greyworth, being forced to be her drinking partner every night had left him with substantial mental trauma, thus preventing him from enjoying drinking in an active sense anymore. That was the actual truth.

    Two sses were ced on the counter, filled with hot wine. A sweet fragrance of raw ginger and citrous fruit wafted over. Taking a light sip, Kamito instantly felt a scorching sensation down his throat.

    "...This wine really works a great effect."

    He could feel a warm flow spreading gradually in his body.

    "Yes, this is an indispensable drink for Laurenfrost winters."

    Elegantly savoring the fine wine, Rinslet went slightly red in the cheeks. Under the dim lighting, this sight was almost making Kamito lose control.

    (...W-What''s with this crazy pounding in my heart?)

    Kamito frantically took his eyes off the girl''s profile.

    "Oh right, there are a few things I would like to ask about¡ª"

    Rinslet put down her winess and spoke up.

    Not to Kamito but towards the barkeep standing inside the bar.

    "Has this great snowstorm persisted all this time?"

    (...I see.)

    Kamito realized the purpose of Rinslet choosing to sit at the counter. Before entering the Kyria Mountain Range, they should at least gather some useful information from locals.

    "Yes, nobledy. Although not every single day, the weather has been like this for the past two weeks. After the Empire''s representative team won the de Dance, we were originally hoping for the climate here to be milder..."

    Hearing the barkeep''sments, Kamito suddenly had a thought urring to him.

    (...Oh well, it should be fine.)

    The de Dance spectators were mostly nobles from various nations on the continent. Team Scarlet''s name aside, ordinary people probably would not know Kamito and his teammate''s faces.

    "Ever since the snowstorm began, has anyone entered the Kyria Mountain Range?"

    This was Kamito''s question.

    "That''s impossible. Trying to cross that mountain range would be suicide. Also¡ª"

    The barkeep lowered his voice all of a sudden.

    "It''s not just because of the snowstorm. Rumor has it that monsters are appearing."

    "...Monsters?"

    Kamito and Rinslet exchanged nces.

    "Recently, people have spotted ice dragons flying in the air near the mountain range. Rumors are all over town by now."

    "Ice dragons?"

    "The ice dragons of Laurenfrost have already gone extinct. Could there be a mistake?"

    Rinslet was skeptical.

    The Ordesia Empire was home to powerful dragons, but that was on the eastern side bordering Dracunia. They were not supposed to fly all the way to a ce like Laurenfrost.

    "Indeed. That''s why there are also many townsfolk saying these might be warning signs of Zirnitra''s revival. Because the ice dragons are the minions of this guardian spirit."

    "I have no interest in such ridiculous rumors."

    Rinslet was a bit disappointed.

    "These are just rumors after all, nobledy. I don''t know what''s the actual situation. The only thing I''m sure of is that entering the mountains now would be suicide."

    The barkeep shook his head.

    (...Monster in the snow mountains, huh.)

    Leaving the two to their conversation, Kamito fell into deep thought.

    Dragons were indeed a powerful race, but to Kamito right now, they were nothing more than fodder. In fact, Kamito had already defeated monsters and spirits more powerful than dragons on numerous asions.

    (...But on mountains where it''s difficult to walk in the snow...)

    If they were attacked on a cliff, fighting while protecting Rinslet¡ª

    "Anyway, it would be best to rest in this town for now first."

    "...Yeah. Let''s set off after dawn."

    Climbing snow-covered mountains in the night would be quite unwise. Furthermore, their bodies were currently quite exhausted as well.

    Dinner provided by the tavern consisted of turnip lentil soup, ck bread and salted salmon sauteed with dried fruit.

    The taste was not bad despite being simple food. For Kamito''s empty stomach, there was no food better than this.

    While drinking hot wine, the two of them enjoyed dinner with great satisfaction.

    The problem was what came after...

    Part 3

    "...No other vacant rooms?"

    "Yeah. Because of the great snow, many travelers are unable to proceed and are staying at this Frost Town."

    The innkeeper shook his head very apologetically.

    ...The only room left was a single room.

    Also, it was a room used for storage because it was normally unupied.

    That kind of room was probably beyond what the sheltered Rinslet could tolerate.

    "...No helping it, let''s go check out other ces."

    "I think other ces should be full too. I''ve heard that many people are sleeping in stables."

    "Stables... Aren''t they afraid of getting frozen to death?"

    "Still tons better than sleeping in the streets, right? How about it? I''ll give you a discount for the room."

    Kamito turned to Rinslet.

    Blushing red, Rinslet was murmuring something inaudible.

    "...~s-squeezed in a room together, th-that kind of thing..."

    "...Hey Rinslet¡ª"

    "Y-Yes!"

    Rinslet made a strange sound.

    "The ruler of this town should be a Laurenfrost retainer, right? If you announce your status, Rinslet, you should be able to get us amodations for a night."

    Kamito made a very practical suggestion, but¡ª

    "That is possible indeed, however..."

    Rinslet hesitated and shook her head.

    "Although I am a noble, I have never relied on my status to do anything."

    "...Oh, I see."

    ...True. As a noble youngdy more sheltered than the average person, her pride was definitely not going to let her ask others for favors by relying on her family''s status.

    As though prepared with resolve, Rinslet stared straight at the innkeeper.

    "No problem. Take us to that room."

    "...Rinslet?"

    "N-No problem. Even if it means sharing a room with you, Kamito-san, I don''t mind at all. Haven''t you been sleeping in ire''s room all this time, Kamito-san?"

    "That''s true but still..."

    "O-Or you mean... you dislike sharing a room with me?"

    Rinslet pouted her cherry lips, slightly sulking.

    Her clear eyes of emerald were staring up at Kamito.

    "...F-Fine, I get it."

    Kamito surrendered. Since she already said she did not mind, if he still refused, he would be the one who was being boorish.

    "Then let''s book the room. Please take us there."

    "Okay, pleasee to the second floor."

    Led by The Sunny Fox Inn''s innkeeper, the two of them mounted the creaking staircase.

    The only remaining room was definitely an utter mess of stored objects.

    The innkeeper lit amp. Looking around, Kamito and Rinslet were shocked speechless.

    "This is... even more... than expected..."

    "More cramped..."

    Indeed, even as a single room this was way too cramped. Just as they could see, there was only one bed while the table and chairs all had random articles piled on top of them. The bed was also covered in gray dust. Clearly the ce had not been cleaned for many days.

    "Sorry that all we have is a room of this standard. Please use it as you wish."

    Rinslet stepped into the room in trepidation.

    Creaking sounds, dust flying all over the air¡ª

    "A ce to bathe... Looks like there''s none."

    "Only the school''s dorms would have bathing facilities installed in every room."

    Kamito shrugged. Several months earlier, during his days of searching for Restia, Kamito had frequently lived in rooms like these.

    "...Is this ce really okay?"

    "O-Of course. A Laurenfrost wolf never goes back on her word."

    Rinslet nodded with determination then started to swiftly clear away the dust in the room using a broom with a broken shaft.

    ...In merely moments, the room was already cleaned up to a decent state.

    "Wow! Should I say this is surprising or something? I never knew you were this good!"

    "Hmph, so long as I''m serious, this is nothing at all."

    Hmph hmph~ Rinslet puffed her chest out with pride.

    The bed was wiped clean and tidy, the messy trash was all dealt with. Witnessing skills that would even put a professional maid to shame, Kamito could not help but stare in amazement.

    "Okay, let us get some rest early for tomorrow. P-Please hurry over."

    Readying the sheets, Rinslet looked back at Kamito.

    "Uh, umm..."

    Kamito frantically shook his head. Although the room was already cleaned, the fact of one bed had not changed. Hence, Kamito had no intention of sleeping there, but¡ª

    "You can''t guarantee sufficient restoration of energy unless you sleep properly on a bed."

    "But two people sleeping in one bed is really a bit..."

    "In that case, I shall sleep using Fenrir as a mattress."

    "...Okay okay, I get it! I''ll sleep on the bed, so please don''t do that!"

    Since she said it already, Kamito had no choice but to obey. But if the fact of his sleeping with Rinslet ever got out, he would certainly be exterminated by the Laurenfrost retainers, right?

    (...Or perhaps, I''m just overthinking things?)

    Shrugging helplessly, Kamito walked over to the bed.

    However, Rinslet gripped the sheets without moving.

    "Excuse me, Kamito-san?"

    "Huh?"

    "I can''t change while you''re here, Kamito-san!"

    "Oh, sorry!"

    Kamito frantically left the room.

    Then after waiting at the door for a while¡ª

    "Kyah! What''s with this nightgown!?"

    A small scream was heard from inside the room.

    "Rinslet?"

    "No, nothing. Umm... You maye in now."

    "Oh, okay..."

    She had apparently finished changing. Kamito took a deep breath and opened the door.

    (...!)

    But he gasped, his brain going nk.

    Rinslet''s pajamas were¡ª

    An extremely sheer nightgown ofce, exquisitely embroidered.

    (H-Her panties are totally visible...)

    Through the nightgown''s thin fabric, the style of her panties waspletely clear to see.

    Rinslet frantically held a nket in front of her chest.

    "D-Don''t get the wrong idea! This must be Carol''s fault... I have never ever worn such a shameless nightgown..."

    Rinslet''s voice grew smaller and smaller.

    ...It looked like Carol had made another airheaded blunder again.

    "I-I see..."

    Kamito gulped and slowly walked into the room under the iparably tense atmosphere.

    The bedside lighting shone on her face that was scorching from embarrassment.

    Kamito slowly approached. Rinslet was so embarrassed that she buried her head in the nket.

    "...Umm, is this really okay? Sleeping together..."

    "A noble never goes back on her word!"

    Rinslet turned away.

    While she had turned away, Kamito swiftly took off his uniform and changed into his pajamas. Suppressing the wavering in his heart, he squeezed into the sheets.

    The crude bed was cold and hard, nothing like the ones at the Academy at all.

    "So, won''t just one nket be cold?"

    Lying down with their backs against each other, Kamito extinguished the light at the bedside.

    "We can''t squander the fire spirit crystals carelessly."

    Rinslet whispered lightly by his ear.

    "Also, the Kyria Mountain Range is much colder than this."

    "You''re right..."

    Under the nket, Kamito was shivering from cold.

    In the darkness, the rustling sound of friction between clothing could be heard¡ª

    Boing~?

    Using both arms, Rinslet hugged Kamito from behind.

    "R-Rinslet!? What are you¡ª"

    "L-Like this, it''ll be slightly warmer."

    Rinslet buried her face into Kamito''s back and said softly.

    "True, this will be better for warmth, but..."

    Embraced by her arms, Kamito was unable to move at all.

    Fine hair rubbed against the back of his neck... So tickling...

    (...This situation is bad!)

    Wanting to change his sleeping posture, Kamito turned slightly.

    Boing~?

    "Ah... Mmm... ?"

    "...!"

    "K-Kamito-san... Please don''t move suddenly, mmm..."

    "...Hmm?"

    Boing, boing?

    "...Ah, mmmmm..."

    Kamito moved again, causing weird noises to be heard.

    "Mmm... H-Hah... Serious, Kamito-san, you''re so bad."

    Wanting to shift his sleeping posture, Kamito felt that something had gotten caught on his clothing.

    (In that case, I''ll have to use that move...)

    Kamito closed his eyes¡ª

    Rxing his entire body, making his mind as still as water.

    "...Kamito-san?"

    "Zzz... Zzz..."

    ...Poke, poke.

    "Zzz..."

    No reaction even when poked in the cheek. "The Act of Mental Oblivion"¡ªTrained as part of an assassin''s skill set, it was not something anyone could do.

    "...Seriously, he''s asleep already."

    Rinslet remarked a bit disappointed.

    "...Then I shall sleep too."

    Rxing her arms slightly, Rinslet gradually drifted off into her dreams.

    (...That''s falling asleep way too easily!)

    ire was also the type to fall asleep easily. Probably all noble youngdies were like this?

    And also due to exhaustion. No matter what, they had to hurry on their journey early the next morning.

    In any case, Kamito breathed a sigh of relief. Slightly, he moved his body under the nket.

    They still needed to hasten their expedition tomorrow, aiming to cross the mountain range ravaged by cold winds and heavy snow before sundown.

    Closing his eyes, Kamito slept for real this time.

    Part 4

    "...Soon, I''ll be able to see... Judia."

    Probably in the middle of a dream, these words slipped out of her mouth.

    (...Judia?)

    Kamito was shocked.

    Judia Laurenfrost. She was Rinslet''s younger sister who had failed in a kagura dance offering to the elemental lords and was sealed into eternal cursed ice several years ago.

    Rinslet''s reason for entering the de Dance was to save her. But in the end, this wish could not be realized. Until Iseria Seaward retrieved her full power, breaking the cursed ice was impossible.

    Despite her haughty airs at school, her thoughts were always with her younger sister that was sealed in ice.

    "I must... save you..."

    "...Rinslet."

    Kamito gripped Rinslet''s hand tightly.

    Part 5

    The next morning, Kamito woke before the sun hadpletely risen.

    "Gah... So cold... This ce is freezing!"

    Flipping the nket open, he drew in a breath of the icy air.

    While Kamito was stretching, a familiar sound was heard from the bed.

    Lying next to Kamito, dressed in a nightgown, Rinslet was still asleep. Her face was showing a vulnerable and unguarded expression that was almost impossible to see normally.

    identally recalling what happenedst night, Kamito felt his face heat up.

    In order not to rouse her, Kamito gently got off the bed and opened a small window in the corner of the room.

    Although the storm had stopped blowing, snow continued to fall. The umted snow on the roadside was being melted by a me spirit that someone had summoned. Although summoning spirits on the roadside without permission was forbidden by the Empire, it could not be helped under such conditions.

    (...But there still seems to be a storm over on that side.)

    Kamito looked out to the mountains in the distance.

    The mountain range had thick clouds gathered over it. It was impossible to see peaks from his location.

    "...Although the innkeeper guy mentioned the appearance of monsters..."

    "Kamito, you already got up?"

    "...Hmm?"

    Kamito looked back at the voice in the room.

    Standing there was a snow fairy.

    "...E-Est, what''s with that getup?"

    Kamito could not help but widen his eyes.

    Est was dressed in a bulky winter jacket with thick gloves on her hands and a fluffy cylindrical fur hat. Extremely cute.

    "This is standard winter gear for locals. I conjured it by using pedestrians on the street for reference."

    Est answered while spinning expressionlessly.

    Her long, shiny, silver-white hair was as dazzling as snow under sunlight.

    "Kamito, what do you think?"

    "O-Oh. It''s very cute."

    Kamito expressed his honest feelings.

    (...Spirits aren''t supposed to feel cold, right?)

    Kamito remarked in his heart. Oh well, whatever, it''s cute anyway.

    As he said that, Est spun again¡ª

    "How is it?"

    "Yeah! It''s very cute!"

    "I''m so d, Kamito."

    Est spun on her own again and again.

    ...Spinning, spinning.

    ...Spinning, spinning.

    "Uwah, Kamito. My eyes are starting to spin¡ª"

    "Hey, are you alright!?"

    "...You two, what exactly are you doing?"

    Waking up, Rinslet tilted her head in puzzlement.

    Part 6

    Just as Kamito''s group was about to set off towards the Kyria Mountain Range¡ª

    ire had returned to the Academy from Elsteinnds.

    "...If it''s Kamito, he should be fine without me by his side, right?"

    Humming a song in a good mood, ire walked towards the ssroom of Raven ss.

    She was carrying a box which contained a famous Elstein specialty, hot spring steamed buns.

    "If I''m not here, he must be very lonely... He might even be up to ying pranks."

    In any case, after spending happy times with her family, ire was currently in a very delightful mood.

    "Next time, I should take Kamito on a trip to the Elstein hot springs. Because Kamito cooks for me all the time¡ªThis counts as a reward for all the help he gives me regrly."

    ire stopped in front of Raven ss''s window.

    Adjusting her twintails with her hands, she then checked her attire.

    (...What am I getting high-strung about?)

    Suddenly feeling nervous for some reason, ire''s cheeks turned bright red.

    (I-It''s just been a few days I haven''t seen him...)

    Clearing her throat, ire stepped forward again.

    (Fianna has gone to the All Nations Conference, so the room is left to j-just the two of us...)

    On the way to the student dormitories, ire felt inexplicably nervous, her heart pounding nonstop.

    Finally reaching the dormitory door, she took a deep breath and opened the door.

    "Kamito, I''m back... Oh?"

    Still holding the door handle, ire cocked her head in puzzlement.

    ...There was no one in the room.

    "...Hmm? Kamito?"

    She searched all over the room once, but did not find anything.

    "...Hmph, what''s this...? So my nervousness went to waste."

    ire threw her souvenirs onto the table and threw herself onto Kamito''s bed, ying with her hair.

    "What is the meaning of this, Kamito that jerk..."

    ...Thump, thump, thump.

    Taking her anger out on the pillow, ire then buried her face into it.

    Hugging the pillow in this manner¡ª

    Recently, she seemed to have acquired this kind of habit... Just by hugging his pillow like this, her feelings would calm down.

    (Going out to shop or whatever''s fine, juste back soon, you great big jerk...)

    ...Burying her face in pillow, she took a deep breath.

    "...,...Kami... to..."

    ...What to do? After mere days of separation, to think she would feel this lonely.

    She wanted to hear his voice as quickly as possible. She wanted him to stroke her head gently.

    "...Ohh... Hurry¡ªande back..."

    ...Rolling, rolling, rolling.

    Hugging the pillow like that, ire rolled and rolled on the bed.

    Suddenly, she fell off the bed with a thud¡ª

    "...Hmm?"

    Something seemed to have fallen off the bed... Something like a note.

    "...What''s this?"

    ire climbed back up and picked up the note on the floor.

    "...Hmm... ''Going out on a long journey for now. If you need dinner, just eat outside...''"

    Her hands trembled from anger while her crimson hair stood on end like mes.

    "What on earth is the meaning of this¡ª¡ª!"

    The note was incinerated into ash in ire''s hand.

    ...An hourter.

    The oppressive atmosphere was finally conquered by Scarlet''s fuzzy tail''s tickling attack.

    Part 7

    Academy Town. In a sickroom at Saint Seraelle Hospital...

    "Miss Ellis Fahrengart, you may leave the hospital today. Congrattions."

    The princess maiden healer came to inform Ellis of this news.

    "But speaking of which, I was really surprised. Although elementalists have much stronger recovery abilities than ordinary people, I never expected you to be fully healed so soon¡ª"

    "...Yes, I surprised myself as well."

    Ellis nodded with a solemn expression.

    She originally thought she was several days away from being discharged from the hospital.

    "Do you have any idea regarding the reason?"

    The healer in charge of Ellis asked incredulously.

    A contract with a holy spirit or water spirit would be slightly understandable, but Ellis was contracted to a wind spirit, which could not possibly confer such massive recovery ability.

    "Hmm, well, even if you ask, I have no idea either..."

    Ellis avoided eye contact with the healer.

    "...Hmm, really?''

    "O-Of course!"

    Ellis answered guiltily under the healer''s skeptical gaze.

    ...Of course, she did not have no idea at all.

    Ellis had started recovering rapidly during this time yesterday.

    (...At the time, I felt some kind of invisible power flowing into my body, that was the feeling.)

    Ellis touched her lips lightly with her hand, her face instantly growing hot.

    (...I cannot believe I did something so shameless!)

    As the Captain of the Knights, Ellis was supposed to serve as the students'' role model, upholding public morals by example. However¡ª

    The sensation of lips was so concrete. In the depths of her mind, she recalled the feeling that was numbingly sweet.

    "Miss Ellis, what''s with you?"

    "Nothing is wrong!"

    Face bright red, Ellis shook her head forcefully.

    Already out of the hospital, Ellis made her way to the school building to find out about resuming the Knights'' work.

    (...Even so, it really is quite unbelievable.)

    Along the main street in town, Ellis thought while walking.

    (Could it be that Kamito''s power flowed in reverse to my body? That kind of thing should not happen¡ª)

    For example, when Fianna applied healing magic to Kamito through direct contact, she never said anything about power flowing in reverse.

    (...L-Looks like I must test it out again.)

    I must test it out again thoroughly¡ªEllis made the decision on her own ord.

    ¡ªJust at that moment, there was amotion on the side of the road.

    "...Hmm, what is happening?"

    Rapidly switching back to serious knight mode, Ellis looked over there.

    In the za direction, mes were currently burning intensely.

    ...No ordinary fire, this was the work of spirits.

    "Summoning spirits in the Academy Town is against the rules...!"

    Ellis frantically hurried over to themotion.

    But just as she arrived, over there was¡ª

    "Wha... ire!?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    A girl carrying arge amount of luggage on her back. It was ire.

    Enveloped in mes, her red twintails were billowing in the wind.

    Depending on a spirit''s attributes, various effects could manifest on the elementalist''s body.

    ire was apparently the true source of the mes seen from afar.

    "C-ire, what exactly is going on?"

    Hearing Ellis''s voice, ire looked at her.

    "Not here, not there, not anywhere!"

    Intimidated by her forcefulness, Ellis halted in her tracks.

    ...She looked extremely angry.

    "Kamito, Kamito, he abandoned me all alone... S-Sob sob~..."

    ire burst into tears, her intimidating twintails also fell back down.

    "...W-Wait. I totally fail to understand what you are talking about. First tell me the whole story."

    "O-Okay... Sob..."

    ¡ªire told everything from the start, leading to themotion at the za.

    "...What? Going with Rinslet, just the two of them!?"

    Yesterday when visiting Ellis, Kamito had definitely said he was going to Laurenfrost.

    However¡ª

    "J-Just the two of them going... I never heard about that!"

    Ellis yelled angrily. This was a major incident!

    Because speaking of two people on a trip¡ª

    (...That means spending nights outside together!)

    Just imagining it slightly made Ellis''s face go bright red.

    ...No good, I must believe in Kamito. Even though it was just the two of them traveling together, Kamito was surely not going to do something dastardly, right? But trips offered excellent opportunities for improving male-female rtionships. In that case, it would not be surprising if anything happened.

    Also, ire looked like she was not going to give up until she chased down Kamito.

    "...I-I am going too!"

    Ellis dered.

    "...Eh?"

    Eyes red and swollen from crying, ire tilted her head in puzzlement after hearing Ellis.

    "...It''s fine if you don''te along. Also, you have the Knights'' work, right?"

    "How could I ignore something as shameless as a boy and a girl traveling alone together? Correcting these morally deficient practices is precisely part of the Knights'' work!"

    "Th-That''s just making excuses, right? You don''t have to go out of your way toe along."

    "Hmm, are you really sure this is fine?"

    "...What do you mean?"

    Ellis raised an index finger and exined.

    "Listen carefully. The two of them set off from the Academy yesterday during the daytime. If you start chasing now, it is quite unrealistic in terms of time."

    "True, you have a point, but..."

    "However, with the assistance of a demon wind spirit with flying and tracking abilities, chasing them down in one or two days is not impossible."

    "Guh..."

    ire could not find any reason to object.

    ...Just as Ellis pointed out, without a demon wind spirit''s assistance, there was no way to catch up to Kamito and Rinslet.

    "How now? Have you made your decision?"

    "Uh~huh."

    ¡ªSo that was that.

    In the end, the situation became ire and Ellis chasing after Kamito together.

    Part 8

    "Luminaris-sama, that tree looks familiar¡ª"

    "...We circled back here again? What on earth is going on?"

    ¡ªIn the depths of the Forest of Ice Blossoms. Covered by thick snow, the forest was shrouded in dense fog. The Holy Kingdom''s knights had already gone in circles for dozens of hours.

    In the forest''s center, the surrounding fog was getting denser and denser. Spirits that looked just like trees were using skillful changes of their appearances to deceive the intruders'' eyes.

    It was like the entire forest was refusing their entry.

    (...By the way, why did it be like this?)

    Luminaris could not help but show a bitter expression on her dignified face.

    Despite being the cream-of-the-crop from the Sacred Spirit Knights with their outstanding martial ability, perhaps they might even get wiped out by the enemy if they kept circling aimlessly in the snow-covered forest like this. But on the other hand, the surrounding fog''s increasing density was indicating that they were getting closer and closer to their destination.

    This dense fog was definitely no natural phenomena¡ªA magic Barrier.

    Not the darkness spirit''s doing. Back when the old couple from the vige discovered her, she was incapable of walking, not even able to speak. In her current state, making this kind of barrier was impossible.

    (...No mistake, this Barrier must belong to the Elfim race.)

    A Barrier capable of covering the entire forest was definitely impossible to deploy by one person''s efforts alone. Very likely, this was erected using ancient ruins as a foundation.

    Also, with great certainty, the darkness spirit was with the Elfim race.

    (...So, we shall not falter here.)

    Luminaris issued orders to her subordinates.

    "Starting now, we will split into two teams to act separately. If you find any ancient stone monuments or old trees in the forest, destroy them directly. They are very likely to be the barrier''s foundations."

    "...!"

    The four subordinates looked at one another.

    "But doesn''t that go against the treaty¡ª"

    Even during war time, destroying ancient ruins was forbidden. This was part of the terms that the nations had already decided between themselves. However, Luminaris was issuing an order to destroy ruins.

    "Just act ording to my orders, for I will take responsibility. Otherwise, we will die in thisnd of snow at this rate."

    Faced with Luminaris''s irrefutablemand, the Holy Kingdom''s knights nodded with determination.

 Volume 13, 5 - Monsters of the Kyria Mountain Range

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 5 - Monsters of the Kyria Mountain Range</h4>

    Part 1

    After setting off from Frost Town, several hours had passed.

    Reaching halfway up the mountain happened eventer.

    It was currently noon but the sky was blotted by thickyers of clouds, making it totally impossible to see the sun.

    The blizzard was blowing harder and harder. Mixed with frost and snow, the raging winds howled while they rampaged.

    The view was just a wide expanse of white.

    "...It''s almost impossible to see ahead!"

    Inside the blizzard, Kamito yelled towards Rinslet.

    As soon as he opened his mouth, a strong gust of cold air went straight into his lungs.

    "You must keep Fenrir''s tail firmly in your sights!"

    Rinslet''s voice could be heard from somewhere.

    She was supposed to be advancing while riding Fenrir''s back, but given the pure-white view, Kamito could not even tell which direction was which.

    Relying on Rinslet''s voice, Kamito tried hard to find the figure of Fenrir the vanguard.

    More precisely, he was looking for the light from the spirit crystal tied to Fenrir''s tail.

    The faint light swaying in the blizzard was the only beacon to guide Kamito''s direction of advance.

    Finally finding that faint light ahead in his view, Kamito adjusted his direction slightly.

    To prevent sinking into the deep snow, Kamito focused divine power into his legs, staying in a state akin to floating. This was a technique for moving over snowy terrain and it required extensive training to master.

    (...This turns out to be more exhausting than imagined.)

    The Academy''s uniform was already woven with magic for resisting cold, but even together with extra winter clothing, this extreme cold was still unbearable. Entering these snow-covered mountains without sufficient preparation would undoubted lead to getting frozen to death.

    Of the prepared fire spirit crystals, two were already about to be spent. Once exhausted of power, fire spirits would return to Astral Zero, turning spirit crystals into something indistinguishable from transparent stones.

    Although Kamito was struck with an impulse to simply release the Demon yer''s power to blow apart the blizzard, actually doing so would probably cause a massive avnche.

    Kamito quickened his pace and finally caught up to Fenrir ahead.

    "...H-Huff... Although I prepared myself mentally... Nothing less expected of the Kyria Mountain Range."

    Almost out of breath, Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the snow.

    "From now on, the road will get even tougher."

    Riding Fenrir, Rinslet looked back and said.

    "Say, it''s about time for a break, right..."

    "No, you must break past this ce before the blizzard exhausts your stamina."

    "I guess you''re right..."

    Looking around, Kamito saw that there was no ce at all to stop and rest.

    Taking out a water bottle, Kamito took a sip of ck tea which had plenty of sugar and raw ginger added, warming up his chest instantly.

    There was also a tiny piece of fire spirit crystal inside the sk to prevent the tea from freezing over.

    "I remember there''s a cottage built for hikers up ahead. There is a stove inside there, so we could warm up some milk and make some pancakes."

    "Then I''m looking forward to it."

    Rinslet''s pancakes were probably his only hope in this freezing hell.

    "But you see¡ª"

    Kamito looked up at the sky with its heavyyers of clouds.

    "It really doesn''t seem like an ordinary blizzard..."

    "...Indeed. I have never seen it snow like this in all my years growing up."

    Rinslet nodded.

    Even if someone possessed a spirit with flight capabilities, it was probably impossible to fly under these conditions.

    "Could it really be Zirnitra...?"

    "...Zirnitra?"

    Kamito asked with curiosity.

    ¡ªSpeaking of which, he seemed to have heard this name at the tavern yesterday as well.

    "It''s an ancient legend in thends of Laurenfrost."

    Rinslet exined.

    "Zirnitra is the guardian spirit of Laurenfrost. A thousand years ago, during the Demon King War, spirits that were fighting under Demon King Solomon''s banner were sealed into this Kyria Mountain Range, so the story goes."

    "Uh... In the end, it''s just a legend... Right?"

    "Yes. However, no one knows for sure whether that kind of spirit actually exists for real."

    Rinslet shrugged and took out a slightlyrger spirit crystal.

    "I shall release Fire Magic''s Protection. Please step back slightly."

    "Yeah, got it."

    "¡ªO burning me of protection, I beseech thee to grant us thy protection."

    Pouring divine power into the spirit crystal, Rinslet recited an incantation of releasing.

    Instantly, the spirit crystal released powerful heat, covering the surroundings with warm air.

    An anti-snow barrier was deployed from the spirit crystal, finally freeing up visibility that had been invaded by the snow.

    However, Kamito could not help but gasp at the scene before them¡ª

    A giant valley of two opposite walls of ice. The path running along the precipitous cliff suddenly became very narrow. A single misstep would mean falling directly to the bottom of the valley.

    "...Are we taking this route? It''s going to be a pain."

    "There is actually a safer route, but if we followed that one, it would be impossible to traverse this mountain today."

    "I see, then it really can''t be helped..."

    Kamito took a step forward. Fragments of ice underfoot rolled and fell to the valley''s bottom.

    "We should hurry, Fire Magic''s Protection cannot persist for long."

    If the spirit crystal''s effect vanished halfway, survival would definitely be impossible.

    With Fenrir heading the vanguard, the two of them followed cautiously after him.

    Along the way, Kamito saw countless ice caves on the opposite cliff face.

    "Those ice caves, are they naturally formed?"

    "People say that those were the homes of Frost Giants."

    "I see..."

    The Frost Giants were a race that hade from Astral Zero to this continent and built a vast empire before the rise of mankind. Although they had already gone extinct several thousand years ago, the countless ice caves dug out from the walls of the cliff remained preserved and untouched, giving a somber feeling of history.

    Just as Kamito''s emotions stirred while he was looking at the ice caves...

    He heard the sound of wings pping overhead, sounding strong enough to tear the air apart.

    Part 2

    "¡ªWha!?"

    He frantically looked up.

    Ripping apart the dark-gray clouds, a giant winged silhouette was flying in approach.

    "¡ªThat''s an ice dragon!?"

    Rinslet yelled.

    Talons as sharp as des. Ice-like scales covering the entire body. A breed of flying dragon.

    A pair of crimson eyes shed with zing light, locking down on Kamito and Rinslet below.

    "So it looks like the rumors of a monster are true!"

    Gripping the Demon yer tightly, Kamito prepared for battle.

    The ice dragon was not intimidated and descended rapidly from the air, posturing its massive talons for attack.

    The attack powered by overwhelming weight was parried by Kamito''s sword. The talons were shattered while the ice dragon smashed into a wall of ice with its original momentum. The ice wall shattered, producing scattering ice debris that blocked Kamito''s view.

    "Kamito-san, be careful of the ground!"

    Hearing Rinslet''s warning, Kamito hastily jumped backwards.

    Immediately, the path along the cliff copsed. The ce he had been standing was instantly turned into shattered ice, rolling into the valley. Kamito broke out with cold sweat in fright.

    (...Fighting here is way too risky!)

    Among all dragons, ice dragons were only ranked in the middle. Under normal conditions, for Kamito who was able to solo high-level demonic dragons, ice dragons would not count as terrifying enemies.

    But under such adverse terrain and weather, there was no way for him to bring out his original power.

    After crashing into the ice wall, the ice dragon shook its giant body and flew into the sky again.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Having released her elemental waffe, Rinslet swiftly fired arrows.

    However, they were almost all dodged by the ice dragon circling in the blizzard.

    "...It''s totally impossible to aim properly in such a heavy blizzard!"

    Meanwhile, the ice dragon was a breed of dragon blessed with the protection of ice. Even in this kind of weather, they were capable of flying freely without problems.

    The ice dragon flew towards Rinslet while she was firing with her bow, opening its jaws lined with sharp teeth.

    Its mouth began to glow¡ª

    Kamito jumped and stood in front of Rinslet to shield her¡ª

    "¡ªEst, I''m counting on you!"

    ''¡ªYes, Kamito.''

    The Demon yer released its full power.

    At the same time, countless sword-like shards of ice were brought by the howling blizzard.

    Dragon''s Breath¡ªOne of the reasons why dragons were considered the most terrifying of all magic beasts.

    "...! Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The sacred de released silver-white radiance. The sh of light erupting from the Demon yer melted and destroyed the countless ice des blown by the rampaging wind.

    "Kamito-san¡ª"

    "Rinslet, let''s retreat back to the ce we were just now. Otherwise, it''s impossible to fight properly here."

    "I understand¡ªFreezing Rain!"

    Rinslet nocked five arrows and fired them into the sky.

    The arrows suddenly split apart in the air, turning into countless des flying towards the ice dragon''s scales. Since dragons possessed high magic resistance, this kind of attack was probably quite ineffective, but at least it was enough to halt the ice dragon for now.

    While the ice dragon was hindered, the two of them swiftly returned along the path they had came.

    They could still hear the sound of wings pping behind them. Shaking off the ice adhering to its body, the ice dragon made an ear-splitting roar and flew high in the sky.

    "The ice dragon is escaping!"

    "No, that''s not right¡ª!"

    Almost entirely through instinct, Kamito grabbed Rinslet''s arm while she was running alongside him.

    At the same time, there was the sound of something slicing through the air, enough to shake the atmosphere.

    The ice dragon was making a rapid dive at the ice cliff above Kamito and Rinslet. The impact broke off arge chunk of the cliff and giant blocks of ice were rolling from above.

    (Damn it¡ª!)

    Kamito forcefully pulled Rinslet''s arm that he was holding and hit the ground while covering her. Then he immediately drew out the Demon yer to smash apart the falling blocks of ice.

    Falling down one after another, the ice blocked their pathpletely.

    "...Our retreat has been cut off entirely."

    Dragons had the highest intelligence among all magic beast, even to the point that there existed some among high-level dragons that were capable of human speech.

    This ice dragon was also very crafty.

    Flying to the air once more, the ice dragon looked like it intended to continue breaking the ice cliff.

    "...Go here!"

    Pulling Rinslet''s hand, he returned to the path they had been walking along. Finding his body unable to move freely at will, Kamito was greatly anxious, for his entire body''s muscles had grown sluggish due to the air temperature together with the thick winter clothing that was difficult to move in. The umted fatigue instantly erupted all at once.

    (...Also, this air here is so thin.)

    Trying to get more oxygen was making him takerge breaths through his mouth irregrly, causing his divine power to be unstable. Without highly concentrated divine power, the Demon yer would be nothing more than a blunt de.

    "Kamito-san, the Fire Magic''s Protection is almost over!"

    Rinslet yelled.

    The fire spirit crystal''s barrier effect shrunk greatly in area.

    "At this rate, the situation will get worse and worse¡ª"

    Kamito suddenly halted and stared at the ice dragon circling in the air above.

    "...Do you have a n?"

    "Even if only for an instant, can you find a way to suppress that thing?"

    "Then what are you nning to do then?"

    "Well, you''ll see when the timees."

    Hearing Kamito''s answer¡ª

    "¡ªIn that case, I shall try!"

    The tinum blonde hair fluttered forcefully.

    Rinslet nodded with an expression filled with confidence.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Readying her elemental waffe, the bow, she shot an arrow to the sky.

    Rather than the ice dragon''s body that possessed high magical resistance, the target was above its head¡ª

    Freezing the air over the ice dragon, she created a giant block of ice.

    "O hammer that punishes the proudly strong¡ªFrost Fall!"

    A giant block of ice, twice the size of the ice dragon, fell straight down under the action of gravity.

    Struck by the overwhelming weight, the ice dragon roared in pain.

    "Now is the moment!"

    "Yeah!"

    Yelling, Kamito had already taken off his winter coat that had snow and ice all stuck to it.

    Releasing his divine powerpletely, he kicked the ice wall and used the crumbling cliff to move straight up.

    "Th-That is way too reckless!"

    Rinslet screamed shrilly.

    "Don''t worry, I''m counting on you to cover me!"

    Kicking the wall of ice, he rose to the cliff''s pinnacle in one breath.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhh...!"

    Raising the Demon yer up high, Kamito made a thrust at the ice dragon''s back along with the ice.

    The dragon''s scales broke and scattered with a metallic sound.

    (¡ªHow hard is this thing!?)

    Kamito eximed with surprise in his heart. Dragon scales were the hardest material on the continent. In his current state, unable to control Est''s power in a stable manner, it was very difficult for Kamito to pierce the ice dragonpletely.

    ROOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAR!

    Howling angrily, the ice dragon flew up into the sky again, turning at high speed in the violent blizzard.

    "Guh...!"

    Kamito tightly gripped the sacred sword that was stabbed into the dragon''s back.

    A bottomless abyssy below. Letting go would mean instant death.

    (I''m counting on you, Rinslet¡ª!)

    Down at the cliff, Rinslet was currently chanting high-level spirit magic.

    In the blizzard, Kamito could hear her clear voice resounding faintly.

    "¡ªI hereby summon thee, capable of defending against the breath of dragons and the arms of giants, the frozen shield¡ª!"

    ¡ªWith that, the spirit magic wasplete.

    Countless giant walls of ice extended out from the silver-white shattered ground, one after another.

    Kamito pulled out the Demon yer and jumped down from the dragon''s back.

    His entire body''s muscles shuddering, Kamito curled up in the air, bracing himself for the impact.

    In the next instant, Kamito fell down hard on the ground surface of ice.

    Ice Wall¡ªDefensive spirit magic originally used for defense had now prepared an excellent battlefield.

    "Well done, Rinslet!"

    "You really would have fallen directly to the bottom of the valley if this failed!"

    Rinslet yelled angrily.

    The wounded ice dragon''s eyes shone red with wrath. Opening its jaws, it was about to release another dragon''s breath.

    But this was exactly the chance Kamito was waiting for.

    "¡ªLet''s do it, Est!"

    ''¡ªYes, Kamito.''

    Est''s reply could be heard from the divine power enveloping his right hand.

    "O steel wrapped in endless darkness, the Demon King''s Sword¡ªTerminus Est Zwei!"

    The instant he yelled, his right hand''s spirit seal gave off dazzling light.

    Carved on top of the sword emblem was Restia Ashdoll''s emblem.

    "O endless darkness, ughter mine enemy¡ªVorpal st!"

    Aiming at the dragon''s giant glowing mouth, Kamito swung the steel sword that was dyed by the color of darkness.

    Dark lightning erupted, piercing the ice dragon''s throat.

    "Dragon scales are what possesses high magical resistance but that kind of thing can''t possibly be inside the dragon''s body, right?"

    Roaring with wrath, the ice dragon fell straight into the abyss of the valley.

    "...Is it dead?"

    Rinslet walked over.

    "...No, dragons have extremely powerful vitality. Before that thing recovers¡ª"

    ¡ªMid-sentence, Kamito swallowed the rest of his words.

    Suddenly, the blizzard was even stronger than before¡ª

    A giant shadow covered them from above.

    (...Another one!?)

    Kamito jumped in fright. Also, this one was even bigger than the ice dragon from just now.

    (No way...)

    It was not that Kamito had been careless. Dragons tended to be highly territorial and chances for two dragons to appear simultaneously at the same ce were very low.

    (...But why are there six more ice dragons!)

    Rumble¡ªThe six ice dragonsnded on the ground neatly.

    (...It''s over¡ª!)

    Currently, Kamito and Rinslet were standing on a temporary foothold created by magic. Naturally, there was no way it could withstand such a great impact.

    The ice underfoot cracked open and copsed instant¡ª!

    "Kyah!"

    "Rinslet, hold onto me tight!"

    Saying that, Kamito reached out to catch Rinslet.

    In that manner, together with the copsing ice, they fell towards the bottomless darkness.

    "...Damn it¡ª!"

    Kamito bent his body in midair and used the sword gripped tightly in his right hand to stab into the wall of ice.

    Screech¡ªApanied by violent scattering sparks, a trail was carved on the ice wall.

    But this was not enough to halt their falling momentum. Falling straight towards the bottom of the valley in this manner¡ª

    "G-uh...!"

    "Kamito-san!"

    "...Don''t... let go no matter what!"

    Kamito pulled Rinslet with great force.

    (¡ªWhat am I going to do about the bottom?)

    Their falling speed kept increasing. At this rate, it was impossible to stop.

    (...My arm strength, is already... reaching a limit...)

    "Kamito-san, hurry and look over there!"

    Rinslet suddenly cried out.

    Looking down, Kamito saw a ce in the ice wall that could serve as a foothold.

    (That''s an ice cave of the Frost Giants!)

    Seeing a ray of hope... A very faint ray of hope.

    (...It''s too far. But there''s no choice but to try¡ª)

    If he failed to jump with the right timing, only death awaited them.

    "Okay, hold on tight to me¡ª"

    "Y-Yes!"

    Pouring his entire body''s divine power into his right hand, Kamito released the Demon yer''s power.

    The de gave off a sh of dazzling light, shattering the ice wall.

    "Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    Kicking at the ice wall, Kamito jumped towards the ice cave. All that remained was falling under gravity and leaving things to fate.

    (This must seed!)

    ¡ªKamito closed his eyes.

    Part 3

    "...-san, Kamito-san!"

    "...Gu, uh..."

    Opening his eyes slightly, he saw Rinslet''s face while she was desperately calling to him.

    Confirming that Kamito was still conscious, Rinslet exhaled in relief.

    "...Looks like, it seems to have seeded."

    Making a twisted expression from the pain attacking his entire body, Kamito whispered. Landing on his back in order to protect Rinslet, Kamito had virtually taken on all of the impact.

    (...Due to a powerful impact hitting my spine, my entire body is in a state of paralysis. Also, my right arm is dislocated.)

    Lying face up, Kamito calmly assessed his body''s condition.

    If he tried to stand up forcibly, it would probably hurt like hell.

    Without getting up, Kamito surveyed his surroundings.

    This was a giant cave that was carved out of the ice wall. The ceiling was very high while the depths waspletely pitch dark.

    "...Could it be that this ice cave leads to somewhere?"

    "The imperial capital''s Spirit Investigation Association investigated many times already. But because the internal structure is tooplicated, ultimately none of the investigations bore fruit."

    "...I guess trying to cross the mountain through here doesn''t work after all, right?"

    "Getting lost in abyrinth of ice would be even worse."

    Rinslet shrugged as she answered.

    "In other words, we need to climb back up the ice wall huh... Gah..."

    "Y-You can''t get up yet!"

    Just as Kamito tried struggling to get up, Rinslet frantically held him down.

    "But if you don''t cross before sundown..."

    Once night fell, the air temperature would be even lower. Staying here like this, they were going to freeze to death sooner orter.

    "In your current state, there''s no way you can climb up the ice wall no matter what. Besides, there''s such a heavy blizzard as well."

    "Umm..."

    Kamito was instantly at a loss for words, looking out at the raging blizzard outside. Besides, with those ice dragons out there, with that kind of creature present, climbing up the ice wall was absolutely impossible¡ª

    Suddenly, Rinslet''s fingertips touched Kamito''s right hand.

    "...Rinslet?"

    "Please don''t speak. I will now enchant you with healing magic."

    She was holding a healing spirit crystal.

    "O light of healing, I beseech thee to grant this person the power of life¡ª"

    After she recited a simple incantation, the spirit crystal gave off a gentle sacred light.

    But still lying down, Kamito turned his head to look at Rinslet, pushing her hand away lightly.

    "I''m very grateful for your kind intentions, but this sort of half-baked magic isn''t going to work on my body. So Rinslet, you should use this spirit crystal on yourself."

    The vast majority of healing magic belonged under the holy attribute. As an ice specialist, Rinslet was only able to use simple healing magic by borrowing a spirit crystal''s power. To be honest, magic of this level waspletely ineffective on Kamito whose body housed the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power.

    "I... have almost no injuries, you know?"

    "Just now, when the ice broke, your foot was cut by the fragments, right?"

    "Th-This level of minor injury ispletely nothingpared to your condition, Kamito-san."

    "It''ll be a huge problem if scars were left behind on a girl. And look, I still have Steel''s Protection from Est. This kind of small injury will heal on its own."

    "...~G-Girl..."

    Rinslet''s face went bright red¡ª

    ...As though making some kind of decision, she nodded forcefully.

    "F-Feel honored, Kamito-san, since you have already said this much, then¡ª"

    "...Huh?"

    Rustle rustle rustle... Fwip.

    Suddenly, Rinslet took off her skirt.

    "H-H-Hold on, what are you doing..."

    "P-Please be quiet!"

    Wearing only underwear on her lower body, Rinslet mounted Kamito.

    Silken panties with delicate embroidery. Kamito could feel her soft thighs pressing against him.

    "...!"

    His entire body''s blood flow sped up, instantly heating up his body.

    "...I-I''ll transmit this healing magic directly into your body, Kamito-san!"

    Rinslet''s face was bright red from embarrassment¡ª

    One by one, she unfastened the buttons on her uniform.

    d in the pristine undergarment of pure white was a pair of voluptuous breasts.

    Her snow-white skin was tinged slightly red. Long tinum blonde hair draping down, the sight of this body¡ª

    ...Honestly, it was very pretty.

    "...Rinslet."

    Kamito was mesmerized by the sight instantly¡ª

    "S-Staring like that makes me very embarrassed..."

    Rinslet pursed her lips tight.

    "Please... close your eyes."

    "Yeah, got it..."

    Kamito hastily closed his eyes. He knew what Rinslet was about to do next. Indeed, transmitting healing magic through direct physical contact like this would have an effect to some extent. In actual fact, Fianna had been using this method to treat Kamito all this time.

    Rinslet used her fingers to lightly remove Kamito''s winter clothing then she unbuttoned his uniform.

    Sweet breath. Dangling from the side of her cheeks, her long hair touched him... So tickling.

    (...This is bad.)

    Helpless to resist, Kamito could only exim in his heart.

    (...Because my eyes are closed, all sorts of messed up imaginings are popping up in my mind!)

    His outer uniform waspletely removed, leaving just a shirt when Rinslet stopped. As one would expect, direct bodily contact with Kamito was probably very embarrassing.

    "Umm, w-what need to be done next?"

    Riding on Kamito''s body, Rinslet sounded uncertain.

    "Hey, Rinslet... Umm, you don''t have to force yourself..."

    "I am not forcing myself..."

    She instantly retorted.

    "A

    "...!?"

    Kamito felt a sensation from his lips.

    "Mmm... Mmm...?"

    Rinslet extended her tongue, moist with saliva¡ª

    Instantly, Kamito felt vigor suddenly injected into his body.

    (...This... is...)

    A gentle light seeped into every nook and cranny in his body, sweeping away the fatigue in his limbspletely. Perhaps because she could feel the healing power working its effects, Rinslet pressed her lips down even more forcefully.

    "Smooch... Mmm, huff... Mmm, mmm...?"

    "...Rins... let... enough...!"

    Not because of pain but due to excessive embarrassment, Kamito could not help but cry out.

    Part 4

    Several minutester, the two of them were sitting back to back in order to avoid eye contact.

    ...The exceptionally awkward atmosphere hung in the air.

    "U-Umm..."

    Already dressed properly, Rinslet spoke up.

    "I-I, umm... just now, did something so shameful."

    "N-Not at all. You did it for the sake of healing. Thanks to you, I''ve recovered much of my stamina."

    Kamito shook his right arm. Although it was still hurting to some extent, it no longer hindered his movements.

    "...The blizzard doesn''t look like it''ll stop any time soon, so let''s rest here a bit for now."

    "You''re right..."

    Rinslet nodded and started activating a fire spirit crystal. After cing the red-glowing mineral on the ground and pouring in divine power, a warm light of fire illuminated the ice cave.

    Fenrir opened his great jaws and spat out cooking utensils.

    Rinslet poured milk into a small pot which she then ced on top of the burning mineral.

    "That said¡ª"

    Kamito turned towards Rinslet.

    "What''s up with that group of ice dragons?"

    "...I have no idea either."

    Rinslet shook her head.

    "Besides, the ice dragons of Laurenfrost were supposed to have gone extinct several centuries earlier. Why would they suddenly appear in this ce¡ª"

    "So in the end, it''s still rted to the current abnormal weather, right¡ª?"

    Supporting his chin with a hand, Kamito entered deep thought.

    "Could it be that the blizzard on the mountain is actually those ice dragons'' doing?"

    ording to legend, dragons possessed incredible powers different from spirit magic. Furthermore, when the six ice dragons appeared at the same time, Kamito clearly felt the blizzard increasing in strength.

    "That possibility cannot be ruled out. There are still many unknown areas in research on dragon ecology."

    Rinslet nodded in agreement.

    After a short while, the milk in the pot boiled.

    "...Okay, what should we do next?"

    Taking a sip of steaming hot milk, Kamito sighed. Rather than staying here and waiting to be frozen to death, he would prefer to simply take a gamble with the ice cave''sbyrinth¡ª

    "Let us wait a little and see, shall we? The blizzard is not going to stop and we have no idea if it might let up a little. What I''ll do now is prepare a portion of special pancakes first."

    Holding a frying pan, Rinslet smiled nonchntly.

    "...I''m really sorry. It''s my willfulness that got you caught up in all this."

    "There is no need to feel guilty. I was the one who insisted on leading the way for you."

    Rinslet flipped the pan that was being heated over the fire.

    Fresh hot pancakes were served on a te with a generous helping of butter and honey.

    As the sweet aroma filled the air, Kamito''s stomach rumbled and growled.

    "Come, please enjoy¡ª"

    With the steaming te brought before his eyes, Kamito instantly picked up a piece with his fork.

    ...Munch munch.

    "...This is great!"

    The soft and spongy texture, with honey absorbed in it, melted in his mouth. Not only that, but the edges were crunchy like a biscuit''s.

    Kamito finished a pancake within the blink of an eye.

    "Kamito-san, you look like you are quite enjoying it."

    "...Yeah, because it''s really tasty."

    Kamito made a thumbs up. Rinslet smiled radiantly.

    Nevertheless, her face was soon shrouded in gloom.

    "...For some reason I do not know why, I am suddenly reminded of her."

    Rinslet murmured softly.

    "...Her?"

    "Yes, this pancake was her favorite."

    Kamito suddenly remembered what Rinslet had said in her dreams the previous night.

    "...That''s your little sister, right...? The one who got sealed in cursed ice by the Elemental Lord."

    Rinslet nodded.

    "That was four years ago. Back then, she was only nine..."

    Watching the sparks erupting from the spirit crystal, Rinslet continued.

    ¡ªIt was roughly several months before the incident of the Cmity Queen''s betrayal. That year, the Laurenfrost region was holding a traditional Great Snow Festival.

    In past years, Rinslet had always performed the princess maiden''s kagura dance offering as the eldest daughter. But that year, it happened to be Judia''s debut as a princess maiden on her ninth birthday, standing before the Laurenfrost subjects.

    Just having turned nine, she was entering this kind of stage for the first time.

    "Judia is a very endearing child and naturally gifted. However--"

    The kagura dance she performed had incurred the Water Elemental Lord''s ire. Rather, the Water Elemental Lord back then was corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness and already in aplete state of insanity.

    Judia''s ritual had angered the mad elemental lord by chance.

    "Of course, my father exhausted all possible solutions. He gathered all the princess maidens in Laurenfrost to offer kagura, trying to appease the elemental lord''s wrath. However, no matter what they tried, they still could not melt the cursed ice..."

    Hence, Rinslet had decided to participate in the de Dance tournament. Just like how Ren Ashbell, that Strongest de Dancer, had offered de dances to the Elemental Lords three years ago, sessfully cating their wrath¡ª

    "Hence, Kamito-san, I can understand your feelings for wanting to seek someone precious to you."

    Rinslet looked at Kamito''s left hand, the back of the hand where the spirit seal had vanished.

    "I too, shall absolutely not abandon Judia."

    "Yes, well said."

    Kamito clenched his fist.

    (...That''s right, I must bring her back.)

    Even if it meant chasing to the farthest ends of the world¡ª

    ...Tug. Tug tug.

    Feeling a sudden tugging at his sleeve, Kamito looked back.

    "¡ªKamito, I am hungry too."

    Materializing, Est was demanding food again.

    "Est, you''ve been working hard too."

    "Yes!"

    Kamito caressed Est''s head, causing her to half-close her eyes from the pleasure.

    "There''s Rinslet''s special pancakes here and canned peaches."

    "No beancurd?"

    "Uh, that''s a bit too..."

    "Yes, we do¡ª"

    "Really!?"

    With a snap of her finger, Rinslet took out a white object from Fenrir''s mouth... Beancurd that was frozen solid.

    "Can this be eaten directly?"

    "No, I have to boil it again first."

    cing a pot on the burning spirit crystal, she added arge amount of snow.

    As soon as the water boiled, she threw the frozen beancurd into the pot.

    "Beancurd, beancurd?"

    Est''s mysterious violet eyes shed with the light of excitement while she was humming a strange song.

    "This is the dish known as boiled beancurd."

    "Boiled beancurd, boiled beancurd?"

    Humming a song expressionlessly, Est kept staring at the pot intently.

    Seeing Est like that, Kamito smiled¡ª

    "...K-Kamito-san!"

    Rinslet suddenly stood up and pointed outside the ice cave.

    "Hmm?"

    Kamito turned to look¡ª

    In the next instant, he was so shocked that his mouth gaped wide open and said the same thing as Rinslet.

    "...The blizzard stopped?"

    Part 5

    "¡ªLuminaris-sama, the stone monuments suspected as part of the Barrier''s foundation have all been destroyed."

    Special operative A reported to Luminaris.

    "Good work... Turning out as predicted, the Barrier''s disorienting mist effects have weakened."

    Just as Luminaris pointed out, the drifting fog was much thinner than several hours earlier. Just now, it was a ce where one could hardly see a step ahead, but now it was possible to see the several trees in front of them.

    "Everyone, the destination is ahead. Let us set forth for the Forest Dwellers'' vige."

    "Affirmative."

    Giving her fatigued subordinates encouragement, she advanced further into the Forest of Ice Blossoms where it was still snowing.

    Assuming the Barrier''s effects were gradually going to weaken in this manner, they were going to see their destination eventually. It was unknown whether the Forest Dwellers had elementalists who controlledbat-type spirits, but even if they did, they were surely going to be defeated by the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    Luminaris swung her sacred sword, chopping the branches blocking the way. Just at that moment¡ª

    The sound of giant pping wings could be heard overhead.

    "...What!?"

    The surrounding fog was blown away in an instant while a powerful blizzard swept through the forest.

    "...What is going on!?"

    "Luminaris-sama, look over there quick!"

    Her adjutant, Alda, was pointing above.

    "...Could it be... dragons... no way!?"

    Luminaris was speechless.

    Looking up at the gray sky through the tree branches, they could see a group of giant dragons flying in the air.

    Scales shing ice-blue light. These were precisely the ice dragons inhabiting the north part of the continent.

    Normally, dragons could not possibly move in groups due to their highly territorial nature. But dozens of dragons were currently flying overhead as though under centralmand, moving in a fixed formation.

    The blizzard blew stronger and stronger, mercilessly attacking the girls who were cornered, unable to advance or retreat.

    "Luminaris-sama...!" "This forest, what on earth...!?"

    The ice dragons roared.

    Eyes shing with crimson light, they stared like predators at Luminaris and her group on the ground.

    "¡ªThey''reing! Elemental waffe, release!"

    Drawing her sword in a stance, Luminaris yelled.

    Part 6

    (...Although human... yet different from humans... The Queen of Ice Blossoms...)

    Left all alone with nothing to do, Restia was thinking over these things in her tent.

    The girl who had appeared in the forest, possessing unbelievable powers.

    The princess maiden Rana had said that Restia resembled that queen very much. However, Restia did not have the power to control ice dragons. Neither did she need to sleep for many days to store up power.

    (...Or perhaps, it''s just a visual resemnce?)

    Sitting on the bed, Restia cocked her head to listen.

    Noisy sounds of people running around wereing from outside the tent.

    ...Something had happened, apparently.

    Walking outside in bare feet, she discovered it was the noise from children gathering in the za.

    "...Hey, did something happen?"

    Blocking one of the boys, Restia asked.

    "...This is bad, the forest''s fog is dispersing!"

    "...Fog?"

    Restia tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "Umm, is it that serious?"

    "The barrier is broken! Soon, armed elementalists are going to storm this ce!"

    "...No way...!"

    Restia went pale, all color of blood leaving her face.

    "Umm, the barrier can''t be repaired?"

    "No way. Those people have destroyed the stone monuments serving as the barrier''s foundation. Even if we repair them, there''s not enough time now¡ª"

    The children''smotion became greater and greater.

    (...It must be the work of those people hunting for me.)

    Restia bit her lip hard.

    Those pursuers were definitely not going to let these children go.

    (...I must hurry and leave this ce.)

    Secretly, she made her decision. She must not bring cmity upon the Forest Dwellers on ount of herself.

    That said, she did not know where to go to leave this ce.

    "¡ªEveryone, please calm down."

    A solemn voice resounded in the za.

    Emerging from the depths of the forest, it was the princess maiden Rana.

    Looking as calm andposed as someone advanced in age, Rana walked over to the za.

    "Don''t worry, the Queen of Ice Blossoms has already summoned the ice dragons from the Kyria Mountain Range."

    "Her Highness the Queen?"

    "Yes. Also, Once the queen fully awakens, Zirnitra''s seal will be released. Then there is no need to rely on the Barrier anymore."

    "Y-Yeah! You''re right..."

    Hearing Rana''s confident speech, the children finally breathed a sigh of relief and nodded.

    Seeing that, Restia instantly felt suspicions towards the Queen of Ice Blossoms.

    (...Even at a time like this, she still has not appeared.)

    Hence, she walked over to Rana who was standing in the center of the za¡ª

    "Where is that Queen of Ice Blossoms currently?"

    A sharp voice.

    "Didn''t I mention before? Her Highness the Queen is currently sleeping in the shrine to umte power."

    "Does the queen you speak of really exist?"

    "She''ll awaken very soon. The princess maidens are already preparing to wee her arrival¡ª"

    "Yes, that''s right.." "Onee-chan, don''t worry. It''ll be fine."

    Restia shook her head lightly.

    "I am truly grateful to you all for hiding me here. But the one the pursuers want is me. As long as I leave this ce, you''ll be fine."

    Just as Restia turned around, intending to walk towards the forest¡ª

    "¡ªYou can''t."

    Restia''s feet felt as though they had been nailed to the ground.

    Suddenly, she was unable to move, as though paralyzed.

    "...What... is going on...?"

    "¡ªI''m very sorry."

    Rana''s crimson eyes stared at Restia.

    "Hiding you here is the will of the Queen of Ice Blossoms. If you try to leave, I cannot turn a blind eye¡ª"

    "...The will of the Queen of Ice Blossoms?"

    Restia felt confused. What on earth was the reason¡ª

    "¡ªRana-sama!"

    Running over from the depths of the forest, princess maidens showed panic on their faces.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "Th-The shrine''s situation¡ª"

    Rana was shocked.

    "...Let''s hurry over. Youe along too."

    "...What?"

    Restia suddenly regained her body''s freedom.

    "¡ªThe Queen of Ice Blossoms has awakened."

    Part 7

    The Ordesia Empire''s capital¡ªOstdakia.

    Commonly referred to as the "imperial capital," the city was formerly the town that the army led by Sacred Maiden Areishia had used as their stronghold during the Demon King War a thousand years earlier.

    This town was merely a rural municipality back when the Demon King War ended, but thereafter, it began to flourish as the Ordesia Empire''s military center, then gradually developed into its political center.

    Moving the capital from Nebrasia in present-day Fahrengart territory happened roughly six centuries ago. From then on, it became one of the continent''s most prosperous cities along with the Quina Empire''s "realm capital" and the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Alexandria.

    This imperial capital was where factions from the continent''s various nations had gathered for the uing All Nations Conference.

    "...It''spletely different from the Academy that''s surrounded by the Spirit Forest."

    The current location was a room in the Nefescal Pce in the city center.

    Looking out into the streets from a window in the room, Fianna sighed.

    "...The air here seems frozen solid."

    "Princess, please try to keep still."

    "Yes, yes..."

    The handmaiden''s chattering while tying the corset was making Fianna impatient. Fianna was currently putting on a morous white dress, a fitting match for her lustrous ck hair and silver-white tiara.

    Looking at the giant mirror hanging on the wall in the room, Fianna sighed again.

    "Excuse me? Must I wear this no matter what?"

    "Yes. There are rules prescribing the attire of princesses when summoned for an audience."

    The handmaiden replied indifferently without changing her expression.

    (...So boring.)

    The handmaidens of the pce only treated Fianna as the Empire''s second princess. They only served her for her status as an imperial princess, that was all. Back when Fianna was known as the Lost Queen and locked away in the pce, like those hated nobles, everyone was mocking her behind her back.

    ...Unlike her friends at the Academy who had fought alongside one another during the de Dance tournament.

    With dusk-colored eyes a little gloomy, Fianna looked into the mirror again.

    (...No matter what, I really miss Kamito-kun.)

    That was what Fianna was thinking about.

    As soon as she finished putting on her dress, there was a knock at the door.

    "¡ªIt is almost time, Second Princess. Preparations are due for weing the various nations'' representatives¡ª"

    Appearing at the door was a silver-haired spirit knight dressed in formal knight attire.

    Fourth of the Numbers¡ªDunei Lampert, a spirit knight who had contracted with a spirit of the earth.

    Fianna was not good at dealing with someone with an forthright and straiced personality like hers.

    "...Understood."

    Fianna sighed again, rising from her chair.

    Walking along the corridor of the magnificent hanging gardens, they made their way to the great hall where the All Nations Conference was to be held.

    "Aren''t they making too big a deal out of things by asking you, a member of the Numbers to serve as my bodyguard?"

    "It would be best if you would understand your own position better. You are currently the Empire''s second princess. The most important person after His Highness Arneus and Her Highness Linnea¡ª"

    Dunei spoke without looking back while leading the way.

    "Is there anyone in this imperial capital who would dare to target my life?"

    "Last night, Balsas Prison was attacked by persons unknown."

    "...Impossible!?"

    Balsas Prison was a fortress located on the north side of the imperial capital. Originally built as a garrison post for the Anti-Demon King army, it waster converted to be used as the Empire''s most secure prison. To think someone would attack this prison that was protected by powerful guardian spirits and numerous spirit knights, it waspletely unbelievable.

    "The perpetrators broke into the prison using a militarized spirit. Several of the prisoners in the lowest level escaped. Jio Inzagi, the merchant woman from Murders and the Fahrengart daughter¡ª"

    "Velsaria Eva?"

    Fianna asked without thinking. The other two aside, Velsaria was supposed to be staying voluntarily in the deepest and harshest level of the prison to atone for her sins. To think she would do something like escaping from prison¡ª

    "And the perpetrators'' identities?"

    "Umbra is currently investigating. The perpetrators'' objectives are still unclear but we cannot rule out the possibility of them targeting you, Princess. Hence, it is necessary to ce a trustworthy bodyguard by your side."

    "You''re saying that the Numbers are trustworthy?"

    Fianna''s words brought awkwardness to Dunei''s face.

    The miraculous hands of healing¡ªLurie Lizaldia''s betrayal had only urred recently.

    Seeding in cracking that poker face, Fianna shrugged with slight satisfaction.

    "But back to the subject, what meaning is there behind asking me to attend the All Nations Conference?"

    "Your Highness Fianna, you are the elementalist approved by the imperial family''s guardian spirit, Georgios. Right now, there is probably no one in the pce who would dare underestimate you anymore."

    "How fickle. I thought I clearly abandoned the title of the second princess a long time ago."

    "It is not something that can be abandoned so easily. This is the responsibility of royalty."

    "...Yes, I understand."

    Fianna bit her lip hard.

    "There is also a sizable number of supporters who wish to nominate you as the sessor to the throne instead of His Highness Arneus."

    "You say that even as a member of Numbers?"

    "I am simply reporting objective facts."

    "..."

    Among all the nations on the continent, there were virtually no cases of princess maidens ruling countries as sovereigns.

    That was because princess maidens possessing the power of spirit contracts were all gathered at the Divine Ritual Institute where they were isted from the mundane world. It wasmon belief that princess maidens'' responsibilitiesy with administering various rites and there was no need for them to care about political matters.

    Hence, the Ordesia Empire had a custom of prioritizing male session to the throne. Once the emperor abdicated, Fianna''s elder brother, two years her senior, was supposed to seed to the throne.

    But there was a huge problem.

    (...Arneus doesn''t have what it takes to be emperor. All the citizens of the Empire know that.)

    Fianna recalled images of his cruel visage, that of a person whom she had despised since childhood. In actual fact, there were people in the imperial council who had suggested bringing back First Princess Linnea who had entered the Divine Ritual Institute like Fianna, so that she could be wed to an influential noble.

    Butpared to the elder sister who had entered the Divine Ritual Institute, support for Fianna had also grown louder after she regained her power of the spirit contract. Ironically, her performance at the de Dance was precisely why she had gained the support of so many people.

    (...What a pain.)

    Fianna sighed. Unwilling to get caught up in the games of power struggles, she had never entertained the thought of marriage with influential nobles.

    (...In my heart, I already have someone I love.)

    Walking downstairs, they came to a great hall on the first floor.

    Standing there was the person she wished to see the least.

    "Hmph, well isn''t this the useless Lost Queen eh? To think you''d be shameless enough toe sauntering back."

    Dressed in grand imperial attire was a ck-haired young man. Although quite good-looking in facial features, the cold light in his eyes rendered his handsome face a total waste.

    Arneus Ray Ordesia¡ªFianna''s elder brother.

    "¡ªGreetings to you, dear esteemed brother."

    Fianna greeted politely without any emotion at all.

    Just as she was about to enter the great hall directly¡ª

    "¡ªNot so fast."

    He yelled with agitation, stepping on the hem of her dress.

    "How else may I help you?"

    "...Cut the pretense. By this point, what are your intentions in returning to the pce?"

    "I only returned because I was summoned by His Majesty the Emperor."

    "Hmph, who knows. In the imperial council, there seems to be people rmending you as the sessor to the throne."

    Arneus look at Fianna with eyes of suspicion.

    "I¡ª"

    Just as Fianna was about to refute him...

    "Excuse me, Your Highness Arneus¡ª"

    Dunei interrupted.

    "...What now?"

    "Please set aside your conversation with your sister for now. The princess is currently required to greet our guests from various nations."

    Staring at Dunei, the color of fear shed across Arneus''s eyes for an instant.

    "...Tsk, a knight huh."

    Arneus clicked his tongue and departed. Adjusting the hem of her dress, Fiannamented.

    "...Still hasn''t changed the slightest, that person."

    Leaving Dunei at the door, Fianna entered the great hall.

    A giant table was prepared in the center of the hall. Furthest at the back was the seat of the Ordesian Emperor, Ugust Ray Ordesia.

    Next to him were Prime Minister Conrad, Duke Cygnus Fahrengart, Margrave Gryas Laurenfrost and other top nobles of the Empire.

    At the same time, Greyworth was present, dressed in formal knight attire. Formerly known as the continent''s strongest spirit knight, the Dusk Witch still carried a powerful presence about her despite having retired.

    Fianna greeted the emperor then sat down next to Greyworth.

    "Wow, you look good in a dress too. Why don''t you show it to thed?"

    "Well, no matter how I dress up to seduce him, Kamito-kun is always... Hey, now is not the time for jokes, Headmistress."

    Fianna pouted and asked quietly:

    "...Umm, how is Kamito-kun right now?"

    "Thed should be on a journey to Laurenfrost right now."

    "...Huh?"

    Hearing an unexpected answer, Fianna could not help but exim.

    "Why would he go to Laurenfrost?"

    "...I''ll tell you the detailster. In any case, it''s rted to the darkness spirit."

    Greyworth whispered quietly in her ear. Fianna nodded lightly.

    "I heard that the Kyria Mountain Range is under rare heavy snowfall at the moment..."

    "Well, he''ll always find a way. Margrave Laurenfrost''s daughter also went along."

    "...Rinslet is with him as well?"

    Fianna pouted.

    "...Could it be that, a private trip for t-two? Is that what''s going on!?"

    "Fufu? Worried about thed?"

    "...Yes. In another sense."

    Fianna sighed again.

    "¡ªLet us wee the arrival of the representatives of all nations."

    The voice of a guard was heard from outside the hall.

    Entering the hall one after another were representatives from the continent''s handful of major powers¡ªthe Quina Empire, the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia, the Kingdom of Balstan and the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    Dracunia''s diplomatic delegation included the Dragon Princess, Leonora Lancaster, whom Fianna''s team had fought in the de Dance. This time, she was wearing a gorgeous formal dress rather than the military uniform of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Of course, that Dragon yer sword was not by her side either.

    The Alphas Theocracy''s delegation had not arrived yet. The most pressing matter on the agenda at this All Nations Conference was Sjora Kahn''s coup d''etat. One of the reasons why Fianna was asked to join this conference was because she had directly interacted with Sjora during the de Dance.

    "¡ªFianna, pay close attention to what the Holy Kingdom''s representative says."

    Greyworth whispered in her ear.

    "The Holy Kingdom, huh?"

    "A witch''s intuition. Lately, the Holy Kingdom''s movements have been quite unusual. ording to my judgment, those people were also involved in the Theocracy''s internal strife."

    The piercing stare of Greyworth''s gray eyes were directed at the cardinals dressed in vestments of pure white.

    "...I have no intention of getting involved with politics."

    "Whether it is your wish or not, destiny will always descend. Thed never wished for the Demon King''s destiny either¡ª"

    Staring off into the distance, Greyworth murmured softly to herself.

 Volume 13, 6 - Winter Gulf Castle

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 6 - Winter Gulf Castle</h4>

    Part 1

    It was already dark by the time Kamito and Rinslet crossed the Kyria Mountain Range and reached the foot of the mountains.

    Stars were shining in the night sky while light produced by spirits flickered in the dense forest.

    "...Although it''s dark, at least we finally arrived."

    While shaking off therge amount of snow on his winter clothing, Kamito exhaled white mist.

    Thanks to the blizzard subsiding, getting down the mountain was not as tough as when they were climbing it. But due to depleting all excess stamina in the battle against the ice dragon, his body''s fatigue was soon reaching a limit.

    So those ice dragons were the cause of the blizzard after all, huh?

    If that were the case, then why did they suddenly disappear from the mountain range¡ª?

    "We will arrive presently at Winter Gulf. Look, watchfires can be seen outside the forest."

    Sitting on Fenrir''s back, Rinslet pointed to the other end of the coniferous forest.

    Under the night sky, numerous watchfires could be seen illuminating the castle''s walls of stone.

    Rather than a grand castle symbolizing authority and prestige, the castle was built in a simple and sturdy style that emphasized practicality.

    After walking a while in the forest, Kamito and Rinslet arrived at a stone-paved road.

    This was the road system that was spread throughout the entire Ordesia Empire''s territory. The stone-paved surface was slippery when frozen but after the residents'' snow shoveling, it was much better than the snow-covered paths in the forest.

    "I''ll have the people in the castle make preparations to wee us."

    Rinslet patted Fenrir on the back.

    Standing in one spot, the demon ice spirit howled lengthily towards the night sky.

    ...After a while, the watchfires on the castle walls flickered greatly.

    "Looks like they noticed us."

    After walking along the road for a while, they were finally able to see Winter Gulf Castle''s gates.

    Standing respectfully at the castle gates, dozens of guards weed the Margrave''s daughter.

    "As expected of the Laurenfrost family''s precious daughter."

    "...Can''t stand it, that girl always loves to make such a big deal out of things."

    Rinslet seemed to be grumbling in embarrassment.

    Once the two of them neared the castle gates, a petite girl hurried over, dressed from head to toe in furry winter gear.

    "...Onee-sama! It''s really Onee-sama!"

    Possessing the same eyes of emerald as Rinslet''s, a young girl with tinum blonde hair glittering under the light reflected off the snow¡ªThe Laurenfrost family''s third daughter, Mireille Laurenfrost jumped into her sister''s bosom with running momentum.

    "E-Enough! Know some restraint, Mireille."

    Despite putting on airs as a strict elder sister, Rinslet still stroked her sister''s head gently with her hand.

    Withdrawing her head from being buried in Rinslet''s bosom, Mireille asked:

    "But I was really startled, Onee-sama. You suddenly returned without informing us. There was no letter saying you wanted toe home... By the way, how did you cross that Kyria Mountain Range?"

    She blinked her round eyes.

    "We forced our way through... It was really tough. Without Kamito-san, perhaps I would have be an ice sculpture by now¡ª"

    "...Kamito-san?"

    Tilting her head, Mireille turned to a different direction.

    Seeing that, Kamito raised the hood of his winter coat.

    "Yo¡ª"

    "...O-Onii-sama!?"

    Staring wide eyed, Mireille looked back and forth between Kamito and Rinslet''s faces.

    "N-No way... Onee-sama, did youe home to report your marriage with Onii-sama...?"

    "N-No, of course not!"

    Rinslet frantically denied.

    "Oh dear, Onee-sama, you''re going red in the face."

    Mireille peeked at her sister''s face hidden under the hood.

    Then at this moment, she was grabbed by the neck and dragged away from behind.

    "Mireille, stop teasing mdy."

    Speaking in a monotonous voice was a cute girl dressed as a maid.

    She had slightly wavy dark-brown hair and heterochromic eyes. Herplexion was as white as snow while her face was as exquisite as a doll''s.

    "Mi, how are you?"

    Kamito greeted casually but Mi Bassett instantly went red in the face and avoided eye contact.

    "...Kamito, why are you here?"

    "Oh, that''s because I need to do something in Laurenfrost. Rinslet is my guide."

    "...I see, your purpose is not apanying Rinslet-sama back home to get married."

    Mi exhaled deeply as though greatly relieved.

    "O-Of course! How could even you misunderstand as well, Mi!?"

    Rinslet coughed lightly and ced her hand at her waist.

    "In any case, Kamito-san is already very tired from the long journey. Prepare some hot food. And a bath too¡ª"

    "Yes, all prepared already."

    "Wow, not bad at all, different from Carol..."

    Kamito could not help but exim, impressed at Mi''s instant reply.

    Part 2

    After taking off his snow-covered clothing, Kamito was taken to the castle hall.

    Designed as fortress, Winter Gulf Castle was equally modest in furnishings as its exterior appearance. The stone walls were virtually devoid of fancy decoration while the only exception was the chandeliers ornamented with arge number of spirit crystals to produce an atmosphere of grandeur.

    "Did you grow up here, Rinslet and Mireille?"

    "No, there''s a house we live in at the castle town."

    Mireille shook her head to answer Kamito''s question.

    "After all, this Winter Gulf Castle is a stronghold used for military purposes."

    Saying that, Rinslet activated arge spirit crystal that was installed at the firece.

    Glowing red, the spirit crystal warmed up the air in the hall within the blink of an eye.

    Then she sat down at arge eight-person table in the center of the hall. Mireille and Mi took their seats on her left and right while Kamito sat opposite to her as the guest. Ordinary maids would not eat on the same table as nobles but Mi was apparently an exception.

    "It''s such a shame that Father and Mother are away when you''ve made a rare return home, Onee-sama."

    "It can''t be helped that I just missed them."

    Their parents, Margrave and Lady Laurenfrost had apparently gone to the imperial capital to attend the All Nations Conference. Since they had taken the long route around the Kyria Mountain Range, they had set off several days prior.

    "But it''s a rare chance to introduce Onii-sama¡ª"

    "Enough, Mireille!"

    Rinslet frantically covered up Mireille''s mouth.

    Kamito forced augh then asked:

    "...Uh, since Margrave and Lady Laurenfrost are away, does that mean that you''re the temporary master of the castle, Mireille?"

    "Yes. I have been managing this castle seriously."

    Hmph hmph, Mireille childishly puffed out her chest in pride.

    "...Say, are you really okay on your own?"

    Bing the temporary master of the castle at the young age of nine was very impressive, but it was still a bit worrying.

    "Don''t worry. Because there are excellent knights at Laurenfrost."

    Mi spoke expressionlessly.

    "This Winter Gulf Castle has seven spirit knights stationed. They are elite spirit knights, rigorously selected and can handle simple government affairs for the most part."

    "...I see. As expected of a castle belonging to high nobility."

    There were actually very few castles that had as many as seven spirit knights. Many regional castle lords did not even have a single knight serving them exclusively.

    "I don''t leave everything to the knights. I''ve been stamping paperwork properly too."

    Mireille pouted unhappily.

    Just at this moment...

    "¡ªSorry for the dy, mdy."

    The door to the hall opened as maids pushed in cartsden with food.

    Dressed in adorable uniforms, the maids deftly moved the steaming-hot luxurious offerings to the table.

    Lamb pie that was baked crispy. Winter melon soup that was vored with plenty of spices. There was also salted cod, boiled quail eggs and a bean dish served in a hollowed out pumpkin. Served on arge te was the main dish, a deer roast, honey-roasted to perfection.

    "Wow...!"

    The aromas drifting in the hall were making Kamito''s stomach rumble.

    Just as he swallowed his saliva¡ª

    "...A thousand apologies. We could only prepare a simple dinner at short notice."

    A maid was bowing her head, seemingly in shame.

    "No no... Was all this made just now?"

    "Indeed. Had we known mdy''s return ahead of time, we could have specially prepared a feast..."

    The maid murmured with chagrin while the other girls nodded one after another in agreement.

    (...Th-They''re way toopetent!)

    ...Kamito was speechless.

    Speaking of Laurenfrost maids, perhaps his perceptions of them being selected on basis of cuteness only were colored by his first impressions of the useless maid Carol.

    "Kamito, the one who made that baked pie is me."

    Mi pointed out calmly.

    "Oh, then I''ve gotta try this¡ª"

    Slicing up the pie, Kamito brought a morsel to his mouth.

    (...W-What is this!? It''s too delicious!)

    After a single bite, Kamito widened his eyes.

    As soon as he bit the pie''s crust, the juicy filling flowed out.

    "...How is it?"

    "...!"

    Kamito silently made a thumbs up. Despite the simplicity of the dish, it was a modest and sincere vor.

    "You''re quite good at cooking, Mi."

    "...No. I am simply following the directions of my seniors."

    Mi spoke expressionlessly then blushed and bowed her head.

    "¡ªKamito, let me try too."

    "E-Est!?"

    Without him noticing, the sword spirit had materialized next to Kamito already.

    Opening her dainty mouth, she stared straight at Kamito just like a young bird waiting to be fed.

    "...I surrender, Est."

    Chuckling wryly a few times, Kamito delivered a sliced piece of pie into Est''s mouth.

    "...Mmm, so tasty, Kamito."

    "Onii-sama, that''s unfair if you just do it for Miss Spirit!"

    Mireille leaned over the table and opened her mouth with an "ah~"

    "M-Mireille!?"

    "That is too unseemly, Mireille!"

    Rinslet grabbed the hem of Mireille''s clothing.

    "Oh my, then how about you feed Onee-sama a bite too?"

    "...Th-That... That kind of thing, no way..."

    Hearing that, Rinslet''s face went red as she held her face in her hands.

    "¡ªNo, Kamito is my Onii-chan."

    As thoughpeting with Mireille, Est clutched Kamito''s uniform tightly.

    Part 3

    After enjoying the hot dinner prepared by the maids of the Laurenfrost household...

    "¡ªNatalia, report the situation."

    While sipping ck tea after the meal, Rinslet inquired of the head maid.

    The head maid was an older girl with shoulder-length hair. She was also apparently responsible for the cooking earlier.

    "Have you gathered the reason for the blizzard at the Kyria Mountain Range?"

    "¡ªYes, the persistent snowfall over the past few days was undoubtedly the work of ice dragons roaming the mountain range."

    The head maid answered calmly.

    "Just as expected, I see..."

    "The problem is why would the extinct ice dragons appear."

    The head maid nodded slightly at what Rinslet pointed out.

    "This is merely my personal spection but¡ª"

    "Not a problem. Please speak your mind."

    "Perhaps it has something to do with the Forest Dwellers inhabiting the Forest of Ice Blossoms."

    "...What is that about?"

    Rinslet frowned.

    "Ice dragons are the minions of the spirit Zirnitra. And the Forest Dwellers revere Zirnitra as the guardian of the Forest of Ice Blossoms, worshiping since olden times¡ª"

    "In other words, the Forest Dwellers are summoning ice dragons in some manner and controlling them?"

    "That possibility cannot be ruled out."

    Hearing Rinslet''s suggestion, the head maid nodded in agreement.

    "¡ªExcuse me, what are Forest Dwellers?"

    Kamito interrupted at this point.

    "It''s a name for the Elfim race who lives in the deepest part of the Forest of Ice Blossoms."

    "...The Elfim huh."

    A highly mysterious race who hade from Astral Zero in antiquity.

    Excellent ability tomune with spirits, preferring to spend their days quietly in the forest, but on the flip side, they extremely rejected and resented contact with humans.

    ¡ªThis was what Kamito had heard from Lily me back during his Instructional School days.

    "Supposing that''s the case, why can''t you ask them directly?"

    "Yes. We have sent messengers many times to attempt contact, but a powerful barrier of fog was deployed in the depths of the forest, even making it impossible to reach their settlement."

    "...An Elfim barrier huh. Now that''s tricky stuff."

    "Yes, and we can''t recklessly destroy the Barrier¡ª"

    Not confined to Ordesia territory, the Elfim race had also settled and established securemunities in various nations on the continent. Suppose the Laurenfrost ruler invaded the Elfim settlement here, it would probably make the entire Elfim race enemies of the Empire given their strong sense of racial solidarity¡ª

    Suddenly, a thought came to Kamito.

    "...Those Forest Dwellers, what are the chances that Restia''se into contact with them?"

    "...I remember that the Elfim basically revere spirits. We can''t rule out the possibility that Miss Darkness Spirit identally entered the barrier..."

    Rinslet nodded, resting her chin on her hand.

    Kamito turned to the head maid.

    "...Do you have any reports about a girl in a ck one-piece dress seen in the forest?"

    Natalia made an expression of disbelief in response to Kamito''s question.

    "No, the branches in the Forest of Ice Blossoms are as sharp as knives. Consequently, well, I believe that it is quite difficult to make one''s way through the forest in attire like a dress¡ª"

    "...I see."

    ...In the end, this Winter Gulf Castle had not obtained any information on her.

    Not to mean he doubted Iseria Seaward''s information, but Kamito still had trouble hiding his disappointment.

    "But speaking of which¡ª"

    "...You have some kind of lead?"

    Kamito leaned forward.

    "Not exactly, but a messenger sent to the forest returned with concerning news¡ª"

    "...What?"

    "Reportedly, a human princess maiden has appeared in the Forest Dwellers settlement."

    "...A human princess maiden?"

    Kamito repeated.

    "Indeed. The Forest Dwellers apparently call the girl ''Queen of Ice Blossoms''."

    Part 4

    After dinner, Kamito decided to head over to his assigned room to wait for dawn.

    Trying to search for Restia in the forest at night was virtually impossible. And since there was a barrier deployed, it was also necessary to prepare for negotiations with Forest Dwellers.

    Rinslet promised to borrow eight trained hunting hounds. Although Kamito had no idea whether hunting hounds were able to track down Restia who was a spirit, but they shoulde in handy when frequenting a dangerous forest.

    Speaking of which¡ª

    (..."Queen of Ice Blossoms" huh.)

    Walking on the path to his room, Kamito muttered to himself.

    This really was quite concerning news.

    ording to the head maid, messengers sent to the forest had met an Elfim princess maiden who had inquired. The girl had apparently gotten the wrong idea that the messenger was there to take back the human princess maiden¡ªthe Queen of Ice Blossoms.

    In the end, the messenger apparently ended up as a target for arrows and had to flee for his dear life.

    (...Can''t be Restia¡ªRight?)

    Indeed, Restia''s appearance was no different from a human girl''s.

    The jet-ck wings could also disappear in ordance with her will.

    ¡ªAt this moment, Kamito reached the door to a room. There was a wolf emblem on the door.

    "It''s here, right...?"

    After pushing the door open...

    "..."

    ...Time stopped.

    Mi Bassett was on the bed, hugging Kamito''s pillow.

    "Uh... Mi, what are you doing?"

    "Bed-making."

    "No, but..."

    "Bed-making."

    "...I-I see."

    "Yes..."

    Mi nodded expressionlessly then nonchntly started putting the sheets in order.

    "Are you getting used to life here?"

    "Mireille-sama treats others very well. Natalia-sama is also teaching me the work."

    "...That''s the head maid just now, right? She seems very excellent at her job."

    "Of course. Natalia-sama belongs to the Wolf Ritters of Laurenfrost."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito was taken aback.

    "...What do you mean?"

    "Exactly what the words say. The head maid is the captain of the knights at this castle."

    "...You must be kidding, right?"

    "Absolutely serious."

    Mi replied with a serious expression.

    "W-Why is a spirit knight serving as a maid?"

    "Knights should take the lead to serve as role models for the people. This is one of the Laurenfrost family traditions."

    "Well yeah, I guess. Rinslet is even more pro than a real maid."

    Should one say, like master, like knight?

    "I will also be a splendid maid, then cultivate Mireille-sama into a full-fledged noble."

    After making the bed, Mi looked into Kamito''s face and said:

    "Not a tool for the military¡ªThat is my new way of life that you taught me."

    She blushed in her cheeks while clenching her fist tightly.

    "...Ahhh."

    ...She''s changed, Kamito thought.

    Formerly the possessor of a Demon Sealing Eye, she was used as a tool of war in the past. But currently, she had found something she wanted to do on her own volition.

    ...It was quite an amazing thing.

    "But I think it''s a bit of a challenge to cultivate Mireille into an full-fledged noble."

    Hearing that, Mi calmly shook her head.

    "Mireille-sama will surely turn out as a splendid noble, because she is a very serious child at heart."

    "...Oh okay, that''s true too."

    Kamito smiled wryly and turned his gaze outside the room.

    Kamito had noticed their presence quite early on.

    "...C-Cough."

    "...Mireille?"

    Mi eximed in surprise.

    "I-I just happened to pass by, so I didn''t hear anything!"

    Mireille was panicking, a rare sight indeed, looking away in embarrassment.

    "The bath is ready, Onii-sama."

    "Okay, thanks."

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to leave the room, Mi spoke towards his back.

    "Come¡ªKamito..."

    "...Huh?"

    "I will scrub your back for you. Because it is a maid''s job."

    Blushing red to her ears, Mi murmured expressionlessly.

    "N-No thanks!"

    Kamito shook his head and frantically left the room.

    Part 5

    ..Ssh. The sound of water was heard in the quiet night.

    Long tinum blonde hair clung to tender skin.

    Hugging her shivering body, Rinslet sighed.

    Before heading off to a certain ce next, she was cleansing her body as a precaution.

    The bath at the Laurenfrost home was not a natural hot spring but heated using fire spirit crystals. Four years ago, this ce waspletely frozen all year round due to the Cmity Queen''s rebellion, but now, there was no problem with using it.

    "...Mmm... Ah...?"

    Finding it difficult to control her body that felt like it was burning, Rinslet made a sound of annoyance.

    "I-I seem a little strange...!"

    Rubbing her thigh, she exhaled scorching breath.

    She felt that the symptoms had started during the kiss with Kamito in the snow mountain, undertaken with intimate skin contact.

    The sweet pain she experienced from that time continued to linger in her body without stopping.

    And now, during a purification rite, it had turned into a raging torrent and was rushing out all at once.

    (...I-It''s almost as though Kamito-san is inside here...!)

    Like shocked by electricity.

    Every time she touched a sensitive spot on her skin, she felt a numbing feeling in her brain.

    (...Ooh... W-What should I do!?)

    Rinslet twisted her body, pouring bathwater over her head repeatedly.

    ...But her scorching body still did not cool down.

    (...I-In such a state, how could I face that girl...)

    ¡ªJust at this moment.

    The sound of voices came outside the bath.

    "...!?"

    Part 6

    "...Wow!"

    Taken to the bath by Mireille, Kamito could not help but exim.

    Before his eyes was a massive open-air bath built from marble. Hot water was running nonstop from a wolf sculpture carved on a pir. Steam hung in the air over the entire bath.

    Although it was not a natural hot spring, this was a grand bath that rivaled the Academy''s purification site.

    "Are you really sure I can have this ce all to myself?"

    "Yes, no one uses it at this time. Feel free to swim in the bath."

    "...No, I''m already past the age of swimming in baths."

    "Oh my, but even nowadays, Onee-sama still practices swimming in the bath."

    "Speaking of which, Rinslet can''t swim..."

    Kamito recalled teaching her to swim at Ragna Ys.

    ...That was perhaps the only weakness of this perfect well-breddy who was able to do anything.

    "Then please enjoy the Laurenfrost bath thoroughly, Onii-sama."

    Smiling mischievously, Mireille returned to the corridor.

    "Oh, thanks for showing me the way."

    Kamito swiftly undressed, went to the purification area to cleanse his body, then soaked himself in the tub.

    The water temperature was not too high and controlled just right. His cold skin quickly warmed up.

    (...Phew.)

    Soaked in the tub, Kamito breathed out in relief.

    Looking up at the night sky where cold winds howled, he began to reminisce about her.

    (...Seriously, will we meet again? Restia¡ª)

    Water Elemental Lord Iseria Seaward had brought a sliver of faint hope.

    But no matter how faint, he had no choice but to gamble on it now.

    Iseria''s observation might have simply been mistaken. Besides, Restia should have no connection to the Laurenfrost region. Even if Restia was still alive, what reason was there for her to appear in this kind of forest on the border¡ª

    (...But if that''s the case¡ª)

    Kamito murmured in his heart.

    (¡ªIt wouldn''t exin why the Holy Kingdom''s knights are infiltrating this forest.)

    The Sacred Spirit Knights had invaded this forest on the border even willingly bearing the risk of trespassing the Empire''s boundary. Surely there must be some goal there.

    Their presence served as counterfactual evidence that Restia might be here.

    (Luminaris Saint Leisched¡ªThe sacred sword user huh.)

    Kamito closed his eyes and recalled the opponent from three years ago.

    A knight with brilliant and striking blonde hair and clear ice-blue eyes.

    She had exhibited overwhelming power at the tournament three years ago.

    Right now, she would be even more powerful. On the same level as Dracunia''s Leonora Lancaster, possibly superior.

    ¡ªGurgle.

    Suddenly, he heard the sound of water.

    (...Hmm?)

    Kamito frowned and turned towards the source.

    He could see the water surface bubbling behind a thick pir of stone.

    "...What?"

    Finding it strange, Kamito approached. The area near the pir was in the shade so he could not see clearly.

    The bubbling at the water surface intensified.

    Feeling puzzled, Kamito reached towards the bubbling water.

    ...Boing. Suddenly, his fingers touched something soft.

    "...?"

    Boing.

    Boing. Boing. Boing.

    (...Wait a sec, this feeling, no way...!)

    Just as Kamito realized in surprise...

    Ssh, something emerged from under the water.

    "S-Stop... Stop it right now!"

    "...!?"

    A blizzard instantly swept through the bath.

    Part 7

    ...After the blizzard stopped.

    "...~Tsk, s-so off-putting, Kamito-san is really such a pervert!"

    Immersed in the water, Rinslet pouted and protested against Kamito.

    "S-Sorry, I didn''t do it on purpose... Say, why are you here?"

    "Th-Those are my words to you!"

    Rinslet red viciously at him. She was apparently cleansing herself earlier but panicked and hid in the bath after hearing Kamito''s voice suddenly outside.

    "This purification facility is exclusively mine!"

    "An exclusive purification facility? So this entire bathroom is for your personal use?"

    "This is very normal for princess maidens from high nobility. Before their family''s fall, the purification facility at ire''s home was even more impressive than this."

    "...I see. But Mireille told me it''s a public bath..."

    Only then did Kamito realize.

    ...Speaking of which, she did smile mischievously before leaving.

    "...~Tsk, seriously, it''s that child''s mischief again."

    "Totally fell into her trap."

    Kamito shrugged and sighed.

    "...Uh, sorry. I''ll go out first."

    Just as Kamito was prepared to leave the bath...

    "¡ªH-Hold on first."

    "...Huh?"

    She firmly grabbed the towel wrapped around his waist.

    "...Rinslet?"

    "A littleter, I hope you could apany me to a certain ce¡ª"

    Part 8

    The Water Elemental Shrine, thergest shrine in Laurenfrost territory, was located in a forest some distance from Winter Gulf Castle.

    Unlike usual shrines built from stone, this Water Elemental Shrine''s outer walls were sculpted from ancient magic ice.

    This type of magic ice did not melt and was much sturdier than ordinary stone.

    However, no rituals had been held at this shrine ever since the incident when Judia Laurenfrost was imprisoned in ice.

    Kamito had heard that a strict barrier was deployed there, forbidding everyone except the Laurenfrost family from entering.

    "...Thest time I visited was when I was certain we could enter the de Dance."

    Rinslet touched the shrine''s door to release the barrier.

    "Here was where I vowed to save her. Okay, you can now enter."

    The barrier did not activate when Kamito stepped inside.

    Rinslet used lighting magic for illumination and walked into the depths of the shrine.

    It was all quiet inside.

    Cold air, chilling to the bone, was making Kamito shiver nonstop.

    "She''s been locked in such a lonely ce all this time...?"

    "Yes. It''s the fourth year now."

    Rinslet held a small spirit crystal in her hand.

    The transparent crystal showed the image of a lovely young girl in a dress.

    Emerald eyes and dazzling tinum blonde hair. Judia Laurenfrost was her sister''s very image.

    Inside the dark interior of the shrine, Kamito and Rinslet continued to advance.

    The deeper they went, the stronger the cold.

    After walking a certain distance¡ªRinslet finally stopped.

    "...Judia, let me introduce Kamito-san to you."

    She directed the magic lighting towards the darkness.

    However¡ª

    "...Huh?"

    Rinslet widened her eyes, eximing in surprise.

    "...What, what is this?"

    Even Kamito could not help but gasp.

    At the spot where Rinslet''s sister was supposed to be sealed¡ª

    Nothing was left except for shattered ice all over the floor.

    Part 9

    Restia was taken to a certain stone-built shrine some distance from the settlement.

    Arge group of princess maidens had already gathered in front of the shrine and were in the process of offering prayers.

    "Is this temple the shrine of your people?"

    "Yes. This ce is a historic site that existed before the Empire of the humans was founded."

    Rana knelt down before the temple and started to pray like the other princess maidens.

    (...The Queen of Ice Blossoms is inside this temple?)

    Staring inside the temple, Restia began to feel nervous.

    The girl with mysterious powers, capable of controlling ice dragons freely. Also, for reasons unknown she had used the Forest Dwellers to bring Restia here.

    (An existence like humans yet unlike humans at the same time...)

    The Elfim princess maidens were all focused on chanting their prayers.

    (...What will happen after she wakes up?)

    ...There was an inexplicably foreboding sense.

    If the situation allowed, she wanted to escape immediately, but that was most likely impossible. The difficulty of escaping from the magically talented Elfim would be no small feat at all.

    "Excuse me..."

    "¡ªSilence. The Queen of Ice Blossoms is appearing."

    Rana''s crimson eyes stared straight into the pitch-ck darkness upying the inside of the temple.

    Suddenly, faint ringing sounds of a bell came from the temple''s interior.

    Emerging from the darkness was a young girl in ritual attire.

    "...!"

    Restia could not help but gasp.

    The girl was roughly twelve or thirteen in age with a noble appearance and very pretty.

    Her eyes were clear and emerald in color. A head of shining tinum blonde hair.

    (A beautiful girl...)

    "Oh exalted Queen!" "The Queen of Ice Blossoms has awakened...!"

    The princess maidens looked up and gazed with mesmerized expressions at the girl.

    Her slender legs moved slowly as she walked down the temple''s stone steps. However, her emerald eyes only reflected emptiness instead of looking at the princess maidens.

    "O exalted Queen, the human''s knights have ravaged this forest. Please lend us your assistance¡ª"

    Rana looked up and pleaded.

    At this time...

    ¡ªAcknowledged.

    The girl''s inorganic voice was heard from the depths of the forest.

    ¡ªHence, I shall¡ªsummon the great guardian hither.

    "Ohoh, then¡ª" "Zirnitra will be revived!" "Then we don''t need to fear the humans any longer!" "O guardian spirit of ours, destroy all the humans!"

    The sincere joy disyed by princess maidens made Restia shudder.

    Perhaps the guardian spirit''s revival definitely was the Forest Dwellers'' long-sought wish.

    But this fanaticism felt quite odd.

    The blind devotion to this Queen of Ice Blossoms also seemed odd.

    Even given the mysterious power of controlling ice dragons, it was still quite difficult to exin why they would worship this human girl whom they have only met for a couple days.

    The Queen of Ice Blossoms'' hollow gaze was cast in the Kyria Mountain Range''s direction.

    Instantly, the ground shook violently, causing Restia to lose bnce and fall.

    "...What?"

    "The earthquake is a warning sign of Zirnitra''s awakening. See, that peak there¡ª"

    Rana spoke with a dazed expression.

    Following her gaze, Restia instantly stared wide-eyed.

    Near the peak of the towering Kyria Mountain Range, an astounding number of dragons were circling in the air.

    The ice dragons were almost blotting out the night sky.

    Where had such a great number of ice dragons been lurking¡ª?

    Just as Restia was staring in shock, a giant tear suddenly appeared out of thin air.

    "...What... is that...?"

    "A gate to Cocytus, the frozen hell in Astral Zero. That is the magic sealing away the domination ice spirit Zirnitra and its minions the ice dragons. That seal is now being released¡ª"

    The tear in space was gradually expanding. From that tear, a giant w reached out.

    "So that is the forest''s guardian spirit, Zirnitra..."

    Still kneeling on the ground, Restia was rendered speechless.

    For a single w to be so massive, howrge was the entire body¡ª

    ¡ªAnd not only that.

    "...Eh?"

    Hearing a faint sound, Restia could not help but turn her head.

    The Queen of Ice Blossoms had cast her empty gaze towards the princess maidens.

    ¡ªIt was seeking more divine power.

    Za, zaza, za, zazaza, za¡ª

    The girls'' mouths made strange noises.

    Suddenly, the ground underfoot gradually froze, shrouded by the cold air surrounding the temple.

    "...O exalted Queen? What are you doing¡ª!?"

    Noticing the sudden change, Rana questioned.

    But her lower half was instantly covered by the crawling, ck, cursed ice.

    "Kyahhhh!" "O exalted Queen... Please stop, exalted Queen...!"

    The princess maidens could not escape even if they tried.

    One after another, their feet were ensnared by the ck, cursed ice, turning them into ice sculptures.

    Then the magic ice approached Restia¡ª

    "...Noooo...!"

    ¡ªJust as she was about to be devoured by the cursed ice, a moment before that could happen...

    "Found you, darkness spirit!"

    A squadron of knights charged into the forest.

 Volume 13, 7 - Zirnitra of Dominating Ice

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 7 - Zirnitra of Dominating Ice</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Wh...y..."

    Faced with Judia Laurenfrost''s unexpected disappearance¡ª

    Rinslet seemed totally lost as though her soul was gone.

    "Where... Where has she gone...?"

    In front of the shattered cursed ice, she had copsed to her knees in shock.

    "..."

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon the shattered fragments of cursed ice all over the floor.

    The fragments were scattered in a radial shape, implying that the cursed ice was not melted from outside but broken from within instead.

    (Judia Laurenfrost broke the magic ice on her own? That''s totally ridiculous¡ª?)

    Cursed ice that all the elementalists in the nation were unable to melt could not possibly have been destroyed by a human''s power.

    That left the possibility of the Water Elemental Lord releasing the cursed ice, but Iseria Seaward herself had rejected the notion.

    She had said that even herself could not melt the cursed ice until she recovered her full power.

    Besides, supposing Judia was released from the cursed ice, then why did she not return to her family at Winter Gulf Castle first?

    (...What on earth happened here?)

    Just as Kamito was stuck in deep thought¡ª

    Crash¡ªThe temple was suddenly shaken.

    "...An earthquake?"

    A deep rumbling sounded from the earth. Columns of ice fell from the ceiling.

    Kamito frantically shielded Rinslet who had crouched down.

    "Staying here further will be dangerous, let''s get out first."

    "...Yes... Right."

    Rinslet nodded, still half-dazed.

    After they hurried out of the temple¡ª

    They were met with an unbelievable sight.

    "...What... is that!?"

    Dozens, no, fully a hundred¡ª

    Near the peak of the Kyria Mountain Range, countless ice dragons were circling in the air.

    "So many ice dragons, where on earth did theye from..."

    Rumble, rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble¡ª!

    The ground shook violently.

    "The Kyria Mountain Range is shaking...!"

    The long, giant mountain range. The snow umted on the surface of the mountains were sliding off, causing avnches.

    With a sh of lightning, a giant tear appeared in the air above the Kyria Mountain Range.

    "...That thing, is it really a gate to Astral Zero!?"

    "Impossible, how could such a massive Gate be possible to open in the human realm!?"

    "Something''sing out...!"

    The tear in space expanded. Violent blizzards began to blow.

    Appearing from the tear were countless ice dragons swirling in the air as well as¡ª

    A massive w. It erged the tear further.

    "...!"

    Frozen in space, Kamito was unable to utter a single word.

    It was an immensely huge sculpture formed from blue ice.

    Spreading its wings in darkness, the emperor of ice dragons.

    There was a tragic sense of beauty about its appearance.

    "Domination ice spirit Zirnitra..."

    Rinslet held her breath.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª!

    Zirnitra pped its wings, shaking the atmosphere.

    "...Could it be that the Elfim in the forest released the seal!?"

    "Why would they do that kind of thing...!?"

    "...No idea."

    While muttering, Kamito recalled a certain term.

    (...Queen of Ice Blossoms. The princess maiden appearing in the forest huh?)

    Did the appearance of the guardian spirit have anything to do with that?

    At this moment, the spirit seal on his right hand generated slight pain.

    ''¡ªKamito, that is likely a being simr to me.''

    He heard Est''s voice in his head.

    "...A super-ancient spirit weapon, is it?"

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Spirit weapons¡ªan umbre term used for spirits that were deployed in battle during the Spirit War that had urred several thousand years ago.

    During the de Dance, Kamito had battled Muir Alenstarl''s Vraukar which was also a spirit weapon. But the pressure he could feel from the domination ice spirit far surpassed that of the demon me spirit.

    From atop the peak, the domination ice spirit pped its wings fiercely, flying into the sky.

    Mixed with hail, the wind swept towards the forest, causing many shards of ice to cut open the ground.

    "...Tsk, it''s going to the center of the forest¡ª"

    There was impatience in Kamito''s voice. The forest was Restia''s possible location.

    "...Rinslet, return to the castle first."

    Saying that, he gripped the Demon yer''s hilt.

    Seeing that, Rinslet seemed to realize Kamito''s intentions.

    "...Going alone will be very dangerous."

    "I''m not going to fight that spirit. I''ll just look for Restia ande back."

    "What are you talking about? It''s already so dark now, how are you going to look for the darkness spirit¡ª"

    "Once I get close, it should be clear."

    Kamito shook his head and rested his gaze upon the spirit seal on his right hand.

    "As long as she''s still alive, there will definitely be a reaction¡ª"

    Kamito poured his divine power into the Demon yer.

    Instantly, the de gave off dazzling light, illuminating the surroundings.

    ¡ªJust at that moment.

    Multiple dark shadows descended upon them.

    "...!"

    A group of ice dragons, baring their fangs and ws. Crying out shrilly, they breathed out cold air.

    Kamito swiftly drew his sword to block the cold air. However, he was unable to deflect cold air that was released in a wide area. Thus his feet were frozen to the ground. As sharp ws attacked from the side, Kamito instantly pulled the de back to deflect the ws. Then stabbing the de into the ground and releasing divine power, he instantly shattered the ice on the ground.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    As soon as she spoke, the aimed arrow instantly pierced an ice dragon''s head with perfect timing.

    "Kamito-san, I''ll cover you!"

    "Thanks¡ª"

    Switching the Demon yer to a reverse grip, Kamito instantly chopped down two ice dragons that hadnded behind him. At this moment, Rinslet''s next wave of projectiles rained down, turning the ice dragons'' giant bodies into ice sculptures.

    Although he had a tough battle on the snow mountainst time, mere ice dragons were no match for Kamito to begin with. Landing one after another, the ice dragons fell to Kamito and Rinslet''sbination attacks.

    ¡ªThat being said, the enemy numbers were quite problematic.

    (We''ll just have to force our way through.)

    "Dance, a storm of ice summoning destruction¡ªDiamond Dust!"

    Suddenly, an awe-inspiring voice sounded in the forest.

    Dazzling light appeared in the air before their eyes. Just as Kamito was thinking it was about to explode, a powerful blizzard started blowing with Kamito and Rinslet''s location as the eye of the storm.

    "...!?"

    As many as dozens of ice dragons were trapped in ice within the blink of an eye, turning into immobile ice sculptures. This was high-level spirit magic as well as beingbination magic requiring multiple casters of top caliber.

    "Rinslet?"

    "No, it was not me."

    As Kamito turned to look at her, Rinslet shook her head.

    "This spirit magic must be¡ª"

    "¡ªPrincess!"

    Apanied by the sonorous sounds of horses'' hooves, a shout came from the darkness.

    Out emerged several knights riding dappled gray horses.

    The leading knight raised a torch, illuminating her face.

    "You''re..."

    Kamito opened his eyes wide.

    A girl d in silver-white light armor. Upon closer examination, it was the head maid who had presented the food for dinner at Winter Gulf Castle.

    (...So she''s really a spirit knight.)

    The knights swiftly dismounted and knelt down before Rinslet.

    "Princess, are you unharmed?"

    "Natalia, why are you here?"

    "Mireille-sama said you hade here, Princess... Any injuries?"

    "I am fine."

    "Princess, please return to Winter Gulf Castle immediately. The castle is under attack from ice dragons."

    "...What did you say!?"

    Surprised, Rinslet looked in the castle''s direction.

    A swarm of shadows was converging towards the castle walls lit by the numerous watchfires.

    "Why would this...!?"

    "Thanks to the istion barrier, they can still barely manage to endure, but Mireille-sama is not capable ofmanding the Wolf Ritters¡ª"

    "...Hmm, then I shall return immediately."

    Rinslet nodded and looked at Kamito.

    "Uh, Kamito-san¡ª"

    "I..."

    Whether he should head to the forest to look for Restia or return with Rinslet to Winter Gulf Castle for defense¡ª

    Just as Kamito was hesitating between the two choices...

    "Kamito-sama, I have a request for you."

    Natalia spoke up.

    "...A request?"

    Kamito repeated the words. Natalia nodded and said:

    "Yes, elites of the Wolf Ritters have headed out to attack Zirnitra. It is my hope that you could converge with them, Kamito-sama, and join the attack party."

    "You can''t be thinking of fighting that thing, are you?"

    "Zirnitra is the culprit summoning the ice dragons. Unless we drive it back to Astral Zero, the castle will fall eventually. Thends of Laurenfrost would surely be ravaged as well."

    Natalia spoke with an expression of determination.

    "However, our current forces are insufficient for defeating a spirit of that level. Also, we have no choice but to divide our numbers for the sake of the castle''s defense... We have a very good idea of your power, Kamito-sama, for you have fought alongside our princess in the de Dance. Please lend us your assistance."

    "Kamito-san, I am begging you too."

    Rinslet faced Kamito.

    "You are the only one who can oppose that spirit, Kamito-san."

    "...I understand."

    Kamito nodded lightly.

    "I am not good at joining forces with others, but I''ll try my best. Rinslet, you can focus on protecting the castle."

    "Very well, leave it to me."

    Kamito turned his gaze to the domination ice spirit flying towards the center of the forest.

    (...If it''s defeated, Restia should be safer to some extent.)

    Crack¡ªThe ice sealing the ice dragons began to show fissures.

    The magical resistance of dragons was nothing to sneeze at. They were probably going to break out of the ice very soon.

    "Quick. Hurry before the ice dragons wake up."

    "Kamito-san, I am counting on you."

    Rinslet gantly mounted one of the dappled gray horses of the knights.

    "¡ªMay you be victorious."

    "Yeah, don''t worry."

    Kamito nodded and ran towards the forest with the Demon yer in hand.

    Part 2

    "¡ªFound you, darkness spirit!"

    The voice of Luminaris resounded through the forest.

    Her gaze was directed straight towards the girl standing in front of the temple.

    Despite a change in attire, the girl before her eyes was undoubtedly that darkness spirit.

    In her surroundings, Elfim princess maidens could be seen trapped in blocks of ck ice.

    (...An internal struggle? Or did the darkness spirit do it?)

    While drawing her sacred sword and starting to charge, Luminaris was struck by doubt regarding the iprehensible situation.

    (No, now is not the time to care about such matters¡ª)

    The prey she had been chasing after was finally before her eyes.

    (¡ªWith this, I can redeem my subordinates'' honor.)

    Kicking the ground to take a leap, she closed in on the darkness spirit all at once. In that very instant...

    (...!?)

    A chill down her spine forced her to halt.

    Correction¡ªShe was halted.

    The source of that presence¡ªA girl standing before the temple.

    Her tinum blonde hair was illuminated by the bonfire.

    Empty eyes of emerald were staring at Luminaris as though observing her.

    "...What business do you have?"

    Shocked by the bizarre atmosphere exuded by the girl, Luminaris put on a stance with her sword.

    (...A human princess maiden?)

    The Elfim race was proud and xenophobic. It was hard to imagine them epting a human girl as a princess maiden.

    Za, zaza, zazazaza, za, zazaza¡ª

    Strange noises leaked out of the girl''s mouth.

    "...!?"

    Instinctively, Luminaris jumped backwards.

    ck cursed ice instantly spread, freezing the surrounding ground.

    (...Spirit magic? No, this is¡ª!)

    Failing to dodge, her left foot was frozen, immobilizing her position.

    "...!?"

    Instantly, her entire body was struck by a powerful sense of fatigue.

    (...No way, it is absorbing... my divine power...!)

    Luminaris could not help but tremble. This cursed ice apparently had the ability to steal divine power.

    Then that meant the princess maidens trapped in ice were also having their divine power stolen?

    The ck cursed ice attacked Luminaris whose foot was caught¡ª

    "¡ªLuminaris-sama!"

    At the veryst moment, one of her subordinate knights blocked in front of her.

    Stabbing her sword elemental waffe into the ground, she used her entire body to block the cursed ice.

    "...Aisha!?"

    "...Please hurry and escape...!"

    Along with her elemental waffe, the knight was instantly imprisoned in cursed ice.

    "...Damn it!"

    Using the sacred sword to shatter the cursed ice, Luminaris made a thrust at the girl.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Swish¡ª!

    Readying her sword while in the process of running, Luminaris swung Murgleis sideways without the slightest hesitation.

    But there was no feeling of striking anything. The girl vanished from sight like a mirage.

    "...!"

    "Luminaris-sama, the darkness spirit!"

    She heard her subordinates call out from behind.

    Swiftly turning her gaze, she found the darkness spirit running towards the depths of the forest.

    "Don''t let her escape, chase her!"

    But before her orders could reach them¡ª

    "Uwaaaaah!" "W-What is this!?" "Kyahhhh!"

    Suddenly, a powerful blizzard blew in the forest.

    The view was instantly blocked. She could hear her subordinates screaming on the other side of the blizzard.

    A group of ice dragons was flying above the forest.

    Flying freely in the blizzard, they attacked.

    "Luminaris-sama... Uwahhhhhh!"

    "...Regroup! Don''t lose sight of the darkness spirit!"

    While chopping down the attacking ice dragons, Luminaris hollered.

    But her voice was drowned out by the blizzard''s rumbling winds.

    "Damn it, I cannot believe this would happen, by this point..."

    Luminaris''s voice trembled.

    (...I will not let you escape!)

    Luminaris raised her drawn sacred sword overhead.

    Her beautiful blonde hair stood up amidst the howling gales.

    "Ancient guardian of the Holy Kingdom¡ªThou art Murgleis, the sacred sword defending the country!"

    She spoke the words of releasing.

    Pouring in divine power beyond the limit, this was a waffe release with the intention of causing the elemental waffe to go out of control. Giving off powerful light, Murgleis instantly exploded.

    Apanied by a blinding sh of light, sacred mes melted the randomly flying pieces of ice, instantly clearing up the field of view¡ª!

    The burning sacred mes instantly incinerated the surrounding trees. Circling above, the ice dragons also fell one after another with painful roars.

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    The sacred sword lost its light. Stabbing it into the ground, Luminaris observed the surroundings. There were no signs of that princess maiden. Luminaris decided she must settle the score with that girl assuming she was still in the area.

    Her subordinates, the Sacred Spirit Knights, were safe and sound because Murgleis''s sacred mes would absolutely not burn anyone protected by spirits with the holy attribute.

    Also¡ª

    (¡ªThe darkness spirit?)

    The sacred mes of Murgleis were supposed to cause astounding pain for darkness spirits. Even if she evaded burns from the sacred mes, the secondary effect of sacred light should be enough to stop her from moving.

    But Luminaris''s hopes were soon dashed.

    "Luminaris-sama, look over there¡ª!"

    Hearing her subordinate''s voice, she shifted her gaze to see the figure of the darkness spirit running through the forest.

    "...What!?"

    Luminaris could not help but exim.

    (¡ªTo think the sacred light of Murgleis had no effect on a minion of darkness?)

    ¡ªAt this kind of distance, it was supposed to cause critical injuries to the darkness spirit.

    Luminaris gripped the sacred sword''s hilt tightly.

    "¡ªChase her down. Everyone still able to move, follow me. The rest should focus on healing your wounds."

    Saying that, she chased after the darkness spirit that was disappearing into the forest.

    The darkness spirit ran through the forest with stumbling steps.

    Compared to during the de Dance, she seemed much weaker than before.

    (...Is she really that darkness spirit?)

    At the very least, that darkness spirit was a high-level spirit capable of fighting Luminaris on equal terms.

    She was able to use powerful spirit magic of the darkness attribute. During the de Dance, she had paired up with Nepenthes Lore to defeat numerous teams.

    (But her current self? No different from a weak prey¡ª)

    ¡ªSuddenly.

    "...!?"

    Feeling a strong presence, Luminaris stopped.

    On the ground was a giant shadow from something covering the night sky.

    Looking up¡ª

    She saw a superrge ice dragon, formed from blue ice, flying the air, looking down at the world below.

    "...A spirit...is it!?"

    Luminaris murmured in surprise. The knights under hermand all stood rooted to the spot, speechless.

    An elementalist of her level would be able to deduce a spirit''s level by presence alone.

    That thing was undoubtedly a spirit of the highest rank, archdemon ss.

    A monster that required the decisive deployment of a major power''s knights in order to vanquish.

    ROAR, ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAR¡ª!

    The superrge spirit''s roars caused the forest''s trees to shake intensely.

    As though responding to its sound, the ice dragons circling nearby all roared, summoning fierce blizzards.

    "Is that something like the king of ice dragons¡ª?"

    Just as she was murmuring to herself, acute murderous intent appeared behind her back.

    "¡ªursed humans!"

    An arrow flew past her neck with the sound of slicing wind.

    Then immediately, several more arrows were shot from the trees.

    "¡ªO Sacred Shield of protection!"

    Luminaris instantly chanted spirit magic to deploy a defensive barrier of light.

    "Stay out of my way, Elfim. Do you wish to seek death?"

    The archer was an Elfim living in the forest. Although he was of no consequence, getting in the way of the darkness spirit''s pursuit was annoying.

    "Foolish human, Zirnitra will destroy you!"

    Readying his bow and arrow, the youth yelled.

    As though responding to his voice, which was of course, actually impossible¡ª

    The ice dragon king dominating the sky blew towards the forest on the ground.

    The powerful cold air, covering arge area, instantly swallowed the Forest Dweller''s settlement.

    "...Th-The vige!" "Zirnitra-sama!?"

    Elfim screams were heard one after another.

    Zirnitra pped its wings and slowly descended towards the ground.

    The ground shook as a result. The giant tail of ice swept mercilessly through the forest, felling trees.

    "Zirnitra-sama, please calm your wrath!" "This forest is your domain¡ª" "Your enemies are the humans, not the forest!"

    Tragic screams came one after another.

    ¡ªHowever, their pleas were easily drowned out by the sounds of trees breaking.

    "...Naturally."

    Luminaris murmured with agitation.

    "How could the likes of you possibly control a spirit of that level?"

    The reason why arge number of strategic-ss militarized spirits were sealed and scrapped was because even the military of major powers could not guarantee 100% stability of control.

    Suddenly feeling a sense of dissonance, she frowned.

    (...These people, are they actuallypletely ignorant of this?)

    No, impossible.

    The Elfim was a race far closer to spirits than to humans. It was hard to imagine them summoning an archdemon-ss spirit without preparing control methods beforehand.

    Then that meant¡ª

    (¡ªPowerful mind control, huh.)

    Feeling an astounding presence, Luminaris turned around.

    The human princess maiden who had disappeared earlier was there.

    Behind the girl were Elfim boys and girls following her.

    All of them staring lifelessly at Luminaris.

    (...All of the Elfim inhabiting this settlement are under mind control?)

    However, human elementalists could not possibly cast mind control on the Elfim who had magic resistance to begin with, and on so many people simultaneously.

    "...Who are you? Are you the one who summoned that spirit?"

    Pointing the sacred sword at her, Luminaris asked.

    She was no mere princess maiden.

    But she did not seem to be a humanoid high-level spirit like that darkness spirit.

    ...It was something even more terrifying.

    Za, zazaza, za, zazazazaza, za¡ª

    Strange noises wereing from the princess maiden''s mouth.

    Instantly, the children behind her were instantly trapped in ck cursed ice.

    The girl''s hair gave off faint light as the divine power within her expanded all at once.

    "Luminaris-sama, this is..."

    A knight subordinate gasped.

    "¡ªIndeed, a veritable monster."

    This was what intuition told Luminaris.

    This thing before her eyes was far more dangerous than the archdemon-ss spirit in the air above.

    The girl reached towards space and made noises as though summoning the giant spirit.

    Za, zazaza, za, zazazazaza,l,, dolulululu¡ª

    Suddenly, the girl''s body hovered lightly to approach the spirit.

    Her fingers touched the spirit''s chest¡ª

    (What...!?)

    With that, the girl''s body was sucked in, buried inside the blue ice.

    "...Unbelievable, she merged with the spirit!?"

    Witnessing an incredible sight, Luminaris could hardly conceal her surprise.

    Part 3

    "The west side''s barrier is broken, send troops over immediately!" "Fear not, just strike them down!" "Princess maidens go strengthen the barrier, holy magic users go heal the injured!"

    Faced with the fierce onught of countless ice dragons, Winter Gulf Castle was trying its best to maintain the defensive line.

    As a secure stronghold and border defense center of Ordesia, Winter Gulf Castle could not fall that easily. Nevertheless, if these fierce attacks continued at this rate, the istion barrier protecting the castle was going to reach its limits sooner orter.

    "Calm down. Ice dragons are a type of dragon with excellent flying abilities. Ordinary weapons cannot pierce dragon scales but the wings are not that resilient. Aim for the wings¡ª"

    Dressed as a maid, Mi Bassett was patrolling the surroundings of the castle walls, directing the ordinary soldiers manning the catapults. Despite losing the contracted spirit in her Demon Sealing Eye, she used to be an elite knight serving under the Principality of Rossvale''s Rupture Division after all. Her tacticalmand skills were quite superb.

    "...Mi, are things okay?"

    "Mireille-sama, do note out here. Hurry and return to the castle¡ª"

    "...Yes, yes. But I''m worried about you, Mi..."

    Mireille''s emerald eyes harbored unease.

    She only knew Mi in her maid phase and knew nothing about the Mi Bassett who was born as a military weapon and belonged to the knights serving the Principality of Rossvale.

    Mi gently stroked Mireille''s head.

    "...I am fine. Thank you."

    Normally expressionless, she smiled faintly.

    At this time, cheering came from the za at the foot of the castle walls.

    Mi looked back to see Rinslet exiting the castle gates. Natalia of the Wolf Ritters had brought Rinslet back.

    "Onee-sama!"

    Mireille could not help but smile.

    "Ohoh, Princess!" "The princess has returned!" "Thank goodness she is safe and sound..."

    "Everyone, my apologies for making you wait."

    Having entered the castle from an underground passage, Rinslet gave encouragement to the wounded soldiers while climbing the steps leading to the top of the castle walls.

    Natalia hastily followed behind her.

    "Princess, the castle walls are very dangerous. You should at leastmand from the inside¡ª"

    "No, I shallmand from here. Taking the lead on the battlefield''s frontlines is part of my obligations as both an Ordesian noble and an elementalist. Furthermore¡ª"

    Standing openly on the castle walls, Rinslet raised her bow elemental waffe.

    Firing numerous arrows into the air, she shot down ice dragons that were flying in the sky.

    "I enjoy being the center of attention."

    With a fearless smile, she nocked her next arrow.

    "...Sigh, that is the kind of person who the princess is."

    Nataliaughed wryly and shrugged.

    "We cannot lose either!" "Wow, the princess is watching!"

    Rinslet''s heroic figure standing on the castle walls seemed to be rousing the soldiers'' morale inside the castle.

    Set up on the castle walls, the catapults and ballistae fired in session upon the ice dragons that were frozen and fallen on the ground.

    "...By the way, the numbers are too great."

    "Yes. Indeed. Unless the ice dragon king Zirnitra is defeated¡ª"

    While using a spear elemental waffe to pierce an ice dragon''s wing, Natalia concurred.

    Rinslet directed her gaze towards the center of the forest in the distance.

    Zirnitra was currently rampaging at the Forest of Ice Blossoms, blowing trees down.

    (To think that the guardian spirit of Laurenfrost would be destroying the forest...)

    Furthermore¡ª

    (Judia...)

    She was concerned about her younger sister''s sudden disappearance.

    (...Where on earth has she gone?)

    "...Princess!"

    Natalia yelled acutely as an ice dragon prated the barrier and collided towards the castle walls.

    Their foothold copsing, arge amount of rubble was falling onto the za below. The screams of soldiers were heard.

    "...! The barrier has been..."

    "Winter Gulf Castle''s barrier makes use of the leylines in the Forest of Ice Blossoms. Most likely, Zirnitra''s revival has disrupted the leylines in the area, causing the barrier to lose its original power."

    Damaging the castle walls, the ice dragon attacked Rinslet.

    "Princess¡ª"

    At thest moment, Natalia blocked in front, using her spear to defend against this strike.

    Instantly, the spear elemental waffe shattered into particles of ice. She had apparently depleted a great amount of divine power through sustainedbat against the ice dragons, causing her contracted spirit''s power to reach a limit. Natalia''s spirit¡ªa small wolf very simr to Fenrir¡ªdissipated into particles of light and disappeared.

    "...!"

    The ice dragon opened its jaws, preparing to use dragon''s breath.

    "...Not so fast!"

    Rinslet instantly nocked three arrows and fired them simultaneously. Two struck the wings while one hit the interior of the mouth. Losing control, the breath exploded, causing the ice dragon to fall down the castle wall.

    "Let the soldiers retreat to the castle. I will hold the ice dragons off from here."

    Since the barrier was broken, ordinary soldiers who were not elementalists would have a tough time fighting dragons.

    Swiftly issuing orders to Mi Bassett who was in charge ofmanding the west side, Rinslet then hurried over to Natalia who had copsed on the ground.

    "Princess... A thousand... apologies..."

    "Natalia, you should go back inside the castle walls too."

    "But¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. I shall take care of defense here on my own."

    Rinslet stood up and readied five arrows at the same time.

    She shot them simultaneously. The freezing arrows struck down multiple ice dragons at the same time.

    "Princess, when exactly did you acquire such power..."

    Looking up, Natalia was staring wide-eyed.

    As Team Scarlet''s archer, having obtained victory throughout the harsh trials of the de Dance, Rinslet''s current power level was enough to rival spirit knights on active duty.

    Furthermore, this was the territory passed down generations of the Laurenfrost family, the ce best suited to bringing out the full power of the local spirit Fenrir.

    ¡ªBut that was not all.

    Currently, her body was also harboring another power that she had never possessed before.

    (...What is this feeling¡ª)

    Opposite to the divine power flowing in her body, unknown divine power.

    Every time she used the power of spirits, that power would gradually strengthen.

    It was the power she had felt during the kiss with Kamito in the ice cave at the Kyria Mountain Range.

    Her heart kept beating faster while her emotions heightened more and more.

    "Go forth and blow, raging storm of ice¡ªIcicle Storm!"

    Using high-level spirit magic released through her elemental waffe, she blew away all of the ice dragons swarming towards the castle walls.

    "Huff, huff, huff... Finally, I wiped out half of them..."

    Rinslet kept panting. Despite striking down the majority of them, the numbers in the air were still increasing. The temporarily frozen ice dragons were also going to break out of the ice eventually.

    "This castle cannot... fall yet."

    Suddenly, the ice dragons'' fierce assault stopped all at once.

    "...Huh?"

    Rinslet could not help but exim.

    It was a very bizarre sight.

    As many as hundreds of ice dragons¡ª

    ...were facing the same direction,pletely motionless in the air.

    "...What... happened...?"

    The ice dragons'' gazes were directed towards Zirnitra that was flying through the sky.

    ROOOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    Zirnitra roared towards the sky.

    The atmosphere shook as a result. Then the howling blizzard in the Forest of Ice Blossoms was instantly blown away.

    In the next instant...

    "¡ªPrincess, look!"

    Natalia pointed at the sky and called out.

    The ice dragons in the air surrounding the castle were all flying towards Zirnitra.

    "..."

    A strange silence arrived.

    The soldiers in the castle were all exchanging nces with puzzled expressions on their faces.

    "What on earth happened..."

    Just as Rinslet was murmuring to herself, a sharp pain suddenly appeared on her left hand.

    ''¡ªt... Rins... let...!''

    "Iseria-sama!?"

    ''¡ªListen to me... I have... something, I must, tell you.''

    Part 4

    ¡ªMeanwhile, a giant demon bird was flying in the air above the Kyria Mountain Range.

    "Ellis, I never knew your spirit could carry two people at once..."

    "Hmm, it is normally not possible, but right now, I am in excellent shape."

    This was Ellis''s demon wind spirit Simorgh.

    The erged Simorgh was flying casually over the Kyria Mountain Range after the blizzard subsided.

    Although they were unsure why the blizzard over the mountains had suddenly stopped, the situation at the Laurenfrost forest at the foot of the mountain left them with no attention to spare for the blizzard issue.

    "Look, dragons are gathering in the forest."

    Hugging the demon bird''s wing tightly, ire pointed below and said.

    "That''s¡ª"

    The bizarre scenery caused Ellis to hold her breath.

    Countless dragons were circling in the air above the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    A blizzard was blowing in the air above the forest. A mass of ice could be seen faintly in the center of the blizzard, but it was hard to get a grasp on its full appearance due to the darkness of nighttime.

    "...What on earth is happening at that forest?"

    "Ellis, lower the altitude. We might be able to see clearly if we get closer."

    "I want to do that too, but getting closer will be dangerous. We will be in trouble if we get caught up in a blizzard."

    After crossing the mountaintop, the demon wind spirit''s flying had shownrge-scale instabilities.

    "Uwahhhh!"

    Almost falling off, ire grabbed the base part of the wing.

    "...We cannot keep flying anymore. Let usnd first."

    "...No helping it. There is a vige over there."

    The demon wind spirit cooed andnded at a small vige at the foot of the mountain.

    Whilending, the two girls jumped off from Simorgh''s wings.

    The vige was instantly in amotion.

    "W-What people are you!"

    Holding torches, the vigers hurried over.

    The mes illuminated the faces of ire and the others.

    "...Eeek, th-this frightening demon bird!"

    Seeing Simorgh appearing in the darkness, the vigers screamed and fell on their bottoms.

    "How rude. Simorgh''s feelings will be hurt."

    Ellis said with displeasure.

    "Do not mind them, Simorgh. Thank you."

    "Yeah, you worked hard."

    Ellis gently caressed Simorgh''s head and the demon bird cooed, transforming into its elemental waffe form.

    "C-Could you two be nobledies?"

    At this moment, an old viger asked in trepidation.

    "We are students from Areishia Spirit Academy. What on earth happened to this forest?"

    "The Forest Dwellers did it. Those people revived Zirnitra!"

    "...Forest dwellers?"

    Ellis frowned.

    "It''s a name for the Elfim who live in the Forest of Ice Blossoms. I heard Rinslet mention it before. Anyway, what''s this about Zirnitra? I remember it being the Laurenfrost guardian spirit, sealed in the ancient past, right?"

    As an honors student, ire roughly knew the legends circting in variousnds.

    The old man turned his gaze to the center of the forest where the blizzard was howling.

    "There is a giant ice dragon at the center of the blizzard. That''s Zirnitra. The Forest Dwellers awakened that spirit in an attempt to regain control over thesends."

    "But the spirit seems to be destroying the forest..."

    Ellis calmly pointed out. Supposing the Elfim had revived the ancient spirit, then why was it destroying the forest they lived in?

    "It''s gone berserk. There''s no way that kind of spirit can be controlled so easily."

    ire murmured.

    At this time, arge scream was heard in the vige square.

    Strong winds toppled the watchfires, turning the surroundings pitch dark.

    "¡ªCome, Scarlet!"

    ire snapped her fingers, summoning the fiery hellcat in the air.

    The mes lit up the surroundings, showing shadows that had gathered on the square.

    Ice dragons with shing eyes of crimson.

    "...Two, three... A total of six huh..."

    "A bit troublesome¡ª"

    Licking her lips, ire murmured. The scales of dragons possessed excellent magic resistance. For ire and Ellis who were contracted to spirits belonging to the traditional five major elements, dragons were challenging enemies.

    (And clearly we have to hurry and find Kamito...)

    ire knew Kamito''s strength quite well.

    Mere ice dragons were no match for Kamito no matter how numerous.

    ...But that did not mean she would not worry.

    (...Seriously, to think he''s making me worried, I''ll have to teach him a lessonter!)

    ire turned Scarlet into her elemental waffe metongue.

    "Ellis, I''ll take care of them. You haven''t fully recovered, right?"

    "Hmph, no need to worry."

    Standing back to back with ire, Ellis readied Ray Hawk.

    ¡ªJust at that moment...

    "Wait, that''s..."

    "...Hmm?"

    Just as Ellis was about to release wind des, ire stopped her.

    An ice dragon had pinned a girl to the ground, trying to feed.

    "...Ah, sob... sob sob...!"

    She was clearly wearing clothing different from the vigers, a leaf-green garment.

    It was the traditional clothing of the Elfim race.

    "Why is one of the Elfim appearing in a human vige¡ª"

    "...Save... me..."

    Under the ice dragon''s foot, the girl moaned in pain.

    The instant she made eye contact with the girl, ire gasped.

    Illuminated by the light of fire, the girl''s face seemed familiar.

    "No way... Y-You are!?"

    Part 5

    (...Damn it, what the heck is going on!?)

    Sharp frozen branches sliced open Kamito''s clothes while he was running through the forest.

    The Forest of Ice Blossoms was too harsh an environment for humans, totally impossible to step into.

    The Elfim''s barrier had already vanished and no longer interfered with pathfinding. But the closer to Zirnitra, the stronger the blizzard.

    Kamito stared at the giant body that was faintly visible on the other side of the blizzard.

    (...So that''s the guardian spirit of Laurenfrost, huh.)

    However, given the way it was destroying the surrounding forest, it did not look like a guardian spirit no matter what.

    Instead, it looked like it had a grudge against the forest.

    With a sh of light, the forest was instantly dyed white under the night sky.

    Someone had apparently started engaging Zirnitra in battle.

    Was it the Wolf Ritters who had gone ahead first, or¡ª

    (¡ªthe sacred sword of Luminaris, right?)

    Kamito increased his running speed further.

    He used the Demon yer to chop away all branches blocking his way.

    Finally, a wide open space appeared before him.

    Then¡ª

    "...!"

    Seeing the bizarre scene, Kamito was rendered speechless.

    On the ground were the bodies of countless dragons, piled into mountains. A number of giant ice pirs were standing upright on the ground. The Elfim settlement was wrecked beyond recognition.

    "Were they wiped out by the spirit they summoned themselves...?"

    Kamito poured divine power into Est, instantly lighting the surroundings with powerful light.

    In a corner of his view, Kamito discovered a girl copsed on the ground.

    Dressed in ritual attire, a girl with jade-green hair¡ªone of the Elfim.

    "Hey, are you alright!?"

    Kamito frantically rushed over and picked up the girl in his arms.

    ...She was still breathing. cing his hand on her chest, he injected divine power to apply a shock, causing the girl to recover her breath.

    "...Who, is it...?"

    The girl opened her eyes slightly, panting painfully.

    ...It looked like her life was not in any danger for now. Kamito secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

    "...''re a... human...?"

    "Yeah, that''s right."

    Kamito nodded.

    "...Tell me. What happened here exactly?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, the princess maiden moved her trembling lips.

    "The Queen of Ice Blossoms... summoned, forest''s guardian spirit..."

    "...Queen... A human princess maiden?"

    The girl nodded slightly in response to Kamito''s question.

    "That queen failed to control the spirit?"

    "...No..."

    This time, she shook her head weakly.

    "She... No, it, from the start, was nning, to use Zirnitra..."

    "What do you mean?"

    "...It... merged with Zirnitra."

    "Merged with a spirit?"

    Kamito asked, unsure of the meaning.

    Perhaps the girl was talking nonsense due to a hazy consciousness.

    ¡ªAt this moment, the blowing blizzard stopped.

    Kamito looked up at the sky in surprise. Then...

    "...What, that''s...?"

    He groaned in his throat.

    The flying Zirnitra was catching and eating all of the ice dragons in the surroundings.

    Catching the circling ice dragons one after another, Zirnitra ate them without holding back at all.

    Every time it ate an ice dragon, the domination ice spirit''s giant body would expand further.

    Crack, crack¡ªApanied by loud noises of rupturing, ice grew out of its back.

    Kamito''s forehead was breaking out in cold sweat. Indeed, there were spirits that would feed on creatures in the human realm to replenish their divine power, but this thing¡ª

    (...isn''t absorbing divine power.)

    Instead, it was absorbing the ice dragons, assimting thempletely.

    Even demon spirits could not do that.

    This was no longer a spirit but just a monster.

    "...Please... you..."

    The girl touched Kamito''s face with her fingers.

    Her crimson eyes reflected the pain in her heart.

    "Please, let Zirnitra rest in peace..."

    "...Yeah, I got it."

    Even without needing her to beg, that sort of thing was not supposed to exist in this world.

    Kamito nodded and moved the girl to a spot shaded by fallen trees.

    At this time, he suddenly remembered and asked:

    "Can I ask a final question?"

    "...?"

    "Uh¡ªDid you ever see a girl?"

    "...A... girl...?"

    "Yeah, wearing a ck one-piece dress... A very pretty girl."

    The princess maiden widened her eyes suddenly.

    "...You saw her?"

    She nodded.

    "That girl was definitely here. I was responsible for taking care of her."

    "...! Then where is she now?"

    "...Not... sure..."

    The girl lowered her eyes and shook her head.

    "...Probably, escaped into the forest."

    "I see."

    Kamito stood up.

    He really wanted to chase after Restia.

    But currently¡ª

    (...I have to defeat that monster first.)

    He red at the giant spirit that kept merging with arge number of ice dragons.

    Part 6

    "...What exactly happened there!?"

    Rinslet was riding Fenrir, passing through the forest where trees have fallen left and right.

    All the soldiers were left in the castle while she made her way towards the deepest part of the forest.

    The ice dragons that had attacked Winter Gulf Castle were now gathered around Zirnitra, offering themselves to be eaten. Having merged with arge number of ice dragons, Zirnitra no longer resembled its original form. Its entire body being eaten away, bulging with pirs of ck ice that resembled stakes.

    "That''s the legendary guardian spirit of Laurenfrost?"

    ''Wrong. That is no longer something that could be ssified as a spirit¡ªIt has been reced.''

    Iseria''s voice resounded in Rinslet''s mind.

    "What do you mean?"

    ''That is a sin that my past selfmitted¡ªIseria Seaward''s sin.''

    Then she told the whole story.

    The truth of that day, buried in the memories of the insane Water Elemental Lord.

    Part 7

    "O sacred sword that vanquisheth evil, thou shalt turn the enemy into ash¡ªMurgleis!"

    Releasing silver-white light, the de tore through darkness to pierce Zirnitra''s head.

    ¡ªBut that was all. Having melded with ice dragons, turning into a strange block of ice, the monster quickly regenerated.

    "...Huff, huff... This monster!"

    Luminaris was kneeling on the ground, panting. She had vanquished archdemon-ss spirits before, but that was achieved while leading knights under hermand.

    (Also, this thing no longer counts as a spirit...!)

    ng¡ªtter tter!

    Peeling off from Zirnitra''s body, ice fell on the ground, causing noise and the scattering of dust.

    "...!"

    Luminaris instantly went pale in the face.

    There were reasons why she could not leave this ce which was under the falling ice.

    Because of her subordinates from the Sacred Spirit Knights, trapped in cursed ice.

    ...They should still be alive, but taking them all away was impossible. At this rate, they were going to get caught up in Zirnitra''s attacks eventually, or die from the cursed ice whenpletely drained of divine power.

    (Before that happens, this monster must be exterminated...!)

    But after sustainedbat against ice dragons and one instance of waffe release, Luminaris had almost depleted all her divine power. Driving her current self was nothing but stalwart willpower.

    No reinforcements. Fighting here, she was thest person remaining. The three Wolf Ritters sent from Winter Gulf were already devoured by the cursed ice after depleting their strength.

    (...Oh well, at least it worked in buying some time.)

    Staring at the pitch-ck sky, Luminaris adjusted her breathing.

    At this time, Zirnitra underwent changes in the air.

    Unable to support its body weight after excessive expansion, it started to free fall.

    Crash!

    Thending impact shook the ground.

    The wind pressure swept away the trees in its surroundings. The impact created a small crater on the ground.

    "...Guh¡ª"

    Luminaris hastily released Shield magic to protect her frozen subordinates.

    Afternding on the ground, Zirnitra had released cold air from its giant body, freezing the surroundingnd, causing the trees in the Forest of Ice Blossoms to wilt gradually.

    "It has already be a monster that only knows to devour everything huh..."

    Standing up unsteadily, she readied Murgleis again.

    (But while it has fallen on the ground, there are still chances for victory¡ª)

    But soon, she realized that this notion of hers was too naive.

    Suddenly, the ground swelled as countless ice des rose up in the surroundings.

    Assimting the Forest of Ice Blossoms, Zirnitra was turning the very ground itself into des of ice.

    Caught unprepared, Luminaris reacted an instant too slow.

    "Guh, ahhhhhh¡ª!"

    Pierced all over her body by the sharp des of cursed ice, she screamed from her throat.

    (...Is this... the end...?)

    A tear slid down Luminaris''s cheek. Ever since she suffered defeat three years ago at the hands of that Strongest de Dancer, she had vowed to never shed another tear again.

    (...Sor...ry...)

    Her final thoughts were with the subordinates who had followed her faithfully all along.

    Her fingers had no more strength. The sacred sword fell from her hand to the ground.

    The cursed ice invaded up to throat level. Just as Luminaris sighed in despair, at that moment...

    "¡ªDon''t give up. Your past self never gave up back when you were fighting her."

    (...?)

    A sh of white light. The cursed ice covering her entire body shattered with a crisp sound.

    Thrown into the air, she was caught by a pair of powerful arms.

    "¡ªYou look like you''re struggling, Miss Pdin."

    "...You... are...!"

    Team Scarlet''s male elementalist.

    ¡ªKazehaya Kamito.

 Volume 13, 8 - Queen of Ice Blossoms

    <h4>Volume 13, Chapter 8 - Queen of Ice Blossoms</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Kazehaya, Kami, to... Why are you here?"

    Held in Kamito''s arms, Luminaris panted while speaking.

    "Right back at you. What are the Holy Kingdom''s knights doing in Laurenfrost?"

    "...That... is¡ª"

    Luminaris bit her lip hard. Kamito shrugged and put her down.

    "Well whatever. I''ll ask about your purposeter. Let''s find a way to take care of that monster first."

    Kamito red at Zirnitra which was gradually assimting with the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    Perhaps due to absorbing the divine power from the spirits in the forest, the giant body made from cursed ice was giving off a strange light against the darkness of the night.

    "¡ªSo, what is up with that monster?"

    "If you ask me, who can I ask in turn? Spirits do not mutate like that at all¡ª"

    After applying Healing magic to herself, Luminaris suppressed a groan and stood up.

    "Don''t force yourself. You''re all covered with wounds already."

    "Shut up. Do not underestimate a Holy Kingdom''s knight."

    Luminaris replied sharply then gripped Murgleis properly again.

    Seeing that, Kamito shrugged.

    "I''ve still got lots to talk to you about. Like all the things you did to my friends, but oh well, let''s put that aside for now. How about we join forces right now?"

    "...What are you scheming?"

    Luminaris''s eyes of sapphire showed wariness as they red at Kamito.

    "I simply want a helping hand. It''d be tough if I had to handle that monster on my own. Also, I know your abilities very well, absolutely wless in terms ofbat."

    "Stop acting familiar, male elementalist."

    "But we are familiar. At least we have crossed des for real before¡ª"

    "What did you say?"

    Mid-sentence, Kamito realized he had misspoken and hastily stopped himself.

    (...Come to think of it, this girl doesn''t know my true identity.)

    "I do not remember fighting you before. During the final round, the one I engaged inbat was the user of the hellcat spirit."

    The suspicions in her eyes, ring at Kamito, became deeper and deeper.

    "W-Well, let''s forget about the trivial stuff for now. Judging by the situation, this isn''t the time for verbal arguments¡ª"

    Zirnitra''s giant body squirmed and gave off powerful light.

    "...Tsk!"

    Simultaneously, the two of them jumped apart.

    Instantly, countless ice des rushed out of the ground, tearing through the darkness.

    The two had barely dodged it, but¡ª

    "...! Alda!"

    Luminaris cried out. The rushing flow of ice des on the ground was going to attack her subordinates that were trapped in cursed ice.

    Luminaris''s sword made a slight noise. A torrent of sacred mes covered the ice des, vaporizing them.

    But the ice des where overwhelming in quantity. Quite a few of them evaded destruction.

    "No good¡ª!"

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form--Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    Instantly with an explosive kick against the ground, Kamito performed the anti-army technique of the Absolute de Arts.

    Slicing through darkness, the white de''s furious dance shattered the cursed ice despletely.

    "...What!?"

    Luminaris was rendered speechless.

    She had also reacted to the ice, but she was definitely incapable of performing the same kind of move.

    (...That movement just now, what was it?)

    After witnessing Kamito''s sword skills for the first time in person, Luminaris could not help but find herself at a loss for words.

    These were superb sword skills on par with the Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer three years ago.

    ...She was forced to admit to an overwhelming difference in strength.

    Slicing through all the ice des within the blink of an eye, Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the ground and turned to face Luminaris.

    "You too have reasons why you can''t retreat from here, right?"

    He shrugged and looked at the girls of the Sacred Spirit Knights, imprisoned in cursed ice.

    "In that case, now is the time for you to throw that knight''s pride or whatever it''s called to the dogs."

    "But..."

    Luminaris bit her lip hard and red squarely at Kamito.

    Then¡ª

    "...Just once."

    "Hmm?"

    "¡ªJust once, I shall ally with you!"

    "Yeah. That''s good enough."

    Kamito nodded and poured divine power into the Demon yer.

    "Follow me, Luminaris. Let''s take care of that thing in one go by overwhelming its regeneration speed."

    "Hmph, when I said I was allying with you, I never allowed you tomand me¡ªKazehaya Kamito!"

    The two of them kicked the ground at the same time.

    "¡ªWe''re up, Est!" "O Murgleis, grant sacred protection to thy knight!"

    The two sacred swords ripped through the darkness.

    Zirnitra roared, shooting cursed ice des from the ground in a radial pattern.

    "That move''s not gonna work!"

    Kamito kicked the ground to speed up and instantly raced past Luminaris to serve as the vanguard.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    A triple sh with god-like speed, slicing the ice des and blowing them away. Using that momentum, Kamito rushed into the howling blizzard to engage Zirnitra''s bloated body in meleebat.

    "O sacred sword that vanquisheth evil, thou shalt turn the enemy into ash¡ª!"

    Shouting, Luminaris rushed forward and stabbed her sword towards a mass of ice.

    With the sound of shattering, a hole opened up in the ice.

    But very soon, new ice rose up to fill up the pierced location.

    "Damn it¡ª"

    "Ordinary attacks are useless. Coordinate your timing with me!"

    "...Like I said, stop ordering me around!"

    Countless pirs of ice were growing out of Zirnitra''s entire body, then shot outwards.

    Faced with suppressive fire from all directions shot at point nk range, it was totally impossible to evade.

    (...Fine, I''ll just have to retaliate an eye for an eye!)

    Kamito went up decisively. Contracted to Est, Kamito possessed Steel''s Protection which enhanced the body''s durability. This allowed him some leeway to conduct self-sacrificing attacks.

    "Absolute de Arts ¡ª First Form, Purple Lightning!"

    Sharp pirs of ice shot at Kamito.

    Blood sttered from all over his body, but Kamito continued advancing, unfazed.

    Smashing ice with sword strikes of god-like speed, he pummeled the monster''s body to produce a cobweb-likework of cracks.

    "Not done yet¡ª"

    Maintaining a thrusting posture, Kamito infused the Demon yer with arge amount of divine power to cause an explosion. Suppose he destroyed the interior of the body directly rather than using slicing attacks, he should be able to slow down the regeneration speed. However¡ª

    ''¡ªNo good, Kamito!''

    (...Eh?)

    He heard Est''s voice in his mind. Suddenly, he was struck by a sense of powerlessness in his limbs.

    The ice where the sword was stabbed suddenly gave off powerful light.

    (...It''s absorbing my divine power!?)

    ''...Kami... to...''

    Kamito instantly tried to draw out the sword, but¡ª

    "...!"

    The cursed ice had frozen the sacred sword''s de, trying to pull it in.

    ''¡ªKamito, please let go of me!''

    "Like hell anyone''s gonna do that!"

    Using willpower alone to suppress the sense of exhaustion, Kamito yelled loudly.

    (...Restia, lend me the power you left behind!)

    The seal of darkness branded on Kamito''s right hand gave off ominous light.

    The silver-white de with dazzling radiance gradually took on a coating of darkness.

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    The Demon King''s Sword¡ªTerminus Est Zwei.

    Imbued with powers of darkness, the sacred sword released jet-ck lightning.

    The ensnaring cursed ice was instantly vaporized. Kamito took this opportunity to withdraw the de and distance himself all at once.

    Just at this moment...

    At the lower abdomen of this giant mass of magical ice, countless ice dragon heads sprouted.

    These were the remains of the ice dragons absorbed by Zirnitra.

    (...No way!?)

    The ice dragons all widened their jaws together and spewed out an astounding amount of blizzard breath.

    Kamito hastily readied the Demon King''s Sword to use as a shield. But having had his divine power sucked out just now, he was unable to bring out power sufficient to melt the blizzard.

    Just before he was about to be attacked by the blizzard and frozen all over¡ª

    "¡ªO Sacred Shield of protection!"

    Luminaris chanted protective magic to neutralize the blizzard.

    "...Sorry, thanks for saving me."

    Kamito fell to his knees, panting.

    Torn by ice des, his uniform was gradually dyed the color of blood.

    "Looks like melee weapon attacks are useless."

    Luminaris groaned.

    "But we don''t have enough firepower to burn the thing up using ranged attacks¡ª"

    Right, without overwhelming power to destroy it in one go, Zirnitra would probably be capable of infinite regeneration after merging with the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    But they did not have an attack capable to annihting the mass of something so gigantic¡ª

    (...If Rubia''s Laevateinn could be used here, it''d be a piece of cake.)

    ''¡ªKamito, please listen to me.''

    "...Est?"

    Hearing her, Kamito rested his gaze upon the Demon King''s Sword in his hand.

    ''The core for maintaining that spirit weapon should be present somewhere.''

    "...Core?"

    ''Yes, this monster absorbs divine power endlessly from the surroundings. That kind of thing will rapidly copse on its own. But it is able to stay materialized all this time because¡ª''

    "...I see. In other words, there''s a core somewhere that''s enough to sustain it?"

    Hearing Kamito''s mutterings, Luminaris reacted.

    "¡ªCore huh? I see now. I have some idea."

    "...Some idea, really?"

    "Yes. A human princess maiden at the Elfim settlement. I personally saw that girl merge with Zirnitra. Most likely, that girl is the¡ª"

    "A human princess maiden..."

    Kamito was struck with surprise.

    ...Indeed, the Elfim girl had mentioned it too.

    Something about the Queen of Ice Blossoms merging with Zirnitra.

    At the time, he had been skeptical about the notion of a human merging with a spirit¡ª

    "As long as the core is targeted, there''s a way to stop that monster huh¡ª"

    Kamito looked towards the monster, restless in the darkness.

    Zu... Zuzuzu... Zuzuzu...!

    The traces of damage inflicted by Kamito and Luminaris had already started to regenerate. With ice dragon heads sprouting all over, the massive body was currently still devouring thend slowly. At this rate, it could swallow the entire forest, turning into a monster that even an army would be unable to stop.

    "...Wanna try a gamble?"

    Readying the Demon King''s Sword that was exuding miasma of darkness, Kamito said:

    "Luminaris, when I give the signal, release your strongest move as much as you can."

    "Like I said, stop ordering me¡ª"

    "¡ªI''m begging you. Most likely, this move can only be used once."

    "..."

    Faced with Kamito''s serious voice, Luminaris fell silent.

    "...Understood. You shall decide the timing."

    "Yeah, just leave it to me¡ª"

    Holding the Demon King''s Sword, Kamito rushed towards the howling blizzard.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kicking the ground hard, he instantly closed in, then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts ¡ª First Form, Purple Lightning!"

    A strike with god-like speed left arge crack on the ice.

    "¡ªLuminaris, here you go!"

    "Yes¡ª"

    Answering Kamito''s cries, Luminaris raised the sacred sword high.

    "Ancient guardian of the Holy Kingdom¡ªThou art Murgleis, the sacred sword defending the country!"

    The surging sacred mes sted the blizzard apart and pierced the crack made by Kamito.

    Surpassing the cursed ice''s regeneration speed, the burning sacred mes howled inside Zirnitra''s body.

    (...Not bad at all!)

    While mentally offering praises to her, Kamito charged into the howling sacred mes without hesitation at all.

    ¡ªThis was a gamble. Suppose his predictions were wrong, Kamito would likely be burnt into ash. However¡ª

    (Luminaris''s elemental waffe is purely of the holy attribute. In that case¡ª)

    It would be the same as for healing magic. Having inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, his Demon King body was going to deflect it.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Covering the jet-ck Demon King''s Sword with lightning of darkness, Kamito charged into the mes.

    He could feel overwhelming heat on his skin.

    ¡ªHowever, the sacred mes did not touch Kamito.

    Brushing away the mes in front of him¡ªHe saw it, right there.

    (...That''s it!)

    The final wall of ice that even the howling sacred mes could not approach.

    Inside the wall of ice was the core sustaining Zirnitra here.

    Roaring, Kamito kicked the ground to elerate further.

    Then¡ª

    He released the final move from the Absolute de Arts.

    "Absolute de Arts ¡ª Destructive Form, Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Eighteen Consecutive Strikes?Lightning re!"

    shing freely left and right with lightning everywhere, he instantly smashed the wall of ice standing in his way.

    Twelve, thirteen, fourteen¡ªWith every sh, ayer of the ice wall was shaved off, destroying it.

    Even time for regeneration was not given. Ahead of the consecutive shes with god-like speed was¡ª

    (...That''s!?)

    Kamito saw the figure imprisoned securely inside the wall of cursed ice.

    He saw the figure of a human girl, dressed as a princess maiden.

    (...Could that be the Queen of Ice Blossoms!?)

    After seeing the girl''s appearance up close, Kamito could not help but shudder.

    He had seen the girl''s face before.

    Yes, it was what Rinslet had shown him at the Water Elemental Shrine, inside a spirit crystal.

    (...Judia Laurenfrost!?)

    ¡ªJust at that moment...

    The girl inside the cursed ice slowly opened her eyes.

    She opened her emerald eyes that were identical to Rinslet''s.

    Za, zazaza, za¡ªzazazaza, za, zaza, za¡ª

    Her adorable lips trembled slightly¡ª

    (...!)

    In the next instant, Kamito''s body was engulfed in ck cursed ice.

    Part 2

    "...Why did this happen!? Then merging with Zirnitra is¡ª"

    After hearing Iseria''s confession, Rinslet''s face instantly went deathly pale.

    What happened on that fateful day, four years ago.

    The cruel truth shocked her deeply.

    "No way, I can''t believe it... Iseria-sama... Please tell me that isn''t true...!"

    ''...Sorry, Rinslet. Everything is due to the sins of my past self.''

    "Iseria-sama..."

    Sitting astride Fenrir''s back, Rinslet was at a total loss.

    (...Why?...Why not me but her...)

    Fenrir jumped over fallen trees andnded on a piece of barrennd ravaged by a blizzard.

    ¡ªJust at that moment, still in a dazed state, Rinslet opened her eyes wide.

    "¡ªKamito-san!?"

    She saw Kamito charging into the punctured crack in Zirnitra.

    The punctured crack quickly regenerated, intending to imprison Kamito inside.

    (...Now is not the time to be shocked!)

    Supposing whaty inside was really the existence that Iseria mentioned¡ª

    "¡ªFenrir, quickly!"

    Receiving Rinslet''smand, Fenrir took a massive leap.

    While roaring to blow the blizzard apart, he jumped into the gradually closing crack.

    Inside the crack were intensely burning mes.

    Seeing that, Rinslet immediately chanted spirit magic while riding Fenrir.

    "O king ruling over cold winter, I beseech thee to grant unto me thy protection¡ªField of Cold!"

    At thest minute, a shield of cold air deployed in Fenrir''s surroundings protected her.

    Originally, these were not mes that could be defended against using spirit magic but fortunately, they had lost over half their power inside Zirnitra''s body.

    "¡ªKamito-san, where are you!?"

    Cursed ice stood upright before her, blocking the way. In response¡ª

    "O primordial ice, shatter mine enemy¡ªIcicle Spear!"

    Rinslet summoned a giant spear of ice from the air, destroying the obstacle in one hit.

    Inside the shattered wall of ice¡ª

    "¡ªKamito-san!"

    She could see the figure of Kamito trapped inside the ck cursed ice.

    "...Guh, Rins... let...?"

    His upper body already covered with cursed ice, Kamito moved his lips slightly.

    Rinslet instantly jumped down from Fenrir''s back and rushed over to his side.

    "...Kamito-san, I shall save you right away!"

    "...Rins... let... no... Hurry, escape..."

    Kamito''s voice sounded like he was out of breath, but Rinslet simply shook her head in response:

    "I am a noble from the honorable House of Laurenfrost. I shall never abandon others!"

    Rinslet took a step back and chanted spirit magic.

    "O primordial ice, shatter mine enemy¡ªIcicle Spear!"

    The spear of ice summoned from the air pierced the ck cursed ice that was afflicting Kamito.

    Inside the magical chamber sealed in ice, a crisp sound was heard.

    ¡ªBut that was all.

    Not even a single crack appeared on the cursed ice covering Kamito.

    "...Why is this happening!?"

    ''The cursed ice is absorbing Kazehaya Kamito''s burgeoning divine power. This level of spirit magic is unable to deal any damage to it¡ª''

    Iseria''s voice sounded in her mind.

    "Why is this happening..."

    The ck cursed ice even absorbed Rinslet''s magic as well, advancing even faster.

    "...Guh, ah, ahhhh...!"

    Strangled with cursed ice tightening around his throat, Kamito made painful noises.

    "Kamito-san... Kamito-san...!"

    Rinslet reflexively hugged him, cradling her arms around his neck.

    This was to protect Kamito''s head from the spreading of the cursed ice.

    But that kind of action proved fruitless as well.

    The cursed ice mercilessly froze her arms gradually.

    "...Guh, Rins... let... hurry... let go..."

    "...No... Don''t... wanna!"

    Rinslet kept shaking her head like a child throwing a tantrum.

    Throwing her usual elegance out the window, she screamed with a crying face:

    "B-Because if you''re gone, ire will be heartbroken!"

    "...!"

    "Also the Captain, Her Highness the Imperial Princess, Miss Sword Spirit... As well as m-me..."

    Rinslet stared in the Kamito''s face while cradling his head in both arms.

    They were close enough to feel each other''s breaths. Rather ill-timed, their cheeks went red.

    "Rinslet..."

    "...That''s why... I will never... ever give up!"

    Hearing Rinslet''s words¡ª

    "...Ahhh... Right, ah...!"

    Despite his hazy consciousness, Kamito still nodded.

    (...Th-There should be some solution...)

    He felt an intense chill all over his body. Spreading to his feet, the cursed ice was absorbing divine power.

    "...Guh... Ah...."

    Kamito''s eyelids slowly closed over his eyes.

    "¡ªKamito-san!"

    Rinslet screamed loudly but Kamito did not wake up.

    ...He had apparently lost consciousnesspletely.

    (...Ooh, shattering this cursed ice is the only way!)

    Rinslet refined divine power, preparing to unleash spirit magic again.

    ¡ªAt this time, something glowed inside the cursed ice that was gradually imprisoning the two of them.

    (...Miss Sword Spirit?)

    What was glowing was the sacred sword in Kamito''s hand.

    Indeed, even with his entire body covered in cursed ice, Kamito still did not let go of the Demon yer. Even with his divine power sucked dry, in a state of unconsciousness, he still maintained its elemental waffe form without dispelling it.

    That was Kamito''s will, resisting to the very end.

    He knew. That this Demon yer was his only hope for breaking the cursed ice¡ª

    (...So long as he has enough divine power, he can allow Miss Sword Spirit to bring out her power!)

    And the only method was¡ª

    Making her decision, Rinslet nodded.

    "Kamito-san... I, love you, Kamito-san¡ª"

    She touched Kamito''s cheeks with both hands.

    Then¡ª

    "E-Even as a noble, I have confessed my feelings. Before I hear your answer, I will not permit you to die...!"

    She kissed the unconscious Kamito.

    With every breath, she sent refined divine power into Kamito''s body.

    Kamito''s throat moved as a result, despite the fact that he was supposed to have lost consciousness.

    "...Guh... Ah, ku..."

    "I offer you all of my divine power, Kamito-san¡ª"

    Hugging Kamito''s neck tightly, Rinslet kissed even deeper.

    The Demon yer''s light strengthened, its rays producing diffused reflection inside the cursed ice.

    The cursed ice cracked. From that crevice, the sacred sword, shining with silver-white luster, appeared.

    "...O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Just as Kamito''s mighty yell echoed within Zirnitra''s body, in that very instant...

    The prison of cursed ice locking them away was shattered.

    Part 3

    The cursed ice''s remains scattered like glittering stars.

    In the center was Kamito standing there, holding Rinslet in his arms.

    "...Kamito... -san...!"

    Rinslet''s lips, as lovely as a flower bud, parted slightly.

    Kamito ced her onto the back of Fenrir who was waiting on the side.

    "¡ªThank you, Rinslet."

    Rinslet had exhausted her power. Kamito gently ced his hand on her head.

    Currently, massive divine power was flowing in a fierce torrent inside Kamito''s body.

    This was the divine power that Rinslet had used all her strength to deliver to him. Light from the Demon yer in his hand illuminated every nook and cranny inside Zirnitra''s body.

    The light illuminated the figure in the deepest part of the cursed ice where darkness resided.

    The Queen of Ice Blossoms¡ªJudia Laurenfrost.

    Za, zazaza, za, zazazazazazaza, zazaza, zaza¡ª

    Her lips kept producing strange noises, creating cursed ice in Kamito''s surroundings.

    But it was useless. So long as the Demon yer in Kamito''s hand still had divine power, the cursed ice was unable to approach him.

    "Judia..."

    With a pained expression, Rinslet stared at her sister inside the cursed ice.

    But Judia''s empty gaze did not reflect her figure.

    "...What is going on? What is actually up with her¡ª"

    While staring at the girl in the cursed ice, Kamito asked Rinslet behind him.

    Rinslet bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before...

    "¡ªLike the corrosion of the Elemental Lords, the Otherworldly Darkness is responsible."

    Finally, she exined with an expression of suffering.

    "...The Otherworldly Darkness is in her body?"

    "Yes. Iseria-sama told me¡ªThe truth of that particr day."

    Rinslet nodded and lowering her gaze slightly, she began to recount.

    ¡ªFour years ago, on the day of the Water Elemental Festival.

    Corroded by the Otherworldly Darkness, the Water Elemental Lord was on the verge of losing control. If further corruption continued at the same rate, it was easily conceivable that she would eventually end up along the same path as the Fire Elemental Lord who had destroyed the town of Dylus.

    But her actual condition was actually more severe than that of the Fire Elemental Lord''s back then.

    The Otherworldly Darkness corroding the Water Elemental Lord not only intended to invade Astral Zero but also the human realm which was supposed to be isted on a material level.

    "...Coming into contact with that darkness by chance was Judia."

    Looking at the girl in the cursed ice, Rinslet bit her lip.

    "If only I had conducted the ritual on that day as customary¡ª"

    Sensing that a princess maiden in the human realm intended to contact the Water Elemental Lord, the Otherworldly Darkness caused part of the darkness to sneak into her body through the ritual.

    Judia was an excellent princess maiden. This was perhaps one of the factors causing the tragedy. Infected by the insanity of the Otherworldly Darkness, she intended to summon the main body of the darkness to the human realm¡ª

    "...I see."

    Listening to this point, Kamito suddenly reacted.

    "In order to stop that, Iseria¡ª"

    "...Yes."

    Rinslet nodded and continued.

    "On that day, the Water Elemental Lord was on thest vestiges of sanity. In order to prevent the worst oue, she sealed her¡ªJudia¡ªin cursed ice, together with the Otherworldly Darkness."

    ¡ªThose were the memories of the truth that Iseria had found from within the Water Elemental Lord.

    "But it has awakened once more¡ª"

    Most likely in the instant when Kamito and his team were liberating the elemental lord in Astral Zero, the Otherworldly Darkness had activated.

    The darkness sealed in the cursed ice resonated and recovered its power.

    Then breaking the cursed ice, the darkness controlled Judia and started moving autonomously.

    First it used mind control on the Elfim inhabiting the forest and started preparing the revival of the powerful spirit, Zirnitra. Then merging with the powerful entity, it intended to summon the true body of the darkness into the human realm to rece itself.

    "...Is there a way to save her?"

    Looking at Judia who was still making noises, Kamito asked.

    Rinslet readied her bow elemental waffe and stood next to Kamito.

    "¡ªDefinitely possible. Assuming it''s you, Kamito-san, the one who freed the Fire Elemental Lord."

    Kamito silently nodded and readied the Demon yer.

    Concentrating the turbulent divine power into one point, he poured it into the de.

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce -- Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet used thest of her divine power to fire the final shot.

    Anxious to save her sister, the arrow she had fired with full concentration pierced the wall of cursed ice, creating a tiny crack.

    Kamito made a thrust with the sword''s tip towards that crack¡ª

    "¡ªCome back. Your sister is waiting."

    Shining silver-white, the sacred sword pierced the chest of the Queen of Ice Blossoms.

 Volume 13, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 13, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    Prior to dawn, the sky was still dark and the snow-coverednd was shrouded in silence.

    Having lost its core, the Queen of Ice Blossoms, Zirnitra''s bloated existence could not be sustained and copsed. Originally, spirits destroyed in the human realm would disappear and return to Astral Zero, but having melded together with tangible matter, Zirnitra had lost this trait of spirits and ended up as a corpse left out in the open.

    Taking the unconscious Judia, Kamito and Rinslet returned to Winter Gulf Castle for now.

    Attacked by the ice dragons, the castle walls were severely damaged but the interior of the castle was essentially unharmed. There were no deaths among the soldiers either.

    In order to prevent chaos from breaking out among the people in the castle, Rinslet kept Judia in her own room for now. Snoring away in her slumber, Judia looked very young in face, almost as though her time had stopped since the Water Elemental Festival on that day four years ago.

    As for Judia''s sudden return, Mireille could hardly contain her surprise initially but soon disyed her characteristic optimism, offering with Mi to take care of Judia together.

    After finishing her duties for the most part, Rinslet was having a bath alone in the purification facility.

    "...Phew. With too many things happened, I am totally exhausted."

    Immersed in the hot water up to her shoulders, Rinslet breathed a sigh of relief.

    Due to defending Winter Gulf Castle and giving Kamito the majority of her divine power, her body was excessively fatigued.

    To avoid copsing on the ground, she had to recover her divine power as quickly as possible.

    ...Things will only get busier from now on. Not just about Judia, but also arranging for healers to treat the wounded soldiers, repairing the half-destroyed castle walls, as well as¡ª

    (...I still need to do something about those children who lost their forest.)

    Rinslet had gathered the Elfim children whose settlement was destroyed, bringing them to the castle for protection and medical treatment.

    Elfim tribes were not bound by imperialws to begin with, but those living in the Forest of Ice Blossoms were equivalent to Laurenfrost subjects. Giving them necessary protection was part of a noble''s duties.

    (...Before Father and Mother return, I must fulfill the duties of a temporary ruler properly.)

    While she was pondering these matters in the bath, her body felt scorching as though on fire.

    "...Huah... I-It''s here... again...!"

    Her heart was beating intensely and she could feel divine power that should have been depleted, coursing rapidly through her body.

    ...The reason did not require much thinking. It was precisely the kiss she shared with Kamito.

    (...This power, what on earth is going on?)

    Touching her moist lips with her finger, Rinslet murmured to herself.

    Part 2

    ¡ªKamito was alone on a terrace in the castle, looking up at the dawn sky.

    The rays of sunriseing from the Kyria Mountain Range gradually illuminated the entirety of the Forest of Ice Blossoms under his view.

    Meanwhile he was gazing down at the giant corpse of Zirnitra, lying in the depths of the forest.

    (...Restia, where exactly did she go?)

    Kamito exhaled white mist.

    She escaped into the forest¡ªThat was what the Elfim princess maiden had mentioned.

    Then she was probably still in the forest.

    Once the sun was up, Kamito intended to search for her again.

    (...Such a shame that the Holy Kingdom''s knights got away.)

    ording to Natalia, captain of the Wolf Ritters, Luminaris and the Sacred Spirit Knights had already disappeared without trace by the time she went to rescue members of the Wolf Ritters. If possible, Kamito naturally wanted to capture Luminaris to interrogate for information. But including Luminaris, everyone should be covered in wounds, so the Sacred Spirit Knights were probably not going to continue hunting down Restia.

    "Kamito-san¡ª"

    At this moment, he heard an apprehensive voice from behind.

    Looking back, he found Rinslet at the entrance to the terrace, having just finished her bath.

    She was still wearing the attire for ritual purification with a bathrobe worn on her shoulders.

    Her skin was still showing a red flush with faint water vapor rising.

    Confronted with the youngdy''s seductive appearance, Kamito could not help but feel his heart rate rising.

    "Rinslet..."

    She walked over to Kamito''s side and leaned against the railing.

    "Umm, about Judia, I am very grateful. It is all thanks to you, Kamito-san."

    "No, I''m the one who should be thankful. If you weren''t there at the time, Rinslet..."

    "...What''s the matter?"

    "No, nothing..."

    Catching faint glimpses of her cleavage from the gap in her bathrobe, Kamito averted his gaze.

    The sun was gradually rising, causing her long, tinum blonde hair to look increasingly lustrous and beautiful.

    "Umm, yes..."

    Rinslet seemed to be shyly stammering as she tried to bring up a topic.

    "Umm, I-I wanted to talk about what happened back then..."

    "...Back then?"

    "Y-Yes... L-Like I said, back then!"

    Her face grew redder and she even pouted.

    "Oh, sure..."

    Only now did Kamito finally realize.

    ...She was talking about kissing Kamito to transfer divine power to him.

    "...B-Back then, umm... Thank goodness."

    Still pouting, Rinslet suddenly leaned against Kamito.

    "Back then, what I said, uh... was serious, you know?"

    Her clear eyes of emerald were staring at Kamito uneasily.

    As for Kamito¡ª

    "...What you said?"

    "...Eh? Yes..."

    Seeing question marks popping over Kamito''s head, Rinslet could hardly conceal her confusion.

    "...Umm, say... Could it be, you didn''t hear it?"

    "S-Sorry... Back then, my mind was hazy..."

    ...Kamito apologized honestly. Indeed, Rinslet seemed to have said something before kissing him¡ª

    "...~W-W-W-W-What...!?"

    Rinslet trembled and shook.

    Whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh whoosh... Suddenly, a blizzard began to blow in the surroundings.

    "S-Sorry... C-Could you say it again..."

    "...~F-Forget about it!"

    Angrily, Rinslet turned her head away.

    "...I-I clearlymitted my resolve, a serious kiss... that''s why..."

    "...!"

    ¡ªJust as Kamito was shaken, at that moment...

    "...K-Kiss, k-kiss... Come again?"

    "Damn it... So you''ve engaged in such shameless behavior again!"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    This time, the surrounding temperature rose rapidly.

    (...Hold on, this voice is!?)

    "...C-ire! And Captain!?"

    Rinslet cried out in a panic.

    "H-Hold on... Why are the two of you here!?"

    "W-We heard you two went on a trip¡ª"

    "We came to chase you down!"

    With angry auras, the two girls approached Kamito.

    "...S-Speaking of which, what is this about a k-kiss, k-kiss?"

    "Hmm, I cannot pretend I did not hear it!"

    "N-No... Umm, uh, it''s not like what you''re thinking¡ª"

    "...K-Kamito-san, what do you mean by that!?"

    For some reason, even Rinslet started to pout when she was supposed to know the truth.

    ¡ªAt this moment...

    Kamito''s gaze was suddenly drawn to the terrace''s entrance.

    ¡ªSomeone was standing there.

    A girl with gorgeous long hair the color of darkness and dusk-colored eyes.

    "...Res... tia¡ª?"

 Volume 13, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 13, Afterword</h4>

    ...I, love you, Kamito-san¡ª

    Hello everyone, I am Shimizu. Thank you very much for buying this book. Sorry for the long wait. This time, I present to everyone Volume 13 of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "Queen of Ice Blossoms"!

    One week has passed since the Academy was attacked using the opportunities afforded by the Great Festival of the Spirits. Having recovered his memory, Kamito received a certain piece of news. Reportedly, a girl resembling Restia had appeared in a forest on near the Empire''s borders. In order to confirm the veracity of this news, Kamito set off for Rinslet''s homnd of Laurenfrost!

    As a result, this volume is where the perfect well-breddy, Rinslet, gets to shine. On further thought, she is the poor girl who never received any main plot devoted to her despite appearing on the cover of Volume 4... Finally, she gets the chance to counterattack this time. Because Rinslet is one of my favorite characters, writing this volume was quite an easy and enjoyable process!

    Nextes acknowledgements. I am very thankful to Sakura Hanpen-sensei who has drawn outstanding and adorable illustrations again. How rare it is to put an animal on a light novel''s cover.

    Editor in charge, Sukawa-sama, sorry for causing you trouble all the time. Thank you and thank you once again.

    Hyouju Issei-sensei, thank you for drawing the bestic adaptation as always. The intense battle scenes always makes me look forward to them. The third volume of theic with Est on the cover is also selling with favorable ratings. If possible, please show your support and check it out, I highly rmend it!

    Finally, the greatest thanks goes to every reader. I am really really super thankful!

    Next, just to let you know about a joint offering from Hirasakayomi-sensei, Sagarasou-sensei, Suzuri-sensei and Shimizu, a GranCrest''s TRPG rey titled "NEET Lord''s Dragon ying Tales" is currently for sale under Fujimi Dragon Book. Because it is a very fun (*very outrageous) rey, all interested readers should check it out. A certain familiar spirit from this series will also make an appearance there!

    Also, also, there is news about the anime adaptation that will start broadcasting in July¡ª

    Including filming, script and cast of voice actors, one could say this is a gathering of the best staff. The production is by TNK whose other works include High School DxD and this spring''s Kenzen Robo Daimidaler. The director is also Yanagisawa Tetsuya the same as for those two anime series. Please look forward to the product from the strongest lineup!

    ¡ªOkay, the official start to the "Spirit War Arc" will finally arrive next volume. Let''s meet again with Volume 14, "Upheaval in the Imperial Capital"!

    Shimizu Yuu, March 2014

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Nice to meet you, or hello again, this is Sakura Hanpen!

    Rinslet-san! Rinslet-san! It''s been a while!!

    I''m so happy to be drawing her for the cover this time!

    The truth is, other than Scarlet this is the first time I''m drawing an animal spirit!

    Because of that I ended up wasting a lot of time and caused lots of problems for Shimizu-sensei and our editor Sukawa-san T_T

    But I''m d I managed to draw her so cutely!

    Rinslet-san really did a lot in this volume and that made me really happy!

    It makes me look forward to the next volume...

    Many other things have happened but I''ll keep doing my best for this so treat me favorably!

    Well then, see you next volume!

 Volume 14, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 14, Prologue</h4>

    "...Res...tia...?"

    Dawn''s rays were shining upon Winter Gulf Castle''s terrace¡ª

    Kamito could only stand there in shock, staring in astonishment.

    His gaze was fixed firmly upon the girl standing behind ire.

    Long and beautiful hair that seemed to meld with the darkness of night. Dusk-colored eyes that reflected sunlight to produce a mysterious color. d in Elfim clothing, her delicate body exhibited beauty like that of fine ssware. Her clear skin was snow white.

    Although she was not wearing her usual dress in the color of night, this was undoubtedly Restia''s appearance.

    Darkness Spirit Restia¡ªHer true name was Restia Ashdoll.

    She was the contracted spirit whom Kamito was supposed to have killed in that shrine of the Elemental Lords.

    "...Are you really... Restia...?"

    Breathing irregrly, Kamito approached her with unsteady footsteps.

    Despite confronting that appearance of hers face to face, Kamito still could not believe it.

    Indeed, she should have ceased to exist right before Kamito''s eyes.

    Before he touched her with his hand, he could not believe this was real.

    His fingertips made contact with her slender shoulder.

    In that instant, the girl with Restia''s appearance shrank away in fear.

    "U-Umm..."

    "...Restia?"

    The unexpected reaction gave Kamito pause.

    Her dusk-colored eyes seemed to¡ª

    "¡ªKamito."

    A voice called out from behind him.

    Kamito looked back to see ire staring at him with mixed feelings.

    "ire, what on earth happened to her...?"

    "Listen here, Kamito¡ª"

    In that instant, ire spoke to Kamito hesitantly but paused.

    Soon after, she continued as though mustering her resolve:

    "This girl seems to have forgotten everything about us."

    ¡ªThat was the conversation that had taken ce.

 Volume 14, 1 - Morning at Winter Gulf

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 1 - Morning at Winter Gulf</h4>

    Part 1

    There was a room on the highest floor of Winter Gulf Castle, originally used as Margrave Laurenfrost''s office.

    Currently, the castle''s rooms were opened up for the numerous wounded soldiers, hence, this office was the only ce remaining where Kamito andpany could settle down for a calm conversation without fear of eavesdropping spirits.

    A room with only minimum necessary furniture, tables and chairs¡ª

    "In other words, you lost your memory too..."

    "...Yes."

    Shifting her gaze slightly away, the girl nodded lightly.

    Kamito and the girl were alone here. Deciding that it might be easier for the two of them to talk alone, Rinslet and the others had tactfully departed.

    (...This is Restia, right?)

    Kamito thought to himself. He had already confirmed many times with his own eyes.

    After all, he could not mistake this appearance.

    She was the contracted spirit who had remained at his side the whole time since his childhood.

    Even so, his disbelief stemmed from how different she currently was,pared to the Restia he knew so well.

    (...The Restia I know would never show such a gaze.)

    Slight fear could be seen in her dusk-colored eyes.

    That gaze, as though looking at aplete stranger, brought stinging pain to Kamito''s chest.

    Several days had passed since her awakening in the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    While she was wandering the forest, escaping from the Holy Kingdom''s knights who were targeting her, Elfim children had discovered her and hid her at their vige.

    She had forgotten all memories prior to that, only remembering the name "Restia." Let alone memories of Kamito, she did not even remember the fact that she was a spirit.

    (That''s very simr to my case when I first woke up...)

    Kamito recalled when he had woken up at the Academy recently.

    At the time, Kamito had been in a state of amnesia due to the psychological shock of losing Restia.

    Due to this condition, he had lost all memories rted to Restia.

    Of course, no matter how simr their symptoms, seeing as Kamito was a human and Restia was a spirit, they could not be judged using the same standards...

    (...Rather, I''d say it''s more simr to Iseria''s situation.)

    Iseria Seaward was the Water Elemental Lord''s incarnation who had guided Kamito to thesends. At one point, she had also been sealed underground at the Abandoned City, having lost all her memories apart from her own name.

    Although Iseria''s case seemed more like someone had intentionally applied a seal, perhaps it was possible that someone''s will had interfered with Restia too¡ª?

    "So, do you know why you were teleported to this forest?"

    She shook her head lightly as soon as he asked his question.

    "No, I really can''t remember anything before waking up in the forest."

    "...I see. If only there were some clues to get your memory back."

    Seeing Kamito sigh, she suddenly thought of something, looked up and said:

    "Speaking of which, the princess maiden of the Forest Dwellers said the Queen of Ice Blossoms called for me¡ª"

    "...Judia?"

    The Queen of Ice Blossoms was the title given to the human princess maiden, Judia Laurenfrost, by the Elfim race living in the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    The Otherworldly Darkness had corrupted her three years ago during a failed ritual. Using her as a catalyst to manifest in the human realm, it summoned the guardian spirit Zirnitra to thesends. Merging with the Otherworldly Darkness, Zirnitra had destroyed the Forest of Ice Blossoms within merely the span of one night.

    Liberated from the darkness by the Demon yer''s power, Judia was still sleeping in a room in the castle.

    (Judia had called Restia to thesends. If that''s true¡ª)

    During the instant when Restia vanished, the Otherworldly Darkness spilling out from the shrine of the Elemental Lords, or something else, could have interfered with Restia¡ª

    Kamito looked up and turned to Restia again.

    "Is there anything else you remember? Anything at all, like individual terms shing through your mind... Such as ''Instructional School'' or ''Dusk Witch''¡ª"

    However, Restia simply shook her head gently.

    "...I''m sorry. I really can''t recall anything."

    She whispered very apologetically.

    "I still can''t understandpletely... that I''m a spirit and contracted to you, stuff of that sort¡ª"

    Her voice trembled slightly.

    "...I''m really sorry... I guess you''re still very confused."

    Kamito frantically apologized and ced his hand on Restia''s head.

    "It''s fine if you can''t remember me. More important than anything else, you''re still alive and we''re reunited again, that''s good enough¡ª"

    "..."

    Kamito looked at Restia''s dusk-colored eyes incredulously.

    (...She used to stroke my head during the nights whenever I couldn''t sleep.)

    Recalling past memories, Kamito smiled wryly.

    It was his first time stroking Restia''s head. What a new experience.

    "U-Umm, it really tickles..."

    Troubled whispers came from Restia.

    "Oh sorry, I identally..."

    At this moment, there was knocking at the door of this quiet room.

    "Onii-sama, breakfast is ready."

    Kamito heard the voice of Mireille, Rinslet''s little sister.

    "Oh, it''s already such an hour¡ª"

    Rising from his chair, Kamito opened the door.

    Standing in front of the door was Mireille with Mi the maid by her side.

    "Good morning, Onii-sama."

    Raising her skirt hem lightly in a curtsy, Mireille greeted adorably.

    "Oh, good morning. Was it scaryst night?"

    "I was fine. Onee-sama and Mi were by my side."

    Mireille nodded resolutely.

    Last night, this Winter Gulf Castle had almost fallen to the siege by swarms of ice dragons controlled by Zirnitra. Even as a proud daughter of nobles, Mireille was only nine years old. It should have been a terrifying experience.

    "I see. You''re such a brave child, Mireille."

    Kamito stooped down to Mireille''s height and patted her on the head.

    "My goodness, I hate it when you treat me like a child, Onii-sama."

    Mireille pouted angrily.

    "Kamito, take this¡ª"

    "What do I do with it?"

    Mi handed out a maid uniform of the same design as what she was wearing.

    Looking at Restia behind Kamito, Mi said calmly:

    "Wearing Elfim clothing inside the castle is too conspicuous. It would be best to change into this."

    "...Understood."

    Restia whispered and epted the maid uniform.

    "So, Onii-sama, please leave the room."

    "¡ªWhy?"

    "My goodness! Do you intend to peek on a girl changing?"

    "Oh right..."

    Set straight by Mireille, Kamito exited the room in a panic.

    ¡ªSeveral minutester, Restia walked out of the room, having changed into a lovely maid uniform.

    Long ck hair reaching to her waist, an excellent match with the whiteness of her maid''s headdress.

    Back in her old dress of darkness, Restia gave off an aura of mysterious charm, but now, her appearance was that of an ordinary girl.

    "It suits you very well, Miss Spirit."

    "D-Does it?"

    Slightly shyly, Restia blushed.

    "Well, Onii-sama, don''t you have anyments?"

    "O-Oh... It''s very cute."

    Kamito scratched his cheek while looking away.

    "T-Thank you..."

    Blushing intensely, Restia looked down in embarrassment.

    Part 2

    "...Hoo, it''s really quite cold."

    The chilly air of the Laurenfrostnds was making Kamito shiver a bit.

    Bringing Restia along in her maid uniform, Kamito was following a parapet wall towards the castle''s za.

    Est had stayed in the room. Kamito had wanted to cancel her sword form, but she seemed quite exhausted after the previous day''s battle, giving no response to Kamito''s touch.

    (...That can''t be helped either.)

    The castle''s halls were filled with injured soldiers. Meals had to be eaten outdoors.

    Normally, daughters of nobles would not eat together withmoners, but Rinslet ordered to have the za opened up for everyone in the castle to share meals together outdoors.

    This was probably one reason why Margrave Laurenfrost''s family was well loved and respected by the majority of their subjects.

    "...Even so, I''m amazed that it''s still holding up after that kind of attack."

    From the edge of the damaged wall, Kamito looked down at the za below.

    Roughly a few hours ago, this castle was still under attack from ice dragons.

    Piles of debris and gigantic corpses of ice dragons. Large spirits were clearing up. A long line of soldiers were waiting to eat near tents.

    Seeing the soldiers wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, Restia reacted with a pained look.

    "There''s not enough people to help with treatment?"

    "No, the Wolf Ritters'' healers have gone off with Father''s delegation to attend the All Nations Conference. The castles of nobles with elementalists are quite far from here and will need more time before they arrive."

    Mireille shook her head and exined.

    "If only I could use healing magic too."

    Restia bit her lip hard and showed a suffering expression.

    Seeing that look on Restia''s face, Mi asked Kamito with aplicated expression:

    "Kamito, is this girl really that darkness spirit?"

    "...?"

    Kamito frowned for an instant, but soon figured it out.

    (Oh right, Mi''s team was in the de Dance¡ª)

    Mi had belonged to the Rupture Division, a team that had been crushed by the partnership of Nepenthes Lore and Restia.

    Having tasted such terror, Mi probably had difficulty believing that the current Restia was the same one she had encountered in the past.

    "...To be honest, I''m not sure either."

    Kamito shook his head and replied.

    "In terms of appearance, it''s definitely Restia, no mistake about it..."

    Indeed, looking at the current Restia, one would conclude that the memories and personality constituting the past Restia had vanishedpletely.

    Was her case like Kamito''s earlier where simply memories were sealed? Or perhaps¡ª

    "...What''s wrong?"

    Seeing Kamito stop walking, Restia tilted her head and looked back at him.

    ¡ªThis behavior was definitely a habit of the contracted spirit he had spent his past together with.

    Part 3

    Kamito andpany descended to the za through stairs on the parapet wall.

    Amidst the many tents that had been set up, the groans of the wounded could be heard.

    ¡ªAmong them, one group was kept in istion.

    "What''s over there?"

    "Elfim children from the Forest of Ice Blossoms. The Wolf Ritters are protecting them."

    "...!"

    Hearing Mi say that, Restia immediately rushed to the tent.

    "...Restia?"

    Kamito chased after the frantic Restia.

    Inside the isted tent, he saw a familiar looking girl.

    (This girl is definitely...)

    Lying on the simple bed was the Elfim princess maiden who had copsed in the forest.

    Restia ran to the bedside and called the girl''s name.

    "...Rana!"

    "...Res... tia...?"

    The girl opened her red eyes.

    "...Thank goodness. I''m so d you''re fine."

    Restia exhaled in relief and held the girl''s hand.

    The girl named Rana blinked¡ª

    "Restia, you''re not angry?"

    "Why would I?"

    "Because we did that to you..."

    The girl looked down and stammered in embarrassment.

    Restia shook her head and held the girl''s hand tightly.

    "Had your people not hidden me back then, those human knights would have captured me by now. And at the time, all your minds were being controlled by the Queen of Ice Blossoms."

    "Restia..."

    "You know each other?"

    Restia nodded lightly to answer Kamito''s question.

    "Yes. This girl looked after me during my time with the Elfim vige."

    "Oh, this girl..."

    "You''re..."

    Rana turned her gaze to Kamito.

    "Speaking of which, I still haven''t introduced myself since meeting you in the forest. I''m Kazehaya Kamito."

    "...Oh, it''s you who helped usy Zirnitra to rest."

    Rana held Kamito''s hand and said thank you very quietly.

    "I''m so d that everyone seems fine."

    Restia swept a nce over the children in the tent.

    Bound by the curse cast by the Queen of Ice Blossoms, the Forest Dwellers were weakened and on the verge of death when they were rescued.

    However, thisment caused Rana to look gloomy.

    "No, although our lives were saved, the Forest of Ice Blossoms has been ruined. We have no ce to go now."

    "Can''t you live somewhere apart from the forest? Even living in human territory is also¡ª"

    "We are a race that lives and dies with the forest. Asking us to cast our pride aside in this manner would be impossible."

    Rana shook her head, looking drained in energy.

    This could not be helped. That forest had been everything to them.

    Over there¡ª

    "¡ªThe forest isn''t ruined, you know?"

    Mireille interjected.

    "...Are you from Margrave Laurenfrost''s family?"

    Rana widened her eyes in surprise to find out that the feudal lord''s daughter had arrived.

    "The House of Laurenfrost will pledge their full support to help your people with the restoration of the Forest of Ice Blossoms. If we all work together, the forest will definitely go back to the way it was."

    Mireille clenched her fist tightly and dered with intense emotion.

    Rana stared at the lord''s daughter in dumbfounded astonishment.

    Living in the Forest of Ice Blossoms, the Elfim race had been in opposition against the humans of thesends.

    Despite this rtionship of hostility, this younger girl was¡ª

    Without any pretension, she was extending a helping hand to them.

    "Let''s be friends from now on, okay?"

    "..."

    Rana stared at the little hand Mireille had extended¡ª

    Then she looked at the children in the tent.

    Gazing at Rana, the children all nodded together at her.

    Rana lightly shook Mireille''s tiny extended hand.

    Then as though following a vassal''s etiquette, she bowed her head.

    "We Forest Dwellers agree to pledge our allegiance as vassals to the House of Laurenfrost, to enter and live in the castle under Laurenfrost administration."

    "Not as vassals. What we Laurenfrost wish for is an alliance on equal terms."

    Mireille spoke cheerfully.

    Watching how Mireille was acting, Kamito remarked quietly to Mi.

    "From the way it looks, Mireille will grow up to be an excellent ruler."

    "...Of course. Mireille-sama does have that kind of potential."

    Mi smiled, showing a facial expression that seemed unprecedented.

    Part 4

    "Kamito! You''rete!"

    "Indeed, my stomach is protesting noisily!"

    Standing dressed in aprons, ire and Ellis were pouting, looking quite displeased.

    The kerchiefs they were wearing on their heads looked cute, just like cat ears.

    "...I''m sorry. So you two are helping out with cooking to serve the refugees?"

    "Yes, manpower seems to be short¡ª"

    "I threw together some ingredients from the castle and tried making soup."

    Inside the tent, there was arge pot with rising steam. A fragrant aroma was wafting in the air.

    The hellcat spirit under therge pot was releasing fierce mes.

    "Wow, even Scarlet is helping out. Good job."

    Kamito petted Scarlet''s head as praise. Scarlet meowed in apparent joy.

    "Vegetable with peppers added will help warm the body. There is also beans in the pod, bread and boiled potatoes. If only there were more ingredients."

    "...It is all due to the great blizzard at the Kyria Mountain Range. The transport of food supplies has been greatly affected."

    Mi spoke quite apologetically.

    "No, it''s good enough. This soup is very tasty¡ª"

    Feeling curious about something at this time, Kamito asked Ellis.

    "By the way, Ellis, your injuries are fine already?"

    This had happened before they set off from the Academy. Ellis had been gravely wounded by Lurie Lizaldia and would normally need to be hospitalized longer. Since she had pushed herself to visit Laurenfrost, Kamito was very worried about her injuries.

    "...~Uh, umm, that is because..."

    Saying that, Ellis went bright red in the face for some reason.

    "I-I already recovered. Even I myself am frightened by this astounding rate of recovery."

    "...Really?"

    "Uh, yes, that is the gist of it..."

    Ellis turned her face away, looking very shy.

    "I guess... it probably is... thanks to you..."

    "...Me?"

    "...~B-Because, umm... with you... that k-kiss..."

    Ellis stammered with her face red. At that moment¡ª

    "Hey! Is the food not ready yet?" "We''re all starving in the back of the line. Hurry up!"

    Gruff voices of soldiers could be heard from behind. Never in their wildest dreams would these soldiers have imagined noble daughters from the Fahrengart and former Elstein families to be cooking for them.

    "Leave this to me. You two go have breakfast first."

    Mi requested a shift rotation.

    "...Yes, sorry about that. Thanks for doing this."

    "That''s so helpful of you. Scarlet, you can take a break too."

    "Meow¡ª"

    Scarlet crawled out from the zing mes. The fire under the pot weakened.

    Part 5

    "Breakfast is this way¡ª"

    ire led them in a direction opposite to the castle za, to a ce where there were some simple stools and a table made from logs.

    "Simorgh and I used fallen trees in the forest to make this table."

    "As expected of Ellis, how skillful and thoughtful."

    Speaking of which, back when Kamito first enrolled at the Academy, Ellis had created a small house for him that resembled a stable.

    ...But it was demolished instantly during a fight between ire and Rinslet.

    (...That was a couple months ago already. That sure brings back memories.)

    cing tes on the table for eating bread and soup, they sat down on the stools.

    Restia picked an isted seat next to Kamito.

    "Come to think of it, where''s Rinslet?"

    "Onee-sama is currently making rounds in the castle. I expect her to be here presently."

    "...Then it can''t be helped. Let''s start first."

    ire opened the pot''s lid with an expanding aroma of soup.

    "Wow, it looks great..."

    The instant Kamito smelled the fragrance, he felt an intense appetite. After consuming vast amounts of divine powerst night in the battle against Zirnitra, he was now extremely hungry.

    Ellis poured a bowl of soup for Kamito. Taking a spoon, Kamito began to drink the soup ravenously.

    "...Hmm, although it''s a bit spicy... This is great stuff!"

    Kamito drink the fragrant soup and praised with a thumbs-up.

    "I-Is that so...? Thank goodness..."

    "...Hold on, Kamito! T-Try my bread too!"

    "...Huh? Don''t tell me you made this, ire?"

    Staring at the pile of bread in the basket, Kamito was shocked.

    The rye bread was giving off an intense aroma of perfectly baked bread.

    At a nce, there was not a single piece of bread that had been burnt to charcoal.

    "D-Don''t tell me this is canned bread?"

    "Kamito, I''m going to get mad."

    "...S-Sorry!...But how did you do it?"

    As a result, ire proudly puffed out her t chest.

    "I''m now able to control the mes I release."

    "R-Really? But why¡ª"

    "...I''m not so sure myself. Ever since Nee-sama forced me to be the Darkness Queen, I''ve been able to control the Elstein mes perfectly."

    ire murmured.

    "Prior to that, I''ve always had to suppress my mes as much as possible, but things are different now. It feels like I can release the mes I want any time now."

    "I see now. So the reason why you were only able to make charcoal-like food before was because you couldn''t control your mes very well."

    "Yes, I feel like I can cook anything now. I won''t lose to Ellis and Rinslet anymore."

    ire smiled confidently and made a victory sign with her hand.

    "Hoo, the world of cooking is a harsh one."

    "Oh Onee-sama!"

    Kamito looked towards the za ahead to see Rinslet apanied by Fenrir.

    "Hmm, you finally came, Rinslet..."

    "Things have finally drawn to a close."

    Rinslet arrived at the table and picked up a piece of bread from the basket.

    "Did ire really bake this bread?"

    "It''s true!"

    "Yes, I did not help her."

    "Eh..."

    Rinslet gracefully tore a piece off with her fingertips and popped it into her mouth.

    "..."

    "...H-How is it?"

    Rinslet swallowed the bread.

    "...N-Not... Not bad, I suppose!"

    "W-What!? If it''s good, then be honest okay?"

    "You''re too naive. The path of bread baking is very profound... Well, if you beg me sincerely, it''s not like I can''t mercifully teach you the secret to making bread, okay?"

    "...L-Like anyone would beg you... Oh well, if you beg me ''please allow me to teach you'' then it''s not like I can''t consider it, okay?"

    "Hmph, impossible!"

    "Likewise here!"

    Confronted with such a nostalgic argument, Kamito felt too exhausted toment.

    Watching those two¡ª

    Restia chuckled and began tough.

    Everyone focused their gaze on Restia.

    "...Uh, e-excuse me!"

    Restia blushed and apologized very quietly.

    ire and Rinslet exchanged nces and settled down.

    "Hey Darkness Spirit, don''t be shy. Eat as much as you want."

    ire handed a piece of bread over to Restia.

    "...Yes, thank you. I shall begin."

    Restia lowered her head and began to eat the bread in a verydylike manner.

    "...Mm, it is really good!"

    "I-Is it? This is bread with walnut added."

    "Walnut? So good..."

    Watching Restia acting like this, ire murmured.

    "It feels so unusual to see her like this. To think she''s that darkness spirit..."

    "...Oh well."

    Nodding lightly¡ª

    Kamito recalled what Mi had said just now.

    ¡ªIs this girl really that darkness spirit?

    (...She really looks just like a human girl. But¡ª)

    A spirit reborn as a human¡ªCould something like that actually happen?

    "...Speaking of which, how is the situation in the castle?"

    "The wounded are more numerous than expected. Reconstruction will likely take more time."

    Rinslet shook her head and replied to Ellis.

    "I have already sent a letter to my father at the imperial capital. However, they are currently holding the All Nations Conference. Even if they hurry back, it will require a few days."

    "Well, I shall ask my grandfather for some support. Just think of it as a small favor to the Laurenfrost family."

    "Much appreciated. That would be a great help, Captain."

    "Onee-sama, the Elfim''s forest restoration will need support too."

    "Yes, I know. But before that, the first thing we need to do is bury Zirnitra''s remains that is contaminating the forest environment..."

    Merging with countless ice dragons, Zirnitra had not been teleported automatically back to Astral Zero. The gigantic remains were still lying in the forest.

    Left unattended like this, the currently living trees would absorb the aura of death from the remains and soon perish for real.

    "Although there is still a mountain of problems waiting to be resolved, I believe you should rest for a bit first."

    As the stand-in master of the Laurenfrost family, Rinslet had kept everything going but her fatigue was reaching a limit. There were clear signs of exhaustion in her demeanor.

    "Yes~ I will rest properly once things have been resolved to a point where I need not worry... Oh¡ª"

    Rinslet looked at Kamito as though she suddenly realized something.

    "...Hmm? What''s wrong?"

    "U-Umm..."

    For some reason, her face turned red and she began to rub her knees together awkwardly.

    "A-Actually, there is an excellent method that could erase my exhaustion..."

    "An excellent method? Using divine power to massage the body or something?"

    "E-Even more effective than that..."

    "...?"

    "What method is it? Rinslet, hurry and tell¡ª"

    "B-Basically, umm... a k-k-kiss with Kamito-san¡ª"

    "¡ªPrincess!"

    Rinslet was interrupted by the head maid, Natalia, who hade running.

    "Natalia? Did something happen?"

    "Please hasten your return! Judia-sama has awakened!"

    Part 6

    Nefescal Pce at the imperial capital, Ostdakia¡ª

    "...Sigh, this is why I hate the pce."

    At dawn, Fianna dragged her tired body to her bed and copsed, sighing deeply.

    A certain incident had taken ce in the Alphas Theocracy recently. Representatives from the surrounding countries had been invited to the All Nations Conference to discuss countermeasures.

    This incident was a sudden coup d''etat in the Theocracy. The mastermind, Sjora Kahn had taken over the pce of Scorpia in merely half a day''s time and beheaded the Hierarch.

    Currently, the Theocracy was split between the Sjora faction and the former-Hierarch faction, resulting in an intense civil war. The mes of internal strife were zing with ever increasing intensity and starting to affect neighboring countries.

    As a long-term trading partner of the Theocracy''s, the Ordesia Empire could not stand aside and watch this happening without intervention. Hence, the All Nations Conference was held.

    With a number of breaks in between, the conference had persistedte into the night.

    The biggest reason for the conference''s slow progress was the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, which used to persist in a harsh stance towards the Theocracy, now changed their tune and expressed support for the coup d''etat''s mastermind, Sjora Kahn.

    The major kingdom''s unexpected attitude gave pause to the other delegates of the other countries, plunging the conference into turmoil.

    Dracunia proposed the use of force. With the most trade going on with the Theocracy, the Kingdom of Balstan suggested supporting Second Princess Sdia Kahn. The shrewd Quina Empire feigned a bystander stance, hoping for more turmoil among the various continental nations.

    After listening to so many opinions, the Emperor of Ordesia seemed to have difficulty rifying an official position. Even among the imperial council, opinions were split between intervention and non-intervention factions.

    Those wielding the greatest authority after the emperor, namely, Lord Conrad the prime minister, the family of Duke Finegas that stood as the biggest faction in the imperial council, and others were apparently proponents of military intervention.

    (However, the nobles in the Arneus faction seem to be supporting the Holy Kingdom''s proposal¡ª)

    What concerned Fianna the most were the intentions of her elder brother, Arneus.

    In fact, the one presiding over this All Nations Conference was Arneus rather than the emperor.

    There were also rumors that the emperor would abdicate soon, passing the throne to him.

    However, even if it was rted to this, the imperial council held a different opinion.

    This was the question of Arneus'' eligibility.

    As far as his younger sister, Fianna, saw things, Arneus would make a poor king given his violent and merciless character. With a fool like him as the emperor, the Ordesia Empire would turn into food for the neighboring major powers within the blink of an eye.

    On the other hand, there were nobles who hoped for a foolish and easily manipted monarch to appear.

    (That being said, this has nothing to do with me at all...)

    Fianna shook her head quietly. Although there were also people among the nobles who wished to support Fianna, having recovered her power of the spirit contract, to be empress, Fianna had no such intentions at all.

    "No matter what, it looks like the conference will drag on."

    She sighed deeply again.

    ...Her anxiety stemmed from uncertainty over how things would turn out in the end.

    (...I really want to go back to the Academy to see Kamito-kun and the others.)

    Just as she was about to take off her tight-fitting formal dress to change into sleepwear, at that moment¡ª

    She heard light knocking at the door.

    "...!?"

    She paused in what she was doing and looked in the door''s direction. The pce''s female attendants were not permitted to enter this room. Fianna never expected someone to be visiting the Second Princess at this hour.

    (...Also, there should be guards in the corridor.)

    Fianna raised her guard and hid a spirit crystal beneath the hem of her dress.

    Walking to the door, she asked quietly.

    "...Who is it?"

    "¡ªIt is me, Princess, Your Highness."

    She heard the voice of someone unexpected.

    "...Could it be you, Lord Conrad?"

    Never expecting this, Fianna gasped.

    Duke Conrad Batimas was the Ordesia Empire''s prime minister, one who held the right to speak on behalf of the emperor on the imperial council.

    "Princess, I wish to speak to you regarding some confidential matters. Would you be avable right now?"

    "...A-As you wish."

    Despite some hesitation, Fianna decided she must not make the Empire''s prime minister wait too long in the corridor.

    Fianna opened the door with her key and discreetly looked outside.

    "I am terribly sorry for disturbing you at this hour, Your Highness¡ª"

    An elderly man with white hair bowed his head politely.

    He seemed to be alone without any attendants.

    "Lord Conrad, pleasee in first."

    "Yes, pardon my intrusion."

    Lord Conrad stumbled into the room, walking with a cane.

    Lord Conrad had often looked after Fianna during her childhood before enrolling in the Divine Ritual Institute. After Fianna lost her power of the spirit contract, he continued to treat her the same as before. This was the kind of rare noble he was.

    Precisely because of that, Fianna''s impression of him was quite favorable. However¡ª

    (...Confidential words for me from the empire''s prime minister?)

    ...Somehow, she had a bad feeling about this.

    "Who are the soldiers in the corridor?"

    "The soldiers here are all my loyal subordinates because those of unproven origins must note near you, Princess."

    Lord Conrad swept his gaze around the room''s walls in a circle.

    "It seems that there are no spirits in this room?"

    "...Yes, I deployed a barrier of sorts."

    "Very well, then I shall cut straight to the chase."

    Lord Conrad nodded lightly, staring intently into Fianna''s eyes.

    "Your Highness, I wish to support you as the next empress."

    "...Eh?"

    His words were not unexpected. Rather, Fianna knew that there could be no other reason for the Empire''s prime minister to pay her a visit at this time.

    However, even so, she still could not suppress the wavering in her heart.

    "Lord Conrad, I¡ª"

    "Your Highness, please look at this."

    Lord Conrad interrupted Fianna''s reflexive refusal and took out a scroll from his bosom, opening it in front of Fianna''s eyes.

    "...This is¡ª"

    Written on the scroll were the names of many people with traces of blood on them.

    Fianna pretty much had some impression of every name. They were aristocrats wielding power and influence in the Ordesia Empire.

    "Indeed, this is a blood-signed petition from the various nobles supporting your bid to be empress."

    "...Eh, no way..."

    Including the prime minister, there was a total of twenty-four names recorded on the scroll. This represented roughly a quarter of the imperial council. There were this many nobles who hoped for Fianna to ascend to the imperial throne.

    "Indeed, Arneus is my foolish brother. However, to ask me to be empress, this¡ª"

    "If Prince Arneus were to be emperor, the Ordesia Empire shall be set on a path headed to ruin sooner orter. He can be regarded as nothing more than exploited by nobles in the Arneus faction. There is nothing worse than this¡ª"

    Lord Conrad lowered his voice and whispered to Fianna.

    "Because Prince Arneus has the Holy Kingdom secretly backing him."

    "...The Holy Kingdom?"

    Fianna asked involuntarily.

    If the Holy Kingdom of Lugia were to cast its shadow over the Ordesia emperor, indeed, it was only natural for Lord Conrad to worry as the prime minister.

    (...Arneus'' opinions in the All Nations Conference has been unnaturally in line with the Holy Kingdom this time.)

    ...It was a usible suggestion. Ever since the end of the Ranbal War, the Holy Kingdom had started eyeing Ordesia greedily.

    "Does His Majesty know of this?"

    "Most regrettably, Prince Arneus has won His Majesty''s deep trust. Rather, it would be better to say that His Majesty himself has the possibility of falling under the Holy Kingdom''s patronage¡ª"

    "Unthinkable..."

    "I believe that His Majesty has not taken a forceful stance against the Theocracy on this asion may be partially due to consideration for the Holy Kingdom''s wishes."

    Lord Conrad''s gray eyes stared intently at Fianna.

    "Between you, who has already graduated from the Divine Ritual Institute, First Princess Linnea and direct descendants of imperial lineage who are in the line of session, Princess Fianna, you are the only one who was selected by the imperial family''s spirit."

    "...But as the most suitable sessor? Are you sure you are not mistaken?"

    "Please berate me if my words offend you, but for the sake of our homnd''s future, I am willing to incur your resentment, Your Highness."

    "An empress will face opposition from the surrounding nations. The Divine Ritual Institute has decreed that princess maidens who serve spirits are forbidden from involving themselves in politics."

    "There are past precedents of empresses in history. In Dracunia''s case, a spirit ascended to the throne. Alternatively, if Your Highness would select a husband from among the Empire''s nobles¡ª"

    "...No, absolutely not...!"

    Fianna cried out reflexively.

    (...Because I have someone I love already!)

    "...Princess?"

    "N-No, well..."

    Fianna''s face turned red. She coughed deliberately for obfuscation.

    Lord Conrad hunched his shoulders and spoke as though lecturing.

    "...Indeed, it is only natural for Your Highness to feel hesitation. This requires time for you to contemte."

    "I shan''t be the empress."

    "The time has simply note yet. This is fine for now. Well then¡ª"

    Lord Conrad interrupted her and took out something from his bosom.

    It was spirit crystal glowing with ominous light, as red as blood.

    Fianna had seen this spirit crystal before.

    "¡ªDon''t tell me this is a Bloodstone!?"

    An extremely rare type of spirit crystal, on the level of national treasures, the Bloodstone could only be mined from Astral Zero''s sanctuary.

    This was the same type of spirit crystal as what Fianna had stolen when she fled from the imperial pce. However, the spirit sealed in her Bloodstone was lost during the battle against Jio Inzagi.

    The prime minister ced the ominously glowing spirit crystal lightly into Fianna''s palm and closed her hand.

    "This is something that can protect you. Please keep in on your person at all times."

    "Protect me?"

    "The nobles in the Arneus faction wish to assassinate you, Princess. Dame Greyworth''s word no longer holds sway over the imperial council. You must protect yourself properly now."

    "...How ironic. Back when everyone called me the Lost Queen, no one ever thought to take my life, because I was not even worth killing¡ª"

    Fianna bit her lip and spoke in self-deprecation.

    "Whether friend or foe, there is no longer anyone remaining in this pce who underestimates you, Your Highness."

    The prime minister shook his head and reached for the door.

    "¡ªSee youter at the imperial council."

    The door closed with a dry noise.

    Fianna gripped the Bloodstone forcefully.

 Volume 14, 2 - The Awakened Girl

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 2 - The Awakened Girl</h4>

    Part 1

    "Pleasee this way."

    Led by head maid Natalia, Kamito andpany arrived in front of Judia''s room.

    To avoid frightening her with too many people showing up at once, only Rinslet, Mireille and Kamito entered the room.

    Initially, Kamito wanted to decline, thinking it would be best if the two Laurenfrost sisters entered alone, but Judia''s apparent wishes were to have Kamito brought along as well.

    (...Oh well, I''m hoping to ask her some things too.)

    "¡ªJudia, we''reing in."

    Rinslet called out nervously then pushed the door open lightly.

    Gentle sunlight was streaming into the room through the window.

    Over there, lying on the bed was an endearing young girl.

    Her emerald eyes and pretty tinum-blonde hair weremon characteristics shared by the Laurenfrost sisters. However, she gave off a different vibepared to her other two sisters.

    She seemed like a girl of fantasy, so fragile she might break upon touch.

    (So this girl is Judia Laurenfrost...)

    Kamito examined the girl carefully.

    Judia''s imprisonment in cursed ice by the Water Elemental Lord had happened before the Cmity Queen''s rebellion, on that day of the Water Elemental Festival held in Laurenfrost four years ago.

    Rinslet''s junior by three years, she should be thirteen right now, but her appearance was much younger than her actual age. Currently, she looked roughly as old as Mireille.

    It was possible that her physical body''s growth had been halted during her imprisonment in cursed ice.

    While she was lying on the bed at this moment, Judia''s gaze was empty and suddenly wandered.

    "...Rinslet, Nee-sama?"

    Kamito heard her hoarse voice. It was like calling for someone far away.

    "Judia... Thank goodness... This is truly wonderful..."

    "Nee-sama... Nee-sama... I..."

    Judia buried her face in Rinslet''s chest, crying.

    "There was not a single day when I was not thinking of you."

    Rinslet sounded like she was about to cry. It was truly rare to see her acting this way in front of others, given her overweening pride.

    "Judia-oneesama..."

    "...This voice, Mireille?"

    Reacting to Mireille''s voice, Judia''s hollow gaze began to wander again.

    This unnatural movement of her gaze filled Kamito with a sense that something was wrong.

    (No way...)

    "Judia, Onee-sama?"

    Mireille seemed to notice something was off and cocked her head.

    "I''m over here, you know?"

    Called by her younger sister, Judia''s gaze looked towards the space over Judia''s head.

    "Judia...?"

    Rinslet looked up suddenly.

    Instantly, her expression froze.

    ...So she noticed too.

    "...Your eyes, don''t tell me..."

    Judia''s emerald eyes had lost their shine.

    Due to being imprisoned in cursed ice for many years and the influence of the Otherworldly Darkness, the girl''s body and mind had been corroded¡ª

    "Worry not, Nee-sama¡ª"

    Judia shook her head lightly.

    "I am guilty of handing my mind over to that darkness and destroying the Forest of Ice Blossoms¡ª"

    "You are not at fault for anything, Judia!"

    "I-Indeed. Onee-sama, you were only possessed by something bad!"

    "No, even if my mind was controlled, the fact remains unchanged that I enabled Zirnitra to revive and destroyed the Forest Dweller''s homnd."

    "Judia..."

    Rinslet spoke in a pained voice while she gently wrapped her arms around her younger sister''s shoulders, embracing her against her bosom.

    "I will arrange for the best healers. Surely, healers from the imperial capital will be able to do something for those eyes¡ª"

    "Thank you, Nee-sama, but I believe that spirit magic probably cannot heal these eyes."

    Judia shook her head helplessly.

    ¡ªSuddenly, she looked up as though noticing something.

    "May I ask who is the person over there?"

    "I''m Kazehaya Kamito, Rinslet''s ssmate."

    Kamito approached the bed and knelt down in front of the girl.

    "You are..."

    Instantly, the girl''s face lit up.

    "It was you who liberated me and Zirnitra."

    "Rinslet''s the one who saved you, not me."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "If she hadn''t hurried over that time, I would''ve been locked in cursed ice too."

    "Yes, I still remember. Nee-sama and you rescued me together."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito eximed in surprise and exchanged looks with Rinslet.

    "You were conscious inside the cursed ice?"

    "I was kept in an unconscious state, in a ce that was essentially pitch ck. But from time to time, I would regain consciousness like a dream. Hence, I could not help but remember that Rinslet-neesama came to visit me at the shrine countless times."

    "R-Really?"

    Rinslet asked in a trembling voice and Judia nodded to her.

    Hence, Rinslet''s voice, thinking of her sister, had¡ª

    Definitely reached the depths of her little sister''s heart, imprisoned in Otherworldly Darkness.

    (However, if that''s the case...)

    Kamito felt excited.

    "Judia, I''ve got something to ask you."

    "...You want to ask me about something?"

    "Yeah. Umm, though it might be a memory you don''t want to recall¡ª"

    Kamito spoke slightly hesitantly but soon made his decision.

    "Do you by any chance remember what happened when that darkness devoured you?"

    Instantly, Judia''s expression froze.

    Her fingers, clutching her knee, began to tremble uncontrobly from fear.

    "Onii-sama?" "Kamito-san, that is too¡ª"

    "...Did you see something?"

    Holding the girl''s trembling hand, Kamito asked again.

    Before long, the hand''s trembling subsided¡ª

    Judia nodded slightly and began to speak gently.

    "Yes, I still remember. What I saw on that day, I remember clearly."

    "..."

    "On that day, what I saw in the darkness, packed densely in the darkness, countless angels¡ª"

    Hearing such words from the girl''s lips¡ª

    Kamito could not help but gasp.

    (Angels... huh.)

    Somewhere deep in his mind seemed to hurt.

    (Yes, I definitely saw it too¡ª)

    On that day when he had emerged victorious from the de Dance tournament, earning the privilege for an audience with the Elemental Lords...

    Just before he could reach the Fire Elemental Lord''s throne, Kamito''s entire body had been devoured by Otherworldly Darkness.

    ¡ªI had seen it.

    Restless inside darkness that did not exist in this world, they were neither spirits nor humans.

    ¡ªThousands if not tens of thousands strong, an army of countless angels.

    (Sure enough, I was not mistaken.)

    Cold sweat broke out of the hand he was holding.

    Winged humanoid giants glowing with silver-white light.

    ording to legends on the continent, angels were primordial beings that gave birth to spirits.

    However, the existence of such beings had never been proven, not even once.

    ¡ªI don''t think there was any mistake in what we saw.

    Kamito did not know if what he had seen was truly a so-called angel. But ultimately, given such an appearance, it was inevitable he would associate them with the beings he recalled from bedtime stories.

    (But it looks like Judia is thinking along the same lines as me...)

    Judia''s dull pupils wandered emptily while she continued.

    "I was simply stunned by that sight. Too afraid, I could not move at all. At the time, one of the angels arrived before me out from the darkness. The silver-white radiance swallowed me¡ª"

    (A being from the depths of the Otherworldly Darkness¡ªan angel? And it chose Judia?)

    So far, Kamito had pegged the Otherworldly Darkness as a cmity that corrupted the Elemental Lords'' minds, an existence with neither thought nor free will.

    However, ording to what Judia recalled, the angel that had made contact with her was clearly sentient.

    "Umm, what did you feel when you were swallowed by the darkness?"

    Kamito asked urgently again.

    However, Judia shook her head.

    "...I am very sorry but that is all I can remember from that day. Afterwards, inside the darkness, all I have are fragmentary memories form the few times when I regained consciousness¡ª"

    Then she rubbed her temples painfully.

    "Judia, are you alright?"

    Rinslet asked with worry.

    "...Do not worry. I just have, a little headache..."

    "Then you''d better get some rest. Besides, you only just woke up from youra."

    "...Indeed. Yes, I''m a bit, tired."

    The girl on the bed smiled briefly.

    "...Sorry for making you remember unpleasant things."

    "Not at all. I am very d to be of slight assistance."

    Seeing the girl shake her head to muster optimism, Kamito stood up from the bedside.

    "Then I''m leaving first. Sorry for intruding on your reunion as sisters."

    "You don''t have to worry about that, Onii-sama. After all, we''re both going to end up as your sisters in the future, Onii-sama."

    "...Onii... -sama?"

    Hearing Mireille, Judia cocked her head in puzzlement.

    "...Uh... M-Mireille, what on earth are you talking about!?"

    Rinslet instantly turned bright red and started hammering her fists on Mireille''s shoulder.

    Smiling wryly, Kamito exited the room.

    Part 2

    (...Angels huh?)

    Kamito muttered while walking along the corridor.

    He originally thought that by asking Judia about the Otherworldly Darkness, he could find clues to recovering Restia''s memories that were lost after the darkness devoured her.

    (...But it seems like something a bit unexpected happened.)

    Restless in the depths of the Otherworldly Darkness, an army of countless angels. Simply having one of them possess a human princess maiden to manifest in the human realm was already enough to obliterate the Forest of Ice Blossoms.

    (...If this army of angels appeared in the world all at once...)

    Just imagining it made him feel bone-chilling terror.

    "...Oh, Kamito."

    He encountered ireing up the stairs.

    "...ire. Where''s everyone?"

    "Ellis is sleeping in the room. Well, it''s only expected since she had been using her spirit throughout the night since yesterday. The darkness spirit is at the tent, helping to treat wounded soldiers."

    "I see..."

    In the past, Kamito had received Restia''s treatment before.

    Naturally, as a darkness spirit, she could not use healing-type spirit magic. All she could do to help was simple things like applying medication and bandages.

    (...She was unexpectedly clumsy at that.)

    "Kamito, what''s wrong?"

    "No, nothing."

    Kamito shrugged and walked alongside ire.

    (...I''d better not mention that "angel" topic to ire and the rest of them for now.)

    There was too little information and even Kamito himself had not organized what little he had in his mind.

    Also, unlike Judia''s room, someone might overhear if he brought up the topic here. Spies sent from Ordesia might have already infiltrated the castle.

    "What were you doing just now, ire?"

    "Since everyone was feeling cold, I used magic to light up the furnaces in the castle."

    "That''s really wonderful, ire. You''re amazing!"

    "Ehehe... Hey, what the heck!? Your gaze looks like you''re praising a child!"

    ire acting shy for a bit then pouted angrily.

    "By the way, how''s Judia''s condition."

    "Oh, she''s currently resting because she''s too tired, but it doesn''t seem like she has any memory problems. However¡ª"

    "However?"

    "Her eyes can''t see anymore¡ª"

    "...Huh?"

    ire gasped.

    "I think it might be something like an after effect of being locked in cursed ice for a long period of time. She might recover naturally or with healing from spirit magic¡ª"

    "Really..."

    ire murmured with aplicated expression on her face.

    "Even if spirit magic were to be used, trying to heal eyes that have gone blind is still very difficult, especially since she spent many years imprisoned in an Elemental Lord''s cursed ice."

    "Even the imperial capital''s best healers are helpless?"

    "No matter how high their healing powers, trying to recover lost flesh would already be a problem on a totally different level. This is really something that can only rely on a miracle from the Elemental Lords."

    "A miracle..."

    At this moment, this word jolted Kamito''s memory.

    "Speaking of miracles..."

    "Hmm?"

    "...Well, I was wondering if it''s her, she might be able to heal Judia."

    "Her?"

    "Eighth of the imperial knights'' Numbers¡ªLurie Lizaldia the Miraculous."

    Kamito spoke the name that had surfaced in his mind.

    "...A-Are you serious?"

    "...I know. But it''s just a question of possibility."

    Faced with ire''s shock, Kamito shook his head.

    As far as Kamito knew, Lurie was the top-ranked healer even across the entire continent. If it was her, she might have a chance at healing Judia.

    But those miraculous healing hands had currently gone missing.

    Why did Lurie conspire to use militarized spirits to attack the Academy? Her motives and goals were still unknown. Also, why did the higher-ups in the imperial army cancel the mission given to special agent operative knight Virrey Branford, to stop tracking Lurie down?

    (...Oh well, anyway, that''s that.)

    Kamito tried to think about it. The reason why Lurie had been able to lurk for many years among the Numbers was because there was a traitor among the ranks of the Empire''s top echelon.

    The Ordesia Empire was a major nation with a long history. Precisely because of that, its internal corruption was reaching an irredeemable state.

    Back when Kamito was living in Greyworth''s house, the corruption perpetrated by the Empire''s nobles was already amon sight. The imperial council was where demons walked the earth, a demonic den of political and power struggles.

    That was a world where the Strongest de Dancer''s sword skills did not work.

    At this point in his thoughts, Kamito began to worry about Fianna who was at the imperial capital.

    (...Fianna is in that kind of demonic den right now.)

    Although Greyworth was with her, Kamito still felt a bit worried.

    ¡ªThus Kamito and ire returned to their bedroom.

    "What do we do after this?"

    "My initial goal is achieved. Now we take Restia back to the Academy."

    Kamito replied to ire''s question with a shrug of his shoulders.

    "...We''ll probably be a nuisance for Rinslet if we stay here for too long."

    Part 3

    ¡ªThus, Kamito and his friends immediately started to pack up and get ready to leave.

    "...Y-You could stay a few more days before going, you know?"

    In Winter Gulf Castle''s hall, Rinslet murmured, looking very disappointed.

    After bidding Kamito and the others goodbye, Mi and Mireille had gone ahead with ire, Ellis and Restia, apparently to get the horses ready.

    Hence, Kamito and Rinslet were currently alone.

    "Well, it''s because we sneaked out of the Academy because of my willfulness. Also, we''ll probably be a nuisance for the people in the castle if we keep staying here."

    "...Of course not."

    Rinslet gripped the hem of Kamito''s clothing tightly.

    Until Margrave Laurenfrost returned from attending the All Nations Conference at the imperial capital, Rinslet had to manage the castle as the head of the Laurenfrost family.

    Normally, she could leave the job to Mireille and the Wolf Ritters garrisoned at the castle, but that was not an option given the current circumstances.

    "I''m so grateful to you, Rinslet. Thanks to you, I was able to bring Restia back. If I had been alone, I would''ve definitely met my demise in the Kyria Mountain Range in a blizzard."

    "Not at all. I did not really help that much~"

    Rinslet shook her head.

    "Kamito-san, you are the one I should thank. You helped me rescue Judia and Laurenfrost itself. As the head of the Laurenfrost family, I hereby offer you my gratitude."

    Faced with her bowing her head at him sincerely, Kamito smiled wryly.

    "Okay, see you back at the Academy. You can count on ire and I to copy down lecture notes for you."

    "Oh, p-please hold on¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to leave, Rinslet tugged his clothing.

    "...Rinslet?"

    "Oh, u-umm..."

    Pulling his sleeve, she fidgeted for some unknown reason, her face turning bright red.

    "...What''s up?"

    "U-Uh... Well, umm.."

    Smooch?

    A surprise kiss.

    "...Huh!?"

    Rinslet''s gorgeous lips had pressed themselves upon Kamito''s lips¡ª

    Then reluctantly, she parted lightly from his lips.

    "Y-Y-You... What are you doing...?"

    Kamito was rendered incoherent by her sudden action.

    "...~U-Umm... I, well, huaaah..."

    Compared to Kamito, Rinslet was in even greater confusion. Her entire face was red, even her ears.

    "Calm down, Rinslet, I should be more confused than you."

    Kamito''sment finally calmed her down. She cleared her throat and looked at Kamito with her clear, emerald eyes.

    (S-So cute...)

    Kamito was mesmerized by those watery eyes. His heart raced.

    Rinslet took a deep breath and her lips vibrated to speak.

    "D-During our journey, Kamito-san, there was something that bothered me greatly."

    "Something bothered you greatly?"

    Rinslet nodded.

    "Ah, yes, umm, when on the snowing mountain with you... during that k-k-kiss, I felt a mysterious power flowing within me."

    "W-Wait, what are you talking about?"

    Kamito yelled frantically.

    "I-I am not lying. It was the same as when the ice dragons were assaulting the castle. I-It was thanks to your kiss, Kamito-san, that I was able to achieve victory!"

    "What the heck is going on here!? W-Why would a k-kiss with me cause..."

    Blushing, Kamito stuttered. That time in the mountain ravaged by a blizzard, the series of actions she had performed to heal his wounds surfaced clearly in his mind.

    "...~Uh, I am not too sure myself why this phenomenon arose."

    Rinslet cast her nce away in extreme shyness.

    "But I-I definitely received power from my kiss with you, Kamito-san."

    "N-No way..."

    Before he could say "this can happen," Kamito suddenly realized something.

    (Come to think of it...)

    He recalled what Ellis had told him this morning.

    ...Before setting off for Laurenfrost, what had happened before leaving the Academy.

    When Kamito had gone to visit the hospitalized Ellis, she had kissed him to apply Wind''s Protection, a blessing for keeping travelers safe.

    (Indeed, I heard that Ellis recovered her physical strength rapidly after that¡ª)

    "...Kamito-san?"

    Looking very surprised, Rinslet frowned.

    "Have you found some kind of clue in your memories?"

    "...N-No, I don''t think it''s like that..."

    While Kamito was frantically trying to gloss over things to get out of the embarrassing situation, Rinslet pretended to cough.

    "P-Please do not get the wrong idea. I-I simply... wanted to receive that mysterious power, nothing more!"

    Twisting her hair around her finger, she seemed very embarrassed.

    "...O-Oh okay, I get it."

    When Kamito nodded repeatedly...

    "My goodness! Kamito-san, you don''t understand anything at all¡ª"

    Smooch?

    Sneaking another surprise kiss, Rinslet blushed and ran away.

    Part 4

    "Kamito, what the heck were you doing!?"

    "The sun is going to set if we do not hurry and depart."

    At the castle''s main gates, ire and the others had the horses ready, waiting for Kamito.

    "...S-Sorry. I was too engaged in the conversation with Rinslet."

    "With Rinslet?...Hmm, that somehow sounds a bit suspicious."

    "What did you talk about?"

    re¡ªire and Ellis were staring at Kamito with widened eyes.

    "Meow¡ª?"

    Scarlet also seemed to have suspicions about Kamito and meowed before walking back and forth at Kamito''s feet.

    "I-It was just a farewell conversation. Let''s hurry and head out¡ª"

    Taking his horse''s reins in his hands, Kamito avoided the girls'' eye contact and spoke.

    "By the way, where''s Restia?"

    "The darkness spirit is over there¡ª"

    Kamito followed ire''s pointing finger to look.

    "...N-No, not this side...!"

    Restia was currently struggling against a pony.

    "Restia, you don''t know how to ride a horse?"

    Kamito approached Restia and asked. Restia pouted in a sulk.

    "I know nothing of the skills required to ride a horse."

    "...Well, it can''t be helped."

    Restia probably never rode a horse before losing her memories, because she possessed a pair of jet-ck wings. They were extremely beautiful. Speaking of which, how could there be spirits who would ride a horse when they had a pair of wings of their own?

    "Then ride with me."

    "...D-Don''t worry. Just watch and I shall master the skills required to ride a horse!"

    "The sun would''ve set by then. Upsy-daisy."

    Kamito suddenly wrapped his arms around Restia''s waist and seated her on his own horse.

    "...~!"

    "See, now you''re riding, right?"

    "S-Seriously, you scared me..."

    Restia pouted and sulked.

    "Hmm, Kamito..." "...You are spoiling the darkness spirit too much!"

    Ellis and ire pouted angrily.

    "...Wow¡ªit feels higher than I expected."

    "You''ll get used to it soon enough. Grip the reins tightly, okay?"

    Restia shifted herself forward a bit and Kamito held the reins too.

    "¡ªThen let us depart. O bird of cmity ruling over demonic winds, I beseech thee to use thy wings to guide us towards the correct path!"

    On horseback, Ellis raised her hand in the air and gestured, summoning the demon wind spirit to lead the way.

    "Kehhhhhhh!"

    Appearing out of midair, Simorgh responded to his master''s call, gliding in the sky.

    "What an adorable bird~"

    "¡ªHuh?"

    Everyone looked at Restia at the same time without thinking.

    "...Did you say cute?"

    "Yes, the feathers are so fluffy, it''s too cute."

    But upon hearing Restia''s praise¡ª

    Suddenly, Simorgh cried out emotionally while soaring in the air.

    "Kehhh, kehhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Wow, Simorgh is so happy that he is crying..."

    "...C-Crying? I don''t get it at all."

    "I knew it, your spirit is a bit scary..."

    Simorgh pped his wings fiercely, creating a great gust of wind. Demon wind spirits were spirits that conferred the wind''s protective effects upon travelers.

    "¡ªWell then, let us hurry back to the Academy."

    With Ellis in the lead, Kamito andpany advanced on horseback.

    At this time, Kamito nced back¡ª

    Standing on a balcony in Winter Gulf Castle, Rinslet was waving goodbye to them.

    Waving lightly to her in return, Kamito thus departed from Laurenfrost territory.

 Volume 14, 3 - Evil Designs of Conspiracy

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 3 - Evil Designs of Conspiracy</h4>

    Part 1

    Early morning, the imperial capital''s sky was shrouded by gray clouds.

    After finishing breakfast that consisted only of simple offerings such as bread and soup, Fianna changed into her formal dress and headed to the assembly hall where the nobles had been summoned for an imperial council session. The primary purpose of this gathering was to unify viewpoints within the Empire before the All Nations Conference that was going to resume in the afternoon.

    (...With all this intrigue going on regarding the sessor question, it would be ridiculous to expect viewpoints to be unified.)

    Fianna sighed with gloomy feelings.

    She had carefully hidden the blood-signed petition in a secret box in the depths of her desk. Fianna also considered keeping the petition hidden inside Georgios for the sake of guaranteed secrecy. However, there was a chance of items going missing inside the unstable environment of Astral Zero. Due to this reason, she would not keep important articles in there.

    (I never intended to engage in a power struggle with nobles, but¡ª)

    Lord Conrad''s words kept echoing in her mind.

    (¡ªArneus has the Holy Kingdom secretly backing him.)

    If this were true, the Empire''s demise could easily be predicted from the ascent of another country''s puppet to Ordesia''s imperial throne.

    (...It that were truly to happen, the popce would suffer.)

    While these thoughts went through her mind, she arrived in front of the assembly building before she knew it.

    A magnificent structure built with marble, the assembly building was located some distance away from Nefescal Pce. After having her identity verified by the door guardian spirit, Fianna entered the assembly building.

    The closer she approached the assembly hall, the heavier Fianna''s footsteps felt.

    This ce was demonic den where one would get caught up in political struggles. Perhaps reacting to Fianna''s unease, the Bloodstone seemed to shake faintly, hidden before her chest.

    Sealed inside the Bloodstone was a guardian that was supposed to be able to protect her. Although Georgios was a top-ss spirit, he was not suited to protecting her from assassins.

    (There are many here who wish to target my life¡ª)

    A moment''s carelessness and an assassin''s dagger would probably pierce her throat. Fianna subconsciously reached for the Bloodstone in front of her chest and held it lightly.

    "What''s the matter, Your Highness? You seem quite preupied in your thoughts."

    "...Hyah!?"

    Suddenly hearing a seductive voice, Fianna cried out in surprise.

    "P-Please do not startle me¡ª"

    The one who had suddenly spoken to her was the Dusk Witch dressed in a ck dress.

    "I did not erase my presence in particr. By the way, is something troubling you?"

    "No..."

    "Hmm, that would be best¡ª"

    Greyworth and Fianna walked side by side.

    (...I suppose I simply ought to confess everything to the headmistress.)

    Fianna suppressed her urge to do so. No matter what, this was not the right venue for having such a conversation. Inside the assembly building, there was no telling who might be eavesdropping.

    "By the way, arge scale spirit disaster apparently took ce in the border region."

    Greyworth brought up the subject as though it were casual conversation while walking.

    "At Laurenfrost?"

    Laurenfrost was situated on the border between the Ordesia Empire and the Holy Kingdom. There were recent rumors about persistent blizzards at the Kyria Mountain Range, but as for a spirit disaster¡ª

    "How wide an area did the spirit disaster cover? Are the people living there safe?"

    "That I don''t know the details. However, ording to rumors¡ª"

    Greyworth suddenly lowered her voice and said:

    "Apparently, there were eyewitness reports of the Holy Kingdom''s Sacred Spirit Knights sighted at the forest where the spirit disaster had urred."

    "...The Holy Kingdom''s order of knights?"

    Fianna could not help but frown in response to the sudden mention of the Holy Kingdom.

    "What were the Holy Kingdom''s knights doing in Laurenfrost?"

    "Their objective remains unknown but they were apparently caught in therge scale spirit disaster and ended up forced to retreat."

    Greyworth shrugged and shook her head.

    At this moment, Fianna suddenly realized something.

    "This was clearly a vition of national borders! If it is brought up during the All Nations Conference in the afternoon, it would allow for effective negotiations with the Holy Kingdom¡ª"

    "Indeed. But for some reason, the Empire''s intelligence agency, Umbra, has covered up this news."

    "What is that supposed to mean?"

    "In other words, Umbra''s core is being controlled by someone who wishes for the Ordesia Empire''s corruption. Hmm, infiltrating by taking advantage of when I''m not there to watch over things."

    "..."

    The prime minister''s words from this morning surfaced in Fianna''s mind.

    (¡ªArneus has the Holy Kingdom secretly backing him.)

    "Umm, since Umbra has covered up this news, then how did youe across it, Headmistress?"

    "What a foolish question. Who do you take me for?"

    (Indeed, it was a foolish question...)

    Greyworth''s illustrious past included positions such as the hero from the Ranbal War era, first-ranked knight among the Numbers, and Umbra''s chief. She should know the Empire''s dark side better than anyone. Although she had lost the power of her contracted spirit, her influence over the Empire would not wane.

    "I have gained a rather outstanding pawn on my side, providing me with ess to nearly all information."

    Smiling suggestively, Greyworth stepped into the assembly hall.

    On the step-like arrangement of seating, many nobles had already taken their seats. They were having a heated discussion about matters raised during the All Nations Conference the previous night.

    The Ordesia emperor was not present at the imperial family''s seating, but many sycophantic nobles could be seen there, hanging around Arneus.

    (...Surrounded by nobles whose ambitions are clear as day, what a clown of a king he would be.)

    Fianna thought to herself.

    At this moment, their eyes met. Unsettled, Arneus then avoided eye contact with Fianna and began to converse secretly with his sycophantic entourage of nobles.

    Displeased by these irritating stares, Fianna left the imperial family''s seating area and sat down next to Greyworth.

    ¡ªAt this moment, Fianna suddenly felt a sense of dissonance.

    "What''s the matter?"

    Seeing Fianna frown, Greyworth asked.

    "Well, I don''t think I saw the prime minister..."

    "I heard that Lord Conrad is absent due to feeling unwell. Straining himself to handle the heavy workload rted to the All Nations Conference, he finally copsed ill¡ª"

    "...Absent?"

    Fianna had not seen anything wrong with him when he visited early this morning.

    (Somehow, I have a very bad feeling about this...)

    The princess maiden''s sharp intuition filled her with great unease.

    Part 2

    With the emperor seated, the imperial council started its session in the prime minister''s absence.

    The meeting''s main purpose was determining the Empire''s policy towards the Alphas Theocracy.

    To observe without intervening or to resolve through military force, there was a massive division in opinion, plunging the assembly into chaos.

    "We are not obliged to agree with the Holy Kingdom."

    "But if we don''t use force, the Ordesia Empire will lose the ability to influence and intimidate the Alphas Theocracy."

    "Dracunia''s Dragon King has announced unteral use of military intervention."

    "One false move and this could end up repeating the Ranbal War."

    A pointless debate continued endlessly without any conclusion in sight. Very evidently, no final conclusion would be reached even if the meeting continued at this rate.

    ¡ªThe meeting''s stalemate changed half an hourter.

    "Excuse me for being forward, Your Majesty!"

    ¡ªOne of the nobles slowly stood up.

    It was Earl Darss, one of the nobles who had been hanging around Arneus earlier.

    "By this point, the assembly can no longer reach a unified conclusion. The reason is clear to all of us. Behind the Theocracy issues we are discussing, the matter of imperial session looms over us."

    The earl''s words brought a flurry of discussion, because almost everyone present had been quietly thinking about the same question.

    "Prince Arneus has proposed taking the same approach as the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. Consequently, those opposed to Prince Arneus'' ascension are stubbornly insisting on military intervention."

    Saying that, Earl Darss red in Fianna''s direction.

    "Why don''t we simply decide on the imperial sessor right here and now? Otherwise, the meeting will simply drag on as a futile waste of time¡ª"

    "I-Indeed..." "The earl makes a fair point." "The existence of factions supporting and opposing Prince Arneus means that this meeting cannot reach a conclusion."

    The voices in the assembly hall gradually grew louder.

    (...I-I never expected the showdown to take ce at such a time.)

    Fianna bit her lip lightly.

    Darss had been waiting for this opportunity with the council stuck at an impasse. Although he had raised an absurd argument, it did produce excellent results in breaking the stalemate.

    (...And right now, the mainstay of the anti-Arneus faction, the prime minister, is absent.)

    Even if it were coincidental, this sort of timing would be far too unlikely.

    (Perhaps the prime minister has been poisoned by the Arneus faction?")

    ¡ªHowever, another nobleman spoke up at this time.

    "Lord Darss, this session gathers merely for the purpose of discussing our policy towards the Alphas Theocracy."

    The one who spoke up was Ellis'' grandfather, Duke Cygnus Fahrengart. Born to a prestigious military family, he was a noble who maintained neutrality, belonging to no faction.

    "On the contrary, my lord Duke. This discussion regarding our policy against the Theocracy is merely a superficial phenomenon. The true heart of the matter is the question of imperial session."

    Earl Darss replied with some measure of displeasure.

    "But Lord Darss¡ª"

    This time, another noble stood up to argue against Earl Darss.

    Fianna shifted her gaze towards the imperial family''s seating area at this time. Starting from a while ago, the emperor had remained silent the whole time, as though listening to them discussing matters was irrelevant to him. His gaze wandered aimlessly towards empty space. Sitting next to him, Arneus was breaking out in cold sweat on his forehead, watching the shifting tides of opinion with a face of pallor.

    "Good grief, aptitude as a ruler would be the greatest issue. Without a minimum level of bluffing under such circumstances..."

    Greyworth seemed to be murmuring in surprise next to Fianna.

    At that very moment...

    "¡ªLord Darss, do you hold the view that these thoughts are running through everyone''s mind without exception?"

    Sitting in the center among the various seats, a noble stood up and spoke.

    (That man is¡ª)

    After seeing his face, Fianna could not help but gasp.

    It was Duke Finegas Bodo, one of the influential nobles on the petition Fianna had received.

    "Oh? And what in particr do you mean by ''these thoughts''?"

    "Forgive my impudent choice of words, but Prince Arneus, whom you support,cks an emperor''s aptitude."

    Instantly, the assembly hall turned noisy again.

    These were normally words that would be kept as whispers behind people''s backs. To voice them openly in such a public context in front of the person in question would bepletely unprecedented.

    Shamed and furious, Arneus red viciously at Finegas.

    "...Hmmm, then in that case, who would you consider as eligible for the Ordesian throne, Lord Finegas?"

    Feigning superficial calmness, Darss asked Finegas in return.

    ¡ªThen the duke inhaled.

    "I believe that a legitimate sessor of Second Princess Fianna''s caliber would be eligible!"

    He dered openly in a sonorous voice, audible to everyone present in the hall.

    (...R-Ridiculous!)

    Fianna could not help but lift herself from her seat.

    All eyes had gathered upon her. The people in the hall began to chatter among themselves again.

    "Her Highness the Second Princess?" "I never thought he would rmend that Lost Queen." "Are you out of your mind? Women are excluded if you''re considering contenders for the throne!" "Butpared to Prince Arneus¡ª" "The imperial family''s knight spirit selected her¡ª"

    Naturally, there was no one more disturbed than Fianna herself, under the gaze of everyone present.

    (...W-What on earth are they nning?)

    She nced at Finegas who was standing at his position down there, with a prepared expression on his face.

    (I won''t be empress, absolutely not...)

    However, were she to express her opinion right now, the majority of nobles would probably switch to backing Arneus. Thus, a foolish emperor would be selected, turning Ordesia Empire into a puppet manipted by corrupt nobles and the Holy Kingdom.

    "Next, I invite Her Highness to hereby inform all of us of her intent!"

    Finegas'' sonorous voice resounded across the entire hall.

    "...W-Wait, wait a moment, to me, intents of this sort¡ª"

    While everyone was watching Fianna intently, waiting for her to speak, at that very moment¡ª

    A cmity struck.

    (...Huh?)

    The Bloodstone hidden before her chest suddenly shone with dazzling light.

    "W-What!?"

    Fianna frantically took out the Bloodstone from her chest.

    ¡ªThen she immediately noticed. In the center of the blood-hued spirit crystal, a pitch-ck mass was spinning in a frenzy while repulsive miasma was released from inside.

    "...W-What, is this... Kyah!?"

    A small crack appeared on the surface of the Bloodstone in her hand. Then¡ª

    The crimson spirit crystal shattered in Fianna''s hand and fell to the ground.

    The dark miasma erupted from the scattered fragments. The shrapnel from the explosion left cuts on Fianna''s skin.

    "...!!"

    The miasma spun in a thunderous vortex, rampaging like a storm in the middle of the assembly hall.

    "W-What is this!?" "A spirit, a berserk spirit!" "Uwahhhhhhhhhh!"

    Panicking, the nobles screamed.

    (...W-What the heck is happening...?)

    Fianna stared in shock at the fragments of the Bloodstone, scattered on the floor.

    The spirit sealed in the spirit crystal had not been released by chance. Naturally, she herself had never invoked the spell of release. Liberating a spirit required one to release divine power first.

    ¡ªNo, there was another possibility.

    (If a releasing spell were to be written inside the spirit crystal in advance¡ª)

    "Princess, w-what on earth is going on¡ª"

    Pulling Fianna by the hand, Greyworth pushed her to the floor.

    "T-To release a spirit crystal so recklessly¡ª"

    "This is no mere spirit crystal. These signs indicate¡ª"

    The violently shaking air shattered the windows, showering fragments all over the floor. The rampaging miasma was gathering near the hall''s ceiling, soon turning into a gigantic ck cloud.

    Fianna felt her back run cold.

    This was an oppressive and deathly presence, making her feel as her heart was being squeezed violently.

    (An archdemon-ss spirit...)

    Fianna gasped and murmured in her heart, breaking out in goosebumps all over her body.

    This was the strongest ss of spirit in Astral Zero as certified by the Spirit Investigation Association.

    "...I-Impossible. Why is it here?"

    Lying prone on the floor on top of Fianna, Greyworth murmured. Unbelievable, to think that the Dusk Witch could sound so shaken¡ª

    "Headmistress, do you recognize that spirit!?"

    "...Of course, I do."

    Greyworth wiped sweat off her forehead.

    "¡ªThat''s my contracted spirit!"

    "...Eh?"

    "Although it is unbelievable, I can''t possibly be mistaken. This is the contracted spirit I lost¡ªD¨©s Pater."

    "...D¨©s Pater."

    Fianna had heard that spirit''s name before in rumors. During the Ranbal War, it had brought terror and despair to the knights from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia as a grim reaper on the battlefield.

    ¡ªThe strongest demon spirit.

    (...Why was it inside the spirit crystal?)

    The spirit sealed in the Bloodstone given to Fianna by the prime minister was supposed to be a guardian capable of protecting Fianna from assassins.

    However, the demon spirit wrapped in that dark miasma was absolutely no guardian spirit.

    This spirit simply brought destruction and ughter, driven by desire alone.

    "Princess, where did you get this Bloodstone from?"

    "W-Well¡ª"

    Fianna was about to answer when¡ª

    A great amount of miasma began to expand and explode.

    "...!!"

    As a result of the concentrated deathly presence, Fianna was blown awaypletely. Her entire body trembled. For an instant, she experienced an illusion as though her heart had been grabbed. Or perhaps, only she with her disposition as an excellent princess maiden was able to sense such a strong aura of death.

    "...A-Ah... Ahh, ah..."

    Tearing out of the spinning ck cloud, what emerged from there was¡ª

    A grim reaper, d in ck, wielding a jet-ck scythe.

    The grim reaper slowly raised the scythe in his hand¡ª

    "¡ªGet down now, he is about to steal souls!"

    Greyworth shouted in an extremely loud voice, causing everyone present to reflexively dive to the ground.

    The scythe''s de swept through empty space, producing a raging wind infused with the presence of death.

    "Uwahhhhhhhhh!" "R-Run away, hurry¡ª"

    The nobles all surged towards the hall''s entrance. Although this thoughtless act of the nobles was a bit impulsive, it might have been a correct decision too. What the highest-ranked demon spirit preferred were the pure souls of the righteous rather than the souls of foolish humans.

    However, among the nobles fleeing this way and that, there were also those who stayed put quietly, not daring to move at all.

    The Ordesia emperor was one of them. For some reason, his gaze was hollow and zed over. Despite such an abnormal situation happening before his eyes, he looked like nothing was happening at all.

    Looking down at the emperor, the demon spirit grinned rather happily.

    (...You must make it in time, Georgios...!)

    Crawling on the floor, Fianna summoned the knight spirit.

    ¡ªHowever, she did not make it in time.

    The jet-ck scythe slowly swung down¡ª

    In that instant, the grim reaper''s head was sent flying.

    (...Huh?)

    Fianna blinked.

    The weapon that had chopped off the demon spirit''s head and sent it flying in a parab was a gigantic battle axe.

    "¡ªAre you alright, Your Majesty!?"

    A silver-haired spirit knight d in silver-white armor had broken through the hall''s wall and emerged.

    Fourth of the Numbers¡ªDunei Lampert.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The silver-white knight took a leap andunched a fierce attack against the decapitated demon spirit.

    Dual-wielded battle axes, an elemental waffe with divine power enveloping the des¡ªHowever, the demon spirit instantly turned into floating miasma and easily evaded the attack.

    "...Curse you! What is an archdemon-ss spirit doing here?"

    Dunei yelled. D¨©s Pater took on a grim reaper''s form again and swung the gigantic scythe at the Numbers knight.

    ck demonic wind howled. Dunei was blown away by the potent wind of destruction, smashing her hard against the wall.

    Had it been another spirit knight in her ce, she would have surely died from this attack. However, Dunei prided herself as a member of the Empire''s strongest, the Numbers, and was also contracted to an earth spirit, renowned for having the strongest defense. She stumbled and stood up, ring angrily at the demon spirit hovering in the air.

    "Gah..."

    Despite losing his head, D¨©s Pater could still produce audible gloatingughter. He raised his jet-ck scythe again without hesitation, shing at the heavily injured Numbers knight whose movements had slowed down.

    ¡ªIn that very instant...

    "I beseech thee to capture and crush, O cage of gravity!"

    The demon spirit''s body became twisted limply. A sphere resembling a rotating shadow appeared around D¨©s Pater, distorting the surrounding space.

    Spinning at high speed, the shadow-like spherepressed the demon spirit''s body, crushing it together with the air.

    (...Isn''t that Dame Leschkir''s gravity spirit, Typhon!?)

    Fianna looked at the sound''s direction.

    In front of the assembly hall''s half-wrecked entrance, another knight had appeared.

    Standing in stark contrast to the straiced Dunei, she was a raven-haired beauty with an air of seductive charms.

    Leschkir Hirschkilt, ranked third of the Numbers and nicknamed the Gravity Queen.

    "Dunei, I have the spirit captured now. Take this opportunity to eliminate it quickly¡ª"

    "...Acknowledged!"

    Carrying her elemental waffe of battle axes, Dunei charged at the immobilized demon spirit that was imprisoned by the cage of gravity.

    Pouring her entire divine power into her battle axes, she swung hard.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Pitch-ck miasma spurted out like blood, sttering and dripping down Dunei''s armor.

    Completely chopped into two, D¨©s Pater cackled in a disturbing manner before vanishing from this world.

    Naturally, an archdemon-ss spirit could not possibly be destroyed by an attack of this level. Released from the Bloodstone''s contract, the spirit had probably returned to Astral Zero.

    "Your Majesty, are you alright¡ª?"

    Dunei hurried over to the side of the copsed emperor.

    In terms of time, no more than a minute or two had passed. However, the assembly hall was already wrecked beyond recognition with the floors stained red from the blood of the wounded.

    (...Why... Why did this happen...)

    Confronted by the hellish scene before her eyes, Fianna was plunged into confusion.

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    "Y-You, what on earth are you doing!? Dame Leschkir!"

    In the process of fleeing the hall, Arneus yelled loudly.

    "Hurry up and arrest that girl! She will assassinate the emperor if you wait!"

    "...Huh!?"

    Fianna looked around her in shock.

    "How terrifying..." "I can''t believe she tried to kill everyone at the imperial council..." "Don''t tell me she is an aplice of the Theocracy''s Sjora Kahn¡ª"

    "...N-No, wrong, I¡ª!"

    Fianna was just about to deny allegations when Dame Leschkir stood in front of her and blocked her.

    "Second Princess, you will have plenty of time to exin yourselfter."

 Volume 14, 4 - Return to the Academy

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 4 - Return to the Academy</h4>

    Part 1

    After parting ways with Rinslet and setting off from Laurenfrost territory, Kamito''s group spent a night at Frost Town in the Kyria Mountain Range then arrived at Areishia Spirit Academy the next day at dusk.

    Thanks to Simorgh''s protection, the return journey was quitefortable, with a refreshing breeze in the morning while a thinyer of wind enveloped them at night, insting them from the cold.

    "...It''s only been a couple days, but it somehow feels so nostalgic to be back."

    Looking up at the Academy Town''s gate, defended by guardian spirits, Kamito muttered.

    It felt like an eternity had passed since hearing about Restia''s sighting from the Water Elemental Lord and crossing the Kyria Mountain Range with Rinslet under a raging blizzard.

    (Well, a ton of stuff also happened afterwards.)

    Kamito turned his head to look at Restia who was walking beside him. With widened eyes, she was looking at the Academy Town''s various sights.

    ...As a side note, she was still dressed in the maid uniform provided by Mi.

    "What a magnificent town. It''spletely different from what I imagined."

    "It''s nothingpared to the imperial capital. This is just the Academy Town."

    ire made a thumbs-up and replied.

    "Such a big town, all of this belongs to the Academy''s premises..."

    There was probably no town bigger than this in Restia''s current memories.

    Recalling memories from his visit to the imperial capital with Restia in the past, Kamito felt a pang of heartache.

    "That is because this part of town did not get caught in the militarized spirits'' attack and the Knights have hastened the reconstruction of the town as well. The Academy side is still a vast stretch of rubble."

    Ellis whispered with a solemn expression.

    Kamito''s group passed through the main gate and stepped foot into the Academy Town.

    After a while, they started seeing copsed buildings just as Ellis had said. These were marks left behind from the attack perpetrated by Lurie, the former member of the Numbers.

    Kamito looked towards the za and spotted a rock spirit at work, moving debris away.

    "And that''s¡ª?"

    "Yes, it is Rakka''s Cabracan."

    Ellis nodded.

    "I will go tell them that we are back. See youter, Kamito."

    "Yeah, got it. Then we''ll head back to the Academy first."

    Kamito saw Ellis off while she walked over to her friends.

    "What should we do? How about we go somewhere and get some food or something?"

    Then he asked ire.

    "U-Umm..."

    For some reason, ire blushed and stammered.

    "I-I''ve got something to do in town first."

    "Something to do?"

    "Yes, umm, I''ll make dinner for you tonight."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito could not help but ask again.

    "Dinner? You''ll make it, ire?"

    "Yes, I''ll cook for you, Kamito!"

    Turning bright red, ire yelled loudly.

    For an instant, Kamito worried

    ...Then he thought carefully again.

    (I see, so she wants to show someone that her cooking skills have improved.)

    Kamito had had a simr experience in the past.

    Three years ago, when living in Greyworth''s house, Kamito had been forced to cook food he had never cooked before in order to satisfy the witch''s demands.

    Greyworth''s standards were exceptionally high. Under great stress persisting every single day, Kamito developed a secret hobby, namely to have the person he held dearest, Restia, taste test his newest culinary creations.

    (Back then, I felt so happy whenever Restia praised me, which also helped me to remember cooking techniques.)

    Thus, Kamito recalled a wave of nostalgic memories.

    "What? Are you that worried about my cooking?"

    ire pouted.

    "I''m not going to make charcoal anymore, okay..."

    "No, that''s not what I was thinking about. I''ll look forward to you cooking, ire, in a normal way."

    Kamito frantically shook his head.

    "R-Really?"

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded.

    ire lowered her head slightly.

    In truth, her cooking had definitely improved. This was not only due to the fact that she had be able to control her mes. Living in the Academy with her, Kamito knew better than anyone that she was someone who could put in a hundred times more effort than the average person.

    "Then what are you nning to make?"

    "U-Umm... I''d like to try making macaroni gratin."

    "Gratin huh? For a novice in cooking, isn''t that a tad difficult?"

    "Don''t worry, I''ve already mastered the control of mes, also..."

    ire looked down and poked her index fingers against each other before her chest.

    "Hmm?"

    "K-Kamito, you mentioned before that gratin is your favorite."

    "Eh... Oh... I see. I''m surprised you still remember something like that..."

    Kamito had faint recollections that he might have mentioned it slightly during self-introductions back when he first enrolled into the Academy.

    "O-Of course I remember..."

    "Impressive as ever, honors student."

    "I-It''s not like that... Enough about that. Anyway, I''ll make your favorite gratin for dinner tonight, okay?"

    "Yeah, I''m really looking forward to it."

    Kamito patted ire on the head and she purred like a cat.

    "T-Then I''m going shopping now... Hmm, cream sauce, cheese, macaroni... Canned peaches, canned crab, canned mayonnaise?"

    ire happily hummed a melody while skipping off to the shopping district.

    (...Hmm, somehow I still feel a bit worried.)

    Secretly groaning in his heart, Kamito turned his head to look at Restia.

    "So, should we head straight to the Academy or would you like a brief tour of the Academy Town?"

    "...Huh?"

    Restia cocked her head slightly.

    "Well, you''ve been looking at the streets inquisitively from the very start. Is there anywhere you''re interested in?"

    "Yes, there are so many different shops. Simply looking at them is already very interesting."

    Restia nodded candidly.

    "Then how about we take a brief stroll nearby?"

    "...Can we?"

    "Sure. It''ll be a perfect way to kill time before dinner."

    Part 2

    Thus, Kamito took Restia on a tour of various parts of town.

    The nearer they got to the town center, the more packed the crowds. Although the sun had already set and the sky was dark, reconstruction was still ongoing.

    Walking among the crowds in the main streets, knights in military uniform were the most conspicuous. Rather than soldiers garrisoned at the Academy Town, they were new knights sent from the imperial capital. After suffering the attack from the militarized spirits, the garrisoned knights had be quite paralyzed in functionality in the days ever since.

    "...So many people... Kyah..."

    Kamito grabbed Restia''s hand just as she was about to be swept away in the crowd.

    Then he pulled her to his side.

    "U-Umm..."

    "We have to hold hands properly because it''s crowded here."

    "...U-Uh..."

    Suddenly, certain nostalgic memories surfaced in Kamito''s mind.

    "It''s the opposite of what happened before."

    "...Before?"

    "Yeah, six years ago, when you and I visited the imperial capital."

    ¡ªOn the day of the Great Festival of the Spirits six years prior, back when Kamito was nine years old, the Instructional School had sent him on a mission to steal militarized spirits that were used in the ceremony.

    Still a young boy then and shocked by therge amount of people and seeing the gigantic size of the imperial capital for the first time in his life, Kamito had walked in the streets, holding Restia''s hand.

    "...I see, so we''ve known each other for that long."

    "In the beginning, all we did was fight all the time."

    Kamito said with a wry smile. But if anything, rather than fighting, it was actually more like Kamito getting hit one-sidedly by Restia''s lightning.

    "Look look, over there¡ª" "The Demon King of the Night has a new girl with him." "Forced to dress up as a maid." "Has he tired of the students in his cohort?" "Nothing less expected of the Demon King..."

    Thus, they heard students whispering among themselves everywhere in the streets.

    "...Demon King?"

    "Please, forget about thosements."

    Kamito groaned and replied to Restia who was tilting her head in puzzlement.

    "But the Demon King mentioned by those youngdies is referring to..."

    "A-Anyway, let''s get out of here first!"

    Gripping Restia''s hand, Kamito began to walk quickly.

    Part 3

    Leaving the central za, they reached the shopping district. A delicious aroma was drifting in the air.

    There were many road-side vendors set up at the former site of buildings that had been destroyed by the militarized spirits.

    Business seemed to be going well for the vendors. People who had worked on reconstructing the town during the daytime would gather here in the evenings.

    "There is a lovely aroma in the air."

    Restia looked at the vendors with great interest.

    "Don''t tell me you''re hungry?"

    "...!?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, Restia instantly blushed.

    "C-Certainly not...!"

    "Oh well, lunch was quite a long time ago. ire''s cooking looks like it''ll take a long time, so let''s find some snacks for now¡ª"

    "I-It is fine! I did not mean to imply¡ª"

    Restia denied frantically.

    However, she could not deceive Kamito who had lived with her for so many years.

    "I get it, I get it..."

    "...Y-You clearly have the wrong idea..."

    Kamito smiled wryly and approached a vendor selling crepes nearby.

    Suddenly, Kamito felt a strong tug on his right arm, stopping him.

    "Well, no need to be shy... Huh?"

    Wait, it should be his left hand that was holding Restia''s hand.

    ...Tug. Tug. His right arm was pulled twice more.

    "...?"

    Kamito turned his head.

    "Kamito, I am very hungry too."

    "E-Est!"

    Holding onto Kamito''s arm was a beautiful young girl with dazzling silver-white hair.

    With mysterious eyes of violet, she was staring expressionlessly at Kamito.

    "You''ve already recovered?"

    "Yes, I had a good sleep, Kamito."

    The sword spirit nodded lightly and replied.

    Due to using up too much energy, she had remained in sword form the whole time after the battle against Zirnitra. Finally, she revived now.

    "...This girl is Miss Sword Spirit?"

    Restia interjected in their conversation, thus prompting Est to finally notice her presence. Staring intently at Restia in her maid uniform...

    "...Darkness spirit."

    "Nice to meet you, Miss Sword Spirit."

    Restia nodded slightly and bowed.

    "Do not ''nice to meet you'' me. That is wrong, darkness spirit."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Instantly, Est gave off a terrifying aura from all over her body.

    This was the sword pressureing from the legendary sacred sword that had vanquished the previous Demon King. Commoners in the surroundings turned to look at them.

    "...Excuse me, M-Miss Sword Spirit?"

    Frightened, Restia involuntarily hugged Kamito''s arm.

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Confronted with this scene, Est began to exude an even stronger aura.

    (Oh right, these two always rubbed each other the wrong way to begin with!)

    "¡ªKamito, get away from there now. Otherwise, I cannot erase the darkness spirit."

    "W-Wait, Est, this is a long story¡ª"

    "...?"

    Est cocked her head slightly.

    "Umm, right now, Restia has lost all her memories of the past."

    Hearing that from Kamito¡ª

    The aura of Est''s anger weakened slightly.

    "Lost her memories...?"

    "Yeah. Not just forgetting about you and me, but even the fact that she''s a spirit. So she''spletely forgotten all her past interactions with you¡ª"

    "..."

    Est slowly turned towards Restia.

    "Darkness spirit, have you truly forgotten all memories from your time as a spirit?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    Restia nodded with a troubled look.

    "Have you also forgotten about attacking Kamito many times and even forcibly stripping off my kneesocks?"

    "D-Did I do something of that sort!?"

    Restia replied, seeming quite shocked.

    (Oh, the kneesocks stripping happened at Ragna Ys...)

    "..."

    Thus, Est stared into Restia''s eyes¡ª

    "...I see. You have truly lost your memories."

    She murmured in a whisper.

    "In that case, darkness spirit, you and I are the same kind of existence."

    "Est..."

    ¡ªYou and I are the same. Kamito swiftly understood what she meant by that.

    Indeed, Est was separated from her main existence, resulting in a state of almostplete amnesia.

    "Darkness spirit¡ª"

    Est suddenly pointed at Restia.

    "You may stay by Kamito''s side while you have lost your memories, but¡ª"

    She spoke expressionlessly.

    "Please remember this carefully. I am actually your older sister."

    "...Older sister?"

    While Restia was taken aback, Est walked over to the vendor.

    "..."

    "¡ªOh well, looks like it''s a done deal."

    Patting Restia on the head, Kamito smiled wryly and remarked.

    "Kamito, I want to eat crepes too."

    "...Got it, got it."

    Kamito frantically chased after Est.

    In the crepe vendor''s vicinity, Kamito heard a familiar voice.

    "Tasty crepes, fit for a king, would you like one fresh from the frying pan?"

    "...Umm, why are you here?"

    "...Hwah, K-Kamito-sama!?"

    Working at the crepe stand was Carol the maid.

    Part 4

    "Could it be that your expedition has already returned...?"

    "...Uh, what are you doing here, Carol?"

    Kamito asked in exasperation. Carol smiled lightly.

    "Yes, it was too boring in mdy''s absence, so I wanted to try a part-time job."

    "What part-time job? Have you thought carefully about what your real job is?"

    Kamito spoke with narrowed eyes.

    "So mdy has remained at Laurenfrost."

    "Yeah. They have all kinds of troubles to attend to over there."

    "...Fufu. Mdy is already quite amazing as acting head of the Laurenfrost family."

    "Come on Carol, you too need to learn from Rinslet a bit and work seriously."

    "Yes, I will work hard to make this crepe stand prosperous!"

    Carol clenched her fist.

    "No, I''m not talking about that..."

    "Could you please keep the fact that I am working part-time a secret from mdy?"

    Carol brought her index finger to her lips and smiled.

    "...Sure, no problem. Then how about you give me a discount on the crepes?"

    "...That''s neither here nor there!"

    "...You''re showing some unexpected backbone here."

    Kamito shrugged.

    At this time, Est tugged the corner of Kamito''s shirt again.

    "Kamito, is the crepe not ready yet?"

    "...Yeah, sorry. So you two, what vor do you want?"

    "I want a bean curd crepe."

    "Umm, I don''t think you can choose bean curd."

    "Although bean curd isn''t avable, you can choose marshmallows."

    "Then get me one of those. Restia, what are you having?"

    "I-I''d like... umm..."

    Looking at the menu on sign board, Restia was in a dilemma due to having too many choices.

    "I rmend the chocte banana crepe here?"

    "Sure, then get me one of those."

    "Two crepes, one marshmallow and one chocte banana, is that right?"

    Carol started up a me spirit crystal and started cooking crepes skillfully on a frying pan.

    "Carol, you''re able to use spirit crystals?"

    "Yes, although I have not been formally trained, I can still use them if it''s just simple spirit magic."

    "Potential as an elementalist huh... Speaking of which, I''m quite surprised you know how to make sweets."

    "Yes, I eat sweets prepared by mdy all the time."

    ...While they chatted away like this, the crepes were quickly prepared.

    The pancake part of the crepes was slightly browned. Then fruit such as banana or strawberry was added with a generous helping of fresh cream. The chocte topping looked really delicious.

    "Here, enjoy. Feel free to take huge bites."

    "Be careful you don''t drop it on the ground."

    "Kamito, I am so happy?"

    "T-Thanks..."

    Est munched away expressionlessly while enjoying her crepe. On the other hand, Restia looked troubled, confronted with food she was eating for the first time.

    "...Umph."

    Restia took a bite decisively. Cream spilled out from inside the crepe, sticking to her cheek.

    "Look, on your face¡ª"

    Kamito wiped Restia''s cheek with the tip of his finger.

    Instantly, her face turned bright red.

    "...~!?"

    "What''s wrong?"

    "N-Nothing at all..."

    Restia bowed her head shyly and began to munch away, imitating Est.

    "...So delicious."

    Restia''s expression spontaneously turned joyful.

    Seeing her like that, Est said:

    "Darkness spirit, I want to try yours too."

    "Please help yourself, Miss Sword Spirit."

    "Yes."

    Nodding once lightly, Restia presented her half-eaten crepe to Est.

    "Then you try this marshmallow crepe too, darkness spirit."

    The two contracted spirits exchanged crepes and munched away.

    ...They looked virtually like a pair of sister who got along well with each other.

    "Fufu, they''re so close."

    Carol watched them happily.

    At that moment, Kamito turned to her.

    "Come to think of it, did anything happen here while we were gone?"

    He suddenly asked about something that had been bothering him.

    It was roughly five days ago when Kamito had set off for Laurenfrost, so nothing should have happened, but no matter what, ever since that incident, it would not be strange formotions such as conflicts between students to re up, fueled by unease.

    "Nothing particrly important happened since that day."

    Carol shook her head.

    "However, the knights sent from the imperial capital have increased with every passing day."

    "...Yeah, I thought so too."

    The terrorist attack a few days ago had caused the Academy to lose many spirit knights and militarized spirits. In order to fill that void, the imperial capital had sent knights from their army.

    "The Sylphid Knights are also working hard to upholdw and order in town."

    "...I see. Well, I guess it''s great that nothing happened¡ª"

    Just as Kamito breathed a sigh of relief...

    "O-Oh no!"

    "There''s a rebellion at the Academy!"

    People could be heard shouting in the streets, causing a greatmotion.

    "...Rebellion?"

    Hearing such unsettling words, Kamito frowned.

    "D-Did something happen?"

    "...Your guess is as good as mine. You two, let''s hurry back to the Academy first."

    "Kamito, I am not done with my crepe¡ª"

    Part 5

    Taking Est and Restia, Kamito returned urgently to the Academy, only to find amotion at the gates.

    The Academy''s students had set up a barricade in front of the main entrance and looked like they were having a fierce argument with the Empire''s knights.

    Dressed in armor, even the Sylphid Knights had their spirits summoned for some reason, restraining the Imperial Knights that were about to break the barricade.

    It was like a powder keg waiting to be ignited any moment.

    (...What the heck happened?)

    Kamito wondered.

    "Oh, it''s you, Kamito."

    Carrying heavy looking shopping bags, ire ran over to him.

    "ire, what the heck is going on here?"

    "It seems like part of the student body is protesting against the headmistress'' arrest."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito doubted his ears.

    "Greyworth has been thrown in jail?"

    "Read this¡ª"

    ire took out a piece of paper from her front pocket.

    It was a newspaper extra issued by the imperial capital. Reading it, Kamito''s eyes widened.

    "...What!?"

    Fianna Ray Ordesia, the Empire''s Second Princess, and Dame Greyworth Ciel Mais, formerly first ranked of the Numbers, had been arrested for an abortive assassination attempt on the emperor.

    ¡ªThe details were as follows.

    During a session of the imperial council, the Empire''s Second Princess Fianna Ray Ordesia had released a demon spirit, attempting to assassinate His Majesty the emperor. A petition signed by members of the anti-Arneus faction had also been discovered in the Second Princess'' room.

    Based on this, the incident was spected to be a conflict born from the question of imperial session.

    Furthermore, the demon spirit released by the Second Princess was Dame Greyworth''s contracted spirit. Thus, she was also thrown into jail as a co-conspirator.

    "What the heck is going on!?"

    Kamito could not help but scrunch the paper into a ball and yell.

    "So you don''t know anything about it either."

    ire shook her head.

    "But there must be a mistake somewhere. Fianna clearly abandoned her position in the imperial family..."

    "Yeah, I fear she was most likely framed."

    "...Huahhhh!"

    Hearing a sudden voice, ire jumped in fright.

    Out from ire''s shadow, a woman in a suit emerged silently.

    "Freya-sensei!"

    She was Miss Freya, the shadow elementalist and the homeroom teacher of Raven ss.

    "Sensei, what on earth is going on? Who framed¡ª"

    "I am in the process of gathering information too. ire Rouge, calm down first."

    "How could I possibly calm down!? Because Fianna is now¡ª"

    At this moment, a small explosion was heard outside the barricade.

    Someone on the Academy side had unleashed spirit magic.

    "Stop that, idiot, don''t use spirit magic!"

    Surrounded by turmoil, Ellis yelled to stop the students from rioting.

    "B-But Captain¡ª"

    "Throwing the headmistress into jail is unforgivable! Without even an official sentence¡ª"

    "The Imperial Knights are too tyrannical!"

    (...This is a bad situation.)

    Kamito pulled the frightened Restia and hid her behind his back.

    As much as Kamito hated to admit, the respect and admiration the students afforded to the Dusk Witch and hero of the Ranbal War rivaled the poprity of Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer.

    It would note as a surprise if the students'' anger exploded as a result of Greyworth''s imprisonment.

    However, rioting on the student side would give the Imperial Knights a pretext to suppress them.

    "udia-sama, please authorize our use of spirit magic."

    "This is legitimate defense. Let us hurry to arrest these rioters."

    The woman named udia, d in a high-ranked knight''s armor, issued orders in a cold voice.

    The spirit knights under hermand released their elemental waffen at once.

    The girls on the inside of the barricade began to feel afraid. There were almost no students capable of fighting professional spirit knights. Ultimately, only a small selection of honors students were able to summon contracted spirits and deploy elemental waffen with certainty.

    "W-What are you doing? Do you intend to vite the Academy''s right to autonomy¡ª"

    Ellis yelled as hard as she could but the Imperial Knights mercilessly destroyed the barricade.

    "Dame udia, please ask your subordinates to withdraw¡ª"

    Ellis spoke to the leader of the opposing knights.

    Engraved on the armor of the knight named udia was an emblem of an eagle with outspread wings.

    It was the Fahrengart family crest. In other words, these knights were all inferior in position to Ellis, the daughter of the current family head.

    However, the subordinate knights all ignored Ellis and forcibly arrested the resisting students. Screams wereing from girls who had their arms grabbed.

    "...You¡ª"

    Reaching the end of her patience, Ellis summoned Ray Hawk. Just at that moment...

    Scorching mes appeared from thin air, blocking the Imperial Knights.

    "That''s enough from you¡ª"

    Using Scarlet''s intense mes, ire threatened the surrounding knights.

    Seeing a powerful spirit, far surpassing the level of students, the knights were taken aback.

    "ire...?"

    "You are the Cmity Queen''s sister."

    However, udia stood her ground and stared coldly at ire.

    "Then the one over there must be Kazehaya Kamito."

    Then she turned her gaze towards Kamito who was hiding Restia behind his back.

    "...Yeah, so what?"

    "Perfect. Orders from the higher-ups include your arrest."

    "...What?"

    "What do you mean by arrest!?"

    udia drew her sword and swung the de at Kamito.

    "Because the friends of the Second Princess cannot be allowed to roam free after her assassination attempt on the emperor!"

    "...Fianna can''t possibly have attempted an assassination!"

    "Irrelevant. I am merely a pawn that follows the military''s orders."

    udia brandished her sword while her subordinate knights swiftly surrounded Kamito andpany.

    (...There are seven spirit knights. Out of them, three are highly skilled.)

    Kamito calmly assessed the enemy forces while holding Est''s hand.

    "Est, I''m counting on you¡ª"

    "Yes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    After Kamito recited the incantation of release, Est''s figure turned into particles of light that disappeared into thin air, transforming into the Demon yer, shining with silver-white radiance.

    "What can one person do? Attack!"

    As udia yelled, the surrounding spirit knights rushed in.

    Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer and kicked the ground hard.

    "Absolute de Arts¡ªThird Form, Shadowmoon Waltz!"

    A sh of numerous shes.

    In the next second, all the attacking knights copsed on the ground.

    "Now way... In an instant... the three elites among the spirit knights...?"

    "Sorry, I won''t hold back if soldiers are my opponents."

    Kamito adjusted his stance with the Demon yer and stared at the remaining knights.

    "Count me in as well!"

    Wielding metongue, ire kept the knights pinned down.

    "As expected of the victors of the de Dance tournament. It seems that ordinary means are not enough."

    udia shrugged and stabbed her sword into the ground. Next¡ª

    "Which is why such a method¡ª"

    She snapped her fingers.

    "Ah!"

    Behind Kamito, Restia screamed.

    "Restia!"

    Kamito looked back to see a translucent serpentine spirit wrapped around Restia''s head, choking her throat. This was a small militarized spirit used by the Imperial Knights for espionage.

    "...Ack... Urgh..."

    "This girl seems to be important to you, even though her identity is unknown."

    "...You bitch!"

    Kamito roared and red angrily at udia in front of him.

    "Stand down with your elemental waffe, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "Damn...!"

    Kamito gritted his teeth hard.

    He was to me for failing to watch over Restia properly, but did all spirit knights belonging to the imperial army stoop so low as to take hostages?

    "Dame udia!"

    Ellis yelled in reprimand.

    "As a member of the Fahrengart Knights, how could you¡ª"

    "I am simply fulfilling my duties as a knight, Lady Ellis."

    "...What are you talking about...?"

    "...Kk... Urghhhh...!"

    Strangled by the neck, Restia was wheezing painfully. In her darkness spirit days, she could easily pulverize low-ranked militarized spirits, but right now¡ª

    "...I got it. Please stop...!"

    Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the ground and raised his arms to surrender.

    udia instantly ordered her subordinates:

    "Seize Kazehaya Kamito and the Cmity Queen''s sister."

    "W-Wait, what are you doing... Kyah!"

    Kamito and ire were instantly captured by the army''s binding spells.

    Part 6

    "...Ooh... Hmm..."

    Inside a dimly lit room, Fianna woke up.

    She could sense from this room an unusual pressure that did not stem from its crampedness.

    Without any windows, no sunlight entered at all. The only light source was a spirit crystal glowing on a candlestick.

    This was the Temple of World Istion located underground, under the Great Shrine of Areishia in the center of Ostdakia, the imperial capital. In the past, it used to be a ce where princess maidens of royal blood trained.

    Due to seals on the stone floor, all links to Astral Zero were severedpletely. Let alone summoning a contracted spirit, even using spirit magic was impossible.

    A princess maiden had identally died during training in this room during the previous emperor''s reign. As a result, the room had not been opened for a very long time now.

    (It turns out to be quite handy as a ce for imprisoning princess maidens.)

    Those who made attempts on the emperor''s life would normally be locked away in the lowest level of Balsas Prison, but the prison had been half-wrecked in the attack a few days ago and was under repairs.

    "...Guh... Ah."

    Her arms ached intensely when she twisted her body.

    Bound by chains with spells written in them, Fianna''s body was suspended from the ceiling. The pure white dress she was wearing at the assembly was tattered in a sorry state, most likely ripped while she was forcibly taken here.

    Her consciousness was still hazy.

    Was it mind maniption magic? Or perhaps they had used some kind of drug.

    ¡ªAfter the incident, Fianna was instantly arrested and imprisoned in this room.

    ording to the knights, the anti-Arneus faction''s signed petition was discovered in Fianna''s room. All the great nobles with their signatures there were arrested.

    Lord Conrad hadmitted suicide by poison in his own room. ording to the Imperial Knights'' interpretation, the prime minister hadmitted suicide as the main conspirator after knowing the n had failed.

    Naturally, it was impossible for Fianna to believe such an exnation. The prime minister''s objective was to prevent Arneus, the Holy Kingdom''s puppet, from seeding to the throne at all costs.

    (The prime minister isn''t stupid. How could he possibly use such a reckless method as assassinating the emperor?)

    But in that case, why did the prime minister hand that Bloodstone over to Fianna?

    (...Was he not aware that a demon spirit was sealed inside?)

    Assuming that was the case, he must have fallen to someone''s trickery. The demon spirit''s rampage was a show engineered and put on by the Arneus faction with the purpose of taking down all Fianna-faction nobles in one fell swoop, but¡ª

    There was still one more fact that bothered her.

    (The rampaging demon spirit was the headmistress'' contracted spirit...)

    The existence of the Dusk Witch, currently holding extreme political clout, was probably quite an obstacle to the Arneus faction. Hence, they used the demon spirit formerly employed by the witch to sessfully frame her. However, what kind of method did they use to seal up an archdemon-ss spirit, and The Dusk Witch''s contracted spirit to boot...?

    In her hazy consciousness, numerous questions surfaced in her mind.

    At this time, a heavy sound of the door opening was heard in the Temple of World Istion.

    "...!?"

    A ray of light from the outside world shot into the dim space, forcing Fianna to squint.

    "Kukuku... What a splendid sight, my little sister¡ª"

    Hearing that voice made Fianna frown in disgust.

    Entering with his arms spread ostentatiously was Arneus.

    Fianna cast an angry gaze ofplete hostility on her older brother''s face.

    "Dear esteemed brother¡ªno, perhaps it would be better to address you as Your Majesty, Emperor Arneus?"

    "I''m not the emperor yet, not yet¡ª"

    Smiling like that, Arneus brought his face up close, enough for her to feel his breath.

    "However, my father is currently confined to bed, infected by the miasma from the demon spirit you summoned. Naming me as his sessor is only a matter of time¡ª"

    "It must not have been easy for you to devise such a n. Is the Holy Kingdom backing you by any chance?"

    "...!"

    Arneus'' face instantly changed in rm.

    "...Hmph, you''ll be executed in a few days anyway, Lost Queen."

    Spitting out such words, he left the room and closed the door violently.

    Part 7

    "Your Highness, Prince Arneus."

    He heard that voice as soon as he stepped out of the Temple of World Istion.

    Arneus turned his gaze towards the voice''s source. In the shadows of a stone pir was a woman in a knight''s uniform.

    Her ck hair was gorgeous to the point of seductive. Those dark blue eyes of hers seemed filled with dark mes.

    Dame Leschkir Hirschkilt, a member of Numbers.

    "Ah, Dame Leschkir¡ª"

    "Your speech earlier was splendid, Your Highness."

    With a seductive smile on her lips, she offered praise.

    What had taken ce several hours earlier was a speech delivered to the gathering of national representatives from across the continent. Weeping sorrowfully for his bedridden father the Ordesia emperor, he had strongly condemned the mastermind behind the abortive assassination attempt, the Second Princess.

    "I can''t believe you were capable of that, Dame Leschkir. I was scared out of my wits when the demon spirit was rampaging..."

    "Ultimately, it was just a shadow of power sealed into a spirit crystal¡ªmerely a ''manifestation.'' As one would expect of the Dusk Witch''s spirit, even a Numbers knight would not be able to emerge unscathed in a battle against it."

    "...I see. Well, that being said, your acting skills were top-notch."

    Arneus smiled malevolently.

    "However, are you sure you want to kill His Majesty just like that?"

    "...No, killing him is not the best method."

    Arneus shook his head and said:

    "My father still has toplete the important task of naming me as his sessor. Also, he can no longer rise from bed after approaching that demon spirit anding into contact with the miasma of death."

    "Indeed, he is already no different from a dead man."

    A seductive smile surfaced on Leschkir''s face.

    Filled with potent malice, that smile made Arneus feel a chill along his back.

    However, it was only for an instant and Leschkir soon left his side.

    "Then I shall take my leave. It would not do if anyone witnessed this scene."

    After bowing gracefully, she disappeared into the shadows behind the pir.

    (What a terrifying woman even though I know she''s clearly on my side.)

    Arneus wiped sweat from his forehead and whispered in his mind.

    Although she was aiding the Arneus faction, she was not allied to him personally.

    Dame Leschkir was one of Lurie Lizaldia''s subordinates. In other words, she was in league with the Holy Kingdom.

    (...What should I do with the Holy Kingdom that''s currently backing me?)

    Arneus had no interest in the Holy Kingdom''s goals at all. All he had was an ambition to be emperor like any other person.

    Using the Holy Kingdom as a means to that end, that was what he intended from the start.

    "Things are proceeding quite smoothly, Prince Arneus."

    "...!?"

    Arneus jumped in fright at the voice he suddenly heard from behind him.

    He looked back to find a man in his prime, standing there without him knowing, holding a scepter in his hand.

    Arneus felt a chill down his spine. That man was Lord Conrad the prime minister who was supposed to have died, poisoned by Arneus'' subordinates.

    "...How tasteless, Lord Prime Minister. If anyone were to see you in your carelessness..."

    "Don''t worry, there is no one here."

    Despite Lord Conrad''s appearance, the adorable voice belonged to a girl.

    Immediately, the prime minister''s appearance became distorted, transforming in an instant.

    Before his eyes was a cute girl in sacred vestments.

    Twelve or thirteen years old in appearance, lustrous blonde hair shining brilliantly. Her right eye was a mysterious violet but her left eye was covered by a boorish eyepatch.

    She was one of the Holy Kingdom''s cardinals, Millennia Sanctus.

    Facilitating Sjora Kahn''s coup d''etat in the Alphas Theocracy and masterminding the attack on the Academy with Lurie Lizaldia, she was the girl with Otherworldly Darkness residing in her.

    Held in her hand was an unsettling mask of pure white.

    "Fufu, obtained from Sjora, this is quite convenient in its ability to simte the memories and personality of the person whose shadow was stolen in addition to their appearance."

    Unbeknownst to Arneus, the mask in her hand was the elemental waffe, Proteus Mask, of the demon spirit Baldanders. During the de Dance tournament, Sjora Kahn had used this elemental waffe to subject Team Scarlet to great hardship as well as making the Quina Empire''s Four Gods team fall into her trap.

    Fianna''s guess that the prime minister had been exploited by the Arneus faction was actually not far off from the truth. Last night, it was Millennia Sanctus who had visited Fianna''s bedroom in the guise of Lord Conrad. The real prime minister had already been assassinated the previous day.

    "With the nobles in the Second Princess faction all thrown into prison, there is no one capable of stopping you now."

    "Hmm, yes, I am most grateful for the support from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia."

    Arneus bowed his head unnaturally. To be honest, it would have been very difficult for him to take the Ordesian throne without the Holy Kingdom''s support.

    However, he felt inexplicably intimidated by such a young girl.

    "So, will you hand the witch over to us as agreed?"

    The girl looked up at Arneus and asked.

    "Yes, as you wish. I will have that woman transported to the tower at Guas Gibai immediately."

    "Very well, I shall wait at the tower."

    "But is there any value left in that woman to exploit? Having lost the power to contract with spirits, that witch can no longer pose any threat against us."

    Arneus asked in puzzlement. What this girl wanted was the witch''s body, what on earth was going on?

    "It is none of your concern, Your Majesty."

    An adorable smile appeared on Millennia''s face with a chuckle.

    Instantly, Arneus felt an extremely terrifying presence.

    "I-I see. Indeed, it is none of my concern..."

    Like a broken puppet, he kept nodding.

    Part 8

    Several hours passed after Kamito andpany were taken away by the Imperial Knights.

    A military flying vessel arrived in the sky near the Academy Town.

    It was a strange ship, a flying vessel that did not belong to the Ordesia military.

    The ship''s shape resembled the battleshipsmonly used during the Ranbal War era. An unregistered ship, the hull had signs ofrge-scale modifications. Rather than a sculpture of the Elemental Lords as was customary, what decorated the ship''s prow was a lion''s head, enveloped in mes.

    Slicing through clouds in its wake, the ship advanced like a shadow.

    There were two figures on the ship''s deck.

    A girl wearing a crimson mask and a girl d in a knight''s armor.

    "¡ªHow is the situation?"

    "A report from subordinates infiltrating the Academy Town. All of them have been arrested by the Ordesia army."

    The girl with the crimson mask ced the spirit crystal she was holding into her front pocket. It was a spirit crystal officially used by the Ordesia military for long-distancemunications.

    "We arrived toote, did we?...Is Ren Ashbell at a military facility?"

    "Most likely¡ª"

    "In that case, I shall head out."

    "Are you sure? Your opponents will be the Imperial Knights."

    "No matter, I have already forsaken my life as a knight. Furthermore¡ª"

    Saying that, the girl in armor touched her heart''s location on her chest with her fingertips.

    "A perfect chance to take this on a test run."

    Her dispassionate voice whispered, as cold as steel.

 Volume 14, 5 - Silent Fortress

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 5 - Silent Fortress</h4>

    Part 1

    "Stay here and don''t try anything funny, Demon King of the Night¡ª"

    Restrained by spirit magic, Kamito was taken by the knights and violently thrown into a jail cell inside a military facility behind a metal door.

    Est was confiscated and his hands were cuffed behind his back. Under such conditions, even Kamito could not resist. Besides, even if he could resist, he was out of options while Restia was taken hostage.

    As the metal door shut, a magic circle engraved on the door''s surface glowed.

    (...An istion barrier huh. What a pain...)

    While lying on cold stone tiles, Kamito cursed inside his mind.

    With that, even trying to find Est''s location through the spirit seal''s resonance would not be possible.

    Crawling over the floor, he moved near the door.

    He detected one presence on the other side of the door, apparently just an ordinary guard, not a spirit knight.

    "What happened to ire and the others? They''re not getting rough treatment, are they?"

    He asked the other side.

    "You don''t need to know."

    The guard''s cold voice replied.

    "Is this attempted assassination on the emperor for real? What the heck happened at the imperial capital?"

    "Shut up, you''re being annoying."

    This time, the door was kicked violently.

    (...Looks like it''s not someone with loose lips.)

    Kamito sighed, sat up and leaned against the wall.

    Throwing a tantrum here would be pointless. It would be wiser to conserve his energy and bide his time.

    (...But things have gotten troublesome.)

    The situation was too terrible.

    Fianna was surely caught in some kind of power struggle and got framed.

    At this rate, she might end up executed before a proper trial took ce.

    (...And it takes at least four days to hurry to the imperial capital from here.)

    Also, even if he could hasten to the imperial capital, he would still need to find a way to get around the army''s guards to rescue her.

    ...Before that, even getting out of here was a problem.

    (Fianna...)

    The image of the princess, who sometimes teased him and often encouraged him, surfaced in his mind, instantly filling him with impatience.

    ¡ªAt this moment.

    "...to... Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    He suddenly heard a voice behind him.

    Rather thaning from the door''s opposite side, it felt more like a whisper by his ear.

    Kamito looked at the door behind him. There were no signs of any one else.

    All he saw was his own shadow.

    However, Kamito felt a sense of dissonance from that shadow.

    The cell''s light source was a faint bit of light entering from a gridded window near the ceiling.

    However, the shadow was projected with unnatural rity against the door, looking almost like a human figure had been singrly cut out of space.

    "...Say, could this be¡ª"

    "Quiet, fool."

    The shadow raised a finger and made a hushing gesture.

    Immediately realizing the shadow''s true identity, Kamito lowered his voice as instructed.

    "¡ªFreya-sensei."

    He spoke the name of his homeroom teacher.

    Indeed, he had seen this many times during mock battle tests at the Academy.

    The true identity of this bizarre shadow was Miss Freya''s shadow spirit¡ªShadow Servant.

    The shadow nodded then...

    "My apologies foringte. It is a little difficult to use a spirit inside an istion barrier."

    "Don''t tell me you sneaked into the military facility?"

    "No, I am not inside the facility. I am controlling this spirit at long range from somewhere in the Academy Town. The moment you were arrested, I slipped it secretly into your shadow."

    After deftly unfastening Kamito''s handcuffs, the shadow''s shape distorted and passed through the crack under the door to go outside. Before long, a quiet unlocking sound was heard.

    "Make it quick. Leave before the spirit knights notice."

    "...Sorry, I owe you one."

    Kamito immediately stood up.

    "But are you sure this is okay?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "Surely, you''re endangering your position by doing this¡ª"

    "All along, my loyalty lies with the headmistress alone, not the Empire."

    The shadow on the ground shrugged and answered.

    Part 2

    Inside the headmistress'' office on the third floor of the Academy...

    "¡ªudia, I do not approve of your upation of the Academy!"

    "Your permission is not required, Lady Ellis."

    "...What!?"

    Ellis was at a loss for words, confronted with the calm udia whose expression did not even change.

    This was after Kamito andpany had been arrested.

    Areishia Spirit Academy had been taken over by the Imperial Knights.

    All the protesting students at the main entrance were arrested. The other students were under house arrest in their dorms.

    At the same time, the Sylphid Knights, in charge of upholdingw and order in the Academy, were forbidden from taking action. It was equivalent to relieving Ellis of her position as the captain of the Sylphid Knights.

    "I am simply fulfilling my duties as an Imperial Knight."

    udia dered coldly.

    "Duties? Your duties include arresting helpless students who cannot resist?"

    "This cannot be helped. They were the ones to use spirit magic first."

    "...Hmph. Besides, why was the headmistress arrested and imprisoned!?"

    "Reportedly, she conspired with the Second Princess and attempted to assassinate His Majesty."

    "It must be a setup. They are not the type to do that."

    "Her Highness the Second Princess is your ssmate, Lady Ellis, isn''t she? Is there anything else you wish to add?"

    Ellis raised her hand on reflex.

    After taking a deep breath, she lowered it slowly to the table.

    Then in a quiet and trembling voice, she said:

    "...Put me in there."

    "...?"

    "I want to be put into prison just like Kamito and the others!"

    "To think I was expecting something different¡ª"

    udia shook her head in exasperation.

    However, Ellis continued:

    "I opposed the Imperial Knights at the time too. It would be unfair if I remained as the only one not arrested. Or are you telling me that a daughter of the Fahrengart family is entitled to special treatment?"

    "...How stubborn."

    Reaching the end of her patience, udia remarked and snapped her fingers loudly.

    Soon, the door of the headmistress'' office opened and two spirit knights entered.

    "Take her to the military facility to cool her head a bit."

    Part 3

    "...This is uneptable!"

    ire roared angrily at the tightly shut door of the cell.

    Like the ce where Kamito was kept confined, this was a prison in a military facility.

    Although she was not handcuffed like Kamito, the istion barrier had severed the link to her contracted spirit, not only preventing her from summoning Scarlet but also using spirit magic.

    (...But I could probably get out if I used those mes.)

    ire cast her gaze upon her hands. The special power whose nature differed from spirit magic, passed down the Elstein family¡ªThe mes of oblivion, even capable of incinerating other mes.

    However, even if she could escape this cell, she would still be helpless against the spirit knights outside.

    "...Let me out or else you might end up burned into charcoal!"

    Despite banging on the door and even kicking it twice, she could not get any response from outside at all.

    Finally felling tired, ire sighed helplessly and sat down on the spot.

    "...I am terribly sorry, it''s all because I was caught¡ª"

    At this moment, Restia apologized from her position, crouching in a corner of the cell.

    "It''s not like it''s your fault. That bunch of violent knights are to me."

    ire turned her head to look at Restia.

    "But if you could recover your power, escaping this kind of prison should be a piece of cake."

    She shrugged.

    "I have that kind of power?"

    "Yes, you are a high-ranked spirit of the darkness element after all. If you used your original strength, ordinary spirit knights are no match at all. Using that ck lightning, you can fry them in a sizzle¡ª"

    "...That sounds so scary."

    Restia moaned and spoke timidly in a whisper.

    "There, there. You don''t have to force yourself to remember. Sorry about that."

    Seeing how she reacted, ire apologized, feeling bad.

    (...I-It feels quite unbelievable, spending time alone with the darkness spirit.)

    ire felt quite conflicted inside. ire was a shy girl originally. Even disregarding the fact that the two of them had been clear enemies previously, ire really did not know how to interact with her after she had lost her memory.

    (...She''s the girl that Kamito holds dearest, I guess?)

    Suddenly recalling this fact, ire instantly felt a tightening in her chest.

    (Much much further back in the past than me, she was already together with Kamito¡ª)

    ...Growl.

    Hearing a cute little sound, ire was instantly brought back to reality.

    "Are you hungry?"

    "Ah, u-uhh..."

    Restia blushed to her ears, looking quite flustered... Speaking of which, they still had not had dinner. ire suddenly remembered.

    "Uh, would you like to have this?"

    From her pocket, ire took out a biscuit wrapped in oil paper. It was made by Rinslet and ire had taken it when leaving the castle at Laurenfrost.

    "May I?"

    "I''m eating too. Let''s share it half-half."

    "T-Thank you..."

    While eating the biscuit, ire spoke.

    "Don''t worry. Ellis will surely find a way."

    All things considered, Ellis was a daughter of the Fahrengart family, which held vast influence over the Imperial Knights. If she negotiated with the higher-ups, surely they would be released soon.

    Just as ire was thinking so optimistically...

    The cell door, which had shown no reaction no matter how much she yelled or kicked, opened with a rusty grating sound.

    "...Ellis!"

    ire stood up and yelled.

    Appearing outside the door was precisely the Ellis she had just mentioned.

    "You''rete, Ellis. I''ve been waiting so long."

    ire said to her.

    However, ire soon noticed something off about her.

    "No, uh, sorry¡ª"

    "...Huh?"

    Ellis came in and sat down in a corner of the cell, drawing her knees to her chest.

    Then the door was shut from outside and locked with a ck.

    "W-Wait, what''s going on? Why are you sent to jail too?"

    "I-I am simply insisting on my principles..."

    Saying that, Ellis turned her face away in embarrassment.

    "Y-You... Don''t tell me..."

    Guessing the gist of things based on her personality, ire buried her own head in her hands.

    "I-Idiot! Who''s going to save us if you''re jailed here too!?"

    "U-Umm, you make a fair point... My apologies."

    Looking like she was reflecting on her actions at least, Ellis apologized quietly.

    "B-But I do not regret my decision¡ª"

    "...Sigh. Sheesh, you simply can''t think outside the box."

    ire clutched her head and sighed in exasperation.

    "Well, it is very much in your style..."

    Part 4

    "¡ªNo reaction?"

    "Yeah, looks she''s not nearby."

    Running along a passage, led by the shadow spirit, Kamito focused his awareness on his right hand''s seal.

    His link with Est was still not restored.

    At the very least, she did not seem to be in the vicinity.

    (...Or perhaps, Est is locked away behind an istion barrier too.)

    Were that the case, then he would not be able to sense her location until they were extremely close.

    Kamito erased his presence to avoid getting detected by guards, using blind spots in the passages to move around.

    Although his escape had yet to be discovered, that would only be a matter of time.

    "How about here?"

    Discovering what appeared to be a storeroom, Kamito stopped.

    The shadow spirit slithered into the keyhole and quickly unlocked it.

    "Nothing less expected from a former special operative knight belonging to Umbra. This kind of stuff is easy as pie for you."

    "Oh? You noticed?"

    Freya''s shadow spirit sounded surprised to hear Kamito''sment.

    "I can tell from your movements. I''ve already fought those people a number of times."

    "The Empire''s special operative knights? What kind of life did you lead exactly?"

    "...It''s a long story."

    Shrugging, Kamito entered the storeroom.

    Taking and activating a spirit crystal hanging on the wall that was meant for illumination, he shone it inside, only to see many bottles on the ground. They looked like they were used to preserve pickled meat or the like.

    No signs of Est. Not this ce, apparently.

    "Damn it, if we don''t hurry¡ª"

    Kamito was just about to exit the storeroom when¡ª

    Hearing loud footsteps and yelling outside, he stopped.

    "The male elementalist has escaped!" "Catch him, dead or alive!"

    "...Tsk, they found out already."

    It was sooner than expected. Compared to the guards he had taken out just now, the enemies were well-trained spirit knights. It would be tough, even for someone like Kamito, to fight them unarmed without an elemental waffe.

    (...But the situation actually isn''t that bad.)

    With the Imperial Knights'' attention focused on Kamito alone, suppose he managed to create an opening, then ire and the others might have a chance to escape their imprisonment.

    "Freya-sensei, ire and the others should be somewhere inside this facility too. Can you go rescue them first?"

    "Sure, but what is your n?"

    "I''ll find Est on my own. Once I get Est back, I''ll always find a way."

    "How very confident. I don''t suppose you intend to fight all the spirit knights stationed at this facility?"

    "Give me a break¡ª"

    Kamito grimaced.

    "I''ll draw the Knights'' attention in the meantime. After you help ire and the others escape, tell them to go to that spring in the Spirit Forest and we''ll meet up there¡ª"

    "That spring?"

    "ire will understand."

    "...Very well. Don''t overdo it."

    Leaving behind this reminder, the shadow spirit left Kamito''s shadow and silently disappeared into the darkness of the passage.

    After watching it leave, Kamito went:

    "¡ªOh well, infiltration and causing disturbances was my original line of work."

    Kamito muttered quietly and began to move.

    The voices and footsteps of knights searching for Kamito grew more and more.

    However, these sounds ended up telling Kamito about the knights'' positions.

    (¡ªLooks like they''re splitting up to find me.)

    Kamito determined this from the sound of their footsteps.

    Spirit knights in the army would usually take action in units of two or three. This allowed them topensate for the elemental weaknesses in one another''s contracted spirits, thereby allowing them to fight at maximum power.

    For example, a fire elementalist, whose weakness was water, would partner up with an earth elementalist, who held an advantage against water.

    However, knowing that Kamito was currently unable to use his contracted spirit, the knights had chosen to prioritize search efficiency. Indeed, it was a very reasonable decision.

    (¡ªToo bad for you lot, your opponent was trained in the Instructional School.)

    Kamito chanted a spell of Weapon Works, producing a dagger in each hand.

    Divide and conquer was a basic tactic used by Instructional Schoolbatants. Even without the use of an elemental waffe, it was sufficient for the purpose of causing amotion.

    No sooner had he thought that than a knight appeared opposite him in the passage.

    "¡ªFound you, male elementalist!"

    Seeing Kamito with weapons in both hands, the knight released the spirit magic of Fireball without hesitation. Instantly, the scorching mes exploded.

    ¡ªHowever, Kamito was no longer there. Kicking a wall, he jumped and dodged the mes in the nick of time and took advantage of the mes'' explosion to throw his magic daggers.

    (¡ªGreat, let''s see how much of a ruckus I can make.)

    Part 5

    The sound of an explosion in the distance made ire look up suddenly.

    "...What''s happening?"

    She hastily approached the door.

    Suddenly, a bizarre shadow crept in from the gap under the door.

    "H-Huahh!"

    "What is the matter, ire!?"

    Hearing ire''s scream, Ellis called out sharply.

    "S-Something weird from outside¡ª"

    "Calling others weird from the onset, are you? ire Rouge."

    "...Huh?"

    ire was stunned. That displeased voice sounded so familiar.

    "Don''t tell me you''re Freya-sensei?"

    "Correct. Your supplementary lesson shall be waived."

    The shadow slipping in from under the door gradually took on a human shape.

    "Sensei, please rescue us!"

    "I will. Hurry and leave as quickly as possible while themotion is going on."

    "Y-Yes!" "Understood!"

    ire and Ellis nodded and immediately opened the unlocked door.

    The shadow spirit moved along the ground, leading ire andpany through the passage.

    "Okay, darkness spirit, hurry and run¡ª"

    "Y-Yes..."

    ire took Restia by the hand and chased after the shadow that was moving along the passage.

    While running, she asked the shadow that was crawling on the floor.

    "Sensei, what about Kamito? Also, the explosion earlier¡ª"

    "He escaped first. I presume he is currently causing a disturbance to draw away the knights'' attention. He intends to converge with you outside after he retrieves the sword spirit."

    "No way...!"

    Kamito''s strength was undeniable.

    However, to fight an order of knights alone¡ª

    "Will he be fine on his own? Or should we go along to fight too¡ª"

    Although Ellis suggested that...

    "Do not worry unnecessarily. His efforts must not go to waste."

    The shadow spirit shook its head and answered....Indeed, a single misstep and all would be lost if they wasted their chance to escape.

    "...I understand. So the rendezvous point is?"

    "He said it was that spring in the Spirit Forest."

    "...That spring?"

    ire instantly frowned and thought over it.

    "...Oh I see, he meant that spring."

    She soon figured it out. Kamito was referring to the purification spring where he had first met ire.

    Recalling how Kamito had seen her naked at the time, ire could not help but feel her face heat up.

    ¡ªAt that very moment, footsteps could be hearding from the opposite end of the passage.

    "...Damn it, how on earth did they open the jail cell''s door¡ª"

    Appearing from around a corner was a knight armed with an elemental waffe.

    "...We''ve been found. But if it is only one person¡ª"

    "Yeah, let us break through by force!"

    While yelling, Ellis summoned Ray Hawk in her hand.

    "Darkness spirit, hide behind us¡ª"

    ire summoned metongue and immediately swung it.

    A crimson sh tore through the air, attacking the knight before them.

    "I beseech thee to blow, O wind of hot sand¡ªDesert Storm!"

    The knight chanted spirit magic. Instantly, a violent sandstorm swirled in the passage, blocking ire''s view.

    With the knight''s figure was obscured by the sand, the ming whip missed its mark.

    "Pretty good huh¡ª"

    "ire, the teacher''s shadow spirit¡ª"

    Ellis cried out acutely.

    The howling sandstorm had mercilessly devoured the shadow crawling on the ground.

    "Freya-sensei¡ª"

    "...So this is its limit huh...? I leave the rest, to you, students¡ª"

    Her voice, mixed with static, was cut off.

    A shadow spirit was not meant forbat in the first ce. In addition, it was being controlled from long range. Once the shadow could not sustain itself, it vanished rapidly.

    "Damn it¡ª"

    ire bit her lip and stared intently across the sandstorm.

    "This is bad. Scarlet''s elementalpatibility fares poorly against that sand spirit!"

    "Yes, watch out, it ising¡ª"

    Ellis readied Ray Hawk and shouted. Instantly, a gigantic arm of sandstone reached out from the barrier of sand covering their view.

    "...Tsk, curse you¡ª"

    Ellis'' spear swept towards the arm of sandstone in an arc.

    However, it did not work. Severed, the arm soon regenerated by gathering the nearby sand and struck ire.

    Sent flying by a hook punch, ire smashed into a wall.

    "...Gah¡ª!"

    "ire!"

    "...I-I''m fine... Take this¡ª"

    ire chanted spirit magic while in a kneeling posture.

    "Come forth from the furnace of congration¡ªHellhounds!"

    mes appeared out of thin air to turn into two hunting hounds, diving into the howling sandstorm. This was an automatically homing beast of fire that could chase a target to the very end.

    In response, the arm of sandstone extending out from the ground hastily changed direction and blocked the path in front of the hellhounds. Blocked by sandstone, the scorching mes were easily extinguished.

    ¡ªHowever, that was precisely ire''s n.

    It would be impossible to personally control that arm of sandstone with precision in a situation of zero visibility. Its nature must include some level of autonomy in attacking targets and guarding its master.

    In other words, it would automatically defend when the user was under attack, which also meant that¡ª

    It was not difficult to guess her location even with a sandstorm obscuring her from view.

    "Ellis, do it now¡ª"

    "¡ªOver there huh? Fahrengart style of the spear, Flying Strike!"

    Ellisunched her spear, enveloped in a whirlwind, against the arm of sandstone sticking out of the ground.

    Infused with all her divine power, the thrown Ray Hawk pierced the arm of sandstone, releasing a slicing gale inside the depths of the sandstorm.

    "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The howling sandstorm instantly vanished, apanied by a scream. Visibility was restored all at once.

    A knight could be seen lying face up on the floor of the passage, her armor pulverized.

    "Hold on, Ellis, aren''t you overdoing it?"

    "I controlled my power. She simply lost consciousness."

    Saying that, Ellis pulled out Ray Hawk from the stone floor.

    "Darkness spirit, you cane out now¡ª"

    ire called out behind her. Immediately, Restia emerged from her hiding ce, a hole in the wall.

    "...You two are so strong."

    "Kamito is even more amazing."

    ire shrugged and looked into the depths of the passage.

    "Let''s hurry before the knights'' reinforcements arrive¡ª"

    Part 6

    At this moment, even Kamito was gradually getting cornered by the knights encircling him.

    "S-Seal the passage!"

    "The Demon King of the Night must not get away!"

    (...Est, where are you? Answer me!)

    While using a wall to hide himself, Kamito called out to Est mentally.

    However, the spirit seal on his right hand did not react at all. She was probably sealed in sword form inside an istion barrier. Trying to find a single sword in a vast facility was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

    (...At this rate, they''re going to surround me.)

    Kamito ced the copsed knight at his feet in the center of the passage as conspicuously as possible. This was a knight he had ambushed while erasing his presence. She waspletely unconscious.

    (...This makes five. I''ve already made such a bigmotion, so it should be almost time¡ª)

    Kamito was attracting as much attention as possible for a purpose. Naturally, first of all, he wanted to make it easy for ire and the others to escape. Secondly¡ª

    This was the moment. Kamito''s sensitive ears picked up on multiple sets of footsteps.

    Roughly four or five people. No less than three.

    (Man, they finally took action huh...)

    Kamito muttered in his heart and hid himself again, focusing his mind on the sound of footsteps.

    Previously, the knights were acting independently, probably underestimating Kamito''s power in a decision to prioritize search efficiency.

    Then now, they were forming a small team to defeat Kamito with certainty¡ª?

    No, no matter how much they feared Kamito''s power, deploying five knights to handle an opponent who had no elemental waffe would be too much. To search for Kamito in such a vast facility like this would be too inefficient.

    This team''s purpose was probably to guard something rather than to hunt down Kamito. Under such circumstances, there could only be one object that the Imperial Knights would send five of them to guard.

    Precisely what must not fall into Kamito''s hands¡ªThe Demon yer.

    Indeed, this was Kamito''s other purpose. To make the knights feel a sense of crisis in the face of Kamito and send people to guard Est¡ª

    Kamito focused his attention on the footsteps in the distance and began to follow them.

    (...But five spirit knights huh. Engaging them head on would be a bit too tricky.)

    To be honest, this was quite a gamble.

    The best-case scenario would be to locate Est while the Imperial Knights were still underestimating him. Putting them on high alert so that they beef up security was definitely not the best n. Even after taking back Est, it would be pointless if he was unable to break out of the encirclement.

    However¡ª

    (...As long as I have Est in my hand, there will always be a way.)

    Kamito was confident that he could escape once he retrieved the Demon yer, even if he had to confront all the spirit knights in the facility.

    Erasing his presence, he followed cautiously. The knights were not very vignt, probably lowering their guard after forming the team. They did not seem to notice Kamito approaching them.

    Soon, the team of knights stopped in front of a certain door. A massive metal door carved with a magic circle. An istion barrier had probably been deployed inside.

    Throb¡ªKamito felt a stinging pain in the spirit seal on his right hand.

    (...Est?)

    Hiding in the shadows, Kamito instantly focused his mind on his right hand.

    ...No answer. But he definitely could feel Est''s presence.

    (...I knew it, she''s here huh¡ª)

    Est is here¡ªJust as Kamito believed with certainty...

    "¡ªThere''s someone over there!?"

    A knight guarding the door yelled out sharply.

    "...!"

    Kamito reflexively left his spot in the shadows.

    In the next instant, an arrow of light shot down at his hiding ce, exploding in a sh of light.

    ¡ªApparently due to re-establishing his link with Est, the knights were able to sense the faint presence of divine power.

    "Y-You are¡ª"

    Seeing Kamito emerge, the knight who had released the arrow of light eximed in shock.

    "O steel, grant me thy power¡ªWeapon Works!"

    Kamito created a dagger in each hand using spirit magic and kicked the ground to elerate.

    A separation of merely nine steps. However, it was far too great a distance when confronting well-trained knights.

    (Eight steps, seven steps¡ª)

    Concentrating to his very limit, Kamito felt as though time in his surroundings had slowed down.

    Judging from their movements, he could tell that these five were probably an elite team carefully selected from the knights.

    They were much higher in standard than the people he had defeated earlier, even though they were all knights.

    An arrow of light was shot again at Kamito while he closed in. He instantly threw his dagger, slightly deflecting the arrow''s trajectory. Brushing past his face, the arrow then exploded behind him.

    (Six steps, five steps, four steps¡ª)

    Knights who had swords and spears ready as their elemental waffen were right in front of him. In a direct sh, daggers made using spirit magic would surely shatter on contact.

    One knight swung her sword.

    The moment before the des made contact, Kamito stopped advancing.

    Unable to stop her momentum in time, the knight''s sword smashed into the ground. The de''s front tip flew past the tip of Kamito''s nose, shaving off a few strands of hair from his bangs.

    (If it''s this distance¡ª)

    Kamito extended his right hand towards the door.

    He poured a great amount of divine power into the spirit seal while chanting the words for releasing his contracted spirit.

    "¡ªDispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil!

    ¡ªNow form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    The spirit seal erupted with intense lightning, turning his view white.

    The feeling of connecting to Est was unmistakable.

    "¡ªW-What!?"

    The knight in front of him groaned with shock in her eyes.

    The Demon yer¡ªTerminus Est¡ªwas the strongest sword spirit.

    However, her contract with Kamito was iplete, thus resulting in a limitation of physical distance in their link. Without Kamito to supply divine power, the Demon yer would be nothing more than a rtively sharper sword.

    However, once they were connected¡ª

    (Destroying an istion barrier of this level would be a piece of cake¡ª)

    The metal door, reinforced with protective magic, was instantly blown apart from inside.

    What had destroyed the door were several bolts of jet-ck lightning radiating out from a center.

    "I-Impossible¡ª!" "What, this ominous ck lightning is¡ª"

    The knights near the door were struck by the raging ck lightning, copsing one after another.

    The knights probably assumed from the de Dance tournament that Kamito''s sword spirit was thoroughly a melee weapon. They thought that it could not show its power unless it was held in Kamito''s hand.

    (¡ªThis is the reason for your defeat.)

    Currently, Est was not simply the Demon yer¡ª

    Rather, she was Terminus Est Zwei, the Demon King''s Sword that had inherited Restia''s power.

    Kamito dashed amidst the erupting ck lightning and gripped the hilt of Est who was inside the room.

    "Thanks for waiting, Est¡ª"

    ''Yes, Kamito.''

    With the link fully restored, Est''s voice sounded inside his mind.

    Thus, Kamito drew out the Demon King''s Sword whose de had turned ck.

    Probably noticing the loud noise, arge number of footsteps were approaching from all around.

    "Sorry, I''ll need you to put on a show as soon as you wake up, Est¡ª"

    ''Yes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand.''

    Part 7

    "Hurry, the knights'' reinforcements are arriving¡ª"

    "Yes, over here!"

    While Kamito was ying hide-and-seek with the knights, ire andpany were running along a passage leading to an exit at ground level.

    Along the way, they encountered a number of spirit knights, but with excellent coordination from silent understanding, ire and Ellis defeated them sessfully. They were already a match for the knights of Ordesia. Having survived battles against the elites of other nations and obtained victory at the de Dance, the two girls had improved their abilities dramatically.

    "¡ªBy the way, security on this side seems to be quite weak."

    "Yes, my hunch is that Kamito is upying the majority of their forces."

    Ellis nodded and replied while running in the lead.

    Since Miss Freya''s shadow spirit had vanished, Ellis had to summon a wind spirit to lead the way to the exit. The spirit had not mapped out the facility''s entireyout, but simply by following the flow of wind, they should be able to reach the exit at ground level. However, this facility apparently had a number of exits, hence where they were going to end up would be a matter of luck¡ª

    "Darkness spirit, are you okay?"

    "Huff, huff... I''m fine, yes..."

    Restia tried her best to answer bravely, but the prolonged running seemed to be tough on her.

    ...Still, it was not like they could stop to rest. As soon as the Knights'' reinforcements arrived, there would be no hope left.

    "We''ll be there soon. Hang in there."

    "V-Very well..."

    Passing through a passage for transporting cargo, they went up a flight of stairs leading to the ground surface.

    ¡ªAhead of the passage after reaching the top of the stairs, they could see a great door that looked like the exit.

    There were two spirit knights in front of the door.

    "That must be it¡ª"

    "Yes, it looks like the exit ispletely sealed."

    Wrapping herself in a gale, Ellis elerated forward all at once.

    "¡ªVicious wind, rampage!"

    She swept Ray Hawk horizontally, instantly producing a haphazard dance of wind des.

    "...! Defend me¡ªRock spirit!"

    A knight instantly reacted and summoned her contracted spirit.

    A giant of rock appeared out from thin air and blocked the wind des with its massive body.

    "How naive¡ª"

    ire summoned metongue and swung it back and forth endlessly. A raging dance of crimson shes criss-crossed the passage. In the next instant, the rock giant''s body shattered, disappearing into space.

    A me spirit was supposed to fare poorly against a rock spirit, but using skillful maneuvers of the whip, ire had severed the rock spirit''s joints in an instant. Next¡ª

    "O wind, I beseech thee to sweep away mine enemies¡ªWind Bombs!"

    Ellis released an explosion of wind des.

    This was attack magic meant for releasing a storm over a wide area. Inside the narrow passage, it formed apressed mass of wind, blowing the two knights ahead of them, smashing them against the door.

    "Hah¡ª!"

    Ignoring the copsed knights, Ellis released wind des at the door.

    However, the door''s surface remained unscathed. It was no ordinary door, probably made of mithril, the same material used for the armor of military ships.

    "...Tsk, looks like this will take time to break."

    "Wait, I''ll do it¡ª"

    ire stepped forward and pressed her palm against the very center of the door.

    "...What are you nning to do?"

    Ellis looked surprised.

    ire closed her eyes and focused. Then she chanted.

    "O true me carved upon the ancient bloodline, dwell in my hand to devour mes¡ª"

    ¡ªInstantly, a fierce crimson me appeared on ire''s palm.

    "This being the me that reduces all creation to oblivion¡ªEnd of Vermilion!"

    The crimson mes exploded, turning the mithril door deep red.

    In the next instant, the door was scorched red-hot, melting easily.

    "ire, w-what on earth was that..."

    "I guess you could call it a secret move... Guh..."

    After replying to the surprised Ellis, ire instantly fell on her knees.

    "A-Are you alright?"

    "...Huff, huff... It''s too draining, this move..."

    "All that is left for us to do is leave the base. Hang in there a bit longer."

    Ellis supported ire by the shoulder and walked out of the facility.

    There was no moon outside. Apletely dark night. Perfect weather for escaping.

    "What good fortune, we will get to the Spirit Forest¡ª"

    "This farce has gone on long enough, Lady Ellis¡ª"

    "...!?"

    A sh of light illuminated ire andpany while they were walking in the darkness.

    The blinding light was forcing ire to squint. After a while, she realized it was a military sh grenade created using spirit crystals.

    The sh of light subsided. ire opened her eyes wide again then gasped.

    Dozens of guards and spirit knights had already surrounded them.

    "...They guessed we would leave from the cargo entrance huh."

    "Lady Ellis, please return quietly to the jail. Or else¡ª"

    The captain of the knights, udia, drew out a longsword, her elemental waffe.

    "You will have to suffer even though you are Duke Fahrengart''s granddaughter."

    "Guh..."

    ring at udia before her, Ellis bit her lip hard.

    "...Looks like a fight cannot be avoided."

    Holding metongue, ire counted the numbers around them.

    "Eight knights and twenty to thirty guards huh."

    "ire, the odds do not favor us¡ª"

    "...I know. But at least, we can stall for time."

    While standing back to back with Ellis, ire said softly.

    "Right, as long as Kamito gets here in time, perhaps..."

    "Fools¡ª"

    udia shook her head and spoke with disdain.

    Raising her longsword, she ordered her subordinate knights.

    "Catch them, even if it means harming Lady Ellis! I authorize it."

    The knights deployed their elemental waffen at once.

    "Very well, let us see how long we can endure..."

    Ellis wiped sweat from her brow.

    "Darkness spirit, stay there quietly and wait¡ª"

    ire looked back but noticed something rming.

    "...Darkness spirit?"

    ire frowned in astonishment.

    Despite such a tense situation, she was looking up into the sky instead.

    Her dusk-colored eyes were wide open, her face frozen in a stunned expression.

    (...What on earth is she looking at?)

    ire could not help but follow her gaze. Next¡ª

    "...What!?"

    Seeing the object currently high in the sky, ire was rendered speechless.

    Part 8

    "W-What? That thing is!?"

    "...Why did something like that appear!?"

    Like ire, the guards looking up at the sky also started to mor.

    Hovering right above the base was the streamlined form of a giant ship.

    "A military flying vessel!?"

    udia eximed in shock.

    This implied that it was not a ship belonging to the Imperial Knights at least.

    "The Academy Town has not issued any flight permits. Where is this ship registered!?"

    "Not registered to Ordesia, that ship is¡ª"

    At that very moment, the bottom of the flying ship, motionless overhead, was slowly opened.

    "...! Something ising out!"

    ire yelled forcefully.

    In the next instant, something extremely massive separated from the bottom of the ship and wasunched over the base.

    "Get down!"

    udia yelled sharply. In the next instant...

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    A frightening noise was heard while the ground shook violently.

    "Guh¡ªW-What!?" "What the hell!?"

    ire and others shielded their faces from the iing sand and dust blown by the st.

    A cloud of dust rose all around them. Inside the shadow, a dazzling light was shing.

    ire looked into the shadow and saw it.

    Over there was¡ª

    (...What the heck!?)

    ¡ªA "fortress" had descended upon thend.

    ck multiyered defensive armor. A brightly glowing reactor.

    There were countless gunports of various calibers protruding from all over the body. What appeared to be the main cannon was aimed at udia, captain of the knights, and her subordinates.

    Thud¡ªProtected by heavy armor, the gigantic legs sank into the roof of the military base.

    Confronted with the overwhelming and oppressive presence, everyone present stopped what they were doing.

    "Madam udia, w-what on earth is that..."

    One of the knights asked nervously.

    "An ''elemental panzer''¡ªthe Juggernaut. Deployed in actualbat for the first time, its responsiveness has been adequate."

    In contrast to the fortress'' intimidating appearance, a pleasant and lucid voice was broadcast in the air.

    The visor covering her eyes opened up. Glittering tinum blonde hair fluttered in the wind.

    The face revealed from under the visor was¡ª

    All the knights gasped.

    "I-Impossible... Why is she here¡ª!?"

    ¡ªNo one did not recognize her. At the very least, they had heard of her exploits.

    Previously dominating Areishia Spirit Academy with her overwhelming power, ruling the Sylphid Knights with an iron fist of terror.

    Those who feared or hated her would call her "Silent Fortress."

    Areishia Spirit Academy''s strongest elementalist.

    "¡ªVelsaria Eva!"

    udia eximed in shock.

    "...Esteemed Sister!?"

    Ellis'' dark-brown eyes widened greatly with disbelief on her face.

    "W-Why are you here¡ª"

    udia''s voice trembled.

    Shining with harsh light, the ice-blue eyes looked down coldly at udia.

    "¡ªTo return to the battlefield. To uphold the conviction of my chivalry."

    "...What?"

    udia gritted her teeth and yelled at her subordinates.

    "She is a traitor. Arrest her!"

    "B-But..."

    "No need to fear that thing. It''s just a bluff!"

    "¡ªAffirmative!"

    Under udia''s shouted orders, the knights instantly responded. They prepared to fight despite the fortress'' gigantic and intimidating appearance.

    "Esteemed Sister!"

    Wielding Ray Hawk, Ellis was about to rush over but ire hastily pulled her back.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "Idiot, you''ll get caught in the barrage if you go over there!"

    The knights surrounded Velsaria and charged.

    At the same time, the fortress'' reactor released a sh of blinding light while every gunport on the body activated.

    "¡ª! Get down!"

    ire yelled.

    In the next instant, the countless cannons all fired.

    A deafening roar of explosions. The ground was sted open deeply. Buildings belonging to the base were wrecked in an instant. The wind from the explosions knocked over knights and surrounding trees. The night sky instantly turned white.

    "Kyah!"

    Restia screamed. ire shielded her from the flying debris.

    ¡ªThe barrage stopped.

    ire slowly opened her eyes.

    The artillery strike, fired in all directions, had reduced the base to scorched earth in a matter of seconds.

    "What..."

    Witnessing the astounding destructive power, even udia could not find any words to speak.

    However, the uracy of the barrage was even more terrifying than its destructive power. Despite such a wide area attack, unbelievably, none of the small fry guards had taken a direct hit.

    "What, that power is..."

    udia copsed on her knees in shock.

    "You were supposed to have lost the power of the spirit contract due to using a cursed seal armament."

    "Yes, I had indeed lost the power of the spirit contract on ount of my own foolishness."

    Velsarianded on the ground with a thud.

    "Perhaps this could be considered a taboo power too¡ª"

    "A taboo power... Come again?"

    "udia, order your subordinates to withdraw. I do not wish for unnecessary sacrifices."

    Velsaria spoke calmly.

    "...! W-What are you fools doing? Surround the traitor!"

    Hearing that, udia felt a rush of anger and yelled.

    However, no one moved. Half of the knights had been struck down by the earlier barrage. Those who had fortunately withstood the attack did not dare to fight again after witnessing the overwhelming firepower.

    "Damn it...!"

    At that very moment...

    "¡ªAre you all okay!?"

    A voice came from across the darkness of the night.

    Kamito. Holding the Demon yer, glowing silver-white in his hand, he rushed over.

    "Kamito, you''re okay."

    "Sorry for making you wait. Hold on, what''s going on here?"

    Seeing the scorched earth and all the copsed knights, Kamito asked in puzzlement.

    Velsaria cast her gaze upon Kamito and said:

    "Oh? I intended to assault the base but if you have escaped, that saves me the effort."

    She murmured and closed her eyes.

    ¡ªInstantly, the fortress vanished into thin air as particles of light.

    Landing on the ground was the beautiful female knight, dressed in the Academy''s uniform.

    "...Velsaria! Why are you here¡ª"

    Kamito showed an expression of surprise.

    He looked back at ire and Ellis but they both shook their heads.

    "There is no time to talk here. We must board immediately¡ª"

    "...Huh?"

    Following Velsaria''s gaze, Kamito looked up.

    The flying ship above was slowlynding on the base.

    The Academy Town red with a noisy siren while the base also shot a re. Soon, the Imperial Knights'' reinforcements would arrive in a hurry.

    "...Looks like there is only one choice."

 Volume 14, 6 - Revenant

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 6 - Revenant</h4>

    Part 1

    Once the gangwaydder was lowered from the side of the ship, Kamito andpany boarded the flying vessel.

    As soon as all of them had boarded, the ship began to shake greatly.

    Thrust was provided by the spirit engine, allowing the ship to float up again.

    "...So amazing... A ship that can fly."

    Looking down from the railing, Restia eximed in amazement.

    From her current perspective, it must feel like the first time whether seeing a flying ship or traveling on one.

    "This is a military flying vessel, right? Itsyout ispletely different from a royal sightseeing ship."

    "You''ve been on a royal ship before, ire?"

    "...In the past, once. Back when we still had the Elstein territory."

    "The ship is very simr to the Gigas-ss mid-sizedbat craft."

    Ellis murmured with her chin resting on her hand.

    As expected of the one and only noble family authorized to own flying ships, she was very knowledgeable.

    "Gigas-ss?"

    "Yes, it is a relic from the Ranbal War. The Ordesian army used to be equipped with them, but I heard thatter on, the ships ended up either scrapped or sold to the Theocracy."

    "Look, a flying militarized spirit ising out of the Academy Town!"

    ire looked down and shouted.

    Kamito took a look and saw a two-headed stone monster with gigantic wings¡ªa Gargoyle-model militarized spirit was rising from the base.

    "It looks like udia sent it."

    "Wait, if we fly so slowly, it will soon catch up to us!"

    "Please rest assured. Given this ship''s specs, it cannot shake off a Gargoyle no matter what."

    "That doesn''t reassure me at all¡ªKyah!?"

    Suddenly, the ship rocked violently, subjecting them to intense g-forces. Kamito could withstand it, but the other three girls lost their bnce and fell over all at once.

    "...Owah!"

    Thus, he got entangled and fell along with them.

    "Huahhh, Kamito, where do you think you''re touching!?"

    "I-Indecent, Kamito¡ª"

    "Uh, s-sorry..."

    Holding three girls in his arms, Kamito''s face and arms were making intimate contact with various soft parts of their feminine bodies. Kamito hastily stood up and grabbed a nearby railing.

    "...S-Sheesh, w-what a jerk..."

    While straightening her skirt, ire grumbled with her face all red.

    "It couldn''t be helped... But what was up with that eleration just now¡ª"

    The wind whizzed past as clouds were left behind one after another. Whether the Gargoyle chasing after their flying ship or the night scenery of the Academy Town, everything had been left in the dust within the blink of an eye, gradually receding out of sight.

    "No way... This is an ancient craft dating back to the Ranbal War. How could it possibly fly this fast?"

    Ellis murmured. At that moment...

    "¡ªThank you for your patience, everyone."

    "...Huh?"

    The sudden voice caused Kamito''s group to exchange looks with one another.

    Kamito looked behind him to see a girl standing on a staircase leading to the ship''s interior, gazing down in their direction.

    She looked fourteen or fifteen in age. Her ck hair was cropped at shoulder length. She was wearing a military-style jacket and short culottes. Her attire emphasized practicality and was devoid of useless decorations.

    "...Who is it?"

    Warily, Ellis asked in a forceful tone.

    However, the girl remained unfazed and bowed her head.

    "¡ªI havee to lead the way at my master''s behest. This way please."

    In a cold voice,cking in emotion, she answered.

    Part 2

    Kamito andpany followed the girl through a narrow passage inside the ship. Probably having shaken off the militarized spirit from their trail and entered a stable course, the ship did not feel like it was shaking as much as earlier. However, the sound of spirit mechanisms in operation grew louder the deeper they went.

    After a while¡ª

    "...Say, can I ask a question?"

    Kamito asked the girl who was walking in the lead.

    "Please go ahead, as long as it is answerable."

    "Uh, who is that master you speak of? Why were we brought on this ship?"

    "Please ask the master directly."

    The girl answered coldly without looking back.

    "...Fine. A different question... Who are you?"

    "I am master''s subordinate. Just a tool, pure and simple, nothing more and nothing less."

    (...A tool huh.)

    Hearing that answer, Kamito became certain of the girl''s origin.

    The cold expression,cking in emotion. A special gait with no sound of footfall. Movements resembling a wild beast''s that he could catch faint glimpses everywhere.

    In addition, she hadpletely erased her presence when showing up just now.

    (...More than likely, she''s from that facility.)

    ¡ªSpeaking of which, then that was a clue to her master''s true identity.

    "Where did this military shipe from?"

    Kamito continued to ask. He wanted to gather as much information as possible before meeting the master.

    "This ship, the Revenant, was purchased by master from Murders'' top echelons."

    "So Revenant is its name huh."

    "But it appears to have gone through a lot of modifications¡ª"

    This time, ire entered the conversation.

    "Master hired an Elfim technician to remodel the ship. Although the exterior is of an old design, the spirit mechanisms providing thrust are based on applications of cutting-edge spirit engineering."

    "Spirit engineering... Don''t tell me that Velsaria''s ''fortress'' is the same?"

    Ellis was suddenly reminded by ire''sment.

    "O-Oh right, where did my esteemed sister go? I have not seen any signs of her¡ª"

    "...Esteemed sister?"

    "The one who was taken into a container under the ship earlier¡ª"

    Only then did the girl nod inprehension and reply:

    "Lady Velsaria should be undergoing maintenance in the medical bay. You will not be able to meet her yet."

    "Maintenance?...What is that about?"

    "Operating an elemental panzer will cause a great deal of strain on the user''s body. Activity duration is meant to be restricted to one minute only¡ªThe sortie just now had already exceeded the time limit."

    "W-What!? What on earth is my esteemed sister doing here!?"

    Hearing that, Ellis questioned the girl.

    However, the girl ignored Ellis'' question and stopped in front of a certain room along the passage.

    "Please wait here for a moment. I shall report to the master."

    After opening the door and inviting Kamito andpany to enter, she returned to the passage.

    Kamito and the others examined the interior of the room.

    It was a rtivelyrge hall for a room in a military vessel. Inside was a long oval table and six leather chairs. There was nothing else apart from this furniture.

    It looked like a military conference room,pletely tilted towards practicality.

    "...It feels like it''s impossible to rx in this room."

    Kamito leaned the Demon yer against the wall and found a chair to sit down without bothering with manners.

    "Kamito, you should probably act less casual. There might be a trap."

    "They wouldn''t have brought us all the way here if a trap was intended."

    "...I suppose you have a point."

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon the table at this time.

    Spread on it was a map of the continent with the Ordesia Empire at the center. The nk parts of the map were crammed full of writing resembling notes, but Kamito could not understand all the military jargon.

    ...However, there was one thing that bothered him.

    One point on the map was marked with a red pin.

    The ce indicated by the pin was the sacred city of Alexandria, the capital of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, Ordesia''s neighbor.

    What did that mean? Just as Kamito was thinking about it...

    "But who on earth could it be, this master?"

    Ellis murmured to herself.

    "...I have a pretty good guess."

    "Yes, me too¡ª"

    Hearing Kamito''sment, ire nodded with a face of mixed feelings.

    "What?"

    "The one who''d do this¡ª"

    At that very moment, the door handle was heard turning and the door opened.

    ck¡ªThe hard sound of military boots striking the floor¡ª

    That person appeared.

    "¡ªI knew it. You huh?"

    Kamito muttered and red at her, standing at the door.

    Eyes of ruby, inhabited by strong determination. Long crimson hair that resembled zing mes. Wearing a white overcoat on top of her military uniform, she looked like a general inmand of an army.

    (...Nothing less expected of her. Despite losing her contracted spirit, she remains just as intimidating and ambitious.)

    Kamito secretly gasped.

    "Y-You are..."

    Ellis'' eyes widened.

    "Nee-sama..."

    ire bit her lip hard.

    ire probably guessed it woulde to this. However, she still reacted with speechlessness, frozen in shock when this person appeared before her for real.

    "¡ªEveryone, wee to my ship."

    Finally, she spoke.

    It was the Cmity Queen who had disappeared during the final round of the de Dance¡ªRubia Elstein.

    Part 3

    Kamito andpany were seated in a row across the table from Rubia.

    The girl who had led the way earlier prepared bread and tea on the table.

    Although Kamito andpany were hungry, they had no intention of touching the refreshments. Only Restia thanked the girl, took some bread and started to eat.

    From the corner of his eye, Kamito observed the girls sitting by his side.

    Confronted with the Cmity Queen, Ellis seemed especially nervous.

    ...Speaking of which, this was probably Ellis'' first time meeting her directly.

    As for ire, she kept her face down the whole time and did not sit face to face from her sister. ording to Rinslet, ire was originally a timid and shy girl, apparently. During the de Dance tournament, she could still maintain her forceful attitude due to pressure from circumstances, but once she encountered her sister sitting down in this kind of quiet setting, she seemed to return to her old self.

    Under the tense atmosphere hanging in this room, Rubia drank tea nonchntly. Her graceful airs made Kamito think that she truly lived up to her name as a former duke''s daughter.

    The girl bowed after bringing the tea, then left the room.

    "Is that girl just now an orphan from the Instructional School like me?"

    Finally, Kamito started the conversation with this question.

    Rubia slowly lowered her cup of tea back to the table.

    "¡ªIndeed. She is one of the orphans I had taken in to join my forces."

    "...So it''s just as I thought."

    The girl was giving off vibes like those who had been raised in the Instructional School. This attitude of eschewing all unnecessary emotions, regarding oneself as a tool, was very simr to Kamito''s before he encountered Restia.

    "Is she the only one on this ship?"

    "Yes. I originally had as many as thirty of them as my subordinates, but the vast majority were taken by Sjora Kahn. They have currently be dogs of the Theocracy."

    While she whispered, subtle turbulence in emotions seemed to be visible in her eyes.

    "What about Muir and Lily? They''re not here together?"

    "I have sent them to a certain location to carry out an important mission."

    "A certain location?"

    "We are severelycking inbat strength, in both the number of militarized spirits and elementalists to use them. Those are precisely what they are procuring."

    At this point, Rubia paused.

    "¡ªFor the sake of the imminent war."

    "War?"

    Kamito asked in return.

    "What the heck are you nning? You even acquired this kind of ship!"

    His tone of voice got worked up as he questioned Rubia before him.

    Previously, Rubia had awakened the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord dormant inside Kamito, intending to use him to destroy the Elemental Lords.

    She had collected militarized spirits in the past in preparation for chaos in the human realm after the elimination of the Elemental Lords.

    However, the n to assassinate the Elemental Lords had failed.

    Had her solitary fight not ended yet?

    "...Nee-sama, don''t tell me you still n on killing the Elemental Lords?"

    Silent until now, ire finally mustered the courage to speak for the first time.

    Rubia nced at her and shook her head slowly.

    "I am unable to exterminate the Elemental Lords. It is not possible no matter how powerful an army you raise. The only one capable of eliminating them is the Demon Lord wielding the powers of the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Saying that, she looked at Kamito. Enduring her gaze, Kamito red back at her without backing down.

    "War... So what exactly are you going to be at war against, Nee-sama?"

    ire continued without faltering.

    Hearing that, Rubia raised a finger and pointed at a location on the map.

    It was precisely where the red pin''s spot.

    "...Eh?"

    "At present, my opponent is the Holy Kingdom of Lugia¡ª"

    "...The Holy Kingdom for real?"

    Kamito frowned at the unexpected answer.

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia was and-locked country that worshiped one of the five Elemental Lords, Alexandros the Holy Lord. Despite its name as a kingdom, actual administrative power was held by neither the king nor the parliament but Des Esseintes, whose members were all cardinals.

    Despite being a major nation that rivaled Ordesia and Quina, little was known about the Holy Kingdom, much like the Alphas Theocracy.

    (...Quite a suspicious country indeed.)

    What surfaced in Kamito''s mind was the appearance of the Sacred Spirit Knights in the Laurenfrost forest. The captain of the knights, Luminaris, had somehow found out about Restia''s rebirth and intended to capture her.

    However, why did Rubia suddenly mention the Holy Kingdom''s name?

    "¡ªI suppose I ought to start in sequence."

    Presumably realizing Kamito''s queries, Rubia withdrew the red pin from the map.

    "First of all, where do you think the Elemental Lord, which you had liberated, vanished off to?"

    "...Huh?"

    The sudden question confused Kamito.

    No, the literal meaning was easy enough to understand.

    On that day, after gaining the privilege to have an audience with the Elemental Lords through their victory in the de Dance, Kamito andpany had liberated the Fire Elemental Lord from the Otherworldly Darkness¡ªThis was probably what Rubia was referring to.

    "The Fire Elemental Lord should have vanished from the throne. Teleported somewhere in Astral Zero or the human realm like the Water Elemental Lord you liberated in the past¡ª"

    Indeed, Water Elemental Lord Iseria Seaward had been transported in an amnesiac state to the abandoned city of Megidoa situated in Astral Zero. In that case, the Fire Elemental Lord must have been teleported somewhere in that instant, but¡ª

    "Who knows. All I did was purify that Otherworldly Darkness. As for where the liberated Fire Elemental Lord went, I''ve no idea."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "Guess what? That Fire Elemental Lord''s location..."

    Saying that, Rubia''s lips curled in self-mockery.

    "...Indeed, this must be so-called karma. The link as a Queen."

    She revealed the emblem of a fiery crown, branded on her right hand. Rather than Laevateinn''s, this seal belonged to the Fire Elemental Lord whom she used to serve.

    "How!? The Fire Elemental Lord''s seal should''ve been inherited by Reicha¡ª"

    "Indeed, the Elemental Lord''s spirit seal should have been inherited by Reicha Alminas who had seeded me as Queen. However, the spirit seal bestowed upon me did not disappear in bizarre turn of events, be it a curse or a blessing. This is presumably an abnormal situation stemming from the Otherworldly Darkness eating away at the Elemental Lord."

    Responding to ire''s surprise. Rubia continued.

    "Ever since bing the Cmity Queen, I have attempted many times to erase this seal. However, neither cutting with a knife nor burning with fire has worked. Every time, this seal would reappear like a curse, tormenting me. Ironically, this seal, which I have resented overwhelmingly in the past, has now told me the location of the reborn Fire Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Rubia''s gaze fell upon the map again.

    "Where the Fire Elemental Lord was reborn, happens to be¡ª"

    "No way¡ª!"

    "Indeed, the capital of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia¡ªAlexandria."

    Kamito fell silent.

    The Fire Elemental Lord had been reborn in the human realm, and the Holy Kingdom''s capital to boot¡ª

    What did that imply? Simply imagining it made one speechless.

    Suppose the Fire Elemental Lord had been transported in a state of amnesia just like Iseria and someone, knowing of this fact, attempted to im that power for their own use¡ª

    (...It would be equivalent to obtaining an ultimate weapon far surpassing the power of strategic-ss militarized spirits.)

    Imagining the worst-case scenario, Kamito broke out with cold sweat on his forehead. Yes, supposing someone malevolent got their hands on the Fire Elemental Lord''s power, it would be possible to engineer a destructive cmity even greater than what had befallen Elstein territory four years ago.

    "So you tracked down the Fire Elemental Lord¡ª?"

    "Of course. Muir Alenstarl and I infiltrated the Holy Kingdom together. However, a few days after we entered Alexandria, the spirit seal''s response was suddenly cut off."

    "...What happened?"

    "It implies that someone has secured the Fire Elemental Lord¡ª"

    ire spoke quietly in a nervous voice.

    "Once locked in an istion barrier, the contracted spirit''s link will be cut off."

    "Indeed. And the erection of an istion barrier is evidence that someone has hidden the Fire Elemental Lord on purpose. Needless to say, the barrier is so strong that it can even seal away the iplete Fire Elemental Lord. There is no doubt that a state-level agency is involved¡ª"

    "In other words, Des Esseintes has obtained the Fire Elemental Lord?"

    "I fear so. Regardless, I have lost the trail. My current power is still insufficient to oppose the Holy Kingdom''s upper echelon."

    "But assuming that''s the case, how did the Holy Kingdom know about the Fire Elemental Lord''s location?"

    Putting aside Rubia, who was the former Queen, other people were not supposed to know, right?

    No wait, before talking about location, how would they even know about the liberation of the Elemental Lord in the first ce?

    The existence of the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords should only be known to Rubia and Kamito''s party.

    "I am not sure of that either. Did theye to know of it by chance, or was the teleportation of the Fire Elemental Lord to the Holy Kingdom something deliberately engineered by someone¡ª?"

    "Speaking of which, they also seemed like they knew about Restia..."

    Kamito suddenly looked at Restia, who responded by looking back at Kamito with a puzzled expression.

    "But what is the Holy Kingdom nning to do after they obtained the Fire Elemental Lord?"

    "Monopolizing the power of fire on the continent? Well, that is merely a hypothesis."

    Hearing ire''s suggestion, Ellis cocked her head. Indeed, if any single country could control the Fire Elemental Lord to do their bidding, they would surely wield overwhelming influence over the surrounding countries. Needless to say, it would be even more true for the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, a major nation.

    "¡ªIt would be a relief if that was only as far as they will go."

    "What do you mean?"

    Kamito asked.

    "You must have seen that Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords, haven''t you?"

    She suddenly asked.

    "Yeah..."

    Kamito nodded. Withplicated looks on their faces, probably from recalling what they had witnessed at the Elemental Lords'' shrine that day, ire and Ellis nodded.

    True darkness that even devoured the mortal realm''s darkness. Also¡ª

    (That army of countless angels, restless in the depths of the darkness...)

    However, the Fire Elemental Lord should have been freed from that darkness.

    However, what Rubia said next was even more unbelievable.

    "¡ªThe Holy Kingdom has obtained that Otherworldly Darkness."

    "...!?"

    Kamito andpany were rendered speechless.

    "What did you say?...What the hell is going on?"

    "You know about the coup d''etat at the Theocracy several days prior, don''t you?"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Kamito nodded vaguely.

    Reportedly, the Theocracy''s witch, Sjora Kahn, had taken over the pce of Scorpia using merely two hundred troops, beheading Hierarch Rajihal Kahn to institute a regime change. That news had shaken all the surrounding countries, thus leading to an All Nations Conference being held at the imperial capital.

    "The heart of the Theocracy, Scorpia, should be garrisoned with arge number of spirits. Do you not find it odd why it had been taken over so quickly?"

    "..."

    Indeed, Sjora Kahn was a terrifying elementalist but it was hard to imagine her single-handedly defeating all the elites at the pce. Even if all of her subordinates were elementalists, it would be no easy task.

    Seeing Kamito silent, Rubia continued.

    "ording to my spies at Scorpia, the pce''s spirits all went insane when possessed by horrifying darkness."

    "...! No way¡ª"

    Kamito''s team recalled something and instantly exchanged looks with one another.

    "¡ªIndeed. The same existence likely caused the spirits at Areishia Spirit Academy to go berserk as well."

    The militarized spirits attacking the Academy were definitely corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness.

    "Des Esseintes was controlling the Theocracy''s coup d''etat from the shadows. Do you have any recollection of the name Millennia Sanctus?"

    "Millennia Sanctus..."

    ire remembered.

    "That girl with the eyepatch... Riding a berserk militarized spirit..."

    It was the girl with Otherworldly Darkness residing in her left eye.

    That was the name of the mysterious girl who had conspired with Lurie Lizaldia to attack the Academy.

    "She is a cardinal of Des Esseintes, right?"

    "Indeed, she is a member of Des Esseintes who leads underground diplomacy without ever working out in the open. She has obtained that Otherworldly Darkness¡ª"

    Rubia''s eyes of ruby burned with crimson mes.

    To her, that Otherworldly Darkness was a mortal enemy that must be obliterated.

    "Supposing the Fire Elemental Lord falls into her hands¡ª"

    "¡ªIndeed, it will be hell on earth."

    Rubia''s voice was filled with intense determination.

    The image in her mind was probably her homnd, devastated by the insane Elemental Lord in the past.

    (¡ªSo is this what she meant by preparations for war?)

    She seemed to be seriously nning for war against the Holy Kingdom.

    "...In other words, you rescued us to recruit us as part of your forces?"

    "Precisely. Work under me, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "What if I refuse?"

    "That option is not open to you."

    Saying that, Rubia ced a pin on the map.

    The pinned location was Ostdakia, the capital of the Ordesia Empire.

    "What do you mean?"

    "The Holy Kingdom masterminded the attempted assassination on the emperor on this asion."

    "...What!?"

    Kamito, ire and Ellis all yelled in surprise.

    "The main conspirator in the assassination incident was most likely Fianna''s elder brother, Arneus Ray Ordesia. A puny man driven by ambition. However, it is undoubtedly the Holy Kingdom backing him. They presumably intend to make Arneus their puppet."

    "...I knew it. Fianna was framed."

    "Indeed, she was exploited to purge the anti-Arneus faction."

    Rubia nodded then looked at Kamito squarely.

    "You will hurry to the imperial capital and rescue Fianna Ray Ordesia, yes?"

    Hearing Rubia¡ª

    "In other words, we want to rescue Fianna and you want to crush the Holy Kingdom, so our goals are the same?"

    "Correct. Our interests are aligned."

    Kamito muttered in his mind¡ª

    (...This suggestion isn''t bad, actually.)

    Despite his reluctance to be controlled by Rubia, there was no reason to refuse. Frankly speaking, they had simply escaped from the military base for now. He had absolutely no idea how to rescue Fianna.

    He looked at ire and Ellis, who both nodded.

    ¡ªThen it was decided.

    "Understood. Then I guess we''ll work under you for a while, Rubia Elstein."

    "¡ªThe contract is established."

    Rubia dered concisely, stood up and left the room.

    "There is still time before we reach the imperial capital. Take a break until then."

    ¡ªKamito, ire and Ellis breathed a sigh of relief after Rubia exited the room.

    "...It feels so exhausting."

    "Yeah, after all, her presence is so forceful."

    Kamito concurred with Ellis'' quietint.

    "But the Otherworldly Darkness..."

    "The Holy Kingdom has acquired the Otherworldly Darkness while the Fire Elemental Lord has gone missing at Alexandria¡ª"

    "Honestly, this is totally ominous..."

    ¡ªAt that moment, the earlier girl returned to the room.

    "A room for napping has been prepared ordingly. Please get some rest."

    "Sure, thanks."

    "But I would like to see my esteemed sister¡ª"

    "In that case, please follow me."

    The girl nodded after listening to Ellis.

    "ire, don''t you need to have a chat with Rubia?"

    "...Huh? H-Hmm..."

    Kamito''s question brought aplicated expression to ire''s face as she responded ambiguously.

    "...I-I suppose... But... what should we talk about, I''ve no idea."

    (...Well, I guess she''s right.)

    Understanding ire''s feelings vaguely, Kamito chose to remain silent.

    After experiencing such a long separation, the huge gulf between them could not be bridged so easily.

    Part 4

    ¡ªWho knew how much time had passed since then?

    She had lost track of timepletely. In this room isted from light and sound, only the fatigue and paining from her entire body gave her a concrete sense of being alive.

    On the first day, she was suspended from the ceiling the whole time. However, only after a guard noticed Fianna was bing too weak was she lowered down to the ground.

    This was not because the guard pitied Fianna. It was simply because Arneus had given orders not to let her die yet.

    With her arms and legs still tightly bound by chains, there was nothing she could do.

    ¡ªAt this moment, she heard faint footsteps outside the door.

    The faint lighting from the ajar door made Fianna open her eyes.

    Entering timidly was a young princess maiden in training.

    Bringing a tray carrying water and bread, she gently ced it on the ground within Fianna''s reach.

    Previously, she had stubbornly ignored Fianna no matter what was said to her. More than likely, she had been ordered to act this way.

    ¡ªBut this time was different. The young girl spoke for the first time.

    "Second Princess, your execution date has been decided¡ª"

    The girl reported timidly.

    "Three days from now, the ceremony for the ascension of Arneus to the imperial throne will be held. The Second Princess'' execution will take ce after the ceremony."

    "...Is that so? Thank you."

    Fianna answered weakly and the girl bowed, leaving the room in a hurry."

    "...I... will be executed huh?"

    She murmured to herself as though ruminating over something that feltpletely surreal.

    Her initially defiant willpower had been eroded away entirely by now.

    Her consciousness kept growing cloudy. Even thinking was very hard.

    (...Kamito-kun, I want to see you onest time. Also ire and the others too¡ª)

    In a daze, dragging the chains on her arms, she tore off a piece of bread. This bread was hard and ck unlike what was served in the pce. It was impossible to swallow until one dipped it in water until it softened.

    Just as she had soaked the piece of bread, brought it to her mouth and about to bite down...

    Her teeth touched something hard.

    Frowning, Fianna spat it out.

    It fell on the ground with a tter. A pea-sized piece of stone.

    No, upon closer examination, she discovered it was no ordinary stone. Transparent, it was glowing faintly.

    (...Could this be a spirit crystal?)

    Spirit crystals were extremely expensive minerals and could not possibly have gotten mixed into bread by coincidence.

    (Why is it here...?)

    Focusing her hazy consciousness, she came to a sudden realization.

    ¡ªUndoubtedly, someone had mixed it in deliberately.

    The instant she realized that, Fianna recovered full consciousness.

    She picked up the spirit crystal from the ground and poured divine power into it through her fingers.

    Despite the interrupted link to Astral Zero, a high-level princess maiden like Fianna would still be able to refine a small amount of divine power from her own body.

    Immediately, the spirit crystal''s light grew stronger¡ª

    "...Princess... Your Highness... Can you hear me...?"

    An extremely faint voice, apanied by static, reached Fianna''s ear.

    A voice of no previous recollection. The sound quality was also poor, plus the fact of the spirit crystal''s small size to begin with, it meant that was impossible to identify unless it was a familiar voice.

    "...Who is it?"

    Fianna asked softly. Of course, this could be a trapid by Arneus, but she had nothing to lose under the current circumstances.

    "...Someone asked me to rescue you... I am your ally."

    (...Someone?)

    Fianna repeated in her mind.

    It was unclear who the voice belonged to. But if there really was someone like that¡ª

    Several faces surfaced in Fianna''s mind.

    First she thought of her friends in Kamito, ire and the girls, but the Academy would be too far away from here. It was possible that they might not even know about her current imprisoned status.

    The nobles in the anti-Arneus faction were supposed to be all arrested. Duke Fahrengart''s family kept political neutrality despite not being part of the Arneus faction, so they probably would not make a move.

    Fianna''s father, the emperor, had not a shred of familial affection for her. Besides, he was currently suffering from the demon spirit''s miasma, confined to bed.

    The imperial consort was ruled out too. Adhering strictly to the Divine Ritual Institute''s precepts, she kept herself thoroughly uninvolved in politics. And First Princess Linnea had not only severed her ties to the mundane world but also despised Fianna who had formerly lost the power of the spirit contract.

    The aforementioned people would most likely not extend a helping hand to Fianna.

    In that case, the remaining candidate was¡ª

    (The headmistress...?)

    She was the only one Fianna could think of.

    Greyworth had subordinates originating from Umbra. The day the incident happened, she even said she had gained an excellent pawn. Although Greyworth herself was imprisoned too as a result of the incident, it was not impossible for the witch to exert her influence while in jail.

    Supposing this person belonged to Umbra, it would be only natural to keep his or her identity hidden.

    "...Rescue me, how?"

    The temple was under heavy guard. Even a special operative knight of Umbra would face quite a challenge to mount a rescue.

    "...Biding my time. When the timees, you will be saved."

    "Time? But I will be executed three dayster."

    "Yes, before that, Your Highness''panions would''ve arrived to save you."

    "...Huh?"

    Fianna was taken aback.

    "What do you mean?"

    "It happened yesterday. Kazehaya Kamito and his friends were arrested at the Academy Town."

    "Kamito-kun and the others!?"

    Fianna widened her eyes.

    "They were charged with conspiring with the Second Princess¡ªpossibly participating indirectly in the attempted assassination of the emperor. After all, they were your teammates."

    "No way¡ª"

    "Please rest assured. They have apparently seeded in breaking out of prison. After that, they flew away on an unregistered ship. Undoubtedly, they will be rescuing you within the next three days."

    "...Impossible. They will be captured by the Imperial Knights once theye here!"

    Fianna could not help but raise her voice.

    Infiltrating the imperial capital to rescue Fianna would be too dangerous.

    Also, there were the Numbers here.

    "Besides, how do they intend to infiltrate the imperial capital?"

    "That is why I will take action. To receive... them..."

    "...?"

    Static appeared in the voice.

    The spirit crystal''s glow gradually weakened. Finally, the voice could no longer be heard.

    It was such a small spirit crystal after all. The spirit''s power had probably depleted.

    To avoid leaving evidence behind, Fianna crushed the spirit crystal and swallowed it.

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Kamito-kun ising to save me¡ªThis possibility was giving her a final shred of hope.

    ¡ªIn that case, I mustn''t waste time here.

    (...Right, I have no wish to be some sort of tragic princess.)

    Suddenly recalling something, Fianna bit her lip.

    Then she dipped her finger in the resultant bleeding.

 Volume 14, 7 - Princess Maidens of the Demon King

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 7 - Princess Maidens of the Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    Parting ways with Kamito and ire at the nap room, Ellis was taken to the medical bay where Velsaria was at.

    "Over here¡ª"

    The instant the girl opened the door, Ellis was greeted with a shocking sight.

    "...! E-Esteemed sister!"

    Ellis was rooted to the spot in shock.

    A gigantic coffin-like device was sitting in the center of the medical bay, giving off strange and grating noises. Glowing faintly, the coffin was connected to a number of cables.

    ¡ªAnd inside was Velsaria.

    Of course, she had not donned that elemental waffe that resembled a "fortress." Covering her naked body, beautiful as a sculpture, was a sheer gown.

    Faintly illuminated by spirit crystals, she was in deep slumber.

    "What... on earth is this..."

    Ellis murmured in shock.

    "This is restorative equipment custom made for her using healing spirit crystals. Due to operating beyond the activity duration limit, an ording price needs to be paid."

    The girl who originated from the Instructional School replied expressionlessly.

    "...Price?"

    While saying that, Ellis approached the healing machine where Velsaria was sleeping within.

    "What on earth is up with that elemental waffe!? Besides, my esteemed sister should have lost the power of the spirit contract due to the side effects of her cursed seal armament going berserk¡ª"

    "¡ªThat was no elemental waffe. Instead, it is an experimental ''elemental panzer.''"

    "...!"

    Hearing a familiar voice, Ellis instantly raised her guard.

    She looked back to see a tall woman standing by the door, exhaling smoke from a pipe.

    Red eyes, almost bewitching, paired with beautiful emerald hair.

    Her long and pointy ears were precisely the trait of the Elfim race, the Forest Dwellers.

    "...! Vivian Melosa!"

    Ellis'' body took action in reflex.

    She elerated and closed in instantly, grabbing the woman by herb coat''s cor.

    "What is a Murders merchant doing here¡ª!?"

    The woman was the perpetrator who had carved a cursed armament seal on Velsaria''s heart.

    She was an unforgivable enemy from Ellis'' perspective.

    "You should have been thrown into the Balsas Prison¡ª"

    "Indeed, together with your sister."

    "...C-Curse you¡ª"

    Ellis applied more force.

    "Good to see you too. I am the one performing maintenance for her."

    "...What did you say?"

    "After all, this elemental panzer is something I remodeled. I am in charge of your sister''s treatment and the only one deeply knowledgeable about her condition."

    "What kind of joke is this¡ª"

    "...Ellis, she is speaking... the truth..."

    ¡ªAt this moment, Ellis heard a pained voice from behind.

    "Esteemed sister...!"

    The healing machine''s ss cover opened slowly and Velsaria came out.

    Stumbling to stand up, she nced sharply at Vivian.

    "Leave me, witch¡ª"

    "...Very well. However, I need to analyze thebat datater on."

    Vivian shrugged. After ncing at Ellis who was still ring at her, she left the room.

    The Instructional School girl who had led the way also bowed to take her leave and disappeared silently.

    Velsaria turned to face Ellis.

    "...It has been a while, Ellis."

    She began to speak while coughing.

    "Why...? Why are you on this ship¡ª"

    Ellis frantically rushed forward to support her foster sister whose unsteady body looked like it would fall any moment.

    "Also, what is this device? Why is a Murders merchant here?"

    "I was sought out by Rubia Elstein to join her League of Inferno. The same goes for the Murders witch. Ideology and conviction are irrelevant here. Those with ability were simply recruited to join under her banner, that is all¡ª"

    "...League of Inferno."

    Ellis repeated the name.

    "In that case, you know of that darkness¡ª"

    "Yes, I have heard everything from the Cmity Queen. Stemming from such grounds, I have decided to return to the battlefield, devoting myself tobat in order to exterminate the Otherworldly Darkness invading the human realm."

    "..."

    Ellis felt intimidated by her strong gaze. Those eyes looked the same as when Velsaria was leading the Sylphid Knights, crushing everything with absolute power.

    "B-But you should have lost the power of the spirit contract¡ª"

    "...Indeed. Just as the witch said, strictly speaking, what you witnessed was not an elemental waffe."

    "I remember it being referred to as an ''elemental panzer''¡ª"

    "Indeed, an experimental model acquired by the Cmity Queen from the Theocracy, then remodeled by that woman''s hand. It would be better described as turning a militarized spirit into an elemental waffe, perhaps? Thetest in enchanted equipment, using Bloodstone for the reactor with a fortress spirit''s power sealed within¡ªIt operates by absorbing divine power limitlessly, along the same principles as that Instructional School girl''s Jester''s Vise¡ª"

    "...!"

    Indeed, Velsaria had lost the power to contract with spirits. However, her abundant divine power remained intact. Using the power of spirit engineering, a simted elemental waffe could be created, allowing her to regain an elementalist''s power.

    "...B-But by using that kind of equipment, your body will...!"

    "It is a body that was lying at death''s door once. Already eroded by a curse armament seal, suppose this body could eliminate the Darkness invading the empire... Cough...!"

    "Esteemed sister¡ª"

    "...Worry not... I, cough, am a knight of the Fahrengart."

    "..."

    Hearing those words, Ellis was rendered speechless.

    Velsaria''s determination could not be stopped by anyone.

    As her younger sister, Ellis knew this better than anyone.

    She was a knight of Ordesia, more noble and high-minded than anyone.

    Just as Ellis fell silent¡ª

    "..Ellis, I heard you emerged triumphant at the de Dance."

    Velsaria changed the subject and spoke calmly.

    "Yes. Thanks to Kamito and therades who fought alongside me, I have be stronger."

    "...Comrades huh?"

    She spoke in self-deprecation.

    "I too, if only I had realized that sooner..."

    Instantly, Velsaria''s gaze began to wander afar¡ª

    "Speaking of which, I have a question for you¡ª"

    She spoke as though it had suddenly urred to her.

    "What is it?"

    "You and Ren¡ªno, Kazehaya Kamito¡ªhave you done it already?"

    "...E-Esteemed sister!?"

    Ellis yelled with her face bright red.

    It was almost impossible to imagine such wordsing from Velsaria''s mouth.

    "W-What do you mean... by having ''done it''!?"

    "U-Umm, well..."

    Hearing that, Velsaria''s face turned just as red and she stammered.

    "Uh, h-holding hands?"

    Her voice was so quiet that it sounded like she was murmuring to herself.

    "...Hands?"

    Ellis looked puzzled.

    "R-Right... Yes, we have held hands¡ª"

    "...Really? Holding hands... W-What a swift development..."

    "..."

    Hearing her sister''s whispers, Ellis broke out in cold sweat.

    Subconsciously, she touched her own lips lightly with her finger.

    In terms of discipline, Velsaria was even stricter than Ellis.

    ...Forget about holding hands, more than that had happened. However, there was no way Ellis could bring herself to say that aloud.

    Part 2

    Before dawn, on a bed in the nap room, Kamito woke up.

    The speed used to shake off the Gargoyle''s pursuit was unsustainable after all. Hence, it looked like they were not going to reach the imperial capital until the following afternoon.

    ire and Restia were sleeping in the lower bunks. Probably feeling more reassured by hugging Est, Restia had a nket wrapped several times around the sword.

    ...Kamito could not help but feel a smile on his face.

    ire rolled over at this time.

    "...Huaahh... Don''t, Kamito... How could you... A cor so suddenly... Hyah!"

    "...W-What kind of dream is that?"

    Muttering, Kamito went outside.

    Passing through the narrow passage, he took a gangwaydder on the side of the ship and arrived on deck.

    He felt like getting a breeze.

    (...I wonder what kind of dream Fianna is having right now?)

    She was probably sleeping on a jail cell''s cold floor right now.

    The blowing wind ruffled his hair. Military ships were supposed to be capable of deploying a wind barrier, but right now, it was apparently not activated, possibly to reduce unnecessary consumption.

    After reaching the deck¡ª

    "...Meow."

    ...He suddenly heard a cat.

    He looked and found Scarlet meowingfortably.

    Rubia Elstein was crouching on the floor, stroking Scarlet''s throat.

    Noticing Kamito, she instantly stood up.

    "What, you''re ying with Scarlet?"

    "...What are you doing here, Ren Ashbell?"

    She slowly looked over to him.

    The same ruby eyes as ire were ring sharply at Kamito.

    Her long, zing, crimson hair was fluttering in the wind.

    Kamito could not help but notice how beautiful she looked.

    "I''m just out to get some air."

    Kamito leaned his back against the deck''s railing.

    At this feet, Scarlet began to rub herself affectionately against his leg.

    "Uh, is your health okay now?"

    "It is none of your concern."

    "It''s not, but it''s really important to your sister ire."

    Rubia''s eyes of ruby wavered subtly.

    "ire has spent her whole time looking for you. Her dream was to return to Elstein and live with her family again."

    "Returning to the past is impossible."

    "...Yeah, but what''s lost can be retrieved."

    "..."

    Rubia looked away.

    "I have no intention of dying just like that. I am bound by duty to atone."

    With a sorrowful expression, she was probably recalling images of the cities destroyed by the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath.

    "To this end, Ren Ashbell, I need your power from the Darkness Elemental Lord."

    "Sorry, I can''t do as you wish."

    "It has nothing to do with my wishes. Sooner orter, the power of darkness will be irrepressible."

    "...What do you mean? The power of darkness should have vanished already¡ª"

    Kamito could not help but ask but she shook her head.

    "Indeed, you have suppressed the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power. However, that is ultimately temporary. One day, the power will overflow and destroy you. You must have felt it too."

    "...!?"

    Kamito came to a sudden realization in rm.

    ¡ªHe definitely had some idea of what she was talking about.

    (Irrepressible power of darkness... Could it be¡ª)

    He thought of the kissing matter that Rinslet had mentioned when they were leaving Laurenfrost... Also, Ellis had told him something concerning.

    "You evidently do have an idea."

    "...Yeah, I guess I''d better tell you."

    After all, she was precisely the culprit who had forced the Darkness Elemental Lord to awaken within Kamito.

    Kamito briefly summarized what had happened with Ellis and Rinslet.

    ...After listening to him, Rubia thought deeply for a while.

    "Have you heard of the legendary ''Princess Maidens of the Demon King''?"

    Finally, she spoke.

    "Yeah, just legends."

    Kamito nodded. The "Princess Maidens of the Demon King" was one out of hundreds of Demon King legends.

    A thousand years ago, Demon King Solomon had forcibly wed the princesses of conquered nations, taking them as his own.

    Furthermore, he had selected girls with outstanding talent to be elementalist from among the princesses and bestowed his power upon them.

    The princesses who received the Demon King''s power were known as the "Princess Maidens of the Demon King." Together with the seventy-two spirits, they had wrought terror upon the Sacred Maiden''s army of world salvation.

    "Like you, Demon King Solomon was a reincarnation of the Darkness Elemental Lord. Presumably, in the same manner as you, he shared his power to his princess maidens through kisses¡ª"

    "...You mean it''s the same ability as mine?"

    "More than likely. The Darkness Elemental Lord''s power enables an explosive increase in divine power. However, there are probably conditions on the princes maiden''s side ordingly. Although the Demon King had hundreds of concubines, only a mere nine of them were able to obtain his power¡ª"

    "Is it talent as an elementalist?"

    "Indeed, but it is possible that there are additional conditions¡ª"

    Rubia murmured in deep thought.

    Kamito looked at his hand.

    (...So I shared the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power with them?)

    Although it was not by choice, he still felt responsible.

    "Uh, will they end up devoured by the power of darkness like me?"

    "Records of the Demon King''s princess maidens are rather vague. Some say that they were defeated by Sacred Maiden Areishia while others say that the power of darkness was purified by the Demon yer. Perhaps among them, there were others who ended up devoured by the power of darkness¡ª"

    "...In other words, you don''t know."

    "Indeed. Perhaps you would like to test it out with me?"

    "...What!?"

    Hearing Rubia''s serious-sounding suggestion, Kamito could not help but panic.

    However, he soon realized she was joking.

    "Do not use divine power recklessly unless you want to be devoured by the power of darkness, Ren Ashbell."

    "...Yeah, I know."

    Kamito averted eye contact and nodded.

    (...I guess it''s best to avoid using divine power to solve problems.)

    Part 3

    ¡ªAfter daybreak. Inside the flying ship''s conference room, a meeting was held to n Fianna''s rescue operation.

    Sitting around the oval table was ire next to Kamito, with Ellis beside her. Restia and Est were presumably still sleeping in the nap room.

    Rubia spread a map of the imperial capital over the table.

    "Fianna is imprisoned at the Great Shrine of Areishia in the center of the nobles district."

    She pointed at a location on the map.

    "The Great Shrine of Areishia? Not Balsas Prison?"

    "That would be impossible, because Muir wrecked the prison while we were retrieving Velsaria."

    "...Reckless as ever."

    Kamito could not help but groan.

    "The Temple of World Istion at the Great Shrine of Areishia has the ability to nullify a princess maiden''s power. It is the most suitable ce for imprisoning Fianna."

    Saying that, Rubia took out another map and opened it on the table. Kamito did not know what channels she had used to obtain it, but the map had detailed floor ns of the Great Shrine of Areishia.

    "You three will be the ones to carry out the rescue operation. Meanwhile, we will attack a nearby military base as a diversion."

    "What about my esteemed sister?"

    "She is unsuited to such an operation. She will stay on the Revenant as part of the diversion."

    "...That''s true."

    Indeed, Velsaria''s "fortress" was not suited for a rescue operation.

    "What''s the infiltration route into the Great Shrine of Areishia?"

    ire asked a question.

    While the All Nations Conference was being held, with the recent assassination incident, security in the imperial capital would have escted to the highest level. It was probably impossible to approach openly.

    "First, a horse-drawn carriage will be prepared in the countryside for you to infiltrate the city. To enter, you will disguise yourselves as a noblewoman with herdy-in-waiting. By showing an imperial ess pass, you should be able to bypass the gatekeeper''s interrogation."

    Saying that, she ced a counterfeit imperial ess pass on the table. Carved on the center of the pass was a magic seal for disrupting a guardian spirit.

    "To think you even have this kind of thing..."

    "An application of cursed armament seals. Vivian Melosa is an outstanding counterfeiter."

    "A forgery?"

    The straiced Ellis frowned.

    "Are you going to object to underhanded means when you are rebelling against the Empire?"

    "W-Well..."

    "If anything, I''m more concerned about the dy-in-waiting'' part."

    ...Although Kamito brought it up, everyone ignored him.

    "Even after infiltrating the imperial capital, there are still spirit knights stationed in the nobles district around the Great Shrine of Areishia. I don''t think we can enter openly."

    "There is a Murders merchant in the slums who is very familiar with routes into the nobles district. Find that man."

    "...Murders? Can you trust them?"

    "Murders and the Holy Kingdom have been in opposition for years. They are an organization that acts by weighing risks and benefits rather than ideology. If Arneus is in cahoots with the Holy Kingdom, Murders will have cause to aid us."

    "...I see."

    Murders had established a robustwork across the continent with many branches in many countries. However, there was one exception.

    ¡ªNamely, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    Worshiping one of the Five Great Elemental Lords, Holy Lord Alexandros, while believing in "the harmony of the entire continent" as its missive, the Holy Kingdom had ouwed Murderspletely and kept the organization firmly outside its doors.

    From Murders'' standpoint, they would not want an Ordesia emperor who was intimately in bed with the Holy Kingdom.

    "Once you sneak into the nobles district, head to the Great Shrine of Areishia and rescue Fianna. Avoidbat as much as possible, in particr against the Numbers."

    "...Easier said than done. What about the escape route?"

    "Fianna should know of escape routes exclusive to royalty. Use those. Once you escape out of the city, I shall send militarized spirits and Velsaria. It should be just right to buy time."

    "...What a reckless n."

    Kamito sighed helplessly. That being said, the announced date for Fianna''s execution was three dayster. It would not be realistic unless they prepared themselves to take a risk and take forceful measures.

    "Then what about the headmistress?"

    Ellis asked at this time, somewhat worried.

    The same thing was bothering Kamito too.

    "The Dusk Witch''s whereabouts are unknown."

    "We need to find a way to save¡ª"

    "No."

    Rubia objected on the spot.

    "W-Why!?"

    "Truth be told, I would like to secure the Dusk Witch too. However, we currently do not have the luxury of resources to spare on that front."

    "B-But..."

    Ellis was instantly silenced. Of course, it was not as though Ellis could not understand. If they were to split their forces now, it would only make it much harder to rescue Fianna.

    "Be at ease. Arneus would not dare execute the Empire''s hero so lightly."

    "I suppose, maybe¡ª"

    Kamito muttered. After all, there was already a riot at Areishia Spirit Academy where many noble daughters were studying. The Empire would take utmost caution in dealing with her.

    "Rubia is right. Let''s give up on rescuing Greyworth this time."

    "...Understood."

    Ellis bit her lip regretfully and nodded.

    "Just this time, okay? There will be a chance sooner orter. Let''s wait patiently."

    "Yes..."

    "So, what do we do after saving Fianna?"

    This time, Kamito asked Rubia.

    "After circling around the Kelbreth Mountain Range, we will escape into the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia."

    Rubia moved the pin on the map again.

    "Dracunia?"

    "Indeed, that nation has extremely poor rtions with the Holy Kingdom."

    "Right. Preparations have already been made in advance to escape there."

    "...Not bad at all."

    Kamito could not help but smack his lips. Despite losing most of her subordinates, Rubia''s undergroundwork seemed intact.

    "What about after we escape to Dracunia?"

    After hearing ire''s question, Rubia slowly looked up from the map.

    "I intend to support Fianna to be empress."

    She dered in a solemn voice.

    "Support Fianna to be empress?"

    "Indeed. Then at an opportune timing, ''Legitimate Ordesia'' will be announced."

    "Legitimate Ordesia...?"

    "Indeed. Raising a banner to fight the Holy Kingdom, the true Ordesia Empire."

    "A government in exile huh?...So you''re ignoring Fianna''s own willpletely."

    "The League of Inferno requires a righteous cause to dere war on the Holy Kingdom."

    "B-But this way¡ª"

    ire mustered her courage and spoke up.

    "Fianna clearly wouldn''t like this. She already abandoned all of that..."

    "Be that as it may, she is ultimately still a member of the imperial family. She will understand her mission and ept this destiny."

    "Uh..."

    "¡ªThus concludes our battle n."

    Rubia dered coldly and stood up.

    Just as she put on her overcoat and was about to leave the conference room¡ª

    "Nee-sama..."

    For an instant, Rubia paused at the door.

    "...I leave Fianna in your hands."

    Rubia whispered extremely quietly.

    Kamito and ire instantly exchanged nces.

    Rubia''s words made them realize.

    Exterminating the Otherworldly Darkness that was responsible for driving the Elemental Lords insane¡ªThat was the motivation for her actions.

    But in addition to that.

    Surely, she¡ª

    Hoped to rescue Fianna as her best friend in the past.

    "¡ªYeah, we''ll handle it."

    As Rubia passed through the doorway, Kamito nodded.

    Part 4

    After the strategy meeting, Kamito went on deck alone.

    He was hesitating whether to tell ire and Ellis about what Rubia told him about the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    (...But it''ll cause them to worry if I tell them.)

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon his leather gloved left hand.

    Do not use divine power recklessly unless you want to be devoured by the power of darkness¡ªRubia had warned him.

    (...Conversely, the power of darkness won''t awaken if I don''t use divine power?)

    If that were the case, then all he needed to do was avoid fighting as much as possible.

    Of course, that was impossible to guarantee.

    ¡ªDetecting a presence behind him at this time, Kamito looked back.

    "...Restia?"

    He saw Restia climbing up the gangwaydder while using the railing for support.

    Blown by the wind on the deck, she looked like she had trouble maintaining bnce.

    "Kyah!"

    "Hey, it''s dangerous¡ª"

    Kamito hurried over and caught her arm.

    "Th-Thank you..."

    The darkness spirit girl lowered her head, her cheeks blushing slightly.

    "What''s the matter? You have trouble sleeping?"

    "Yes."

    Restia nodded and looked up at Kamito.

    "...You are about to leave?"

    "Ah, I guess you heard from ire and the others."

    However, Restia shook her head.

    "No, I simply had a feeling."

    "...Really?"

    Those dusk-colored eyes, which used to smile fearlessly, conveyed an expression of unease.

    ...It was unavoidable that she would feel worried.

    After all, she had lost her memory and Kamito''s party was the only people she could rely on.

    However, taking her along to the imperial capital would be too dangerous.

    Kamito had heard that people from the Holy Kingdom were lurking in Ordesia. In addition, the Holy Kingdom was clearly targeting Restia.

    Currently, the safest ce on the entire continent was probably this ship.

    "We''ll be back as soon as we rescue our friend."

    Kamito gently ced his hand on Restia''s head.

    "I know. You are currently at the center of an extremely monumental destiny. Hence¡ª"

    Saying that, Restia held Kamito''s hand firmly.

    "You must return¡ª"

    "Yeah, of course. After all, at your side is where I''ve always belonged."

    In response, Kamito embraced Restia''s petite body.

    "How odd..."

    Held in Kamito''s arms, she smiled.

    "...Why are these tears falling?"

 Volume 14, 8 - Infiltrating the Imperial Capital

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 8 - Infiltrating the Imperial Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe imperial capital of Ostdakia.

    This was a city that the Sacred Maiden had turned into a stronghold during the Demon King War a thousand years ago in order to battle the Demon King''s army.

    After the Demon King War ended, the city''s location, corresponding to the current Empire''s center, made it a trading hub that connected all parts of the continent. Gradually growing in prosperity, it finally developed into a top metropolis on the continent.

    And located in the center of the imperial capital was the great assembly hall where the imperial council convened, as well as Nefescal Pce that served as both the imperial family''s residence and the Ordesia''s most important shrine.

    (...How ironic. To think that the Demon King''s sessor would return to the city that had served as the bastion of resistance against the Demon King.)

    Riding a rocking horse-drawn carriage while tightly gripping the reins from the coachman''s seat, Kamito muttered to himself mentally.

    In fact, this was not his first time infiltrating the imperial capital. During his childhood, he had sneaked into the imperial capital with Muir, Lily and Restia as part of an Instructional School mission.

    "Honestly, will this method really work?"

    ire''s worried voice came from inside the carriage.

    "...Who knows. To be honest, I''m not confident either."

    Dressed as ady-in-waiting, Kamito sighed from the coachman''s seat.

    He was the perfect model of ady-in-waiting working at a royal pce, no matter how you looked.

    "You are extremely adorable, Kamito."

    ire giggled humorously.

    "...G-Give me a break."

    Kamito grimaced and looked back at ire.

    Seated inside the carriage, ire was dressed in a white dress. Her crimson hair had been dyed blonde.

    The cover story was that ire was a daughter from a noble family and Kamito was herdy-in-waiting. As for Ellis, she was hiding in a cramped pile of cargo.

    The role of the noblewoman fell to ire because her face was less well-known than Ellis who had frequented the imperial capital as a daughter of the Fahrengart family and thus universally recognized. ire''sst visit to the imperial capital was already more than four years ago.

    "We''ll be at the main gate soon. Don''t poke your head out of the carriage and make sure you act like a noble."

    The carriage carrying the trio was gradually approaching the imperial capital''s massive city gate.

    A massive bonfire was lit before the gate while merchants formed a long line up with their merchandise on carts.

    "Ohohohoho, I am an aristocrat from upper-crust society¡ª!"

    ire suddenly made a weird sound, causing Kamito to look back in shock at once.

    "W-Who the heck are you trying to be!?"

    "What do you mean, who...? I''m just imitating Rinslet. Isn''t it very noble-like?"

    "...L-Like my foot. She''ll definitely get mad if she saw this."

    "Hmph, I can''t believe you''re taking Rinslet''s side..."

    ire pouted unhappily.

    "Just act more like your usual self and that''s very noble-like."

    "I-Is that so?"

    Hearing that, ire seemed quite pleased, blushing.

    Over the massive entrance, a pair of terrifying lion sculptures overlooked Kamito''s party.

    No wait, those were not sculptures¡ªThey were guardian spirits protecting the imperial capital''s main gate.

    Kamito took out from his bosom the imperial ess pass that Vivian had forged.

    "We''ll be able to pass using this?"

    "Yes, supposedly..."

    From inside the carriage, ire nodded slightly nervously and replied.

    "I really want tounch an aerial raid directly using Simorgh."

    "That''ll only get us shot down by the imperial capital''s anti-air defenses."

    Kamito stopped talking and raised the imperial ess pass in front of the gate.

    Branded on the pass, magic runes glowed for an instant and quickly vanished. Even when the carriage approached, the guardian spirits on the gate did not react at all, simply sitting there.

    (...Looks like entry is a sess.)

    Kamito mentally breathed a sigh of relief.

    Next, an armed guard blocked the carriage.

    "Please allow me to check your belongings. Do you mind opening up the cargo hold?"

    "I hate waiting. I will have you know that I am in a hurry."

    ire spoke from the carriage.

    "Yes, I am terribly sorry. Orders from above mean we must check..."

    The guard opened the carriage''s cargo hold. There were two wooden boxes stacked inside.

    Opening the top box, the guard found candlesticks and other ritual equipment as well as a rare spirit crystal.

    "What is this?"

    "I bought them during my travels in the Kingdom of Balstan. Look, isn''t it pretty?"

    ire held up the spirit crystal to show the guard.

    "Although it''s not particrly valuable, why don''t you take one as a gift, good sir?"

    ire handed the guard a small spirit crystal with a water spirit sealed inside. Ordinary people were unable to use spirit crystals but they could earn a handsome sum of money by selling them to specialized shops.

    "...Eh, i-is it really okay?"

    "Yes, but in return, I would like to return to my mansion as soon as possible because I am already exhausted. May I pass?"

    She conveyed her intention to use bribery as a means to bypass examination, but¡ª

    "No, orders from above mandate that¡ª"

    The guard shook his head seriously, intending to stick to his principles.

    "...Eh?"

    Seeing that, ire''s expression froze.

    (...H-Hey, what are we going to do now?)

    Kamito gestured to ire with a look.

    They had not predicted this situation. They originally thought that checking the belongings of nobles would be a mere formality after they had passed through the checkpoint.

    In fact, thoroughly checking a noble''s belongings in the imperial capital was quite an exceptional case. At the very least, bribing the guards was virtually guaranteed to work in the past.

    (...Is the imperial capital on an even higher level of alert than imagined?)

    "Then please allow me to search."

    Despite faltering, the guard still intended to open the wooden box on the bottom.

    This was precisely where Ellis was hiding.

    "W-Wait¡ª"

    "I am terribly sorry, these are the rules¡ª"

    The guard ignored ire''s protest and touched the lower wooden box.

    (...Oh no!)

    In that instant...

    Something passed through the wooden box''s lid and flew out ferociously.

    "Kehhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "U-Uwahhhhhhh!"

    The guard cried out in surprise, instantly falling on his bottom.

    "Kehhh, kehhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Poking its head out from the wooden box was a demon bird, making terrifying noises.

    "M-Mdy, w-what on earth is..."

    "...U-Uh, it''s my pet bird I bought at a market during my travels. Isn''t it cute?"

    "C-Cute...?"

    Looking up at the demon bird, the guard''s face was twitching from terror.

    "It''s your fault for touching the wooden box recklessly. How do you intend to take responsibility?"

    "I-I-I-I am terribly sorry, mdy...!"

    The guard kept bowing his head to apologize.

    "P-Please forgive me. You may pass!"

    "Hmph, whatever. Let us hurry¡ª"

    At ire''s urging, Kamito drove the carriage through the gate.

    A while after entering the city¡ª

    "...Phew, we got through at least."

    Kamito breathed a long sigh of relief.

    "Simorgh''s scary face came in handy."

    "Kururu..."

    Hearing that, the demon wind spirit cooed proudly from the wooden box.

    "Anyway, infiltration is a sess huh?"

    "No, the main event starts now."

    Part 2

    The imperial capital''syout could basically be divided into two parts.

    There was the nobles'' residential district with Nefescal Pce at the center and the surrounding urban area.

    The two areas were separated by walls. Guarding that massive gate was not ordinary soldiers but spirit knights from the army. Naturally, the alert level was dramatically higher and they could not deceive their way through using a forged pass like earlier.

    Kamito parked the carriage at a stop. Leaving the carriage there, they continued their way on foot in the city.

    "...Phew, I almost suffocated."

    Coming out of the wooden box, Ellis stretched hard.

    "It''s all thanks to Ellis'' quick thinking just now."

    "Yes, but I never imagined I would ever sneak into the imperial capital like this..."

    As a Fahrengart knight, she must feel quite ufortable about sneaking secretly into the imperial capital.

    "First, let''s get into contact with that Murders merchant."

    ire took out something from a wooden box while she spoke. The enchanted equipment and spirit crystals in the wooden box were not only for earning the gate guard''s trust but also for bribing the Murders merchant.

    "The magic equipment shop at District 5."

    Putting on gray overcoats, the trio walked quickly in alleyways.

    "This ce was more bustling thest time I visited..."

    Under his hood, Kamito whispered.

    "Looks like an air of unease is hanging over the Empire''s citizens due to the incident."

    After passing through several gates demarcating divisions between districts, they stepped into a slum district.

    Even the most prosperous city on the continent had its own dark side.

    The magic equipment shop stood all alone inside the district.

    Without examining closely while they walked, it would have been very easy not to notice the shop.

    Completely nondescript, it was an ordinary shop in appearance. From the perspective of an ordinary citizen unversed in enchanted equipment and spirit crystals, all one could tell was that it was a slightly messy shop.

    ire knocked four times at a predetermined interval.

    It was a secret signal. Soon, the door unlocked with a quiet sound.

    A short man''s smiling face emerged from the door''s gap.

    "...I have waited for you,dies."

    "You''re the guide?"

    Hearing ire''s question, the man giggled and gestured with his eyes for them toe in.

    Entering the shop, Kamito andpany changed back into ordinary school uniforms.

    Then they put on ck cloaks over their uniforms. Woven with protective magic, the Academy''s uniforms had excellent durability,parable in specs with the military uniform of the Imperial Knights. Although it was a bit conspicuous, the school uniform was still worth wearing.

    "¡ªYou have already received word from the Cardinal''s messenger, haven''t you?"

    "Indeed, a request hoping for my aid... How polite. The Cardinal is one of my major customers after all."

    The Murders merchant grinned.

    ire poured out something from the bag in her hand onto the counter.

    "This is the Cardinal''s reward for you¡ª"

    "...Wow, that''s so generous. All rare treasures."

    Picking up a small spirit crystal to y in his hand, the merchant smiled with satisfaction.

    "The Cardinal has also broken the underground merchant Vivian Melosa out from Balsas Prison. This is enough of a reward for Murders, right?"

    "Yes, of course, of course. Standing from our perspective, it''s not like we can ignore the ascension of Prince Arneus, who''s allied closely to the Holy Kingdom¡ª"

    The merchant brought his hands together while he spoke.

    "Recently, business has be hard. Although we earned a fortune from various nations across the continent during the Ranbal War, in this day and age, our only sources of ie are limited to scrapped militarized spirits and cheap cursed armament seals¡ª"

    "...Y-You bastard, how impertinent! It is only because of people like you that my esteemed sister¡ª"

    "Ellis, stop¡ª"

    Seeing Ellis about to draw her sword impulsively, ire hastily stopped her.

    "...B-But can this man really be trusted?"

    "There is no choice. His aid is absolutely essential."

    "Please don''t worry. Murders merchants all have a scale in their heart for weighing risks and benefits. As long as the scales don''t tip over, betrayal definitely won''t happen."

    The merchant smiled and opened a door in the depths of the shop.

    "Please,e this way¡ª"

    Part 3

    A hidden flight of steps led underground from beneath a set of shelves in the back of the shop.

    Holding a torch for illumination, the merchant kept descending into darkness.

    "This is a ce Murders uses for smuggling goods."

    "...A sewer? But if that''s the case, there should be water noises..."

    While using a spirit crystal to illuminate the walls, Kamitomented.

    "Underground ruins. A relic dating back to the Demon King War when Sacred Maiden Areishia converted this city into her stronghold. These types of underground ruins are abundant in the imperial capital, more than you can count."

    "Sheesh, can''t you remember from Freya-sensei''s ss?"

    "Oh really?"

    "I remember hearing about them too, but this is actually my first time entering one¡ª"

    Ellis examined the walls around her while murmuring quietly.

    "The Empire leaves ces like this alone?"

    "Completely burying all the vast underground ruins is impossible. Besides, the Ordesia military finds value in such underground passages."

    At this moment, arge rat ran past ire''s feet.

    "...Huahh, a r-rat!"

    "Be careful, there are even worse rats in these parts."

    "...Rats huh. I remember that it''s a euphemism for Umbra''s special operative knights."

    "Yes, that''s why it''s best to keep quiet from this point on because running into them is a possibility."

    ...Advancing silentlysted roughly half an hour.

    Then Kamito, maintaining a high level of focus, heard a tiny sound.

    Friction from boot soles. Breathing from multiple people in the darkness.

    (...Oh dear.)

    Kamito sighed secretly and stopped walking.

    "Kamito?"

    Walking in front, ire and Ellis showed surprise.

    "Say, Mr. Merchant..."

    "What can I do for you?"

    The merchant smiled cordially and turned his head back.

    "You mentioned earlier, right? Something about a set of scales in every Murders merchant''s heart¡ª"

    "...Sure, what about it?"

    "What''s the other side on your scales?"

    Kamito asked calmly.

    Hearing that, the merchant rested his chin against his hand and made a thinking look.

    "Hmm, yes. For example, if I were to hand you over to the Imperial Knights, I could make a tidy profit. After all, you are wanted criminals, my dear customers."

    "But you''re an illegal merchant. You can''t make contact with the knights, right?"

    "Precisely. The scales are tipped towards you, dear customers. Please rest assured."

    "Oh really? In that case¡ª"

    Instantly, Kamito drew a dagger from his waist¡ª

    And parried countless silver shes shing the darkness.

    "What is the meaning of this?"

    "...! Kamito, we''re surrounded!?"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Kamito focused his mind and detected the presences in the darkness.

    (...That''s quite a lot. Seven or eight ahead with three or four behind?)

    Under this sort of darkness, it was no easy task to ascertain enemy numbers. It was possible for several people to lie in ambush.

    (Don''t tell me that all of them are elementalists?)

    The faint smile on the merchant''s face earlier had vanished.

    "...I can''t believe you deflected all the des of the assassins¡ª"

    "If they''re assassins, they''d better train more on how to hide their killing intent, okay? Although I can''t see them, their directions arepletely clear to me¡ª"

    "Traitor!"

    Saying that, ire released her elemental waffe, metongue.

    zing crimson mes illuminated the darkness in the underground passage.

    A masked group of differing ages and appearances came into view.

    Rather than Ordesia''s Imperial Knights, they were most likely¡ª

    (...Rogue elementalists hired as mercenaries huh.)

    Although rare, talents as an elementalist would asionally blossom in people without noble heritage. Those people would be forcibly sent to educational institutions for elementalists, but depending on circumstances, some of them would end up bought by Murders and other criminal organizations to be illegal mercenaries.

    Although they were vastly inferior to elementalists trained at the Academy¡ªmost of them were unable to deploy elemental waffen¡ªthese elementalists had gone through actualbat training, so they were still able to overwhelm mighty opponents through sheer numbers.

    "I knew it. A dirty Murders merchant simply cannot be trusted in the first ce."

    Ellis readied Ray Hawk and red angrily at the merchant before her.

    "Hoho... Truth be told, I have made quite a fortune on selling militarized spirits to the Cardinal. However, it''s simply not enough to tip my scales towards her, that''s all."

    "Then what''s being weighed on the other side of the scales?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, the merchant shrugged.

    "In a word, authorization to trade in the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Alexandria. Can you offer anything better than that, my dears?"

    "...No way! The Holy Kingdom can''t possibly make a deal with Murders!"

    ire widened her eyes.

    "The continental situation is changing every second, littledy."

    "Is Arneus your newest customer?"

    "Oh dear, I might''ve said too much."

    The merchantughed and took a step back into the darkness.

    "I don''t want to get caught in this, so I''ll be running away now."

    Throwing his torch to the ground, he rushed into the underground passage.

    "...! Wait, hold it right there!"

    ire swung her fiery whip¡ª

    But before that, a stone wall rose up. It was a spirit used by a rogue elementalist.

    "...Kamito, we must give chase. If he runs away, we won''t be able to get out¡ª"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Kamito drew the Demon yer and smashed the stone wall. However, the merchant was already out of sight. Taking his ce, a number of rogue elementalists were blocking the way with weapons readied.

    Naturally, this quantity of opponents were no match for Kamito''s party. However, inside this narrow underground passage with dismal visibility, defeating all of them looked like it could take some time.

    (Breaking through by force seems to be the only option huh¡ª)

    Kamito entered a stance for a group fight. Although he wanted to avoid wasting too much divine power, circumstances did not permit¡ª

    Then at that very moment...

    "...Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    A scream sounded from the depths of the underground passage.

    "...!?"

    It was the Murders merchant''s voice. Kamito and his friends exchanged nces with one another. The rogue elementalists hired by the merchant also paused.

    "W-Why!? Why are you here...!?"

    "Unfortunately for you, this is my backyard, little rat."

    A cute voice was heard, apanied by nimble footsteps, standing in stark contrast against the merchant''s scream.

    A swaying spirit crystal''s illumination approached, illuminating the underground passage.

    The merchant appeared with his arm twisted behind his back. Pressed against the side of his head was a weapon with extremely limited cirction across the entire continent¡ªA hand gun.

    Kamito had some recollection of this hand gun that was embedded with spirit crystals.

    "You''re¡ª!?"

    Part 4

    "...Guh, uh... Huff, huff, huff..."

    Inside a world dominated by silence and darkness...

    Fianna was currently focusing her mind.

    Whether physical stamina or willpower, she was about to reach her limit. Even so, those dusk-colored eyes of hers still did not lose their light. Because she had a reason that enabled her to struggle free of despair.

    (...Kamito-kun... ising...)

    ¡ªRewinding to several hours prior. The special operative knight iming to work under Greyworth finally contacted her a second time. Umbra never used the same method ofmunication twice, hence this time was a shredded piece of paper instead of a spirit crystal.

    After reassembling the piece of paper, Fianna read the brief message of "He is here" written on it.

    That was sufficient.

    With this alone, she was able to endure any kind of suffering.

    She bit her parched lip hard.

    Putting the blood on her finger, she drew carefully on the ground.

    (¡ªBinding Spell No.14,bined with a doubleyered seal, I guess?)

    She closed her eyes and analyzed theposition of the magic circle engraved on the stone floor. Then using the blood on her finger, she carefully overwrote the main elementsposing magic circle.

    This type of tedious andplicated task that would make a person''s brain explode, she was repeating it again and again.

    Drawing anotheryer of a detailed pattern on top of dried blood, she repeated this endlessly. An extremely intricate magic circle gradually took shape while she immersed herself in her work.

    Naturally, using blood to rewrite a magic circle was absolutely not something any ordinary princess maiden could aplish. This was a god-like feat that could only be achieved by Fianna who possessed outstanding talent in addition to vast knowledge regarding barriers.

    She had already lost a great deal of blood, to the point that even maintaining consciousness felt unbelievable.

    However, the efforts of this suffocating hardship was finally about to bear fruit.

    (...Kamito-kun... ising... That''s why, I too¡ª)

    Several hours had passed since she started drawing her magic circle. It was almost time for the guard''s patrol. And once discovered, all her efforts so far would end up wasted.

    Anxiety filled her mind. However, all would be for naught if she were to lose caution now.

    "¡ªI...mand thee... for the third, time... Obey, the covenant of blood¡ª"

    With her bleeding lips, she recited the final words of the incantation.

    "...Liberate me... from these bonds¡ª!"

    At longst, Fianna finished the final magic circle.

    Drawn on the floor, the magic circle of blood glowed blue-white.

    ¡ªSess. An exorcism circle waspleted, capable of breaking on a structural level this magic circle that insted this Temple of World Istion from links to Astral Zero.

    (...With this... The link to Astral Zero is restored.)

    Fianna exhaled in relief and copsed sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall.

    She closed her eyes and concentrated briefly. Immediately, she could feel her body connected to Astral Zero with divine power coursing through her entire being.

    (...First, I must... find Kamito and the others...)

    ¡ªHow much time had psed since receiving thest report from that special operative knight?

    Perhaps they were already inside the imperial capital.

    (...I hope they won''t be caught by the Imperial Knights¡ª)

    Arranging fingers in a spiritual gesture, she recalled Kamito''s image in her mind.

    This was Fianna''s prided skill of divination, allowing one to search for a specified person with a deep mental connection by raising a princess maiden''s sensing abilities to the absolute limit. Although it was vastly inferior in uracy to Princess Linfa''s irvoyance, she could still get an approximate location as long as her target was not too far away.

    With her five senses at a high level of focus, she was hit by a dizzying feeling as though all her nerves had been bundled into a single resonating string. Her consciousness expanded from her body, outwards from this prison, to the shrine outside the prison, to the world outside the shrine¡ª

    (Wait for me, Kamito-kun¡ª)

 Volume 14, 9 - The Research Tower of Guas Gibai

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 9 - The Research Tower of Guas Gibai</h4>

    Part 1

    Seeing the merchant captured, the rogue elementalists instantly scattered and fled. Hired by money, those people most likely had no loyalty to speak of.

    Besides, she was the natural enemy of rogue elementalists.

    "...So what the heck are you doing here?"

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and red at the girl.

    ck hair cropped short, slender and beautiful eyes. Dressed in abat outfit of ck leather. Boyish airs.

    This was precisely Ninth of the Numbers¡ªVirrey Branford.

    Belonging to the Ordesia military''s Umbra, she was a special operative knight specializing in espionage.

    Thest time Kamito met her was before setting off for Laurenfrost. He remembered she had said at the time that she was heading to the imperial capital, acting as Greyworth''s bodyguard for the All Nations Conference.

    "This is Umbra''s backyard, you know? Taking of sewer rats is our job."

    Virrey tied the man up with a rope and tossed him to the ground.

    "...You knew that we had contacted this man?"

    ire asked warily.

    It could not be coincidence that a special operative knight of Umbra had arrived.

    However, supposing she hade to arrest Kamito''s group, it would be far too unbelievable for her to show up alone.

    "After all, I had received reports that you had broken out of prison at the Academy Town facility. From that I was certain you''de to rescue the Second Princess. There are few routes that people from outer city could take to enter the nobles district. Hence, it wasn''t hard to predict that you''d approach a Murders merchant¡ª"

    "You knew early on that we were going to infiltrate the imperial capital?"

    "Pretty much¡ª"

    Virrey nodded.

    Kamito ced his hand on the Demon yer.

    "¡ªSo, what do you want? Do you intend to arrest us who are trying to rescue Fianna?"

    He stared sharply at Virrey.

    Virrey Branford was definitely no pushover. Although her contracted spirit might prioritize espionage abilities due to her position under Umbra, she was still a member of Numbers, the Empire''s most elite knights.

    "Good grief, don''t jump to conclusions like that. I''m not here to arrest you."

    Virrey hastily waved her hands.

    "...What?"

    "What I mean is that I''m not here on Umbra''s orders. Instead, I''m acting on private motives. In other words, I am the only one who knows that you''ve infiltrated the imperial capital¡ª"

    "...Private motives?"

    Kamito frowned in surprise and let go of his sword''s hilt.

    Of course, this did not mean that Kamito believed herpletely. However, it would definitely be mind boggling for her to show up alone if she really intended to arrest Kamito''s group.

    "Kamito, here''s a deal. Allow me to use you for once."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "My goal is to rescue Dame Greyworth who has been imprisoned by Arneus."

    "Huh?"

    "...Rescue the headmistress?"

    Kamito, ire and Ellis stared at one another.

    Virrey had investigated Greyworth in secret at the military''s orders before. However, it was hard to imagine any other connection between the two of them.

    "I mentionedst time that I was taken off the mission of tracking down Lurie Lizaldia, right?"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    "At the time, it was Dame Greyworth who took me in after I was reassigned from Umbra. That''s why I am in her debt."

    "A debt huh? But is this really enough to make you willing to take such a great risk given your position in the Numbers?"

    Greyworth was currently a suspected co-conspirator in the emperor assassination incident, a major criminal. Rescuing her meant rebelling against the Empire.

    "Of course, there are more reasons than that¡ª"

    Virrey confessed quite readily.

    "Kamito, I havee to harbor suspicions against the Empire because of this incident."

    She lowered her voice.

    "...Suspicions."

    Kamito had a clue what she was implying.

    "You mean the fact that the Holy Kingdom''s reach has extended into the Ordesia?"

    "Why do you know about this!?"

    Virrey widened her slender eyes.

    "Well, I''ve got a source¡ª"

    Without exposing Rubia overtly, Kamito answered ambiguously.

    "I am quite curious about your source... Oh well, that makes things easy since you already know more or less. Ordesia''s upper echelon is currently under the Holy Kingdom''s control..."

    Virrey recounted symptoms of suspicious changes in the Empire recently.

    It first began with the cessation of Lurie Lizaldia''s pursuit, then there was the Sacred Spirit Knights trespassing Laurenfrost territory at the border, as well as the Empire''s acquiescence regarding that.

    Next was the attempted assassination of the emperor.

    Even without being involved directly in the investigation, Virrey had many doubts regarding the incident.

    First of all, there was the Bloodstone from which Fianna had released the demon spirit. Although the prime minister had provided it as a co-conspirator, how exactly did he get his hands on a spirit crystal on the level of a national treasure? Why was Greyworth''s former contracted spirit sealed inside it¡ª?

    The prime minister''s suicide was also highly suspicious. However, the Imperial Knights had hastily dered the investigationplete instead of addressing these issues.

    "There should be many people who find the current incident suspicious, but with the Second Princess faction rendered prisoners, everyone fears Arneus, or rather, the Holy Kingdom that is backing him."

    Virrey bit her lip hard.

    "Currently, Ordesia is very abnormal. As a knight who has sworn loyalty to the Empire, I wish to rescue Dame Greyworth out of personal conviction, unrted to the organization. As such, I need your assistance¡ª"

    "In other words, you''ll take the opportunity to rescue Greyworth as long as we cause amotion while saving Fianna, right?"

    "¡ªThank you for understanding so quickly."

    Virrey nodded in response to ire.

    "Besides, rescuing the Second Princess is also Dame Greyworth''s orders to me before her arrest. Assuming everything goes as nned, I will aid in the escape."

    "Rescuing Greyworth is what we want too. It''d be a great help if you seeded too."

    "¡ªThen we have a deal, I guess?"

    Nodding, the maiden special operative knight smiled.

    Part 2

    With special footwork making no sound at all, the special operative knight from Umbra advanced quickly in the dark.

    Criss-crossing vast underground ruins, the path was so long that it seemed endless¡ª

    Finally, spirit crystal lighting revealed a certain bizarre manmade structure in the passage ahead.

    A gigantic iron grate stretching all the way to the ceiling.

    Virrey walked up to it. After turning one of the rusted bars in the grate several times, she took off a section in the middle, thus creating a gap that a person could squeeze through.

    "I cannot believe a ce like this exists under the imperial capital..."

    Ellis could not help but exim in surprise.

    "Is this Umbra''s secret entrance?"

    Without responding to Kamito''s muttering, Virrey silently advanced in the dark.

    Suddenly, they were struck by an intense rotting stench, forcing Kamito to frown.

    The disgusting sticky feeling underfoot seemed familiar, like the corpse of some kind of small animal.

    "...Could this ce be¡ª"

    "Yes, the pce''s trash heap. However, what gets abandoned here includes more than trash."

    Whispering profound words, Virrey stopped in front of the trash heap.

    On top of the mountain of trash was a circr shaft built from brick and mortar.

    Light from the surface leaked in from there, illuminating the surroundings, instantly revealing an unsightly scene.

    Mixed in the trash was arge amount of white bones. Although the majority belonged to small animals like rats, there were also bones of bigger sizes.

    A sight Kamito had grown used to seeing during his childhood. The abandoned corpses of children that had died during harsh training.

    "...K-Kamito, this is...!"

    ire covered her mouth and groaned. Ellis was also speechless from shock.

    "The Research Tower of Guas Gibai, have you heard this name before?"

    "...First time I''m hearing it."

    "A research facility during the Ranbal War, it was also known as the Torture Tower."

    "The Torture Tower?"

    Hearing ire''s whisper, Kamito asked.

    "Yes, during the Ranbal War, the Empire was conducting inhumane experiments that included cursed armament seals. Among them, the Research Tower of Guas Gibai was infamous as a record of the Ordesia Empire''s scandalous history."

    "Right, but the tower itself was already sealed off long ago. This trash heap beneath an affluent nobles district can be considered a relic of that era¡ª"

    "...What a disgusting ce."

    Kamito spoke as though spitting.

    "¡ªThe ce where Dame Greyworth is imprisoned is that Torture Tower."

    "...Huh?" "What?" "Say that again!?"

    The trio eximed involuntarily.

    "But isn''t the tower sealed off¡ª"

    "Several months ago, Arneus opened the tower. He forced the imperial council to pass the resolution by calling it a military research facility. A military facility in name but Arneus'' personal possession in fact. Besides the researchers working under him, rumors even say that a cardinal from the Holy Kingdom has been sighteding and going there¡ª"

    "The headmistress is in that kind of ce¡ª"

    "But why...?"

    "Their agenda is unknown. But Dame Greyworth''s body of eternal youth is probably an excellent test subject for those people¡ª"

    "The olddy..."

    Kamito gritted his teeth and looked up at the shaft.

    ¡ªAfter climbing up the shaft, they were surrounded by a flourishing forest.

    This was probably a forest inside the vast nobles district for royalty and aristocrats to engage in recreational activities such as horseriding or hunting. That being said, nobles would probably not ride to such a dense part of the forest.

    The sky was shrouded by gray clouds.

    If it rained, the sound should be able to cover up their footsteps.

    "...What about the guards outside?"

    "Should be few in number at this hour. Furthermore, the First Division of the Imperial Knights apparently moved out to handle a military ship of unknown nationality in the imperial capital''s outskirts right now."

    Kamito and ire exchanged a nce.

    ...Almost assuredly, it was Rubia''s Revenant.

    "The Second Princess is currently imprisoned in the underground Temple of World Istion beneath the Grand Shrine of Areishia. I''d be very grateful if you could cause a bigmotion to divert attention."

    "I don''t really want to overdo it, but I guess it can''t be helped."

    "Yeah..."

    Hearing ire''s murmur, Kamito concurred.

    That being said, it would be unrealistic to think he could storm the ce without even drawing the Demon yer. Elite high-level knights were guarding the shrine along with the Empire''s strongest, the Numbers.

    "And the Numbers guarding the shrine are?"

    "The knights in charge of guarding the Great Shrine of Areishia should be under themand of Leschkir Hirschkilt, third of the Numbers. Dame Leschkir uses Typhon, a gravity spirit."

    "A gravity spirit huh? I think it might be tough to handle with a sword spirit."

    "However, first-ranked Dame Sephira, second-ranked Dame Irvine and fourth-ranked Dame Dunei are currently heading out to intercept the military ship. You should count your blessings already."

    Kamito stared at the towering Great Shrine of Areishia in the distance.

    "I''m leaving Greyworth''s rescue to you, Virrey."

    "Yeah, good luck to you too."

    Part 3

    (...Kamito-kun!?)

    The instant she activated her magic¡ª

    An image of Kamito was carved deeply into Fianna''s mind.

    Clearly different from an ordinary person''s, that presence had a sort of nostalgic feeling to it too.

    Undoubtedly, it was the presence of the Kamito whom she knew so well.

    ¡ªIn that case, now is not the time to be sitting around in this ce.

    Doing everything to concentrate, Fianna stood up.

    Using her trembling finger, she dipped it into the blood on the ground and wrote a magic circle on the prison wall.

    Despite ack of divine power, with the aid of a magic circle, the act of summoning itself should be possible.

    (Although I''m filthy all over and haven''t purified myself¡ª)

    The holy knight who served as her right hand would surelye.

    With this conviction, she chanted the words of summoning.

    "¡ªThou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman! ¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding!"

    The princess maiden''s clear voice pierced the silence of the Temple of World Istion.

    Responding to her words, the magic circle of blood glowed blue-white.

    A silver light shed through the air.

    A sword of steel tore through space and out from the crack appeared a silver-white knight.

    The knight spirit Georgios¡ªthe high-ranked spirit passed down the Ordesia imperial family.

    "...Thank goodness... You came..."

    Smiling, almost about to copse, Fianna was caught in the knight spirit''s powerful arms. Next, after cing her slowly on the ground, the knight spirit drew his sword and severed the chains binding Fianna''s arms and legs in one strike.

    "...Thank you. I think I kept a healing crystal inside¡ª"

    The knight spirit opened up his chest armor and took out a spirit crystal from the void.

    Fianna held the spirit crystal against her bosom and poured divine power into it.

    "O benevolent unicorn, heal my body with the light¡ª"

    Holy light of healing enveloped her entire body and her drained stamina returned slightly.

    (Right now, this is all I can do...)

    ¡ªThat being said, she should have recovered to the point of being able to walk.

    Fianna took out a ritual dagger from Georgios'' chest and sliced off her dress'' bloodstained hem for ease of movement.

    Then she walked over to the tightly shut door. Other protective magic had been cast on the door, but there was no time to dispel it now.

    (...Since I can''t open it, I might as well break it.)

    Fianna raised her hand at the door.

    "¡ªDestroy it, Georgios!"

    Shemanded.

    Obeying his liege''s order, the knight spirit attacked the door fiercely with his massive sword.

    Severed in a single strike. With a loud sound, the door shattered into fragments.

    "...What, the Second Princess!?"

    "I-Impossible, how could a contracted spirit¡ª"

    "R-Report to Dame Leschkir, hurry¡ª"

    The guards stationed at the Temple of World Istion cried out in surprise and fled one after another.

    "Huff, huff... Guh..."

    However, Fianna felt a wave of dizziness and had to lean against a wall. In her current state, maintaining Georgios was too much of a strain, running the risk of losing consciousness.

    "¡ªGo back, Georgios. Thank you."

    Obeying his liege''smand, the knight spirit nodded then disappeared as particles of light.

    "Wait for me, Kamito-kun..."

    After a quiet murmur, Fianna began to run along the corridor in the shrine.

    Part 4

    The heavy clouds started to rain.

    Kamito''s sharp senses detected a faint presence of tension in the air.

    "Follow the n and take the roundabout route, Kamito."

    "Yeah..."

    The shortest route to the Great Shrine of Areishia would be to go straight along the main road leading to Nefescal Pce. However, one would naturally expect plenty of knights stationed there. Getting stalled there for a moment and reinforcements would probably arrive quickly.

    "¡ªO wind, grant us thy protection."

    Ellis chanted spirit magic, deploying a wind barrier around the three of them.

    The wind barrier''s effects included the erasure of footstep sounds and slightly improving movement speed.

    "Let''s go."

    Under the sound of unrelenting rain, Kamito andpany passed through a passage in the nobles district.

    Leaving the area of noble residences, they moved to where government agencies were situated.

    They still did not see any knights along the way... The streets were unexpectedly quiet.

    "...How weird, there''s not a soul in sight."

    "Yes, after all, the anti-Arneus faction was thrown into jail not too long ago¡ª"

    While perking her ears to listen to surrounding signs, Ellis whispered.

    At this moment, the voices of guards could be heard up ahead.

    Kamito andpany stopped and hid in the shadows of a mansion.

    "What an embarrassment. We must find the princess at all costs!"

    "She shouldn''t have escaped too far yet!"

    A group of guards were running along the passage with noisy footsteps.

    "...!?"

    Kamito and friends looked at one another.

    "...Fianna escaped?"

    "What''s going on?"

    "..."

    Kamito began to think quickly.

    Was this timing coincidental? Or somehow, she had detected the movements of Kamito''s group and tried her best to amodate¡ª

    "...Well, I guess Fianna doesn''t have the personality of an imprisoned princess."

    "Yeah." "...Hmm, I suppose."

    It was that princess after all. Breaking out of jail on her own was not that surprising.

    Back when she had lost the power of the spirit contract and was known as the Lost Queen, she did not spend her days cooped up indoors and wallowing in sadness.

    She had made preparations aggressively with the intent to win the de Dance and recover her power, even resorting to cheating so as to enroll in the Academy to meet Kamito.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia was a girl with a stalwart heart.

    "...Either way, this situation is an opportunity."

    "Yeah, it''s a lot easier than trying to rescue her while she''s jailed."

    "I hope we find her sooner, before the guards arrive."

    Ellis said.

    "In that case, rather than working as a group, I think it would be better for us to split up in search of her."

    "Yeah, from what I can see, the knights haven''t taken action yet¡ª"

    Hearing Kamito''s suggestion, ire nodded.

    "Then let''s split up here and contact one another as soon as we discover Fianna."

    Ellis chanted spirit magic quietly and summoned wind spirits.

    They were tiny fairies with a flower-like dresses.

    "This spirit can pass messages along the wind."

    The wind spirits circled in the air before resting on Kamito and ire''s shoulders.

    "Absolutely avoid fighting the knights. Run away immediately if you encounter them."

    "Yes, I know. Kamito, you be careful too¡ª"

    The trio nodded at one another then started running in three separate directions.

    Part 5

    Kamito was sprinting along a street, wet from the rain.

    Every time he heard footsteps of approaching guards, he hid discreetly and observed the situation.

    (...Fianna, where are you?)

    He could not imagine her walking along the main road. However, if she were to take the criss-crossing alleys, the guards familiar with the terrain would quickly catch her too.

    Perhaps she was headed to an area densely packed with noble residences to seek sanctuary. However, with all the anti-Arneus nobles arrested, would other nobles extend a helping hand to her in good faith, given how isted she was at the pce to begin with?

    ¡ªSuddenly, Kamito thought of something.

    (¡ªI remember it was mentioned that there are secret passages known only to royals.)

    Perhaps she might use one of those.

    (...If that''s the case, there''s nothing we can do.)

    Naturally, it would be best if Fianna could escape to safety on her own¡ª

    At that moment...

    ¡ªto... Kamito... -kun... Where, are, you...?

    (...!?)

    Suddenly, he heard a garbled voice in his mind.

    Rather than Ellis'' wind spirit, it was sounding directly in his head.

    "Fianna, where are you!?"

    Kamito stopped walking and could not help but yell.

    However, there were no signs of Fianna in the surroundings.

    (...Spirit magic for projecting thoughts?)

    Kamito closed his eyes and focused his mind to listen to the voice in his head.

    Assuming it was that sort of spirit magic, then this voice was unidirectional only. Kamito''s voice could not transmit back.

    ¡ªKamito-kn... I am... in the shrine''s... north corridor¡ª

    (...North corridor?)

    Right now, Kamito was at the south side where the main entrance was located. He was on the opposite side.

    (...I guess it''ll be faster to cut through the pce directly?)

    Located at the center of the imperial capital, Nefescal Pce should have arge number of knights guarding it securely.

    (The risk would be way too big...)

    Kamito gritted his teeth. Although it was the shortest route, he would be getting his priorities wrong if he failed to pass through. The only choice was to pass through thebyrinthine nobles district and circle over to the north side.

    Having made his decision, he was about to start running when...

    ¡ª...A-Ahh... Ahhhhhhhh¡ª

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, he felt a wave of intense noise in his mind.

    (...What''s happening!?)

    Kamito could not help but hold his temples and groan. At the same time, Fianna''s earlier intermittent thoughts seemed to be cut off. He could no longer hear her.

    (...It sounded something like a scream.)

    ...Had she encountered something, or perhaps¡ª

    "...!"

    Kamito gritted his teeth hard and gripped the Demon yer tightly.

    Then he looked at Nefescal Pce''s massive outer gate.

    There was no time to hesitate.

    "...Looks like I have make a ruckus after all."

    Part 6

    Fianna ran as hard as she could, sshing puddles.

    She could still sense Kamito''s presence earlier, but it was suddenly cut off.

    No, not just his presence. By the time she realized, both the footsteps of guards in search of Fianna and the relentless rain had vanished. Even Fianna''s own footsteps too¡ª

    It was as though her surroundings, the entire space had been isted.

    (...Is this an istion barrier? No, that''s not right¡ª)

    At this moment, the space before her eyes suddenly became distorted.

    For a second, she thought she was feeling dizzy but¡ª

    (...Huh?)

    Thud¡ª!

    In the next instant, she found herself pinned to the ground by an invisible force.

    "...Gah, cough... A-Ah... Ahhhhhhhhh¡ª"

    Intense weight. Heavy pressure that felt like it would crush her limbs hadpletely immobilized her. All the bones in her entire body were screaming in pain. That intense agony was making Fianna scream unintelligibly.

    "Oh dear, so here you are, princess¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Fianna was unable to turn her head to look at the voice''s owner.

    "It''s necessary to teach a lesson to a bad kid who escaped, refusing to give up¡ª"

    Saying that, Leschkir Hirschkilt licked her lips in delight.

    Part 7

    The sounds of amotion could be hearding from the central area of the nobles district.

    (...Looks like Kamito is doing great. Now it''ll be easy to sneak in.)

    Kicking a guard that was copsed at her feet, Virrey Branford stormed the door to enter.

    The Research Tower of Guas Gibai. This white tower was notorious during war time. All alone, it stood inside a forest within the pce''s premises.

    Not especiallyrge in scale, the tower was also quite inconspicuous in appearance.

    But in contrast, what was with this eerie pressure that made one''s hairs stand on end¡ª

    (I never had this kind of feeling before when I went inside to investigate...)

    Virrey dispelled the barrier and stepped into the tower.

    There was warmth in the air with the presence of people.

    (...Soldiers on watch? Or perhaps researchers working under Arneus¡ª)

    Virrey walked silently and ventured into the depths of the tower, ignoring the staircase leading up. The upper levels consisted of reference rooms and researchbs. Assuming Greyworth was imprisoned here, she would be underground.

    "Oh my, a naughty rat has found its way into my toy chest."

    "...!?"

    A sudden voice made Virrey look behind her.

    "...!?"

    Appearing behind her,pletely unnoticed was¡ª

    "...Y-You are!"

    A girl with an eyepatch, dressed in vestments of pure white¡ªMillennia Sanctus¡ªwas standing on the stairs, giggling with a smile as she looked down at Virrey.

    (...I can''t believe I failed to detect her presence even when I''m a special operative knight!?)

    Virrey reflexively drew out her gun and poured divine power into it. She had no intention of showing mercy even if the opponent was a child. That thing was a monster. A terrifying monster that was corroding the Empire.

    "Fufu, little fool."

    Millennia smiled adorably and licked her lips.

    "¡ªWell, perfect timing to use for that experiment?"

    "What!?"

 Volume 14, 10 - The Awakening of Darkness

    <h4>Volume 14, Chapter 10 - The Awakening of Darkness</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Tsk, security is definitely tight inside the pce!"

    As soon as Kamito stepped into the pce, spirits in the form of hounds instantly attacked.

    These were guardian spirits that automatically eliminated intruders. Capable of sensing Kamito''s divine power, they would pursue relentlessly to the very end. Confronted with such a pack of well-trained hound spirits, Kamito was not confident he could shake them off.

    However, he had to ovee this trial if he were to rush to Fianna''s side in the shortest time possible.

    "I guess I have to fight¡ª"

    Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer while he ran. In the next instant, he took care of a pouncing hound with a sh executed with a turn of his body.

    "I won''t show mercy. Don''t me me¡ª"

    The hounds surrounded him and bared their fangs.

    (¡ªEst, Mode Shift!)

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Obeying Kamito''s will, the Demon yer in his hand instantly changed in form.

    What appeared in his left and right hands was a pair of daggers, one ck and one white. In a situation against multiple enemies, with hounds unversed in martial arts to boot, it was easier to handle them this way.

    "Assassination technique¡ªRound Dance of the Twin Snakes!"

    Holding one of the daggers in a reverse grip, Kamito lunged into the pack of hounds.

    Fast as lightning. With every sh of ck and white, a hound would turn back into spirit form, disappearing as particles of light. His figure was like a tornado. Dozens of hounds were beginning to thin in numbers within the blink of an eye.

    Chopping down three hounds with one strike, Kamito then dashed forward.

    (...Wait for me, Fianna!)

    Breaking past the pack of hounds, he charged through arge garden.

    "An intruder, take him down immediately!" "The guardian spirits have failed to hold him off, please send reinforcements to the south gate quickly!"

    (...Tsk, they''re mobilizing huh¡ª)

    Kamito clicked his tongue mentally.

    The Imperial Knights guarding the pce seemed to have noticed Kamito.

    "Est, I''m counting on you¡ª"

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Kamito kicked the ground and jumped, bringing his twin daggers together. Immediately, the daggers vanished and the Demon yer reappeared in his hand.

    Knights in armor came flying from the air. Probably a wind elementalist, one of them extended her palm in midair and released wind spirit magic.

    "How could that puny attack work¡ª"

    Kamito swept the Demon yer horizontally, deflecting the wind de.

    Then he elerated in one breath.

    "Damn it¡ªTake this!"

    The wind des kept attacking, but Kamito dodged them all by the slimmest of margins.

    "¡ªStop getting in my way!"

    Kamito poured his entire body''s divine power in the Demon yer. The silver-white de instantly turned ck. The erupting jet-ck lightning then swept away the flying knights.

    This was the Vorpal st, the prided technique of Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer in the past.

    Without looking at the downed knights, Kamito charged on ahead.

    ¡ªThrob.

    His heart was pounding. Refined in his body, divine power was being released explosively.

    "Bastard, how dare you¡ª"

    Three knights appeared in front of a door. They were all holding melee elemental waffen. They would be hard to take care of if they fought as abination. The true strength of military knightsy in their group tactics.

    (...I have to crush them quickly before they get a chance to work together!)

    Kamito kicked the ground hard and elerated again.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    Kamito unleashed an explosive thrust with god-like speed.

    From the knights'' perspective, Kamito must have vanished for an instant. An attack as fast as lightning, destroying the knights'' elemental waffen urately, instantly robbing them of theirbat ability.

    ¡ªThrob, throb.

    While taking down the pce knights in front of him, one by one¡ª

    Kamito noticed that his heart was beating abnormally fast.

    (...What''s going on?)

    He was clearly swinging the Demon yer and even using Absolute de Arts¡ª

    Yet he could not feel any depletion in divine power.

    It was almost like there was an inexhaustible supply of divine power, surging out nonstop from the depths of his body.

    (Could this be...)

    Kamito recalled what Rubia Elstein had said.

    ¡ªDo not use divine power recklessly unless you want to be devoured by the power of darkness.

    "...!?"

    Instantly, Kamito sensed killing intent and jumped.

    A me arrow instantly flew past his shoulder.

    Kamito looked at where the arrow hade from.

    Six knights were on a pce wall with bow-shaped elemental waffen readied.

    "Stop the intruder, dead or alive!"

    In the next instant, a rain of me arrows fell.

    Part 2

    "...Ah, guh, ooh... Oooooh...!"

    While Fianna endured heavy pressure that seemed to crush all her bones, a scream was forced out from her throat.

    An invisible force was pinning Fianna to the ground while two strange spinning spheres were hovering over her head.

    "Dame Leschkir Hirschkilt...!"

    "Oh dear, you''re still able to speak, Your Highness."

    Leschkirughed and snapped her fingers.

    Instantly, the gravity spheres rotated even faster, increasing the pressure further.

    "...Gah, hah...!"

    Fianna coughed a mouthful of blood. With her respiratory system under pressure, she had difficulty even catching her breath.

    Seeing Fianna panting, seeking air, Dame Leschkir stepped on her head from above.

    "...Ugh..."

    "What a bad princess. Not only did you attempt to assassinate His Majesty but you even broke out of prison."

    "...No, that''s wrong... I didn''t know, of any... assassination... n..."

    Fianna mustered all her strength to force out an exnation.

    Dame Leschkir was an elite Numbers knight, charged with defending the Empire. Perhaps she might understand if Fianna were to reveal the Holy Kingdom''s conspiracy. There was a shred of hope.

    "Please, believe¡ª"

    Dame Leschkir smiled and nodded simply.

    "...Huh?"

    Greatly surprised, Fianna eximed in shock.

    ...She was hit by an intense sense of dissonance.

    A chill rose up along her spine¡ª

    "After all, I am the one who located that Dusk Witch''s demon spirit."

    "...!?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    "...What is... the meaning of this...?"

    "Everything is for a certain exalted one. In order to let this world start all over again."

    "...W-What are you talking, about¡ª"

    It took Fianna a few seconds toprehend what her words meant.

    ¡ªThen she finally noticed.

    The woman before her eyes was¡ª

    "Dame Leschkir... Don''t tell me, you''re the Holy Kingdom''s¡ª"

    "Hmph, what a clever little princess. You are far more worthy of the throne than that stupid brother of yours."

    The Numbers woman licked her lips and smiled seductively.

    "That is why I must ask you to disappear, Your Highness."

    "...Ah... A-Ahhhhhhhhh...!"

    Increasing in pressure again, the gravity field exerted heavy force on Fianna''s limbs together with the space. Her bones cracked audibly. Astounding agony made her consciousness almost about to fade away¡ª

    "A lovely sound, Princess. However, how much longer can you endure?"

    The color of sadism surfaced in Leschkir Hirschkilt''s eyes.

    She was taking twisted pleasure in abusing Fianna, a member of royalty.

    "Although Prince Arneus wants to keep you alive for now¡ª"

    She licked her lips.

    "idents aren''t always avoidable."

    Part 3

    "¡ªOhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Wielding the Demon King''s Sword, shining with ck light, Kamito dashed into the rain of ming arrows.

    Deflecting the downpour of arrows, he charged all at once.

    "Stop him! How can he be allowed to invade the imperial pce!?"

    The captain of the royal guard shouted sharply.

    The me arrows kept firing. Seeing his cloak shot by an arrow and catching fire, Kamito took it off with one hand.

    In that instant, the knights on the tower all eximed in surprise.

    "He is...!"

    "No way, the victorious team of the de Dance¡ª"

    "I can''t believe it''s a male elementalist!?"

    Kamito''s feats during the de Dance tournament had already reached all the elementalists across the entire continent. This included defeating Dracunia''s Leonora during the final round as well as that Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell...

    "S-Surround him and attack in unison!"

    The captain gave orders and the knights attacked methodically with their elemental waffen.

    (...Exactly what I wanted!)

    Holding the Demon yer in a reverse grip, Kamito charged ahead.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    Amidst flying sand and dust, an instant dance of countless shes.

    ustomed to orthodox sword styles, the knights werepletely helpless when confronted with the Absolute de Arts'' myriad changing and flowing forms.

    "Impossible, my steel spirit couldn''t even take one blow!" "W-What, that elemental waffe is...!"

    The knights were instantly plunged into panic and the encirclement fell into disarray.

    Seizing this chance, Kamito rushed into the knights.

    ¡ªThrob. Throb. Throb.

    With every swing of the sword, power would pulsate intensely, surging from the depths of his body. Despite using the Demon King''s Sword, notorious for its high consumption, his divine power showed no signs of depletion at all.

    (...Gah, damn, it...!)

    ''¡ªKamito, watch out. At this rate, your body will not endure.''

    Est''s warning sounded in his mind but Kamito¡ª

    (¡ªDon''t worry. Keep going.)

    While chopping down knights in front of him, Kamito mentally shook his head.

    ''No, Kamito, you are not the usual Kamito¡ª''

    (...Yeah, I know... But¡ª)

    If he were to stop here now, he would never reach Fianna''s side in time.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    ''Kamito¡ª''

    Once he focused his entire attention on battle, even Est''s voice could no longer be heard.

    ¡ªThrob. Throb. Throb. Throb.

    (...Is this the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power?)

    Faced with impulses of brutality, he felt as though his entire body was devoured¡ª

    (...In that case, I''ll absorb it instead!)

    The knights'' encirclement copsedpletely. Kamito could see the entrance leading to the north corridor.

    Fianna should be in that direction.

    me arrows were shot at Kamito nonstop while he released divine power to elerate.

    However, the downpour of arrows was all deflected and disappeared before they could strike Kamito.

    "Why... Why, why can''t we stop him!?"

    The captain of the knights yelled in a fluster.

    "Demon King..." "That''s the Demon King...!"

    Panic spread throughout the pce knights.

    If someone with outstanding talent as a princess maiden were present, they would probably be able to see it.

    They would see ck miasma enveloping Kamito''s entire body as though eating away at him¡ª

    "Focus everyone''s fire to stop him!"

    Realizing where Kamito was charging towards, the captain shouted.

    The knights arranged themselves before the entrance, entering a defensive formation.

    This was the Imperial Knights'' famed "iron wall" formation.

    "Although the olddy ordered me not to use this against third-rate opponents¡ª"

    Kamito poured divine power into the Demon King''s Sword, forcing a Mode Shift into twin des.

    "¡ªSorry, I''m not holding back!"

    Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Sixteen Consecutive Strikes?Lightning re!

    While silver-white shes flew in all directions, jet-ck lightning erupted at the same time.

    Part 4

    "Fufu, I will crush that adorable face of yours for you, Princess¡ª"

    "...Ah... Guh, ooh...!"

    The spinning gravity sphere overhead descended slowly. With the slightest touch, Fianna''s body would surely be torn apart effortlessly.

    (...Kamito... -kun...)

    With her entire body in abject agony, Fianna gritted her teeth.

    ...Such chagrin.

    Four years prior, Fianna had failed to stop her best friend, Rubia, and lost the power of the spirit contract.

    ¡ªIn the days after that, she had lost all hope.

    But at the de Dance three years ago, she found light.

    Drawn to Ren Ashbell''s de dancing, admiration grew in her heart.

    Hence, she had sworn to be as strong as Ren Ashbell.

    Then three years passed. Fianna encountered "her" again and advanced through the de Dance triumphantly together with her teammates.

    This irreceable glory was earned by her only power.

    However, if things were to end in such a ce¡ª

    ¡ªEven when she had yet to convey to him the words she wanted to say.

    (Kamito-kun... I¡ª)

    "Farewell, Your Highness¡ª"

    Leschkir closed her palm as though crushing a fruit.

    "...Ah, guh... Ahhhhhhhhhh!"

    Instantly, Fianna''s throat emitted a scream of sorrow.

    "Ahaha, yes, yes, please scream better, Lost Queen."

    While her consciousness was gradually fading, she heard Leschkir''s mockingughter.

    "Kamito... -kun..."

    In a barely audible voice, Fianna spoke that name. In that very instant...

    A sh of light raced past.

    (...Huh?)

    The sphere over her head exploded. Gone was the barrier of gravity.

    "...! What!?"

    Leschkir widened her eyes in surprise. Let alone Fianna, even she had failed to react, third ranked of the Numbers as she were.

    The slicing attack had shed past like a bolt of purple lightning.

    A jet-ck dagger appeared before Fianna''s eyes.

    Fianna looked behind her from her copsed posture on the ground.

    ¡ªOnly to see that he was there.

    While walking towards her, he spoke quietly.

    "¡ªYou''ve waited long enough, Fianna."

    Part 5

    "You''ve waited long enough, Fianna¡ª"

    "...Kamito... -kun..."

    Fianna squeezed out a feeble voice, whispering that name.

    ¡ªThe name of him whom she had been waiting for the whole time.

    "...Kazehaya Kamito!?"

    Leschkir widened her eyes and eximed.

    "W-Why are you here!?"

    However, Kamito ignored her and knelt down next to Fianna.

    He touched her shoulder lightly. Her leg seemed to have a fracture and she could not stand up on her own.

    "You, arrived... Kamito, -kun..."

    "No need to speak. You''ve done well, Fianna."

    Kamito gently stroked her head while she spoke in fragments.

    "...Ah, ooh..."

    Her pure-white dress was tattered beyond recognition, exposing her tender skin.

    Kamito took off his uniform jacket and draped it over Fianna''s back. With healing prayers woven into the uniform, it should offer some level of relief.

    "I heard your voice, Fianna. That''s why I hurried over¡ª"

    "...I always believed you''de."

    Still copsed on the ground, she smiled.

    "...Listen up, conversation is over, okay?"

    Leschkir spoke coldly.

    Hearing that, Kamito slowly looked up and red at her.

    Instantly, Leschkir''s entire body shuddered.

    Kamito''s aura of fury, carrying fierce divine power, was shaking the air.

    "...So it''s you who harmed Fianna huh?"

    Kamito whispered then pulled out the Vorpal de, one of the Twin Daggers of Darkness, that had embedded itself in the ground.

    "...Tsk, what are the knights doing?"

    In response, Leschkir looked around her in a fluster.

    However¡ª

    "I''ve already defeated all of your Imperial Knights in the pce on my way here."

    "What¡ª"

    Leschkir was dumbstruck.

    "W-What a funny joke. How could that be possible¡ª"

    "You think it''s funny? Then why is no oneing here?"

    Kamito brought together the two daggers in his hands and poured in divine power. The white and ck des instantly glowed, transforming into the Demon King''s Sword¡ªTerminus Est Zwei.

    Maintaining his posture as though drawing a sword naturally, Kamito took a step in Leschkir''s direction.

    "...!"

    Faced with his movement, Leschkir took a step back.

    It was an involuntary action prompted by fear.

    He took a step closer. She stepped back.

    Another step forward. Another step back.

    "What''s the matter? You''re tarnishing the name of the Empire''s strongest, the Numbers."

    "Gah..."

    Another step forward¡ªThis time, she did not step back. But rather than her pride as a Numbers knight, it was merely because she had her back against a mountain of rubble.

    Another step forward...

    "...C-Curse you¡ª"

    Leschkir extended one hand and released a gravity sphere.

    This offensive magic was supposed to be able to instantly turn a building of stone into a mountain of rubble.

    However¡ª

    "Useless¡ª"

    Kamito simply swatted it away with one hand.

    "...How... impossible!?"

    Leschkir groaned in shock. The phenomenon of deflecting an attack of spirit magic without using an elemental waffe waspletely beyond the realm ofmon sense.

    "...What is this!? What the hell are you!?"

    Leschkir continued to fire magical attacks.

    However, Kamito brushed off all attacks with his bare hands without even dodging.

    "...Kamito-kun!?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes. Although Leschkir could not see it, Fianna witnessed it clearly. The miasma of darkness shrouding Kamito''s entire body was erasing her magicpletely.

    "...I won''t forgive you for hurting Fianna like that."

    "Why... Why...!?"

    One step, another step¡ªAs Kamito gradually approached, she unleashed gravity spheres like torrential rain.

    "Like I said, it''s useless¡ª"

    Kamito said in boredom while stepping on debris.

    "...Damn, it...!"

    Possibly because Kamito''s calm attitude was hurting her pride, Leschkir suddenly changed her expression.

    "F-Fine, in that case, I''ll tear you apart together with the entire space¡ª!"

    Leschkir''s deployed elemental waffe began to spin at high speed in the air.

    Instantly, a powerful gravitational field was produced, distorting the surrounding space.

    Kamito''s feet sank into the ground, creating depressions where he stepped.

    (...Tsk, this is a bit of a pain.)

    Kamito clicked his tongue.

    Although he had his miasma of darkness to defend his body, if this continued, he would be immobilized, only taking hits one-sidedly.

    "F-Fufu... Now you can''t even take another step!"

    "...Kamito... -kun...!"

    Caught in the gravitational field, Fianna panted in pain.

    "Ahaha, be crushed together with the princess like this!"

    Leschkirughed noisily.

    Kamito reached out to Fianna and embraced her protectively.

    The miasma of darkness immediately enveloped Fianna''s entire body, protecting her from the gravitational field.

    "Kamito-kun... I am fine now... So... run away¡ª"

    "¡ªIdiot, I already promised. To take you back."

    "Promised?"

    BOOM!

    The gravitational field grew stronger, pinning the two of them firmly to the ground.

    "...Gah, ugh, ugh...!"

    "...So it''s not that easy to escape after all."

    Continuing to hold Fianna in his embrace, Kamito whispered in her ear.

    "Fianna, can your elemental waffe break this gravitational field?"

    "¡ªHuh?"

    After some contemtion¡ª

    "...Yes, I think so."

    Fianna nodded.

    Fianna''s Save the Queen was an elemental waffe that constructed a barrier in the area surrounding the user. It should be possible to erase this gravitational field by using that.

    "But in my current state, I..."

    Fianna''s divine power was depleted. Let alone deploying an elemental waffe, even summoning the knight spirit would be difficult.

    ¡ªHowever, Kamito had an idea.

    Although it was a risky gamble, current circumstances did not allow for hesitation.

    "Fianna, can you trust me?"

    "Huh?"

    Fianna showed puzzlement in response to Kamito''s question.

    "I''ll ask again, can you trust me?"

    Kamito looked Fianna straight in the eye.

    "Do you even need to ask?"

    "Then close your eyes¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    Driven by the violent impulse surging from the depths of his being¡ª

    Kamito embraced Fianna and took her lips.

    "...!?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    However, she soon closed them again. Rxing herself, she leaned against him.

    "...Mmm, smooch..."

    In this manner, their tongues naturally tangled together as though licking.

    "...Mmm, huff, mmmm..."

    The feeling of lips brought together. Fianna sought Kamito single-mindedly while Kamito greedily hugged her shoulders tight.

    "...Mmm... Yah... Mmm..."

    Enormous divine power flowed into Fianna.

    This unruly and violent divine power seemed to trample her entire being.

    Through her intuition as a princess maiden, Fianna understood. This was a taboo power.

    A dark power that elementalists, who were supposed to be pure maidens, were absolutely forbidden to touch.

    However, she did not resist. Like a howling storm, the violent divine power circted within her body¡ª

    "Mmm... Smooch, huff..."

    ¡ªFinally, their lips separated.

    Swooning, Fianna looked at Kamito in rapture.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    Fianna nodded.

    Holding Kamito''s hand, she used the miasma of darkness to repel the gravity barrier and slowly stood up straight.

    Then she raised her right hand vertically and began to chant words of summoning.

    ¡ªThou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman!

    ¡ªBy the contract of the old blood, be the sword that protects me,e forth and do my bidding!

    Her adorable voice sounded inside the distorted space.

    The raging divine power within her instantly overflowed and was released in one breath. That feeling was like when she summoned Georgios at the abandoned mine city several months earlier.

    ¡ªIts appetion reads thus, Save the Queen.

    Appearing in Fianna''s hand was a rapier with intricate engravings.

    Then she stabbed its tip into the ground, producing a surge of pure light, neutralizing the gravity barrier.

    "W-What!?"

    Leschkir cried out in surprise.

    "I can''t believe you countered my gravity cage¡ª?"

    Fianna extended the rapier towards her and dered:

    "Dame Leschkir Hirschkilt, in light of your alleged treason in conspiring with the Holy Kingdom, I, Fianna Ray Ordesia, Second Princess of the Empire, hereby condemn you!"

    "...Damn you, Lost Queeeeeeeen!"

    In a panic, Leschkir shot out her gravity sphere elemental waffe.

    But it was toote. Kamito had already sprung into action.

    "Take your punishment, Leschkir Hirschkilt¡ª"

    He poured the amplifying elemental waffe''s power into the Demon King''s Sword.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    The jet-ck sh pierced Leschkir''s body and the gravity sphere alike.

 Volume 14, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 14, Epilogue</h4>

    Under the unrelenting rain...

    Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into a pile of copsed debris.

    Leschkir Hirschkilt had lost consciousnesspletely, copsed pitifully on the ground.

    However, she looked like she was still breathing. Although this move was impossible to hold back by nature, she had avoided getting struck in a vital. As a member of Numbers after all, she would not die that simply.

    Kamito looked down at his own hands.

    It was not hard for him to notice that the raging power surging from the depths of his body was now gradually fading like a tide.

    (...What the heck was that just now?)

    A moment''s carelessness and he would have been devoured by an impulse to destroy everything and subjugate all creation.

    (...The Darkness Elemental Lord''s power huh?)

    Just as Rubia had said, the power had been unshackled¡ª

    "...!"

    Suddenly feeling drained of strength, Kamito copsed on the spot.

    "...Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna frantically caught Kamito by the arm.

    "I''ll apply healing magic right now."

    "Yeah, thanks..."

    The runaway power of darkness had subsided. As long as they kept close physical contact, her magic probably would not get deflected.

    Fianna''s fingers caressed Kamito''s arms gently while the light of healing promoted his recovery from fatigue. Sure enough, her power had been amplified greatly too.

    At this moment, Fianna wrapped her arms around Kamito from behind.

    "...Fianna?"

    "Sorry, let me stay like this for a while."

    "..."

    Hearing her trembling voice, Kamito rxed himself.

    "...Uh, sorry about earlier... Forcing you¡ª"

    "No need to apologize, you idiot."

    "...S-Sorry."

    Kamito blushed. Seeing that, Fianna chuckled with a smile.

    However, Kamito''s guilt did not go away. Although there were pressing circumstances, he had ultimately shared the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power with her.

    "Fianna, uh, about just now¡ª"

    "Y-Yes, it will be our secret."

    "T-That''s not what I mean¡ª"

    Kamito scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

    (...Judging from the way it looks currently, Fianna doesn''t seem to be facing any bad effects.)

    Fianna buried her face in Kamito''s back.

    "I believed you''d surelye."

    "...Yeah, sorry I waste."

    Fianna wiped her tears on her dress hem.

    Then with a look of determination...

    "Smooch?"

    Shended a kiss on Kamito''s cheek like a light peck from a bird.

    "...Fianna!?"

    Her dusk-colored eyes were quivering.

    There was not the slightest hint of mischief as per her usual pranks.

    Her eyes were staring straight at Kamito sincerely.

    In response¡ª

    Kamito was just about to speak when in that instant...

    He felt an intense chill along his back.

    "...!?"

    Instantly, he pushed Fianna away.

    In the next instant, a thrust attacked, fast as lightning¡ª

    "...Ah, urgh...!"

    It pierced Kamito''s abdomen.

    The spurting blood dyed the ground, which was wet from the rain, red.

    "Kamito-kun!?"

    He heard Fianna''s voice.

    What the heck had happened? Kamito still had not fully digested the situation at hand.

    However, an iprehensible reality had shown up.

    (...That move just now, could it be¡ª)

    He had seen nothing.

    Let alone the sh of a sword, he had not even detected any movement.

    (¡ªAbsolute de Arts... Purple Lightning...?)

    Also, it was a grade faster than Kamito could perform the move, no, several grades faster.

    (...Impossible, I should be the only one who inherited the Absolute de Arts...)

    "Oh? Although I didn''t go all out, I never expected that move just now to miss its mark¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Hearing the voice, Kamito looked up forcefully.

    (...No way... Impossible, right?)

    Standing there was¡ª

 Volume 14, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 14, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªYou''ve waited long enough, Fianna!

    ...So it goes. Sorry for making everyone wait for so long. I hereby present to you the 14th volume of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "Upheaval in the Imperial Capital"!

    First, let me apologize. Due to various reasons on the production side, it took an entire year before another installment of this series could be released. I offer my sincere apologies to everyone who had to wait so long. The story is gradually reaching a climax, but the series will keep going. I hope my dear readers will continue to support the series.

    Second of all, there was a sudden announcement. Sakura Hanpen-sensei, who had been serving as the illustrator for this series, had to resign due to health reasons. I am terribly sorry for everyone who looked forward to Sakura Hanpen-sensei''s drawings. Likewise, I am equally disappointed but this was the only conclusion after a discussion with the editorial department. Although it''s a bit disorienting, I hope you can ept this oue, dear readers.

    Seirei Tsukai no de Dance is a series I built together with Sakura Hanpen-sensei. I am deeply grateful to Sensei for giving Kamito, ire, Est and everyone else such splendid and adorable designs, as well as producing such beautiful illustrations every time. This series developing into such a big series is partially due to Sakura Hanpen-sensei''s credit. Touring bookshops, attending events and holding an autograph session at Taiwan, these are all precious memories I share with Sensei. Thank you very much for the past four years.

    Likewise, I am very grateful to Umeda Kano-sensei, who draws very cute super-deformed characters. Every time, I am very happy to see your illustrations.

    Taking over illustrations, we have Nimura Yuuji-sensei who is currently active as the illustrator for Leviathan of the Covenant. The reason we selected Sensei out of many candidates was because we prioritized Nimura-sensei''s ability to bring out the characters'' charm to the max. As for the result¡ªI''m sure everyone has seen it already. From here on, I will continue to work hard in a new system with Nimura-sensei and the manga adaptation''s Hyouju Issei-sensei. Please continue to support us, dear readers.

    Hyouju Issei-sensei''s manga adaptation is currently serializing in Comic Alive with great critical acim, reaching the fourth volume. The manga version not only reproduces scenes from the original story in high quality but also draws out depths in psychological descriptions and plot that surpasses the original. I highly rmend it. If you find a chance, please check it out.

    ¡ªAlso, also, although it''s almost a year ago, I still have to say this. The anime adaptation of de Dance aired. Did everyone watch it? Personally, I loved the anime a lot and rewatched it over and over again, who knows how many times. I have to say that the heroines are all very cute. Kamito is very cool and the original story''s atmosphere has been recreated urately. Director Yanagisawa Tetsuya-sama, scriptwriter Yoshimura Takao-sama, and everyone in the staff, I hereby express my deep gratitude. The anime''s blu-rays and DVDse with many goodies including special short stories, mini-OVAs, audiomentary tracks, character song CDs, TRPGs etc, so please don''t miss out. Especially the character songs, they''re really awesome.

    Also, I almost attended every single event featuring the voice actress unit, Kneesocks. Attending a live concert event for the first time, wearing a de Dance t-shirt during the performance, waving color-changing glowsticks, I felt very excited in body and mind.

    Most important of all, that finale de dance scene was definitely the most unforgettable memory in my life. From the bottom of my heart, I felt really d that I wrote this story. It''s truly wonderful that the members of Team Scarlet could be brought to life by the performances of the voice actors.

    Over the past year, I''ve received encouragement and support from many people. Those of you who sent letters, those who filled out thement section in surveys, readers who waited patiently, I cannot express my gratitude to all of you enough. Speaking of surveys, Rinslet-san''s poprity exploded in Volume 13. Although Est still held onto first ce, she surpassed Restia to take second. 4th was ire while Kamito rose to 5th. Although Rinslet-san doesn''t appear much in this volume, she will be back in Volume 15, so please don''t worry. Also, who on earth is the mysterious enemy who appeared at the end? You must be very curious, right? (The hint is in Volume 8).

    ¡ªThus, let us meet again for the tumultuous installment thates next, Volume 15, "The Dragon King of Dracunia" (tentative). Yay!

    Shimizu Yuu, June 2015

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Hello again to readers of Leviathan of the Covenant. Nice to meet you to many other readers.

    I am Nimura Yuuji and starting this volume, I will be taking Sakura Hanpen-sensei''s ce to illustrate this series.

    I felt a lot of pressure because I heard this was a very popr series, so until the very end, I was still hesitating whether to ept the job or not. But it''s only because the editor and Shimizu-sensei gave me a push from behind that I am now serving as this work''s illustrator.

    The story seems like it might be entering a spurt to head into its final arc? Now that I''ve introduced myself, let''s treat each other well even though our time together might be short.

    ...Since this is the first time, I''m wrapping up with slightly more formal greetings.

 Volume 15, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 15, Prologue</h4>

    In a wilderness under the moonlit night¡ª

    "It seems like you still have a bad habit of sticky fingers,d."

    The witch spoke, looking down on the boy crawling on the ground.

    "Do you intend to offer such a unspectacr de dance to the Elemental Lords?"

    "...S-Shut... up, witch..."

    Coughing up chunks of blood, the young man got up to a crouch. He¡ªKamito¡ªwas holding a sword with a de the color of darkness.

    He had resolved himself to never let go of his sword no matter how many times he was sent sprawling.

    "Oh? Looks like you still have enough strength to talk back."

    Tilting the corners of her lips in a grin, she mercilessly kicked the copsed Kamito in the belly.

    "...Gah... Huff¡ª"

    "¡ªStand up. One more time."

    Kamito stood up unsteadily, ring at the woman in return.

    Greyworth Ciel Mais¡ªformerly the premier knight of the Ordesia Empire''s Numbers.

    Known by her nickname as the Dusk Witch, she was the strongest elementalist on the continent.

    (Monster...)

    While wiping blood from his mouth, he thought to himself.

    There was an elementalist nicknamed the "Monster" back at the Institutional School, but the woman standing with a cold expression before him was the genuine article.

    Kamito began to get serious, not daring to take things lightly, not even letting a single gasp escape.

    "Wait, no matter what, this is going too far!"

    An adorable voice came out of thin air.

    The source of this voice was the jet-ck sword in Kamito''s hand.

    ...As though expressing the extent of her anger, ck lightning was exploding intensely around the de.

    "I won''t let him die. Don''t coddle thed too much, darkness spirit."

    Ignoring the voice of protest, the witch walked over and pulled out a demon sword stabbed in the wilderness.

    "Don''t worry, Restia, I can still go on."

    Kamito quietly muttered and poured divine power into his jet-ck sword.

    "You rely on the darkness spirit''s power too much. You won''t be able to beat the projected winner of the de Dance, the Holy Kingdom''s Luminaris, like this."

    "Doesn''t matter. Even if I have to face a holy spirit, there is no one who can win against me and Restia."

    ring at Greyworth before him, Kamito replied.

    This was an expression of absolute trust in his partner, the darkness spirit.

    Responding to the boy''s thoughts, ck lightning exploded in the wilderness.

    "Now that''s quite some confidence."

    Greyworth grinned mercilessly and readied her demon sword.

    "First of all, let me shatter that baseless confidence."

    Despite her effortless stance, Kamito could not find any opening at all. Compared to the likes of practitioners of assassination skills at the Instructional School whom he had always faced off against, or the Empire''s spirit knights, she was seriously in apletely different league.

    "What''s the matter? Just attack any time you like."

    "...!"

    Kamito stepped forward.

    Rather than falling for the witch''s taunt, Kamito hade to understand that searching for an opening would be futile.

    "Assassination technique¡ªShadow Crossing!"

    He closed in instantly to unleash a sh with godlike speed.

    No petty tricks, hence this was pure skill in perfect execution. However¡ª

    "I see, this skill''s speed and uracy are impable."

    The witch jeered. The sword of guaranteed death, carrying the entirety of Kamito''s thirteen years of experience, could not reach the witch''s throat. She had dodged by the slimmest of margins.

    "It''s not over! Haphazard Dance of the Flying Snake!"

    Taking a further step forward, Kamito released countless shes in session while his gaze followed her intensely.

    "Oh? So the strike of guaranteed death was just a diversion and you''re using a who knows how much inferior skill to target my life instead?"

    Greyworth spun around and dodged the countless shes of the sword in the air.

    However, that was precisely Kamito''s goal.

    Given the timing, using defensive magic was impossible.

    Kamito concentrated divine power on the de of his demon sword.

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    Erupting from the demon sword''s de, jet-ck lightning exploded, cracking the ground in its wake.

    (¡ªIt hit!)

    With that, having unleashed a decisive strike, he jumped into the cloud of rising dust and smoke, but at that moment...

    Instantly, he felt a chill.

    (...What the hell!?)

    Kamito''s feet stopped instantly. No, rather than Kamito''s conscious intent, his nerves had forciblymanded his body to stop moving due to instinctive fear of the unknown.

    "Well done,d¡ª"

    From the dust, he heard a voice.

    There was something decisively different about the witch''s voice from what he was used to hearing.

    "Even back in that age, there were only a handful of people capable of soiling me with dust. My goodness, you truly delight me..."

    The dust cloud dissipated. Under the bright moonlight, that appearance came into view.

    "This is the second time for you to witness this appearance¡ª"

 Volume 15, 1 - Dusk at the Imperial Capital

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 1 - Dusk at the Imperial Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    The falling rain was like mist at the imperial capital. At this location, buried under a great deal of debris from the destruction wrought by the gravity spirit belonging to Leschkir Hirschkilt of the Numbers¡ª

    She stood there like a shadow.

    "...mito-kun... Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna''s voice sounded like it wasing from far away.

    Ouch, what happened? For a moment, Kamito''s thoughts could not keep up.

    No, it would be better to say that he already understood, yet his brain refused to admit the truth before his eyes.

    While his hand was pressed against theceration on his abdomen, blood seeped out between his fingers and dripped. Ren Ashdoll''s power that previously filled his entire body had vanishedpletely. His body temperature was also falling.

    (I totally failed to see it...)

    Let alone the sh of the sword, he had not even been able to see the motion at all.

    However, Kamito knew that sword technique, a sword strike as swift as lightning.

    Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning.

    ...Inconceivable.

    Apart from Kamito, there should be no one else who had inherited her sword skills.

    However, that sh, that uracy, everything was superior to Kamito''s.

    While pondering the question of her identity, he had already noticed this fact.

    Precisely because he noticed it, he refused to admit it.

    But¡ª

    "Well well, even though I held back, dodging this skill is still beyond you¡ª"

    "...!"

    Amid the mist-like rain, that calm voice pulled Kamito''s thoughts back to reality definitively.

    The young maiden shook off the blood on the de and mercilessly looked down at Kamito who was kneeling on the ground.

    "Greyworth..."

    Kamito groaned and forced that name out from his lips.

    Greyworth Ciel Mais¡ªThe Dusk Witch.

    "Why... Why are you here!?"

    Kamito cried out hoarsely.

    ording to intel from the special operative knight, Virrey, who had served as a guide for Kamito and the others, Greyworth was imprisoned at the notorious torture tower of Guas Gibai after falling into Arneus'' hands.

    If that were true, she could not possibly be here.

    No, before considering that, this appearance of hers was¡ª

    "Why... Gah...!"

    "Kamito-kun!"

    Fianna frantically caught Kamito''s unsteady body.

    "What is going on? About that girl being the Academy''s headmistress..."

    Fianna must have recalled the whisper she had overheard earlier.

    Her question was not illogical, because the girl currently standing before their eyes¡ª

    Her appearance was that of a lovely maiden, the same age as Fianna.

    The moniker of the Dusk Witch was widely known across the continent. No matter what, the time when she had been active on the battlefield was already decades ago.

    Fianna could not possibly have known what she looked like back then.

    On the other hand, Kamito had previously witnessed the witch in her prime on two asions.

    The first time was in the beginning when she took him into her house. The second time was out in the wilderness of the imperial capital''s outskirts when learning Purple Lightning, the first move of the Absolute de Arts.

    Greyworth had mentioned before that divine power would increase to extreme heights when the power of the Elemental Lords influenced the human realm.

    During such asions, her body would regain its youth, allowing her to recover her peak power for a short duration¡ª

    The lovely maiden''s gorgeous body was getting wet from the drizzle.

    That young face could easily be mistaken for a little girl''s.

    However, held in her hand was a bloodstained demon sword. One could also sense chilling beauty from her figure, standing there quietly.

    "¡ªThat''s right, she''s Greyworth."

    Kamito told Fianna.

    Of course, it was possible to alter one''s appearance by using a mimicry spirit''s power. However, given her sh of the sword earlier with godlike speed, it was undoubtedly Absolute de Arts. Compared to a fake like Sjora Kahn, it was on apletely different level.

    "Greyworth..."

    Feeling despair, Kamito called out that name again.

    The blood flowing out of his nk went all over his fingers.

    Something must have happened at the tower of Guas Gibai where she had been imprisoned, Kamito surmised. Mind control through magic, brainwashing by using drugs, or perhaps something even more creepy¡ªWhat should he do? It did not seem like he could make her normal again just by calling her name.

    However, even so¡ª

    Given she was that witch, Kamito called out, clinging to a shred of hope.

    "Have you forgotten about me, your student? Don''t tell me that the a woman of your level, the fearsome Dusk Witch, has been brainwashed?"

    Kamito shouted. However, the young girl''s gray eyes simply looked down on him emotionlessly.

    "Ku..."

    Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the ground and slowly stood up. The blood spilling from his wound formed a puddle at his feet.

    "Kamito-kun, your wound is still¡ª!"

    "Don''t worry... about it."

    If words could not reach her, then there was only onenguage tomunicate.

    Readying the Demon yer, Kamito stared intently at the witch before him.

    "Oh? You''re standing up just like that¡ª"

    The witch who looked like a young girl whispered as though impressed, then raised her crimson demon sword.

    Compared to the pitch-ck demon sword that was her personal weapon of choice, it was different in both shape and color. However, the terrifying and ominous feeling left no doubt that it belonged to a demon spirit.

    ¡ªCompared to that time...

    "Fufu, you are heavily injured, Onii-chan."

    A young girl''s voice, as adorable as the sound of bells, resounded in the imperial capital''s dimming sky.

    "...!?"

    Kamito looked up.

    Amid the hazy curtain of rain¡ª

    A girl was hovering midair, smiling innocently.

    Her appearance was that of a young girl age twelve or thirteen.

    Beneath her glittering blonde hair was an eye of mysterious violet. Dressed in sacred vestments of pure white, she was holding a silver crosier that served as proof of a high-ranked cardinal of the Holy Kingdom.

    Also, her left eye was covered by a crude eyepatch.

    "It''s you...!"

    Millennia Sanctus¡ªThe girl with Otherworldly Darkness residing in her left eye.

    She was the mastermind who had caused spirits to rampage and brought Areishia Spirit Academy to the brink of destruction.

    The young girl chuckled and silently descended onto the rubble.

    "...Tsk, I see now. You must the ones abetting Arneus."

    Fianna red at the girl and said.

    "Oh my, don''t make it sound so bad. It would be better to say it is what your dear brother wished for. We simply provided a bit of help."

    The girl shrugged lightly in an adorable manner.

    "Be that as it may, he is an ipetent man to begin with, not even able to lock a captured bird inside a cage. In that case, it might be more reliable to have you as a puppet, given how capable you are. Hey, Fianna-chan, it is not toote. Why don''t you be our friend?"

    "Sorry, I decline. Is there any point in bing friends?"

    "I see, what a shame¡ª"

    Millennia turned her head to look at Kamito who was standing in a pool of blood.

    "Fufu, the strongest de dancer, Ren Ashbell¡ªEven for one such as you, in front of the Witch, you are no different from an infant."

    "Are you the one who brainwashed Greyworth?"

    Kamito growled with incisive killing intent.

    However, Millennia snickered without any fear at all.

    "We don''t do anything as useless as the likes of brainwashing. We simply liberated the Witch that existed within her from the start. Ah, however, I see... Onii-chan, you may not know this. Twenty-four years ago, what kind of wish she had sought from the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    "What?"

    ¡ªThe wish Greyworth had sought.

    Kamito did not know what exactly she meant by that.

    Was she simply going for obfuscation to confuse them? Or perhaps¡ª

    (...No. What I should be thinking about now is how to get out of here.)

    Kamito nced at Fianna beside him.

    The effects of Save the Queen had vanished already and Fianna looked very exhausted.

    This was only natural¡ªHaving been locked away in a prison-like environment, her physical condition was surely very weak. Rather, it was already a miracle that she was able to escape here on her own feet.

    (...It''s definitely not possible to fight while defending Fianna.)

    Kamito calmly pondered strategies for breaking out of the predicament. He was currently facing a monumental challenge that he did not know if he could ovee even by pitting his full strength¡ª

    "Fianna, do you know the imperial capital''s escape route?"

    Kamito spoke up.

    Fianna was supposed to know about escape routes exclusive to royals¡ªRubia had said so as the one who had devised the rescue operation.

    Without Virrey''s assistance, it was not possible to escape through the underground ruins that they had used to get here. Breaking out by force would be even more impossible with the Imperial Knights as the enemy.

    "Yes, I do indeed know about the passage exclusive for royal use."

    Since she had considered that route back during the prison escape stage, she could immediately answer.

    "What are the chances that it''s sealed off?"

    Kamito asked. Since Arneus was a member of the royal family like Fianna, it was only natural for him to know of the escape route''s existence. It would not be unusual for him to have already sent people there.

    However, Fianna shook her head lightly.

    "No, I believe it will be fine. That passage is absolutely not avable for him. Hence, its existence would likely not ur to him."

    "...Not avable?"

    Kamito felt puzzled but there was no time to ask.

    "Fianna, go back to the earlier ce to meet up with ire and Ellis."

    "What about you, Kamito-kun?"

    "I will hold them off here."

    "What¡ª"

    "Hurry and do me the favor of going. I can''t protect you while I''m fighting."

    Kamito forcibly pushed her away.

    "..."

    Hearing his words, Fianna¡ª

    She bit her lip hard and stood up unsteadily.

    Hesitating here would make her Kamito''s burden instead, concluded Fianna.

    "Then I am going first. I will be waiting for you."

    "Yeah, thanks."

    Fianna drew up to Kamito''s ear and whispered.

    "Underneath the biggest bell tower in the nobles district, the small temple of Micha."

    "Got it. I''ll head over soon."

    Kamito nodded. Fianna went towards the streets while dragging one leg.

    "Fufu, are you done talking?"

    Millennia spoke up.

    "Sorry, did I make you wait?"

    "Yes. You are her one and only opponent who has learned the same sword skills as this woman. Perfect for testing purposes. With that burden gone, you''ll be able to fight all-out, right?"

    "...Then how about waiting until my wounds are healed?"

    Kamito said while pressing on the wound in his nk.

    "Nice try, but hasn''t it healed already?"

    "...So you have been paying attention."

    Kamito forced a smile. Leaking out, miasma of darkness had sped up the healing of the puncture wound. No, rather than speeding up the healing¡ªIt was more like regeneration.

    (...Looks like my body is already aplete monster''s...)

    He mentally poked fun at himself.

    However, now was the time when he must rely on this monstrous power.

    Kamito instantly looked behind him and moved.

    Fianna had disappeared from view far off into the other end of the road.

    Right now, he must buy time for Fianna to escape, even if just a short duration¡ª

    While Kamito was thinking that, Millennia chuckled.

    "Oh dear, who said the little bird is allowed to escape?"

    "...What!?"

    "If she were to run off, that foolish king would make a big a fuss."

    Millennia looked down at the rubble underfoot. Discovering Leschkir Hirschkilt who had been struck down by Kamito, she grinned.

    "Ah yes, let me send out this useless piece of trash."

    "What the¡ª"

    "Awaken, my puppet."

    Saying that, Millennia stepped on the copsed Numbers knight''s head¡ª

    Slowly, she took off the eyepatch over her left eye.

    This left eye was inhabited by the Otherworldly Darkness that was capable of corrupting even the Elemental Lords.

    (...What?)

    From her left eye, the viscous darkness melted and dripped to cover up the Numbers knight''s face.

    Suddenly, Leschkir Hirschkilt''s body twitched violently while strange moans slipped out of her mouth.

    "...Ah... Gaga... Ga-ah, gagagaga..."

    Bathed in Otherworldly Darkness, Leschkir slowly rose up like a ghost and moved mechanically like a broken puppet.

    (...What the hell!?)

    Seeing the terrifying phenomenon before his eyes, Kamito held his breath involuntarily.

    "Go chase down the Second Princess for me, puppet. It''s fine even if you kill her."

    Millennia pointed in the direction Fianna had escaped.

    In that very instant...

    "...Ah... The Second... Princess... Fiannaaaaaaaaa!"

    Two ck spheres appeared over Leschkir''s head.

    The gravity spirit that Kamito had bifurcated earlier still had yet to be fully destroyed.

    (Crap¡ª!)

    Sword in hand, Kamito rushed over, but it was toote. Reversing the gravity field in its surroundings, the gravity spirit allowed Leschkir to float up into the air whileughing madly. Then her body flew along a ridiculous route in the direction of Fianna''s escape.

    As much as Kamito wanted to chase her¡ª

    "Your opponent is me¡ª"

    Standing before him with a crimson demon sword gripped in her hand was Greyworth.

    Part 2

    "Huff, huff, huff, huff¡ª"

    Fianna ran desperately along the rain sttered stone-paved road.

    The intense sound of swords shing resounded behind her. Fianna could not cast away her concern for Kamito, but she still did everything she could to believe in Kamito and suppress these thoughts. Aiming for the shrine where the escape passage was located, she ran and stumbled.

    However, she was about to reach her limit.

    Intense pain was circting around her ankle as though it were burning.

    Unable to maintain bnce, Fianna fell into a puddle. Ripped in the process, her tattered dress of pure white became tainted by the color of mud.

    "...Guh..."

    She tried her best to suppress her moaning voice. If she allowed a scream to escape here, the Imperial Knights nearby would immediately discover her.

    Fortunately, no residents of the nobles district were in sight, thanks to the evacuation order.

    (How terrible¡ª)

    Her ankle was red and swollen.

    She must have sprained it during the gravity spirit''s attack. Enduring the pain, she had run here forcibly, but she could not even stand up now.

    "O holy light of healing, treat this wound¡ª"

    Fianna pressed on her ankle lightly with her fingers and chanted healing spirit magic.

    However, the faint light produced at her fingertips rapidly faded.

    Due to her extreme depletion of holiness, it was impossible to fully utilize even magic of this level.

    (...In that case, the likes of summoning Georgios would definitely be out of the question.)

    She sighed lightly. The divine power that had rampaged within her like a storm just earlier waspletely gone already.

    (What on earth was that divine power I received from Kamito-kun...?)

    While recalling Kamito''s tight embrace along with the kiss, she touched her lips gently with her fingertips.

    The heat from that kiss felt as though it was still lingering faintly there...

    Her first kiss with the target of her affections. However, the kiss was wholly forced by circumstance. Surely Kamito himself thought nothing of it...?

    (W-What am I thinking about at such a time?)

    Fianna blushed and shook her head intensely.

    If she listened closely, the acute noise of shing des could still be heard from afar.

    (Kamito-kun...)

    Her worried feelings were virtually tearing her chest apart.

    Naturally, she knew of Kamito''s great strength.

    However, his opponent was that Dusk Witch.

    Furthermore, through unknown means, she had recovered her peak power¡ª

    (It''s also possible Kamito-kun can''t win...)

    Currently, it was still possible to return to his side straight away, even if all she could do was help out a little¡ªThis temptation surfaced in her thoughts countless times.

    However, if she were to turn back now, it would be a betrayal of Kamito''s trust.

    She understood this principle.

    (...Hence, right now, what I am able to do is to open a bloody path for us to escape.)

    Supporting herself against a wall, Fianna slowly stood up.

    Due to receiving iplete healing magic, at least the pain could not be felt for the time being.

    Dragging one leg, she started moving forward again. At that moment...

    She suddenly felt a chill down her spine.

    It was a princess maiden''s instinct.

    She used her good leg to kick the ground hard, jumping forward.

    Right behind her, vmmmm¡ªThe space at her back distorted with a harsh noise.

    A depression appeared on the stone-paved road, caused by an invisible force.

    "...!?"

    Having escaped death narrowly, Fianna suddenly looked up.

    Over there¡ª

    "Ah, hahahaha... Found you... Found you..."

    With a broken expression, it was the sneering visage of Leschkir Hirschkilt of the Numbers.

    "Dame Leschkir!? Wasn''t she supposed to have been defeated by Kamito-kun?"

    Fallen on the ground, Fianna groaned. She wanted to get up immediately, but¡ª

    In the next second, her entire body was weighted down heavily, pinned against the ground.

    "...Aguh... Urgh...!"

    Fianna felt intense pain throughout her entire body as though all her bones were shattering. Hovering over Leschkir''s head was the spherical gravity spirit, producing a strong gravitational field in its surroundings.

    "Ahah, ahahahahaha...!"

    Looking down at Fianna who was struggling in pain, Leschkirughed unpleasantly. Despite losing her rational mind, her control over her contracted spirit was not severed.

    ¡ªHer eyes were murky from the color of hollow darkness.

    (That is what''s possessing the Elemental Lords...)

    The Otherworldly Darkness. Could it be that she had taken it into her body¡ª?

    "Die, die, die, diiiiiiie!"

    The berserk gravity spirit was crushing the surrounding space, Fianna included.

    (...Kamito... -kun...!)

    Under the twisted gravity field, she emitted a malformed scream. At that moment¡ª

    Suddenly, the gravity field vanished.

    (...?)

    She looked up. Why had Leschkir''s figure disappeared from there¡ª?

    "Your Highness, are you alright!?"

    "Ellis!?"

    Wielding Ray Hawk, Ellis hadnded in front of Fianna.

    "Thank goodness I found you... What grievous wounds."

    Ellis knelt down and picked up Fianna in her arms.

    "What about Kamito? Did youe here alone?"

    "To enable me to escape, Kamito-kun is fighting currently..."

    "I see..."

    A pained expression surfaced on Ellis'' face. She probably wanted to help Kamito too, but understood that the decision was a correct one. The fact that he had forced Fianna to escape alone implied how difficult an opponent he was facing.

    "Your Highness, do you know how to escape from the imperial capital?"

    Ellis inquired.

    "Yes, at the Micha temple ahead. There is an escape passage."

    "The Micha temple? That kind of ce... Oh well, understood. Let us hurry over."

    Ellis nodded, shifted Fianna to a piggyback configuration and chanted wind spirit magic.

    She floated up lightly.

    To avoid getting discovered by the Imperial Knights, she did not fly too high, but her movement speed would be much faster than running on the ground.

    At that moment, the rubble behind them exploded.

    Ellis and Fianna suddenly looked back.

    "Agaga, gi... Agigigigigi..."

    Blown away by Ellis, Leschkir waved her hand in a strange direction whileughing with a voice filled with insanity.

    "...Impossible. The Wind Bomb should have been a direct hit."

    Immediately after Ellis eximed in surprise...

    Leschkir Hirschkilt released countless gravity orbs from her hands.

    Part 3

    Numerous shes of swords produced a showering of sparks while the sound of des shing continued to ring¡ª

    A haphazard dance between the crimson demon sword against the Demon yer, slicing through the rain.

    A beautiful de dance, like watching princess maidens dancing.

    However, this was not a de dance offered to spirits.

    Purely¡ªA battle to the death.

    "...Tsk, wake up, Greyworth!"

    While des shed intensely, Kamito stared into those gray eyes, calling to her desperately.

    However, the young maiden did not answer at all. As though suggesting that raising the sword was the same as speaking, she unleashed a sharp slice at him. This astounding pressure of the sword did not match her petite physique.

    (...Tsk, and this is only at 30% output¡ª)

    Kamito gritted his teeth hard

    A bystander might see this as a bnced battle.

    However, Kamito knew better. The witch''s true level was beyond this.

    Was she suppressing her power intentionally, or had she yet to exert full control over this body? If thetter, then maybe he still had hope.

    (...Defeat her before she awakens fully!)

    But conversely, once the Dusk Witch fully awakened, he would not even have one ten thousandth of a chance of winning.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning."

    Kamito stepped forward, closing in instantly to unleash a deadly move from the Absolute de Arts.

    With Greyworth as his opponent, holding back would mean getting killed.

    However, Greyworth read his full-powered strike.

    The sh of godlike speed was dodged by a paper-thin margin¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Alternate Form¡ªIce Storm Rakshasa!"

    As though trying to dig up the stone-paved ground, she swung the demon sword''s de downwards.

    Instantly, the ground was covered by vines of ice with countless sharp thorns to pierce Kamito.

    This sword technique was unknown to Kamito.

    It was impossible for Kamito to inherit the entirety of the Absolute de Arts. The Absolute de Arts was a set of techniquesbining swordsmanship with divine power. Among them included instances of spirit magic that Kamito had not inherited because of hisck of talent in those areas.

    Instantly, Kamito stabbed the Demon yer''s de into the ground.

    (...I''m counting on you, Est, hang in there.)

    He poured his entire body''s magical power into the sword.

    The vines of ice instantly vanished the instant they came into contact with the bright sh released by the Demon yer.

    Acting on a hunch that he could rely on the power of Est''s unparalleled magic resistance to neutralize spirit magic Absolute de Arts, Kamito took a gamble.

    Once again, Greyworth closed in instantly.

    A downward sh from an upper stance, Kamito blocked using a two-handed grip.

    So heavy.

    Next, Greyworth released the divine power concentrated in her legs in one go the instant she kicked the ground. This was the most basic skill that Kamito had learned during his first time. However, Kamito''s use of it was still far inferior in potencypared to the Dusk Witch''s continual use of it, supported by her vast reserves of divine power.

    A mere step forward.

    Yet raised to the realm of divine speed, Purple Lightning was probably impossible to see clearly.

    With only a split second remaining, in order to evade this Purple Lightning sessfully¡ª

    (I can''t believe that''s really just a greeting...!?)

    Without retreating, Kamito counterattacked the iing sword.

    Retreat was absolutely not an option. Without seeing through a thrust of godlike speed, it would be very dangerous if the enemy seized an opening. He had no choice but to engage in melee.

    Fortunately, this was also what the other side wanted. Joy surfaced in the girl''s eyes

    (...Tsk, her sadistic nature hasn''t changed at all!)

    While Kamito was making a snide mental remark...

    He heard a faint explosion from afar.

    It was in Fianna''s direction.

    Although he did not turn his head to look, for an instant, his concentration was broken.

    "Don''t get distracted during battle¡ª"

    The girl before him said coldly. In the next instant¡ª

    "Kaha¡ª!"

    She kicked him violently in the belly.

    Kamito fell on the ground and stopped breathing for an instant.

    "Is this all you can do, Demon King¡ª?"

    The girl asked coldly.

    Her demon sword''s de shed before his eyes¡ª

    (...Tsk, has nothing changedpared to three years ago?)

    Just as Kamito prepared himself for death, in that very moment...

    A crimson sh flew over.

    (What!?)

    Greyworth forcefully swung her demon sword horizontally in front of herself, deflecting the sh.

    CLAAAAAAAAAAAAANG!

    The sh bounced away in another direction, causing a huge explosion when it struck a building.

    Debris fell, producing a huge cloud of dirt and dust.

    Greyworth jumped away. Crimson shes of light fell like torrential rain upon her earlier position.

    (...Wh... at...?)

    Kamito turned his gaze to where the sh of light had originated.

    At that moment¡ª

    "¡ªShall I lend a helping hand, Kazehaya Kamito?"

    Sternly, a voice as hard as ss resounded in the air.

    In the sky of the drizzling imperial capital, a girl dressed in military uniform¡ª

    "Leonora?"

    Kamito widened his eyes.

    Indeed, the one who had rescued Kamito was Leonora Lancaster.

    She was the princess knight from the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia whom Kamito had fought in deathmatches at the de Dance festival.

    "What a disgrace, Kazehaya Kamito. To think that the one who had defeated me would fall so low."

    Saying that, Leonora jumped down gantly from her dragon''s back tond by Kamito''s side.

    "...Leonora, what are you doing here?"

    Forgetting the situation, the dumbfounded Kamito asked.

    Leonora suddenly smiled mischievously.

    "Despite how I may look, I am a princess of the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia, you know? As the Dragon Nation''s representative, I am participating in Ordesia''s All Nations Conference."

    "...I see. Now that you mention it, you are a princess of sorts."

    Like not wearing underwear on asion, his brain had unintentionally forgotten this detail, but¡ª

    Indeed, Leonora Lancaster was a princess from the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia.

    "Hmm, what do you mean by ''of sorts''? How impudent."

    "S-Sorry...! Anyway, thanks a lot, Leonora."

    Realizing he had been quite rude just now, Kamito apologized frantically.

    "But quite an interesting situation seems to have arisen."

    Leonora looked at Millennia who was hovering in the air.

    "Cardinal of the Holy Kingdom, what are you plotting in secret? If you are involved in the earlier abortive attempt at assassinating the emperor, then on principle, the Dragon Nation cannot overlook the matter."

    Millenniaughed derisively and said:

    "Oh my, Miss Dragon, the Holy Kingdom is responding to His Highness Arneus'' request to capture the Second Princess, the mastermind of the emperor''s attempted assassination. Know that if you were to cause trouble, the Holy Kingdom would naturally regard this as an international conflict between Ordesia and Dracunia."

    Leonora smiled fearlessly in response.

    "It matters not to me. I have already obtained my own nation''s consent."

    "...What do you mean by that?"

    "The Dragon Nation''s delegation will be returning home today with the intention of exercising unteral intervention in the Theocracy''s civil war. There is no reason anymore to join forces with Ordesia which has be the Holy Kingdom''s puppet."

    "In that case, Dracunia''s Dragon King intends to make enemies with a certain person of authority..."

    Millennia''s violet iris shed with prating light.

    "Your side will surelye to regret this choice, Miss Dragon¡ª"

    Greyworth readied her demon sword in a stance and started facing off against Kamito and Leonora.

    "Allow me to aid you. This isn''t an opponent you can defeat singlehandedly, right?"

    Saying that, Leonora stood at Kamito''s side.

    "Leonora... No, that''s¡ª"

    Kamito shook his head.

    Although he was very grateful for her offer, given the opponent, he must not get her involved.

    "No, I am doing this willfully. You may not refuse."

    Leonora raised her hand and recited a spiritnguage summoning.

    At the same time, the pitch-ck magic dragon transformed into a gigantic sword held in Leonora''s hand.

    Balmung the holy sword of dragonying¡ªan elemental waffe concealing astounding destructive power.

    "It would be troublesome if you were to die here¡ª"

    Swinging the gigantic sword with one hand, she stabbed its de into the ground.

    "..."

    Kamito agonized for a moment then immediately replied.

    "¡ªThanks."

    One simple word.

    Leonora Lancaster¡ªThe strongest elementalist of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor.

    For Kamito right now, she was the strongest ally.

    Supposing Greyworth had yet to enter a fully awakened state¡ª

    There was still a chance of winning if the two of them worked together.

    "Leonora, go all-out from the start. We''ll die unless we decide the match in one go."

    "Yes, I already know that this is no ordinary opponent¡ª"

    As expected of Greyworth, Kamito could sense her power through his skin even though she had not returned to her normal state.

    "¡ªExcellent. I was feeling that a single opponent would be slightly underwhelming."

    The Dusk Witch licked her demon sword''s de and said with a smile.

    Part 4

    "Ahaha, ahahahahahaha!"

    Leschkir Hirschkilt''s brokenughter sounded across the ground.

    Flying randomly, the gravity orbs destroyed the surrounding buildings indiscriminately.

    "...Tsk, how unruly...!"

    Carrying Fianna on her back, Ellis skillfully controlled the wind enveloped around her legs to evade the gravity orbs.

    The shots were very random, which made it difficult to predict their trajectories.

    Furthermore, a direct hit from such firepower would not end well.

    "Ellis, over there¡ª"

    Fianna whispered lightly in Ellis ear.

    At the far end of the road, the target temple could be seen.

    Compared to Nefescal Pce or the Great Shrine of Areishia, it was a temple small enough to be overlooked. Without anyrge scale rites and festivities such as the Great Festival of the Spirits held there, it was essentially a neglected location in the imperial capital.

    Was there really a royal escape passage in this kind of ce?

    Suddenly, a gravity orb released by Leschkir struck the bell tower overhead.

    Space was twisted and ripped apart. The copsing rubble fell down all at once¡ª

    "This is bad¡ª!"

    Ellis went pale. Her own situation aside, while carrying Fianna currently, it would be very hard to evade the rubblepletely.

    "Incinerate everything, scorching fireball of congration¡ª!"

    The iing fireball exploded in the air.

    With a deafening roar, the explosion pulverized the massive debris over Ellis, turning it into ash.

    "Over here, Ellis!"

    "That was a great help, ire¡ª"

    Landing lightly in front of Ellis was ire with metongue in her hand.

    Although they had split up in their search, after hearing the explosion sounds on this side, she had hurried over.

    "Fianna, are you okay?"

    Catching sight of Fianna, ire breathed a sigh of relief.

    "Oh my, I am terribly sorry... for making you two worry."

    "Don''t let it bother you. Before the Second Princess, you are a member of Team Scarlet, first and foremost. Helping you is only natural."

    "Hmm, precisely¡ªBut we currently do not have the leisure to chat!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk to bounce away an iing gravity orb.

    "Ah, ahahahaha, don''t run awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay."

    "Uwah... W-What the heck is that..."

    Seeing Leschkir chasing them whileughing madly, ire''s face twitched.

    "Leschkir Hirschkilt of the Numbers. Right now, she is insane from the Otherworldly Darkness."

    "Otherworldly Darkness? Why is that kind of thing¡ª"

    "Save it forter. If we don''t escape first..."

    "R-Right..."

    ire nodded.

    At this rate, themotion was going to bring the Imperial Knights running to the scene.

    "I will stop her here. Ellis, take Fianna and run now¡ª"

    "Yes, understood¡ª"

    Ellis kicked the ground. The wind concentrated at her feet erupted, elerating her instantly.

    Seeing them off, ire readied her ming whip to face off against the pursuing Leschkir.

    Despite the state of insanity, the opponent was one of the Numbers, known as the Empire''s strongest knights. Her power level vastly outstripped ire''s.

    (Nice one, but it''s not impossible!)

    She skillfully controlled her whip to deflect an iing gravity orb that was crashing wildly, sending it flying away¡ª

    "Huh...?"

    ¡ªSomething strange happened then.

    Leschkir''s hovering body suddenly fell to the ground.

    It looked as though she fell due to her gravity control being interrupted rather than intentionally.

    Thus, she suddenly lost consciousness, not moving at all.

    "...W-What?"

    ire frowned in surprise.

    In the next instant...

    The gravity spirit hovering over Leschkir''s head began to expand as though it was going to explode.

    "...!?"

    Part 5

    "Let''s go!" "Yeah¡ª"

    Kamito and Leonora started running at the same time.

    In front, Leonora raised Balmung up high and took a leap.

    The stone paved ground shattered from the impact.

    "Dracunia Style de Arts¡ªDrag sh!"

    Pouring in a huge amount of divine power, she brought the massive sword down at once with an overhead chop.

    Impossible to block. Even if one stopped the de, one would still be crushed by the fierce shockwave. Compared to the exquisite finesse of the Absolute de Arts, this was a rowdy skill of extreme violence.

    ¡ªConsequently, normal swordsmanship was unable to handle it.

    Greyworth jumped to the side.

    Aiming there, Leonora swung the massive sword down with all her strength.

    Boom¡ªIt was like a cannon''s roar. The impact ripped the ground apart, producing a gigantic crater.

    Astounding destructive power as always.

    However, Greyworth stabbed her demon sword into the ground to brace against the impact. Twisting her petite body, she immediately drew out the sword and instantlyunched a thrust with lightning speed at the stationary Leonora.

    (...Tsk, I won''t let you!.)

    Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning.

    Releasing the divine power concentrated at his feet with a kick against the ground, Kamito elerated instantly.

    The Demon yer and the crimson demon sword crossed, scattering intense sparks.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    In terms of the strength of the elemental waffe, Est was superior. If he kept pushing down forcefully like this¡ª

    ¡ªGreyworth''s lips parted slightly as though whispering something.

    (...Spirit magic!?)

    The demon sword, as red as blood, hummed slightly.

    Warned by instinct, Kamito instantly pulled back to create distance.

    "O greedy and blood-drinking servant¡ªBlood Thorn."

    Blood-colored vines flew out of thin air, aiming to pierce the retreating Kamito with sharp thorns.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    Kamito kept slicing all the vines shooting out from thin air nonstop.

    Elimination magic was not Greyworth''s specialty. It was most likely an attribute of the crimson demon sword spirit.

    Without slowing down the pace of her offense, Greyworth attacked again immediately.

    So fast. Kamito poured divine power into his sword and transformed Est into the one-handed form of the Demon King''s Sword.

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    The erupting ck lightning shot at Greyworth. However, every strike was dodged by Greyworth using inhuman movements.

    However, this was merely a diversion¡ª

    From behind, he could sense a massive amount of expanding divine power.

    "Let my wrath transform into a roar to pierce the earth¡ªDrag st!"

    Leonora released spirit magic of extreme proportions, charging while leaving cracks in the ground.

    At the same time, Kamito began to sprint too.

    (This is the moment to decide the battle¡ª!)

    Using the demon sword infused with divine power, Greyworth deflected the massive dragon projectile.

    However, the firepower of that magic was of such strength, after all. She lost bnce severely.

    Kamito charged all at once and swung the Demon King''s Sword.

    Two strikes, three strikes¡ªHe keptunchingbo attacks to deprive her of any chance to counterattack.

    At that moment, Leonora swung her massive sword. Compared to Kamito who was using attack frequency to overwhelm the enemy, Leonora''s strike prioritized a one-hit kill. Confronted with twopletely different sword styles, even one such as Greyworth had no choice but to defend to the very end.

    "Dracunia Style de Arts¡ªDrag sh!"

    Leonora raised her sword high, preparing for a bold move. Naturally, the enemy did not miss this opening. Greyworth immediately went for a counterattack, but that was precisely what Kamito was waiting for.

    Kamito had Est go through another Mode Shift¡ªcreating twin swords for dual wielding.

    Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Sixteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    He unleashed the Absolute de Arts'' secret move.

    Part 6

    After reaching the temple''s interior, Ellis gently lowered Fianna.

    Due to the istion barrier deployed in their surroundings, no sound could be heard from outside.

    At the deepest part of the temple was a small stone tablet used for worshiping spirits.

    "Your Highness, then the so-called escape route is¡ª"

    "Yes, please wait for a moment¡ª"

    Fianna held a small knife in her hand, one used for altar ceremonies¡ª

    She used the de to slice her own thumb.

    Drip, the blood flowed onto the stone tablet.

    "What on earth is this¡ª"

    With puzzlement, Ellis frowned.

    After all, the current situation was beyond urgent¡ª

    But in the next instant, Ellis widened her eyes.

    The script of spiritnguage carved on the stone tablet suddenly glowed blue.

    "This is...!"

    "A Gate¡ªone that only royal blood can activate."

    Saying that, Fianna started to recite a spiritnguage incantation.

    At that moment¡ª

    "...E-Ellis, oh no!"

    ire ran over, panting heavily.

    "What happened, ire? Dame Leschkir¡ª"

    Mid-sentence, Ellis fell silent.

    Outside the entrance, a gigantic sphere kept growing, expanding nonstop!

    "Could it be that the spirit is running out of control, devoured by the Otherworldly Darkness?"

    "Leschkir can no longer control that gravity spirit. At this rate, the runaway reaction is going to copse sooner orter."

    "If that thing copses¡ª"

    "Yes, this entire area will be blown away!"

    Part 7

    The Absolute de Arts'' secret move, the "Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance" sted the Dusk Witch¡ª

    Greyworth was sent into the air before falling on the ground in a parabolic trajectory.

    (...We did... it...?)

    Kamito panted while stabbing the Demon yer upright into the ground.

    He had no more energy left. His entire body''s divine power had been poured into the sixteen consecutive strikes just now.

    If that still could not defeat the enemy, they would be out of options.

    (Please, don''t stand up...)

    While staring at copsed Greyworth, Kamito prayed in his heart.

    However¡ª

    "You really showed me a pretty good move there..."

    "......!?"

    Holding the demon sword, Greyworth slowly got up.

    (That didn''t do the job...!)

    With a look of despair, Kamito could not help but groan.

    The Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance was a sword technique capable of vanquishing an archdemon-ss spirit in one go.

    He had not held back just now.

    Kamito hadpletely released all the divine power he had been conserving for that moment.

    However, among the sixteen strikes he hadunched, only two of them could be considered urate hits¡ªNo more than that. The rest were all seen through and dodged.

    (¡ªI didn''t think that she''d actually be able to dodge the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance when seeing it for the first time.)

    No, more precisely, this did not count as her first time seeing it. Despite losing past memories, her body, deeply familiar with the Absolute de Arts, would still retain memories¡ª

    (Damn... it...)

    Blood flowed down Greyworth''s cheek.

    She stuck out her tongue and licked the drip of blood.

    "Ahh, this¡ªSo this is my blood?"

    "...?"

    In that instant...

    Kamito felt a surging chill.

    Something ominous¡ª

    The awakening of something that absolutely must not be allowed to awaken¡ª

    That sort of premonition.

    (...What the heck?)

    Kamito held his breath.

    The girl before him suddenly felt like a different person¡ª

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    "¡ªNo, the time is not yet ripe."

    In the air, Millennia Sanctus slowly began to speak.

    Contrasting with her calm expression, there was a hint of impatience in her voice.

    Then she rapidly recited some kind of foreignnguage¡ªneither spiritnguage nor High Ancient¡ªforming a seal with one hand.

    In the next instant, darkness suddenly appeared under Greyworth''s feet¡ª

    Within the blink of an eye, her petite body was devoured.

    "Wha...?"

    ...Kamito watched all this in shock¡ª

    Seeing his reaction, Millennia shrugged.

    "It seems that it was too soon to allow her to meet you. It almost ruined a n of great importance..."

    "n...?"

    Millennia smiled faintly then shook her head apologetically.

    "This is enough for today. Let us y next time when the chance arises, Onii-chan."

    Making the same hand sign as earlier, Millennia was likewise devoured by darkness, disappearing without trace.

    Left behind was only the shattered stone-paved ground and marks from the intense battle.

    "She fled?...But it does not fit entirely."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded in agreement.

    Greyworth had been pressuring them the whole time.

    Kamito''s side had already used up every ace in their hand, yet Greyworth still had power to spare.

    Kamito and Leonora would have lost if the fight had continued.

    Why did they run away? Completely iprehensible.

    Leonora slowly lowered her sword and said:

    "What kind of person is she?"

    "..."

    After agonizing momentarily about how to answer, Kamito said:

    "¡ªMy mentor."

    A simple and concise answer.

    "...Really? No wonder."

    Leonora shrugged in apparent eptance.

    "Thank you, Leonora. Looks like I owe you another one..."

    Kamito scratched his head and said.

    "Well, I would hope to receive a reward ordingly."

    Leonora teased in a joking manner.

    "Yeah, anything you want, as long as it''s in my power."

    "Anything I want...?"

    After pondering deeply for a while, Leonora blushed.

    "Th-Then, when we meet again some day, I will think over it carefully..."

    Coughing to clear her throat, she tossed her massive sword into the air.

    Leonora''s Balmung turned into the pitch-ck demon dragon spirit, Nidhogg.

    After letting Leonora mount its back, Nidhogg pped its wings forcefully

    At that moment, Kamito suddenly remembered something.

    (Come to think of it, I remember Rubia talking about seeking refuge in Dracunia...)

    "Oh, Leonora, hold on¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to call out...

    However, the ck dragon carrying Leonora was already pping its wings majestically, flown up into the sky.

    "¡ªLooks like I''ll be returning this favor unexpectedly soon."

    Smiling wryly, Kamito muttered to himself.

    "Okay¡ª"

    Kamito turned around.

    He remembered that Fianna had gone in the direction of the biggest bell tower, but¡ª

    "...Say, what is that?"

    Seeing the gigantic sphere that was almost about to envelop the entire street, Kamito frowned.

    Part 8

    "Fianna, is it still not ready!?"

    "It is almost about to blow¡ª"

    While reciting defensive magic behind Fianna, ire and Ellis cried out desperately.

    The temple''s istion barrier had already been destroyed. The stone tiles near the entrance were curling up one after another.

    Devouring surrounding buildings, expanding enough to cover the neighborhood, the gravity spirit looked like it was going to copse any moment.

    However, Fianna was focused on praying in front of the stone tablet.

    "Will Kamito make it in time?"

    ire bit her lip and murmured with worry.

    It was not like they could leave Kamito behind by himself. But if they continued to wait, they might get caught up in the gravity spirit''s copse and turned into dust together with the entire temple.

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    A sword shed above them and a triangr piece of stone fell from the ceiling.

    "...Hwahhh, w-what the heck!?"

    Amid the rising dust cloud, the one who descended was¡ª

    "Sorry for making you wait...!"

    Kamito with the Demon yer in hand.

    "Kamito!"

    "I cannot believe you broke the temple''s roof. Karma will catch up to you."

    "Sorry, I couldn''t go through the entrance... By the way, what''s going on there?"

    "Leschkir''s gravity spirit went out of control¡ª"

    The gravity spirit expanded further.

    It was almost critical¡ª

    "Hurry up, Fianna!"

    Seeing that, ire yelled.

    "We shall return, the seal of the ancient covenant, where it was branded¡ª

    Sessor of royal blood¡ªAt this very time and ce, open the Gate¡ª"

    The Gate, a vortex of light, appeared out of thin air.

    "...This is the royal family''s escape route?"

    "Yes, hurry and enter it!"

    While Fianna was shouting, the gravity spirit suddenly contracted rapidly¡ª

    "It is going to blow...!"

    In the next instant, the gravity sphere exploded.

 Volume 15, 2 - Banquet at Winter Gulf

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 2 - Banquet at Winter Gulf</h4>

    Part 1

    Meanwhile, everyone at the Laurenfrost castle of Winter Gulf was gearing up for a celebration banquet.

    Having stayed behind on her own to lead reconstruction efforts in Laurenfrost territory after the devastation brought by Zirnitra, it was only natural that Rinslet did not know about Kamito''s group getting arrested upon their return to the Academy or the attempted assassination of the emperor at the imperial capital. After all, the mountain path through the Kyria Mountain Range, serving as the link between Laurenfrost and the imperial capital, had been damaged by Zirnitra''s earlier rampage and had yet to be restored to a state suitable for passage.

    While the castle was bustling in preparation for the celebrations, Rinslet was in a certain room, changing into the Academy uniform.

    "...Sigh, I would really like to see Kamito-san sooner."

    Just as she was sighing to herself...

    "Lady Rinslet, Mireille-sama has finished her preparations."

    From outside the door came the voice of Natalia, head maid and captain of the Wolf Ritters.

    "I-I shall be there presently!"

    Rinslet hastily finished changing and exited to the corridor.

    Ahead in the corridor, Natalia''s upright standing figure could be seen.

    "Natalia, uh, I was talking to myself just now..."

    "No, I did not hear any sound."

    "I-Is that so...?"

    Rinslet breathed a sigh of relief for now.

    "However, I am sympathetic to your feelings of wanting to see your beloved as soon as possible."

    "Natalia~!"

    Thump thump thump.

    Gone bright red in the face, Rinslet kept hammering her fists on the head maid''s back. At that moment¡ª

    "Wait, Onee-sama, why are you ying around over here? Today is my important day, you know?"

    Dressed in the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maiden attire, the third daughter, Mireille, walked towards them along the corridor from up ahead. Following her like a shadow was her personal maid, Mi Bassett. In the back was even the second daughter, Judia, sitting in a wheelchair.

    Rinslet stopped hammering the head maid and coughed lightly.

    "Mireille, it looks great on you."

    Hearing Rinslet''sment, Mi nodded silently.

    "Really? But it''s harder to move around in these clothespared to the castle''s formal dress..."

    Mireille frowned, lifted the hem of her ritual attire and spun around on the spot.

    "Stop it. Unseemly behavior will incur the displeasure of spirits."

    Seeing Mireille spinning, Rinslet pushed down on her head and stopped her.

    "...Th-That would be a problem."

    Mireille hastily settled down.

    Indeed, Mireille was about to head out to a shrine to conduct a spirit contract ceremony.

    Earlier, the border province of Laurenfrost had achieved reconciliation with the reclusive Forest Dwellers who lived in the forest all year round, thus reaching an agreement to rebuild the forest that had been destroyed by Zirnitra. As a return gift, the Forest Dwellers decided to present Mireille with one of their enshrined spirits.

    The shrine for the spirit contract ceremony was to be the cave where the second Laurenfrost daughter, Judia, had been imprisoned under cursed ice. Due to thisplicated past, someone had suggested changing to a different venue. But now that it was known that the location was no longer dangerous, plus the fact that it was the most sacred shrine in the Laurenfrost region no matter what, hence in the end, preparations were still made to carry out the ritual there.

    "I really wish Kamito-oniisama could see me in my formal attire."

    Mireille murmured wistfully.

    "In that case, how about inviting him to the next Winter Solstice Festival?"

    Eyes closed, Judia spoke up. After being freed from the cursed ice, although her health was gradually recovering, her vision was still lost.

    "Ah, that''s true too. If that''s the case, Onee-sama can show off her formal attire to Kamito-oniisama too."

    "M-Mireille, please do not make fun of your elder sister!"

    Blushing to her ears, Rinslet became flustered.

    The Laurenfrost''s Winter Solstice Festival''s was a festival whose fame spread not only within the Empire''s borders but also reached all the other nations. During the festival, snow sculptures of all kinds of spirits would be found all over the city, drawing inrge numbers of sightseeing tourists... As a side note, in recent years, snow sculptures of Ren Ashbell were the most dominant in terms of numbers.

    As dictated by tradition, the Winter Solstice Festival was presided by princess maidens from the Laurenfrost family. Hence, if Kamito were to be invited here, he would naturally see the Laurenfrost sisters in their formal attire.

    "Mireille-sama, the time¡ª"

    At that moment, Mi the maid reminded.

    "Then let''s go¡ª"

    Leaving behind the wheelchair-bound Judia and head maid Natalia, Mireille andpany set off for the shrine.

    Part 2

    "...Ugh... O..."

    The next instant after ire and her party jumped into the vortex of light while huddled together¡ª

    Kamito fell down amidst total darkness.

    (This ce is...?)

    ¡ªJust as he was about to make his body upright, he suddenly noticed something important.

    (...I-I can''t breathe!?)

    Kamito''s nose was under the weight of something stic, preventing him from breathing. Don''t tell me I got buried under a mountain of rubble because of that gigantic gravity sphere¡ª

    (...It''s no joke if I really got buried alive!)

    Kamito tried every way to get himself out and grabbed the object pressing against his nose.

    Boing.

    He felt a soft and supple texture. His fingers sensed a bit of warmth.

    (...W-What is this?)

    Confronted with this incredible tactile feeling, Kamito tilted his head in puzzlement.

    Boing. Boing boing.

    "Hyah!"

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, Kamito heard a scream overhead.

    "O-O, O-O fire, bring forth light!"

    In the next instant, a small fireball appeared in the darkness with a pop.

    What entered his view was¡ª

    (...C-ire!?)

    Kamito cried out in his heart.

    With a fireball in her hand, ire looked down at Kamito with a shocked expression.

    (...In other words, what blocked my face just now, don''t tell me it was...)

    Indeed... That soft and stic object was ire''s bottom.

    "Y-You, y-you, w-what, w-what are you doing~...!?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    ire''s face went bright red while her crimson hair rose up like a cat.

    "W-Wait, I was just trying to figure out my surroundings..."

    Kamito instantly panicked and exined frantically.

    "Because it felt nice, so I couldn''t help... Ah¡ª"

    "...~Tsk, y-you, y-you pervert and beast of lust~!"

    Tearfully, ire lost her temper and summoned metongue in her hand.

    "I-I haven''t even had a b-bath yet... You jerk!"

    "B-By the time I came to my senses, you were already on top of me, honest...!"

    Confronted with ire who was angry for a strange reason, Kamito frantically shook his head.

    "...S-Say, where is this ce?"

    Kamito stood up and looked around.

    "T-Trying to change the subject huh..."

    Despite her displeasure, ire still used the fireball lit on her palm to illuminate the surroundings.

    Numerous ice stctites were growing from the ceiling while hard ice covered the floor... At the very least, this was not the same temple as where Kamito andpany were at earlier.

    (...By the way, this ce looks a bit familiar.)

    Where had he seen it? It should have been recent...

    "I''ve been here before... I think."

    "What is going on?"

    Frowning, ire increased the fireball''s brightness.

    ¡ªNext, they found Ellis and Fianna copsed nearby.

    "Are they okay?"

    Kamito knelt down and gently rocked them by the shoulder.

    "...Ooh, mmm... Kamito?"

    "...Kamito-kun?"

    Ellis and Fianna opened their eyes.

    "Fianna, what happened? What on earth was that vortex of light earlier¡ª"

    ire''s question went straight to the point.

    "...Looks like the teleportation was a sess."

    Fianna pressed on her temples while she replied softly.

    "Teleportation?"

    "Yes, that temple was a teleportation device provided to royals to use for escaping the imperial capital."

    "...I see now. Oh, so that''s what you meant by it being not avable for Arneus."

    A person without an elementalist''s power would not be able to activate the magic device either, despite being part of the royal bloodline. Even if Arneus knew of the location''s existence, he would still be unable to send pursuers.

    "So, where did we teleport to?"

    "Hmm, supposing there was no mistake in setting the coordinates, it is probably..."

    At that moment, a human presence approached on the other side of the darkness.

    "...!"

    The four of them instantly raised their guard.

    Apart from Kamito andpany, did someone else pass through the vortex of light in pursuit...?

    With nervous expressions, the group stared intently into the depths of the dark.

    Only to see appearing from there¡ª

    "...Who goes there!?"

    "Rinslet!?"

    It turned out to be Rinslet, holding an ice arrow in her hand, apanied by the wide-eyed Mireille.

    Part 3

    "My, truly what a surprise..."

    Within Margrave Laurenfrost''s territory, at Winter Gulf Castle...

    Taken to a great hall in the castle, Kamito andpany sat down at a table, drinking ck tea specially brewed by Mi Bassett with honey added to warm themselves up from the cold.

    "No wonder I found it familiar..."

    Setting his teacup down on the table, Kamito muttered quietly.

    Indeed, the cave covered with cold ice was precisely where Rinslet''s sister Judia had been imprisoned in cursed ice by the Water Elemental Lord.

    Rinslet had apparently shown up there with Mireille to carry out a spirit contract ceremony.

    The ceremony was held sessfully after Kamito andpany left the cave. Currently, Mireille''s new contracted spirit was sitting on her shoulder, a small snow weasel. Althoughcking Fenrir''s intimidating appearance, it looked like a very smart and wise spirit, quite simr to Mireille in that regard. The spirit had already gotten very close to Mireille and was affectionately rubbing its warm fur against her cheek.

    "Miss Mireille, uh, may I touch its tail?"

    Ellis, who loved cute animals, asked somewhat excitedly.

    "Sure, go ahead."

    Mireille held onto Ellis'' shoulder and immediately, the snow weasel spirit skipped across to Ellis'' shoulder and wrapped itself around her neck like a scarf.

    "Wow... I-It is quite adorable."

    Rxing her normally serious expression, Ellis beamed nonstop.

    (...No, Ellis, you''re the one who''s adorable.)

    ¡ªThinking that such ament would most likely upset her, Kamito kept his thoughts to himself.

    "But thank goodness that the teleportationpleted sessfully without incident. It would be problematic had we gone to Kelzanos or Fahrengart instead of Laurenfrost."

    Fianna whispered quietly.

    The temple''s teleportation device with Gates connected to the territories of the Four Great Houses¡ªElstein, Fahrengart, Laurenfrost and Kelzanos.

    Among them, the Gate leading to the confiscated Elstein territory no longer existed while the House of Kelzanos was the leader of the pro-Arneus faction of nobles. Although the House of Fahrengart maintained neutrality, if Arneus were to be the official designated sessor, they probably would not proactively protect Fianna either. Even having Ellis with them would not help. Given the current situation, the only ce within the Ordesia Empire for them to seek asylum was Rinslet''s location, Margrave Laurenfrost''s territory.

    "...In any case, it is wonderful that you are safe and sound, Your Highness."

    After Rinslet said that¡ª

    Fianna bit her lip hard and looked at Kamito and the others in sequence.

    "...Yes, truly, I am... extremely grateful. If you had note, I would have..."

    She spoke in a trembling voice.

    Although she had maintained her mental fortitude the whole time, Fianna''s tensed mind probably rxed aftering to a safe ce atst. There was sobbing in her voice.

    "That goes without saying. You''re a member of Team Scarlet."

    Hearing ire''s remark that sounded like she was hiding embarrassment, Kamito nodded in agreement.

    After wiping her tears away with her fingers, Fianna restored her expression of fortitude and said:

    "However, Kamito-kun, how did all of you infiltrate the imperial capital? Especially the nobles district, for which it is probably impossible to enter through ordinary methods."

    "Oh, that''s a long story..."

    Kamito paused for a moment then continued.

    "Actually, Rubia''s the one who nned out the operation to rescue you, Fianna."

    "Rubia-sama?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    Kamito told her everything about the discussion with Rubia on the flying ship.

    The Holy Kingdom''s conspiracy to undermine the Ordesia Empire. The Fire Elemental Lord who had been reborn somewhere in the human realm. Also, there was Rubia''s intention to issue a deration as Legitimate Ordesia in opposition to the current Ordesia imperial family¡ª

    "Legitimate Ordesia?"

    "Yes, Nee-sama ns to raise a banner in your name to oppose the Empire that has turned into the Holy Kingdom''s puppet state."

    "If the deration of Legitimate Ordesia is issued, Your Highness, it would be tantamount to overt rebellion against the Ordesia imperial family."

    "Is that so...? Indeed you are right."

    Fianna lowered her head and entered deep thought with a solemn expression.

    "I think there''s no need for you to give an immediate answer."

    Kamitomented. The choice meant betraying the home country that had nurtured her and even her own family, to make enemies of them.

    This answer would not be easy to decide. Even if Fianna decided to reject Rubia''s n, Kamito would still respect her wish. ire, Ellis and Rinslet presumably felt the same.

    However, Fianna soon raised her head and looked at Kamito and the others in turn¡ª

    "No. I shall be the empress of Legitimate Ordesia."

    She dered decisively.

    "Fianna, are you sure?"

    "Yes, I shall be the empress, to fight the Holy Kingdom¡ª"

    Confronted with Kamito''s question, Fianna nodded resolutely.

    Witnessing Fianna''s facial expression of resolve, Kamito and the others looked at one another.

    Next¡ª

    The first to extend her hand was ire.

    "...Great. I will support your resolve, Fianna."

    "Yes, for the sake of my homnd, I am willing to fight on your side, Your Highness."

    Ellis stacked her hand on top of ire''s. Kamito silently ced his hand on top next.

    "...Understood. I too shall join you."

    Finally, Rinslet also showed an expression of resolve and stacked her hand on top.

    "Rinslet, don''t you need to govern Laurenfrost?"

    "This castle will be governed by Mireille for the time being."

    Faced with the frowning ire, Rinslet asserted with confidence.

    "Letting Mireille handle it... Will it really be okay?"

    "She has already reached an age capable of employing a contracted spirit. Furthermore, the Wolf Ritters are at Winter Gulf Castle."

    "Yes, it''ll be okay. While Onee-sama is away, I willplete the job of administration splendidly. Besides, I still have Mi too."

    After Mireille nodded, Mi Bassett, who was on standby in the back, nodded as well.

    "Indeed, Arneus would not want to make enemies of the Laurenfrost Wolf Ritters until he has all the nobles in the nation under his control..."

    ire analyzed calmly. As long as they obeyed the Empire on the surface, he probably would not recklessly make a move on a border province that was tasked with the core of the Empire''s national defense.

    With hands stacked, the four of them focused their gaze on Fianna.

    In response, Fianna¡ª

    "...Thank you, everyone."

    With tears appearing in the corners of her eyes again, she nodded and ced her hand on top atst.

    "Then how do we proceed?"

    Rinslet asked.

    "First, we need to meet up with Rubia''s flying ship... Velsaria and the others are supposed to have acted as a diversion for the imperial capital''s forces."

    "Use my Simorgh. It will be the fastest and most reliable means ofmunications."

    Ellis chanted words of summoning and the demon wind spirit immediately appeared out of thin air with wings spread. After, Ellis spoke a few words of instructions into his ear, Simorgh pped his wings forcefully and flew away into the sky¡ª

    "Before the Captain''s bird returns, you should all take a rest at Winter Gulf Castle. As it so happens, Mireille''s banquet is about to start."

    "Sorry, Rinslet, for making so much trouble for you."

    "No need to be formal. Kamito-san, you are the benefactor who had saved Laurenfrost. We are heavily indebted to you."

    "A banquet would be nice, but I''d like to take a bath and cleanse myself first."

    ire looked down at her uniform and said.

    "Yes... I have not gone through purification for at least three days."

    After ncing at Kamito, Fianna blushed shyly.

    She had been imprisoned ever since the day of the abortive attempted assassination on the emperor. Although the princess maidens tasked with keeping watch would regrly wipe her body, her holiness still decreased substantially. The reason why she had still been able to summon Georgios while in that state was probably thanks to her unusually strong bond with her contracted spirit.

    "Prepare a bath immediately."

    Rinslet nodded and swiftly issued orders to the maids in the castle.

    Part 4

    Fianna''s physical condition had weakened due to her imprisonment. After being treated by the castle''s healers, she was taken to an open-air bath outside the castle.

    ire and Ellis, who did not need healing, had already finished taking their baths and gone to join Rinslet to help out in the courtyard preparations for the celebration banquet.

    The outdoor changing area felt so cold that it was like freezing.

    Shivering while removing her tattered dress and taking off her underwear, Fianna pinched the flesh on her arm while naked and sighed slightly.

    "...I''ve lost quite a bit of weight and my skin has worsened too."

    During the several day long prison life, not only was she deprived of bathing but she also did not receive enough sustenance apart from water. At the same time, while isted from information of the external world, her body and mind were tormented by the fear of the uing execution whose exact date and time was unknown.

    Fianna slowly sat down on a wet rock.

    Dipping her feet into the open-air bath''s hot water, she instantly feltfortable stimtion on her skin.

    "Sigh..."

    Slowly, lowering herself into the water up to her shoulders, she exhaled.

    Although it was not a natural hot spring, the water was very warm after being heated by a fire spirit crystal, thus soothing her weakened body. She could feel the received divine power circting within herself while the lost holiness gradually recovered.

    Fianna closed her eyes and breathed deeply and slowly.

    With this, she could truly feel at peace atst.

    (This ce is no longer that prison...)

    Staring at the gray cold sky, she murmured to herself mentally.

    However, this was surely the only moment that she could rx like this...

    Legitimate Ordesia as nned by Rubia¡ªIf Fianna were to be its monarch, it meant raising the banner of rebellion against the powerful Ordesia Empire.

    That could possibly develop into arge-scale civil war, tearing the Empire into two.

    (I cannot allow Ordesia to be the Holy Kingdom''s puppet state... But¡ª)

    She still worried. Even though she had mustered her resolve at one point, her heart was still slightly wavering after all.

    (Don''t worry, I am no longer the Lost Queen from that time...)

    Fianna wrapped her arms tightly around her wet body. Then recalling the sensations of Kamito''s embrace, her lips moved apart involuntarily.

    (Back then, although Kamito-kun was behaving a bit strangely...)

    Arriving on the scene before Fianna''s eyes and defeating Leschkir Hirschkilt at the time, Kamito was different from his usual self. He had given off a slightly scary impression.

    (Still, having Kamito-kun acting that way once in a while was not bad either...)

    Recalling memories from that time, that powerful embrace, the taking of her lips, she instantly felt her cheeks heat up.

    Back then, a certain violent power had rampaged inside Fianna''s body, allowing her to deploy her elemental waffe even when her divine power had been almostpletely depleted. That power, like a howling storm, was still lingering inside her, smoking nonstop like a wood fire.

    "Haaa... Mm..."

    Feeling the inside of her body gradually heating up, Fianna moaned slightly.

    (...Tsk, no good, I must calm down...)

    Fianna''s fingertips naturally reached for the tips of her breasts.

    "...Ah, mmm...!"

    Sweet numbing pain was an unknown feeling she had never experienced before.

    Fianna forcefully dug her fingernails into her skin in an attempt to cover up her body''s elevated temperature using pain, but it seemed more like adding dry firewood to a smoking me.

    "...Mm, ah... Hoo... Ah, ummmmmm...!"

    Sweet sounds leaked out from her gorgeous cherry lips.

    "...N-No good... Why, is... this...?"

    ...No, she was actually well aware of the reason. It must be because she was thinking about Kamito.

    Her consciousness gradually grew hazy.

    (A-At this rate, I am going to act weird...)

    Fianna drove out the thoughts of Kamito from her mind for now, closed her eyes and regted her breathing.

    She was supposed to have fully mastered the method of maintaining a calm mind regardless of the situation, back during her training at the Divine Ritual Institute. The harsh training included spending a number of days while soaking her body underwater. However, no matter what method she tried, her body did not cool down at all. Instead, the more she tried not to think of Kamito, the more easily his face would surface in her mind...

    (...Ooh~, s-such shameless ideas when clearly even thinking such thoughts should be forbidden...!)

    As a pure princess maiden, Fianna''s entire mind was about to be washed out by a flood of terrifying lustful delusions that she had never imagined before...

    Inside these thoughts were delusions including things that Kamito would absolutely not do in reality. Noticing a desire within herself to be treated violently like a ything, to be vited beyond recognition... Fianna instantly felt ashamed of these hidden desires.

    (H-How a-awful of me. I can''t believe I''m wishing for Kamito-kun to do such things...)

    He would surely despise her if he found out what she had been thinking...

    As though punishing herself, Fianna dug her fingernails into her skin.

    Red marks appeared on her pale skin but in spite of that, her body''s aching did not subside.

    "...Ah, mm, yah...!"

    Amid her hazy consciousness, Fianna''s fingers gradually slid down from her chest to her lower abdomen...

    Part 5

    "...Hmm?"

    Sitting on a rock, Kamito suddenly looked up.

    He was secretly acting as Fianna''s bodyguard some distance away from the bath.

    Although this ce was under the jurisdiction of Winter Gulf Castle, which was safe, with a celebration banquet about to start, the nearby residents would being to the castle. It was a real possibility that spies from the Holy Kingdom or the pro-Arneus faction might be mixed among them.

    He prepared himself to take instant action if anyone suspicious approached the vicinity.

    (...Just now, I think I heard Fianna''s voice.)

    If Fianna screamed, he could instantly rush over from this instant. However, her voice just now was far too quiet to be considered a scream. The sound would have been impossible to hear had Kamito''s hearing not been trained at the Instructional School.

    Picking up the Demon yer by the hilt, he quietly stood up.

    Next, he made his way to the rocky area where Fianna was bathing and listened carefully.

    ...Ah, mmmm... Kami... to-kun, help... me...

    "...!"

    Instantly, Kamito ran over on reflex.

    Kicking against a rock, he instantly jumped up and used divine power to enhance his leg strength to clear the wall of rock.

    "Fianna, are you okay!?"

    Landing on a rock in the bath, he swung his sword to create wind for sweeping steam away.

    ¡ªHe saw Fianna''s figure, curled up in the hot water.

    "¡ªAh, mm, huff, huff, huff..."

    "Fianna!"

    Kamito hastily rushed over, picked up Fianna in his arms and ced her outside the hot water bath.

    Although it was his first time to witness her naked body and he could not help but blush, now was not the time to be concerned about such things¡ª

    "Huff, huff... Kamito... -kun...?"

    Fianna blinked, her mind in a daze.

    "What''s wrong? Did you get dizzy from soaking for too long?"

    Kamito took off his jacket and covered up her body.

    Fianna slowly reached out and held Kamito''s arm.

    Her seductive dusk-colored eyes stared at Kamito intently...

    "Sor, ry... Suddenly, my body heated up... Ah, mm...? "

    Instantly, her body shook violently as though having a convulsion.

    Just then, Kamito saw it.

    On Fianna''s neck, a birthmark resembling a seal was appearing¡ª

    (...This is!?)

    It was a pattern sharing some simrity with Restia''s spirit seal. However, this one was far moreplicated and ominous¡ª

    "Could it be the seal of Ren Ashdoll, the Darkness Elemental Lord...!?"

    Kamito gasped forcefully. He recalled the conversation he had had with Rubia on the flying ship''s deck prior to sneaking into the imperial capital.

    ¡ªThe Demon King''s princess maidens. Reportedly a thousand years ago, Demon King Solomon had taken princess maidens from conquered nations and made them his concubines, sharing the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power with them. The power that Kamito had given Fianna through a kiss was probably eating away at Fianna''s body, tormenting her right now...

    "...Mm, ah, ooh... Huff, huff..."

    Held in Kamito''s arms, Fianna panted painfully.

    Ellis and Rinslet probably had not experienced such a strong reaction in their instances... But after all, back when he kissed Fianna, Kamito was almost about to be devoured by the power of darkness within him. Most likely, that was what caused more direct effects on her.

    (...Hmm, what should I do?)

    Kamito bit his lip. Taking her back to the castle''s healers would probably not help. Was sitting here, waiting for the power of darkness to subside on its own the only option...?

    Fianna gripped Kamito''s arm tightly, opened her mouth and bit him. With that, her irregr breathing seemed to calm down slightly.

    "...Mm, Kamito-kun, sorry... This... Ahhh!"

    "...It''s okay. Until you settle down, carry on like this."

    With his jacket between them, Kamito hugged Fianna.

    After keeping this up for some time... Fianna''s breathing gradually turned steady.

    A couple of red bite marks had been added to Kamito''s shoulder and arm.

    "Has it calmed down?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    Held in Kamito''s arms, Fianna lowered her head shyly.

    "...Sorry, it''s my fault."

    "...Huh?"

    "Uh, I kissed you once in the imperial capital, right? Back then, I think part of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power inside me transferred to you, Fianna."

    "So... that power is the Darkness Elemental Lord''s..."

    Fianna looked like she had guessed this to some extent too. She nodded gently.

    "B-Back, I think I lost my mind a bit... Uh, sorry."

    "I understand, Kamito-kun. You were clearly behaving oddly at the time."

    Confronted with Kamito bowing his head in apology, Fianna smiled with a chuckle.

    Then she blushed to her ears.

    "Uh... Keep what happened a secret, okay?"

    "Y-Yeah, of course..."

    After hearing Fianna''s quiet whisper, Kamito nodded repeatedly.

    ¡ªAt that moment, Kamito suddenly recalled a certain matter.

    "Speaking of secrets, about Greyworth¡ª"

    "...Yes."

    "I think it''d be best not to tell ire and the others for now. From their perspective, the Dusk Witch is someone they idolize. Telling them right now would be a big shock."

    "I agree that this would be more appropriate. After all, this is a rare day of celebration."

    "Yeah, let''s wait until after we meet up with Rubia before deciding the timing to let them know."

    Part 6

    It was evening.

    The celebration banquet tomemorate Mireille''s spirit contract officiallymenced in the castle''s spacious courtyard.

    Bonfires were lit all over the courtyard while the tables wereden with abundant delicacies.

    There was honey-roasted pigeon, turnip and lentil soup, and local river fish, a Laurenfrost specialty, steamed while wrapped in spices. Also, grilled deer steak, smoked quail eggs, barley bread fresh out of the oven and topped with cheese... At the time same, the wine cer was opened up to distribute quality wine to the local residents who had gathered here. As for children and people who could not drink, soda and fruit juice was prepared for them.

    "Looks very luxurious."

    Sitting at a table in a corner of the courtyard, Kamito remarked while eating bread.

    This was bread that had been deep-fried with a thick coating after being stuffed with a filling of meat and stewed vegetables. As a famous Laurenfrost specialty, it was so popr that it was rapidly all taken as soon as it was served.

    "Yes, I believe that by doing this, we can raise morale in the reconstruction efforts to some extent."

    While savoring hot wine, Rinslet replied. As a side note, the one directing the cooking in the kitchen was Rinslet herself. Although she could not personally cook due to the great quantities required, every dish without exception was an exquisite masterpiece in vor under her direction.

    On the altar set up in the middle of the courtyard, dressed in a ritual attire, Mireille was performing a dance together with her contracted spirit, the snow weasel.

    Despite being only nine years old, her dance performance was quite spectacr.

    "Rinslet-sama, the Lord of Ornore would like to greet you."

    "Understood, I shall be there presently."

    Called by head maid Natalia, Rinslet stood up. Starting from a while ago, she had been busy nonstop, rushing about to greet lords from various territories.

    ire, Ellis and Fianna were lining up respectively at the long lines for various popr dishes.

    At that moment, Kamito felt someone grab his sleeve and tug slowly.

    He looked back to see that Est had turned back into human form at some point. She was staring at him intently.

    "Est, is there anything you like? I''ll go get them for you."

    "Yes, I am hungry."

    Est nodded.

    "You worked really hard too, Est¡ª"

    After all, she had shed with Greyworth''s sword many times. An ordinary spirit probably would have shattered in the initial impact.

    Holding a te to carry the food, Kamito was just about to get up when¡ª

    "Could this little miss be a spirit?"

    A local olddy inquired.

    "Yeah, that''s right..."

    "Wow, just as I thought huh? This is my first time to see a humanoid spirit in my entire life... Thank you, thank you..."

    The olddy brought her palms together and started to pay respects to Est. Seeing that, the surrounding locals also gathered around to worship Est. Although it was widely known that the highest ranking spirits could take human form, chances for meeting humanoid spirits were extremely rare, even for the students enrolled at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    The residents brought tes piled with food to Est one after another.

    "Being worshiped by humans seems like a very distant memory... Ahm, ahm..."

    Served with enthusiastic hospitality, Est kept eating nonstop.

    ...Somehow, watching this scene felt very soothing for one''s soul.

    "Kamito, feed me too."

    "Yup, I got it."

    Kamito picked up a fresh hot donut and brought it to Est''s mouth.

    "Ahm... Very tasty, Kamito."

    "Ouch... Est, don''t eat me along with it..."

    Seeing Est trying to eat his fingers too, Kamito smiled wryly.

    "Meow meow!"

    This time, it was the hellcat''s turn to call out at Kamito''s feet.

    "Oh, Scarlet, you want some too?"

    "Meow..."

    Kamito picked up venison wrapped in vegetables and fed it to Scarlet.

    "Hold on, don''t start feeding Scarlet without permission."

    At that moment, ire and the girls returned with tes filled with food.

    "Oh, umm... I''ve brought your share too, Kamito-kun."

    "O-Okay..."

    After making eye contact, Kamito and Fianna blushed mildly as though recalling what had happened earlier, looking away in embarrassment.

    "So you brought your uniform."

    "Yes, I keep my clothes inside Georgios."

    After Fianna took her seat at the table, Kamito asked quietly:

    "Uh... Are you okay now?"

    "Y-Yes... Thanks to you, Kamito-kun, it has calmed down."

    Fianna nodded.

    "...What are they talking about?"

    Watching the two of them, ire frowned in puzzlement.

    Part 7

    The banquetsted untilte night. The local poption greatly enjoyed being treated to the celebration. However, since the star of the event, Mireille, was still a child, she had apparently gone to bed early.

    While listening to the orchestra''s music, Kamito also returned to the bedroom assigned to him.

    Although he inexplicably found Mi the maid present in his room, rolling about in his bed, she immediately smoothed out the sheets as soon as she noticed Kamito.

    "Well then, Kamito-sama, good night."

    After bowing her head respectfully, she took her leave.

    "...What was that about?"

    Puzzled, Kamito changed into pajamas andy on the bed.

    The bed was very soft andfortable.

    With his arms spread out, Kamito stared at the ceiling.

    The wound on his nk, supposed to be closed up, was hurting with a dull pain.

    (...Greyworth, I never expected you to be our enemy.)

    There was a palpable feeling of numbness still lingering on his two hands which he had used to engage the Witch in battle. This familiar sensation was one that he had experienced more than enough times three years ago.

    It had been so long since hest faced such fierce resistance. Besides, the number of elementalists capable of matching Kamito blow for blow were few to begin with, countable on one hand.

    His opponent at the de Dance final match three years ago, Luminaris the Pdin, Rubia Elstein with holy maiden powers, Lurie Lizaldia of the Numbers, Shao Fu of the Four Gods representing the Quina Empire, and Leonora the dragon knight of Dracunia...

    (...Speaking of Leonora, she helped me out again.)

    Back then, Leonora had no reason to assist Kamito in battle.

    The same went for the de Dance too. After challenging Kamito to a match and meeting defeat, she upheld her promise to go help Ellis and Rinslet.

    As fellow elementalists, she was truly a good opponent worthy of respect.

    In Rubia''s n, the deration of Legitimate Ordesia required seeking asylum from the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia. He was most likely going to meet Leonora there again¡ª

    Immersed in his thoughts, with eyes closed, Kamito soon fell asleep.

    Part 8

    ¡ªKamito, listen to me, Kamito, where are you...?

    Inside endless darkness that stretched without boundary... Her voice came.

    (Restia... Is that you?)

    Guided by the voice, Kamito felt his way around the darkness to advance...

    In the center of the lurking darkness, he saw a concentration of greater darkness standing there.

    It was the darkness spirit girl, sitting crouched there with her beautiful jet-ck wings closed.

    (Restia, I am here!)

    Towards her figure, Kamito desperately reached out¡ª

    "...!"

    Kamito woke to a start.

    (...A dream huh?)

    Wiping sweat from his brow, he slowly sat up.

    The sky outside was still dark, so it looked like dawn had note yet. Normally, he would be woken up by either Scarlet or the presence of Est in his bed. Very rarely would he open his eyes at such an hour.

    (...It''s been so long since Ist had a dream of Restia.)

    During the three years of wandering in search of Restia, there was almost never a night when he did not dream of her. Among them included both beautiful dreams from childhood and severe nightmares.

    But only in recent times did having such dreams be less and less frequent¡ª

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, a mild pain passed through his left hand. Kamito could not help but look at the back of his hand, but Restia''s disappeared spirit seal had not returned.

    This was an asional illusion. Perhaps fighting Greyworth might have stirred up his past memories with Restia¡ªReaching this conclusion, Kamito got out of bed.

    He somehow felt like he was no longer in the mood for sleep.

    After putting on a leather glove over his left hand, he exited the room.

    He had abandoned the glove after losing the spirit seal, but after Restia returned with her memories lost, he had started wearing it again.

    Kamito went through the corridor to reach the a balcony in the castle.

    The moon was still bright. Looking down at the courtyard below, he could see the ce littered with wine bottles and drunken soldiers and locals.

    After leaning on the railing and enjoying the night breeze for a while¡ª

    "Kamito, what are you doing...?"

    Suddenly, he heard a voice.

    He looked back to see ire arrive in her pajamas.

    "What''s up, ire?"

    "Hmm... I couldn''t sleep for some reason."

    "I see..."

    ire came up to Kamito and leaned her head against him.

    "ire, are you... drunk?"

    "Yes, a little... I might have drank too much."

    Her cheeks were a few shades redder. Usually a bit childish, ire''s appearance instantly looked gorgeous with her twintails untied and a tipsy expression. However, letting suchments loose would probably bring forth the ming whip, so Kamito kept quiet.

    ire looked out at the starry sky that was even more expansive than the Forest of Ice Blossoms and said:

    "Things have gotten huge in many ways."

    "Yeah, you''re right."

    Kamito nodded.

    "...It feels like I''ve experienced many things since meeting you."

    "Me too."

    Back when he first arrived at the Academy, Kamito''s mind waspletely upied with finding Restia.

    But now, they were about to be swept into a war to decide the world''s fate¡ª

    "Back then, I was trying desperately to meet my sister. I did many reckless things, a-and caused lots of trouble for you too."

    "Well... After all, I almost got burned to charcoal as soon as we met."

    "Th-That was your fault for seeing me naked, Kamito... A-And you even said something about having no interest in a child''s naked body, didn''t you!?"

    "...Now that you mention it, I think you''re right."

    Thinking back, he had apparently said something quite awful at the time...

    "I-It was my first time to be seen naked by a boy, it was such a shock..."

    "It was my bad there... Sorry."

    Kamito apologized honestly.

    "But even though the way we met was so terrible¡ª"

    ire paused then continued.

    "Kamito, I think it was truly wonderful that I met you."

    ire lowered her head. Under the night''s darkness, it was hard to see her expression clearly. The reason why she could voice her true feelings honestly was because she was drunk, right?

    "Me too. I''m deeply grateful for the coincidence that allowed me to meet you in the Spirit Forest back then."

    Saying that, Kamito patted ire on the head.

    ¡ªYes, it was coincidence. It was only out of coincidence that Kamito, the Demon King''s reincarnation, had rescued ire and even contracted with Est.

    It was absolutely not destiny decided by someone¡ª

    That coincidence was far more precious than so-called destiny. That was what Kamito thought.

    "Kamito..."

    ire looked up and stared at Kamito.

    Then taking a deep breath as thoughmitting some kind of resolve¡ª

    "Uh, umm, Kamito... I-I..."

    ¡ªJust at that moment.

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed something glowing in the night sky.

    "That''s...?"

    The light source was approaching Winter Gulf Castle.

    It was a military ship''s searchlight.

    "Could it be the Imperial Knights?"

    "No, that''s... Nee-sama''s military ship!"

    At the same time as ire''s exmation¡ª

    The outline of the military ship, the Revenant, appeared from the other side of the Kyria Mountain Range.

 Volume 15, 3 - The Distance between Sisters

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 3 - The Distance between Sisters</h4>

    Part 1

    Dawn¡ª

    Under the rising sun''s rays, the modified military ship, the Revenant,nded in the Forest of Ice Blossoms near Winter Gulf Castle.

    The ship''s armor was king off severely with signs of damage all over.

    It must have had an intense battle against Ordesia''s Aerial Combat Knights in the imperial capital''s outskirts.

    Kamito and his team hastily got prepared and met up in front of the flying ship.

    "Natalia, I am leaving the rest to you."

    "Affirmative, we of the Wolf Ritters will do everything we can to protect Mireille-sama."

    The captain of the knights, Natalia, saluted with a straight posture. Behind her, everyone also saluted at the same time. Not just the Wolf Ritters but all the soldiers in the castle hade to see them off. This showed how much Rinslet was loved by the people of the castle.

    "Mireille, you have to listen to Natalia and Mi properly."

    "Don''t worry, Onee-sama. Until you return, I will definitelyplete Laurenfrost''s restoration."

    Mireille nodded in an exaggerated manner.

    "Mireille-sama, you can count on me."

    Mi Bassett whispered softly.

    "As a Laurenfrost daughter, I will do everything in my power too."

    "Judia..."

    Rinslet hugged her other sister tightly who was sitting in a wheelchair.

    "Somehow, it feels like thend of Laurenfrost will be fine."

    "Yes, with such excellent retainers, I feel there is no need to worry."

    ire nodded in agreement.

    Soon, the military ship''s hatch opened and a metal gangway descended.

    Next to appear was Rubia Elstein in military uniform.

    Gazing at Kamito''s group below, she said:

    "Fianna Ray Ordesia''s extraction has evidently seeded."

    "Yeah, except that the Murders merchant arranged by you betrayed us."

    Kamito answered her sarcastically.

    Back then, had Virrey the special operative knight not assisted them, Kamito andpany might still be wandering underground at the imperial capital right now.

    "So the Bald Rat betrayed us... The money paid to him should have been more than enough."

    "He took the Holy Kingdom''s side very readily. Don''t put too much trust in people who can be bought."

    "¡ªI shall bear that in mind."

    Saying that, she turned to Fianna.

    "Have you made your decision? Second Princess of the Empire, Fianna Ray Ordesia."

    "Yes, I shall serve as your pawn, Rubia-sama¡ªno, Rubia Elstein."

    Fianna looked squarely into Rubia''s eyes and replied fearlessly.

    The Cmity Queen and the Lost Queen¡ªprevious best friends at the Divine Ritual Institute in the past, their gazes crossed¡ª

    "Very well. A meeting will be held in half an hour. Rest in the ship first."

    With a flip of her military jacket, Rubia returned inside the military ship.

    "Oh, Nee-sama..."

    Just as ire called out to her... She closed her mouth again rapidly.

    "What is it?"

    "I still haven''t had a chance to talk with you properly, Nee-sama..."

    ire said sadly.

    Indeed, despite meeting again atst, the two of them had not had a conversation as sisters.

    Although Rubia gave a cold impression as though a single touch could set off her anger, Kamito wondered if that was because he did not know what she was like in the past. Perhaps back when ire was small, she had been very different from now.

    Perhaps a decisive change had urred to her past self that was familiar to ire.

    ...On that day when the insane Fire Elemental Lord had destroyed a town on earth.

    "Oh well, no need to be anxious. Before we reach Dracunia, there should be plenty of chances to talk."

    Kamito ced his hand on ire''s shoulder.

    "Hmm, I have not had a proper chat recently with my esteemed sister either."

    "...Y-You''re right. I''ll try."

    ire nodded and bit her lip hard.

    Part 2

    Kamito andpany got their belongings ready and boarded the ship. ire shared a room with Rinslet and Fianna whereas Ellis roomed with Velsaria.

    Kamito, Est and Restia had one room to themselves.

    "Uh, this ce, is it...?"

    Led by a girl working under Rubia, he opened the door to his assigned room.

    "Oh, Kamito..."

    Inside the room was Restia, dressed as a maid. She reacted with surprise on her face.

    With a small broom in her hand, it looked like she was currently tidying and cleaning the room.

    "So you have already arrived. I didn''t even notice..."

    "Because this room doesn''t have windows..."

    Kamito rested Est on the wall by the door and sat down on a bed''s edge.

    Unlike hisst time here, the room was different, very cleaned up.

    "It was so dirty before but now it''spletely different."

    "Since I am unable to help out with the ship, I wanted to do some cleaning and tidying at least... I enjoyed it very much."

    Restia put down her broom and sat down cautiously next to Kamito. Speaking of which, the corridor had also be sparkling clean, presumably thanks to Restia''s cleaning efforts.

    "Was it scary for you?"

    Kamito asked. To make it easier for Kamito''s team to infiltrate the imperial capital, the Revenant had gone to Ostdakia''s outskirts to draw the Imperial Knights'' attention. Judging from the crumbling armor, it must have been an intense battle.

    "Yes, it was very noisy outside, so scary. Thank goodness the red-haired person apanied me."

    "Rubia?"

    It was hard to imagine her doing that based on her icy demeanor. But after seeing that she had taken in the helpless orphan girls from the Instructional School, Kamito wondered if she might actually be very good at looking after others.

    (...After all, she even tamed Muir.)

    In that case, her attitude to her younger sister ire became even harder to understand¡ª

    "...However, I just had a very terrifying dream earlier."

    Restia said quietly.

    "A dream?...What was it like?"

    "Inside pitch-ck darkness. Inside icy cold darkness where there was nothing and no one. Although I clearly knew it was a dream, I could not wake up... It persisted like that."

    Kamito was shocked. He recalled how he had seen the same dream the night before.

    "Restia... Did you call out to anyone by any chance?"

    "...Um, I think I called your name..."

    "Really..."

    Kamito fell into deep thought and his gaze settled on his left hand in the leather glove.

    After waking up from the dreamst night, his left hand had hurt. Could it be due to the link from his contract with her, trying to reconnect itself?

    Suppose this was a sign that Restia was going to recover her memories, then it was nothing Kamito could want more. However, if her memories as Restia Ashdoll, the terminal of Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll, were to awaken, what would happen to this Restia?

    Perhaps, considering her personal happiness, it might be possible to have her live a peaceful life by leaving her like this without recovering her memories...

    "...What''s the matter?"

    Seeing Kamito suddenly withdrawn into silence, Restia showed a gaze of surprise.

    "Oh, it''s nothing... Don''t worry."

    Kamito hastily shook his head¡ªSuddenly, he noticed something.

    "Eh, where did Est go?"

    Est had somehow gone missing from where he had left her against the wall.

    Part 3

    After cing her belongings in the room properly, Rinslet left ire and Fianna to go to the galley on her own. She wanted to prepare a simple breakfast for everyone before the meeting started.

    (Minds will be slow without a breakfast...)

    Walking along the ship''s narrow corridor, she arrived before the galley whose location ire had told her about¡ª

    "...Huh?"

    Suddenly, she smelled something burning.

    ck smoke wasing out of the galley''s ajar door.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    Rinslet rushed hastily and pushed open the door.

    The stone stove inside the galley was on fire.

    Next to the stove, two identical girls inbat outfits were standing expressionlessly.

    "Fire." "Yes, it''s burning."

    They murmured quietly.

    Despite there being a pair of strange girls, Rinslet had no time to bother with them for now.

    "Th-The ship will catch fire... Come, Fenrir!"

    Rinslet hastily summoned Fenrir.

    The white wolf appeared out of thin air to open his great jaws, producing a violent blizzard.

    The mes disappeared instantly, leaving glittering ice crystals fluttering in the air.

    "Wow." "Amazing."

    The twins apuded. Their motions were very synchronized.

    "W-What are you two doing!?"

    Arms akimbo, Rinslet yelled.

    "...?" "...?"

    The twins tilted their heads together.

    They were roughly the same age as Judia, around twelve or thirteen. Judging from their clothing, they were probably Instructional School orphans taken in by Rubia as subordinates.

    "Making breakfast." "More people, tried higher heat setting."

    "...Are you two normally in charge of cooking?"

    Hearing Rinslet''s question, the twins shook their heads in unison.

    "Normally, the Cardinal does it." "But she seems busy today, so we tried to help."

    "I see... That is certainly admirable, but I never expected the Revenant to almost crash and burn from a fire before issuing the deration of Legitimate Ordesia..."

    Having prevented the worst-case scenario, Rinslet breathed a sigh of relief.

    "How about letting me take over here?"

    When Rinslet asked that...

    "Don''t butt in." "Outsider help not wee."

    The twin girls red at Rinslet together.

    Although they were children, they were assassins raised by the Instructional School after all. Their gaze were so sharp that Rinslet could not help but feel a chill.

    However, she had her own reasons for not backing down. Rinslet could not tolerate another fire hazard on the ship.

    "In that case, allow me to teach you how to cook. That would be fine, wouldn''t it?"

    "..." "..."

    Faced with Rinslet''s suggestion, the twins looked at each other then nodded at the same time.

    "In that case." "Fine."

    "Then let us begin with the basics of breakfast, sugar toast."

    Rinslet snapped her fingers and Fenrir produced ingredients from his mouth.

    "May I have your names?"

    "Velka." "Delia."

    "Good names. Velka and Delia, I will first teach you how to beat eggs."

    "Got it." "Understood."

    Several minutester...

    The aroma of sugar toast filled the entire galley.

    "Smells so good..." "Looks very tasty."

    Looking at the frying pan, the twins'' eyes were glimmering.

    "The secret trick is to let the cinnamon''s vor out... Oh my?"

    At that moment, Rinslet spotted Est''s lonely figure, standing at the door.

    "Miss Sword Spirit, what''s the matter?"

    It was very rare to find Est walking around alone without Kamito by her side.

    "I am the older sister, so I have to be tolerant."

    "..Older sister?"

    Unable to understand what Est meant, a question mark floated over Rinslet''s head.

    "By the way, I smelled an aroma. What are you doing, snack person?"

    "Uh, my name is not snack person, please..."

    Rinslet shrugged with a troubled look.

    Est was not the only one. All the spirits living in Areishia Spirit Academy recognized Rinslet as the "snack person" who would share leftover snacks with them, secretly worshiping her.

    Est stood on tiptoe to peer at the frying pan.

    "I am currently making breakfast for everyone."

    "Bean curd?"

    "Although it''s not bean curd, bacon quiche is delicious too, you know?"

    "Then let me help out¡ª"

    Est disappeared into thin air. In the next instant, what appeared in Rinslet''s hand was¡ª

    "This is a... kitchen knife?"

    Rinslet widened her eyes.

    The silver-white kitchen knife was light as a feather and excellent to handle.

    ...This was Est''s newest transformation, the Demon yer Kitchen Knife.

    "Th-Then I gratefully ept the offer..."

    Rinslet was just starting to gently slice the bacon when¡ª

    "Amazing, a gentle push is enough to cut through."

    The thick bacon was cut into thin slices in no time. Next were the onions, finished rapidly with flowing motions like running water. The cross-sections were extremely smooth, looking as though one could put the sliced pieces together to make aplete onion again.

    "Such iparable sharpness, I don''t tear up at all even when cutting onions!"

    Rinslet could not help but exim. Behind her, the twins apuded.

    "Master, amazing." "The spirit is amazing too."

    "¡ªI am a sword spirit. This is nothing."

    In kitchen knife form, Est replied indifferently.

    ...Unbeknownst to Rinslet herself at the time, she had be the third wielder of the Demon yer in history after Sacred Maiden Areishia and Kamito.

    Part 4

    "Jeez, where on earth did Scarlet go?"

    ire looked around while making rounds inside the ship. Scarlet had disappeared without her noticing back when she was arranging her belongings in her room.

    "And I wanted to feed her some treats..."

    Although she could call Scarlet with a summoning, it would be too much of a waste to expend precious divine power on something like that.

    It looked like Scarlet was not inside the ship, so that left the outside. ire went up the steps to the deck.

    Only to see¡ª

    "Oh..."

    As soon as she opened the door to the deck, ire was taken aback.

    At the front of the ship, she could see crimson hair fluttering in the wind like fire.

    This was the image of her back, whom ire had been chasing after since childhood.

    "What''s the matter?"

    A re from those silently burning eyes of ruby made ire feel like running away.

    (...W-What''s with running away? I have to have a proper talk.)

    ire tried hard to stand firm then looked resolutely into her sister''s eyes.

    "Oh, umm, uh..."

    Nervous, she could not find her words for a moment. Although she wanted to have a proper conversation, faced with her dramatically changed sister, what exactly should she say...?

    "Do you have business with me, ire Rouge?"

    Rubia spoke at this time. Unlike the gentle older sister from the past, her voice was very cold.

    Pierced by the sharp gaze, ire could not help but look away.

    With her gaze settled elsewhere, she could see Scarlet at Rubia''s feet, worriedly watching the sisters.

    ...Speaking of which, Scarlet was very close to her sister to begin with. Back when Scarlet chose ire instead of Rubia as her contractor, all the retainers at the Elstein household had found it unbelievable.

    Under the awkward silence, Scarlet skipped and ran back to ire''s feet. ire gently picked up the hellcat spirit and took a deep breath.

    "N-Nee-sama... I saw Father and Mother at Elstein."

    "Is that so¡ª"

    Rubia answered without any change in expression.

    "...They are both worried about you, Nee-sama."

    The parents never bore a grudge against her elder sister.

    Even though they did not know the reason why she had betrayed the Fire Elemental Lord to be the Cmity Queen, to this day, they still believed in her¡ªBut ire had not been able to convey this.

    "...What meaning is there in telling me this?"

    "...Nee-sama..."

    ire was at a loss for words.

    However, she mustered her courage and looked up again.

    "I hope for the day when I can return to Elstein, together with Mother, Father... and you, Nee-sama, to live together. So¡ª"

    "Rubia Elstein is an existence that has already been banished from this world. I have no intention to get involved with the dukedom of Elstein again."

    Rubia interrupted ire.

    "Presently, I am the Cardinal who has awakened from Inferno. Also, you are not my sister either."

    "...!"

    Hearing such merciless words, ire froze in shock.

    The one before her eyes, was truly no longer the elder sister whom ire knew so well.

    Tears appeared in her ruby-like eyes.

    "So your soul is still trapped by vengeance directed at the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    "...Indeed. Even now, my soul is left to burn in Inferno."

    After saying that quietly, Rubia went directly to where ire hade from. ire found herself unable to even lift a finger. Just as she passed by ire''s shoulder, she nced at Scarlet held in ire''s arms and said:

    "You still have not fully brought out your contracted spirit''s true power¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    "In order to convey your thoughts, you must take control ofmensurate power. Otherwise, there is nothing to say."

    "Nee-sa¡ª"

    ire wanted to make her stay, but her voice could not reach Rubia.

    With her long and beautiful crimson hair fluttering behind her, Rubia disappeared into the steps leading into the ship.

    Hugging Scarlet, ire stood there motionlessly.

    (I-I still haven''t fully brought out Scarlet''s true power...?)

    Held against her bosom, Scarlet looked up at ire with an expression of puzzlement.

    Part 5

    Reunited with Restia, Kamito chatted with Restia for a while then made his way to the ship''s conference room when it was time. Although he was curious about Est''s disappearance, he dismissed it as something that happened often after all. She was probably taking a stroll inside the ship.

    "Hmm, what''s this aroma I smell..."

    He pushed open the conference room''s door to look¡ª

    "Oh dear, Kamito-san, you are the earliest to arrive."

    Holding a pot of ck tea, Rinslet turned around.

    On the table in the conference room with solemn decor, a very delicious breakfast wasid out.

    A mini-sd made from several kinds of vegetables, fluffy sugar toast, spinach and bacon quiche, fresh milk, and fruit yogurt for dessert.

    "You made breakfast for us? I''m amazed you did that in such short time..."

    Kamito could not help but offer praise.

    Thanks to Greyworth''s education, Kamito could be considered a cook, but it would be asking for the impossible if he had to prepare breakfast for so many people in such short time.

    "I didn''t do it alone. It was all thanks to Velka and Delia''s assistance."

    "...Velka and Delia?"

    Kamito asked in response. At that moment...

    "Master, the teacups are here." "Master, what do we do next?"

    Two identical girls poked their heads in from the gap in the door.

    "It''s fine now. Both of you worked very hard."

    Rinslet patted the two of them on the head.

    "Understood¡ª" "Master praised us¡ª"

    The twins ran noisily along the corridor after saying that expressionlessly.

    By Velka and Delia, she was apparently referring to the twins. Judging from theirbat outfits under the aprons, they were probably Instructional School orphans taken in by Rubia.

    "That''s amazing. I can''t believe you totally tamed assassins from the Instructional School..."

    Kamito muttered while he sat down. Next...

    "Kamito, I helped out too."

    "Est?"

    Under the table, Est poked her head out.

    "What? So you went to the galley, huh?"

    "Miss Sword Spirit helped in cutting ingredients."

    Rinslet exined.

    "No fingers were cut, right?"

    "No, I only cut ingredients, Kamito."

    Est nodded.

    ...Kamito never thought Est would turn herself into a kitchen knife.

    As thoughpeting against Restia, who was seated on Kamito''s left, Est took over the seat to his right.

    "Good morning, Miss Sword Spirit."

    "...Good morning to you, darkness spirit."

    However, when Restia greeted her with a smile, Est also returned the greeting politely.

    ...Somehow, it felt like Est''s rtionship with the amnesiac Restia was pretty good.

    "Oh my, this is the fragrance of ck tea."

    Soon after, Fianna and Ellis entered the room.

    "Which varieties of ck tea would you like, everyone?"

    "I would like to have Laurenfrost tea leaves, please."

    "Same for me."

    "I want to add honey and milk¡ª"

    After everyone indicated their preference, the two girls sat down opposite to Kamito.

    "Ellis, how''s Velsaria?"

    Kamito asked the question, since the two of them were supposed to share a room¡ª

    "My esteemed sister is recuperating in the room. It seems that she pushed herself too much during the battle against the Imperial Knights."

    With a slightly depressed look, Ellis answered.

    She had disyed the Elemental Panzer''s astounding destructive power back when Kamito''s group were imprisoned at the Academy town. Due to its massive strain on her health, its operation time was apparently limited to only a minute, but reportedly, Velsaria had fought with power beyond the limit in order to buy time for Kamito''s team to infiltrate the capital.

    "...I see. I should visit herter."

    "Hmm, if youe, I think my esteemed sister will be happy."

    At that moment, ire entered.

    "...?"

    Seeing her appearance, Kamito felt strange.

    ...She did not look too energetic. A bit distracted.

    "ire, what happened? You don''t look too well."

    Noticing her childhood friend''s change, Rinslet asked with concern.

    "R-Really? You''re imagining it. Just your imagination."

    ire hastily shook her head and answered in a cheerful voice as usual.

    "Looks like a very delicious breakfast. Oh, it''s my favorite sugar toast!"

    (Your acting is a bit fake...)

    ...Did something happen between her and Rubia?

    A while after everyone had sat down, Rubia was thest to appear.

    "¡ªAll present I see. Well then, let me exin the n from this point onwards."

    Kamito did not miss it. At that moment, ire had awkwardly avoided eye contact.

    Part 6

    "¡ªWith this, we will cross the border to seek refuge in the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia."

    Rubia spoke after taking her seat.

    Everyone nodded silently. Since they had already heard about this before infiltrating the imperial capital, there were no questions raised.

    "Will it really be okay? I don''t want to be shot down as soon as we cross the border."

    "Nothing of that sort will happen. We have already reached an agreement with the other side."

    "Why Dracunia in particr?"

    Fianna asked.

    "There are two reasons. First of all, Dracunia''s interests are aligned with ours¡ªonce the Ordesia Empire bes the Holy Kingdom''s puppet state, the bnce of power between the various nations on the continent will be broken. The Dragon Nation is very concerned about that. Secondly, the Dragon Nation has the military might to deter the Empire from making a move. Otherwise, there would be no point in asking them to back us."

    So that was the situation. Dracunia was not the only nation opposing the Holy Kingdom. There were others such as the Principality of Rossvale, but without the necessary military power to support them, those countries would not be able to protect the Legitimate Ordesia that existed in name only.

    On that level, Dracunia the military state was definitely a reliable choice. Although the nation''s overall resources were inferior to Ordesia, the strength of its military power was enough to intimidate its neighboring countries. With internal strife unresolved, even Ordesia would not dare to invade the Dragon Nation recklessly.

    "By the way, I can''t believe you even had contacts in Dracunia..."

    Kamitomented.

    "Aren''t you backed by the Theocracy and the Demon King Cult?"

    "The Theocracy intended from the start to exploit all the value they can extract before disposing of me. Hence, I consider them merely my previous insurance. After all, I know that Dracunia''s Dragon King is interested in the n to assassinate the Elemental Lords."

    "What do you mean?"

    Hearing that, Kamito frowned.

    The n to assassinate the Elemental Lords¡ªThis was Rubia''s n intending to bring about Kamito''s awakening as the reincarnation of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power so that he could assassinate the Elemental Lords while entering an audience with them as a de Dance victor.

    Dracunia''s Dragon King had expressed interest in that n, in other words¡ª

    "...The Dragon King is opposed to the Five Great Elemental Lords?"

    "Dragon King Bahamut used tomand forces on the Darkness Elemental Lord''s side during the Spirit War between the Five Great Elemental Lords and the Darkness Elemental Lord. Hence, that king continues to regard the Elemental Lords as enemies."

    "The Dragon King is a spirit on the Darkness Elemental Lord''s side..."

    Looking at the Water Elemental Lord''s seal on her left hand from Iseria, Rinslet whispered quietly.

    "I see now. It must be for the same reason that Dracunia is opposed to the Holy Kingdom which now holds the Fire Elemental Lord, right?"

    "Probably yes... However, the Dragon King apparently has other designs¡ª"

    "Other designs?"

    "I am not too sure on the veracity of that."

    Rubia said.

    "However, there is no need to be concerned with that. Regardless, our interests are aligned. So long as we share the Holy Kingdom as amon enemy, we will be able to keep using this nation of Dracunia."

    To exploit everything avable in order to achieve a goal. Orphans from the Instructional School, militarized spirits, Murders, the Alphas Theocracy, the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord, Restia, Velsaria, and now Dracunia¡ªThat was probably her resolve as an avenger.

    "Next, I shall issue the deration of Legitimate Ordesia under Dracunia''s protection, is that right?"

    When Fianna asked, Rubia nodded calmly.

    "Indeed. At the same time, expose and condemn the rtionship between Arneus the foolish ruler and the Holy Kingdom. Although the neighboring nations will likely choose to observe for the time being, within the Empire itself, the anti-Arneus faction and some of the neutral nobles will probably respond to us. Ordesia will then be divided into two. We will make use of that chaos and use Dracunia''s military power for support to seize the imperial capital back from Arneus'' control."

    "This will develop into arge-scale civil war..."

    "Yes, but you should have prepared yourself already."

    "Yes, I know very well..."

    Fianna nodded with determination.

    "However, with that, it would seem especially regrettable that we were unable to rescue Headmistress Greyworth at the imperial capital..."

    Ellis murmured quietly.

    Hearing that, Kamito and Fianna looked at each other.

    "Yes, if only we could get Areishia Spirit Academy on our side."

    "Oh, about that..."

    Kamito spoke up. After all, the issue could not stay secret forever.

    "What is it, Kamito?"

    Ellis asked with a surprised look.

    "Greyworth has fallen into the hands of the Holy Kingdom. She''s hostile to us now... I think."

    "What did you say!?" "What happened!?"

    Ellis and ire widened their eyes. Even Rubia could not help but frown.

    "Kamito, what is going on?"

    "I don''t really know what happened either. It''s just that those Holy Kingdom people seem to have done something to Greyworth."

    Kamito recounted everything he had seen and heard at the time. Currently, Greyworth looked like a young girl and had recovered the power from her peak condition. The one controlling her was the Holy Kingdom cardinal, Millennia Sanctus, who was there with her.

    "No way... The headmistress, I can''t believe she became our enemy..."

    iremented in surprise.

    Ellis and Rinslet were equally shocked, unable to speak.

    "Is there any method to undo the headmistress'' brainwashing?"

    "...None at the moment, but I will absolutely find one."

    "However, in the event that you cannot¡ª"

    Rubia spoke this time.

    "Are you able to kill that Dusk Witch?"

    "Well¡ª"

    Kamito was rendered speechless. At that very moment...

    A loud siren started ring in the ship.

    Part 7

    As soon as Kamito andpany arrived on the deck, they saw the enemy fleet in formation up ahead.

    Three Wyvern-ss escort vessels and one Gigantes-ss battleship. This lineup was sufficient to shoot down the Revenant, a mid-sized military ship, despite its modifications.

    "The Empire''s Aerial Combat Knights, huh? They moved faster than expected."

    While observing with a cylindrical telescope, Rubiamented.

    "So they intend to shoot us down before we cross the border huh..."

    "Is there any way to shake them off our trail?"

    Rinslet asked.

    "We have the advantage in speed, but the fleet has blocked our route of advance. If we make a detour, I fear we may be caught in a pincer attack from additional reinforcements."

    "So breaking through is the only way huh..."

    Kamito crossed his arms and muttered.

    "Does this Revenant have anti-ship weapons?"

    "Compared to the battleship on the other side, virtually nil. The remodeling was limited to mobility."

    "In other words, we''ll be blown to bits in a direct fight."

    "Shall I head out to persuade them?"

    Fianna suggested then.

    Indeed, there were people within the Empire''s military that were dissatisfied with the current emperor, Arneus. If they were lucky, perhaps the entire fleet might change allegiance.

    "Unfortunately, that probably will not work..."

    Ellis interjected.

    "Why is that?"

    "The gship''s banner belongs to Dame Arakeel of the Numbers. She has a straiced personality and therefore extremely loyal to the Ordesian throne. I do not expect her to be swayed."

    "Arakeel... That blockhead, stubborn as a rock. Indeed, she is not one to listen to others."

    Fianna sighed and shrugged.

    At that moment...

    "I shall sortie¡ª"

    A voice came from behind Kamito''s group.

    Limping on one leg, Velsaria appeared from the hatch.

    "Velsaria, is it okay for you to walk?"

    "...Hmph, this is nothing... Cough, huff..."

    "Esteemed sister¡ª"

    Velsaria groaned in pain, falling to her knees. Ellis rushed over to support her.

    "Velsaria Eva, you are in no state to mobilize. If you use the Elemental Panzer now, know that you will turn into an utter wreck."

    Rubia dered icily.

    "No matter, I am one who has died once already."

    Saying that, Velsaria grabbed the Blood Stone hanging on her neck.

    "Stop it, you idiot!"

    Kamito swiftly caught her hand.

    "Ah, ooh... Y-You impudent knave, m-my, m-my hand...!"

    Instantly, Velsaria blushed to her ears.

    "I will find a solution here. Just leave it to me¡ª"

    "By finding a solution... Kamito, what is your n?"

    Hearing that, ire asked.

    "I will assault the gship and eliminate themander. Using that opening, you guys find a way to break through."

    "It seems that is the only option open to us¡ª"

    Rubia nodded in agreement.

    "Kamito, you are unable to fly, right? I shall deliver you to the fleet."

    "Yeah, counting on you¡ª"

    Faced with Ellis'' suggestion, Kamito nodded. Back in the Sylphid Knights, he had teamed up with Ellis plenty of times. With her, he had tacit coordination and understanding requiring no need for special training.

    "Est, please turn into twin swords this time."

    "Yes, I am Kamito''s sword, your wish is mymand."

    Kamito held Est''s hand and poured in divine power. Instantly, a pair of swords appeared in his hands, one ck and one white. The dual wielding form wasparatively lower in the consumption of divine power and very suitable for chaotic battles on ships.

    (...I''ve got to be careful not to get swallowed by Ren Ashdoll''s power again.)

    "I-I''ll go too!"

    Holding metongue, ire spoke.

    "ire..."

    "No. As you are now, you will only be a burden."

    "Nee-sama..."

    Hearing Rubia''s cold words, ire bit her lip hard.

    "Sorry, if I had to carry two people at the same time, I will lose mobility."

    "...I-I got it, okay."

    When rejected by Ellis as well, ire gave up.

    However, Kamito appreciated her goodwill greatly. He patted ire on the head.

    "H-Hwah... W-What are you doing, jeez..."

    "Wait for me. I''ll finish this quick and be back."

    Standing at the deck''s front, Ellis summoned her demon wind spirit.

    "¡ªTime to depart, Kamito!"

    "Yeah!"

    Kamito held Ellis'' hand and they flew into the blue sky.

    Part 8

    "Kamito, do not let go of my hand under any circumstance¡ª"

    "Yeah, I know¡ª"

    Kamito nodded. It would be over if he let go; he would fall straight to the ground.

    "O-Of course, I do not mean for a lifetime or anything like that!"

    "S-Say what again?"

    Weaving through the artillery fire raining down upon them, Ellis controlled wind magic to fly acrobatically. With her amazing speed, she closed in on the formation of ships ahead of the Revenant.

    Kamito could see the situation on the enemy decks. Probably not expecting a lone elementalist to attack directly, the Aerial Combat Knights were thrown into confusion. Almost all the knights on the ships were elementalists controlling flying spirits, but in terms of speed, Kamito was going to reach the deck faster than they could sortie.

    "S-Shoot them down!"

    Standing in formation on the decks, the knights fired countless arrows of spirit magic.

    "¡ªIing, Kamito, take care not to get shot!"

    "Taking care is... Whoa!"

    Ellis unleashed wind to further elerate. She zigzagged in the air to skillfully dodge the curtain of spirit magic projectiles. With his view spinning, unable to tell up from down, Kamito did his best to hold onto Ellis'' hand.

    Although an arrow brushed past his cheek, scaring him for a moment there¡ª

    However, Ellis avoided all attacks perfectly.

    "Great job. Ellis, the sky is your domain!"

    "But it is impossible to get close to the ship like this¡ª!"

    While dodging the second wave of magical projectiles, Ellis cried out. Indeed, if they got stalled here, the Aerial Combat Knights were going to deploy their elemental waffen to intercept them directly.

    Even for Kamito, Aerial Combat Knights were not easy to handle.

    At that moment, a huge number of magical arrows flew at the two of them...

    ...were struck down by a rain of arrowsing from behind, exploding in midair.

    Kamito looked back, only to see¡ª

    Rinslet standing on the Revenant''s prow, holding her bow of magic ice.

    Unbelievably, she was able to shoot from that distance to strike down every enemy arrow.

    She tossed her long tinum blonde hair and made a thumbs-up sign proudly. After the rigors of the de Dance tournament, Rinslet''s archery skills had improved dramatically.

    Tiny crystals of crushed ice spread in the atmosphere, covering the view of Kamito and Ellis.

    With the rain of arrows interrupted during this opening, there was no reason not to take advantage of it¡ª

    "Now is the moment to charge, Kamito!"

    "Yeah, counting on you!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk in response to Kamito''s voice.

    "Kamito, hold on to the spear''s shaft¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    "Hurry¡ª"

    Kamito did as told and grabbed Ray Hawk.

    "Then off you go¡ª"

    A rumbling and fierce storm began to gather at the spear tip.

    Figuring out what Ellis was intending, Kamito could not help but cry out.

    "Hold, are you for real!?"

    "Of course. Break through the wind¡ªFahrengart style of the spear, Flying Strike!"

    Ellis used all the divine power in her body tounch Ray Hawk with Kamito holding on to the spear.

    "O-Ohhhhhhhhhh!"

    The power of the wind, concentrated on the spear, was released all at once, turning it into a projectile of godlike speed.

    Strike. The spear tip pierced the deck''s surface¡ªIn that instant, an explosion urred.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    With explosive noise, the gigantic ship shook. The wooden floorboards were lifted up in a radial pattern, flying away from the deck with a scattering of debris.

    Before the impact, Kamito had already let go tond with a crouching stance.

    After evading the shockwave, he instantly stood up.

    (...Quite crazy method, but oh well, it is quite efficient¡ª)

    While smiling wryly, he swiftly checked out his surroundings. Near the center of the explosion, Aerial Combat Knights had copsed after getting blown away. They probably did not have enough time to chant defensive magic.

    Standing upright on the ship, Ray Hawk turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    Ellis'' job was done. Next up¡ª

    (It''s my turn to enter the stage¡ª)

    Kamito drew two copies of the Demon King''s Sword, wielding one in each hand.

    "S-Surround him! "The enemy is only one man!"

    One after another, knights not caught in the shockwave began to surround Kamito with elemental waffen in their hands.

    However, it was a poor decision.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    The ck and white shes traced out arcs to sweep away the surrounding knights. Easily breaking through the encirclement, Kamito ran towards the back of the military ship.

    (Where''s themander?)

    While taking down knights in his path sessively, Kamito looked for themander. Logically speaking, Ordesian knights would stand personally on the deck to give directions.

    At that moment¡ª

    (¡ªFound her.)

    A blonde knight was standing openly at the bridge.

    Despite being surrounded by chaos, she remained firm and unwavering.

    Most likely, she was Dame Arakeel of the Numbers.

    Sweeping away the glowing projectiles of spirit magic,ing from all directions, Kamito kicked the ground to gain speed.

    "Oh? Toe forth singlehandedly, how foolish¡ª"

    The Numbers knight¡ªDame Arakeelughed lightly and jumped down from the bridge.

    "Be strength in my hand¡ªcksmith spirit Vulcanus!"

    While she was yelling, gauntlets with shields merged with them appeared on her hands.

    The heavy armor caused the ship''s floorboards to sink.

    Judging from the form of the elemental waffe, she seemed to be a power-type elementalist.

    (I can''t waste too much time¡ª)

    Kamito closed in instantly and lunged at her torso.

    Aiming at a gap between the armor, he swung the two Demon King''s Swords.

    However, Arakeel instantly readied her shields and effortlessly blocked Kamito''s attack.

    (I knew it, rtively low-power attacks won''t work huh¡ª)

    Kamito clicked his tongue mentally. Then¡ª

    Arakeel swung her gauntlet-d fist.

    "...!"

    Kamito jumped sideways in the nick of time to evade the attack.

    However, the ensuing wave of attacks struck him. Kamito was blown away.

    (...W-What''s with this monstrous strength!?)

    Kamito instantly renewed his stance and readied the twin swords.

    Arakeel charged with great momentum, unleashing a fierce punch.

    Kamito poured divine power into the twin swords, straining to block the punch.

    Sparks scattered around instantly.

    (...Not bad, it''s so heavy¡ª)

    Witnessing the power of the Empire''s strongest, the Numbers, Kamito could not help but click his tongue.

    This was not a punch with strength alone. Instead, it was the pinnacle of martial artsbining offense and defense into one.

    "Pretty good, brat. Were you not an enemy, I would have wanted to enjoy this thoroughly."

    The heavy knight with the prim and proper face showed a savage grin. It looked like Ellis was right in calling her a straiced knight. The impression he got waspletely different from Leschkir.

    Creak creak creak creak... While blocking the punches whose pressure kept increasing, Kamito spoke up.

    "...Say, could you temporarily turn a blind eye to that ship?"

    "What now? Are you begging for mercy?"

    "Arneus is the Holy Kingdom''s puppet. If you have the Empire''s interests in mind¡ª"

    "Hmph, you are truly blind to attempt persuasion. Every generation of my family consists of knights serving the imperial family. I will take orders from no one but the emperor alone!"

    "Like I said, that emperor is¡ª"

    "Shut up!"

    Arakeel''s fist shone with an intense sh of light. It was the glow of massive divine power.

    "...!?"

    Kamito kicked his opponent''s gauntlet to jump back. In the next instant, the fist of destruction shattered the ship''s floorboards with an impact strong enough to shake the entire vessel.

    (...I get it now. She really is as stubborn as a rock. Looks like there''s no way to convince her.)

    Kamito jumped onto the ship''s edge. Instantly, a rain of glowing projectiles from spirit magic fell towards him. This was not Arakeel attacking but cover fire from the spirit knights.

    (It''s time to decide the match, or else I''ll getpletely surrounded...)

    While using his twin swords to deflect the rain of magic arrows, Kamito closed in again.

    Arakeel''s defense was quite solid¡ªPrating it was the key.

    However, it was not like he could use Absolute de Arts repeatedly. The Absolute de Arts consumed a great amount of divine power to enhance the body. Once he ran low on divine power, that power of Ren Ashdoll''s might start devouring him again.

    (¡ªI don''t want to be the Demon King again.)

    Hence, he had to create an opening sufficient to defeat the enemy. And he already had an idea.

    "Assassination technique¡ªTwin Snakes!"

    Closing in the enemy from the front, Kamito released a sharpbination of strikes.

    "This type of attack is useless against my Vulcanus!"

    "Yeah, that maybe true¡ª"

    Arakeel widened her eyes.

    Indeed, the haphazard shes from the twin swords were part of Kamito''s move for making the opponent underestimate him.

    Blocking the attack easily, Arakeel was about to counterattack when in that instant¡ª

    (¡ªEst, Mode Shift.)

    ''Yes, Kamito.''

    The Demon King''s Sword''s dual sword form vanished. What appeared in Kamito''s hands was the Demon yer.

    This was the true form of the strongest sword spirit, Terminus Est.

    Arakeel''s blue eyes widened.

    The weapon''s sudden transformation made her react a beat too slow.

    People capable of using elemental waffen with multiple forms were rare, but those who had mastered dual wielding and two-handed swords simultaneously were almost nonexistent.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Guh...!"

    Kamito''s full powered strike was blocked by Arakeel hastily with her gauntlets. However, she did not manage to dissipate the impact. An opening appeared in her stance, then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Sixth Form¡ªCrushing Fang!"

    The Absolute de Arts move for destroying weapons, which had defeated Hakua of the Four Gods during the de Dance, erupted.

    The gauntlets blocking the sword were shattered.

    "Gah¡ª"

    Faced with Arakeel who had lost her defense, Kamito swiftly positioned his de against her neck.

    Then¡ª

    "Stop all ships from firing! Otherwise, her life is gone!"

    In a voice loud enough to reach the entire deck, Kamito shouted.

    "No way, Dame Arakeel has been...!?" "C-Curse him, that male elementalist!"

    All the spirit knights surrounding Kamito changed expressions with rm.

    "Forget me! Kill this man¡ª"

    Arakeel called out loudly, but her subordinate knights did not move.

    ¡ªJust as Kamito predicted.

    Speaking of Ordesia''s Numbers, they were heroes among heroes, idolized by the masses. Furthermore, this knight called Arakeel seemed like she would be deeply trusted by her subordinates.

    Besides, this mission was not one that they undertook willingly. The Imperial Knights swore loyalty to the Ordesia Empire, not the imperial family¡ªThey would not go so far in following Arneus'' orders as to the point of sacrificing Arakeel''s life.

    The battleship''s artillery ceased firing. Soon after, the escort vessels also stopped their cannons.

    Using this opening, the Revenant advanced calmly.

    While threatening Arakeel with his sword, Kamito walked over to the ship''s edge.

    "Kamito, over here!"

    ire waved from the Revenant''s deck.

    Kamito took his sword away from Arakeel''s neck and said:

    "Sorry about that, let''s have a fight, fair and square, next time¡ª"

    Saying that, he jumped off towards the deck of the Revenant that was passing directly beneath the battleship.

    In an ideal situation, it would naturally be best to take Arakeel along as a hostage, but keeping a Numbers knight in captivity continuously would be quite a challenge. There was a possibility that she might rampage on the ship.

    Behind the Revenant, which had gotten past them, the Empire''s ships swiftly began to turn around. However, it was impossible for them to catch up to the remodeled Revenant''s full speed.

    "Well done, Kamito¡ª"

    Having returned to the ship first, Ellis raised her hand to high-five him.

    "Yeah."

    "Seriously, you solved the problem alone..."

    ire murmured quietly.

    Carrying Kamito andpany, the Revenant flew swiftly between the clouds.

    "Very soon, we will be crossing the border into the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia..."

    Fianna pointed at the Kelbreth Mountain Range, visible ahead.

 Volume 15, 4 - The Dragon King of Dracunia

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 4 - The Dragon King of Dracunia</h4>

    Part 1

    The sacred peak of the Kelbreth Mountain Range¡ªthe tallest mountains on the continent¡ªwas also the ce where more than half of all dragon species made their habitat.

    Apart from red dragons and ck dragons, there were also flying dragon types such as wyverns, ground dragons such as geodragons, and subspecies such as drakes. And at the pinnacle were the Demon King Dragon and the Lightning King Dragon, renowned as the strongest extant dragon species.

    Weaving between the those precipitous peaks, the Revenant continued its flight.

    One could look down at countless dragons gliding between the clouds¡ª

    (...In the end, we still had to rely on Kamito.)

    Leaning against a railing on the deck alone, ire sighed.

    Seeing Kamito fight amazingly as always, ire was totally stunned. After all, he had gone up against one of the Numbers, known as the strongest knights of the Empire, and was able to defeat her in short time.

    Her sister''s words reappeared in her mind.

    ¡ªYou still have not fully brought out your contracted spirit''s true power.

    (...I guess she''s right. At this rate, I''ll just end up being a burden.)

    ire had her pride as Kamito''spanion. However, that was ultimately limited to the de Dance, apetition requiring team effort.

    At this rate, she was never going to catch up to Kamito''s strength¡ªthat of the Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer.

    (...I wish to be able to fight alongside Kamito.)

    Then once she had acquired enough power so that he could entrust his back to her¡ª

    Perhaps she might be able to find the courage to convey the words and feelings she had failed to deliverst night.

    (...Now isn''t the time to be depressed. I''ve got to be even stronger.)

    Nodding, ire clenched her fists.

    Part 2

    The Revenantnded in a military port at the Grand Dracunia, the capital of the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia, located in the mid-levels of the Kelbreth Mountain Range.

    Leaving behind Velsaria who was in convalescence, Vivian Melosa and the Instructional School girls, Kamito andpany exited the ship.

    Compared to the Ordesia Empire''s imperial capital, Ostdakia, the climate here was much colder. Walking down the gangway in her maid outfit, Restia instantly shivered.

    "Are you okay, Restia?"

    "Th-Thanks..."

    Kamito took off his uniform jacket and draped it over her shoulders, prompting Restia to thank him.

    At that moment, a gigantic shadow appeared overhead.

    He looked up to see the Dracunian knights, riding flying dragons.

    "That''s¡ª"

    Kamito had recollections of their appearances.

    They were members of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor whom he had fought during the de Dance. And riding the especially gigantic ck dragon was precisely¡ª

    "I did not expect for us to meet again so soon, Kamito."

    "Leonora!?"

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    Indeed, this was precisely the one who had assisted Kamito at the imperial capital, Leonora Lancaster.

    Leonora jumped down gantly from the ck dragon''s back¡ª

    "Guests from Legitimate Ordesia, wee to the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia."

    She bowed her head solemnly towards Kamito''s group.

    "I, Leonora Lancaster, captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, am tasked with guiding Her Highness Princess Fianna and all of you to the castle in ordance with the Dragon King''s orders."

    "How polite. Thank you for your hospitality..."

    Fianna lifted her hem and curtsied with court etiquette in return.

    "...By the way, I never thought you''de out to receive us. Oh well, but I did expect to meet you here in Dracunia."

    Kamito scratched the back of his head as he spoke.

    "I was the one who volunteered to serve as a guide. Speaking of which, you are so bad. Since you were nning on escaping to the Dragon Nation, why didn''t you tell me earlier...?"

    Leonora grumbled with a sulk.

    Seeing the two of them interacting like that¡ª

    "Hmm, what the heck, they seem so close." "There is an air of intimacy!" "Kamito, when did you and Leonora-dono..." "Kamito-kun is an international Demon King of the Night, I see..."

    The youngdies behind him started to whisper between themselves.

    What the hell, international Demon King of the Night...

    "We have prepared a dragon carriage to transport you to the castle."

    "Dragon carriage?"

    "Well, it is like a horse-drawn carriage, except pulled by a dragon."

    Part 3

    The dragon carriage presented before Kamito''s group was a form of transportation much bigger than a horse-drawn carriage, sufficient for everyone to ride. It was pulled by a wingless dragon subspecies¡ªa gigantic kin of the ground dragon.

    After Kamito andpany boarded the carriage, it slowly made its way forward.

    It looked like a dragon with a massive body and strength but conversely low speed.

    The dragon carriage left the military port and advanced along a main road towards the dragon capital, Grand Dracunia. Apart from dragons circling in the sky, the scenery was not too different from that of the imperial capital. However,pared to Ostdakia, the architectural designs seemed more sturdy.

    Probably curious about what the streets looked like, sitting next to Kamito, Restia kept looking out the window, asking Kamito about this and that. Kamito was suddenly reminded of how things were like between him and Restia when walking in the streets, except with their roles reversed.

    "After reaching the castle, we will first pay respects to the Dragon King."

    Sitting opposite to Kamito, Leonora said.

    "That makes me feel nervous..."

    "Please do not breach etiquette in His Majesty''s presence. Otherwise, I cannot guarantee the safety of your life."

    Hearing Leonora''s warning, Kamito andpany exchanged looks.

    ...On further thought, Kamito realized he knew virtually nothing about the Dragon King.

    "Uh, how long ago did the Dragon King begin his reign here?"

    "Several hundred years ago."

    "That''s rtively recent. What was he doing a thousand years ago, during the Demon King War?"

    Interested, ire began to ask questions.

    "During the Demon King War, because His Majesty had yet to rule directly, hence he did not intervene in human conflicts. By the way, do any of you know why this nation is called a ''duchy''?"

    "...? Oh, now that you mention it¡ª"

    Prompted by Leonora''s question, Kamito realized it was a bit unusual for a country ruled by the Dragon King to be called a duchy. Normally, one would probably call it a kingdom.

    "Far back in history, this used to be a duchy. The current name is a relic from those times."

    In the past, the rulers of this Kelbreth Mountain Range was Duke Marfelion, the Dragon Duke, and his descendants. Although the Dragon King was already present in thesends, His Majesty did not actively make contact with humans. Like other high-ranked spirits, the Dragon King was enshrined in a temple as an object of worship.

    However, as time went by, the Dragon Dukedom''s rule began to enter a gradual state of decline. Foolish rulers who treated the popce as disposable property appeared one after another. Thus, the people gradually came to petition the Dragon King frequently for divine intervention. Finally, in ordance with the people''s wishes, Bahamut began to rule thesends.

    This happened 475 years ago¡ªLeonora concluded.

    "It was said that initially, the idea of a spirit ruling the human realm did elicit opposition. But now that Dracunia''s prosperity can be witnessed by all today, I suppose no one will raise any objections again."

    While they chatted, the dragon carriage passed through the city and entered a narrow and treacherous mountain path.

    A ce with sheer cliffs. Worried that the dragon carriage might fall down, Kamito remained apprehensive the whole time.

    "How unusual for the main castle to be outside the city."

    Rinslet remarked. Indeed, Nefescal Pce was situated in the town center of the imperial capital. Most pces in other countries were the same.

    "Because it was originally not a castle but a temple for worshiping His Majesty the Dragon King. If you think of it as a pce like in Ordesia, perhaps there is a sense of dissonance."

    Saying that, Leonora pointed to the pinnacle of the mountain range, visible outside the window.

    "Over there is the famous Dragon''s Peak."

    "Dragon''s Peak?"

    Kamito asked and looked out the window. The summit was shrouded by thick mist, obstructing a clear view. However, he could see many dragons circling there.

    "I''ve heard that it''s home to the only Demon King Dragon on the continent."

    "It used to be their inhabited by the great dark dragon, Vritra. ording to legend, Vritra engaged in widespread destruction and plunder after descending upon the human realm, but a thousand years ago, he was defeated by Sacred Maiden Areishia who hade here, and was thus sealed in a temple on the peak."

    "Eh... Hey Est, do you still remember about that time?"

    Kamito asked the sword beside him.

    "No, it is not in my memories."

    Est replied indifferently.

    After moving along the meandering mountain path for a while, the dragon carriage reached a great canyon.

    A stone bridge had been built across the valley, whose depths were too deep to see. A gigantic structure could be seen on the opposite side, carved out from a cliff.

    "Over there is Dracunia''s main castle, the Dragon Rock Fortressmonly known as the Stronghold."

    Part 4

    "¡ªGreetings, dear guests from Ordesia. Wee to the Dragon Rock Fortress."

    After they got off the dragon carriage at the za in front of the castle, female attendants serving at the castle immediately came forth to greet them.

    Passing through the massive iron gate, Kamito andpany followed Leonora to enter the castle.

    "Indeed, theyout ispletely different from Nefescal Pce..."

    Fianna examined the walls and ceilings and remarked.

    Rather than built from stone, it seemed to make use of the original gigantic cavern. The ceiling was designed to resemble stctites, with numerous spirit crystals embedded to give off light like dazzling stars. Many dragon reliefs were carved on the walls.

    "ire, do not touch without permission."

    "I-I know, okay..."

    Intending to touch a dragon relief, ire was warned by Ellis.

    (Somehow feels kind of nostalgic...)

    Recalling the Instructional School''s Cave Castle, Kamito had that thought. That being said, it was not a memory he liked to recall.

    "So big."

    ire sighed in admiration.

    "People unfamiliar with this ce can get lost. Please take care."

    "What a dangerous ce... Restia, please be careful not to get separated."

    "Y-Yes..."

    Kamito held her hand, causing Restia to immediately bow her head with a shy expression.

    Suddenly, Leonora stopped in her tracks with a surprised look.

    "Kamito, don''t tell me that you intend to bring your maid along to pay respects to His Majesty?"

    "...Huh? Oh, right¡ª"

    Indeed, from Leonora''s perspective, the current Restia was just a mere maid. Bringing her along for an official meeting would be far too rude.

    "Uh, Restia isn''t a maid, she''s¡ª"

    "Hold on¡ª"

    ¡ªAt that moment, Rubia, who had remained silent the whole time, pulled Kamito over by the arm and whispered in a voice too quiet for Leonora to hear.

    "It would be best not to take the darkness spirit along."

    "Why?"

    "The Dragon King was a trusted subordinate under the Darkness Elemental Lord''smand. Once her identity is exposed, it might pique the other side''s interest."

    "...Oh right."

    She had a very good point. It might be best to conceal Restia''s presence from the Dragon King. Otherwise, in the event that the Dragon King demanded to keep her by his side in memory of the Darkness Elemental Lord, then Kamito would be forced to fight the Dragon King.

    "I''m sorry, Restia... Can you wait for me a while?"

    "Very well, I understand."

    Kamito patted her on the head and Restia agreed obediently.

    "The room has been prepared already. Please follow me."

    As soon as Leonora gestured, a female attendant immediately hurried over to take Restia away.

    They continued to move forward in the cavern. Soon, the group reached a wide open space with a domed ceiling.

    The princess maidens in formal attire serving the Dragon King were lined up against the wall in a row to greet Kamito andpany.

    "This is the throne room?"

    "No, the throne room is up ahead."

    Leonora shook her head.

    "Please make preparations here to have an audience with His Majesty, everyone."

    "Make preparations?"

    Saying that, the princess maidens walked over while carrying baskets in their arms.

    "What preparations?"

    "Since you will be entering the presence of His Majesty the Dragon King, you cannot remain dressed like this."

    "Do we still need to change into ritual attire?"

    ire made a surprised expression.

    The uniform of Areishia Spirit Academy was formal ritual attire that was authorized for high-level ceremonies including the de Dance festival. Logically speaking, going in like this to have an audience should not be problem¡ª

    "No, it is fine to keep wearing these uniforms. However¡ª"

    "However?"

    "You must remove your underwear."

    "...EHHHHHHH!"

    Hearing Leonora''s instruction, ire and the girls all cried out in shock.

    Part 5

    "R-Remove our underwear, w-what is the meaning of this!?"

    "Princess maidens serving the dragons do not wear unclean underwear."

    Leonora answered seriously.

    (...Oh right, I think I remember something like that.)

    Indeed, during the de Dance, Leonora had not worn underwear either.

    Since walking out in the streets without underwear was dangerous in all kinds of ways, Kamito had picked some out for her.

    ...It looked like ire and the others did not know about this.

    "L-Lies... Lies, impossible...!"

    "H-How can such indecent attire be permissible!?"

    "Hmm, as the captain of the Sylphid Knights in charge of public morals, I-I absolute cannot agree to this."

    ire and the girls protested with red faces.

    "You must adhere to this rule if you are paying respects to the Dragon King. Once the fact that you are wearing underwear is exposed, His Majesty''s wrath would be incurred."

    "N-No way..."

    ire and the girls looked at one another with troubled looks.

    ...As expected, pure maidens like them would feel repulsed by such a requirement.

    ¡ªAt that very moment.

    "Obey the Dragon Princess'' instructions. That is the formal attire in thesends."

    Rubia spoke calmly.

    ire widened her eyes and asked:

    "N-Nee-sama will... remove your underwear too?"

    "I have already done so on the ship."

    Rubia dered openly....Holy crap.

    "...~Oooh... Sigh, fine..."

    ire sighed in resignation.

    "Hmm, since it is this country''s etiquette, it cannot be helped, right?"

    "I-I suppose..."

    Ellis and Rinslet also agreed reluctantly.

    "I go without them sometimes, so it doesn''t bother me."

    ...Finally the princess apparently murmured something strange to herself. Kamito really hoped he had heard wrong.

    At that moment, he suddenly remembered and asked Leonora.

    "Say, do I need to take mine off too?"

    "What... What do you intend to do after taking them off, you pervert!?"

    "What the heck!?"

    "Y-You are not some kind of pure maiden in the first ce! To think you intend to... e-expose that you-know-what in front of the Dragon King, what sacrilege!"

    Leonora shouted with her face red....What you-know-what?

    (Well, that''s actually a relief for me...)

    "Kamito, turn around. If you dare look back, I''ll roast you into charcoal."

    "Yeah, got it..."

    red at by the girls, Kamito turned to face the wall.

    After a while¡ª

    Rustle rustle. Rustle.

    With eyes closed, Kamito could hear the sound of clothing friction behind him.

    Say, why do they all have to strip here?

    ...Even just the sound was enough to make his heart start pounding.

    "...Ooh, s-so embarrassing..."

    "Hmm, th-there is a strange feeling."

    "Oh my, a cat embroidery. That is really cute. Where did you buy it?"

    "I-I think you can find it anywhere..."

    "I guess it must be the underwear store at the Academy town. Their underwear is famous for being adorable."

    "Hwahh, Rinslet, w-why did you say it out!?"

    "Hmm, I want to check it out too."

    "...A-And you, what''s with that underwear? I-Isn''t it too sheer?"

    "Fufu, I bought it when I returned to the capital."

    "Uh, isn''t that kind of fabric see-through? Too indecent."

    "Is that so? But Ellis, aren''t you wearing adorable panties too?"

    "Ah, w-what are you doing!?"

    "Oh my, isn''t this...?"

    "Y-Yes, this is the same style as what Ren Ashbell-sama wears."

    "¡ªWhat?"

    Kamito turned his back involuntarily.

    (...Oh crap!)

    In that instant, all the girls froze.

    "Hyah!" "K-Kamito-san!?" "K-Kamito!" "Oh my?"

    "S-Sorry!"

    Kamito hastily turned his head back.

    However, the scene had already been imprinted clearly on Kamito''s retinas.

    ire was wearing white panties with a cat embroidery.

    Rinslet''s was a pair of clear blue panties.

    Fianna''s was a pair of ckce panties with an adult vor.

    And Ellis was wearing... a pair of panties with cute frills.

    ...Of course, Kamito had no recollection of ever wearing such underwear.

    Presumably, it was one of those knock-offs taking advantage of Ren Ashbell''s poprity. Although there were many products in the market that used Ren Ashbell''s name without permission, he never expected them to go so far as to sell underwear.

    "...J-Jeez, you jerk, what the heck!? Turn into charcoal, charcoal!"

    "Kamito-san is dirty!"

    "Shameless!"

    The girls'' piercing gazes stabbed into Kamito''s back.

    Part 6

    "Oooh... As expected, I cannot calm down at all..."

    "Hmm, there is a breezy feeling on my legs..."

    Leaving the great space, ire and the girls murmured while walking along the corridor leading to the audience hall.

    "After you get used to it, you will find underwear ufortable instead."

    "This isn''t something I want to get used to..."

    ire groaned in suffering.

    After walking for a while, they reached a massive iron door at the end of the corridor.

    For human use, that door would be unnecessarily big.

    "...This is the Dragon King''s throne room."

    Leonora touched the center of the door with her hand and chanted some kind of incantation in spiritnguage.

    Next, the gigantic door slowly opened inward¡ª

    The throne room was a dark hall without any lighting.

    There seemed be arge set of steps inside. In terms of structure, it was quite simr to the Elemental Lords'' audience hall they had seen at the de Dance.

    Thud¡ªThe door closed behind them with the sound of great weight.

    In the next instant¡ª

    ''¡ªWee, humans.''

    A bizarre voice was heard as though it wereing from deep underground.

    "...!"

    Kamito andpany held their breaths.

    A blinding light appeared at the top of the steps. What then appeared was the silhouette of a gigantic "entity" sitting on the throne behind arge curtain draping down from the ceiling.

    That silhouette was like a "monster."

    Two gigantic curving horns. Six arms ending in hooked ws. Massive wings with vicious shapes.

    The silhouette of a monster like a powerful archdemon was sitting on the throne.

    (...That''s Dracunia''s Dragon King¡ªBahamut!)

    Simply by sitting there, he was already exuding an aura of overwhelming power.

    This was an archdemon-ss spirit¡ªno, this pressure even surpassed that of mythical-ss spirits that only resided in Astral Zero.

    "K-Kamito, what are you doing? Hurry and kneel down¡ª"

    With ire tugging on his sleeve, Kamito hastily knelt down.

    In front of the Dragon King''s terrifying presence, it seemed like almost everyone knelt down involuntarily.

    Silence descended.

    After that moment, which felt like an eternity, passed¡ª

    ''¡ªThou art the princess from the Ordesia Empire?''

    The shadow behind the curtain looked down at Fianna, who was bowing at in the front row, and spoke to her.

    "Yes, I am the Second Princess¡ªFianna Ray Ordesia."

    Fianna looked up at the Dragon King''s shadow and replied.

    ''¡ªI see. Such excellent spirit in thy eyes. Indeed, thou art of royal blood.''

    The Dragon King apparently saw Fianna''s aptitude with a single nce.

    ''¡ªThe recent political troubles must have been quite an ordeal for thee.''

    "Thank you for your concern. Regarding the assistance extended by Dragon Duchy of Dracunia and Your Majesty, I express my deepest gratitude as the monarch of Legitimate Ordesia¡ª"

    Fianna bowed solemnly again. Her elegant and dignified behavior exuded regal airs that one would not expect from her usual upfront and cheerful demeanor.

    ''Not at all. Supporting Legitimate Ordesia is also in Dracunia''s interests. That is all¡ª''

    The Dragon King''s roaring voice caused the air in the great hall to shake.

    ''If the current Ordesia Empire were to fall into the Holy Kingdom''s hands, my Dragon Nation shall be the next target. Ye existences ought to keep the Holy Kingdom in check.''

    ¡ªSo it was true that the Dragon King regarded the Holy Kingdom as an enemy.

    If the Dragon King intended to use Legitimate Ordesia as a card to y against the Holy Kingdom, that would be quite believable.

    ''Nevertheless, there is one condition before the Dragon Nation pledges to support ye.''

    "A condition..."

    Fianna looked up forcefully.

    Kamito nced at Rubia but did not see any change in expression. She must have expected the Dragon King to propose terms and conditions.

    ''Exhibit ye power in a test to see if ye are worthy of our support.''

    "...Understood. May I ask what the condition is¡ª"

    Fianna asked.

    ''The Alphas Theocracy was plunged into turmoil when their princess, Sjora Kahn, murdered the Hierarch. Dost thou know of this¡ª''

    "Yes."

    The Alphas Theocracy''s civil war was an issue that concerned all nations on the continent. Kamito had heard that Dracunia had sent a delegation consisting of Leonora and others as representatives at the All Nations Conference at the imperial capital and proposed the military intervention approach. However, due to the attempted assassination incident on the emperor, the conference''s progress had stalled¡ª

    ''Here is the condition I propose to ye¡ªRescue Sdia Kahn who was imprisoned during the coup d''etat.''

    The Dragon King''s voice boomed like thunder.

    "Sdia Kahn is the Theocracy''s second princess, isn''t she?"

    ''Indeed, she is a trump card against Sjora Kahn the usurper. She can serve as a g-bearer for the resistance army that is currently fighting to the very end. With her in our hand, Dracunia''s intervention in the Theocracy would unfold in a positive direction.''

    "For us to aplish that¡ª"

    ''Indeed. Helping to quell the Theocracy''s internal strife would add actual aplishments to the empty repertoire of Legitimate Ordesia. Once Sdia Kahn taketh back the throne, ye shall receive the Theocracy''s support in addition to Dracunia''s. ''Tis not an unfavorable condition for ye.''

    "...Indeed that is true."

    Fianna murmured softly.

    The Dragon King''s words were very logical. No, more urately, it was very correct from the standpoint of benefit analysis.

    Despite withdrawing from the All Nations Conference, Dracunia probably did not want to conduct military intervention in the Theocracy by themselves. Hence, they intended to have Legitimate Ordesia, which did not belong to any faction, to serve as their vanguard.

    In contrast to that monstrous appearance, the Dragon King''s methods were wise and worldly. Kamito could not help but click his tongue.

    "...I now understand the situation. May I have a moment for contemtion?"

    Saying that, Fianna secretly nced at Kamito and the others, but¡ª

    ''¡ªNay. Fianna Ray Ordesia, know that thou art the one to decide as the monarch.''

    The Dragon King''s voice was deafening.

    Confronted with Fianna''s wavering gaze, Kamito nodded lightly in return.

    Counting on you¡ª

    Fianna closed her eyes then said:

    "¡ªWe shall proceed as you request, Your Majesty."

    Part 7

    After leaving the audience hall, ire exhaled deeply.

    "Sigh... Such frightening pressure, that Dragon King..."

    "Yes, it took everything I had to maintain a calm voice."

    Fianna also held her hand to her chest and sighed. Although she had conducted herself with dignity, she must have felt very afraid inside.

    "Now that''s what I call a Dragon King."

    "Indeed. Although we only saw the silhouette behind the curtain, I might have copsed in fear if I saw his true appearance."

    "There is hardly anyone in Dracunia''s history who has witnessed His Majesty''s true form. To be honest, even I have never paid my respects to his true appearance behind the curtain."

    "Really?"

    Hearing Leonora''s admission, Kamito was surprised.

    "Yes, it is said that those impudent enough to peek brazenly at His Majesty''s true form would never step foot outside the audience hall ever again... However, it is just a rumor."

    "...J-Just a rumor, right?"

    Kamito''s group shuddered intensely.

    "By the way, what a difficult condition. I can''t believe that we have to intervene in the Theocracy''s civil war..."

    Supporting her chin on her hand, Fianna said softly.

    "There''s no need to intervene, right? Don''t we just have to rescue the Second Princess and that''s it?"

    "True, but it''s hard to imagine that things would be that easy."

    "...You''ve got a point."

    Hearing that, Kamito agreed.

    Although the Dragon King had made clear his intention to support Legitimate Ordesia, at the current stage, they still could not trust him unconditionally. After all, there was a possibility that they might get ordered around and used as a guerri team unaffiliated with any country, to be exploited for all their value then silenced and disposed of.

    It was just that Kamito could not bring himself to say this in front of Leonora, the Dracunia princess¡ª

    "By the way, why hasn''t Sjora executed Sdia Kahn?"

    As a result, Kamito avoided bringing up his thoughts and raised a different topic.

    "Indeed, it is quite unbelievable. There is no such thing as mercy for one''s kin during power struggles between royals."

    Fiannamented sardonically.

    In fact, her elder brother Arneus had prepared to execute her on the very day of the Great Festival of the Spirits. To think that cruel Sjora Kahn would keep Sdia alive when she could serve as a g-bearer for resistance forces, was there any reason behind that...?

    "Well, no matter what, we don''t have the luxury of choice."

    ire shrugged and shared her view.

    "Yes, but if we can''t even aplish this condition that the Dragon King has set for us, recovering Ordesia would be even more of a delusion."

    "Conversely, this is an excellent chance to promote our existence to all the other nations."

    Ellis made a fist and nodded firmly.

    Listening to hisrades, the youngdies, Kamito muttered in his thoughts.

    (...The Alphas Theocracy, now that''s a country I keep finding ties to.)

    It was the country founded by Demon King Solomon. At the same time, it was also their of the Demon King Cult that gave rise to the insane facility known as the Instructional School. Restia, while under a seal, had simrly been unearthed from ruins in the Theocracy.

    Kamito felt as though destiny was guiding him there.

    Something there was waiting for Kamito¡ª

    ...Inexplicably, he felt this kind of premonition.

    Part 8

    Back to the za, the princess maidens reverently handed back the girls'' underwear. While Kamito was facing the wall, the girls swiftly put their underwear on again.

    When everyone was ready, Leonora said:

    "I have already prepared rooms for you in the castle. Please use them as you wish during your stay."

    "I shall pass. I am returning to the ship."

    Rubia shook her head.

    "You''re not staying at the castle?"

    When Kamito asked, she replied quietly.

    "Next, I am going to retrieve Muir Alenstarl and Lily using the Revenant. Those two are needed for operations in the Theocracy."

    "Right... Speaking of which, what are they doing right now?"

    He remembered that thest time he asked, she said she had assigned an important mission to them¡ª

    "Secretly scouting the Holy Kingdom, searching for the missing Fire Elemental Lord''s whereabouts."

    "They''re in charge of such a dangerous mission?"

    "I asked them precisely because the mission is dangerous. Those two are the best subordinates I have."

    "That''s true..."

    Muir and Lily were respectively ranked second and sixth at the Instructional School. In the past, they frequently teamed up with Kamito for missions. Lily was the infiltration expert, enough said, but even Muir, who looked unsuitable for reconnaissance missions at a nce, had an especially keen nose for sensing danger.

    Furthermore, in the event that their cover was blown and they came under enemy pursuit, they also had the power to break out by force using the militarized spirits in their possession.

    In any case, it was definitely worth relying on Muir and Lily''s return. Especially Muir, who could fight a fireteam of spirit knights singlehandedly.

    "Be careful¡ª"

    "You would do well to prepare yourself too. Do not hold back against the Dusk Witch."

    "..."

    With that, Rubia turned around to leave¡ª

    "N-Nee-sama..."

    ire called out at that time.

    "What is it?"

    "I will be stronger. Definitely, I will bring out Scarlet''s power."

    After listening to ire''s words of determination¡ª

    Rubia still did not change her expression, however.

    "Is that so? As you are now, you are not eligible to serve as my pawn."

    "Nee-sama..."

    ire''s shoulders shook as she bit her lip in chagrin.

    "Hey, putting things that way¡ª"

    Kamito could not help but interrupt, but then¡ª

    "¡ªGo train on Dragon''s Peak. What you need is over there."

    "...Huh?"

    ire reacted with surprise.

    However, Rubia left without saying anything more.

    "Dragon''s Peak¡ªGoing there will make me stronger?"

    "The harsh environment of Dragon''s Peak has made it a ce for generations of princess maidens to train. However, few people go there to train nowadays¡ª"

    Leonora exined.

    "Back when I was thirteen, I also asked the dragons in the mountain to train with me. After shutting myself in the mountains for a month and some, I established a contract with the dragon spirit Nidhogg in the end."

    ...Stuck in the mountains at the tender age of thirteen huh. Although Kamito wanted to make a wittyment, he soon remembered that he had fallen for Greyworth''s nefarious scheme back when he was thirteen too, and ended up being forced to spend three months in the depths of the Spirit Forest in an outdoor survival experience.

    "...I get it now. Until Nee-sama''s return, I will train on Dragon''s Peak!"

    ire clenched her fist and dered.

    "It is seriously a harsh environment. A single misstep could have grave consequences."

    Leonora warned with a solemn expression.

    "Perfect. Unless I go that far, I won''t be able to fight alongside Kami¡ªb-be stronger!"

    ire''s determination seemed quite solid.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Oh my, how unfair of you, intending to be stronger alone."

    With a toss of her long hair, Rinslet remarked.

    "Hmm, I feel that I have reached a bottleneck in my own style''s training. I cannot keep leaving frontline duties to Kamito and my esteemed sister¡ª"

    "I am going as well. I''ve had enough of being the caged princess."

    Ellis and Fianna nodded as well.

    "Then I''m also in. It''s not like I can leave the hellcat girl alone."

    Hearing Kamito say that...

    "Th-There''s no need for you to be stronger, right?"

    "Not true... After all, the opponent is different."

    His de dance in the imperial capital had been an overwhelming defeat.

    If he was going to fight Greyworth, he would need power surpassing Ren Ashbell''s prime.

    However¡ª

    "What a shame, Kamito, you can''t."

    Leonora shook her head.

    "Why?"

    "Men are forbidden from entering Dragon''s Peak. If you dare to trespass, I fear you would incur the wrath of the masters of the mountain, either the Demon King Dragon or the Lightning King Dragon."

    "I-I see..."

    "However, if you were to cross-dress, perhaps it might work..."

    "¡ªFine, I''m out."

    Kamito replied instantly.

    Even if they were the Demon King Dragon and the Lightning King Dragon, reputedly the strongest dragons, Kamito honestly did not think they were his match. However, making them go on a rampage would probably hinder the girls'' training.

    ...Furthermore, he somehow felt a sense of camaraderie with the name, "Demon King Dragon."

    "Then what should I do...?"

    Rubia was heading to the Holy Kingdom, ire and the girls were going to train on Dragon''s Peak, then that left only him and Est in the castle with Restia, the three of them¡ª

    "Uh, i-if it is alright with you, I could personally show you around the dragon capital, Grand Dracunia, you know?"

    "Huh?"

    Kamito responded. ire and the girls froze with their jaws dropped.

    "Given this rare chance, uh, how about some sightseeing around town?"

    "Well, I wouldn''t want to impose, since you''re a princess after all..."

    Just as Kamito wanted to decline...

    "I-I am obliged to monitor you. If I leave you alone, who knows if you might extend your evil ws towards the female attendants in the castle¡ª"

    "Like hell anyone is going to extend evil ws!"

    "You won''t? This is urate intel gathered by our military''s intelligence agency, the Dragon Eye."

    "That Dragon Eye is seriously blind!

    Kamito could not help but shout in anger, but...

    "Kamito, you really have no self-awareness."

    "Hmm, but from others'' perspective, you are totally the Demon King of the Night!"

    "Such scary obliviousness..."

    For some reason, the youngdies in hispany stared at Kamito and started to whisper secretly among themselves.

    "W-What the hell, you girls..."

    Kamito narrowed his eyes in suffering.

    "F-Fine, anyway, thanks for being my guide. I happen to be a bit interested in the town."

    "I-Is that so, then¡ª"

    "Uh, if you don''t mind, can Restia¡ªthe maid¡ªjoin us?"

    "Hmm... W-Well... Sure, I don''t mind..."

    Hearing Kamito''s question, Leonora stammered somewhat in a dilemma.

    "...?"

    At that very moment...

    "Kamito-sama, your maid is already asleep in her room."

    The female attendant who had just led Restia to her room quietly approached and informed him.

    "...Hmm? Really? Then I wouldn''t want to wake her up."

    "I-I agree, waking up someone from their sleep is bad! As an ancient Dracunian proverb says, sleeping dragons must not be roused!"

    Leonora kept nodding her head repeatedly. At that moment, Kamito noticed the female attendant giving Leonora the thumbs-up.

    ...Were they passing some kind of secret signal?

    "Th-Then, let us depart. Before the maid wakes up, hurry!"

    "L-Leonora, you are pulling too hard..."

    Caught by the arm, Kamito was getting dragged away.

    "Hmm, Leonora-dono is the carnivorous type huh..."

    "This type has never shown up before."

    "Kamito-san is going to be eaten!"

    "J-Jeez, Kamito is such a jerk..."

    Behind Kamito, ire and the girls red at him resentfully.

    Part 9

    In the sky above the Ordesia Empire¡ª

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Crusader-ss battleship was flying calmly in the air.

    Despite being a battleship, the ship''s outer appearance differed from ordinary military vessels. Its unique design resembled a church for worshiping spirits, thus earning it the nickname of the "Cathedral."

    Cardinal Millennia Sanctus was sitting on a chair in themander''s cabin, talking to someone behind her.

    "Oh my, that ipetent emperor seems to have failed again¡ª"

    "¡ªIs that so?"

    The shadow on standby behind her replied indifferently.

    "You are seriously not a talkative girl. Lurie-oneechan is a much better conversation partner."

    Millennia pouted with displeasure.

    That cute behavior made her look almost like an ordinary child.

    "Is it okay to leave the imperial capital?"

    "Don''t worry, I left another me there."

    "...?"

    Greyworth frowned in surprise but did not pry further.

    Millennia chuckled and continued.

    "Say, cute little puppet, how was that fight with the boy?"

    "What do you mean by how?"

    "As your opponent, was he enjoyable?"

    "To be honest, stillcking. However¡ª"

    Saying that, the witch narrowed her gray eyes.

    "I sensed something unknown."

    "Hmm, you like him quite a bit."

    "..."

    Millennia got up from the chair and pressed her index finger against Greyworth''s lips.

    "Do you still want to fight that boy?"

    Hearing that, the corners of Greyworth''s lips curled up slightly.

    "My blood is boiling¡ª"

    She replied slowly.

    "Fufu, I love an honest child. What a battle maniac."

    Millennia turned and looked back.

    "¡ªYou may. Swing your sword to your heart''s content."

    "Affirmative¡ª"

    "Fufu, looks like it will be a fun party."

 Volume 15, 5 - Temple of the Dark Dragon

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 5 - Temple of the Dark Dragon</h4>

    Part 1

    Riding on the flying dragon controlled by Leonora, Kamito went to the trading port of the dragon capital of Grand Dracunia. The long journey on the dragon carriage was covered within the blink of an eye by riding a flying dragon.

    After tying the flying dragon to a za specialized for dragons, Leonora walked towards a bustling marketce.

    "Such a busy ce..."

    "Because the Kelbreth Mountain Range is a major source of spirit crystals. Even without ships, it is verymon here to use flying dragons to engage in trade."

    Just as Leonora said, while Kamito was walking through the market, flying dragons carrying wooden crates of goods kept flying overhead in criss-crossing directions.

    "Won''t they crash into one another?"

    "Experienced flying dragon riders won''t have those type of idents. Novices do drop goods asionally, but the local residents are used to it."

    "This isn''t a matter of getting used to it or not, right?"

    The reason why the buildings here looked sturdier than those in the imperial capital or the Academy town was hopefully not as a precaution against objects dropped from great heights.

    "This amount of air freight is already rtively low. On one hand, the Theocracy''s civil war has interrupted trade. On the other hand, trade with Ordesia will probably be put on hold for the near future."

    "You call this rtively low..."

    Looking at the unceasing flow of dragons overhead, Kamito stared in amazement with his mouth open.

    Seeing that, Leonoraughed proudly.

    "You are overreacting if you get shocked by something of this level. During the annual Flying Dragon Dance Festival, the entire sky will be blotted out by dragons. Now that is what I call spectacr."

    "Eh, I''d really like to see that..."

    ...What kind of scene would that be like? For some reason, Kamito imagined arge swarm of locusts.

    "Great, let me be your guide on that asion as well."

    "Sure, thanks."

    "Fufu, it is a promise."

    ¡ªThus they walked for a while, sometimes looking up at the dragons overhead, other times checking out goods in the market. The two of them then came to arge road under a giant canopy.

    On the two sides of the road were shops with fancy signs. The road was crowded with people.

    "This is the Dragon''s Street¡ªthe biggest entertainment district in the dragon capital. You can buy anything you want from general merchandise, craft products to dragon eggs. Apparently, there are also tools for sale for nighttime fun."

    "What tools for nighttime fun?"

    "Who knows? I don''t have a clear idea either..."

    Saying that, the two of them strolled casually through Dragon''s Street. At an open-air stall on the side of the road, Kamito saw many rare items for sale that could not be found in the Academy town.

    "Say, what''s that?"

    Kamito pointed to a blue egg,rge enough for a person to wrap their arms around in a hug.

    "A drake egg¡ªa type of small dragon."

    "Can you eat it?"

    "Of course not. Nobles use them as interior decoration. However, it''s possible to make them hatch by using a zing furnace. Newly hatched drakes are quite cute."

    "Small dragons huh? Now I kind of feel like raising one."

    Kamito imagined a palm-sized fire-breathing dragon.

    "Yes, juvenile drakes are roughly the size of horses and very easy to take care of."

    "That''s plentyrge already."

    "Really? I have seven of them at home."

    ...As expected of a princess of the Dragon Nation. Her standards werepletely different.

    "If it''s no longer possible to keep them, what happens when they go feral?"

    "The majority of feral drakes return to the Kelbreth Mountain Range. However, it''s just that most of them turn into prey for the bigger dragons."

    "What a cruel world..."

    Just as the two of them were chatting in front of the shop...

    "Oh, are you looking for drake eggs? Excellent taste, good sir."

    Smiling cordially, the shopkeeper came outside.

    "Oh no, I''m just looking, I don''t n on..."

    "What a kidder you are, good sir, amazing. I can''t believe you are aiming that high."

    Checking out Kamito and Leonora, the shopkeeper smiled suggestively.

    "What do you mean?"

    "Drake eggs are good luck charms. Rumor has it that a single touch could ensure swift conception."

    "What...!?"

    Kamito hastily backed away. He nced around, only to see the surrounding people smiling at the two of them as though they were newlyweds.

    "You didn''t know?"

    "O-Of course I didn''t. L-Let''s go..."

    "Oh...!

    Kamito grabbed Leonora''s hand and hastily left that ce.

    Only after leaving Dragon''s Street did Kamito finally stop walking. Leonora red at Kamito with her face bright red.

    "Y-You, do you always go around holding girls'' hands this casually!?"

    "S-Sorry..."

    Kamito let go in a panic.

    "Oh no, it''s not like I mind continuing like this..."

    Leonora instantly stammered.

    "Uh, after running around, I feel a little hungry..."

    "Hmm? Oh, that''s true... How about finding a ce to have lunch?"

    "W-Would you like to go there?"

    Leonora pointed to a shop whose sign depicted a gigantic dragon.

    "Dragon steak... Don''t tell me they sell dragon meat?"

    "Of course not. They use cattle raised on mountain ranches."

    "I see..."

    Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    "It''s just that they grow to the size of dragons."

    Part 2

    ¡ªWhile Kamito and Leonora were casually sightseeing in the dragon capital...

    ire andpany were walking up a mountain path leading to Dragon''s Peak.

    Although the flying dragons of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor gave them a lift until the middle of the mountain, the rest of the way to the pinnacle had to be journeyed on foot because of the thick mist as well as therge number of violent dragons living there.

    ...After a while of walking up this steep mountain path, the surrounding mist started to thicken gradually.

    It was clearly daytime yet visibility was extremely poor. It was hard to see even a couple of steps ahead.

    "...Next up, which way should we go?"

    ire looked around.

    "Although Nee-sama said that what I need is here¡ª"

    At that moment, Scarlet suddenly meowed then ran off in a certain direction.

    "Wait, Scarlet! Going off on your own is dangerous!"

    Chasing after Scarlet''s tail, waving in the mist, ire followed.

    Soon, she found a set of stone steps in front of her.

    "There are steps in this kind of ce?"

    ire cocked her head and looked up.

    "What happened, suddenly running out... Hmm?"

    At this moment, Ellis and the others caught up and noticed the steps too.

    "Where does this lead?"

    "I am very curious..."

    "Let''s go up to have a look."

    Chasing after Scarlet, ire andpany began to climb the steps.

    After ascending roughly three hundred steps¡ª

    "...W-What is this ce?"

    The group had arrived at a stone temple covered in moss.

    The architectural style was different from what wasmonly seen all over the continent. It looked very ancient.

    At the temple''s entrance, Scarlet was sitting still.

    "The air is very murky..."

    Fianna frowned. With especially keen senses as a princess maiden, she was particrly sensitive to impure air.

    "Leonora-dono did not mention this ce¡ª"

    "Scarlet, how did you know about this ce?"

    ire asked Scarlet at her feet.

    Scarlet''s behavior just now was almost like she was leading the way for ire''s group.

    However, logically speaking, this should be Scarlet''s first visit to this ce too.

    "¡ªLet''s check out the inside."

    ire stepped into the temple apprehensively.

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    "What fools dare to disturb my peaceful slumber¡ª"

    "...!"

    Suddenly, something''s shadow appeared before her eyes¡ª

    Frightened, ire pounced onto Rinslet beside her.

    "W-What, w-w-what!?"

    "¡ªO light!"

    Fianna hastily recited spirit magic to illuminate the surroundings.

    What they saw before them was¡ª

    "...Huh?"

    ire could not help but freeze in surprise.

    That creature(?) was hovering at ire''s eye level.

    It was a palm-sized round ck creature.

    On the ball-like body were round limbs and a horned lizard''s face.

    ...On the back was something that might count as a tail.

    The mysterious creature crossed its arms and puffed out its chest in midair.

    "...W-What is this weird creature!?"

    ire cried out with her twintails standing up. Since a deep voice with great solemnity had sounded in the dark, she was expecting something far more terrifying.

    "You are the fools who are disturbing my peaceful slum¡ªHey, what are you doing? Stop that!"

    "What the heck is with you? How dare you scare me!"

    ire grabbed its tail hard, instantly causing the strange creature to make lot of noise.

    "Let go, ire. It is definitely this ce''s guardian spirit or something."

    "Bullying spirits will bring bad karma."

    After Fianna and Ellis said that...

    "Ehhh, what kind of joke is that!? I am not some kind of guardian spirit!"

    The weird creature struggled free of ire''s hand and roared angrily.

    "I am the dark dragon Vritra who used to rule this Kelbreth Mountain!"

    "...Hmph."

    ire andpany showed eyes of despise at the same time.

    "...W-Wait, aren''t you surprised? This is the legendary dark dragon, you know!?"

    Probably failing to get the expected reaction, the weird creature began to panic.

    "Say, could you be realistic if you''re going to lie? Who''s going to believe an unbelievable im that a weird creature like you is actually the legendary dark dragon? If you don''t exin honestly, I''ll roast you into charcoal."

    While lighting mes of spirit magic on her palm, ire red at the mysterious creature.

    (Well, now that it''s mentioned, it does look a bit like a dragon...)

    This creature might be what a ck dragon looked like if you shrunk it to a small size then kneaded it like y.

    "I-I am not lying! This is merely a false appearance I use to deceive perceptions. If I were to recover my former power, I could swallow you lot whole in one bite!"

    The mysterious creature roared in anger.

    "...Sigh, whatever."

    ire shrugged and answered. Just as Fianna pointed out, this was probably something like a dragon spirit that lived in the temple. There was no time to waste on humoring it.

    (I have to find the way to be strong as soon as possible...)

    Ignoring the mysterious creature that kept causing a ruckus, she was just about to leave when¡ª

    "...Curse you, foolish lower lifeforms. The Fire Queen who came before you knew her manners much better."

    "...!?"

    Suddenly hearing that, ire and the girls could not help but halt in their steps.

    "You... What did you just say?"

    "Foolish lower lifeforms¡ª"

    "After that. You said something about a Fire Queening here?"

    ire pursued the matter.

    "...How long ago was that?"

    "U-Umm, roughly three years ago. No, it might have been four..."

    "Three or four years ago..."

    ire rested her chin against her hand in contemtion. The timing matched the period when Rubia had betrayed the Elemental Lords and was working secretly behind the scenes as the Cardinal.

    "Nee-sama came here...?"

    ire''s murmurs leaked out.

    "Did you say ''Nee-sama''?"

    Hearing that, the mysterious creature went "hmm" and examined ire''s face.

    "Yes, you are that girl''s sister! I see now, there is definitely a resemnce. I remember her saying that you are going to visit one day, sooner orter¡ª"

    Bouncing around while circling ire unceremoniously, muttering to itself.

    ire looked down at Scarlet by her feet.

    ...Speaking of which, what had her sister been doing with Scarlet on the Revenant''s deck that time?

    (...Could it be that she was telling Scarlet about this ce?)

    Hence, Scarlet had led ire andpany here?

    ...Indeed. Even Leonora, who had trained before on Dragon''s Peak, did not know of this location. Then surely, this was not somewhere that could be reached by chance.

    In that case¡ª

    "Uh... Are you seriously the dark dragon Vritra of legend?"

    "I already said so just now!"

    "But¡ª"

    ire recalled how Leonora had said that the dark dragon Vritra ruling the Kelbreth Mountain Range was exterminated by Sacred Maiden Areishia a thousand years ago.

    (...Wait, did I remember wrong?)

    In fact, yes. What Leonora had said was:

    ¡ªVritra was defeated by Sacred Maiden Areishia and sealed in a temple on the peak.

    "...Then could this temple be¡ª"

    "Indeed, this is precisely the temple where my mortal enemy Areishia sealed me."

    The dark dragon Vritra crossed its arms conceitedly and replied.

    Part 3

    "Yes, it happened a thousand years ago¡ª"

    The creature calling itself the legendary dark dragon looked out into the distance and began to recount.

    "Why is it narrating when no one asked...?"

    "Shush, just listen and don''t interrupt."

    Rinslet silenced ire.

    "As a powerful dragon spirit, I led the dragons and spirits of Kelbreth Mountain to bring wanton destruction upon the lower realm. Back then, Demon King Solomon had brought virtually allnds under his rule but no army of the Demon King could ever defeat me¡ª"

    "Ehhhh, that''s amazing¡ª"

    While eating snacks that Rinslet had prepared in advance, ire concurred.

    ¡ªHowever, what then appeared was precisely the Salvation Army led by Sacred Maiden Areishia. The Salvation Army routed the dragon army and ascended the Kelbreth Mountain peak, Vritra''s stronghold. The people of the lower realm all rejoiced to see the notorious dark dragoning to an end.

    However, Areishia''s power was not that strong at the time, hence the powerful Vritra defeated her army and seeded in capturing her.

    "Are you really speaking the truth? The Divine Ritual Institute never taught this."

    Fianna asked skeptically.

    "Guaranteed. During my prime, even that Dragon King took care not to offend me."

    Vritra answered with overwhelming vigor.

    "However, I made a grave mistake at the time."

    "...Mistake?"

    "Yes, meeting defeat at my hands, the sacred maiden depleted her divine power and the sword turned back into its original form as a spirit. Intending to take the powerful sword spirit into my possession, I touched her foot."

    "Oh..."

    Hearing that, ire and the girls looked at one another.

    "For some reason, that seemed to incur the sword spirit''s wrath. In the next instant, my arm and a wing had been sliced into two¡ª"

    The dark dragon Vritra began to shudder.

    "I do not remember clearly what happened next, except that I was thoroughly beaten up, escaping back into this temple of my residence, barely alive. However, that was a poor decision. An istion barrier was deployed around the temple. In my weakened state, I was sealed by the sacred maiden."

    "So that was how you became like this."

    Rinslet said with pity.

    Its appearance was supposed to be more humongous and terrifying originally. However, after being sealed in a de-powered state, Vritra turned into this strange dragonoid shape.

    "...Well, I understand the story now. What an ordeal."

    Saying that, Ellis patted Vritra''s head.

    ...It looked like this was the temple where the dark dragon was sealed, no mistake.

    However, there was no point in dwelling on the details of what happened to the dark dragon¡ª

    "Then why did Nee-samae here?"

    ire asked.

    "Hmm, that Fire Queen arrived here on a certain stormy night. Due to the mist barrier deployed by the sacred maiden, ordinary people usually cannot find this ce. However, through her unusual intuition, she found the location of this temple."

    "Rubia-sama used to be known as the top Queen of all age¡ª"

    Fianna murmured quietly.

    "The Fire Queen had suffered severe injuries and was apparently under pursuit."

    "Back then, both the Divine Ritual Institute and Ordesia''s knights were searching for Nee-sama. So it was because she hid in this ce, protected by the sacred maiden''s barrier, that they lost her trail..."

    "That girl stayed here for many months to undertake princess maiden training. As it so happened, I wascking a conversation partner too. Those days were such a delight..."

    ¡ªThe dark dragon kept nodding as though remembering that time fondly. Although spirits had no concept of time, after being sealed in this kind of ce for as long as a thousand years, it was probably hard not to feel lonely.

    "I see..."

    ire murmured with aplicated expression.

    The past Rubia in ire''s memories was very gentle, considerate and approachable. Back when she was staying at this temple, it was possible that she had yet to be the current Cardinal, consumed in her quest for carnage.

    "So Nee-sama trained here..."

    Saying that, she looked around the temple''s dim interior.

    However, this decrepit temple did not look suitable for a princess maiden''s training no matter what.

    What exactly did her sister do to obtain such potent power...?

    "How did Nee-sama train? We want to be stronger."

    ire approached Vritra and said with a pleading expression.

    "...Hmm, be stronger huh?"

    Vritra mused.

    "Indeed, I cannot sense power from you on that girl''s level. The hellcat seems to be a powerful spirit, but has not released its rightful power at all."

    "..."

    Hearing the same thing as what her sister had said, ire was instantly plunged into despair.

    Seeing like that, Vritra closed its eyes for a while before¡ª

    "You lot, follow me¡ª"

    It turned and moved deeper into the temple.

    "...?"

    ire andpany looked at one another.

    Part 4

    "Say, where are we going...?"

    Following the hovering Vritra in the lead, they walked along a passage leading to the depths of the temple¡ª

    Then they encountered a square room with High Ancient carved all over the floor in front of them.

    "...This ce is?"

    "An ancient historical site. I''ve read about simr ones in the library of the Divine Ritual Institute..."

    Fianna murmured in interest.

    "Indeed. This historical site dates back to antiquity as a device for Elfim princess maidens to increase their ability tomune with spirits."

    Vritra nodded proudly.

    "Then Nee-sama was training here?"

    "Yes. Her goal was probably this historical site from the start."

    "What kind of training did Rubia-sama do exactly?"

    Ellis asked. A training enthusiast, she looked like she could hardly contain her excitement.

    "I do not know the details. However, the girl said it was not ordinary training. This is a ce for people to confront the value of their own existence¡ª"

    "The value of your own existence..."

    ire murmured with a wondering look.

    "Uh, Mr. Dark Dragon, may we use this ce?"

    Rinslet asked.

    Next, Vritra looked away as though embarrassed.

    "Hmph, in recognition of the Fire Queen who stands as the only one in this era to establish ties of friendship with me, I shall lend this ce to you. After all, it was part of the contract with that girl¡ª"

    "...Contract?"

    "None of your business. Very well, how about it? Use it if that is your wish, otherwise, leave this temple immediately!"

    Vritra snarled angrily.

    "Then we will use it with gratitude. You are surprisingly nice."

    "...What? I-I am the evil dark dragon!"

    ire patted it on the head, prompting Vritra to open its mouth and breathe small mes.

    "Fine, make haste and enter the room!"

    At Vritra''s urging, ire and the others stepped into the square-shaped room.

    Instantly, reacting to the divine power of princess maidens, the High Ancient covering the floor began to glow.

    "...W-What is this!?"

    In the next instant¡ª

    ire and everyone else turned into particles of light and vanished.

    Part 5

    That dream, encountered again.

    Inside darkness, I am alone with my jet-ck wings closed, waiting for a certain person the whole time.

    I¡ª

    No, her¡ª

    A duration hundreds, thousands of years long, like an eternity¡ª

    Have I been waiting in this darkness the whole time?

    The seal branded on the left hand.

    Glowing faintly in the darkness, it was herst remaining hope.

    (...Who on earth are you waiting for?)

    Inside the dream, I asked her¡ª

    As one might expect, I did not receive an answer.

    "...Mm, mm..."

    At that moment, Restia woke up.

    (That dream again...)

    ...Recently, she frequently had this dream about waiting for a certain person in the darkness the whole time, her dream.

    It was clearly a dream but preserved especially vividly in her memory...

    ¡ªSuddenly, Restia noticed an rming change.

    (...Where is this?)

    She had clearly opened her eyes but her surroundings were shrouded in darkness, just like the dream.

    She remembered she had been taken to a room in the castle, to lie down on the bed and sleep.

    This ce had neither windows nor glowing orbs hovering at the ceiling for illumination. Instead of a soft bed''s mattress, her back was resting against an entangled mess of tree vines.

    (...Why am I in this kind of ce!?)

    Restia frantically tried to get up, but¡ª

    "...Ah, ow...!"

    Her arms and legs were immobilized. Vines were restraining her body.

    The more intensely she struggled, the tighter the vines bound her.

    "...Kami... to..."

    Restia called his name hoarsely.

 Volume 15, 6 - The Seductive Leonora

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 6 - The Seductive Leonora</h4>

    Part 1

    "What excellent vor."

    Leonora rapidly ate seven steaks and licked her lips with satisfaction.

    "Wow, you''re quite an eater..."

    "The dragons of Kelbreth Mountain are able to swallow entire oxen effortlessly."

    "But you''re not a dragon..."

    Kamito could not help but retort.

    Leonora became embarrassed.

    "Umm... Do you dislike girls who are big eaters?"

    "No, it''s not like that at all..."

    Kamito found it a soothing sight to watch girls enjoying delicious food.

    "Really...? Thank goodness."

    Leonora was relieved.

    "Then let us go for dessert next."

    "You''re still gonna eat!?"

    "Didn''t you know that desserts go in a separate stomach, Kamito?"

    Leonora tilted her head slightly.

    ...It was rare for elementalists to be overweight. Presumably, controlling her dragon spirit required plenty of calories.

    After that, they walked around randomly through the vendors along Dragon''s Street. After trying out one of Dracunia''s famous specialties, shaved ice made from meltwater, enjoying dragon buns that exploded with juices from a single bite, they went to watch dragon fights between ground dragons at a za.

    "This is really tense..."

    Watching dragon fights for the first time, Kamito could not help but praise in admiration.

    "My ground dragon at home has emerged victorious in three dragon fighting tournaments."

    Leonora said proudly.

    "You keep ground dragons at home too huh..."

    Preparing all the food must be quite a chore... Kamito thought to himself.

    In the za''s vicinity were many craft stores opened for attracting sightseeing tourists. Kamito went to one of them, intending to get presents for Restia who was waiting at the castle, as well as ire and the others.

    "This ornament made from a processed dragon horn is very popr, you know?"

    "Won''t the dragon be angry for getting its horn cut off?"

    "Pretty much all horns are taken from dragons that had died in wars. Although there are many fakes too."

    Leonora scrutinized the talismans and essories on disy at the shop seriously.

    "Everything here should be real."

    "I see. Then I''ll buy this hairpin for you, Leonora."

    Kamito picked up a dragon-shaped hairpin.

    "A gift... for me!?"

    "Yeah, think of it as thanks for showing me around town. Although it''s nothing expensive..."

    "Not at all, thank you very much."

    Leonora epted it carefully and replied with an intense blush.

    "This is actually my first time receiving a gift from a man..."

    For Restia as well as Est, who was currently in sword form, Kamito bought mini-pouches made from water dragon skin. For the girls training on Dragon''s Peak, he got them amulets crafted from dragon scales, choosing the colors based on their respective preferences.

    He decided he would bring ire and Ellis along next time to learn about Rubia and Velsaria''s preferences instead of buying the gifts right now. Velsaria aside, he had totally no idea what Rubia would like.

    Finally, Kamito bought a pair of earrings made of dragon teeth. The incredible jade-like hue and luster was her favorite color.

    (...Come to think of it, I''ve never given her a decent present before.)

    When he was younger, Kamito had always been in a rebellious phase. Back then, he never thought about buying gifts for anyone around him.

    The facility that had raised Kamito never taught him something this important.

    The ones who had taught Kamito human emotions were Restia and¡ª

    (What she taught me was more than sword skills...)

    Kamito looked down at his hands.

    ¡ªAre you able to kill the Dusk Witch?

    Rubia''s words on the flying ship shed through his mind.

    Part 2

    While they were hanging out in the za, the sun gradually set...

    "It''s time we got back to the castle. Restia will worry about us when she wakes up."

    "I suppose you''re right..."

    Leonora said with slight disappointment.

    "...Then to finish up, let us have a ride on that."

    "That?"

    Leonora tugged Kamito''s sleeve and pointed at the dusk sky.

    Kamito looked up to see a group of flying dragons in the air, transporting giant boxes with windows. The boxes were decorated luxuriously. At first nce, they looked like fancy carriages except without wheels.

    "What are those?"

    "Dragonds, a form of transportation used for aerial tours. It gives passengers an overlooking view of Dracunia''s scenery. I rmend you try it once."

    "Looks pretty fun, then let''s have a go."

    "Very well, I will take you to the boarding tform."

    Leonora took Kamito''s arm and walked over to the boarding tform for the Dragonds.

    While having Kamito wait at the entrance, Leonora started negotiating with the staff. During this time, Kamito looked at the Dragonds with great interest.

    Some of them imitated the shapes of dragons, some looked like temples for worshiping spirits, others had floors made of ss. Dragonds truly came in all sorts of varieties.

    Leonora returned after the negotiations.

    "Can we get one?"

    "Yes, the one we will ride is that Dragond¡ª"

    Leonora pointed at the sky. At that moment, a Dragond resembling a small castle slowly descended.

    "That''s quite an extravagant one..."

    "Its design is based on an ancient castle in Ordesia."

    Leonora opened the door of the descended Dragond.

    Then¡ª

    "This is..."

    Seeing the interior, Kamito could not help but gulp.

    First to enter his view was therge canopy bed set up in the middle of the room. Decorated with exquisite relief carvings, it was like the beds used by royals and aristocrats.

    The walls were light pink with spirit crystals embedded for illumination. The ceiling even had a gigantic round mirror embedded.

    "It''s like a pce..."

    Kamitomented.

    "Yes, I selected the most luxurious royal room."

    "Are you sure this is okay? It looks very expensive..."

    "I am a princess of this nation after all. This is nothing at all. Besides, th-this is my first time, you know? Anything less would be uneptable."

    "Your first time? That''s quite surprising..."

    Kamito frowned.

    "Is it very surprising? I regret that you gathered that impression."

    Leonora went red and pouted.

    "Sorry..."

    Hmm, on further thought, since she can ride a dragon spirit, of course she doesn''t need to use Dragonds. There''s nothing to be surprised about.

    "Are you very experienced?"

    "Oh no, it''s my first time too..."

    "I see... That is good to know."

    For some reason, Leonora breathed a sigh of relief.

    "However, there''s no ce to sit."

    "Why not just sit here?"

    Saying that, Leonora patted the bed.

    "...Well, I guess."

    Seeing Leonora sit apprehensively on the bed, Kamito took a seat on the edge.

    (Urgh, I can''t shake the weird feeling from sitting side by side on a bed like this...)

    After they sat down for a while... The room began to shake intensely.

    Two flying dragons were supporting the gond and started spreading their wings to fly.

    "It''s shaking quite a lot..."

    Kamito looked out the window a bit nervously.

    "It starts out shaking quite a bit but soon stabilizes."

    The Dragond carrying them flew higher and higher.

    "A-Are there any falls?"

    "Don''t worry, Dragonds are much safer than horse-drawn carriages."

    Just as Leonora said¡ª

    The shaking gradually lessened, turning into afortable rocking.

    Looking out the window from the bed''s edge, he could get a full view of Dracunia''s streets tinted with the color of the sunset.

    "I see, now this is quite spectacr."

    Kamito praised in admiration.

    "Yes, the overlooking view of the street from a Dragond is very pretty after all."

    "Isn''t it your first time on a Dragond?"

    "...? No, I have ridden them many times¡ª"

    (...Then what did she mean by first time just now?)

    Kamito frowned.

    "Speaking of which, the first time I met you was in the sky too."

    "Yes, that time... That was when you were trying to chop off my you-know-what."

    Kamito nodded with a wry smile. It had happened during their journey to Ragna Ys, thepetition venue for the de Dance. Leonora had boarded their flying ship and drew her sword against Kamito, trying to castrate him.

    "Please erase that from your memory..."

    Leonora looked away in embarrassment.

    (...The de Dance. It feels so long ago now.)

    Meeting ire and the others at the Academy, Fianna''s transfer, the battle against Velsaria¡ªKamito could not help but reminisce about his days fighting alongside hisrades in Team Scarlet.

    Soon, the Dragond reached the cloudyer and started to descend slowly. After the recent period of turbulent events, this was a rare moment of peace and rxation.

    "Thank you so much for today, Leonora. I had a really good time."

    Kamito thanked Leonora sincerely.

    "Really? I am very d to hear that..."

    Leonora smiled.

    "Then it is time to begin¡ª"

    "...?"

    Kamito was puzzled.

    (...Begin?)

    What on earth¡ªJust as Kamito was about to ask...

    Leonora forcefully grabbed Kamito''s shoulders and pushed him down on the bed.

    "Leonora!?"

    Kamito frantically tried to get up¡ª

    (...I-I can''t move?)

    His arms were being held down tightly.

    ...Such powerful arm strength.

    "...W-What are you trying to do!?"

    Through that military uniform, her soft bosom was pressing against him, making Kamito flustered.

    "Fufu, even if you surpass me in swordsmanship, I am still unbeatable in a pure contest of strength. After all, the princess maidens of the Lancaster family have Dragon Blood."

    When she was using dragon attributes to enhance her body, even Kamito would be rendered helpless in such a situation. At the same time, the ceiling''s lighting turned pink while the bed below also started rotating.

    "W-What''s going on!?"

    Kamito was plunged into confusion. He could neither figure out why Leonora had suddenly assaulted him nor why this bed would suddenly start rotating...

    ¡ªAt that moment, Kamito suddenly realized something.

    From the mirror on the ceiling, he could see Leonora''s bottom, d in pantyhose.

    The skirt of her military uniform had already slid down to her thighs, thus showing him a full view of what ought to be underneath.

    Kamito blushed red and turned his gaze away.

    "So embarrassing..."

    While Leonora was keeping Kamito pinned down like this, sweet breath escaped from her lips.

    "What the heck do you want..."

    "Kamito, you promised me at the imperial capital, didn''t you? Anything I want¡ª"

    "Yeah... I definitely said that."

    ¡ªIndeed, he had undoubtedly said that. Anything you want, as long as it''s in my power.

    Leonora began to strip shyly. She really was not wearing any underwear. Her massive bust became exposed.

    "...!?"

    Next¡ª

    "In that case... Let me have your baby."

    Leonora whispered in Kamito''s ear.

    "What the heck are you talking about!?"

    "Babies conceived in the sky are known as Dragon''s Treasure, a very auspicious event."

    Her sweet voice echoed in his ear.

    "Or... Do you hate doing it with me?"

    Leonora made a sad expression.

    Could it be that the Dragon Blood in her body had started going out of control like during the de Dance? No, it did not seem like it.

    Her eyes were ck as usual.

    "H-How did things turn out like this!? I am totally lost!"

    "...I-I don''t know either!"

    Leonora cried out, her face red.

    (Did her shame turn into anger!?)

    Despite thinking that, Kamito did not say it aloud.

    "W-Whenever I look at you, my heart pounds nonstop and I feel very weird. Ever since the first time we fought, it has been like this the whole time¡ª"

    "Leonora..."

    Seeing her about to cry, Kamito could not help but close his mouth.

    "All this time, I have been thinking about why this is happening. Every day, almost unable to sleep, always thinking about you... Now, I have finally figured it out¡ª"

    Leonora stared at Kamito.

    "This is my instinct, stemming from the Dragon Blood I inherited, wishing to obtain your powerful seed!"

    "Wait a sec, what''s with that crazy leap of logic!?"

    Kamito could not help but retort.

    Back at the imperial capital, when she said that it would be troublesome if Kamito were to die, was she referring to this?

    Although Kamito wanted to run away, Leonora''s hands did not budge the slightest... Or rather, if he moved recklessly, his face would get buried in that bosom, which would be too dangerous, hence he did not dare to move at all.

    "Give it up, Kamito. The dragons of Dracunia will do everything in their power to obtain what they want."

    "C-Calm down! You''re thinking too much like a dragon!"

    Just as Kamito cried out like this¡ª

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, he felt a searing pain on his leather-gloved left hand as though burned by fire.

    "¡ªAh, gah..."

    "...Kamito?"

    Noticing the change, Leonora rxed her grip.

    "...Urgh, ah... Guh... Urghh..."

    "...W-What is going on?"

    Seeing Kamito in pain, Leonora asked with concern.

    However, Kamito could not even speak properly.

    The searing pain felt as though a scorching brand was pressing on his body.

    Amid this intense pain¡ª

    Kamito instantly realized a certain possibility.

    (...Is Restia calling for me!?)

    Part 3

    "...Where is this?"

    Surrounded by blinding light, just as she was about to lose consciousness¡ª

    ire slowly opened her eyes.

    This was not the altar at Dragon''s Peak where ire and her friends were at just now¡ª

    "No way... This ce is..."

    ire could not help but widen her ruby-like eyes.

    A flourishing forest. A magnificent stone castle built on a hill.

    ire was currently standing before the front gate of the Elstein castle that she knew so well.

    Looking at the ins at the foot of the hill, she could see the duchy in prosperity. The wheat in the fields were bountiful while herds of cattle and horses roamed the ins. Looking towards the river, she saw a cottage with a water wheel grinding wheat while it turned.

    In her childhood, ire loved to watch this scenery from a window in the castle.

    (...Why am I here?)

    She looked around here. Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet, who were with her just now, could not be found anywhere.

    Had they been teleported elsewhere?

    A ce for people to confront the value of their own existence¡ªThat was what the dark dragon Vritra had said.

    (...But why show me all this?)

    ire went through the castle gate and stepped into the garden.

    Inside the castle, nearby residents were preparing for a grand festival. In the center of the garden was arge number of wine barrels. A grill prepared for roasting meat was also lit already.

    Seeing this scene¡ª

    (...It''s that day.)

    ire remembered.

    On that day, the young ire had yed with Scarlet while enjoying the banquet that started in the evening.

    On that day, everyone firmly believed that it would be a peaceful day as always.

    That they would continue to lead stable lives¡ª

    "...Oh no... Everyone, hurry and run!"

    ire cried out.

    However, no one could hear ire''s voice. None of the people present noticed ire''s existence.

    "...Why?...Why show me this!?"

    At that moment, the sky changed dramatically.

    Rather than the color of the setting sun, they were crimson mes for incinerating everything to oblivion¡ª

    Next, a rainstorm of fire began to fall.

    The scenery before her eyes was instantly surrounded by mes and burned to oblivion.

    "Stop it! Stop it, why does this have to happen!?"

    At that moment¡ª

    "¡ªThese are the consequences of which I am responsible."

    "...!?"

    Hearing the familiar voice, ire looked back forcefully.

    Over there was her elder sister, standing like a ghost with fluttering long red hair.

    Rubia Elstein¡ªNo, it was the masked Cardinal.

    "...No, it wasn''t your fault, Nee-sama¡ª"

    "Back then, Icked the power to stop this tragedy. Had I possessed greater power at the time, I could have eliminated the Elemental Lords to prevent this tragedy¡ª"

    At that moment, a sword enveloped in crimson mes appeared in Rubia''s hand.

    Godying mes¡ªthe elemental waffe of the strongest me spirit, Laevateinn.

    "Nee-sama, don''t¡ª!"

    ire cried out desperately and blocked Rubia''s path.

    Those were the mes of revenge. They were the mes of destruction that were going to incinerate herself to oblivion.

    "Move aside, ire Rouge¡ª"

    Rubia made a thrust at ire using Laevateinn.

    "Absolutely not. I will stop your revenge right here, Nee-sama¡ª!"

    ire chanted a summoning incantation and a ming hellcat appeared at her feet.

 Volume 15, 7 - The Dragon Kingâ€™s True Form

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 7 - The Dragon King''s True Form</h4>

    Part 1

    Under the setting sun, the Kelbreth Mountain Range was shrouded by the dusk glow.

    Noticing the rming reaction on his left hand, Kamito immediately stopped the Dragond aerial tour and rode Leonora''s dragon spirit back to the Stronghold.

    Next¡ª

    "Restia has gone missing?"

    Back to the castle, hearing the courtdies report, Kamito was dumbfounded.

    "W-We are terribly sorry! We never thought this would happen¡ª"

    The courtdies hung their heads in trepidation. Reportedly, one of them had found the room empty when going in to check on Restia.

    Right now, they had mobilized everyone to search the castle, but no signs of her had turned up yet.

    (Restia...)

    Kamito looked at his leather-gloved left hand. As expected, the burning pain was a message that something had happened to her.

    The pain was already gone, but that was no guarantee that Restia was safe and sound. Rather, there was the opposite interpretation.

    (...What the hell happened? What happened to Restia?)

    "It is possible she got lost in the castle. After all, this Stronghold is extremely huge."

    Leonora said in a nervous voice. In contrast to when they were alone together, she had switched back to a serious soldier''s countenance.

    "The Knights of the Dragon Emperor and I shall search outside the castle from the air."

    "Yeah, thanks¡ª"

    After Kamito nodded, Leonora took her subordinates and went outside.

    "W-We will continue searching inside the castle!

    The courtdies bowed again and left the room.

    "..."

    Kamito examined the inside of the room again.

    The room was not particrly messy.

    Naturally, it would be best if she was simply lost in the castle, but¡ª

    (...Could someone have abducted her?)

    Then a worrying thought surfaced in his mind.

    The Holy Kingdom''s Sacred Spirit Knights had secretly tried to capture Restia on Ragna Ys and in the Laurenfrost forest.

    Although this ce was under the control of the Dragon King who was hostile against the Holy Kingdom, considering the precedents in Ordesia, it would not be surprising even if one or two spies had infiltrated. Also, the current Restia was an ordinary girl unable to even protect herself, not a powerful darkness spirit.

    (But even so, there''s something weird...)

    Feeling a sense of dissonance since just now, Kamito tilted his head to think.

    ording to the courtdies, no one in the castle had seen signs of Restia.

    Whether going out on her own ord or abducted by someone, to disappear from inside a castle where there were so many eyes¡ªWas that even possible?

    The courtdies said they had mobilized everyone to search for her.

    Most likely, every room in the castle had been checked.

    (If this isn''t enough to find her, that means¡ª)

    At that moment, Kamito suddenly realized something.

    There was one ce inside the castle that the courtdies absolutely would not search.

    It was a sacred and invible ce that no one was allowed to step foot into¡ª

    (No way...!)

    Why had he not noticed immediately?

    He should have realized that possibility from the start.

    "Damn it¡ª"

    Holding the Demon yer, Kamito rushed out of Restia''s room.

    Part 2

    In front of the corridor leading to the throne room, Kamito was stopped by the castle guards.

    "Please let me pass¡ª"

    "No, even guests may not pass through here without permission."

    An armed guard was ring at Kamito with eyes of skepticism.

    Yes, there were guards here. Normally speaking, Restia could not have walked inside on her own.

    However¡ª

    "May I ask if you''ve seen a girl in a maid outfiting here? She''s with me¡ª"

    "No, we never saw anyone like that."

    "Really..."

    He could see nothing suspicious in the guard''s attitude.

    ...He truly had not seen anything.

    (...Right, this was just my own spection after all. I might be wrong.)

    Suppose he had guessed wrong, this would probably cause Dracunia to withdraw their assistance.

    However, back at the Instructional School, Kamito had witnessed Restia do the same thing to ordinary people many times. And considering the case of a mythical-ss spirit far more powerful than Restia, wielding legendary power only second to the Elemental Lords¡ª

    It would not be impossible to summon Restia remotely in her sleep then manipte the memories of witnesses¡ª

    He should discuss this with ire and the girls first, but time was of the essence in the current situation. After all, he did not know what would be done to Restia.

    "Sorry, please take a nap first¡ª"

    "What?"

    The guard before him frowned in surprise.

    In that instant, Kamito punched the guard''s armor with a fist enveloped in divine power. Caught unprepared, the struck guard fainted on the spot.

    This was an assassination skill from the Instructional School. It was enough unless the opponent was an elementalist.

    "W-What are you doing¡ªUwah!"

    Before the other guards could finish speaking, Kamito moved swiftly and knocked out everyone present.

    With that, he raced down the corridor leading to the throne room.

    Next, arriving at the gigantic door at the end of the corridor¡ª

    Kamito drew the Demon yer, intending to break the door.

    However, just as he was about to swing his sword...

    "...What!?"

    Rumble... With a sound like an earthquake, the door opened inwards.

    As though inviting Kamito inside¡ª

    (...My movements are being watched.)

    Kamito muttered mentally then stepped inside, carrying the Demon yer.

    As soon as he entered the throne room, the door slowly closed behind him.

    (Okay, let me see if whates out is a demon or a dragon¡ª)

    Using the sacred sword''s glow, Kamito went straight into the darkness.

    At that moment, he noticed some kind of gigantic entity moving restlessly in front of him.

    Kamito raised the sacred sword to illuminate what was before him.

    Only to see¡ª

    "¡ªRestia!"

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    What had entered his view was precisely¡ª

    Entangled by strange tree vines, the unconscious Restia.

    There was peaceful expression on her face as though she was in deep slumber.

    "...Dragon King, what have you done to Restia!?"

    Kamito shouted. In that instant...

    Light shone down from the ceiling, projecting the gigantic Dragon King''s shadow on the curtain.

    ''Perfect timing, O human who hath inherited Ren Ashdoll''s power¡ª''

    With roar-like growl, the Dragon King''s shadow began to move¡ª

    The curtain hiding his true appearance was slowly drawn open.

    "...What!?"

    Kamito was instantly rendered speechless, stunned on the spot.

    Part 3

    Meanwhile...

    "Even if she left the castle, she should not have gone too far¡ª"

    Riding the pitch-ck dragon spirit, Leonora murmured while looking down at the ground.

    The Stronghold was surrounded by vertical cliffs. Leaving this ce would require crossing the stone bridge spanning the deep canyon.

    The guards stationed at the bridge could not possibly have failed to notice the sight of a girl.

    (...By the way, who exactly is she?)

    She did not seem like an ordinary maid¡ªLeonora wondered.

    ¡ªIn fact, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor led by Leonora had been attacked during the de Dance by Nepenthes Lore who was apanied by Restia, but because Restia had hidden herself at the time, Leonora never saw her.

    (...S-Sure enough, she must be Kamito''s beloved concubine, right...?)

    Suddenly, Leonora recalled what had happened in the Dragond earlier, prompting the face to heat up involuntarily.

    (...I-I might have been too forceful there.)

    She sighed.

    Despite enduring her shame to ride that type of indecent Dragond¡ª

    When she mustered her courage to attack, Kamito looked totally frightened.

    Sure enough, demanding seed right off the bat was too unseemly. No wait, before that, it might have been wrong to eat seven steaks in Kamito''s presence. That was originally meant to show how little she ate¡ª

    ...Perhaps Kamito already hated her. No, he should not be that kind of man, perhaps he is simply keeping a bit of distance¡ª

    Her mind was filled with regret.

    "...Why am I getting so unsettled over him?"

    The more she thought about Kamito, the harder it was for her to think straight.

    She originally thought that it was the Dragon Blood''s instinctive desire for powerful seed that caused her to be consumed by lust¡ª

    (But actually, it''s a bit different from that, right?)

    ...Totally confused, her presence of mind was disrupted by uneasy feelings.

    (...R-Right now, I must concentrate to find Kamito''s maid!)

    Shaking her head in an attempt to drive away unnecessary thoughts, Leonora returned her gaze to the ground.

    ¡ªAt that very moment.

    The pitch-ck dragon carrying her growled in warning.

    "...? Nidhogg, what''s the matter?"

    Leonora narrowed her eyes in surprise.

    She noticed a petite figure next to the stone bridge by the cliff.

    "¡ªIsn''t that¡ª!?"

    Part 4

    (...W-What is going on?)

    Seeing that appearance that differed so much from his expectations¡ª

    Kamito stood there frozen with his mouth gaping.

    Revealed by the Dragon King''s drawn curtain was¡ª

    A beautiful maiden, entangled by countless writhing tree branches.

    Crimson eyes with seductive charm. Long, faintly phosphorescent hair the color ofpiszuli. Skin whiter than pearl. Slender arms and legs as delicate as a doll''s.

    A maiden with otherworldly beauty¡ªAs much as he wanted to use this description, it was clearly evident that she was not human.

    On the sides of her head were two beautiful horns.

    Surrounded by the writhing branches, thepletely naked girl looked down leisurely at Kamito.

    Seeing the fully nude beauty before him, Kamito would normally look away in haste¡ª

    However, he even forgot to breathe,pletely mesmerized by the sight.

    Such was precisely the extent of the maiden''s beauty.

    "What''s the matter? Spacing out like that¡ª"

    A sweet voice came from the girl''s lips.

    "...W-What are you¡ª"

    Kamito finally spoke.

    "I am the king of Dracunia. The dragon spirit¡ªBahamut."

    The girl slowly introduced herself.

    "What¡ª"

    Kamito was instantly at a loss for words.

    Feared by all the nations on the continent, the strongest dragon spirit¡ªDragon King Bahamut.

    To think that Bahamut''s true appearance was that of a beautiful maiden, so delicate and frail¡ª

    For a moment, Kamito even forgot his anger from Restia''s abduction, rendered speechless.

    "Fufu, if you keep staring intently, I''m going to blush."

    "...Oh, uh, sorry...!"

    Realizing he was staring at a nude maiden, Kamito looked away, blushing intensely.

    "Feel honored. Areishia is the only human who has seen this appearance of mine. You are the second person in history."

    Saying that, the girl used vines to cover up her nakedness while smiling mischievously.

    "A-Are... you really the Dragon King...?"

    Confounded, Kamito asked.

    Indeed, it was rtivelymon for high-ranked spirits to take human form¡ª

    Est, Restia and Iseria, the Water Elemental Lord, all looked like young maidens.

    In that case, was the monstrous gigantic shadow that Kamito andpany had mistaken for the Dragon King actually a stand-in made using entangled branches¡ª?

    (...Wait, why do I care about that right now?)

    Only then did Kamito regain his senses.

    "What are you nning to do with Restia!?"

    He readied the Demon yer in both hands.

    Depending on her answer, he was prepared to fight, even if he had to take on the Dragon King.

    However, the girl sitting on the throne did not show any anger¡ª

    "I simply intend to restore her memories as Restia Ashdoll."

    That was her answer.

    "Restore Restia''s memories?"

    "Yes. To think you would draw your sword instead of showing gratitude, how unreasonable."

    "Why are you doing this? What are your intentions in restoring her memories?"

    Kamito continued to question. Although he also hoped for Restia to recover from her memory loss, it was possible that this girl had ulterior motives¡ª

    "No particr intentions. It is just that I am obliged to look after her. This is my duty as the trusted subordinate of my liege, a certain lord¡ª"

    "...A certain lord?"

    Kamito cocked his head slightly¡ª

    He recalled what Rubia had said on the ship.

    "You mean Ren Ashdoll... Right?"

    "Indeed, the creator of the darkness spirit Restia Ashdoll¡ª"

    The Dragon King, who looked like a girl, directed a benevolent gaze at Restia who was sleeping among the trees.

    The powerful dragon spirit Bahamut had fought as Ren Ashdoll''s trusted subordinate against the armies of the Five Great Elemental Lords. Despite the defeat in the war and Ren Ashdoll''s demise, did she still intend to express her loyalty to Restia who was left behind?

    Kamito did not know if she was speaking from the heart, but¡ª

    "You''re not going to harm Restia, right?"

    Kamito asked just in case.

    "That goes without saying. Also, I would have done it long ago had I the intention."

    "...That''s true."

    Kamito muttered.

    "Now that you understand, I hope you could put away that sword properly. Although she has lost her original power, for spirits who experienced the Spirit War era, she elicits trauma regardless of faction."

    "...Oh, sure, I got it."

    Kamito slowly lowered the Demon yer.

    Terminus Est, the strongest sword spirit, was apparently feared by even the Dragon King.

    "However, a spirit like you should be able to destroy me within the blink of an eye, right?"

    Kamito spoke while in trepidation inside.

    After all, the other party was the Dragon King whose power was second only to the Elemental Lords. Being able to wipe out Kamito in an instant would be nothing unusual.

    However¡ª

    "That is not true, unfortunately."

    The Dragon King shook her head slowly.

    "...Huh?"

    "I can neither leave this castle nor exert my full power outside its premises. I am truly powerless¡ª"

    "You can''t leave the castle?"

    Kamito asked in surprise. Indeed, it was well-known that Dracunia''s Dragon King never appeared in state-level conferences or ceremonies¡ª

    Hearing that, the Dragon King smiled with fragility¡ª

    "Yes, it is thanks to this contemptible curse cast by the Earth Elemental Lord¡ª"

    She moved her body slightly within the vines.

    Instantly, the writhing vines restrained the girl''s arms and legs.

    "...!?"

    "This is the Earth Elemental Lord''s curse. Bound to thisnd of Dracunia, I can neither leave this ce nor return to Astral Zero¡ª"

    "No way..."

    Unable to find words, Kamito instantly fell silent.

    Supposing this curse dated back to the Spirit War, then¡ª

    This girl had spent several thousand years all alone in this kind of ce.

    That loneliness was impossible to imagine for Kamito no matter what, given his limited lifespan¡ª

    At that moment, an idea suddenly urred to Kamito.

    "Oh right, maybe I can use Est''s power to lift the curse¡ª"

    "The sacred maiden who came here a thousand years ago also did the same thing."

    The Dragon King shook her head.

    "Sacred Maiden Areishia?"

    "Yes... However, she failed. The curse was too strong and it corroded her health as the sword spirit''s contractor¡ª"

    "I-Is that what happened...?"

    Kamito bowed his head and gritted his teeth. Sacred Maiden Areishia had taken on the curses umted in Est, causing her to turn into stone after defeating the Demon King.

    "Fufu, no need to make that kind of face. Even thousands of years are nothing to a spirit. Furthermore, life watching over humans has been rather interesting."

    The Dragon King shrugged and looked at Restia.

    "Today is truly an excellent day. I am finally able to contact the one my lord left behind¡ª"

    Cradled by vines and branches, Restia slept with a peaceful expression.

    "Restia is still Restia, right?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "...Uh, is she currently still a spirit?"

    Kamito asked.

    From his perspective, rather than transformed into a human appearance¡ª

    Restia felt like she had been rebornpletely as a human girl.

    "...Well..."

    Hearing that, the Dragon King contemted for a moment¡ª

    "Indeed, the way she is now, perhaps she might be considered human like the rest of you."

    "..."

    "However, it is a borrowed body after all. She has simply lost her traits as a spirit because she has been separated from her true body in Astral Zero. Once she recovers her memory and reestablishes her link with Astral Zero, she should recover a spirit''s power¡ª"

    "Really...?"

    Kamito looked down at his leather-gloved left hand. In that case, even though the spirit seal had vanished, the spirit contract itself that was established with Kamito still had not been annulled?

    "Can her memories be retrieved?"

    "I will try everything I can. It is the least I can do out of loyalty to my lord."

    The Dragon King nodded slowly.

    Kamito held Restia''s hand gently.

    ...Currently, that was all Kamito could do.

    Watching him like that, the Dragon King chuckled and smiled tenderly.

    "¡ªYou really love that contracted spirit, don''t you?"

    "...What!? Cough, cough..."

    Kamito choked so much that he kept coughing.

    "Dear me, I was only kidding. To think you would go that red, how cute¡ª"

    The Dragon King giggled in delight.

    "C-Come on, you..."

    However, Kamito could not bring himself to get angry at that adorable face, smiling innocently...

    Was this really the terrifying Dragon King with the booming voice?

    "Then what about Leonora?"

    "...W-Why are you bringing this up!?"

    Surprised again by another shot out of left field, Kamito was shaken.

    After all, something like that had just happened with her. Kamito could not help but recall the sensation of that extremely bountiful bosom, causing his face to instantly heat up.

    "Seriously, she already tried so hard and you are Casanova too."

    "...Don''t tell me, you saw what happened just now!?"

    Kamito could not help but shout.

    "Yes, I borrowed the eyes of the flying dragons that were carrying the Dragond."

    "Gah..."

    It was most likely Far Sight magic for sharing a familiar''s vision. Even though she was unable to step foot outside of the castle, a mythical-ss dragon spirit was still not to be trifled with.

    "She is quite awkward, so she can''t even distinguish her own feelings clearly."

    The Dragon King spoke with a wry smile.

    "Why not take Leonora? Shees from a good family, her personality is upfront, a very fine girl indeed. And her breasts are huge too... Ah, or perhaps you like them small?"

    A vine had stretched out to him unnoticed and poked Kamito in the side.

    ...Despite being a curse, it seemed like she could control them to some extent.

    "L-Leonora is a very attractive girl, of course, but... Hold on, I have no intention of that at all."

    Kamito replied somewhat glumly.

    "Then which of the four do you intend to marry?"

    "M-Marry...?"

    The Dragon King smiled mischievously.

    "As the king of Dracunia, I''d like to rmend Leonora, but if I had to choose among them, the Ordesia princess is not bad. She looks quite reliable. If necessary, you can be the emperor of Legitimate Ordesia too¡ª"

    "C-Cut the nonsense!"

    "That ponytail girl has quite arge bust too. I expect her to be the type that is more loyal and devoted than anyone once she falls into love. The hellcat girl is a bit dishonest with her feelings, but she does have a cute side. Oh, and that blonde girl is no good. Despite her prim and proper elegance, she is in cahoots with my mortal enemy the Water Elemental Lord¡ª"

    (Th-This fricking dragon spirit...!)

    Kamito mentally clutched his head.

    No good, at this rate, he was going to get caught in her pace...

    "Ahhh, so definitely amusing, you humans¡ª"

    After saying a bunch of stuff, she smiled contentedly.

    Then she put on a serious expression again¡ª

    "Hey, why do think a spirit like me is ruling this country as king?"

    "...?"

    Indeed, there were no other known cases of a spirit ruling a country in the human realm. Ordinary spirits would not take much interest in the human realm.

    "I hope to understand the race known as humans more deeply. This is in order for me to know why my liege, Ren Ashdoll, took an interest in your kind, to understand her feelings¡ª"

    "Ren Ashdoll took an interest in humans?"

    Kamito asked. It was his first time to hear about this.

    The dragon spirit girl nodded in response.

    "Ren Ashdoll sensed some kind of potential in mankind. Hence, on the brink of demise, she entrusted a portion of her power to them. Instead of the powerful races of the dragons and giants, she entrusted it to you humans¡ª"

    "..."

    Kamito looked down at his own chest.

    Why had she¡ªthe Darkness Elemental Lord¡ªcaused what was known as the Demon King''s power to reincarnate in humans? Now that it was brought up, he definitely found it unbelievable.

    "Initially, I only started observing mankind in order to understand Ren Ashdoll''s feelings. But during the process, I gradually came to love the fragile race called humans and fell in love with this country of Dracunia. They are almost like my own children¡ª"

    The Dragon King smiled with gentle eyes. However, Kamito sensed a faint smidgen of what seemed to be loneliness in her serene expression.

    No matter how much love she poured out, human lifespans were limited after all. How many of her children had this dragon spirit girl witnessed passing away from her vantage point in the castle?

    And because she needed to maintain her dignity as the Dragon King, she could only show her true appearance to the sacred maiden a thousand years ago and Kamito, the Darkness Elemental Lord''s reincarnation.

    "..."

    Kamito looked up at the Dragon King and said:

    "Let me stay here for now until Restia wakes up. I could drink tea with you and chat."

    "Fufu, unfortunately there''s no tea... Ah, though there is tree sap if you want to drink it."

    "I''ll pass..."

    ¡ªJust as Kamito shrugged...

    "...!?"

    The Dragon King''s calm expression suddenly turned serious.

    The seductively charming crimson eyes narrowed, gazing into the distance.

    "Looks like something ominous hase¡ª"

    She said in an icy voice.

    "...Something ominous?"

    "Yes... I sensed the presence of filthy darkness."

    The Dragon King closed her eyes as though transferring her consciousness somewhere far away.

    Then she said something shocking¡ª

    "¡ªThat girl... Could she be the Dusk Witch?"

    "...What!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes.

    Part 5

    The color of dusk covered the Kelbreth Mountain Range''s sky.

    At the only bridge across the canyon between the Stronghold and the dragon capital¡ª

    A gray-haired maiden was standing there, holding a demon sword the color of blood.

    Facing off against the young girl was Leonora with the gigantic Dragon yer in her hand.

    Her entire body was exuding astounding killing intent.

    "State your business. I don''t recall ever inviting you to the castle."

    Leonora said quietly.

    "You are the dragon rider at the imperial capital huh¡ª"

    The Dusk Witch murmured expressionlessly and took a step forward.

    "My purpose is to behead the Dragon King."

    "Is that so? I never knew there existed such upfront assassins."

    The killing intent released by Leonora expanded all at once.

    "No matter how manye, none shall pass here."

    "I intended to push through by force to begin with¡ª"

    The witch smiled.

 Volume 15, 8 - Mountains of Corpses, Rivers of Blood

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 8 - Mountains of Corpses, Rivers of Blood</h4>

    Part 1

    The footsteps of numerous soldiers running echoed in the Stronghold''s canyon.

    Rushing out of the throne room, Kamito went through the corridor with the Demon yer in hand.

    (I can''t believe she''s storming in through the front door by force...)

    The sweat of anxiety appeared on Kamito''s forehead. If the invader was really her, then no matter how many soldiers this ce had, they might seriously all be wiped out.

    ¡ªThe Dusk Witch.

    There was even a legend dating back to the great war about her destroying a small nation singlehandedly.

    He really hoped it was just a legend¡ª

    (I have to make it in time¡ª)

    Kamito ruminated over what the Dragon King had said to him before he left the throne room.

    Save Leonora¡ªThat was her request to him.

    He needed no one to tell him to do that¡ª

    The castle gate was already opened. Wielding elemental waffen, waves of dragon knights sortied sessively to intercept the invader.

    They were the knights of Dracunia the military state. Every one of them should be quite aplished in their own right.

    However, the noise of weapons shing showed no signs of subsiding. The Dragon Nation''s knights, renowned as the strongest, were unable to stop one mere person¡ª

    ''¡ªKamito, I sense that demon sword.''

    Est''s voice sounded in his mind.

    "I see..."

    Kamito whispered.

    ¡ªSure enough, it was her for sure.

    ''¡ªPlease be careful. That demon sword has grown stronger than before.''

    (Even stronger thanst time huh¡ª)

    While groaning in his heart, Kamito rushed out of the castle.

    The sun had setpletely. The sky was dominated by the color of night.

    Crossing the canyon was a great bridge.

    Standing in the center was that figure of hers.

    The gray-haired maiden swung her sword like fierce god of war, spreading blossoms of blood everywhere.

    At her feet, the corpses of beheaded dragons were piled high.

    Dyed bright red by the blood sttered all over her body, the girl cut down attacking dragons one after another.

    Whenever the sh of her sword tore through the night sky, a dragon''s head would fly off into the depths of the bottomless abyss¡ª

    Seeing such a scene of cruel ughter, Kamito even forgot to breathe for a moment.

    Flying in the air, none of the dragon knights of Dracunia could approach her. They were frozen stiff in their weapon wielding poses.

    "Still not enough. As expected, the girl earlier was the tastiest¡ª"

    She mercilessly crushed the head of a roaring dragon underfoot¡ª

    The girl licked her bloodstained demon sword.

    At that moment, Kamito felt an ominous premonition.

    The girl earlier¡ªShe had said these words.

    No way, did she mean¡ª

    In the next instant, what entered Kamito''s view was the worst-case scenario.

    Next to the pile of dragon corpses was Leonora copsed in blood.

    "Leonora!"

    With a great shout, Kamito rushed over reflexively. Standing on the pile of corpses, Greyworth caught sight of Kamito and muttered "oh?" without making a move.

    Kamito ignored Greyworth and rushed over to Leonora''s side.

    "Leonora! Hang in there, Leonora!"

    "...Kami...to?"

    Her bloody lips moved faintly.

    (...She''s still alive!)

    Kamito cradled her limp body in his arms and poured divine power into her. Although the only effect was to promote natural healing, at least it would be better than nothing.

    From her right shoulder to her left waist was a deep sh.

    This was a serious debilitating wound. The reason why she was still conscious was surely due to the protective effects of dragon spirits, which reinforced their contractors'' bodies.

    "...How, unsightly... Right...? As a, dragon knight of... Dracunia..."

    "Enough, don''t speak¡ª"

    Kamito hugged her head gently.

    However, Leonora desperately moved her lips, speaking intermittently.

    "...Kamito... at the imperial capital, you promised, right... you will do anything."

    "Yeah."

    "...Then, I am begging you... Protect the Dragon King, protect Dracunia¡ª"

    After listening to these words that took Leonora''s full effort to speak¡ª

    "¡ªUnderstood. It''s a promise."

    Kamito answered clearly and concisely.

    Leonora smiled radiantly before closing her eyes in serenity.

    Carrying Leonora in his arms, Kamito lowered her onto the ground behind him.

    "That girl still hasn''t died? What amazing vitality¡ª"

    Standing on the dragon corpses, Greyworth looked down at Kamito and said.

    Gripping the Demon yer tightly, Kamito red angrily at her figure, all red from sttered blood.

    "Did youe to kill the Dragon King?"

    "¡ªIndeed."

    Making no effort to conceal her purpose, she nodded in confirmation.

    Having obtained the Dusk Witch as a pawn, the Holy Kingdom looked like they had no further use for conspiracy and strategy. They could now openly send out the strongest assassin.

    "I won''t let you kill the Dragon King. Dracunia is allied to my side, Legitimate Ordesia."

    In front of the dragon knights, Kamito dered.

    However, his reason for saying this was not simply for the sake of appearances.

    Dragon King Bahamut loved the people of Dracunia and sincerely loved mankind. Over her millennia-long period of solitude, she had been watching over this country.

    Although he had only chatted with her very briefly¡ª

    Her feelings, cherishing the wellbeing of her people, had definitely reached Kamito''s heart.

    He must protect her. Kamito''s heart was filled with this pure emotion.

    Furthermore, more importantly¡ª

    (Leonora asked me to. That''s reason enough already¡ª)

    Holding the Demon yer in both hands, Kamito poured in divine power from his entire body.

    The de of steel shone with silver-white light, illuminating the darkness of the night.

    In response...

    "¡ªA rare treat. de dancing with you especially makes my blood boil with excitement."

    Greyworth smiled.

    Her aura changed. It was neither killing intent nor intimidation.

    A bizarre aura was given off from her entire body¡ª

    Kamito felt as though an ice-cold hand was gripping his heart¡ª

    (...Damn it, I can''t believe I''m shaking¡ª)

    Kamito grimaced mentally. The oveing of fear was supposed to be the basics of the basics for an Instructional Schoolbatant¡ª

    ''¡ªKamito, are you alright?''

    Est''s voice sounded in his mind.

    As expected of the strongest sword spirit, she seemedpletely unafraid of the Dusk Witch.

    As though responding to Est''s voice, Kamito forcefully gripped the sacred sword''s hilt.

    Greyworth was holding the crimson demon sword casually, jumping down from the pile of dead dragons.

    The bloodstained demon sword pulsated like a living creature.

    ¡ªIn the next instant, Greyworth swept the space behind her using that sword.

    "...!?"

    CRASH!

    With a sh of the crimson sword, the stone bridge copsed instantly.

    The mountain of dead dragons fell as a result, tumbling into the bottomless canyon.

    She had cut off her own escape route.

    "D-Damn it, I can''t believe you did this to the dragons that are this nation''s protectors!"

    "O guest from Ordesia, we will aid you!"

    The dragon knights behind Kamito shouted in anger.

    However¡ª

    "Stay back unless you want to die¡ª"

    Kamito turned his head back and red sharply at them.

    His gaze of killing intent made the dragon knights tremble.

    "Sorry, you girls will just be a burden."

    Kamito said in an icy voice.

    "B-But if you go at it alone¡ª"

    "Don''t get in my way. Please. Take Leonora and leave."

    ¡ªBe a burden. That was true in a way.

    Indeed, perhaps with their support, the battle would go more favorably. However, that was founded on the assumption that he could use them without regard for their lives.

    If they were to fight the Dusk Witch, major casualties were certain. These girls were Leonora''s precious subordinates and the Dragon King''s beloved daughters.

    He must not allow them to die, not even a single one of them.

    ¡ªAnd more importantly, he did not want Greyworth to kill them.

    Probably taking in Kamito''s message¡ª

    "May you be victorious, Kamito-dono¡ª" "May the blessing of dragons be with you."

    The dragon knight girls carried the copsed Leonora and retreated into the castle.

    "¡ªThanks."

    Kamito said quietly then turned to Greyworth again, who was standing in front of the cliff.

    "You''re hoping for a one on one, right?"

    "A life-risking decision."

    Greyworth remarked calmly.

    Then suddenly, the wind stopped.

    Under the moonlit night upon a bridge, the Dusk Witch and the Strongest de Dancer faced off.

    "Say, Greyworth..."

    "What now?"

    "Is there no way to reconcile? Have you really forgotten me and the others?"

    Kamito tried persuasion onest time.

    However, with a merciless expression, the girl said:

    "Talk is cheap. It kills the mood."

    "I see..."

    Kamito shook his head and infused maximum divine power into the Demon yer.

    "Est, we''re going all-out right from the start. Can you keep up?"

    ''Yes, I am your sword, your wish is mymand.''

    Est replied firmly.

    The two faced off. However, neither side moved recklessly. Having mastered the same style, it meant that both sides fully understood each other''s movements. Every motion of every move would presumably be predicted by the other side, thereby bringing forth a counterattack.

    Hence, they needed to simte countless battles in their minds to search for the most effective way to attack.

    Then¡ª

    The first to begin the battle was Kamito.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    Raising the sacred sword shining with silver-white light, Kamito kicked the ground in a leap, elerating explosively using the release of divine power. The thrust was like lightning, surpassing the speed of sound to pierce the enemy.

    ng¡ªA scatter of sparks.

    Kamito''s deadly strike was parried away by Greyworth''s de.

    This was not reaction but prediction.

    Kamito immediately withdrew his sword and executed a straight horizontal sh.

    ¡ªHowever, Greyworth took half a step back, causing the sword tip to simply fly past her nose.

    Kamito took another step forward. Chanting spirit magic rapidly, he manifested a dagger in his other hand. This was Weapon Works, steel-type magic¡ªHolding the dagger between his fingers, he threw it.

    The dagger flew with a sh, tearing through the air, but was shattered by a chop from Greyworth''s bare hand, enveloped in divine power. Using her residual momentum, she struck at Kamito''s neck.

    This was within Kamito''s prediction too. Thus lowering his stance to evade, he shed diagonally upwards towards her shoulder. The crossing des produced a shower of sparks.

    This was super high-speed contest that ordinary people could not follow with the naked eye.

    At close range, virtually with their faces pressed together, the two of them shed.

    "Your movements are different from that day''s¡ª"

    "After all, I was wounded all over at the time."

    "Is that so? How delightful."

    Greyworth''s lips fluttered slightly, murmuring something.

    (Spirit magic? No¡ª)

    He relied purely on instinct. Sensing some kind of ominous presence, Kamito jumped back to create distance.

    In that instant, the bloodstained demon sword transformed, turning into a gigantic lupine beast with countless fangs.

    "...!?"

    ROOOOOOAAAAAR...!

    The blood-colored beast howled and pounced at Kamito.

    Kamito dove to the ground and rolled, evading in the nick of time. His position from half a second ago was crushed by the jaws of the beast''s head sprouting from her demon sword''s hilt.

    (...! What the heck is this¡ª!?)

    ''Kamito, while turned into an elemental waffe, that demon sword retains its traits as a spirit.''

    Est''s voice sounded in his mind.

    (So it''s both an elemental waffe and a spirit at the same time. I see now¡ª)

    Kamito figured it out. Instead of dominating the demon spirit, Greyworth was in a cooperative rtionship with it.

    "One of the seventy-two sealed spirits, d Dracul the demon spirit. Sure enough, it grows very fast when I allow it to absorb the blood of dragons."

    Greyworth said contentedly.

    "A blood-drinking demon sword huh? That''s a bit creepy¡ª"

    However, given Greyworth''s frightening sword skillsbined with the demon sword''s independent attacks, it was truly a difficult situation. To Kamito, this meant he had to predict attacks from twopletely different styles at the same time.

    "The demon sword is thirsting for your blood, Demon King¡ª"

    Greyworth swept the demon sword horizontally.

    ROOOOOAAAAAR!

    The beast head sprouted from the hilt gave a strange howl and chased Kamito relentlessly.

    Jumping randomly all over the ce, the beast crushed the remnants of the bridge.

    (...Curse this spirit!)

    Even with Steel''s Protection, Kamito''s body would probably be torn apart in an instant if it bit him.

    However, it would not be realistic to keep running. Thinking he had to find a chance to strike back, Kamito kicked the ground to jump towards the bridge''s railing.

    A leap. In midair, Kamito turned around and released his divine power.

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªMeteor!"

    Divine power erupted explosively. While descending at extreme speed, Kamito swung his sword downwards.

    This was a move derived from Purple Lighting. Its power was also top-notch within the Absolute de Arts.

    The Demon yer pierced the beast''s head, pinning its gigantic body to the ground.

    Instantly, the blood-colored beast melted away and disappeared.

    ¡ªHowever, just at that moment, Greyworth appeared before his eyes.

    Part 2

    Inside the throne room at the deepest part of the castle¡ª

    Through the eyes of flying dragon familiars, the Dragon King observed the situation outside.

    The dragons of Kelbreth Mountain kept attacking the girl one after another and were cut down on the spot.

    (That truly is the Dusk Witch huh...)

    She had witnessed the girl''s image in the past.

    During the Ranbal Warst time, hundreds of Dracunia''s dragons had been ughtered by merely one young girl. It was recorded in history as the Terrifying Dusk Nightmare.

    However, that was decades ago. Supposed to have a limited lifespan, how could she still look as she did back then¡ª?

    Feeling an inexplicable sense of anxiety, she could not help but move. The Earth Elemental Lord''s curse instantly reacted. The writhing vines restrained her naked body tightly.

    Contemptible curse. Were it not for this curse, she would be able to head outside the castle personally. Turning a mere human girl to ash would be as easy as¡ª

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    "Fufu, you actually should have kept Ren Ashbell here as your bodyguard. I cannot believe you fell for it so easily¡ª"

    A young girl''s voice sounded within the throne room in the Dragon King''s presence.

    It was apanied by the sound of a bell. She had suddenly appeared out of the dark.

    "Who goes there? I do not recall permitting anyone to have an audience¡ª"

    The Dragon King narrowed her crimson eyes and dered.

    She never expected an intruder here. Due to sharing her senses with familiars outside, she must have overlooked that presence.

    Hearing that, the maiden dressed in pure white vestments bowed politely.

    "I am Millennia Sanctus, a cardinal from the Holy Kingdom of Lugia¡ª"

    "Is that so? The Holy Kingdom''s¡ª"

    The Dragon King smiled.

    "I thought all they could manage were conspiracies and ploys. Who would have thought that they would grow so brazen day by day... Well then, what is your purpose in sneaking into my bedroom? Depending on the specific reason, no, regardless of the reason, your sin deserves a thousand deaths."

    The Dragon King red haughtily at the girl in vestments. An ordinary person would have fainted from such an intimidating gaze¡ª

    However, Millennia remained unfazed.

    "I came to take your life, Dragon King of Dracunia."

    "..."

    Hearing that, the Dragon King fell silent for a moment¡ª

    Next, she showed a terrifying and magnificent smile.

    "Oh? To think that you are targeting the life of I, Bahamut, the ultimate dragon spirit, now that is truly getting carried away."

    The wind rumbled. The Dragon King''s tranquil fury was shaking the air.

    "Although my original power is sealed under a curse, I still possess sufficient power to destroy the likes of you¡ª"

    Instantly, balls of lightning appeared in the Dragon King''s surroundings to prate the girl''s body.

    The girl did not even have enough time to scream.

    All that remained on the ground was the girl''s charred outline.

    Nothing was left of the cardinal Millennia Sanctus. Vanished from this world without a trace.

    "Foolish girl. Acting impudently without considering our difference in power."

    The Dragon King sighed.

    However, in the next instant¡ª

    "Fufu, as expected of the great Dragon King. You even killed one of me."

    "...!?"

    The Dragon King widened her eyes in surprise.

    Only to see the girl who had been eliminated just now¡ª

    As though seeping out from the darkness in the air, she reappeared.

    "What are you¡ª"

    Millennia unfastened the eye patch over her left eye.

    From her eye socket, the Otherworldly Darkness seeped out, crawling towards the Dragon King''s throne.

    "Otherworldly Darkness!? I see, you are neither human nor spirit¡ª!"

    "Well observed¡ª"

    Millennia smiled tenderly.

    "But you are toote¡ª"

    Part 3

    Holding the demon sword, Greyworth appeared right before his eyes.

    At the same time, multiple crimson spears appeared out of thin air, shooting at Kamito together.

    Fourteen spears created from spirit magic. Kamito immediately read the spears'' trajectories. However¡ª

    (...I can''t dodge them all!?)

    Making a split-second decision, he sacrificed his right shoulder which was very unlikely to be a critical wound.

    "Gah...!"

    The spiraling spear tip pierced him. Taking the opportunity of Kamito''s loss of posture, Greyworth swung the demon sword.

    Kamito hastily stabbed the Demon yer into the ground. ng¡ªThe demon sword struck the upright sacred sword''s t of the de.

    In that instant, Kamito poured in divine power¡ª

    (Est, Mode Shift!)

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Instantly, the silver-white de became dominated by darkness. The Demon yer turned into the Demon King''s Sword that had inherited Restia''s power.

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    The ck lightning released by the Demon King''s Sword hit Greyworth directly while the des shed. Her petite body was blown away violently.

    Kamito followed up on the attack. Drawing out the Demon King''s Sword from the ground, he charged all at once.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    He swung with god-like speed, aiming at Greyworth''s shoulder just as she did a somersault in the air tond on the ground.

    However, he did not feel the strike connecting. She vanished instantly like a mirage.

    "...!?"

    "Absolute de Arts, Mist Form¡ªWater Reflection Mirror."

    What Kamito had shed was an afterimage formed from divine power.

    (Where¡ª)

    Kamito was confused for an instant. Even though it was an opening for only a few milliseconds, in a contest between those who had reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship, it was enough to be fatal.

    Greyworth was directly behind the wavering image. Almost superimposed with the image, she had dodged Kamito''s sh by leaning her upper body back for an instant.

    (Crap¡ª!)

    Greyworth kicked Kamito''s sword. While his posture was severely off-bnce¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, sh Form¡ªDeath Butterfly sh Dance!"

    She counterattacked with godlike speed.

    Kamito barely managed to react, escaping the lethal strike aimed straight at his heart. Rather than reading the attack, this was a subconscious reaction only possible due to his extreme familiarity with that move from the Absolute de Arts.

    Had he not experienced that move many times in his youth, he would surely be dead now.

    His arm, the one wielding the Demon King''s Sword, bled.

    ¡ªAt this moment, probably reacting to the fresh blood, the demon sword, d Dracul, instantly twisted its de, turning into a bloodthirsty beast to bite Kamito''s arm.

    "...!"

    A tearing bite inflicted to his right arm. The instant before the nerves in his sword arm died, Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer. The Demon King''s Sword vanished as particles of light and appeared on the other side, his left hand, as the dagger of pure white out of the twin des.

    He instantly used the dagger to slice off the beast''s head. Next, the demon spirit d Dracul returned to its demon sword form.

    (...Gah, my right arm ispletely dead huh¡ª)

    Kicking the ground hard, Kamito jumped back.

    While creating as much distance as he could, he assessed the damage to his body.

    Although his right arm was still sort of attached after being bitten by the beast, thework of nerves had lost contact. He could not even lift a single finger.

    Greyworth jumped up high.

    Then from the air, she unleashed an Absolute de Art¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªMeteor!"

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    At the same time, Kamito held the white dagger in a reverse grip to counter the aerial Absolute de Art.

    The des shed violently in the air. The divine power released from the two of them glowed with brightness like the sun.

    The Dusk Witch and Ren Ashbell¡ªThis de dance between the two elementalists idolized as ideals by princess maidens across the entire continent was far too destructive to be called a de dance.

    (...Gah, I''m getting overpowered¡ª!)

    The anti-air Absolute de Art, Biting Dragon, was delivered imperfectly with one hand. Despite reducing the Meteor''s power, it failed to counter it. Thus, Kamito was cut down on the ground.

    "Kaha¡ª!"

    The impact felt like it would shatter his spine, making him spit blood violently. Greyworth withdrew her sword in midair and swung the demon sword, aiming at Kamito''s heart¡ª

    (¡ªDamn... it, I... can''t win...?)

    Unable to breathe, he could not even lift a finger¡ª

    Under his blurred vision, he quietly waited for the de to pierce his heart¡ª

    Just then...

    Kamito heard Leonora''s voice in his mind.

    ¡ªI am begging you... Protect the Dragon King, protect Dracunia.

    (...Right... I, already, promised¡ª!)

    Throb¡ªHis heart pulsated powerfully.

    ¡ªIt was the warning sign of thating.

    Throb, throb, throb, throb¡ª

    The divine power circting inside him began to flow in reverse while ck miasma leaked out of his entire body. Sealed inside Kamito, Ren Ashdoll''s power began to provide unlimited divine power¡ª

    ng¡ª!

    Kamito blocked the downward sh with his sword in one hand.

    "What¡ª"

    Greyworth eximed in surprise for the first time.

    "A sudden expansion of divine power?"

    ''Kamito, this is bad, that power¡ª!''

    Est''s strained voice echoed in his mind.

    (Yeah, I know. This power has very bad consequences¡ª)

    If this power of Ren Ashdoll''s devoured himpletely, Kamito''s personality would be destroyed, turning him into a monster like Nepenthes Lore. Either that, or a Demon King would be reborn to bring destruction and chaos to the world¡ª

    However, Kamito had to defeat the Dusk Witch right now¡ª

    (I need this power¡ª)

    ''Kamito...!''

    (Est, I''m sorry¡ª)

    Est''s voice gradually faded and soon could not be heard.

    At the same time, he felt his divine power reverse all at once.

    ck miasma gushed out intensely, instantly regenerating all his wounds and the torn right arm.

    Probably sensing some kind of danger instinctively, Greyworth jumped back.

    Kamito released divine power, changed the Demon yer''s form and jumped all at once.

    A bestial roar was emitted from Kamito''s throat.

    With all senses tensed to the limit, he felt an illusion as if his entire body had plunged into a kind of time stop.

    Greyworth made some kind of sound. Instantly, the demon sword d Dracul turned into a pack of blood-colored wolves to pounce at Kamito.

    However, Kamito did not halt.

    Allowing them to bite and rip flesh from his entire body, he lunged into the wolf pack.

    Then he charged at Greyworth in one breath¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Eighteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    He unleashed the strongest anti-spirit Absolute de Art¡ª

    However, the instant the first strike approached the witch''s throat¡ª

    Greyworth smiled.

    (No way¡ª!?)

    Indeed, against this sword technique that was capable of ughtering even an archdemon-ss spirit, there was one and only one counterattack.

    It was the ultimate secret of the Absolute de that could only be performed by someone who had reached the pinnacle of both divine power and swordsmanship.

    Having returned to her peak form, right now, she was able to use it!

    "Absolute de Arts, Final Form¡ªLast Strike!"

    In front of Kamito''s eyes, the sword shed faster than godlike speed.

    Part 4

    "Is this as far as your mes can go¡ª?"

    "...!?"

    Every time Rubia Elstein swung Laevateinn, a zing torrent of fire rushed over the wilderness.

    The mes turned into scorching walls, slowly cornering the fleeing ire.

    (Such powerful heat, my mes can''tpare at all...!)

    Faced with Rubia''s sword swings, ire unleashed metongue but all her attacks were easily deflected.

    Sweat appeared on ire''s forehead. Burning anxiety and fear was spreading. Although she knew in her heart that this was a hallucination disyed to her by the ancient historical site...

    (¡ªIf that fire were to burn me, my mind will be destroyed even if my body remains unharmed.)

    ire sensed this instinctively. Most likely, this ce was simr to Astral Zero in structure. A single misstep and she might not be able to return to the original world.

    "ire Rouge, why do you pursue power?"

    Rubia spoke from behind the mask.

    "Th-That''s to... meet Nee-sama¡ª"

    Mid-sentence, ire stopped.

    Indeed, she was still very weak. Having been protected by her older sister or Rinslet all the time, she definitely hoped to be strong for this purpose. It was for this that she had set the de Dance as her goal.

    However, now that she had achieved that goal, why was it still necessary for her to pursue power?

    Rubia chanted an incantation to release a two-headed ming hound.

    me magic did not work on that hound.

    (...Humm, in that case, try this!)

    "¡ªO true me carved upon the ancient bloodline, dwell in my hand to devour mes!"

    ireposed spell words with her lips.

    What appeared in her hand was fire redder and more intense than burning mes.

    Capable of incinerating mes¡ªEnd of Vermilion.

    Faced with the pouncing hound of me, ire turned it into ash using the True me.

    "I am fighting so that I can stay by Kamito''s side!"

    ire shouted.

    Yes, she hoped to obtain power sufficient to be Kamito''s partner, to fight alongside him.

    That was the reason why ire currently sought power.

    "Oh?"

    Wielding Laevateinn, Rubia suddenly approached before her eyes.

    (...When did she!?)

    ire trembled, The ming hound was a diversion.

    "¡ªF-Fireball!"

    While jumping back, ire released her prided spirit magic at pointnk range.

    However¡ª

    "Experience my icy wrath¡ªFrost ze!"

    The blue me appearing in Rubia''s hand froze the fireball spirit magic together with space itself.

    (Impossible...!)

    ire was shocked.

    "Then answer me. Why do you wish to stay by Kazehaya Kamito''s side?"

    "¡ªHuh?"

    ire was confused. Why did she want to stay by Kamito''s side¡ª?

    "Uh, th-that''s because, Kamito has always protected me. I am his master after all, so it''s unfair if I can''t protect him, uh¡ª"

    ...No, that was wrong¡ªire shook her head.

    The true reason was¡ª

    "Until the day you admit to your true feelings, the mes of Elstein will never acknowledge you."

    "True feelings?"

    "Discard your mindset of self-deception, ire Rouge. Otherwise, you shall die here¡ª"

    Rubia swung down the zing Laevateinn.

 Volume 15, 9 - Vorpal Sword

    <h4>Volume 15, Chapter 9 - Vorpal Sword</h4>

    Part 1

    Last Strike¡ªThis was the Absolute de''s final secret technique that Greyworth had risked her life to entrust to Kamito.

    It was an ultimate countering skill that reversed the flow of divine power to strike the enemy directly.

    With the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance''s force returned to him, Kamito was blown into the air.

    The only reason why his body had not been torn into two was thanks to him noticing the activation of Last Strike in the nick of time, thus allowing him to put up a twin sword defensive stance. Without having experienced her ultimate skill firsthand before, it would have been impossible to read this move.

    Tracing out a parabolic trajectory in the air, Kamito''s body smashed hard against the stone floor.

    "...Ack... Huff¡ª!"

    A diagonal sh was left on his torso from his waist up to his shoulder, bleeding profusely. His ribs were shattered beyond recognition, preventing him from even breathing.

    The ck miasma crawled all over Kamito''s body as though licking him, causing regeneration at astounding speed. However, it still could not keep up.

    Greyworth quietly lowered her bloodstained demon sword. Even the Dusk Witch could not help but pant. The drawback to the Last Strike was its extreme strain on the body. After executing the move, it was impossible to move for a short time.

    ¡ªThat being said, she probably still had enough strength remaining to deliver the final blow to Kamito in his battered state then fight the Knights of the Dragon Emperor in the castle.

    (...Damn, it... Can''t, I win...?)

    Even though he wanted to grip his twin swords, his fingers could not move.

    Holding the demon sword, Greyworth slowly approached.

    "It was quite delightful, Demon King¡ª"

    ¡ªAt that very moment...

    His leather-gloved left hand felt a slight pain.

    ...Kami...to...Are you, there...?

    It was not Est''s voice.

    Neither was it Ren Ashdoll''s voice, enticing him towards darkness.

    It was her voice.

    (...Are you Restia?)

    Kamito concentratedpletely on the voice in his mind.

    The spirit seal gave off scorching heat and the erupting ck lightning instantly destroyed the leather glove.

    Glowing intensely, the seal of the ck moon, symbolizing darkness, was shing.

    "...Ah... Guh...!"

    ...Kamito, I am here, waiting for you, the whole time...

    (Restia¡ª!)

    Calling her name again in his heart, in that instant¡ª

    Kamito''s consciousness plunged into darkness.

    Part 2

    The strongest mes in the human realm¡ªLaevateinn''s congration was approaching ire.

    Isted by the walls of me surrounding her, there was no way to escape.

    And dying in this world entailed the death of the soul in the real world.

    "...!"

    It was impossible to resist using spirit magic or Scarlet''s mes. ire hastily extended her hands and chanted the incantation.

    "O true me carved upon the ancient bloodline, dwell in my hand to devour mes!"

    The mes of termination, more intense than zing crimson mes, shed violently against Laevateinn''s godying ze.

    "...Guh... Urgh...!"

    ...However, she could not block it.

    The endless and overwhelming mes were slowly devouring ire''s own mes.

    ¡ªUntil the day you admit to your true feelings, the mes of Elstein will never acknowledge you.

    Rubia''s words reyed in her mind.

    (...W-What, my true feelings...!)

    Was she overlooking what she truly felt?

    (Why am I pursuing power...?)

    While scorched by the heat from the zing mes, ire engaged in introspection.

    Her initial goal was to take part in the de Dance so that she could meet her sister again.

    To this end, she had attempted to obtain power beyond her control and failed.

    The one who persuaded her at the time and taught her to fight in a team was him.

    (Purely pursuing power will only repeat the same mistakes...)

    ire realized in rm and bit her lip.

    (But what should I do¡ª?)

    The true feelings she was avoiding. Only by understanding them¡ª

    "Do you think mes of this level can stop my fury and mymentation!?"

    Rubia''s mes surged and howled. There was no way for ire to endure further¡ª!

    ¡ªAt that very moment.

    At her feet, Scarlet meowed and ran forward to protect ire.

    "Scarlet! No, even if you''re a me spirit, that Laevateinn''s godying mes will¡ª"

    ¡ªPlease liberate me, master.

    (...Huh?)

    ire heard a girl''s calm voice in her mind.

    ...A voice she had no recollection of. However, it felt extremely familiar for some reason¡ª

    ire looked down at Scarlet at her feet.

    "Scarlet... Is that you?"

    Scarlet meowed again and expelled intense mes.

    Rubia''s howling mes were forced back slightly.

    During the de Dance, ire had seen Scarlet''s true form. If she could liberate her, perhaps it might be possible to oppose these mes. However¡ª

    "...How do I liberate you!?"

    ¡ªPlease liberate your genuine feelings, master.

    "...My genuine feelings?"

    ire was confused.

    Even at another''s urging, she still did not know what to do.

    (Also, what the heck is with genuine feelings...!?)

    The mes surged with greater intensity. ire''s power was not going to hold.

    The True me of Elstein¡ªEnd of Vermilion¡ªwas not only consuming her divine power mercilessly but also her stamina and mental strength...

    "...Ah, urgh...!"

    Her body felt very heavy. Her forehead was sweating profusely while her consciousness gradually grew hazy. She might lose consciousness before the mes burned her. Perhaps that was a sliver of kindness afforded to her from her sister. That was what she thought.

    However, at that moment, what surfaced in her mind was Kamito''s face.

    (...No way, how can I die in a ce like this!?)

    Scolding her weak self, she mustered thest of her strength.

    ire closed her eyes and focused on her own heart.

    Hoping to stand by Kamito''s side¡ªThis wish was real.

    However, why would she wish for that...?

    An inferiorityplex due to her weakness¡ªNo.

    Because she was worried about Kamito¡ªThat was not totally correct.

    (Kamito, I...)

    Throb. Her heart pulsated.

    ¡ªPlease be more honest, master.

    ...Right, even though it is clear in my heart.

    However, these feelings, she had always kept them hidden using all sorts of ways.

    Even though she had admitted them long ago, she was still afraid to voice them.

    She was afraid of bing honest.

    (Like that, I am hiding my genuine feelings, deceiving my own heart...)

    The contracted spirit was an existence tightly connected to the depths of an elementalist''s heart. No matter how much experience as an elementalist was umted, no matter how powerful the divine power possessed¡ª

    With her heart under such conditions, how could the contracted spirit possibly respond to her?

    (...I-I know, I''ll just have to admit it!)

    Amid zing mes¡ª

    "I-I¡ª"

    ire took a breath forcefully.

    "I, love, Kamitoooooooooooooo!"

    Blushing to her ears, she yelled loudly.

    Indeed, ire Rouge loved Kazehaya Kamito.

    Hence, that was why she wished to obtain power allowing her to stand by Kamito''s side.

    These were ire''s genuine feelings, not covered up, not an excuse.

    ¡ªYou finally became honest, master.

    "...!?"

    A violent surge of mes enveloped Scarlet''s entire body¡ª

    Then what appeared was¡ª

    A young girl with long fluttering hair of mes.

    Her burning eyes were redder than rubies. The mes wrapped around her limbs howled nonstop.

    "Scarlet...?"

    ire whispered in shock.

    "The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde¡ªhas descended upon the world in response to the call for my true name."

    The girl with crimson hair extended her hand at the approaching mes.

    The mes around the girl''s entire body instantly surged violently.

    "In response to my master''smand, I hereby present my true power. Crimson mes of the lion¡ª!"

    The instant Ortlinde called out...

    The crimson ze surging from her entire body¡ª

    Engulfed Rubia and Laevateinn.

    Part 3

    (...This is ce is?)

    After his consciousness was interrupted...

    Kamito found himself in darkness.

    It was that ce which he had seen many times in his dreams.

    The spirit seal on his left hand was glowing, slightly illuminating the dark.

    ...Now, Kamito was able to understand.

    This was no dream. Instead, it was the world where Restia was located.

    Through the bond of the spirit contract, she had summoned Kamito''s consciousness to this ce¡ª

    Kamito searched in the dark.

    "Restia! Where are you, Restia!?"

    The sticky and viscous darkness swallowed his body.

    "...! Restia!"

    While brushing darkness away, Kamito moved forward.

    Suddenly, the figure of the maiden with folded wings of jet-ck appeared in the dark.

    "Restia!"

    Inside the mud-like darkness, Kamito strove to move forward.

    His entire body was attacked by pain as though scorched. However, he did not stop. How could he possibly stop? She was in this dark and lonely ce, waiting for him the whole time.

    Finally, he reached out and grabbed Restia''s arm firmly.

    "I''ve been waiting for you, Kamito¡ª"

    Restia smiled.

    "...I''m sorry, took me long enough."

    Surrounded by endless darkness, the two pressed their lips together as one.

    It was their second spirit contract¡ª

    Restia''s jet-ck wings moved to surround Kamito.

    Part 4

    "...A-Ahhhhhhhhhhh....!"

    Terrifying darkness was crawling over the paleplexion of the maiden''s naked body.

    Vited as a spirit, the feeling of being defiled was making the Dragon King struggle violently.

    Able to endure the passage of thousands of years despite being trapped by the Earth Elemental Lord''s curse, her resilient mind was now being painted with a coating of ckness.

    "Fufu, your cries are surprisingly cute, Your Majesty¡ª"

    "Damn... you... Ah... Guh..."

    Any other spirit would probably have gone mad already. However, as expected of a mythical-ss spirit, she still barely clung onto her sanity.

    "As expected of the strongest dragon spirit. However, how long can youst?"

    After Millennia smiled sadistically¡ª

    She cast her gaze towards the sleeping Restia, cradled among branches and vines.

    "To think that I would be able to take this darkness spirit too, my lord shall be pleased¡ª"

    "...Stop... She is¡ª"

    "Fufu, just enjoy the show from over there, Your Majesty¡ª"

    Millennia Sanctus reached out to Restia.

    At that very instant...

    Just as her finger made contact, ck lightning exploded. Millennia''s expression became twisted.

    "...!?"

    The released lightning of darkness attacked Millennia repeatedly.

    Millennia instantly moved to evade,nding at the entrance of the hall.

    "...! You¡ª"

    "...You are too naughty, Millennia Sanctus."

    Easily incinerating the vines to nothing, Restia slowly stood up.

    Her entire body was enveloped in ck lightning¡ª

    In the next instant, she was d in a dress of darkness.

    Her gorgeous jet-ck wings were spread out.

    Opening her dusk-colored eyes slightly, she stared coldly at Millennia.

    "Restia Ashdoll, you..."

    Millennia''s eyes widened in surprise.

    "You deserve to die ten thousand times for daring to touch me."

    "...! Take this¡ª"

    Millenniaunched holy spirit magic.

    However, the glowing arrow of holy light was deflected by Restia''s jet-ck wing.

    "...! Why!? Aren''t you a darkness spirit''s minion¡ª"

    "Fufu, don''t you get it...?"

    Restia smiled fearlessly and asked.

    "...So what?"

    With Otherworldly Darkness flowing out of her eye socket, Millennia lunged at Restia.

    However¡ª

    "¡ªThat darkness is already mine."

    Zo, zozozo, zozozozozozozozozo¡ª

    The Otherworldly Darkness produced by Millennia was absorbed into Restia''s palm.

    Even darkness capable of eating away at the Dragon King was erased inside her hand.

    "...Don''t tell me... Don''t tell me that is actually happening?"

    Millennia''s face showed unprecedented shock.

    "However, regarding this, my lord shall¡ª"

    Millennia bit her lip hard.

    "Very well, I shall retreat for now. After all, there are things to confirm¡ª"

    As though devoured by darkness, she vanished into thin air.

    "...She escaped."

    Saying that, Restia slowly turned to face the Dragon King.

    "...Your memories have recovered, Restia Ashdoll¡ª"

    The Dragon King groaned in pain.

    "Dragon King Bahamut¡ªI have not seen you since the Demon King War. Although I would like to catch up, I''m afraid I must go, he is calling for me¡ª"

    "Yes, be on your way¡ª"

    After bowing to the Dragon King, Restia vanished as particles of light.

    ...Leaving only jet-ck feathers behind.

    Part 5

    "...Kuh... ugh..."

    After the endless darkness dissipated, Kamito regained consciousness.

    ...It was not a dream. Through the seal on his left hand, he could sense her existence concretely.

    (...She came back.)

    Kamito''s fingers gripped the two Demon King''s Swords with precision.

    (...Now is not the time to be lying down here!)

    Thrusting the des into the ground, Kamito slowly got up. Although his entire body was hurting intensely, it was not enough to make him lose consciousness. The ck miasma covering his entire body gradually reconstituted Kamito''s body¡ª

    "Oh? It wasn''t deep enough huh¡ª"

    Greyworth halted in her steps and widened her eyes slightly.

    "However, what can you do in that body?"

    "..."

    She was right. Although by using Ren Ashdoll''s power, he was barely holding his body together, no matter how you looked at it, he was in no condition to swing swords.

    However, even so¡ªKamito still stood up.

    On his dangling left arm, the spirit seal on his hand was glowing with dazzling light.

    ...He could feel very palpably. She was there¡ª

    "A second spirit seal...?"

    Greyworth frowned in surprise.

    Kamito slowly raised his glowing left hand over his head.

    Then he called her name¡ªthat of his past contracted spirit.

    "Come, merciless queen of darkness, thy name is¡ªthe darkness spirit Restia Ashdoll!"

    In that instant, the spirit seal on his left hand erupted with ck lightning.

    The lightning tore through the atmosphere, streaked across the night sky and disappeared.

    In the next instant¡ª

    Beautiful jet-ck wings opened up before Kamito''s eyes.

    The dress of darkness was fluttering magnificently in the wind.

    Landing on tiptoe, she descended quietly.

    "This appearance has been absent for so long, Kamito¡ª"

    Turning around, she smiled tenderly.

    That mysteriously fearless smile was undoubtedly hers.

    "Restia..."

    Kamito called out the name as though chewing his words.

    In order to rescue Kamito at the Elemental Lords'' altar when the Otherworldly Darkness was about to devour him, she had sacrificed herself and vanished. All her power had been entrusted to Est¡ª

    And now, she had finally returned to Kamito''s side.

    "Your memories recovered..."

    "Yes, thanks to her. It was originally supposed to take longer, so I must thank the Dragon King properly¡ª"

    Restia nodded and faced Greyworth.

    "Although I have many things to say, let me save that to the end for now¡ª"

    "Ah, yes..."

    Kamito and Restia faced off against Greyworth and her demon sword.

    "You have be quite adorable, Dusk Witch. What an excellent opportunity, you''ve always rubbed me the wrong way since long ago¡ª"

    Restia smiled provocatively and released lightning from her palm.

    In response, Greyworth deflected it with her demon sword¡ª

    "What a coincidence. Although this is my first time meeting you, for some reason, you rub me the wrong way too."

    "Fufu, whether myself or Kamito, we are different from the way we were three years ago."

    "H-Hey, Restia...!?"

    Kamito felt troubled by the sparks flying between those two.

    "Yes, understood¡ª"

    Restia stood up lightly on her toes.

    "I am your sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    In the next instant, Restia''s body turned into particles of light and disappeared into thin air¡ª

    A demon sword with a de of darkness immediately appeared upright in front of Kamito.

    ''¡ªPlease do not imitate me, darkness spirit.''

    Est''s voice sounded in Kamito''s mind.

    ''Oh my, you are here too¡ª''

    Restia chuckled in response.

    ''Let''s get along, Onee-chan.''

    ''Please do not sound so familiar, darkness spirit¡ª''

    ...Kamito could not help but picture the two of them bickering.

    ''I am taking back the power entrusted to you, okay?''

    Suddenly, of the twin swords, the ck one disappeared from Kamito''s left hand¡ª

    The Vorpal Sword standing before him began to exude an ominous aura of darkness.

    The power of darkness inherited by Est had returned to Restia.

    However, a question came to Kamito''s mind. Just now, Restia had clearly released darkness spirit magic against Greyworth. Where on earth had that powere from¡ª?

    Kamito drew out the Vorpal Sword from the ground.

    The hilt''s grip felt extremely familiar andfortable.

    "Let''s go, Restia and Est¡ª"

    ''Alright.''

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Kamito poured his entire body''s divine power into the two swords he was wielding with two hands.

    Ren Ashdoll''s endless flow of power was gradually absorbed into the Vorpal Sword¡ª

    (...What is going on?)

    ''¡ªLet me exinter, okay?''

    The demon sword of darkness began to give off jet-ck lightning.

    It was far stronger than what Restia had before.

    Isn''t this power enough to rival Est''s¡ª?

    "Oh? So you were hiding that kind of power?"

    Greyworth readied the demon sword d Dracul in both hands.

    A stance of the Absolute de Arts. She intended to decide the match right here instead of enjoying a back and forth contest.

    "Greyworth, I will return you to normal. I swear I will¡ª"

    Kamito crossed his two swords in a stance.

    For Kamito, this was a final strike in the truest sense.

    Merely milliseconds. After the passage of the brief instant that felt like eternity¡ª

    The two of them moved at the same time.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    Greyworth was the one with a sword sh of crimson light.

    This was the most basic of the Absolute de Arts, the fastest sword technique.

    When pitting the same move against each other, this was the one technique that best demonstrated the gap between both sides'' skill level. At the same time, it was the only move in the Absolute de Arts for which there was no effective counter.

    Pouring all of his remaining divine power into the soles of his feet, Kamito elerated in one go.

    The Vorpal Sword in his left hand released powerful lightning.

    As thoughpeting, the Demon yer in his right hand glowed with dazzling light at the same time.

    Finally, that instant arrived.

    The swords of the Dusk Witch and Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer, flew past each other. In that very instant...

    Kamito released his two crossed swords.

    "Absolute de Arts, Dual Wielding Form¡ªPurple Lightning Revised!"

    The sh of the two swords shed violently against Greyworth''s demon sword¡ª

    And shattered the crimson de.

 Volume 15, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 15, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªYou''re thinking too much like a dragon!

    Shimizu here. To readers who are holding this book, I am truly grateful.

    Let me present to you the 15th installment of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "The Dragon King of Dracunia."

    Infiltrating the imperial capital to rescue Fianna, Kamito was blocked by Greyworth who had recovered her appearance as a young girl. With Kamito helpless in the face of her overwhelming power, it was at that moment when Leonora the dragon knight of Dracunia showed up¡ª

    That''s how Leonora entered the stage again because there have been no opportunities since the de Dance. Leonora is really quite a dragon, carnivorous in all kinds of ways. Also, in this volume, the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia that has been shrouded in mystery has finally lifted its veil. The truth about the Dragon King ruling over the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia turns out to be¡ª!?

    As for acknowledgements, again, I am truly thankful to Nimura Yuuji-sensei for his magnificent illustrations. Leonora''s "not wearing any" picture on the cover is really too awesome. (The bare legs version appearing on the frontispiece was due to the my insistence as the author!) There is also the illustration of the new character, the Dragon King, which truly surpassed my imagination.

    Then there is Hyouju Issei-sensei''s manga serialization. Every time, it is drawn to such high standards, I am honestly extremely grateful. Thetest Volume 5 will be released in February so I do hope that everyone could check it out if they have a chance. The battle between Kamito and Jio Inzagi is honestly very hot-blooded.

    Editor in charge, S-sama, sorry for causing trouble for you on the schedule side. Thank you so much for supporting me every time.

    Now about recent events. At this stage, I''ve written a coborative scenario for SEGA''s smartphone game, Chain Chronicle. Ites with original characters as freebies, so interested gamers, please try it out.

    As for the customary poprity poll, ording to Volume 14''s survey, Restia and Est upied the number one and number two spots respectively, separated by an extremely small gap. Fianna was third. From the letters andments in the survey responses, I can tell that everyone is reading the story very seriously. I truly cannot express my endless gratitude enough to everyone who has supported me so far.

    ¡ªWell then, nextes the Theocracy episode where we will start tying up dangling plot threads.

    Let us meet again with Volume 16, "The Demon King Returns in Triumph (Tentative)"!

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    This time, Scarlet is taking a break.

    Sorry for submitting things thest minute before the deadline...

    Nimura

 Volume 16, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 16, Prologue</h4>

    "¡ªOhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    White and ck. The des of the dual swords crossed.

    Absolute de Arts, Dual Wielding Form¡ªPurple Lightning Revised.

    This was a skill originating from Purple Lightning, a thrust executed with godlike speed, modifying it for dual wielding.

    Rinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng!

    A crisp sound resembling the breaking of ss was heard¡ª

    The demon sword of darkness and the sacred sword of steel had shattered the witch''s crimson demon sword.

    In that instant, surprise appeared in those gray eyes of Greyworth''s.

    Kamito did not miss that look in her eyes. So even the strongest elementalist on the continent would show this kind of expression for once? This thought shed through his mind momentarily.

    The elemental waffen held in his hands were stronger than Greyworth''s¡ª

    During this moment, Kamito had surpassed his mentor for the very first time.

    Kamito felt like he saw a faint smile on the corners of Greyworth''s lips.

    However, it could have been his imagination.

    A momentary sh of des. Kamito''s use of the Absolute de Arts had shattered the demon sword. The residual force easily sent Greyworth flying.

    Behind her was a cliff leading to the gaping jaws of Dragon''s Canyon.

    Thus, she fell towards the bottom of the abyss and was gradually swallowed by the darkness of the night.

    It felt as though this was going ording to her intention¡ª

    "Greyworth!"

    Kamito could not help but cry out loudly.

 Volume 16, 1 - Sealed Memories

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 1 - Sealed Memories</h4>

    Part 1

    O exalted Dragon King ruling over the skies¡ª

    Please embrace the souls of your warriors so that they may rest in peace¡ª

    Inside the grand temple of Dragon Rock Fortress,monly known as the Stronghold, the prayers of dragon princess maidens echoed.

    The princess maidens were mourning the dragons that had died in defense of the fortress, holding funeral rites for their remains.

    The ceremony looked like it was going tost the entire night. Kamito got up, took a deep bow towards the altar, then left the grand temple.

    He walked silently through the dim corridors that were built from rock.

    The fortress currently felt very deste.

    There had been so many female attendants during the daytime but none of them could be found now.

    Confronting Greyworth on her own, Leonora had been heavily injured and sent to treatment. Although her life was not in peril at the moment, ordinary healing magic seemed ineffective for the wounds inflicted by Greyworth''s demon sword. Apparently, surgery had to be performed by an advanced specialized physician.

    (Greyworth...)

    Kamito clenched his fist while walking.

    In that final instant¡ª

    She should have been able to stop herself from falling.

    But back then, she had chosen on her own to fall to the bottom of the canyon.

    The Knights of the Dragon Emperor were currently searching for the whereabouts of the fallen Greyworth.

    On further thought, that Dusk Witch could not possibly have died simply from falling off a cliff¡ª

    Just then, a girl suddenly emerged from a dark corner in the corridor, apanied by a flutter of her dress of darkness and the mild sway of her ck hair that seemed to meld with the color of the night.

    "What''s with the pensive frown, Kamito?"

    Saying that, the darkness spirit girl¡ªRestia¡ªsmiled faintly.

    "Restia, you¡ª"

    Saying that, Kamito stopped walking.

    Restia approached him.

    "Let''s go to your room. We can talk at length out of earshot."

    Standing on tiptoe, she murmured into Kamito''s ear.

    "...Yeah, you''re right."

    Kamito nodded and resumed walking.

    Part 2

    After taking Restia back to his room, Kamito ced the Demon yer against the wall by the bed. After all, the battle against Greyworth had been considerably draining. Whenever in such a state, Est probably was not going to wake up unless Kamito poured a great deal of divine power into her.

    Kamito sat down on the bed. Restia quietly took a seat beside him.

    "..."

    For a while, Kamito remained silent.

    ...There was a mountain of questions he wanted to ask her. Why had she been teleported to the mortal realm in the form of a human girl? What had happened to her during her memory loss...?

    However, Kamito had difficulty finding the right words.

    Of course, he was sincerely happy that she had recovered her memory.

    That being said, having lived with the timid version of Restia for some time now, he found himself a bit at a loss how to interact with her original self.

    Did she read Kamito''s mind?

    "What''s the matter, Kamito?"

    Her dusk-colored eyes were gazing at Kamito slightly mischievously.

    Kamito felt his heart skip a beat.

    "Umm, you saved me back there."

    Kamito spoke while averting eye contact.

    "Yes, I am d I made it in time. After all, it would still be too much of a stretch to take on the Dusk Witch in her prime even for you and Miss Sword Spirit."

    (...Definitely, without Restia''s power, I would''ve been killed for sure.)

    Sighing lightly, Kamito stared straight at his hands.

    Defeating Greyworth in her prime relied entirely on the gap in the power level of the spirits. The demon spirit named d Dracul was undoubtedly an extremely powerful spirit, but could notpared to the likes of the legendary Est and Restia, after all. Had Greyworth been using her original spirit, it would be highly uncertain whether Kamito could win even when dual wielding¡ª

    "I suppose I have the Dragon King to thank for restoring my memory too."

    "Yeah, we owe her a huge favor."

    Kamito nodded and concurred.

    Dracunia''s Bahamut was the Dragon King, whose mighty fame reached far and wide across the continent.

    Her true identity was a legendary-ss dragon spirit with the appearance of a lovely young girl.

    In the past, Bahamut had been the trusted subordinate of Ren Ashdoll, the Darkness Elemental Lord. Feeling an obligation towards her former master''s charge, Bahamut had helped Restia recover her memory and lent them her aid.

    "Actually, the favor has been repaid already."

    "Huh?"

    "¡ªWhile you were fighting the witch, a great deal happened here too."

    Saying that, Restia told Kamito about what had happened when she had regained her memory.

    Inside the Dragon King''s throne room, the Holy Kingdom''s cardinal, Millennia Sanctus, had shown up.

    Then she had released Otherworldly Darkness, almost corrupting the Dragon King¡ª

    "...So Greyworth''s invasion was just a diversion?"

    Kamitomented lightly.

    Who could have thought that something like this happened inside the fortress while Kamito was fighting¡ª

    If Restia had not woken up in time, the Dragon King would have been tainted by the Otherworldly Darkness like the Elemental Lords, with irrevocably bad consequences.

    "Come to think of it, there''s more to that Millennia than being just a cardinal. To think that the Otherworldly Darkness resides in her¡ª"

    In a rare disy, Restia murmured with a solemn expression.

    "Yeah, that girl is full of mysteries."

    The Otherworldly Darkness was capable of driving even Elemental Lords insane, yet she was able to store it in her right eye. Greyworth''s transformation was probably her handiwork too.

    How did she manage to retain her sanity?

    (Or perhaps, she had gone mad long ago...)

    Silence descended.

    Tick-tock, tick-tock... Inside the quiet room, only the sound of the clock was heard.

    Kamito coughed lightly.

    "So, next..."

    He asked in a grave tone of voice.

    "Back then, why weren''t you destroyed?"

    "..."

    ¡ªBack then.

    In front of the Elemental Lord''s altar, Restia was definitely supposed to have been destroyed.

    By his own very hand, Kamito had pierced her in the chest.

    In spite of that, she still survived.

    Deep in a Laurenfrost forest, she had turned into a human girl''s form¡ª

    "Yes indeed¡ª"

    Restia nodded and gazed into Kamito''s eyes.

    "Let me tell you. What happened to me on that day¡ª"

    Part 3

    ¡ªThat day.

    Only the victorious team in the de Dance tournament were allowed to have an audience with the Elemental Lords at their altar¡ª

    Kamito and his team had tried to liberate the Fire Elemental Lord from the Otherworldly Darkness'' corruption.

    However, standing in front of the throne withplicated feelings, Kamito was just about to swing the Demon yer when...

    His mind was suddenly controlled by her voice, that belonging to Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll.

    ¡ªO Demon King, go on and release the true darkness upon this world.

    Against that sweet voice, which seemed to devour his mind, Kamito struggled desperately but to little effect. He was instantly swallowed by the darkness surging from the throne, rendering him unconscious directly.

    Then amid that darkness¡ª

    Kamito saw a terrifying scene.

    It seemed to be buried in endless darkness¡ª

    An army of glowing angels, thousands, tens of thousands strong.

    ¡ªIf those beings showed up at Astral Zero, the world woulde to an end.

    That was what Kamito had thought instinctively. In the next instant, the darkness upying his view dissipated. By the time he realized, Kamito saw that the Demon yer held in his hand had pierced the throne.

    Smiling while holding Kamito in her embrace, Restia had been pierced by the same thrust too.

    ¡ªBefore her will devours me, Kamito, please kill me.

    Restia spoke with a peaceful expression on her face.

    Once Ren Ashdoll''s will, contaminated by the Otherworldly Darkness, swallowed Restia, it would use her as the medium to take control of Kamito''s mind. Hence, Restia intended to sacrifice herself so as to protect Kamito from being swallowed by darkness.

    Kamito''s contracted spirit, Restia Ashdoll, would then disappear while her powers would be inherited by his other contracted spirit, Est, turning her into the Demon King''s Sword.

    ¡ªThat was what was supposed to happen.

    This was all Kamito could remember. A week had psed by the time he woke up again after that, on a bed in Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "¡ªBack then, I had resolved in my heart to be destroyed together with Ren Ashdoll''s will."

    Restia murmured.

    "However, you were not destroyed¡ª"

    "I was not."

    Restia nodded gently.

    Back then, with the Demon yer skewering her in the chest, Restia would have been destroyed no matter how one thought about it. Precisely because of that, Kamito took such a heavy blow that he lost all memories about her.

    "Just as my existence was about to vanish, a certain spell activated."

    "Spell?"

    "Yes, presumably a spell set up by my creator, the Darkness Elemental Lord. When my life was in danger, my attributes as a spirit were sealed away, then I was reborn in the human realm. This probably belongs to the same type of magic as what she used to transfer her powers to the Demon Kings¡ª"

    So Ren Ashdoll had enchanted Restia with a spell, huh?

    Even unaware of it herself, Restia had been reborn in the human realm because of this magic.

    When Kamito woke up at the Academy, the spirit seal on his left hand had vanished, probably because her powers as a spirit had been sealed temporarily.

    "...I see, so that''s why."

    Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll must have foreseen that Restia would encounter a crisis of this sort and nted this rebirth magic in her. But truly ironically, to think that this crisis was caused by Ren Ashdoll herself...

    "Anyway, thank goodness."

    Kamito remarked poignantly.

    Due to Restia being reborn in the human realm, she had been liberated from the crisis of being corrupted by Otherworldly Darkness. Her lost memories had also been restored with Dragon King Bahamut''s help.

    "I agree, but¡ª"

    Restia continued.

    "Kamito, what came after that is the important part."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito could not help but frown in response to what Restia said.

    "What do you mean by that?"

    "..."

    In a rare moment, Restia''s eyes seemed to waver¡ª

    Then with firm determination, she began to speak.

    "...After disappearing from the altar of the Elemental Lords, my consciousness woke up inside darkness that stretched endlessly."

    "Inside darkness...?"

    Kamito could not help but react to a start.

    "Don''t tell me this is¡ª"

    "Indeed, it is the same dream as the one we dreamed together¡ª"

    For the past few days, Kamito had dreamed several times, seeing Restia curled up in the dark, waiting for him in the hollow darkness.

    "After being reborn, I was imprisoned there, in that dark dimension, a manifestation of my consciousness. Then there, I noticed the presence of something¡ª"

    "Something?"

    Kamito could not help but ask, and Restia nodded.

    "Yes, something sealed inside of me, a ck box containing a vast quantity of memories¡ª"

    "A ck box..."

    "Indeed, in the abyss of the dark dimension manifested from my consciousness, there exists something dark, even darker than darkness. A vast quantity of memories sealed there without my knowledge. Then when I made contact with it, a portion of the memories flowed into my mind¡ª"

    She must be recalling what happened at the time¡ª

    Kamito did not miss Restia''s mild trembling.

    "Kamito, I¡ª"

    She spoke quietly.

    "I was a spirit created using that Otherworldly Darkness."

    "...Huh?"

    The meaning of Restia''s words¡ª

    Kamito was unable toprehend immediately.

    (Restia is a spirit created using the Otherworldly Darkness?)

    Kamito gulped and looked at her face. Unlike usual, in a rare disy, her dusk-colored eyes were slightly wavering with slight unease.

    "...What on earth is up with that?"

    Finally, Kamito inquired.

    "Exactly what the words imply¡ªNo, perhaps saying I was created using the Otherworldly Darkness would not be entirely urate."

    Restia shook her head and spoke.

    "Elements from Astral Zero form the majority of myposition, the same as for other darkness spirits. However, the root of my existence, what constitutes my core, is the Otherworldly Darkness that caused those Elemental Lords to go insane. It is buried deep inside of me¡ª"

    Restia touched her own chest with her fingertips and smiled with self-deprecation.

    "Why would that kind of thing be¡ª"

    Stunned, Kamito muttered subconsciously.

    "...That, I myself have no idea either."

    Restia quietly shook her head.

    "I don''t know if it is because I was created with Otherworldly Darkness in the first ce, but I was not corrupted. I also don''t know why, but that darkness definitely exists inside me. When Millennia Sanctus was trying to kill Bahamut, I was able to absorb the darkness she used because the darkness within me awakened¡ª"

    "..."

    Indeed, inside the throne room, when Bahamut was in danger, Restia had absorbed Millennia''s Otherworldly Darkness. Kamito had intended to ask herter about why she had been able to do that. If she had been created with Otherworldly Darkness in the first ce, then it made sense.

    (But, speaking of which...)

    A few questions appeared in Kamito''s mind.

    Although she had already exined¡ª

    If that Otherworldly Darkness was buried inside Restia too, why did she not lose her sanity like the Elemental Lords? If her creator, Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll, was the one who had buried the darkness into her, what was the reason for doing so? Why did she hide this fact from her loyal subordinate Restia...?

    "Did you remember anything else?"

    Kamito asked.

    "Umm, when you made contact with the memories from the ck box..."

    "I was only able to make contact with a small part of the sealed memories. I get deflected as soon as I touch somewhere deeper."

    "I see..."

    A vast amount of sealed memories that even Restia herself could not ess.

    What on earth did all this mean¡ª?

    (In the end, I still know nothing about Restia...)

    Kamito thought silently to himself.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Hey, Kamito."

    "...Hmm?"

    "What exactly am I?"

    Restia asked with uncertainty in her voice.

    "...!?"

    Kamito was at a loss for words.

    (...Oh right. Restia herself should be the one most unsettled by this.)

    The Otherworldly Darkness was capable of driving spirits into a mad frenzy. To think that something like that was inside her, along with a vast quantity of sealed memories too. Even a spirit, virtually unlimited in lifespan, would be hard pressed not to feel unsettled.

    "Restia¡ª"

    Calling her name, Kamito held her hand straight away.

    "...Kamito?"

    "It''s not important whether the Otherworldly Darkness is inside you or not. I''m really d you came back to my side. These are the true feelings that I''m able to convey to you now."

    Saying that, Kamito embraced Restia forcefully.

    Feeling her delicate hair brushing against his cheek, he felt a sense of nostalgia.

    Restia moaned softly and silently wrapped her arm around Kamito''s back, clutching his uniform tightly with her fingers. This active affection was quite rare to see from her.

    "...H-Hey, Restia?"

    Her unexpected response made Kamito flush, flustering him.

    "Fufu, I feel a little tired. I kind of need to sleep."

    "...I-I see. Makes sense."

    Kamito nervously nodded, ced his hand on her head and stroked.

    ...This was only natural too. Restia had fought all-out against Greyworth''s demon sword too.

    "To conserve energy, I need to rest for a while¡ª"

    "Yeah, I get it... Get some proper rest."

    "Thank you, Kamito."

    Restia smiled, apparently relieved. Turning into glowing particles, she disappeared into thin air.

    Then the familiar demon sword of darkness manifested in Kamito''s hand. Cradling it tenderly, Kamito ced the sword next to Est andid himself down on the bed.

    (...The Otherworldly Darkness, and sealed memories too... huh?)

    Since a while ago, the Holy Kingdom had been searching for Restia obsessively. Could this be rted to the Otherworldly Darkness residing within Restia...?

    Many questions surfaced in his mind all at once.

    However, one thing was extremely certain.

    Kamito stared at the spirit seal on the back of his left hand.

    (...She''s finally back.)

 Volume 16, 2 - The Darkness of Zohar

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 2 - The Darkness of Zohar</h4>

    Part 1

    Dawn. After a few hours of sleep, Kamito exited his room while carrying a bag of souvenirs, then made his way towards Dragon King Bahamut''s throne room.

    Kamito wanted to express his gratitude for the recovery of Restia''s memories. More importantly, Kamito could not help but worry about her after the ordeal from Millennia''s Otherworldly Darkness corrupting her.

    Advancing along the corridor of rugged stone, he arrived at the throne room.

    At the entrance, two guards were standing in front of the massive door. Noticing Kamito''s arrival, they silently saluted him.

    "I wish to pay my respects to the Dragon King."

    "His Majesty has given you permission. Please enter."

    Bowing his head slightly at the two guards, Kamito walked through the door.

    (...It seems like she knew I''de over.)

    Due to being cursed by the Earth Elemental Lord thousands of years ago, she was confined to this fortress, unable to take a single step outside. However, she kept herself well-informed about happenings in the fortress.

    As he continued along the corridor, apanied by his own echoing footsteps, he finally reached a great hall lined with stone columns.

    This was the throne room, the ce from where Dragon King Bahamut of Dracunia ruled.

    Kamito approached the pedestal¡ª

    "¡ªWee, preordained one. O member of the habitually slothful race."

    A thunderous roar, seemingly causing the ground to shake, echoed in the hall.

    Kamito halted. Bright light was generated overhead, illuminating the top of the pedestal. Thick mist appeared underfoot, instantly filling the surroundings with an unpleasant atmosphere.

    Behind the curtains draping down from the ceiling, a humongous silhouette came into view.

    It was the shadow of a fearsome giant dragon with a pair of curving horns.

    "I, king of kings and the ruler of dragonkind, have been waiting for thee¡ª"

    "...Uh, could you cut it out with the acting?"

    Kamito interrupted the booming voice with eyes narrowed.

    "..."

    After a brief moment of silence...

    "...My goodness, to think I took the trouble to prepare and all."

    The curtain over the pedestal rose continuously. Dracunia''s Dragon King revealed her true visage.

    Sitting far back behind the curtain was not a giant dragon¡ª

    Instead, it was a young girl with a pair of bewitching eyes of red.

    Glowing faintly with phosphorescence, her lustrous hair waspiszuli in color. Kamito could not help but feel mesmerized by her pale and slender limbs.

    However, the girl featured traits that were clearly not human.

    On the sides of her head was a total of two beautifully curving horns.

    Indeed, the true form of the Dragon King ruling over Dracunia, a major power in the international scene, was¡ª

    This dragon spirit with the appearance of an adorable young girl.

    The dragon spirit girl, Bahamut, was pouting and ring at Kamito. She was a bit offended that her painstakingly prepared performance had been disregarded.

    "...From what I can see, it looks like you''re fine?"

    Towards the girl before him, Kamito averted his gaze slightly and said.

    This was not because of the imposing presence of the strongest dragon spirit. Instead, he was avoiding her gaze that was malicious as always.

    Pale as a polished pearl, her arms and legs like exquisite sculptures.

    Furthermore, there were the two gentle mounds on her chest.

    Her beautiful body, seemingly the masterpiece of gods, was in Kamito''s full view without reserve.

    Although her breasts and lower abdomen were hidden among the branches and leaves of trees, Kamito was still quite stunned by her racy appearance.

    Did she sense Kamito''s response?

    "Oh dear, were you worrying about me? I, the Dragon King¡ª"

    She smiled mischievously.

    "Yeah, I guess so..."

    "Fufu, what a lovely feeling, to have someone worry about me. It has been thousands of years since thest time."

    Nothing less expected from a spirit. The Dragon King casually referenced a time scale of unimaginable magnitude. Kamito ascended the steps up to the throne and sat down on a tree next to the throne.

    "...? What is with this very fragrant aroma?"

    The Dragon King furrowed her brow and remarked while sniffing.

    "I brought souvenirs to visit you. That being said, I''m really sorry it''s only cheap stuff..."

    Kamito took out a bun, unwrapped the oilpaper around it, and handed it to the Dragon King.

    This was a snack he had bought at a stall he had passed by when Leonora was taking him on a tour of the city.

    It consisted of minced meat and finely diced vegetables wrapped in pastry, then deep fried after sprinkling a generous helping of pepper.

    ording to Leonora, this was apparently the most delicious food in the entire city. Kamito had tried one at the time and indeed, it was very delicious.

    "What a rare offering... Is it food?"

    Looking at the bun, the Dragon King examined it with a gaze of intense curiosity.

    "It''s one of Dracunia''s famed specialties, the deep-fried bun... Don''t tell me you haven''t heard of it?"

    "It is my first time seeing it. One would be hard pressed to find the food ofmoners appear among offerings."

    "You are the king, after all. Aren''t you able to get your hands on any kind of offering you want?"

    "Impossible. As the king, my dignity would be utterly obliterated if I were to demand the food ofmoners."

    "...I see. It''s tough being the king sometimes."

    Kamito remarked honestly.

    "Indeed. Things are already better nowadays. There were times in the past when a hundred cattle or live sacrifices of young women were offered to me. Well, I suppose I am simply getting my just deserts as the culprit for crafting the image of the ferocious Dragon King in the first ce..."

    "...You''ve got it rough."

    "Indeed..."

    Saying that, the Dragon King suddenly shrugged and presented her tender lips to Kamito.

    "...?"

    Puzzled, Kamito could not help but tilt his head.

    "..."

    "..."

    "Well, could you hurry up and feed that to me?"

    "Huh?"

    "Well, my hands... are bound. Due to this infernal curse."

    "O-Ohhhh, I see¡ª"

    The Dragon King''s body was bound to thisnd because of the Earth Elemental Lord''s curse. The slightest motion from her and branches would wrap around her limbs, immobilizing her.

    "But if that''s the case, what do you do with the offerings served by the princess maidens?"

    "All this time, I simply dismiss them after sniffing their scent. Presumably, my princess maidens end up sharing my offerings among themselves."

    "I see..."

    True, spirits did not require food to sustain their existences. All they needed to do was replenish their spiritual energy, divine power.

    Although spirits were also able to derive some energy from food, princess maidens served food to spirits as offerings only for the sake of pleasing them. For example, Est and Scarlet joined Kamito andpany at meals, but for spirits, this was not essential. However, Kamito felt bad for Bahamut to have food in front of her yet be unable to eat it.

    "...Fine, I get it. Umm, open your mouth."

    Cough cough. Kamito spoke after coughing a little.

    "Hmm, w-well, this is making me a little nervous..."

    The Dragon King spoke, quite embarrassed apparently, opening her adorable lips with an "Ah."

    To avoid looking at her naked body, Kamito mustered all his willpower to divert his gaze. With his fingers, he pushed the bun into those lovely lips.

    "...Umph. Umph umph."

    The Dragon King savored the bun carefully. Anyone watching this scene would probably have difficulty associating her with King Bahamut of Dracunia, feared by all the nations on the continent.

    "Ahh, to think that such a delicacy existed in this world!"

    With crumbs all over her mouth, she eximed with a radiant smile of happiness.

    Kamito was d that she enjoyed it.

    "Hey, it''s all over your mouth."

    Kamito was just about to wipe the corner of her lips when...

    "H-Hold it right there. What are you doing!?"

    Blushing intensely, the Dragon King tried to escape.

    "Be a good girl and don''t move."

    "...Excuse me, need I remind you that I am the Dragon King of Dracunia? As Ren Ashdoll''s trustedmander, I am the strongest dragon spirit, legendary ss ording to the ssifications of your kind¡ªMmph!"

    "Yeah yeah, whatever..."

    Kamito carefully wiped the lips of the Dragon King who kept struggling.

    ...The Dragon King''s dignity was renderedpletely moot.

    "See, it''s all clean now."

    "Ooh, to think that you are the first one to put me, the Dragon King, in such a state of embarrassment¡ª"

    The Dragon King red tearfully at Kamito again.

    Smiling wryly, Kamito stood up.

    "Well, it''s time for me to head back."

    "...I see. I understand."

    The Dragon King spoke with a hint of loneliness. A tree branch reached for Kamito''s forehead and left a small mark behind. This was Dragon''s Protection for travelers, praying for safe passage, a traditional Dracunian good luck charm.

    "I will pray for sess in your Theocracy mission."

    "Yeah, you can count on me."

    Kamito nodded seriously.

    The aforementioned Theocracy mission was part of Dracunia''s terms for recognizing Legitimate Ordesia. This mission involved rescuing the Theocracy''s second princess, Sdia Kahn, from imprisonment.

    Dracunia''s intention was probably to undermine Sjora''s administration using Sdia as a puppet. Despite the Dragon King''s appearance of a young girl, in this context, she was ruler who had governed this nation for centuries, after all.

    (...The Alphas Theocracy, huh?)

    This was thend that had given rise to the Instructional School, stood as the headquarters of the Demon King cult, as well as being the birthce of the Demon King.

    With his current and gradual awakening as the Demon King, Kamito felt the hand of fate in his going to the Theocracy at this point in time. He quietly clenched his fist.

    Part 2

    Meanwhile on Dragon''s Peak on Kelbreth Mountain, ire and herrades were inside the temple of the dark dragon, where Rubia had previously trained, working hard to surpass their own limits.

    Using an ancient device invented by the Elfim race, the girls had been transported to alternate dimensions to face their own respective trials. Right now, they kept drawing out the potential hidden within themselves.

    "Let''s go, Scarlet!"

    "Yes, Master!"

    Responding to ire''s summon, a girl wrapped in mes flew out of thin air. Moving between the trees with speed faster than the naked eye could follow, Scarlet unleashed a sweeping strike with her ming scythe.

    Foolish darkness spirits were instantly burned to ash. Over there¡ª

    "Turn in to charcoal!"

    ire''s prided skill of Fireball exploded with perfect timing.

    The surrounding darkness spirits were obliterated together with the trees.

    Spinning in the air, Scarletnded securely on the ground. Despite making a thumbs-up at Scarlet and showing a carefree expression, ire exhibited clear signs of fatigue on her face.

    "Huff... Huff... I knew it. Sustaining this form requires frightening amounts of divine power."

    Panting, ire sat down on the spot.

    Although she had defeated the illusion of her elder sister, liberating Scarlet''s true form of Ortlinde by her own will, ire still had far to go in mastering control of the supreme me spirit.

    "...With this, I can''t summon an elemental waffe either."

    "With sustained training, you will surely attainplete control of me, because Master, your talent surpasses Rubia-sama''s."

    "Me, stronger than Nee-sama? No way, you must be kidding¡ª"

    ire objected, shaking her head.

    "Master, I chose to form a contract with you instead of choosing Rubia-sama. Please be more confident in yourself¡ª"

    Twitching her fiery ears, Scarlet encouraged ire.

    "I have been watching the whole time, even as a hell cat, watching the way you have worked hard, Master. You will definitely be fine¡ª"

    "..."

    ire stood up unsteadily.

    Murmuring, she sounded like she was talking to herself.

    "...That''s right, I have to stand by Kamito''s side¡ª"

    In other dimensions, the trio of Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna should be undergoing their own trials too. As the leader of Team Scarlet, it would be uneptable to give up here.

    "Now that is the spirit, Master!"

    Scarlet nodded firmly. Although her expressionless demeanor rivaled Est''s, there was definite warmth and feeling in her words.

    "...Then let''s keep going... Eh, hold on a sec¡ª"

    ...At that moment, ire suddenly felt concerned about something.

    "...?"

    "Just now, you said you were watching me the whole time... The whole time? Even at night while I''m sleeping too...?"

    "Yes, Master."

    Scarlet nodded.

    "I-I see..."

    ire''s face was flushedpletely red.

    "L-Let me make myself clear. Don''t get the wrong idea about what I do every night before going to sleep, okay? I-It''s just exercise for upping my bust size!"

    "...Really? I thought you were pleasuring yourself every night while thinking of Kamito-sama¡ª"

    "...Y-You idiot! You''ve got it totally wrong!"

    With her red hair standing on end, ire kept hammering her fists against Scarlet''s shoulder.

    Part 3

    The sky over the desert was currently shrouded by thick ck clouds.

    The Theocracy''s capital of Zohar was the city that Demon King Solomon had founded a thousand years ago.

    During the Demon King War, Sacred Maiden Areishia had led the Salvation Army to burn down the city, turning it into ruins. A couple centuriester, it was revived as a major metropolis, serving as a transport hub in continental trade.

    At the heart of Zohar was Scorpia, the Demon Scorpion Pce where the hierarch resided.

    Although people always thought of Scorpia as the castle where Demon King Solomon lived, that was actually not true. During the time of the Demon King War, it was merely the location of a military stronghold. The Demon King''s true residence remained a mystery to this day.

    Scorpia at Zohar had been built three hundred years ago. Due to the tyrannical administration at the time, it was known as the era of the Mad Lord, Targal Solomon, who styled himself as the reincarnation of the Demon King. He was assassinated by his retainer Hajid Kahn. Thereafter, his legacy was inherited by his descendants as sessive hierarchs of the Demon King cult.

    Right now, the one sitting on the hierarch''s throne was Sjora Kahn, the Witch of Venomous Snakes.

    After the conclusion of the de Dance tournament, she had assassinated her own father to usurp the throne.

    The witch with eyes of red¡ª

    "...What a pain. They keep popping up endlessly like maggots no matter how many we kill."

    Standing at a balcony of the pce, Sjora looked at the za and gnashed her teeth in annoyance.

    Disyed on the pce za were the decapitated corpses of traitors.

    This was meant to warn those who disrespected her. However, even after executing more than half of the old retainers, traitorous rebels still kept appearing out of the woodwork.

    Thanks to the Holy Kingdom''s aid, the coup d''etat itself was a sess, but Sjora''s control of the nation was nowhere near firm. Opposition to Sjora''s ascension was erupting all over the Theocracy, producing insurgencies in various cities. Led by Dracunia, first and foremost, the surrounding nations were also watching menacingly. Then there was Murders, the merchant faction local to Zohar, that regarded this as a business opportunity and was secretly fanning mes of civil unrest.

    "...Why, why isn''t everything in my control!?"

    Unable to suppress her anger, Sjora threw a wine ss against a wall, smashing it.

    "Sjora-sama! Is something wrong!?"

    Hearing themotion, princess maidens ran to the balcony in panic.

    A girl named Valmira had been looking after Sjora''s daily needs ever since childhood. She was Sjora''s closest of confidants and her only trusted retainer in the pce.

    "...Nothing. Go bring me a recement ss."

    "As you wish¡ª"

    Looking at the timid girl who had her head down, Sjora asked impatiently:

    "Do you have something to report to me?"

    "U-Umm..."

    Valmira hesitated before shutting her mouth.

    "Out with it, quick. Or would you like to join those people lying in the za?"

    After Sjora spoke with threatening tone, Valmira finally mustered her determination and spoke:

    "Just now, I received news of the rebel army gathering at the military stronghold of the Demon''s Fist."

    "The Demon''s Fist¡ª"

    Sjora narrowed her eyes slightly.

    The Demon''s Fist was an impregnable fortress built at the mining city of Mordis, situated northeast of Zohar. On top of a rocky mountain, it was named for its appearance that resembled a raised fist. Mordis was not only an important military base but also the top producer of spirit crystals in the country. Without a hold on Mordis, any talk of unifying the country would be utterly ludicrous.

    "All previous rebellions had been small in scale within towns and cities, but this time they have united together. I fear that relying on our domestic forces will no longer be enough."

    Valmira''s gaze showed urgency.

    In truth, the Theocracy''s army was pitifully weakpared to that of Ordesia or Dracunia. Furthermore, their morale had fallen dramatically after suppressing these increasingly serious rebellions. Not only that, a substantial proportion had deserted the army and betrayed the hierarch by secretly joining the rebel army. If their own nation''s army failed to quell the rebellions, it would give other countries a pretext for military intervention.

    "Of course, these traitors deserve nothing less than the hammer of punishment¡ª"

    Valmira timidly sneaked a nce at her monarch''s face.

    But unexpectedly, Sjora did not show signs of anger.

    Licking her blood-red lips, she sneered with delight.

    "Is that so? For them to gather in one spot, how perfect."

    "...May I ask what do you mean by that?"

    "I have grown weary of ying with bugs. This is an excellent chance to exterminate them in one fell swoop, these fools who dare to oppose me."

    "Well, you have a point there, but..."

    Valmira swallowed the words that were about to leave her lips.

    Easier said than done. Since ancient times, the Demon''s Fist had been an impregnable fortress. That was presumably the reason why the rebel army had chosen it as their stronghold. Given the Theocracy''s current military strength, conquering it would not be that easy.

    "¡ªLet''s use that and we''ll be able to take care of them instantly."

    "That...?"

    Valmira cocked her head... What on earth was she talking about?

    "Yes, it would be perfect as a test subject, wouldn''t you agree?"

    "...!?"

    The moment Sjora Kahn grinned with a sneer...

    Valmira finally understood her intent.

    "...No way, you intend to release that seal!?"

 Volume 16, 3 - Reunion

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 3 - Reunion</h4>

    Part 1

    A few days passed after the Greyworth attack incident that had shaken Dracunia from top to bottom.

    The Knights of the Dragon Emperor had conducted a thorough search of the bottom of the canyon but to no avail. Not the slightest trace of Greyworth could be found.

    However, Kamito was not surprised.

    (That hag''s not the type to die that easily...)

    Perhaps I might be crossing des with her again¡ªNo, I''m sure I will. Kamito felt a premonition bordering on certainty.

    While waiting for the return of Rubia and her ship from picking up Muir and Lily in the Holy Kingdom, Kamito had been training his dual wielding skills day and night.

    Now that Restia was back, it would be best to train up his bnce in using dual swords, giving him more of an edge when fighting Greyworth. After all, the swordsmanship she had taught Kamito consisted only of orthodox knight skills, whose movements she could see throughpletely.

    "Kamito, there is no need to use the darkness spirit''s sword. Having me is enough."

    While Kamito was practicing sword swings, Est spoke in apletely emotionless voice while in sword form.

    "Is that so? I don''t think it''s possible for the Dusk Witch to be defeated by using Miss Sacred Sword alone, is it?"

    "We will win. Even without the darkness spirit, Kamito and I will win."

    "Hey, you two, could you please get along..."

    Laying the swords down on the ground, Kamito sighed.

    ...Arguments in his mind like this would weaken his concentration.

    "Est, weren''t you such a great elder sister when Restia had her amnesia?"

    "Well¡ª"

    Est was at a loss for words.

    "Fufu, let''s get along, Onee-chan."

    "Shut up, darkness spirit¡ª"

    The steel de shed and blinked in apparent fury.

    Part 2

    "...Good grief, if only those two could get along better."

    After ending his training with his two contracted spirits and having a shower at the purification site to wash off his sweat, Kamito made his way to the Knights'' medical facility where Leonora was hospitalized.

    Wounded by Greyworth''s cursed de, Leonora was in need of convalescence. She finally regained consciousness this morning and Kamito heard that she had recovered to the point where visits were allowed.

    Arriving at the treatment room, Kamito knocked on the door.

    "It''s me, Leonora. Can Ie in?"

    "Kamito? Y-Yes, no problem¡ª"

    Hearing the reply, Kamito pushed the door open gently.

    At that instant...

    "...What the heck!?"

    Kamito could not help but raise his voice in surprise.

    Before his eyes was apletely unexpected scene.

    Sitting up on the bed, Leonora was tenderly caressing her massively bulging abdomen that was under the bedsheets.

    "W-What, what what..."

    "...? Is there a problem, Kamito?"

    "Y-Y-You, that..."

    Seeing Kamito''s mouth opening and closing¡ª

    "Ohh, you mean this child?"

    Leonora smiled with a chuckle.

    "It grew big, thanks to your seed¡ª"

    She said that extremely naturally.

    "...!?"

    The shocking words turned Kamito''s mind nk for a moment.

    "...H-Hold on a second! I didn''t do anything!"

    Kamito cried out in a panic.

    ...It had happened on the day when Kamito andpany arrived in Dracunia. Taking Kamito on a tour of the dragon capital, Leonora had invited him to ride in a flying private room, a Dragond, and even asked for his seed while they were there.

    "W-What the hell is going on..."

    Seeing Kamito still in a fluster...

    "...My oh my, Kamito, couldn''t you just y along?"

    "Huh?"

    Leonora shrugged and smiled wryly before lifting the sheets over her abdomen lightly.

    What was revealed underneath was¡ª

    Big enough for a person to wrap their arms around, a giant egg whose surface was the color ofpiszuli.

    "Oh¡ª"

    Kamito had some recollection of this type of egg. It was a drake egg that he had seen in the dragon capital, at a shop that sold local specialties.

    "This was given to me by a friend from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, because an ancient legend says that drake eggs have the ability to heal wounds and relieve pain."

    "Y-You..."

    Muttering in exasperation, Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    "...Well, you look like you''re in better health than I imagined. I''m so d."

    Stepping into the treatment room, he sat down on a chair by the bed.

    "Are your wounds okay now?"

    "Yes, essentially. It had been dangerous for a while, but apparently that stage has passed."

    Nothing less expected from someone contracted to a dragon spirit whose blessings included physical enhancement. Her recovery ability far surpassed that of ordinary people even though inferior to Kamito, who was protected by the power of Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll.

    "Are you able to eat normally now?"

    "Yes, no problem... But I now have a craving for steak."

    "...No, I think steak''d be a bad idea."

    While making an incisive remark, Kamito took out a few fruits from a bag. Known as dragonfruits, these were shaped like dragon scales and were said to contain high-quality divine power.

    Just as Kamito used a fruit knife to cut open the hard skin¡ª

    "Kamito¡ª"

    "Hmm?"

    "You kept your promise with me."

    Thus spoke Leonora.

    The promise she mentioned was probably referring to her request to Kamito just before she lost consciousness.

    Protect the Dragon King, protect Dracunia¡ªThose had been her words to Kamito.

    "...The one who saved the Dragon King was Restia, not me."

    Kamito shook his head in response. If anything, he considered himself the one at fault for leaving the Dragon King''s side because he had failed to realize that Greyworth''s attack was a diversion.

    "No, you did protect Dracunia. I express our gratitude to you on behalf of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Thank you, Kamito."

    Gazing at Kamito''s face, Leonora smiled tenderly. To see such an innocent smile on her, in contrast to her usual ways that resembled a carnivorous dragon''s, Kamito could not help but stare, mesmerized.

    "Uh, how should I put this, that doesn''t count..."

    While taking care not to expose his internal loss ofposure, Kamito tried his best to speak as calmly as possible.

    "Uh, is there anything else I can do?"

    In return for Leonora''s assistance at Ordesia''s capital, he had promised to perform one favor for her.

    Something like protecting the Dragon King was something he would have done even without Leonora asking him. Taking that as fulfilling his promise was not something Kamito could personally ept.

    "Then, a child¡ª"

    "Anything but that."

    "...Hmm, choosing something other than a child, now that is quite a difficult choice."

    Resting a finger on her lovely lips, Leonora began to deliberate seriously... What the heck.

    After a while, she slowly lifted her face¡ª

    "Th-Then, c-could you help wipe down my body?"

    "Huh?"

    "Uh, due to resting in bed for so long, I have gotten quite sweaty."

    "Uh, isn''t it better to askdies in the facility for that kind of thing?"

    "Kamito, did you not say you would do anything?"

    Leonora pouted with displeasure.

    "Well, uh..."

    "I am simply asking for your help to wipe off the sweat that is causing me difort. Or are you admitting to harboring impure thoughts?"

    "F-Fine..."

    Kamito shook his head in a panic when she red at him.

    (...Sigh, I made a promise after all.)

    Kamito soaked a towel in a bucket of water that was on a bedside table, then wrung it dry.

    Leonora turned her back to Kamito and slid her loose robe down her shoulders. The elegant curves of her back were evocative of smooth white porcin.

    Kamito nervously held his breath but quickly mustered his determination and pressed the towel against her back.

    "...Hyah... Mmmm?"

    In that instant, Leonora''s body shook slightly.

    Kamito exhaled a little and began to wipe her pale back carefully.

    While averting his gaze and trying not to look at her massive bust, Kamito meticulously wiped the sweat off her back. Despite the supple muscles on her body, her skin was very smooth and delicate in contrast to her image of wielding a massive sword. Presumably, this was due to the physical enhancement effects from dragon attribute magic, which eschewed the need for increasing unnecessary muscles.

    "...Ah... Ahhhh?"

    When he touched her lower back, Leonora made a strange sound.

    "W-What the heck!?"

    "Th-The way you touched me felt a bit erotic..."

    Leonora spoke with a troubled look.

    "Y-You''re getting the wrong idea!"

    "Y-Yes, I know... But, there... Ah?"

    "That''s way too sensitive of you!"

    "S-Sorry, this actually, the first time, for my skin, t-to be touched by a man..."

    Blushing, Leonora exined awkwardly.

    "I-I see..."

    Told something like that straight to his face, Kamito was starting to feel his heart start pounding too.

    "Oh, uh, I can wipe the front on my own, do not worry."

    "Yeah, please do that..."

    Recalling the sight of her breasts in the Dragond, Kamito could not help but blush.

    While his heart continued to pound uncontrobly, Kamito finished the job of wiping her back, dipped the towel in the water and wrung it dry again.

    Putting on her loose robe again, Leonora lowered her head shyly. Flushed slightly red, her necked looked especially sexy.

    "Thank you very much, Kamito. It felt wonderful."

    With a demure expression, Leonora thanked him.

    "...O-Okay."

    Kamito nodded ambiguously in response then coughed lightly and stood up from his seat.

    "Th-Then it''s time for me to go. I''ll be a bother if I stay too long."

    "R-Really? I do not consider you a bother..."

    Leonora murmured with slight disappointment. Then she switched to a serious expression.

    "You will be heading to the Theocracy next. Please be extra careful. During the de Dance, there was one time when I fought the witch named Sjora Kahn and sensed a dangerous aura from her."

    "...Yeah, I know."

    Kamito nodded.

    "I really would like to go assist you, but unfortunately, I still need to recuperate for a while before I can move around freely. Furthermore, if I were to help out, public opinion might start saying that Legitimate Ordesia relies on Dracunia''s power, so¡ª"

    "It''s the sentiment that counts. Thank you, Leonora."

    Kamito extended his right hand and Leonora gripped it firmly.

    "May you and yourpanions be blessed by Dragon''s Protection. Let us have another de dance together after I recover."

    "Yeah, I look forward to it."

    "Of course, I am not referring to a de dance of the night."

    "No duh!"

    Confronted with Leonora whose cheeks went red all at once, Kamito could not help but retort.

    (...Hoo boy, the way she thinks is always like a dragon, that Leonora.)

    Leaving the treatment room, Kamito shrugged in exasperation while walking along the corridor.

    However, that side of Leonora was also part of her charm.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Hey, hold it right there, Demon King of the Night!"

    "...?"

    Hearing a sudden roar of fury, Kamito looked back.

    At the far end of the corridor was Leonora''s adjutant, Yuri El Cid. ring at Kamito with a scary gaze, she was approaching rapidly.

    Idolizing Leonora, Yuri had treated Kamito with hostility ever since the de Dance due to his rumored reputation as the Demon King of the Night.

    "...C-Can I help you?"

    Intimidated by her forceful voice, Kamito asked.

    "We just received word via flying dragon. Your friends are returning from Dragon''s Peak."

    Part 3

    At the flying dragonnding zone of the dragon capital''s military port, Kamito weed ire and the girls.

    He was served the famous Dragon Tea while waiting on a terrace at thending zone. After half an hour, two mid-sized flying dragons arrived from the direction of the Kelbreth Mountain Range.

    "Oh, looks like they''re here..."

    Standing up, Kamito waved from the center of thending zone.

    Soon after, the flying dragons carrying ire and the girls slowlynded after circling in the air once.

    "Thank you for being patient, Kamito-kun. It''s been a week." "You have waited long enough, Kamito."

    The first tond was the dragon carrying Fianna and Ellis.

    Unloading their heavy luggage to the ground, the two girls seemed quite upbeat judging from their expressions.

    "How did your training go, you two?"

    When Kamito asked, the two girls exchanged a nce.

    "Extremely well, of course!" "Indeed, I feel like I have had growth that surprises even myself."

    They both made thumbs-up gestures.

    "I see. It''s true that I feel apletely different vibe from youpared to before the training."

    Kamito offered his honest opinion. Trained at the Instructional School, Kamito could sense student-like naivety and inexperience from them before, but this impression had vanished now.

    (...I can''t believe they went through such a great change in as short as a week''s training. What kind of training did they go through?)

    Just as Kamito was thinking that...

    "Fufu, do we seem a little more mature to you now?"

    Chuckling, Fianna wrapped her arm around Kamito.

    "...H-Hey, Fianna!?"

    Instantly blushing to his ears, Kamito cried out. At that moment...

    "H-Hold on, what are you doing to Kamito, you pervert princess!"

    "Your Highness, th-that is so unfair!"

    With the sound of a whip cracking, ire and Rinsletnded too.

    ire hurried over to Kamito''s side and pulled Fianna''s arm off from Kamito.

    Fianna stuck out her tongue mischievously and released Kamito for now.

    "Sheesh, that''s enough..."

    ire murmured with exasperation.

    Kamito gently patted ire on the head.

    "...Huahhh, what are you doing!?"

    "I''m so d that you''re all fine. After all, I heard that Dragon''s Peak is a dangerous ce."

    Fianna and Ellis nodded to agree with Kamito.

    "Yes, it is a ce as dangerous as rumored¡ª"

    "Indeed. I never expected it would turn into that kind of training..."

    "...What exactly was the training like?"

    When Kamito asked with curiosity, the four girls shared their experiences training on Dragon''s Peak.

    On a teau all covered by thick mist, Scarlet had discovered an ancient temple, which was where the dark dragon Vritra was sealed a thousand years ago, ending his rule over the region. Next they had borrowed the historical site from the dark dragon to use for training¡ª

    "Wait, a dark dragon? Were you girls okay?"

    Halfway through, Kamito could not help but interrupt to ask.

    "ording to the dark dragon, it lost its powers when Est apparently did quite a number on it a thousand years ago. What we encountered was a weird creature resembling a ttened lizard."

    "...Any recollections, Est?"

    "None."

    When Kamito asked, the Demon yer hanging at his waist replied indifferently.

    "...I see. Oh well, in any case, you girls were training at the ancient ruins, right?"

    "Indeed. We entered the ruins and were teleported individually to our own alternate dimension."

    ording to ire, the ancient site was apparently a ce for staging one-on-one duels against an individual whom one had to surpass. ire had taken on her elder sister Rubia while Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet each had to confront their own special opponents of destiny.

    "Likewise for me, Rubia-sama appeared too. But instead of her current self, it was Rubia-sama from four years ago, the one whom I had failed to stop."

    "The one I encountered was my own self who had despaired from failing to save Judia."

    "I-I faced off against the Ren Ashbell-sama of my ideals."

    "I-I see..."

    Hearing what Ellis said at the end, Kamito looked away, somewhat embarrassed.

    ...In any case, the training that ire and the girls hadpleted was utterly different from what the Academy offered.

    "Everyone worked so hard¡ª"

    Just as Kamito muttered...

    "Looks like a lot happened over here too."

    ire spoke with a serious expression.

    "Have you already heard about the incident?"

    "Yes, on our way back, we heard from the Knights of the Dragon Emperor. From what they said, Kamito, you fought a battle against the headmistress on the bridge when she invaded the Stronghold."

    "Uh, about the headmistress¡ª"

    Seeing Ellis beginning to speak worried, Kamito shook his head.

    "Greyworth fell into the canyon. Although the Dracunia knights have been searching for her, nothing hase up yet."

    "Is that so¡ª"

    Ellis looked down and bit her lip.

    "...She is still alive, right?"

    "Yeah, that hag won''t die even if you try to kill her."

    "I-I suppose you are right..."

    "Yes. Indeed that is so."

    To students of the Academy like these girls, Greyworth was their most respected hero.

    "We might need to fight Greyworth again. When the timees, let''s wake her up together."

    "Yes¡ª"

    ire and the girls exchanged nces and nodded firmly.

    "¡ªBut before that, we have to save that Theocracy princess first."

    "...True. When will Rubia-sama and the others be back?"

    Looking up at the sky where Dracunia''s flying dragons were dancing, Fianna murmured softly to herself.

    Part 4

    As it turned out, coincidentally in the evening of the same day, Kamito andpany received a report that the Revenant had returned to Dracunia''s military port after the trip to the Holy Kingdom.

    "It''s almost like she knew when our training would end."

    This perfect timing surprised ire.

    "Yeah..."

    Her spection was probably right. There was no doubt that guiding ire and the girls to the dark dragon''s temple was precisely Rubia''s intent. It would not be a stretch to imagine Rubia calcting how much time they would need toplete their training either.

    Kamito andpany hastily packed their belongings and met up at the military port.

    Although Leonora wanted to see him off, she reluctantly relented when Kamito repeatedly advised her to prioritize recuperation above all else. Instead, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor came in her ce and provided flying militarized spirits as aid for Ordesia.

    "This is the Vouivre-type flying spirit officially equipped by the knights of Dracunia. Although it is unsuited forbat, its high mobility and agile turning ability ought toe in handy."

    "Thanks a lot. After all, except for Ellis, mobility is our weakness."

    Kamito gratefully epted the seal tablet handed over by Vice-Captain Yuri.

    "Try not to die, Team Scarlet. Although we lost to you during the de Dance, I hope for a future rematch against you."

    "As you wish. We are ready any time."

    ire nodded fearlessly and agreed.

    "May fortune be in your favor. May Legitimate Ordesia be blessed by Dragon''s Protection."

    Headed by Yuri, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor saluted collectively.

    Under the military port''s illumination, the Revenant''s massive hullnded on the ground.

    The flying ship''s hatch immediately opened and the gangwaydder descended.

    At that very moment, the petite figure of a young girl shot out from the hatch.

    "Onii-sama~!"

    "...M-Muir!?"

    Rushing at Kamito at the bottom of the gangwaydder, she threw herself into his bosom.

    Kamito hastily spread his arms and caught the petite girl.

    "Ahah, Onii-sama, I missed you so much!"

    "Muir, I can''t breathe..."

    Hugging Kamito by the neck, Muir was very excited.

    Her twintails were rubbing against his cheeks, tickling him.

    Just as this was happening to Kamito, he felt cold stares stabbing into his back.

    "U-Unbelievable, making such a young girl call him ''Onii-sama''..." "It wasn''t easy to revise my opinion of him, but ultimately, his true nature remains that of a fiendish Demon King." "I must implore for Leonora-sama to slice that off...!"

    He turned his head, only to see the Knights of the Dragon Emperor whispering dangerous words among themselves. The trust he had built up by protecting Leonora was apparently dropping down to abysmal levels.

    Meanwhile, the members of Team Scarlet...

    "Sigh, Kamito-kun hasn''t changed the slightest." "Mm-hmm." "Same as always." "...~!"

    ...In a way, their trust in Kamito had not changed at all.

    That filled Kamito with mixed feelings too¡ª

    "W-Wait, that is enough. Hands off now!"

    At that moment, ire''s crimson hair stood up and she roared angrily.

    "What''s the matter? Do you wanna start a fight with me, Onee-chan? Even when you''re so weak."

    Muir smiled with condescension and retorted.

    "Th-Things have changed since our defeatst time! We''ve been growing stronger the whole time!"

    "Hmph, really? Then let''s y next time, but I''m not in the mood right now. Onii-sama has to y with me next."

    Still hugging Kamito and refusing to let go, Muir stuck out her tongue.

    "...~I-I-I''ll turn you into charcoal!"

    Just as ire raised the ming whip in her hand...

    "Muir, what are you doing? Stop causing conflict in a ce like this."

    Muir''s partner, Lily hastily descended the gangwaydder.

    "Not a conflict, just saying hello. Hello."

    "Good grief..."

    Seeing Muirpletely nonchnt, Lily sighed with mental exhaustion.

    "Hello, it''s been a while, Lily."

    When Kamito greeted her...

    "Hmph, I never thought I would ever team up with you again¡ª"

    Her crimson eyes, unique to the Elfim race, stared at Kamito.

    Ranked sixth in the Instructional School¡ªLily me was the expert in espionage and infiltration. Back during their days at the Instructional School, she had often partnered with Kamito on missions. Even though they had been enemies in the de Dance, Kamito considered her an extremely reliable helper as soon as they were on the same side.

    "I only take orders from the Cardinal. I do not n on getting familiar with you at all."

    "Yeah, I know."

    "You guys. A reunion is fine and all, but do hurry up and board¡ª"

    Hearing the sudden voiceing from within the ship, Kamito andpany looked up in surprise.

    "Esteemed sister!"

    Ellis called out loudly.

    With an overcoat of pure white draped over her, Velsaria Eva appeared at the gangwaydder.

    "Esteemed sister, is your health alright now?"

    "Yes, there is no problem."

    Confronted with Ellis'' concerned inquiry, Velsaria nodded simply. Then she said:

    "More importantly, the Revenant will be heading to the city of Mordis in the Theocracy."

    "Mordis?"

    "The stronghold where the Theocracy''s rebel forces have gathered. The Cardinal is currently there."

    Part 5

    "...O-Ooh... Ooh..."

    In absolute darkness with vision and hearing sealed off...

    The chained girl could not help but moan in pain.

    Her hair was beautiful and golden. Possessing the same bewitching eyes that glowed crimson like her elder sister''s, this girl was precisely none other than Sdia Kahn, the second princess of the Alphas Theocracy.

    On the day of the coup d''etat at Scorpia, she had resisted her elder sister''s attempt to kill their father the king, Rajihal Kahn, and ended up imprisoned here, the most notorious prison in Zohar.

    ...After that, it was anyone''s guess as to how much time had gone by.

    In this darkness insted from all light, her sense of time had grown hazy. At this rate, she could very well forget even her own identity one day.

    She was still able to cling to her sense of identity, thanks to her training at the Divine Ritual Institute, but any normal person would have gone insane long ago.

    The truth of this darkness was an istion barrier crafted by a cult sorcerer. No spirit, no matter how strong, could break the barrier from inside.

    (...Why hasn''t my sister killed me?)

    She had asked herself this question many times.

    Having killed their father and taken control of the Theocracy''s government, there should be no need for her to keep Second Princess Sdia alive. Factions opposed to Sjora would probably band together under Sdia''s name. Or perhaps, that was precisely the intent. Was Sjora nning to use Sdia as a hostage so as to wipe out the rebel army in one fell swoop when they came to save her?

    ...Impossible to read Sjora''s thinking. Ever since the de Dance, she had changed. Although she was a crafty schemer to begin with, Sjora was not supposed to be someone to take bold action like this.

    (Indeed, it''s almost as though she has been possessed by something¡ª)

    Just as she was lost in her thoughts...

    "¡ªHey, are you there? The second princess, inheriting the Kahn dynasty''s bloodline?"

    "Huh?"

    Sdia jumped in surprise to hear the sudden voice.

    It was not the usual princess maiden who brought food and water.

    Instead, it was a young man''s voice, resembling a savage beast''s.

    "...Who are you?"

    Staying wary, Sdia asked quietly.

    "I am the one asking questions here. Are you the Theocracy''s Second Princess Sdia Kahn?"

    "...Yes, indeed. That is I."

    ¡ªWhile feeling offended by this rude man, she still answered.

    Despite the visitor''s unknown identity, at least he did not seem to work for her sister.

    "...I see. Ha, looks like I''m in luck for once."

    The manughed heartily from across the darkness. In the next instant, the darkness sealing Sdia''s vision and hearing was broken by light from a spirit crystal, lighting up the surroundings immediately.

    The sudden light entering her eyes caused Sdia to groan.

    She could not get a clear look at the man''s face because he was wearing a hood that reached his eyes.

    "I''ll get straight to the point. Do you know the Pyramid''s location?"

    "...The Pyramid?"

    "Yeah, it''s rumored to be where Demon King Solomon''s remains were buried after he was vanquished a thousand years ago. It''s said that the secret location was passed down the generations, known only to those inheriting the royal bloodline¡ª"

    Sdia fell silent. Of course, she knew about the Pyramid. Her father, King Rajihal Kahn had told her the day shepleted her contract ritual with her contracted spirit.

    However, why did this man know about this secret, never mentioned to anyone outside the royal family?

    "This is the deal. I''ll help you escape this ce and in exchange, you''ll take me there."

    "...What are your intentions?"

    Sdia demanded an answer from him solemnly. How could the Demon King cult''s greatest secret be told to him in this ce where they could be overheard? Leading the way for him would be even more out of the question.

    "None of your business. Forget that, hurry up and make your decision. Although I''ve knocked out the guards, it''ll be hard to escape once reinforcements arrive. You don''t want to spend the rest of your life here, do you?"

    "...Hmm, well¡ª"

    Sdia bit her lip and fell into deep thought. This man was very dangerous. Her instincts as a princess maiden informed her. However, this could very well be her one and only chance to escape from her sister''s grasp.

    "Will you be able to take me out of this city safely?"

    "Yeah, I guarantee you that. Even if I found out the tomb''s location, the door won''t open without someone of royal blood there, right?"

    "...You are quite informed."

    Sdia sighed with resignation and made her decision.

    ...This man''s motives were unknown. However, taking his offer would still be better than keeping the royal family''s secret while waiting here for her own execution.

    "Fine. Suppose we were to escape from Zohar safely, then I shall take you to the Pyramid."

    "Hmph, deal."

    The man scoffed.

    "Swear on it, by your spirit''s name."

    "You do not trust me?"

    "My creed is to trust no one."

    Hearing the young man''s answer, Sdia shook her head in exasperation.

    "I hereby swear upon my contracted spirit Scheherazade¡ª"

    After chanting the words of the oath, Sdia''s body gave off a faint glow of divine power.

    Swearing upon a spirit was the most solemn oath for an elementalist. In the event of breaking the oath, one could lose the power of the spirit contract.

    "Are you satisfied now?"

    "Yeah, not bad¡ª"

    Nodding contentedly, the man took off his hood.

    Revealed as the tanned face of a young man with malicious eyes.

    "And your name?"

    When Sdia asked, the manughed savagely, showing his fangs.

    "I am Jio Inzagi¡ªThe Demon King''s sessor."

 Volume 16, 4 - Desert Voyage

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 4 - Desert Voyage</h4>

    Part 1

    The military ship carrying Kamito andpany, the Revenant, set off from Dracunia''s military port.

    Since Ordesia''s airspace was off limits, the ship had to take a massive detour around the Kelbreth Mountain Range, flying on a route over the great forest of Ezos that did not belong to any country.

    Mordis was a desert city near the border of the Quina Empire and had apparently been a military stronghold of the Theocracy during the Ranbal War. The fortress built on top of a mountain mine was also known as the Demon''s Fist, and currently, the anti-Sjora factions were gradually gathering there.

    Kamito andpany boarded the ship and were first taken to the conference room.

    Sitting on Kamito''s right was Muir, who refused to let go of his arm, while ire took the seat on his left.

    "So Nee-sama isn''t here..."

    ire murmured with a look of mixed feelings. Sitting at the head of the table, Velsaria nodded.

    "Indeed, the Cardinal had disembarked at Mordis first. She is going to rally the believers of the Demon King cult to assemble."

    "...The Demon King cult?"

    Kamito andpany stared at one another in surprise.

    "Of the rebel forces gathered at Mordis, the majority consists of heretical Demon King cultists oppressed by Sjora Kahn. Securing their cooperation is necessary to seed in rescuing Sdia Kahn."

    "Heretical Demon King cultists? My esteemed sister, isn''t the Demon King cult heretical to begin with¡ª"

    At that moment, Ellis timidly raised her hand and asked.

    "There are apparently all kinds of sects and factions within the Demon King cult itself. The Kahn dynasty presides over the traditional dogma that holds the hierarch as supreme while relegating all other sects as heretics. During thete king''s reign, leniency could apparently be obtained by paying taxes, but Sjora has rejected all heretical dogma and even pushed forward atrocities such as massacring believers. Because of this, heretical cultists have organized rebellions all over the country, forming a temporary united front with the goal of taking down the Sjora administration."

    "¡ªI see now."

    Kamito nodded. It looked like Sjora had many enemies within the cult too. Rubia was probably nning to make use of them.

    "However, how will she go about uniting the believers of the Demon King cult?"

    "The Cardinal previously spent time in the Theocracy and apparently had frequent contact with one of the factions within the Demon King cult. From what I heard, she secured a position only second to the hierarch in rank. Simply by relying on her connections from that time and her own personal charisma, winning over the believer''s hearts should not be anything difficult."

    "As expected of Rubia-sama..."

    "Indeed. Such inborn leadership charisma, a maic personality."

    Rinslet and Ellis remarked poignantly.

    "...Indeed. She is different from I who used fear and discipline to dominate my subordinates and ended up banished from the Sylphid Knights."

    "E-Esteemed sister!? You did nothing wrong... You know?"

    Seeing Velsaria poke fun at herself in self-deprecation with a chuckle, Ellis hastily offered support.

    "...Well, let us put the past aside for now."

    Coughing to clear to her throat, Velsaria continued.

    "As for the rescue of Princess Sdia Kahn, we shall cooperate with the rebel forces at Mordis. No objections, right?"

    Kamito''s group exchanged looks and nodded together.

    "The enemy''s enemy is our friend. We have nothing against gaining more allies."

    "Right. Besides, we''re currently traitors of Ordesia too. In a way, we''re the same as them."

    ire shrugged andmented.

    "In that case, this discussion is over. Please enjoy your free time until we arrive at Mordis."

    Part 2

    Thus the meeting concluded. When leaving the conference room¡ª

    ire suddenly halted.

    "What''s wrong, ire?"

    "I''m going to Nee-sama''s study to research about the Theocracy. If she spent time in the Demon King cult, then I''m sure she''ll have collected plenty of material."

    Despite her looks, ire was quite analytical in nature. Back when taking part in the de Dance, she had also researched about the other teams. This time, it looked like she was enthusiastic about gathering information about the enemy camp too.

    "Then let''s go together. I''d like to know more about the Demon King too."

    Hearing Kamito say that...

    "R-Really? I-I don''t mind..."

    ire looked away a little shyly.

    "Onii-sama, who cares about that? Come to my room and y."

    Muir tugged Kamito''s arm with both hands, refusing to release him.

    "...Uh, how about after dinner?"

    "Aw..."

    Muir pouted unhappily.

    Just as Kamito was caught in a dilemma¡ª

    "Muir-san, if it is alright with you, how about I y with you?"

    Rinslet smiled tenderly and offered with a smile.

    "No, I wanna y with Onii-sama."

    "Muir, I''ll y with youter. Why don''t you y with Rinslet first?"

    "...~!"

    After Kamito ced his hand on her head, Muir very reluctantly said:

    "...F-Fine. If you say so, Onii-sama, I''ll y with thisdy for a bit."

    She released her grip on Kamito''s arm atst.

    "Then Rinslet, I''m entrusting Muir to you."

    "Leave it to me. Very well, Muir-san, shall we head to the hall there?"

    Rinslet bent down lightly and took Muir''s hand.

    "I-I am not a child¡ª"

    "Oh dear, then excuse me."

    Smiling with a "fufu," Rinslet left with Muir.

    Witnessing this scene, Kamito was a little surprised.

    (...I can''t believe Muir could behave so obediently towards someone other than Lily. I''ve never seen it before.)

    Perhaps because Muir and Mireille were of simr age, Rinslet was particrly skilled at dealing with her.

    "Th-Then let us be on our way too¡ª"

    "Hmm? Oh, right."

    Rubia''s study was located on the second floor of the ship.

    Kamito went down the stairs while watching the twintails in front of him, dancing up and down.

    ...Somehow, it felt like ire had matured a bit.

    Was this an oue from her training on Dragon''s Peak too?

    Just as he was thinking that, he suddenly lost his footing a little.

    While Rubia was away from the ship, the Revenant was apparently controlled by Velka and Delia, the twins from the Instructional School, who took turns. The two of them did not seem quite familiar with the ship''s controls.

    "By the way, are you sure it''s okay to enter Rubia''s study without permission?"

    Suddenly, he asked ire who was leading the way.

    "Isn''t the answer obviously okay? I''m her younger sister, you know?"

    "No wait, that logic is a bit..."

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and remarked.

    In front of the study...

    "By the way, do you have a key?"

    "No."

    "Then what are we going to do?"

    "This¡ªMelt."

    ire chanted an incantation, instantly melting the keyhole.

    "Come on, you..."

    Seeing the usual charcoal ideology, Kamito smiled wryly in exasperation.

    (...I guess that''s one side of her that hasn''t changed one bit.)

    With the keyhole destroyed, the door slowly opened with a creaking sound.

    First toe into view was a set of bookshelves upying an entire wall, containing arge collection of books.

    The only furniture was the desk in the back of the room. This study, focused on practicality, was truly an authentic reflection of Rubia''s personality.

    "...What an amazing collection. It''s full of rare books you won''t find in the Academy library."

    As a bibliophile, ire eximed in wonder as soon as she stepped inside.

    ...Although Kamito had not the slightest idea about rareness, he could see that the shelves were definitely packed densely and neatly with ancient texts. There were history books on various countries, spiritology dictionaries, books about dragon species with covers bound using dragon scales, even books written in High Ancient whose titles Kamito could not read.

    (...Wait a sec, aren''t books in High Ancient impossible for ordinary people to get their hands on in the first ce?!)

    ording to the stiptions of international treaties, personal possession of books in High Ancient left behind by the Elfim race was forbidden. They were items that one would not even be able to see unless visiting the Sealed Library under the Divine Ritual Institute''s jurisdiction.

    "Say, ire..."

    "What is it?"

    "Don''t tell me these books were stolen from the Divine Ritual Institute''s library?"

    "N-Nee-sama couldn''t have done something like that, right!?"

    ire frowned and said:

    "However, the sealing talisman on this book seems quite thoroughly destroyed..."

    "..."

    "..."

    "I-I''m sure she fully intends to return them eventually. Yeah, definitely."

    Breaking out in cold sweat, ire turned her gaze away.

    Kamito looked at the bookshelves again, only to see research books about the Elemental Lords and the Holy Kingdom''s history and geography. Rubia''s book collection really seemed to extend to all fields.

    More surprisingly, it also included novels popr in the imperial capital. However, these were a little different from the romance novels that ire read¡ª

    "Your sister is such an amazing reader..."

    Kamito was stunned by the book collection''s quality and quantity.

    "Yes, Nee-sama started reading many difficult books since childhood. During her time at the Divine Ritual Institute, she even received an imperial medal for publishing a paper on spiritology. I remember she was twelve years old at the time."

    "...What a genius."

    As expected of someone who had been chosen as a Queen, the pinnacle of princess maidens.

    "When I was small, I often asked Nee-sama to read books to me..."

    Staring at the bookshelves, ire murmured nostalgically.

    "But it''s impossible to return to the past..."

    "......"

    Kamito was about to say something but decided against it.

    On the way to Dracunia, ire had felt troubled by theck of interaction between herself and Rubia. It looked like they still had not been able to converse normally.

    Aplicated mess still seemed to stand between the two sisters.

    "¡ªFound it. A book on the Theocracy."

    Saying that, ire extracted a book from the shelf.

    It was quite an ancient book, bound in animal skin. Although the title was not in High Ancient, it was still written in a lostnguage no longer in use today.

    "Can you decipher it?"

    "...Yes, I will try."

    ire took out her sses, lit a magical me in the air, then focused her gaze on the book.

    As expected of the honors student of Raven ss. Despite running into asional setbacks, she still managed to slowly decipher the book''s contents.

    Kamito could not help but stare, mesmerized by the side view of her face in total concentration.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "...Oh, nothing. I should try to find if there are any books I can read."

    Kamito frantically looked away and started searching the books within reach.

    (Uh, books about the Demon King...)

    In reality, what Kamito hoped to research was not the Theocracy''s history but information about Solomon, the Demon King from a thousand years ago. As the dormant power of Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll inside him gradually awakened, Kamito felt that it would be best to gain a detailed understanding of the man who had held the same power as himself.

    Searching the bookshelves, Kamito finally found a book that he should be capable of reading.

    ...It looked like a book summarizing the Theocracy''s history. Kamito opened the table of contents and began browsing the section that contained records rted to Demon King Solomon.

    ¡ªThe Alphas Theocracy was founded roughly a thousand years ago. Its current capital, Zohar, was still a small city in the desert back then.

    A sixteen-year-old youth had appeared at the time, Solomon. Capable of using spirits as a male, he was obeyed by seventy-two spirits that had been lying dormant across thends. He sought to realize his ambition and quickly swept across the entire continent. Back then, the concept of deploying spirits into human warfare did not even exist, hence every nation lost badly against the Demon King''s army that used spirits.

    However, just as everyone thought that the Demon King''s army would subjugate the entire continent, a young girl, who tended sheep, surfaced at what would be the border of the current Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    Entering a spirit contract with the legendary sacred sword, the girl assembled the Salvation Army to take down the Demon King. Hence, the three-year-long Demon King War broke out.

    After many intense battles all over the continent, the Demon King finally fell to Sacred Maiden Areishia''s sword. And in turn, the Sacred Maiden vanished together with the legendary sacred sword to whereabouts unknown¡ª

    Kamito closed the book gently.

    (...There''s nothing interesting here.)

    Furthermore, there were some omissions in this book.

    Kamito knew Sacred Maiden Areishia''s true and final fate. Afflicted by the curse of the sacred sword that had vanquished numerous spirits, her body was turned into a statue.

    And the legendary sacred sword in question was currently¡ª

    (...In my hand, huh? Destiny feels more and more unbelievable to me.)

    Just as Kamito was having these poignant thoughts...

    "Kamito, I''ve managed to decipher this to some extent..."

    ire lifted her face from her book and said to him.

    "Really?"

    Hearing that, Kamito poked his head over to peer at the book.

    "Huahhh, y-your face is too close, idiot!"

    "S-Sorry..."

    "Sheesh..."

    Blushing, ire coughed and cleared her throat.

    "So, what''s this book actually about?"

    When Kamito asked...

    "Yes, this a book about the Demon King''s princess maidens¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Hearing what ire said, Kamito could not help but hold his breath.

    "The Demon King''s princess maidens"¡ªOf course he had some idea about that term.

    Reportedly, Demon King Solomon had shared his power with nine concubines he had obtained from the conquered nations, cing them in trusted and important positions as generals in the Demon King''s army. Rubia had spected in the past, wondering whether this was the same as Kamito sharing Ren Ashdoll''s power with the girls in his team through kissing.

    "¡ªDemon King Solomon apparently forced the princesses of conquered nations to serve him in all kinds of ways... W-What a despicable man!"

    "Y-Yeah. The Demon King was truly despicable!"

    Kamito averted his eyes semi-evasively.

    "Incidentally, this truly lives to its name as a forbidden book, designated for sealing by the Divine Ritual Institute. The history books at the Academy library did not make a single mention of the existence of the Demon King''s princess maidens."

    iremented while reading the pages.

    "Well, the Divine Ritual Institute would end up in a difficult position if word got out that the princess maidens had assisted the Demon King."

    "That''s why they covered it up, which is a bit¡ªKyah"

    At that moment, the Revenant suddenly shook violently, causing books to fall down in a tter.

    "...!"

    Kamito hastily jumped on top of ire to shield her using his back.

    "Oww... Are you okay, ire?"

    "Eh? Y-Yes..."

    Her ruby-like eyes were widened in surprise. ire nodded obediently.

    "Those twins don''t seem too used to steering the ship¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to get up...

    "Hyah?"

    ire eximed quietly.

    "...?"

    Only then did Kamito finally notice.

    Boing. A not very big feeling on his right hand.

    Apparently, he had pressed his hand on her chest the moment they hit the floor.

    "...S-Sorry!?"

    Kamito hastily withdrew his hand and stood up.

    "J-Just now, it was an ident!"

    "I-I know..."

    "Huh?"

    "Th-Thank you, for protecting me..."

    Blushing bright red, ire turned her head and avoided eye contact shyly.

    (...W-What''s going on?)

    Kamito was shocked. Normally, ire would surely go all out in charcoal mode.

    "Anyway, let''s first tidy up the fallen books¡ª"

    Patting her skirt, ire stood up.

    "Y-Yeah, that''s right..."

    Kamito was just reaching for a fallen book when...

    "Kyahhh, w-what the heck is that!?"

    "What''s wrong?"

    Kamito followed ire''s gaze¡ª

    Only to see the book designated for sealing, which ire had been reading, flipped to a certain page.

    "What!?"

    Kamito was rendered speechless. After all, the content shown ¡ª

    Unmentionable illustrations of princess maidens in all sorts of unseemly poses.

    "...~! I-Idiot, what are you making me see, pervert!"

    Hastily closing the book, ire blushed intensely while hammering her fists on Kamito.

    "H-Hold on, this isn''t my fault!"

    "True, but, oooh~..."

    Going teary-eyed, ire stood up and brusquely stuffed the scattered books back onto the shelves.

    "I-I am searching the shelves over there!"

    Having done so, she awkwardly averted her eyes and went to the bookshelves on another side.

    (Good grief, what kind of books are Rubia keeping here...?)

    While muttering, Kamito was just about to return the book in his hand to its original spot...

    "...Hmm?"

    He suddenly frowned.

    He saw several letters between the books.

    The handwriting on these especially formal letters was familiar to Kamito.

    (Could these be...?)

    Part 3

    "Ahh. The pieces are knocked over, so the game just now is voided."

    "S-So unfair! I was clearly winning just now!"

    When Muir suggested restarting the game, Rinslet protested.

    The wooden game pieces, featuring designs such as dragons or lions to simte spirits, were scattered on the floor. Due to the ship shaking earlier, the entire game board had flipped.

    "Let us switch, Rinslet. I shall be her opponent this time."

    Saying that, Fianna started to ce the pieces on the game board.

    In response, Muir frowned with displeasure.

    "No way. You seem very strong."

    "A-Are you suggesting I am weak!?"

    Indignant, Rinslet cried out loudly.

    "I am quite confident in the area of board games. After all, I used to y alone with the pieces back when I shut myself in the pce every day."

    "I-I see..."

    Not knowing how to react, Rinslet replied ambiguously.

    At that moment, the door to the room suddenly opened.

    "¡ªI think it is time to prepare dinner. Any requests?"

    Ellis came to ask after practicing her spear skills on the deck earlier.

    "...So it is already that time of the day? Allow me to help, Captain."

    "I see. Thanks for the help."

    "We will settle the scoreter."

    "Eh¡ª"

    Losing a well-matched opponent, Muir sounded unhappy.

    "Let me help too. Is that alright, Ellis?"

    Saying that, Fianna was about to stand up.

    Ellis froze for a moment then immediately shook her head in a panic.

    "C-Certainly not, how could the princess of Legitimate Ordesia deign to do such chores¡ª"

    "Well said! Your Highness, please serve as Muir-san''s opponent."

    "...I-Is that so?"

    Faced with forceful opposition from the two girls, Fianna cocked her head in puzzlement.

    Part 4

    Stepping into the galley, Ellis and Rinslet swiftly put on their aprons and started preparing dinner efficiently.

    Nothing more needed to be said about Rinslet, whose culinary skills rivaled a professional chef''s. Ellis was simrly talented at cooking. Even though the stock of ingredients in the food storage was not very plentiful, the two of them still worked together with tacit coordination to pick out usable ingredients one after another.

    "This reminds me of cooking practicals at the Academy."

    "Yes, indeed..."

    Rinslet murmured nostalgically.

    Right now, they had be traitors who had raised the banner of rebellion against Ordesia. They were unlikely to have the chance to return to Areishia Spirit Academy as students again¡ª

    "Let me be responsible for the soup and the appetizers, as well as a meat dish. What are you nning to make?"

    "I would like to try my hand at a bean curd dish I recently learned."

    "...Bean curd huh? I recall that it is food from Kamito''s homnd."

    "Yes, it is extremely healthy and rich in nutrition."

    Rinslet snapped her fingers and summoned Fenrir, her contracted spirit.

    When Fenrir opened his jaws wide, many ingredients and cooking utensils stored in Astral Zero appeared.

    Bean curd and other ingredients not native to Ordesia were inside too.

    "This is handmade bean curd prepared at Laurenfrost."

    Rinslet puffed out her chest in pride. However, Ellis looked a bit troubled.

    "Bean curd is definitely delicious, but as a main course, would its vor not be too nd?"

    She raised this question.

    "Oh, worry not. I will be making a legendary bean curd dish popr in the Quina Empire. Its name is ''mapo doufu''."

    "Mapo doufu...?"

    "Yes, it is dish where abundant chili peppers and spices are used to make a paste that perfectly blends savoriness and spiciness together. ording to ancient literature, the taste is addictive."

    "...I see. That is certainly something to look forward to."

    Ellis gulped.

    "Then I shall make some Quina-style appetizers to go along with your dish."

    "Oh my, Captain, when did you start learning Quina cuisine?"

    "I-I cannot allow myself to keep losing..."

    Blushing, Ellis coughed lightly a few times.

    At that moment¡ª

    "What are you doing? Snack person and tail person."

    Rubbing her sleepy eyes while making an unsteady entrance, it was the sword spirit Est.

    Supposed to be sleeping in sword form inside Kamito''s room, it looked like she had woken up because dinner time was fast approaching.

    "T-Tail person, is that me?"

    Ellis touched her ponytail, a little offended.

    "Dinner..."

    Est murmured nkly then jumped up to peer at the kitchen counter.

    "...Bean curd."

    Without any facial expression, Est''s violet eyes instantly glimmered brightly.

    "Yes, Miss Sword Spirit. We will be making a dish with your favorite bean curd today."

    "Bean curd, bean curd?"

    Est sang in a transparent voice then...

    "In that case, I shall contribute a little too¡ª"

    She turned herself into a kitchen knife, manifesting in Rinslet''s hand.

    "Much appreciated, Miss Sword Spirit."

    "What on earth is going on!?"

    Ellis eximed in shock.

    "Fufu, Miss Sword Spirit''s kitchen knife is very amazing, you know?"

    Saying that, Rinslet took a spring onion and sliced rapidly with the kitchen knife a few times. Tracing out a beautiful parab, slices of spring onion flew into the bowl one after another.

    "...T-Truly amazing, but is it alright to use the legendary sacred sword like this?"

    With aplicated expression, Ellis asked in confusion.

    "Fufu, as long as I create a new legend."

    Making no sense in her words, Rinslet sprayed oil into a round iron pot taken from Fenrir''s mouth and lit the stove.

    "The fire is a bitcking..."

    "No helping it. This is equipment on a military ship, after all."

    Although a small smander spirit was sealed inside the stove''s spirit crystal, it was not a powerful spirit to begin with. Added to the fact that the ground''s blessings were absent when high up in the atmosphere, the spirit seemed quite lethargic.

    "...Hmm, it would be impossible to recreate authentic mapo doufu using this weak a fire!"

    Just as Rinslet fumed with an annoyed expression...

    "Meow..."

    She saw a hellcat d in mes, passing through the corridor outside the galley.

    While her master ire had gone off with Kamito to do research, she was apparently strolling freely inside the ship.

    "Miss Hellcat, perfect timing!"

    Rinslet waved to Scarlet.

    "Meow?"

    Cocking her head in puzzlement, Scarlet still walked over.

    Normally speaking, contracted spirits were not supposed to pay any attention to anyone except for their master. But because Rinslet frequently provided tasty snacks, Scarlet was quite close with her.

    "Please start a strong fire¡ª"

    When Rinslet said that, Scarlet nimbly made her way under the iron pot and produced an intense me from her tail. Compared to the fire from the smander sealed in the spirit crystal, the difference in power was like heaven and earth.

    "Fufu, as expected of ire''s contracted spirit!"

    Pouring the bright red paste with bean curd into the iron pot, Rinslet started to stir fry vigorously. The spewing mes looked like they were going to burn all the way to the ceiling any moment.

    "A-Are you sure about using such high heat? It could cause a kitchen fire!"

    "Ohohoho, no need to worry. Just leave everything to me, the one who bears the name of Hellfire Rinslet!"

    "...Wait a sec, is your nickname not Rinslet the Ice Demon?"

    ...Did some kind of weird switch get turned on? Seeing Rinslet getting more and more fired up, Ellis watched with worried eyes.

    Part 5

    At the Theocracy''s capital of Zohar, in a small alley where not even a single ray of moonlight shone, two figures rushed past.

    "Hey, hurry up, you clumsy fool. Do you want to go back to that prison?"

    "W-Watch your mouth, I will have you know that I am this country''s second princess."

    Sdia Kahn protested against the young man''s extremely rude tone.

    "Huh? Do you understand your position?"

    Jio Inzagi turned his head back, ring at her with his crimson eyes. Never threatened like this before in all her life, Sdia could not help but feel her shoulders shudder.

    "Right now, you are no princess at all. Like me, you''re just an escaped prisoner. Shut up and obey me if you want to leave this ce alive."

    "...W-Well..."

    Sdia opened her mouth, trying to object¡ª

    "...I suppose, yes. What you say is right..."

    But she bit her lip in chagrin.

    "Hmph, d you know what''s what. Now cut the useless chatter, great princess."

    After saying that sarcastically, Jio Inzagi hid himself in a building''s shadow.

    This was roughly three districts away from the prison where Sdia had been jailed.

    The reason why they had made so little progress was because Sdia''s escape was quickly discovered and arge force of soldiers were sent into the city. It would have been easy for Jio Inzagi to escape alone as an Instructional School graduate, but things were not so simple seeing as he had to take Sdia with him.

    After several weeks of imprisonment, she was severely weakened. Thus it was necessary to give her time to recover enough energy to walk.

    "¡ªTsk, what a pain. A bunch of military elementalists."

    Hiding in the building''s shadow with his presence concealed, Jio Inzagi muttered. A group of knights carrying spirit crystals for illumination had appeared, walking along the dark alley. It was Sjora Kahn''s royal guard.

    "Hold your breath until they pass¡ª"

    Sdia nodded silently.

    (This man, although I have no idea how strong he is¡ª)

    She quietly assessed this self-styled "Demon King''s sessor" in front of her.

    Judging from the fact that he had singlehandedly infiltrated the prison to rescue her, he must be quite skilled. But even so, she did not expect him to be a match for military elementalists. No matter how tough their physical body, there was definitely no way for ordinary people to win against elementalists¡ªThis was the absolute truth, impossible to overturn.

    Sdia prided herself as her sister''s equal as an elementalist, but there was little chance of winning when surrounded by this many spirit knights.

    "But with such a tight, there''s no way to move around at all. And I''ve got this baggage that can''t even run¡ª"

    Jio Inzagi grumbled quietly.

    "Once dawn breaks, escaping will get progressively harder. If my sister''s royal guard were to capture us, I will be taken back to that prison, and you will be subjected to avian execution."

    "Avian execution?"

    "yed and de-boned on a rocky mountain, you will remain alive while having your organs devoured by birds. This is the Theocracy''s traditional form of execution."

    Sdia smiled. She expected to see fear take hold of the face of this man who had shown insolence and arrogance all this time.

    However¡ª

    "...Oh, that. I got tired of watching that show when I was young."

    "Huh?"

    "We''ve already seen true hell as children. By now, none of us fear death."

    Jio Inzagi curled his lips in a grin andughed mockingly.

    His terrifying expression filled Sdia with bone-chilling terror.

    (This man, what on earth...)

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    "Hey, who goes there!?"

    A sharp shout came from across the darkness.

    "Tsk, we''ll have to make a dash for it¡ª"

    Jio clicked his tongue, grabbed Sdia''s wrist and ran through the alley.

    "Found her, it''s Sdia Kahn¡ª!"

    At the same time, fire arrows descended from above with the sound of spirit magic incantations in the surroundings.

    Sdia suddenly halted and hastily chanted words of summoning to call forth her elemental waffe.

    "¡ªO spirits sealed within behind the gate to another world, make your appearance here now!"

    Particles of light appeared out of thin air and a book manifested in her hand.

    This was Alf Lah Wa-Lah, the elemental waffe of the demon spirit Scheherazade.

    Light surged from the turning pages, summoning Gas Cloud, the spirit in ck smoke form.

    Gas Cloud expanded within the blink of an eye, swallowing all of the fire arrows.

    Alf Lah Wa-Lah was an elemental waffe capable of summoning countless spirits residing within the book. Although high-level spirits could not be summoned, they were quite versatile.

    "Hey, interesting spirit you''ve got there¡ª"

    Interested, Jio Inzagi muttered.

    "However, this will not even achieve the goal of stalling for time against the royal guard."

    "No, it''s enough. This thing is a perfect match for my powers."

    "...Huh?"

    Jio Inzagi sneered fearlessly then removed his overcoat.

    This revealed his muscr body, covered by lightly tanned skin, as well as the ominous patterns carved all over him.

    "What are you nning?"

    "Shut up and watch¡ª"

    In the next instant, the lines carved all over his body began to glow ominously¡ª

    "...N-No way, cursed armament seals!?"

    Sdia widened her eyes and cried out. The imntation of cursed armament seals ought to have been banned by an international treaty after the Ranbal War.

    No, putting that aside, more surprising was¡ª

    "W-Why are you glowing with divine power when you are a man¡ª"

    "Hah, isn''t it obvious? I am the Demon King''s sessor."

    With a savage grin, Jio replied.

    "W-What is with that man¡ª" "Impossible, cursed seal armaments!?" "An elementalist!?"

    The royal guard readied their elemental waffen, surrounding Jio and Sdia cautiously.

    "...No way to escape now."

    Sdia bit her lip hard. There was no absolutely no way to win against this many opponents.

    However¡ª

    "Say, great princess. Can that book of yours summon spirits without limit?"

    The man before him, with glowing crimson eyes, curled his lips in a faint smile.

    "Yes, so long as my divine power is not depleted. However¡ª"

    Hearing Sdia''s answer, Jio Inzagi scoffed.

    "Great, have those spirits possess my cursed armament seals."

    "Huh?"

    Sdia could not believe her own ears.

    "H-How is something like that possible¡ª"

    "The principle is the same as sealing spirits into amulets. Hurry up and do it, unless you want to be taken back by these people¡ª"

    "...F-Fine!"

    Indeed, it was no time to be exchanging questions and answers back and forth. Despite her puzzlement, Sdia still summoned eight spirits of different elements.

    Using her hand to touch the cursed seal armament that was glowing crimson on his arm, she sealed those spirits within it.

    "Yeah, nice... This feeling brings back memories¡ª"

    (...What is this man nning to do?)

    Just as Sdia watched the man in surprise...

    "¡ªLemme show you, great princess. This is but the tip of the iceberg of the Demon King''s power."

    With a fearless smile, Jio Inzagi¡ª

    In the next instant, he kicked the ground and rushed at the royal guard surrounding them.

    (...!?)

    With a sh of a de, blood flew and sttered.

    In the beginning, Sdia had no idea what had happened.

    After a good many seconds, she finally realized Jio Inzagi had manifested a sword spirit in his hand, instantly cutting down one member of the royal guard.

    "Hah, hurry ande at me if you wanna die!"

    He did not stop moving. One after another, he manifested spirits, slicing his way through the royal guard.

    The sight of his fighting method, like a vicious demon, caused Sdia to tremble.

    (...Unthinkable, I cannot believe he is using spirits as disposable items!)

    From the perspective of an elementalist like Sdia, his method of fighting waspletely uneptable. However, the man''s terrifying figure inbat, swinging shing des while bathed in sttering blood, seemed strangely attractive.

    (...Could this man truly be the Demon King''s sessor?)

    The terrifying picture made Sdia tremble again.

 Volume 16, 5 - Demonâ€™s Fist

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 5 - Demon''s Fist</h4>

    Part 1

    Before dawn. The flying ship carrying Kamito andpany, the Revenant,nded in the massive cave of the Demon''s Fist which was like a giant hole in the side of the mountain.

    Even after entering the Theocracy''s airspace, no military ships came to intercept them. This was quite a surprise for Kamito andpany. Reports that the border military could not function normally due to civil unrest were evidently true.

    Leaving behind Lily, the mechanic Vivian Melosa and the Instructional School twins to stay on the ship, Kamito and the others disembarked.

    "After eating that bean curd dish, I feel like I''m breathing fire..."

    Sticking out her bright red tongue, iremented.

    "I never expected it would be this spicy."

    "However, the odd thing is how that spicinesspels you to eat nonstop."

    "Yes, by the time I realized, everything was finished."

    "I, Muir, can''t handle too spicy..."

    What ire and the girls were chatting about was Rinslet''s specially made spicy dish. Of course, Kamito had a taste too, and indeed, it was so spicy that he felt like spitting fire, but it was incredibly delicious.

    Currently back to sword form, Est looked like she had equally enjoyed the bean curd dish cooked in foreign style.

    (...That being said, in the end, I still couldn''t dig up anything about the Demon King.)

    While walking down the gangwaydder, Kamito muttered mentally to himself.

    After what happened earlier, Kamito and ire had browsed through the books on Rubia''s shelves, but the information they found were mostly stories with a mythical vor. As for the forbidden books recorded in High Ancient, even ire could not fully decipher them.

    (Sigh, I guess I''ll have to ask Rubia for the detailster...)

    That was the conclusion he reached.

    "¡ªI have been waiting, everyone."

    As the group got off the ship, a young girl dressed in a leatherbat uniform went up to greet them.

    She was named Siska and was one of the Instructional School orphans adopted by Rubia. On their first time boarding the Revenant, she had been the one to lead them to Rubia too.

    "I will guide to Master''s location. Please follow me¡ª"

    After saying that expressionlessly, the girl began to walk inside the massive cave.

    Part 2

    Led by Siska, Kamito andpany advanced through the vast interior of the Demon''s Fist.

    "Th-This time they won''t ask us to take off our underwear or stuff like that, right...?"

    "No, I don''t think we need to worry about that."

    Seeing ire rub her legs together in worry, Kamito reassured her.

    ...Or rather, he hoped that Dracunia was one too many countries to have that kind of custom.

    "Just so you know, Onii-sama, my panties are striped?"

    Holding Kamito''s hand, Muir leaned herself against him.

    "M-Muir?"

    "W-Wait, what are you doing! Get away from him!"

    "No, Onii-sama is mine."

    Muir stuck her tongue out at ire.

    "¡ªPlease remain silent, you two."

    Walking in the lead, Siska turned her head back and expressionlessly warned the two girls.

    Inside the base, there was virtually no one. Though both were military strongholds built inside a mountain, this ce waspletely different from Dracunia''s dragon rock fortress that made full use of a natural cavern. Whether the floor or the ceiling, this ce was covered with t and in rockfaces, giving a ustrophobic feeling.

    At that moment, walking beside Kamito, Ellis murmured softly:

    "The atmosphere here inexplicably reminds me of the mine at Gado."

    "Yeah, definitely..."

    The abandoned mine city of Gado in Ordesia was where a strategic-ss militarized spirit, Jormungandr, had been sealed and scrapped. For Ellis, this was also a ce of painful memories where she had lost to Jio Inzagi, thus leading to herrades Rakka and Reishia getting injured.

    "Jio Inzagi huh? That guy was rambling something about the Demon King too¡ª"

    "Just an impostor."

    Hearing that, ire shrugged.

    "Speaking of which, esteemed sister, you were incarcerated with that man at Balsas Prison, right?"

    Hearing Ellis'' question, Velsaria nodded simply while walking ahead.

    "Indeed. In the prison, that man kept insisting he was the Demon King''s sessor. Naturally, no one paid attention to him¡ª"

    Then she murmured as though only remembering now.

    "I recall that he escaped when the Cardinal assaulted the prison."

    "What!?" "Are you serious, esteemed sister!?"

    ire and Ellis both cried out in surprise.

    "Yes. The Cardinal originally nned to recruit him, but he quickly reneged on his promise and fled."

    "No way¡ª"

    "That woman is unexpectedly naive..."

    Hearing that, Muirmented with resignation.

    "Hopefully, it won''t lead to trouble..."

    Jio Inzagi, who styled himself as the Demon King''s sessor, was particrly obsessed with Kamito, the holder of the Demon King''s power. Left alone, there was no telling what Jio would do.

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    "Don''t worry. I have sealed away all of his memories about Kamito."

    Descending lightly along with ck feathers, a girl in a dress of darkness appeared out of thin air.

    It was Restia, who had remained in her demon sword form until now.

    "It would be a problem if he told Ordesia''s knights about you and me, right?"

    "...Well, that''s a relief."

    "By the way, Muir Alenstarl¡ª"

    Suddenly, Restia''s dusk-colored eyes stared at Muir.

    "What is it, darkness spirit?"

    "Who permitted you to hold Kamito''s hand? His right hand is on loan to Miss Sacred Sword, but I do not recall yielding any rights to his left hand to you."

    "Shut up. Watch out or I''ll use the Jester''s Vise to crush you, okay?"

    Muir red back at Restia defiantly.

    "H-Hey, you two..."

    Seeing a fight about to erupt between the two, Kamito hastily tried to stop them.

    For some reason, these two had been on poor terms even during their days at the Instructional School. It even led to frequent fights that damaged the School''s stronghold, Cave Castle.

    "My oh my, your mouth sure has toughened up, Muir Alenstarl. Yet in the past, you used to be a frequent bedwetter, too scared to venture out to the toilet at night."

    Hearing Restia''s usation¡ª

    "...!?"

    Muir''s face gradually turned pale.

    "...W-What, d-darkness spirit... w-w-why do you know, that kind of..."

    "Fufu, I know everything. Including many other secrets..."

    Restia smiled with confidence.

    "...Ah, ooh.. N-No, don''t believe her, Onii-sama, wetting my bed, no way¡ª"

    Tearfully, Muir desperately denied it.

    "Uh, yeah, sure..."

    Kamito turned his gaze away in response.

    In fact, Kamito had washed Muir''s soiled sheets and underwear many times in the past, but she had remained blissfully unaware.

    "You were a child then, right? I do not think it is anything to be ashamed about."

    Did she pity Muir? Ellisforted her.

    "Indeed. ire was still wetting her bed at the age of nine."

    "R-Really?"

    "H-Hold on, Rinslet!?"

    Never expecting her own secret to be exposed, ire hastily covered Rinslet''s mouth.

    "Please be quiet, everyone¡ª"

    Siska looked back and said coldly.

    Part 3

    Kamito andpany continued deeper, then got on an elevator device driven by a wind-element spirit crystal.

    With a loud noise, the floor underfoot descended. This application of spirit engineering was so cutting-edge that even Areishia Spirit Academy had no such device.

    "Where are we going?"

    "The assembly venue underground."

    Siska answered expressionlessly.

    After a while, the strange floating feeling vanished and the elevator''s door opened.

    In that instant, what entered their view was¡ª

    "...!?"

    Gathered in a space that resembled a gigantic amphitheater was a crowd, estimated to be thousands in number.

    Most of them were old people and children dressed in gray cloaks.

    "These people are..."

    Just as Kamito was speechless¡ª

    "These are the refugees who have been persecuted by Sjora Kahn and have fled to Mordis."

    Velsaria spoke while looking at the members of the crowd beneath them, one after another.

    "Disorganized rabble, nowhere living up to the name of the ''rebel army''."

    "Here, what on earth is Rubia-sama..."

    Just as Fianna frowned and expressed her puzzlement...

    ''¡ªThe usurper Sjora Kahn has taken control of the Demon King''s capital of Zohar tomit all manner of atrocities. However, her illegitimate reign shall soon crumble and fall!''

    A familiar and dignified voice resounded throughout the massive underground cavern.

    "N-Nee-sama!?"

    ire cried out in surprise.

    ire''s gaze was directed at her figure, standing in the center of the gathered crowd.

    A princess maiden wearing a demon''s mask, her long crimson hair fluttering behind her, looking as though it were burning.

    Dressed in ritual attire of pure white, it was none other than Rubia Elstein.

    ''¡ªThe long-anticipated moment has arrived! Tonight, at this Demon''s Fist, let us wee the resurrection of the true Demon King whom we have waited for a thousand years!''

    Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Like raging waves, the crowd''s deafening cheering shook the giant underground cavern.

    ''¡ªNow is the time to pray for the Demon King''s return, oppressed believers of the Demon King cult!''

    Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King!

    Wave after wave, the fervent cheering resounded throughout the rocky mountain of Mordis.

    "...W-What is she talking about?"

    ...Kamito andpany could only stand there stunned, watching the scene below.

    Part 4

    After Rubia''s rousing speech, the gathering of Demon King cultists was dismissed¡ª

    Kamito andpany were taken to a level below the great cavern, a hall simr to a conference room.

    ording to Siska, who left immediately after leading Kamito''s group to the ce, it had been used as a headquarters for army staff during the Ranbal War.

    Covered by solid walls of rock, the hall was not only extremely soundproofed but also had istion magic carved to block infiltration from espionage-type militarized spirits.

    Kamito andpany sat down at the long table in the center and waited for Rubia to arrive.

    Restia turned back into the demon sword to standby, whereas Muir simply took a nap, hunched over the table. The ability to enter sleep swiftly no matter where was a skill shared by everyone trained at the Instructional School.

    "What is Nee-sama nning...?"

    ire murmured worriedly to herself.

    ...Well, one could hardly me her for worrying. The Rubia delivering the speech earlier was truly quite different from the Rubia they knew.

    "...She was apparently talking about the Demon King''s resurrection. What on earth did she mean?"

    "The refugees gathered here are all Demon King cultists persecuted by Sjora Kahn as heretics. The Cardinal intends to rouse their faith and loyalty, I expect."

    Velsaria offered her own interpretation.

    "Then talk of the Demon King''s resurrection is just misdirection...?"

    "Perhaps¡ª"

    With her chin resting on her fingers, Fianna spoke ambiguously.

    "By using Soul Recall magic, for example, the Demon King really could be revived or some such¡ª"

    Hearing her quiet murmurs, Kamito suddenly came to a realization.

    (...Speaking of which, Rubia had awakened Nepenthes Lore before.)

    Thinking back now, it seemed a long time ago, but it had happened during the preliminary round of the de Dance.

    At the time, she had used the taboo spell of Soul Recall to revive Nepenthes Lore, a monster that had inherited the Demon King''s power. Essentially a failed Demon King specimen, the monster singlehandedly destroyed Mi Bassett''s team belonging to the Principality of Rossvale and utterly demolished Team Scarlet''s base.

    "However, even for Rubia-sama, resurrecting the Demon King himself would be absolutely impossible."

    "Indeed, no one even knows where the Demon King''s remains vanished to."

    "Yes, I know, but this is just spection¡ª"

    Fianna shrugged and shook her head. At that moment...

    "¡ªThank you for waiting."

    The door to the hall opened and Rubia appeared.

    "...!"

    Everyone present all looked towards Rubia.

    She had taken off the princess maiden attire from just now and changed to the Theocracy''s military uniform.

    The demon mask was also removed to reveal her true face.

    Sitting at the head of the table, Rubia swept her gaze over everyone''s face in turn, then slowly began to speak.

    "First of all, I apologize for being unable to meet up in Dracunia. During the past few days, the situation in the Theocracy has changed dramatically. Consequently, it became essential to take control of this city ahead of schedule¡ª"

    "From what we saw earlier, looks like you seeded."

    Kamito remarked at this time.

    "Yes, I have already reached an agreement with the Demon King cult cadre leading the refugees. In exchange for rescuing Sdia Kahn, they have pledged to enter an alliance with Legitimate Ordesia."

    "...Nothing less expected from you."

    While feeling impressed inside, Kamito stared sharply at Rubia.

    "¡ªHowever, fabricating false hope with lies about the Demon King''s resurrection, that''s a bit much."

    He voiced the doubts that had been upying his heart since earlier.

    The numerous refugees were all mesmerized by Rubia''s speech.

    They believed from the bottom of their hearts that their savior, the Demon King, was going to resurrect.

    He was quite displeased with Rubia''s methods in exploiting other people''s faith, even for the sake of winning over the rebel army.

    From what he could tell, ire and the girls felt simrly.

    However, Rubia took on Kamito''s gaze directly¡ª

    "I had no intention of fabricating false hope."

    Then she said that.

    "...?"

    Kamito looked at her in surprise.

    "Don''t tell me you''re really gonna revive Demon King Solomon?"

    "No¡ª"

    Rubia shook her head and slowly dered:

    "¡ªThe Demon King is already here."

    "...Huh?"

    Everyone present began to doubt what they had heard.

 Volume 16, 6 - The Imposter Demon King

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 6 - The Imposter Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªThe Demon King is already here.

    Kamito soon understood the meaning behind Rubia''s words.

    "...So what the heck is that?"

    Seeing that carried to the table by Siska¡ª

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and asked Rubia.

    A crimson cloak in the color of blood with shoulder pads featuring countless spikes.

    Pitch-ck armor engraved with designs of demonic beasts. A staff shaped like intertwined snakes. Finally, there was an eerie skull mask whose eye sockets were fitted with crimson spirit crystals.

    "Do I need to exin?"

    "...Yeah, just in case¡ª"

    Holding his temples, Kamito groaned.

    ...However, he could already guess pretty much what this was about without needing to hear her answer.

    "Kazehaya Kamito, you will be the Demon King."

    "I refuse."

    Kamito immediately replied.

    (...I knew it, isn''t this exactly what I predicted!?)

    However, Rubia remained unfazed and continued.

    "What are you unhappy about? Is it the mask''s design?"

    "No. Well, that''s part of it... But that''s not the issue. Wait a sec, don''t tell me you created the whole outfit?"

    "That is neither here nor there. In that case, what are you unhappy about?"

    "...Everything. Why the heck do I have to be the Demon King!?"

    Kamito protested strongly.

    "Indeed, Kamito-kun is already the Demon King of the Night." "Right, by this point..." "I agree." "Hmm, Kamito is already a Demon King, right?"

    Despite hearing thesements behind him, Kamito was determined to ignore them.

    "Because it is the most effective method to unite the refugees."

    Rubia dered coldly.

    "...!"

    "Persecuted by Sjora Kahn, banished by their home country, these believers of the Demon King cult have gathered at this Demon''s Fist. Sooner orter, in the near future, they will rise up against Sjora. However, the Demon King cult is not a monolithic entity. Uniting the rabble requires establishing a symbol that everyone approves, the Demon King¡ª"

    "...But that means creating an impostor Demon King to deceive them, right?"

    Saying that, Kamito red sharply at Rubia.

    "Like Demon King Solomon, you hold the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord within you. This is the genuine truth."

    "That''s mincing words. I''m not Demon King Solomon. Okay, suppose I concede that it''s necessary for a symbol to unite the refugees, then why don''t you take on that job? Like how you pretended to be Ren Ashbell at the de Dance."

    Kamito responded mockingly.

    "The cultists will not ept the Demon King unless it is you, a male elementalist."

    "Well¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about tounch a rebuttal¡ª

    He suddenly noticed something and closed his mouth.

    He saw faint wavering in Rubia''s eyes that were gazing directly at him.

    "Kazehaya Kamito, did you see the astounding number of people in the crowd? Exiled by their home country, persecuted, these people¡ª"

    "Yeah..."

    "These people have lost everything. Not justnd and wealth but also the hope to live. Right now, what they need is a savior."

    "I get the logic, but..."

    "I am not asking for you to rule these people as the Demon King. All that is required is to spread news that the Demon King has been resurrected here. Even if it is false, so long as there is a shred of hope, people will be able to live on¡ª"

    At this moment, Kamito finally figured out the wavering emotions in Rubia''s eyes.

    (...I see now. So that is what she honestly feels.)

    She was seeing in these refugees a shadow of the Elstein subjects whose homnd had been incinerated by the Fire Elemental Lord''s cmity. Back then, even as the Fire Queen, she had failed to save huge numbers of people, which was why she med herself deeply even to this present day.

    Kamito remained silent, thinking back to that huge crowd.

    They believed deeply in what Rubia said about the Demon King resurrecting.

    It was not simply because they were believers of the Demon King cult. At the same time, they must have felt the poignant emotion in the words of Rubia''s speech.

    "..."

    Sighing deeply, Kamito¡ª

    "...All I have to do is y the Demon King in front of the refugees, right?"

    He spoke.

    "Kamito!?"

    He heard ire exim behind him.

    "Indeed, nothing more."

    Rubia took on Kamito''s gaze and nodded.

    "...Fine."

    Hence, Kamito took the Demon King''s mask and said:

    "¡ªJust this once. This time, I''ll be the Demon King."

    Part 2

    ¡ªThus it came to be.

    Although Kamito had agreed to y the role of the Demon King¡ª

    "Kamito-kun, do your best at ying the Demon King."

    "Since you act like a real Demon King every now and then, surely it will be fine."

    "Hmm, I think all you need to do is behave as usual."

    "Just act natural, Kamito."

    "...What the heck does that mean?"

    Carrying the Demon King outfit in his arms, Kamito narrowed his eyes and retorted.

    ...Looking at the creepy skull mask, thoughts of regret were surging in his heart, though a little toote.

    To ire and the girls who were acting like they were uninvolved, Rubia said:

    "Do not jump to the conclusion that this has nothing to do with you. I have prepared roles for you all."

    "...Huh?"

    ire and the girls instantly froze, looking at one another.

    "...U-Us too?"

    "Indeed. You four will y the Demon King''s concubines."

    Hearing Rubia''s sudden words¡ª

    "Ehhhhhhhhhh!"

    ire and the girls cried out.

    "Rubia-sama, w-what do you mean by that?"

    "ording to legends, Demon King Solomon was served by numerous concubines. With the four of you present, the Demon King''s resurrection would be more convincing, of course."

    Rubia replied to Fianna''s question without any change in expression.

    ...Indeed, Kamito had seen a history book from Rubia''s study which recorded how Demon King Solomon was served by a huge number of concubines, even including illustrations of all kinds of unmentionable poses.

    Perhaps recalling the book she had seen in the flying ship, ire''s face went red instantly.

    "Wait, isn''t that clearly uneptable!?"

    Kamito hastily objected. These were noble youngdies with plenty of self-respect. Even if ying a role, asking them to act as the Demon King''s concubines would be totally uneptable¡ª

    "N-No helping it..." "No other way." "Hmm, indeed, the Demon King''s concubines are necessary roles." "Yes, authenticity is very important."

    ...Huh? Why does it feel like all of them were fairly motivated...

    Rubia nodded briefly then said:

    "There are four outfits, already prepared in each of your respective rooms. Go get changed."

    "H-Hey..."

    Despite Kamito''s objections, ire and the girls werepletelypliant.

    At this moment, a light cough was heard from a corner of the room.

    Kamito looked, only to see Velsaria''s ice-blue eyes ring coldly at Rubia.

    "What is the matter, Velsaria Eva?"

    Yes, Kamito raised his hopes.

    Given Velsaria''s straiced personality, surely she would object.

    However, what she said turned out to be¡ª

    "Uh, are my services not required...?"

    Unexpected words.

    "What, Velsaria!?"

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    ...Indeed, what Rubia had said just now was "you four."

    In other words, the Demon King''s concubines did not include Muir or Velsaria.

    Was there some kind of age restriction¡ª

    "Velsaria Eva, do you wish to be the Demon King''s concubine too?"

    "...O-Of course not!"

    Hearing Rubia''s question, Velsaria shook her head vigorously.

    "I-I merely seek confirmation. As a knight of the Fahrengart family, how could I possibly engage in such shameless behavior, even as an act?"

    "Uh, my esteemed sister, I disagree on finding this shameless..."

    Ellis protested in a small voice.

    "Velsaria, you will undergo adjustments from Vivian Melosa at this Demon''s Fist facility. The Revenant is not sufficiently equipped forplete fine-tuning, but since this ce is a military facility, that woman ought to seed in stabilizing Juggernaut''s output."

    "...I-Is that so? Understood."

    Recovering her usual cier-like expression, Velsaria nodded.

    ...Kamito wondered if he was imagining the faint disappointment he heard in her voice.

    Then Rubia walked over to Muir who was sleeping, hunched over the table.

    "Muir Alenstarl¡ª"

    She grabbed her by the back cor.

    "...Uwah? W-What?"

    Sleeping soundly, Muir suddenly woke up and red at Rubia.

    "Wait, what are you doing?"

    "I have a special mission for you and Lily. Go scout out the Theocracy''s capital of Zohar and locate Sdia Kahn''s whereabouts."

    "Ehhh, another scouting mission? I still wanna y with Onii-sama more..."

    Hearing that, Muir pouted unhappily.

    "Why do you think I brought you two back from the Holy Kingdom? The sess of the Sdia rescue mission depends on your results."

    "...O-Oww, got it, got it. Stop grinding my temple with your fist!"

    Muir cried out with tears in her eyes... It looked quite painful.

    "That''s Nee-sama''s killer move. She used it on me once when I was small."

    Sitting next to Kamito, ire exined quietly with cold sweat breaking out on her forehead.

    "Heh, so you had sister quarrels?"

    "Yes, because my sister was carefully growing a peach tree but I identally turned it into charcoal."

    "...Then you were the one at fault."

    Released by Rubia, Muir walked unsteadily over to Kamito and said:

    "Onii-sama, I''ll be back soon. Let''s y when I''m back."

    "Yeah, take care."

    Kamito ced his hand on Muir''s hand and petted her lightly.

    "Huah, Onii-sama..."

    Muir closed her eyes partially in bliss then walked out of the conference room.

    "Now then, the Resurrection Ceremony will take ce this afternoon. Please make sure your are prepared before then."

    The meeting concluded with Rubia''s solemn deration.

    Part 3

    After going separate ways from ire and the girls, Kamito was taken to a military officer''s suite located one floor above the conference room.

    Even though it was an officer''s suite, having remained unused for so long, it had be more like a storeroom.

    (...Oh man, do I have to change into this outfit?)

    Sighing, Kamito hung up his Academy uniform in the closet of this dust-covered room, changing into the pitch-ck armor that was engraved with demonic beasts.

    He then put on the blood-red cloak and the spike-tipped boots.

    Finally, he covered his face with the creepy skull mask.

    (I expected my view to be blocked, but visibility is surprisingly good...)

    Spirit crystals glowing red had been installed into the skull''s eyes and apparently enchanted with Night Vision magic allowing him to see clearly in dark conditions. Furthermore, the armor worn under the cloak also felt lighter than expected, not ufortable at all.

    (...Next, I guess this is my "script.")

    Kamito tossed a bound pile of paper onto the table.

    The script was prepared by Rubia. She had apparently coted Demon King Solomon''s actual quotes, based on historical sources in the field of Demon King studies.

    (I just feel that those historical sources made stuff up...)

    With skepticism, Kamito opened the script.

    "Uh, I am Solomon the Demon King, awakened after the passage of a millennium¡ª"

    Just as he read out the words on the first page, in that instant...

    The mouth section of the mask suddenly discharged ck smoke.

    "...W-What the heck is this!?"

    Kamito frantically took off the mask.

    The skull mask hit the floor and bounced, spewing smoke while spinning.

    "...So it had this kind of design."

    Kamito muttered in exasperation. Just then...

    "Fufu, it suits you quite well, Kamito... Fu, fufu, fufufu..."

    "...!?"

    He looked back, only to see that Restia had returned to human form without him noticing,ughing adorably while rolling on the bed, her wings shaking.

    "...C-Come on... I''m putting in a serious effort here."

    When Kamito protested with displeasure...

    "Fufu, I''m sorry. Still, that appearance is to me for being too weird¡ª"

    "...I-Is it that weird? From what I saw in the books in Rubia''s study, the Demon King''s appearance was pretty much along these lines."

    Despite minor differences, the Demon King''s image was essentially portrayed like this.

    "Indeed, he was frequently d in that blood-red cloak. However, he neither wore that kind of skull mask nor spewed smoke¡ª"

    Restia giggled on the bed.

    (...!?)

    In that instant...

    Kamito finally noticed something important.

    (...! Oh right, Restia was the Demon King''s¡ª)

    Indeed, Restia once held the title of the Demon King''s Sword. That was why those old men at the Instructional School assigned her to educate Kamito, the Demon King''s sessor.

    ¡ªWhy did I fail to notice this until now?

    Compared to checking history books, he should have done something first.

    Clearly, she was the authority on information about the Demon King¡ª

    Kamito took a deep breath and...

    "Say, Restia¡ª"

    He started the conversation.

    "What is it, Kamito?"

    "Can you tell me about Demon King Solomon?"

    Hearing that, sitting on the bed, Restia tilted her head.

    "...Why do you want to know about him?"

    Her dusk-colored eyes stared straight at Kamito.

    Kamito could not help but avoid eye contact.

    "...That''s, just for reference, because I''m going to y the Demon King next¡ª"

    His answer sounded like an excuse.

    Yes, it was an excuse. His interest in the Demon King from a thousand years ago was genuine, but not limited to that. To be honest, he was a bit curious about the man who had used her in the past as he had done.

    (...Sheesh, what is with this childishpetitiveness?)

    Kamito mocked himself wryly in his own thoughts. Perhaps, this subconscious jealousy was what prevented him from choosing to ask her directly about the Demon King.

    Kamito did not know if Restia read his mind, but¡ª

    She chuckled and...

    "¡ªYes. Of course, I might know a few more details than human history books, but actually, I didn''t know him extremely well."

    "...Huh?"

    Hearing the unexpected answer, Kamito could not help but ask:

    "But didn''t those people at the Instructional School call you the Demon King''s Sword¡ª"

    "Yes, I was indeed used by the Demon King. However, that man merely used me as a powerful tool instead of a contracted spirit."

    "...Not as a contracted spirit?"

    Kamito doubted his ears.

    "Yes, that''s right¡ª"

    Restia nodded.

    "I was not the Demon King''s contracted spirit. No, and not just me either. Legends speak of the seventy-two spirits under hismand, but in reality, he did not enter into spirit contracts with them. He simply used Ren Ashdoll''s power to dominate them, that''s all¡ª"

    "...Is that what happened?"

    This was definitely a fact that no history book had recorded.

    In a way, it might be simr to how Jio Inzagi had used a Bloodstone to control spirits. Of course, the Demon King''s case was on apletely different scale¡ª

    Kamito''s gaze suddenly fell upon the spirit seal on his left hand.

    (...I see. She didn''t enter a spirit contract, huh?)

    While feeling surprised by what she revealed, Kamito also felt strangely reassured.

    "Fufu, what''s the matter, Kamito?"

    Restia chuckled and peered to inspect Kamito''s expression.

    "...Oh, no, uh¡ª"

    Kamito hastily shook his head.

    "But Restia, weren''t you responsible for the mission of guiding the Demon King''s awakening?"

    He brought up the question that had surfaced in his mind.

    The original mission of Restia Ashdoll the darkness spirit was to promote the awakening of the human incarnation of Ren Ashdoll''s reborn power, guiding him to be the assassin to eliminate the insane Elemental Lords.

    If Demon King Solomon only used her as a simple tool, then what about her mission¡ª?

    "...There was nothing I could do. He did not heed my words at all."

    Restia shrugged and shook her head.

    "From the moment I was unsealed, he only used me as a weapon and refused any kind of interaction. He wielded my power ording to his own will to vanquish countless spirits¡ª"

    "...In that case, Demon King Solomon''s aggressive conquest of the continent was not because he was controlled by the will of Ren Ashdoll."

    "All along, Ren Ashdoll''s objective is to destroy the Elemental Lords."

    Pausing a little, Restia continued.

    "Starting the Demon King War was his own idea. I have no idea what considerations went through his mind to start that war. The Demon King never bared his thoughts and feelings to spirits. If anyone ever understood that man''s heart, most likely it would be her¡ª"

    Staring off into the distance, Restia whispered.

    "...Her?"

    "The one and only spirit who won his trust and contracted with Demon King Solomon."

    "There was a spirit like that?"

    "Yes. However, legends say that spirit wasid to rest together with the Demon King. Inside the Pyramid somewhere unknown in the desert¡ª"

    With nostalgia in her eyes, Restia murmured.

    Part 4

    At a military facility underground, deep beneath Scorpia, a ce known as the "sealed territory"¡ª

    Sjora Kahn and her trusted follower Valmira had spent thest few days here.

    On the wall of this tetrahedral space was a gigantic magic circle written using High Ancient.

    As the name "sealed territory" implied, this was a ce isted using a sturdy door and countless barriers. A dangerous being requiring such drastic measures was currently sealed beneath.

    ¡ªLeviathan, the city spirit.

    Inpliance with the treaty at the conclusion of the Ranbal War, it was one of the seven strategic-ss militarized spirits sealed and scrapped by various countries. ording to official records, during the first battle it was deployed in, this spirit had destroyed an entire city in a small nation within merely seventeen hours.

    This space was the magic device for controlling Leviathan. At the same time, this was the historical site of the Demon''s Circuit, created by the Demon King a thousand years ago.

    Wearing a Demon King cultist mask, Sjora''s trusted princes maiden Valmira reported:

    "Preparations to connect to Leviathan areplete. Operation in and of itself is fine."

    But after a brief pause, she continued.

    "What is it?"

    "There are control issues. If the seal is lifted as-is, Leviathan will most likely go on a rampage."

    "...Hmm, now that would be a problem."

    Resting her chin on her hand, Sjora seemed to contemte.

    "How long will adjustments take?"

    "Half a month or so, by estimates¡ª"

    "Is that so? Then there is no helping it¡ª"

    Sjora sighed with disappointment then...

    "In that case, activate it under imperfect conditions."

    "...!?"

    Faced with her monarch''s nonchnt but terrifying deration, Valmira was speechless.

    "F-Forgive me for being forward, Lady Hierarch, but suppose Leviathan were to be activated in this current state, there will be thousands, no, tens of thousands of casualties in the city of Zohar, the popce will be sacrifices¡ª"

    Normal operation of a strategic-ss militarized spirit required a team of well-trained elementalists to conduct arge-scale ritual over multiple days. If control was lost, the militarized spirit would indiscriminately steal divine power from around it before finally copsing itself.

    However¡ª

    "¡ªSo what?"

    Curling her crimson lips, Sjora sneered.

    "...Sjora... -sama...?"

    Valmira''s entire body trembled.

    Originally, dozens of princess maidens, already prepared to give up their lives, had been arranged as sacrifices¡ª

    However, Sjora was nning to sacrifice all of Zohar.

    This was not a normal person''s mindset. If something like that was done, the Theocracy itself would copse even if the rebel army gathered at the Demon''s Fist could be eliminated.

    "...I implore you... Please reconsider, Sjora-sama!"

    Valmira, the princess maiden who had served Sjora since childhood knelt on the ground and pleaded.

    However, Sjora Kahnughed mockingly.

    "Whether the people or this country, none of that matters to us¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Valmira looked up forcefully and frowned.

    The voiceing from Sjora''s lips sounded like multiple old men talking at the same time. Very weird.

    "Sjora-sama, you... No, who on earth are you¡ª"

    Valmira swiftly leaped backwards and faced off against her monarch.

    Her instincts as a princess maiden informed her.

    Sjora Kahn had been possessed by something ominous¡ª

    Valmira instantly made a hand sign and prepared to chant exorcism magic.

    However¡ª

    "Foolish¡ª"

    "...Ah, guh...!"

    Sjora Kahn drew a circle with her finger¡ª

    Instantly, a pattern resembling a coiled snake appeared on the girl''s neck.

    "...Hu, guh... Guh, o-ooh..."

    The pattern gradually took root, constricting Valmira''s slender neck tightly.

    Groaning in pain, she struggled violently¡ª

    Finally, she tragically breathed herst breath.

    "¡ªYou are the first sacrifice. Feel honored."

    Sjora Kahn¡ªor rather, the people possessing her spoke quietly. Despite having just killed the retainer who had followed her since childhood, she was showing a terrifying smile on her face.

    ¡ªAt that very moment.

    "What a poor dear. You used to love her so much, right?"

    In this space where no one else was supposed to be present except for Sjora Kahn and Valmira''s corpse, a girl''s adorable voice was suddenly heard.

    What method had been used to invade this "sealed territory"?

    Sjora looked back to see that standing there without anyone noticing.

    Vestments of pure white, symbolizingw and order. Glittering golden hair.

    The right eye was beautiful and violet. The left eye was covered by an eye patch.

    She was none other than Millennia Sanctus, a cardinal of the Holy Kingdom.

    "You sure can appear anywhere¡ª"

    "Indeed, the omnipresence of light is precisely my attribute."

    Millennia Sanctus chuckled then used her hands to gesture at the deceased Valmira, making the Holy Kingdom''s sign to pray for the dead to rest in peace.

    "The assassination of the Dragon King apparently failed."

    "It has no effect on my lord''s n. On the other hand, losing one of me was a painful price to pay¡ª"

    "Oh, n?"

    Sjora Kahn whispered, quite interested.

    "None of your business, Sjora¡ªno, I suppose I ought to call you Lord Hierarch here?"

    "Either is fine. A mere title holds no meaning for us by this juncture."

    The witch''s crimson eyes glowed faintly.

    During the de Dance at Ragna Ys, what had possessed Sjora Kahn was¡ª

    A being that could be described as the conglomeration of grudge and obsession from unbroken generations of Demon King cult hierarchs since antiquity. Using unorthodox and secret techniques passed down the cult, they repeatedly reincarnated themselves into the princess maidens of royal blood, engaging in ndestine machinations under the shadows of history.

    Their ultimate goal was to obtain the Demon King''s power¡ª

    A thousand years ago, they had failed. However, now that someone inheriting the Demon King''s power had appeared, these ghosts were now restless to devour that power and im it as their own.

    "So, Lady Millennia, have you obtained the coffin lying dormant in the Pyramid?"

    She spoke in a gloomy voice that sounded like multiple people talking at the same time.

    "Lurie is in the process of retrieval. However, it is impossible in the near term."

    Millennia shook her head.

    "As expected of the Sacred Maiden''s seal. Obtaining the Demon yer at the Academy would have saved plenty of trouble¡ª"

    "Hasten the retrieval. Once the coffin is obtained, our objective would be halfplete."

    "Yes, I know. Do everything you can to plunge the continent into chaos."

    "There is no need to remind me of that."

    The people possessing Sjora''s body spoke with resentment.

    The objectives of Millennia Sanctus and the organization of Des Esseintes behind her were still unknown.

    Her assistance to the Theocracy did not seem like she was seeking some kind of benefit. It was as though using this opportunity to create chaos on the continent was in itself her goal¡ª

    However, the Holy Kingdom''s objectives did not matter to them at all.

    So long as their interests were aligned, exploitation was possible¡ª

    Sjora Kahn released a droplet of blood on the magic circle written in High Ancient.

    "¡ªI expect this Leviathan to bring the result you desire."

 Volume 16, 7 - The Resurrected Demon King

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 7 - The Resurrected Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    In the end, after listening to Restia, Kamito still knew little about the Demon King¡ª

    Anyway, costumed as the Demon King, Kamito made his way to the conference room of the moored Revenant in order to practice before the real event.

    Probably because girls took longer to dress up, none of the others were at the conference room yet.

    (...Can''t be helped. I guess I''ll practice on my own until everyone gathers here.)

    Kamito took out a scrunched up script.

    "I am the Demon King, I am the Demon King... I am the Demon King who rules the world..."

    While pacing about the room, he began muttering quietly to himself.

    "Whether wealth, women or spirits, everything in this world belongs to me. K-Kuhahahaha...!"

    Monotonous reading of the script and dryughter sounded hollowly.

    (...Did Demon King Solomon really say these things?)

    While perspiration broke out on his forehead, Kamito cocked his head. Sigh, indeed, the image of the Demon King circting in folklore was pretty much in this style¡ª

    "All who oppose me shall die, gahahahahaha... Ha... Hey, what the hell...?"

    Exasperated, Kamito was just about to throw away Rubia''s script when...

    "Kamito, have you memorized the lines?"

    Suddenly, someone spoke to him.

    He suddenly looked at where the voice wasing from.

    "...Cl... aire!?"

    Under the skull mask, Kamito''s eyes widened until they were round.

    ire''s appearance was akin to being half naked.

    She was dressed in a sheer garment offering a translucent view of her skin with a jeweled dress that was almost underwear. The exquisitely embroidered sarong featured an audacious slit, exposing her healthy thigh. The exotic and sexy attire was very much like the illustrations of the Demon King''s concubines they had seen in Rubia''s study.

    Confronted with ire''s shocking appearance, dressed in a manner she would never normally ept¡ª

    "Y-Your outfit..."

    Kamito could not help but feel his heart pounding.

    "...~I-I know, q-quit staring!"

    Blushing to her ears, ire covered up her small bosom with her arms and red at Kamito unhappily.

    ...Dressed in a skimpy outfit, awkwardly rubbing her knees together, she looked amazingly cute.

    Kamito hastily shook his head.

    "...No, uh, although I''m very surprised, it seems very, pretty..."

    He offered his honest opinion.

    "...Huaah, sh-sheesh, what are you talking about..."

    ire got more and more embarrassed, her entire face turning bright red. Then...

    "Y-You, on the other hand, look terrible in that Demon King outfit..."

    As though trying to hide her embarrassment, ire raised her head andmented with a nce.

    "I don''t think anyone''d look good in this outfit."

    "...Fair enough."

    ire shrugged. Still covering her chest with her arms, she entered the room.

    ...Wearing such an outfit, even walking felt very disgraceful.

    "...S-So, are you okay with the lines?"

    "Well, it isn''t a lot, so I should be fine¡ª"

    Compared to memorizing the Instructional School''s passwords, it was much easier.

    That being said, because there were many lines that Kamito would never speak normally, practicing until he could speak them naturally would take quite a bit of time¡ª

    "Are you okay on your end?"

    "Who do you take me for? I am number one in the year, you know?"

    "...I guess you''re right. Th-Then, wanna try practicing together?"

    "S-Sure, no problem..."

    ire nodded, held her script and stood face to face with Kamito.

    "Th-This makes me feel a bit nervous..."

    "Me too..."

    ire coughed lightly and directed her gaze to the script.

    Then¡ª

    "I-I am the Demon King''s loyal servant. This body and this mind, everything is yours."

    ...Totally monotone. Even as an honors student, it looked like she needed to work on her acting skills quite a bit.

    "O-Okay, your turn¡ª"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Kamito hastily flipped open his script.

    "Yes, you are mine. Offer your heart and your body, everything to me¡ª"

    "U-Uh... O-Okay!"

    When he read out the line, ire nodded obediently.

    "...? Wait, you messed up there, didn''t you? That part should be answered with ''my power as a princess maiden shall surely aid in your ambitions, O great Demon King''¡ªRight?"

    "...Oh, y-you, y-you''re right!"

    ire went bright red in the face, speaking in a fluster.

    ...Was she nervous? She seemed to be in poor form.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Oh my, so you two have started practicing already¡ª"

    Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet entered the room.

    "...!?"

    Kamito felt his heart rate rise again.

    Changed into the highly revealing outfits of the Demon King''s concubines, each and every one of them looked very pretty, giving off an allurepletely different from usual.

    On further thought, the girls of Team Scarlet were striking beauties who stood out from among the students of Areishia Spirit Academy, a gathering of beautiful girls to begin with.

    Adding the fact that they were dressed in such racy costumes, an elerating heart rate was unavoidable.

    "Kamito-kun, h-how are our clothes?"

    "K-Kamito, uh, quit staring..."

    "Yes, it f-feels very embarrassing to be ogled like this..."

    Looking at each other in embarrassment, they awkwardly rubbed their exposed legs together.

    "S-Sorry..."

    Kamito frantically shifted his gaze away.

    "Uh, girls, are you okay with the lines?"

    "Of course."

    "Hmm, I have memorized everything."

    "Fufu, a perfect actress such as I have no need for a script. I will have you know that I once yed the main role for a drama performance dedicated as an offering to spirits."

    Saying that, Rinslet tossed her hair.

    "Rinslet, it''d be pointless if you ended up stealing the Demon King''s show."

    "I-I know that."

    Rinslet pouted.

    "Okay, let''s start rehearsing¡ª"

    "Yes."

    Kamito and the girls gathered in the center of the room and started practicing. However, drawn to their attractive appearances, Kamito could not focus his concentration at all¡ª

    Part 2

    ¡ªNight fell upon the Demon''s Fist.

    At a subterranean drill ground, the size of the crowd gathered had surpassed thousands of people.

    Everyone was here to catch a glimpse of the Demon King who was predicted to resurrect here tonight.

    For them, the Demon King''s resurrection would be hope beyond dispute.

    At the center of this fervor¡ª

    Dressed in ritual attire, Rubia Elstein was giving a speech.

    "¡ªTonight, Demon King Solomon shall awaken from his thousand-year-long slumber, to resurrect right beside you believers of the legitimate Demon King¡ª"

    Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King!

    The crowd, upying the whole drill ground, cheered loudly, shaking the entire Demon''s Fist.

    "Kamito, time for you to make an entrance¡ª"

    "Y-Yeah..."

    Hearing ire''s quiet reminder, Kamito nodded a little nervously under his Demon King costume.

    They were currently in an underground passage beneath the drill ground. Vast passages had been built during the Ranbal War era, extending like a spider''s web inside the Demon''s Fist. The passages connected various parts of the Demon''s Fist and were used to transport supplies and soldiers. The n was for Kamito and the girls to appear at the drill ground where the crowd was once Rubia''s speech ended.

    "I can''t help feeling nervous..."

    Kamito muttered under his mask.

    "Kamito-kun, just act your normal self and you will be fine."

    "What normal self..."

    "Q-Quiet, the speech is over¡ª"

    Just as ire gave a reminder...

    "¡ªNow then, let the Demon King Resurrection Ritual begin!"

    Rubia''s voice was heard. She began chanting an incantation to revive the Demon King.

    With this as the signal, the elevator carrying Kamito andpany began to rise slowly.

    The incantation was the same as what she had chanted to resurrect Nepenthes Lore previously, but since no one present was capable of understanding the High Ancient mastered by Queens, this was probably not a problem.

    The gigantic magic circle drawn on the ground began to glow ominously. The mes of a bonfire surged dramatically.

    Then amid the crimson ze, the Demon King d in a blood-red cloak made his appearance.

    Crimson eyes glowed with radiant light under the skull mask.

    In his hand was a staff in the form of intertwined snakes, a terrifying demon bird perched on his shoulder.

    Waiting on him by his feet were four beautiful princesses with cold gazes.

    The crowd, thousands strong, instantly mored.

    "Are you the ones who roused me from my thousand-year-long slumber¡ª"

    Landing on the ground, Kamito looked down at the crowd prostrated at his feet and spoke.

    Through the effects of wind magic, his voice sounded especially loud and clear.

    "We have waited long for you, O Demon King¡ª"

    Kneeling in front of Kamito like the others, Rubia reverently lowered her head.

    "Princess maiden, why disturb my sleep?"

    "I implore you to destroy the Theocracy''s usurper¡ª"

    Still maintaining her kneeling posture, Rubia answered.

    "Hmph, usurper huh? So pests have risen up in my absence."

    Kamito growled and the skull mask discharged ck smoke.

    "Naturally, this is my country. I shall not allow anyone to do with it as they please¡ª"

    At Kamito''s deration¡ª

    Massive cheering erupted at the drill ground again.

    "I shall grant ye victory¡ª"

    YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

    Coordinating with the timing of Kamito brandishing his staff, ire and the girls stood up.

    "My crimson mes shall sweep across the world to bring forth its demise!"

    "My fierce wind shall blow away Zohar''s army¡ª"

    "My dark knight shall make blood sacrifices out of the enemy!"

    "Darkness shall flood the entire world, ohohoho!"

    Although ire and Ellis recited their lines monotonously, Rinslet seemed to have flipped some kind of weird switch inside her¡ªSigh, at least it was a passing performance.

    ring at the crowd, Kamito shouted:

    "I shall crush all enemies and take back the capital!"

    Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King!

    The crowd''s excitement reached a climax, but at that very moment...

    A massive explosion erupted at the drill ground.

    Part 3

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Suddenly, apanied by a sh of light, an explosion was heard, almost rupturing their eardrums.

    (...W-What''s going on!?)

    Amid the rising dust cloud, Kamito instantly reacted and checked out his surroundings.

    Kamito had a pretty good idea what the sh of light prior to the explosion in the crowd was about.

    (The light of releasing a spirit¡ª)

    As expected, ahead of him, a xenomorphic shadow appeared in the dust cloud. Once the dust settled, a giant monster with a lion''s body, an extra goat''s head and a snake for a tail could be seen there.

    "...That''s the Chimera-type militarized spirit!?"

    ire cried out in shock.

    The magic beast spirit, the Chimera, was an obsolete tactical-ss militarized spirit deployed on the front lines during the Ranbal War. Even though it was two generations older than the current sya-Labs giant spirit deployed in the official ranks of various nations'' military forces, in terms ofbat ability, it was sya-Labs'' equal.

    "...W-Why is a militarized spirit¡ª"

    "Who knows..."

    Kamito readied the Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword in both hands and faced off against the magic beast.

    Gathered on the za, the crowd still had yet to grasp the situation.

    Confronted with the suddenly appeared militarized spirit, they simply froze on the spot.

    "ire, direct the people to evacuate¡ª"

    ¡ªJust as Kamito shouted...

    Guoooooooooooooooooo!

    The magic beast roared and swung its huge limbs.

    "...!?"

    Kamito and ire instantly jumped to the left and the right respectively, dodging the attack.

    With a thunderous crash, stone tiles were dig up, arge amount of debris flew into the air.

    (...What astounding destructive power!?)

    Rolling on the ground, Kamito cursed in his thoughts. A mere human body would be shredded by a direct hit from that.

    The countless shards of broken tiles were about to rain down on the crowd¡ª

    (...Tsk, damn it!)

    Kamito could not help but click his tongue. At that moment...

    "¡ªFreezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet fired arrows that pierced the giant debris with pinpoint uracy¡ª

    "O wind, sweep away¡ªWind Bombs!"

    The small fragments were swept away by Ellis'' wind magic.

    "We will take care of this, hurry and head to somewhere safe!"

    Ellis shouted loudly at the crowd.

    "Over here, hurry. Into the barrier!"

    The crowd swarmed into the defensive barrier set up by Fianna.

    Wearing a fluttering bright red cloak, Kamitonded on the ground and started to search for a presence mixed in the crowd.

    (The elementalist who released the militarized spirit should be nearby¡ª)

    Suddenly, in the chaotic za, Kamito noticed a sharp aura of murderous intent.

    It was almost instinct.

    Faced with the knife flying the darkness, Kamito deflected it using his Demon yer¡ª

    Then using the Vorpal Sword, he chopped down the other knife flying from a different direction.

    (...The first knife was a diversion huh? And the des are painted ck too.)

    The work of trained professional assassins, undoubtedly.

    (Probably assassins from the Theocracy¡ª)

    Despite the Night Vision effect, the Demon King''s mask was still quite detrimental to his field of view. Kamito groaned.

    This was an assassination targeting Rubia, probably. He never expected a militarized spirit would be sent¡ª

    (...Oh right, what about Rubia!?)

    Kamito realized in sudden rm and turned his gaze around him

    Soon, he found her.

    She had copsed under the rubble.

    Perhaps blown away by the earlier impact. She also seemed to be bleeding from the forehead.

    Although she had been able to fight Kamito equally during the de Dance¡ª

    That was purely because she had summoned the Sacred Maiden''s power into her physical body and also formed a contract with the ultimate me spirit Laevateinn. No matter how high her abilities as a princess maiden, her physical stats should be simr to Fianna''s.

    "Rubia¡ª"

    Kamito frantically tried to hurry over. At that instant...

    Two figures dressed in gray hoods rushed over from the scattering crowd.

    (...!)

    Kamito released divine power and kicked the ground hard.

    This was an application of the Absolute de Art of divine speed, Purple Lightning. Kamito''s figure instantly vanished.

    A sh of the sword sliced through the air. Within an instant, Kamito had cut down the two assassins.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Yes¡ª"

    With one knee against the ground, Rubia stood up.

    She nced at the exposed faces of the assassinations. They seemed to be young girls roughly the same age as Kamito.

    "...Combatants from the Instructional School!?"

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    "They used to be part of my private army. Sjora Kahn must be the one who sent these assassins."

    Rubia spoke with pain in her voice.

    Rubia had adopted the orphans after the Instructional School''s demise, raising them as her private army. However, during the de Dance, Sjora Kahn had stolen them away.

    Sjora had sent these girls as assassins.

    "Kamito, it''sing¡ª"

    Holding a ming whip, ire called out.

    The Chimera swung its thick tail, sweeping across the ground.

    Kamito picked up Rubia in his arms and jumped into the air.

    Afternding, he gently put down Rubia.

    "Defeat that militarized spirit, Ren Ashbell."

    "Yeah, I don''t need you to tell me¡ª"

    He was about to take off his cloak when...

    "Do it as you are."

    "Huh?"

    Hearing that, Kamito asked in response.

    "Show these people your power as the Demon King."

    "Are you kidding me...?"

    ...This Demon King''s armor, only focused on looks, was far worse in mobility than the Academy''s uniform, specially designed for the de Dance. Furthermore, the skull mask was heavy and blocked more than half of his vision. However¡ª

    If he were to remove this Demon King''s mask now, he would definitely expose himself in front of the crowd.

    "A merely militarized spirit of a bygone era is no match for you now, right?"

    "Easy for you to say¡ª"

    Kamito groaned and looked up at the magic beast spirit that was ring all around it.

    He ought to aim for the head to destroy the spirit, but the goat head and the snake tail were quite troublesome.

    "ire, immobilize it! Rinslet, cover me! Ellis, protect everyone!"

    "Got it!" "Understood!" "Yes, leave it to me!"

    Kamito poured divine power into his two swords.

    "Est, Restia¡ªLet''s go for a big one!"

    (Yes, Kamito¡ª)

    (Understood.)

    Responding to his call, the silver-white sacred sword glowed with blinding brilliance whereas the jet-ck demon sword erupted with lightning.

    The Chimera''s roar shook the air. Kicking with its hind legs, it leaped.

    In that instant, the divine power Kamito had concentrated in his feet exploded all at once.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    This was an anti-air Absolute de Art making use of Purple Lightning. The light of divine power exploded. Within an eye''s blink, two figures crossed each other. The magic beast spirit''s thick legs were severed as a result.

    Guoooooooooooooooo!

    Losing bnce in the air, the magic beast spirit crashed heavily against the wall of the drill ground.

    Landing on the ground, Kamito instantly rushed at the Chimera whose movements had stopped¡ª

    However, the goat head on its back turned around and roared.

    Several zing fireballs immediately appeared out of thin air, crashing down at Kamito.

    ¡ªIt was Fireball spirit magic.

    (...Independent control systems!?)

    Kamito widened his eyes but¡ª

    "Incinerate it, scorching congration¡ªFireball!"

    At the same time, ire released fireballs to collide with them violently.

    The mes exploded in the air above, lighting up the dark night sky.

    Crushing the wall with its jaws, the lion stood up on one leg and roared in anger. The snake for a tail struggled violently in pain. The goat head on the back began to chant spirit magic again.

    But in that instant...

    "¡ªVicious wind, rampage!"

    "¡ªFreezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce, Freezing Arrow!"

    Ellis'' wind des amputated the tail¡ª

    Rinslet''s arrow pierced the goat''s head.

    "Do it now, Kamito!"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Holding the sacred sword and the demon sword, both infused with divine power, Kamito sprinted.

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance - Twelve Consecutive Strikes!"

    He unleashed countless shes upon the magic beast spirit¡ª

    The tactical-ss militarized spirit turned into particles of light and vanished.

    Lowering his two swords, Kamito turned around to look at the crowd.

    They looked like they were still in disarray.

    Sounds of prayers and crying could be heard everywhere.

    Although wind from the st and flying stone fragments had been blocked by Fianna''s barrier, some people had been injured from the explosion when the militarized spirit first appeared.

    (...So, what should I do?)

    Kamito looked at Rubia for directions.

    Rubia shook her head slightly... Do as you please, apparently.

    (...I have to improvise huh?)

    Kamito groaned under the skull mask and shook his head.

    (No helping it...)

    Stabbing both swords into the ground, Kamito extended his arms lightly towards the crowd.

    "¡ªSilence, my people."

    His solemn voice instantly made the crowd quiet.

    "¡ªYou witnessed my power, right? Vanquishing me is impossible. What happened a thousand years ago will not repeat again. The fools of Zohar who dare oppose me shall be punished!"

    At the Demon King''s powerful deration¡ª

    "YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

    Massive cheering, enough to shake the ground, erupted.

    "Wow, it''s true, he is the true Demon King!" "S-Such a terrifying spirit and yet he destroyed it so easily!" "The Demon King will make the Theocracy''s witch learn her lesson!"

    Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King! Demon King!

    Once again, fear and terror, as well as fervor, took hold of this space¡ª

    The cheering went on nonstop.

 Volume 16, 8 - The Crimson Princess Maiden

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 8 - The Crimson Princess Maiden</h4>

    Part 1

    Amid the fervor in the za swept with destruction¡ª

    The Demon King and his four concubines vanished amid rising ck smoke.

    "...I never thought they''d use a militarized spirit in this kind of ce¡ª"

    Using the same elevator he had used to make his appearance, now returning underground, Kamito remarked.

    "Yes, but I suppose the silver lining is that there were no deaths in the crowd."

    Hearing him, Ellis nodded.

    "Is Kamito-kun the target?"

    "No, news of our arrival here shouldn''t have reached them yet. They were most likely targeting Rubia¡ª"

    A mysterious princess maiden who had taken control of the rebel army within mere days would unavoidably incur Sjora''s wariness. Sjora must have calcted that the rebel army would fall apart once she was eliminated.

    "By the way, you really got into the performance just now..."

    "Yes, it did not seem like acting at all. Or perhaps, that is your true nature, Kamito-kun?"

    "N-No, it was all an act!"

    Kamito retorted.

    The "floating stone" carrying Kamito andpany stopped underground.

    What came into view¡ª

    Rubia Elstein, wearing a crimson mask, was waiting for them.

    "For starters, allow me to offer praise of well done. Tonight, the rebel army has finallye together as a cohesive whole from the refugee collective it used to be¡ª"

    "Don''t tell me you arranged for the attack just now?"

    Kamito questioned in a harsh tone of voice. Setting up an attack then quelling it to win the crowd''s trust was a method frequently employed by rulers but would be crossing the line if Rubia actually did that. Any misstep and there could have been deaths¡ª

    "I concede it has not escaped my notice that Zohar personnel infiltrated the Demon''s Fist."

    "...What!?"

    Hearing Rubia''s answer, ire and the others showed anger on their faces.

    "¡ªThat being said, I did not expect the assassins to bring a tactical-ss militarized spirit. This insufficient gathering of intelligence was a failing on my part."

    Trying to use that kind of militarized spirit with merely two people was definitely reckless to the extreme. Only someone like Muir Alenstarl with her unusual ability would be capable ofpleting such a crazy mission sessfully.

    "You allowed them freedom of movement on purpose?"

    "Indeed. Instead of capturing enemy spies, it would be better to make good use of them."

    (How bold...)

    Even though it was a failure on her part, everything including the attack just now had been used to increase the Demon King''s prestige.

    She had essentially taken practical control of the rebel army gathered at Mordis here.

    "The true war has yet toe. You should all rest properly."

    Saying that, dressed in ritual attire, Rubia turned around and vanished into the shadows in the passage.

    Once she had receded out of sight, Rinslet sighed.

    "...Unavoidably exhausting."

    "Anyway, let us purify ourselves."

    "Yes, th-this embarrassing outfit, I need to take it off as quickly as possible."

    Hearing Fianna''s suggestion, everyone nodded.

    "Fufu, my lord Demon King, would you like to join us?"

    "W-What are you talking about!?"

    Kamito hastily shook his head in response to Fianna''s mischievous smile.

    Part 2

    ire and the girls arrived at an open-air purification facility inside the Demon''s Fist and soaked themselves in the hot spring there.

    Since the Demon''s Fist was built on an active volcano, the hot spring was not natural, but by heating the spring water using highly pure fire spirit crystals, it was still effective in helping their bodies recover from fatigue.

    "Mm~, this feels so good... The water quality could give the Elstein springs a run for their money."

    ire stretched her arms out like a cat, partially closing her eyes in pleasure.

    "ording to local legends in Mordis, this is supposed to be the ce where the Demon King''s concubines recovered their energies."

    "Eh..."

    "Your Highness, is this really true?"

    "Who knows? It''s just a legend after all. No one can confirm its truth. However, doesn''t it feel great to be able to enter the same hot spring that the Demon King''s concubines used?"

    Leaning against a rock, Fianna chuckled.

    "...N-Not in the slightest! W-What concubines!"

    "H-Hmm, multiple concubines, what an awful custom¡ª"

    "I-Infidelity!"

    The other three girls protested with blushing faces.

    "But that''s only ording to Ordesian culture, right? Within the Theocracy, it is verymon for the king to marry multiple brides. In my view, it isn''t particrly depraved or anything."

    "W-Well..."

    Unable to muster a rebuttal, ire began to blow bubbles on the surface of the water.

    Having entered the Divine Ritual Institute since childhood, Fianna frequently had the chance to meet princess maidens from other countries. As a result, she did not find it difficult to ept culture and customs foreign to Ordesia''s. In contrast, ire, Rinslet and Ellis had all grown up in prestigious households of Ordesian nobles, hence they had trouble understanding Theocracy customs that went against their concept of traditional marriage, viewing it as immoral.

    "By the way, should Legitimate Ordesia allow polygamy like the Theocracy, I wonder?"

    "W-What, w-what are you talking about!? Th-That''s uneptable, absolutely uneptable!"

    "Oh dear, but I am the monarch of Legitimate Ordesia, you know? I have the right to decidews."

    "Th-That''s tyranny!"

    "We demand setting up a council!"

    "Good grief, this is why the nobles of Ordesia are such stubborn fools..."

    Fianna shrugged in exasperation.

    "However, contrary to expectations, perhaps Kamito-kun might agree."

    "Eh?"

    The three girls looked at one another.

    "W-What do you mean by that..."

    "How much of Kamito-kun''s Demon King mode earlier do you think was acting?"

    "...!"

    ire and the girls looked at one another.

    Indeed, Kamito was acting differently from usual when he put on the Demon King''s mask earlier.

    Even though Kamito insisted he was merely acting, was that really all there was to it? Perhaps he had a disposition in that direction to begin with and dressing up as the Demon King merely revealed it¡ª

    If this were true, Kamito could very likely agree with Fianna''s proposal and make his move on every woman around him, setting his eyes on every female encountered, showing no fidelity at all¡ª

    (N-No, n-no way¡ª)

    At that moment...

    "Fufu, this looks pretty fun. May I join in¡ª?"

    "...! Y-You¡ª!?"

    Hearing her voice from who knew where, ire widened her eyes.

    Out from the shadows of the rocks emerged the darkness spirit with jet-ck wings.

    She was not wearing her usual dress in the color of darkness. Completely naked, she dipped herself into the water.

    Clear eyes the color of dusk. Illuminated mysteriously under the moonlight, her figure was so beautiful that ire could not help staring mesmerized despite being a member of the same sex.

    "Darkness spirit, w-what are you doing here!?"

    ire stood up warily.

    Things were fine when she had lost her memories, but now, she was not someone to be trusted.

    Although she looked like she was not going to turn against Kamito, one could not say the same for ire and the others.

    "Nothing. I am not here to do anything, Miss Hellcat¡ª"

    Restia chuckled.

    "I am simply here to enjoy the hot spring. I originally wanted to share a soak together with Kamito, but he lectured me, saying no. So that leaves me no choice but toe to this side."

    "What¡ªI-Is, isn''t that obviously uneptable!"

    "Th-That is correct. E-Even for a contracted spirit, a m-m-mixed bath is¡ª"

    ire and Ellis cried out with reddened faces.

    "¡ªBy the way, aren''t you a spirit? There''s no need to clean yourself, right!?"

    "Oh my, but spirits enjoy hot springs too, you know? After all, it is suitable for replenishing divine power."

    Ssh. Restia stretched out her legs in the water.

    Her beautiful and lustrous ck hair, seeming like it would meld into the night, spread out on the water surface.

    "¡ªAlso, I would like to thank all of you."

    "Thank?"

    Hearing that, ire frowned, full of suspicion.

    "Yes, during my amnesia, didn''t you all help to look after the other me? Although my current self never experienced it, the memories have been preserved in whole."

    Restia swept her gaze across the faces of ire and the girls.

    "Although we have had many differences in the past, let us reconcile."

    She gently extended her hand towards ire.

    "...R-Reconcile?"

    ire showed surprise on her face.

    The trio of Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet looked at one another with equally troubled expressions.

    ire red at Restia before her and said:

    "Y-You still remember everything you did to us, right?"

    She had given ire a berserk spirit when she was sad over the loss of Scarlet, she had directed Jio Inzagi to attack the Academy, she had also partnered with the dark monster Nepenthes Lore during the de Dance''s preliminary round to assault Team Scarlet''s base¡ª

    Theirplicated past with the darkness spirit could not be reset to a clean te so easily.

    "You have a point. I have done things to you that merit bearing a grudge. I apologize."

    Seeing her bow her head sincerely, ire fell silent.

    She actually knew in her heart. Everything this darkness spirit had been done was with consideration for Kamito.

    Her sacrifice for Kamito was genuine. Precisely because she knew this, ire had suchplicated feelings in her heart. However¡ª

    ire looked at the trio behind her.

    Then with calm expressions, they all nodded gently.

    (...That''s right. I should act a bit more mature.)

    ire quietly sighed then stared into Restia''s eyes intently.

    "...I guess there are things I need to thank you for too."

    "...Eh?"

    "I heard it from Kamito before. You were the one who helped Kamito recover his heart and feelings when he was approaching breaking point. If you hadn''t nurtured Kamito, we never would have met the current Kamito¡ª"

    ire sighed and shook Restia''s hand.

    "...Fine, let the past be water under the bridge."

    Restia''s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Then...

    "¡ªThank you."

    She spoke words of gratitude.

    "Then may I join you?"

    "Sure you may, but put away those wings. They''re against the rules."

    "Fufu, I see..."

    When ire pointed that out, the jet-ck wings turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    Soaking herself up to her shoulders in the hot spring, Restia recited an incantation. Immediately, several small cups appeared out of thin air.

    "This is rose wine, a specialty of Mordis. Let this be my gift of reconciliation."

    "...Let us drink."

    Under the moonlight, ire andpany quietly toasted.

    Part 3

    ¡ªAt the same time, Kamito was enjoying a leisurely dip in the hot spring at the open-air purification facility.

    "Hoo, I feel alive again..."

    Kamito ced a wet towel on his forehead and leaned against a mossy rock.

    Against arge militarized spirit, even Kamito could not avoid consuming arge quantity of divine power. Even Est, ced against a nearby rock, would have to remain in sword form for the time being.

    "But I never expected I''d ever have to be the Demon King..."

    Looking up at the foreign sky with twinkling stars, Kamito muttered in a daze.

    Originally, his n was to y the Demon King ording to Rubia''s script, but before he knew it, some sort of limiter in his subconscious seemed to have lifted, causing him to make a deration he would never say in normal times¡ª

    (Don''t tell me this mask is also imbued with that kind of magic...)

    With eyes of suspicion, Kamito nced at the Demon King''s mask floating on the water surface.

    ¡ªAt that moment.

    Ssh.

    With a faint sound of water, small ripples began to spread on the water surface.

    "¡ªIt appears that you have yet to fully control the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, Ren Ashbell."

    "...!?"

    Hearing the voice, Kamito could not help but stand up.

    Only to see appearing behind the steam¡ª

    A princess maiden with crimson hair, dressed in white ritual attire.

    "...R-Rubia!?"

    Seeing her figure, Kamito instantly gasped. Why did she show up here? Before he could ask, his consciousness was seized by her beauty first.

    "W-What are you doing¡ª"

    Ignoring the flustered Kamito, Rubia slowly lowered herself into the hot spring.

    Her gorgeous long ruby-like hair began spreading out on the water surface like fallen petals.

    Then with ruby eyes just like ire''s, she stared intently at Kamito¡ª

    "You must have consumed plenty of divine power in the battle earlier. I am here to confirm whether you have been corrupted by Ren Ashdoll''s power¡ª"

    With slender fingers, she gently touched Kamito''s face.

    "...!"

    Perhaps it was because her skin became visible under her ritual attire after it became wet. Faced with unexpected stimtion, Kamito felt his heart pounding.

    Although her younger sister ire was an amazing beauty so long as she stayed quiet, Rubia''s appearance was like a more mature version of ire, with an additional mysterious mncholic allure that the younger Elsteincked.

    "Y-Yeah, I''m fine..."

    While shifting his gaze away from her gorgeous body, Kamito replied.

    Despite having used the bold move of the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Kamito was still far from going all-out earlier. It should be different from when he was rescuing Fianna at the imperial capital.

    "Is that so¡ª"

    However, Rubia narrowed her eyes of ruby¡ª

    "...The corruption has already reached such an extent, huh?"

    "...? What do you mean¡ª"

    Kamito was interrupted mid-sentence.

    Because she suddenly pressed her lips upon his.

    "...!?"

    The paralyzing sense of pleasure flowed through his brain for an instant.

    Faced with her unexpected action, Kamito was unable to react in any way.

    While caressing Kamito''s cheek gently, Rubia slowly moved her lips away.

    "...!...Y-You, what... the hell..."

    Kamito muttered in a daze.

    ¡ªNo sooner had he spoken...

    "...H-Huh?"

    He noticed that his body suddenly felt lighter.

    Expanding divine power was coursing through his entire body, instantly erasing the fatigue inside him.

    "..What did you do?"

    "I knew it. Even you are not aware of it."

    Rubia looked strictly at Kamito.

    "Left alone, you are going to be devoured by the power of darkness at this rate."

    She dered.

    "...!? The power of darkness? I didn''t feel it at all just now."

    Kamito objected.

    In the previous battle, Kamito had neither felt his divine power depleting nor encountered the feeling of Ren Ashdoll''s power corrupting his body, one that he had felt multiple times before. As far as he could tell, he had not heard her voice, trying to entice him to awaken as the Demon King either.

    "It is because your divine power is gradually merging with Ren Ashdoll''s power. You are already corrupted by the power of darkness¡ª"

    "...What!?"

    Speechless, Kamito stared at his hands.

    (...Don''t tell me, it was during that time, huh?)

    Speaking of which, during the battle against Greyworth, the moment just as he was about to be devoured by the power of darkness¡ª

    There had been a feeling like some kind of shackles being lifted.

    Suppose what Rubia just said was true, then the power of darkness might devour him in the future before his divine power reached depletion.

    "This is my oversight. I failed to realize the possibility that you might have been corrupted this much, and even asked you to fight that militarized spirit¡ª"

    Withdrawing her hand from Kamito''s cheek, Rubia slowly stood up.

    Water droplets were slowly falling from the tips of her wet crimson hair.

    "W-What¡ª"

    "From now on, whenever you are about to be devoured by the power of darkness¡ªUse me, Ren Ashbell."

    "...? What does that mean¡ª"

    Hearing her deration, Kamito responded in puzzlement.

    Then¡ª

    "In other words, use my body as you please¡ª"

    Rubia spoke in a calm tone of voice.

    "I can serve you as Queen, to be a sacrifice for swallowing the power of darkness¡ª"

    Saying that, she lightly slid off her wet ritual attire.

    "...!?"

    In that instant, Kamito widened his eyes.

    Under the moonlight, her gorgeous body, covered with glistening water droplets, was in full disy.

    Two bulges, tracing out beautiful curves. Long slender legs evocative of a doe''s. Crimson hair, draping over her pale skin. She looked like a goddess.

    However¡ª

    "¡ªAn ugly body, wouldn''t you agree?"

    She spoke with self-derision.

    Her beautiful naked body¡ª

    Was marked by numerous patterns resembling countless intertwined snakes.

    "Cursed armament seals were imnted all over my body in order to summon the Sacred Maiden''s power and the ultimate me spirit Laevateinn. This body is now the farthest thing away from a pure princess maiden. It is merely a poisonous vessel covered with filthy curses. I care not how you vite it. Just do with it as you please, whenever you desire it. I can be the venting target for suppressing your power of darkness. It is the only contribution I am capable of now that I have lost my powers as an elementalist¡ª"

    "...!"

    Kamito was at a loss for words, facing Rubia who had delivered such words seriously.

    Clenching his trembling fist, he stared into her eyes squarely.

    Staring at those ruby eyes with crimson mes within them¡ª

    "You are always acting like that¡ª"

    "...What?"

    "Foisting everything on yourself, trying to handle everything alone. That''s why four years ago, you vanished without telling your true thoughts and feelings to Fianna or your one and only little sister¡ª"

    "I am simply atoning for my sin."

    Hearing what he said, Rubia shook her head.

    "It''s not your fault that thend of Elstein was ravaged by fire."

    "It is my sin. Because I was the Queen serving the Fire Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Stubbornly set in her ways, she remained unconvinced.

    For the sake of atoning for that sin, she had carved innumerable cursed armament seals onto her body.

    ...What massive resolve she must havemitted.

    She had been fighting bravely alone.

    Suppressing all her emotions under that crimson mask¡ª

    And now, she still intends to sacrifice herself alone.

    "..."

    Kamito and Rubia stared at each other for a few seconds.

    The first to look away was Rubia.

    She slowly turned her body and told Kamito in her usual voice, cold as ever.

    "In a few days, the rebel forces will be rallied to attack Zohar. Recuperate and rest as much as possible for now, Demon King¡ª"

    While Rubia was preparing to leave, Kamito spoke to her from behind:

    "...I went to your study in the flying ship."

    Kamito said to her.

    Rubia halted.

    "By chance, I found them. The letters ire wrote to you."

    Yes, kept between the books in the study were ire''s letters. Written in childish handwriting, they had been sent to the elder sister who had separated from her to enter the Divine Ritual Institute.

    Rubia must have read them too many times to count. Left on the letters were signs of repeated reading.

    "ire always wanted to talk to you¡ª"

    "I am not her elder sister. I have already lost that right¡ª"

    "...Are you happy with things being like that!?"

    "Yes. The person named Rubia Elstein was rendered ash the day of that fire. Standing before you right now is merely a corpse left behind by the crimson ze."

    Saying that, she disappeared into the darkness of the night.

    Part 4

    "¡ªAlright, stop moving. Settle down."

    "...Shut up. Don''t touch me."

    Sdia was just about to chant healing magic when Jio Inzagi violently brushed her hand away.

    "This will naturally heal on its own. After all, I am the Demon King''s sessor."

    Showing off the cursed armament seal carved on his arm, Jio grinned fearlessly.

    "...As you wish. When pus forms in the wound, I shan''t be held responsible."

    Sdia sighed in exasperation and closed the book-type elemental waffe.

    "This ce will soon be discovered, right? We must not linger for long."

    They were currently hiding in a heretical Demon King cult chapel that Sjora Kahn had destroyed, turning it into a set of ruins.

    There were still many knights of the royal guard in the surrounding areas, currently searching for her whereabouts.

    Although Sdia had deployed an istion barrier around the structure to prevent people from approaching, any well-trained elementalist would notice a barrier of this level.

    Outside the chapel, a sandstorm was howling.

    Sandstorms would blow in Zohar a couple nights every month. Although they could not hide here forever, it was true that they had no way of leaving until the sandstorm ended.

    "Tsk, annoying sand."

    "This is the Demon King''s breath."

    "Huh?"

    "A legend. These sandstorms are the breaths of Demon King Solomon¡ª"

    "Stupid superstitions."

    "Perhaps..."

    While concurring, Sdia murmured in her thoughts.

    (...On the other hand, I find talk about the Demon King''s reincarnation even more superstitious.)

    Naturally, she would never voice such opinions¡ª

    Putting aside whether this man was the Demon King''s reincarnation, as a bodyguard, he was undoubtedly quite excellent.

    Indeed, amazing was the only word to describe Jio Inzagi''sbat style just now.

    Sessively releasing the spirits that Sdia had sealed into his cursed armament seals, he discarded them immediately after using them. This horrifyingbat style was unthinkable to any normal elementalist.

    Under the weak illumination of a glowing orb, Sdia gazed at the young man''s profile. Finally, she mustered her courage and asked:

    "...Who on earth are you?"

    "I am the Demon King''s sessor."

    "No, not in that sense... Any ordinary person would have died from having so many cursed armament seals imnted. Where on earth did these things¡ª"

    Jio Inzagi bared his teeth and grinned fearlessly.

    "From a certain facility that raised and trained me¡ª"

    "Facility?"

    "A facility that a princess like you won''t know about. I was taken there as a baby where they all kinds of things with my body as they pleased... Oh well, in short, it was hell on earth. Those without aptitude died one after another. Once old enough to speak, kids were forced to kill one another, then tossed into the bottom of a valley like trash¡ª"

    "No way..."

    Sdia covered her mouth with her hands, unable to speak.

    ...This man was probably speaking the truth. Based on a princess maiden''s instinct, she could see through lies.

    However, having grown up in the royal pce, she was unable to imagine that kind of hell.

    "Hey, what''s with that look in your eyes? Are you pitying me?"

    Jio Inzagi narrowed his eyes sharply and red at Sdia.

    "Don''t use your own fucking standards to measure others. I''m very grateful that my body turned out like this. Thanks to that, I am one step closer to the Demon King¡ª"

    Looking at the cursed armament seal carved on his arm, he made terrifying smile.

    "Why are you so... about the Demon King¡ª"

    Just as Sdia was about to ask him...

    The chapel''s floor shook while dust and debris on the ceiling came ttering down.

    "...What, an earthquake?"

    "...No, Zohar has never had any earthquakes before¡ª"

    Saying that, she stopped, her body trembling in terror.

    "¡ªCould it be that my sister has released that seal?"

    Part 5

    Across the desert with a sandstorm howling through the night, two ground dragons were dashing.

    They were carrying Muir and Lily, heading to Zohar for reconnaissance.

    "An hour or so until we reach Zohar. Don''t get careless, Muir."

    "Nothing to worry about. If we''re discovered, just take out the enemy and it''ll be fine, right?"

    "Our mission is simply to return with gathered intelligence. We must avoid fighting as much as possible¡ª"

    Lily scolded her sharply. In that instant...

    Suddenly, there was a terrifying rumbling in the ground. The desert shook violently.

    "...W-What?" "What is going on!?"

    The eerie rumbling in the earth persisted. The ground dragons crouched down in fear.

    This was no simple earthquake.

    The rhythmic vibrations were almost like a living creature''s fetal movements¡ª

    "Lily, something is approaching..."

    "...Wh...at?"

    Lily stared intently through the howling sandstorm.

    Then her eyes widened in shock.

    "...Isn''t that Zohar!?"

 Volume 16, 9 - Leviathan

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 9 - Leviathan</h4>

    Part 1

    Before dawn. After rxing in the hot spring then returning to his room to sleepfortably, Kamito opened his eyes to a start, feeling movement in his bed.

    "...W-What''s going on!?"

    He suddenly sat up and frantically lifted his sheets¡ª

    "Oh my, you''ve woken up. What a shame."

    Dressed in a Theocracy-style dress, Restia chuckled with a mischievous smile, leaning herself against Kamito in bed.

    "W-W-What are you doing!?"

    Kamito could not help but cry out.

    "Because I had to stay in sword form the whole time, I could not y the part of the Demon King''s concubine, could I? It is a bit unfair that only those girls could be princesses¡ª"

    Restia slowly got up, brushing the beautiful ck hair draping over her neck.

    Decorated with exquisitece, the sheer garment offered a transparent view to her wless pale skin. Her appearance, bewitching and alluring, made Kamito stare mesmerized, forgetting the current situation for a moment.

    "How is it, Kamito? Does it look good on me?"

    "Y-Yeah, it''s incredibly... pretty..."

    With his mind still hazy and half asleep, he gave his honest opinion.

    "Fufu, thank you..."

    Restia''s lips parted with a smile as sheid her head gently against Kamito''s shoulder.

    The fine strands of her hair touched his cheek, making his heart pound nonstop.

    "H-Hey, Restia!?"

    Blushing intensely, Kamito cried out. At that moment...

    "Kamito, look at me too."

    "...!?"

    Hearing a voice from the opposite side, he turned his head over with a jerk.

    "I am wearing a princess dress too¡ª"

    "E-Est!?"

    In that instant, Kamito reeled back greatly.

    What entered his view was¡ª

    Est almostpletely nude, wearing only kneesocks to cover her feet.

    "W-What, w-what...!"

    "...? Kamito, what is wrong?"

    Still expressionless, Est inclined her head with puzzlement.

    Kamito hastily turned his gaze away.

    "W-What princess dress... Aren''t you wearing nothing at all!?"

    He pointed out the apparent truth.

    ...Well, it was not the first time for Est to enter his bed wearing nothing but kneesocks, but even so, it still was not something he got used to.

    Furthermore, Est had also said she was wearing a princess dress just now.

    However, she was still in the usual naked kneesocks look, what the heck was going on...?

    Still¡ª

    "...? Kamito, what are you talking about?"

    Her clear and violet eyes were gazing squarely at Kamito.

    ...She did not seem to be joking.

    Besides, Est did not tell jokes to begin with. Of course, neither did she lie.

    "Fufu, that dress looks absolutely lovely on you, Miss Sword Spirit."

    At that moment, Restiamented.

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito once again examined Est before him closely.

    ...In the end, it was still her usual naked kneesocks look. There was no dress at all.

    "W-What''s going on?"

    Seeing Kamito tilt his head, Est spun around on the spot.

    "Kamito, this is a dress woven from divine power, only visible to you."

    She proudly puffed out her petite chest.

    "..."

    "Because I cannot see it, the darkness spirit helped me put it on."

    Kamito slowly turned his head towards Restia.

    Only to see Restia covering her mouth, giggling malevolently.

    (...I get it now.)

    Kamito sighed and faced Est again.

    "Uh, Est, it''s hard for me to say this, but you were probably tricked."

    "...?"

    "¡ªI don''t see anything."

    "...?"

    "Est, you''re not wearing anything."

    "......"

    After a few seconds of silence¡ª

    Without any emotion at all, Est''s violet eyes stared at Restia next to Kamito.

    "Darkness spirit, you tricked me?"

    "Fufu, how could such a weird dress even exist?"

    Restia shrugged "oh dear" in response.

    In that instant, Est''s hair glowed with intense light and the sheets on the bed floated up lightly.

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    "Darkness spirit, you need to be destroyed after all¡ª"

    "Oh my, how scary. It was just a joke."

    Restia smiled fearlessly then hugged Kamito''s arm tightly.

    "R-Restia!?"

    "Hands off, darkness spirit. Kamito is my contractor¡ª"

    In opposition to Restia, Est hugged his other arm.

    "Est!?"

    Kamito''s voice turned shrill.

    After all, Est was virtually nude at the moment. Something soft was pressed against his arm. Meanwhile, Restia''spetitiveness was stimted too and Kamito could feel two bulges pressing against him with only her dress in between.

    Sandwiched between two contracted spirits, Kamito''s entire body froze, unable to move.

    ...This was not the spirit sandwich fromst time.

    This extremely dangerous sensation¡ª

    (...Could this be the spirit mille-feuille?)

    Just as that term surfaced in his mind...

    "Kamito, b-bad news¡ªWhat!?"

    Suddenly the door was opened.

    Entering through the door was ire in her pajamas.

    "W-What, w-what are y-you doing!?"

    Seeing Kamito hugged by two spirits, ire''s twintails stood up like burning pirs of me.

    "N-No! Th-This is, basically, the two of them are making spirit mille-feuille¡ª"

    ...Kamito gave an incoherent and iprehensible exnation.

    "T-Turn, t-turn into charcoal¡ª"

    "Wait, ire, now is not the time!"

    This time, it was Rinslet''s turn to arrive. Like handling a cat, she caught ire by the back cor.

    "...Y-You are right."

    ire coughed lightly and immediately put on a grave expression.

    "Kamito,e right away. We have an emergency¡ª"

    Part 2

    "¡ªZohar is approaching!?"

    Hearing the report, Kamito could not help but ask.

    The group had gathered in the underground conference room of the Demon''s Fist. At the table were Ellis and Fianna in their Academy uniforms and Rubia.

    "¡ªIndeed. Heading straight for here, Mordis."

    "Uh, I don''t understand..."

    Kamito made a puzzled expression. ire and Rinslet, who had gone to fetch Kamito, probably missed the detailed exnation too, and showed baffled expressions too.

    "To think that a city is moving, how could that be possible?"

    "Did the two who went to scout possibly be mistaken...?"

    "As much as I would prefer that to be true¡ª"

    Rubia calmly shook her head then extended her hand towards the projection mirror on the table.

    "This was the image Lily sent through Telepathy an hour ago¡ª"

    Once infused with divine power, the projection mirror glowed with white light. This was a magic artifact capable of showing images from afar, also used by spectators during the de Dance.

    "...Th-This is!?"

    Seeing the image shown on the mirror, everyone stared in amazement.

    Disyed was apletely unbelievable and surreal scene.

    A giant city, surrounded by walls, producing a massive cloud of dust in its wake, was moving along the ground.

    Countless tentacles had extended from gaps in the walls, advancing slowly as though devouring sand.

    Crawling on the ground, it was reminiscent of a slime mold, filling the observer with reflexive revulsion.

    "...W-What is this...!?"

    ire moaned in a stiff voice.

    "...Could it be that they released Leviathan''s seal?"

    Sitting next to Kamito, Restia spoke softly with a solemn expression.

    "Leviathan?"

    "A strategic-ss militarized spirit deployed during the Ranbal War. In the same ss as Jormungandr sleeping in Ordesia''s mountain mine, a weapon of mass destruction even surpassing that¡ª"

    "...Spirit? Zohar is a spirit?"

    "Leviathan is a possession-type militarized spirit. Its job is merge with a city, converting it into a gigantic mobile fortress. ording to war records, Leviathan destroyed a city in merely seventeen hours of operation."

    Rubia exined patiently.

    "A spirit that merges with a city..."

    "...H-How can this be... S-Something like that can still be called a spirit!?"

    Ellis smashed her trembling fist on the table. Deprived of its dignity as a spirit, converted into such a terrifying weapon, it was only natural to feel angry to see such an appearance.

    "However, the seven strategic-ss militarized spirits ought to have been sealed away and scrapped under the provisions of the international treaty. To vite the ban, is Sjora Kahn intending to make enemies out of all surrounding nations?"

    "...Indeed, I have not predicted this."

    Faced with Fianna''s question, Rubia nodded.

    "My only conclusion is that she has resigned herself to self-abandonment. However, the fact that the rebel forces have gathered at the Demon''s Fist presents a perfect opportunity from her perspective."

    "She intends to crush them in one go..."

    The image on the projection mirror went blurry like sandstorm and was soon cut off.

    "This is all that was sent by Telepathy. ording to that thing''s movement speed, I fear it will arrive here in a few hours."

    Hearing what Rubia said, everyone fell silent.

    From Kamito''s perspective, he was quite worried about Muir and Lily''s safety, though he could hardly imagine the two of them making mistakes. Hopefully, they were not going to get caught up in that¡ª

    "How should that strategic-ss militarized spirit be stopped?"

    ire asked at this point.

    "Once activated, Leviathan will not stop until its divine power supply is cut off. Furthermore, it is most likely stealing divine power from the residents of Zohar¡ª"

    "What did you say!?"

    ire groaned from the back of her throat.

    Militarized spirits were usually controlled by teams of trained elementalists. However, Rubia''s exnation implied that Leviathan was able to acquire divine power autonomously, hence it could virtually continue operating indefinitely.

    (It won''t stop until all the residents of Zohar have lost their lives¡ª)

    "How about finding a ce to evacuate to?"

    Rinslet suggested.

    "For us, that would work. But escaping with all the refugees gathered here would be impossible, probably."

    "Oh no..."

    Indeed, Rubia was correct. Evacuating this many refugees within a few short hours would be impossible in theory. Furthermore, even if they escaped sessfully, these refugees had nowhere to go. Only two fates awaited them, dying out on the scorching desert or crushed by Leviathan when it annihted Mordis¡ª

    (...How can we just let them die?)

    Under the table, Kamito silently clenched his fist.

    These refugees ced absolute faith in Kamito¡ªthe resurrected Demon King.

    There was no way he could bring himself to betray that trust.

    "...Is there any way to stop it?"

    "There is only one way to stop this strategic-ss militarized spirit, that is to infiltrate Zohar to destroy the central core that catalyzed Leviathan and Zohar''s union¡ª"

    "Where is that?"

    When Kamito asked, Rubia spread a map on the table.

    "What is this?"

    "A floor n of Scorpia, the residence of the Theocracy''s royal family. I secretly obtained it during my stay in the Demon King cult."

    "As expected of you, meticulous as ever¡ª"

    "Suppose one were to operate Leviathan, then the military facility called the Demon''s Circuit, located underground beneath Scorpia, would undoubtedly be used as the core¡ª"

    "...The Demon''s Circuit?"

    "It is a so-called divine power amplification reactor that Demon King Solomon built a thousand years ago. Indeed, by using that, even a princess maiden of Sjora Kahn''s level would be able to release Leviathan¡ª"

    Restia spoke quietly with a mysterious look on her face.

    "...Got it. In any case, all we need to do is destroy it."

    ire became fired up and dered.

    "However, infiltrating the enemy''s home base would certainly be reckless."

    "T-True..."

    "I agree on the n being reckless, but there is no other way to stop Leviathan¡ª"

    "..."

    Hearing Rubia, ire and the others were at a loss for words.

    "Then I will stop it. After all, I promised as the Demon King."

    At that moment, Kamito stood up.

    "I won''t let you go alone. I''ming too."

    "Me too."

    "I-I will go too."

    "And me, of course. As the Demon King''s concubine, after all¡ª"

    ire, Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna stood up one after another and looked at Kamito.

    "No, I can do this myself¡ª"

    Kamito stopped mid-sentence.

    Their eyes pleaded with strong determination.

    ¡ªYou are not going to leave us behind, right?

    (Uh...)

    These intense gazes made Kamito falter.

    However, he knew without needing Rubia to point out that this was a reckless n. Of course, these girls were reliablepanions, but at the same time, they were also precious girls whom he must protect.

    Taking them into life-threatening danger¡ª

    At that moment...

    "Take them. They will surely aid you."

    "Restia?"

    Unbelievably, the one to break the silence was Restia sitting beside him.

    Surprised, Kamito kept staring at her intently, only to see her smile calmly and nod silently.

    ire and the girls were probably surprised by her support too. They seem a bit troubled, looking at one another.

    However, their gazes soon returned to Kamito¡ª

    "Y-Yes, we trained ourselves for the sake of fighting by your side."

    "Yes, we will not be a burden." "I will shoot down each and every one of those terrifying tentacles without fail." "Leave support to me."

    Hearing ire''s deration, the other three girls nodded with confident expressions.

    With fourpanions and his contracted spirit looking at him¡ª

    Kamito made his decision.

    (...I can''t believe I was thinking of fighting alone. Maybe I am a bit too full of myself.)

    After all, Kamito had received their aid in desperate situations many times already.

    "Got it. Come fight by my side."

    "Yes¡ª"

    Kamito agreed and the girls nodded vigorously.

    "¡ªWe five will be the ones to infiltrate Zohar, is that okay?"

    Kamito turned to Rubia and asked.

    "Fine by me, except that Fianna must stay here¡ª"

    "Eh?"

    "Rubia-sama, why!?"

    Fianna protested.

    "To protect Mordis. To defend against Leviathan''s attack, it is necessary to construct arge scale protective barrier around the city."

    "Yes, I see..."

    Considering the rate Leviathan advanced, destroying the core before it reached Mordis would be too tough a challenge. It was probably necessary to shore up defenses in order to buy as much time as possible.

    "...Understood. Then I will stay here to protect the city."

    Despite showing understanding, Fianna still looked disappointed.

    "I''m counting on you, Fianna."

    "Counting on you."

    "Yes, leave it to me."

    Fianna nodded firmly in response to Kamito and ire.

    "¡ªIn that case, the meeting is concluded. Any questions?"

    Rubia swept her gaze across everyone.

    "Are my esteemed sister''s adjustments not ready yet?"

    At this moment, Ellis raised her hand.

    "Velsaria Eva is still undergoing fine-tuning. Once the Elemental Panzer is ready, I will assign her to the city''s defense."

    "Understood."

    Indeed, Velsaria''s Juggernaut had incredible firepower but was also limited by a short operation time, making it unsuitable for infiltration missions. Using it as a defensive fortress would be the better choice.

    "I have a question too. Can the Revenant sneak into Zohar?"

    "No, the Revenant cannot be used."

    Rubia shook her head.

    "Military flying ships are equipped with spirit mechanisms as power sources. Containing a divine power reactor, spirit mechanisms make for excellent prey for Leviathan. When such a massive ship approaches from the sky, it will surely be the first to be shot down by anti-air defenses."

    "It even has anti-air..."

    "Of course. Otherwise, how would it be considered a strategic-ss weapon?"

    "Fair enough..."

    "Then how should we sneak inside?"

    ire asked.

    "Use the flying dragon militarized spirits provided by Dracunia."

    "Oh those..."

    Militarized flying dragon spirits were definitely superior in adapting to the changing situation and suitable for an infiltration mission.

    "Any other questions?"

    When everyone shook their head, Rubia stood up.

    "Then you are dismissed. Once you are ready, assemble at the flying dragonnding zone."

    Kamito andpany got up from their seats and left the conference room.

    Just as ire, thest person, was about to leave, Rubia stopped her.

    "ire Rouge. Stay behind, I have words for you."

    "Huh?"

    Part 3

    Minutester, Kamito was ready and standing at the flying dragonnding zone at the pinnacle of the Demon''s Fist, looking down at the streets of Mordis.

    News of Zohar approaching had the city in an uproar. However, with Rubia at the center and under the efforts of various cult leaders, they managed to prevent the people from entering a state of chaotic panic.

    Despite the despairing situation, the crowd did not cause a greatmotion. This was probably due in part to the resurrected Demon King giving them something to lean on psychologically.

    "Almost time to go, Kamito¡ª"

    Looking into the distance, Ellis called out.

    Kamito looked at the desert, only to see dust rising in the horizon.

    "That''s pretty quick..."

    "Yes,pared to what we saw in the image, the speed seems to have increased."

    "So huge..."

    Rinslet''s voice trembled slightly.

    After all, the city itself had turned into a mobile weapon. If something like that attacked, even a sturdy fortress like the Demon''s Fist would not hold.

    "Thanks for waiting, everyone¡ª"

    At this moment, ire came up the stairs, panting.

    "What did you talk about with Rubia?"

    Kamito asked.

    "...N-Nothing special..."

    ire looked away, seemingly embarrassed.

    Although Kamito found her attitude a bit weird and frowned, he brushed it off. After all, he should not pry into matters between sisters.

    "Then let''s hurry and set off¡ª"

    Kamito took out a stone tablet and released Wyverns, a type of flying dragon militarized spirit.

    Rinslet and ire shared the mid-sized one while Kamito rode the small one. Instead of a flying dragon, Ellis chose to ride Simorgh.

    "Rinslet, do you have a dual-rider license for flying spirits?"

    "Yes, I obtained the prime-ss license at a Ostdakia training schoolst year."

    "Forget about two riders, I don''t even have a single-rider license."

    That being said, Kamito had already learned the skills for riding flying dragon spirits back at the Instructional School.

    "In that case, time to sortie¡ª"

    Hugging the neck of the gigantified Simorgh, Ellis called out sternly.

    The desert night was calmly advancing towards dawn.

 Volume 16, 10 - The Demon Kingâ€™s Capital

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 10 - The Demon King''s Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    Strong winds were howling. The flying dragons carrying Kamito andpany were flying across the desert. Flying in the lead was Ellis'' Simorgh, producing air currents to lead those following her.

    "¡ªHold onto your reins tight, we will soon approach!"

    Ellis cried out loudly.

    A gigantic shadow appeared on the far end of their sandstorm-obstructed vision.

    It was the city wall of the Theocracy''s capital of Zohar, approaching gradually with rumbling noise.

    "...! What the heck, that''s¡ª"

    The weird phenomenon, extremely surreal, was making Kamito andpany speechless in surprise.

    Sprouted from gaps in the city walls of stone were countless serpentine tentacles, writhing and struggling in what looked like abject pain, slowly advancing along the desert. No, given the mass of such a gigantic entity, this speed was plenty fast already¡ª

    "...How terrifying... Is that really a spirit...?"

    Flying in the lead, Ellis shuddered hard.

    "S-So repulsive!"

    "I really want to burn it to charcoal..."

    Riding the same mount, Rinslet and ire expressed instinctual disgust.

    ...One could hardly me them. After all, this the appearance of this "spirit" was so terrifying.

    While slowly eating through the desert, polluting it, the city looked like a massive slime mold.

    The scene was total desecration of the existence of spirits. In the eyes of proper elementalists, it was unwatchable.

    ''Kamito, it is no longer a spirit¡ª''

    Est''s voice sounded in Kamito''s mind.

    Her voice was calm without any fluctuation in emotion. However, having spent so much time with this partner, Kamito could hear the feelings in her voice.

    ¡ªEst was angry. It was directed at all the humans responsible for converting Leviathan, a noble top-tier spirit, into such a state¡ª

    ''I agree. The great Sea King Leviathan is no longer. Even though we had fought on opposing sides during the Spirit War, I cannot tolerate the sight of such sacrilege.''

    Sea King Leviathan was a trustedmander serving the Water Elemental Lord. During the Spirit War, Leviathan had engaged in many fierce battles against Restia and Dragon King Bahamut.

    Seeing a mortal rival transformed into a militarized spirit, losing all faculty of reason, how did she feel?

    ''At least put this abomination to rest. For the sake of a past rival in war¡ª''

    "Yeah, I got it¡ª"

    As though absorbing Est''s tranquil fury and Restia''s thoughts and feelings¡ª

    Kamito gripped the hilts of his two swords tightly.

    "Distance to target: 60, 50, 40, 30, 20¡ª"

    Leading as the vanguard, Ellis raised her voice.

    To prate the Theocracy''s anti-air defenses, they were going to charge just like that¡ª

    (...!?)

    ¡ªAt that moment, having survived countless life and death situations since childhood, Kamito instinctively felt an ominous presence.

    "This is bad! Ellis, evade!"

    "What?"

    ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!

    Leviathan roared.

    "Kyah!" "What on earth!?"

    The astounding shockwave of sound struck Kamito andpany in the sky over Zohar.

    Screeching shrilly as though screaming, the flying dragon spirits began to spin out of control.

    (...! We''re gonna crash!?)

    Part 2

    Meanwhile, inside the Demon''s Fist in the fortress city of Mordis, preparations for engaging Leviathan were rapidly in progress.

    "O holy light that illuminates the world, form a sturdy shield to protect us¡ª"

    On top of the city''s defensive wall, cult princess maidens were constructing a barrier under Fianna''s direction.

    This was arge-scale barrier covering Mordis and its surroundings. Following leylines to produce resonance between multiple barriers, this produced defensive power up to dozens of times greater than usual. With major leylines running through the mine''s vicinity, this geographic advantage was also the reason why Mordis could be an impregnable fortress.

    Shield of Alexandros¡ªThis was a strategic barrier used by military forces during thest Ranbal War.

    "Phew, this isplete for now."

    Having finished the final barrier, Fianna wiped the sweat on her forehead.

    She was fast reaching her limit in exhaustion due to erecting multiple barriers within short time.

    Since the Theocracycked national educational institutes like Areishia Spirit Academy, there were very few princess maidens who had undergone proper training except those in the military, thus adding to Fianna''s burden.

    Although Rubia, the former Queen, had handled the magic circle and other preparations, having imnted cursed armament seals and lost her contracted spirit, she could no longer use her princess maiden powers freely.

    "You have grown more capable. In the past, constructing barriers was not your forte."

    Wearing a crimson mask, Rubia stood on the city wall, speaking quietly.

    "I am still far from matching you, Rubia-sama, as you were four years ago, or Reicha."

    Fianna slowly shook her head.

    "However, I do feel I have grown. After meeting Kamito-kun as well as your younger sister¡ª"

    "I see."

    Rubia stopped talking and fell silent.

    Her gaze was focused on Leviathan, approaching while apanied by a sandstorm. Currently, they were close enough that one could see Leviathan''s terrifying form with the unaided eye without relying on Far Vision magic.

    (I hear the screams of spirits...)

    Fianna closed her eyes with a pained expression, sping her hands tightly together.

    Many spirits in Zohar had been devoured by Leviathan to steal all of their divine power. Spirits deprived of divine power could not even return to Astral Zero, thus erased from the world.

    Reciting a requiem prayer, Fianna stood on the defensive wall and gave orders to the Theocracy''s princess maidens that were gathered.

    "Next, we will activate the strategic barrier. Get ready, all of you¡ª"

    As though responding to Fianna''s solemn voice¡ª

    Lined up neatly on the defensive wall, the princess maidens made a hand sign in unison¡ª

    In that instant, the numerous magic circles set up around the fortress city started to glow in a chain reaction.

    Dots of light instantly linked together, thus the gigantic barrier covering all of Mordis wasplete.

    The earthquake caused by Leviathan had already reached here.

    The cult princess maidens all looked at their adjacentpanions in worry.

    As though to inspire courage in them, Fianna stood on the defensive wall and red squarely at the approaching Leviathan.

    Although no one could tell how long this strategic barrier couldst¡ª

    (...Kamito-kun, we trust that you will surely protect this ce.)

    Encouraged by her example, the princess maidens stopped showing outward fear and nodded at each other with fortitude.

    "¡ªHow like a holy maiden."

    "No, I am the Demon King''s concubine, Rubia-sama¡ª"

    Fianna smiled fearlessly.

    Part 3

    Devouring the desert, Leviathan roared, shaking the air.

    Struck directly by the shockwave, Kamito''s flying dragon spirit spun out of control while crashing down.

    "W-Wait, don''t fall down, Rinslet!"

    "I know! But the flying dragon will not listen to my orders!"

    The flying dragon carrying ire and Rinslet also cried out and spun into an uncontrolled trajectory. Despite Rinslet''s attempts to regain control, desperately pouring divine power into the flying dragon, she still could not stop it from going berserk.

    ''Kamito, this flying dragon is no good anymore. Its functionality as a militarized spirit has beenpletely destroyed¡ª''

    He heard Restia''s voice in his mind.

    (A roar that can destroy a militarized spirit''s sanity, huh?)

    This was Leviathan''s anti-air defense system. If they had rushed over here on the Revenant, the spirit mechanism serving as the power source would most likely go out of control, resulting in tragedy.

    ''¡ªI am dizzy.''

    "Yeah, me too¡ª"

    Can sword spirits get dizzy? While that question crossed his mind, Kamito racked his brain.

    At this rate, they were going to crash headlong into the ground.

    "¡ªKamito!"

    Just then, he heard a voice from above.

    He looked up forcefully, only to see Ellis reaching out to him with everything she had while hugging her demon wind spirit''s neck. Apparently, as a high-tier spirit, Simorgh was not affected by the roar.

    The opportunity only existed for a moment. Kamito reached out, caught her hand and took a leap.

    The instant his entire body was in midair, he suddenly felt lighter. The wind from the spirit magic Ellis chanted had enveloped him.

    Following that momentum, Ellis drew Kamito to her with a forceful tug.

    "You saved me, Ellis¡ª"

    "Y-Yes..."

    Ellis released his hand in a fluster, blushing intensely.

    "Huaah, calm down, calm down!"

    "ire, I cannot do anything if you cling so tightly to me!"

    Rinslet and ire''s flying dragon looked like it was going to crash any moment.

    Ellis bent forward and yelled at the two girls.

    "You two, look out for the right moment to jump! Kamito and I will catch you from below!"

    "Ehhh!?" "No way, that is crazy!"

    "Believe in us¡ª"

    Ellis directed Simorgh to make a tight turn.

    "F-Fine..."

    "Only choice is to take a gamble..."

    As expected of these two, who had been through so many hellish battlefields.

    Preparing themselves, they nodded and looked down calmly.

    "Jump¡ªNow!"

    Ellis yelled.

    In that instant, ire and Rinslet jumped off the back of the berserk flying dragon.

    Boom¡ªWith the rumbling, the wind produced from spirit magic caused the two girl to float lightly. With perfect timing, Simorgh positioned himself under them, allowing Ellis to catch ire while Kamito caught Rinslet, pulling them safely over.

    "...Ah, K-Kamito-san!?"

    Rinslet instantly blushed to her ears when her face collided into Kamito''s chest. Smelling a floral fragrance unique to girls, Kamito felt his heart racing too.

    ¡ªAt that moment, Simorgh severely lost bnce while flying.

    "Carrying four people is too much of a strain. We willnd at that za."

    "Yeah, got it¡ª"

    At Ellis'' orders, Simorgh pped his giant wings andnded at a wide open za.

    "¡ªYou worked very hard, Simorgh."

    Ellis stroked Simorgh''s back tofort him.

    The demon wind spirit cawed several times then vanished into particles of light in the air. At the same time, the elemental waffe Ray Hawk appeared in Ellis'' hand.

    "...We are still some distance from Scorpia."

    ire turned her gaze to the towering pce, several buildings away.

    "Yes, but not too far. We can rush there directly¡ª"

    "¡ªBut looks like it won''t be that easy!"

    Kamito shouted and severed the attacking tentacles.

    Covered by countless tentacles, Zohar had taken the form of a demon city.

    "...There is no human presence at all. What happened to all of the city''s residents?"

    Ellis spoke with a grave expression.

    "Look at that¡ª"

    ire pointed to the top of a building resembling a shrine.

    Many objects resembling cocoons of various sizes were dangling from the roof, pulsating in a creepy manner.

    "Don''t tell me¡ª"

    "Yes, most likely Leviathan is using those cocoons to replenish itself with divine power from the residents..."

    "All of those cocoons!?"

    "How cruel...!"

    Ellis eximed in anger.

    "Can we not save them?"

    "Unfortunately, saving them one by one will take forever..."

    There was tranquil fury in ire''s eyes. She readied her ming whip.

    "So destroying Leviathan''s core is the only choice huh..."

    Presumably reacting to the divine power of Kamito''s team, the writhing tentacles began to move actively.

    "Time to charge¡ª"

    "Yes!"

    Part 4

    Just as Kamito''s team had managed to invade Zohar...

    Inside the Demon''s Circuit responsible for controlling Leviathan, deep underground beneath Scorpia, a hellish scene was taking ce.

    "...Ah, gagagaga... Sjora... -sa, ma... Ahhhhhh!"

    A young princess maiden in the middle of chanting a prayer vomited blood and copsed on the magic circle on the ground. Squeezed dry of divine power, the young girl died just like that.

    ...The sixth one already. Including the first sacrifice, Valmira, she would be the seventh.

    "Fufu, used up already huh? I must hurry to prepare the next sacrifice..."

    Hierarch Sjora Kahn¡ªno, the monster that used to be Sjora Kahn¡ªlooked down at the dead bodies of the princess maidens lying in the temple and smiled with joy.

    A gigantic heart suspended in midair was beating vigorously.

    This heart was the core of the strategic-ss militarized spirit Leviathan.

    Sjora Kahn was now merged with that core.

    Half of her bewitchingly beautiful body of flesh was buried in the heart.

    In order to control a weapon that was supposed to be operated by dozens of elementalist, even Sjora Kahn had no choice but to resort to such a method.

    However, there were upsides to merging with Leviathan''s core.

    Due to shared senses, she was now aware of everything happening inside Zohar as though feeling it through the touch of her skin.

    Indeed, for example, there was the intrusion of Ren Ashbell, the Demon King''s sessor¡ª

    "K-Kuku, how amusing... Our score from Ragna Ys can be settled here¡ª"

    Sjora Kahn''s lips curled while she began to chant an incantation.

    It was in High Ancient¡ªa forbidden spell passed down the Demon King cult, very simr to the Soul Recall incantation that Rubia had recited underground of Ragna Ys during the past de Dance.

    "Awaken here and now. Dark fallen ones sleeping in Zohar¡ª"

    Part 5

    "¡ªAll of you, turn into charcoal!"

    ire swung the ming whip, sweeping away the wriggling fleshy tentacles. In contrast to what she said, the mes were so strong that the tentacles were burnt away without even leaving charcoal behind, a far cry from her former power.

    "W-What the heck did you do for training!?"

    "It''s not over. This isn''t all I can do!"

    Answering Kamito who was running beside her, ire swung her whip hard again. The fiery sh at all directions destroyed countless iing tentacles within the blink of an eye.

    "Us too¡ª" "We shan''t fall behind!"

    Ellis and Rinslet also readied their respective elemental waffen¡ª

    "Descend, the ice demon''s frost-bound projectiles¡ªFreezing Meteor!"

    Automatically homing, countless ice projectiles rained down on the tentacles¡ª

    In the next instant, all the projectiles exploded, producing a spectacr bloom of ice flowers.

    "Amazing¡ª"

    Kamito could not help but exim in admiration.

    "Fufu, this is the result of my training at Dracunia!"

    Rinslet tossed her hair proudly.

    "I won''t lose either¡ª"

    Saying that, Kamito was just about to pour divine power into his two swords.

    "Kamito, you are the ultimate trump card. Conserve your divine power as much as possible."

    However, ire reminded him.

    "Y-Yeah, got it¡ª"

    In fact, at the current rate, Kamito might not even have a chance to swing his swords.

    Scorpia was visible at the end of the main road lined by countless cocoons.

    It was a building in foreign architectural style with a massive dome at the top.

    "Over there huh!?"

    Kamito concentrated divine power in his legs, kicked the ground and elerated. ire, Ellis and Rinslet also followed him closely.

    "There is no army guarding the pce¡ª"

    "Probably like the people of the city, they were swallowed by Leviathan."

    Just as Kamito replied...

    CRAAAAASH!

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, a building by the road copsed, producing a rain of debris over their heads¡ª

    "O wind of universal protection, guard us¡ªWind Shield!"

    Just as they were about to be buried in debris, the spirit magic chanted by Ellis activated. Centered around Ellis'' raised spear, a howling storm blew the debris away entirely.

    "W-What!?" "What is going on!?"

    Next, from behind the copsed building, a gigantic arm slowly appeared.

    "That''s...!"

    ROOOOOAAAAR!

    The roar shook the atmosphere in the surroundings.

    Boom¡ªShaking the ground as it walked was a giant humanoid spirit.

    This was the sya-Labs type tactical-ss militarized spirit that Kamito had fought when he first arrived at the Academy. Compared to other militarized spirits, it was rtively easy to control and offered astounding strength, which is why sya-Labs was used in many countries apart from Ordesia.

    "...Tsk, this is troublesome."

    Looking up at the giant towering over the dust cloud, Kamito groaned in the back of his throat.

    A single one would not be too much a threat even if it was a tactical-ss militarized spirit. Even though such a spirit would be very formidable for Academy students who had never experienced realbat, at least it was no match for Kamito, or the girls after they had improved from their training. However¡ª

    "...A-Arge group is approaching!"

    ire cried out.

    An army with as many as ten-odd giant spirits were stomping the ground, approaching.

    Kamito poured power into the swords in his hands. Against so many militarized spirits, even ire or the others would have trouble¡ª

    (...Tsk, no time to engage them slowly¡ª)

    However, Kamito''s sword-gripping hand was stopped gently by Ellis.

    "Ellis?"

    "Leave this to me. You two go on ahead."

    "But..."

    "Do not worry. Whether myself or Simorgh, we have improved greatly after the training¡ª"

    Ellis smiled and set her spear elemental waffe on the ground.

    "Although it severely consumes divine power, as long as the battle is settled quickly, this should be fine¡ª"

    Ellis closed her eyes. Immediately, her entire body glowed with divine power.

    "...Th-This is!?"

    "O demon wind spirit, exhibit thy true power! Elemental waffe, second form¡ªRay Hawk Ragna!"

    Ellis shouted the words of releasing.

    In that moment, the spear elemental waffe released blinding light, instantly transforming¡ª

    The spear''s shaft was engraved with a spiral pattern resembling a whirlwind. Decoration resembling a holy bird''s head appeared on the pommel. The sharp tip of the spear was split into three prongs like spreading wings, giving off sacred light.

    "An elemental waffe''s second form!?"

    "Yes, this is the new power that Simorgh and I have mastered in our training!"

    Ellis drew out the spear and twirled it once over her head. This ordinary motion summoned a fierce howling gale, sweeping away all surrounding debris.

    "...S-So amazing¡ª"

    "Compared to the previous elemental waffe, it is on apletely different level..."

    Next to the amazed ire and Rinslet, Kamito was also very impressed in his heart.

    Indeed, Ellis had made dramatic progress in both the quality and quantity of her divine powerpared to before.

    She had finally grown enough to draw out a top-tier demon wind spirit''s true power.

    With her ponytail fluttering in the wind, Ellis stood before the tactical-ss militarized spirit.

    Perhaps reacting to the intense divine power given off by Ellis¡ª

    ROOOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    The giant''s eyes glowed red as it swung its massive arm down at Ellis.

    "Ellis!"

    Kamito rushed in front of Ellis, intending to protect her. However¡ª

    Ellis jumped up high and swung her spear elemental waffe.

    Next¡ª

    "Pierce mine enemy, divine spear of punishment¡ªRay Hawk Ragna!"

    The thrown spear traced out a straight line in the air, puncturing the giant spirit''s chest!

    The giant spirit''s chest was ripped open, leaving a huge hole. However, as expected of a tactical-ss militarized spirit, its durability far surpassed ordinary spirits. Hence, it was notpletely destroyed yet.

    However¡ª

    "¡ªO vicious wind, rampage!"

    Ellis yelled.

    The spear embedded in the giant spirit''s chest produced a whirlwind at its tip and started to spin at super high speed.

    The howling wind instantly shaved away the giant spirit''s armor, piercing its abdomen with residual momentum.

    Crash!

    The giant spirit copsed on the ground, producing a cloud of dust.

    "¡ªNo way, it pierced a militarized spirit''s armor in one shot!?"

    Kamito was speechless with surprise.

    The power from that attack just now was enough to rival Leonora''s dragon sword skills.

    Having destroyed the giant spirit, Ray Hawk Ragna spun magnificently in the air before returning to the hand of Ellis on the ground.

    "See that? Rinslet and I will manage against enemies of this level."

    Spinning the spear in her hand deftly, Ellis said.

    "We will handle this."

    Saying that, Rinslet readied her magic bow of ice and tossed her hair.

    Indeed, let alone student level, Ellis'' power had far surpassed that of spirit knights.

    Working together with Rinslet, who had simrly improved, they should be able to handle the situation here.

    Thud, thud¡ªThe other giants were approaching.

    "...Got it. We''ll leave this to you two."

    "Yes, rest assured." "I shall defeat all of them."

    The two girls nodded with confident expressions.

    "Let''s go, Kamito¡ª"

    "Yeah!"

    Under the cover of a rain of ice arrows, Kamito and ire began to sprint.

 Volume 16, 11 - Ghosts of the Demon Capital

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 11 - Ghosts of the Demon Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    Zapzapzapzapzap¡ª

    Across the dusty desert, intense lightning erupted. The city walls of Zohar, the demon city that had merged with Leviathan, made contact with Mordis'' barrier.

    Incinerated by holy lightning, terrifying tentacles were struggling in pain.

    "...It is working. This looks like it could buy a bit of time, Rubia-sama."

    Standing on the city wall, Fianna turned her head back to look at Rubia.

    "N-No¡ª"

    "...Eh?"

    Looking past Fianna grimly, Rubia shook her head.

    Fianna turned to face Zohar again.

    ¡ªWithin the blink of an eye, the tentacles that should have been destroyed regenerated again.

    "...H-How could this be possible!?"

    "Leviathan possesses extremely potent self-repair functionality. So a strategic barrier of this scale will not even manage to stall for time...?"

    Fianna could sense a hint of anxiety in Rubia''s tone of voice.

    ¡ªThe barrier only endured for several minutes.

    "Fianna-sama, the barrier has been breached!"

    A princess maiden keeping watch on the wall reported in almost a scream.

    The regenerating tentacle clusters kept attacking the barrier relentlessly in spite of the holy light incinerating them, finally creating arge opening in the barrier. Once breached, the barrier would be brittle and quickly copse in a chain reaction.

    "...!"

    Fianna bit her lip. Although she never expected to hold off the strategic-ss militarized spirit with just a barrier alone¡ª

    (I never thought it would be breached in such short time¡ª)

    The gigantic dome-shaped barrier covering Mordis'' surroundings vanished. The city''sst defense line remaining were its walls of stone.

    Covered with huge numbers of tentacles, Zohar''s walls were approaching with a cloud of dust and sand in its wake.

    "...! Collision iing! Brace yourselves for the impact, everyone!"

    Fianna shouted to the surrounding princess maidens.

    Just as everyone on the wall crouched down¡ª

    BOOOOOOOM!

    Zohar''s outer edge made contact with Mordis'' city wall.

    At the impact zone, entire pieces of the stone wall was gouged out. A watchtower was instantly smashed.

    "Kyahhhh!"

    Blown away by the impact, Fianna fell into the city from the wall.

    The painful fall made her entire body hurt, preventing her from breathing for a moment.

    (...How is everyone!?)

    Pulling her hazy consciousness together, Fianna looked around her.

    Like her, the princess maidens on the wall in charge of maintaining the barrier had been sent flying by the impact. Even standing was a challenge for them. Some of them were bleeding from the forehead, unconscious, while others were groaning in pain, the legs twisted in unnatural directions.

    "...Ah, guh, ooh..."

    "...Calm down. I shall heal you immediately!"

    Intending to cast healing on them, Fianna began to recite spirit magic of the holy element.

    ¡ªBut at that moment...

    A disgusting sound ripped through the air.

    In the next instant, terrifying tentacles crawled over Mordis'' city walls and attacked the immobilized princess maidens one after another.

    "Kyahhhhhhh!" "Eeek¡ª!" "N-Noooooo!"

    Screams of princess maidens sounded then disappeared immediately. Each tentacle tip opened its jaws wide, instantly swallowing a princess maiden whole.

    "¡ªO holy king, I implore thee to punish evildoers¡ªHoly Edge!"

    Against the iing swarm of tentacles, Fianna used des of spirit magic to rip them apart.

    ¡ªHowever, this sort of resistance amounted to nothing more than a drop in the ocean against the flood of tentacles surging over the walls. The tentacles did not seem to moving under human control. It looked like they only attacked in response to the divine power in the princess maidens.

    Escaping the des of spirit magic, a few tentacles approached Fianna.

    (...!)

    Fianna could not help but close her eyes.

    But in that instant¡ª

    "Not even time can escape a frozen fate, congrating mes of absolute zero¡ªFrost ze!"

    Howling blue mes of Elstein immediately destroyed the tentacles in one fell swoop.

    "...! Rubia-sama..."

    "Do not give up, Fianna Ray Ordesia¡ª"

    With Frost ze enveloping her left hand, she stood on the city wall.

    That figure of hers, with long crimson hair fluttering in the wind¡ª

    Was the image of the ideal princess whom Fianna had idolized in the past.

    "¡ªBelieve in your Demon King."

    Part 2

    Underfoot were vibrations that felt like the earth rumbling¡ª

    What they could hear were noises of battle behind them¡ª

    Kamito and ire ran singlemindedly towards Scorpia.

    "What kind of training did all of you go through in just a few days?"

    Running, Kamito asked ire beside him. Although he could tell from a nce that the girls were much stronger than before, he never expected the change to be this dramatic¡ª

    "Rather than training, I feel like I''ve conquered obstacles in my heart¡ª"

    "What do you mean?"

    "Umm, it''s hard to exin clearly... But, anyway, that''s the gist of it."

    "What do you mean, anyway...?"

    Just as Kamito was puzzled, he heard Restia''s voice in his mind.

    ''These girls had very powerful potential inside them in the first ce. However, they each had a minor mental hangup, which obstructed them frommuning with their spirit¡ª''

    "In other words, they released their hidden potential, huh?"

    ¡ªJust then, arge gate appeared before the two of them as they ran along a main road.

    This point onwards would be Scorpia territory.

    "Kamito, I sense something repulsive."

    "Yeah, I get what you mean..."

    The two of them halted and swept their gazes around them.

    At that moment, something unexpected happened.

    The pce gate opened from inside with a heavy noise.

    "...!?"

    What came into view was arge garden on the other side of the gate.

    In the center of the garden, something resembling dark miasma was prowling.

    "What is that?"

    As though answering the question posed by the frowning ire¡ª

    The dark miasma shook violently and changed shape.

    Then seven knights d in pitch-ck armor appeared.

    They each drew their sword and prepared a stance. A single crimson eye glowed with eerie light under each helmet.

    This image, like the incarnation of darkness, was something Kamito had seen before.

    "...Could that be Nepenthes Lore!?"

    He groaned from the back of his throat.

    Nepenthes Lore was a monster wielding the Demon King''s power during the de Dance, awakened by Restia. It had singlehandedly destroyed several national representative teams, even crushing the Knights of the Dragon Emperor led by Leonora.

    Nepenthes Lore was a far more terrifying and powerful existence than the tactical-ss militarized spirits earlier.

    ¡ªAnd here were seven of such things.

    "What the hell... Why is that dark monster...?"

    ''Nepenthes Lore is the result when a human ends up devoured by the Demon King''s power. The Demon King cult preserved these dead bodies. Sjora must have used the power of the Demon''s Circuit to awaken these corpses...''

    "...Th-That''s cheating..."

    Enveloped in dark miasma, the seven Nepenthes Lores moved silently to surround Kamito and ire.

    Readying their respective elemental waffen, Kamito and ire stood back to back.

    Next¡ª

    "ire, watch my back¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    Hearing what Kamito said, ire eximed in surprise.

    In the past, Kamito would usually say stuff like "please cover me" instead of "watch my back." Despite acknowledging ire''s power, he did not go so far as to entrust his back to others unconditionally. However¡ª

    "On my own, I''d get a bit overwhelmed. Didn''t you train to be stronger?"

    Right now, hisrades in Team Scarlet had progressed immensely. It was enough for Kamito, who had always fought alone, to entrust his back to them without worry.

    "...V-Very well, leave it to me!"

    ire nodded happily then cracked her whip, metongue.

    "...I''m going to use a special move I learned during my training. It''ll take some time, but you''ll be okay, right?"

    "That move will work on Nepenthes Lore?"

    "Yes."

    ire nodded.

    "Got it, then until that move is ready, I''ll guard your back¡ª"

    Kamito readied his two swords and faced off against the seven Nepenthes Lores.

    Behind him, ire began to recite words sounding like an incantation¡ª

    ¡ªIn that instant, the dark miasma expanded all at once.

    The miasma surging out from all over the Nepenthes Lores'' bodies turned into whips, swinging all at once.

    "...!?"

    At the same time, Kamito and ire jumped left and right respectively.

    Stone tiles in the za were blown away, turning into a swamp of miasma.

    With a terrifying roar, the seven Nepenthes Lores charged.

    (...Tsk, they move so fast despite being so big!)

    Kamito caused the divine power concentrated under his feet to explode, then swung the Demon yer at the Nepenthes Lore in front of him.

    The pitch-ck armor shattered, spurting dark miasma violently upwards. Although any contact with the dangerous miasma would result in divine power being stolen away, the ultimate sword spirit Est possessed anti-magic properties that could neutralize even that.

    (First one down¡ª)

    Without even looking at the fallen enemy, Kamito immediately switched to his next action. Pouring divine power into the Vorpal Sword in reverse grip, he charged and aimed at another Nepenthes Lore''s throat. Then¡ª

    "¡ªPierce, Vorpal st!"

    He yelled. The jet-ck demonic lightning instantly erupted from the de, destroying the monster''s head.

    (That makes two!)

    Kamito immediately turned around to aim at the next target. At that moment¡ª

    ''¡ªNot over yet, Kamito!''

    Est warned.

    "...!?"

    Kamito hastily ducked down. The tip of arge sword instantly swept past the top of his head.

    The sword was swung by the earlier Nepenthes Lore that had lost its head.

    d in armor, a massive foot stomped at him. Kamito rolled on the ground and narrowly avoided getting his entire body crushed. Using his residual momentum, he stood up and jumped back.

    The two Nepenthes Lores, which ought to have suffered fatal wounds, were attacking with their swords as though nothing had happened.

    (Damn monsters¡ª)

    Kamito cursed under his breath.

    (...So the only way to defeat them is to break them apartpletely?)

    To begin with, Kamito''s sword skills were unsuited for fighting non-human enemies. The assassination skills he had learned at the Instructional School all aimed at vulnerabilities in the human body. In Greyworth''s case, the swords skills she taught him were essentially anti-human moves for seizing victory at the de Dance. Of course, he did have moves such as Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance for huntingrge targets, but they were too costly in terms of the physical strain and divine power consumption. Spending a great deal of divine power in the current situation could very well awaken Ren Ashdoll''s power.

    (...That being said, these aren''t enemies I can take out while holding back.)

    ¡ªAfter all, these things had been Demon King candidates in the past, just like Kamito. It was thanks to the power of the Crusaders spirit sealed in Mi Bassett''s eye that Team Scarlet managed to defeat Nepenthes Lorest time.

    While resetting his posture, Kamito nced at ire behind him. She must be preparing quite a powerful move. While nimbly dodging attacks from the miasma whips, she kept chanting her incantation.

    Two Nepenthes Lores charged to attack Kamito.

    Pouring divine power into his two swords, Kamito leaped.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form, Alpha Variant¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Major Double Turn."

    This was a dual-wielding variation on the anti-army Shadowmoon Waltz. This was a new move innovated by Kamito on his own after his fight against Greyworth. Left and right, his two swords shing all directions, he instantly chopped off all the arms of the Nepenthes Lores.

    However, these were not fatal wounds. As conglomerations of dark miasma, Nepenthes Lore could easily repair the damaged parts.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form, Beta Variant¡ª"

    He immediately turned his sword around, slicing horizontally through a Nepenthes Lore in one sh.

    (¡ªIs it taken out!?)

    From the corner of his eye, he could see the Nepenthes Lore''s body chopped in two. Although he did not know if it was defeated, at least it should not be as easy to regenerate as arms.

    However¡ª

    ''¡ªKamito, dodge!''

    Restia''s voice sounded in his mind.

    No sooner had she spoken, the top half of the bifurcated Nepenthes Lore exploded.

    The instantly expanding dark miasma was about to swallow Kamito.

    (...! Crap¡ª)

    The dark miasma was troublesome stuff that would steal divine power from a single touch. If sshed by arge amount, Kamito''s divine power would be consumed all at once, resulting in depletion. With that, the other source of divine power dormant inside Kamito¡ªRen Ashdoll''s power¡ªwould awaken.

    Kamito jumped, trying to evade¡ª

    However, the other Nepenthes Lore had regenerated its arms and caught Kamito''s leg with a miasma whip.

    (...!?)

    In that instant...

    "O mes, let a night of red descend upon the earth¡ªCrimson Judgment."

    Kamito''s view was dyed all red.

    The crimson ze drowned out the darkness, instantly devouring the Nepenthes Lore''s massive bodypletely.

    "...What!?"

    Kamito was rendered speechless, holding his breath. Could this current me be¡ª

    ¡ªThe zing mes flickered intensely then began to take on the form of a petite young girl.

    Appearing out from there was¡ª

    A beautiful girl with red hair, all her limbs enveloped in mes.

    "The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde. I hereby manifest in this world, heeding the call to my true name."

    Saying that, the cat-eared girl bowed her head respectfully with a serious expression on her face.

    Part 3

    "¡ªCalm down! Everyone who can move, go repair the barrier!"

    Standing on the copsed city wall, Fianna shouted to encourage the princess maidens.

    A back and forth battle was still taking ce on the edge in contact with Zohar.

    Leviathan''s tentacles, swarming over the city wall, were starting to invade like a raging tide. Not satisfied with Zohar alone, it was probably nning to merge with Mordis as well. The rate of invasion was faster than expected.

    (...Hmm, at this rate, even the town area will be devoured!)

    Despite her summoned knight spirit swinging his great sword to chop down tentacles, her efforts were like droplets in the ocean.

    "Fianna, retreat to the back. You are the monarch of Legitimate Ordesia. We cannot lose you here¡ª"

    "...! Rubia-sama..."

    Rubia, standing shoulder to shoulder with her, was showing heavy signs of fatigue in her voice.

    Having unleashed Frost ze continuously, her divine power was almost depleted.

    In her prime, perhaps she could have burned away all the tentacles, but now¡ª

    "...Hurry... Leave this ce to me¡ª"

    "No¡ª"

    "...What?"

    "I have no wish to again be a princess protected by others¡ª"

    While using spirit magic to suppress the surging tentacles, Fianna replied.

    Her sunset-colored eyes gazed straight at Zohar, where Kamito''s team had headed.

    "I will believe in Kamito-kun¡ªI will believe in myrades and fight here."

    She could not allow herself to retreat at this juncture, to repay herrades for epting her into Team Scarlet back when she waspletely useless, not even capable of using spirits normally.

    "...You have always had a stubborn side to you."

    Rubia shrugged helplessly with a wry smile.

    "Oh, Rubia-sama? Did you just smile?"

    "..."

    Faced with Fianna who was staring at her in great surprise, Rubia looked away.

    ...Seeing her react like that, Fianna chuckled. How long ago was thest time she had seen this senior princess maiden smile¡ª?

    "We must not allow it to invade the town area. Intercept it here."

    "Yes!"

    Part 4

    "Scarlet..."

    Seeing the girl who had appeared before his eyes, Kamito eximed in surprise.

    The Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªOrtlinde.

    ording to Restia, she was one of the spirit weapons rampaging during the Spirit War, a survivor of the thirteen-strong Valkyrie Series.

    "It has been a while since west met in this form. Master''s master¡ª"

    Shapeshifted into human form, Scarlet bowed respectfully again. Although the title of master''s master bothered Kamito a bit, sigh, now was not the time to care about it¡ª

    Kamito turned to ire.

    "ire, so you''re able to release Scarlet''s true name now."

    "...Y-Yes... Except it is still very... draining..."

    Panting, ire made a slight thumbs up.

    This was the "special move" she had learned during her training at Dracunia¡ª

    Indeed, there was nothing more reliable than this.

    Before the primordial spirit weapon''s aura of overwhelming power, the Nepenthes Lores seemed wary and stopped moving.

    With a twitch of her cat ears, the mes all over Ortlinde''s body instantly zed violently.

    "¡ªVery well, time to start the extermination, master."

    "Yes..."

    Just as Kamito readied his two swords again...

    A roar resounded all around, sounding like it came from deep underground.

    (...What!?)

    Feeling a terrifying and strong presence, Kamito held his breath.

    With likewise nervous expressions, ire and Scarlet observed their surroundings. Then...

    In the center of the vast garden, a mass of dark miasma, terrifying and dense, began to slowly take on human form.

    "...M-More of them!?"

    "No, that''s¡ª"

    Kamito stared intently at the solidification of miasma.

    The darkness coalesced into the shape of a slender human, smaller than Nepenthes Lore.

    Covered by pitch-ck darkness, it looked like a shadow that would disappear any moment.

    However¡ª

    (¡ªThis guy is no ordinary monster.)

    Kamito knew instinctively. A chill coursed through him, making his entire body tremble.

    On the face of that flickering shadow, a pair of crimson eyes lit up, glowing with ominous light.

    ''¡ªNo way, even something like that has been awakened!?''

    "...! You know him, Restia?"

    ''Yes, this was the strongest Demon King candidate, born in the Holy Kingdom seven hundred years ago¡ª''

    ck lightning erupted from the Vorpal Sword in his hand as though issuing a warning.

    "...!?"

    The dark shadow calmly raised its sword.

    Judging from that stance, that motion and behavior, Kamito felt a sense of familiarity.

    (That movement, could it be¡ª!?)

    ''¡ªAvril Ciel Mais, the Sword Saint.''

    No sooner had she spoken than the shadow vanished.

 Volume 16, 12 - Absolute Blade Asura

    <h4>Volume 16, Chapter 12 - Absolute de Asura</h4>

    Part 1

    The sh, executed with divine speed, shed by.

    Had he dodged slightly slower, Kamito''s neck would have been severed from his body.

    A shallow scratch left a trail of blood on his cheek.

    Kamito was able to react in time only because he knew that move, not because he read the enemy''s sword.

    Despite minor differences from what Kamito understood, that move was undoubtedly¡ª

    "...I can''t believe it''s Purple Lightning of the Absolute de Arts!?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    Why did this kind of monster know how to use the Absolute de Arts, which had supposedly been passed down a single line of masters and disciples¡ª

    No wait, Restia had already hinted at the answer.

    Avril Ciel Mais, the Sword Saint.

    That was what Restia had called the monster.

    "Ciel Mais"¡ªIn spiritnguage, this was a term meaning "one who has devoted their life to the sword." Although not to the point of ubiquitous, it was not a rare family name among nobles. However, it was probably not mere coincidence that this thing shared the same family name as her.

    "...Tell me, Restia, who exactly was that guy?"

    Brushing away the blood on his cheek, Kamito finally spoke.

    ''Avril Ciel Mais was the Sword Saint born in the Holy Kingdom of Lugia. A legendary figure who had attained the pinnacle of swordsmanship. He was the founder of the Absolute de Arts used by the Dusk Witch, and like you, he was also a Demon King candidate who had inherited Ren Ashdoll''s power¡ª''

    "The founder of the Absolute de Arts...!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes.

    He had heard Greyworth mention having a mentor before. This included the fact that the Absolute de Arts were always passed on to a single pupil, inherited generation after generation throughout history...

    If the founder was this dark monster in front of him right now¡ª

    "Then Greyworth is the descendant of a Demon King candidate?"

    ''It is unknown whether she is a direct descendant or not. After all, the name of Ciel Mais is equivalent to a title of supreme swordsmanship. It is also possible that the witch took on that title on her own. However¡ª''

    At this point, Restia paused.

    ''Regardless, it would be best if you treated him as being on an entirely different levelpared to the Nepenthes Lore that Rubia Elstein awakened on Ragna Ys. Demon King Solomon aside, he is the man closest to the Demon King¡ª''

    "..."

    Kamito readied his two swords to face off against the pitch-ck shadow.

    The ancient Sword Saint''s sword pressure was extraordinary even as a Demon King candidate among the Nepenthes Lores.

    Unlike the other Nepenthes Lores, one could sense there was a clear mind behind that pair of crimson eyes.

    (How ironic. I can''t believe I ran into the founder of my master''s swordsmanship¡ª)

    The dark Sword Saint¡ªAvril Ciel Mais¡ªquietly readied his sword.

    While directing his gaze at the enemy before him, Kamito said to ire:

    "ire, leave this guy to me."

    "Will you be alright?"

    ire asked worriedly. Her excellent intuition had noticed that this Nepenthes Lore was on apletely different dimensionpared to the others.

    "Yeah. A user of the Absolute de Arts can only be defeated by another user of the Absolute de Arts. Also¡ª"

    Saying that, Kamito red at the enemy before him.

    "That''s an opponent I need to settle things with¡ª"

    ¡ªYes, despite an appearance that changed into that of a monster, this was the founder of the Absolute de Arts.

    Unless he defeated him, there was no way he could prevail against Greyworth who had recovered her prime.

    Kamito did not know if ire sensed his resolve, but she nodded obediently.

    "Understood. Then I''ll leave it to you. Scarlet and I will take care of the other Nepenthes Lores."

    "Yeah, counting on you¡ª"

    "Leave it to me, master''s master."

    Ortlinde skillfully spun the great ming scythe in her hand.

    "Wait, Scarlet, what is ''master''s master'' supposed to mean?"

    When ire asked in curiosity, Scarlet meowed and avoided eye contact.

    ROOOOOAAAAAR!

    The dark Sword Saint''s roar was filled with resentment.

    In order to oppose the resulting sword pressure, Kamito covered himself with divine power.

    "Let me try and see whether my sword skills are good enough¡ª"

    Kicking the ground, he elerated all at once.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    A sh of the sword, a shower of sparks.

    The dark Sword Saint readied his sword, blocking the Absolute de Art executed by Kamito with godlike speed.

    "¡ªAs expected of the Sword Saint. However, this move was just to pay you back for just now."

    Grinning savagely, Kamito immediately swung his sword again.

    The Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword¡ªUsing the strongest elemental waffen, he unleashed a raging tide of consecutive strikes.

    ¡ªHowever, the dark Sword Saint was still able to parry them away with flowing motions.

    R-ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAR...!

    Avril howled.

    That voice sounded both resentful and delighted. It was joy for finally encountering opponent equally matched opponent in swordsmanship after hundreds of years. Even after turning into this kind of monster, his heart still harbored pride for having dedicated a lifetime to the way of the sword. Kamito could feel it.

    However¡ª

    "Sorry, I don''t have time to enjoy a de dance with you¡ª"

    Kamito advanced in one breath, swinging the Demon yer glowing silver white.

    It was unknown how long Fianna and the others couldst in their defensive battle at Mordis. The longer the battle here dragged on, the greater the damage within the city.

    "¡ªHehehe, gimme my graduation certificate!"

    With a flurry of shes and the howling of slicing wind, the shing of steel sounded repeatedly.

    As expected, his sword style was the same as Greyworth''s.

    (...Their swordsmanship is virtually on the same level, huh?)

    Kamito professed admiration in his heart.

    Purely in terms of swordsmanship, Greyworth was the only one so far who could match Kamito. Whether Leonora, Pdin Luminaris or Lurie Lizaldia of the Numbers, all of them were inferior to him¡ª

    However, this monster that bears the name of Ciel Mais¡ª

    Kamito swung his two swords but was blocked by the sword enveloped in dark miasma.

    Avril''s crimson eyes seemed to tremble with joy.

    In the next instant, a wall of dark miasma appeared, surrounding the two of them who were locked in a duel of swords.

    "...! What the heck are you nning?"

    While the two of them continued to sh des, vying for supremacy, Kamito asked the shadow before his eyes. On the other, he never expected to get an answer¡ª

    ''¡ªThis is a wall of miasma. It looks like he hopes for a one-on-one duel with you.''

    "...I see."

    A two-man arena where no one could interfere.

    Whether ire or Scarlet, or the other Nepenthes Lores¡ª

    At the same time, escaping was impossible too.

    Kamito gritted his teeth and smiled fearlessly.

    "Got it, I''ll fight you to the bitter end, just as you wish. However, I''ll be settling this quick!"

    Part 2

    "...! Kamito!?"

    Seeing a dark wall swirl around Kamito, ire almost screamed.

    While dodging the attacking tentacles of Nepenthes Lore, she unleashed the spirit magic of Fireball against the quivering wall of miasma.

    Her attacknded but did not explode. The wall of miasma absorbed the Fireball.

    "What is with that wall..!?"

    "Master, that is a barrier of darkness miasma. Hence, it will devour all spirit magic¡ª"

    Scarlet blocked a Nepenthes Lore''s sword with her ming scythe. The point of contact with the pitch-ck sword was immediately corrupted.

    "Oh no¡ª"

    Three Nepenthes Lores released tentacles of darkness together.

    ire and Ortlinde dodged at the same time by jumping left and right respectively.

    "Let us believe in Kamito-sama and survive the trial here¡ª"

    "Yes!"

    Dodging the endless stream of attacks, ire fired a Fireball.

    An attack of three consecutive hits. The mes struck Nepenthes Lore''s armor directly, causing a great explosion.

    However, attacks of this level achieved nothing more than diversions. ire understood that too. All ire could manage as she was now was cover Scarlet, the one with enough firepower to exterminate them.

    "Go forth and dance, the crimson mes summoning destruction¡ªHell ze!"

    Towards the howling storm of the explosion, ire unleashed what could be called the strongest fire-type spirit magic.

    Scorching mes, capable of melting even rock, swallowed Nepenthes Lore. Next¡ª

    "O mes, may a night of red descend upon the world¡ªCrimson Judgment!"

    Swinging a fiery scythe, Scarlet unleashed a powerful move.

    Enveloped in a crimson ze, the Nepenthes Lore instantly vanished without trace.

    "...Still, five more... Kuh¡ª"

    Clutching her chest, ire fell on her knees.

    As expected, Scarlet''s human form was extremely draining of divine power.

    "Master!"

    Scarlet called out.

    Apparently, ire''s contracted spirit had sensed her exhaustion through their spirit seal.

    (...I''m not done yet... I made my decision to fight alongside Kamito...)

    ire stood up while panting.

    (Also, I am tasked with the mission Nee-sama assigned me...!)

    Part 3

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Inside the towering wall of darkness¡ª

    Kamito and the ghost of Sword Saint Avril were shing des intensely.

    "Go forth and pierce, all-annihting demon lightning of punishment¡ªVorpal st!"

    The jet-ck lightning released from the Vorpal Sword poured all over Avril.

    However, it inflicted almost no damage to Avril. Against Nepenthes Lore''s elemental affinity of darkness, Est''s anti-magic properties seemed to be more effective.

    ''¡ªKamito, I will switch to support. Use Miss Sacred Sword as your main offense.''

    "Got it¡ª"

    At Restia''s suggestion, Kamito redistributed the divine power assigned to the Vorpal Sword over to Est.

    ''Are you sure, darkness spirit¡ª''

    ''Yes. In exchange, please yield to me the right to sneak into his bed.''

    ''Uneptable¡ª''

    Est instantly replied. Kamito really wished that they did not engage in this sort of rights transaction negotiation in the middle of battle.

    The Demon yer in Kamito''s hand glowed with silver-white radiance.

    Next¡ª

    ROOOOOAAAAAAR¡ª¡ª!

    Avril roared. In that instant, Kamito smelled an intense stench of death and hastily jumped to the side.

    Three shes of the sword swept by. The tip of the de brushed against his forehead, instantly messing up his bangs.

    Absolute de Arts¡ªMost likely the prototype of Shadowmoon Waltz. Kamito managed to dodge this move purely because he knew its motions.

    The prototype''s movement of the sword was not as refined as Greyworth''s swordsmanship, but as a result, it caused Kamito''s judgment to be off by a little.

    (...! Crap!)

    Seizing the opportunity when Kamito lost bnce, Avril''s sword went straight for the opening.

    Kamito hastily blocked using the Vorpal Sword in his left hand, but¡ª

    In that instant, a scorching sensation of pain coursed through his body with a sizzling sound.

    His back had touched the darkness barrier

    "...Guh, ooh...!"

    Gritting his teeth to bear the intense pain, Kamito mustered all his strength to hold his ground.

    (As expected, he''s pretty strong...)

    Kamito''s forehead broke out in cold sweat.

    Despite a body that had turned into a corpse, his superb swordsmanship remained intact.

    Before Kamito''s eyes was not some random monster but a genuine master of the sword.

    ¡ªBut at the same time, another thought crossed Kamito''s mind. Even for a master who had attained such a height, a man crowned with the title of the Sword Saint, he still sumbed to Ren Ashdoll''s power, turning into this kind of monster.

    Holding his sword in both hands, Avril attacked Kamito fiercely. It was probably the prototype of Crushing Fang, the Absolute de Art for destroying weapons¡ª

    (Now is the time¡ª)

    Instantly, Kamito lowered his stance and released in one go the divine power umted at his feet.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    What he used was an Absolute de Art developed from the thrusting move of Purple Lightning, an attack for sending the enemy upwards.

    Enveloped in miasma, Sword Saint Avril wasunched into the air.

    Jumping into the air, Kamito instantly reversed his sword stance.

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªMeteor!"

    Pouring all of his divine power into the Demon yer, he swung.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    With the sound of an explosion, the ground was gouged up, producing a cloud of dust.

    "...H-Huff, huff, huff¡ª"

    Consecutive usage of the Absolute de Arts, twice in a row, was too great a burden for the body.

    ''¡ªKamito, it will be dangerous if you recklessly strained yourself any further. My power will not be enough to keep things suppressed.''

    Hearing Restia''s warning...

    "Yeah, I know..."

    Kamito answered urgently.

    The divine power inside him was in disarray. His control over divine control was gradually getting more difficult.

    At this rate¡ª

    Just then, the dust settled and a shadow enveloped in miasma slowly stood up.

    "So even that didn''t work..."

    Kamito''s throat twitched.

    In terms of swordsmanship, the two of them were virtually equal. However, the opponent possessed an immortal body after being transformed into Nepenthes Lore. Furthermore, the enemy also had a massive advantage in the quantity of overall divine power.

    At the current rate of divine power consumption, he could very well end up devoured by the power of darkness.

    However, this was not an opponent that he could defeat while holding back.

    (I''ve got to decide the match in the next attack¡ª)

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer tightly.

    Part 4

    "¡ªThe third barrier has been breached!"

    "It''s no good. We can''t sustain this any longer¡ªKyahhh!"

    Screams of princess maidens came through the spirit crystalmunicator then disappeared, apanied by the sound of static. Simr reports wereing from everywhere above the city wall.

    (It is only a matter of time for my current location too...)

    Fianna bit her lip tightly.

    Positioned at the zone in contact with Zohar, she was responsible for the ce that was being invaded the most violently. Although the barrier was still holding up, just barely, if any more barriers at other checkpoints were to be destroyed, the entire defense line would probably copse like an avnche.

    "...Kamito-kun...!"

    Fianna sped her hands together like praying, thinking about Kamito who was in enemy territory.

    She had faith in him. But even with faith, she still could not change the fact that she worried.

    Behind Fianna, Rubia spoke:

    "Fianna, this ce is not going to hold. Retreat to the Demon''s Fist and re-establish the defense line¡ª"

    "But if we do that, Mordis'' town area will¡ª"

    "Cannot be helped. Giving up the outskirts is the only recourse. At least it is better than getting wiped out here¡ª"

    Rubia spoke with a calm expression. However, there was heavy fatigue on her countenance.

    Indeed, she was correct. At this rate, the defense line was going to copse.

    "...U-Understood, I will direct the princess maidens maintaining the barrier to retreat¡ª"

    Just as Fianna was going to give orders using the spirit crystal formunications...

    "¡ªno good¡ªThe fourth barrier..."

    "...!?"

    The voice was suddenly cut off.

    In that instant, the weakened barrier was destroyed. A swarm of tentacles surged in all at once.

    "Kyahhhhhhhhh!" "Noooooooooooo!"

    Entangled by the tentacles, the princess maidens were swallowed into massive cocoons one after another.

    (...No way!?)

    The surge of Leviathan''s tentacles resembled a tide. Just as Georgios, in the middle of guarding the princess maidens, was about to be devoured all at once¡ª

    "Georgios...!

    A second before the tentacles were about to devour Fianna...

    A light shed past, sweeping across Zohar with city wall and the tentacles in its path.

    (...Huh?)

    With the sound of a deafening explosion, a gigantic pir of fire rose up, instantly vaporizing the tentacles.

    The atmosphere was shaking. Fragments and debris that had been tossed up began to fall in session.

    "What on earth happened¡ª"

    No sooner had she spoken, having fallen on the ground due to the impact, Fianna noticed a gigantic shadow overhead on top of her.

    She looked up forcefully, only to see¡ª

    A fortress ruling the sky.

    Layers uponyers of defensive armor. A spirit crystal reactor glowing with red. In addition, there were countless gunports fitted all over the body¡ª

    Velsaria Eva, d in a fortress spirit''s Elemental Panzer.

    "Velsaria, you made it in time, huh¡ª"

    Rubia spoke.

    "I apologize for the dy. Modifications took a substantial amount of time¡ª"

    The visor covering her head opened to reveal Velsaria''s face.

    The fortress spirit fired thrusters while slowly descending,nding on the city wall.

    Crash¡ªUnder the great weight of the heavy defensive armor, part of the city wall copsed.

    To protect Fianna and the others, copsed on the ground, she stepped in front of the continuously regenerating tentacles and dered loudly:

    "Upon the name of the Fahrengart Knights, and upon the honor of the Sylphid Knights of Areishia Spirit Academy, I shall see to it that none shall pass another step forward. Anyone who wishes to conquer Mordis must defeat this Silent Fortress first!"

    In that instant, all the gunports all over her body opened. The fortress spirit''s super firepower attacked all at once.

    Tentacles were torn apart, shredded in the explosion. One after another, the cocoons that had swallowed princess maidens fell to the ground, containing silhouettes of girls all covered in slime.

    "Princess, now is the time to reconstruct the barrier¡ª"

    "...! Understood!"

    Fianna nodded and shouted to the remaining princess maidens.

    "¡ªIt is not over yet. Trust in our Demon King and hold our ground here!"

    Part 5

    The Demon yer held in Kamito''s hand glowed with even more intense silver-white light.

    ''Kamito, your divine power consumption is too intense¡ª!"

    Restia''s voice was almost a scream.

    "...Sorry, hang in there... just a little longer¡ª!"

    Feeling his heart pounding violently, Kamito poured in more divine power.

    He could already feel Ren Ashdoll''s power invading him. Gripped tightly in his left hand, the Vorpal Sword crackled and gave off jet-ck lightning.

    Restia was doing everything she could to suppress the power of darkness.

    ...I can''t waste any more time here.

    For the sake of Ellis and Rinslet, as well as Fianna and the others protecting the town, not to mention ire and Scarlet who were desperately buying time for him, and¡ª

    The refugees of Mordis, trusting in the impostor Demon King¡ª

    ROOOOOOAAAAAAR!

    The dark Sword Saint¡ªAvril Ciel Mais¡ªroared and charged at him. He released a great deal of dark miasma, probably due to sensing Kamito''s divine power expand all at once.

    "Come, use your strongest move¡ª"

    Kamito closed his eyes for a moment, biding his time for that exact instant.

    Then he took a step forward.

    Kamito was waiting. Waiting for his opponent to unleash the most powerful Absolute de Art.

    Apanied by a whirlwind, shes of the sword were released.

    It was the prototype of the sword skill for taking outrge spirits¡ªThe Destructive Form, Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance.

    In this world, there existed only one move capable of countering this skill.

    And the Sword Saint probably did not know of it. The existence of a move for countering the most powerful sword skill¡ª

    After all, the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance was the most powerful move that could be mastered by an ultimate user of the Absolute de Arts.

    There was no need to create an extra sword skill capable of countering it.

    Hence, this was an Absolute de Art created not by the founder, but by a sessor then inherited¡ª

    "¡ªThis is my farewell to you, Avril Ciel Mais!"

    Absolute de Arts, Final Form¡ªLast Strike.

    This was the ultimate mystic technique that Greyworth had sacrificed her career as an elementalist in order to pass on.

    A blinding silver-white sh sliced the dark Sword Saint cleanly into two.

    Kamito did not look back. He knew without having to look back.

    "...Magni... ficent..."

    From behind, he heard that one word.

    Next, immediately, the ultimate Nepenthes Lore¡ªSword Saint Avril Ciel Mais¡ªturned into pitch-ck ash and scattered.

    Kamito bowed his head in apparent respect for the Sword Saint¡ª

    "Guh¡ª"

    Suddenly, he stabbed his swords into the ground and fell on his knees.

    "Ah... Guh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh...!"

    As though to replenish his depleted divine power, the power of darkness swallowed Kamito.

    Part 6

    A crimson sh tore through the air. A Nepenthes Lore was destroyed as a result.

    These were the Scarlet Valkyrie''s mes of purgatory that had shaken Astral Zero in the past¡ª

    "¡ªAre you alright, Master?"

    Worried about ire''s consumption, Scarlet inquired.

    "...Y-Yes, I can still... go on..."

    With sweat dripping from her forehead, ire forced herself to remain calm.

    Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna had all made dramatic progress.

    (...As the team captain, I can''t lose to them!)

    ¡ªAt that moment...

    From inside, a sh of light shed the barrier that ejected all external interference¡ª

    It was a blinding sh of light, intense enough to prate the barrier. This was the light of released divine power.

    (...Kamito!?)

    ire was stunned.

    She recalled what she had heard from her sister just prior to setting off on their mission.

    The light was so bright. If he were to use this much divine power, Kamito''s body would¡ª

    "¡ª! Kamito!"

    ire ran towards the darkness barrier.

    Before setting off from Mordis, ire had heard from her sister about the power of darkness invading Kamito''s body.

    Currently, Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll''s power was eating away at Kamito. As soon as he used too much divine power, Kamito would be devoured by the power of darkness, turning him into the likes of Nepenthes Lore.

    Est alone was massive drain of divine power already. Now in addition to that, there was the darkness spirit''s demon sword. Even if Kamito''s divine power was extraordinary, using two such spirits simultaneously would swiftly deplete him.

    Her sister had said so, if that were to happen¡ª

    ''You must save that man as the Demon King''s princess maiden¡ª''

    It was rumored that princess maidens with strong bonds with the Demon King were able to promote the cirction of his power.

    Like at the de Dance, ire managed to return Kamito to normal through a kiss¡ª

    You should be able to do it¡ªShe had said.

    In front of the towering barrier of darkness, ire halted.

    Even though the Nepenthes Lore responsible for putting it up was gone, the barrier showed no signs of disappearing.

    "Why..."

    ire felt a burning pain as soon as she touched the barrier, stealing her divine power immediately.

    "...! What should I do...?"

    On the other side of barrier, Kamito was suffering.

    At this rate, he might end up devoured by the power of darkness just as her sister had exined¡ª

    ire hesitated for a moment thenmitted her resolve.

    (...My only choice is to use End of Vermilion to crack it open by force.)

    ¡ªThe true me of Elstein should be capable of destroying this barrier that absorbed spirit magic.

    She had no idea whether she would be able to manage it while sustaining Ortlinde, but¡ª

    She focused her awareness into her palm to create a tiny fire.

    The mes then enveloped her entire body. In this manner, she walked into the barrier of darkness.

    "...Ahhhhhhhh...!"

    Intense pain and severe fatigue attacked her entire body.

    A moan bordering on a scream leaked out from her, ire advanced.

    (...Kamito...)

    Her consciousness began to fade. Even so, her feet did not stop.

    "Ah, guh, ahhhhhhhh...!"

    She could see Kamito''s figure on the other side of the barrier.

    Kamito was kneeling on the ground, clutching his head in his hands, groaning in pain.

    "Wait for me, Kamito... I''ll be, right there..."

    Passing through the barrier, ire gently hugged the head of the suffering Kamito.

    Her sister had said that there would be no effect unless she connected with the Demon King through her bond with him.

    Hence¡ª

    (...Kamito, I love you... I love you so much.)

    Carrying the feelings she had always kept hidden, she kissed him.

    Part 7

    "¡ªto... Kamito...!"

    Red hair brushed against his cheek.

    As soon as Kamito woke up, the first thing he saw was ire''s face.

    "...i... re...?"

    "Kamito, thank goodness...!"

    ire felt relieved and exhaled deeply, sitting down on the spot.

    Kamito slowly sat up. His body felt very light. By the time he realized, Ren Ashdoll''s power had vanished. Divine power akin to burning mes began to circte inside him.

    It greatly resembled the divine power that Rubia had poured into him at the purification facility in Mordis.

    "Ah, uh... Umm, well, so... Nee-sama said, doing this, could save you¡ª"

    ire murmured with her face bright red.

    Finally, Kamito realized what had happened.

    It was identical to the time when he rescued Fianna at the imperial capital. Kamito''s Ren Ashdoll power was poured into ire while at the same time, ire''s divine power also flowed into Kamito''s body.

    The soft sensation continued to linger on his lips.

    Looking at ire, Kamito saw ire''s cheeks turn increasingly bright red.

    "...ire, thanks a lot. I''m okay now."

    Wielding his two swords, Kamito slowly stood up. Even though his divine power had recovered to some extent, due to executing Last Strike, his entire body''s muscles were groaning in pain.

    A swing of the Demon yer infused with divine powerpletely annihted the miasma barrier.

    Outside the barrier, Scarlet was locked in an intense battle against three Nepenthes Lores.

    "Leave this to me, you two. Please head over to stop Leviathan first."

    Scarlet spoke while swinging her massive scythe.

    "Will you be okay, Scarlet?"

    Hearing that, ire asked worriedly.

    Even Scarlet looked like she could not avoid getting tired. The mes on her body had grown smaller.

    "I am a Spirit Weapon and can operate autonomously to a certain extent. Once the Demon''s Circuit providing divine power to these ghosts is destroyed, they will not be able to sustain themselves any longer."

    "...Understood."

    ire nodded then ran over to Scorpia, which was exuding an ominous atmosphere.

    The Nepenthes Lores intended to chase Kamito and ire, but Scarlet blocked their path, wielding her massive scythe.

    The mes enveloping her limbs began to surge intensely.

    This was the power of Ren Ashdoll that had flowed into ire''s body.

    "But forget about stalling for time, I might very well defeat them directly¡ª"

    Part 8

    Breaking the closed door and charging into Scorpia¡ª

    What greeted Kamito and ire was a scene from hell.

    "...!"

    ire widened her eyes and waspelled to cover her mouth with her hands.

    Inside the pce, countless tentacles were crawling around like blood vessels, pulsating eerily.

    No patrolling soldiers ordies-in-waiting could be seen inside. There were not a single sign of humans.

    None of those things that wrapped up humans into cocoons could be found anywhere.

    (...Has everyone evacuated, or¡ª)

    The spection surfacing in Kamito''s mind made him nauseous.

    Most likely, this pce was the first ce to merge with Leviathan.

    In other words, all the people inside the pce had already been¡ª

    "...Let''s go, ire."

    "Yes..."

    Kamito and ire nodded calmly, slicing their way through tentacles while charging into the depths of the pce.

    "Restia, can you figure out where that Demon''s Circuit device is located?"

    While running, Kamito asked the demon sword at his waist.

    ''Yes, at the very back of the Hierarch''s Hall where state-level ceremonies are conducted, there should be a passage leading to underground military facilities¡ª''

    "¡ªGot it."

    Kamito drew out the Vorpal Sword and incinerated tentacles to oblivion using jet-ck demon lightning.

    Traversing the pce that had turned into the interior of Leviathan''s body, they reached the Hierarch''s Hall where a giant magic circle had been drawn on the floor.

    As expected¡ª

    At the very back was a tightly shut metal door.

    "Kamito, what is this!?"

    ire cried out in rm.

    Hearing that, Kamito soon noticed. He had seen it before, something simr to this door.

    At the deepest part underground of the mine town Gado, Kamito and team had seen the same kind of door.

    However, unlike that door, which had the Darkness Elemental Lord''s emblem scratched off, this door had the Five Elemental Lords'' emblem erased.

    "...!"

    Suddenly, ire clutched her head and copsed on the spot as though she were dizzy.

    "ire, are you okay?"

    "...Kami... to... Inside here, is something extremely powerful..."

    ire responded in a semi-moan.

    Hailing from the same lineage, ire had inherited talent as a princess maiden. Most likely, she had felt the presence of the strategic-ss militarized spirit that had stolen divine power from the residents of Zohar, thus stunning her as a result.

    "¡ªEst, are you able to destroy that door?"

    ''¡ªYes, Kamito.''

    Est replied.

    Kamito readied the glowing Demon yer then swung at the sealed door in one breath.

    The door was shattered to reveal a mass of viscous darkness upying the interior.

    The walls were covered by flesh resembling mucous membranes, pulsating nonstop. Kamito used the Demon yer''s glow for illumination and the walls of flesh trembled as though in fear.

    "Is this ce the Demon''s Circuit...?"

    ''No, its location is even lower down¡ª''

    Restia replied.

    "...Hmm, I feel a bit dizzy."

    "Yeah, me too."

    Stepping into the darkness, Kamito felt a serious sense of fatigue.

    A moment''s carelessness and one could very well lose consciousness here.

    ''Your divine power will be stolen simply by staying here¡ª''

    "Looks like we need to hurry."

    Kamito and ire quietly descended the staircase leading underground.

    ¡ªAfter who knew how many levels...

    Having spent a long time in the darkness, almost about to faint, they finally reached the end of the staircase.

    Next was a passage leading to yet another door.

    "Let''s go, Kamito¡ª"

    "Yeah..."

    Once again, Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer and destroyed the door.

    Then¡ª

    "...!?"

    The first toe into view was the red color covering the floorpletely.

    Confronted with the most horrific sight, Kamito covered his mouth and ire was forced to turn her face away.

    What had dyed the floor red was a great volume of blood.

    Inside the crimson sea of blood were the bodies of princess maidens who had been drained of life energy. No one was breathing, everyone were dead.

    "W-What is this..."

    ire''s voice trembled. She tightly clutched Kamito''s arm in apparent fear.

    Most likely, these princess maidens were the ones who had released Leviathan''s seal.

    At this moment¡ª

    "¡ªHow splendid, Demon King''s sessor. To think you even managed to vanquish the Sword Saint of antiquity."

    Inside the vast triangr space, an elderly and hoarse voice was heard.

    "...!?"

    Kamito looked up forcefully and raised the glowing Demon yer.

    Only to see at the very top of the equteral triangr room¡ª

    The figure of Sjora Kahn, the Theocracy''s princess.

    "Sjora!?"

    ire cried out in surprise.

    Having lost her seductive good looks, Sjora was now all skin and bones, exhibiting none of her former mor. In addition, her lower half was merged with a beating crimson heart.

    "My original n was to wipe out the rebel army gathered at Mordis and absorb their divine power. Never did I expect you people to be present¡ª"

    Sjora Kahn''s crimson lips curled up to show a terrifying grin.

    "Prepare yourself, Sjora Kahn. For the crimes of using a strategic-ss militarized spirit and ughtering your own countrymen, your atrocities will be tried and punished by the international court!"

    Raising her ming whip, ire shouted.

    "It matters not. We shall concede our defeat on this asion. This Zohar can be yielded to you lot too. However, a mere city of this sort does not count as any heavy setback. ept it as a present for celebrating the revival of the true Demon King. K-Kukukuku, kuhahahahahah!"

    Sjora''s mockingughter resounded all around. The sound did not resemble her sultry voice known to Kamito andpany, instead, it was more akin to theughter of old men.

    In the next instant, together with the gigantic beating heart that she had merged with, Sjora''s body slid down lightly, falling at the feet of Kamito and ire.

    "...What!?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    Sjora Kahn. The girl known as the Theocracy''s witch¡ª

    With a creepy smile on her face, she breathed herst breath.

    "Leviathan stole all her divine power."

    ire murmured quietly.

    "To think the Theocracy''s princess met this kind of demise..."

    "Yeah... But in the end, she said stuff that bothers me..."

    The revival of the true Demon King... What on earth did that mean?

    "Maybe it''s a legend in the Demon King''s cult or something. Let''s investigate itter."

    "..."

    Kamito looked up to the ceiling of the equteral triangr room.

    Having lost Sjora, its controller, the heart¡ªLeviathan''s core¡ªcontinued to beat. As long as this thing existed, Leviathan would probably keep absorbing divine power nonstop.

    With the Demon yer readied, Kamito aimed at the still active heart.

    "Est, I''m counting on you. Finish this¡ª"

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    While Est''s voice sounded in his mind, the Demon yer''s de gave off silver-white light.

    Kamito swung the sacred sword directly, slicing the heart in two.

 Volume 16, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 16, Epilogue</h4>

    As red as blood, the setting sun sank below the vast desert horizon.

    Merged with Leviathan, Zohar stopped in the midst of biting into Mordis'' city wall, looking like the remains of a city¡ª

    Swallowed in cocoons to supply divine power, the many citizens were all rescued by Rubia''s forces and Fianna''s healing team.

    However, the people located at Leviathan''s core region, in Scorpia''s vicinity, were totally drained of divine power and had stopped breathing.

    Even though exact numbers were unclear yet, at least hundreds of civilians were estimated to have been sacrificed.

    Fianna was at the shrine, offering a requiem dance for the deceased.

    Muir and Lily were found near the city wall, unconscious.

    They had apparentlye into contact with the moving Zohar during reconnaissance and ended up swallowed by tentacles. The only reason why the two of them remained unharmed was presumably because Leviathan disliked Muir Alenstarl''s unusual ability, the Jester''s Vise. This was Rubia''s deduction.

    ¡ªReturning safely from Zohar, Kamito''s team was greeted by the fervent cheering of Mordis'' refugees. All over the streets, praises for the Demon King and his princess maidens could be heard. A massive bonfire was lit on the za.

    "...What a pain. Do I have to make another speech?"

    At themand center of the Demon''s Fist, where Rubia was present¡ª

    Kamito sighed in the middle of his report.

    "Indeed. The refugees ce their hopes in the Demon King."

    Rubia said.

    "Yeah, I know that..."

    As the hierarch of the Theocracy, Sjora had unbelievably used a strategic-ss spirit and tried to sacrifice her people. What kind of futurey in store for the Theocracy? Whether the refugees of Mordis or the residents of Zohar, everyone must feel quite unsettled.

    "If only we could locate Sdia Kahn at least."

    "A fair point. Currently, my subordinates are conducting a search."

    The Theocracy''s second princess, Sdia Kahn, was nowhere to be found in Zohar. Reportedly, just before Leviathan activated, someone had brought her out of prison, then went missing. Sdia was a trained elementalist and could not have weakened and died in such short time... Supposing she had taken the chance to escape during the turmoil, but if that were the case, it was quite baffling why she had not showed up in front of the rebel army that supported her.

    "Since Sdia Kahn''s whereabouts are unknown, why not simply be the true Demon King and rule the Theocracy?"

    "You must be joking."

    "Have you ever seen me make a joke?"

    Staring squarely at Kamito, Rubia spoke.

    Kamito shrugged and shook his head.

    "Making me the true Demon King? I''ll pass."

    Picking up the Demon King''s mask, Kamito turned around and walked out of Rubia''s room.

    In the passage outside, ire and the others were waiting for him, dressed as the Demon King''s concubines.

    "Kamito, time to go..."

    "Everyone is waiting."

    "Yeah..."

    Putting on the skull mask, Kamito draped the blood-colored cloak over himself.

    The Theocracy had been liberated and sessfully obtained the Dragon King''s protection.

    This news would soon shake the All Nations Conference at the Ordesian Empire.

    ...By the way, something bothered Kamito. It was Sjora Kahn''sst moments.

    ¡ªThe revival of the true Demon King. What on earth did that mean?

    Feeling a premonition of war and turmoil, Kamito the impostor Demon King made his appearance on the balcony.

 Volume 16, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 16, Afterword</h4>

    In other words, use my body as you please¡ª

    And so, thank you for your patience, everyone. I hereby present the 16th installment of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "The Demon King Returns in Triumph"!

    First of all, let me express my utmost apologies for the dy in publication time. Due to various production issues being resolved now, I''d like to release new volumes more regrly this year, so please forgive me.

    So, in this volume, Ren Ashdoll and Restia''s past rtionship has be slightly clearer. In addition, I''ve inserted plenty of subtle foreshadowing.

    The series is reaching an end, so whates next is tying up loose ends in plot and foreshadowing. It looks I''ll be able to end the story without issue by following the initial n to make the series as long as possible. This is all thanks to your support, dear readers.

    Nextes the usual acknowledgements. Thank you to Nimura-sensei for the beautiful illustrations. Spirit mille-feuille and the girls are extremely cute, but Kamito''s Over©–rd-like appearance in the color illustration is the best. By the way, on the shoulder of the O©–erlord-like Kamito is Simorgh under a coat of metallic paint.

    Next there is Hyouju Issei-sensei who is in charge of the manga version. Thank you for adapting the original work into a high-quality manga. As a manga, the quality is extremely high, with a very rich presentation. As a reader myself, I look forward to every month''s release greatly. Est''s galian sword design and others are awesome. I hope the manga version''s final tankouban volume will be on sale in March!

    Editor, I''ve caused so much trouble for you again...!

    Finally, I am extremely thankful to all of you, dear readers who had supported me since the beginning. I always print out thements in the surveys and read them over and over again. Also, to everyone who wrote letters to me, I''m sorry for replyingte in recently times. The support and encouragement from everyone fills me with delight. By the way, in the poprity poll of Volume 15, Restia was first, Leonora was 2nd. Leonora-san so powerful...!

    Due to limits on page count, I''ll do a status update next. Since my hobby is simtion-type board games, so on a whim, I created a doujin board game, called "Draft Sengoku Daimyo", a battle formations game with a Sengoku Era theme. Here on, I''d like to continue participating in the creation of doujin games.

    Also, I recently fell in love with improvised rap. When watchingte-night TV, the people whoe on stage are likenguage magicians, it feels very deep to me, so I bought many DVDs of rap battling contests to study, yo!

    As for foreign TV dramas, every season of "Game of Thrones" fills me with anticipation. I really enjoy the original novels, but the television series is great too. The budget is astounding. This is definitely a must-see masterpiece.

    As for smartphone games, I''m ying "Chain Chronicle" and "Shadowverse." The deck I use is Underworld Royal. Although the win rate isn''t very high, I''m very happy when using Underworld to decide matches...

    That''s all, a status update without any focus. I am alive and well, just so you know!

    ¡ªSo, in the next volume, that "Demon King" from a thousand years ago and a certain someone with an intimate past with Est might be making their appearance in Volume 17, "The Sacred Maiden Arrives." See you again then! (There might be a short story collection before that.)

    Shimizu Yuu, January 2017

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Again, I barely made the deadline this time.

    Sorry for making trouble for everyone...

    Nimura

 Elemental Festa, 1 - Great Festival of the Spirits at the Imperial Capital

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 1 - Great Festival of the Spirits at the Imperial Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    "Hah¡ª!"

    With a silver sh, the slicing attack ripped through the darkness.

    Jet-ck feathers instantly scattered, disappearing into space as particles of light.

    ¡ªBut that was all.

    There was no sensation of having inflicted a critical blow.

    "...!"

    "Fufu, what a shame, Kamito. But you''ve still got far to go¡ª"

    A flutter of gorgeous hair, bearing the color of night.

    Apanied by a swish of pale fingers in the darkness, lightning erupted in the next instant.

    With an earsplitting crack, the dagger in the boy''s hand shattered from one strike of lightning. This was an elemental waffe formed from a steel spirit with whom he had made a simple contract.

    While clicking his tongue, the boy retreated. Drawing his backup weapon¡ªa mithril dagger¡ªhe searched for the enemy presence lurking in the darkness.

    (Where are you, darkness spirit¡ª?)

    While pouring divine power to make the de glow and confirm his footing, the boy cautiously moved around.

    This battle arena of the Instructional School, with itsplicatedndscape, was a ce of death. One misstep would bring the same fate as those countless corpses that had been struck down into the bottom of the abyss.

    Although the Instructional School''s elders firmly believed this boy to be the reincarnation of the Demon King from a thousand years ago, they had no intention of safeguarding his life because of that.

    Suppose he were to die here, then it would only mean that his capacity was insufficient to be the Demon King''s sessor. That was all.

    Suddenly, the boy noticed slight movement in the darkness.

    (Over there huh¡ª)

    Through instinct alone, the boy threw the dagger, infused with divine power.

    ¡ªHowever, the presence had already vanished. shing silver, the de flew across empty space.

    "...!?"

    "It''s still too early for you to kill me¡ª"

    ¡ªBefore he knew it.

    The presence had moved to his back.

    Pale fingers, soft and smooth, caressed the boy''s neck.

    Instantly, the lightning surging through his entire body made him lose consciousness.

    Part 2

    "...mito, hey, Kamito... Are you okay?"

    "...Ooh, hmm..."

    He felt a hand''s cold touch on his forehead.

    A ticklish feeling of hair came from his cheek.

    From thefort of light sleep, he opened his eyes slightly¡ª

    Only to see dusk-colored eyes looking at him with a worried expression.

    "...!"

    The boy¡ªKamito¡ªhastily tried to get up, but she held his head down.

    "You''ll feel dizzy if you get up suddenly."

    "...Don''t treat me... as a child, darkness spirit..."

    "Indeed you are a child. What a shame, as you are now, you cannot kill me."

    Keeping Kamito''s head resting on herp, the girl chuckled.

    She was the darkness spirit of the highest rank¡ªRestia Ashdoll.

    Sent to educate the Demon King''s sessor, she was his final and most formidable opponent.

    Despite having defeated numerous fighters to obtain the Instructional School''s number one seat at the mere age of nine, Kamito had yet to gain the upper hand over this darkness spirit, not even for one move or a half.

    "...L-Let go of me..."

    "Your body should still be numb. Just rest here for a while."

    The slender fingers were gently caressing Kamito''s hair.

    Feeling like his strength had drained all of a sudden, Kamito could not help but rx his body.

    "Yes, this is right. Until your paralysis subsides, I''ll just tell a bedtime story."

    "..."

    Hearing that, Kamito gave up on resisting, closing his eyes.

    This was because the bedtime stories she told were Kamito''s only avenue for learning about the outside world, and it was very interesting information.

    "...Go ahead if you want."

    "How very unforthright."

    The darkness spirit girl shrugged slightly.

    "...Hmm, well then, let''s talk about the imperial capital today."

    "Imperial capital?"

    "Yes. The Ordesia Empire''s capital, Ostdakia. Have you heard of the name?"

    "Something like the most magnificent city on the continent, right..."

    Looking up at the sky, Kamito muttered.

    "Indeed. It was the stronghold city built by the holy maiden Areishia who vanquished the Demon King a thousand years ago. Its outer walls are very solid with many guardian spirits protecting it. The city center is where the Nefescal Pce sits, surrounded by a vast garden, with the residences of nobles around¡ª"

    The darkness spirit girl talked about the imperial capital''s details one by one.

    However, this would be too concise to call a bedtime story. Her tone of voice was like reciting facts that had been prepared ahead of time.

    Lying on the girl''sp, Kamito was already yawning. Her bedtime stories in the past were much more interesting, enough to pique the young Kamito''s curiosity.

    "I think that''s enough about the imperial capital. Instead, I want to hear more about the mountain ranges where many dragons live inside the Dracunia Empire¡ª"

    "Haha, the imperial capital is very boring, huh?"

    Restia smiled wryly and shrugged.

    "But this is necessary information, you know?"

    "...What do you mean?"

    Just as Kamito asked in return...

    "Don''t go pouring useless information into the Demon King''s sessor, darkness spirit¡ª"

    Figures d in gray robes appeared silently out of the darkness.

    They were the absolute rulers of this facility¡ªthe instructors of the Instructional School.

    "I''m just providing the necessary information for the mission."

    Restia red coldly at the old men.

    Her voice was exceptionally cold,pletely different from how she spoke to Kamito.

    "Don''t get ahead of yourself, darkness spirit."

    "Never forget that we can seal you away any time."

    "...Of course I know that."

    Restia whispered. Her voice was trembling.

    Kamito rose up from herp.

    "A mission for me?"

    He asked the old men.

    "Yes. Next, we are sending you to the imperial capital."

    "The imperial capital..."

    Looking back abruptly, Kamito saw Restia nodding affirmatively.

    "You will steal the militarized spirits used in the Great Festival of the Spirits at the imperial capital"

    The old men''s ominous voices echoed in the darkness.

    Part 3

    ¡ªThat was four days ago.

    Infiltrating a caravan of merchants in the trade of spirit crystal smuggling, they had arrived at the imperial capital two days earlier through a trading city in the desert. After sneaking into the city, theyy low in a hiding ce prepared by the Instructional School while gathering information.

    This was a room with no windows in a cheap inn.

    From outside the musty room, the cheers ofrge crowds could be heard.

    (Finally, the day is here...?)

    The Great Festival of the Spirits was a celebration held once a year in the imperial capital. Kamito''s mission was to steal the militarized spirits that were scheduled to be unveiled during the festival.

    After adjustments, militarized spirits could fetch astronomical prices on the ck market, even if they were from ancient generations. The main buyers were small countries that were unable to develop their own military capabilities.

    But this time, the militarized spirits to be stolen were no ordinary ones.

    ording to sources, the militarized spirits to be unveiled were originally from the seventy-two spirits used by Demon King Solomon before undergoing adjustments. Assuming this was true, it was hardly surprising that the old men of the Instructional School, being worshipers of the Demon King, would be willing to take the risk to obtain them.

    (...Those two haven''t been caught by the spirit knights, right?)

    Teamed up with Kamito in this mission were the fighters ranked second and seventh.

    Number Seven, Lily me, was in charge of gathering information in the imperial capital and securing avenues of retreat. Number Two, Muir Alenstarl the Monster, was to use her special ability to make spirits go berserk and attack the za where the princess maiden was going to dance as an offering to the spirits. As for Kamito, his task was to take advantage of the chaos during the attack to seize the catalysts where the militarized spirits were sealed. These were the main points of the operation.

    Those two should be hiding somewhere else in the imperial capital but Kamito was not informed of the specifics. Regrmunications was the responsibility of several spies in the city.

    ¡ªThud.

    At this moment, the faint sound of a cup being put down was heard from a corner in the room.

    "Kamito, how much longer are you going to stay in this gloomy room?"

    Still sitting on the floor, Kamito opened one eye.

    He saw the darkness spirit girl sitting in a chair, looking at him with an exasperated expression on her face.

    "The mission begins after the princess maiden begins her dance performance. There''s no need to go out."

    Replying curtly with these two sentences, Kamito closed his eyes again.

    Sitting on the floor with his hands in a meditative pose, he concentrated. Raising his focus in this manner before carrying out an important mission was his habit.

    "You''re wrong. Although it''s a bit weirding from me as a darkness spirit, do know that it''s nice to be under the sun sometimes. On a rare visit to the imperial capital, how could you stay cooped in a room all the time?"

    "Going out only increases unnecessary risk."

    "Sigh, what am I going to do with you..."

    Sighing, Restia stood up from her chair.

    The gradually approaching presence forced Kamito to open his eyes.

    "...W-What are you doing?"

    "Listen carefully."

    Smiling tenderly, Restia pulled Kamito''s ear hard.

    "...R-Restia... W-What are you doing!?"

    "No matter how tolerant I am, there are times when even I get angry. Got that, Kamito?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    Restia was giving off a dark aura from her entire body.

    Faced with this top-ranked darkness spirit''s astounding pressure, Kamito could not help but feel fear.

    "I, starting yesterday, have felt extremely bored."

    Bringing her smiling face close to Kamito, Restia showed no smile in her eyes.

    "Very well, we shall go out¡ª"

    "Can''t you just go out on your own?"

    Despite Kamito''s continued resistance, Restia grabbed him by the back of the neck.

    "Kamito, this is a lesson."

    "Lesson?"

    "Yes. I am teaching you the techniques for melding into the crowd seamlessly when infiltrating cities."

    Smiling, Restia forced Kamito outside.

    Part 4

    ¡ªMeanwhile at the same time...

    Inside the Elstein family''s alternate residence within the premises of the Nefescal Pce, a princess maiden presiding over this year''s Great Festival of the Spirits was currently preparing for the dance performance.

    "Wow, Nee-sama, you''re so pretty!"

    Seeing the princess maiden dressed in ceremonial garb, the girl with crimson hair eximed.

    Her hair was styled into twintails on the sides of her head. Spinning rapidly, her ruby-like eyes looked very cute.

    The girl''s name was ire Elstein.

    She was the nine-year-old and second daughter of Duke Elstein.

    "Thank you, ire¡ª"

    Hearing that, the princess maiden smiled gently and responded.

    She was Rubia Elstein, both ire''s blood sister as well as the Divine Ritual Institute''s premier princess maiden, the candidate for the Fire Elemental Lord''s next Queen.

    Tasked with presiding over the final ceremony in this Great Festival of the Spirits, she was shouldering the most important mission.

    "The bosom area of this ceremonial outfit is a little loose..."

    Looking down at the gap in front of her chest, Rubia sighed. The fact that her bust was slightly smaller than girls of simr age did cause this princess maiden, who could be called perfect in all respects, a slight sense of inferiority.

    "Just stuff something inside. It''ll be fine."

    "...I-I guess you''re right. ire, could you helpb my hair?"

    "Sure, Nee-sama¡ª"

    ire nodded and slowlybed the long crimson hair in a clumsy manner.

    This gorgeous hair, resembling mes, mesmerized even ire as the younger sister.

    "I hope the summoning dance will finish peacefully without incident, Nee-sama."

    "Rumor has it that the Lindwyrm being entertained as the main guest is especially difficult to please among the irritable dragon spirits. An inexperienced dance isn''t going to satisfy him."

    "Please don''t push yourself too far. After all, your body is a bit frail, Nee-sama."

    "My juniors at the Divine Ritual Institute said the same thing to me."

    Rubia smiled.

    "Don''t worry, I won''t overdo it."

    She stood up straight.

    Her noble and elegant mannerisms were making ire exim wow, utterly impressed.

    Embroidered with a fire dragon design, the white ceremonial outfit was custom made for this Great Festival of the Spirits. The cor adorning her crimson hair was decorated with spirit crystals of varying sizes, serving to enhance this princess maiden''s beauty.

    Woof, woof!

    ¡ªJust at this moment, barking could be heard from the mansion''s courtyard.

    "Good grief, how much longer will you make ady like me wait!?"

    ire looked out the window to see an angry blonde girl with a white wolf.

    "Oh no! I promised Rinslet-chan to walk around the festival with her!"

    Covering her mouth, ire began to get anxious.

    "Don''t mind me, go enjoy yourself at the festival."

    Seeing that, Rubia ced her hand on ire''s head.

    "O-Okay! I''ll look forward to your dance performance, Nee-sama!"

    Nodding, ire frantically rushed outside.

    Part 5

    The bazaar located near the imperial capital''s east gate was where merchants gathered from all over the continent. During the Great Festival of the Spirits, this was a ce where massive crowds frequented the open-air stalls.

    "The princess maiden this year seems to be Duke Elstein''s eldest daughter¡ª"

    "Now that''s a prodigy who entered the Divine Ritual Institute at the youngest age. This year''s Great Festival of the Spirits is surely gonna be a sess!"

    Mixed among the noise of the lively festivities, two people were walking in the streets.

    "Kamito, your gaze is too sharp."

    "Shut up..."

    Retorting unhappily, Kamito quickened his pace.

    The two of them were dressed in long overcoats with their heads wrapped in stoles. This was typical attire of desert merchants.

    Due to arge number of immigrants from the Alphas Theocracy living in the imperial capital''s eastern zone, dressing like this in the crowd did not look out of ce.

    "Hey, wait up. Our cover story is a pair of siblings!"

    Hearing that, Kamito halted and looked back.

    "...You and I are merely traveling together due to a mission. Don''t get in my way."

    Saying that, he prepared to start walking again.

    "Okay, watch out or we''ll get separated."

    "Don''t touch me, darkness spirit!"

    Restia reached out to hold Kamito''s hand but he shook her off forcefully.

    The surrounding pedestrians looked at them in puzzlement.

    "Sorry, nothing''s going on here..."

    Restia unwrapped her stole and nced around.

    Her dusk-colored eyes instantly produced a mysterious glow. In the next instant, people continued on their way, ignoring the two of them as though nothing had happened.

    "Okay, let''s go¡ª"

    "..."

    With a very reluctant look, Kamito followed behind her.

    The main street was filled with festive music. The fragrance of fruit could be smelled from open-air stalls.

    Following Restia into a restaurant, the two of them took seats facing the street.

    "...Phew, a festival sure is nice. I haven''t been this free for a thousand years already."

    Sitting on a chair, the darkness spirit girl stretched her armsfortably.

    Naturally, she had not manifested her jet-ck wings on her back.

    ced on the table were two fruit parfaits that she had ordered. Kamito did not touch them, simply ring at Restia.

    "Why must I team up with you? I can do it on my own."

    "If you were on your own, Kamito, you would''ve been caught by the Imperial Knights in no time, tortured and interrogated in Balsas Prison right now."

    While eating the strawberries in the parfait, she nced at the building towering in the center of the imperial capital.

    It was said that inside the famous Balsas Prison was a jail specialized for imprisoning elementalists. Once captured, even an Instructional Schoolbatant would find it impossible to escape.

    "Torture doesn''t work on me."

    "...That''s not the issue here."

    Restia sighed in exasperation.

    "Looks like it was correct for me to follow you¡ª"

    Saying that, she ced the other parfait in front of Kamito.

    "Here, eat up."

    "I''m fine with this. It''s enough for three days."

    Kamito shook his head and took out a small bag from his overcoat''s pocket.

    He poured out two or three pills from the bag.

    This was food made by mixing several herbs with honey and drying it. Instructional Schoolbatants would also carry these on their person during long-term missions.

    "...Like I said, that''s not the issue here. You''re going to raise suspicions around you."

    "...?" Hearing that, Kamito looked up with a surprised face.

    Couples in the surroundings were looking at them with eyes of suspicion.

    Restia silently reached out and took the bag of pills under the table.

    "..."

    Staring at the parfait, Kamito lowered his head without moving.

    "What''s the matter?"

    Seeing Kamito frozen, Restia asked.

    "...How, what''s the right way?"

    "Huh?"

    "...This thing, how to eat it."

    While looking away in embarrassment, Kamito asked quietly.

    Restia chuckled then said:

    "Very well, let me teach you."

    Scooping out a spoonful of ice cream, she extended it in front of Kamito.

    "Open your mouth."

    "...S-Stop joking around, I can eat by myself!"

    "That won''t do. We won''t look like a couple, right?"

    Restia nced at the couple on the adjacent table.

    ...The girl was asking the boy to say "ah~"

    "Huh!? I thought our cover story was siblings¡ª"

    Yelling in panic, Kamito swiftly found his mouth stuffed by Restia''s spoon.

    "...!"

    "How is it?"

    (...What the heck!?)

    Having almost forgotten the taste of sweetness, Kamito was entranced for a moment¡ª

    "¡ªThis year, it''s Rubia-oneesama presiding over the ceremony."

    Suddenly, the voices of two girls walking in the streets outside the restaurant could be heard.

    "This year''s Great Festival of the Spirits will surely be a sess. In a few years, I''ll make ritual offerings to the great Elemental Lords too!"

    "Always nervous in front of crowds, you wouldn''t be able to do it."

    "Th-That''s not true, I''ll definitely be like Nee-sama in the future¡ª"

    "...There there. Look, it is already starting¡ª"

    Soon, the two gradually faded into the distance. Listening to their voices¡ª

    Kamito recovered a grim face like a fighter''s.

    "¡ªConfirming the next move."

    He lowered his voice as though muttering to himself.

    "Once the Princess Maiden of me begins the ceremony, Muir''s militarized spirit will take action. While the Imperial Knights are in turmoil, we will go steal the sealed spirits that were meant to be used in the ritual¡ª"

    Restia smiled faintly and wiped off ice cream that was sticking to Kamito''s cheek.

    "...!?"

    "It''s time to go¡ª"

    "There''s still plenty of time before the mission."

    "What are you talking about? It''s not every day you get a festival, you know?"

    Restia extended her hand towards Kamito who was still sitting in his chair.

    "Come on, hurry up, will you?"

    "..."

    "Cover story is siblings, right?"

    Lowering his head, Kamito held that hand.

    "...Only because of the mission."

    Part 6

    While holding hands with Restia, Kamito walked along the noisy streets.

    While the sun was setting, arge crowd began to gather in the za.

    "The ritual is about to start..."

    "Yes. Once the sun sets fully, the bell will ring in the city. Then a massive portable shrine wille out."

    "Riding it will be the Princess Maiden of me, right?"

    Looking up at the countless spirits flying in the night sky as balls of light, Kamito whispered.

    Suddenly, Restia halted, causing Kamito almost to trip and fall.

    "...What''s wrong, darkness spirit?"

    Restia was looking at a silver hair ornament disyed at an open-air stall.

    "That''s quite a pretty hair ornament. May I have a look?"

    "Wow, you''ve got good eyes, miss. This is a silver ornament crafted in the Theocracy."

    The stall''s owner made a friendly smile and rubbed his hands together.

    "Let me see."

    Restia unwrapped her stole with a flutter of her long and gorgeous hair the color of the night.

    Seeing her otherworldly beauty, the stall owner gasped.

    "The mission above all. Don''t act conspicuously, darkness spirit."

    "Don''t worry. ...Hmm, does it look good?"

    Putting on the hair ornament the stall owner had handed to her, Restia looked slightly shy. It was a side to her that Kamito had never seen before, making a certain type of unknown feeling rampage in Kamito''s heart.

    "...Who knows."

    Seeing Kamito look away, she smiled mischievously.

    "Kamito, will you buy it for me?"

    "...You can buy it yourself, right?"

    "I didn''t bring any money."

    "If it''s you¡ª"

    You can easily use mind control, right? Before Kamito could finish his retort, he found his lips¡ª

    Pressed shut by a swift index finger.

    "Seriously, it''s times like these that are only natural if the younger brother buys it for the sister."

    Restia spoke softly in a sulking voice.

    "...Is that really how it works?"

    Even as the Instructional School''s strongest fighter, Kamito knew almost nothing about this kind ofmon sense in the outside world. He wondered if the stall owner might get suspicious if he were to refuse stubbornly at this time.

    "...Fine, I''ll take this one."

    Kamito paid the stall owner with a silver coin.

    "Thank you, Kamito¡ª"

    epting the hair ornament, Restia smiled and knelt down in front of Kamito.

    "Okay, could you help me put it on?"

    "...Something so small, you can do it yourself, right?"

    "Like I said, this is what a younger brother ought to do."

    "..."

    Kamito swallowed his words and reluctantly pinned the hair ornament.

    "Hmmm, this somehow feels a bit embarrassing..."

    "Don''t do anything redundant, darkness spirit¡ª"

    Kamito red at her. Just then...

    A loud bell sounded throughout the city streets.

    Part 7

    The sun hadpletely set and night had fallen.

    Lights from flying spirits dotted the night sky while noisy festive music resounded everywhere. This was supposed to be a scene conveying the solemnity of the Great Festival of Spirits to everyone, but Kamito was not moved the slightest.

    "¡ªSpirit knights as bodyguards, four of them huh."

    Some distance away from the za where the dance offering was to take ce, Kamito was on a building''s rooftop.

    Lying in a prone position, he observed the massive portable shrine advancing through the main street. The pnquin''s four corners had mini-shrines for keeping magic apparatus within them.

    These were the four militarized spirits that were about to be unveiled to the public.

    On the stage, a princess maiden with brilliant me-like crimson hair was preparing for the ritual.

    The biggest ceremony in the Great Festival of the Spirits was the ritual dance performance offered by the princess maiden.

    Pulling up his mask, Kamito leaned out from the roof.

    "Let''s do it, darkness spirit¡ª"

    "Fufu, affirmative."

    Scattering jet-ck feathers, Restianded on the roof.

    In the next instant, her figure vanished, turning into a dagger.

    The jet-ck de looked as though it was forged from endless darkness itself.

    Named the "Stinger," the Dagger of ck Death, this was not an elemental waffe formed from a spirit contract. It was nothing more than a weapon formed ording to her will. This was a branch of shapeshifting spirit magic only essible to a fraction of top-ranked spirits.

    Kamito silently pulled out the dagger that was stabbed into an innocent family''s roof.

    The dagger was unexpectedly light and extremely to his liking.

    Carrying the Princess Maiden of me, the portable shrine arrived in front of the za.

    The music stopped and the huge crowd held their breath. Just at that instant...

    A blinding sh of light exploded on the za.

    Part 8

    Suddenly ripping through space, a massive berserk spirit appeared in the middle of the za.

    A giant beast of steel, all covered in sharp des,monly called the Beast of G¨¦vaudan, it was a militarized spirit that had been deployed by the Ordesia Empire in older eras.

    The spirit''s sudden intrusion caused a wave of screams as the crowd entered a state of panic.

    The steel beast''s massive limbs swept away the open-air stalls, piercing buildings built from stone. A cloud of dust rose in the surroundings. Spirits flying in the sky shed violently.

    Having lost its rationality to Muir Alenstarl''s Jester''s Vise, the spirit was currently in state of rampage. Before getting broken from use, it was probably going to keep engaging in destruction at the za.

    The spirit knights guarding the portable shrine instantly appeared. Releasing their elemental waffen, they charged at the berserk militarized spirit.

    (Now is the chance¡ª)

    At the same time, Kamito took a leap in the darkness.

    He swiftly moved across rooftops by leaping, approaching the portable shrine under the cover of darkness.

    (Muir''s militarized spirit can buy thirty seconds of time, I have to finish the job before that¡ª"

    Silently descending to the ground, he used his momentum to charge at the portable shrine.

    Due to the dust cloud, his view was almost entirely blocked. However, he had already grasped the targets'' locations.

    Of the mini-shrines set up at the north, east, south, west corners of the portable shrine, two of them carried magic apparatus where the Demon King''s spirits were sealed. All he needed to do was take the Demon King''s spirits, he could ignore the other two.

    Under the cover of darkness and the noisymotion, Kamito jumped onto the edge of the giant portable shrine and ran to the north mini-shrine closest to him¡ª

    "Take that!"

    The demon de stabbed into the mini-shrine''s door.

    The door was easily broken, revealing the magic apparatus kept inside. The enshrined object was ancient single-edged de. Sealed inside was the Demon King''s spirit.

    ''¡ªIndeed. Sealed here is the demon song spirit, Siren.''

    Restia''s voice sounded in his mind.

    Forcibly cutting the barrier open, Kamito took the sword-shaped magic apparatus. Securing the heavy sword on his back, he immediately prepared to steal the next target¡ªBut just at that moment...

    "...! You there, what are you doing here!"

    An invisible sh swept lightly across Kamito''s cheek from the darkness. Stepping back reflexively, he pulled away and faced off against the enemy.

    (...A spirit knight huh.)

    Standing before his eyes was a female knight using an elemental waffe in the form of a full moon de.

    Evidently only three of the knights had gone to suppress Muir''s militarized spirit, leaving one to guard this ce.

    "...To think it''s a child!?"

    The knight could not believe her eyes for a moment, whispering¡ª

    But very soon, she noticed the sword on Kamito''s back and exuded sharp killing intent.

    "W-Watch this¡ª"

    Yelling, she swung the full moon de horizontally.

    The de produced a gust of slicing wind flying towards him, scraping the roof of the portable shrine.

    "...!"

    Kamito used his demon de to deflect the wind de then hid desperately in the darkness.

    The mission was ultimately about stealing the sealed spirits. There was nothing to gain from excess fighting.

    (Muir''s spirit willst for fifteen more seconds¡ª)

    "Don''t think you can escape by jumping!"

    Enveloped in fierce wind, the knight chased after him. She soon circled around in front of Kamito.

    (...Gah, this sword is so heavy...!)

    The sword sealing the Demon King''s spirit was no small burden for Kamito''s rtively small frame. Under such conditions, the assassination sword techniques of his specialty were unusable.

    "Give up!"

    Faced with the swinging full moon de, Kamito hastily blocked with the Stinger.

    "G-Gah...!"

    A sh of des. However, Kamito had no hopes of winning a pure contest of strength. Compared to the knight''s weapon which was the elemental waffe of a contracted spirit, Kamito''s demon de was nothing more than an item transformed from Restia ording to her own will. There was an overwhelming difference between the two.

    ''¡ªYou''re hopeless, Kamito. I''ll lend you a hand.''

    At this moment, the demon de spoke. Instantly, lightning erupted from the jet-ck de¡ª!

    "...Wha, ah, ahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Struck by ck lightning, the knight screamed and backed away.

    Seizing this opening, Kamito lunged forward¡ª

    "Hah!"

    He stabbed the demon de into the armor.

    "...Guh, ah...!"

    The sound of armor shattering. Eyes opened wide, the knight fell in the darkness.

    "Huff, huff, huff¡ª"

    ''Kamito, you didn''t take a life, did you?''

    Restia''s voice was uncharacteristically anxious.

    "I''m not gonna do something that stupid¡ª"

    While whispering, Kamito ran to the south side of the portable shrine.

    As the Demon King''s sessor, Kamito was the only person in the Instructional School forbidden from taking human life despite being a trained assassin. This was because the old men believed that randommoners were unworthy of being the Demon King''s first sacrifice. Only by personally killing the one he treasured most would the condition be fulfilled for the Demon King''s awakening.

    However, the treasured person who truly had value in being killed¡ªFor Kamito whose normal human emotions had been taken away, it was hard to imagine the day when he would find something like that¡ª

    ''Good. After all, the one you must kill is¡ª''

    "Hold on, there''s someone in front of the shrine!?"

    Restia''s whisper was overwhelmed by Kamito''s voice.

    Amidst the endless screaming¡ª

    That girl was unshaken by the surrounding chaos, standing quietly in the darkness.

    She had crimson hair that resembled mes. With ruby eyes carrying unyielding determination, she red at Kamito.

    "¡ªI know not who you are, but I shall not let you have this spirit!"

    With a flutter of her ceremonial outfit''s hem, the girl spoke solemnly.

    (...C-Could this be the Princess Maiden of me!?)

    Kamito silently groaned.

    Her presence waspletely unexpected. The instant Muir Alenstarl''s militarized spirit appeared, she should have been evacuated by the bodyguard knights.

    (...Did she stay back, intending to guard the sealed spirits?)

    "Rubia-sama, it''s very dangerous, pleasee back!"

    Under the portable shrine, the guards wailed.

    "No, guarding this ce is my duty as a princess maiden. Please stand down."

    Saying that, the Princess Maiden of me opened the door to the mini-shrine behind her.

    She took out the enshrined sounding staff and silently prepared a stance.

    The staff with the Demon King''s spirit sealed in it had a gemstone embedded in its front end, glowing with bright red light.

    ''Kamito, watch out!''

    "...! No way, she''s nning to release that militarized spirit!?"

    The princess maiden was clearly not an elementalist trained inbat. However, her divine power reserves would surpass an ordinary spirit knight''s.

    Suppose that was true, then controlling arge militarized spirit singlehandedly was not impossible¡ª

    (Then I have to hurry before the militarized spirit is released¡ª)

    Holding the demon de, Kamito rushed forward all at once.

    However, a magic circle appeared at the princess maiden''s feet in that instant, pouring a surge of zing mes.

    Appearing out of the magic circle was a two-headed hound all covered in mes. She must have set up automatically activating magic beforehand as a precaution.

    "¡ªTime to hunt, Lava Hound!"

    The ming hound pounced at Kamito''s throat.

    Kamito clicked his tongue and switched the demon de to a reverse grip¡ª

    Then he drew out another mithril dagger from his chest.

    "Assassination technique¡ªDual Snakes!"

    Two shes flew through the darkness, chopping the two-headed hound into halves.

    However, just before vanishing, theva hound turned into magical fire, roaring in Kamito''s surroundings.

    (Stalling for time eh¡ª)

    Kamito brushed the mes aside with the demon de and rushed forward.

    At this time, the Princess Maiden of me''s incantation of release was about to finish.

    "One of the Demon King''s servants, ruling over zing mes of crimson, show thyself at this time and ce¡ª"

    ''¡ªKamito, this is bad. Let''s retreat.''

    Restia''s acute voice swept across his mind.

    WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!

    The roar of a beast came from the other side of the za. Either the spirit knights had defeated Muir''s militarized spirit or the spirit had been broken by the Jester''s Vise, self-destructing.

    (...But the mission''s objective is to steal two spirits of the Demon King''s.)

    ''You have already stolen one sessfully. That should be enough¡ª''

    Indeed, once the three spirit knights who had gone to the za returned, there was no hope of winning. Obsessing over the second spirit would also endanger Muir who was hiding nearby.

    (...Gah, is the opportunity lost...?)

    Just as Kamito decided to retreat and was about to turn around to leave...

    (...My foot!?)

    By the time he noticed, faint light was glowing underfoot.

    This was bind magic for immobilizing someone.

    (¡ªI can''t believe she can use spirit magic while chanting a releasing incantation!?)

    Kamito groaned in surprise... It was almost impossible to believe. To be able to control such high-level spirit magic at such a young age, this talent was enough to rival the most elite of the continent''s princess maidens, the Queens¡ª

    Hastily, Kamito stabbed the demon de into the ground, dispelling the magic.

    ¡ªHowever, it was toote. The Princess Maiden of me had already raised the sounding staff towards the sky.

    "Thou shalt disy the might of berserk violence¡ªthe hell me spirit named Ifrit."

    The instant she chanted the words of releasing...

    The sounding staff in her hand erupted with intense light.

    Appearing forth was a scarlet archdemon whose entire body was enveloped in scorching congration.

    "O fool, repent your sins and turn into charcoal¡ª"

    Saying that, the Princess Maiden of me swung the sounding staff downwards.

    The archdemon inhaled deeply and spewed ming breath at Kamito.

    "...!?"

    Spreading radially, the ming breath was too wide to escape.

    Just a moment before Kamito was about to be devoured by the mes¡ª

    ''¡ªDon''t worry, Kamito. I shall protect you.''

    Restia''s calm voice sounded.

    The Stinger disappeared from Kamito''s hand¡ª

    Then appearing before his eyes was the darkness spirit girl, spreading her twin wings of jet ck.

    "...Darkness spirit!? You¡ª"

    Restia lightly extended her hand at the crimson ze.

    With a flutter of gorgeous ck hair, beautiful feathers of jet ck scattered and incinerated.

    "...Hmm, what... amazing, heat... As expected of, Demon King''s spirit, ah... However¡ª"

    Restia blocked the overwhelming mes released by Ifrit.

    Exuding dark miasma from her entire body, she blew the mes away.

    "Huff, huff, huff..."

    "Unbelievable, a humanoid high-ranked spirit!?"

    The princess maiden eximed in surprise.

    "Darkness spirit...!"

    "Hurry and go, Kamito¡ª"

    "Ahhh¡ª"

    Carrying her emaciated form in his arms, Kamito vanished into the darkness.

    Part 9

    ¡ªAfter that, Kamito and his team escaped the imperial capital amidst the chaos.

    Despite the heavy security at the entrances, through the escape route prepared by Lily beforehand, they were able to sessfully mix themselves among a caravan heading for the Alphas Theocracy.

    "¡ªMission failed huh."

    The first experience made Kamito sigh.

    He tightly gripped the sword containing the sealed Demon King''s spirit.

    "You managed to steal one of the Demon King''s spirits. In terms of results, that''s not bad at all."

    Holding onto Kamito''s back while on horseback, Restia shrugged and whispered.

    "But carrying me in your arms to escape was such a poor decision. I''d simply return to Astral Zero if destroyed, so you should have escaped on your own back then¡ª"

    In contrast to her attitude, she seemed to be in quite a good mood.

    "Once you disappear,ing back isn''t so simple, is it? I need a weapon."

    Kamito answered with a scowl.

    "Well, whatever you say¡ª"

    Restia chuckled¡ªSuddenly she ced her hand on the front of her hair.

    "Too bad the ornament you bought for me was melted by that spirit''s mes..."

    "...That kind of thing can just be bought again."

    "Huh?"

    "...Nothing."

    Giving the horse ash with the whip, Kamito increased their speed.

    "Darkness spirit¡ª"

    "What is it, Kamito?"

    "I will be the one to kill you... Before that happens, don''t die by anyone else''s hand."

    "Very well. I''ll look forward to it."

 Elemental Festa, 2 - Est Looking After the Sick

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 2 - Est Looking After the Sick</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Ugh, hmm... Cough... Cough..."

    One day, when Kamito woke in bed and opened his eyes, his body felt as heavy as lead.

    That being said, the usual cause of this sensation, Est, was not responsible this time.

    His entire body felt extremely sluggish, unable to even muster the strength to crawl out of bed.

    Feeling like his throat was pricked by needles, Kamito coughed violently. He also seemed to have a fever.

    "What the heck?"

    Three days had already passed since the mission at the mining town. With Fianna''s assistance, Kamito''s team had defeated Jio Inzagi. After sessfully applying a seal to the strategic-ss militarized spirit, they had returned to the Academy.

    Although nothing special happened when they first got back, it looked like Kamito had caught a flu.

    Part 2

    "...It''s really weird for an elementalist to catch a flu!"

    Bringing a basin of water with a towel, ire remarked in surprise.

    "It surprised me too! This has never happened to me at all... Cough... Cough."

    Kamito coughed while answering.

    Capable of refining divine power within themselves, elementalists werepletely free of ordinary diseases. As for why Kamito had caught a flu, it was probably because he had depleted too much of his stamina. He really needed to rein in his divine power consumption.

    "Well... I think you pushed yourself too far this time."

    ire murmured while wringing water out from the soaked towel.

    "I guess I still haven''t gotten used to using Est."

    "...Maybe so."

    Kamito''s gaze shifted to that sword hanging on the wall at this time¡ªTerminus Est.

    During that battle against Jio Inzagi, Kamito had used Est''s power to the limit. Perhaps as a result of overusing divine power, his immune system had be weak temporarily.

    Est seemed to have consumed a massive amount of her own energy as a sword. Ever since then, she had remained in sword form.

    "Well... Looks like you''ve no choice but to recuperate for a bit. Besides, even spirit magic cannot heal this type of condition."

    "Yeah... I guess."

    As a side note, although Fianna had diagnosed him, even an expert in healing magic such as her had confirmed that it was nothing more than an ordinary flu. Healing magic used the power of holy spirits to increase natural regeneration. It was very effective against external injuries, but in cases of diseases with unknown origins, it would probably exacerbate ufortable symptoms.

    Kamito felt the coldness of ire''s hand stroking his cheek gently.

    "...You''re boiling here... Does this feel cooler?"

    "Yeah..."

    While cing a wet towel on Kamito''s forehead, ire straightened out the bedsheets while she was at it.

    "You seem quite familiar with this. I thought young noblewomen wouldn''t do this kind of stuff much."

    "Nee-sama had very frail health and I looked after her when we were young. It was because Nee-sama''s constitution seemed to always attract bad things for some reason."

    "I see..."

    A hint of gloom shed across ire''s eyes due to recalling these past memories.

    ¡ªHowever, it was merely for an instant. ire immediately returned to her usual tone of voice.

    "H-Hmm... Now that I''ve taken the effort to nurse you, this flu or whatever must go away quickly!"

    "...Yeah, I''ll immediately recover enough to take part in the de Dance selection tournament."

    "Of course, because you are an important part of the team... Scarlet!"

    ire snapped her fingers to summon the hell cat spirit enveloped in mes.

    "I''m going to ss now. You keep Kamito warm."

    "Meow~?"

    The hell cat spirit meowed adorably then jumped onto the bed, curling herself into a ball next to Kamito''s chest.

    "...Wow, so warm."

    "I''ll bring you the notes from today''s lectures, so get some proper rest!"

    Covering him up gently with the nket, ire exited the room.

    Part 3

    A few minutes after Kamito fell asleep...

    The sword hanging on the wall suddenly glowed, then disappeared into thin air.

    What appeared was a beautiful young girl with dazzling silver-white hair.

    Mysterious eyes of violet. Tender and smooth skin reminiscent of milk. Enveloped in faint phosphorescence, she looked adorable, almost like a snow fairy.

    The "Demon yer"¡ªTerminus Est. She was apparently able to manifest her original form in the human realm atst.

    "Hmm, Kami... to, where are you?"

    Like a child who had just woken up, Est kept looking around the room.

    ...Still nude and only wearing kneesocks, she walked over to the side of the bed where Kamito was sleeping.

    "...Kamito, are you sleeping?"

    Just as Est was about to dive under his covers in her naked state as usual¡ª

    Scarlet poked her head out from under the nket.

    "...Hell cat spirit?"

    "Meow~?"

    "Hell cat spirit will share his bed too?"

    "Meow~ ...Meow, meow~ meow~!"

    Scarlet shook her head while shaking her body and waving her paw. Although the hell cat spirit could not speak, as fellow high-ranked spirits, they were able to convey rough ideas to each other.

    "Kamito got a flu...?"

    "Meow~!"

    Scarlet nodded vigorously.

    Est ced her hand on Kamito''s forehead. He seemed to be suffering in his sleep.

    "...Urgh, hmm... Est?"

    Kamito opened his eyes slightly.

    "You woke up?"

    "Kamito, is there anything I can help?"

    "Oh... I see... C-Cough... Then do you want to head over to the students in the pharmacology department to bring back some nourishing medicine?"

    "Medicine...?"

    "Yeah, even though spirit magic has no effect, I think a herbalist''s medicine might work... cough."

    The pharmacology department was located on Areishia Spirit Academy''s campus, simply in another building.

    Although Est was unable to maintain human form when away from Kamito for extended durations, there should not be any problems at this sort of distance.

    "¡ªUnderstood. I am your sword, Kamito, your wish is mymand."

    Est nodded expressionlessly then exited the room.

    Part 4

    Thus, because of that...

    Est left the Raven ss dormitory and walked over to the pharmacology department somewhere within the vast school grounds.

    Although Areishia Spirit Academy was known as a school for cultivating elementalists, there were all kinds of options for graduated students. Only those with excellent talents would be spirit knights directly after graduation. The pharmacology department was a ce for carrying the research of potions using spirit theories as the foundation.

    When Est entered the pharmacology block...

    "Hey, look look, it''s the only male elementalist''s sword spirit!"

    "Wow, so cute?"

    Surrounding students immediately gathered around. As the Demon King of the Night''s contracted spirit, Est''s poprity had already reached mascot levels in the Academy.

    "Miss Spirit, here''s some candy for you. I made them during practicum."

    "Hey, so unfair! Me too, here''s some melon bread for you, eat it quick! Eat it quick!"

    "...No reason to refuse."

    epting these gifts the whole time she was there, Est began to eat.

    And it was her eating appearance that kept tugging at the heartstrings of these girls who loved cute things.

    "...S-So cute?" "I wanna take her home!" "Agreed!"

    "Ah, where do you think you are touching?"

    While Est raised her voice, almost about to be abducted...

    "What are you doing there?"

    A stern voice rang out.

    Ellis, the ponytailed girl dressed in the armor of the Sylphid Knights, made her appearance.

    "Oh, Captain, why are you here?"

    The girls took their hands off Est.

    "I came to get nourishing medicine for Rakka and Reishia who are hospitalized."

    Ellis turned her gaze to Est.

    "You are Kazehaya Kamito''s sword spirit, are you not? What are you doing here?"

    "Yes, I came to get medicine for Kamito who has a flu."

    "What? A flu?"

    Est told the whole story to the frowning Ellis.

    "...I see now, so that is why you need to pick up medicine. How truly admirable of you."

    Ellis praised with her arms crossed before her chest.

    "Hmm? Flu medicine?"

    The girls were thinking with their chins resting on their hands, slightly troubled.

    "No more flu medicine?"

    "We could tell you a recipe for a medicinal porridge that''s very effective for flu, but¡ª"

    "Right now, we happen to be out of the needed herbs."

    The girls shrugged.

    "Hmm, so is there any solution?"

    Ellis bit her lip and spoke.

    "The needed herbs have to be gathered from inside the Spirit Forest."

    The girls tore out thest page from a notebook, drew simple outlines on it then handed it to Est.

    "Looking at these herbs, you''ll definitely understand immediately because the characteristics are obvious to the eye. The recipe for the medicinal porridge is also written here. It should be easy to make."

    "Thank you very much."

    Est bowed deeply.

    "Will you be fine on your own? Perhaps it might be better if I went with you?"

    Ellis asked.

    "I often take walks in the Spirit Forest, I will be fine."

    Est turned to another direction, gripped the note firmly in her hand and hurried to the Spirit Forest.

    Part 5

    Meanwhile...

    "What lovely weather for a stroll today, Carol."

    "Indeed, mdy."

    In the courtyard under the sun''s gentle rays, Rinslet Laurenfrost was taking Fenrir out on a walk.

    Instead of hisbat form as a giant magic wolf, Fenrir was in his tiny fuzzy strolling mode. He lookedpletely like a puppy like this.

    "Woof, woof."

    Fenrir, who was usually more docile than Scarlet, jumped around happily. The Academy''s courtyard was located near the Spirit Forest and was a ce where spirits felt joy.

    "Speaking of which, mdy, have you heard?"

    Carol stopped walking and remarked.

    "About what?"

    "Kamito-sama seems to be resting the whole time due to a flu."

    "A flu?"

    Rinslet raised one eyebrow questioningly.

    "How rare for an elementalist to catch a flu or other disease."

    "He was probably too tired from the mission at the mining town. I also heard he was absent for lessons today too."

    "Then ire is the one taking care of him, right?"

    "Apparently. Oh, but ire-sama should have gone out to ss at this time, so Kamito-sama is alone¡ª"

    Carol reported while reading from the notebook in her hand.

    What was up with this maid, how did she know all kinds of news from the Academy?

    "Mdy, you are worrying about Kamito-sama, aren''t you? Fufu."

    "I-It''s not like I am worrying, I-I simply..."

    Rinslet denied with her face red.

    Then she suddenly remembered.

    "Speaking of flu, there is apparently a folk remedy passed down the Laurenfrost family."

    "A folk remedy?"

    "Yes, I learned it from head maid Natalia before, but..."

    Rubbing her temples, Rinslet was just about to remember when...

    "Woof, woof!"

    Fenrir suddenly turned to forest and barked.

    "Fenrir, what''s the matter there?"

    Rinslet frowned and looked in the direction that Fenrir kept barking at. There was a familiar figure there, walking into the Spirit Forest.

    "Isn''t that Kazehaya Kamito''s sword spirit?"

    "What is she doing all alone over there?"

    "There are many dangerous beasts and spirits in the Spirit Forest. She needs to watch out."

    Rinslet quickly chased after Est who was entering the Spirit Forest.

    "Miss Sword Spirit, wait. Where are you going?"

    "...?"

    Est stopped walking and turned to look at her.

    "Oh, it''s the Snack Person¡ª"

    "My name is Rinslet Laurenfrost, not Snack Person!"

    Rinslet remarked in exasperation.

    Whenever she cooked, she would share extra snacks with the spirits, hence all spirits in the Academy recognized her as the "Snack Person."

    "Do you have something important to do in the Spirit Forest?"

    "Need herbs growing in the forest."

    Est took out the note from her uniform pocket and told Rinslet why she was here.

    "...I see now. To heal Kamito-san''s flu, herbs are necessary."

    After learning the reason, Rinslet nodded and said:

    "Miss Sword Spirit, I shall help you too."

    "Really?"

    "Yes, it goes without saying that the master will look after the servant."

    "Fufu, mdy, why don''t you be honest and just say that you''re worried about Kamito-san?"

    "Y-You got the wrong idea. It is nothing like that at all."

    Rinslet hammered her fists on Carol''s back.

    "Thank you very much, Snack Person¡ª"

    Still expressionless, Est bowed deeply.

    Part 6

    "Hmm, this ought to be enough moon shadow grass."

    "There''s also the mist rain grass and longevity grass, this is quite a lot, mdy."

    "Woof!"

    Having stepped into the Spirit Forest, the three of them started to gather herbs as written on the note paper.

    Although the necessary herbs were not rare inside the Spirit Forest and did not require much effort to pluck, they were not that easy to locate.

    "What a nuisance. The longevity grass can''t be found in this area at all."

    "Really?"

    "Hmm, looks like unless we go deeper into the forest¡ª"

    "Mdy, this seems to resemble the longevity grass.

    Carol grabbed a small de of grass growing on the ground.

    "Carol, that is nothing more than an ordinary weed..."

    Just as Rinslet was grumbling at Carol...

    "Eh? ...Kyaah!"

    Suddenly, the ground bulged upwards and the roots of the grass in Carol''s hand attacked.

    "W-What!? Woah!?"

    "...!?"

    Slither slither slither.

    Nearby, Rinslet and Est were instantly tied up like Carol.

    "...Eeek, mmm... Mdy, hurry and help me~..."

    "...Nnnn, this, insolent, kyah...!"

    "...This grass is trying to remove my kneesocks!?"

    "...Woof?"

    Watching his master moaning, Fenrir cocked his head to one side in puzzlement.

    "Ah, this is no game. H-Hurry and save us..."

    "Woof!"

    Responding to Rinslet''s shout, Fenrir ripped the grass roots with his teeth.

    However, the roots instantly regenerated and tied the girls up again. If Fenrir tried to freeze them, the tied up girls would probably get caught up too.

    "...Kyah, d-don''t touch, n-not there...!"

    Just at this moment, there was a sudden sound of trees shaking in the depths of the forest.

    "Hmm? What are you girls doing in a ce like this?"

    "Y-You are!?"

    Rinslet suddenly raised her voice and cried out.

    A blonde girl emerged from the depths of the forest with arge wooden staff in her hand.

    "Horin Shareilia-san of Grizzly ss?"

    "Oh, isn''t this Raven ss'' Snack Person?"

    Putting down her staff, the girl chanted a brief incantation.

    Suddenly, the roots loosened in an instant, retracting back into the ground with a whoosh.

    "T-Thanks..."

    Finally liberated, Rinslet, Carol and Est sighed in relief.

    "There are many monsters here disguised as nts. You''ve got to be careful."

    Picking up her staff again, the girl walked over.

    Instead of living in the dorms, Shareilia of Grizzly ss lived in the Spirit Forest. Even within the Academy, she was a well-known entric. She was also an aplished member of Team Cernunnos, which was ranked fifth in school. A powerful controller of beast swarm spirits.

    "What are you girls doing here?"

    "We are looking for this herb."

    Est showed the note given to her from the students at the pharmacology department.

    After reading the note, the girl nodded.

    "If it''s this kind of herb, I happen to have some."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah,e into my tent."

    Est, Rinslet and Carol went into the tent in the forest.

    Inside a small tent made of animal skins, there was smoke drifting with an unbelievable smell. There were also lots strange looking mushrooms and jars of herbs.

    "Shareilia-san, why are you living in the forest?"

    "Druids are elementalists who coexist with nature. Inside the forest, I can sense the presences of spirits more."

    Shareilia took out the herb from a jar and gave it to Est.

    "If you cut this herb up and put it into porridge, it should heal a flu straight away."

    "Thank you very much, Forest Person."

    Est bowed expressionlessly then gingerly ced the herb into a bag.

    "This will reassure mdy too."

    Carol smiled.

    "Yes, then I must depart in order to prepare for next ss. Let us part ways here, Miss Sword Spirit."

    "Yes, thank you very much, Snack Person."

    "Like I said, Snack Person is not my name! Let''s go, Carol¡ª"

    "Very well, mdy¡ª"

    Just as Rinslet turned around and was about to exit the tent...

    Suddenly, she stopped as though she remembered something.

    For some reason, she turned her gaze to the wooden staff in Shareilia''s hand.

    "...Mdy?"

    "I remember it now. The folk remedy passed down the Laurenfrost family."

    Part 7

    Having obtained the herbs necessary for cooking medicinal porridge, Est walked over to the vegetable garden belonging to the Academy.

    Rinslet had taught her the Laurenfrost family''s folk remedy for flu. In order to put this remedy into action, a certain vegetable was needed.

    "¡ªLooks like there is plenty."

    Stepping into the field, Est murmured expressionlessly.

    Her eyes were fixated on the tall scallions growing in one corner of the field.

    "Two ought to be enough."

    Just as she knelt down, trying to pull out the scallion from the field¡ª

    "W-Wait, what are you doing!?"

    A frantic voice came from somewhere.

    "...?"

    Est looked back to see a ck-haired girl, dressed entirely in ritual attire, walking towards her.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia, the Empire''s second princess. Recently, she had joined Kamito''s team. Having epted a mission from the Academy, she had been preparing for a kagura dance ritual as part of an offering to ensure a bountiful harvest for this field.

    Panting, Fianna ran over to Est''s side.

    "What is the matter?"

    Est paused and turned her head.

    "This vegetable garden belongs to the Academy. You can''t just take vegetables away without permission."

    "I can''t take scallions from here?"

    "Not unless you ask the spirits of thisnd first."

    Fianna shook her head and frowned.

    "...Speaking of which, why must you have scallions?"

    "To heal Kamito''s flu."

    "...For this purpose?"

    Est told Fianna the folk remedy she had heard from Rinslet Laurenfrost.

    "Really? A folk remedy from the Laurenfrosts. Indeed, I have heard of it. Due to being and of extreme cold and poverty, they have many peculiar methods of staying healthy there¡ª"

    Fianna rested her chin on her hand, pondering in a dilemma.

    "Although I''d like to help cure Kamito-kun of his flu too, this field belongs to the spirits. If you take scallions without permission, the spirits will be angered."

    Crops of thend were produced by the blessings of spirits together with thend. Without the blessings of spirits, crops could not grow healthily.

    Hence, when harvesting crops, it was necessary to make a dance offering to please the spirits. Putting them in a bad mood would not be a good idea.

    "I''ll offer a ritual performance and try to ask if the spirits could share some of their scallions with us. A simple scaffold needs to be put up, so I think it''ll be done by evening."

    "No time for that, because Kamito is suffering from fever right now."

    Est shook her head expressionlessly.

    "I am the Demon yer. I have no need to plead to spirits of thend."

    "Ah, wait up¡ª"

    Before Fianna had the time to stop her, Est had already plucked the scallions out .

    In that instant, the ground shook, spewing arge amount of sand and soil.

    "...!?"

    "Kukeeeeeeeeeeeh!"

    Amidst therge amount of scattered dust, ominous figures appeared.

    They were four spirits with the outer appearance of chickens.

    ...Exactly like chickens. They looked identical to chickens no matter how you viewed them. Except that their beaks were especially gigantic, and they had horns as well, plus even two heads each. But their oppressive presence felt as though they far surpassed other high-ranked spirits.

    "Those are..."

    "Those are the Four Chicken Devas, the fierce bird spirits that rule this area!"

    In shock, Fianna exined in a trembling voice.

    These were truly high-ranked spirits who manifested entirely in the form of animals. Without exception, these fierce bird spirits would punish and drive away all Academy students who frequently tried to steal vegetables from here.

    ording to rumors, the Dusk Witch had brought out scrapped militarized spirits by her own decision when she first became headmistress, using them as protectors of the fields¡ª

    ...Ultimately, there was still some truth to that rumor.

    "Keh, kukehhhh!"

    The fierce bird spirits raised their cockbs and made very loud noises as though trying to threaten the scallion thief.

    "F-Fierce bird spirits, please calm down!"

    Fianna pleaded but to no avail.

    "Kukehhh!"

    Crowing, the four chickens ran towards Est.

    All spirits in the Academy instinctively respected Est, the highest ranking spirit, but these chickens did not show the same behavior at all.

    "Kehhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    "Looks like they want me to make chicken pf out of them."

    Est remarked expressionlessly and suddenly extended her hand in the air.

    Instantly, countless swords appeared in her surroundings.

    "Please give me the scallions¡ª"

    Hence, the deathmatch between the Demon yer and the Four Chicken Devas began.

    Part 8

    "...Est has been gone for so long."

    Still staring at the ceiling, Kamito muttered quietly in bed.

    No matter how safe it was within the Academy, for her to have taken so long, he could not help but worry.

    "Scarlet, I''m sorry to ask this of you, but could you check things out?"

    "Meow~?"

    Scarlet poked her head out, but soon after.

    Kamito heard the sound of the room door opening.

    "¡ªI am back, Kamito."

    "Est..."

    After seeing Est''s face, Kamito finally showed an expression of relief.

    "You took a long time, I was so worried... Uh, what''s with your uniform!?"

    Without thinking, Kamito looked away.

    Est''s uniform was tattered all over. Even her kneesocks had holes everywhere.

    "...Don''t look at the kneesocks. Kamito is such a pervert."

    Est frantically covered her kneesocks that had many holes.

    "S-Sorry... But what the heck happened?"

    "Yes, I fought powerful spirits."

    "Powerful spirits?"

    "Please don''t ask any further. Rather, Kamito, please have a good rest."

    Est advised while walking over to the kitchen.

    "...Est?"

    "I will make porridge with herbs. Please wait a short while for me."

    "Est, you know how to cook?"

    "Of course, because I am the Demon yer."

    "No no no, I don''t think cooking has anything to do with being the Demon yer... C-Cough..."

    "Kamito, be good and go to sleep."

    "...Y-Yeah, got it... Thanks."

    Despite feeling uneasy, Kamito stilly down.

    Part 9

    Several minutes after that...

    "Ugh... Nnn..."

    "...Kamito, are you okay?"

    Est brought a bowl of porridge. Kamito was having nightmares in his fever.

    "...Est, o-ohhh..."

    "I made a bowl of porridge for you, Kamito."

    "C-Cough... You''re such a great help, thanks..."

    Est ced the porridge on the table next to the bed.

    Kamito sat up in bed.

    Holding a spoon in her hand, Est stared expressionlessly at Kamito.

    "...Est?"

    "Please open your mouth, Kamito."

    "Huh?"

    Kamito was stunned for a moment.

    "Please say ah~ and open your mouth, Kamito."

    "No, it''s okay, I can eat on my own. Can you give me the spoon?"

    "No."

    "B-But..."

    Kamito gulped hard.

    Est looked like she was in a good mood. She was really happy.

    But going "ah~" was too embarrassing. Furthermore¡ª

    Bubbling. Bubbling bubbling.

    The porridge was seething likeva... Eating it directly would probably scald his mouth.

    "..."

    "..."

    Several secondster, their gazes met.

    "...F-Fine."

    Kamito surrenderedpletely.

    Fearfully, he opened his mouth with caution, taking the spoon into his mouth.

    "So hot!"

    Kamito reflexively jumped.

    Originally on the bed, Scarlet got up and fled.

    "Kamito, please don''t move or else I will miss."

    Saving the porridge that was almost knocked over, Est impatiently straddled Kamito on the bed.

    "H-Hey...!"

    "Kamito, please open your mouth now."

    "HOT!"

    Kamito bounced up a second time.

    "...?"

    "I think that porridge is a lot easier to eat if it cools down a bit..."

    Est unwillingly put down the porridge.

    "Phew..."

    Kamito finally closed his eyes in relief, but his relief was short-lived...

    Thud.

    "...Woah!"

    This time, Est straddled him and looked down at him.

    In this manner, she began to undress with determination.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "I heard that passing warmth from skin to skin is better during a flu."

    "W-Who did you hear that from...? Eh, though I can probably guess!"

    Most likely, she heard it from Fianna.

    (...T-That damn princess!)

    "Kamito, be good and stay still¡ª"

    While continuing to undress, Est spoke expressionlessly.

    Her skirt fell down, turning herpletely naked.

    "...Y-You''ll catch my flu..."

    "Spirits don''t get flu."

    Est suddenly brought her face up close.

    "...?"

    At this moment, Kamito suddenly noticed something strange and frowned.

    Est was holding something long in her hand.

    ...A scallion. A long scallion of excellent quality.

    "W-Why a scallion?"

    "Kamito, show me your butt."

    Scallion in hand, Est expressionlessly closed in.

    "Don''t... Est... STOPPPPPPPPP!"

    Kamito''s pitiful screams reverberated all over the Raven ss dorm.

    Part 10

    ire returned to her room to visit Kamito during the lunch break.

    "W-Why are all of you here?"

    "N-Nothing much, just out of worry for Kamito-san!"

    "It is perfectly normal for a knight to visit someone sick in bed."

    "Fufu, unless Ie to warm up Kamito-kun''s body, well..."

    The four girls met one another in front of the door. While restraining one another and opening the door...

    "...Kamito?"

    "...Ugh, ughhhhhhh¡ª"

    Kamito could be seen in bed, suffering from a nightmare.

    "Wait, are you okay? ...But the fever seems to bepletely gone."

    "Why is he still having a nightmare when the fever has clearly gone down!?"

    "Scallion... Scallion..."

    "...Scallion?"

    Everyone frowned and looked at one another.

    For some unknown reason, lying on the floor next to the bed was a snapped scallion and Est upsidedown in sword form.

 Elemental Festa, 3 - The Princessâ€™ Confidential Part-time Job

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 3 - The Princess'' Confidential Part-time Job</h4>

    Part 1

    This happened on a certain day a couple weeks prior to the de Dance festival.

    After attending a free elective lecture before noon, ire and Kamito were strolling down a corridor in the Academy when they noticed a girl standing in front of a noticeboard and stopped.

    "...Hmm? Isn''t that Fianna?"

    "Yeah, what is she doing there, I wonder?"

    Kamito and ire exchanged nces and quietly approached her from behind.

    "...This one is no good. Not this one either, hmm..."

    The imperial princess was contemting something while staring at the noticeboard with a serious look on her face.

    "What are you doing, Fianna?"

    "Kyah!?"

    Kamito patted her on the shoulder, causing her to look back frantically, staring with her dusk-colored eyes widened.

    "Kamito-kun... Oh, and ire too."

    "What do you mean, ''and''..."

    ire pouted angrily and looked at the noticeboard.

    "What are you staring at so seriously?"

    On the noticeboard hanging on the wall in the corridor, there were various "quests" organized ording to difficulty level. Since most of these were low-ranked and safe questsmissioned by residents of the Academy town and nearby viges, there were almost no risky high-ranked quests.

    Although there were some top-ranked quests about defeating superior archdemon-ss spirits posted at the top of the noticeboard, these quests looked like they were reserved for senior students such as Velsaria Eva in advance.

    "Are you telling me you''re here to apply for a quest?"

    ire''s eyebrow twitched.

    "Let me make this clear first. Unless we win in the tournament, quests of this difficulty level won''t be of much help in qualifying our team topete in the de Dance."

    "No, I''m looking at that side..."

    Fianna turned her head to the side and pointed to another corner of the noticeboard.

    Posted there were recruitment notices for students.

    "...Part-time jobs?"

    This time, it was Kamito''s turn to feel puzzled.

    "Fianna, why do you need to..."

    Fianna was a true member of the imperial family. Based on status, she should not need to work.

    Besides, in the Academy where the students were all youngdies of noble birth, it was unlikely for students to need to work part-time, but in reality, the number of part-time job offers were not few at all. This was because there were exceptions such as lower-ranked nobles who did not own vast territories or students with special circumstances like ire.

    "Eh, this is..."

    Fianna looked hesitant.

    "F-For money..."

    She whispered, quite embarrassed.

    "For money... But you still count as royalty."

    "It''s just an empty title. The stipend from the imperial house is no longer and I''ve already used up all the spirit crystals I brought."

    In response to Fianna''s self-deprecation, ire and Kamito could not help but fall silent.

    She was exiled by imperial family due to being the Lost Queen who had lost her power of the spirit contract. Without any wealth, her stipend cut off, she had truly abandoned everything toe to this Academy.

    ¡ªAll for the sake of meeting Kamito.

    "But almost none of these offers seem any good..."

    Turning her gaze back to the noticeboard, Fianna sighed lightly.

    "...? You used to be a Queen candidate at the Divine Ritual Institute, right? Shouldn''t it be easy to find a job if you use your princess maiden qualifications?"

    This was obvious. Almost all the recruitment notices here sought the powers wielded by Academy students as elementalists. Examples included ritual dancing jobs to make offerings to spirits of the earth in prayer of bountiful harvests, or jobs asking powerful spirits to chop down forests. Indeed, as someone trained at the Divine Ritual Institute, these types of jobs should be very easy for her to get the hang of.

    "Look, there''s a dam construction job that''s hiring. If that knight spirit¡ª"

    "U-Uneptable! Using the imperial family''s spirit for construction work."

    Fianna shook her head. Then she looked down slightly.

    "Moreover, this time, I don''t quite want to use my powers as a princess maiden."

    "...? Why¡ª"

    "You should be able to understand the feeling of not wanting to attract unnecessary attention, right?"

    Showing slight sadness in her dusk-colored eyes, Fianna sighed.

    "...Yes, that''s right... Sorry."

    ire looked away apologetically.

    Persecuted as the Cmity Queen''s younger sister, ire could empathize with the feelings of Fianna, who had been mocked by the imperial pce and called the Lost Queen. Perhaps Fianna still felt resistant against being exposed to the eyes of such snobbish people again after recovering her power as a princess maiden.

    "Speaking of which, haven''t you worked part-time before, ire."

    "Yes."

    ire nodded. Although she had stopped working in order to prepare for the uing de Dance, before Kamito transferred into the Academy, she had been working jobs. The vast amount of canned peaches hidden in her closet were apparently bought using her part-time wages.

    "What kind of work did you do?"

    "Private tutoring for children in upper-ss families."

    "P-Private tutoring!?"

    "...Jeez, what''s with your reaction?"

    "Oh, nothing, rather than unexpected, it''s more like..."

    Kamito scratched his head hesitantly.

    "I was thinking you''d surely be working as a charcoal making craftsman..."

    "I was thinking charcoal craftsman too..."

    "What the heck!?"

    ire''s red hair stood up like mes.

    "Well, oh I see... It''s because your grades are so outstanding, ire."

    Just as stated, ire''s grades were surprising top-ss in the Academy. Since she was born quite talented already,bined with her own serious studying.

    "Fufu, private tutor huh... That''s not bad too."

    At this moment, Fianna murmured to herself as though in contemtion. Then...

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun?"

    Boing. Suddenly, Kamito felt an stic sensation pressing on his left arm.

    "...!? W-What are you doing, Fianna!?"

    "Since you''re in remedial studies, Kamito-kun, let me tutor you privately?"

    "...Huh, wait, w-w-w-what are you doing, you pervert princess!"

    "I am not the pervert princess but the pervert teacher?"

    "Stop changing the subject!"

    ire grumbled and entered a pose to pull Fianna away.

    "What are you doing, may I ask?"

    At this time, a voice called out from the other end of the corridor.

    "...Rinslet?"

    Kamito turned his head to see Rinslet holding a book in her hand, walking over with Carol.

    "Fianna''s looking for a part-time job."

    "Her Highness?"

    While Rinslet listened with a slight tilt of her head, Kamito exined the whole story.

    "...I see now. Seeking a part-time job to not depend on a stipend, how admirably touching."

    Rinslet sped her hands before her chest and nodded.

    "Rinslet, I don''t suppose you''ve really worked, right?"

    "My, I''ll have you know that I am quite an expert at folding advertising flyers."

    Hmph, Rinslet puffed her chest out.

    "Mdy has receivedmendations at an advertising flyer folding convention."

    "Why would a daughter of the Laurenfrost family be folding flyers..."

    "I discovered it was fun while I was helping Carol out in her part-time job."

    "Why is a maid taking on part-time jobs..."

    Without paying attention to Kamito who was questioning with narrowed eyes, Rinslet turned to Fianna.

    "Your Highness, if it pleases you, would you like me to introduce to you a shop I am acquainted with?"

    "...Really? That would be a great help."

    "Yes, after all, that shop is alwaysining about ack of manpower. I shall try contacting them after school."

    "I''m so d for you, Fianna."

    "Yes, thank you. Rin... slot-san?"

    "My name is Rinslet Laurenfrost!"

    Rinslet went red in the face, offended.

    "Seems like a lot of fun. I''ll go have a look too."

    "Me too, it''s worrying so I''ming too."

    Part 2

    With this decided, the next day arrived. Kamito andpany arrived at a certain stylish shop rmended by Rinslet, located in the busiest street in the Academy town.

    "Hold on, don''t tell me this ce..."

    Fianna whispered nervously after looking at the shop sign.

    "Yes, this is the famous confectionery shop, the Royal Pce, whose main branch is located in the imperial capital."

    Rinslet tossed her hair elegantly and spoke.

    "...W-W-Why did it happen to be a cake shop, of all things?"

    Kamito was so frightened that he was kneeling on the ground, clutching his head.

    "Kamito-san, what is the matter with you?"

    "A-Arghhhhh..."

    (...Speaking of which, I guess Rinslet still doesn''t know how terrible Fianna''s cooking is.)

    Kamito stood up unsteadily.

    "Hey Rinslet..."

    "Kyah, w-what are you doing so suddenly!?"

    Just as Kamito tried to whisper in Rinslet''s ear, she shuddered slightly.

    "...I''m sorry, but this ce won''t work. Fianna can''t cook at all."

    "Worry not. The cake chefs here will teach you hand-over-hand even if you have no experience in making confectionery."

    "No, that''s not the problem here..."

    "Hold on, what are you two whispering about?"

    "Y-Your faces are too close!"

    ire and Fianna angrily red at Kamito.

    Then the bell rang and the shop''s door opened.

    "...Oh."

    "Come,e, wee to the shop,dies."

    Out from the shop walked a mature and reliable looking woman, dressed in a white chef''s uniform.

    She seemed to be the owner of this shop.

    "I have already heard the details from Rinslet-sama. Yes, you will certainly be a great help."

    "Thank you for looking after us today."

    Rinslet bowed politely and introduced the woman to Kamito and the girls.

    "She used to be the Grand Patissier at the imperial pce. She is also my teacher in confectionery making."

    "Rinslet''s teacher huh..."

    "Calling me teacher would be too kind. Mdy, you immediately surpassed me not long after you started learning¡ª"

    "My, such ttery is not needed."

    Rinslet shook her head.

    "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Grand Patissier."

    Fianna stepped forward and curtsied politely.

    Then ire took a step forward too.

    "U-Umm, is it okay... if I join in to learn?"

    "You too, ire?"

    "Umm, I''d like to... learn to make sweets..."

    ire fidgeted with her fingers while speaking awkwardly:

    "Also, t-the Valentia Holy Festival ising up."

    "...Ah, there is that, yes."

    Fianna smiled lightly.

    "S-Such a thing, what it is..."

    "Hmm? Is this something to talk about it in front of Kamito-kun?"

    "...~H-Haah, d-don''t¡ª"

    Small sparks jumped out from the tips of ire''s hair while her face turned bright red.

    The shop owner nodded generously.

    "Why certainly. I won''t reject you... You are the one contracted to a hell cat spirit, aren''t you?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    "In that case, please head over to the oven to bake some cookie dough."

    "Be careful and don''t char the cookies."

    "D-Don''t worry, I know how to operate an oven at least!"

    Part 3

    "So, Fianna-sama, please whip this cream next¡ª"

    Inside the kitchen of the ssy confectionery shop, the Royal Pce, the two girls were now dressed in aprons and being instructed by the Grand Patissier.

    Fianna whipped the cream in the bowl until it frothed whereas ire arranged cookie dough in the oven tray one by one. She looked fairly experienced, actually.

    (...Anyway, I guess there''s no problem.)

    Kamito watched them from a corner in the kitchen, finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. Putting aside ire, who still had not started using fire yet, Fianna did not seem to be doing anything weird.

    (...That royal white stewst time must have been a mistake.)

    It was supposed to be something created to kill ire in the first ce. Judging from the way things were going, the girls should manage to seed with ordinary cooking.

    "Jump, embers¡ª"

    After putting all cookie dough onto the tray, ire activated the oven. The oven was an expensive model that used spirit crystals. Small smanders were released to sustain a heated te.

    ...A short whileter, a very appetizing aroma drifted from the kitchen.

    "...Wow, this aroma is amazing."

    Suddenly, the sword at Kamito''s waist glowed brightly.

    Then a beautiful silver-haired girl appeared in the kitchen.

    "...Est, what happened? Why now?"

    "Yes, I woke up because I smelled a great aroma."

    Est yawned while stretching.

    "Kamito, I am hungry."

    Est fidgeted and tugged Kamito''s sleeve.

    "Don''t eat without permission. Be patient and I''ll buy some for you to eat properly."

    "Yes, Kamito."

    Est nodded and started staring at the cookies in the oven.

    A few more minutes passed...

    "The cream is done?"

    Holding the bowl in both hands, Fianna happily turned towards Kamito.

    "Wow, it looks properly done."

    The bowl was filled with fresh cream... Anyway, it looked fine judging from appearance alone.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, would you like to have a taste? It is as soft as my bosom."

    Boing.

    "...Fianna!?"

    "Well then, let''s try the taste¡ª"

    The shop owner cleared her throat and took the bowl.

    Putting a spoonful of the cream in her mouth, she then¡ª

    ...Froze, just like that.

    "...?''

    Kamito used his finger to sample a bit of the cream too.

    "H-How is it? Kamito-kun..."

    "N-No taste..."

    ...It was like eating fluffy air. What an unbelievable taste.

    "...Your Highness, how on earth did you make this?"

    "How...? I simply prayed for it to be delicious while stirring normally, that''s all, I guess?"

    Fianna exined with a troubled expression.

    (...Don''t tell me that Fianna''s prayers even have the effect of altering vors?)

    Talented as an elite princess maiden, if she infused her thoughts into her cooking, perhaps there would be an effect like ritual magic, thus altering the taste.

    "Hmm, this is slightly impossible to use..."

    The shop owner remarked quietly with a solemn expression, but just at that moment...

    "...Haah!"

    A scream came from behind.

    "What happened, ire!?" "What''s wrong?"

    Just as Kamito and the others turned around...

    "T-The fire spirit in the oven suddenly... Hey you, stop this right now!"

    Inside the huge oven, countless smanders were gorging themselves on the cookies.

    "ire, what did you do!?"

    "B-Because it wasn''t hot enough, so I just... added a bit more power... Uwah!"

    With slithering tongues, the tiny smanders ate all the cookies on the tray. Then they opened the oven''s door and ran outside.

    "H-Hold it..."

    The countless fire spirits began to stuff themselves with their favorite cakes in the shop without restraint.

    "Leave it to me. Fenrir!"

    Rinslet swiftly raised her hand and summoned a gigantic white wolf.

    "Woof!"

    "Freeze all of those fire spirits!"

    "H-Hold on, Rinslet¡ª"

    Kamito frantically called to stop her, but it was already toote...

    Fenrir opened his jaws wide and discharged a fierce blizzard at the fire spirits running amok all over the ce.

    The fire spirits were instantly frozen. Turning into particles of light, they vanished into thin air.

    "Phew~ That probably does the trick... Oh dear?"

    "...Ahhhhh, all the cakes today are ruined...!"

    Inside the kitchen that was frozen in ice, the shop owner copsed in shock.

    Part 4

    ...As a result, part-timing at the Royal Pce had to be suspended.

    Since the owner fainted from shock, Rinslet and the remaining staff were currently rushing to make cakes desperately.

    Feeling responsible, ire bought all of the ruined cakes.

    "...Sigh, am I unable to make anything other than charcoal?"

    ire was walking in the Academy town in depression. Her lively twintails also seemed wilted. Her mood was in the pits.

    "Well, this does happen sometimes. Didn''t I waste the cream too?"

    Fianna patted her on the shoulder, trying to cheer ire up.

    "Ooh, Fianna... I never knew you were such a good person..."

    "...There, there, don''t cry. But what shall we do next...?"

    "Well, let''s look around patiently. We''ll find something."

    Kamito said. Then at this time...

    "If it pleases you, would you like me to introduce you to the shop where I work?"

    "...Carol, when did you arrive!?"

    Carol suddenly appeared in front of Kamito''s group while they were walking.

    "Maids can appear any time, no matter where."

    Carol smiled.

    "Don''t you have to stay with Rinslet?"

    "Hmm, I can''t help out much anyway."

    "So direct..."

    Kamito narrowed his eyes to ask then sighed lightly.

    "By the way, what shop do you work at, Carol?"

    ire frowned and asked.

    "A cafe in the Academy town. As a waitress."

    "Your job should be Rinslet''s maid, right?"

    "Just a side job and mdy gave permission."

    "Rather, I''d really like to be a Laurenfrost maid."

    Fianna murmured quietly.

    "But being a waitress seems quite fun."

    "...Right. If it''s just serving customers outside the kitchen, there shouldn''t be a problem, right?"

    "Great, Carol, could you introduce us?"

    "Yes, leave it to me!"

    Part 5

    The shop Carol rmended was a grand cafe named Annerose, located in the center of the Academy town.

    Since the four of them looked respectable to begin with, plus Carol''s rmendation, all of them were hired after a simple interview.

    "Fufu, this is truly quite a cute uniform?"

    When Fianna twirled around, her uniform''s skirt fluttered lightly.

    "...But why, even me..."

    ire looked down at her tiny chest and murmured. Since the Annerose uniform featured low necklines, this outfit made the size of her chest even more apparent.

    "How do you intend to pay for the wasted cakes?"

    "W-Well..."

    ire was at a loss for words. Then...

    "...I''m the most tragic here."

    Entering the hall with a face of despair was...

    Kamito in a waitress uniform.

    "K-Kamito!?" "Dear me, Kamito-kun, this really does suit you..."

    "Gah..."

    Kamito bellowed unhappily.

    In any case, things had developed to this point. Kamito''s original intention was to do dish washing and the like in the kitchen, so he epted the interview, but for some reason, the shop owner immediately handed him a waitress uniform upon seeing him.

    "Umm, Kamito... You''re so... pretty."

    "That doesn''t make me feel any better."

    Kamito groaned.

    "Look, Kamito-kun..."

    Fianna smiled lightly and approached him, then...

    "Your cor is a mess."

    Standing on tiptoe, Fianna brought Kamito''s ribbon together and tied it up.

    "S-Sorry..."

    "Hold on, what are you doing? You pervert princess!"

    ire angrily raised her voice in objection.

    "Kamito, does this look good?"

    Then a tiny voice came from behind this time.

    Dressed in uniform, Est expressionlessly stood in front of the counter.

    "Y-Yeah..."

    "The socks are too short... I feel so embarrassed..."

    Pushing her skirt down, Est awkwardly covered her thighs. Instead of her usual kneesocks, she was wearing shorter knee-high socks.

    Since the owner liked Est too, Est was also working here.

    "...It looks really great on you."

    "So happy, Kamito."

    "...Muuu~, you spoil Est too much."

    "Indeed..."

    Fianna concurred with the pouting ire.

    "It''s about time everyone, get to work!"

    Carol pped her hands and entered the hall with the owner.

    "Wow, everyone looks great in these uniforms. Since Carol rmended you, I can leave the work to you without worrying!"

    "Looks like Carol actually works quite seriously here."

    "Yes, how unexpected..."

    Kamitomented quietly and ire nodded her head lightly.

    "Please watch your behavior, you two."

    Kamito and ire could not help but straighten their backs in front of the smiling Carol.

    Part 6

    A while after Kamito andpany started working at the cafe...

    "S-Should be fine, right?"

    In front of the cafe Annerose, a disturbing figure appeared.

    She was wearing a feathered hat and a fluffy wrap while her face was obscured by a pair of superrge sunsses. She was peering inside through the window. The blonde hair visible under her hat was swaying lightly.

    Of course, this was Rinslet.

    Using her power as the cake expert, it only took her an hour or so to finish all the cakes. Putting on a disguise, she secretly came over to check out how ire and the others were doing.

    Just as she was staring at the shop like a weirdo...

    "What are you doing?"

    A voice suddenly came from behind. Frightened, Rinslet''s entire body shook.

    "...I-It is not like it''s because I am worrying about ire... Huh¡ª"

    Rinslet looked back and was suddenly speechless for a moment.

    Standing was a girl whom she was acquainted with.

    "...Captain!?"

    Ellis Fahrengart. The captain of the Sylphid Knights who upheld public discipline in the Academy.

    She looked like she was on patrol with a sword at her waist.

    Ellis frowned and shifted her gaze into the cafe.

    Then she noticed familiar faces inside.

    "...What, the princess is working here?"

    She murmured with a solemn expression.

    "Although the Academy does not prohibit working part-time, b-but is that uniform not excessively shameless?"

    Ellis thought slightly for a moment.

    "Hmm, this calls for an investigation."

    Nodding firmly, she stepped into the cafe.

    "Oh, Captain..."

    Rinslet chased Ellis into the shop.

    Part 7

    "...Hmm? Those girls, are they Ellis... and Rinslet?"

    In the hall serving drinks, Kamito saw them entering the cafe and raised his eyebrows.

    Putting aside Ellis, Rinslet''s tastes were truly weird. Although she had disguised herself with a hat and sunsses, her true identity was already fully exposed.

    (...Could it be that she came to look because she''s worried about ire?)

    Kamito walked over to the two girls near the entrance and called to them.

    "Ellis, Rinslet, what the heck are you doing?"

    "...Hmm? Why do you know my name?" "H-How do you know my real identity¡ª?"

    The two girls responded at the same time.

    Kamito shrugged and whispered quietly so that only the two girls could hear.

    "...It''s me."

    "Kamito?" "...Kamito-san!?"

    They widened their eyes and stared at Kamito''s face intently.

    Then finally, they realized that this waitress seemed to be Kamito.

    "T-That getup, what on earth is going on!?"

    "I-I never knew you had such a hobby!?"

    "...Y-You''re totally wrong!"

    Kamito suddenly yelled in panic, causing the surrounding customers to look to see what was happening.

    "No, well, it''s because of special circumstances..."

    Cough. Kamito cleared his throat and exined the whole story to Rinslet and Ellis.

    "...I see. Now that is truly unfortunate."

    "And I was wondering whether you crossdressed regrly."

    "All that happened three year ago..."

    "Three years ago?"

    Ellis looked in surprise at Kamito who had an idental slip of the tongue.

    "...Oh, nothing... By the way, Rinslet, are thing okay on the cake side?"

    Kamito hastily changed the subject.

    "Fufu, of course. I made up for the ruined cakes properly."

    Rinslet puffed out her chest proudly.

    "I came to see whether or not ire is working properly."

    She looked at ire who was working in the hall.

    "You would like the beef stew set with omelet rice, the customer on the far side would like a seafood curry whereas the two on the side would like the bread and coffee set and the ck tea and cake set respectively, no milk for either of you¡ª"

    ire moved back and forth between the kitchen and the hall in a dazzling sight.

    "She remembers clearly just from listening once..."

    "Her grades really are excellent in school."

    Rinsletmented proudly for some reason.

    "Wow, this girl is so cute?"

    Shrill voices could be heard from the depths of the cafe at this moment.

    "Here you go!" "This one too, this one~" "Here, say ah~?"

    Dressed in a waitress uniform, Est was being fed by customers.

    "What is Est doing..."

    "Come, say ah~ Yes, I''d really like to feed her more. Please, another order of cream puffs?"

    "One order of cream puffs,ing right up."

    Taking orders on the side was the smiling Carol.

    Kamito smiled wryly then looked at Fianna who was working in another corner of the hall.

    "Eh, one order of orange bread and a cup of ck tea, is it?"

    "Wrong, I ordered milk tea."

    "I-I am terribly sorry..."

    Despite stammering a bit, Fianna looked like she was putting in a lot of effort. None of the customers probably recognized her face as the Second Princess.

    (This job should be fine, I guess.)

    Just as Kamito breathed a sigh of relief...

    "Oh my, isn''t this Her Highness the former Second Princess¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Due to this sudden voice, Fianna was startled and stopped walking.

    The one who spoke was a fancily dressed elderly aristocrat sitting on the far end of a table.

    "Oh right, instead of the Second Princess, I should address you as Lost Queen, shouldn''t I?"

    The cafe suddenly fell silent because of the mockery in the elderly aristocrat''s tone.

    "...Who is that?"

    "That would be Count Rondo."

    "He is a high-ranked noble serving as the Minister of Finance in the imperial capital. He is probably inspecting the Academy town."

    "A noble from the imperial court huh..."

    Kamito clicked his tongue in his mind. Called the Lost Queen in the past, Fianna had been hurt by secret rumors among the nobles at the pce ndering her. Precisely because of that, Fianna had closed off her heart, deciding not to care about everything around her. For the past four years, she had shut herself away in the pce without going out.

    "Seriously, how far you have fallen. To think that the princess who showed so much promise as a Queen candidate would be serving others in this kind of ce¡ª"

    Fianna stood there frozen with her face pale. Her shoulders shook slightly and her breathing had quickened. These cruel words were tearing deeply into the scars formed in her heart when living as a recluse at the pce.

    "Fianna¡ª"

    Just as Kamito was about to rush over to Fianna, Rinslet grabbed his arm.

    "...Kamito-san, do not worry."

    "Huh?"

    And just at this moment...

    "Here''s your red tea¡ª"

    In front of the count, a teacup filled with ck tea was brusquely ced on the table.

    This cup of ck tea was boiling and bubbling likeva.

    "What the devil is this!?"

    "Drink this now and get lost. Or else I''ll turn you into charcoal."

    "...!"

    Since ire was exuding anger from her entire body, the count involuntarily gulped.

    "H-Hmph, like anyone needs to visit this kind of shop twice..."

    After saying such dialogue in resignation, he hurried to settle his bill on the table and ran out of the cafe in panic.

    "...ire?"

    No longer stunned atst, Fianna turned and stared at ire.

    ire averted eye contact in embarrassment.

    "H-Hmph, don''t get the wrong idea. I simply hate guys like that¡ª"

    As though nothing had happened, ire returned to her post.

    Part 8

    Afterpleting their work at Annerose peacefully, on the way back to the dorms...

    Kamito andpany were walking on a stone-paved path under the moonlight.

    "Fianna, why don''t you treat me something with your wages?"

    "Didn''t you receive a wage too, ire?"

    "M-My wages were all spent on paying for those cakes..."

    "Oh, that''s right..."

    Fianna smiled wryly at ire who was hanging her head in depression.

    "Fianna, you look quite happy."

    "Fufu, is that so?"

    Fianna looked back, her expression was¡ª

    Compared to her mischievous smiles in the past, it was purely an innocent smile.

    Just as Kamito could not help but stare at her in mesmerization...

    "...Back then, I really was very scared."

    Fianna murmured.

    "...Very scared?"

    Kamito and ire both responded at the same time.

    Fianna nodded firmly.

    "...Yes. Truth be told, when I initially made the decision to work outside, although it was partially for money, I was also trying to bid farewell to my past self who kept hiding in the pce, escaping from reality¡ª"

    Fianna stared into the distance while she spoke.

    "...I see."

    In front of Kamito and the others, Fianna always acted cheerful and wise.

    But in fact, she was a delicate girl who was easily hurt. Hence, when she abandoned everything to run away from the pce toe to the Academy, she probably sealed all those various memories at the bottom of her heart.

    "But don''t worry, because I am no longer alone..."

    "Fianna..."

    Fianna wiped her tears away then showed a usual impish smile on her face.

    "I will treat you two tonight. Where should we eat?"

    "Really? How about¡ª"

    ire stopped and turned around.

    "I don''t really care, but Rinslet, your disguise failed a long time ago."

    "N-Not at all, it''s not like I am following you!"

    Originally hiding behind a pir, Rinslet appeared.

    "Whatever, juste with us. Fianna says she''ll treat us."

    "Yes, I am fine with that."

    "...I-If you say so, then I-I shall apany you all?"

    Taking off her sunsses and the weird hat, Rinslet ran over in tion.

    Then the sword hanging at Kamito''s waist glowed.

    "...Kamito, I woke up too."

    "...Est, weren''t people feeding you just now? You can still eat!?"

    Surrounded by her friends, Fianna then...

    "I am no longer alone..."

    In a voice too quiet for anyone to hear, she secretly whispered to herself.

 Elemental Festa, 4 - Hunting the Legendary Giant Bust Spirit!

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 4 - Hunting the Legendary Giant Bust Spirit!</h4>

    Part 1

    It was the hour of dusk when the Academy''s gates were closed and the sun had set.

    Inside a room at the Raven ss dorm, the aroma of stew wafted in the air.

    "Fufu, I am quite confident in this stew I made for tonight."

    "I can''t wait, mdy?"

    This was Rinslet''s room on the second floor of the dorm. Dressed in an apron, Rinslet was humming a melody while preparing stew for the evening. Meanwhile, Carol was setting the table.

    This full pot of beef stew was clearly more than the two of them could finish on their own. Their intention was to share with the upants of ire''s room in the same dorm.

    "However, I think Kamito-san prefers a lighter vor, doesn''t he?"

    Tasting the stew, Rinslet murmured to herself.

    "As long as it''s made by you, mdy, it''ll be tasty no matter what?"

    "Seriously, Carol, your opinion is useless as a reference."

    Just as Rinslet sighed, in that very moment¡ª

    "M-M-Mdy!"

    Carol suddenly screamed.

    "What is it!?"

    Rinslet instantly turned to face the room¡ª

    A giant ck shadow was pressed against the outside of the window, looking into the room.

    "...Tsk, a suspicious knave!"

    Saying that, Rinslet chanted spirit magic and shot a de of ice from her hand.

    The de broke the window ss and was about to make a direct hit on the shadow outside the window¡ª

    "Vanished!?"

    "M-Mdy¡ªKyah!"

    "Carol!"

    The figure had somehow crept behind Carol after disappearing suddenly.

    "...Tsk, Fenrir!"

    Simultaneous with Rinslet''s summon, a white wolf appeared out of thin air, cloaked in a howling blizzard.

    Without needing orders, Fenrir pounced on the figure.

    Instantly, the shadow released Carol and ducked down, dodging Fenrir''s shing ws, then changed targets to rush at Rinslet.

    (¡ªTo think that Fenrir''s attack was dodged!?)

    She reacted with a swift push of her palm, releasing spirit magic¡ªbut was half a second toote.

    The shadow silently moved along the floor and snared the tip of Rinslet''s foot.

    "Guh... W-What are you doing...? Huahhhhhhh!!"

    "Mdy!"

    Moving along her leg, the eerie shadow entangled her body.

    Feeling like her entire body was getting groped, Rinslet fell into panic.

    At this moment, the room''s door was violently flung open.

    "What happened!?" "What''s going on, Rinslet!?"

    Hearing themotion, Kamito and ire burst into the room side by side.

    "...You two... It is, dangerous here...!"

    Constricted by the shadow, Rinslet panted.

    However the shadow left Rinslet¡ª

    And entered a stance as though ring at the two neers.

    "What is this thing!?" "Wait, it looks very dangerous!"

    As Kamito drew the Demon yer, ire warned.

    The shadow paused momentarily then vanished with a whoosh as though melding into the air.

    "...W-What was that thing?"

    ire asked with her head tilted in puzzlement.

    "Are you okay, Rinslet?"

    Kamito ran over to Rinslet who was copsed on the floor.

    "Y-Yes... I suppose I am fine..."

    Rinslet shuddered and stood up.

    She looked unharmed in appearance¡ª

    "...M-Mdy!"

    However, Carol screamed with her face all pale.

    Rinslet looked puzzled when suddenly, ire pointed straight at Rinslet.

    "Rinslet, y-y-your..."

    "My what? What is the matter?"

    "Your ch-chest..."

    "...Chest?"

    Still with her eyebrows raised in puzzlement, Rinslet looked down at her own chest.

    ...Then she noticed.

    "W-W-W-What... What is the meaning of this...!?"

    She noticed the fact that her bust had be as t as a board.

    Part 2

    "I see, so you too¡ª"

    "Us too?"

    Confronted with Ellis'' mysterious demeanor, the trio of Kamito, ire and Rinslet responded with a questioning look.

    ¡ªAfter the earlier incident, Kamito and ire had taken the stunned Rinslet to Ellis'' room at the Weasel ss dorm. After all, ordinary students were obliged to report all incidents to the Sylphid Knights if anything happened in the Academy.

    Ellis sighed and took out a file from a bookshelf in her room. She opened the cover, revealing the names of several students recorded there.

    "...This is?"

    "A list of student victims who had suffered the same fate over the past few weeks."

    "Suffered the same fate... Could it be that spirit?"

    Responding to ire''s surprise, Ellis nodded firmly.

    "Indeed. Scattory Rin of Owl ss, Alca Siena of Grizzly ss, followed by Resta Maia of Weasel ss. All of them had their bosoms stolen by that spirit."

    "...!"

    Kamito, ire and Rinslet exchanged looks with one another.

    "A spirit that steals bosoms, are you telling me that such a being exists..."

    Rinslet murmured quietly while staring at her chest with a mournful expression. Previously buxom, her chest was now as t as the cutting board she used regrly in the kitchen.

    "Wait, why were we kept in the dark when something like this is happening!?"

    "Oh, the Knights decided not to publicize this incident¡ª"

    "Why!?"

    "Because the victims pleaded so. No one wants others to know that they had lost their bosom. Right now, they are using pads to get through their days in the Academy."

    "...I can sympathize."

    "On the other hand, I''m not quite satisfied..."

    Looking at her chest that was plenty pitiful even without a spirit''s theft, ire bit her lip hard.

    "Then are there any clues to the culprit''s identity?"

    "Yes, it is probably..."

    Ellis whispered with a mysterious look.

    "¡ªThe legendary giant bust spirit."

    "The legendary¡ª" "Giant bust¡ª" "Spirit¡ª"

    The trio gulped.

    "I believed it to be merely a legend, who would have thought¡ª"

    "ire, you''ve heard of it?"

    Kamito instantly turned to her and asked. ire nodded.

    "Yes. Rumors of it has been circting in the Academy earlier. The spirit absorbs busts from many girls, transferring it to its contractor. I''ve searched for it many times in the forest before."

    "I can''t believe you''ve done something some for real..."

    "Sh-Shut up... But in the end, I never saw any legendary giant bust spirit. Dismissing it as just a legend, I soon forgot about it..."

    "¡ªBut the giant bust spirit definitely exists."

    Ellis said seriously.

    "Since there is a spirit that steals other people''s bosoms, there is no choice but to reconsider the existence of the giant bust spirit."

    "...I''ve never even heard of such a surreal spirit."

    Kamito quipped quietly.

    "So, are the Knights going to just ignore this?"

    "Recently, there have been ns to assemble a strike force to take down that giant bust spirit, but well¡ª"

    Faced with ire''s questioning, Ellis answered in embarrassment.

    "The Sylphid Knights lost substantial manpower during the assault incident several days earlier. Also, even though these girls were attacked, their bosoms merely shrank, so it is not like it is that serious¡ª"

    "That is neither here nor there!"

    Rinslet mmed the table hard.

    "I-Is that so? The likes of a heavy bosom, I have always found it quite burdensome¡ª"

    "~W-What, that''s such a burden of luxury!!"

    ire protested tearfully.

    "Very well, I shall go alone to exterminate that so-called giant bust spirit."

    Rinslet stood up in a huff and walked to the door.

    "Wait up, it''s too dangerous to enter the depths of the Spirit Forest alone!"

    "What was stolen must be taken back. This is a precept of the Laurenfrost family."

    "Wait up, Rinslet, I''m asking you to wait!"

    ire tried to call back Rinslet who had stepped into the corridor.

    "Stopping me is futile, ire Rouge."

    "I''m not stopping you. I just want to go with you."

    "This is a personal matter of my own."

    "I-It''s not like I''m worried about you, but I''m just curious about this legendary giant bust spirit."

    ire turned her gaze away shyly.

    "...Hmph. Make sure you do not get in my way."

    "I''ll help too."

    Kamito walked over to the two of them.

    "Even Kamito-san too..."

    "I''m a guy so there''s no worry of getting attacked by the giant bust spirit. The same goes for ire, there''s nothing to steal, so we''re indispensablerades for taking down the giant bust spirit."

    "Well said... Wait, what did you say!? Are you looking for a death sentence!?"

    "...Mistake! That was a mistake! The whip! Put the whip away first!"

    Part 3

    ¡ªHalf an hourter, the trio finished their preparations for forest adventuring and entered the Spirit Forest.

    The depths of the Spirit Forest was a dark and terrifying ce. Every year, there were rumors of students getting lost and going missing here.

    Holding a torch, ire walked in the front.

    "Come to think of it, there was one time when I entered the Abyssal Forest with ire and even got lost."

    "...S-Something like that happened?"

    "ire hugged me tightly and broke into tears."

    "...Sh-Shut up! It''s way back in the past!

    ire went bright red and yelled.

    "But by the way, is this really the right direction?"

    While staying vignt, Kamito asked.

    "Sightings of the giant bust spirit were essentially concentrated on the north side of the forest. Also, the spirit that stole Rinslet''s bosom also fled in this direction¡ª"

    "Sightings are not that reliable, right? It''s not like we can rule out the possibility that they were imagining things."

    "It''s not like we have other options. This is all we can do. Then¡ª"

    ire turned around and looked at Rinslet''s swaying bosom.

    "A bit of a trap here..."

    "Will something like that really bait the spirit?"

    Rinslet looked skeptical. Her chest was even bigger than before it had been absorbed. Naturally, this was not her real bust.

    Obtained by ire, these were the fake breasts that Fianna kept hidden in her desk.

    "Don''t worry. These pads are on apletely different levelpared to the ones sold in ordinary shops."

    The princess'' fake breasts were a type of enchanted artifact, a masterpiece of spirit engineering. With the power of a water spirit sealed inside them, these pads were the best choice for simting the real thing. Even when examined up close, it looked no different from a real bosom. Using these fake breasts as bait, that giant bust spirit would surely appear. That was the n that ire had devised.

    "This is definitely well-made..."

    Squeezing her fake breasts, Rinslet murmured quietly with unease.

    ...By the time they realized they were lost, it was already several hourster.

    Part 4

    Kamito, ire and Rinslet kept going in circles inside the forest.

    Walking around in the Spirit Forestte at night was very dangerous even for experienced elementalists. Once lost, it was very difficult to find one''s way back.

    "...This isn''t the time to be looking for that giant bust spirit."

    "Yes, let us wait until dawn, get out ande back prepared."

    Walking in this kind of darkness would only be a futile waste of energy. The three of of them took a break by the side of argeke in the depths of the forest with the intention of waiting for dawn.

    Since lighting a fire could attract nearby spirits, all they could eat were canned peaches.

    "Why only canned peaches..." "I am shivering with cold."

    "Sh-Shut up! You''re not eating anything if you twoin anymore!"

    With her mouth stuffed with peaches, ire snarled back.

    After eating, ire slowly stood up and walked towards theke.

    "...Where are you going?"

    "Ritual purification. If we run into the giant bust spirit, I have to confront it while fully prepared."

    "I shall join you."

    "Okay. Then I''ll guard from here."

    Kamito picked up the Demon yer with both hands and crouched behind some trees.

    "Got that, Kamito? I''ll turn you into charcoal if you peep~"

    "...I got it, okay?"

    "He is guarding to avoid peeping, right?"

    "What was that?"

    "Nothing..."

    Part 5

    ...Ssh. The sound of water was heard in the quiet forest.

    With their uniforms hanging on branches, the two girls were in their underwear.

    "In the end, they must have made a mistake about the giant bust spirit being in this vicinity..."

    Having removed her fake breasts, Rinslet looked at her pitifully t chest and sighed.

    However, ire shook her head.

    "No, the giant bust spirit must be around. We have to catch it for sure!"

    ire clenched both fists and dered firmly, gazing at the sky.

    Rinslet cocked her head in puzzlement.

    "...Why are you so fired up to do something for my sake?"

    "Huh?"

    "Because it is not like it was your bosom that was stolen¡ª"

    She looked at ire''s chest.

    "If the people around you got tter, doesn''t that make your chest rtively bigger?"

    "Even if I be rtively bigger, that doesn''t mean much."

    ire shrugged then bent down slightly¡ª

    "If we catch the spirit of big busts, even I might get slightly bigger... Also, it counts as returning your favor."

    "My favor?"

    "It''s in the past, though you probably forgot it¡ª"

    With her legs submerged in theke water, ire thought back to that day three years ago.

    Part 6

    ¡ªThree years ago, at the Eluore Prep School.

    "Haha! This fire will be put out if we pour water on it, right?"

    Some upper-year girls were crouching on the ground, using a stick to poke a smander spirit.

    This spirit was very weak and its mes felt like they were going to disappear any moment.

    "Stop that! Do not bully Mr. Spirit!"

    ire tackled the girl who was holding the stick.

    "Ah¡ª"

    The smander spirit took this opportunity to jump into the bushes and escaped.

    "What is this, the Cmity Queen''s little sister. Got a problem with that? Huh?"

    The senior students surrounded ire, looking down at her and even started to get physical.

    "Ouch, stop it...!"

    "Look at her, so full of herself¡ª"

    One girl grabbed ire''s ribbon and pulled it up violently.

    At that very moment¡ª

    Raging wind mixed with ice began to blow around the senior students who were bullying ire.

    "W-What?"

    "Hmph, don''t you know that bullying the weak wouldpletely tarnish an elementalist''s honor?"

    Elegantly tossing her voluminous blonde hair, Rinslet appeared. Fenrir''s spirit seal on her right hand was glowing.

    "Tsk, this is not good. That girl''s..." "Hold on, from the Laurenfrost family?"

    The senior students fled immediately after seeing Rinslet''s face. The Laurenfrost family''s mighty reputation and Rinslet''s own power were widely known throughout the school. Naturally, no one was stupid enough to make enemies of this youngdy.

    Rinslet shrugged and looked at ire.

    "You too, seriously. You look nothing like an Elstein daughter at all."

    "The name of Elstein exists no longer."

    ire turned her face away.

    "Really?"

    "Huh?"

    "But I know this."

    Staring straight into ire''s eyes while she was looking up, Rinslet smiled fearlessly.

    "Inside your heart resides the mes of Elstein¡ª"

    Part 7

    "It became bigger, though only just a little..."

    Rinslet''s voice interrupted ire''s shback.

    "...N-Nothing of that sort!"

    ire wrapped her arms around herself and hid her chest.

    "Did you use the bust-enhancing technique I taught you¡ª"

    "I tried it out but it didn''t work at all!!"

    ire pouted and red at Rinslet.

    "Are you going to use the fraudulent technique you taught me?"

    Rinslet shrugged and looked down at her own chest.

    "At this rate if we still fail to catch the giant bust spirit, I might very well have to rely on this bust-enhancing technique..."

    While whispering mournfully, Rinslet massaged her own chest.

    "Wrong, you need to do it like this... Mmm?"

    As though modeling as an example, ire tried massaging her own chest.

    "L-like this... Kyah?"

    "...Mm, hyah?"

    Part 8

    (...I-I can hear everything from here, jeez.)

    Sitting in a tree''s shadow, Kamito muttered in his heart.

    At that moment, he sensed a presence in the scattering wind.

    "...Huh, what''s that? Could it be the giant bust spirit?"

    Holding the Demon yer, Kamito rushed into the depths of the darkness.

    "ire! Rinslet!"

    Brushing the bushes apart, he heard shrill voices¡ª

    "K-Kamito-san!?" "Hwahhhh, w-what are you looking at, Kamito!?"

    Blushing intensely, the two girls screamed.

    "...S-Sorry...!"

    As Kamito turned his face away, he was greeted with water sshing at him.

    "Y-You pervert!" "Kamito-san is so dirty!"

    ire hugged Scarlet to guard her chest.

    Meanwhile, Rinslet had put on her fake breasts at some point to hide her real chest.

    "...Y-You got me wrong! I sensed something¡ª"

    Just as the two girls were raising their eyebrows¡ª

    "Rinslet, behind you!"

    Kamito cried out. The shadow suddenly appeared behind Rinslet.

    "...Th-The giant bust spirit!?"

    The shadow nimbly entangled Rinslet from behind and rubbed her chest.

    "...Gasp... Ah, kyah?"

    "Bastard, release Rinslet!"

    ire summoned metongue, wrapping it around the shadow''s neck.

    The shadow cried out in anguish and fled into the depths of the forest.

    "Chase it down, Kamito!"

    "Yeah!"

    Part 9

    The creepy shadow was weaving through the trees.

    Its escaping speed was quite fast. Most likely, it had memorized the forest''s geography well.

    "Fenrir, catch that thing!"

    Fenrir roared and shed with his ws, shattering the trees in his path.

    However, the shadow slid through gaps in the attacks as though performing acrobatics, escaping through the bushes.

    "Not bad for a mere giant bust spirit. However¡ª"

    ire unleashed metongue, sweeping the bushes horizontally.

    The bushes were instantly incinerated, exposing the figure of the hiding giant bust spirit.

    "Over there!"

    ire swung her whip. Tracing out a red trail, the mes ensnared the jumping shadow.

    "Captured!"

    "Well done¡ª" "Nice job, ire!"

    Kamito and Rinslet instantly caught up and surrounded the giant bust spirit.

    Even when entangled by the whip, the shadow continued to struggle relentlessly.

    "Listen here, giant bust spirit, time to give up¡ª"

    Suddenly, a gigantic object appeared over the trio''s heads.

    "...!?"

    The trio looked up, only to see...

    "W-What!?" "What the heck!?"

    A humongous breast had appeared.

    A breast. Quivering, wobbling, and translucent, the giant breast was hovering in the night sky.

    ...More than surreal, this scene was absolutely stupid.

    "...W-What the heck is this?"

    "E-Even if you ask me... Maybe a breast monster?"

    Staring nkly at the sky, ire did not try to hide her confusion. The flying giant breast was apanied by spinning shadows like the one that had attacked Rinslet.

    "What a surprise. Is that the main body of the giant bust spirit?"

    Just as Kamito spoke, in that instant...

    The giant breast flying in the air, its entire body(?) shuddered with a boing?

    "Iing!"

    ire warned the group. At the same time, the shadows surrounding the giant breast attacked them.

    "Turn into charcoal!"

    The ming whip shed through the air, slicing shadows apart. However, out from the bifurcated shadows sprouted slender tentacles to envelop ire.

    "...Hyah!"

    "ire! You bastard¡ª!"

    Kamito instantly shed the shadows with his sword. Sliced by the Demon yer, the shadows literally vanished as a puff of smoke in the air.

    "Kamito, th-thanks..."

    "Don''t lower your guard. Despite looking like that, its probably quite a high-ranked spirit¡ª"

    "ire, your chest¡ªis your chest okay!?"

    "Yes, I am fine..."

    ire looked down at her chest and smiled fearlessly.

    "As suspected, my chest is already too small to be absorbed..."

    "That''s sad in its own way..."

    "Shut up... Let''s go, scorching ball of congration!"

    As though venting her anger, ire released a Fireball at the main body of the giant bust spirit.

    Explosion. Hovering in midair, the translucent giant breast was engulfed by zing mes.

    "I did it!"

    "¡ªNo, it is not over yet!"

    Rinslet cried out.

    At the same time, the unscathed giant breast''s quivering form appeared from the dissipating storm of the explosion.

    "No way! It was a direct hit from a Fireball!"

    "It must have the power to neutralize a t chest''s attack!"

    "What is with this thing... And what the heck are you talking about!?"

    Just as ire griped, the giant bust spirit grew even bigger and smashed down from above.

    "Kyahhhh!"

    Directly underneath, ire was struck squarely.

    "ire!" "Watch out, Rinslet!"

    Kamito caught Rinslet''s arm and pulled her from under there.

    The giant bust spirit bounced with a boing? and flew into the sky again.

    "How dare you do that to ire... Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet swiftly fired an arrow of ice.

    However, the arrow bounced off the giant breastpletely.

    "Even ice is not working!?"

    "Rinslet, below you!"

    Hearing Kamito''s warning, Rinslet looked down. Without them noticing, one of the spirit''s shadows was hiding underfoot, trying to climb towards Rinslet''s chest.

    "...Kyahhhh!"

    "¡ªCalm down, abandon the breasts!"

    "...!"

    Listening to Kamito, Rinslet grabbed the fake breasts and tossed them away.

    Crafted using a water spirit''s power, the pads bounced stically on the forest floor.

    Perhaps due to the traits of the giant bust spirit, the shadow entangling Rinslet instantly released her and went to chase the pads.

    "Hoo, what a life steeped in sin¡ª"

    Rinslet fired another arrow of ice at the sky.

    Naturally, she knew it would be ineffective against the giant bust spirit. She was aiming somwhere else.

    "Kamito-san, now!"

    "Yeah¡ª!"

    The trails of countless arrows formed awork in the air like a spider''s web woven between the trees. On top of that web, Kamito sprinted.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito swung the Demon yer.

    Part 10

    "Now you are captured, giant bust spirit!"

    "Give up all resistance, you enemy of young maidens!"

    Standing arms akimbo, Rinslet and ire looked down at the giant bust spirit at their feet.

    Kamito had not cut down the giant bust spirit directly. There was no guarantee that killing it would return the stolen bosoms. It was totally possible that the girls'' breasts would not return had they attacked without thinking.

    Tied up securely by ire''s whip, the giant bust spirit wobbled and struggled like mad, looking like arge b of boneless ham. It was quite surreal.

    "Looks like it''s begging for mercy..."

    "Hmm, if you don''t want to turn to charcoal, hurry up and return everyone''s breasts¡ª"

    ¡ªAt that very moment...

    ''O littledy...''

    "...Huh?"

    Hearing the voice echoing in the forest, ire entered a stance swiftly.

    ''O littledy, wouldst thou... wouldst thou wish for a bosom?

    "...Wh...at, this thing, this thing just spoke!"

    ire stared wide-eyed in surprise. The source of the voice could very well be the b of boneless ham¡ªno, the giant bust spirit¡ªat her feet.

    "But this thing keeps wobbling!"

    "How disgusting..."

    The two girls reflexively recoiled away from the giant bust spirit and hid behind Kamito''s back.

    ''Answer me¡ªDost thou wish for a bountiful bust?''

    "Bountiful bosom... W-What? What is the meaning of this?"

    ''I am the spirit ruling over giant busts. If thou wert to release me, I shall bestow upon thee¡ª''

    As the giant bust spirit spoke¡ª

    ire reflexively gulped.

    "M-Meaning that, y-you''ll give me a giant bust?"

    ''...Precisely. Regardless of shape or size, conferring upon thee the bust of thy dreams is precisely mine authority. Dost thou desire it? The ideal bust¡ª''

    "Shape and size of my dreams¡ª"

    ire instantly blushed intensely.

    "Whatever I want, just like that...!"

    "Hold on, ire, are you alright!?" "It''s totally a trap..."

    Rinslet spoke in somewhat of a panic whereas Kamito retorted calmly with his eyes narrowed.

    "I-I know okay... From the start, I saw through the lies this thing told to beg for mercy..."

    ''It seemeth that thou believest not. Well then, I shall open thy eyes and allow thee a glimpse of mine authority¡ª''

    The giant bust spirit suddenly shuddered, its entire body shing.

    "W-What!?"

    In the next instant...

    "Hyah!"

    ire''s chest expanded with a boing.

    "Huahhhh... What is this!?"

    The expanding chest had blown away her uniform''s buttons, making her white underwear visible.

    Giant breasts as big as cantaloupes, looking like they were about to burst out from inside her underwear.

    "N-No way... These are my breasts?"

    Instantly buxom, ire looked at her chest with disbelief.

    "Amazing. They''re so big, and, so heavy..."

    ire''s face instantly lit up.

    ''Having absorbed countless breasts, a task of this level would not be beyond me¡ª''

    "...H-Hey, ire?"

    Kamito called out her name with worry.

    "But¡ª"

    ire whispered.

    "These breasts were stolen from Rinslet and the girls of the Academy¡ª"

    ''...So what?''

    ire quietly shook her head.

    "These breasts belong to everyone. I cannot ept them¡ª"

    Once again, she infused power into the whip that was tying up the giant bust spirit.

    "ire...!"

    Rinslet''s expression instantly cheered up.

    "I don''t want giant boobs like this. You''d better return all the bosoms you''ve stolen."

    ''...Tsk, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a giant bust. Forsaking this chance, art thou truly certain?''

    "Yes, I do this upon an Elstein daughter''s honor¡ª"

    ''...''

    "..."

    ire and the giant bust spirit stared at each other for a while.

    ''...''Tis my defeat, it seemeth.''

    Thus the giant bust spirit stopped resisting and vanished into thin air.

    "...M-My bust, my bust has returned!"

    "Thank goodness."

    Seeing Rinslet''s chest back to normal, ire smiled.

    Part 11

    A few dayster...

    Rinslet paid a visit to ire''s room in the same dorm.

    "ire, open up please."

    "What''s the matter, Rinslet?"

    ire opened the door with a look of surprise. Rinslet was holding a small box under her arm while fidgeting with the ends of her hair.

    "U-Umm, a gift of appreciation forst time, I suppose..."

    She stammered.

    "It''s not like it was anything major requiring a gift. On the other hand, I guess I''ve returned your favor..."

    "...? Like I asked before, what is this matter about a favor?"

    Rinslet raised an eyebrow.

    "This was not easy to obtain but I bought it from a purveyor of magic items."

    Saying that, she opened the box she was carrying under her arm and handed it to ire.

    "W-What is this?"

    ire was rendered speechless by the contents of the box.

    ¡ªIt was underwear for the chest. A bra.

    Made of top-quality silk, it was covered with adorablece embroidery. Looking like ordinary underwear at first nce, the only strange thing was the tiny jewel adorning the front tip.

    Rather than an ordinary jewel for decoration, it was a spirit crystal of the highest ss.

    "I heard that simply wearing this will increase the size of your bust."

    "Huh?"

    "Namely, your bust will grow big just by wearing this when you sleep..."

    "N-No way... This kind of thing is too cheating!"

    "Indeed, though its effectiveness is currently unknown. However, there is value in testing it out, no?"

    "B-But even without using this, I can still..."

    ire coughed as a diversion.

    "However... I guess I''ll ept it for now. Thanks."

    ire epted the spirit crystal-equipped underwear.

    "Wait, remember to activate the spirit crystal for it to work."

    "Yeah, I''m just going to test it out. In any case, how could something like this be effective¡ª"

    Part 12

    That night, inside the Raven ss dorm, strange sounds and screaming could be heard the entire night.

    "...W-What is this, can''t stop... Nnnn, hyah, hyahhhhhhhh?"

 Elemental Festa, 5 - The Terrifying Mystery Hotpot Battle!

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 5 - The Terrifying Mystery Hotpot Battle!</h4>

    Part 1

    One day, after finishing their patrol of the Academy town, Kamito and Ellis returned to the Sylphid Knights headquarters inside the Academy to write their report.

    "Fortunately, things are peaceful today too¡ª"

    "Mm-hmm. After that match, the Academy''s disrupted order has gradually recovered."

    After recording the results of today''s patrol in her report, Ellis nodded firmly.

    Indeed, for the past few days, conflicts and all kinds of problems in the Academy were decreasing at a visible rate.

    The direct reason one could think of was most likely the match held one week ago for determining the Academy''s representatives for the de Dance.

    On one side was the Academy''s strongest elementalist and former captain of the Sylphid Knights, Velsaria Eva. Yet such an aplished character had been defeated spectacrly by the team of the current captain of the Knights, Ellis.

    Thanks to that, the members of the Sylphid Knights who originally looked down on Ellis began to approve of their captain, thus finally reviving the organization''s functionality.

    "...Thus, today''s work is over. Good job, Kamito."

    Putting the report into a file, Ellis stood up from her chair.

    Just as she was about to return the file to a shelf, Ellis suddenly stopped.

    "...Oh right. I almost forgot this."

    Ellis reached for a file on the side and sighed lightly.

    "...What''s that?"

    "Hmm, this is a report aboutints the Knights have received from students. But due to the recentck of manpower, we did not have the luxury of handling these matters, hence we could only¡ª"

    While answering Kamito''s question, Ellis flipped through the file with a fluttering sound.

    "A few days ago, there has been a rumor about strange noisesing from the storehouse behind the Academy. Since it was quite unsettling, the Knights were asked to investigate, but the matter was forgotten amidst all the hectic work¡ª"

    "There''s a storehouse behind the Academy?"

    Kamito asked with his head tilted. There was only a stable behind the school building without any storehouse to his knowledge.

    "...Well, my original dwelling did look kind of like a storehouse."

    "L-Let us not dig up the past, okay...?"

    Ellis averted eye contact in a fluster, coughed and cleared her throat.

    "This storehouse is referring to a building in the forest behind the Academy."

    "Inside the forest huh? In that case, couldn''t the strange noises be made by a spirit that had gotten lost and entered it?"

    "More than likely, that is probably what happened¡ª"

    Ellis nodded without rejecting the idea.

    "However, there is a part of the rumor that is quite concerning."

    "...Quite concerning?"

    "Indeed... Apparently, someone has seen a figure inside the storehouse."

    "A figure huh... I see now."

    Kamito fell into deep thought and muttered quietly.

    Only high-ranked spirits like Est were capable of expressing fully human forms. It would be unthinkable for such a high-ranked spirit to be appearing in that kind of ce.

    "Oh well, it is just a rumor after all. That ce has always been involved with all kinds of legends."

    "Legends?"

    "Indeed. Kamito, you may not know since you are new, but one legend tells of a spirit residing there that has the ability to grant all wishes."

    "The ability to grant all wishes... How can such a convenient spirit exist?"

    Kamito remarked with a raised eyebrow. If anything in this world was capable of that, it would have to be something on the same level as the miracle of the Elemental Lords granted to victors of the de Dance tournament.

    "Naturally, this is a rumor circting among gossiping students. In truth, nosy students have gone to investigate many times in the past, but never found even a shadow of the spirit."

    Saying that, Ellis shrugged.

    "...That being said, sinceints have been filed, an investigation must be conducted. My apologies, Kamito, but could you apany me?"

    "Sure, I''m actually a bit curious about that rumor too."

    As a result, the two of them walked to the storehouse in the forest withnterns in their hands.

    Part 2

    The sun had setpletely. The forest was totally dark.

    Thentern glowed from a sealed fire spirit, illuminating the outline of the building standing in the middle of the forest.

    "...Hey Ellis."

    "What is the matter?"

    "Why did they build a house in this kind of ce?"

    Looking at it from outside, it did not look like a storehouse no matter what¡ª

    Rather, it seemed more like someone''s residence, and quite a grand mansion to boot.

    "This was originally the headmistress'' secondary residence that also served as a research facility."

    "...Greyworth the hag''sb, huh?"

    Kamito muttered with a bitter face.

    Brushing aside the vines around the grated gate, Ellis opened the entrance and entered.

    "Using an entire house for storage, that''s really generous."

    "Really? Back home, the storehouse was converted from an entire ancient castle."

    "That''s a totally different scale..."

    Kamito lowered his voice and remarked in exasperation.

    (...Come to think of it, Ellis is a youngdy from a high-ranking aristocratic family.)

    Due to interacting normally with the girls all the time, Kamito identally forgot this fact. If anything, Ellis and the other girls were supposed to be noble youngdies whommoners like Kamito could not retort a single word against.

    "Even so, this ce really creeps me out when I look at it..."

    The house itself was quite magnificent, but the walls were overgrown with countless brambles and ivy vines, giving off a creepy atmosphere like a standard haunted house... Given such an appearance, it was no wonder that there were so many strange rumors.

    "...It''s like anything could rush out any time."

    "S-Stop saying nonsense...!"

    Kamito simply whispered but Ellis shuddered on the side.

    "...Ellis, don''t tell me you''re afraid of ghosts?"

    "O-O-O-Of course not! I-I-I will have you know that I am a knight from the House of Fahrengart!"

    Ellis denied with her face bright red.

    "...Oh okay. Sorry about that."

    Kamito smiled wryly in return and reached for the door handle.

    Part 3

    ...C-Creak... The stairs groaned with every step.

    The interior of the house was covered in dust. None of the spirit crystals installed on the walls for lighting reacted when infused with divine power. The spirits in them had probably all escaped long ago.

    "Careful or else you might break the floorboards."

    "Y-Yes, be careful... Wah!"

    Kamito swiftly caught Ellis by the arm just as her step prated a floorboard.

    "...Are you okay, Ellis?"

    "Y-Yes, I suppose, I am fine..."

    Blushing bright red, Ellis shook off Kamito''s hand.

    "L-Let us proceed..."

    Clearing her throat, Ellis stepped forward.

    Then she stopped in front of a room with a sign saying library.

    "ording to reports, the sighted figure was apparently in this room on the second floor¡ª"

    Gripping the hilt of the sword at her waist, Ellis opened the door.

    From behind the door came a slight whiff of odor. The interior of the room was surrounded by bookshelves. The floor had been carefully swept clean and there was not a speck of dust in the corridor in front of the room either.

    "Are these books all part of Greyworth''s collection?"

    "Yes, they are all ancient texts gathered from the headmistress'' student days. But of course, precious grimoires have all been donated to the Academy''s library. None of the books remaining here are particrly valuable."

    "But if that''s the case, there''s something bothering me."

    "...Something bothering you?"

    Kamito walked to the shelves in front of him and reached for the spine of a book.

    "This book''s cover is way too new¡ª"

    "What!?"

    Seeing the cover of the book that Kamito had pulled out, Ellis instantly blushed to her ears.

    "S-Secret Garden...?"

    Indeed, rather than ancient grimoires¡ª

    These were romance novels of a slightly excessively racy nature, targeted towards girls.

    "This one, this one, and this one too..."

    Kamito took out the books from the shelf one by one. Blooming Flower in the Night, Young Lady in the Dungeon, The Bullying Count¡ªAll books of this genre.

    "W-Why are such shameless books here...!?"

    "...Well, for some reason, I can imagine the reason."

    Kamito shrugged and tapped the cover of a book.

    "...By the way, don''t you find this lineup of books quite familiar¡ª?"

    ¡ªAt that very moment...

    "...Hmm? I think I heard something?"

    Kamito suddenly looked up.

    "W-What!? Q-Quit making strange remarks!"

    "No, it''s true¡ª"

    ...than night... pitch-ck darkness... devour the world... harbinger of chaos¡ª

    "...!?"

    Inside the quiet room, distant and bizarre whispers were echoing.

    Kamito and Ellis looked at each other then rushed into the corridor.

    ...Trial... here... alternate dimensional... portal¡ª

    "An incantation of spirit magic?"

    Ellis charged at the voice''s direction in one breath¡ª

    "Ellis, wait up! I''ve heard this voice somewhere before¡ª"

    "Brazen knave, what vile machinations are you attempting here!?"

    Completely ignoring Kamito''s advice, Ellis opened the room''s door using wind magic.

    "Kyahhh!" "What is going on!?" "Mdy~!" "Hya!"

    The storm raged inside the room, causing the girls inside to scream one after another.

    "...Y-You!?"

    Thus, Ellis froze in her pose, in the middle of releasing magic.

    Part 4

    "You lot again, problem children of Raven ss!"

    Holding the confiscated racy books in her arms, Ellis red severely at the four girls before her¡ªire, Fianna, Rinslet and her maid Carol.

    "Y-You''ve got us wrong..."

    "We certainly did note here to read books or the like!"

    ire and Rinslet were desperately denying the evidence before their eyes.

    "Oh? In that case, why is your name written here?"

    "U-Umm..."

    ire''s gaze escaped to the side.

    "Vition of school rules. The Sylphid Knights will step in and handle these things."

    "Ah, so cruel!" "You are going too far!"

    "Actually, Ellis, aren''t you interested in them as well?"

    "L-Like, like anyone would be interested in such stupid..."

    Fianna''s murmur instantly turned Ellis'' face bright red in a fluster.

    "...In the end, the truth behind the rumor turns out to be ire and the rest of you."

    Watching these youngdies, Kamito sighed in exasperation.

    School rules forbade the possession of reading material that could corrupt public morals. To evade the Knights'' inspections, ire and her friends had hidden the books here then sneaked in to read them.

    However, Kamito was quite concerned about ire''s attitude.

    ire still seemed a bit restless and uneasy, like she had more to hide.

    (...True, Fianna seemed to be chanting some kind of magic just now.)

    Kamito looked around the room, made a mess by the wind.

    Then he noticed a book that had fallen in a corner.

    The wind must have blown it there just now. Unlike the bright covers of the girls'' romance novels, it was a grimoire with an aged leather cover. Kamito picked up the book.

    "Is this book from the headmistress'' collection by any chance?"

    Ellis narrowed her eyes and stared at ire and the others.

    "By the way, I heard a strange magical incantation earlier. What on earth was that?"

    "W-Well..."

    ire, Rinslet and Fianna exchanged looks in embarrassment¡ª

    Then finally, they sighed in resignation.

    "...Well, since you witnessed it, we have no choice but to confess."

    "Earlier, we were trying out a certain ritual recorded in this book."

    "What ritual?"

    Hearing Fianna''s answer, Ellis raised an eyebrow in doubt.

    The girls had discovered that book purely by chance.

    They were using the library to hide their racy reading material, but discovered the book hidden in the inside of the bookshelf. Given Fianna''s excellent aptitude as a princess maiden, she had instinctively discovered this grimoire which definitely held no ordinary power.

    Fianna had taken the book back to her room and spent many days to decipher it. Then she discovered that something unbelievable was written in this book.

    "...Something unbelievable huh?"

    "Yes, what this book records is¡ª"

    Fianna paused and spoke with a serious expression.

    "The method to summon a spirit capable of granting any wish¡ª"

    "What... did you say..."

    Ellis gulped.

    "Could it be, that rumor, circting among students..."

    "Yes, that rumor is true..."

    Fianna nodded firmly.

    "Just now, we were here to perform the ritual for summoning this spirit¡ª"

    Part 5

    A bit of moonlight shot in through the window that was covered by ivy vines and brambles.

    Sitting some distance away, Kamito watched as Fianna made preparations for the ritual.

    "I-It is just a silly rumor regardless. A spirit capable of granting wishes, pish posh¡ª"

    "You can go back alone if you''re afraid."

    "H-Hmph... I shall confirm the veracity of the rumor at least."

    Ellis red back in response to ire''s taunt. Ellis was taking part under the pretext that a member of the Sylphid Knights needed to be present to supervise the ritual, but in reality, she must be quite interested too.

    (...No matter what, it is a spirit able to grant people''s wishes, after all.)

    Fianna arranged stones neatly on the floor then looked at the grimoire.

    "Looks like I need to put a pot here..."

    "I have never heard of any magic ritual that requires a pot to carry out."

    "Neither have I."

    Thud, Fianna ced a pot filled with water onto the arranged stones. This earthenware pot had been taken from the mansion''s underground storage, an enchanted artifact with a sealed spirit that finally came in handy.

    ire produced a me from her hand and lit a fire for the pot.

    "...Heat the pot with fire then put in kelp, it says."

    Fianna confirmed the ritual''s sequence then covered the pot with the lid. Next¡ª

    "Could this be the mystery hotpot ritual?"

    By the time anyone noticed, Est had taken human form and spoken.

    "You''ve heard of it, Est?"

    Est nodded expressionlessly.

    "The mystery hotpot ritual is a showdown between elementalists, sharing roots with the de Dance tournament. Many an elementalist has fallen in attempts to take on this trial¡ª"

    "I-Is it that dangerous a ritual...?"

    "Now is yourst chance to flee."

    ire smiled fearlessly.

    "L-Like anyone is going to flee!"

    "I actually feel like running away... But¡ª"

    Kamito shrugged.

    "Hey ire¡ª"

    "...?"

    "Can that pot spirit grant any kind of wish?"

    "Yes, of course. But a wish on the level of the Elemental Lords would be impossible¡ª"

    "I see..."

    Kamito looked at the flickering mes.

    (...If I''m lucky, I might be able to find out information about Restia.)

    Fianna ced both hands above the pot and solemnly started the ritual incantation.

    "¡ª"

    "¡ªDarkness summoned, grant us the trial here, alternate dimensional portal, hereby open!"

    Instantly, the earthenware pot gave off intense white light, blotting out their vision.

    Fianna slowly removed the lid.

    Then she exhaled, blowing away the rising steam.

    "It appears to have seeded."

    Fianna smiled with satisfaction.

    "What is this?"

    Looking at the pot''s contents, ire raised an eyebrow and asked.

    Inside the pot was an unknown ck soup, bubbling and seething.

    "The Gate has been opened. Right now, the bottom of this pot is linked to Astral Zero."

    "Take turns to eat the ingredients in the pot¡ª"

    Rinslet spoke softly.

    "The one who remains standing to the very end shall earn the privilege to have an audience with the pot spirit."

    ire nodded nervously.

    "...Who''ll start?"

    Kamito looked at everyone.

    "Th-Then I shall begin!"

    "Do your best, mdy!"

    When Rinslet volunteered, Carol cheered for her.

    "Hoo¡ª"

    Rinslet reached out with chopsticks, plunging them into the soup without hesitation.

    ...What the chopsticks fished out was a ck object that was in the process of melting.

    "...W-What is this?"

    Rinslet tilted her face, staring at it.

    "H-Hurry and eat it¡ª"

    Ahm.

    Urged by ire, Rinslet ced the ck object into her mouth.

    "So sweet... This is chocte!"

    "Looks like the first attempt was quite a lucky strike¡ª"

    Fianna shrugged.

    "Th-Then I''ll go next¡ªHah!"

    ire swiftly stuck her chopsticks into the pot and stirred the bubbling soup.

    "...H-Huh?"

    The ingredient she had picked up seemed to have gotten caught somewhere.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "I-I can''t lift it..."

    ire pulled hard to haul the object up.

    Then¡ª

    "...Here!"

    The instant she lifted her chopsticks, it appeared before her eyes.

    ...A gigantic lobster, thirty centimeters in length.

    "...H-Hwah!"

    "E-Ellis!?"

    Ellis screamed adorably and hugged Kamito tightly.

    "...W-What a scary face!"

    "Hold on, Ellis!"

    "What is the meaning of such unruly behavior!?"

    "So unfair, I want to too¡ª"

    "...Hwah, g-get that thing away!"

    Part 6

    ...However, the likes of chocte and shrimp could not even be considered a prelude to the terrifying mystery hotpot ritual.

    The brutality of the mystery hotpot battle gradually increased.

    Ellis forced herself to swallow the melting cream puff in her mouth while Kamito gulped down a chocte parfait.

    "...Urgh, guh, guhguh..."

    "K-Kamito, are you alright?"

    Seeing Kamito turning pale, Ellis asked in worry.

    "Y-Yeah... Th-This kind of thing... I''m used to it... C-Cough..."

    "Your voice is trembling..."

    When he was a child, Kamito had gone through harsh training at the Instructional School. Shoving all kinds of things into his mouth to survive no matter what, Kamito had acquired the skill of suppressing his sense of taste through self-hypnosis.

    (H-However, this is totally...)

    ...Holding chopsticks, his fingers were trembling. His brain was resisting on a biological level against the fact that he ate a parfait.

    "W-Water... Got any water...?"

    "Kamito-kun, you get disqualified if you drink water."

    Fianna warned.

    Incidentally, as the princess maiden presiding over the ritual, Fianna was not a participant.

    ...Still, it looked like she was the only one enjoying herself. Was it his imagination?

    "W-What a harsh ritual..."

    "Kamito, does your stomach hurt?"

    Est stroked Kamito''s back while heid down on the floor.

    "I-It is my turn again..."

    Rinslet extended her chopsticks and reached into the pot.

    ...But what she fished out was a ragged piece of paper.

    The writing on the paper seemed to be spirit script.

    "...What is this?"

    "Hold on, let me look it up¡ª"

    Fianna flipped through the grimoire.

    "Hmm... Found it, this is the Double Card."

    "Double Card?"

    Getting a bad feeling, Rinslet grimaced and asked.

    "Yes, you have to eat two portions at once."

    "W-What, that is going way too far!"

    "Next ingredients are salmon roe and sea urchin..."

    Floating up from the bottom of the mystery hotpot were salmon roe encrusted with salt crystals and squishy sea urchin flesh.

    "M-Mdy, thisbination is definitely another lucky hit."

    "...If only this was not a hotpot."

    Rinslet replied with amenting look¡ª

    Closing her eyes, she swallowed hard.

    "...Ugh, ugugu~"

    "Mdy, a-are you okay, mdy!?"

    Holding her throat, Rinslet gurgled while rolling on the floor.

    "Now ire, your turn next."

    "I-I know, okay..."

    ire''s expression was stiff with a fearful look. She reached into the pot with her chopsticks.

    "...? It''s another card."

    "That''s the Skip Card. Skipping over the next person, it is now Kamito-kun''s turn."

    "Y-You must be kidding me..."

    "Kamito, you know you can give up, right?"

    "...Gah, I know that. I''ll take the plunge¡ªHuh? Another card."

    "That one is Reverse, so the sequence goes backwards now."

    "...Meaning that it''s Ellis'' turn."

    "...K-Kamito, look what you did!"

    Ellis tearfully protested.

    "S-Sorry..."

    Hence, it was Ellis'' turn.

    What she fished out of the pot was a piece of fried chicken.

    "Ellis, this one is definitely a lucky hit!"

    "Yes, the fried chicken''s oil protects it from absorbing the soup. You are so fortunate."

    "I-I see..."

    ...It looked like everyone''s senses had numbed somewhat.

    Part 7

    ...The nightmarish mystery hotpot battle raged on.

    "Gah, chocte cake, this is gonna turn my stomach..." "I-Is marimo algae actually edible?" "Iyahhhh, I don''t want to eat locust boiled in soy sauce!" "Hya!

    The youngdies were rolling on the floor as though suffocating, almost like a scene with piles of corpses.

    Hence, in the fourteenth round... The firstpetitor dropped out.

    "...Sorry, Carol. I cannot... Cough, cough..."

    Rinslet had eaten a crepe soggy with ck soup.

    "Mdy, pull yourself together, mdy!"

    "...Carol, I leave... Mireille, in your hands..."

    "Mdyyyyyyyyy!"

    Carol''s cries fell on deaf ears. Rinslet copsed and lost consciousness.

    "Your courage wasmendable, Rinslet Laurenfrost."

    "...Yes, I won''t forget your deeds."

    ire spoke to the unmoving Rinslet and reached into the pot.

    "Ugh, gugu, uhhhh... guh..."

    ire pinched her nose in suffering and ate the pickled squid... How should one describe it? This was a tragic expression of martyrdom that no youngdy would want any outsider to witness.

    Even so, the seething and bubbling soup of hell was not something that anyone could fathom.

    "I guess it''s my turn..."

    What Kamito fished out was¡ª

    "...W-What the heck is this!?"

    The "ingredient" he had picked up was something dripping with ck soup.

    ...This was a kneesock, totally saturated with mystery hotpot soup.

    "...Hell if anyone can eat this!"

    Kamito reflexively fired a protest at Fianna.

    "In this mystery hotpot, even inedible things can appear."

    "Gah, for real...?"

    Kamito stared at the steaming kneesock.

    ...Its material was likely silk. Silk came from a silkworm''s threads, a type of protein. Since it had been cooked for so long, Kamito supposed it should have softened somewhat.

    Indeed, it was not something that would disagree with the digestive system, not something totally inedible... Maybe.

    (...I...I have to ask about Restia...!)

    Kamito resolved himself and closed his eyes.

    Then he bit into this kneesock of unknown origin.

    "K-Kamito...!" "H-He is seriously eating it!" "Kamito so perverted...!"

    Ellis, ire, followed by Est stared wide-eyed in shock.

    "Ugh, gugu, guguguguguguu...!"

    ...Naturally, Kamito choked.

    "Kamito-kun!" "Wait, Kamito!" "Don''t force yourself, Kamito!"

    "Guh... I-I''m dying...!"

    With the kneesock stuck in his throat, Kamito''s consciousness faded away.

    (...Fufu, how foolish of you, Kamito. I can''t believe you are dying in such a ce.)

    (...Yeah, I... am a fool, seriously...)

    Seeing Restia with a gentle smile, Kamito began to see his life sh before his eyes.

    ...Then he lost consciousness.

    Part 8

    "Finally, it is a duel between me and you, Ellis Fahrengart¡ª"

    "Upon my honor as a knight, I shall not lose, ire Rouge¡ª"

    Thus, the final battle began.

    Right now, the only people active in the room were ire and Ellis, with Fianna presiding over the ritual. (As a side note, Est had turned back into a sword the moment Kamito copsed, whereas Carol had taken the unconscious Rinslet back to the Academy.)

    The mystery hotpot''s thick soup was bubbling likeva from hell, giving off an evil aura.

    "...Before the final showdown, I have a question for you."

    Ellis spoke quietly.

    "What is it?"

    "ire, what is your wish?"

    "...U-Umm, umm..."

    ire nced at the massive bust belonging to Ellis, who was sitting in front of her¡ª

    "...S-Someone like you can never understand... It''s a secret."

    Then she mournfully turned her gaze away.

    "Is that so...?"

    "And yours?"

    Ellis looked at Kamito, copsed on the floor.

    "I-I was thinking, spending a day with Kamito, a date... It is a s-secret, okay...!"

    Finally she yelled, blushing intensely.

    "So unfair, you clearly asked me first¡ª"

    "D-Didn''t you refuse, saying it was a secret too!?"

    "Now now, if you two don''t hurry up, the time limit will be over."

    "G-Got it... Then it''s my turn next... Here goes!"

    Urged by Fianna, ire reached into the pot with her chopsticks again.

    What ire picked up was a mass of pure ck... As a start, all ingredients in the mystery hotpot would acquire ayer of pitch-ckness from the soup, but this was even cker than that.

    "I don''t quite get what this is but... Ahm!"

    ire ced the ck mass into her mouth in one go.

    "...!"

    Then she froze with that expression.

    "W-What is the matter, ire?"

    "This is, this is a piece of... charcoal!"

    Exhaling a puff of ck smoke, ire copsed on the floor.

    "Why do I get the feeling that she got what she deserved...?"

    Fianna shrugged.

    "...You win, Ellis... Con... grats..."

    Delivering these words with a smile, ire copsedpletely and stopped moving.

    "ire..."

    "This is no time to be mired in sadness, Ellis. Your turn¡ª"

    "Yes, I know¡ª"

    Ellis put on a serious expression. Once all the otherpetitors had dropped out, the wish-granting spirit of the pot could be summoned by drinking the finalponent, the thick ck soup.

    "Kamito, ire, Rinslet... I will not allow your sacrifices to go to waste!"

    Ellis picked up the pot and began to drink the thick and oily soup in one breath.

    "Ugh, gurgle... guh... ughhhh....!"

    ...This thick soup was the result of mixing parfait, natt¨­, cream puff, pickled squid, charcoal, kneesocks, etc. The taste had far surpassed the realm of human cognition and was practically the embodiment of the concept of "disgusting" cooked in a pot.

    "Nngu, gu... nn... gu..."

    Ellis forced the viscous pitch-ck soup down her throat and into her stomach.

    "I-I drank it... all..."

    ¡ªAt that very moment, the earthenware pot before her suddenly glowed intensely.

    "W-What is going on...?"

    "The spirit of the pot is about to appear!"

    Fianna cried out.

    Then a certain figure appeared from the pot.

    "...Y-You!?"

    Part 9

    "...So this is what is currently going on?"

    ...Three minutester, Kamito finally regained consciousness and remarked with narrowed eyes.

    "Hoo, I can''t believe you people actually attempted that mystery hotpot ritual."

    In front of the emptied earthenware pot, the beauty with long gray hair smiled with delight.

    Indeed, what had appeared from the pot was not some kind of wish-granting spirit¡ª

    Instead, it was the headmistress, Greyworth.

    "Headmistress, I am unsure what is going on either... What on earth¡ª"

    Ellis asked with a puzzled look.

    Greyworth nced at the grimoire that Fianna was holdiing¡ª

    "This sure brings back memories. It was decades ago when I created this mystery hotpot ritual¡ª"

    "You created this ritual, Headmistress?"

    Fianna cocked her head and asked with widened eyes.

    "It was a long time ago. Back then, Areishia Spirit Academy did not have the Sylphid Knights established so the school was quite disorderly. Duels between nobles happened on a daily basis¡ª"

    With her hand on the pot, Greyworth partially closed her eyes in reminiscence.

    "With battles going on, day in and day out, many students got roped in and were injured. Judging it to be a serious situation, the Ordesia council decided that certain measures must be taken, namely¡ª"

    "This mystery hotpot ritual, right...?"

    "¡ªIndeed. Back then, I had not be the headmistress yet."

    Greyworht nodded. Instead of fighting directly using spirits, elementalists would settle their conflicts through this mystery hotpot battle. This simple method of battle, which had been used since ancient times, was supported by the majority of students, thus bringing an end to many disputes without causing coteral damage.

    "So there is this kind of history behind the mystery hotpot ritual."

    Ellis nodded approvingly.

    "Then the rumor about the spirit in the pot is¡ª"

    "Naturally, that kind of thing doesn''t exist¡ª"

    Greyworth shook her head calmly.

    "However, there was a system where the Academy would reward victors ofrge-scale mystery hotpot battles. Raising their in-school ranking, pardons from punishment, stuff like that. I suppose that rumor probably started circting among students after this system was abolished, gradually taking on the current form."

    What had summoned Greyworth from the pot was the teleportation spell she had set up for rewarding winners. Most likely, she had forgotten to erase the Transfer magic seal and left it there.

    "...Oh well, and here I was thinking it could be true."

    Kamito slumped his shoulders in disappointment.

    "But in a certain sense, the rumor is true¡ª"

    "What do you mean?"

    Ellis asked the smirking witch.

    "If you possess the physical endurance and mental strength to emerge victorious from the harsh mystery hotpot battle, as well as the determination to realize your wish, then the vast majority of wishes wille true in the end, right? That''s the meaning."

    "What twisted logic..."

    Kamito retorted with narrowed eyes... However, she did have a good point. Ultimately, what granted wishes was human willpower, a principle that could not be any simpler.

    "I see now. What grants wishes is human willpower huh..."

    The straightforward Ellis was moved and recorded these words in her notebook.

    "But this mystery hotpot ritual was quickly abolished in the first ce. That was after the founding of the Sylphid Knights, thus creating defenders of order in the Academy..."

    "I see..."

    "I''m so d that this horrifying system is gone¡ª"

    ncing at ire who was still copsed unconscious on the floor, Kamito sighed.

    "...Oh well, now that the truth of the rumor is cleared up, the mission of the Knights is aplished."

    "Yes. Let us return to the Academy to prepare a report. And this is to prevent further casualties from appearing ever again."

    Ellis stood up and smashed the pot using wind magic.

    "...By the way, in the end, what wish did you make, Ellis?"

    "...~U-Umm... It is a secret, okay!"

    Ellis cried out, blushing intensely.

 Elemental Festa, 6 - Elementalists on Break

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 6 - Elementalists on Break</h4>

    Part 1

    There was a certain stone-paved street running across Ordesia''s territory,monly known as the "King''s Road." Currently, a horse-drawn carriage decorated with a wolf''s emblem was advancing slowly along this street.

    "...By the way, are we there yet? That hot spring town."

    "Almost there, it''s just over that mountain¡ª"

    As the carriage ttered along, ire pointed at the other side of the mountain afar.

    "That''s not really a distance you can call ''almost there.''"

    Kamito narrowed his eyes and muttered. The sun was currently right overhead. It would definitely be night by the time they crossed the mountain to reach their destination.

    "That cannot be helped, Kamito-san. Our destination, the Vornos hot spring, is a secret and remote spring where spirits gather. Spirits would note if it were located too close to settlements."

    "Mm-hmm, and if you bear with it all the way, it will feel more touching when you arrive at the hot spring, right?"

    "Well, even if you say that..."

    Confronted with replies from Rinslet and Ellis who were sitting opposite him, Kamito could only shrug.

    ¡ªThe whole affair started the previous day.

    After winning against Velsaria in the selection tournament and securing their eligibility topete in the de Dance, Team Scarlet''s members were granted an exemption from all sses during the week prior to the main event ording to school rules. This was to strengthen bonds and tacit understanding within the team through a week of self-determined activities.

    This was doubly true for Team Scarlet whose members had only gathered together as one team recently. Their unity was definitely far worse than that of Team Cernunnos, also from the Academy.

    To ovee this weakness, ire''s solution as the leader was to visit the former Elstein territory to hold a training camp at a hot spring famous for its sacred properties.

    ...Hence, the group had set off from school yesterday morning. After spending one night at an inn by the main road, they had entered the former Elstein territory, known for its hot springs, and had spent several hours rocking in a carriage.

    ...No matter what, Kamito was truly tired of this mountain scenery the whole trip.

    "By the way, we clearly would''ve arrived straight away if we borrowed a flying ship from the Fahrengart family..."

    "How could the Ordesia military''s flying ships be used for private use!?"

    "ire, are you dissatisfied with the carriage I prepared?"

    "A carriage is fine and all, but it''s a bit cramped with five people inside..."

    Packed tightly inside the carriage body, ire expressed her displeasure.

    Carol the maid had stayed at the Academy whereas Est had turned to sword form, but even so, the interior of the carriage was still quite cramped. Added to that was the uneven road, causing the passengers to be pressed tightly against one another.

    "Fufu, but isn''t it nice to go on a journey like this once in a while?"

    Boing.

    "...H-Hey!?"

    "...Sh-Shameless ruffian, see if I do not make onion rings out of you!"

    "But I''m not an onion, hey!"

    "Kyah, stop messing around inside the carriage!"

    "Kamito, is it time to eat yet?"

    "Almost, almost, just hang in there."

    Kamito lightly tapped the hilt of theining Demon yer.

    Part 2

    Finally, when they actually reached the hot spring town at the bottom of the mountain, the sun had set and night had fallenpletely.

    A sloping path with stone-paved steps, roadside lighting with spirit crystals, the two sides of the entrance had statues of fire dragons spewing spectacr mes. Built at the top of the steps was a gigantic shrine with countless spirits flying back and forth in the air in the form of glowing orbs.

    "So this is the famous hot spring town of Vornos..."

    Getting off the carriage, Fianna murmured with interest.

    "Is it your first time visiting a hot spring town, Fianna?"

    "Yes. Although I have been to a hot spring truly in the depths of a mountain for a Divine Ritual Institute ceremony¡ª"

    "It is my first time too. This looks like quite an interesting ce."

    "In my case, I have been here many times before, but..."

    "Yes,pared to its former prosperity, it''s a lot more quiet..."

    ire murmured quietly.

    Kamito looked around him. Indeed, for a famous hot spring town, there were a bit too many houses without lighting.

    "Before that incident four years ago, the town was much more bustling, there were many more people too¡ª"

    Four years ago, no fires could be lit at all in the Ordesia Empire because ire''s elder sister, Rubia Elstein, had turned traitor as the Cmity Queen.

    This hot spring town, a mainstay of the Elstein family''s, also suffered a devastating blow.

    "However, the spirits have returned without problems¡ª"

    Rinslet gently ced her hand on the shoulder of the depressed ire.

    In the direction she pointed, a spirit with the appearance of a smander was crawling on the ground.

    "¡ªYeah, I guess you''re right."

    Although ire''s expression had turned mncholic for a moment, she returned to her usual cheerfulness immediately.

    The five of them ced all of their luggage on Fenrir''s back, passed through the gate at the foot of the mountain, then climbed up the stone steps towards the peak.

    Although they looked like sheltered youngdies, all the girls here were elementalists who had gone through strict training at the Academy. Everyone ascended the mountain swiftly. The only exception was Fianna, who was now sitting on Fenrir''s back due to herck of stamina.

    Even though night had fallen quite a while, there were streemps using magic for illumination so the road ahead was brightly lit. Thanks to the countless tiny flying fire spirits, even the darkness inside the forest had lighting.

    "Wow. I can''t believe so many spirits can be found outside of the Spirit Forest."

    "Yes, this mountain is brimming with divine power liked by fire spirits."

    In response to Kamito''s impressed reaction, Est transmitted her thoughts while in sword form.

    "...~Hey Scarlet, wait up!"

    "Meow!"

    Scarlet looked especially happy. Normally obedient, she was ignoring ire in a rare disy, running around on the steps.

    "Seriously..."

    "Well, Scarlet must be happy to return to her homnd after a long absence."

    "My Fenrir is the same. Whenever he returns to the Laurenfrost home, he rolls around in the snow like a dog."

    "...? Isn''t he just a big dog?"

    "...Excuse me, Your Highness! Please note that Fenrir is a proud dire wolf!"

    "Woof!"

    "M-My apologies, I have always regarded him as a dog..."

    Looking down at the fluffy Fenrir, Fianna was quite shocked.

    Part 3

    When they reached the middle of the mountain, they could start to see a bit of light.

    Kamito andpany had left the main path leading to the peak, instead taking a side route towards steam drifting from the hot spring. Indeed, there were no illuminated buildings visible nearby.

    After more walking up the slope...

    "This ce..."

    ire stopped.

    "Eh¡ª"

    What came into view before their eyes was a magnificent mansion built by clearing out a patch of forest. This was originally the Elstein family''s secondary residence, but unlike the gaudy trappings of ordinary nobles, it gave off a modest and sturdy impression instead.

    "This ce hasn''t changed much either..."

    Looking up at the mansion''s entrance, ire murmured quietly.

    The center of the gate looked like some kind of crest had been taken off. Most likely, it was where the Elstein family''s red lion emblem was hanging in the past.

    ire bit her lip hard and walked through the gate.

    Out from the house came a slightly plump olddy to greet them.

    "It has been a long time, Jira."

    "Indeed, Mdy ire, it has been a long time."

    "Who is she?"

    Fianna asked.

    "Jira used to be the head maid serving the Elstein family. After theirnds and castles were confiscated, she became the manager of this hot spring inn that is open to the public."

    "The Lord Duke looked after me very much in the past."

    The olddy carefully bowed her head.

    "You look to be in good health. I am so d."

    "Naturally, since the spirits that had left this forest have returned as you may know. This is all thanks to Lady Ren Ashbell''s sess in quelling the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath."

    "...!"

    "What''s the matter, Kamito?"

    Ellis looked at Kamito in puzzlement with a raised eyebrow.

    "Oh, nothing, it''s nothing at all."

    Kamito hastily waved the matter away.

    "Mdy ire, you have grown so much..."

    Ovee with emotion, the olddy embraced ire.

    "W-Wait, Jira..."

    "Although her bust size has not changed at all¡ª"

    "...W-What did you say!?"

    Gnashing her teeth, ire snarled at Rinslet for making a snide remark on the side.

    On the other hand, Jira widened her eyes in surprise.

    "Oh my, to think that mdy, who used to be so timid and meek..."

    "Timid and meek?"

    Kamito raised an eyebrow on reflex.

    (...Did I hear that wrong? Just now, I think I heard something unbelievable...)

    Part 4

    Former head maid Jira led Kamito''s group into the mansion.

    The house was originally magnificent, but since all the valuable furniture had been confiscated by the Empire, there was a deste feeling contrasting with the vast empty space.

    Not only was there ack of furniture but also personnel. Jira exined that the staff originally working here had quit one after another. Currently, the only ones remaining, including herself, were all formerly in the service of Duke Elstein''s family.

    "I have prepared the best room for you."

    Jira walked up the stairs and opened the door to a room on the second floor.

    "Wow..."

    It was definitely a huge room. Although five luxurious beds were arranged side by side, the room did not feel cramped at all. Spirit crystals were set in the ceiling, illuminating the room brightly.

    "But Mdy, are you sure it is alright to room with a boy?"

    "...K-K-Kamito is my contracted spirit, okay!"

    ire cried out, slightly flustered.

    "...I understand. Fufu, mdy sure has grown up."

    The olddy smiled with apparentprehension.

    "From the window here, I can see the forest scenery¡ª"

    "Yes, the sight of flying spirits makes it almost like Astral Zero."

    Having walked to the window side, Ellis and Rinslet eximed with excitement.

    Suddenly, someone tugged Kamito''s sleeve.

    "Kamito, is dinner not ready yet?"

    Kamito was confronted with those lucid violet eyes staring at him. By the time he noticed, Est had transformed from a sword to human form.

    "I''m hungry too."

    ire nodded in agreement.

    "Dinner is already ready for you all. We have obtained some excellent venison today."

    ...Half an hourter.

    At the dining table, the chef''s prided dishes were being brought out one after another.

    There was sd made from wild vegetables gathered from the mountain, hot pumpkin soup, beans stir fried with butter, freshly baked walnut bread, river fish pie, and the main course was deer steak thoroughly seasoned with spices.

    "Kamito, am I allowed to eat all of this?"

    Despite herck of facial expression, Est was asking with glimmering eyes.

    "Yeah, you can eat as much as you like."

    "Kamito, I am so happy?"

    Kamito also began to slice his deer steak. As soon as the knife sank into the steak, meat juices filled with the vor of spices flowed out onto the te.

    "This is amazing!"

    "Yes, it even rivals the quality of renowned restaurants in the imperial capital."

    "Deer steak is a famous specialty of the Elstein territory."

    Hearing praisingments from Kamito and Fianna, ire proudly puffed out her chest.

    "...Hmm, so Kamito likes this kind of seasoning. I''ll take a note of that."

    "May I take some of this meat for Carol who stayed behind at school?"

    "Of course, no problem at all."

    The chef took out arge piece of meat. Rinslet summoned Fenrir to instantly froze the meat, then had Fenrir swallow it into the dimension inside his stomach.

    "Won''t Fenrir eat the meat?"

    "My Fenrir will not do anything as low as eating without permission!"

    When Kamito asked without thinking, Rinslet replied somewhat angrily.

    Once everyone had eaten their fill, Jira appeared again.

    "Mdy, I havee to take you and your friends to the hot spring. The water temperature is just right..."

    Part 5

    Kamito was taken to a ce some slight distance from the inn, a hot spring in the forest.

    ire and the girls parted from him along the way to reach a hot spring for princess maidens, located higher up the mountain.

    After removing his uniform in the changing area, Kamitodled water to wash his body then dipped himself into the hot spring. The water temperature was a bit hot, causing some of his wounds from the battle against Velsaria to sting a little.

    "...Phew, now this is a real hot spring. It feels like all my fatigue is being swept away."

    Submerged in hot water up to his shoulders, Kamito rxed andmented softly. There was a leyline of flowing divine power in the area of the Vornos volcano. For elementalists, this had an extremely potent restorative effect.

    After rxing his entire body, Kamito looked up and admired the view of the moon between the branches. Then he took off his leather glove to look at his left hand.

    (...I''ve gotten the entry ticket to the de Dance now, but¡ª)

    Afer three years, the darkness spirit Restia had appeared before him again. Completely different from before, what on earth was she thinking?

    At this very moment.

    "Kamito..."

    Amid the steam, he heard an adorable voice.

    "...!?"

    Kamito instantly looked up.

    As the steam before his eyes scattered, snow-white skin came into view.

    Illuminated by moonlight, a pale and naked body. Draped over her skin was glittering silver-white hair.

    "E-Est!?"

    Kamito reflexively leaned back.

    Totally nude, Est was looking down at Kamito expressionlessly amid the steam.

    (...W-Why is Est here!? Didn''t she go to the princess maidens'' hot spring with ire and the others?)

    Kamito felt confused. The water surface suddenly shook, scattering the steam.

    Suddenly, two tiny hands covered Kamito''s face.

    "...!?"

    "Kamito, do not look¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    "Naked feet will be seen..."

    While blocking Kamito''s eyes, Est replied shyly.

    "...R-Right. You definitely took off your kneesocks as is proper¡ª"

    "Yes, I have learned hot spring rules properly..."

    Est twisted her waist slowly.

    With his eyes covered, Kamito felt his heart pounding intensely. Although he was used to seeing Est''s body, he had yet to see her naked feet even once.

    "...Th-This is the male bath. I remember there''s a sacred hot spring higher up where spirits gather¡ª"

    Est slowly moved her hands away and gently leaned close to Kamito, pressing her snow-white skin tightly against him.

    "To me, Kamito''s side is where I feel the most at ease¡ª"

    "...H-Hey!?"

    Just as Kamito raised his voice while his face turned bright red...

    "Hmm, so this is the famous hot spring of Elstein territory?"

    "Yes, it''s been so long since Ist visited..."

    From behind the trees, the girls'' voices wereing for some reason.

    "...Hey, isn''t this the male bath? Why are theying here!?"

    With the totally naked Est hugging him, Kamito stood up in panic... If he were caught looking like this, he would definitely get roasted into charcoal or turned into marinated salmon.

    "Est, hurry and hide¡ª"

    "Did something happen?"

    "It''s an emergency. Hurry and turn into the Demon yer."

    Despite some hesitation, Est soon nodded.

    "Yes, I am Kamito''s sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    Dissolving into particles of light in the air, she turned into a one-handed sword.

    Kamito grabbed the sword and swiftly dove into the water.

    "¡ªAssassination technique: Water Lily."

    This was an underwater concealment skill that he had learned at the Instructional School. The instant before ire and the girls arrived, Kamito''s figure melded into the water.

    Part 6

    While Kamito was hiding himself, ire and the girls entered the hot spring.

    "The hot spring here also serves as excellent beauty care¡ª"

    "This hot spring is a sacred ce, everyone, so please try to be quiet."

    Fianna lectured the youngdies who were getting excited by the hot spring. Used to going through ritual purification at upper-ss venues, they entered the water directly while covering their chests with their arms.

    "Hmm~..."

    ire looked around and muttered.

    "...B-Breasts can float on water..."

    Fianna and Rinslet were sitting by her sides respectively and their breasts were half exposed above the water surface.

    "Oh my, ire has grown a little bit."

    "Don''t worry, Rubia-sama was very small in the beginning too."

    "...R-Really?"

    Comforted by the two girls, ire cheered up slightly from her low spirits.

    "B-Breasts are just a hindrance even if they be big..."

    Sitting some distance away, Ellis cleared her throat and said.

    "Hmm..."

    "Just because her bust is the biggest¡ª"

    "Such arrogance cannot be tolerated."

    The three girls stared intently at Ellis'' chest.

    "W-What on earth are you talking about... Umm?"

    Just as Ellis was about to argue back, she suddenly stopped.

    "...What is the matter?"

    "J-Just now, I think I bumped into something hard..."

    Ellis searched around the water with a frown.

    "Something hard?"

    "Rocks are hard, right? This is an open-air hot spring after all."

    "...N-No, it was not hard like a rock. How should I describe it? It is something I have never touched before... Hwahhhhh!"

    Suddenly, Ellis screamed and jumped.

    "J-Just now, that hard thing moved..."

    Then she looked tearfully at the water.

    "There is something! Something is in the water!"

    "Eh!?"

    ire reflexively stood up and stared at the water.

    Silence. Several secondster, tiny air bubbles appeared in the water.

    "...!?"

    The four girls braced themselves on reflex.

    "...S-Scarlet!"

    "Meow!"

    Responding to ire''s summon, the ming hellcat appeared out of thin air. Scarlet growled bravely and charged into the hot spring.

    ¡ªBoom!

    When Scarlet''s ws touched the water surface, zing mes erupted from them.

    "...I-Is it taken care of?"

    Ellis approached in trepidation and looked into the water.

    Then¡ª

    "...Hmm, this is..."

    What floated up to the surface was a branch.

    "What, it was just a branch."

    "U-Umm, b-but that sensation I touched earlier... Was I mistaken?"

    Blushing bright red, Ellis tilted her head in puzzlement.

    Part 7

    "...Phew. I guess I made it out somehow."

    Having discreetly escaped from the open-air bath, Kamito returned to the inn and breathed a long sigh of relief.

    He originally wanted to hide in the water then exit but once ire and the girls entered the hot spring, he could not get out. Just as he was running out of air, it was fortunate that Scarlet created a lot of steam. Seizing this chance, he sessfully escaped atst.

    It was also fortunate that Scarlet the me spirit had been summoned. Were it Fenrir instead, he would have been frozen into a block of ice and captured.

    "...That being said, why did the girlse to the male bath?"

    Walking in the corridor, Kamito scratched his head.

    "Oh my, you have finished enjoying the hot spring already?"

    He encountered Jira who was putting nkets into the room.

    "Y-Yeah, I can''t stay too long in a bath..."

    "Oh dear, and to think I prepared special service for you..."

    Jira shrugged with a look of exasperation.

    "Special service... Sigh, so that was what happened..."

    Kamito massaged his temples.

    ...It looks like everything was plotted by her.

    "ire would''ve burned me to charcoal if I peeped."

    "Fufu, someone as gentle as mdy could not possibly do that."

    While Kamito was grumbling with narrowed eyes, Jira waved her hands.

    "Someone as gentle as mdy..."

    (...That''s totally unlike the ire I know.)

    Kamito voiced his doubts internally.

    "...Kamito-sama, Miss ire has be able to smile frequently."

    Suddenly...

    Jira''s expression turned serious and she said that.

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito replied in puzzlement without thinking.

    "Ever since her elder sister Rubia-sama betrayed the Fire Elemental Lord and Duke and Lady Elstein were imprisoned, mdy had stopped smiling¡ª"

    While covering the beds with nkets, Jira recounted.

    "Thest time I saw mdy was when she stayed here before going to attend the previous de Dance. Mdy had virtually forgotten how to smile, always bearing a cold and grim expression¡ª"

    "..."

    Kamito listened quietly.

    ...He could not imagine this at all. As the Cmity Queen''s younger sister, ire had been subjected to hatred and fear from the Empire''s citizens. Such a reality was far too heavy a burden for a maiden in the flower of youth.

    (But now, ire¡ª)

    "However, mdy was able to smile as before during dinner earlier. I am truly overjoyed to see mdy showing such happy expressions..."

    "...I see."

    Kamito thought back to when he first met ire. Back then, she was like a solitary beast, always forcing herself, to the point of ignoring everything around her.

    But having obtainedrades to fight by her side, ire was gradually gaining confidence in her heart.

    "I entrust Miss ire to your care."

    "...Yeah, I got it."

    In response to Jira''s deep bow, Kamito nodded vigorously.

    Part 8

    Another half an hour passed.

    ire and the girls returned to the room.

    "Let''s go, Ellis, take that!"

    "...You are too naive. Eat this!"

    "Let us all focus our attacks on ire first, hah!"

    "Hya!"

    Poof. Poof poof poof.

    Pillows kept flying back and forth in the room.

    "...W-What the heck is this?"

    Sitting on his bed, Kamito asked with half-open eyes.

    "Kamito, this is the pillow-throwing ritual."

    Est exined expressionlessly.

    "You know of it, Est?"

    "Yes, the pillow-throwing ritual is an ancient rite with equal standing as that mystery hotpot ritual. Originally, it was a ritual where bags of grain were tossed into the sky as offerings for spirits¡ª"

    "...I-I see now. That sounds more like a decent ritual at least."

    Rituals came in myriad forms. Regardless of form, there existed spirits that would be pleased by weird rituals of this sort apart from de dancing offered from elementalists.

    "Even so, you don''t have to do it in the room, right...?"

    "No, Kamito, it is pointless to perform this ritual unless you do it at your lodgings when traveling."

    "I see..."

    Before Kamito''s eyes, the pillows kept flying back and forth.

    Oh well, since the pillows won''t break things in the room, just let them, Kamito thought.

    (...Well, it does resemble those exercises for training reflexes.)

    Indeed, one of the exercises at the Instructional School was a simr event. However, instead of pillows, they threw daggers and hand-axes.

    "W-Wait, I am not good at this type of... Hmmm!"

    Fianna was hit directly in the face by a pillow.

    "Now you have done it! Come, Georgio... Hbbb!"

    Struck on the side of her head by a flying pillow, Fianna was knocked off her bed.

    "Too careless, Fianna."

    ire gloated and puffed out her tiny chest.

    "...H-Hey, this is the Empire''s princess here, you know?"

    ...Normally speaking, even being sentenced to death for insolence was nothing unusual.

    "Pillow-throwing is a seriouspetition. Even if Her Highness participates, we cannot hold back."

    "Indeed, Kamito. You should join in too¡ª"

    "Take that!"

    ire, Ellis and Rinslet threw pillows at Kamito simultaneously.

    "...What the!?"

    Kamito jumped on reflex and used one hand to strike down the iing pillows.

    "W-Well done..."

    Seeing the three girls in awe, Kamito shrugged lightly.

    "...Fine, I''ll serve as an opponent for all of you."

    "Hmph, you won''t be talking so rxed after this. Ellis, Rinslet, we''re forming an alliance!"

    "Very well."

    "Hmm, it cannot be helped!"

    "Naive¡ª"

    Kamito dodged the iing pillows in the nick of time.

    Next¡ª

    "Kamito, huammm...!"

    "...Est!?"

    Hearing a scream behind him, Kamito turned around with a bad feeling. In that instant...

    "Kamito, you''re wide open!"

    Poof, poof poof poof.

    The pillows thrown by the girls all hit Kamito in the face one after another.

    Part 9

    It was after midnight. Exhausted from pillow-throwing, ire and the girls copsed on their beds one after another, then fell asleep, wrapped in their nkets.

    Still awake, Kamito rested Est, who had turned back into a sword, against the wall, theny down in his pajamas on the far bed.

    (...It''s nice to y like this once in a while.)

    His body was gradually cooling down from its elevated temperature. The hot spring''s effects were truly no lie. His entire body felt much more rxed now.

    (...In my current state, am I able to use that mystic technique?)

    Kamito extended his left hand at the ceiling and made a fist lightly.

    ¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance. Three years ago, the continent''s strongest elementalist had taught him this mystic technique of the sword.

    During the past three years when he had wandered the continent in search of Restia, his sword skills had deteriorated severely.

    Despite what bits he had recalled during the battles against Jio Inzagi and Velsaria, he was still far reaching Ren Ashbell''s peak form. Even so, he must seize victory in the de Dance tournament against the gathering of powerhouses from every nation.

    Furthermore, there was another "Ren Ashbell"peting in the de Dance.

    (...Am I able to defeat her?)

    He slowly put down his extended left hand.

    ¡ªAt that moment, he heard the tiny sound of nket friction in the room.

    "...?"

    Kamito raised an eyebrow in doubt and stared into the darkness.

    In her pajamas, ire had quietly gotten up from bed. Taking care not to make any noise, she discreetly opened the door and exited the room.

    (...ire?)

    Kamito wondered if he should make a sound. From the faint moonlight streaming through the window, he had seen the side of her face and her pensive expression.

    Kamito quietly got up and followed ire out of the room.

    ire went up the steps one by one, arriving at a balcony on the third floor. With her hands resting on the railing in the balcony, she looked down at the town spread out at the foot of the mountain.

    Perhaps it was his imagination, but her figure seemed to be trembling slightly.

    "Can''t sleep?"

    "...Kamito?"

    ire turned around with eyes widened with surprise.

    Her ruby-like eyes seemed slightly moist.

    "...Well, for some reason... I was also thinking of getting a bit of a night breeze here."

    While scratching his head, Kamito also started to look out at the scenery at the foot of the mountain.

    "What a great view."

    "Yeah..."

    ire nodded.

    Her gorgeous red hair fluttered in the night breeze.

    Kamito did not say anything¡ª

    ire slowly lifted her hand and pointed at the in in the distance.

    "Over there lies what used to bend under the Elstein family''s direct jurisdiction."

    "Your hometown, ire?"

    "...Yes, but now, there is not even a trace left. Due to the Fire Elemental Lord''s wrath, all of it was incineratedpletely."

    ire put down her hand and turned towards Kamito.

    "I got up because I wanted toe here and see this view of my homnd before the de Dance. One day, I will make it possible for my father and mother... as well as my sister to return there. This is my true wish."

    "..."

    ...Those eyes, with mes residing in them, looked straight at Kamito. Like flickering mes, there was weakness and fragility, not just strength, in them.

    However, Kamito was attracted precisely by this fragility, thus deciding to wield his sword for her sake.

    Her mes had rescued Kamito from despair after his loss of Restia.

    "Kamito, lend me your strength¡ª"

    "Yeah."

    Kamito ced his hand on ire''s head.

    "...!"

    "Of course I will. After all, I''m your contracted spirit¡ª"

 Elemental Festa, 7 - Elemental Festa

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Chapter 7 - Elemental Festa</h4>

    Part 1

    The day after Kamito and the rest of Team Scarlet returned from their training camp¡ª

    "Hyah, hyahhhhhhhh!"

    ire suddenly screamed from the bathroom.

    "What''s wrong, ire!?"

    In the middle of cooking eggs in the kitchen, Kamito looked back frantically¡ª

    The bathroom door was flung open violently. ire emerged naked wrapped in only a towel.

    "Wha... W-Why are you dressed like that?"

    Kamito could not help but blush. Despite her child-like figure, ire really looked very sexy with her wet crimson hair adhering to her neck.

    "Oh no, Kamito! This water spirit... Hyah!"

    Screaming, ire copsed on the bed in pain.

    The towel wrapped around her body fell aside lightly, revealing her naked pale body.

    "What¡ª"

    Kamito eximed in surprise.

    Unbelievably, revealed from under the towel was a writhing, glowing translucent tentacle.

    The tentacle of water was wrapped around ire''s naked body, tormenting her.

    "Hyau... Nn! As soon as I started showering, the water spirit... went berserk..."

    Tears appeared in ire''s eyes while her body twisted in pain.

    "I-I see¡ª!"

    Somehow, it feels like something simr happened before¡ªWhile thinking that, Kamito grabbed the wriggling tentacle of water, infused divine power and tore it to pieces.

    Tossed away, the tentacle of water turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    "Huff, huff... Th-Thanks a lot..."

    Freed from captivity, ire exhaustedly hugged the towel that had fallen onto the bed. Was she still in a state of panic? She was apparently unaware that Kamito had seen her naked body.

    "What on earth is going on...?"

    "I don''t know either. As soon as I started the shower, the water spirit suddenly went crazy. I''ve no idea what happened¡ª"

    Kamito turned his gaze towards the bathroom whose door was ajar. Previously, spirits had run amok due to Restia using a frenzy spirit¡ª

    At that moment...

    "Kyahhhhhhh, w-what is this!?"

    "M-Mdy, are you alright? Fire, fire!"

    Screams were heard from next door, startling Kamito and ire.

    "It''s Rinslet."

    "Are they having trouble too?"

    Just as Kamito muttered in puzzlement and was about to check things out, in that instant...

    BOOM!

    Apanied by the sound of massive explosion, the wall disintegrated all at once.

    "Woah!"

    Blown away by the st, Kamito fell on the floor. The instant he looked up¡ª

    From the giant hole in the wall emerged a big lizard wrapped in mes.

    "A me spirit!"

    ire cried out.

    Guooooooooooo!

    The me lizard roared and lunged at ire, who was sitting limply on the bed¡ª

    "Huah! H-Hold on¡ª"

    "O Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Instantly, countless arrows of ice descended, blowing the me lizard away.

    A cloud of steam appeared over the me spirit while it faded away and vanished in thin air.

    "ire, are you alright?"

    Entering from the hole in the wall was Rinslet, wielding her elemental waffe.

    Her prided blonde hair was slightly singed.

    "Rinslet... My goodness, what on earth is happening...!?"

    "I have no idea either. I was just using the stove to make pork stew when suddenly, the fire spirit went berserk."

    "A spirit..."

    "Going berserk...?"

    Kamito and ire tilted their heads questioningly.

    "What the heck is going on..."

    Did someone hear themotion? They then heard a patter of running footsteps climbing the stairs.

    "You people, what was all that noice just now...?"

    The one who opened the door and entered was Ellis, leading members of the Sylphid Knights.

    "W-What is this...!?"

    Seeing the room''s sorry state, Ellis was speechless.

    "Y-You got the wrong idea! The spirits went crazy on their own!"

    "We did not do the slightest thing."

    "..."

    Ellis swept her strict gaze around the room once...

    "...Is that so? So it happened at this dorm too, huh?"

    Pressing against her temple, Ellis spoke with a sigh in her voice.

    "What is going on?"

    Kamito, ire and Rinslet exchanged looks.

    Part 2

    At the old cathedral far away from the dorms, inside the conference room of the Sylphid Knights'' headquarters¡ª

    Signs of damage from the destruction wrought by Velsaria a while back had been repaired almostpletely. Functionality as headquarters was already restored.

    Once Kamito andpany were seated, Ellis began to speak solemnly.

    "As things stand, the city spirits controlling the Academy''s life line seem to be in a bad mood."

    "What happened?"

    ire frowned.

    "In other words, the reason why the spirits went berserk earlier was because Areishia Spirit Academy has displeased the two great dragon spirits?"

    "The two great dragon spirits?"

    Kamito wondered aloud.

    "The me dragon spirit and the water dragon spirit... They are top-tier spirits governing all the Academy''s spirits."

    Rinslet raised her index finger and exined.

    "Ites as no surprise that you have no idea, seeing as you only enrolled at the Academy recently. The two great spirits initially served Sacred Maiden Areishia. Ever since the founding of the Academy, they have maintained a contract with the Academy."

    "It would not be wrong to say that it is thanks to these two great spirits that we are able to use stoves and showers in the dorms without worry."

    Rinslet nodded.

    (I see¡ª)

    There existed many grumpy and unruly spirits that did not obey princess maidens. Consequently, the reason why students at the Academy were able to use spirit mechanisms safely was reportedly due to these two great spirits ruling over them.

    ...Well, on further thought, this was only natural. Without beings to keep the myriad spirits in line, using so many spirit mechanisms normally would probably be impossible.

    That being said, spirit mechanisms had also be ubiquitous in people''s daily lives in the Ordesia Empire. The same went for the Academy too¡ª

    "So, you were just bringing up that you heard the two spirits are in a bad mood, right?"

    "Yes, on further thought, there were warning signs a while back¡ª"

    Ellis spoke with bitterness in her voice.

    Tracing to the root¡ª

    It was a very simple matter, but very difficult to resolve.

    Recently, due to the many incidents in the Academy town, offering ceremonies had been postponed, causing the two great spirits to be even more angry.

    "Further to that, the whole Academy has been preparing for the de Dance, the militarized spirit running amok, the Jio Inzagi attack, and a few days earlier, the tragic incident in town during the Valentia Holy Festival... The umtion of catastrophes has apparently displeased the two great spirits. The steep decline in the Sylphid Knights'' numbers, preventing us from deploying manpower in the usual offering ceremonies, is probably part of the reason too..."

    Feeling responsible, Ellis slumped her shoulders.

    "...In any case, they''re unhappy because they aren''t getting enough respect, right?"

    "There''s no respect in the way you''re describing it, but that''s pretty much it."

    ire shrugged and replied.

    "Then can''t we just offer them a grand ceremony?"

    "...Well, although that should work, it''s always troublesome after they''ve been offended once."

    "Yeah..."

    Spirits were capricious being with delicate feelings. This applied to all of them whether low-ranked spirits living at the water''s edge or high-level spirits alike.

    (...I remember one time when Est had been very stubborn, with no way to improve her mood.)

    Once, when Est had crept into his bed, Kamito had moved her to sleep in ire''s bed. This evidently displeased Est, causing her to refuse to speak with Kamito for a whole day.

    Kamito repented and slept with Est ever since¡ª

    "Then what exactly needs to be done?"

    "Oh, the headmistress and the teachers have gone to Astral Zero to supplicate the two great spirits..."

    "Supplication failed."

    A voice spoke from the cathedral entrance.

    "Greyworth..."

    Kamito looked back to see Greyworth standing there with a wry expression on her face.

    "Headmistress, what do you mean by... failed?"

    "Literally failed. The two great spirits did not respond to our supplication."

    Greyworth walked straight over and sat down on a nearby chair.

    "Unbelievable..."

    Ellis bit her lip tightly and looked down.

    "We of the Sylphid Knights are responsible for this incident. Had we done our job better, this could have been¡ª"

    "What? This totally isn''t your fault. Ultimately, the spirits'' displeasure stemmed from the headmistress six generations ago who reduced the offering ceremony to once every three years. With no warning signs beforehand, this sudden once in a few centuries incident of displeasure is a pain for me too, but there''s no useining to the spirits since their concept of time ispletely different from ours¡ª"

    Greyworth quietly shook her head.

    "...B-But at this rate, the exclusive contract maintained since the founding of the Academy will be destroyed, right?"

    "Yes. Without cooperation from the two great spirits, the Academy will be unsustainable eventually. Although it is possible to eliminate the two spirits, that would be meaningless..."

    Greyworth lowered her voice to speak dangerous words.

    Oh well, the Dusk Witch definitely was capable of eliminating high-ranked spirits too¡ª

    "...Oh no¡ª"

    "Don''t be so pessimistic. In the end, all they did was ignore my supplication."

    "What do you mean?" asked Kamito.

    "The two great spirits demanded arge-scale offering ceremony to be held in their honor. If done well, their moods will improve, simple as that."

    "Arge-scale offering ceremony..."

    "¡ªIndeed, the Elemental Festa."

    Greyworth spoke solemnly.

    "Elemental Festa...!?"

    Team Scarlet showed doubt on their face.

    The Elemental Festa was an offering ceremony of the biggest scale, performed by selected idols to entertain spirits through ritual dancing known as kagura along with singing.

    "We have to organize such a big offering ceremony at a time like this?"

    Ellis eximed in surprise.

    "...Yes. Normally speaking, such arge offering ceremony wouldn''t be held before the de Dance, but since our representatives for the de Dance are already decided, there shouldn''t be a problem¡ª"

    "In that case, the two great spirits will be appeased?"

    "Only if the offering ceremony is spectacr. In that case, we need¡ª"

    Greyworth knocked the armrests of her chair and grinned.

    "...to recruit Festa participants from the Academy. You guys will enter too."

    "Eh..."

    Kamito andpany exchanged looks.

    To be honest, Team Scarlet was still far from being a solid team. To give up de Dance training to rehearse for an event, no matter how little time¡ª

    Did Greyworth read the subtle atmosphere? She continued.

    "You cannot refuse. The two great spirits named you guys for the kagura."

    "W-Why!?"

    Ellis cried out.

    "Oh, they apparently took an interest in your team after watching the match against Velsaria a few days ago."

    "No way..."

    "We never learned proper kagura..."

    Indeed, their knowledge of kagura was amateur at best. As underssmen, they were true prodigies even capable of deploying elemental waffen, much less summon contracted spirits, but kagura demanded different talents. Furthermore, to memorize within such short time¡ª

    The girls looked quite distraught.

    "...I don''t think this is a bad deal for you."

    Greyworth spoke again.

    "...What do you mean?"

    "The two great spirits said they will grant a special blessing, of either a fire or water affinity as suitable on a personal basis, to the idols obtaining victory in the Elemental Festa."

    "A blessing from the two great spirits!?"

    ire, Rinslet and Ellis were suddenly excited.

    (...I see now, so that''s the deal huh?)

    ...This was worth it. Top-tier spirits normally resided in Astral Zero and refused to give audience. Obtaining blessings from such spirits could allow one to draw out even stronger powers from their contracted spirits.

    From what Kamito could see, the girls were currently able to draw out at best half of their contracted spirits'' power.

    Especially ire''s Scarlet was a total unknown.

    If they were blessed by a high-ranked spirit¡ª

    "Assuming this is true, it would definitely be an attractive proposal."

    Rinslet looked pensive.

    "Regardless whether it is true or not, for the sake of fairness, this needs to be announced to the whole Academy."

    "..."

    The looks on the girls'' faces suddenly turned serious.

    The reward was a blessing from top-tier spirits¡ªCompetition was going to be intense.

    "...But failure is not an option."

    "Yes, to be frank, I''m not confident..."

    ire and Rinslet were agonizing over it¡ª

    "¡ªI shall enter."

    Ellis dered calmly.

    "Putting aside the issue of the blessing from the two great spirits, I feel responsible as captain of the Sylphid Knights for the current situation. As such, I shall take this on alone."

    "Ellis..." "Captain..."

    Faced with Ellis'' determination, ire and Rinslet looked at each other¡ª

    Finally, they both shrugged.

    "...Fine. We are a team, right?"

    "I-I am fairly confident of my singing."

    ire looked away while Rinslet tossed her hair.

    "You two... I am so grateful."

    Ellis thanked quietly and bowed her head at the two girls.

    "In that case, it is decided¡ª"

    Greyworth nodded, smiling profoundly.

    Part 3

    Hence¡ª

    The entire Academy was immediately notified of the uing Elemental Festa. To be held a weekter¡ªon the Day of Iris when the link between Astral Zero and the human realm was the strongest.

    "...That being said, what do we actually do?"

    On the way back to the dorm from Raven ss'' ssroom, ire sighed with a troubled look.

    "We''ve never had proper kagura experience."

    "The Academy''s courses never covered it?"

    "It was covered, but only the very basics."

    ire shook her head at Kamito''s question.

    "Yes, it''d be totally different if there were a specialized course on being idols."

    "...I see. Well, let''s all give it our best."

    Hearing Kamito''s muttered response, ire was offended.

    "What the heck? You sound like you''re not involved¡ª"

    "No, but look, I''m a guy... If I got on stage, the spirits will get angry instead, right?"

    "Even if that''s true..."

    Grrrrr, ire''s face was filled with displeasure.

    However, there was no helping it.

    Spirits, for the most part, preferred pure young maidens.

    A spirit like Est would be an exception.

    Also, Kamito had unpleasant memories associated with the word "idol"¡ª

    "Well, this time, I''ll cheer for you girls from behind¡ª"

    Kamito tried to gloss over things ambiguously and leave.

    "W-Wait up."

    ire suddenly grabbed the back of Kamito''s cor.

    "W-What are you doing...?"

    "Kamito, you need to help out properly."

    "What do you mean by help?"

    ire pointed her finger straight at Kamito.

    "Yes, you''ll be our manager!"

    "...Manager? What''s that?"

    Never heard of the word before, Kamito cocked his head.

    "The manager is a support member of an idol group, responsible for making schedules, preparing meals, handling negotiations, along with all kinds of handy chores."

    "Oh I see..."

    Kamito pped his hands inprehension.

    "...Isn''t that exactly what I''ve been doing all along?"

    Kamito asked with his eyes narrowed.

    "Well, yeah..."

    "Precisely what I have been relegating to Carol all the time."

    Rinslet chimed in, proudly for some reason.

    "...Sigh, I get it."

    Kamito shrugged and sighed.

    "I''ll be that whatever manager."

    "It''s decided!"

    ire smiled.

    ...Oh well, at least it''s better than "Let''s all be idols together!"

    "...Next, if only we had a teacher to instruct us in kagura."

    "Yes, I think it might work if we asked for a favor, saying it''s for the Academic Affairs department¡ª""

    Saying that, ire pulled opened the door to her room.

    Then¡ª

    "Hey, what is the meaning of this!?"

    In the very center of the room, the Second Princess was standing with arms akimbo, very angry.

    "¡ªAs soon as I returned from the spiritology protest, I found my bed in a total mess!"

    In the room, Georgios was slowly cleaning up the rubble.

    The imperial family''s knight spirit engaged in room cleaning, what a surreal scene.

    "Speaking of which, we do have a kagura pro here."

    "Indeed, I agree."

    Part 4

    News of the Academy holding a giant event instantly spread. Everyone who wanted to enter all crowded at the Sylphid Knights headquarters to register.

    In any case, credit earned at the Elemental Festa would be added to their usual points, while emerging victorious could receive a blessing from top-tier spirits.

    However, among the participants there were probably girls who wanted to attract attention as idols, to shine on stage too¡ª

    "...It feels like it''s developed into something big."

    Seeing the huge crowd gathered in front of the cathedral, iremented in surprise.

    "Hmph, numerous rivals merely serve to motivate me more."

    "Hey, we will be training over there, hurry¡ª"

    "I-I know."

    Fianna was calling out from the center of the za. ire and the girls obediently went over.

    Indeed, no kidding, Fianna was an elite princess maiden from the Divine Ritual Institute. Undergoing harsh training since early childhood, she was truly an expert on kagura.

    In terms of kagura talent alone, she would rank higher than the lecturers at the Academy. Under her instruction, Team Scarlet''s kagura would surely reach a higher level of perfection than any other team¡ª

    "...I''m surprised. This could very well work."

    Sitting on a bench to watch the youngdies training, Kamito remarked leisurely.

    From what he could see, they all had excellent potential.

    ire and Rinslet were prodigies who were quick on the uptake. Although he was slightly worried about Ellis, who looked like dance was not her strength, Kamito knew very well that she was amazingly hardworking. No matter how harsh the training, she would grit her teeth and muster every ounce of her strength to push through¡ª

    "Kamito, can I eat this?"

    "Yeah."

    Kamito handed a lunch box of meatballs to Est, who was sitting rigidly beside him.

    Chew chew... The sword spirit expressionless ced a meatball in her mouth.

    Kamito was suddenly struck with curiosity and asked.

    "Oh right, Est, you''re on the receiving side of kagura offered to you by humans. What kind of dancing do you like?"

    "..."

    Est stared off into space, lost in thought¡ª

    "It starts with ''cappa''."

    "Huh?"

    "I like the one that starts with ''cappa''."

    "...Umm, how does the dance go?"

    "Cappa~, cappa cappa~, cappa~, dish on the head~, cappa~..."

    Apparently enjoying herself(?), Est sang expressionlessly.

    (...Hmm, I don''t really understand Est''s sensibilities.)

    Fianna''s strict voice could be heard from the za on this leisurely afternoon.

    "First are the basic forms. Express yourselves like flowing water, like a powerful waterfall!"

    "What the heck, that''s too abstract!"

    "Iprehensible!"

    "L-Like a waterfall would be... like this? Ho, ho..."

    Ellis awkwardly twisted her body with doubt on her face.

    "WRONG! A waterfall is like this, watch, dance more passionately!"

    ...It looked like things were more difficult than I had imagined.

    Part 5

    "...Hmm, just as expected. Oh well, I suppose it wasn''t going to be that easy, huh?"

    Looking down at the za from the headmistress'' office, Greyworth sighed softly.

    Although they seemed to practicing orthodox kagura, they ultimatelycked basic skills. A bystander would think they were engaged in some kind of suspicious ritual.

    "This might take longer than I thought¡ª"

    Greyworth chuckled and turned her gaze away from the window.

    "Headmistress, may I interrupt?"

    Standing at the door was Freya.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "Team Scarlet is confirmed topete in the de Dance. They don''t have free time to spend on this kind of idol event, do they?"

    There was a hint of usation in Freya''s tone. All things considered, four out of the five members of Team Scarlet were students of Raven ss. As their homeroom teacher, it was only natural for her to feel displeased.

    "Hmm, you''re saying that it''s a waste of time for these kids to practice dancing?"

    "I wouldn''t go so far... But they ought to devote more time to special training for the de Dance, right? Even if the two great spirits had nominated them¡ª"

    "Oh, that was a lie."

    "Huh?"

    "The two great spirits did not nominate anyone. I merely wanted them to enter the Elemental Festa."

    "Why would you do that...?"

    "Because ordinary training cannot provide what they currently need¡ª"

    Smiling confidently, Greyworth cast her gaze outside the window again.

    "Furthermore, I might be able to see something interesting."

    "...?"

    Freya frowned questioningly.

    "Have you heard of Himeragi E. Arsage?"

    "...Yes. Three years ago, the legendary idol who had suddenly shown up in the imperial capital."

    "Indeed. Having reached the pinnacle of poprity, she suddenly retired one day. Some say she wasn''t human. Others say she was a spirit¡ª"

    "Were she here, perhaps we would have no need to hold an Elemental Festa."

    "Fufu, indeed..."

    A smile surfaced on the corners of Greyworth''s lips.

    Whom she was watching was¡ª

    The manager, delivering handmade lunch boxes to the girls.

    Part 6

    "¡ªI think this ce is very suitable."

    Where Fianna had brought Team Scarlet for training was¡ª

    The fountain za at Undine Street in the Academy town.

    The za was surrounded by a dense cluster of ssy cafes and trinket shops. Big spenders were plentiful here, resulting in much prosperity. Furthermore, due to the abundant divine power released by the pure fountain, it was also famous as a ce where spirits rested.

    "I see, it''s definitely a great location," said Kamito.

    "...D-Do we have to dance here with so many people around?"

    ire, being shy, asked worriedly in a whisper.

    "Hmm, I would prefer a more secluded ce, if possible¡ª"

    "What are you talking about? For the real thing, you''ll need to perform for an audience at an even bigger arena. As idols, it''s ridiculous for you girls to be so shy."

    "My goodness, Her Highness ispletely right."

    "B-But still..."

    "Ooh~..."

    Ellis and ire looked around shyly.

    "Since it''s just practice, you don''t need to be so nervous."

    Fianna approached the fountain. The spirits gathered in the surroundings began to spin in the air, looking very interested.

    "Hmm, a bigger audience would be better. Let''s add more audience."

    "Y-You don''t have to do that!"

    Ignoring ire''s protest, Fianna drew a simple magic circle on the ground and started to chant incantations in spiritnguage.

    ¡ªThe magic circle drawn in chalk began to glow faintly. From there, spirits of various forms, big and small, came forth.

    The summoned spirits instantly buried the entire fountain za.

    Also, people in the surroundings also gathered, curious to know what was happening.

    "Hey, are you sure it''s okay to summon so many?"

    "Perhaps you summoned a bit too many."

    "Hmph, this is perfect."

    Rinslet puffed out her chest proudly.

    "..."

    "...Sigh, I think I''d prefer a de dance instead."

    "How rare for us to agree. I find wielding an elemental waffe morefortable too."

    ire and Ellis simultaneously shrugged and sighed.

    "Pull yourselves together and stand properly out front."

    As the instructor, Fianna adjusted the girls'' standing positions.

    "Well then, I''m going to watch with Est. Do your best."

    "Hold on, that''s so unfair, traitor~!"

    Amid ire''s protests¡ª

    Kamito took Est by the hand and sat down at a cafe''s outdoor seating.

    "Kamito, can we order this pudding?"

    "Sure."

    "Can we order two?"

    "Of course."

    "Kamito, I love you?"

    Indulging Est as usual, Kamito ordered a coffee for himself at the same time.

    He turned his gaze to the fountain, just in time to see the nervous girls announce that they were about to finish preparations for the performance.

    (...Let''s see the fruits of their training.)

    And so¡ª

    Solemn music was yed out from the spirit crystal that Fianna set up.

    Bi~, hyarabi~, hyarabi~, hyarahyarabi~bi~...

    Instantly, sacred sounding notes of a flute filled the za where spirits had gathered.

    ire, Rinslet and Fianna moved their arms and legs fluidly, using their entire body to extol life.

    The vast earth, the distant sky, as well as the endless cycle of birth and death...

    Bi~, hyorobi~, hyorohyorobi~...

    ...Sweat drops were sliding down Kamito''s forehead.

    (F-For some reason, I suddenly feel so sleepy...)

    Kamito involuntarily looked around him¡ª

    The intrigued audience that had gathered initially were yawning with boredom. Among the summoned spirits, it looked like roughly half had returned to Astral Zero...

    Then soon after¡ª

    The majority of the spirits gathered around the fountain were gone.

    "¡ªWait, what the heck!? Why did they all go back!?"

    ire''s twintails stood on end as she brandished metongue. Not intimidated at all, thest of the spirits escaped.

    "My goodness, how rude!"

    Rinslet nodded with anger on her face.

    "...My apologies, perhaps I screwed up."

    Ellis bowed her head at ire and Rinslet.

    "No, this is not your fault, Captain."

    "I agree, no matter how I look at it, the chosen music is the problem!"

    Holding her ming whip, ire used Fianna.

    "What kagura from the Divine Ritual Institute? This is totally useless."

    "H-How odd. Back in the Divine Ritual Institute, the Ritual to Pray for a Bountiful Harvest is considered one of the ultimate kagura no matter what kind of application..."

    Fianna avoided eye contact.

    "Well, I guess it''s a bit of a stretch to start off the bat with ultimate kagura."

    Arriving at the side, Kamito shrugged and remarked.

    Sure enough, proper training of the basic forms would be necessary to perform a kagura dance up to standard. This was not something that could be mastered in a day or two.

    "Furthermore, it looks like city spirits don''t really like stiff and formal kagura."

    "...That might be true."

    Fianna shrugged and nodded.

    "Sigh, and we specially trained in it..."

    ire slumped her shoulders, looking very demoralized.

    ¡ªJust then.

    On the other side of the road, lively-sounding music could be heard.

    It was very festive and grand music, standing in stark contrast to the kagura ire''s team had yed.

    "What is that?"

    "Let''s check it out¡ª"

    The girls ran towards the source of the sound.

    Part 7

    At the end of the main road¡ª

    There was a wooden outdoor stage.

    This type of small versatile arena would normally be used for putting on ys or skits.

    The audience seating was filled with people and spirits.

    Young maidens standing on the stage were banging drums.

    They were dressed in animal costumes featuring ears and tails, ying musical instruments with apparent joy.

    "That''s..."

    Kamito seemed to recall seeing them somewhere before.

    ...Or rather, they were acquaintances of the okay sort.

    "They are members of Team Cernunnos, no?"

    Rinslet remarked in surprise.

    Indeed, they were a team whom Kamito had battled against during the mock exams.

    Back when they were still a two-man team, Kamito and ire had met a painful defeat at the hands of this strong team, whose leader was a druid girl employing a powerful beast swarm spirit.

    "...Looks like it."

    Kamito nodded.

    "Girls, sing and dance even more happily¡ª"

    The druid girl raised her staff and shouted.

    As though responding to her, the spirits hovering over the audience seating shed.

    The drums continued to bang...

    "Eh, even though the music sounds primitive, the spirits seem to like it."

    "Compared to the somber kagura, this is much better."

    "Umm, it is true that my body is starting to move involuntarily..."

    Ellis began tapping to the beat with the tip of her foot.

    Going over¡ª

    "Oh, I spot the Captain!"

    "Really~ What is she doing here~?"

    Girls with towels around their heads gathered around.

    "Y-You girls...!?"

    Ellis eximed in a fluster.

    The girls running over were her fellow Sylphid Knights.

    "Don''t tell me the Captain will be performing in the Festa too~?"

    Kamito somehow sensed evil in the Knight girl''s smile.

    "U-Umm, I suppose."

    "No way! I thought the Captain would never do anything like those idols!"

    "I-I have all kinds of reasons!"

    Ellis coughed deliberately, blushing deeply.

    "...By the way, judging from your outfits, you girls will be performing in the Festa too, right?"

    "Yes, the five of us underssmen have formed a group called the Wind Fairies."

    The knight girls spun around, causing their skirts to float.

    "It''s fine as long as it doesn''t affect our responsibilities as knights, right?"

    "Yes, of course¡ª"

    Ellis stared hard at her underssman''s tiny skirt.

    "Th-That skirt''s length, isn''t that a bit shameless?"

    "Really~?"

    The girl cocked her head in reply.

    ...They were definitely wearing quite tiny skirts.

    "You cannot expose so much thigh!"

    "Eh~, but the spirits clearly prefer this..."

    "That''s right, also, they''re wearing even more outrageous clothes over there."

    "...Over there?"

    Ellis frowned. The girl pointed at the stage ahead.

    While Team Cernunnos was exiting the stage while the audience apuded, another group was entering to rece them.

    Appearing on stage was¡ª

    A unit of beautiful princess maidens d in dresses with the color of night.

    With jewels on their tiaras shining like stars, jet-ck dresses that seemed as though they would meld into the darkness of the night, they were full of mysterious allure all over.

    This scene was as though dancing spirits of the night had descended.

    "Somehow, this feels like the real deal..."

    ire gulped.

    "These costumes are too high level."

    "But what about the critical part, their performance?"

    The five girls bowed at the audience then¡ª

    Djen~, djen djen, djen~!

    A guitar sounded.

    "¡ª!"

    Instantly, the maidens'' clear shouts dominated the entire venue.

    It was the newest kagura, with an intense beat, tried and tested in cities.

    The ambiance at the venue instantly exploded.

    The audience was even more enthusiastic than when Team Cernunnos was on stage. The glow of divine power from the spirits also turned into all kinds of colors.

    "...W-What is this...!?"

    "Is this kagura...!?"

    ire and the others were conquered by this kagura that waspletely different from their own performance.

    ying stylish music, dancing freely across the stage.

    The ck dresses fluttered, countless jet-ck wings danced in the air¡ª

    When their song finally ended¡ª

    Thunderous apuse burst forth from the audience.

    The maidens responded with cool expressions and got off the stage.

    "..."

    ire silently bit her lip.

    The gap between their performances had shocked her greatly.

    Dark Evangel was the name of the unit.

    One of the members descending from the stage fixed her gaze on ire.

    "ire Rouge... Hmph, you guys will be performing at the Festa?"

    She spoke with a mocking tone.

    In that instant, ire''s twintails jumped up.

    "...Yeah, that''s right. Got a problem with that?"

    "Hey ire¡ª"

    Kamito was going to stop her.

    "Yes, of course, Cmity Queen''s sister¡ª"

    "...What did you say!?"

    "If small fry like you guys perform, the two great spirits will end up so disappointed."

    "We will win for sure. You can go suck your thumbs and watch."

    "At least that would be better than offering an awful kagura in front of everyone¡ª"

    The girls of Dark Evangel were covering their mouths, snickering to themselves.

    "...Y-You, w-what did you say...!?"

    "ire, violence cannot be used."

    "I understand how you feel, but hold it in. The de Dance ising soon."

    Rinslet and Ellis grabbed ire''s shoulders when she still wanted to swing metongue.

    "B-But...!"

    ire red reluctantly at those who had provoked her, enduring.

    "Hmph, I can''t believe you people won the right to enter the de Dance. Something must be wrong."

    "The Laurenfrost hillbilly nobles, the totally useless Lost Queen¡ª"

    "Velsaria Eva? I can''t believe she dappled in Cursed Armament Seals. A total dishonor to the whole school, what is there to be proud of?"

    "What, how dare you... insult my esteemed sister!"

    "Ellis, calm down¡ª"

    This time, it was Kamito''s turn to grab Ellis by the arm.

    "¡ªI-I absolutely won''t lose to you."

    ire''s voice trembled as she pointed at them, dering steadfastly.

    "Ho, please make us look forward to it."

    "Because whom we follow is the lord producer of darkness."

    With a sneer on their faces, the members of Dark Evangel scattered ck feathers at Team Scarlet from their dresses before leaving.

    "...~, unforgivable, unforgivable. I cannot believe they called the Laurenfrosts hillbilly nobles!"

    Rinslet kept stomping her foot.

    "Although I am ustomed to malicious nder from others, I still feel offended here."

    Fianna quietly whispered.

    As for ire¡ª

    She was staring intently at the backs of the departing members of Dark Evangel.

    "..."

    "ire?"

    Kamito asked her, causing ire to slowly turn her head back.

    "Guys, we must win, no matter what it takes¡ª"

    "Yes, this concerns the honor of nobles!"

    "I cannot forgive them for insulting my esteemed sister¡ª"

    "Fufufu... I shall conduct a cursing ceremony to give them nightmares about chickens every night, preventing them from sleeping."

    "Let''s not do that."

    Kamito frantically stopped Fianna who had taken out an effigy used for suspicious rituals.

    ire and the rest of the girls exchanged nces, nodding silently.

    Dark Evangel''s provocation had evidently fired up the youngdies'' hearts.

    However, from what Kamito could see, given their current state, forget about Dark Evangel that they had just witnessed, even defeating other groups would be stretch¡ª

    "...Come, let''s continue training. Every second counts now," said ire.

    "First, we need to pick a new song¡ª"

    "Yes. As much as it frustrates me, Dark Evangel''s song is very polished."

    "I suppose finding an instructor specializing in kagura would be best¡ª"

    With serious expressions on their faces, the girls brought up suggestions to one another.

    "..."

    Watching them like that, Kamito¡ª

    Somehow, he felt he understood the true reason why Greyworth had ordered them to participate in this Elemental Festa.

    (In that case, what I am able to do is¡ª)

    Although it pissed him off that he was going along with Greyworth''s n, he felt that it was not a bad thing in the current situation.

    Also¡ª

    (...Just now, I felt a bit angry when my teammates were insulted.)

    "Kamito, what''s wrong?"

    "...Listen, everyone. Do you want to beat those people?"

    Kamito quietly began to speak¡ª

    "Yes, that goes without saying."

    "I cannot allow such words to be spoken with impunity¡ª"

    "You seriously wanna win, right?"

    When Kamito repeated himself, the girls nodded vigorously.

    "¡ªIn that case, could you leave the rest to me, your manager?"

    Kamito swept his gaze across all their faces.

    "I will make you win."

    Part 8

    Starting from that day, for the sake of the Elemental Festa a weekter, Kamito''s special training began.

    This included an early morning lesson before morning sses and a lesson after nightfall. Apart from that, Kamito would devise individualized lessons for the girls when they did not have ss. Naturally, they did not rx their training for the uing de Dance either. Hence, this was extremely harsh training even for his teammates who were confident in their basic fitness.

    Meals too. Everyone''s portions were under Kamito''s management. Kamito''s special menu not only addressed nutrition but also covered the replenishment of divine power.

    "Uwah, this is disgusting. What is it!?"

    Drinking dark blue juice, ireined with a suffering look.

    "...~, with my sense of taste, I ultimately cannot ept it!"

    "This is a special elemental drink. It''s for replenishing divine power."

    Through an unusual method, this special drink was prepared from herbs growing in the Spirit Forest.

    Able to make an elementalist draw out their maximum power, this was a secret recipe from the Instructional School.

    "Oh my, this tastes lovely."

    "Kamito, another cup."

    "See, you girls need to learn from Fianna and Est."

    "Ugh~ ...But isn''t Est a spirit?"

    "Y-Your Highness, is there something strange going on with your sense of taste?"

    Despite the suffering looks on their faces, the girls drank their special drinks in one breath.

    They hadmissioned a tailor shop, which Ellis frequented, to make Team Scarlet''s stage outfits with express service. In order to distinguish themselves from the numerous rivals, memorable costumes were important in addition to putting hard work into the performance. In particr, the enemy they wanted to defeat¡ªthe members of Dark Evangel¡ªwas quite wless in both their choice of music and the design concept behind their costumes.

    The design concept behind Team Scarlet''s costumes was based on dancing des.

    Pure white dresses embroidered all over with silver thread, evocative of dancing des. An personalized ribbon was tied on each girl''s shoulder with a different color.

    "...S-So embarrassing. Do I really have to dance like this?"

    Clutching the hem of her skirt, ire groaned.

    "Endure it. Besides, these clothes look good on all of you."

    "Eh? I-It looks good...?"

    The youngdies blushed because of Kamito''sment.

    This was not ttery. Indeed, the girls definitely looked great in their costumes. Although he had recently gotten used to the fact they were outstanding beauties, the pride of the Academy, seeing them dressed in something apart from their usual uniforms made Kamito realize this fact once more.

    Spirits, which liked pure and beautiful maidens, would be satisfied by their lovely appearances, right?

    Just as Kamito was thinking that¡ª

    "What is the matter, Kamito?"

    Replicating the girls'' costumes in an instant, Est was spinning round and round.

    d in a silver-white dress, Est lookedpletely like a snow fairy.

    "Hmm, it looks great on you too, Est."

    "So happy, Kamito."

    Spin spin spin. Est began to spin even faster.

    ...Sword spirits apparently loved to spin.

    ¡ªThinking that, Kamito was struck by a thought and asked.

    "Hey Est, why don''t you try performing in the Festa too?"

    In fact, the Elemental Festa did not have any rule "forbidding spirits to perform."

    A dance featuring Est, who was so cute, would definitely bring joy to many spirits.

    "Yes, Kamito¡ªYour wish is mymand."

    Est finished one more revolution then entered a "ping" pose expressionlessly.

    A group lesson for all of Team Scarlet was held that night. Since interruptions weremon on school premises, they went to Astral Zero via a gate in some ruins.

    "So, what do we do about the music?"

    Kamito handed a small spirit crystal to Fianna when she asked.

    "I think this song will work. Girls, listen to it whenever you have time."

    Kamito poured divine power into the crystal through his fingertips, causing it to glow faintly and start ying music.

    What came out of the crystal was a soundposed of percussion and woodwind instruments, a tune with a quick rhythm. Due to the rich variation in the melody, one could listen to it again and again without getting tired of it.

    "This song, don''t tell me it''s..."

    Fianna eximed in surprise.

    "¡ªHimeragi E. Arsage''s dance!?"

    "...You know it?"

    "Yes, appearing out of nowhere four years ago, the legendary idol. She made her appearance at the Elemental Festa held at the imperial capital, isn''t it a famous story how she quelled the flood at Dorna River?"

    Hearing this, Kamito involuntarily looked away.

    "...W-Whatever. Then hurry up if you know it."

    Saying that, Kamito took out another spirit crystal this time and ced it on the floor.

    "What''s this one for?" ire asked.

    "There are lingering images from the past. I want to show you girls this first."

    As before, Kamito poured divine power into the spirit crystal. It glowed and projected a clear image on the walls of the copsed ruins.

    "Kamito-kun, this, no way...!"

    Fianna eximed in surprise.

    "Yes, I borrowed it from the Academy''s library. A video of Himeragi E. Arsage four years ago."

    "...!"

    Projected there was¡ª

    A beautiful girl, her blonde hair fluttering while she danced.

    The glittering fan in her hand was waving like an endlessly flowing river. Due to blurriness in the video, the face was unclear, but the beauty of her kagura was fully conveyed.

    "...Th-This is my first time watching this. So beautiful."

    "Yes, I feel like my heart and soul has been cleansed simply by watching this."

    "Such a young girl, how amazing¡ª"

    The kagura performed by the legendary idol four years ago fill ire and the girls with awe.

    Everyone watched the video intently without another word.

    Finally, the image vanished and the music stopped.

    Kamito coughed dryly and spoke.

    "Girls, do you get why I showed you this?"

    "...Umm, you want us to learn the dance of the legendary idol, right?"

    ire nodded and replied.

    "Yeah. If you learn this kagura, winning won''t be a dream."

    "But it is not possible to master kagura of this level in such short¡ª"

    "Don''t worry. I''ll instruct you."

    Kamito asserted to the worried Ellis.

    "Kamito, could it be possible that you have kagura experience?"

    "...Well, in the past, a little."

    Kamito glossed over it vaguely.

    "Hmm..."

    Fianna looked at him suspiciously in response to his attitude.

    "...Very well. Anyway, let''s try it out."

    ire spoke as the leader. Everyone nodded.

    During the week after that, Kamito started his special spartan training.

    "ire, your movements are messed up! Ellis, show more vibrancy!"

    Blowing a whistle, Kamito roared at the same time. For some reason, he was wearing a tracksuit with sunsses.

    "Hey, doesn''t it feel like he changed as a person?"

    "Why is he wearing sunsses at night?"

    "No chitchat over there! The idol''s path is not that easy!"

    Another whistle.

    "Kamito, I am hungry."

    "...Fine. Take a break, Est."

    "You favor Est too much!"

    "Mdy, do your best~"

    Facing the youngdies running their hardest at the Academy''s track, Carol waved gs.

    Part 9

    "Fufu... It looks like you finally awakened, Kamito."

    Under the moon''s clear pure glow, on top of the research tower in the Academy''s premises¡ª

    A figure was looking down at Kamito andpany during their special training.

    It was a maiden with jet-ck hair, wearing a dress in the color of night.

    Her dusk-colored eyes were watching Kamito with tender affection.

    "I was nning to cause amotion before the de Dance... But it looks like the Dusk Witch has interesting hobbies too¡ª"

    The darkness spirit girl chuckled and turned around.

    Over there were five girls standing in a row with their eyes nk.

    They were the members of Dark Evangel.

    "Dance as I have taught you. I shall make you the best idols."

    Part 10

    Then a weekter¡ª

    The super grand event of the Elemental Festa, held by Areisha Spirit Academy, opened.

    The stage for the princess maidens to perform was a circr outdoor arena located in the center of the Academy Town. With a maximum audience capacity of two thousand, people say it had been used for de dance tournaments before.

    The judges of the performances were the two great dragon spirits, who were the reasons for holding the event, as well as the many spirits residing in the Academy town. In addition, many townsfolk had gathered to watch the princess maidens'' spectacr dancing, even though they were not directly involved with the judging. Even the audience were awestruck by the two divine dragon spirits dancing leisurely in the air.

    The noise of the excited audience, exceeding two thousand in the number, could be heard¡ª

    At the arena''s control room, Team Scarlet was nervously waiting for the even to begin.

    "I-I can''t believe I have to dance in front of so many people..."

    Changed into her adorable outfit, ire spoke timidly.

    "W-We just need to perform like we practiced."

    "Yes, indeed..."

    Nodding, Ellis had stiff expression, sure enough.

    Even though she always looked calm and confident, Fianna seemed nervous too.

    Only Est was the same as usual, expressionlessly eating melon bread as a snack.

    "That''s Refilca Sazer of the Numbers, and also Countess Milton, as well as Sir Balboa who works as an administrative official for the imperial family..."

    Looking at the VIP seating, Fianna named the important nobles. The Academy organizing a once-every-several-years Festa must have caught the attention of nobles at the imperial capital.

    "...~Oh no, m-my grandfather is here too?"

    Ellis hid her face in embarrassment. Most likely, the old man with a solemn expression, sitting in the center of the VIP area, was Duke Fahrengart. With a hand band around his forehead, he was holding glow sticks in his hands to cheer for idols.

    "I can''t believe he came all the way out here to cheer for his granddaughter. What a great grandfather, right?"

    "Oo, but, the thought of my grandfather watching..."

    "Don''t be so nervous. You''ve all been working hard till now. You''ll be fine for sure."

    I promised the girls. Seeing Kamito nod, the girls'' expressions changed.

    "Kamito-kun..."

    "Y-Yes... We have trained so much."

    The members of Team Scarlet nodded vigorously at one another.

    Then¡ª

    "Oh my, what is this?"

    Mockingughter came from the door of the control room.

    "...Y-You..."

    The members of Dark Evangel had appeared there.

    "Since you won''t beat us, why not drop out now?"

    "I could say the same to you."

    "Do not foolishly believe we are still the same as before."

    ire and Rinslet red at them strictly.

    "Hmph, no matter what you''re nning, in the end, you won''t beat us because we''ve received our great master''s training."

    "Great master?"

    ire raised an eyebrow in surprise¡ª

    "...Fufu, I look forward to the real performance."

    Smiles surfaced on the girls'' face as they left the control room.

    "...Looks like they are quite confident."

    Ellis growled.

    "We won''t lose for sure, because we''ve been training hard the whole time."

    "Yes, indeed."

    Staring at the door, ire and Rinslet nodded at each other.

    Watching them, Kamitoughed wryly in his mind.

    (...I guess things will be okay like this.)

    For the past week, the girls had been putting every ounce of their being into the harsh training under Kamito''s instruction.

    Basic training in the Spirit Forest, muscle training making use of the Instructional School''s assassination training methods, singing lessons taking ce simultaneously with de dance practice¡ª

    ...These girls had notined a single word the whole time, truly awe inspiring.

    Right now, Team Scarlet was definitely stronger than when they had faced Velsaria in battle. This was a kind of strength they could never achieve had they simply engaged in de dance and elemental waffe training¡ª

    (...We''ve done everything we can. They should be strong enough to win.)

    All Kamito could do now was believe in them.

    Outside the control room, a massive bell sounded.

    ire looked up and quickly extended her hand, d in a pure white glove.

    "Everyone, we must win¡ª"

    "Yes." "Indeed." "Certainly." "Yeah¡ª"

    Hands from five people were stacked together.

    Finally, Kamito ced his hand on top¡ª

    Then the Elemental Festa raised its curtain.

    Part 11

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    As soon as the Festa began, the stage was covered by astounding heat.

    Thunderous cheers. Spectacr lights crossed and illuminated overhead. Summoned to various parts of the venue, sound spirits amplified the music yed from spirit mechanisms. The dancing princess maidens, putting their all into their performances, were causing the two thousand members of the audience to boil in excitement.

    Spirits shed intensely, emitting the light of divine power. The torrent of light from countless spirits resembled a resplendent river reflecting sunlight.

    "Oh, the legendary giant bust spirit came to watch too."

    "Huh? R-Really..."

    Rinslet was pointing to a translucent sphere hovering lightly.

    It looked like many spirits hade from Astral Zero to watch.

    Like swimming in a river of torrential light, the two divine dragon spirits were moving their massive bodies leisurely. Every time they stirred with the gigantic tails, the glow of burgeoning divine power would cover the sky.

    Bathed in the divine power of the spirits, the idols on stage performed their songs and dances with every increasing fervor.

    "Everyone is more amazing than I expected..."

    "Indeed, they are all excellent."

    The unit formed by Ellis'' junior knights¡ªThe Wind Fairies¡ªhad delivered a well-choreographed performance, causing ire and Rinslet to offer praise.

    After every idol performance, the live audience would cheer generously. At the same time, they also decided the winners and losers mercilessly. There was only one standard of sess, namely, to what extent the dance they had offered had satisfied the spirits¡ª

    Devices set up in four corners of the venue would measure the light of divine power released in the surroundings, then disy on a noticeboard on the stage powered by spirit light.

    "The Wind Fairies received a score of 89.2 for their performance!"

    A teacher from the Academy served as the host and read out the score disyed on the noticeboard. This was currently the highest score of all groups performed so far. The Wind Fairies jumped up with a "wow!"

    "...Good job... They did well..."

    Seeing her juniors'' lively performance, Ellis could not help but weep tears of joy.

    "Hey Ellis, this isn''t the time to be emotional. We won''t be winning unless we surpass that score."

    "...Yes, I-I know."

    Ellis wiped her tears away and resumed her usual solemn expression.

    "Atst, we will be performing for real next¡ª"

    "Yes."

    After the Wind Fairies exited the stage, thunderous apuse was heard again.

    "We''re up!"

    As ire spoke, Team Scarlet entered the stage.

    Part 12

    The sound instantly exploded.

    Four years ago, at the Elemental Festa held at the imperial capital, the legendary idol¡ªHimeragi E. Arsage¡ªhad used this song, Gospel''s Elementalia.

    Ha~ha~ha~ha~, ha~ha~ha~ha~¡ª

    The percussion instruments maintained a steady beat with the incredible timbre of strings and woodwind instruments mixed among them, setting the audience''s hearts racing. Also, supported by this melody that was inexplicably exciting as an offering to spirits, the pure princess maidens'' singing voices were shaking the air.

    Ellis and Rinslet danced in a perfectbination step, tapping out the beat with the heels of their boots. ire had her twintails untied and was dancing freely back and forth across the sage. Like a fairy, Est was spinning. Fianna was at the center of the stage, offering a spectacr dance while staying perfectly aware of every member''s movements and giving directions.

    Middle of the song, when the tune elerated all at once, ire and Rinslet crossed each other, swapping positions in an instant, disying a duet''s perfect coordination. The spotlights on the stage were turning in a dizzyingly spectacr manner. Leading the spinning Est by the hand, Ellis moved to center stage¡ª

    Compared to the majority of other groups whose movements aimed for perfect unity, Team Scarlet''s choreography concept was based on keeping the idols'' individuality as much as as possible, while calibrating to an exquisite bnce.

    A performance that showcased the maximum charm of these youngdies, each with her own strong individuality¡ª

    That was what Kamito intended to produce with this kagura.

    It was like a bewildering dance of des¡ª

    To the point that one might mistaken it for a de dance, a dance performance filled with mor and tension.

    Roughly three minutes psed¡ª

    ire and the girls were dancing at full effort the whole time.

    Evenpared to their special training this week, it was their best performance.

    The instant the song stopped¡ª

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The entire venue was filled with apuse akin to an earthquake.

    The spirits shed intensely like lightning. The two great spirits in the sky roared with thunderous joy.

    (Great, well done...!)

    Inside the stage, Kamito quietly clenched his fist.

    Then the noticeboard disyed the score, causing the subsided cheering to erupt once more.

    94.6¡ªThe current high score.

    "...W-We did it!"

    "We managed to do it, ire!"

    ire and Rinslet were standing side by side and could not help but hug each other.

    "Our dance offering has reached the spirits."

    "A-Although it was embarrassing, it f-felt pretty good..."

    Blushing, Ellis waved timidly at the audience. Kamito nced at the VIP area, only to see Duke Fahrengart squealing while waving his glow sticks.

    Fianna spoke to warn the trio on stage who were getting carried away.

    "It''s too soon to celebrate. The victor isn''t decided yet¡ª"

    "...Y-You''re right."

    ire jumped in surprise and returned to her serious look.

    On the side of the stage was Dark Evangel, their preparations ready.

    Part 13

    With a scattering of jet-ck feathers, Dark Evangel entered the stage.

    A mysterious atmosphere shrouded them, causing the mood at the venue to change drastically, instantly plunging the scene into silence. Descende from the stage, ire and the girls watched them, gulping.

    The spotlights on the stage criss-crossed¡ª

    "¡ªHah!"

    The main vocalist gave a vigorous shout.

    Instantly, the cheering was loud enough to shake the venue. The light given off by spirits overwhelmed the field of view.

    U-Uohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    "...I can''t believe the spirits are reacting like this¡ª"

    ire bit her lip involuntarily.

    The audience''s fervor far surpassed what they had during Team Scarlet''s performance.

    The two great spirits roared with joy, raining maximum divine power on the venue¡ª

    "...Guh, sure enough, a mere week of special training was not enough to fight them, huh¡ª"

    Ellis whispered in chagrin.

    However¡ª

    (...What is this feeling?)

    Kamito sensed something intensely wrong about Dark Evangel''s kagura.

    Although it was definitely a spectacr performance,pared to ire''s team, there should not be such an overwhelming gap.

    In that case, what exactly was behind the spirits'' unusual fervor¡ª

    "Kamito¡ª"

    He felt a tug on his sleeve.

    Kamito looked back to see Est. Her violet eyes were slightly dimmed.

    "That is something bad."

    "Yeah, I''ve got a bad feeling about this too..."

    Just at that moment...

    "Kamito-kun, that¡ª"

    Fianna pointed overhead and shouted.

    Surprised, Kamito looked up¡ª

    I noticed something strange about the two divine dragon spirits.

    There was an ominous crimson glow in their eyes. Their massive scaled bodies were shrouded by darkness resembling mist.

    "...No way¡ª!?"

    Kamito''s gaze returned to Dark Evangel on the stage. At that moment¡ª

    The divine dragon spirits'' terrifying roars rocked the entire atmosphere.

    Part 14

    "Fufu... Looks like those kids have been dancing well¡ª"

    On the clock tower overlooking the town, the ck-winged darkness spirit smiled.

    What she had taught Dark Evangel was an ancient lost ritual kagura, but with a minor twist.

    Namely, it was a type of dark kagura for making spirits go berserk. Every time the ritualpleted, even top-tier spirits could not possibly resist¡ª

    "So, Kamito, what are you going to do?"

    Whispering in joy¡ª

    The darkness spirit girl chuckled.

    Part 15

    The venue of the Elemental Festa was instantly plunged into massive chaos filled with screams.

    The two giant divine dragon spirits unleashed fire and water breath. Gone berserk, hundreds of spirits were shing intensely while crashing towards surrounding buildings.

    The two thousand spectators gathered at the venue screamed, trying to escape.

    "...What on earth happened!?"

    ire cried out.

    "I have no idea either!"

    "...Th-That''s the Kagura of the Mad Banquet."

    Fianna spoke in a nervous tone.

    "What is that?"

    "It is a type of dark kagura for making spirits go berserk. I read about it from a sealed book back when I was at the Divine Ritual Institute."

    "What? Why would something like that¡ª"

    ire widened her eyes in shock and met Kamito''s gaze with her own.

    Most likely, Kamito had thought of the same thing.

    The darkness spirit who had given her a frenzy in the past and plunged the Academy town into chaos¡ª

    (...Could it be Restia?)

    At that moment, one of the divine dragon spirits struck the stage hard with its massive tail.

    Craaaaaaash!

    The stage''s stone wall instantly copsed, producing a huge cloud of dust.

    "...Oh no, Dark Evangel!"

    "Don''t worry, they''re fine."

    Fianna reassured the screaming ire.

    Kamito looked more closely. At some point in time, Georgios had raised arge shield under the falling rain of debris to protect the members of Dark Evangel, who had fallen unconscious.

    "Princess, why are the spirits still berserk when the kagura has already stopped?"

    "All is in vain once the Kagura of the Mad Banquet activates¡ª"

    The two great spirits roared and kept unleashing fire and ice breath.

    ...At this rate, not only the venue but also the neighborhood could end up destroyed.

    (...This is really giving me no choice.)

    Kamito was probably the only person present who was capable of fighting two high-level spirits at the same time.

    ...No time to hesitate. Kamito took the hand of Est, who was standing by his side.

    "Est, let''s go!"

    "Yes, I am your sword, Kamito. Your wish is mymand¡ª"

    Est''s body turned into particles of light and vanished. The Demon yer appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    This was the ultimate elemental waffe, even capable of destroying high-ranked spirits.

    However, ire grabbed Kamito''s arm just as he was about to rush in.

    "No, Kamito, you can''t! If you erase the two great spirits, the Academy won''t be able to function!"

    "Indeed, you should consider that thest resort¡ª"

    Looking at the silver-white sacred sword, Fianna nodded and concurred.

    "Yeah, but at this rate, the town will..."

    "We will take action. Kamito-kun, you go protect the people."

    Fianna asserted clearly.

    "...What do you mean by take action?"

    "We will use our kagura to calm down the spirits."

    "...Is that possible?"

    "Yes. Thanks to the many idols here, if we all cooperate, it should be possible to break the Kagura of the Mad Banquet¡ª"

    "I see..."

    Quelling berserk spirits was a very tough mission. However, if every princess maiden at the scene performed a calming kagura as an offering, perhaps it would work¡ª

    "...I guess we''ve got no choice. We''re doing this, girls."

    "...Understood." "You can count on me."

    Faced with ire''s call, Ellis and Rinslet nodded with determination.

    Ha~ha~ha~ha~, ha~ha~ha~ha~¡ª

    The song Gospel''s Elementalia was ying at maximum volume¡ª

    With the song ying, ire and the girls deployed their elemental waffen, dividing their efforts to handle the berserk spirits while calling for the remaining Festa participants to cooperate.

    "Captain, our orders please!"

    The members of the Wind Fairies, hidden behind the rubble, ran over to Ellis'' side.

    "Follow the princess'' directions. Offer a calming kagura together."

    "Understood."

    "We will help too."

    "Shareilia-san, thank you so much!"

    With Team Cernunnos, dressed in animal costumes, leading the way, the other teams also came forward to gather one after another.

    "Everyone, gather in front of the stage!"

    Constructing an istion barrier to defend against spirit attacks, Fianna gave directions to the princess maidens.

    Conducting herself nothing like a princess usually, she was currently exuding royal solemnity.

    Using metongue, ire drew two spirits'' attention. Rinslet struck down spirits that were aiming to attack Fianna. During this time, Ellis and the members of the Sylphid Knights swiftly rescued audience who had not run away in time¡ª

    (...The girls have progressed so much.)

    Kamito was working to protect the audience too. He muttered to himself in his mind.

    Despite quarreling all the time in the beginning,ing into conflict¡ª

    Now they hade to understand one another''s strengths and weaknesses, able to coordinate and cooperate.

    The gathered princess maidens began to offer kagura to the two great spirits that had gone berserk.

    The young maidens'' prayer-like singing voices turned into a powerful chorus, sending unruly spirits to Astral Zero one after another¡ª

    However¡ª

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The two divine dragon spirits roared at the same time, firing their breath at the stage.

    "...Kyahhhh!"

    The raging breath easily broke the barrier, sending the entire stage flying.

    (...Sure enough, it didn''t work...!?)

    Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer.

    The silver-white de glowed with blinding brilliance.

    He could not allow this to go on any further. To prevent the town from getting caught up in danger, there was no solution but to erase the two great spirits.

    Just as Kamito was going to charge at the stage...

    "Kamito¡ª"

    "...?"

    Unexpectedly, a shadow at his foot shook and a figure appeared.

    Kamito could not help but halt.

    "Freya-sensei!?"

    Out appeared from the shadow was his homeroom teacher, Freya.

    "Why are you here...? No wait, now''s the time, please help!"

    "Well, calm down¡ª"

    Freya quietly shook her head.

    "The headmistress asked me toe over. To give this to you."

    She handed out arge bag, carried in her arms.

    "...What is this?"

    "No idea. The headmistress says you''ll understand."

    "...?"

    With a question mark over his head, Kamito opened the bag to peer inside.

    The bag contained¡ª

    A clean and tidy costume of pure white and brilliantly shining blonde wig.

    "...!"

    Kamito instantly understand Greyworth''s intent for delivering this to him.

    ...He clutched his head after he figured it out.

    (...Argggggggh, I see now, damn it!)

    Part 16

    "...Regroup, dance the kagura again!"

    Sendingyers of rubble flying, ire cried out.

    "Rinslet, I leave Fianna''s protection to you¡ª"

    "Understood!"

    "Wait, starting right away is impossible. I need to prepare for kagura again."

    Fianna shook her head very sadly.

    "...How long?"

    "I need to construct a simple stage using a magic circle, that takes five minutes... No, three minutes."

    ire gritted her teeth.

    "I will buy as much time as possible. Hurry up¡ª"

    At that moment...

    Behind ire and the girls, a bell-like sound was heard.

    "...Huh?"

    Everyone present turned around.

    Then¡ª

    How long had she been there?

    On top of the mountain of rubble stood a girl in a dress of pure white.

    Gorgeous blonde hair. Jet-ck eyes that seemed to contain the dark night within them. The corners of her lips were hidden behind a silver-white mask whose shape resembled a crescent moon.

    The bell-like sound just now apparently came from the girl''s earring.

    "Umm, who are you...?"

    Was she one of the idols scheduled to perform in the Elemental Festa?

    ire asked in doubt.

    "...Himeragi E. Arsage!"

    Fianna whispered with surprise all over her face.

    "...Huh?"

    "No mistake. Those clothes, that look... It is the legendary idol from four years ago."

    "What did you say!?"

    Fianna''s observation raised amotion.

    However, upon closer examination, indeed¡ª

    Despite a different physique, those lovely airs enveloping her were identical to the legendary idol they had seen in the video.

    "W-Why...? When you were supposed to have retired?"

    ...Did shee to watch the Elemental Festa?

    Ignoring the shocked ire and others, the masked princess maiden stood on top of the copsed stage¡ª

    Whoosh¡ªThen she started to dance kagura steps nimbly.

    Her body was enveloped in a vibrant and eye-catching glow of divine power.

    "...!"

    The fluid and morous dance performance made everyone present hold their breath.

    Finally understanding her intentions, Fianna called out.

    "Everyone, dance a kagura in sync with her rhythm!"

    "...Huh?"

    ire asked in response. The masked girl silently nodded.

    "U-Understood!" "Acknowledged!" "Everyone, follow her¡ª"

    ire and the others stood up and began to offer a kagura together with the legendary idol.

    ...Guh.. uuuuuuu... oooooouuuuu...!

    Like the dancing of countless beautiful des, their dance performance caused to the two berserk divine dragon spirits to emit groaning roars. Himeragi E. Arsage and the princess maidens danced a flowing kagura, dispelling and purifying the darkness ensnaring them¡ª

    ...Guh... Gwoooo, uuuuu...!

    "Almost there..." "Hold on a little... longer..."

    Himeragi E. Arsage took ast and intense step.

    Then the instant the song ended¡ª

    The two great spirits roared and returned to Astral Zero atst.

    Part 17

    ...The next day, after the Elemental Festa concluded in massive chaos.

    "...In the end, what the heck?"

    In a cafe at the Academy town, ire grumbled with a sigh.

    Although the Elemental Festa ended up a total mess, the two great spirits were sessfully calmed thanks to the legendary idol''s sudden appearance. Having gone berserk and destroyed the venue, the me dragon spirit and the water dragon spirit apparently reflected on their poor behavior and blessed every princess maiden who had entered the Festa.

    The girls of Dark Evangel who had partaken in a forbidden ritual ended up in some kind of delirious state, unable to remember anything that had happened at the event. ording to their testimony, a week ago, there had been a ck-winged goddess. Although the Imperial Knights were currently investigating the suspect''s connection to the current incident, chances of locating the suspect were slim.

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon his leather-gloved left hand, a bitter feeling in his heart.

    "That being said, what a shock. I can''t believe the legendary idol happened to visit from the imperial capital to watch this event."

    ire''s words caused Kamito''s heart rate to rise.

    "Yes, she is so pretty!"

    "Mm-hmm, true idol ought to be reserved to describe a princess maiden like her."

    Ellis nodded with slight infatuation on her face.

    "Kamito, you saw her too, right?"

    "Uh, yeah... I-I guess... very pretty, haha..."

    "What''s with that ''I guess''? Even though she covered her face, Lady Himeragi was really beautiful."

    "..."

    Kamito turned his gaze elsewhere.

    "But why did she disappear right away?"

    "Yes, I wanted to thank her for protecting the town."

    "Maybe she hates getting harassed by curious people."

    "Hmm, what a charismatic individual, Lady Himeragi."

    Fianna was the only one watching Kamito maliciously. Sure enough, she had realized something?

    "Although I was already her fan before, I''m now her diehard fan~"

    Kamito cursed a million times in his thoughts... The princess had evidently gotten a hold of even more ckmail material.

    (...Greyworth, you knew this would happen from the start, didn''t you?)

    Kamito shouted angrily in his thoughts.

    A sensation sweeping through the imperial capital four years ago, the legendary idol¡ªHimeragi E. Arsage.

    Needless to say, her true identity was Kamito, forced into crossdressing by Greyworth.

    For Greyworth, this was nothing more than preliminary practice for Kamito''s debut as Ren Ashbell... But for Kamito, who had entered the Festacently and ended up doing far better than expected, he ended up leaving a deep impression in the public''s memories.

    (...And to think I made up my mind never to be a damn idol again.)

    Onlyter did Kamito find out, when he went to confront Greyworth, that she had given him Himeragi''s costume as insurance, just in case no one seeded in satisfying the two great spirits. Throwing in the mask for covering his face was the only saving grace...

    "Oh, umm..."

    Fidgeting with her hair, ire spoke.

    "...In spite of what happened, it was fun."

    "Well, I suppose."

    "Mm-hmm... It felt good."

    "All of us were so cute, dressed in idol costumes."

    The youngdies looked at one another and smiled.

    ...Oh well,pared to before, they definitely improved a lot in teamwork.

    (...Well, I guess Greyworth nned this too, huh?)

    Indeed, this could very well be better than de Dance training.

    Kamito shrugged then gripped his left hand on which resided his contract with a darkness spirit.

    ...The de Dance would take ce a weekter.

 Elemental Festa, Afterword

    <h4>Elemental Festa, Afterword</h4>

    Hello, this is Shimizu Yuu. This time, the short story collection "Elemental Festa" has arrived in your hands.

    This collection includes the six special stories included with the Anime blu-rays, plus a roughly seventy-page-long new short story I wrote. Each of the special stories has part of it adapted into a mini-OVA and included in the apanying blu-ray, so please watch them if you''re interested. There''s ire being tsundere.

    Okay, let''s give each chapter a quick description.

    Chapter 1 - Great Festival of the Spirits at the Imperial Capital¡ªA story about Kamito''s days at the Instructional School. Back then, Kamito was so tsun towards Restia. Prior to the incident of the Fire Elemental Lord, Rubia''s personality was so gentle. Will the day of the Elstein sisters'' reconciliation ever arrive...?

    Chapter 2 - Est Looking After the Sick¡ªA story about Est running around. Maybe stories from Est''s perspective are very rare. Furukawa-san''s acting skills were amazing in the mini-OVA when Est inserted the scallion.

    Chapter 3 - The Princess'' Confidential Part-time Job¡ªIn the timeline, this happened just before the de Dance arc. I was really d to write this story because I hadn''t had a chance to depict the heroines'' everyday lives. The mini-OVA also offers a precious look at Kamito dressed as a maid!

    Chapter 4 - Hunting the Legendary Giant Bust Spirit!¡ªAn episode where the legendary giant bust spirit actually exists. Please enjoy the story of ire and Rinslet''s past. Hmph!

    Chapter 5 - The Terrifying Mystery Hotpot Battle!¡ªIn a way, an even more tragic war than the de Dance. Due to the Academy''s long history, there are apparently plenty of suspicious rituals.

    Chapter 6 - Elementalists on Break¡ªSince it was thest of the specials, I changed the overall atmosphere to make it a wet chapter. Since the main plot doesn''t feature much of student-like activities, I thought it''d be nice to create a kind of school-trip feel.

    Chapter 7 - Elemental Festa¡ªA short story I wrote. I was remembering how the voice actress unit "Kneesocks" had their final live broadcast and it made me cry many times. Kokuin Sanka is really the most awesome song, you must listen to it.

    ¡ªAs a result, this is a short story collection filled with everyday episodes when the main plot has been rising nonstop in seriousness.

    Next are the acknowledgements. Nimura Yuuji-sensei, Chiptune-sensei, thank you so much for drawing the adorable cover and illustrations!

    Finally, dear readers, I am so sorry for making you wait so long. Since the production system has been reorganized, I expect to deliver Volume 17 soon into your hands. It would be my great honor if you could stay with me to the very end!

    Shimizu Yuu, June 2017

 Volume 17, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 17, Prologue</h4>

    Fragments of memories left behind by the Demon yer.

    The final moments of the girl who had saved the world, revered as the Sacred Maiden¡ª

    "Master..."

    "Don''t make... that kind of face... Est."

    After countless trials and tribtions, mountains of innumerable corpses had umted on the bloodstained battlefields.

    In the end, the body of the maiden who had vanquished the Demon King was turning into a pure spirit crystal.

    There was not the slightest shred of surprise in the girl''s eyes.

    Because she already knew.

    That was the only fate awaiting her after fulfilling her mission as the Sacred Maiden.

    All contractors of the ultimate sacred sword were doomed to an untimely end. As such, one could consider it a cursed sword too.

    Nevertheless, the girl seemed to ept it all, simply smiling serenely.

    "It''s not... your... fault."

    Her fingers, stained with the Demon King''s sttered blood, gently caressed Est''s silver hair.

    However, those fingertips soon turned into hard spirit crystals.

    "Farewell, Est... My one and only eternal friend."

    "...No... Master... Areishia!!!"

    "...Fufu... I''m hearing you say my name for the first time, you know... I''m so... happy."

    Overflowing tears slid across her cheeks, falling on her neck that had already crystallized.

    This was her first time to shed tears ever since she took on her mission as the Sacred Maiden.

    "Est... I... I..."

    Her facial expression seemed to be crying and smiling. The girl''s lips slowly fluttered.

    "To be honest, I never wanted to be some kind of Sacred Maiden."

    These were the final words of the girl known as the Sacred Maiden.

    They were a cry from her heart, her innermost thoughts, revealed to her only close friend.

    And so, the Demon yer sealed her own existence away.

    Never again would she allow anyone to enter a contract with a cursed demon sword.

    Never again would she allow herself to lose someone precious.

    Never again would she open her heart to anyone.

    Thus, she solemnly swore.

 Volume 17, 1 - Estâ€™s Dream

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 1 - Est''s Dream</h4>

    Part 1

    "Nnn... Ooh, nnn..."

    On a giant canopied bed, Kamito was groaning in difort.

    Kamito partially opened his eyes and cast his gaze at the window.

    The sky was gradually brightening. Dawn''s rays were shining on the walls of the small town.

    ...I didn''t get much deep sleep, huh? After some time, he began to dream again.

    However, this dream did not leave a very clear impression behind. No matter how hard he tried, he could not recall.

    (...The sword... and the girl... It somehow feels like an incredibly sad dream...)

    Muttering to himself in his thoughts, Kamito used a towel to wipe the massive amount of sweat he had perspired during his sleep.

    Then Kamito slowly sat up and removed the shirt he had been wearing for the night.

    Three days had passed since the battle against Leviathan, the strategic-ss spirit released by Sjora Kahn. Kamito andpany were staying at Mordis, the stronghold city, and the sleepless nights continued.

    Since water spirits were practically absent from this ce, the nights were also unbearably hot.

    Next to his pillow was a spirit crystal he had borrowed from Rinslet to release cold air, but the sealed ice spirit, unable to bear the desert''s harsh heat, had escaped from the spirit crystal long ago.

    Sighing lightly, Kamito, returned the long empty spirit crystal to his pocket.

    Putting on a fresh shirt, Kamitoy down on the bed again.

    "I used to be able to sleep soundly no matter how ufortable the environment..."

    During his days as an assassin raised by the Instructional School, he could sleep soundly anywhere, whether damp caves or forests in the pouring rain. By the time he knew it, his body had gotten used to ordinary life at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "...The Academy, huh?"

    Kamito naturally looked up at the ceiling, muttering to himself.

    "It''s been a very long journey."

    Instead of his memories from the Instructional School, where he had spent the majority of his life, what suddenly surfaced in his mind was¡ª

    Bits and pieces of life since enrolling in the Academy several months ago after Greyworth summoned him.

    Forming a contract with Est in the cave. Obtaining victory with hisrades of Team Scarlet, earning the right to participate in the de Dance tournament. The deadly battles against Muir, Leonora and Nepenthes Lore on Ragna Ys. Rubia''s reveal of the n to assassinate the Elemental Lords.

    "That''s right, we freed Elemental Lords who were tainted by the Otherworldly Darkness¡ª"

    Having emerged victorious from the de Dance and granted an audience with the Elemental Lords, Kamito had liberated the berserk Fire Elemental Lord, but losing Restia as the price.

    After that, there was the incident where former Numbers knight Lurie Lizaldia and the Holy Kingdom cardinal Millennia Sanctus attacked the Academy, followed by the battle in Laurenfrost territory and finding Restia again. They were then caught up into the conspiracy of the Ordesian throne''s session, and currently on the run, pursued by the Empire.

    "An almost absurd set of experiences. And it''s only been a couple months¡ª"

    Incredibly, he was starting to miss his days attending lectures in ssrooms, shopping at the Academy town.

    His ssmates in Raven ss, Carol the maid, homeroom teacher Ms Freya. In addition, there was Greyworth with whom he had crossed des at the canyon in Dracunia¡ªWhat were they all doing now?

    How unbelievable all the details he could remember about everyone.

    In the bed, something seemed to be moving¡ª

    "...What?"

    Kamito hastily flipped the nket¡ª

    "Good morning, Kamito."

    "E-Est?"

    Sort of crouching or kneeling, the creature in the bed was a sword spirit, naked except for a pair of kneesocks.

    Her clear violet eyes stared motionlessly at Kamito.

    Blushing at the sight of Est''s naked body, Kamito frantically looked away.

    Est would often slip into Kamito''s bed whenever she wanted. Due to Kamito''s recent reminders, Est had gradually reduced such urrences down to about twice a week.

    Normally, Kamito would scold Est and order her to return to her sword form.

    "..."

    "Est?"

    But right now, Est seemed a bit different from usual.

    From her eyes whose emotions could not be read, staring at him, Kamito could sense faint wavering.

    "Did something happen?"

    "A dream."

    "A dream?"

    Kamito asked in surprise.

    "Was it a scary dream?"

    "I do not know."

    Est expressionlessly shook her head.

    "A dream from a very long time ago."

    "..."

    ¡ªA past dream. Then it probably took ce before Kamito and Est''s encounter. For a spirit like Est, who had lived for thousands of years, her concept of "the past" was iparable to what humans could understand.

    However, Est was currently separated from her main body, thus preventing her from essing the majority of her memories. It was very likely that this dream was a means to express the past memories that Est had lost.

    "What was the dream like?"

    "I forgot. I only remember it was a very sad dream."

    "I see..."

    She must have sneaked into his bed because she experienced a dream whose content she could not remember, but still left her with unease.

    If that was the case, there was no helping it¡ªKamito shrugged and suddenly thought of something.

    (The dream I had just now... That''s¡ª)

    Kamito''s gaze settled on the spirit seal carved on his right hand.

    A rare portion of elementalists were able to share memories with their contracted spirits. The dream Kamito had just experienced might have been a memory from Est''s main body.

    (...!?)

    He was suddenly struck by intense pain in his brain. A vague image shed in his mind. However, he still could not recall the content of the dream. Still, remnant emotion resembling sadness lingered in his mind.

    "...Kamito?"

    Est looked up at Kamito''s face and brushed her fingertips across his cheek.

    Kamito gently took her hand and held it.

    "May I stay here?"

    "Y-Yeah, but, umm... You''ve got to put on some clothes."

    "Yes, Kamito."

    In front of Kamito, who was speaking with a blush, Est nodded while quietly murmuring an incantation in spiritnguage.

    In the next instant, particles of light surrounded Est''s naked body¡ª

    "Is this eptable?"

    Est conjured a loose-fitting shirt, draped over her shoulders.

    "...O-Of all things, why a white shirt!?"

    Kamito turned red and eximed in panic. d in a shirt too big for her, the half-naked kneesocks spirit looked in some ways even more scandalous than fully nude.

    "Not allowed to sleep in the Academy uniform."

    "Well, I guess you have a point."

    Looking closely at Est''s shirt, Kamito noticed it was constructed using Kamito''s own shirt as a reference.

    ...Naturally, it was the wrong size.

    But dressed like that¡ª

    She looked like she was not wearing any underwear.

    (...Uh, if I take a closer look, she might not be wearing any!?)

    Est''s round bottom shed before Kamito''s eyes.

    What he had glimpsed was probably without underwear, no, she clearly was not wearing underwear.

    "Sheesh, you''ve got to create underwear too!"

    Kamito cried out frantically.

    "Understood. Constructing."

    A pair of pure white panties appeared in Est''s hand.

    While Est was holding the ribbon, putting on her panties, producing the rustling of fabric in the meantime...

    "Good grief..."

    Kamito breathed a sigh of relief the moment Est finished.

    He could hear boots, the sound of someone''s powerful footsteps in the passage outside the room.

    Not the loafers that ire and the girls wore as prescribed by the Academy. Instead, they were steel-toedbat boots¡ªthe footsteps of Rubia Elstein.

    (W-Why Rubia, of all people...!?)

    Kamito panicked. If Rubia were to see him in such circumstances, surely all kinds of misunderstandings would arise.

    "Est, sword! Turn back into a sword!"

    "...? Kamito, I cannot wear panties like that."

    "Forget about panties!"

    "Then I should remove the panties?"

    "T-That''s not what I mean..."

    In that instant, the door to the room was violently flung open.

    "Ren Ashbell, we are holding an emergency war conference. To the great hall immediately... What the!?"

    The moment Rubia Elstein opened the door, she froze.

    In front of her was a naked sword spirit dressed in a shirt, in the middle of removing her panties, and Kamito, desperately pushing her down.

    Part 2

    The border region between the Alphas Theocracy and the Quina Empire was a vast desert. This wide expanse ofnd, with its broken leylines, forsaken by the power of spirits, was known in spiritnguage as "Ghul-a-val," meaning the Desert of Red Death.

    Due to the violent demon beasts living in the desert and the red sandstorms howling and raging throughout the daytime, even the greedy Theocracy merchants had no choice but to take a detour along the coast when traveling to the Quina Empire. From the Quina Empire''s standpoint, Ghul-a-val was the giant obstacle and only reason why they had not annexed the vastnds of the continent''s center.

    This was the most destend on the continent, inhospitable to spirits, much less humans.

    In this desert, two travelers were walking aimlessly.

    "Hey princess, is that thing really in this shithole? We''ve walked around for how many days now and it''d be shit outta luck to die here out in the open."

    "ording to Theocracy lore, the Demon King''s Tomb is believed to lie in Ghul-a-val. When one who is truly worthy makes a visit, the Tomb will reveal itself¡ª"

    Walking behind the young man, the girl replied to his profanityced query.

    There was a veil over the girl''s face. The girl had cast protection to envelope the two of them, defending them from the wind. Under such a powerful sandstorm, it felt only slightly reassuring.

    The young man''s gaze turned sharp immediately.

    "As a member of the royal family, you''re supposed to be worthy, right?"

    "...This I do not know."

    "Huh? What the hell?"

    "Even throughout the history of the Kahn dynasty, only a handful had visited the Demon King''s Tomb. Do I have the right to visit the Tomb, I wonder?"

    "Ha, I see now. Even if you''re not worthy, know that I, the great one, should have the right. After all, I''m the Demon King''s sessor, recognized by all the geezers at the Instructional School."

    The young man grumbled impatiently.

    "There you go again with that im..."

    Sdia Kahn, second princess of the Alphas Theocracy, sighed lightly.

    Jio Inzagi was the male elementalist iming to be the Demon King''s sessor.

    He was the benefactor who had freed Sdia Kahn from her imprisonment by her elder sister.

    Hisbat skills were unmatched by even the royal guard. Fighting valiantly while employing numerous spirits, the way he fought was definitely reminiscent of one who had inherited the Demon King''s abilities.

    (However...)

    His ability to use spirits came from the cursed armament seals carved over his entire body.

    One could not consider him a true elementalist.

    (Although I am very grateful to him for rescuing me...)

    This self-proimed Demon King''s sessor with delusions of grandeur had his eyes set on the Demon King''s Coffin lying dormant in the Tomb.

    It was rumored that iming this legendary artifact, the Demon King''s Coffin, would allow one to obtain the Demon King''s power.

    Presumably, this man only saved Sdia in order to exploit her for her knowledge of the Tomb''s location.

    (We are simply using each other...)

    Murmuring in her thoughts, Sdia Kahn lowered her gaze lightly.

    In any case, she must obtain the Demon King''s Coffin.

    Currently, with her father the king assassinated and her sister dead, she was the only sessor to the Kahn dynasty.

    However, someone ming to be the Demon King''s reincarnation had suddenly appeared at Mordis.

    This man, who had put a stop to the berserk strategic-ss spirit Leviathan and defeated Sjora Kahn, not only gained the zealous support of the popce at Mordis but also Zohar as well.

    Sdia had no idea who that man was, but she knew this "Demon King" would surely deem her as a hindrance to be killed if he found out that she, the Theocracy''s second princess, was still alive.

    In order to take the throne, Sdia Kahn must obtain the Demon King''s Coffin, to let the people know that she is the Theocracy''s legitimate sessor.

    (Legend has it that the Demon King''s Tomb has a powerful guardian.)

    Although Sdia herself was an outstanding elementalist, she stillcked confidence on her own. At least, her currentpanion was strong enough to serve as a bodyguard despite being an arrogant and delusional man.

    (Indeed, I must get hold of the Coffin at the Demon King''s Tomb... The Coffin¡ª)

    Sdia suddenly felt dizzy.

    For some reason, there was a slight sense of dissonance suddenly shed in her mind.

    Why did she desire the Demon King''s power so badly?

    ¡ªRight now, are these actually my own thoughts?

    "Ooh...!"

    Just as she clutched her head, crouching down on the spot...

    "Hey princess, I want an answer from you."

    Jio Inzagi spoke in a low voice.

    "What... is it...?"

    "Are there any spirits in this desert?"

    "...Huh?"

    Sdia tilted her head nkly.

    "Answer me. Have you heard of spirits here?"

    "No, no spirits... are supposed to be, here..."

    "Okay, if that''s the case, what''s that over there?"

    Jio Inzagi irritably pointed out into the desert, shimmering like a mirage.

    Sdia Kahn looked up.

    There, amid the raging sandstorm was that.

    <¡ªArt thou one who is worthy, here to visit the tomb?>

    A giant, glowing with blue light, was ring, looking down at the two of them.

 Volume 17, 2 - The Missing Princess

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 2 - The Missing Princess</h4>

    Part 1

    The sound of hardbat boots echoed along the passage in the fortress.

    "...Hey, that was a misunderstanding just now."

    Rubia was walking ahead without speaking a word. Facing her back, Kamito gingerly tried to exin.

    "By misunderstanding, what are you referring to?"

    Rubia stopped walking and looked back. Her long hair, as crimson as her sister''s, fluttered softly.

    "Well, umm, what happened just now..."

    Kamito wanted to exin briefly about the situation on the bed earlier. However, given how unnatural and easily construed as a perverted scene, how should he exin it¡ª?

    Possibly due to spending energy on creating panties, or perhaps acting shy in Rubia''s presence, Est had returned to her sacred sword form.

    Rubia''s ruby-like eyes stared intently at Kamito as though prating him.

    "I understand. There is no need for an exnation."

    "I-I''m d you understand."

    Kamito breathed a sigh of relief.

    "I also know that you are a Demon King in all meanings of the term. That being said, making a ything of your partner, a contracted spirit, is certainly to be frowned upon."

    "Like I said, you''ve got the wrong idea...!"

    Kamito could not help but clutch his head... Just as he thought, there was aplete misunderstanding.

    Rubia stared intently at Kamito''s face.

    "Ren Ashbell. You should tell me you need to use my body whenever you cannot resist the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power."

    "...!?"

    Kamito recalled the scene at the ritual purification site a few days earlier.

    Back then, she definitely said something like this. She did not mind if he used her body as he liked when the power of darkness was about to devour him.

    Her entire body was marred by cursed armament seals. Recalling the sight of her beautiful naked body, Kamito could not help but turn red.

    After going through the passage, the two of them got on a cargo elevator. The elevator''s simple design consisted of a processed metal te with a spirit crystal embedded inside. When Rubia poured in a small amount of divine power, a spirit mechanism could be heard activating while Kamito felt himself surrounded by an ufortable floating sensation.

    "By the way, what''s the emergency meeting about? Did something serious happen in the Ordesia Empire?"

    "Clues have been found regarding Sdia Kahn''s whereabouts."

    Kamito raised his eyebrows slightly.

    Sdia Kahn was the second princess and a former general of the Alphas Theocracy. She was also the younger sister of Sjora Kahn, who had merged with Zohar''s core and the strategic-ss spirit Leviathan and died.

    Sdia was initially imprisoned by her older sister, and the goal of Kamito andpany was to rescue her and protect her as the princess.

    If Sdia were to take the throne, the chaotic situation in the Theocracy arising from Sjora Kahn''s rebellion would end, thus eliminating the chance for intervention by the Ordesia Empire, which had turned into the Holy Kingdom''s puppet. In addition, Legitimate Ordesia with Fianna as its empress would win the powerful Dracunia''s backing.

    However, when Kamito andpany first entered the Theocracy''s capital of Zohar, Sdia Kahn had escaped, aided by someone unknown.

    ¡ªWhere on earth had she disappeared to?

    For thest few days, Rubia''s subordinates from the Instructional School were conducting a search, but nothing had turned up yet.

    "We shall discuss the specificster. Walls have ears here."

    "...Okay, understood."

    Getting off the elevator, they arrived a ce offering an overlooking view of the whole city at the foot of the mountain.

    This ce was the surveince tower of the Mordis fortress.

    Looking down, there was a bizarre sight below.

    (...I can''t get used to this no matter how many times I look at it.)

    Frowning, Kamito muttered to himself.

    The walls of the mining town Mordis built around the fortress had been invaded by another enormous city. The scene looked like a giant beast was devouring a small animal.

    This had happened seventy-two hours earlier.

    Aiming to crush the rebel forces gathered at Mordis in one fell swoop, Sjora Kahn, the Theocracy''s witch, had activated a strategic-ss spirit, Leviathan, that had been sealed and abandoned after a war in the past.

    Leviathan was a spirit that would take possession of a city and absorb divine power from the residents. This militarized spirit had possessed the capital of Zohar and gone berserk ording to Sjora Kahn''s wishes to devastate Mordis.

    Although Fianna and others had fortified the city wall''s defenses, controlling losses to a minimum, there were still many casualties. From what Kamito had heard, many residents in Zohar had been drained dry of divine power by the militarized spirit, killing them.

    Suddenly, Kamito raised his head and looked to the side.

    He saw Rubia close her eyes and quietly bring her hands together.

    Kamito had seen Fianna perform the same gesture before.

    It was a requiem ritual undertaken by princess maidens of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    With her long hair fluttering in the breeze like mes, dressed in a military uniform, she seemed like a noble princess maiden momentarily.

    "Time to go."

    "Yeah..."

    Rubia turned heel and once again ascended the stairs with a determined look on her face.

    Kamito hastily followed after her.

    Part 2

    As soon as they entered the conference room, Kamito saw the princess lying face down on the table.

    "...Oh, Kamito-kun, good morning."

    Noticing Kamito, Fianna raised her head and greeted him in a sleepy voice.

    "...Yeah, ''morning... By the way, you look very tired."

    Fianna was showing faint dark circles under her eyes. Her ck hair, usually gorgeous and shining, was messy and filled with split ends as though she did not even have time to brush it.

    In front of her was a mountain of open scrolls.

    "I have spent the whole night investigating the Demon King Cult''s records that were found in Scorpia."

    "...You did? It must''ve been tough."

    Kamito praised her. The Demon King Cult''s scrolls were not written in the Empire''smonnguage. Instead, they recorded using the Theocracy''s Alphaglyphs. It would have been hard to decipher them without Fianna, who had been educated at the Divine Ritual Institute.

    "Diving all in seems like a bad idea. Look, aren''t you getting dark circles now?"

    "...Huh?"

    Upon hearing ire pointing out from the side, Fianna quickly took out a hand mirror. Seeing her own haggard look, she instantly blushed.

    "...! I-I allowed Kamito-kun... t-to see me like this...!"

    Unlike her days as the scorned Lost Queen, Fianna was currently the monarch of Legitimate Ordesia, raising a banner of rebellion against the Empire. Without knowing it, she must have been pushing herself again and again.

    Kamito sat down next to ire, only to see some fatigue on ire''s face too. Apparently, she had been doing special training with Scarlet tilltest night.

    Scarlet was a powerful spirit to begin with. After the training at Dragon''s Peak, ire finally unlocked her true form as Ortlinde the Scarlet Valkyrie. As a spirit weapon, whose formidable powers made Restia acknowledge her as a rival, during the battle of Zohar she was even capable of incinerating multiple Nepthenthes Lores instantaneously, an enemy of which a single specimen had given Team Scarlet great trouble during the de Dance.

    With Ortlinde so powerful, naturally it was a great burden to ire as the contractor. At the current stage, ire still had not fully mastered the power. However, once ire could fully bring out Ortlinde''s power and use her elemental waffe with perfect control¡ª

    (...Perhaps in the near future, she might surpass me in strength.)

    Recalling a memory of ire brandishing her whip at upperssmen at the Academy, Kamito felt strangely emotional.

    At that moment¡ª

    "Excuse my tardiness. The fortress passages are tooplicated and I got lost again."

    Dressed in the Sylphid Knights'' armor, Ellis arrived with Velsaria. Ellis'' face was slightly flushed, probably because she had received notice of the meeting while in the middle of her customary morning training.

    The Fahrengart sisters sat down next to each other, opposite to Kamito and others.

    "You two were training together today?"

    "Yes, I lost two rounds out of three today."

    Velsaria nodded.

    "Winning twice against Velsaria with a spear?"

    Even though Velsaria had few opportunities to exhibit her martial arts, due to using spirits like Silent Fortress that specialized in wide-area damage, Kamito expected her to be Ellis'' superior in spear skills.

    "Th-That is because my esteemed sister held back¡ª"

    "The one who held back would be you. You are now stronger than I am. Be confident in yourself."

    "My esteemed sister..."

    Ellis looked awestruck. Overjoyed at receiving recognition from the adopted elder sister she had idolized as her goal since childhood, she also felt a little confused.

    Indeed,pared to her time at the Academy, Ellis'' new strength was on a whole different level.

    Growing in leaps and bounds after the training at Dracunia, she had taken out sya-Labs, a strategic-ss militarized spirit, with a single strike of her magic spear when they ventured into Zohar.

    "I relied on the power of cursed armament seals, but you have surpassed yourself through your own willpower. Be proud of yourself."

    Velsaria''s expression turned into a smile. Kamito could not help but feel his heart pounding faster, not used to seeing her out of her usual cold expression.

    "...Ah, something smells good."

    ire sniffed the air.

    "This aroma... Stew?"

    Hearing ire, Ellis turned to the door.

    "Good morning, everyone. I bring breakfast that I made."

    Dressed in an apron, Rinslet entered pushing a trolley.

    The trolley carried deep-fried fish, bacon vegetable soup, fresh perfectly baked bread, butter, and fruit yogurt.

    "I can''t believe you made so much in such short time..."

    ire could not help but exim.

    "Our meeting is about to start. Save the meal forter."

    Rubia spoke icily at this moment.

    "No, Lady Rubia. Our minds will not think properly on an empty stomach."

    "..."

    Rubia fell silent, unable to refute Rinslet.

    Possibly because Rinslet also knew Rubia from the past, Rinslet was apparently someone capable of disrupting her rhythm.

    "Is this some kind of fish?"

    Seeing fish with a hard shell, Fianna asked with curiosity.

    "This is steamed sandfish. I bought it at the market this morning."

    It was hard to obtain fresh fish in the Alphas Theocracy which had no sea coast. Despite the "fish" part of the name, sandfish was actually a type of crustacean living in the sand and not real fish.

    "...I-Is it really edible?"

    ire frowned with skeptical expression.

    "Despite the mild vor, it is still quite delicious."

    "Lemme try..."

    Kamito took a bite. I see, it tastes like whitefish but with the texture of chicken, quite good.

    Part 3

    After the simple breakfast prepared by Rinslet¡ª

    "¡ªSdia Kahn, the Theocracy''s second princess, is inside Ghul-a-val."

    Rubia opened the discussion in a grave tone of voice.

    "Is this urate?"

    Kamito asked.

    "This intel was gathered by my trusted subordinates from merchants frequenting Zohar. The second princess apparently escaped the prison aided by someone, then headed east to the desert."

    "As expected, someone helped her to escape..."

    Kamito andpany had guessed that someone had helped Princess Sdia to escape from prison. Although she was a user of demon spirits like her elder sister, breaking out of a heavily guarded prison singlehandedly would probably be out of the question.

    (Someone got past the royal guard''s defense and saved her, huh...)

    Kamito frowned mentally. There were not many people capable of escaping with a princess in tow from a prison guarded by what ought to be experienced elementalists.

    In addition to elementalist capabilities, skill in covert operations¡ª

    (For example, someone raised by the Instructional School, that''s a possibility¡ª)

    ording to reports from Rubia''s subordinates...

    Two identified travelers had taken a ride on a merchant ship to travel to the desert in the east. After that, there were sightings of them at several towns along the way, but the trail ended at Kabra, the easternmost town in the Theocracy.

    "East of Kabra is Ghul-a-val. The second princess is there."

    "..."

    Kamito andpany silently looked at one another.

    Along with the Holy Mountain Londinia and the deepest part of the Spirit Forest, Ghul-a-val was one of the three great terrifying realms of the continent. Even among the people in Ordesia, Ghul-a-val was widely known.

    This was a vast desert region on the border of the Alphas Theocracy and the Quina Empire. Ravaged during the Demon King War a thousand years ago, it had turned into a deste region devoid of blessings from spirits.

    "Excuse me, why would Princess Sdia go there?"

    At this moment, Rinslet gently raised her hand to inquire.

    It was a most natural question. Only someone seeking suicide would go to that kind of ce.

    "Well, normally speaking, her goal would be to go into exile in the Quina Empire."

    With her chin resting on her hand, ire murmured.

    ...I see, that definitely made sense. If she could secure the Quina Empire to back her, she would be able to clean up the civil war quickly.

    However, the Quina Empire was a crafty country. With the Theocracy''s princess in their hands, they might use her as a puppet to rule over the entire Theocracy by proxy.

    (It''s not a good ce to go in exile...)

    "Sdia Kahn''s objective is the Demon King''s Tomb hidden in the desert."

    Rubia said.

    "The Demon King''s Tomb?"

    Hearing this term for the first time, Kamito frowned.

    "Yes, it is where the Demon King''s Coffin lies dormant. ording to legend, it''s the ce where Sacred Maiden Areishia vanquished Demon King Solomon."

    Saying that, Rubia took out an ancient parchment scroll from her chest pocket.

    She spread open the scroll on the table. Something was apparently written in High Ancient on it, but without specialized education, Kamito had no way of reading it.

    "Sleeping in the desert tomb, the Demon King''s power..."

    Capable of reading High Ancient, Fianna murmured intermittently.

    "...What is this?"

    Kamito asked.

    "It was discovered in Scorpia''s underground library. Among Sjora Kahn''s grimoires, this was the most securely guarded. Most likely, only the royal family had ess."

    "The Demon King''s power¡ª"

    Feeling a stir in his heart, Kamito ced a hand on his chest.

    "...Isn''t that just a legend?"

    "Indeed. I would say 80 or 90%¡ª"

    Rubia admitted it readily and nodded.

    "But it is also true that Sdia Kahn disappeared into Ghul-a-val."

    "..."

    "Well, let us suppose the legend is true¡ª"

    This time, Fianna spoke.

    "Why would Princess Sdia seek to obtain the Demon King''s power? What is her n?"

    "She probably desires evidence to prove herself as the Theocracy''s legitimate sessor. Faith in Demon King Solomon continues to run deep in thesends."

    "But we were clearly nning to help her..."

    "Indeed, but that isn''t necessarily how she would view it. I wouldn''t be surprised if she saw us as instigating the rebel army, usurpers keen on taking the Theocracy."

    "...Bymon knowledge, we are wanted criminals in the Ordesia Empire."

    Rinslet shrugged slightly and said.

    (Seeking the Demon King''s legend to prove the legitimacy of her authority, huh...)

    Feeling something was not right, Kamito ran things through his mind.

    Well, it sort of made sense for now.

    That being said, did she really have to risk her life in that dangerous desert for the sake of something in a legend?

    (Speaking of which, I''m concerned about what the witch said in the end...)

    Suddenly, Kamito recalled Sjora Kahn''sst words when she died together with Leviathan''s core.

    ''¡ªa mere city of this sort does not count as any heavy setback. ept it as a present for celebrating the revival of the true Demon King.''

    She had definitely spoken these words in a withered voice of an old man''s.

    The revival of the true Demon King¡ª

    Did that have some connection to the legend of the Demon King''s Tomb?

    "No matter what, we need to head to Ghul-a-val."

    ire said.

    "Indeed. We must secure Sdia Kahn as soon as possible. Even though the situation has settled down, the Theocracy''s civil war would intensify eventually. We can''t just have this guy keep acting out an impostor Demon King."

    "...Totally."

    Kamito concurred quietly. To unite the rebels at Mordis, he had put on an act as an impostor Demon King, but he did not want to repeat that kind of performance ever again.

    "Why not have Kamito-kun be the real Demon King?"

    "Fianna,e on..."

    "I think it really suits you, the Demon King''s outfit."

    Not only Fianna, but even ire began to talk like this.

    ...Kamito could remember how the youngdies had to wear indecent clothing. Did they not mind?

    "Vivian Melosa haspleted arrangements for a ship to the desert. As soon as you are ready, you may proceed to set off for Ghul-a-val any time."

    "It would be best to make haste. It would weigh on my conscience if the princess were to perish in the desert."

    "Yes, Dracunia''s Lord Dragon King also tasked us with securing Lady Sdia''s safety."

    "There one more reason why time is of the essence."

    At this moment, Rubia slowly spoke up.

    "...What is it?"

    "The Holy Kingdom of Lugia has apparently sent their knights into Ghul-a-val."

    "The Holy Kingdom!?"

    Kamito and the girls jumped in surprise and looked at one another.

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    This nation, dedicated to the holy faith, had been engaging in ndestine operations in other countries while wielding the Otherworldly Darkness that caused the Elemental Lords to go insane.

    What was the Holy Kingdom nning? Their objective remained unclear so far.

    During the final round of the de Dance, they had targeted Restia''s life. At the Academy, they attempted to seize Est while she was sealed underground. In Ordesia they had conspired against Fianna. Even in the coup d''etat when Sjora Kahn took the throne, the Holy Kingdom had been pulling strings in the background.

    If the Holy Kingdom''s knights had appeared in Ghul-a-val, then things were no longer that simple.

    (...They even knew about the Demon King''s Burial Chamber underground beneath the Academy.)

    In that case, it would be hard to dismiss the legend of the Demon King''s Tomb as merely a legend.

    "Among the knights sent there, Lurie Lizaldia was apparently spotted too."

    "...!"

    Kamito groaned in the back of his throat.

    Lurie Lizaldia was originally one of Ordesia''s twelve Numbers.

    She was the continent''s top healer. At the same time, she was also a fearsome wielder of a demon sword.

    Furthermore, she had the same name as Yggdra, the winner of the de Dance fifteen years ago.

    During the attack on Areishia Spirit Academy, Kamito had regained his memory and defeated her, after that she disappeared¡ª

    "Is the Holy Kingdom after Princess Sdia?"

    Having suffered a near-mortal wound at Lurie''s hand previously, Ellis asked nervously.

    Rubia shook her head.

    "It was a week ago when the knights left the holy capital, so it probably has nothing to do with the princess."

    "Then sure enough, it''s rted to the Demon King''s Tomb..."

    "..."

    Hearing ire''s murmurs, everyone fell silent.

    The Tomb where the Demon King''s powery dormant.

    Suppose that legend were true¡ª

    Were that to fall into the Holy Kingdom''s hands, consequences would be irreversible and unthinkable.

    "Prepare yourselves for the journey. The ship will be ready at the port in one hour."

    Dering this, Rubia stood up and left the conference room.

    Part 4

    Everyone returned to their room to make travel preparations.

    That being said, there was not much to pack. At most an amulet for protection against sand and ice spirit crystals for warding off the heat.

    Well, Kamito had some experience with desert survival outdoors too. Although it would be quite a trial for the youngdies with their sheltered upbringings, it would be a useful experience.

    Just as Kamito was thinking these things and packing food and water into his backpack...

    "Kamito, spirit crystals are useless in Ghul-a-val."

    A voice from behind.

    He looked back to see a girl in a dress the color of night, quietly sitting on the bed.

    Her clear eyes, the color of dusk, were staring mischievously at Kamito.

    "Restia... What do you mean, useless?"

    "Low level spirits, the kind that are sealed in spirit crystals like these, won''t be able to obtain enough divine power when in Ghul-a-val, which means they''ll disappear."

    "I-I see..."

    A bit disheartened, Kamito put down the spirit crystals he had taken effort to prepare and ced them on the floor.

    It looked like Ghul-a-val was a much harsher ce than ordinary deserts.

    Just then, Kamito suddenly realized something.

    "Could it be that you''re very familiar with Ghul-a-val?"

    "At least it''s not unfamiliar to me, I suppose¡ª"

    She tossed her gorgeous lustrous ck hair and said.

    "After all, I was at the Demon King''s capital during the Demon King War a thousand years ago."

    "...That''s right, now that you mention it."

    Even though he had not thought of this during the meeting¡ª

    Restia had been employed as the Demon King''s weapon in the past.

    "Maybe you know something about the Demon King''s Tomb too?"

    "Demon King''s Tomb?"

    Seeing her look of puzzlement, Kamito told her about the Tomb''s legend.

    ...After listening, Restia went "hmm" and rested her chin on her hand.

    "I have heard a little about it. A legend circting in the Demon King Cult since ancient times. In a city at the far end of the desert, there is a coffin where the Demon King''s remains are sealed¡ª"

    "The Demon King''s remains? That kind of thing¡ª"

    It was hard to imagine something like that surviving till now, a thousand yearster. However, it was definitely a mystery what had happened to the Demon King after his defeat at the hands of the Sacred Maiden.

    Kamito thought of something just then.

    Rubia had previously used a taboo spell for calling souls, resurrecting Nepenthes Lore underground of Ragna Ys. Although it was a Demon King "failure" but the terrifying powers of darkness it wielded still gave Team Scarlet a hard time.

    (If the Demon King''s remains are still in that tomb...)

    Then it was possible that people would try to resurrect him somehow.

    Or perhaps, those remains were precisely the "Demon King''s power" recorded in ancient texts?

    "In any case..."

    Restia plucked a feather and threw it to the ground.

    "There is no doubt that the Demon King''s capital, destroyed by Sacred Maiden Areishia, is located in Ghul-a-val. Once we go there, perhaps we can clear up the matter of the tomb."

    "...Yeah."

    Suddenly realizing something, Kamito looked up.

    "Say, by the way, do you know the location of the Demon King''s capital?"

    "Yes. I should be able to offer some pointers if you are fine with the approximate location."

    Restia replied nonchntly.

    "Really...!"

    Hearing that, Kamito could not help but stand up.

    "Oh my, that''ll be such a great help. If we had to wander aimlessly in that big desert, it''d be torture."

    "Fufu, you could praise me more."

    "Amazing, amazing."

    "Sheesh, put some effort into it..."

    On the bed, Restia crossed her legs the other way and pouted unhappily.

    "However, even with knowledge of the location, you''re still not guaranteed to reach the Demon King''s capital."

    "What do you mean?"

    "After all, no one has been able to find it for the past thousand years, right? For a city of such prosperity, yet not even any ruins have been found, is that even possible?"

    "Then..."

    ¡ªIndeed, she was right.

    No matter how terrible a desert of death, one would expect many fearless adventurers and grave robbers to have attempted to locate the ruins. Then there was the Demon King Cult that sought the Demon King''s revival, surely they must have tried everything to find the location of legend.

    However, there had never been any rumors of the city''s ruins being found.

    "Kamito, do you remember the vige where I woke upst time?"

    "...The Forest of Ice Blossoms?"

    "Yes. Simrly, that forest vige eluded discovery, right?"

    Located in Laurenfrost territory was the Forest of Ice Blossoms, where the vige of an Elfim tribe had kept the amnesiac Restia hidden. The forest had been shrouded in thick mist generated by an ancient magic device, keeping outside invaders out the whole time.

    "In other words, the Demon King''s capital has a simr barrier, is that it?"

    "Highly likely."

    It definitely made sense. Going that far would be perfectly logical if someone was going to seal away the Demon King''s remains. Or perhaps it was the Demon King himself who had activated this type of barrier magic ahead of time to prevent people from desecrating his remains after his death.

    "¡ªIf that''s the case, we''re helpless."

    Dispelling a barrier, capable of hiding the site of an entire city, would be no easy task even for Fianna, an expert in barrier magic.

    (...Speaking of which, did Sdia Kahn head to the desert because she knew there''s a way to lift the barrier?)

    Otherwise, she probably would not do something so rash¡ª

    "Restia, any other clues?"

    Restia slowly shook her head in response to Kamito''s question.

    "...Sorry, Kamito. It was a thousand years ago when I was therest. Back then, my self-awareness as a spirit was also sealed away by the Demon King, who used me as just a weapon. Completely unconscious¡ªlike during the time when I was sealed in that ring."

    "...I see, fair point. Then I''m sorry for asking you so many questions¡ª"

    "But perhaps¡ª"

    "Yeah?"

    Hearing her murmurs, Kamito looked up.

    "¡ªBy the Demon King''s side the whole time, she might know something¡ª"

    "She?"

    "Yes, you remember, right? Demon King Solomon''s one and only contracted spirit¡ª"

    "Uh... I think so¡ª"

    Kamito searched the depths of his memories. It was something he had unintentionally heard while preparing his impostor Demon King costume.

    The Demon King only used spirits as tools and had never opened his heart to anyone else, entering a contract with only one spirit¡ª

    "Where is that spirit now?"

    Kamito asked.

    "I don''t know."

    Restia shook her head.

    "But ording to an old legend¡ª"

    As though staring off into the distance, she spoke softly.

    "And so it goes, she disappeared somewhere in Astral Zero after the Demon King''s death."

    Part 5

    Inside an office set up in the fortress, Fianna was struggling through a mountain of mail sent from various countries.

    As the monarch of the independent state of Legitimate Ordesia, she had to reply to various diplomatic correspondence before setting off on her journey.

    "Looks like the imperial council finally decided to break diplomatic ties with Dracunia."

    She sighed while writing replies to various lords and nobles who had written to express their support for Legitimate Ordesia.

    Her foolish brother was not the one behind the council''s decision.

    The current imperial council had fallen to being a puppet of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia.

    (What is the Holy Kingdom''s goal...?)

    All she could conclude was that the Kingdom was trying to use Ordesia to set the the continent aze with war.

    However, why did the Kingdom need to do that?

    (...Regardless, my brother definitely won''t leave us alone.)

    Currently, reactions were mixed among the other countries regarding Legitimate Ordesia. Though ignored when first established in exile, after establishing an alliance with Dracunia''s Dragon King and putting an end to the Theocracy''s atrocities, Legitimate Ordesia''s profile had increased with each passing day.

    One after another, the nations of the continent condemned Sjora Kahn for using Leviathan, a strategic-ss militarized spirit. At the same time, they also criticized Ordesia for opposing military intervention in the Theocracy this whole time.

    (Right now, no matter what, we must do everything we can to win over Princess Sdia to our side¡ª)

    Just as she slipped into deep thought, there was knocking at the office''s door.

    "Your Highness, I prepared tea."

    "Thank you. Perfect timing for a break."

    Ellis pushed the door open and entered, bringing teacups for two.

    Ellis had been appointed secretary and bodyguard duties. After all, she was topnotch as a bodyguard while her serious and reliable qualities made her very suitable as a secretary too.

    As soon as Ellis put down a teacup on the table, Fianna could smell the rich aroma of milk tea.

    She took a sip and exhaled with pleasure.

    "Sweet and delicious. My fatigue is swept away."

    "I tried adding some honey and sugar, though Rinslet considers that heretical¡ª"

    Saying that, Ellis took a nce at the document that Fianna had just signed.

    "This emblem... Is it from the Quina Empire?"

    "Just a personal letter. It''s not official diplomatic correspondence."

    "A letter?"

    "This is the sender."

    Fianna showed the name of the sender to Ellis.

    "Linfa Sin Quina... A letter personally written by Princess Linfa!?"

    Ellis was slightly shocked.

    Team Scarlet had encountered Princess Linfa during the de Dance tournament where she was the princess maiden of the formidable team Four Gods. Her divine beast spirit Kirin produced barriers rivaling that of Fianna''s elemental waffe.

    Team Scarlet and the Four Gods had fought together against Sjora Kahn. After the first round, they had celebrated a victory party together, but¡ª

    "Princess Linfa expresses her support for Legitimate Ordesia. She says she is preparing to send an emissary soon."

    "Quina supports Legitimate Ordesia?"

    Seeing Ellis widen her brown eyes, Fianna shook her head with a wry smile.

    "No, the Quina Empire has yet to recognize us. This document is just a personal letter from Princess Linfa. She has many considerations of her own, I suppose."

    "I recall that Her Highness Linfa is the third princess. What aplicated position."

    In a different way, the great nation of Quina in the east was just as dangerous as the Holy Kingdom. While watching from the side as Ordesia gradually turned into the Holy Kingdom''s puppet, Quina had its eyes set on dominating the continent. They seemed to be maintaining their wait-and-see policy of diplomacy for now in regards to Legitimate Ordesia.

    Under such circumstances, it was quite encouraging to know that they had forged friendship with a former rival at the de Dance.

    "There are also many lords within Ordesia who express their support for us."

    "House Alfreed of the Golden Inds, House Bolmist who serves as the Laurenfrost''s g-bearer, and House Daria of ck Bay... None of the great houses, but at least it gives us some confidence."

    "Currently, there is practically no one in the pce who feels loyal to my brother. If our supporters continue to increase, retaking Ordesia will no longer be a dream..."

    Fianna tidied up the letters she had finished and handed them to Ellis.

    Looking at the pile of letters in her hands, Ellis bit her lip hard.

    "What of House Fahrengart, Your Highness?"

    "..."

    Fianna quietly shook her head.

    "...I see."

    The Dukedom of Fahrengart was a knightly house pledged to absolute loyalty towards the Emperor of Ordesia.

    Even if the monarch were ipetent, they would probably still uphold loyalty to the very end.

    "...Sorry, Ellis."

    "Your Highness, there is no need for you to apologize."

    When Fianna bowed her head lightly and spoke softly, Ellis asserted with determination.

    "My esteemed sister and I have prepared ourselves. As knights, we make our decision without regret."

    "...Thank you."

    Having heard Ellis'' thoughts from the heart, Fianna quietly bowed her head.

    Part 6

    Exactly an hour went by after the morning meeting.

    Kamito and his teammates gathered at the port in the eastern part of Mordis.

    Although called a port, Mordis was a town in the middle of the desert after all. Naturally, there was no sea around.

    When ports in the desert were mentioned, they normally referred to where "sand ships" were moored.

    "So this is a sand ship that I''ve heard about¡ª"

    Carrying heavy luggage on his back, Kamito looked up at a ship half sunk in the sand and muttered.

    This was no military vessel but a merchant ship used for trading across the desert, not particrrge. Although no weaponry was installed, it was supposed to be quite impressive in speed.

    "Unfortunately, the Revenant cannot be used¡ª"

    Holding down her bangs that were blowing in the wind, Rubiamented.

    The Revenant, the military ship used by the League of Inferno, was currently undergoing maintenance at a Mordis dock. Although flying was not impossible, it was not possible to guarantee a secure supply of spirit power in Ghul-a-val and the drive reactor''s spirit mechanism could malfunction, risking a crash.

    On the other hand, the sand ships used in the Theocracy were able to follow leylines that were hidden deep underground, allowing them to sail through the desert without difficulty. However, their only drawback was that they could not head to anywhere that was not connected by leylines, thus they could only move along simple routes.

    "This is my first time on a sand ship."

    "Me too. It is bigger than I had imagined."

    ire and Rinslet were looking at the ship with wonder.

    Their luggage was packed very full.

    "...Rinslet, what do you have in there?"

    "Snacks, obviously. See, ire, your favorite canned peaches are inside too."

    "Eh, you''re serious?"

    ire''s twintails jumped adorably.

    "You two, we are not going on a trip for fun."

    Seeing the ire and Rinslet acting like that, Ellis warned.

    "Fianna, that''s all the luggage you''re carrying?"

    Seeing Fianna traveling light with just a shoulder bag, Kamito asked her.

    "Yes, I am keeping the rest inside Georgios."

    Fianna winked and drew near to Kamito''s ear to whisper.

    "Fufu, Kamito-kun, I''ve also prepared all kinds of erotic underwear to use at night."

    "...! G-Give me a break...!"

    Kamito was a healthy male, after all.

    ...Unable to stop himself from imagining what kind of underwear for a moment, he instantly went red.

    "Okay, let''s hurry!"

    Picking up their luggage, ire and the girls immediately made their way into the ship.

    "Oh my..."

    Seeing that, Kamito shrugged and turned around to look at Rubia.

    "I''m leaving the rest here to you. Will you be okay?"

    "Yes. Velsaria and I shall do our best until your team returns."

    Although Sjora Kahn was defeated, the civil war in the Theocracy was still highly vtile. If the absence of Princess Sdia continued, the situation would only grow more chaotic.

    "I''m leaving Muir and Lily to you too¡ª"

    "No need to say anymore. They are my precious subordinates."

    Rubia replied coldly.

    Muir Alenstahl and Lily had been discovered near Leviathan. Depleted of divine power to an almost life threatening degree, they were stitose.

    But fortunately, they were in no danger of dying, thanks to Muir subconsciously activating her special ability, the Jester''s Vise, back when Leviathan was devouring them. Afraid of this power, capable of rendering spirits insane, Leviathan had given up on absorbing the two of them.

    (...Subordinates, huh? She still insists on this word when she''s painstakingly taking care of them.)

    Faced with Rubia''s air of nonchnce, Kamitoughed wryly in his thoughts.

    Lily aside, the reason why Rubia paid extra care to Muir Alenstahl was probably because Muir reminded Rubia of ire in certain ways.

    "Then I''ll be going¡ª"

    Picking up his luggage, Kamito started to walk¡ª

    "..."

    "Huh?"

    Feeling as though someone behind him wanted to speak, Kamito looked back.

    "What''s the matter?"

    "...Nothing."

    Confronted with his question, Rubia looked hesitant.

    (...What''s going on?)

    To think that she would be indecisive at times.

    Surprised, Kamito frowned. At that moment¡ª

    "...Ren Ashbell."

    As thoughmitting her resolve, she drew her face close to Kamito''s.

    Then¡ª

    "I entrust my little sister to you."

    Those were the words she quietly spoke to him.

    Part 7

    "Hey, do not retreat! Faltering will be a taint to honor of the glorious Knights of Saint Lugia!"

    "B-But Lady Ineza, this spirit¡ªgahhhhhh!"

    A knight in elemental waffe armor was struck by a massive hammer, sending her flying spectacrly.

    Falling headfirst into a sand dune, she stopped moving.

    "...! Damn it, I can''t believe... the best of the knights... all wiped out...?"

    The knight dressed in vestments of red on a white background, Ineza Sandra, groaned. She was themander of this expeditionary force.

    All over thisnd of red sand were fallen knights of the Holy Kingdom. Any of them would be an elite temr knight heaped with respect and des back in their country.

    Such an elite force of knights, yet they were no match at all here.

    Looking down on the knights was a giant humanoid spirit with a head shaped like a crocodile''s.

    The spirit featured muscr limbs and eyes glowing red. Held in its hand was a giant hammer glowing with golden light.

    Against a single spirit¡ª

    Tasked with finding the Tomb, the Knights of Saint Lugia were crushed, unable to put up any resistance.

    This was a nightmare.

    <¡ªArt thou one who is worthy?>

    The spirit''s voice echoed all around, carried by the desert''s dry wind.

    Faced with the spirit asking for the third time¡ª

    "...! What do you mean by worthy!? What the hell do you want!?"

    Ineza shouted back in a rage.

    The spirit stared at her withpletely emotionless eyes.

    <¡ªThou art unworthy of stepping foot into the Demon King''snd. Leave now.>

    A gale howled as the spirit swung the hammer at Ineza.

    She frantically raised her elemental waffe, a holy spear, intending to block¡ª

    In that very instant before the hammer swung down...

    A small figure rushed out in front of her.

    "You would do best to value your own life more, Captain."

    "...!"

    A ck-haired woman had blocked the spirit''s hammer.

    Instead of the holy vestments of the Saint Lugia Knights, she was wearing a healer''s white robe.

    The woman slightly lifted the small set of sses perched on her nose and spoke.

    "The Sphinx of the Demon King''s Tomb is clearly beyond your ability."

    "...! Dame Lurie¡ª!"

    Ineza angrily shouted the name of the woman who had saved her.

    Military healer, Lurie Lizaldia¡ªFormer eighth of the Ordesian Empire''s Numbers.

    Especially adept in healing spells of spirit magic, she held the rank of "Holy Maiden."

    Having betrayed her home country of Ordesia, she was now serving the Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Cardinal Millennia Sanctus as a guest general.

    Earlier, Ineza had clearly ordered her to stand by in the sand dragon ship¡ª

    "Stand down, Dame Lurie. You are getting in the way of battle."

    Making no effort to hide her scorn, Ineza spoke. In her eyes, this woman, who had betrayed her own country as one of Ordesia''s Numbers, waspletely untrustworthy.

    Even though Lurie was Millennia''s trusted subordinate, Ineza considered herself higher in rank, as themander of this expeditionary force at least.

    "There''s no way I can just stand back. At this rate, you really are going to be wiped out."

    Lurie shook her head, easily pushing aside the hammer with her demon sword.

    The spirit hovered in the air, looking down at the new enemy. Then¡ª

    <¡ªThou art unworthy of stepping foot into the Demon King''snd. Leave now.>

    It repeated exactly what it had just said.

    "Sorry, no can do."

    Lurie shrugged and smiled ironically.

    "After all, my master wishes to obtain what is inside the Tomb¡ª"

    <¡ªUnworthy one, leave now!>

    The spirit''s eyes glowed red and a high-temperature beam shot out from the jewel on its forehead.

    Within the blink of an eye, the spot where Lurie had been standing was surrounded by zing mes.

    "¡ªOh my, what a pain."

    However, Lurie was no longer there.

    With a sh of the sword, she swung her demon sword fluidly in midair. Completely incongruent with her rank of Holy Maiden, the demon sword was shrouded in ominous miasma.

    "O king of soul-devouring demon swords, ughter the enemy before me¡ªBloody Strike!"

    The blood-colored de glowed crimson¡ª

    Lurie Lizaldia''s demon sword instantly sent the hammer flying together with the amputated arm holding it.

    The severed arm rolled in the air while gradually turning into particles of light and disappearing.

    However, the spirit made no change in expression and repeated itself.

    <¡ªThou art unworthy of stepping foot into the Demon King''snd. Leave now... Leave now... Leave now...>

    The spirit''s massive body gradually disappeared into the blowing sand and dust.

    Lurie stabbed the demon sword into the ground by her foot.

    There was not even a single drop of sweat on her forehead.

    Ineza Sandra could not help but feel terrified.

    It was hard to imagine this to be the power of a Holy Maiden specialized in the art of healing.

    Lurie turned her head towards Ineza.

    "That Sphinx is something like a hallucination generated by the Demon King''s power. A guardian for selecting visitors to enter the Tomb. Sure enough, failing to obtain the Demon yer in Ordesia has serious consequences. If only I had that sacred sword, I''d be recognized as worthy, I suppose¡ª"

    "Dame Lurie..."

    Ineza gulped and spoke.

    "At this rate, the glorious Saint Lugia Knights will face total annihtion at the hands of these spirits. You should retreat and contact the Kingdom."

    Seven days had passed since thispany of pdins were sent to Ghul-a-val.

    Initially optimistic regarding this search mission for the Demon King''s Tomb, they had encountered resistance from powerful archdemon-ss spirits like the Sphinx just now.

    Of course, these knights were the Holy Kingdom''s elite and had previouslypleted quests to eliminate archdemon-ss spirits in the past. In fact, they had defeated multiple instances of these guardian spirits.

    However, the spirit kept reappearing no matter how many times they defeated it, attacking without regard for night or day.

    Thispany, with fully twelve spirit knights, was reaching the brink of copse.

    "Indeed, the Tomb''s Sphinx is quite a pain."

    Lurie used a finger to lift her sses.

    Kneeling next to injured knights, she used spirit magic to heal them one after another.

    "But retreat is not an option. Des Esseintes'' orders are absolute."

    "...! Are you telling us to face total annihtion just like that!?"

    Confronted with the captain''s emotional outburst, Lurie shook her head.

    "I have already taken action and requested reinforcements from the Kingdom."

    "Requested reinforcements?"

    "Dame Millennia and Luminaris'' Sacred Spirit Knights are heading here."

    "Did you say the Sacred Spirit Knights?"

    Ineza raised her eyebrows.

    Indeed, Luminaris Saint Leisched hailed from a prestigious family at the city of Alexandria. Having fought her way to the de Dance finals before, she was the Holy Kingdom''s most honored knight.

    However, even if she brought her subordinates along as reinforcements, they would still be helpless against the infinitely spawning Sphinx spirits.

    "Luminaris will bring that along. A chance for a field test too."

    "...That?"

    "Yes, if we blow away this entire desert, the troublesome guardians will all disappear, right?"

    While healing the injured knights, Lurie smiled coldly.

 Volume 17, 3 - The Desert of Red Death, Ghul-a-val

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 3 - The Desert of Red Death, Ghul-a-val</h4>

    Part 1

    It was daytime on the second day after Kamito andpany set off from the fortress city Mordis.

    On the sea of the endless desert, a small ship was currently sailing across the sand.

    Designed to follow leylines, sand ships suffered from the limitation that they could not decide their course freely. However,pared to flying ships, there was the advantage that the helsman was less strained.

    "Quite an old and worn ship... Can this really move across the desert?"

    Although ire had her concerns, this ship had apparently been remodeled by Vivian Melosa. The interior was unexpectedly reassuring.

    In emergency situations, the ship could even switch its power source. From what Kamito had heard, a military spirit mechanism had been installed. This contraband item was something that Rubia had obtained through her connections with Murders.

    (Great, so now that we''ve finally entered Ghul-a-val¡ª)

    On the deck, Kamito kept wiping the nonstop sweat from his forehead.

    Forsaken by the power of spirits, this was a blood-red and deste desert.

    Was there really some kind of Demon King''s Tomb in this ce?

    "...Hmm, by the way, it''s so hot~..."

    Leaning against a railing on the ship''s edge, ire spoke with exhaustion.

    Even a me elementalist like her would still feel the heat in hot ces.

    Having unbuttoned her uniform cor that was drenched with sweat, she kept fanning herself with her hands.

    ...For a while now, Kamito had been catching tantalizing glimpses of the front of her chest, a rather dangerous situation indeed.

    "...!"

    Kamito hastily looked away.

    Only to see before his eyes¡ª

    Someone was lying on the floor like a beached mermaid.

    Rinslet.

    "...Ughhh, so hot~... I am going to die from the heat~"

    She was rolling on the deck,pletely ignoring the fact that she was the noble daughter of a duke.

    It was also heart-wrenching to see the damage in her long shining tinum blonde hair.

    ...This scorching desert was too harsh for a youngdy hailing from snow country.

    "Rinslet, are you okay? Maybe you should rest in bed?"

    When Kamito asked her, she replied:

    "No, Kamito. Thank you very much for your concern, but I respectfully decline. Compared to the rest of the ship, this ce is best."

    "Well, I guess you''re right..."

    In fact, the ship''s interior was even hotter than the deck that was exposed to sunlight. The spirit mechanism kept releasing great amounts of heat after absorbing power from the leylines.

    As a military ship, the Revenant did feature cooling systems, but this sand ship had nothing of that sort. Naturally, there were no bathing facilities for ritual purification either.

    "Summon Fenrir. At least it''ll be a bit cooler."

    All covered in sweat, ire suggested.

    "Fenrir is a spirit born in Niflheim, the coldest extremes of Astral Zero. Summoning him in a ce like this would be too cruel."

    Rinslet refused weakly.

    (...What a kind and gentle youngdy.)

    Kamito could not help but exim in his heart. The reason why Rinslet was so loved and weed by the maids and residents of Laurenfrost and the spirits at the Academy was probably thanks to this kind personality of hers.

    "You have a point... Wait, Scarlet, go back to Astral Zero."

    Hearing ire''smand, the ming hell cat meowed and shook her head. It looked like Scarlet enjoyed the scorching desert.

    Although the mes on Scarlet''s body were nowhere near as hot as real mes, it still contributed to visual suffering.

    "You two, please endure this heat."

    At this moment, Fianna''s voice was hearding from somewhere.

    "...?"

    Kamito andpany looked around¡ª

    Only to see the knight spirit Georgios sitting on arge wooden crate.

    The knight spirit''s head portion opened with a ng to reveal Fianna poking her head out.

    "I can''t believe you ran off to a ce like that...!"

    "Fufu, the interior of this armor is isted from the outside world. So cool and refreshing."

    "If I remember correctly, isn''t the inside of Georgios connected to Astral Zero?"

    "The Gate to Astral Zero is currently closed, so it is fine for me to enter here."

    ...I see. Now that is well thought out.

    "Your Highness, this is so unfair!"

    "L-Let me inside too!"

    Together, ire and Rinslet kept hammering Georgios'' armor.

    "My condolences, but Georgios is a royal spirit exclusive to the imperial family."

    After speaking nonchntly, Fianna closed the helmet with a ng.

    "Stingy princess!"

    "The greatest tyrant in all of Ordesia''s history!"

    The two girls hammered the armor with anger and hatred, but the knight spirit''s armor remainedpletely unmoved.

    "You two, doing this will only make you hotter."

    "T-True, sigh..."

    "I am at my limit~"

    The two girls copsed in exhaustion on the deck once more.

    At that moment¡ª

    "My goodness, to sumb to this level of heat, you reallyck training."

    A gust of cool wind blew past Kamito andpany.

    Ellis jumped down with Ray Hawk in hand.

    She had apparently been doing spear training on top of the cabin until just now. Her bangs were wet from sweat.

    Her uniform also turned partially transparent, revealing the lines of her underwear beneath¡ª

    "...!"

    However, pointing this out would be embarrassing, so Kamito had no choice but to silently avert his gaze.

    "I cannot believe you are still training in such hot weather."

    "After all, I was born with Wind''s Blessing."

    "I am so jealous..."

    "Well, it will be cool again at night."

    "More than cool, the nights are chilly... Sigh."

    Muttering, ire looked out at Ghul-a-val, red as far as the eye could see.

    "By the way, Kamito."

    "W-What?"

    Seeing ire stare at him for some reason, Kamito panicked a little.

    "What did you talk to my sister about before boarding the ship?"

    "O-Oh... Umm, all kinds of stuff..."

    Kamito looked away, trying to dodge the issue.

    (It''s not really for me to reveal...)

    Rubia should be the one to convey her own words.

    "Hmph, what the heck. You''re acting weird..."

    Seeing Kamito''s attitude, ire cast a displeased look of suspicion.

    Part 2

    In a field of dreams, as white as snow¡ª

    Est woke up.

    (...That dream... again¡ª)

    She coldly murmured to herself in her thoughts.

    Despite waking up, she was unable to move her body freely.

    Her consciousness was sealed inside a sacred sword, embedded in a rock, inside a certain temple.

    During the war in Astral Zero several thousand years ago¡ª

    Previously employed as the ultimate spirit weapon, on the very day when the world had split into Astral Zero and the human realm, she had fallen onto this continent.

    A spirit that no one had been able to use no matter how many tried.

    A sword impossible to pull out no matter what.

    This was the sword spirit¡ªTerminus Est.

    Although her strength was far weaker than when she was in Astral Zero, she was still far too powerful for humans.

    Hence, the sword did not fall into anyone''s hands, spending eternity in this tiny temple merely as an object of reverence.

    ¡ªThat was supposed to be the case.

    After Estnded on the ground, two thousand years passed.

    One day, a girl who had ascended the mountain to collect firewood arrived at the temple.

    Dressed in a woolen outfit of pure white, the girl had an adorable face.

    She had most likely lost her way and identally got there.

    Completely unaware that the strongest spirit was sealed there, the girl¡ª

    Casually drew her out.

    Till now, countless people had attempted to take possession of her.

    Some sought fame, others sought the power to save the world.

    However, the girl was different from all the humans who had previouslye.

    What the girl sought was not the sacred sword''s power¡ª

    Only a desire for a friend¡ªThat was her wish.

    (...No... Don''t, if you contract with me, you will¡ª!)

    In the pure white dream, Est''s consciousness cried out.

    However, her voice did not take form¡ª

    Part 3

    Carrying Kamito and team, the sand ship continued to advance across the boiling desert.

    The sun was setting, producing long shadows on the deck. However, there was not an oasis in sight no matter where they went in this sea of red sand.

    "At this rate, it looks like today will be fruitless too..."

    Leaning against the railing on deck, Kamito sighed.

    "Did Princess Sdia reallye here?"

    "Who knows? We might even have overtaken her¡ª"

    "Well, that''s not impossible."

    ire shrugged.

    "If only we had more clues¡ª"

    Muttering, Kamito took his hand off the railing.

    "Where are you going?"

    "Oh, to check out Est."

    "Hmph... You''re doting on Est as usual."

    "I guess."

    After replying and patting off the abundant sand stuck to his uniform, Kamito walked towards the cabin.

    Two days earlier, Est had had a dream about the past.

    Ever since, she started showing mysterious facial expressions of unease.

    At first nce, they resembled her usual expressionless face. However, Kamito noticed subtle changes in his partner''s expressions.

    Back to the cabin, he opened the door¡ª

    He noticed a small bulge in his bed.

    From a corner of his sheets, he could see messy silver hair poking out.

    "What''s wrong, Est?"

    It was rathermon for Est to slip into Kamito''s bed.

    Wait a sec, for that to bemon would be a problem in itself...

    Kamito approached his bed and gently lifted the sheets.

    "...Est?"

    "Kami... to..."

    He saw the sword spirit,pletely naked except for a pair of kneesocks, staring at him with a dazed look¡ª

    In the next instant, she spread her slender arms and hugged him tightly.

    Kamito instantly understood that this was not her usual behavior when she simply wanted to be pampered.

    She must have dreamt another unsettling dream.

    Furthermore, this was not the only difference from usual.

    "E-Est, what is going on!?"

    Kamito could not help but exim in surprise.

    Instead of her usual ck kneesocks, she was wearing multi-colored striped kneesocks instead.

    "...!"

    In response, Est widened her violet eyes and started to create new ck kneesocks frantically.

    "I have disgraced myself in front of you."

    "Not exactly, I really don''t get your hangups..."

    Clearly, striped kneesocks were quite cute too¡ª

    ...Putting that aside, nothing like this had happened before.

    ...This implied how unsettled she was.

    "Est, are you okay? Did you dream about the past again?"

    "¡ªCannot remember."

    "I see..."

    ¡ªKamito had some idea.

    (Est''s past memories awakening has happened before...)

    It was the night before the first round of the de Dance tournament. In order to erase the cursed brand that Rubia had cast, Est had used her power as a sacred sword to the limit.

    Although only temporarily, her spirit contract with Kamito had been interrupted. Memories of the genuine Demon yer¡ªEst''s main body located somewhere in Astral Zero¡ªhad awakened as a result.

    Perhaps simr tost time, Est''s current dreams were the result of the real Terminus Est''s memories flowing to her here.

    In that case¡ª

    Kamito''s gaze fell upon the sword spirit seal branded on his right hand.

    (...Could it be that Est''s spirit contract is about to return to normal?)

    In fact, the contract between Kamito and Est was quite iplete. The current Demon yer was capable of mustering at most one tenth of the original Est''s power.

    Could it be that the original power was about to return to Est?

    Est clutched Kamito''s clothing tightly.

    "Kamito, I am so afraid."

    Her shining long silver-white hair shook, looking as though it might disappear any moment.

    "Every time I see that dream, I feel like I am no longer me¡ª"

    "Est..."

    Seeing the sword spirit like that, Kamito gently stroked her head.

    "To me, Est is only you. Only you are Est."

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Est raised her head forcefully, her violet eyes blinking.

    ¡ªAt that very moment...

    Boooooooooom...!

    Suddenly, the ship shook violently with a rumbling noise like an earthquake.

    "...! W-What''s going on!?"

    Part 4

    Rushing to the deck, Kamito was stunned by the scene before his eyes.

    A gigantic vortex in the desert was about to drag the sand ship into it.

    "...Hey, what the heck is that?"

    Leaning over the railing, Kamito shouted.

    "I-I don''t know either!"

    "Suddenly, it appeared in front of the ship''s course!"

    On the heavily tilted deck, the youngdies were evidently in panic too.

    "A maelstrom...!"

    "Maelstrom?"

    Hearing Fianna, who was using all her strength to steer the ship, Kamito asked.

    "It is a kind of vortex produced when a leyline''s flow is disrupted. Normally, it only appears out at sea¡ª"

    Creaaaaak¡ªWith the sound ofpression, the ship tilted even more.

    "Kyahhh!"

    "Owa!"

    Seeing ire lose her bnce and roll on the deck nonstop, Kamito hastily caught her in his arms.

    "There... now, are you okay?"

    "...Y-Yes... T-Thank you."

    Blushing, ire nodded.

    "...! No good! The ship is being pulled over there!"

    Although Fianna kept pouring divine power into the spirit crystal embedded in the helm, the ship''s course remained unchanged. Not only that, but the ship kept getting drawn towards the center of the vortex.

    For starters, this was a ship that derived energy from the divine power flowing in leylines. Relying on divine power poured in by a princess maiden would not be enough to control the ship.

    "At this rate, the ship will crack¡ª"

    ire said with anxiety on her face.

    "Ellis, can you use wind spirit magic to levitate the entire ship?"

    "...No, levitating such arge ship would be too hard."

    Ellis shook her head. Even so, she still used Ray Hawk to control the wind, doing as much as she could to counter the ship''s tilt.

    "Look! There is something in the center of the vortex!"

    Fianna shouted loudly. Kamito focused his eyes and looked into the depths of the sandstorm.

    In the center of the vortex, he could see an object resembling a giant pair of scissors.

    The pair of scissors was opening and closing as though waiting for Kamito''s ship.

    "Is that... a spirit? No wait, is it a magic beast...?"

    "¡ªIt is the antlion,monly known as the Ship Breaker."

    At this moment, the Vorpal Sword at Kamito''s waist spoke out.

    "Restia, you need to tell me earlier if you know things like that!"

    "After all, I didn''t expect a monster from a thousand years ago to still live in these parts."

    Kamito had a feeling that Restia was mentally sticking her tongue out despite her demon sword form.

    "G-Give a break~..."

    "If those giant jaws catch us, this ship will be crushed easily."

    "Yeah, I can imagine that¡ª"

    Kamito scratched his head then stood on the prow.

    "Kamito, what are you going to do?"

    Seeing that, ire asked him.

    "Anyway, I''ve got to defeat that monster first¡ª"

    "Got it. We''ll cover you."

    Picking up her ming whip, ire nodded. Ellis and Rinslet also deployed their respective elemental waffen.

    In this area, they had already developed tacit understanding.

    Chanting flight magic, Ellis formed a vortex of wind around Kamito.

    "Let''s go, Restia."

    "Fufu, leave it to me¡ª"

    The demon sword of darkness erupted with jet-ck lightning.

    Wielding the Vorpal Sword, Kamito flew towards the vortex in the sand.

 Volume 17, 4 - The Sphinx of the Tomb

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 4 - The Sphinx of the Tomb</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Sheesh. No wonder this is called the Desert of Red Death."

    "My goodness, Lady Rubia. She should have told us ahead of time."

    "Don''t me my sister. Nee-sama might not know this kind of monster was living here."

    Listening to Fianna grumbling while brushing off the sand stuck to her hair, ire shrugged and replied.

    After sundown, in the desert at night¡ª

    Kamito andpany were sitting on the sand, looking up at the starry night sky.

    Swallowed by the desert vortex, the ship had a huge crack, almost turning it into wreckage.

    The exposed drive reactor''s spirit crystal glowed with pale white phosphorescence, faintly illuminating the surroundings.

    ...This only happened because Kamito screwed up¡ªNot.

    While Rinslet was using Freezing Arrow to seal the monster''s movements, Kamito had executed a special move from the Absolute de Arts, spectacrly defeating the giant jawed beast in one hit.

    ...However, what happened next was unexpected.

    In the desert vortex, unbelievably, there were dozens of Antlions with even bigger jaws.

    "Who could have thought that the center of the vortex was the beast''sir. Even I failed to discern that with my very own eyes."

    "Yes, no one could have expected so many monstrous beasts like these to be gathered together, normally speaking..."

    Seeing one of their own defeated, the enraged swarm of beasts crushed the sand ship with their jaws.

    In the nick of time, Kamito andpany escaped the ship and sessfully defeated the beasts, but ended up stranded in the middle of the desert with no choice but to camp outside.

    A survey of the surroundings revealed a graveyard of many sand ships buried in the sand apart from the one Kamito''s team was riding. Most likely, numerous merchant ships heading into Ghul-a-val had been swept into that monster''sir after losing contact.

    "...The sun haspletely set."

    "The driver reactor''s spirit crystals are intact. Can''t the ship be repaired?"

    ire asked.

    "That would be far too difficult."

    ncing at the ship''s broken remains, Ellis shook her head.

    Even for Ellis, whose expertise in carpentry had allowed her to build a home for Kamito in three hours, with the aid of Simorgh''s powers, repairing the ship here would be impossible.

    "Looks like we have to camp here tonight."

    "Yeah..."

    Advancing through the desert blindly without any sense of direction would be tantamount to suicide. Having been dropped off in the wilderness during his Instructional School days, Kamito had poignant memories of such experiences.

    Fortunately, the majority of their luggage had been given to Fianna to keep inside the alternate dimension inside Georgios and was thus safe. Had they lost their food and water too, everyone would most likely perish here, with the desert as their grave.

    "O mes, dance¡ª"

    ire ignited some broken timber embedded in the sand to serve as illumination.

    "O eternal wind, grant us peace¡ªAir Wall."

    Ellis recited an incantation, using a wall of wind to cover the vicinity of their camp.

    "What a disaster. I hope Princess Sdia is safe¡ª"

    Fianna sighed and murmured.

    Indeed, there was no guarantee that Sdia Kahn could remain safe in this desert where monstrous beasts lurked. Even though the princess was reputedly a powerful elementalist herself, one would not expect her tost long defending against wave after wave of attacks from beasts.

    "I heard Princess Sdia has a bodyguard."

    "Yes, ording to rumors, someone apparently took care of the Theocracy''s royal guard."

    Ellis nodded.

    "Must be quite an amazing guy¡ª"

    Suddenly, Kamito looked at the ground by his feet, only to see the sand bulging slightly.

    "...Hmm?"

    Kamito deftly inserted his hand into the sand and grabbed the wriggling object under the sand.

    He held it up for a look, only to see a sand-colored creature withrge mandibles, resembling a lobster.

    "What? Is this a young version of the Antlion just now?"

    "Kamito, this is a sand scorpion."

    Eyes brightening up, Rinslet stood up.

    "Don''t tell me, it''s edible?"

    "...The red color creeps me out. I''d rather not."

    Making a subtle expression, iremented.

    "Although there is some paralyzing poison, if you cut off the tail and drain out the poison, it will be fine."

    "Really...?"

    "Just leave it to me¡ªCome, Fenrir!"

    At the snap of Rinslet''s'' fingers, a demon ice spirit appeared out of thin air, surrounded by a blizzard. From his mouth that was connected to Astral Zero, kitchenware kept emerging one after another.

    Particrly striking was a deep pot with metallic luster.

    "What are you nning to make?"

    Seeing that, Ellis asked.

    "Special curry made with sand scorpions."

    "Curry? What is that?"

    "I suppose it is notmon home cooking in Ordesia, after all. Curry first originated in the Balstan Kingdom but nowadays, it is more famous as food cooked by the Divine Ritual Institute''s princess maidens."

    "This was made by the Queen serving the Earth Elemental Lord, for princess maidens undergoing strict training. Not only does it nourish and strengthen the body, but also replenishes divine power. In the Divine Ritual Institute, they serve curry once every week."

    Fianna, who used to live at the Divine Ritual Institute, raised an index finger and exined to the group.

    "I see. Then I look forward to it."

    "First, I need to cook some spices to make a roux. ire, ready Miss Hell Cat spirit."

    "Sheesh, Scarlet isn''t a stove, okay?"

    Despiteining, ire still summoned her hell cat spirit.

    Crouching in a small ditch in the sand, Scarlet curled up into a ball. After putting the pot on Scarlet''s back, Rinslet rhythmically added powdered herbs and spices into the pot one after another.

    Soon after the pot was lidded, boiling sounds could be heard.

    Everyone sat around the mes enveloping Scarlet, waiting to the curry to be done.

    "...In any case, going after the Demon King''s Tomb right now would be the worst idea."

    ire sighed and murmured to herself.

    She was right. Now that they had lost the ship, their only choice was to retreat to a town with an oasis.

    "Where in Ghul-a-val are we?"

    "No idea. Spirit crystals for identifying direction do not work here."

    "We should be approaching the central region of the desert, but we cannot even find a single sign of ruins."

    "Besids, we do not even know what the Demon King''s Tomb looks like."

    Ellis and Rinslet shrugged together.

    "...I really wanna find a ce to purify myself. Too much dirt and the cirction of divine power gets affected."

    ire looked down at her uniform, all covered in sand. Indeed, putting aside Kamito, a boy, not being able to take a bath would be a matter of life and death for these youngdies of nobility.

    "Are we going to find an oasis?"

    "I do not think it will be so easy to stumble upon one. After all, this is the Desert of Red Death, forsaken by the spirits¡ª"

    "Fair enough."

    "..."

    At that moment¡ª

    Fianna, who had been lost in deep thought with her head down, saying not a word, suddenly lifted her head.

    "Say, who wants to try a sand bath?"

    "A sand bath?"

    ire and the rest of the girls raised their eyebrows with surprise on their faces.

    "Yes, did you know that sand that has been purified by sunlight is as clean as pure water?"

    "I-Is that true?"

    "I have never heard of this."

    "There is always a first time for everything,e¡ª"

    Confronted with questions from ire and the others, Fianna nodded and replied with a confident look.

    Part 2

    With his viewpletely dark¡ª

    "...H-Hey, are you done yet?"

    Kamito timidly asked.

    "N-Not yet!"

    "Certainly not!"

    However, all he could get were answers of this sort.

    "To be honest, this posture is quite ufortable..."

    The blindfolded Kamito tried to turn his body.

    However, the sand weighing upon him did not budge the slightest.

    Well, he could squirm his way out if he really wanted to escape¡ª

    But in that case, he would have to prepare himself to suffer attacks from ire and all the girls.

    "..."

    ...He could hear what sounded like alluring rustling of clothing.

    Could it be that they happened to be removing their underwear...?

    (...By the way, this looks really bad from all kinds of perspectives.)

    Kamito sighed deeply in his heart.

    His entire body was buried in the sand, and he was blindfolded to boot.

    If anyone were to see this, they would probably treat him as some kind of massive freak... No, this was deviant enough even without requiring an observer.

    Sigh, that being said, being buried in the sand like this also counted as a sort of purification.

    (Rather than blindfolding me, why not get changed somewhere farther away?)

    That was what he thought.

    Rather, ire and the girls possibly thought that he was far enough away.

    ...Only at times like these did Kamito truly curse his especially keen hearing, honed during his training at the Instructional School.

    "S-Somehow, my heart is beating especially fast, a-as soon as I realize I am getting naked outdoors..."

    "Y-Yes... I feel like I am doing something unmentionable..."

    Presumably unaware that Kamito could hear them, the girls began to whisper among themselves.

    "But this feeling of liberation is really great. Even addictive...?"

    "Fianna, w-what are you talking about!?"

    More rustling.

    "...Ugh, th-the sand... is getting into weird ces... Ah... What a pain."

    "The sensation... ugh... feels a bit disgustng. I-I prefer bathing with water after all."

    Rustle... The sound of thighs rubbing together.

    (Hey, give me a break...!)

    In the sand, Kamito could not help but blush.

    "U-Uwah! W-What is this...!?"

    Just then, Ellis cried out.

    "Ellis, what is the matter?"

    "N-Nothing... Uh, umm..."

    "Wait a sec, what is with that underwear! It''s constricting your breasts tightly, isn''t it!?"

    "And here I thought Ellis was so prim and proper. You are unexpectedly bold..."

    "Captain, th-this is indecent!"

    "W-Wrong!"

    Ellis denied with a sobbing tone of voice.

    "What do you mean, wrong?"

    "Th-This is my esteemed sister''s swimsuit! Looks like it got into my luggage by ident..."

    "Ah, I see..."

    "A unexpectedly clumsy girl."

    Fianna murmured with some exasperation.

    "...Sob."

    ...Unable to see anything, Kamito imagined the scene.

    Compared to Ellis'' outstanding figure, Velsaria would definitely be considered slender.

    If Ellis were to put on her underwear, what would it look like...?

    ...No matter what, Kamito was a teenage boy.

    Currently, girls in his age group were putting on embarrassing underwear nearby.

    Even though his eyes were covered, it only stimted his imagination further.

    (...! N-No...!)

    Kamito could not help but shake his head, trying to dispel the annoying thoughts surfacing in his mind.

    However, the girls began to purify themselves with a sand bath, ignorant of Kamito''s efforts.

    "Okay, let us first rinse our bodies with sand."

    Fianna seemed to be enjoying herself.

    "I-I feel a bit repulsed..."

    "It feels weird."

    Despite their verbal grumbling, Kamito could hear the rustling from the girls scooping sand.

    "...~, nn... Ah... The feeling of sand moving feels so itchy."

    "It is getting to my bottom... Nn, it is sticking..."

    "...Ah, s-sliding across... my breasts... Hyah?"

    "Ellis, bathing like that is not going to get your breasts clean?"

    "Y-Your Highness, what are you doing, guh... Ah?"

    Even moans wereing from the usually prim and proper Ellis.

    (W-What the hell is going on...!?)

    Kamito could not help but gulp.

    ...At this rate, it felt like all kinds of crazy things were going to happen!

    (I-I guess I''ll dive into the sand and leave first...)

    Earth Stealth Movement¡ªUsing an assassination technique from the Instructional School, he twisted his body, burrowing into the sand.

    But perhaps because of this, or possibly because it was not tightly tied in the first ce, his blindfold fell off.

    "...!"

    Thus, the scene illuminated by fire entered Kamito''s eyes.

    ire froze, in the middle of removing her panties to get rid of the sand. Rinslet had her adorable butt raised in Kamito''s direction. As for Fianna, she was using sand to rub Ellis'' soft breasts, overflowing from the triangr pieces of fabric straining to contain them.

    The dream-like scene made Kamito''s brain short circuit for an instance, leaving him frozen in his spot.

    "...! U-Uwah! K-Kamito, w-what, w-what are you doing!?"

    Noticing his gaze, ire cried out with her face all red.

    "S-Shameless!"

    "K-Kamito, what a pervert!"

    "N-No wait! The blindfold identally fell off¡ª"

    Realizing his life was in danger, Kamito instantly stood up from the sand.

    Seeing his bare upper torso, the girls screamed.

    "W-What are you exposing to us!? W-What a pervert! Exhibitionist! Lewd beast!"

    "Now who''s the exhibitionist, look at yourselves..."

    Hit by ire''s one-sided wave of usations, Kamito did not back down.

    "B-Besides, if you''re going to take a sand bath, why not do it somewhere farther away!?"

    "W-Well¡ª"

    "Certainly not. It''s not every day that I get to wear a swimsuit. Kamito-kun has to take a good look?"

    "Y-You, y-you, what are you talking about? You idiot princess, you perverted princess!"

    ire kept hammering her fists against Fianna. Her developing body, d in swimwear, was so adorable that it made Kamito''s heart race.

    "A-Anyway, Kamito, turn around now!"

    "Fine..."

    Seeing ire about to swing her whip any time, Kamito hastily turned his gaze away.

    Just as he was sighing "good grief"...

    "...Huh?"

    He could not help but make a stupid sound.

    In front of him was¡ª

    A giant floating in the air, glowing with blue-white light.

    "Wha¡ª"

    Before he could finish saying the word "what," in that instant...

    CRAAASH!

    THe giantnded on the ground.

    "Kyahhhhh!"

    "W-What is going on!?"

    Thending''s shockwave blew away everything in the surroundings, creating a massive cloud of sand and dust.

    "...! W-What is this thing!?"

    Barely managing to stand firm, Kamito opened his eyes and looked at the giant before him once more.

    The giant had a muscr body and a bull''s head.

    Carrying a massive double-edged sword, it stood with upright posture while staring down intently at Kamito.

    "W-What the heck, you...!"

    Coughing repeatedly from the sand, ire shouted, still in her swimsuit.

    "...! How dare you... the curry... Unforgivable!"

    Rinslet swiftly deployed her elemental waffe bow. Blown away by the wind, the empty pot was rolling at her feet.

    ...The curry was a total loss.

    "Hold on, you two!"

    Seeing ire and Rinslet about to attack, Fianna hurried to stop them.

    "That is a spirit, you know?"

    "A spirit? But Your Highness, aren''t there no spirits in this desert?"

    Ellis raised her doubt.

    Indeed, there were no spirits residing in Ghul-a-val... That was the way it was supposed to be.

    (Then what the heck is this thing...?)

    Kamito secretly jumped in surprise.

    ...No, the giant in front of him was definitely a spirit.

    Moreover, it was very close to humanoid¡ªA high-level spirit. Indeed, it woulde to no surprise if a high-level spirit had been living in the desert all along¡ª

    In the next instant...

    Wham¡ªThe bull-headed giant swung the great sword in its hand.

    The tip of the sword was pointed right at Kamito''s nose.

    "...! Kamito!"

    ire cried out in fright.

    However, Kamito remained motionless, because he did not sense any hostility.

    <I am the judge¡ªthe one to judge whether thou art worthy.>

    The giant spoke. The deep voice echoed throughout the desert at night.

    "Worthy? Of what?"

    <My master wees only the worthy to the Tomb¡ª>

    "Did you say tomb''?"

    Kamito instantly realized with rm.

    (Could this spirit be...?)

    "The guardian of the Demon King''s Tomb...?"

    Behind him, ire spoke with surprise.

    "...I see. So you''re the door guard."

    Staring at the sword tip pointed at him, Kamito said.

    The Demon King''s Tomb had some kind of guardian, this was expected.

    However, he never thought the guardian would actively show up like this¡ª

    (But this is actually to our advantage...)

    Since this spirit appeared¡ª

    Then it was highly likely that the Demon King''s Tomb actually existed in this desert.

    "Then¡ª"

    ring back at the spirit, Kamito spoke.

    "Then how do we prove whether we''re worthy or not?"

    <¡ªThere is only one method to judge. Demonstrate thy power.>

    "...Thought so."

    Kamito shrugged.

    He took a few steps back and pulled out the two swords, his contracted spirits, embedded in the ground nearby¡ªThe Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword.

    Then he smiled fearlessly.

    "¡ªSuits me just fine."

    If the condition demanded was royal blood or something like that, Kamito would honestly be in a bind¡ª

    But an opponent that only needed to be conquered by force, that made things easy.

    ''¡ªKamito, better not be careless.''

    As soon as he picked up the demon sword of darkness, Restia''s voice sounded in his mind.

    "Restia, do you know this spirit?"

    ''Yes. This was is one of the seventy-two spirits used by the Demon King in the past, the guardian spirit, the Sphinx. ording to the human system of ssification, it''s archdemon-ss.''

    "Archdemon-ss, huh?"

    Among missions at Areishia Spirit Academy, this was a target of maximum difficulty. They were said to be spirits that lived only in the deepest reaches of the Spirit Forest. Even Velsaria Eva had taken several weeks to singlehandedly take down an archdemon-ss spirit.

    However, Kamito was unfazed.

    "It''s not like legend-ss or mythic-ss, right? No problem¡ª"

    Throwing out bold words, Kamito poured divine power into his two swords.

    The sacred sword of steel glowed with silver-white brilliance while the demon sword of darkness became shrouded in jet-ck demonic light.

    "Kamito, we''ll fight too."

    "I must avenge my curry!"

    The youngdies had readied their respective elemental waffen and were about to rushing over.

    However, Kamito shook his head.

    "Thanks, but it''s better if you girls stand back¡ª"

    "W-Why!?"

    "Even if it is us, we are able to help!"

    "Yeah, I know. But you won''t be able to make the most of your contracted spirit''s power unless you properly finish purifying yourselves, right?"

    "Uh..."

    ire instantly became speechless.

    The metongue in her hand only had a fraction of its usual mes. Ellis and Rinslet''s elemental waffen were also in a simr state.

    "Everyone, leave this to Kamito-kun."

    "F-Fine..."

    You leave me no choice¡ªMuttering, ire dispelled metongue.

    "Kamito, you''re on your own if you lose, okay?"

    Kamito silently nodded and stepped forward.

    In fact, there was another reason why Kamito had chosen to fight alone.

    This spirit had said¡ªDemonstrate thy power.

    If the whole team ganged up to defeat the spirit, they might not be recognized as worthy.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The judge¡ªThe Sphinx¡ªroared, shaking the ground like an earthquake

    The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Kamito felt an intensely oppressive aura stimting his skin.

    "Perfect timing. Now let''s see if I''m worthy or not¡ª"

    Kamito grinned.

    In the next instant, he released the divine power concentrated beneath his feet and charged forward all at once.

    Part 3

    (Arge archdemon-ss spirit, I''ll use the Destructive Form to end this in one go!)

    Thebat style of performing a de dance was very different from that of hunting spirits.

    The former emphasized exchanging exciting and varying sword moves with the opponent while thetter emphasized the direct sh of power against power.

    Pouring his entire divine energy into his elemental waffen, Kamito unleashed a heavy strike in one breath¡ª

    This was the hunting method that Greyworth had taught him through practicalbat.

    "Ohhhhhhhh!"

    The glowing divine power released from hi entire body illuminated the night desert brightly.

    Kamito unleashed a dual-wielding move from the Absolute de Arts¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Thousand Strikes of Swift Thunder.

    Rather than an anti-personnel sword technique, this move was created for defeatingrge spirits.

    The Sphinx swung itsrge sword horizontally.

    Apanied by a howling sandstorm, it attacked Kamito.

    (Cheap trick¡ª)

    Confronted with a mad dance of innumerable wind des, Kamito dashed forward resolutely.

    The trajectories of the wind des were impossible to discern.

    However, just by seeing the flow of sand in the air, evasion was nothing difficult.

    The wind des brushed past his cheek, sshing blood, but Kamito lunged at the giant''s chest,pletely unfazed.

    "Absolute de Dance, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral¡ª"

    Suddenly, he stopped the sword move''s activation and took a defensive stance with his twin swords crossed.

    A crimson heat beam silently flew past the edge of the swords.

    (...What!?)

    BOOOM!

    An explosion produced a shockwave, sending Kamito flying.

    "Guh¡ª"

    While he was recovering his posture andnding on the sand, a second heat beam shot at him.

    Before his mind actively made a decision, his right hand reflexively swung the Demon yer.

    ng¡ªA harsh sound rang out.

    Deflected, the heat beam struck somewhere diagonally behind him. A giant pir of me erupted with the sound of an explosion.

    A direct hit would have turned Kamito to charcoal in an instant. No, even an attempt to defend would have been futile if he did not have the strongest sword spirit in his hand.

    Such terrifying power and uracy in attack¡ª

    (...Tsk, that attack just now was¡ª)

    Kamito could now read the Sphinx''s movementspletely.

    In that case¡ª

    Kamito forcefully looked up into the sky.

    Only to see¡ª

    A dog-headed giant floating in the air, holding a staff in its hand.

    "...Tsk, there''s another one!?"

    Kamito''s expression stiffened involuntarily.

    "Wait a sec, no one told me anything..."

    In contrast to the bull-headed Sphinx specialized for closebat, the dog-headed one seemed to be the type focusing on long-range attacks.

    ''¡ªThe Sphinx is a system of four entities in charge of different roles.''

    "What the heck, telling me after the fact is so unfair!"

    ''Kamito, you will surely find a way to handle it.''

    Restia replied nonchntly.

    ...Her words were the exact same as when Greyworth tossed him into a forest three years ago.

    However, fighting two archdemon-ss spirits simultaneously was not a challenge he had encountered during Greyworth''s inhumane training¡ª

    ''Low-level spirits like these are no match for Kamito.''

    Est chimed in with ament in the same vein.

    (Low-level spirits...)

    From Est''s perspective, perhaps even archdemon-ss spirits were merely on that level¡ª

    While grimacing in his heart, Kamito readied his two swords.

    ...Sigh, he had already bragged to ire and the girls that he would handle things alone.

    Even if his opponent increased by one, he had no choice but to charge head on.

    (I have two ultimate spirits on my side after all¡ª)

    The bull-headed giant roared and charged.

    This Sphinx probably symbolized strength.

    A closebat type with emphasis on strength¡ªThis was not hard to handle for Kamito.

    (The dog-headed one is the problem, huh¡ª)

    Hovering in the air, the dog-headed one seemed to be responsible for covering the bull-headed one. Finding an opening would not be that easy.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Faced with the Sphinx''s downward swing at full strength¡ª

    Kamito used the back of the Demon yer to block and parry.

    A simple contest of strength would be too disadvantageous for him. With nimble footwork, Kamito¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Major Double Turn."

    He executed a flowing flurry of haphazard strikes.

    The storm of ck and white shes instantly swirled. The particles of divine power constituting the Sphinx''s body were scattered on the red desert like droplets of blood.

    However, the archdemon-ss spirit did not suffer critical damage.

    (Too weak, huh¡ª)

    Shadowmoon Waltz was a move from the Absolute de Arts for group battles.

    Despite the overwhelming quantity of attacks, it was somewhat inferior in power.

    (No, that''s not the issue here¡ª)

    The Sphinx''s great sword swept across. Kamito ducked down slightly, evading the sword in the nick of time.

    (I''m subconsciously scared of using divine power¡ª)

    The Absolute de Arts required unifying the maniption of divine power with the attack motion. If he were to consume too much divine power by ident, the Darkness Elemental Lords''s power lying dormant in his body might awaken. Overly afraid of this, Kamito was unintentionally limiting himself.

    However, this made it impossible to defeat highly durable spirits.

    (One instant. Within a very brief instant, an explosion of divine power¡ª)

    While evading the massive swinging attacks, Kamito stepped into his opponent''s opening.

    (Ten seconds¡ªNo, seven. I''m going all out. Will you endure it?)

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    ''Leave it to me¡ª''

    The strongest twin swords replied with white and ck brilliance.

    The Sphinx in front of him swung its great sword, enveloped in a gale. Dodging the strike in the nick of time, Kamito stepped on the t of the sword while it embedded itself into the ground, then jumped on to the enemy''s head.

    Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªMeteor!"

    A move derived from Purple Lightning¡ªMeant to kill in one strike, it struck the head violently.

    The Demon yer, infused with his entire body''s divine power¡ª

    Smashed the Sphinx''s horn.

    ''Kamito¡ª!''

    Restia warned. Of course, Kamito was aware. In the earlier attack, he had learned to read the preparatory motions of the Sphinx in the air.

    Whilending, he immediately moved. Kamito circled around to the bull-headed spirit''s back, using its massive body as a shield.

    The downpour of heat beams rained down, piercing the Sphinx''s body all over.

    BOOOOOM!

    An explosion. Even with the spirit as a shield, one would not survive unscathed if caught up in the explosion.

    However, Kamito was no longer visible there. The moment the heat beams struck, Kamito had used the dust cloud as cover to approach the Sphinx in the air.

    The dog head turned, creating countless fireballs around its staff.

    (Toote¡ª)

    Kamito skillfullyunched the Demon yer.

    However, instead of aiming at the Sphinx above, the target was the ground a couple steps in front of him.

    Gathered at the staff''s tip, the fireballs turned into heat beams, pouring down as a scorching rain of fire¡ª

    In that instant, Kamito jumped high. Stepping on the hilt of the sacred sword embedded in the ground, he allowed his divine power to explode.

    This was different from ordinary Terrain Reduction executed by concentrating divine power beneath his feet and letting it explode¡ª

    Instead, he caused the divine power poured into the Demon yer to return to him, in a very violent manner.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    Like an arrow leaving the bowstring¡ª

    Fired upwards, Kamito swung the demon sword of darkness in the air.

    Together with the staff in its hand, the Sphinx was cut into two immediately.

    The dog-headed spirit turned into particles of light, disappearing into thin air. As expected, this Sphinx wascking in durability.

    Somersaulting using his residual momentum, Kamito thennded on the sand.

    "Now, it''s one versus one¡ª"

    Pulling out the Demon yer, Kamito turned around to face the bull-headed Sphinx.

    "Let''s end this next¡ª"

    Pouring divine power into both swords, Kamito readied himself to execute the Absolute de Arts'' ultimate move¡ªthe Destructive Form.

    Just then¡ª

    <¡ªThy power,prehensible.>

    The Sphinx lowered the great sword in its hand and spoke.

    "...?"

    <¡ªThe Tomb''s path opens. The Demon King''s sessor is granted an audience with the Queen.>

    Saying that, the Sphinx''s body turned into particles of light and gradually disappeared¡ª

    "H-Hey...!"

    Before Kamito could stop the Sphinx¡ª

    It vanished without trace.

    ...Only leaving dust in the wind.

    "Uh, I guess, I''m approved...?"

    Faced with a conclusion that came too anticlimactically¡ª

    Kamito could not help but feel drained, frozen to the spot.

    "Kamito!"

    "Kamito-kun!"

    The girls rushed over from behind the ship''s wreckage from where they had been watching the battle.

    "Kamito-san, are you alright?"

    "Yeah, it''s nothing..."

    Kamito nodded ambiguously.

    Although the two archdemon-ss spirits were formidable fores,pared to the Greyworth in her prime that he had fought at Dracunia, they were nothing at all.

    "By the way, what exactly is that worthiness..."

    Kamito muttered to himself. Just then...

    "What is that!?"

    Ellis shouted, pointing out into the desert where sand was blowing.

    "...?"

    Everyone looked in the same direction.

    Only to see¡ª

    "W-What is that¡ª?"

    From beyond the horizon, a giant shadow emerged.

    "It clearly was not there just now..."

    "Indeed..."

    The youngdies murmured in surprise, exchanging looks.

    After a beat''s dy¡ª

    "Say, could it be..."

    Fianna slow began to speak.

    "...Is that the Demon King''s Capital?"

    Part 4

    Late at night. Inside an office where a smallmp was lit¡ª

    Rubia Elstein was currently reading secret documents uncovered from Scorpia.

    Most of these secret documents were about the Ranbal War.

    This great war started from a minor territorial dispute between Ordesia and the Holy Kingdom of Lugia that finally drew in the entire continent.

    Even though an eternal truce had been signed between the two nations since twenty-odd years ago, the war''s effects still linger everywhere.

    (Experiments for transferring to power of spirits to humans, experiments for inducing spirits to self-destruct so that their internal energy went amok... This is more terrifying that imagiend¡ª)

    Rubia lit a fire at her fingertips and burned the stack of documents to cinders.

    Such severe crimes, going as far as to turn spirits into instruments of war, it was nauseating.

    The Theocracy was not alone. In those days, every country did simr things.

    Even her home country, the Ordesia Empire, had been researching cursed armament seals and strategic-ss militarized spirits that had been modified into weapons of mass destruction.

    (I have no right to mock such folly, I suppose¡ª)

    Rubia Elstein narrowed her ruby-like eyes and mocked herself.

    She had corrupted her own body with cursed armament seals for the sake of obtaining power, thus disqualifying herself as a pure princess maiden.

    Of course, she had no regrets. But¡ª

    (This filthy body no longer has the right to hold my little sister''s hand¡ª)

    This was the only thing that she missed, weighing on her mind.

    (But that man¡ª)

    Suddenly, Kamito''s face appeared in her mind.

    Recalling the first time in her life to show her naked body to a man, she instantly blushed, her face turning hot.

    She had never experienced such feelings in her entire life.

    As soon as she thought of him, her heart became strangely unsettled.

    (Why¡ª?)

    Just then, suddenly, she felt intense pain from her right hand.

    Her face contorted by the sharp pain, as acute as being burned by fire, she cast her gaze upon her right hand, only to see¡ª

    A crimson emblem, symbolizing fire, was glowing brilliantly.

    "...Wh... at...?"

    Rubia widened her ruby-like eyes.

    This was the brand that had not disappeared even after she had disqualified herself as a princess maiden.

    ¡ªThe seal of the spirit contract formed with the Fire Elemental Lord.

 Volume 17, 5 - The Demon Kingâ€™s Capital

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 5 - The Demon King''s Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    A city suddenly appeared from behind a sandstorm.

    By the time Kamito and the girls reached the city gates on foot, dawn was almost about to break.

    "Hey Kamito... Are we hallucinating? Or is this a mirage?"

    "That''s what I hope¡ª"

    Kamito muttered. The scenery in front of him was stunning him, rooting him to the ground.

    ...Even with it right before his eyes, it was still unbelievable.

    Surrounded by sturdy city walls, this ce was not some kind of ancient ruins¡ª

    Instead, it was a dizzyingly great metropolis, filled with the vibrancy and noise of crowds.

    "...N-No way, how could such a city exist right in the middle of the desert?"

    ire kept blinking and she even pinched Kamito''s cheek.

    "...It hurts, cut it out."

    Even though they all had countless questions in their minds¡ª

    Kamito andpany still stepped into the gate.

    The main road extending from the city gate had countless residences and shops lined along it. Loaded with cargo, horse-drawn carts were moving back and forth through a za filled with open-air stalls.

    The people in the streets were dressed simr to the Theocracy''s attire, but there were minute differences in the design of essories and how they wore their turbanspared to the residents of Mordis.

    "This isn''t the result of spirit magic or a barrier¡ª"

    Wiping sweat from her forehead, Fianna spoke.

    "The people here all look alive."

    ire and the girls exchanged looks. If this were a hallucination generated by spirit magic or a barrier, Fianna would have seen through it¡ªThat was what they had expected.

    "I-Impossible! After all, this is a desert of death!"

    "That''s right. It''s hard to believe even when I''m seeing it."

    "I cannot believe it either. No matter what spirit, this sort of thing is¡ª"

    "Impossible¡ªI wouldn''t be so sure of that, Your Highness."

    Jet-ck feathers floated from the sky as a darkness spirit appeared in a dress in the color of night.

    "Restia¡ª"

    "If one were to pray to a powerful spirit, such as an Elemental Lord, for a miracle, wouldn''t this sort of thing be possible?"

    "What, are you saying you know something, darkness spirit?"

    Hearing this, ire frowned, but Restia shook her head.

    "It doesn''t count as knowing, but I cannot imagine anyone capable of this except for powerful spirits."

    "Dracunia''s Dragon King, for instance?"

    "Indeed. It might be possible for spirits on that level."

    "Anyway, this is the Demon King''s Tomb, right?"

    This time it was Kamito''s turn to raise a qustion.

    "Yes, though technically, this is the Demon King''s Capital rather than the Tomb. This is undoubtedly Alkazard, the capital of Zoldia, Demon King Solomon''s kingdom. Furthermore, it continues to look as it did a thousand years ago."

    Restia nodded and spoke with a slightly perplexed expression.

    No one doubted her. After all, she had witnessed the Demon King''s Capital with her own eyes a thousand years ago¡ª

    "Uh, what happened exactly?"

    "Who knows...?"

    Restia closed her eyes and shook her head.

    It looked like the truth eluded her too.

    This was the Demon King''s Capital, supposedly destroyed by Sacred Maiden Areishia a thousand years earlier.

    Why did it continue to exist unchanged to this very day?

    "Look! The people who exit the gate disappear gradually¡ª"

    Hearing ire''s voice, Kamito and the others looked back towards the city gate.

    They saw pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages outside the city gate disappearing gradually like a mirage.

    "W-What on earth is going on...?"

    "A-Are they hallucinations after all? But¡ª"

    Rinslet could not help but feel afraid. Ellis murmured with a look of iprehension.

    "...Well, staying here won''t solve anything."

    ire shrugged and turned her gaze to the crowded za.

    "Anyway, let''s enter and check it out."

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Part 2

    Kamito andpany quickly passed through the street leading from the city gate to the za.

    There was a canopy set up over the main street, extremely busy with crowdsing and going. The noisy and lively atmosphere was reminiscent of the market at Mordis.

    Sure enough, a guy walking with five adorable girls in tow would attract a lot of attention. Along the way, the men at the open-air stalls kept booing Kamito.

    Trained at the Instructional School, Kamito knew a bit of othernguages apart from the continent''smon tongue. However, he could not understand the merchants'' speech at all.

    All he could tell was that they sounded a bit simr to the Theocracy''snguage¡ª

    "Restia, can you understand what they''re talking about?"

    Hence, he asked Restia, who was walking beside him.

    "Let me see, lewd beast, King of Lust, hypnotist, etc..."

    ...He got an answer he totally did not want to know about.

    "No way! Isn''t King of Lust a nickname from the Academy!?"

    "Fufu, Kamito''s legend as the Demon King of the Night is enough to transcend space and time."

    "No freaking way!"

    Seeing Kamito retort angrily, Restia chuckled.

    At this moment, ire, who had been looking all around, murmured with aplicated look on her face.

    "...From what I can tell, they do look just like normal people."

    "Yes, and you can touch them too. It is hard to imagine this as a hallucination."

    Supporting her chin with her hand, Fianna agreed.

    "...Who on earth did this, and why?"

    Passing through the canopied main street, they emerged to walk under the sunny blue sky.

    Suddenly, Ellis noticed something and spoke out.

    "...What is that?"

    Where she was pointing¡ª

    A gigantic building in the shape of a tetrahedron was standing in the center of the city.

    Practically gray, the walls had a metallic luster, reflecting sunlight.

    Compared to the busy city scenery, this historical structure''s style stood out too muh.

    "Is it... a historical site? In the very center of this city?"

    "I have never seen this kind of site anywhere else on the continent."

    Hearing ire''s question, Fianna answered.

    "It does not look like a castle."

    "Restia, do you know what is that?"

    When Kamito asked...

    "No, that location was originally upied by the Demon King''s pce."

    Restia shook her head.

    "What is going on?"

    Kamito originally thought this city was an authentic replica of the Demon King''s Capital a thousand years ago.

    However, the giant tetrahedron''s existence overturned this guess.

    Since this kind of structure had been ced intentionally in the center, it must represent some kind of purpose of the city''s creator¡ª

    "Hey, perhaps that''s the Demon King''s Tomb?"

    "...Seems quite likely."

    Kamito agreed with ire''s suggestion.

    A gigantic structure recing the original pce.

    It did not take a huge leap of logic to guess that this was the Demon King''s tomb.

    "First of all, I suppose we should first investigate the pyramid."

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Just then, Kamito noticed.

    Restia was resting her chin on her hand pensively, staring at the pyramid.

    "What''s wrong, Restia?"

    "Somehow, that structure really bothers me¡ª"

    She replied ambiguously.

    "Isn''t that the Demon King''s Tomb?"

    "Yes, that may well be right, but¡ª"

    Spreading her jet-ck wings, Restia floated up lightly in the air.

    Sand on the ground danced as a result.

    "I will check things out nearby¡ª"

    "H-Hey, Restia!?"

    Before Kamito could stop her¡ª

    With a turn of her night-colored dress, the darkness spirit flew towards the pyramid.

    Watching her back as she receded into the distance, Kamito sighed wryly.

    "...She just does whatever she likes, as always."

    "Seriously, staying together is the basics of teamwork!"

    With sand blown into her hair, ire was so offended that her twintails stood on end.

    "In any case, we should first investigate this city."

    Ellis suggested.

    "...Yeah, there are too many mysteries here."

    Hearing that, Kamito agreed.

    Also, he was quite concerned whether Princess Sdia was here or not. After all, finding this city was impossible unless one epted the Sphinx''s judgment.

    "Before that, let''s establish a base somewhere and rest up first."

    "Yes, proper purification would be nice¡ª"

    "A-Agreed!"

    Tormented by the desert heat, Rinslet voiced her support with exuberance.

    Part 3

    With her jet-ck wings outspread, the darkness spirit looked down at the giant pyramid from the sky.

    The legendary Demon King''s castle¡ªThe Zohar Pce¡ªshould have been wrecked thoroughly by the Salvation Army led by Sacred Maiden Areishia.

    Come to think of it, that pyramid would be the tombstone formemorating the Demon King, right?

    (...No entrance. Are the walls made of orihalcon?)

    Restia plucked a feather and tossed it at the giant structure beneath her.

    Jet-ck lightning immediately exploded on the surface of the pyramid.

    It then disappeared without a trace.

    (To think it deflected magic from me, a top-tier spirit...)

    Making an expression as though her pride had been hurt, Restia murmured to herself.

    A barrier had been erected, sufficient to nullify serious attacks from high-level spirits.

    This was evidently no ordinary gigantic historical building.

    "...Next, what shall I do?"

    Restia crossed her arms and sighed.

    "Since my magic is not working, then breaking the barrier would require Miss Sacred Sword infused with Kamito''s serious divine power, or those mes of the hell cat girl''s?"

    I shall investigate a little more first¡ªJust as she was about tond...

    ''Are you the darkness spirit Restia Ashdoll...?''

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, she heard a voice in her mind.

    (...What?)

    She heightened her awareness of her surroundings, but could not see where the voice came from.

    Just then¡ª

    ''I have waited for you so long¡ª''

    The voice spoke again.

    At the same time, a change came to the part of the wall that she had just attacked.

    "...Eh?"

    The pyramid''s surface became twisted like a marshmallow.

    It suddenly cracked open to reveal arge hole.

    The hole seemed to be beckoning for her to enter.

    "Are you calling me?"

    ''Yes. You, as well as the sessor you chose¡ª''

    At this time, Restia finally realized.

    The identity of the ruler of this mysterious Demon King''s Capital.

    "I see now¡ª"

    Narrowing her dusk-colored eyes, she murmured quietly¡ª

    Next, the darkness spirit pped her pitch-ck wings andnded in the hole that had opened up.

    Part 4

    "Huh!? What the hell is up with this city!?"

    Somewhere in the city, a young man was cursing irritably.

    "Every one of them, acting alive when they''re actually dead! This is pissing me off!"

    "Calm down, Jio Inzagi."

    A veiled young maiden tried to soothe the young man who was losing his temper.

    "This is the Demon King''s Capital, unchanged from a thousand years ago. The fact that this city has been preserved to this day is evidence that the Demon King''s power lies hidden here."

    "...I don''t need you to tell me that, princess."

    Jio Inzagi revealed a savage countenance.

    "However, that whatever coffin is inside that crazy big tomb. No entrance, and I can''t break in either. What the hell do I do, argh! We''ve been here two whole days, yeah?"

    Indeed, they had first step foot into this strange city two days ago.

    After walking endlessly through Ghul-a-val, they had encountered the Sphinx.

    Against the spirit that called itself the Tomb''s guardian, Jio Inzagi was no match at all.

    It was not an enemy who could be beaten by petty tricks and cursed armament seals.

    Hence, he was not recognized as worthy of entering the tomb.

    However, things were different for Sdia Kahn.

    She did not ovee the powerful spirit with strength.

    When she summoned her grimoire elemental waffe¡ªAlf Lah Wa-Lah¡ªand chanted something, possibly a code, the Sphinx vanished without doing anything.

    Then, this city suddenly appeared far out in the desert.

    The second princess, inheriting the Kahn dynasty''s bloodline, evidently held a key capable of entering the Tomb.

    Jio found it unbelievable that the Sphinx had not recognized him, the Demon King''s sessor¡ª

    But whatever, in any case, they managed to enter this Demon King''s capital.

    However, their problems were far from over. ording to the princess, the Demon King''s coffin was hidden underground in the Demon King''s Tomb in the city''s center.

    However, they could not find an entrance to the pyramid anywhere.

    Also, there was a secure barrier covering the exterior walls.

    "Damn it, the Demon King''s power lies within reach, yet I¡ª"

    Looking up at the gigantic pyramid, Jio Inzagi clenched his fist tightly.

    "Perhaps the Kahn dynasty''s bloodline alone is not enough to activate the Tomb."

    "Huh!? Then why the hell did I need to bring you here?"

    "I-It is not like I begged you to save me!"

    Sdia Kahn retorted unhappily.

    "Huh, what is this, some kind of sick joke? You''re useless!"

    "Watch your words! Insolent one, do know that I, of the Kahn dynasty, am¡ª"

    "Wait."

    Suddenly¡ª

    Jio Inzagi covered Sdia''s mouth.

    "...! Mmph, mmmph, mmph!"

    "Quiet. Hey, what is that?"

    "...?"

    Jio Inzagi looked up.

    Sdia frowned and followed his gaze, only to see¡ª

    A strange figure in the air over the pyramid.

    A beautiful maiden, with jet-ck wings outspread©\

    "Is that a spirit...?"

    Pulling Jio''s hand off her face, Sdia whispered.

    Jio Inzagi''s eyes widened, ring at the maiden.

    "...Urgh... I know, ah... I, know... that spirit¡ª"

    "What is the matter with you?"

    "...She is the spirit, that erased, my memories..."

    From his throat came a groaning voice.

    That darkness spirit from the Instructional School whom he had partnered with before.

    Why was she in this kind of ce?

    "...Darkness, spirit... Resti... a... Restia Ashdoll!"

    Filled with rage, Jio Inzagi''s roar echoed through the entire street.

 Volume 17, 6 - The Mysterious Merchant

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 6 - The Mysterious Merchant</h4>

    Part 1

    Kamito andpany went around the pyramid, following the streets to search for lodgings.

    Another giant structure with a distinctive look appeared before them.

    "What is that thing?"

    "Such an odd building."

    Ellis involuntarily tilted her head.

    "That is a barnea, a ancient type of amodationsplex."

    Fianna raised a finger and exined.

    "In other words, a hotel?"

    "Yes, quite simr. There should be arge bathing facility inside, allowing us to purify ourselves."

    "Eh, really?"

    ire''s smiling face became radiant.

    "It''s not a sand bath, right?"

    "Of course not."

    ording to Fianna, who had had contact with foreign cultures while growing up in the Divine Ritual Institute, a barnea was argebined facility centered on a temple for worshiping spirits and included baths, restaurants and amodations. Although they were rare in western regions of the continent such as Ordesia, but temples of this sort were actually mainstream in the Theocracy.

    Speaking of which, many of the hotels reserved for nobles during their stay at Ragna Ys for the de Dance were quite simr to this one too. The Water Spirit Festival that he had attended with Leonora as partners had also been held at akeside pool that was part of this kind of hotel facility.

    "Should we establish our base here for now?"

    "I suppose, but wouldn''t the room rates be quite expensive?"

    Acting totally unlike a noble daughter from a former duke''s family, ire raised amoner''s worry.

    ...Indeed, prices here looked to be much more expensive than ordinary inns.

    "Hmph, how trivial. Leave such matters to me."

    Tossing her tinum blonde hair, Rinslet dered with pride.

    "I knew something like this woulde up, so I brought plenty of money from home."

    With a snap of her fingers, Fenrir, who had been crouching at her feet, spat out imperial gold coins with a tter.

    "You''re treating a high-level spirit as a piggy bank..."

    "Always be prepared."

    Rinslet confidently puffed out her chest.

    "But is the Empire''s currency usable in this city?"

    Upon hearing Ellis'' very legitimate question¡ª

    "..."

    Rinslet froze in her proud posture.

    "W-What an unexpected blind spot!"

    "...Sheesh, you should''ve realized from the start."

    ire sighed deeply.

    Kamito looked at the stalls all around them. They were using money, but sure enough, it was quite different from that circting on the continent.

    "Ooh... To think I brought the money... but it is useless here?"

    Seeing his master hang her head in dejection, Fenrir licked her cheek.

    "Uh, I remember that Ordesia''s imperial gold coins contain real gold, right?"

    Kamito suddenly recalled something and brought it up.

    "Yes, they are authentic gold coins."

    "Then can''t you find someone to buy them as gold?"

    "I can''t believe Kamito came up with a great idea. Although we''ll probably get gouged, there''s no other way."

    Hearing his suggestion, ire nodded.

    "W-Well fancy that!"

    Rinslet cheered up again and lifted her face.

    "And not just money. I wonder if amulets and spirit crystals can be sold too?"

    Kamito andpany looked around, trying to find a merchant to buy their gold coins.

    Hopefully, they could sell them for a good price¡ª

    "I would rmend against it. The merchants of Alkazard are extremely greedy. They will swallow you whole as soon as they figure you out as amateurs."

    "...!?"

    Hearing a sudden voice, Kamito forcefully turned his head back to see¡ª

    Standing there was a man with a friendly smile, dressed like a desert merchant. He had appeared without any of them noticing.

    "...Who are you?"

    Kamito asked in surprise.

    The man looked a bit older than Kamito, probably twenty-years-old or so. Lightly tanned skin. ck irises. His tough countenance seemed reminiscent of a wild eagle.

    "Excuse me. I am Safian, a merchant of Zohar."

    The young man bent forward, bowing solemnly to Kamito''s group.

    "Did you say Zohar!?"

    ire eximed in surprise.

    Logically speaking, the current capital of the Theocracy would not have existed back in the Demon King''s time, a thousand years ago.

    Furthermore, there was a decisive difference between this man and the residents of the Demon King''s Capital.

    (...He''s using the samenguage as us, the continent''smon tongue.)

    Kamito swiftly exchanged a nce with ire.

    ire nodded lightly. Evidently, they had found someone with a clue.

    "You''re not a resident of this city?"

    Hearing that, the man nodded.

    "Indeed. As expected, the same goes for you, people from outside."

    "That''s right."

    While staring at the man''s eyes, Kamito nodded cautiously.

    "It appears that you have questions for me."

    The young man smiled then turned his gaze towards the barnea.

    "Well, this is no ce for conversation. How about we talk over a meal?"

    Part 2

    Despite suspicions towards the mysterious merchant who had suddenly appeared¡ª

    Kamito and his friends still decided to listen to what he had to say.

    ...After all, this was the only clue in this unbelievable andpletely iprehensible situation.

    Perhaps this man might have information on the whereabouts of Princess Sdia, or know something about the strange pyramid.

    "Better not trust him too much. He looks suspicious no matter what."

    ire quietly whispered into Kamito''s ear.

    "I don''t think it''s nice to judge by appearance."

    "That''s true... But contrary to how I seem, I''m actually an excellent judge of character."

    "Really? I remember the first time we met, you straight out used me of being a lewd beast."

    "That first impression wasn''t too far off the mark."

    "Give me a break..."

    "Hey ire, what are you chatting with Kamito-kun about?"

    Fianna drew up to the two of them, trying to join in the conversation.

    Unconcerned with what Kamito and the others were doing¡ª

    The young merchant walked straight through the entrance of a gigantic barnea.

    Inside was a beautiful garden with a fountain. Flowers of all colors were blooming.

    "This Quseir Amra was originally a ce for worshiping the city''s spirits. Its current appearance is the result of continual expansion, including purification and resting facilities for princess maidens and a temple for making offerings."

    Safian looked up at the giant building in front of him and spoke.

    "...I see."

    Quseir Amra was apparently the name of this barnea. Its unique appearance was the result of haphazard expansion rather than some sort of artistic design.

    The ground floor of the building was a grand restaurant facing the garden. It was not crowded inside.

    Safian brought Kamito''s group to a table.

    "Please take a seat¡ª"

    Invited to sit, Kamito andpany sat down on what appeared to be a sofa.

    The youngdies all sat next to Kamito. Although there was space next to the male merchant, no one sat on his side. Even though they were more used to it now, sure enough, these sheltered youngdies of nobility did not usually have contact with men after all.

    "Kamito, I-I feel like we are drawing stares..."

    Ellis nervously huddled up, timidly looking around at the nearby tables.

    Indeed, their table was particrly striking. They could even hear whispers from all around.

    "After all, your manner of dress is quite a rare sight. Furthermore¡ª"

    Safian smiled wryly.

    "As many as five beautiful maidens, of course, people are going to notice."

    "...Hey, I''m a guy."

    Kamito red sharply at the merchant before him.

    "Just joking, but what a shame. A bit of make up and you would surely be an otherworldly beautiful young¡ª"

    "Damn you¡ª"

    Kamito poured serious killing intent into his re, but Safian remained unfazed, simply smiling.

    "Anyway, let''s eat first. I''m starving."

    "Seconded!"

    Hearing the hungry ire''s suggestion, Rinslet agreed wholeheartedly.

    Part 3

    "Now then, where should I start?"

    Sweeping his gaze across Kamito''s group, Safian slowly began to speak.

    "...You''re not a resident of this city, right?"

    ire was the first to ask a question.

    "Correct, I am not from here. Besides, it is debatable whether the residents in this city are human or not."

    Recalling the residents who vanished as soon as they left the city gate, Kamito and the girls looked at one another.

    Sure enough, were they something like a hallucination instead of real people..?

    "How did you get here? Ordinary people can''t possiblye here, right?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question...

    "Yes, I find it quite incredible too¡ª"

    Safian looked up at the ceiling and started to recount his story.

    "It was a couple of months ago. Mypanions and I had set off from Zohar with a caravan headed to the Quina Empire. Along the way, we suddenly encountered a violent sandstorm¡ª"

    ording to him, he had epted a job from the guild to transport spirit crystals to the Quina Empire''s Sparkling Capital and the incident happened during the journey.

    While sailing through the desert, they were caught up in chaotic leylines, taking them far from their course. Such idents would ur in the desert region once in a while.

    By the time he realized, his ship was lost in Ghul-a-val, finally shipwrecked and eaten by giant beasts.

    Although he had fled in desperation, he ended separated from hispanions on the ship, wandering in the desert for many days.

    Several dayster, having exhausted all his food and water, on the verge of death¡ª

    "...That spirit appeared."

    "Spirit?"

    "Yes, the spirit that is a giant with a bull''s face."

    Kamito and the girls looked at one another.

    ...Naturally, they remembered that spirit too.

    It was presumably the Sphinx that Kamito had fought in the desert.

    "The spirit healed my almost dying body and took me to this strange city. After that, I have lived here for more than half a year and even started doing business. How unbelievable. While living here, I gradually became able to understand thengauge."

    Safian smiled wryly and shrugged.

    "...Really? You''ve suffered a lot too."

    Concurring, Kamito still could not rxpletely.

    The Sphinx¡ªthe spirit calling itself the judge.

    Would a spirit that attacked indiscriminately, caring about nothing except Demon King eligibility, actually help someone altruistically?

    (Oh well, it''s impossible for humans to understand spirits, who do whatever they like...)

    Suddenly, he looked at the spirit seal on the left hand, recalling a certain darkness spirit who did whatever she liked. Was she still investigating the pyramid?

    "Are there others like you?"

    This time, it was Fianna''s turn to ask a question.

    "Uh, that is, people brought here by spirits¡ª"

    "Yes, I have already encountered a few. From what they told me, they were brought here after getting stranded in Ghul-a-val like me."

    "Can they not leave?"

    "Don''t tell me something like you''ll disappear as soon as you exit the city gate¡ª"

    ire murmured nervously, but Safian smiled and shook his head.

    "No need to worry about that. You can exit the gate any time, but¡ª"

    "But?"

    "There are terrifying beasts living in Ghul-a-val outside. There are no sand ships here, so any attempt to leave would probably turn you into a mummified corpse out in the desert."

    "...I see."

    Indeed, it was hard to imagine ordinary people walking out of the desert unless they were elementalists. The merchants on sand ships were truly risking their lives for business.

    "Then you n on living in this city indefinitely?"

    "That might not be half bad. After living here for a while, I have found it ratherfortable, actually."

    Safian shrugged slightly.

    ...Well, I suppose he might be telling the truth.

    "We are elementalists. We could help you if you wish to leave."

    "Thank you for the kind offer. I shall consider it."

    Hearing the suggestion from Ellis, who was driven by a strong sense of responsibility, Safian nodded ambiguously.

    "By the way, have you recentlye across a girl who came from outside like us? It should be during the past few days¡ª"

    At this moment, Kamito casually tried to ask about Princess Sdia¡ª

    "...No, the only outsiders I met recently are you."

    However, Safian only shook his head gently.

    He did not seem to be lying.

    In that case, perhaps the princess had yet to arrive?

    During this time, their food and drinks were brought to the table.

    "Wow, it looks delicious..."

    ire''s stomach rumbled adorably.

    "Well, let us continue our conversationter. Time to eat."

    Safian raised his wine ss and smiled generously.

    Rose-scented beer. Freshly baked bread. Smokedmb made with plenty of spices. Several types of pickles. Stir-fried meat and eggs...

    Although there were a few vegetables they had never seen before, the food served was not too different from what they had eaten in the Theocracy.

    "Looks quite tasty."

    "Y-Yes... Wait, is it really safe to eat?"

    ire seemed somewhat worried. Indeed, Kamito had his own doubts whether the food cooked in this town were the same as normal food.

    "The taste is not bad."

    "Hmm... A knight is bound by duty to eat what ought to be eaten."

    ...Presumably famished from their walk in the desert, Rinslet and Ellis immediately started on a meat dish.

    (...Sigh, I guess it''s fine. This merchant guy is eating too.)

    Before the youngdies finished it all, Kamito took some meat and inserted it into his bread to eat.

    "What is this skewered barbecued meat?"

    Picking up a skewer of ck meat, Rinslet asked in puzzlement.

    "Meat of the sand whale. You can catch them in these parts."

    "No way. The sand whale went extinct long ago."

    Hearing that, the knowledgeable ire murmured softly.

    Kamito tried a bite of sand whale meat too.

    "...This doesn''t taste that great."

    Not only was the meat tough but it also had a kind of vor that even spices could not cover up.

    "Hmm, this texture is more simr to the ground dragon meat I ate in Dracunia..."

    "Kamito, you''ve had dragon meat before?"

    "Yeah, in a restaurant in Dracunia, with Leonora... O!"

    Sitting next to him, ire stomped his foot hard.

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "W-While we were putting our lives on the line, training on Dragon''s Peak, h-how dare you go on a date!?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    ire''s twintails were standing up on end like mes.

    "T-To think I respected Leonora-dono as an honorable knight¡ª"

    "How I mustn''t lower my guard!"

    Ellis and Rinslet red at Kamito angrily as well.

    "¡ªThanks for the food."

    Soon the meal ended and the table was piled with empty dishes.

    Seeing the mountains of empty dishes, people from surrounding tables made astonished noises.

    Elementalist girls were usually big eaters. They ate with impunity because using spirits consumed divine power.

    "Let this be my treat."

    Saying that, Safian took out his purse.

    Hearing that, Rinslet stood up and tossed her hair morously.

    "Hmph, do know that we are nobles. We have not fallen so low as to need charity frommoners."

    "Even though we are in exile."

    "P-Putting that aside, this meal shall be paid for by the courtesy of the Laurenfrost margraviate. Would you be so kind as to convert these imperial gold coins for me?"

    "Yes, as you wish."

    Safianughed awkwardly and exchanged the city''s coins for the imperial gold coins.

    What he handed over were slightly deformed coins bearing the image of a young man.

    "I have never seen such currency in the continent."

    "Surely they are coins from a thousand years ago."

    "..."

    Suddenly, Kamito felt a strange sense of dissonance and kept staring at the coins.

    "What''s wrong, Kamito?"

    "Oh, nothing..."

    The face on the coin seemed somehow familiar¡ª

    (...Am I worrying too much?)

    "Is there a purification facility here suitable for body cleansing?"

    Just then, Fianna asked Safian.

    "A purification bath for princess maidens is located not far from here."

    "Wonderful. I can finally take a normal bath."

    ire exhaled with relief.

    "What are your ns, Kamito-kun? Would you like to take a bath with us?"

    Fianna bent forward, exposing her cleavage, teasing Kamito.

    "I-I''ll head to the room to put down our luggage, then check out the pyramid."

    Kamito instantly blushed and looked away.

    "Eh, are you going to the pyramid alone?"

    "I''m just taking a walk to check out the neighborhood. Also, Restia might be around there."

    Saying that, Kamito turned to face Safian again.

    "...By the way, do you know anything about that pyramid?"

    "Hmm, I can''t say I do."

    Safian shook his head sadly.

    "Even the locals don''t know who built it or why. I tried investigating before but could not even find anything resembling an entrance¡ª"

    "...I see. Looks like we''ll just have to investigate patiently."

    "Very well, we shall finish purifying ourselves before converging with you."

    "Okay."

    "Allow me to take you to your lodgings, if you don''t mind. To avoid getting lost in Quseir Amra."

    "...Thanks."

    Nodding a little, Kamito picked up the Demon yer and stood up.

    In fact, the suggestion was perfect for Kamito.

    There was something he wanted to verify.

    Part 4

    With Safian leading the way, Kamito went up Quseir Amra''s twisting stairs. Simr to Areishia Spirit Academy''s academic building, the internalyout was dizzyinglyplicated. That being said, the Academic''s uniqueyout was supposed to incorporate principles of spirit engineering.

    (...But here, it''s surely because of continual unnned expansion.)

    Keeping his eyes intently on the merchant walking in front of him, Kamito pondered.

    After walking up the stairs and passing through another passage, they finally arrived at the amodations block.

    "Living quarters are here. All you need to do is get sorted out at the front desk."

    "...You''ve been a great help. Thank you very much."

    "You are wee. After all, it is rare to find people entering this city by ident. If I may be of any assistance¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Kamito swiftly closed the distance.

    Instantly, he pressed his index finger on the man''s neck.

    "...?"

    The young man looked puzzled.

    "You¡ªWho the hell are you?"

    Kamito asked coldly.

    His index finger was pressed on the carotid artery. This was an assassination technique that Kamito had learned during childhood at the Instructional School. Taking the man''s life from here would be a piece of a cake.

    However¡ª

    Safian remained calm and smiled confidently.

    He could not be unaware of what kind of situation he was in. After all, Kamito had shown his intent to kill, enough for even ordinary people to feel it.

    "An ordinary merchant¡ªDo you really think I''ll swallow that? When you first showed up in front of us, it waspletely silent."

    Indeed, when the man spoke to them on the street, Kamito had not rxed his guard towards the surroundings. He would have been the first to notice as soon as anyone intentionally approached the girls.

    However, this man had appeared in front of Kamito''s group without making a sound.

    "I''m not bragging when I say you can count on one hand the people capable of doing this in my presence. At least on the level of my master or one of the Numbers specializing in stealth operations. For someone like that to be an ordinary merchant? Brought here by the Sphinx when copsed in the middle of your journey? Like hell anyone would believe such lies."

    "...I see."

    Safian smiled wryly and shrugged.

    "But you really cannot me me for having no presence."

    "...!?"

    Instantly, Kamito widened his eyes.

    "After all, I am someone who never existed in the first ce."

    Imperceptibly...

    Safian disappeared from before his eyes then stood behind Kamito.

    (...! He vanished without me noticing!?)

    Cold sweat flowed down Kamito''s cheek.

    ...This was impossible. Kamito''s attention did not leave the man in front of him, not even for a second.

    But the fact was he had slipped away from Kamito''s grasp.

    (...Spirit magic for spatial movement? No, it''s not that kind of trick¡ª)

    The man must have moved during an opening in Kamito''s attention. Nothing more than that.

    Kamito''s entire body stiffened. Safian spoke to him.

    "You should use the Demon yer if you truly intended to threaten me."

    "...! How do you know about Est!? Who the hell are you¡ª"

    "I am a fragment."

    "...Fragment?"

    "Yes, a fragment of his regret, remaining in this Demon King''s Capital¡ª"

    "...? What are you talking about?"

    Safian smiled and turned his back to Kamito, walking down the stairs where they hade from.

    "I am d to meet you, Demon King''s sessor and holder of the Sacred Sword. She must have been the one to guide you and yourpanions here."

    "...! Wait, what the hell does this all mean?"

    Kamito hastily chased after him.

    However, Safian, who was supposed to be descending the stairs, had already vanished without a sound.

    Part 5

    Arge sand ship had arrived at the camp of the Knights of Lugia.

    Not a merchant ship. Instead, this was an official military vessel equipped by the Holy Kingdom.

    This was a military ship actively used for desert transport of supplies during the Ranbal War. However, most of these ships had been retired from active duty, leaving only seven ships bearing the empty name of Desert Fleet.

    Bringing a cloud of dust and sand and bearing the Holy Kingdom''s g, the sand ship stopped near the camp.

    On the ship was a cardinal from Des Esseintes, the supreme governing council of the Holy Kingdom, and eight members of the Sacred Spirit Knights tasked as bodyguards¡ª

    On the sand in front of the ship, Lurie Lizaldia greeted the cardinal.

    "Later than expected, Millennia¡ª"

    "Fine-tuning that thing used up too much time. It turned three militarized spirits into charcoal as soon as it awakened."

    Walking down the gangway was an adorable young girl dressed in vestments of pure white.

    She looked thirteen or fourteen in age. Particrly striking was her glittering blonde hair, skin as pale and smooth as porcin, and clear violet eyes. However, out of ce on this adorable girl''s appearance was a simple eye patch on her left eye.

    This was Millennia Sanctus¡ªThirteenth of Des Esseintes.

    Although her rank was not very high in the council''s internal hierarchy, she had intimate ties to the military leadership. Even within the secretive Des Esseintes, she exuded a particrly eerie presence.

    "You seem to have run into trouble of your own."

    "An annoying barrier. Also, there''s the Sphinx."

    Lurie shrugged lightly. In terms of hierarchy, a cardinal of Des Esseintes ought to rank higher than Lurie, a guest general, but there was an air between them like that of intimate friends.

    "Dear me, shouldn''t dispelling the barrier be all too easy for you?"

    "It''s quite a special barrier. Existing in a minor dimensional distortion between the human realm and Astral Zero, the entire Demon King''s Capital has been anchored there spatially and temporally."

    In the past, the burial chamber where the Demon King''s spirits had been sealed had appeared underground at Areishia Spirit Academy. This barrier probably had simr properties.

    It posed a challenge even for Lurie, who specialized in barrier magic.

    "So I see¡ª"

    Millennia Sanctus looked across the scorching desert.

    Suddenly, her rosebud-like lips bloomed with joy.

    "She is right there¡ª"

    "...?"

    "My older sister¡ªno, younger sister? I sense her. After all, she and I are cut from the same cloth."

    "Could it be that Ren Ashbell is here?"

    "Unmistakable. How did theye across clues to the Tomb, I wonder?"

    With her finger to her lip, Millennia smiled.

    "...Looks like I get to fight that boy again."

    Lurie Lizaldia showed a dark glimmer in her eyes.

    "Now that is something to look forward to. Ren Ashbell the Strongest de Dancer versus the winner of the de Dance fifteen years ago¡ªIf both sides were to go all out, who would win?"

    "¡ªYou know the answer already."

    Saying that, Lurie looked towards the ship.

    "Has the Lord fully awakened? Looks like the original schedule had to be rushed."

    "No, half-awakened at best."

    "Will that pose a problem?"

    "It is enough to crack open the barrier."

    Millennia swung her staff with a chuckle, causing it to ring.

    The ship''s side opened. The Sacred Spirit Knights began to lower arge box using a rope.

    A metallic box of pure white. The shape was reminiscent of a coffin.

    Led by Luminaris, the pdins all showed nervous expressions.

    At the Sacred Capital''sboratory facility, the entity sleeping in this coffin had incinerated militarized spirits into charcoal in a sh.

    Millennia Sanctus gently touched the edge of the coffin.

    Then she recited words of summoning used by Queens.

    "La ura me aluara shin, erul ragna volcas¡ª ig alusiagi im, ys areisia¡ª"

    Meaning "the great tyrant, present in eternal congration, transcending the logic of good and evil, the executor of judgment," this was High Ancient that only very few humans understood.

    In the distant past, these words of power had been lost during the era of the Spirit War¡ª

    "¡ªFirg fomalhaut volcanicus."

    The instant the incantation finished with words meaning "the incarnation of all mes on this ne"...

    The coffin''s lid instantly glowed red-hot and crimson mes surged forth.

    The astounding heat, which felt like it would burn all the flesh from one''s body, caused the surrounding knights to back away.

    Next¡ª

    Out of the zing crimson mes¡ªThat made its appearance.

    Namely¡ª

    A girl dressed in a vivid dress of scarlet.

    Her long crimson hair reached waist length. Her eyes were like rubies with brilliant mes dwelling within them.

    On her head were two curling horns.

    As exquisite as artwork made of ss, there was an air of fragility to her body.

    Enveloped in mes, the girl swept her gaze across the knights surrounding her with a cold inorganic expression on her face.

    Then her voice displeasure.

    "Are you the ones who dare to disturb my sleep?"

    Thus she spoke.

 Volume 17, 7 - The Demon Kingâ€™s Tomb

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 7 - The Demon King''s Tomb</h4>

    Part 1

    Feeling like he had been pranked by spirit...

    Kamito finished checking in at the front desk and entered his hotel room.

    It was simple and tidy room with a bed by the window and a small shelf for keeping valuables. The room area was notrge, but for amoner''s amodations, at least the bedsheets were clean and the floor had been perfectly swept. Even pampered daughters of nobility like ire and the girls would not haveints, probably.

    (...What the heck is up with that man?)

    Obviously, he was no ordinary merchant. However, Kamito found it hard to imagine him as a spirit either. The man was probably not a high-level spirit manifesting in human form.

    (...An elementalist?)

    ¡ªNo way. Even more impossible.

    In theory, Kamito was the only male elementalist. Oh well, it was possible there were imitation Demon Kings like Jio Inzagi whom he had fought before¡ª

    There was so much more to think about.

    Who was it, and with what intention, that made this Demon King''s Capital, which had been destroyed a thousand years ago, appear?

    Princess Sdia''s whereabouts. The purpose with which the Holy Kingdom had sent knights to the desert border.

    Also¡ª

    Kamito looked out the window.

    In his field of vision, the gigantic pyramid loomed no matter where he looked out in the streets.

    (...I knew it, my only choice is to try barging it, I guess?)

    Putting his luggage on the ground, Kamito called to the sacred sword in his hand.

    "Est, are you awake?"

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Est made her de glow in response. Kamito then said to her:

    "Let''s go on a date next."

    ''...!?''

    Part 2

    Having said that, Kamito left the hotel with Est.

    Normally, Est would remain in sword form when Kamito took her out to the Academy town to do shopping and other things, but today, Kamito asked her to stay in human form. Compared to wandering the streets with a sword, walking with a girl would be less likely to arouse suspicions, probably.

    Also, there were the dreams Est was havingtely.

    Kamito wanted to take her for a walk in the streets for a change of pace.

    "Kamito is truly the Demon King of the Night... Demon King indeed."

    "Wait a sec, I was just exaggerating when I called it a date."

    To avoid getting separated in the heavy crowds, Kamito was holding Est''s hand tightly.

    ...From an observer''s point of view, the two of them probably looked more like lovers on a date than a contracted spirit with her elementalist.

    Or perhaps, a pair of siblings who were close. No, or maybe¡ª

    (...A pedophile with a young girl in tow, I hope not?)

    Girls around firesides looked at Kamito while whispering in lowered voices. Surely they must be praising how cute Est was... He prayed that was the case.

    "But it has been such a long time since I went out with you like this."

    "Yeah, that''s right..."

    Back at the Academy, Kamito would take walks with Est in the Academy town on holidays. But ever since the de Dance began, the days had gone by so busily. Finding such an opportunity was not easy at all.

    As soon as the de Dance ended, Kamito had lost his memories and Est had ended up in a sealed state. When returning to the Academy from Laurenfrost, he had Restia on his other arm. It really had been so long since hest took a leisurely stroll with Est, just the two of them, like this.

    "Kamito, what is that?"

    "It''s a snake charmer act. I know how to perform simr acts too."

    "Such as?"

    "Knife throwing. It''s a required course at the Instructional School."

    Est seemed quite happy to Kamito. He wondered whether it was she enjoyed the rare hustle and bustle in the streets. Although to others'' eyes, she might be expressionless as usual, Kamito could tell.

    "By the way¡ª"

    Looking around the noisy za, Kamito muttered quietly.

    "...This feels different from the Demon King''s Capital I imagined."

    Although he did not think it would be one of those sinister demon cities surrounded by bramble forests, as told in ancient fairy tales, never did he expect it to be such a prosperous city. Let alone Mordis or Zohar, this level of prosperity rivalled that of Ordesia''s imperial capital.

    Also, people''s facial expressions were very cheerful. One could not see any fear from living under a Demon King''s tyranny at all.

    "...to, Kamito¡ª"

    "Hmm?"

    Feeling a tug on his sleeve, Kamito looked back...

    Only to see violet eyes gazing intently at him.

    "Kamito, I am hungry."

    "Oh right,e to think of it, you''ve been sleeping until now."

    The ultimate sword spirit''s only weakness was excessive power consumption. Spirits originally had no need to eat like humans, but Est''s situation was special. Due to the ipleteness of their contract, she had to rely on eating to some degree in order to replenish divine power.

    "Okay... How about we find a ce to eat?"

    Wondering if there were any shops selling food nearby, Kamito looked around.

    At that moment, Est pointed to the very center of the za.

    "Kamito, look over there¡ª"

    Her two violet eyes were glimmering.

    He followed her gaze, only to see a crowd gathered in front of a certain open-air stall.

    A brawny man kept rotating arge piece of meat on a skewer, roasting it.

    This was the kebab, a famous dish from the desert region. The shopkeeper would serve it by slicing off pieces of meat as necessary to roll up in a tbread together with plenty of vegetables.

    "Looks quite tasty."

    The roasted meat''s aroma was entering their nostrils, stimting their appetite.

    Est''s eyes were glued firmly to the rotating meat.

    Kamito smiled wryly then handed some money to the shopkeeper and bought a kebab. He had obtained the money earlier by exchanging with the mysterious merchant.

    "This is very delicious, Kamito."

    Holding the kebab in both hands, Est took bite after bite, eating expressionlessly.

    "d you like it."

    Seeing Est''s contentment in her expressionless face, Kamito felt relieved.

    Next, they walked towards the pyramid.

    The Demon King''s Capital was apparently built centered on the pyramid.

    (I remember Restia saying that the location was originally the Demon King''s pce¡ª)

    Suddenly curious, Kamito turned his attention to the spirit seal on his left hand.

    The link was still intact, but starting earlier, there had been no signs that she would heed his summons.

    Sigh, in Restia''s case, this was quite usual all along¡ª

    "Kamito¡ª"

    At this moment, Est gripped his hand tightly.

    "Yeah, what''s the matter?"

    "Right now, you are on a date with me, Kamito."

    It looked like she had noticed Kamito turning his attention to Restia.

    ...I can''t believe she dered a monopoly.

    "...Est."

    Facing Est who kept staring at him unerringly, Kamito could not help but smile wryly.

    "Fine, I''ll focus only on you right now."

    He gently gripped the cold little hand in return.

    "Then let''s do something a bit more date-like¡ª"

    Muttering, Kamito looked through the bazaars on the street and walked to a stall selling essories.

    It was a small shop selling items crafted from jewels and spirit crystals, amulets, etcid out on a rug.

    "...Est, which one do you want?"

    "...?"

    "It''s a gift for you."

    Kamito exined a little bashfully.

    "It''s so rare for me to buy this kind of thing for Est."

    After all, she was capable of recreating any object after seeing it, be it clothing or other stuff. As a result, Kamito normally bought her food or local souvenirs instead of essories.

    Hearing that, Est widened her eyes.

    "I am so happy, Kamito."

    She said quietly.

    "Kamito, please choose one that suits me. I will cherish it."

    "You''ll be happy if I chose it?"

    "Yes, Kamito. Your wish is mymand."

    "Hmm, one that suits you, huh..."

    The first thing that came to mind was ultimately kneesocks.

    ...But they probably did not sell kneesocks here.

    "I will be happy as long you are the one who chose it, Kamito."

    "T-Then... How about this?"

    Saying that, Kamito picked up a small ring with a sword motif on it. He thought this type of simple design would suit Est better than extravagant jewelry with gemstones.

    He handed the ring over to Est who expressionlessly held it, examining it.

    Then she ced the ring onto her ring finger, the finger that had symbolized the spirit contract since ancient times.

    "...Uh, do you like it?"

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Est looked up towards Kamito''s face.

    "Kamito, I will always be your contracted spirit, forever and ever."

    She spoke expressionlessly as always.

    Part 3

    "Are you the ones who disturbed my sleep?"

    The crimson-haired girl looked down at the pdins kneeling before her.

    A frightful heat wave was scorching the air. Confronted with the overwhelming presence exuding from the girl''s entire body, not only the Sacred Spirit Knights led by Luminaris but even Lurie too was holding her breath.

    (She is a Lord after all, even in a half-awakened state...)

    Fifteen years ago, Lurie had been granted an audience with the beings known as the Lords. The extreme terror she had experienced back then was returning vividly to her now.

    "Lord, we have awakened you in ordance to the covenant with my master."

    Saying that, Millennia Sanctus knelt and bowed to the girl.

    "Hmm¡ª"

    The girl addressed as "lord" exhaled with displeasure.

    "Covenent, huh? Indeed, I have exchanged a covenant with that lord."

    Saying that, she slowly surveyed the scenery around her.

    "Where is this?"

    "This is Ghul-a-val. And formerly known as the Zoldia Kingdom¡ª"

    "I do not recall such matters."

    "Because you have lost your memory, Lord."

    "¡ªIs that so? I see."

    The girl spoke with irritation.

    "And so, what is it that you petition for?"

    "We wish to borrow your power, Lord, to incinerate a barrier¡ª"

    "Oh? A barrier¡ª"

    Apparently noticing something, the girl turned her gaze to the distance in the desert.

    In the depths of her ruby-like eyes, the brilliant mes wavered slightly.

    "A dimensional crevice, huh? It is rare to see one sorge."

    "Can you destroy it?"

    "¡ªFoolish question. Do you mean to put me to a test?"

    "I wouldn''t dare."

    Millennia smiled and shook her head calmly.

    "A crafty hybrid."

    Murmuring, the girl slowly extended her hand towards the far side of the desert.

    Next¡ª

    "Dance, the crimson mes summoning destruction¡ªHell ze."

    A brilliant red glow appeared in the middle of her palm.

    The contracted ball of congration shot out as a sh of light.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    A gigantic explosion resulted, rivaling a meteor impact.

    The wind from the st swept through the surroundings, gouging the ground of red sand.

    Like an earthquake, the rumbling resounded all around. The pdins all went pale.

    "Th-This is what had... turned thend of Elstein into a sea of fire, the Lord''s... mes¡ª"

    These words leaked out from Luminaris, leader of the knights, who was out of breath.

    But she was notpletely right. This girl was not aplete Lord.

    At most, she was an avatar in the human realm, a manifestation of the Lord separated from the main body.

    Volcanicus¡ªThe Elemental Lord ruling over the fire element in this world.

    For a mere avatar to possess such power¡ª

    The zing mes of spirit magic disappeared into Astral Zero.

    Once the mes had subsided¡ª

    The Demon King''s Capital, shimmering like a mirage, made its appearance.

    Part 4

    The interior of Quseir Amra was asplicated as a maze due to continual disorganized expansion.

    Led by a female attendant, ire and the girls finally arrived at a public bath located in a different block.

    Areishia Spirit Academy''s purification facilities were essentially undecorated, contributing to an atmosphere of serenity. Here, the public bath was decorated with colorful flowers with beautiful natural scenery painted on the walls.

    "...What a beautiful ce for purification. It reminds me a lot of the Elstein hot springs."

    Using a towel to cover her still developing chest, ire could not help but exim in admiration.

    The bathing area, filled with steam, featured six gigantic tubs built from stone. Several young princess maidens were enjoying a soak in there. Mainstream purification facilities in the Theocracy tended to be sauna-style, using steam for body cleansing, but here, it looked like bathing was method.

    "So they use fire spirit crystals for heating water."

    "Just like the hot spring at Laurenfrost."

    Rinslet dipped her finger into a tub.

    "However, this is odd."

    Fianna cocked her head andmented.

    "How so?"

    "After all, this is Ghul-a-val, thend forsaken by the spirits. But this ces can use spirit crystals to heat such arge tub in a stable manner¡ª"

    "Now that you mention it, you are right..."

    If spirit mechanisms could operate stably in the desert, there would be no need for them to ride that old and battered sand ship here.

    "Sure enough, this city is affected by an extraordinary power..."

    "Well, putting that aside, let us bathe first."

    "I agree."

    The youngdies unwrapped their towels and headed to the purification showers.

    "...Hwah~ I knew it, hot springs are the best. It''s more effective than just a simple bath."

    After rinsing themselves at the showers, washing away the sand stuck to their hair, ire and the girls dipped themselves in thergest tub, filled with cloudy hot water.

    Soaked in hot water up to their shoulders, they instantly felt their entire body rx.

    "Hmm, it felt like the sand bath did not replenish much divine power. Perhaps because we were in Ghul-a-val..."

    Untying her ponytail, Ellis partially closed her eyes infort.

    "Say, Ellis... Did your boobs grow evenrger?"

    Saying that, ire stared at Ellis'' chest.

    "...! W-What are you talking about!? N-No such thing... I think..."

    Ellis went red with embarrassment, stammering. In fact, she recently started to feel that her Sylphid Knights armor was getting a bit tight.

    "Oh my, ire has gotten bigger too, just a tiny bit."

    "Hya!"

    Fianna pounced on ire from behind, grabbing her chest, causing ire to scream adorably.

    "...W-W-What, w-what are you doing, you perverted princess!?"

    "Dear me, did I guess correctly?"

    "Hmph, the bust-upping technique I taught her has finally shown results, I see."

    "...~~~~~~~!"

    ire''s crimson hair began to ignite, raising the water temperature all at once.

    "S-So hot...!"

    "This is a public bath, remember!"

    Rinslet hastily chanted spirit magic, dumping chunks of ice into the bath tub.

    Presumably hearing amotion, maidens in charge of massage services rushed over next, politely speaking in a foreign tongue to remind ire''s group to behave.

    ...Ignoring their masters''motion, the contracted spirits were enjoying their break on the side.

    Afraid of water, Scarlet was lying on a spirit crystal that had been heated red-hot, licking the spewing mes with her tongue. Simorgh was perched on a deciduous nt with wings outspread. Swimming in a tub, Fenrir was popr with princess maidens of other affiliations.

    Georgios'' steel affinity meant a particr weakness to steam, so instead of manifesting, he stayed in Astral Zero to rest.

    "Mmmm~... This is paradise..."

    ire stretched like a cat while drinkingplimentary rose-scented water. For ire, who grew up as a sheltered daughter of nobility, a harsh desert journey was still quite tiring for her.

    "Yes, we must thank that merchant."

    When Rinslet replied quietly¡ª

    "..."

    ire and the others fell awkwardly silent.

    "...W-What is the matter?"

    "Actually, about that¡ª"

    Ellis spoke seriously.

    "Was everything the merchant said actually true?"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Next, ire nodded with a solemn expression.

    "Although he doesn''t look like a bad guy, I think it''s dangerous to take his wordpletely. He said he''s a merchant from Zohar, but I really doubt the truth of that."

    Putting aside whether the kind Rinslet believed or not¡ª

    ire and the others found the merchant quite suspicious.

    The Sphinx that had appeared in the desert, this guardian spirit should have been tasked with determining whether a visitor was worthy of entering the Demon King''s Capital.

    Would it really help a mere copsed merchant?

    "I remember he said there were others brought here apart from himself. In any case, we should ask those people first¡ª"

    "...Assuming he was speaking the truth about that."

    In response to Fianna''s suggestion, ire shrugged and replied.

    "B-By the way..."

    At this moment, Ellis spoke with hesitation.

    "What''s the matter, Ellis?"

    "Umm, it dawned upon me once again just now... I-I am still afraid of dealing with m-men."

    "Y-Yes... I get it too."

    "Yes... I can sympathize."

    ...Hearing Ellis'' honestment, ire and Rinslet nodded.

    Although spending their days with Kamito had helped them adjust somewhat¡ª

    They were sheltered youngdies at the core.

    "Hmm, yet of all people, you''re not afraid of Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna pinched Ellis'' arm.

    "K-Kamito is special... Wait, w-what are you making me say!?"

    Ellis turned bright red in the face, steam rising from her head.

    "...Good grief, be more honest."

    While wringing her wet hair dry, Fianna spoke with exasperation.

    "...~Then Your Highness, what do you feel about..."

    "About what?"

    "...That is, uh... A-About Kamito... What do you feel¡ª"

    With Fianna staring straight at her, Ellis stammered ambiguously in contrast to her usual style of stern dignity.

    Seeing that, Fianna sighed and shrugged mildly, Then...

    "¡ªI love Kamito-kun."

    She said it simply.

    "Y-Your Highness!?"

    Ellis widened her brown eyes. ire and Rinslet also felt their hearts beating hard.

    Fianna also turned her gaze to the two of them, blushing while blowing bubbles on the water surface.

    "...How exactly do all of you feel?"

    "...I-I... uh... feel positive, a-about Kamito..."

    "M-Me too... Uh, umm..."

    Rinslet seemed particrly concerned and looked at ire.

    ire was blushing intensely, her mouth opening and shutting.

    "I-It''s not like I... l...love¡ª"

    "Love?"

    "...~~~~! O-Oooooh... F-Fine, I''ll say it!"

    ire cried out with almostplete resignation.

    "I love Kami¡ª"

    BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    At that instant, a thunderous explosion was heard and the public bath shook violently.

    "W-What the heck!?"

    "What is going on!?"

 Volume 17, 8 - The Queen of the Demon King City

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 8 - The Queen of the Demon King City</h4>

    Part 1

    "¡ªSay, this ce is crazy huge."

    This was the first thing Kamito said.

    Looking up from the base, he realized the pyramid was much bigger than he had imagined. Its size with put it on the same scale as Nefescal Pce in the Ordesia Empire.

    The pyramid was surrounded by arge garden, which served as evidence to support what Restia had said¡ªThis used to be the location of a pce.

    This raised the question, who was in charge of maintaining the garden? Keeping such a huge garden in good condition should require substantial manpower. Or perhaps the nts in this Demon King''s Capital did not grow?

    "The material... Metal?"

    Touching the wall of pure white, Kamito felt a cold texture.

    It did not feel like stone or tiles, at least.

    (...That Zohar merchant said there was no entrance.)

    Kamito walked around in the surroundings, but let alone an entrance, he could not even find a single crack in the wall.

    Although he could not be certain unless he went a full revolution around the perimeter, but theck of an entrance was probably true.

    "Okay, what should I do then...?"

    Confronted with this excessively huge building, Kamito did not know how to approach the problem at all. Thest time he felt this lost was when Greyworth sent him to tidy and clean a massive mansion.

    However, there should be no mistake that this pyramid was the Demon King''s Tomb.

    "Is there a password...? Or certain conditions need to be met in order to enter?"

    Kamito had wondered if the Sphinx might reappear to test him for worthiness to enter the Tomb. However, this guess evidently was off the mark.

    (...It''d save so much work if the Sphinx came.)

    Thinking that, Kamito turned to Est.

    "Est, can you take care of this?"

    "Yes, I am your beloved sword, Kamito. As such, there is nothing in the world that I cannot cut open."

    "What''s with this reasoning that I can''t understand... Anyway, might as well give it a try."

    "Leave it to me."

    Est puffed her chest out slightly and nodded.

    Hence, Kamito held Est''s hand and poured divine power into her.

    "Dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil¡ª

    Now form a sword of steel and be the power in my hand!"

    Est''s body immediately vanished into thin air. At the same time, the Demon yer appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    ''¡ªKamito, allow me to demonstrate my power of demon ying to you right now.''

    Even though he had not poured much divine power into the sword, the silver-white de was glowing brilliantly.

    ...Est seemed to be in a good mood today.

    "Then let''s go¡ª"

    Kamito took a step towards the wall.

    "Haaaaaaah!"

    He mustered his strength and swung the Demon yer forcefully.

    aaaaaang!

    With an ear-splitting sound¡ª

    Est''s de, glowing silver-white, sliced into the pyramid''s wall.

    (Great!)

    The attack worked. At least this was not indestructible.

    ''How is that, Kamito?''

    Est''s voice sounded a little proud.

    "Yeah, that''s my Est... Hmm, eh?"

    At this moment, Kamito noticed something.

    "E-Est... Y-You''re stuck!"

    ''...!?''

    With half its de embedded in the wall, the sacred sword could not budge the slightest.

    "I-I hope we''re not in trouble..."

    ''...Kamito, save me.''

    In a rare moment, Est''s voice sounded a little anxious for once.

    "H-Hold on, I''ll pull you out right away... Here, heave ho!"

    Kamito ced one foot on the wall and pushed hard, mustering his entire body''s strength to pull the sacred sword out.

    At that moment, his foot on the wall suddenly lost its footing.

    (...Huh?)

    Before he could savor this sense of dissonance...

    "...! Uwahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Suddenly, the wall cracked open to reveal a hole. Kamito fell as though being sucked in.

    Part 2

    "¡ª! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Swallowed by the pitch-ck vertical hole, too deep to fathom, Kamito kept falling.

    The wind rushed past his ears. The air pressure was making Kamito breathless.

    (...! I''m in big trouble now!)

    Unlikest time when falling down an ice valley in Laurenfrost...

    Even if he wanted to use his sword to slow down, there were no walls around him to stab at the moment.

    (Releasing divine power is possible to slow my descent¡ª)

    But doing that would only dy the inevitable.

    (...Tsk, what should I do!?)

    ''Kamito, please summon the darkness spirit¡ª''

    "...! R-Right¡ª!"

    Kamito raised his left hand and poured divine power into it.

    "¡ªCome, Restia!"

    The spirit seal on his left hand, featuring a moon crest, glowed brilliantly in the darkness.

    "..."

    ...However, there were no signs that the gate of summoning would open.

    (...Gah, th-that selfish spirit!)

    Kamito shouted in his heart.

    On further thought, she had been absent from his side at every critical moment. For example, three years ago, during Greyworth''s training when an archdemon-ss spirit was chasing him, she was in Astral Zero, enjoying snacks while taking a leisurely break.

    However, there was no time forining right now. Although Kamito had no idea where this hole led, if he fell to the bottom like this, surely what awaited him was...

    (...Crap, this might be the end of me.)

    Just as he thought that¡ª

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, his body floated up lightly.

    "...W-What''s going on?"

    His weight seemed to vanish all of a sudden.

    Floating in the darkness, Kamito slowly descended.

    "...I-I''m saved...?"

    Slowly descending in the bottomless darkness¡ª

    After a while, Kamito''s feet finally touched the ground.

    "..."

    Silence all around. Apart from his own noise, he could not hear any other sound.

    Kamito took a breath then had Est''s de glow.

    The brilliant light from the silver-white de instantly lit up the surroundings.

    Kamito had expected to be surrounded by inorganic metal¡ª

    "...! What is this ce!?"

    But illuminated by the sacred sword''s light, what entered his view was¡ª

    A scenepletely different from Kamito''s imagination.

    Before him was a ceiling with countless spirit crystals embedded and a huge temple hall. Heavy stone columns lined the center while intricate relief sculptures were carved on the walls.

    It did not look like a "tomb" from a thousand years ago at all.

    The impression was like a king''s pce.

    ''¡ªKamito, I know this ce.''

    Est''s de shed.

    "...Est, don''t tell me you regained your memory?"

    ''No, I did not. But this ce is¡ª''

    "¡ªThe Great Temple of the Celestial Demon. A thousand years ago, this was where the Demon King and the Sacred Maiden had their final battle."

    "...!?"

    Hearing the voiceing from above...

    Kamito jerked his head up.

    With jet-ck feathers floating down, a girl in a night-colored dress appeared out of thin air.

    "Restia¡ª!"

    Kamito eximed in surprise as the darkness spirit girl slowly descended in front of him.

    "Kamito, did you enjoy sightseeing outside?"

    "...Come on, I called you so many times."

    Kamito red at her.

    "In that case, my apologies. Inside this Tomb, connections to the outside world are not very smooth. However, I did hear your calls just now."

    "If that''s the case, you should''vee as soon as possible."

    "After all, I knew you wouldn''t fall to the very bottom. Was it exciting?"

    Seeing Restia''s adorable smile, Kamito sighed.

    "...So, what is this ce? The extravagant decoration doesn''t look like a tomb¡ª"

    "This is the Demon King''s pce. Or more precisely, this is a ce reconstructed with the pce as the model."

    Looking up at the Great Temple''s ceiling, she exined.

    "Are there any differences?"

    "The real pce is long gone. This is only a ce she created inside the Demon King''s Tomb, modeled on the original pce."

    "¡ªShe?"

    Kamito asked.

    "Yes, the master of this Demon King''s Tomb."

    "What?"

    Restia chuckled then looked towards a door that led to the depths of the hall.

    "Follow me, Kamito. The Queen of the Demon King City wishes to meet you."

    Part 3

    "...Say, are we there yet, Restia?"

    "Almost¡ª"

    While using the sacred sword''s de for illumination¡ª

    Kamito walked along what seemed to be an endless corridor.

    The master who had invited Kamito into the Tomb was apparently located in the deepest part of this pyramid.

    What kind of being was the ruler of this city?

    Restia had used "she" to refer to the ruler¡ª

    After walking for another ten minutes or so, a stone gate appeared before them.

    Embedded in the center of the gate was arge spirit crystal. Restia ced her hand on top and the gate slowly opened, its two doors opening to the sides.

    Inside the gate was darkness.

    "Here, Kamito."

    "Is it safe to go in?"

    Kamito asked a little nervously. Restia nodded silently.

    Lowering the faintly glowing sacred sword''s de, Kamito slowly stepped in.

    Instantly¡ª

    "¡ªI have waited a long time for you, Demon King''s sessor."

    "...!?"

    He heard a voice, as clear as ss. A blinding light then appeared.

    Kamito could not help but block the light with his hand.

    What appeared overhead of Kamito was¡ª

    A transparent crystal pir was hovering amid darkness in the air above.

    The pir shone with iridescence, spinning slowly.

    "Is this actually a spirit crystal?"

    Kamito widened his eyes, eximing in surprise.

    The iridescent glowing crystal was undoubtedly a single spirit crystal.

    However, thergest spirit crystal ever unearthed on the entire continent was small enough to hold in two hands. This kind of pir could not possibly exist.

    Kamito was stunned, his entire body frozen¡ª

    Soon, there was a change in the iridescence.

    In the center of the transparent crystal, a figure appeared.

    (...What?)

    Kamito focused his eyes on the iridescent glow.

    Only to see, emerging from the light¡ª

    A beautiful woman, herplexion as white as snow, wearing a dress of thin fabric.

    She looked slightly older than Kamito. Her pale and beautiful face was framed by a head of green hair evocative of emerald.

    Her eyes were as red as blood. The graceful lines of her ears ended in a pointed shape.

    Her beauty, sacred and invible, made Kamito hold his breath.

    "...A spirit?"

    He muttered, but no sooner had he spoken, he realized how stupid his words were.

    ¡ªA being of this sort could only be a spirit.

    This was the sixthpletely humanoid spirit that Kamito had encountered.

    Est. Restia. Iseria Seaward, the Water Elemental Lord''s incarnation whom they had met on Ragna Ys. Scarlet''s true form, Ortlinde. Finally, there was Bahamut, Dracunia''s Dragon King. Each and every one of them was a top-tier spirit with immense power.

    In that case, the spirit in front of him right now too¡ª

    Inside the shining crystal, her lips moved gently.

    "¡ªDemon King''s sessor. I have been waiting all along for your arrival."

    Her voice was as tender as a mother''s, yet as innocent as a young maiden''s at the same time.

    Hearing this voice, which plucked at one''s heartstrings, Kamito involuntarily lowered his guard.

    "...Waiting for me?"

    He asked honestly.

    "Yes, in this Tomb, for a thousand years¡ª"

    "A-A thousand years...?"

    What on earth was she talking about?

    Kamito turned his head back to look at Restia behind him.

    "...Uh, could you exin in simpler terms?"

    He asked for help.

    "...Say, do you two know each other?"

    "Know¡ªI suppose it counts, if it''s to the extent of knowing."

    Restia tilted her head, somewhat perplexed.

    "That sounds so vague."

    "Yes. In fact, she and I had never exchanged many words."

    "Huh..."

    "¡ªThere was no helping it."

    Just then, the spirit in the crystal spoke.

    "After all, she was the most excellent of weapons employed by him, spending the majority of her time on the battlefield. In contrast, I was the opposite, staying in this pce always¡ª"

    "...Him?"

    "Demon King Solomon."

    Hearing Kamito''s question, Restia replied.

    "...What!?"

    Hearing that, Kamito widened his eyes. Restia shrugged and drew near to his ear.

    "Didn''t I mention it at Mordis? The one and only spirit who had formed a contract with Demon King Solomon¡ª"

    "Oh..."

    Kamito remembered.

    Before setting off on the ship, he had definitely heard her mention it.

    "Then she''s¡ª"

    "Yes, indeed. She is the spirit Iris. The Queen of the Demon King City, watching over this Demon King''s Tomb for a thousand years all this time."

    Part 4

    "The spirit Iris¡ª"

    The only spirit trusted by Demon King Solomon, forming a spirit contract with him¡ª

    (...So that''s her?)

    Kamito stared intently at the spirit crystal floating in the air.

    The spirit referred to as Iris simply smiled calmly, gazing downwards at Kamito.

    "...Wait a sec. I remember you telling me that the spirit disappeared somewhere in Astral Zero after the Demon King''s death, right?"

    "Yes. That was what I honestly believed."

    Restia nodded.

    "However, I was wrong. She neither stayed in the human realm nor went to Astral Zero. Instead, she stayed here, watching over the Demon King''s Tomb¡ª"

    "In that case..."

    Saying that, Kamito took a breath then asked the spirit in the crystal.

    "Are you the one who created this Demon King''s Capital? Uh, and the residents here..."

    If that were true¡ª

    Her power would rival that of the Elemental Lords.

    But¡ª

    "No. The city was not created by my power."

    The Queen of the Demon King City shook her head slowly.

    "This city is a memory fragment, anchored to a gap between the human realm and Astral Zero by the Demon King''s power. I am simply using the Tomb''s power to maintain the status quo."

    "...Memory fragment?"

    The term used by the queen made Kamito especially curious.

    ...Coincidence? He remembered the merchant of Zohar saying the same thing.

    "The truth of the Demon King''s Capital consists of the Demon King''s memories from a thousand years ago, anchored in a dimensional gap. And the pyramid is a gigantic magic device for maintaining the city, right?"

    "Yes, this city, the people living here, I included... are all akin to illusions, only capable of existing in a dimensional gap."

    "...I''ll be frank. I don''t understand anything about magic."

    Kamito spoke while scratching his head.

    If Fianna were here, she probably could give him a detailed exnation.

    "This city is a legacy of the Demon King who was vanquished a thousand years ago. And you''re the one maintaining this city, is that right?"

    "Essentially. This understanding is correct."

    The city''s residents, disappearing when they exited the city walls, no different from living humans in appearance, were actually created ording to the Demon King''s memories.

    Also, this ce was apparently not the human realm familiar to Kamito.

    Demon King Solomon''s contracted spirit.

    For as long as a thousand years, she had kept watch over the Demon King''s coffin and his memories.

    Was it out of loyalty to the Demon King, or perhaps¡ª

    Thinking that, Kamito noticed he had not asked about the key point.

    "So why have you invited you here, my queen?"

    Logically speaking, she would not want anyone to know of the existence of this Demon King City.

    However, the Sphinx had judged Kamito''s worthiness, then led him to this dimensional gap.

    For what purpose?

    "Because there are matters I must convey to his sessor."

    The queen spoke.

    "You have things to tell me?"

    "Yes. I simply wish to convey the truth to you. I hope you will not make the same mistake as he did¡ª"

    (...Mistake?)

    Kamito wondered in his mind.

    What mistake was she talking about as the Demon King''s contracted spirit?

    "Please touch the crystal, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Just then, the queen called out Kamito''s name for the first time.

    "Don''t worry, it''s only temporary, to synchronize your minds together."

    Kamito looked at Restia.

    Restia gave him a light nod.

    "..."

    After some brief hesitation, Kamito slowly reached up above his head.

    To be honest, he was still a bit on guard¡ª

    But he chose to trust Restia''s judgment.

    When his fingertips touched the crystal''s surface the iridescent light instantly glowed brighter.

    (...!?)

    At that moment, Kamito''s view turned pure white.

    At the same time, massive memories rushed into his mind.

    (This is...!)

    "Please understand. What exactly happened a thousand years ago¡ª"

    The spirit Iris'' voice echoed in his ear¡ª

    Kamito''s consciousness then flew far away.

    Part 5

    A thousand years ago¡ª

    Back when Ghul-a-val was still a ce of fertilend.

    A boy was born in a small vige near the Zoldia Kingdom''s border.

    "The boy''s name was Solomon Yelsion. Although male, he was able to use spirits just as princess maidens could¡ª"

    Images of of the boy employing all kinds of spirits appeared in Kamito''s view.

    The images were not clear, but Kamito could see that the boy was simr to him in age. He had long ck hair. Quite tall. He seemed more strongly built than Kamito.

    (...So this is Demon King Solomon?)

    Kamito stared intently at the image.

    Possibly because he had seen himself wearing that skull mask at Mordis, Kamito''s image of the Demon King did not match this boy at all.

    "He was a kind-hearted young man both wise and brave. He never used spirits for personal desires. Instead, he used his power to fight magic beasts and spirits that threatened humans¡ª"

    The images projected in Kamito''s mind kept changing like flowing water.

    The young man saved human viges, vanquished malicious spirits, and protected his country from greedy conquerors.

    Finally, he began to be known as a hero, obtaining status only second to the king. Commending him on his achievements, the king even gave his only daughter''s hand in marriage to him.

    The people of the kingdom praised the hero, hoping for him to be the next king.

    So long as the hero Solomon lived, the kingdom''s prosperity would continue. That was what everyone believed.

    However¡ª

    "Some people were jealous of his exploits and felt deeply offended. They were retainers and generals who had served the kingdom since antiquity, as well as elders of the princess maidens whomanded spirits¡ª"

    (...All too natural.)

    Kamito silently muttered in his thoughts.

    Whether a thousand years ago or now, human nature was not much different. The coup d''etats urring Ordesia and the Theocracy earlier were proof of that.

    "They used all kinds of underhanded plots, trying to bring down the hero, hoping to uncover his crimes. However, they did not seed. Because they could not find a single w in the noble and virtuous hero¡ª"

    The king''s retainers fabricated unfavorable reports about the hero, but their ns were foiled one after another by the hero''s own actions and behavior. Someone even tried to send assassins to kill the hero, but they soon realized it was futile. The hero Solomon was protected by the blessing of spirits at all times.

    In the end, the viins'' nefarious schemes were exposed to the king.

    "Enraged with his scheming retainers, the king ordered them to be sent to spirits as live sacrifices. However, Solomon pleaded with the king to be lenient. Thus, the viins'' lives were saved by the hero they hated."

    The hero generously forgave them. No one never made mistakes. Everyone had times of mental weakness. He hoped they could all work together for the kingdom''s prosperity, that was what he said¡ª

    "The people who tried to harm him felt deeply ashamed and repented. However, a small minority hated him even more after this incident¡ª"

    These retainers acted repentant on the surface but secretly watched the hero eagerly in hopes of finding any misstep. Some people became the hero''s loyal subordinates while others maintained friendly ties with him.

    Thus, a few yearster, the chance they were waiting for finally arrived.

    "Favored son of the spirits, Solomon Yelsion. Pure, virtuous and wless, he who held the title of hero,mitted a great taboo¡ª"

    Saying that, the queen sighed deeply.

    "...Taboo?"

    "He fell in love with a girl of the Elfim race, the kingdom''s enemy¡ª"

    The scenery before Kamito''s eyes changed.

    Next to appear was an image of a forest maiden with green hair and crimson eyes.

    "...An Elfim?"

    "Apparently that is the name nowadays."

    The spirit Iris smiled.

    "They were early humans who migrated from Astral Zero during the ancient past. Their descendants were known as the Elves back then. A thousand years ago, the Elves allied with the spirits to oppose the human kingdom in order to protect the Primordial Forest."

    Several battles had taken ce between the Zoldia Kingdom and the Elves. Although the Elvescked numbers, the forest spirits wielded formidable powers, hence they were able to put up a stalwart resistance over many years.

    The hero and the forest maiden fought many times on the battlefield¡ª

    Over this process, they fell in love.

    The girl had betrayed the forest vige that had raised her, whereas Solomon had betrayed the kingdom.

    Even though he had married the king''s daughter, he still fell in love with an Elf and even had a child with her.

    Find out this had happened, the viinous retainers were overjoyed and secretly reported to the king.

    They imed the hero was scheming with the Elves and was preparing to sell out the kingdom¡ª

    "Hearing that the hero was a traitor, the king flew into a wild rage. Then he ordered his generals to set out on a punitive expedition to the Elven vige where the forest maiden lived¡ª"

    A scene of the forest, burning in a crimson ze, was yed before Kamito''s eyes.

    Voices of the Elves, filled with sorrow and hatred, echoed in his ears.

    "The vige was burned down. The forest maiden and the hero''s child... were killed."

    That day, the young man formerly known as the hero turned into the incarnation of wrath.

    He raised a manner of rebellion against the kingdom, fighting alongside the forest spirits.

    Against the former hero who singlehandedly fought across many battlefields, the royal army fought a difficult campaign.

    But after months of battle, in the end¡ª

    The hero fell into a trap and was arrested atst.

    He was subjected to harsh torture. His throat was crushed, his entire body was stripped of the spirit seals, and his powerpletely taken away¡ª

    Then in such a powerless state, he was dragged before the kingdom''s people.

    The popce, who used to praise him nonstop as a hero, used their same mouths to curse him and throw rocks at him.

    At this time, the young man formerly known as the hero despaired for the first time,menting his own stupidity.

    What was it that he had spent his life protecting?

    On the execution tform, he turned to the heavens and cursed mankind.

    "¡ªAt that moment, a voice responded to him."

    "...A voice?"

    Kamito suddenly an rming thought, about the voice the Demon King had heard. Was it the same voice that had called to Kamito before, the voice of the Darkness Elemental Lord?

    But Restia had previously told Kamito at Mordis.

    The Demon King I knew had not awakened the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power¡ª

    "¡ªNo, it was not the Darkness Elemental Lord''s voice."

    The queen refuted the idea.

    "Huh?"

    If the voice heard by the hero Solomon did note from the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª

    Whose voice was it...?

    "It was one of the Elemental Lords, rulers of this world, that made contact with him¡ª"

    The spirit Iris spoke the name in a whisper.

    Holy Lord Alexandros¡ªLeader of the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    "...!?"

    Hearing such unexpected words, Kamito gasped.

    Alexandros.

    The Lord of Light, considered the greatest out of all the Elemental Lords.

    Also the Elemental Lord who was somehow absent when Kamito won the de Dance three years ago.

    ¡ªThat name, why did ite up now?

    "The Holy Lord offered some sort of contract to him at the verge of death who had cursed the world¡ª"

    The spirit Iris continued.

    "...Contract?"

    "The Holy Lord told him that his beloved maiden could rise from the dead if he used the power of miracles beyond the human world. And that power would also bring him strength¡ª"

    On the execution tform, the hero Solomon asked the voice.

    ''One who offers me temptation, what is the price?''

    The Holy Lord answered him.

    ¡ªThou shalt be the Demon King to bring chaos and destruction to the world.

    (...!?)

    Kamito felt confused. Countless questions arose in his mind.

    The Holy Lord should know that Solomon was the reincarnation of the enemy, Darkness Elemental Lord.

    Why would an Elemental Lord, supposed to maintain order in the world, hope for chaos and the world''s destruction?

    "He formed a contract with the Holy Lord and epted the miracle transcending the human world. What transpired afterwards is as recorded in history and passed to the present day¡ª"

    Having obtained the power of miracles, he ughtered all the kingdom''s people who were present.

    Then he killed the king, killed the retainers, killed the princess who used to be his wife¡ª

    Inside the incinerated pce of the Zoldia Kingdom, he gave a mighty roar.

    Thus, the young elementalist, formerly known as the hero¡ª

    He was reborn as the most terrifying Demon King in history.

    Part 6

    ¡ªHis view turned nk.

    Kamito opened his eyes, only to see before him the crystal where the spirit Iris was sealed.

    "¡ªThis is the truth that I hoped to convey, sessor."

    "..."

    Kamito gently drew back his fingers from the crystal''s surface and gazed at her face.

    Green hair, reminiscent of the fresh verdure of forests. Crimson eyes, as red as blood.

    The graceful lines of her ears were characteristic of that race.

    "Looks like the Holy Lord kept his promise with the Demon King¡ª"

    With mixed feelings on his face, Kamito whispered.

    He realized her true identity... In other words, that happened.

    "Your guess is correct. The Holy Lord granted him the power of miracles and resurrected me. I lived again, but this time as an imperishable being that would never know death again¡ªa spirit."

    Resurrecting the dead¡ªthere was only one power in this world, capable of such a miracle.

    ¡ªThe boon awarded by the Elemental Lords, to each winner of the de Dance.

    "¡ªHaving obtained power from the Holy Lord, lost in his hatred for the world, heunched a war that swept across the entire continent. I failed to stop it. His heart was already corrupted by destruction. All I could do was face destiny together with him, to apany him until the end of his life as the Demon King''s one and only contracted spirit."

    The Queen of the Demon King City looked squarely into Kamito''s eyes and said.

    "I only invited you here to tell you the truth. I hope you will not make the same mistake as him¡ª"

    Demon King Solomon was the young man formerly known as the hero.

    But lost in hatred, he fell to be the one known as the Demon King.

    ...No one could guarantee that the same would not happen to Kamito.

    Putting aside the iprehensible Holy Lord for now¡ª

    Kamito had almost gotten swallowed by the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power on several asions now.

    "...I understand things now, but what should I do?"

    Kamito asked the queen.

    He did not think he would end up like Demon King Solomon, but¡ª

    "¡ªI have a suggestion, sessor."

    The spirit Iris replied calmly.

    "Suggestion?"

    "Have you ever thought about living here in this Demon King''s Capital?"

    "¡ªHuh?"

    Kamito involuntarily made a stupid sound.

    "...Uh, what do you mean?"

    ...The leap of logic was too great. His mind could not keep up.

    Living in this city?

    "This is a dimensional gap isted from both the human realm and Astral Zero. Neither the Elemental Lords nor your enemies should be able to find you here. In that case, there would be no need for you to fight. The Darkness Elemental Lord''s power would not awaken and you shall be able to live in peace, at this eternal city where time repeats for perpetuity¡ª"

    "..."

    After listening to Iris¡ª

    Kamito took a breath and looked towards Restia.

    "Indeed, this could very well be the safest ce on the continent. At the very least, it might be better than being on the run from the Ordesia Empire."

    "...! Restia!?"

    "I am just stating facts, Kamito. No matter where you go, be it to the ends of the world, I shall always stay by your side¡ª"

    Restia''s dusk-colored eyes were gazing at Kamito.

    "If it is your wish, the concubines you have brought could also live here too."

    "...They''re not my concubines."

    Correcting the queen, Kamito looked down at his feet.

    A ce of serenity, where time was eternal.

    Indeed, staying here might be safe. Whether the Darkness Elemental Lord or the Holy Kingdom, he could forget them all and live in peace.

    That being said, Kamito had absolutely no wish to be the Demon King¡ª

    ...But suppose ire or any of the girls in hispany were to be killed in front of him?

    To be honest, Kamito could not be sure he would be able to control himself then.

    Then there was the fact that he had forsaken everything in the past for the sake of finding Restia¡ª

    "I..."

    Just as Kamito clenched his fist hard.

    There was a noise from above. The pyramid shook slightly.

    "...What the heck?"

    "...! Could it be!?"

    The spirit Iris eximed in shock.

    "What happened?"

    "¡ªIntruders. Someone has destroyed the pyramid''s barrier."

 Volume 17, 9 - Lurie Lizaldia

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 9 - Lurie Lizaldia</h4>

    Part 1

    BOOOOOOOOOM!

    A crimson zing fireball struck the pyramid directly from the front.

    This wall, which ordinary spirit magic could not harm in the slightest, instantly had a hole melted by the fire.

    Residents of the Demon King City scattered and fled screaming. Even these virtual life forms created from the Demon King''s memories felt fear¡ª

    Sparks flying in the wind were reflected in the eyes of the girl standing in front of the Tomb.

    The girl simply stared at the melted wall emotionlessly.

    "¡ªSo this is the extent of my current power, I see."

    The girl bowed her head, looking at her palm, murmuring calmly.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights serving as bodyguards were watching her with terror on their faces.

    To think she would dismiss her mes, capable of vaporizing militarized spirits in an instant, of being merely "this extent"¡ª

    "Blowing away the Tomb would be a piece of cake if full power were recovered, I suppose."

    Millennia Sanctus said.

    Even though her words were slightly disrespectful towards a lord, the girl did not care.

    "I have no interest in a tomb. Rather¡ª"

    Saying that, she looked to the streets in the opposite direction.

    "I would like to have another look at a human city."

    "Elemental Lord, you are interested in a human city?"

    Luminaris could not help but interject her doubt.

    "Is there anything wrong with that?"

    "N-Not at all. Forgive my insolence!"

    Luminaris'' voice trembled as she hastily knelt on the ground.

    The girl cast a cold ze upon her then...

    "I have fulfilled the covenant. Here on, I shall do as I please."

    Saying that, she walked towards the za.

    "...W-Will there be a problem, Cardinal!?"

    With a panicking expression, Luminaris asked.

    "Uh... L-Letting that kind of monster run loose like this¡ª"

    "She isn''t that easy to control."

    The one to reply was Lurie Lizaldia.

    "Just let her do as she wants, since our master''s covenant continues to restrain her, after all. Well, I suppose bodyguards ought to be arranged¡ªor should I say, surveince?"

    "Understood...!"

    Luminaris bowed, took a few subordinates with her and ran after the girl.

    "Very well¡ª"

    Lurie turned around and stared at the hole melted in the Demon King''s Tomb.

    "The path is opened. Time to wee the sleeping princess, Millennia."

    Part 2

    "...Intruders?"

    Kamito asked Iris. Ordinary attacks should not be able to breach the walls of this Demon King''s Tomb¡ª

    However, the Queen of the Demon King City stared at the ceiling gravely.

    "A human elementalist. Also, the other one is... a spirit? No, incorrect... A being neither human nor spirit, ising towards here."

    "A being neither human nor spirit?"

    "Yes, approaching a spirit in fundamental nature, but with an unfathomable side¡ª"

    "¡ªMillennia Sanctus."

    Just then, Restia spoke up.

    "A cardinal of the Holy Kingdom''s. At Dracunia, she tried to assassinate the Dragon King¡ª"

    "That girl huh..."

    Memories from the attack on the Academy shed through Kamito''s mind.

    Covered by an eye patch, her left eye contained Otherworldly Darkness capable of rendering Elemental Lords insane.

    That girl definitely felt somehow different from ordinary spirits¡ª

    "So the Holy Kingdom''s knights have found this city?"

    "Evidently."

    "...No way, that is impossible!"

    The spirit Iris'' voice trembled.

    "In theory, unless judged worthy by the Sphinx, other people should have no way of reaching this ce, let alone finding it¡ª"

    "But reality is that people havee. So that''s that."

    Kamito shrugged and said.

    "Those people must have their eyes on the Demon King''s coffin you are guarding."

    "...!"

    The queen widened her crimson eyes.

    ording to Rubia, the Holy Kingdom''s knights had started exploring Ghul-a-val even before Princess Sdia made her way to the desert. In that case, their target probably was neither the princess nor Kamito''s group, instead, it would be something hidden inside this Demon King''s Tomb.

    (But it''s hard to imagine they''d really believe in a legend about the Demon King''s power lying dormant in the coffin¡ª)

    Looking at the ceiling, Kamito ced his hand on the hilt of the Demon yer.

    Then staring into the queen''s eyes, he said simply.

    "That suggestion just now... Sorry, I have to refuse. Living here in peace might not be bad, but it looks like the situation won''t allow me to do that."

    In the end, he had to rely on himself to protect what he cared about and ces he considered home.

    That was precisely the basic t that Greyworth had imparted to him.

    "I see."

    The Queen of the Demon King City shook her head sorrowfully.

    "How unfortunate. However, I cannot stop your decision. In fact, the peace of this city is being broken right before my eyes."

    "Yes, the peace is broken."

    Kamito responded.

    "But don''t worry. I will protect what you have devoted yourself to protecting."

    After all, the Kamito had to settle his score with the Holy Kingdom sooner orter.

    They had tried to target Restia during the de Dance, then attacked Areishia Spirit Academy.

    One would expect them to know of Kamito''s presence here by now.

    "I am very grateful, sessor. I only wish to guard the one who sleeps in peace."

    The Queen of the Demon King City bowed deeply to Kamito.

    "Yeah, just leave it to me. Although we''re not blood-rted, Demon King Solomon counts as an ancestor of sorts for me, I guess¡ª"

    Hearing Kamito''s casual joke, the queen smiled happily.

    "Indeed. Then I shall offer you, his descendant, a little gift."

    "...Gift?"

    Kamito asked in surprise¡ª

    Only to see the queen begin reciting unfamiliar verses in High Ancient.

    In the next instant...

    A vortex of darkness appeared over Kamito''s head, then something fell into his arms.

    "¡ªPlease take this, Ren Ashbell, Demon King''s sessor."

    "This is...?"

    Looking down at the pitch-ck fabric in his arms, Kamito asked with puzzlement.

    "...! That''s the Garb of the Lord, Kamito."

    "...Garb of the Lord?"

    Hearing the darkness spirit speak in excitement for once, Kamito asked.

    "It is the legendary item worn by Demon King Solomon on the battlefield."

    "...! N-No way!?"

    Kamito almost let go of the pitch-ck fabric.

    "Yes, this ck garment is undoubtedly what he had worn. The high-density curse woven into the fabric is capable of absorbing spirit magic of all affinities and deflecting enemy des."

    "A-A curse... Is that really okay? Uh, like, would I get cursed..."

    "Please rest assured. It will have minimal effect on you, who possesses the power of darkness."

    "I-I see..."

    ...Then without the power of darkness, what would happen to the wearer?

    (I somehow feel scared to ask...)

    "You definitely need to ept this, Kamito!"

    Restia kept pping her jet-ck wings.

    ...For as long as he could remember, Restia would always get strangely excited about magic artifacts.

    "...G-Got it. Then I''ll ept this with thanks."

    Kamito opened up the ck garment and draped it over his Academy uniform.

    ...What material was this made of? It felt almost weightless.

    Impervious to weapons, capable of absorbing spirit magic, were such ims really true?

    "Now that you have put on the real thing... I feel that you exhibit some Demon King style atst."

    "Fufu, it looks great on you, Kamito."

    ''Dark Kamito, very dashing.''

    Restia aside, even Est was speaking like that now.

    ...What the heck is Dark Kamito?

    "It really looks great."

    Looking at Kamito in that outfit¡ª

    The queen seemed to reminisce, her eye lids partially lowering, her eyes showing a gentle look.

    "¡ªGood luck."

    Part 3

    "No mistake, it''s the Holy Kingdom''s knights."

    Looking down at the za, ire said quietly.

    "...! How on earth did they get here!?"

    Hearing that, Ellis lowered her voice and murmured.

    "Who knows? Did they defeat the Sphinx too?"

    They were on a bell tower tall enough to get a view of the whole za.

    After hearing the explosion while they were at Quseir Amra, ire and the girls immediately put on their uniforms. ire and Ellis, with her outstanding mobility, were the first to go scouting.

    Looking down, they saw a scene of horrifying destruction.

    From the city gate to the pyramid, all the buildings along this straight line had vanishedpletely.

    (Why would they do that...?)

    It was impossible to understand withmon sense.

    Was it merely to open a path to the pyramid?

    "No matter what, their goal must be the Demon King''s Coffin hidden there, right?"

    "Yes..."

    While hiding behind a pir on the bell tower, Ellis agreed quietly. Although she had used wind magic to inste sound, preventing them from being heard in theory, there were no downsides to being careful and alert.

    "Enemy numbers, roughly ten or so. A conservative estimate would include militarized spirits, I suppose."

    "Hmm, that Luminaris Saint Leisched is here too¡ª"

    Looking down at the za, ire calmly analyzed the enemy''sbat potential.

    The enemy consisted of spirit knights under the military. More than likely, they were an elite unit.

    Although the two of them could hold their own against spirit knights after their training at Dracunia, fighting against so many at the same time would be unwise.

    (Also¡ª)

    ire kept her eyes on a girl standing in the center of the za.

    It was an adorable young girl with long crimson hair and dressed in a scarlet dress.

    (Who is that child...?)

    ire gulped.

    She could feel pressure that made one break out in cold sweat even when looking from afar.

    "She is a high-level spirit. Probably on Ortlinde''s level, maybe even higher¡ª"

    "...Not an enemy we can handle."

    Ellis agreed. Her forehead showed perspiration too.

    "You still haven''t reached Kamito yet?"

    "No. I sent out wind familiars over arge area just now, but¡ª"

    "...Tsk, damn him. Where did he go at such a critical time!?"

    "Hmm, I think he probably has not noticed the situation..."

    Ellis murmured with worry.

    "Let''s go back to meet up with Fianna and the others."

    "I agree. It would be best to relocate Her Highness to somewhere safe."

    Just as they were about to stop scouting and retreat...

    ¡ªBone-chilling terror.

    "...!?"

    Feeling like someone had grabbed her heart, ire''s entire body froze.

    "What is the matter, ire?"

    "...Ugh, El...lis... Run now¡ª"

    "What?"

    Ellis looked back towards the za, only to see¡ª

    The crimson-haired girl staring straight in their direction.

    "Are we found!?"

    At this distance, with a wind barrier to boot. Impossible!

    A small fireball appeared in the girl''s palm.

    The fireball flew over with a whoosh.

    "Ellis!"

    "...! Vicious wind, rampage!"

    It was a split-second decision.

    The fireball flying head on was about to hit the bell tower.

    The magic spear generated countless vacuum des to intercept.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    An explosion. The spreading mes instantly engulfed the surroundings.

    "Kyahh!"

    Blown away by the st, the two girls were tossed into the air.

    "...! Simorgh!"

    In the air, Ellis released her elemental waffe. Appearing out of thin air, the demon wind spirit caught the two falling girls and repelled the howling wave of scorching mes with a Wind Wall.

    "Ellis, we''re saved...!"

    "...! What is going on!?"

    With a dust cloud blocking their view, the twonded on a mountain of copsed debris.

    Standing with zing mes all around, ire wiped sweat from her forehead.

    They were surrounded by intense mes. They had not seen anyone near the bell tower, so there were apparently no casualties¡ª

    "W-What on earth was with that firepower... Isn''t it spirit magic?"

    The instant just before the explosion, they had seen a small fireball on the fingertips of the girl.

    Could such a small fireball cause such great destruction in an instant?

    "It does look quite simr to Fireball magic¡ª"

    "You are saying this was Fireball!?"

    Hearing ire''s murmurs, Ellis groaned.

    Fireball was a beginner''s spell in fire magic with mediocre firepower.

    For example, a Fireball cast by ire, even with a full incantation, would blow away a house at best.

    "Insolent ones. That was no Fireball just now¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Hearing a girl''s voice, ire and Ellis turned their heads back.

    Only to see¡ª

    Standing there was the girl from za just now.

    She had long crimson hair. On the sides of her head were what seemed to be curved horns.

    Wearing a scarlet dress, the girl was standing on the copsed bell tower, haughtily looking down at them.

    "¡ªIt was re Burst."

    "...! What!?"

    "re Burst, you say?"

    re Burst was a type of diversion spell that used shing light to distract the enemy''s vision by firing off countless balls of light from one''s palm. Its damage potential was virtually zero.

    But that attack just now¡ª

    (...No way, it was even more powerful than my Hell Breath!)

    Hell Breath was the strongest fire spell in ire''s arsenal of spirit magic.

    Although ire''s rational mind rejected the idea that the attack was just meant to scare¡ª

    The girl exuded overwhelming pressure.

    As a princess maiden, ire''s natural talent rivaled that of Fianna''s. Her sharp intuition made her even more able than Ellis to sense the powerful aura in front of them.

    However, ire used her extraordinary willpower to re at this unfathomable spirit.

    "Y-You, who exactly are you? You''re the one who destroyed the city, right!?"

    Next¡ª

    "¡ªAre you asking for my true name? Little girl."

    "...!?"

    zing mes surged from all over the girl''s body.

    A dust cloud billowed. ire and Ellis could not help but back away.

    "I am displeased by your rude stares. What gives you the gall to look down at me? If your answer fails to satisfy me¡ª"

    The girl''s figure suddenly vanished like a mirage.

    In the next instant, she appeared right before ire and Ellis all of a sudden.

    "Death is the punishment."

    "...Ah... ooh...!"

    ire''s entire body was frozen, like a mouse under a cat''s stare.

    The terrifying pressure had paralyzed her legs.

    Just then¡ª

    "Hisssss!"

    From a vortex of me appearing in the air, a crimson hell cat jumped out to block the girl.

    With intensely burning mes released from her entire body, she threatened the spirit in front of them.

    "Scarlet!"

    "Oh?"

    Staring at the hell cat at her feet, the girl seemed surprised.

    "An amazing spirit. I can see that it is a named spirit."

    She instantly discerned Scarlet''s rank, but remained unfazed.

    (...This implies how powerful this spirit is¡ª)

    With sweat emerging from her forehead, ire desperately racked her brain.

    Was there any way to create an opening to escape while this spirit was not attacking with full strength?

    Ellis, with the protection of wind, might be able to escape on her own. But with her sense of chivalry, she would never agree to such a suggestion.

    Just then¡ª

    "Hmm..."

    Did she recall something?

    The spirit with a girl''s appearance kept looking back and forth between the hell cat at her feet and ire.

    Then¡ª

    Extending her index finger, she lightly pointed at ire''s nose.

    "...!"

    Bracing herself for a fireball to be shot out from the fingertip, ire closed her eyes.

    "¡ªI have changed my mind."

    "...Huh?"

    ire opened her eyes and made a stupid sound.

    "I like you. Hence, I shall overlook your crime of looking down at me."

    "U-Uh..."

    "What now? Are you dissatisfied?"

    Seeing the girl frown, ire hastily shook her head.

    "N-No! B-But why so suddenly..."

    "A feeling... You greatly resemble..."

    "Greatly resemble? Who?"

    "...Who? I do not know either."

    "...?"

    A questioning look appeared on ire''s face.

    "But in my memory, there is a princess maiden with a face quite simr to yours."

    The girl''s clear eyes, like rubies, stared at ire''s face.

    (...W-What is up with this girl?)

    The girl was undoubtedly a high-level spirit, absurdly powerful.

    But for such a powerful spirit¡ª

    Why would she show such an unsettled expression?

    (...Also, a princess maiden who resembles me a lot?)

    At this moment, the girl slowly reached out and caught the sleeve of ire''s uniform.

    "Hell cat girl, I can pardon your crime, but you must follow my orders."

    "...Huh?"

    ire could not help but react.

    ...What was she going to demand?

    (Will she take Ellis as a sacrifice in exchange for sparing my life?)

    ire would never agree to such a demand¡ª

    Looking straight at ire, the girl spoke.

    "Show me around this city¡ª"

    Part 4

    Wearing the Garb of the Lord over his clothes, Kamito quickly passed through the corridor leading to the Great Temple of the Celestial Demon.

    The ce where the Demon King and the Sacred Maiden''s final duel had taken ce.

    He would be able to wield his dual swords freely in that ce.

    The intruder was Cardinal Millennia Sanctus.

    In that case, his opponent would not be someone from a lower tier like Luminaris. If his hunch was correct, the other intruder would be none other than the former Numbers knight who had apanied Millennia in the attack on the Academy.

    (Lurie Lizaldia, huh?)

    He had fought her just once.

    It was underground beneath the Academy town, in the ce called the Demon King''s Burial Chamber¡ª

    At the time, Kamito had amnesia.

    (An elementalist extremely skilled in martial arts. She is stronger than any Numbers knight I have fought.)

    However, she was inferior to Greyworth. This was Kamito''s impression of her.

    Still, she apparently had not gone all out back then¡ª

    "Restia, about what the queen said¡ª"

    Suddenly remembering something, Kamito spoke to the demon sword of darkness in his hand.

    ''What is it?''

    "Is it true? She said the Holy Lord offered a contract to Demon King Solomon."

    ''This is my first time hearing of it. I never thought the Demon King''s birth would involve the leader of the Elemental Lords¡ª''

    "Figures. You didn''t know either."

    ''Yes, I mentioned it before. To the Demon King, I was nothing more than an excellent weapon. I was normally sealed in the ring, forbidden from speaking to him like this. Now that I think about it, he might have known that I was the guide created by the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª''

    "Legends describe him as using seventy-two spirits. But for the Demon King, only thatdy Iris was his true contracted spirit..."

    While running, Kamito muttered with a strange expression.

    "But if what she said was true, why would Holy Lord Alexandros form such a contract with the Demon King?"

    Logic dictated that the Five Great Elemental Lords should be responsible for maintaining peace and order in the world.

    Hence, that was why they fought the Darkness Elemental Lord who disrupted the world''s bnce.

    Then why...?

    (A thousand years ago, was the Holy Lord already insane, corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness?)

    If that were true, it made some sense, but¡ª

    (Three years ago, the day I won the de Dance, the Holy Lord''s throne was empty¡ª)

    ...Starting when had it been empty? Fifteen years ago, at the previous tournament, or twenty-four years ago when Greyworth won?

    Why was the Holy Lord''s throne the only one empty?

    The mystery was impossible to ravel.

    ¡ªWas the Holy Lord really corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness?

    (...No matter what, the only way to find out is to ask those Holy Kingdom people, right?)

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia was a religious country that worshiped Holy Lord Alexandros.

    They took action ording to the will of the missing Holy Lord. This should probably be the case.

    Putting his hands on the hilts of his two swords, Kamito quickened his pace.

    Part 5

    Lurie Lizaldia advanced straight through the dark space of the Demon King''s Tomb.

    Demon King Solomon''s headquarters in the past, this ce was spatially warped, turned into a chaoticbyrinth.

    This must be the work of the Tomb''s caretaker.

    "Petty trick to prevent easy intrusion."

    Lurie revealed a faint smile and used spirit magic to dispel the space in front of her.

    Once the space was severed, yet another disorganized passage appeared.

    "Where is your patience, Yggdra? How unlike you."

    "Yes, I am definitely impatient. After all, my wish will soone true¡ª"

    Lurie unleashed harsh holy light at the floor.

    The hall''s floor instantly copsed, cracking open to reveal a great dark hole.

    Millennia created a spherical force field and the two of them descended gradually.

    Yggdra Saint Asoritess.

    This was the name of the girl who once harbored dreams of saving mankind.

    Born in a border vige, she was gifted with talent for healing since birth.

    Called the sacred maiden reborn, this girl went all over the world to help vigers suffering in war and the injured on battlefields.

    She firmly believed that her mission in the world was to save the weak.

    However, at some point, the girl noticed... She realized.

    The Ranbal War. During this most cruel war, sparked by conflict between nations¡ª

    The people she saved would soon end up sent to the next battlefield. Some of them died while others took many enemy lives.

    In the end, her act of saving people only served to generate even more deaths.

    For the sake of changing this mad world¡ª

    ¡ªFifteen years ago, Yggdra participated in the de Dance.

    Her intention was to use the Elemental Lords'' power of miracles to eliminate hatred from the world.

    (¡ªIf I put an end to everything, then my deep sins can be forgiven, right?)

    Vestments of pure white, without the slightest speck of dirt, fluttered. She looked down into depths of the dark hole.

    When holy light illuminated the darkness, the world shall be reborn with everything good and right, yes?

    (A world with neither hatred nor war¡ª)

    The light from the holy staff held up by Millennia Sanctus illuminated the dark hole.

    The two of them descended slowly into what appeared to be a great hall.

    The Great Temple of the Celestial Demon, this was where the Sacred Maiden had fought the Demon King in the past.

    "Perfect location for a de dance. Is he here?"

    "¡ªYes. I can sense the other me."

    Millennia''s violet eye glowed eerily in the darkness.

    Countless spirit crystals in the Great Temple of the Celestial Demon lit up.

    "Hey there, I''ve been waiting. Lurie Lizaldia¡ª"

    At the same time, a figure appeared out of the darkness.

    A young man dressed in ck, wielding a demon sword of darkness and a sacred sword of steel¡ª

    "We meet again, Ren Ashbell."

    Lurie Lizaldia chuckled and slowly reached out into the air.

    The winner of the de Dance fifteen years ago and the winner from three years ago.

    ¡ªThe Two de Dancers met.

 Volume 17, 10 - The Two Blade Dancers

    <h4>Volume 17, Chapter 10 - The Two de Dancers</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªDispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that incubates true darkness.

    ¡ªNow form the Sword of the Celestial Demon and be the power in my hand!

    Lurie Lizaldia reached into the air.

    Millennia Sanctus'' body then turned into particles of light and vanished.

    Seeing the object that manifested in Lurie''s hand the next instant¡ª

    (...! What the hell?)

    Kamito mentally jumped in surprise.

    His memories from the underground battle under the Academy town awakened. The elemental waffe he had witnessed back then was supposed to be a terrifying demon sword, quite simr to Greyworth''s.

    But this time, held in her hand was a double-edged sword shining with silver-white sacred light.

    Millennia Sanctus.

    Although the spirit Iris had described her as a being neither spirit nor human¡ª

    Since she could turn into an elemental waffe, that meant she was a spirit after all?

    Kamito stared at the silver-white sword held up in Lurie''s hands.

    Probably a sword spirit like Est. The hilt''s decoration also seemed a bit simr.

    Although probably not in the same ss as the Demon yer, given that Millennia could also take on human form, then surely she must be high-level spirit.

    Kamito''s neck perspired a little.

    "Hand over the sacred relic, Ren Ashbell."

    "Sacred relic?"

    "What lies hidden in the deepest part of this Tomb."

    Lurie held up her sword-shaped elemental waffe at a nt.

    Kamito had never seen such a stance before. It was not Ordesian swordsmanship.

    "How ironic. The Holy Kingdom considers the Demon King''s Coffin a sacred relic?"

    "¡ªFufu, how utterly ignorant."

    Instantly, Lurie''s blood lust exploded.

    "...!?"

    A sh within a breath''s duration. Lurie closed the distance all at once.

    This was terrain reduction, a basic martial arts skill executed by concentrating divine power underfoot then exploding it. However, her speed was extraordinary. In merely an instant, she had closed in on Kamito far away to engage inbat.

    A scattering of sparks. The violent sh of steel resounded throughout the temple.

    Using the Demon yer, Kamito blocked the heavy first strike.

    (...! What''s with this crazy strength!?)

    Using her momentum, Lurie swung her sword fully.

    Kamito was blown away by the impact.

    "Damn it...!"

    Hastily, Kamito stabbed the Demon yer into the floor to resist the force.

    With a savage grin on her face, Lurie stepped forward.

    Boom¡ªWith a noise resembling the firing of a projectile, she charged.

    Kamito swung his sacred sword from its downward pointing position, using the reaction force from his movement to deflect Lurie''s de.

    While the sword traced out a semi-circr sh, Kamito jumped at the same time.

    Moonlit Sky Dash¡ªThis was a half-baked move of the Absolute de Arts that did not consume divine power.

    The Demon King''s ck garb spun in the air. Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªMeteor!"

    Kamito crossed his two swords and swung them down.

    BOOOOOOOOM!

    The astounding impact was unleashed together with the sound of an explosion.

    The stone floor was dug up radially, forming a huge crater.

    ¡ªHowever, he was a moment toote. Lurie had already jumped.

    Follow-up attack. With his back to the scattering debris, Kamito kicked the ground.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning."

    He released explosive divine power in an instant. Leaving an afterimage, he charged right up to his enemy.

    The activation speed of this move was as quick as lightning streaking across the sky, hence its name.

    However, Lurie was already prepared. Her lips fluttered slightly.

    "¡ªDay of wrath, sword apostles, to your positions with haste!"

    "...!?"

    What appeared before Kamito were countless swords of light, sprouting from the floor.

    This was spirit magic of steel affinity. It would be easy to use the Demon yer''s strength to sweep them all away, but¡ª

    (A trap, huh?)

    Kamito felt from instinct. There was something ominous about Lurie''s sword stance.

    The spirit magic was a ruse to lure him into charging in.

    ng¡ª!

    Kamito stabbed his sword into the ground to halt his momentum. Immediately, he jumped sideways next.

    Lurie''s eyes widened slightly. Sure enough, she had nned to counterattack.

    All pointing at Kamito, the swords of light began to pursue him like a shoal of fish.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Double Turn!"

    Three simultaneous shes of the swordpletely shredded the swords of light.

    Hended. Just as the hem of his garment touched the ground, Lurie instantly closed in from the front.

    "¡ªMistral Arc!"

    Exhaling sharply, she executed killing sword move.

    It was a swift thrust rivaling the Purple Lightning Kamito had just performed.

    Toote to block. Kamito twisted his head in the nick of time and dodged. His cheek was scratched lightly, producing a stter of blood. Had he evaded a beat slower, Kamito''s head would have separated from his body.

    "...!"

    Kamito lost bnce slightly. Immediately¡ª

    "¡ª¨¦ir Orage!"

    A storm-like flurry of sword strikes attacked Kamito.

    Kamito hastily used both swords to defend. However, he failed to deflect everything. The frenzy of silver-white sword moves mercilessly shed Kamito''s shoulder.

    "Gah...!"

    ''¡ªKamito!''

    Est cried out.

    "...Ohhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito exhaled mightily. Instead of faltering, he stepped forward.

    Caught by surprise, Lurie hastily backed away.

    "¡ªGo forth and pierce, Vorpal st!"

    Released from the demon sword''s de, jet-ck lightning poured towards Lurie¡ª

    "¡ªDay of punishment, may the branded be protected!"

    A magic circle appeared in front of her. The barrier of light neutralized the demon lightning of darkness.

    Grand Alexandros¡ªTop-tier spirit magic only talented individuals bearing the rank of saint were capable of using.

    "¡ªWhat a shame. A darkness spirit''s power doesn''t work against me."

    Indeed, the holy spirit magic she used was extremely unfavorable for Restia, a darkness spirit. This was precisely why during the de Dance three years ago, Ren Ashbell had faced an unexpectedly tough battle against the pdin Luminaris.

    (She''s strong¡ª)

    Among all the opponents Kamito had ever fought, Lurie was undoubtedly top-ss.

    If Greyworth''s sword was like a storm, then Lurie''s would be like swift wind.

    Sure enough,st time they fought underground of the Academy, she was only testing him.

    "Strong as they say, expected of the strongest de Dancer."

    Lurie spoke praise.

    "Same goes for you. Miraculous Healer, gimme a break."

    Holding his shoulder, Kamito brought up her nickname back when she was part of the Numbers.

    "Healing is my profession. Swordsmanship is just a hobby."

    "Liar. You''re stronger than anyone in the Numbers."

    Saying that, Kamito spat blood at his feet.

    "Yggdra Saint Asoritess, winner of the de Dance fifteen years ago."

    "Ah, so you know¡ª"

    Hearing him, Lurie smiled wryly.

    "Even though my appearance ispletely different from back then."

    She was a top-tier healer. Altering her appearance would have been a piece of cake.

    "Why are you joining forces with the Holy Kingdom when you''re a de Dance winner?"

    Entering a stance with the dual swords of darkness and steel in his hands, Kamito asked.

    "I''ll tell you if you can defeat me."

    Likewise, Lurie readied her sacred sword at a nt.

    "We are both winners of the de Dance. Let us decide here and now who deserves the name of the Strongest de Dancer."

    "...Both winners? Please¡ª"

    Kamitoughed fearlessly.

    "There are plenty of de Dance winners, but I am the strongest of all time and no one else."

    Saying that, he took off the Garb of the Lord that he had been wearing.

    "...? What are you doing¡ª"

    Unable to understand Kamito''s actions, Lurie frowned.

    Kamito moved his neck in a circle and pressed his hand on his shoulder.

    There were no wounds at the ce where Lurie''s sword had shed.

    Presumably, the Garb of the Lord had defended him. Living up to its name as a legendary artifact, its properties were nothing to sneer at.

    ''Kamito, what are you doing!?''

    Seeing Kamito take off the ck garment, Restia grumbled.

    "...Wait, you must have noticed halfway through."

    ''...''

    When confronted with his argument, the darkness spirit stayed silent in embarrassment.

    "Although I''ll have to say sorry to Iris-san, but this is too far away from my own style."

    In fact, Kamito had felt a tiny sense of dissonance when he first put on the ck garment¡ª

    He confirmed it when he performed an Absolute de Art¡ªPurple Lightning.

    Apparently, the curse woven into the ck fabric would disrupt the flow of divine power.

    Even though its defensive properties were outstanding, wearing it would dull the sharpness of the Absolute de Arts, which required precise control of divine power.

    Sure enough, this was something that only Demon King Solomon could use to full effect.

    Back in his familiar Areishia Spirit Academy uniform look, Kamito performed a few swings of the sword in a rxed manner.

    "I knew it, this outfit prepared by the hag suits me better."

    "Are you sure? Ren Ashbell."

    Watching him, Lurie spoke.

    "It was all thanks to that ck outfit that you escaped a critical wound just now, right?"

    "I guess..."

    Kamito admitted it simply.

    Just as she had pointed out, if the sh earlier had cut him directly, his shoulder would have been deeply injured.

    However¡ª

    "Don''t worry. Your sword will no longer hit me."

    "...! What a joke¡ªRen Ashbell!"

    Lurie''s blood lust exploded.

    Part 2

    "What on earth are you doing!?"

    "W-What choice do I have? We''ll both get turned to charcoal if I refused."

    "Fair enough..."

    While walking along the main road, Ellis and ire were whispering to each other.

    They nced behind them¡ª

    A spirit with the appearance of a young girl was walking a few steps behind them, looking at the buildings with curiosity.

    For some unknown reason, the spirit seemed to like ire in particr, asking about this or that in the streets and even inquired about things such as customs in the human realm.

    (...Who exactly is this child?)

    She was undoubtedly quite a high-ranked spirit, but in that case, why was she traveling with the Holy Kingdom''s knights? Suppose she were a spirit converted for military use, there was no way she would be able to behave so independently and arbitrarily.

    (Or maybe she''s not part of their group?)

    No matter what, the current situation must be unexpected for the Holy Kingdom''s knights too.

    Right now, the knights were surely sending spirits to track them. Although Ellis had sent out wind spirits to interfere with tracking, however¡ªA fight was guaranteed as soon as they encountered each other.

    (Before that happens, we have to meet up with Kamito as soon as possible...)

    While strolling the streets with the girl and keeping her happy, they had to look for Kamito without the Holy Kingdom''s knights finding them. This was quite a tough mission.

    "Hell cat girl, what is that building? I sense the powers of my fire spirit kin."

    With eyes filled with curiosity, the girl pointed to a building that had a chimney.

    "That''s a pottery workshop. Inside, they have fire spirits working kilns for firing pottery."

    A knowledgeable honors student, ire exined to her.

    "Oh I see... Earth is good. Even though earth is stubborn, we get along well."

    The girl nodded with satisfaction, murmuring iprehensibly to herself.

    "Large pottery workshops would also have water spirits and wind spirits, as well as princess maidens to serve them. Water spirits are in charge of kneading y while wind spirits are in charge of drying them."

    "Water... That girl is hard for me to deal with..."

    Tugging Ellis'' sleeve, ire whispered in her ear.

    "Hmm, she doesn''t seem to be that bad a spirit. Let''s continue observing."

    "I have no opinion on that. However, why are you the only one she acts friendly towards? Any clues to that?"

    "Like I said, I just happen to resemble the princess maiden who used to be contracted to her¡ª"

    "Are such coincidences likely?"

    "Who knows..."

    "What are you two whispering about?"

    "...!"

    Secretly conversing, the two girls instantly jumped in surprise.

    "N-Nothing!"

    "J-Just discussing where to continue our tour next."

    "Hmm, then it is fine¡ª"

    Hearing ire''s exnation, the girl soon returned to a good mood¡ª

    "Then what ce are you showing me next?"

    With eyes filled with anticipation, she looked at them.

    ire pondered briefly¡ª

    "Before I lead the way, there''s something I''d like to ask."

    "Request permitted. You are in my favor. Ask away."

    Always maintaining her haughty attitude, the girl nodded.

    "Just now in the za, weren''t you together with those Holy Kingdom knights? Are they your friends?"

    "Those people, huh¡ª"

    Hearing that, the girl fidgeted with her hair in boredom.

    "I merely lend them some power because they said they wanted to borrow my help. As for what they are doing, I have no idea."

    (...In other words, even though they''re cooperating, she''s not beingmanded?)

    ire wondered in her mind.

    "Then they were the ones who asked you to wreck the city?"

    "Hmm. More precisely, they asked to open a hole in the pyramid."

    "I-I see..."

    Sure enough, the straight line of destruction in the city was merely for creating a shortcut.

    "W-What!? I cannot believe you wrecked the city for such a reason!"

    As expected, Ellis began to get mad.

    "Why get so worked up? Aren''t there plenty of such mere buildings?"

    "...What!?"

    "Ellis, calm down!"

    ire hastily tried to restrain the justice-minded Ellis¡ª

    Then she asked the girl, who was tilting her head in puzzlement.

    "...I get it now. But please don''t burn the city any more."

    ire looked straight into the girl''s eyes.

    In response, the girl blinked her eyes, which happened to be the same color as ire''s¡ª

    "...So alike, as I thought."

    She murmured quietly.

    "Very well. I burned it only because it was in my way. Unnecessary destruction is not to my liking either."

    (...Hmm, she does listen.)

    Originally worried if she might get angry, ire breathed a sigh of relief.

    ...Next, the trio continued to walk the streets, arriving at another za.

    There was not a single person in sight in this za. Probably due to the explosion earlier, everyone had fled.

    "Looks like Kamito had been to this za¡ª"

    Hearing whispers from the wind, Ellis spoke.

    "Jeez, where the heck has he run off to..!?"

    Never did it ur to the two girls that he was already inside the pyramid.

    Just then, the spirit girl sniffed.

    "There is an aroma in the air. Hell cat girl, what is it?"

    She pointed at an unattended shop.

    "It''s a food stand. Until just now, this should''ve been a busy market¡ª"

    "But everyone seems to have fled."

    "I-I already said I wouldn''t!"

    The girl looked away in embarrassment.

    "By the way, is that an offering?"

    With a flutter of her scarlet dress, she walked briskly to approach the shop.

    "Oh no, don''t take things without permission!"

    "Stealing is wrong!"

    ire and Ellis hastily chased after her.

    It seemed to be a shop selling baked goods.

    Unlike the fashionable shops at the Academy town, there were no ss disy windows or the like here.

    What the spirit girl was especially interested in were baked goods resembling donuts with abundant sugar sprinkled over deep-fried dough.

    "Hell cat girl, I want that one."

    "Wanting it is fine, but you have to pay properly."

    "No. Isn''t it a matter of fact that whatever I want must be offered up to me?"

    She brought up a barbaric philosophy in response.

    "If denied to me, I suppose I might as well burn everything¡ª"

    "W-Wait, stop it right there! Why are you jumping to that conclusion!?"

    Seeing a fireball appear in the girl''s hand, ire could not help but shout.

    "Didn''t you just promise not to destroy the city!?"

    "Hmm, true..."

    Unexpectedly, the girl nodded obediently and dispelled the surging mes.

    "Sigh, I feel like I''m being dragged around by the nose..."

    ire sighed and took out some silver coins that she had exchanged earlier.

    "We have to put down the money properly. Then it''s okay, right?"

    "...That still is not right, but I shall overlook it this once."

    The rigid Ellis seemed to acquiesce.

    "..."

    Holding a donut, the spirit girl stared intently at it.

    "What''s the matter, you''re not going to eat it?"

    "How do I eat this?"

    "Take a bite, like this¡ª"

    ire opened her mouth and bit a donut. Daughters of nobility normally had little chance ofing across this type of food, but Rinslet frequently made donuts as refreshments

    Although the donut was not fresh out of the fryer, it was sweet, fluffy with a crisp surface. Very delicious.

    "Hmm..."

    Imitating ire, the girl began to take big bites.

    "I see. This is good. Praiseworthy."

    With her mouth stuffed with donut, she looked as adorable as a small pet.

    Probably because she was in a good mood, the tips of her curved horns even had small mes lighting up.

    (...If I had a little sister, would she be like this?)

    ire suddenly remembered something.

    "Say..."

    "What is it, hell cat girl?"

    "...What is your name again?"

    "ire, umm¡ª"

    Ellis had panic on her face.

    Asking a high-level spirit for their name would be regarded as rude behavior.

    In fact, the girl seemed quite angry when ire asked for her true name previously.

    However¡ª

    "After all, it''s hard to address her without a name."

    ire argued back.

    "It doesn''t have to be a true name. A nickname like Scarlet is fine too."

    "Hmm, a nickname, huh? In that case¡ª"

    The spirit girl nodded.

    "I am addressed as Lord."

    "...Huh?"

    "Hmm, how now, what is with your reaction?"

    "Uh, you got the wrong idea¡ª"

    Just as ire was about toin...

    "¡ªLord Volcanicus!"

    A sharp voice resounded across the entire za.

    "...!?"

    ire looked back¡ª

    Only to see a team of knights with swords drawn, surrounding the za.

    The voice belonged to Luminaris of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    "...! We are discovered¡ª!?"

    Ellis immediately deployed her elemental waffe¡ªRay Hawk.

    A Cedar was the special operative in the Sacred Spirit Knights. She specialized in espionage and tracking. Presumably, her shadow spirit, Shade Wolf, had followed them.

    Luminaris'' eyes widened in surprise.

    "ire Rouge of Ordesia. Why are you here!?"

    "...! ire, what do we¡ª"

    Ellis bit her lip and asked ire behind her.

    ...But ire did not answer.

    "ire?"

    Ellis looked back¡ª

    "...Did you say Volcanicus?"

    Gone pale in the face, ire was staring at the spirit girl.

    Part 3

    "¡ªHiver D¨¦fense!"

    Lurie Lizaldia''s thrust traced a trajectory like lightning. This was a sword skill executed with extreme mastery of terrain reduction. Its speed wasparable to Purple Lightning''s.

    Faced with such a de¡ª

    "Don''t think you''re still fighting the me just now¡ª"

    "!?"

    As the two fighters crossed, Kamito used his demon sword to counter her move.

    Timing perfectly to take into ount his enemy''s sword speed and even the angle of her de, Kamito mounted a perfect counterattack.

    Her thrust was designed to execute a follow up attack any time even if the first strike failed to connect.

    But Kamito easily thwarted that intention.

    Lurie was shoved aside, blown away while brushing against the ground.

    The brightness of divine power left a trail of afterimages in the darkness. In that instant, she spun and kicked the ground, shing with her sword like a whip.

    However, Kamito read her attack in advance. Forcibly executing an attack while off bnce would lead to critical openings¡ªKamito raised the Demon yer fluidly.

    With the acute noise of metal shing, Lurie''s arm was deflected upwards.

    Kamito immediately swung the demon sword of darkness, striking the body of her de heavily.

    "Gah...!"

    Witnessing his de dance movements that almost seemed like spectacr performance, Lurie shuddered in terror.

    His entire body''s movements werepletely different from just now.

    Did such a massive changee about simply from him taking off the ck outfit?

    "...I see. Looks like you weren''t bluffing."

    Probably realizing she would be overwhelmed in close quartersbat, she kicked the floor and backed away.

    Then making a hand sign, she swiftly chanted spirit magic.

    Zap zap¡ªseven spheres of light appeared out of thin air with lightning, hurtling towards Kamito.

    This was Lightning Ball¡ªhigh-level spirit magic thatunched a homing ball of holy elemental lightning.

    There were only a handful of elementalists in the Holy Kingdom capable of reciting the incantation seven times simultaneously.

    "Can you dodge all of them, Ren Ashbell!?"

    "I don''t need to dodge!"

    Kamito took a breath and spun around, swinging the Demon yer.

    Glowing with silver-white brilliance, the de swept away the lightning balls surrounding Kamito all at once.

    "You erased them simply with the sword''s aura!?"

    Lurie''s face was contorted by shock.

    Amazingly, simply touching the divine power enveloping the sacred sword''s de was enough to erase high-level spirit magic.

    "Sorry, petty tricks don''t work on me¡ª"

    Kamito exploded divine power under the soles of his feet against the ground, closing the distance in one go.

    Before the impact arrived, the sh of his sword came first.

    "Absolute de Arts, Introductory Form¡ªBursting Cherry Blossom Flurry!"

    The liberated rain of swords fell with countless afterimages.

    This was an offshoot skill derived from the Destructive Form, ninth of the Absolute de Arts.

    An anti-personnel sword skill that was key to mastering the ultimate move, Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance.

    A frenzy shing dance of light and darkness.

    The countless consecutive attacks performed by the two swords were overwhelming Lurie''s defense by sheer quantity.

    The speed and precision of his sword was on apletely level than before.

    Soon enough, Lurie''s defense was forced open and she took a misstep.

    "¡ªI''ve waited a long time for this, Lurie."

    Seeing that, Kamito said.

    "¡ªThis is Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer."

    "...!?"

    Using the Demon yer, Kamito dealt a heavy blow to her raised sacred sword.

    With a scattering of sparks, her petite frame was sent flying from the impact.

    "...Cough... Huff¡ª"

    "..."

    Looking down at her, crouching on the floor, Kamito pointed his sacred sword at her.

    "Someone on your level should be able to understand. You can''t beat me."

    "It''s not, over yet... Ren Ashbell...!"

    "...!?"

    Lurie stood up, stabbing the sacred sword against the floor.

    Her entire body became shrouded in holy light as her wounds slowly began to heal.

    She smiled savagely.

    (...I see¡ª)

    Kamito noticed what supported her formidable strength.

    No matter who¡ª

    Even aplished martial artists would be vulnerable to instinctive fear in their subconscious.

    However, Lurie did not fear injury.

    Her talent as a miraculous healer was inborn and would automatically heal her injured body without needing conscious intent.

    Hence, her instinctive fear of injury was weakened.

    Indeed, this could be considered a kind of strength.

    (However, that''s¡ª)

    A very twisted kind of strength. It was also a kind of strength that one obtained only through painful experiences.

    Lurie used both hands to raise her glowing sacred sword.

    "Come, let''s continue our de dance, Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    "..."

    Kamito readied his dual swords again.

    ''¡ªKamito, you understand, right?''

    "Yeah."

    Hearing Restia''s voice, Kamito nodded lightly.

    Even though he held the advantage all this time¡ª

    ...This was unsustainable. The battle must not drag on.

    Consecutive use of the Absolute de Arts would consume divine power, causing Kamito''s own reserves to dwindle.

    (This will be bad unless I settle things as quickly as possible.)

    Part 4

    "...Did you say Volcanicus?"

    ire was so surprised that her entire body froze.

    There was probably no one on the continent who did not know this name.

    Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus, ruling over the fire spirits, was one of the five Elemental Lords.

    (Don''t tell me... this child is...?)

    Her mind in chaos, ire suddenly remembered something.

    (Come to think of it, Nee-sama said before¡ª)

    She remembered it was when they were heading to rescued the imprisoned Fianna¡ª

    On board the flying ship, her sister had mentioned it.

    At the Elemental Lord''s shrine, they had liberated the Fire Elemental Lord from the Otherworldly Darkness'' corruption.

    At the time, the Fire Elemental Lord vanished and was transported somewhere¡ª

    Wasn''t that the holy capital of Alexandria?

    (Right, no mistake...)

    ire bit her lip hard.

    This girl was the incarnation of the Fire Elemental Lord.

    She was the same as the Iseria Seaward''s incarnation that had teleported to Astral Zero.

    In that case, it was only natural for her to wield powers capable of destroying a city in an instant.

    (This child is the Fire Elemental Lord... who destroyed my homnd...!)

    "Lord Volcanicus, please distance yourself from those people!"

    At the za''s entrance, Luminaris called out.

    However, the spirit girl red at her.

    "What is the matter with you people? I am currently having fun with them."

    The girl''s crimson hair stood up on end, wavering like mes.

    That astounding aura of wrath made the Sacred Spirit Knights all freeze.

    Only Luminaris managed to stand firm and hold her ground.

    "O Lord, please forgive us. We are only fulfilling our responsibilities as your bodyguards."

    "Oh? Who are you to worry about my safety?"

    "...!?"

    Confronted by the Fire Elemental Lord''s zing wrath, Luminaris turned deathly pale.

    The only reason why the Fire Elemental Lord had not turned the pdinss into charcoal was because she had promised ire just now.

    "I have no need for bodyguards. I shall remain in these people''spany."

    Saying that, she turned to ire.

    Now, she noticed for the first time.

    ire''s gaze towards her had changedpletely.

    "Seriously, ah..."

    "...What is it?"

    "You really are the Fire Elemental Lord..."

    ire''s twintails were standing up like burning mes.

    As though looking at a mortal enemy, ire red at the girl.

    "What now, hell cat girl?"

    "You, it''s all because of you, Nee-sama and my parents...!"

    Tears flowed out of her clear ruby-like eyes.

    The downpour of the rain of fire. Cities burning in a ze. Endless cries of suffering. The people rushing to the castle.

    With the people''s curses in the background, that very day when she had been banished from the castle together with her parents¡ª

    "...What are you talking about?"

    The spirit girl made a perplexed look, standing there frozen.

    Most likely concluding this to be the best opportunity to reim her¡ª

    "Please leave them, Lord."

    Luminaris drew her sword and charged swiftly. She intended to take this opportunity to take ire out.

    "¡ªDo not think you will seed!"

    Holding Ray Hawk, Ellis blocked her path.

    "Get lost, small fry!"

    Luminaris swung her sacred sword, Murgleis.

    Faced with that sword, glowing with holy light¡ª

    "...!"

    Ellis blocked using the shaft of her magic spear.

    "What?"

    Luminaris widened her blue eyes in shock.

    She never expected her merciless strike to be blocked.

    "Is this all you can do, Dame Luminaris?"

    "...Gah!?"

    Wind gathered at Ray Hawk''s spear tip, producing a thunderous rumble.

    "Take that...!"

    Releasing thepressed air, Ellis blew away the holy sword.

    Not expecting a counterattack from whom she thought was a small fry, Luminaris lost bnce.

    Ellis did not miss the opportunity. Immediately, she rotated her magic spear and attacked with lightning speed.

    Enveloped with magical wind, the spear tip pierced the pdin''s mythril gauntlet, shattering it.

    "Damn you!"

    Luminaris was plunged into confusion.

    Ellis Fahrengart.

    The second daughter of Duke Fahrengart, hailing from a prestigious Ordesian noble house with generations of military tradition.

    That was the extent of what Luminaris knew about her.

    When entering the de Dance, Luminaris had focused virtually all her attention on Ellis'' adopted sister Velsaria Eva,pletely unconcerned about the younger sister.

    "Dame Luminaris, I used to admire you, having de danced against Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    Spinning the magic spear of wind fluidly in one hand, Ellis spoke.

    "¡ªBut as I am now, I am stronger than you."

    She stepped forward, closing the distance all at once.

    The thrust of godly speed, enveloped in a storm, was deflected by Luminaris with the holy sword.

    "Don''t get too full of yourself, mere student knight!"

    "I return the same words to you. Do not belittle the Sylphid Knights!"

    Their elemental waffen shed intensely again.

    A hurricane-like storm surrounded the crossing des.

    Just as their de dance gradually intensified¡ª

    ire and the Fire Elemental Lord continued to stare at each other silently.

    "Hell cat girl¡ª"

    Volcanicus was the first to break the silence.

    "Do you hate me?"

    "...Uh¡ª"

    ire was speechless.

    She was not even sure of her own feelings.

    (...Is this child really the Fire Elemental Lord who destroyed my homnd?)

    No wait, this girl was undoubtedly the incarnation of the Elemental Lord, but¡ª

    ire thought back to the Water Elemental Lord''s incarnation she had met on Ragna Ys.

    (She had lost virtually all of her memories as an Elemental Lord...)

    In that case, this Fire Elemental Lord might have lost her memories too.

    In other words, she might not remember what she had done in the past.

    "...Can I ask a question?"

    ire said.

    "Do you still remember the name of the princess maiden who resembles me a lot?"

    "..."

    The Fire Elemental Lord shook her head calmly.

    "I do not remember her name, but¡ª"

    She replied with apparent sadness.

    "She is my precious friend. This is the one thing I recall clearly."

    "...I see. In that case¡ª"

    Hearing that¡ª

    ire steeled a certain measure of determination in her heart.

    This girl was the enemy who had destroyed Elstein. However¡ª

    "Volcanicus, I want to bring you to meet someone."

    "...What?"

    "Make your decision now. Will you return to those Holy Kingdom people or will youe with us?"

    "...!"

    The Fire Elemental Lord stared intently into ire''s ruby-like eyes. Perhaps through ire, she was looking at the image of the dear friend who greatly resembled ire.

    After several seconds of silence¡ª

    "...That will not be possible."

    She shook her head.

    "Why?"

    "I am bound by a covenant with those people. I cannot break it."

    "No way...!"

    With a weak smile, the Fire Elemental Lord fluttered her dress.

    "Although it was brief, I greatly enjoyed myself on this asion, hell cat girl."

    Surrounded by intense crimson mes, the girl gradually disappeared.

    ire went "ah" but could not chase after her.

    "...W-What the heck, this sucks!"

    Unable to vent emotions that she could not tell was anger or something else, ire kept stomping the ground.

    Just then¡ª

    "ire¡ª"

    Holding the magic spear, Ellisnded softly next to her.

    "She went back to Astral Zero, right?"

    "Yeah, looks like it..."

    Nodding, ire straightened her standing posture.

    She looked around, only to see the two of them surrounded by ten members of the Sacred Spirit Knights.

    ...All things considered, chances of victory were slim if they had to fight this many knights at the same time.

    "Break through the encirclement and retreat."

    "...Yes."

    Saying that, Ellis readied Ray Hawk while ire deployed metongue.

    The two girls ran at the same time.

    Part 5

    On the stage where the Demon King and the Sacred Maiden had dueled, came endless sounds of des shing.

    Coincidentally, one of thebatants was a princess maiden whom people called a miraculous sacred maiden¡ª

    While the other was the Demon King''s sessor, wielding the Demon yer.

    The de dance being performed all over this grand hall seemed to reenact a past era of legends.

    "This very day, the blue sky wails, the earth shakes with anger¡ª"

    Pure white vestments fluttered up. Lurie Lizaldia chanted spirit magic.

    Countless des of holy light flew across the floor, slicing rows of stone pirs at their base.

    However, Kamito had already disappeared from the ground.

    Jumping freely between the copsing stone pirs, he charged at Lurie to engage inbat.

    This was high-level three dimensional movement¡ªAssassination skills from the Instructional School.

    For someone on his level, walls and floors were no different for him.

    "¡ªGo forth and pierce, Vorpal st!"

    Released from a dead angle, jet-ck demon lightning followed an unpredictable trajectory to attack Lurie.

    In response, Lurie chanted defensive magic to neutralize the demonic lightning.

    "A darkness spirit''s power is useless against me."

    "Of course I know that!"

    Craaash!

    With the fall of the stone pirs came an expanding cloud of dust.

    In this environment with their visionpletely obscured, a silver-white de shed.

    The Demon yer and Lurie''s nameless sacred sword crossed, producing sparks repeatedly.

    "...!"

    "This is not a knight''s swordsmanship, Ren Ashbell. Are you getting anxious?"

    "We are dueling here, not performing a de dance for an audience."

    Crossing des up close, Kamito shouted.

    Speed, power, judgment, experience, divine power, level of contracted spirit¡ª

    In all these respects, Kamito was superior to Lurie.

    However¡ª

    (But I''m the one who''s getting cornered, huh?)

    He groaned in his thoughts.

    Lurie''s vestments glowed with phosphorescence.

    Her injuries would always heal in an instant. That inborn freakish power¡ªa power that one could very well call a curse¡ªkept protecting her automatically.

    It would do the same even if she herself did not want it, right?

    Defeating the miraculous sacred maiden would require delivering a fatal blow to her in one hit.

    However, Kamito could not bring himself to kill her. After all, there were things he had to ask.

    ...No, that was not the real reason.

    (I am no longer an assassin of the Instructional School.)

    Restia and the friends he had met at the Academy had given him a human heart.

    Hence, he would never use the power of spirits to take other''s lives.

    Then the only way to defeat the endlessly regenerating Lurie would be to wait until she exhausted her divine power.

    However, Kamito could not do that either.

    He had a troublesome time limit.

    If he were to keep consuming divine power like this¡ª

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s power would devour him.

    No, the power of darkness ahd already started invading Kamito''s consciousness.

    Time was running out.

    He had to decide.

    "¡ªYour sword has slowed down, Ren Ashbell!"

    Lurie''s sacred sword shed.

    Instead of using orthodox knightly swordsmanship, she was using moves modified from the dance of princess maidens.

    She had trained in de dancing, originally meant to serve as offerings to spirits, and attained dizzying heights in mastery.

    "¡ªSo happy."

    "Are you being sarcastic?"

    While blocking sword strikes, Kamito spoke.

    "I feel exhrated purely from engaging a de dance with the Strongest de Dancer."

    "¡ªReally?"

    Kamito felt a dull sting in his heart, as though pierced by a small barb.

    What he was about to do¡ª

    In a certain way, it might be even more cruel than taking her life.

    If he were to use this move from the Absolute de Arts, she would never be able to de dance again.

    This was a taboo Absolute de Art that Greyworth had forbidden him to use.

    After using it once, he had sworn to never use it ever again.

    Kamito kicked the ground, jumping back.

    Lurie stopped where she was instead of chasing after him.

    The two backed away from each other, facing off.

    "Are you out of options, Ren Ashbell?"

    "No."

    Saying that, Kamito stabbed the Vorpal Sword into the ground.

    ''...Kamito?''

    Restia reacted with a surprised voice.

    "¡ªSorry, Restia. This move of the Absolute de Arts cannot be used with two swords."

    Also, the darkness element was ineffective against Lurie.

    Restia seemed to realize what Kamito was about to do and soon fell silent.

    Kamito held the Demon yer in both hands.

    "What are you nning?"

    "I''m not going to say ''don''t hate me.'' Prepare yourself."

    He concentrated the divine power circting through his entire body into the sword''s de.

    ¡ªHe had not used this move for three years.

    But his body still remembered this Absolute de Art.

    Ironically, that was because he had the most misgivings about this one move.

    Probably feeling Kamito''s silent pressure...

    Lurie poured divine power into her nameless sacred sword in return.

    Then¡ª

    The two of them moved.

    Both took a step forward at the same time and ran.

    "¡ªHiver D¨¦fense!"

    Lurie used a move simr to Purple Lightning.

    A thrust of reckless abandon, executed by one who did not fear injury.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    As for Kamito¡ª

    He bravely and decisively took the blow with his left arm.

    The de entered his flesh. Intense pain. But Kamito endured that and¡ª

    Aiming at the heart where all circting channels gathered, he stabbed his sacred sword right there.

    "Cough¡ªHuff¡ª"

    Instead of steel, the Demon yer was a sword of pure light.

    Up until this point, everything happened just like the time when he had pierced Velsaria''s heart¡ª

    Last time, Kamito had erased a cursed armament seal.

    "Absolute de Arts, Void Form¡ªSoul Extinction!"

    The instant Kamito shouted, the release divine power ran amok inside her body.

    Part 6

    "Looks like this is the end."

    Holding her sacred sword, Lurie Lizaldia copsed on the spot.

    She seemed to understand what had happened to her.

    The phosphorescence enveloping her vanished. The miraculous power would no longer heal her, presumably.

    Stabbed by the Demon yer, her chest showed no scar or wound.

    However, something of paramount importance to elementalists had been destroyed by Kamito.

    Absolute de Arts, Void Form¡ªSoul Extinction.

    The Absolute de Art that his master had banned.

    He had shattered the cirction system in the human body for controlling divine power.

    She could no longer chant spirit magic or form contracts with spirits.

    The miraculous power to heal others. This power, which had saved innumerable people in the past, had been wrecked at Kamito''s hands.

    Kamito did not regret it. After all, there was probably no way to defeat her any other way.

    Precisely because she was strong, Kamito to resort to this forbidden move of the Absolute de Arts.

    Kamito looked down at Lurie, copsed on the ground.

    Then¡ª

    "You promised to tell me if I win, right? Can you tell me why you served the Holy Kingdom when you were already one of the Empire''s Numbers?"

    "...I suppose I did promise. Sigh, so be it."

    With her head down, Lurie muttered to herself.

    "I was born with the power to heal. I thought that using this power to save people was the mission entrust to me, so I healed the numerous injured on battlefields."

    However¡ªShe smiled weakly at this point.

    "My belief was wrong. For each life I saved, double that would be lost when those I saved returned to the battlefield. Such absurdity repeated time and again."

    Lurie recounted in a calm voice, which made her despair stand out more and more.

    "Hence, that is why I wanted change. To take this absurd world and¡ª"

    "Then you entered the de Dance to¡ª"

    "Yes, hoping to change the world, I ced all my hopes on the wish granted by the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    Lurie looked up, staring off into space as though reminiscing about fifteen years ago.

    "Uh, your wish..."

    Mid-sentence, Kamito halted.

    ...It was clear as day once he thought about the current state of affairs on the continent.

    "Yes, it was impossible. Even the miracle of the Elemental Lords could not grant the wish¡ª"

    "..."

    "...But it was at that moment, in my disappointment I heard my master''s voice in my mind."

    "Your master?"

    Kamito repeated her words. Lurie continued.

    "Three years ago, when you won, wasn''t there an empty throne?"

    Kamito gasped violently.

    The Lord of Light¡ªHoly Lord Alexandros.

    Was this Lurie the one who had liberated the Holy Lord?

    "What is the Holy Lord''s goal? What is the intention in secretly controlling the Holy Kingdom behind the scenes?"

    Kamito''s voice turned rough as he interrogated Lurie.

    Lurie giggled, possibly because she enjoyed seeing Kamito loseposure.

    "My master intends to rebuild the world from zero, to return everything to their rightful state. To take this world, which has strayed into the wrong path because of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s mistakes¡ª"

    "...! What do you mean by¡ª"

    "You will understand eventually, Ren Ashbell. At the Elemental Lords'' shrine, you saw that too, didn''t you?"

    Kamito silently gulped.

    At the Elemental Lords'' shrine, devoured by Otherworldly Darkness¡ª

    Kamito had saw that scene.

    ¡ªAn army of countless angels standing amid endless darkness.

    "Sooner orter, that will be here."

    Lurie Lizaldia spoke in a sadistic voice.

    "...What did you say!?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    ...What the hell did she mean?

    "All we can do is be prepared for when that time arrives. For this purpose, the Coffin hidden inside this Tomb is essential¡ª"

    Lurie shook her head lightly then stumbled up to her feet.

    "...! Lurie, you...?"

    Kamito frowned.

    As she was now, she should not be able to do anything, but¡ª

    ''Kamito, I have a bad feeling about this¡ª''

    Restia''s voice warned in his mind.

    Just then, Kamito noticed.

    There was an eerie glow from her heart as she stood up like a ghost!

    (That''s...!)

    Shining on her chest was a spirit crystal the size of a fist.

    Also, it was blood-red Bloodstone¡ª

    "...A Bloodstone!"

    Kamito groaned involuntarily.

    This was a spirit crystal of the highest purity that could only be excavated from the sanctuary of Astral Zero.

    Previously, Kamito had seen Jio Inzagi use one to dominate spirits.

    Compared to normal spirit crystals, it was able to seal much more powerful spirits.

    "Have you heard of the weapon called spirit detonation?"

    Saying that, Lurie Lizaldia smiled savagely.

    "...!?"

    Spirit detonation was a weapon from the Ranbal War era that had been designated sealed by international treaty.

    It was capable of sealing hundreds of spirits together,pressing them then inducing them to react with one another to produce a massive explosion.

    Its firepower was enough to level a small city easily.

    It was a product of insanity, created during wartime.

    "This pyramid is used to protect the Coffin''s seal. Hence, all I need to do is destroy the pyramid itself."

    "...! You nned this from the start¡ª"

    "...It was just ast resort."

    Lurie smiled.

    "...I am honored to have had a de dance with the Strongest de Dancer. These are my true feelings."

    Saying that, she stabbed herself in the heart with her sacred sword.

    In that instant, crimson light exploded in a sh.

 Volume 17, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 17, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    An astounding explosion rocked the Demon King''s Tomb.

    One could imagine the destructive power from how the noise could be heard even from this burial chamber that was protected by the most secure barrier.

    Inside a shining iridescent crystal, the spirit Iris sighed with despair.

    "...! I never thought they would destroy the entire Tomb¡ª"

    Crack¡ªArge fracture appeared on the surface of the spirit crystal.

    With the copse of the pyramid¡ªthe magic device for maintaining the barrier¡ªthis also implied the impending doom of the administrator, her.

    In other words, the seal of the Demon King''s Coffin, which she had guarded for so many years, was about to be lifted.

    What Demon King Solomon had spent thest of his power to seal away, that which must not be freed¡ª

    Indeed, what she had guarded was not the Demon King''s remains.

    His corporeal body had already returned to nothingness. Right now, only remnants of his soul remained in this city.

    The Demon King''s Coffin. Lying dormant inside the object bearing this name was¡ª

    Creak, crack¡ªCountless fissures covered the crystal''s surface.

    Next, the brilliant iridescent light leaked out in all directions from the cracks¡ª

    Thus the crystal shattered in fragments.

    Part 2[edit]

    "Master."

    "What''s the matter, Est?"

    On that day, facing the sword spirit who had actively started a conversation with her in a rare moment, the young maiden tilted her head in puzzlement.

    "Master, do you not have parents? Like other humans¡ª"

    "...Yes."

    The girl showed sadness on her face and nodded.

    "I was picked up by this vige''s chief as a child and raised. I don''t know what my parents look like."

    This was nothing rare. On the other hand, to be picked up by someone benevolent and raised with love, that would be considered almost a miracle¡ª

    Why had her parents abandoned her? The girl did not know. She had asked the chief and the other vigers, but no one was willing to tell her.

    There is no need to know, said the chief.

    It was the first time the gentle chief had spoken to the girl in a strict voice.

    After that, she was forbidden from bringing up her parents again in the vige.

    "However, I don''t feel lonely¡ª"

    Saying that, the girl smiled at her partner sword spirit.

    The chief and the vigers had treated her with kindness.

    More importantly¡ª

    "Now, I have you, Est¡ª"

    The girl ced her hand on the sword spirit''s head, gently caressing the shining silver-white hair.

    Expressionless until now, the sword spirit showed wavering in her eyes.

    "¡ªMe too, Master."

    "...Hmm?"

    The girl asked.

    "Me too. I do not know where I came from or where I was born."

    "I see¡ª"

    She had heard stories of how spirits came from somewhere out of this world. Legends told of human prayers and wishes crystallizing into elements, to be born in another world¡ª

    ...Was Est different from the other spirits?

    "Then you are the same as me, Est."

    "¡ªYes, Master."

    ¡ªThis was a dream about the Sacred Maiden and the Sacred Sword in the past.

 Volume 17, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 17, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªKamito, I will always be your contracted spirit, forever and ever.

    Hello, this is Shimizu Yuu. Thank you everyone for your great patience. Here, I present to you the Volume 17 of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance, "The Queen of the Demon King City."

    Tracking down the missing Princess Sdia in the desert, Kamito and his friends sailed on a sand ship. What awaited them was unbelievably the Demon King''s Capital that should have been destroyed a thousand years ago!?

    So this time is a story centered around the legendary Demon King Solomon who gets mentioned from time to time. Revealed will be the truth of how he became the Demon King, as well as the being that had been working secretly behind the scenes of history.

    With only three volumes till the series concludes, this means the plot will gradually approach the core. Cardinal Millennia Sanctus'' true identity, the missing Elemental Lord, the Angel army that Kamito saw, the reason behind darkness spirit Restia''s birth, as well as the true cause of the Spirit War breaking out seven thousand years ago¡ªUntil the every mystery is revealed, the plot will continue pushing ahead, so please stay with me to the very end!

    Okay, now that we have reached Volume 17, there might be many people who find it tiring to recall what happened earlier in the story, or find it easy to forget details, etc. Because of that, the editorial department created a special booklet to introduce the plot, setting and characters. The special booklet will be avable at bookstores that sell light novels, so please feel free to take one.

    Next up are the usual acknowledgements and reports. Because Nimura-sensei is too busy, starting from the volume, Shimesaba Kohada-sensei will take over. Sensei is an illustrator whose works include "Seikoku no Dragonar" and "Seiju no Kuni no Kinju Tsukai." Whether Est on the cover or ire and the others in the illustrations, they''re all so cute! Thank you very much!

    Editor, proofreader, designer, thank you for taking care of me all the time.

    Dear readers who will still need to be patient for a while, I am truly sorry for making everyone wait due to all kinds of reasons. Next up, Volume 18, will be brought to you as soon as possible.

    Finally, I have a big announcement.

    Surprise, Seirei Tsukai no de Dance is getting an audio drama!

    I can''t release any details yet, but I am scheduled to write new plots. The voice actors from the anime will reprise their roles and imbue the characters with souls. I''m so excited. Please look forward to it.

    And so, let''s meet again with Volume 18, "Retaking the Imperial Capital" (tentative)!

    Shimizu Yuu, 2018

 Volume 18, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 18, Prologue</h4>

    Crack¡ª

    The crystal''s inorganic cracking sound resounded throughout the Demon King''s Tomb.

    Sealed inside the gigantic spirit crystal hovering in midair was the spirit Iris, Demon King Solomon''s one and only contracted spirit, the queen of this Demon King City.

    Sacred iridescent light was leaking from the cracks, illuminating the burial chamber brightly.

    Inside the crystal where light was reflecting randomly, the spirit Iris sighed with despair.

    (Looks like my job as the guard, which has persisted for a thousand years, ising to an end...)

    Targeting the Demon King''s Coffin, the intruder has sacrificed her own life to deploy a terrifying weapon, thus seeding in breaking the sturdy barrier of the Demon King''s Tomb.

    Right now, relying on her own power, she could no longer sustain the seal on the Coffin. In other words, the being that Demon King Solomon had spent thest of his power to seal away would once again awaken in this world.

    Crack, crack, crack¡ª

    Countless tiny cracks covered the crystal''s surface,pletely blocking any observer''s view of Iris.

    Then¡ª

    Plink¡ª

    With a crisp sound, the crystal fell apart, pulverized.

    The torrent of surging light instantly cleansed the burial chamber of darkness. The tiny and transparent fragments of spirit crystal fluttered in the air like snow.

    This scene of sublime beauty was almost evocative of the worlding to an end.

    Then¡ª

    Amid that brightness, a girl''s figure appeared.

    It was a girl with ice-blue eyes and brilliant blonde hair.

 Volume 18, 1 - Demon King

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 1 - Demon King</h4>

    Part 1

    "...These spirits are relentless!"

    "They are most likely following the scent of our divine power¡ª"

    Ellisined in suffering while racing through the streets of the Demon King City like the wind.

    The spirits sent by the Sacred Spirit Knights were behind, chasing after them. They belonged to the special operative A Cedar whose contracted spirit Shade Wolf was a spirit collective. As a fully autonomous type of spirit, they were able to stay in the shadows of ire and Ellis and keep following them while they kept running.

    Several minutes earlier, the two of them had encountered the Sacred Spirit Knights in a za in the Demon King City. Luminaris was searching for the Fire Elemental Lord''s avatar that they had lost track of, whereas ire and Ellis happened to be moving around with the Fire Elemental Lord.

    "The Holy Kingdom has found out we''re here."

    "Yes, looks like it would be wise to meet up with Kamito and the others then get out of here!"

    Ellis turned her body and swung Ray Hawk.

    The wind de generated from the spear tip sliced a chasing shadow hound into two.

    However, the bifurcated hound silently melted into the ground, then emerged from the shadow of another building.

    "There is no end to this."

    "Collective spirits specialized in tracking ability, what a pain..."

    "I was chased by that shadow hound during the final round on Ragna Ys. Looks like fate has brought us together again."

    The hound attacked from above. This time, ire intercepted it using metongue.

    With the sound of air being torn apart, the hound was instantly burned to nothing.

    (...This kind of pursuit is to the enemy''s advantage. This is bad.)

    Without even ncing at the shadow that had been turned to charcoal, ire silently pondered. It was quite likely that the knights under Luminaris''mand were lying in wait ahead of time at the exit of this road.

    Given ire and herpanions'' current level, they could probably hold their own in a fight against Luminaris or the spirit knights of the Holy Kingdom. However, fighting so many of them at the same time would still be too challenging.

    (That being said, we can''t use Ellis'' wind magic to fly either¡ª)

    That would end up ying into enemy hands, since the Sacred Spirit Knights included a couple professional snipers.

    "Seriously, where has Kamito gone off to at a time like this!?"

    "I really doubt that Kamito has been caught by the Holy Kingdom¡ª"

    "This way, circle around the back and capture them!"

    Luminaris''mand sounded on the main street.

    Ahead of them, footsteps of multiple people approached.

    "They have us surrounded front and back. What do we do?"

    "That leaves us no choice but to break through directly...!?"

    ire and Ellis prepared themselves, stopping to manifest their elemental waffen. Just then...

    A terrifying explosion was heard. The ground shook intensely.

    "...W-What!?"

    "The ground is splitting open!?"

    Cracks appeared in stone buldings, which then copsed in the massive earthquake.

    This was not the Sacred Spirit Knights attacking, because they could see Luminaris and her subordinates up ahead in the main road in confusion just as ire and Ellis were.

    "¡ªire, we are taking flight!"

    "Got it!

    ire swiftly nodded and Ellis grabbed her arm. Using this moment of confusion would allow them to capitalize on openings in the enemy snipers. What a bold yet urate judgment call.

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk with one hand, producing intense wind that formed a hurricane. The two girls instantly passed over the roofs of buildings and flew.

    Released by the snipers, arrows of holy light fell like rain. However, because they reacted tote due to the chaos, theymitted a serious mistake.

    Turning swiftly in the air, Ellis evaded the rain of arrows spectacrly.

    "Turn into charcoal!"

    As payback, ire released a Fireball, blowing away all the snipers hiding in the shadows of a building.

    "Anyway, let''s escape to the hotel where Fianna and the others are standing by¡ª"

    "Yes, but what was the earthquake just now...?"

    Ellis wiped sweat with her sleeve while looking down at the Demon King City beneath them.

    A sudden massive fissure that had appeared across thend, swallowing roads and buildings, looked like it had gotten bigger.

    "This is no ordinary earthquake¡ª"

    "Yes. All things considered, earthquakes are phenomena caused by angry earth spirits. In this Ghul-a-val, thend forsaken by spirits, earthquakes should be impossible¡ª"

    "Ellis, look now! There''s something in the fissure!"

    "...What is that?"

    Ellis looked at where ire was pointing at.

    In the depths of the giant fissure, amid viscous darkness, some kind of gigantic shadow was trying to crawl out.

    "Could it be a spirit...?"

    "...Come on, what the heck is going on!?"

    Part 2

    "What the hell happened...?"

    Surrounded by darkness, unable to see his own outstretched hand, Kamito opened his eyes.

    He felt waves of pain from his head.

    How much time had passed since he lost consciousness?

    "...Say, where is this ce?"

    While pressing on his temple, Kamito looked around him.

    A smallmp was lit with an ancient silver candlestick, providing illumination.

    The stone floor had moss on it with fallen stone pirs.

    The paintings on the walls had almostpletely ked off, indicating the sad state of affairs.

    It was most likely some kind of decrepit ancient shrine. Kamito could not help but recall the final round of the de Dance, which was held at the ruins of Megidoa the abandoned city.

    (Wait, why am I here...!?)

    Kamito was more and more confused.

    His memories from before losing consciousness had broken off somewhere suddenly.

    (¡ªI remember I was supposed to be fighting Lurie underground in the Demon King''s Tomb.)

    The assassin sent by the Holy Kingdom to target the Demon King''s Coffin was Lurie Lizaldia, the de Dance winner fifteen years ago. After an intense de dance against her, Kamito defeated her.

    However, she still had a final resort.

    She activated the spirit detonation installed in her own heart, a weapon of mass destruction using the power of spirits, intending to destroy the Demon King''s Tomb that was protected by a barrier.

    Ironically, she, who hated war and had wished upon the Elemental Lords to eliminate war¡ª

    Had now used the most terrifying weapon to be produced during the Ranbal War.

    (...I still remember everything up to this point. What''s interrupted is my memory afterwards¡ª)

    Back then, what had happened to him, closest to the st center as he was?

    "Don''t tell me..."

    Kamito thought of a terrifying possibility and broke out in cold sweat.

    Even though he survived many perils thanks to Est''s Protection of Steel, one would not expect him to emerge unscathed from spirit detonation, a weapon of mass destruction boasting of firepower sufficient to annihte a citypletely once activated.

    (¡ªNormally, I''d get vaporized.)

    That must be it.

    Trying to exin why he still existed, Kamito concluded...

    "...I''m already dead, so this ce is Valha?"

    Thinking calmly, Kamito reached such a conclusion.

    Valha was a resting ce for the souls of the dead.

    Legend spoke of it as a paradise located somewhere in Astral Zero. However, this was just what the Divine Institute imed to the outside world. No one knew if it really existed or not.

    As a paradise, his current location was rather crude.

    (No wait, now is not the time to rx!)

    Kamito was just about to stand up¡ª

    When he suddenly noticed¡ª

    His right hand, touching the floor of ck stone.

    The spirit seal on the back of his hand was glowing faintly.

    Were he dead and sent off to the afterlife¡ª

    Then his spirit contract with Est would be broken, hence the spirit seal should be erased.

    Kamito took off his left hand''s leather glove.

    The emblem of a sword crossed with a moon¡ªRestia''s spirit seal¡ªwas intact too.

    (Oh right, where are they!?)

    Kamito poured divine power into the spirit seals on his hands to summon the two sword spirits.

    ...But there was no response. If the spirit seals were still visible, then the connections should not be cut¡ª

    "Rx. Time here is separated from that of the human realm."

    "...!?"

    Kamito heard a voice that he seemed to recall hearing somewhere previously.

    At the same time, a man suddenly appeared before him.

    "...You''re...?"

    Kamito had trouble getting his voice out of his throat.

    The young man was dressed like a desert merchant.

    He was Safian, the Zohar merchant whom Kamito had met in the Demon King City.

    "What''s going on? Why are you here?"

    Kamito stood up, staring sharply at the man before his eyes. Although he imed to be a poor merchant who was shipwrecked in the desert and ended up in the Demon King City, this clearly was impossible.

    ...Who the hell was he?

    "Do not be so wary. I am not trying to win you over by favors, but I did save your life at least."

    "You?"

    Kamito stared at Safian with skepticism in his eyes.

    "Where is this? We''re not inside the pyramid, right?"

    "This ce is a dimensional gap¡ªneither in the human realm nor Astral Zero."

    "A dimensional gap?"

    "After the spirit war, the originally unified world was split into the human realm and Astral Zero. At the same time, a few dimensional gaps were formed by chance. This is one of them."

    "...So it''s a different dimension from the Demon King''s Tomb, huh?"

    "You are quick on the uptake. As expected of the Demon King''s sessor. Or perhaps, you asked Iris already?"

    "She mentioned that this Demon King City consists of the Demon King''s memory fragments anchored in a dimensional gap through the power of the Demon King''s Tomb. To be honest, I can''t fully understand it, but there are other ces apart from the Demon King City that exist in dimensional gaps, right?"

    "Indeed. And this dimension is a tiny gap that I can use freely."

    As though proud of his crude private room, Safian spread his arms.

    "This dimension doesn''t seem to offer much. What are these ruins?"

    "This used to be a historical site belonging to the Elves. However, the majority of such sites were destroyed in the Spirit War."

    ...So that''s why it had a simr feel to the ruins on Ragna Ys.

    "Anyway, let me thank you first. Looks like you really did save me."

    "I am d I made it in time. Anyter and you would have been vaporized."

    "Yeah"

    Kamito spoke softly.

    "What happend to Est and Restia? Are they here too?"

    "No, you are the only one transported here. After all, it all happened at great haste. However, there is no need to worry about those two spirits. No matter what, they are the legendary sacred sword and the Demon King''s demon sword."

    "So you even know about Est and Restia?"

    Kamito replied. Safian shrugged and smiled wryly.

    "Safian, who exactly are you? By now, are you still going to insist you''re just an ordinary merchant?"

    "Oh? I thought you would have realized my true identity after meeting with Iris."

    "Well, although I have a rough guess¡ª"

    Kamito took out a gold coin from his chest pocket and flicked it lightly with his thumb.

    "This is coin of the Demon King City that you exchanged for me. I''ve been wondering the whole time whose face the face on it resembled... If I take a closer look, it''s identical to yours."

    "Hmm, and so?"

    "Gold coins have the highest value among coins. The face on the coin must be the ruler''s face. And the Demon King City''s ruler is¡ª"

    "I see."

    "You''re Demon King Solomon, right?"

    "..."

    Safian smiled without answering.

    Kamito took it as a silent yes and continued.

    "But it was only just now when I became convinced of this. In the burial chamber, I saw what happened a thousand years ago. Although the Demon King''s face was blurred, at least I can tell he doesn''t look like a monster like the legends say."

    "Is that so? Did Iris show you everything?"

    "Yeah. How you were called a hero, then falling to be the Demon King. I saw it all."

    Kamito stared at the man before him.

    This was precisely the man who was known as a hero to an ancient kingdom¡ª

    The evil Demon King Solomon, who had brought unprecedented terror and chaos to the continent.

    "You are half correct."

    "Half correct?"

    Kamito frowned in surprise.

    "I am different from the Demon King described in legends. I am a product of the regrets from the final moments of the human named Solomon Yelsion. A lingering grudge, if you will. A pathetic being without the Demon King''s power and can only wander between dimensional gaps."

    Saying that, the Demon King, who looked like a young man,ughed in self-deprecation.

    ...So that was how it was. This man was a fragment of memory as mentioned by the spirit Iris.

    Like the Demon King City''s residents, was he a bubble-like existence?

    From the time when he was still a human hero before he was known as the Demon King¡ª

    (...That being said, this image is way too different from the Demon King legends circting in folklore.)

    Kamito whispered in his thoughts.

    From appearance, he looked like just a fine young man.

    In the case of Kamito, who was simrly just a male elementalist, yet he had been called the Demon King of the Night. This notorious name was totally imposed by popr opinion.

    "Then what is your job?"

    "What do you mean by job?"

    He cocked his head in puzzlement at Kamito''s question.

    "The spirit Iris is the guardian of the Demon King''s Coffin''s seal. You have a job too, right?"

    "...Indeed. If she is the guardian of this ce, then I am the administrator of the Demon King City. Repairing dimensional tears, sending asional travelers back to the human realm when they are drawn here by ident or intent, etc. I suppose such things would count, speaking of jobs."

    "I can''t believe there''s nothing big."

    "I have said so already. I wield none of the former Demon King''s power."

    Safian¡ªDemon King Solomon¡ªsmiled wryly.

    "But now, my job ising to an end."

    "...What do you mean?"

    "This Demon King City is about to vanish."

    Kamito was speechless.

    Did the spirit detonation used by Lurie cause destruction of such great scale...?

    (No, that Bloodstone should be no bigger than a heart¡ª)

    It should not have the firepower to destroy an entire city.

    "This city relies on the pyramid, the Demon King''s Tomb, to stay anchored to the dimensional gap. Once the pyramid is damaged, this city would naturally copse. Moreover, this city was originally generated in an unstable dimension, akin to a building built on sand."

    "Then she¡ª"

    What was going to happen to the spirit Iris, the guardian of the Demon King''s Tomb?

    Solomon shook his head. Did he notice what Kamito was thinking?

    "Her existence is inseparable from the Demon King''s Tomb. Once this ce copses, of course she will vanish and so will I."

    Surprisingly, there was no sadness in his voice.

    Had he already prepared himself for this day to arrive eventually?

    "When Iris loses power, the seal on the Demon King''s Coffin will be lifted. The woman who fought you must have figured this out, which is why she used spirit detonation there."

    "...So what exactly is sealed inside the Demon King''s Coffin?"

    Kamito asked.

    ording to legends passed down by the Demon King''s cult, told to him by Restia, the Demon King''s remainsy dormant in the coffin. One would obtain great power should oney their hands on the coffin.

    But¡ª

    "How utterly ignorant¡ª"

    That was what Lurie Lizaldia had said.

    Sleeping inside that coffin was not the so-called Demon King''s power¡ª

    But a holy relic of the Holy Kingdom''s instead.

    Solomon quietly shook his head.

    "¡ªUltimately, the so-called Demon King''s Coffin did not exist in the first ce."

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito could not help but widen his eyes.

    "It was nothing more than a rumor spread by the Demon King cult."

    "Th-Then what was the spirit Iris guarding here?"

    Kamito was stunned.

    "You have already seen it."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "The spirit crystal within which the spirit Iris is sealed, that is what she had been protecting for the past thousand years."

    "...The crystal!?"

    The gigantic crystal, glowing with iridescent light.

    It was what the spirit Iris had been protecting till now¡ª

    Just then, the candlestick''s me suddenly extinguished.

    Not because the wind blew it out. There was no wind here.

    By the time Kamito noticed, Solomon had changed to a serious expression, staring off into the darkness of empty space.

    "...It appears she has awakened."

    "She?"

    "¡ªYes. The sealed Sacred Maiden."

    Part 3

    "What is going on?"

    "I have no idea either¡ªKyah!"

    A violent earthquake was taking ce. Seeing the ground in front of them suddenly crack open, Georgios, who was carrying Fianna in his arms, jumped and leaped over the gap.

    With the heavy sound of metal, the knight spiritnded safely.

    "Your Highness, are you alright?"

    Leading the way, Rinslet looked back from riding Fenrir''s back.

    "I am fine, though I identally bit my tongue."

    Frowning, Fianna stuck out her reddened tongue.

    "Let us exit the city first. The buildings here are too densely packed, which is dangerous."

    "What about ire and the others? Also, we have yet to locate Kamito-kun."

    "Those three will be fine. Your safety is of paramount importance, Your Highness."

    Listening to Rinslet, Fianna bit her lip lightly.

    Currently, she was the symbol of Ordesia''s anti-Emperor faction.

    She must not lose her life here.

    "...I understand. Georgios, sprint out of the city gate!"

    Answering in a hollow voice, the knight spirit began to run, crushing stone tiles underfoot.

    "Time to go, Fenrir!"

    "Woof!"

    No one on the streets paid attention to the two escaping girls. As the city began to copse, the residents of the Demon King City turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    (...The Pyramid is gradually vanishing.)

    From the knight spirit''s arms, Fianna stared in astonishment at the scene.

    The gigantic structure, standing where the Demon King''s pce used to be situated in the past, was visible from anywhere in the city.

    Right now, it was gradually disappearing, turning into particles of light as though it were melting into the air.

    What connection was there between the Pyramid fading away and the sudden earthquake?

    Amid the earthquake''s intense tremors¡ª

    Georgios and Fenrir forcibly jumped over the bulging ground and continued to run.

    Suddenly, Fenrir halted.

    "Your Highness, please stop!"

    Rinslet called out.

    "What is the matter?"

    "Something is emerging!"

    "...!?"

    Grrr, Fenrir growled as a warning.

    In the next instant...

    An explosion was heard. The ground in front of them cracked open wide.

    With a billowing dust cloud, some kind of giant shadow emerged from underground.

    ROAR!

    "W-What is that!?"

    A terrifying roar shook the atmosphere.

    From the crack in the ground appeared a wild beast. A ridiculously gigantic beast.

    It was a double-headed lion with burning ws and teeth.

    "Could this be a spirit...?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    Furthermore, this was quite a high-tier spirit. A rare archdemon-ss spirit, seldom encountered even in the depths of the Spirit Forest, no, even in Astral Zero¡ª

    "Why is there a spirit in a ce like this!?"

    "I-I have no idea either... Oh no, more areing!?"

    After the lion spirit, a giant spirit d in armor of ice des appeared.

    Its total height far exceeded that of the surrounding buildings. With dense des of ice sprouting from them, the arms looked like they could smash houses of stone in an instant.

    "Unbelievable..."

    "What on earth is going on...!?"

    Facing the humongous spirits emerging from underground, the two girls stood astonished, rooted to the spot, unable to move.

    The two spirits, slowly crawling out of the ground, red at each other and began to face off.

    ROAR!

    Then they roared at the same time¡ª

    Unbelievably, they began to fight.

    "...! H-Hold on a second, this must be some kind of joke, right!?"

    A giant piece of stone debris flew over, Georgios deflected it with his sword.

    The sh of fists against ws was ripping up the stone tiles on the ground, creating craters.

    "Looks like this path is closed. Let us take a detour."

    "I-I suppose¡ª"

    While taking care to avoid discovery by the fighting spirits, the two girls quietly made ns to leave.

    Just then...

    "...Save... me!"

    Hearing a scream, so faint that it seemed like their imagination, the two girls exchanged a nce.

    "Did you hear that just now?"

    "Yes, it was... a cry for help, right?"

    Rinslet nodded.

    The residents of this city should have vanished already.

    Then whose voice was it just now?

    Woof woof. Fenrir barked twice.

    "What is the matter?"

    "Someone''s scent seems to being from that side!"

    Rinslet hastily urged Fenrir to go over there.

    Arriving at a pile of rubble copsed during the earthquake, Fenrir stopped.

    "Is anybody here?"

    Rinslet called out loudly while explosions continue to sound.

    However, she did not hear any response.

    "Georgios, dig this up!"

    At Fianna''smand, the knight spirit began to deftly clear awayrge pieces of rubble.

    After the biggest piece of rubble had been moved away¡ª

    "Wait, there is someone!"

    Fianna cried out.

    "...Ooh... Oooooh... Ooh..."

    A girl dressed in a gray cloak was groaning, her leg was trapped under rubble.

    "A-Are you okay!?"

    "Stay still. I will heal you right away."

    Fianna hurried over and directed Georgios to move away the surrounding rubble. As she swiftly chanted spirit magic for healing, the girl''s leg injury gradually vanished.

    "...T-THank you... very much..."

    Despite the pain showing in her expression, the girl still voiced her gratitude.

    After all, spirit magic was only able to heal but not erase the pain.

    "That leg does not look like it can walk yet. I will have Georgios carry you."

    "May I ask who are you...?"

    "I am Rinslet of House Laurenfrost."

    "Lauren...?"

    Hearing that, the girl tilted her head in puzzlement.

    At that moment¡ª

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Especially loud rumbling could be heard nearby. An adjacent building copsed at the same time.

    The resulting cloud of dust caused Fianna and the others to cough incessantly.

    "Let us chat properlyter. We must get out of here first."

    "V-Very well¡ª"

    The girl nodded and was picked up by Georgios.

    Suddenly, Fianna noticed a certain object the girl was clutching tightly to her chest.

    It was a book written in High Ancient.

    "That book¡ª"

    As a talented princess maiden, Fianna could tell from a single nce that this was no ordinary book.

    Exuding a mysterious aura, this was a book-shaped elemental waffe.

    In other words, this girl was an elementalist.

    "...Could it be that you are Princess Sdia!?"

    "Eh!?"

    Hearing the name uttered by Fianna, Rinslet could not help but exim.

    The girl widened her eyes forcefully and closed her lips tightly.

    Upon closer examination...

    Her face did resemble that of her older sister, Sjora.

    "N-No, I..."

    Saying that, she frantically hid her face under her hood and tried to deny.

    However, Fianna held the girl''s hand and introduced herself.

    "I am Fianna Ray Ordesia, the second princess of Ordesia."

    "The second... princess...?"

    "We offer a warmest wee to you, Princess Sdia."

    The girl widened her crimson eyes.

 Volume 18, 2 - Sacred Maiden

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 2 - Sacred Maiden</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Sacred Maiden, you say?"

    Kamito''s voice echoed within the dimensional gap.

    Kamito could not understand what Solomon was saying at all.

    "...By Sacred Maiden, are you referring to Sacred Maiden Areishia?"

    "Indeed."

    Solomon nodded and replied to confirm Kamito.

    "The true identity of what lies asleep in the Demon King''s Coffin is the Sacred Maiden''s soul that had been lost a thousand years ago."

    "...What do you mean by that?"

    Kamito had heard that it was the Demon King''s remains that were sealed in the Coffin.

    But no, Kamito himself did not believe in the existence of such a thing in the first ce.

    He thought it more likely to be a legend made up by the Demon King Cult to reinforce their faith.

    However, this man was saying that the Sacred Queen was sealed inside there.

    "This joke is not funny at all."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "After vanquishing the Demon King, Sacred Maiden Areishia should have turned to stone because of the Demon yer''s curse."

    Kamito had shared Est''s dream before.

    Inside that dream, Kamito had witnessed the final moments of Areishia Idriss.

    He had seen her entire body turned into stone by the sacred sword''s curse, finally shattering into fragments¡ª

    "Yes, the Sacred Maiden''s physical body turned into stone and shattered."

    Solomon nodded and admitted it readily.

    However, he continued.

    "That stone, imbued with the Sacred Maiden''s divine power, turned into the world''s purest spirit crystal. Even now, it continues to seal the Sacred Maiden''s soul within it."

    "...! Don''t tell me¡ª"

    Kamito widened his eyes forcefully.

    "Indeed, that crystal was precisely the result of Sacred Maiden Areishia turning into a crystal."

    Solomon dered in a calm tone of voice.

    "What...!?"

    The gigantic spirit crystal had held the projection of the spirit Iris.

    (...I can''t believe that crystal is what the Sacred Maiden turned into.)

    Facing the speechless Kamito¡ª

    Solomon made an even more shocking announcement.

    "She is still alive, simply sealed in the crystal, in a state of deep sleep."

    "Say that again...?"

    Kamito was at a loss for words.

    ...This revtion was truly unbelievable.

    Under normal circumstances, one would simplyugh off such absurdity.

    However, the person telling Kamito this was¡ª

    None other than Solomon himself, the Demon King of legend, even though he was just a memory fragment.

    And that gigantic spirit crystal definitely existed.

    "Suppose what you say is true¡ª"

    Kamito sighed deeply and started to speak.

    "Why are you guarding something like that?"

    Next¡ª

    "¡ªIn that case, allow me to ask you a question. First of all, what is the Sacred Maiden?"

    The Demon King answered with a question of his own.

    "What the heck is that, out of the blue?"

    "Answer me."

    Solomon stared intently into Kamito''s eyes.

    "The Sacred Maiden is the Demon King''s natural enemy. A being created by the Five Great Elemental Lords for the sake of vanquishing the Demon King."

    Kamito shrugged in response and answered.

    During the de Dance''s final round when they shed des, Rubia had told him this.

    The Sacred Maiden was the counter born in response to the Demon King''s awakening.

    "Correct. I expected no less from my sessor."

    "Are you making fun of me?"

    Kamito narrowed his eyes at the Demon King.

    "Indeed, the Elemental Lords had granted her immense power as an elementalist. However, Alexandros¡ªthe Lord who stands as the leader of the Five¡ªalso poured a portion of himself, what you could call a soul, into Areishia Idriss."

    "...What did you say?"

    Alexandros. The true culprit who had created Demon King Solomon¡ª

    He had poured a part of himself into her?

    "...What is going on? What exactly does this mean?"

    "I suspect it was to prevent the Sacred Maiden from disintegrating as a vessel."

    Solomon spoke.

    "A human''s body of flesh cannot withstand the power granted by the Elemental Lords. Hence, the Holy Lord made her into a suitable vessel by merging part of his being with hers."

    "...I see."

    It made usible sense.

    Like how the majority of people who inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power turned into Nepenthes Lore, the excessive power granted by the Elemental Lords would exceed a human body''s ability to withstand.

    "So that is the reason why we sealed the Sacred Maiden."

    Solomon spoke calmly.

    "Originally, after the Sacred Maidenpleted her mission of destroying the Demon King, the soul poured into her body was supposed to return to the Holy Lord. However¡ª"

    "I get it now¡ª"

    Kamito finally understood.

    Turned into stone by the curse of Terminus Est¡ª

    Taking the Holy Lord''s soul with her, she was sealed inside the spirit crystal...?

    "In other words, Iris and you sealed the soul of the Holy Lord. Is that what you mean?"

    If the Holy Lord''s soul that was poured into the Sacred Maiden remained sealed¡ª

    Then it could not reincarnate era after era like that of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s.

    "Indeed. As for the reason, since you have seen my past, there is no need for me to borate here."

    What triggered the hero, the man from the Zoldia Kingdom, to be the Demon King was all thanks to an opportunity offered by Holy Lord Alexandros, leader of the Elemental Lords.

    Creating the Demon King by his own hand on one side¡ª

    While giving part of his soul to the Sacred Maiden to destroy the Demon King.

    Why did the Holy Lord do such things?

    "Sealing Holy Lord Alexandros'' soul inside the Sacred Maiden was the least I could do for atonement and revenge for bringing devastating cmity to the continent."

    Kamito could see a faint me light up in the eyes of the weakly whispering young man.

    "...However, the Sacred Maiden''s seal has been broken. By the Holy Kingdom''s hand."

    "Yes, indeed."

    The Demon King nodded.

    At that moment, what resembled an earthquake''s noise was heard from a distance.

    Solomon looked up into thin air.

    Following his gaze, Kamito saw countless small cracks spreading in the pitch-ck space.

    "...What now?"

    "The Demon King''s Tomb is copsing. This dimension will soon vanish."

    "What will happen when the dimension vanishes?"

    "You will be trapped in the dimensional gap, unable to return to the human realm."

    "...! H-Hey!?"

    "Rest assured. I shall deliver you out of here safe and sound."

    Saying that, Solomon began to recite an incantation of High Ancient.

    A crack appeared in space with bright light pouring out from it.

    "This Demon King City will disappear. Leave as quickly as possible before the Sacred Maidenpletely awakens. Otherwise, she will annihte you, the Demon King."

    "...Yeah, I get it."

    Kamito nodded.

    Although he was quite curious about Est''s contractor from a thousand years ago, now that the Holy Lord was involved, it was apletely different matter.

    He must meet up with ire and the others and leave the city as quickly as possible.

    "By the way, allow me to offer this to you, my junior Demon King. A parting gift from me."

    Saying that, Solomon took out something from his chest pocket.

    "...What is this?"

    Kamito cocked his head.

    It was an ancient silver ring without any decoration.

    "A ring used by the Demon King in the past. It should prove handy to you."

    "...There''s no weird curse cast on it, right?"

    "Rest assured, you will be fine."

    "What''s that supposed to mean...?"

    With suspicious eyes, Kamito epted the ring.

    "Next, I have one more thing¡ª"

    "What else?"

    "Yes, take this too... The famous Demon''s Mask of legend."

    Out from thin air, he plucked out¡ª

    A skull mask that looked a little familiar.

    ...It was identical to the impostor Demon King mask that Rubia had personally made.

    "No, thank you. I mean it."

    Kamito resolutely refused.

    "Why? This is a legendary-ss magic artifact that Demon King cultists can only dream of acquiring."

    "Like hell anyone would want something so tasteless!"

    "I cannot believe you called it tasteless..."

    The Demon King was taken aback... He looked a little shocked.

    Putting the ring in his pocket, Kamito stepped before the crack in space.

    He looked back.

    "Say, what happens to you after the Demon King City vanishes?"

    "My existence is akin to a reflection in the water. I will disappear once the Pyramid disappears."

    "I see..."

    With a mixed expression, Kamito lowered his head.

    Solomon Yelsion, the previous Demon King born a thousand years ago.

    Kamito wondered if he was being too sentimental... But upon meeting someone like himself for the first time, he felt some kind of camaraderie.

    "Please do not wear such a look, my descendant. It was a great pleasure to meet you."

    "...Thanks for looking after me."

    "Not at all. Sending lost travelers on their way is precisely my job."

    Facing Kamito, who was smiling with his head bowed, Solomonughed magnanimously.

    After shaking hands lightly with the Demon King, Kamito stepped into the crack in space.

    "Walk a different path from mine, Kazehaya Kamito."

    With thesest words¡ª

    Kamito''s view turned pure white.

    Part 2

    "...! This ce... is...?"

    When he opened his eyes¡ª

    Kamito found himself at a za in the city, some distance away from the Pyramid.

    It was where he had bought the ring as a gift for Est.

    Almost all of the surrounding buildings had copsed. There was a great deal of dust hanging in the air.

    He was just about to get up when an earthquake happened. The air shook from a terrifying roar.

    (...What is that?)

    Looking up at the sky, Kamito frowned.

    He saw a red dragon, covered in burning-hot scales, fighting in midair with a gigantic bird with outspread wings.

    The red dragon breathed zing mes. At the same time, the giant bird pped its wings to create a storm.

    This was a fight between high-tier spirits, rare to find even in Astral Zero.

    "Why would spirits like these...? By the way, what the heck is going on!?"

    Kamito grumbled about the Demon King Solomon who was no longer present.

    (At least tell me what''s going on outside before sending me back...)

    In any case, staying under these spirits would be too dangerous.

    Kamito stood up and prepared to escape the za. At that moment...

    His left hand''s spirit seal reacted.

    "Kamito, where have you disappeared!?"

    With a sh of darkness before his eyes, the girl in the night-colored dress appeared.

    "Restia¡ª"

    "Sheesh, I have been calling you all this time!"

    With her jet-ck wings outspread, the beautiful darkness spiritnded lightly on the ground.

    She was carrying the Demon yer in her arms.

    Est had apparently exhausted her power during the fight against Lurie.

    "...Sorry, I was visiting the Demon King for a bit."

    "...?"

    Hearing that, Restia frowned in puzzlement.

    "Let''s talkter. We have to get out of here as quickly as possible."

    Another crack opened in the ground, causing buildings at the za to copse.

    A shadow resembling a horned giant could be seen behind the billowing cloud of dust.

    Apart from the spirits fighting in the sky, there were evidently other spirits running amok in the city.

    "...Where did these spiritse from?"

    "They are the Demon King''s spirits that had been sealed."

    "The Demon King''s spirits?"

    "Yes, some of the seventy-two spiritsmanded by the Demon King were sealed here, probably serving as guardians of the Demon King City like the Sphinx. However, due to the Pyramid disappearing, they are starting to rampage."

    "...I see. So that''s why they''re all such troublesome spirits."

    Since they had been used by the Demon King, that red dragon and giant bird were surely no less powerful than archdemon-ss spirits.

    "¡ªEh, what a sec. Did you just say the Pyramid disappeared?"

    At Kamito''s question, Restia pointed behind him.

    "See. The Pyramid, which even my spirit magic could not damage the slightest, has vanishedpletely."

    "...!?"

    Kamito turned his head to look back¡ª

    She was right. The Pyramid had disappeared.

    Taking its ce was a pir of light, radiant with a holy glow.

    However, for some reason, the beautiful beam of light seemed especially ominous to Kamito''s eyes.

    (Sacred Maiden Areishia¡ª)

    While staring at the pir of sacred light with a strained face, Kamito muttered in his heart.

    Est''s contractor from a thousand years ago.

    The being with Holy Lord Alexandros'' soul sealed inside.

    Also¡ª

    (...The one who had vanquished the Demon King, huh?)

    Did that pir of light foretell the Sacred Maiden''s imminent revival?

    With a serious expression, Kamito turned his gaze to Restia.

    "Have ire and the others escaped from here?"

    "Who knows? Given the current situation, escaping is no easy task."

    "I see..."

    Kamito''s voice contained notes of anxiety. Even after meeting up sessfully, they were still in the center of Ghul-a-val, the Desert of Red Death. Without a sand ship, they had no way of leaving.

    (...That asshole Solomon, telling me to leave. Easier said than done! But how do I escape?)

    Kamito grumbled mentally against the previous Demon King again. Just then¡ª

    "What''s that, Kamito?"

    Restia asked him with curiosity.

    She was staring intently at the chest pocket of his uniform.

    "Oh, this? Someone gave it to me¡ª"

    Kamito took out the in-looking ring and showed it to her.

    Instantly, Restia widened her sunset-colored eyes.

    "Kamito, isn''t that the Demon King''s Ring!?"

    The darkness spirit with a great fondness for magic artifacts pped her wings in excitement.

    "Kamito, where did you get this from?"

    "Nowhere. He gave it to me himself."

    "...?"

    "Forget the ring for now. Let''s figure out how to leave first¡ª"

    "What are you talking about!? Kamito, pour divine power into that ring."

    "...Eh?"

    "Pour divine power into it. Come on, hurry¡ª"

    "F-Fine..."

    At her forceful urging, Kamito poured divine power into the ring with a puzzled look on his face.

    Next, words in High Ancient appeared on the ring''s surface.

    "What''s this? Some words appeared."

    "Don''t fret. Assuming this is the real Demon King''s Ring¡ª"

    Restia looked up into the air.

    At that instant, something astonishing happened.

    One of the two spirits that had just been fighting in the sky above, the giant bird, left the red dragon spirit behind and rushed towards Kamito, gliding straight to the za.

    "Restia, that giant bird ising!?"

    "Don''t worry."

    However, Restia remained unfazed, using her hand to hold down her hair that was blowing in the storm.

    The giant bird spirit pped its wings in the air andnded in the center of the za.

    With a bird of prey''s eyes, glowing golden, it stared straight at Kamito.

    ...Kamito felt that he was going to be eaten if he moved.

    "...What!?"

    Just as Kamito was frozen in shock¡ª

    Restia gently caressed the giant bird''s beak and turned to Kamito.

    "Kamito, this giant bird spirit, the Roc, is your loyal servant."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "This ring has the power to control the seventy-two spirits under the Demon King''smand. Together with the Garb of the Lord and the Demon''s Mask, they are known as legendary artifacts."

    "This ring?"

    Kamito carefully examined the faintly glowing ring.

    In fact, the giant bird spirit, which had been acting out a giant monster battle in the sky just earlier, was obediently standing there as though waiting for Kamito''smand.

    "So that guy gave away something so precious, huh?"

    "If we use this spirit, it should be easy to find little Miss Hell Cat and the others, and cross the desert too."

    Restia stroked the Roc''s beak. The giant bird spirit cooed in response, sounding surprisingly adorable.

    "I''m notpletely reassured, but there''s no time to hesitate..."

    Once this Demon King City copsed, Kamito and his friends would very likely remain trapped in the dimensional gap, outside both the human realm and Astral Zero.

    Clutching the ring tightly, Kamito gantly leaped onto the giant bird.

    "...Uh, all I have to do is give out orders?"

    "Yes."

    "Here goes... Fly, giant bird spirit Roc!"

    At Kamito''smand¡ª

    The Roc pped its wings powerfully, rising into the sky over the Demon King City that was shrouded in dust and smoke.

    Part 3

    "...! Turn into charcoal!"

    ire''s metongue delivered a mighty blow to the one-eyed giant crawling out from a crevasse in the ground.

    However, the giant spirit did not seem damaged at all.

    With a grin, it raised its arm, trying to catch ire.

    "ire!"

    At that moment, Ellis struck the giant''s back with the spear tip of Ray Hawk.

    ng! This strike produced a violent scattering of sparks as though she had struck steel with her spear.

    Seizing the chance when the giant was distracted, ire swiftly distanced herself...

    Only to see the one-eyed giant scratch its back nonchntly,pletely unfazed.

    "Damn it, I cannot inflict any damage, huh..."

    Ellis showed anxiety on her face. After shing with the Sacred Spirit Knights repeatedly, she and ire had expended a great deal of divine power. Simply sustaining their elemental waffen was already quite a stretch.

    The powerful spirits that had emerged from underground one after another were blocking the path of ire and Ellis. An elementalist''s power seemed to attract these spirits.

    "...Kuh, there''s no end to this!"

    Panting, ire spoke.

    "Yes, this is too difficult..."

    Ellis stabbed Ray Hawk into the ground andined in a rare moment. After fighting one-on-one against Luminaris and using spirit magic to fly continuously, she was at her limit.

    "Take a break first. Scarlet and I will open up a path."

    "But..."

    The giant spirit caused earthquakes while approaching them.

    "Let''s go, Ortlinde¡ª"

    Just as ire was about to unleash her ultimate move, a True Name Release...

    "Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Countless projectiles of ice rained down on the giant''s head.

    With his prided eye shot with pinpoint uracy, the giant gave a terrifying roar and rolled on the ground in pain.

    ire jumped in surprise and looked to where the rain of arrows came from¡ª

    "That was close, ire."

    On a mountain of copsed debris, Rinslet had puffed out her chest, wielding her bow.

    "Rinslet, you''re safe...!"

    "Hmph, of course. Who do you take me for?"

    "Rinslet, where is Her Highness?"

    Ellis asked.

    "Yes, she is with me."

    After a moment''s dy, the sound of nging armor could be heard.

    Appearing from the billowing cloud of dust and sand¡ª

    Georgios, carrying Fianna and an unknown girl in his arms.

    "...Your Highness, I am so d."

    Seeing that, Ellis could stop worrying

    "Fianna, it''s good you''re okay... Uh, who is this girl?"

    "Allow me to introduce Princess Sdia Kahn."

    Getting down from Georgios'' arm, Fianna announced.

    "What did you say!?"

    "What!?"

    ire and Ellis both eximed in surprise.

    "What on earth¡ª"

    "I shall exinter. We must first escape from here as soon as possible."

    "Yes, you''re right..."

    ire nodded.

    Taking a closer look, the giant spirit was about to get up.

    Presumably, that level of injury should be quick to recover from.

    "Fenrir and I shall lead the way to exit the city!"

    Allowing her magic bow of ice to return to dire wolf form, Rinslet jumped onto Fenrir''s back.

    "Understood!"

    She was just about to start running when in that instant...

    ire felt bone-chilling terror and stood there frozen on the spot.

    "ire, what is the matter?"

    "Just now, something¡ª"

    She was able to notice that possibly because of her instinct as a princess maiden stemming from her shared lineage with her sister.

    ire slowly turned her head and looked back.

    Only to see a blinding pir of light in front of her gaze.

    "What''s over there?"

    Part 4

    The giant bird spirit was circling in the sky while sparks flew below.

    ck smoke was fuming all over the city. Copsed buildings were falling into crevasses in the ground.

    Freed, the Demon King''s spirits were apparently having a st, running amok.

    "¡ªFound them. Over there."

    From behind Kamito, Restia pointed diagonally downward.

    "Where?"

    "Look, along the path towards the city gate."

    Kamito looked down and focused his eyes.

    With smoke rising nonstop, visibility was quite bad.

    "They look like they''re fighting spirits, locked in a difficult battle."

    "Any ideas how to use the Demon King''s Ring to help?"

    "Unfortunately, the ring can only control one spirit at a time."

    "Really..."

    Ultimately, this ring only had a fraction of Demon King Solomon''s power sealed in it. Thus, its power to control was far inferior to the real Demon King''s.

    "Roc,nd in that vicinity."

    Kamito poured his thoughts into the ring,manding the giant bird spirit.

    The Roc cried out and obeyed its master, gliding over while slicing through the air.

    "¡ªKamito."

    Just then, Est, who had been sleeping in her sacred sword form, spoke out.

    "Your''e awake, Est!?"

    "Kamito, hurry and leave this air space."

    In a rare moment, Est was speaking with a nervous tone of voice.

    "¡ªShe is awakening."

    "She?"

    Kamito jumped in surprise and turned his head to look behind.

    ¡ªOnly to see a change in the pir of light piercing the center of the Demon King City.

    (...What the heck?)

    The rainbow-colored light contracted into a point in the air, coalescing into a small sphere.

    Inside the sphere was a young girl''s floating figure.

    A girl with blonde hair and holy armor of pure white.

    She was holding a sword in her hand.

    This was Millennia Sanctus'' sacred sword, the one Lurie had used.

    The instant he saw the girl¡ª

    Kamito''s heart began to race violently.

    All the divine power in his body seemed to reverse all at once, boiling up.

    An uncontroble torrent of emotion was raging within Kamito.

    Instinctively, Kamito felt that this was his fated nemesis.

    ¡ªIndeed, fated nemesis.

    The one and only being capable of annihting the Demon King who served as a vessel for Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll''s power¡ª

    Areishia Idriss, the Sacred Queen.

    Having shared Est''s dreams in the past, Kamito recognized her face.

    And standing in that sphere of light, that girl''s appearance was identical to the Sacred Maiden he had seen in the dreams.

    However, the ambiance around her waspletely different.

    Est''s master in the dreams had disyed human expressions on her face.

    In contrast, this girl''s face did not show any emotion at all.

    "¡ªKamito, that is not Areishia."

    "Yeah, I agree."

    Suppose what Demon King Solomon had said was true¡ª

    What had awakened after a thousand years was not the Sacred Maiden¡ª

    But the vessel containing the soul of Holy Lord Alexandros.

    Just then¡ª

    The girl''s sharp eyes looked at Kamito¡ªAt least, that was what he felt.

    (...! We''re spotted?)

    Instinctively, he felt it.

    In the next instant¡ª

    The Sacred Maiden casually raised the sacred sword in her hand¡ª

    "¡ªRoc, evade!"

    Hastily, Kamito shouted.

    The Roc instantly obeyed and rapidly descended.

    In the next second, a sh of pure white brushed past the Roc''s giant wing, firing into the desert area out in the distance.

    BOOOOOOM!

    Kamito''s view turned white.

    He felt an overwhelming shockwave weighing down on him.

    "...!?"

    The giant bird spirit spun in the air, dealt a heavy blow by raging winds.

    The Roc pped its wings hard several times before it finally regained stability.

    An intense sandstorm blocked their view of the surroundings.

    "...! W-What the heck was that just now!?"

    Kamito eximed, outraged.

    "¡ªDeus Ira."

    Restia responded.

    "¡ªAnnihtion-ss spirit magic used during the Spirit War era."

    "Restia, you¡ª"

    Looking back, Kamito stared wide-eyed.

    Half of Restia''s wings had vanished without trace.

    That sh of light apparently brushed past her wings.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Y-Yes... More importantly, we must leave as quickly as possible¡ª"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    With a p of the Roc''s wings, the sand and dust was instantly blown away.

    Next, from the city gate, Kamito spotted ire and the others lying prone on the ground.

    It looked the earlier shockwave had knocked them down, but they seemed to be fine.

    "Roc, pick them up!"

    Gooroorooroorooroorooroo!

    "W-What is this!?"

    Lying on the ground, ire looked up, unsure what was happening.

    "All of you, get on now!"

    Kamito shouted loudly.

    "K-Kamito!? What do you mean, get on? This is so sudden!"

    "W-What is with that bird...?"

    ire and Rinslet were baffled with puzzled faces.

    However, the Roc glided straight towards them¡ª

    Opening its beak, it swallowed Fenrir and Georgios in one mouthful.

    "Kyahhhhhhhhh!"

    "W-What in the world!? Kyah¡ª"

    No sooner had ire and Rinslet screamed than they were interrupted.

    "H-Hey, what are you doing!? Hurry and spit them out!"

    Seeing the unexpected manner of retrieval, Kamito frantically pped the Roc''s neck, but...

    "Don''t worry, the inside of the Roc is connected to a safe dimension."

    "...Are you serious?"

    "Serious. Let us do everything we can to escape first. We might not be so lucky as to dodge the next shot¡ª"

    Restia cast her gaze out into the distant desert.

    A gigantic crater had formed where the beam of light of Deus Ira had pierced.

    ...A single attack contained enough firepower to annihte a city.

    "I guess you''re right¡ª"

    Kamito poured powerful divine power into the ring. The Roc instantly sped up.

    A howling sandstorm blocked their view of the Sacred Maiden.

    Part 5

    "...So they have left?"

    In a corner of the gradually vanishing Demon King City¡ª

    Staring at the spirit flying out into the desert, the Demon King muttered to himself.

    His body was already on the verge of disappearing. Most likely, before the city vanishedpletely, he would be gone without a trace like grains of sand in the wind.

    He looked down at the tiny glowing stones held in his hands.

    They were the final fragments of the spirit Iris.

    Likewise, she was going to vanish together with this Demon King City.

    For spirits with their enduring lifespans, a thousand years was not long.

    However, he had enjoyed his time together with her.

    The Demon King''s spirits, which had rampaged to their hearts'' content, were beginning to return to Astral Zero.

    As for the knights of the Holy Kingdom, he had ced them in the desert. Although he had no obligation to help them, it was his job after all. With enough luck, they should end up rescued.

    At this time, in this city that was supposed to be empty...

    "Hey you, what are you doing here?"

    A gruff voice spoke to him.

    He looked back to see a young man with a darkplexion standing there.

    "And who may you be?"

    "Huh? Me?"

    Hearing that, the young man grinned.

    "I am Jio Inzagi, the Demon King''s sessor."

    The young man introduced himself.

    "Huh...?"

    The Demon King could not help but make a sound in astonishment.

    ...A poor child with delusions, I see.

    "Hey, who the heck are you?"

    "I am Safian, a traveling merchant."

    "A merchant? What a weirdo."

    I could say the same for you. Suppressing these words, the Demon King spoke.

    "This ce is about to copse. You should escape soon."

    "And you aren''t gonna?"

    "No, after all, this is my homnd."

    "...Hmph. Suit yourself."

    The young man seemed to lose interest and prepared to leave.

    Just then, the Demon King suddenly had an idea and called to the young man.

    "Oh, please wait a second."

    "What now?"

    "I suppose our encounter is owed to fate. Let this be my gift to you."

    "...What the heck is this?"

    Seeing him pull out the Demon''s Mask from thin air, the young man frowned in surprise.

    "A leftover product from my wares. I have no use for it."

    "...Eh, now that I take a closer look, this design isn''t half bad."

    "Hmm, it seems like your sense of aesthetics matches the Demon King''s."

    "Okay, I''ll take it. Bye¡ª"

    "Yes."

    The young man took the Demon''s Mask and very swiftly departed.

    His physical abilities far surpassed that of ordinary people.

    ...Even though the Demon King had no idea who he was, he found the young man quite amusing.

    After seeing the young man disappear into the desert¡ª

    "Very well, my time will be up soon¡ª"

    His gaze settled on the glow in his hands.

    "¡ªMy wish is for what that king took, my beloved daughter''s soul, to find salvation."

    Next, having confirmed that the faint light had vanished¡ª

    Like grains of sand blown in the wind, he vanished without trace.

 Volume 18, 3 - Return of the Queen

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 3 - Return of the Queen</h4>

    Part 1

    "Sh-Sheesh, what on earth is going on...?"

    Suddenly swallowed by the giant bird, ire cried out in the darkness.

    She lit a small fire in her palm to illuminate her surroundings.

    She had expected to find herself inside the giant bird''s stomach¡ª

    But in front of her was a luxurious roomid with velvet carpet.

    "...W-What is this ce?"

    "This is the Roc''s dimension."

    Just then, Restia''s voice was heard from above¡ª

    A spirit crystalmp installed on a wall in the room instantly lit up.

    "W-What happened?"

    "If I remember right, I think a bird with a terrifying appearance swallowed us."

    Rinslet and Ellis were also checking out their surroundings, unsure what to do.

    "Darkness spirit, I demand a clear exnation!"

    ire pointed at the ceiling and said.

    "Hmph, you girls are currently inside a spirit under Kamito''smand."

    "Kamito''s spirit? That giant bird?"

    "Yes, Kamito had just tamed it."

    "Tamed..."

    "Nothing less expected from Kamito-kun..."

    Fianna sighed poignantly.

    "...I have no idea what is going on, but is this safe?"

    "Yes, so long as no ident urs."

    "What kind of ident..."

    "For example, if this spirit is erased, you lot will end up erased together."

    "Isn''t that serious!? Set us down right this instant!"

    "I don''t mind doing that, but do know that we are currently flying over Ghul-a-val."

    Hearing that, ire became speechless.

    "...What happened over there? What was that pir of light?"

    "What happened to the Pyramid?"

    "None of that is urgent at the moment. For exnations, wait until we get back to Zohar. See youter¡ª"

    Saying that, Restia ended the conversation on her own.

    "Wait, darkness spirit! Sheesh..."

    ire red at the ceiling in displeasure.

    "No helping it. Our only choice is to wait here quietly."

    "Fortunately, this ce is quitefortable."

    "Since there is a sofa and a kitchen. We can easily live here for a week or more."

    "There are snacks on the shelves too."

    "How umon. A spirit with a living space inside..."

    "Your Georgios can be entered too, and with climate control to boot."

    "My goodness, Georgios is only for personal use¡ª"

    "Excuse me..."

    At this time, a voice came from a corner of the room. It was Sdia Kahn, who had been swallowed without a clue what was going on as soon as she had been rescued.

    "Princess Sdia, does your injury still hurt?"

    Fianna asked her with care.

    "No, it doesn''t, all thanks to you. I will be fine after taking some rest."

    Maintaining a calm attitude, Sdia shook her head.

    Remainingposed in such a situation, nothing less expected from her as a member of a royal family.

    "This spirit is headed to Zohar, is that right?"

    "Yes, apparently. Please rest assured, Your Highness, we will make sure you get there safely."

    Hearing ire say that, Sdia exhaled and looked relieved.

    "The few of you are from Ordesia...?"

    "More precisely, it would be Legitimate Ordesia."

    "A government in exile, wanted by the Emperor."

    Fianna smiled wryly and shrugged.

    "Why are you searching for me?"

    "There areplicated reasons¡ª"

    Saying that, Fianna told her about what had happened so far.

    Their alliance with Dracunia. The mission assigned by the Dragon King.

    Then there was Sdia''s older sister Sjora Kahn dying together with Leviathan, the strategic-ss militarized spirit.

    "...I see. My elder sister sacrificed her life for Leviathan..."

    "Yes. By the time Kamito stormed into there, it was already toote to save her..."

    ire added.

    "My elder sister''s foolish acts has caused great loss of life to the popce. Thank you all for stopping her. Surely, more victims would have lost their lives had you not intervened."

    With a pained expression, Sdia sped her hands together as though to pray.

    "By the way, Your Highness, why did you go to the Demon King''s Capital?"

    Rinslet asked.

    "Uh, well..."

    Sdia was momentarily stumped by the question.

    "Because of the legend of the Demon King''s Coffin, right?"

    "So you already know somewhat¡ª"

    Hearing ire''sment, the princess gave up and nodded.

    "Precisely. I followed the legend of the Demon King''s Coffin and reached that ce. With the majority of my retainers eliminated by my sister, I was alone without any support. Hence, it was necessary for me to obtain proof of my authority as the Theocracy''s ruler."

    "Suffering from civil war, the Theocracy''s people are wishing for your return. I don''t think there''s any current necessity to rely on that kind of legend to disy your authority¡ª"

    "Yes, you have a point. Now that I think back, why did such a thought ur to me, I wonder..."

    The princess tilted her head in puzzlement and began to murmur to herself.

    "...?"

    Seeing her like that, Fianna felt a strange sense of dissonance.

    "By the way, Your Highness, I presume you had a bodyguard?"

    At this moment, Ellis thought of something and asked.

    "Speaking of which, that is right."

    Rinslet chimed in.

    "But there was no one by your side where you copsed."

    Hearing that, Sdia''s face twitched.

    "Th-That man is no bodyguard! A mere rogue civilian!"

    "I-I see..."

    "He abandoned me and went off who knows where! I was a fool for starting to trust him!"

    Facing the princess who had suddenly gotten worked up, ire and the girls exchanged looks, unable to say anything.

    Part 2

    The giant bird spirit flew easily across the vast desert of Ghul-a-val, reaching the Theocracy''s capital of Zohar in merely half a day''s time.

    While creating strong wind that knocked down rows of trees, the Rded in the garden of the Scorpio pce.

    Confronted with a gigantic spirit''s sudden appearance, the pce guards immediately started to attack. However, the weapons of ordinary soldiers who were not elementalists could not cause any damage to the Roc at all.

    Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

    Angered, the Roc moved and the guards immediately fled in fear.

    Riding on the giant bird''s back and seeing the situation, Kamito called out to them.

    "Wait up! I''ve brought Princess Sdia back!"

    Some of the guards probably felt curious and halted instantly.

    Kamito got down from the Roc''s back. Raising Solomon''s ring, hemanded the Roc.

    "Uh, release everyone."

    Hearing that, the Roc obediently lowered its head and slowly opened its beak.

    "Hyah!"

    "Ouch!"

    ire and the girls instantly fell out from the pitch-ck space in the Roc''s mouth.

    "Sheesh, what was that so suddenly...!"

    ire was so angry that her hair stood on end.

    "...Is ce is?"

    She surveyed her surroundings.

    "This is the pce at Zohar."

    "Ah, Kamito..."

    "We have reached the destination, I see."

    After ire and Rinslet, Ellis and Fianna also arrived outside.

    "Girls, the flight wasn''t too ufortable, I hope?"

    "Hmm, it surprised me at first, but it was actually quitefortable."

    Saying that, Fianna stroked the giant bird''s beak.

    "There was a really soft sofa and daily necessities."

    "It was quite nice as long as you tried not to think of yourself as being inside a bird''s belly."

    ...Surprisingly, the girls did not seem too offended.

    "I told you so. The Roc is quite afortable ride."

    In response, Restiamented oddly proudly.

    "W-Who on earth are you people...?"

    At this moment, the guards with raised spears asked warily.

    Next¡ª

    "Stop this insolence now. Put away your weapons."

    A stern voice sounded from the bird''s beak¡ª

    A blonde girl in a traveler''s cloak then emerged.

    "Y-Your Highness, Princess Sdia!?"

    The captain of the guard widened his eyes.

    The guards surrounding Kamito''s group immediately put down their weapons and prostrated themselves on the ground.

    "I have returned. Henceforth, I shall govern in the ce of my deceased royal sister. Make preparations for the coronation ceremony right away."

    "Yes, affirmative!"

    Hearing themands of the returned princess, the guards immediately responded and ran to the pce entrance.

    Sdia Kahn turned her head back to Kamito''s group.

    "I am deeply grateful for your help. Please rest in the imperial vi over there for now. I must busy myself with the coronation."

    "Thank you for your hospitality, Princess Sdia."

    Fianna bowed her head lightly.

    Escorted by the guards, Princess Sdia made her way to the pce.

    "Are we going to take a break without worrying too much?"

    "I suppose, I really want to cleanse my body..."

    Saying that, ire patted off sand that wwas sticking to her hair.

    "By the way, Kamito, what are you going to do with this bird?"

    Just then, Ellis asked with slight worry.

    Even with wings folded, the giant bird took up almost all of the pce''srge garden.

    ...Although the Roc did not look like it would misbehave, Kamito decided against leaving it here unattended.

    "Say, Restia, what should I do?"

    "There is no should. It has recognized you, Kamito, the one who holds the ring, as its master. That''s why it is listening to your orders."

    "I see¡ª"

    Kamito stroked the beak with his hand. The giant bird started to coo.

    "Uh, thank you for flying us all the way here. You''re free from now on."

    "Kamito, that is such a waste. The Roc is a high-tier spirit, you know?"

    "Even so, I can''t just leave it here..."

    ...The pce guards would probably be scared out of their wits if the Roc kept staying here.

    Also, he felt sorry for using the Demon King''s power to restrain spirits.

    Kamito tapped on the beak. The Roc suddenly stood up and spread its giant wings.

    Ngyahhhhh!

    Then it cried out, pped its wings and flew off into the blue sky.

    Resting on Ellis'' shoulder, Simorgh looked quite lonely, calling out kooroorooroo.

    Part 3

    Soon, the pce''s female attendants came over and brought Kamito''s entourage to the imperial vi some distance away from Scorpio.

    The pure-white Serpent Vi was built from marble. It was said that Bahar Kahn,monly known as the Lecherous King, had built it for four of his concubines.

    "Kamito-kun, that is the Lecherous King, the Lecherous King? "

    "W-What the heck..."

    Seeing Fianna especially excited, Kamito did not know how to respond.

    "Legend has it that Bahar Kahn imitated the great Demon King Solomon and married many concubines. This Serpent Vi was where they lived."

    A female attendant said with a smile.

    "The famous King''s Bath was also built for King Bahar to bathe with his concubines."

    "Fufu, then Kamito-kun should join uster."

    "W-What, w-what are you talking about? This pervert, molestor!"

    "Th-That is so shameless and immoral!"

    Suddenly met with usations out of the blue, Kamito arrived with his group at a hall with chairs and tables.

    "Please wait here, everyone. We will have the rooms prepared immediately."

    The female attendants bowed respectfully, then turned around and left.

    "...So we are back."

    "It felt like a dream."

    Rubbing her temples, Rinslet murmured.

    ...It was only three days earlier when Kamito''s team had set off for Ghul-a-val. Inside that Demon King''s Capital that had disappeared like a mirage, they had truly experienced way too much.

    "Say, Kamito, what happened in the Pyramid?"

    ire asked.

    "A long story. I''ll exin while we''re waiting for Rubia to get here."

    "...Okay."

    News of their return had already been sent by Ellis via a wind spirit. All they needed to do was wait here and Rubia would arrive shortly.

    "The Theocracy''s civil war is finallying to an end, I suppose."

    "That would depend on how the princess handles things."

    "Despite her youth, the princess looks quite reliable."

    "Yes,pletely different from her older sister Sjora Kahn."

    Hearing Ellis mutter, ire agreed.

    However, Fianna looked a little perplexed.

    "Say, uh, about Princess Sdia¡ª"

    "What about her?"

    "Did anyone feel anything not quite right?"

    "...?"

    ire and the rest of the girls looked at each other in puzzlement.

    "...Forget it. I must be overthinking."

    "Princess Sdia is a user of demon spirits, after all. Perhaps her divine power''s ambiance is different from ours."

    "Yes, possibly. I must have imagined it..."

    Saying that, Fianna waved her hands to dismiss the matter as a mistake.

    Part 4

    While in the hall waiting for Rubia, Kamito told the girls about what had happened inside the Pyramid.

    In the underground space of the Tomb, he had met the Queen of the Demon King City. There, he had witnessed the truth behind the birth of Demon King Solomon a thousand years ago. Then there was Lurie Lizaldia''s death, the merchant Safian''s true identity, and the revival of Sacred Maiden Areishia within which the Holy Lord''s soul dwelled¡ª

    After listening to all this, ire said in exasperation.

    "...I take my eyes off you for just a bit and you end up getting into so much trouble."

    "It''s not like I go out of my way to look for trouble."

    Kamito retorted indignantly.

    "By the way, I never expected that suspicious merchant to be Demon King Solomon..."

    "What a surprise."

    Ellis and Rinslet both had a shocked look on their faces, murmuring quietly.

    In the Academy''s courses, Demon King Solomon was described as a tyrant who met had met his demise. That image was far too different from the real person.

    "Well, but it seems like he''s a different being from the Demon King himself."

    Kamito added.

    "Inparison, the problem of Sacred Maiden Areishiaing back to life is more serious. Of all things, for Holy Lord Alexandros'' soul to be dwelling inside her..."

    "...Yeah. Although the Holy Lord''s goal is unknown, judging from the Holy Kingdom''s current movements, it''s clearly nothing good."

    The Holy Lord was the true culprit responsible for the Demon King War, having created both the Demon King and the Sacred Maiden. And the Holy Kingdom of Lugia, which served that Elemental Lord, had incited civil war in the Theocracy and secretly controlled Emperor Arneus of Ordesia.

    Was his goal to sow chaos throughout the continent?

    Perhaps even the Ranbal War had started because of the Holy Kingdom''s machinations.

    Now that the Holy Lord''s soul was revived with the Sacred Maiden''s body, what was the Holy Kingdom going to do next?

    "Did things happen on your end?"

    When Kamito asked¡ª

    ire and Ellis exchanged a nce.

    "I suppose..."

    With a mixed expression, ire murmured.

    "In a za in the city, we encountered the Fire Elemental Lord''s avatar."

    "Huh?"

    "What did you say?" "Are you serious!?"

    Not only Kamito but even Fianna and Rinslet were shocked.

    "Yes, she was together with the Sacred Spirit Knights. She was the one who destroyed the Pyramid."

    "Sure enough, the released Fire Elemental Lord ended up in the Holy Kingdom''s hands, huh..."

    Previously, Rubia had predicted that the Fire Elemental Lord might have teleported to Alexandria, the capital of the Holy Kingdom. Her guess was evidently correct.

    "Don''t tell me you made contact with the Fire Elemental Lord?"

    "That''s right, purely by chance. I don''t know why, but we even took her sightseeing around the city."

    "...What the heck?"

    Kamito could not help but exim.

    "But she didn''t seem like a bad person."

    ire spoke with a mixed expression.

    "Didn''t the Fire Elemental Lord destroy your homnd?"

    "...I know, but she seems to have lost that memory."

    "I see now, a simr state as Iseria, huh?"

    "Indeed, that''s very likely."

    At the abandoned city of Megidoa on Ragna Ys, they had encountered Iseria Seaward, the Water Elemental Lord''s avatar, who had even forgotten her own identity. Only through the Release Ritual conducted by Fianna did she remember who she was.

    "She seemed to remember Nee-sama..."

    "Really?"

    "Really¡ª"

    At that moment, boots were heard outside the hall.

    "I amte¡ª"

    Saying that, Rubia appeared in her military uniform.

    She looked like she had hurried over from Mordis as soon as she received news of Kamito''s team''s return. Uncharacteristically, her cor was tilted and needed to be fixed up.

    "Nee-sama..."

    ire suddenly shut up.

    After ncing over everyone gathered, Rubia spoke.

    "You have evidently ensured Princess Sdia''s safety. Well done."

    "Yeah, it was a lot of work..."

    Kamito shrugged.

    "Any news on the other front?"

    "Nothing special. Just that the faction of nobles in Ordesia opposing the emperor seems to be growing with each passing day. At Areishia Spirit Academy, opposition between students and the knights have deepened. I expect news of Princess Sdia''s return to affect the Empire greatly too."

    "I am quite curious about the nobles'' intentions..."

    With her chin resting on her hands, Fianna murmured.

    "Would you like to hear about what happened at the Demon King City?"

    "No, I will listen to the reportter."

    Rubia shook her head.

    "Fianna and I shall pay Princess Sdia a visit first."

    "Well, I guess that''s definitely more important."

    Rubia could be considered the de facto ruler of the rebel army at Mordis. Since the Theocracy''s administration was returning to Sdia''s rule, naturally, there were matters on that front to discuss.

    "I understand. Let us be on our way, Rubia-sama¡ª"

    "Yes, the rest of you should take a proper break."

    After ncing at ire, Rubia took Fianna and left the hall.

    "Is it really okay for you to not mention the Fire Elemental Lord?"

    "Yes, I think it''s best not to bring it up yet."

    ire bit her lip hard.

    "...I guess you''re right."

    "I don''t know what to do either. In my heart, there''s still lingering emotions refusing to forgive the Fire Elemental Lord for destroying my homnd..."

    She recalled that very day when the torrential rain of fire had deprived her of her homnd.

    In her sister''s heart, surely the mes of that day continued to burn still.

    But¡ª

    "I really want to see her again. And chat with her..."

    ire murmured intermittently.

    "...I need to think. What to do from now on."

    Kamito crossed his arms and looked up at the ceiling of the hall.

    The Holy Lord sealed inside Sacred Maiden Areishia had revived.

    The Ordesia Empire was plunged into deeper chaos, sowing seeds of internal strife.

    "...Looks like we need to investigate more into the Holy Lord."

    "Yeah. Let''s check out the Theocracy''s libraryter."

    "However, I feel that the Divine Ritual Institute''s literature is not going to offer much."

    "True, but there might be clues."

    "Ah¡ª"

    At that moment, ire cried out.

    "But we happen to have a source that we can ask about the Elemental Lords!"

    "Where?"

    ire pointed to Rinslet and said:

    "Iseria Seaward, the Water Elemental Lord."

 Volume 18, 4 - The Princess Maiden of Water

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 4 - The Princess Maiden of Water</h4>

    Part 1

    "I-I knew it, this is too embarrassing. Can I not wear the Academy''s uniform instead?"

    Facing Rinslet, who was awkwardly rubbing her knees together with a bright-red countenance¡ª

    "No. Although the Academy''s uniform can serve as crude ritual attire, you must wear ancient traditional garb for summoning an Elemental Lord."

    ire spoke seriously.

    They were at a small shrine in the city of Zohar that princess maidens used tomune with spirits.

    Inside the Theocracy where worship of the Demon King ran deep, there were very few shrines dedicated to the Five Great Elemental Lords. Even in high-ss venues such as the pce, there would only be a shrine for worshiping the Earth Elemental Lord at most.

    That being said, the city was notpletely devoid of such shrines. Hence, after obtaining permission from Princess Sdia, Kamito''s team borrowed a small shrine used for worshiping the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    "...Ooh~, thest time I wore Raiment of Water was in my childhood."

    Dressed in a sheer garment that provided tantalizing glimpses to her skin, Rinslet helplessly hung her head.

    She had conducted the Winter Serenity Ritual in Laurenfrost when she was younger, but ever since her little sister Judia was sealed in ice, she practically never wore this outfit again.

    The Raiment of Water was supreme ritual attire worn by princess maidens serving the Water Elemental Lord. Compared to the ritual attire of fire, which Fianna, Rubia and even Ren Ashbell had worn, this outfit stood out as far more revealing, with a design that especially emphasized the body''s curves.

    A translucent veil covered the noble youngdy''s snow-white skin. A skirt with a bold high slit, running past her lovely navel, was wrapped around the graceful curves of her hips.

    Every time Rinslet twisted her body in embarrassment, her pale thighs came into view, making Kamito unsure where to look.

    Even though it was the Divine Ritual Institute''s designated formal ritual attire that even the Water Queen would also wear, it proved to be especially seductive when worn by the pure and innocent Rinslet.

    "K-Kamito-san! It is far too embarrassing when you keep staring like that..."

    Rinslet''s slightly teary eyes were ring at Kamito resentfully.

    Involuntarily mesmerized, Kamito hastily turned his gaze away.

    "S-Sorry...! I couldn''t help it because you''re too pretty..."

    "...Ooh, my goodness, w-w-what are you talking about!?"

    Rinslet huddled into a ball while steam rose from her head.

    On the altar for worshiping the Elemental Lord was arge jar of water.

    Kamito had heard that it was for the Elemental Lord to bestow her voice upon the human realm, using water as the medium.

    "Will the offering dance be fine?"

    ire asked.

    "Of course. I started presiding over the ritual since I was young."

    Saying that, Rinslet walked up to the altar.

    The bells attached to her ankles sounded.

    "¡ªO flowing water, the source of all life. One who embraces the earth gently, grant thy blessings to the earth¡ª"

    The bells kept ringing¡ª

    d in the Raiment of Water, Rinslet began to dance in front of the jar of water. In the darkness, her tinum blonde long hair glowed with beautiful radiance. Her graceful fingers were mesmerizing.

    A flowing dance, no less spectacr than those performed by princes maidens of the Divine Ritual Institute.

    "Raindrops of tender affection, wind and snow of wrath, O great lord of water ruling over all¡ª"

    The Ice Rose seal on the back of Rinslet''s left hand glowed with dazzling light.

    This was the seal that Iseria Seaward had bestowed upon her at the abandoned city on Ragna Ys.

    Even though it was not a formal spirit contract''s seal, Rinslet was able to establish a connection to her through this seal.

    "¡ªI implore thee to listen to the voice of your princess maiden!"

    The light surging from the ice rose painted the surroundings white¡ª

    "¡ªWhat is the matter, Rinslet?"

    Suddenly, a voice was heard from the mouth of Fenrir, who was crouching in a corner of the shrine.

    "W-What!?"

    Kamito could not help but exim in surprise.

    "Over there!?"

    Hearing the voice, Rinslet could not help but cry out in the middle of her dance offering.

    Unconcerned with the speechless Kamito andpany¡ª

    Fenrir slowly stood up and walked unsteadily up to Rinslet.

    "Compared to that water mirror, possessing your contracted spirit is easier, right?"

    "R-Really?"

    "Yes. I previously used this dog spirit''s mouth to speak, right?"

    Indeed,st time, Kamito had received a clue to Restia''s whereabouts from Iseria speaking through Fenrir. To think that the specially prepared jar of water turned out to be a waste of effort.

    "Rinslet, why did you call for me?"

    "Y-Yes, we would like to inquire something of you, Iseria-sama."

    Kneeling on the ground, Rinslet bowed her head before Fenrir.

    ire and the others hastily did the same.

    ...It was quite a ridiculous scene from a bystander''s point of view.

    "Dispense with the formalities. I am nothing more than the Water Elemental Lord''s avatar."

    "No, absolutely not."

    Rinslet slowly shook her head.

    "...Fine. Then what do you wish to inquire of me?"

    "About the great Holy Lord Alexandros, leader of the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    Rinslet told Iseria, who was in the form of a white wolf, about what had happened in the Demon King City.

    "...How unbelievable, never did I expect Alexandros to revive in the human realm."

    Momentster¡ª

    After listening to the whole story, Iseria entered a pensive pose with Fenrir''s jaw propped against his front paw.

    Since she looked like Fenrir, it looked quite hrious¡ª

    "Iseria-sama, may I ask what do you know about the Holy Lord?"

    Fenrir shook his head at the question.

    "...My apologies. I have almost no memories from my time as an Elemental Lord. It was only with your help that I finally recovered a portion of my memories and power."

    "Well, figures..."

    "H-Hey, mind your manners!"

    Hearing ire''s quite murmur, Ellis scolded.

    "As the ruler of wisdom and power, Alexandros is the leader of us Elemental Lords. However, at the very end of that Spirit War, he was corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness summoned by Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll. Like us¡ª"

    "I heard that the Holy Lord tempted the hero Solomon and created the opportunity for the Demon King''s creation. Why exactly did he do that?"

    Kamito asked a question at this point.

    "This is my first time hearing of the Holy Lord interfering in the human realm. However, it is decidedly odd. We Elemental Lords bestowed power on the Sacred Queen precisely for the sake of quelling the chaos brought by the Demon King."

    "I knew it, there must be some kind of secret in the Sacred Maiden..."

    Crossing his arms, Kamito muttered.

    What was Alexandros going to do do after obtaining Sacred Maiden Areishia''s physical body?

    Also, Lurie had mentioned resetting the world, what exactly¡ª

    "Do you know anything about the Fire Elemental Lord?"

    This time, it was ire''s turn to ask.

    Probably because Iseria was using Fenrir''s appearance, ire did not muster any respect at all. Kamito could hardly me her after seeing Fenrir shake while scratching an ear with his hind leg¡ª

    "...Well, from what I have heard, although I cannot be certain, it is possible that Volcanicus is bound by some kind of covenant with the Holy Lord."

    "Covenant?"

    "Yes. On the brink of the Spirit War, the Elemental Lords entered into an invible covenant with one another. For the sake of building a solid alliance to oppose Ren Ashdoll."

    "So that''s why she couldn''te with us..."

    ire whispered regretfully.

    "Has anything strange happened on your end?"

    "Hmm, it has been ordinary as ever¡ªOh."

    "...What is the matter?"

    "Well, speaking of strange, there is one matter I am slightly concerned about."

    Iseria spoke in a serious tone of voice.

    "What is it?"

    "Gates to Astral Zero have apparently opened in the human realm."

    "...? Does that not happen all the time?"

    In ces like the Spirit Forest, powerful spirits would asionally pass through naturally urring gates to invade the human realm. Taking out such spirits was also part of the Syphid Knights'' job.

    "The quantity is a bit too great. Even though investigations are ongoing, it is certain that some kind of situation has arisen in Astral Zero."

    "...I see."

    Such a phenomenon was definitely worrying. However, it did not seem rted to the problems Kamito andpany were currently facing.

    "This is the extent of what I know. I apologize for not being of much help."

    "You are too humble, Iseria-sama."

    Rinslet shook her head frantically.

    "Goodbye. I look forward to your pancakes next time you happen to pass through Astral Zero."

    The glow in Fenrir''s eyes vanished, turning them back into his original round eyes.

    "...To be honest, that wasn''t very useful."

    "C-ire! You are talking about an Elemental Lord, you know!?"

    "I went as far as to wear this outfit!"

    Hearing ire''sment, Ellis got angry and Rinslet grumbled.

    "Well, it can''t be helped that she lost her memory. Next, we should do more research on the Holy Lord."

    "...Yeah."

    ire stood up.

    "Let''s return to the pce. Princess Sdia said she had a celebration prepared."

    "I-I shall change back into my uniform first."

    "You''re going to take off this pretty outfit? That''s a shame."

    "K-Kamito-san!"

    Part 2

    "I, Sdia Kahn, daughter of Rajihal Kahn, express my gratitude for your assistance on this asion. I hereby swear to an alliance with Legitimate Ordesia."

    "Much obliged, Princess Sdia¡ª"

    At the throne room in Scorpia, Fianna and Princess Sdia shook hands.

    Sdia hadpleted her coronation ceremony, albeit a simple one. The many retainers serving Sjora Kahn had been arrested and imprisoned by the army under hermand.

    For Legitimate Ordesia, this was yet another powerful ally they had gained after Dracunia.

    Although they could not expect much in terms of military support, the fact that they had gained a new allied nation would definitely help in securing support from the Ordesia nobles.

    "I have prepared a small celebration banquet to deepen the friendship between our nations. Please honor me with your attendance."

    "Thank you for your hospitality, Princess Sdia¡ª"

    Fianna bowed gracefully then took her leave with Rubia, leaving the throne room.

    When they walked out of the pce, the sun was already setting. A crowd of small spirits had started gathering in the courtyard. They must have noticed that humans were holding a celebration banquet.

    "With this, we have recruited two allied nations at least."

    "Yes, people in the Empire are sure to make a move after receiving reports of this."

    "The nobles will rebel?"

    "No, that would be too soon¡ª"

    Just then, Rubia suddenly stopped walking and looked around the courtyard.

    "Rubia-sama?"

    "Fianna, do you sense it?"

    Rubia asked quietly.

    "...Huh?"

    "I am referring to Princess Sdia. At close range, did you sense anything?"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    "Now that you mention it, you noticed too, Rubia-sama?"

    "Indeed. Something ominous evidently lurks within Princess Sdia."

    "...Yes."

    Fianna nodded.

    Had it been anyone other than a Queen candidate and a former Queen, they might not have noticed that faint evil presence.

    "Something seems to have possessed the princess."

    "I fear it is the same entity that had possessed Sjora Kahn."

    Rubia said.

    "During the final round of the de Dance, that witch''s personality clearly changed. I suspect this time, it has abandoned Sjora Kahn''s body and possessed Princess Sdia instead."

    "Something like that is possible?"

    "Generations of the Demon King Cult have passed down ancient curses unknown to the Divine Ritual Institute. I expect they include magic of this sort."

    Rubia turned her head back towards Scorpia and said slowly.

    "¡ªTonight we hunt. Get ready."

    Part 3

    The sacred capital Alexandros of the Holy Kingdom of Lugia was situated at the foot of the holy mountain of Londinia, the birthce of Areishia Idriss, the legendary Sacred Queen.

    It was a mountain city surrounded by walls of pure white. As the capital of one of the three great nations of the continent alongside Ordesia and Quina, the city''s size was surprisingly small with an extremely small poption.

    The entire city had evolved into a gigantic shrine dedicated to worshiping the Holy Lord, because the city''s core functions of politics andmerce had moved over to the secondary capital of Meriazel roughly two hundred years earlier.

    This was a city where schrly pursuits and worshiping rites were directed by princess maidens.

    At the very center of the sacred capital of Alexandria...

    In the grand cathedral known as the Ivory Tower¡ª

    A girl in pure-white vestments entered.

    It was an empty ce.

    The worshiped king''s was clearly no longer present.

    The girl stood on a map of the continent carved on the floor.

    "¡ªEst, you are here, yes?"

    Suddenly, she called out to empty space.

    Particles of light appeared, followed by a cardinal dressed in vestments of pure white.

    "¡ªHow may I serve you, Holy Lord?"

    The girl addressed as "Est"¡ª

    Was precisely the Holy Kingdom''s cardinal, Millennia Sanctus.

    Reflected in her clear eyes of violet was the face of Areishia Idriss.

    Areishia''s expression rxed a little.

    "¡ªWell done, Est. You seeded in liberating my vessel."

    Millennia bowed her head.

    "However, your faithful apostle, Lurie Lizaldia, has perished."

    "Yes, indeed. A sad fact perhaps."

    Areishia shook her head calmly.

    "Nevertheless, her long-cherished wish shalle into fruition. Just like yours."

    The Sacred Maiden looked up at the cathedral''s painted ceiling and spoke in a voice filled with sorrow.

    The painting depicted the likeness of the Holy Lord meting out punishment to Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll.

    It was a primordial fresco named Final Judgment.

    "Time is ripe. The Sacred Maiden vessel has awakened. Time to put the n into action, Est. We must rectify the world that the Darkness Elemental Lord''s sins has set on a path towards destruction."

    "Everything is ready, my lord. I await yourmand."

    "Has the candidate location been selected?"

    "Yes, how about here¡ª?"

    Millennia nodded and tapped the tip of her staff against the map on the floor.

 Volume 18, 5 - Celebration

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 5 - Celebration</h4>

    Part 1

    ¡ªAfter sundown.

    A roaring bonfire was lit in the middle of Scorpia''s grand za to start the princess'' coronation celebration.

    The za''s floor was covered with carpet embroidered with exquisite patterns, a local specialty of the Alphas Theocracy. Served in utensils of silver and gold, cooked dishes and fruit were brought to the venue one after another together with pitchers of wine.

    Having bathed, ire andpany were sitting on the carpet, looking at the luxurious feast set before their eyes.

    "Having a meal sitting on the ground is quite a new experience."

    ire, her skin smooth and tender after soaking in the bath, tossed her hair while she spoke.

    "I heard that this is a traditional banquet custom in the Theocracy."

    "I''m actually more used to this."

    Thinking back to his Instructional School days, Kamito remarked.

    Because the Instructional School originated from the Theocracy''s Demon King Cult, Kamito was more familiar with desert culture than the noble youngdies of Ordesia were.

    "This carpet is amazing. I wonder how they embroidered it?"

    Very interested, Ellis murmured.

    Kamito could smell floral fragrance from her neck, probably because she used specially made rose soap.

    "This is the work of princess maidens specializing in weaving, guided by spirits. As a result, authentic Alphas textiles contain blessings from spirits."

    The knowledgeable ire raised an index finger and exined.

    "...I see. No wonder it feels sofortable to sit on."

    Hearing that, Kamitomented with admiration while sitting between ire and Ellis.

    Apart from Kamito''s team, invited guests included the general of the royal guard, leaders of local militias and the courtiers imprisoned by Sjora Kahn.

    Practically all of the retainers who had greedily epted the privileges and authority granted by Sjora were now thrown into prison. They were not executed because Princess Sdia wanted to show she had no intent to continue her sister''s reign of terror.

    As for Sdia herself, she was currently sitting on the new throne, listening to her retainers'' reports.

    Her sitting there, dignified and awe-inspiring, it was hard to imagine her as a girl the same age as Kamito and hispanions.

    "Princess Sdia has a tough job ahead of her."

    "Yes, there are still quite a few local warlords coveting session to the Kahn dynasty."

    When ire stared at the princess and made ament, Ellis concurred.

    Just then¡ª

    "Apologies for my tardiness."

    Kamito andpany heard Fianna''s voice from behind.

    "Seriously, where did you go?"

    "Hmm, something came up, yes..."

    Replying quietly, Fianna then sat down gracefully next to Ellis.

    "Ellis, I have personally written a letter to Dracunia, could you deliver it to the Lord Dragon King?"

    "Affirmative. I willmand the fastest wind spirit to send it."

    Ellis recited an incantation and summon a wind spirit in the form of a falcon.

    At first nce, the spirit looked quite simr to Simorgh except smaller. The falcon took the letter in its beak then flew out of the pce like a gust of wind.

    Due to their status as the second princess and a duke''s daughter, Fianna and Ellis used to be a bit too formal with each other, but ever since Ellis started working as Fianna''s secretary, they had gotten much closer.

    "If Dracunia enters a formal alliance with us, I expect Arneus to balk at reckless action."

    "Yes, with uncertainty in the Empire''s internal situation, he would think twice before angering one of the top military powers in the continent¡ª"

    While ire and the girls were conversing, the pce''s sumptuous food was brought out dish by dish.

    There was oven-baked barley bread, t wheat bread, whole-roasted pig, a dish where a whole chicken was stuffed with stuffing, sandfish fried with herbs, deep-fried red scorpions vored with salt,mb stewed with fragrant vegetables, meat paired with fruit sauce, grapes on a vine served on silverware, dessert made from roasted apple topped with honey...

    "Wow... Everything looks so delicious!"

    "There are dishes I have never seen before!"

    ire''s gaze was firmly fixated upon a dessert filled with peaches.

    After the food was served, a musical ensembleposed of princess maidens made their debut at the center of the za and started to y exotic sounding music.

    Attracted by the music and the luxurious feast, spirits kept drifting over. This area seemed to be particrly amenable to earth spirits. Many lizard spirits with hard scales and scorpion spirits with hammer-like tails could be found in the surroundings.

    Team Scarlet''s contracted spirits were freely roaming the za.

    This was a scene quite rare to see during the gatherings of Ordesian nobles.

    The retainers began to chat happily with wine sses in their hands. Some of them even poked skewers of meat into Scarlet''s tail to roast while she was strolling in the za.

    "ire, is that really okay? To do that to a high-tier spirit?"

    Seeing that, Kamito turned to ire beside him and asked.

    "Sure, Scarlet is just going around, asking to be fed anyway..."

    "Like candle service huh?"

    "Well I suppose."

    "I would beg to differ..."

    Ellis quipped quietly.

    "Hmph, we must not allow ourselves to be outdone, Fenrir!"

    With a toss of her long tinum blonde hair, Rinslet stood up.

    Apanied by a blizzard, the summoned Fenrir froze peaches and grapes that were served on tters, producing instant sherbet.

    "Hmm, well yed..."

    "ire, let us have a contest. See whose spirit will be the most popr at this banquet!"

    "Bring it on!"

    "Why do you need to have a contest?"

    Seeing the two members of Raven ss sh with sparks flying, Kamito sighed.

    "Well, this isn''t so bad. It''s not every day we get to have a banquet."

    Fianna shrugged in response.

    "Speaking of which, Georgios rarely gets summoned to banquets like this."

    "After all, as a royal heirloom spirit, he must not be disyed too casually."

    "Does he eat human food like Scarlet and the others?"

    Spirits have no need to eat for the most part, but most of them would happily eat food when offered.

    "Hmm, he seems to prefer iron to food. Georgios often sucks in objects like useless broken swords and the like."

    "I-I see... That''s not too surprising."

    Saying that, Kamito raised his gaze a little.

    He could see a sacred bird with rainbow tail flying overhead.

    The princess'' retainers put their hands together and paid respects to the bird.

    "It feels like they''re worshiping Simorgh..."

    "Yes, it has struck me as incredible since just now."

    Ellis was equally puzzled.

    "The Theocracy apparently worships bird-shaped spirits. I think it is because a giant bird carried the Demon King to battle ording to legend¡ª"

    Just as Fianna started to exin...

    "Onii-sama~!"

    "Uwah... Uh¡ª"

    A petite figure silently approached and hugged Kamito.

    "Muir!?"

    "Ehehe..."

    He turned his neck¡ª

    Only to see Muir smiling shyly behind him.

    Instead of her usual Instructional Schoolbat outfit, she was wearing a desert nation dress. Her ash-gray hair was tied on opposite sides of her head, bouncing energetically.

    "Muir, you''ve recovered."

    "Yes, I''m fine now, Onii-sama?"

    Saying that, Muir nodded energetically.

    In an earlier reconnaissance mission at Zohar, she and Lily were unfortunately absorbed by the strategic-ss spirit Leviathan. Consequently, they had been bedridden while Kamito''s team went off to Ghul-a-val.

    "Has Lily recovered too?"

    "She can walk now, but she didn''t want toe here."

    "I see. That''s quite like her."

    Kamito smiled wryly. Lily was a member of the Elfim race and hated human crowds.

    "Onii-sama, let me feed you."

    "...Woah!?"

    Muir jumped and sat down on Kamito''sp.

    "W-Wait a sec, what are you doing!?"

    Seeing that, ire red at her.

    "Hmph, Onii-sama is the personal seat of Muir, the little sister."

    "Y-You''re no little sister!"

    "Right, sworn sister. A sworn sister can be married, so status is even higher than a real sister."

    "...! M-Married...!"

    ire''s face instantly flushed bright red.

    Just then, the Demon yer at Kamito''s side suddenly glowed.

    "Back off for that is my position¡ª"

    "E-Est!?"

    ...For some reason, even Est joined in.

    "No, this is Muir''s spot."

    "..."

    Est still had no expression on her face, but she defiantly tried to squeeze onto Kamito''sp.

    Her silver-white hair was glowing faintly.

    ...She seemed a little angry.

    "H-Hey, you two...!"

    "K-Kamito, this is shameful public behavior!"

    "Forcing two girls to serve you, you seem to be enjoying this!"

    "...~T-Turn into charcoal, charcoal!"

    "Woah, hold on, ire!?"

    "¡ªWhat a ruckus."

    Suddenly, the girl with jet-ck wings floated down in front of Kamito''s group.

    Chuckling, Restia smiled mischievously.

    "Hmm, you''re here, darkness spirit..."

    In response, Muir red at her warily.

    "I am not petty enough to say anything like keeping Kamito all to myself."

    Restia dered with an expression of full confidence.

    "Are you serious?"

    "Why don''t we all just share Kamito?"

    "Share?"

    Getting a bad feeling, Kamito asked.

    "Yes, we will carve out time when we can monopolize Kamito. I shall take Kamito during the night, while you two can share him for the daytime."

    "Bullshit!"

    Kamito hastily protested against Restia''s suggestion.

    "Although manifesting in the daytime is not a problem for a high-tier spirit like me, darkness spirits do find nighttime morefortable after all?"

    "All at your convenience, huh!?"

    "No way I''m agreeing to that. You get Onii-sama all to yourself at night!"

    "Darkness spirit, I knew it, we must settle the question of superiority between us¡ª"

    This time, Muir and Est started to join forces.

    "All of you are getting along so well."

    Watching them, Fianna sighed and murmured.

    The musicians yed a wonderful melody and the princess maidens began to dance.

    Princess maidens in the service of spirits were usually beautiful maidens and this time was no exception. However, since Kamito has been in thepany of top beauties from the Empire all along, he was more focused on rare desert delicacies than on dancing.

    "Est, what do you want? I''ll get it for you."

    "Yes. I want that rotating meat."

    Hearing his offer, Est pointed to a skewered chunk of meat, rotating while being roasted.

    "Miss Sword Spirit, that is the kebab."

    "Kebab?"

    "Slices ofmb are roasted against a charcoal me while it spins."

    "Then you roll it up in vegetables and eat it with a sweet and spicy sauce."

    "Kamito, I want kebab."

    Est was already holding her fork, her violet eyes shining bright.

    Kamito sliced some meat off from the skewer. Then he noticed something weird with ire''s behavior.

    "...ire, what are you doing?"

    "Hyah!"

    When he called to her, ire''s entire person jumped.

    The jump caused several peaches to roll out from under her uniform.

    "...This is quite unseemly for a guest at a state banquet. And you used to be a duke''s daughter too."

    "I-I''m just nning to eat them in my room!"

    ire shook her twintails vigorously and started to pick up the fallen peaches.

    "Seriously, what are you doing...?"

    Ellis remarked in exasperation.

    "Ellis, pardon myte arrival."

    "My esteemed sister¡ª"

    Just then, Velsaria took a seat next to Ellis, holding a pitcher of wine.

    Apparently, she had been finishing a tune-up of her fortress spirit at Vivian Melosa.

    "Ellis, would you like a drink?"

    "Yes, please, my esteemed sister."

    Ellis nodded and raised her cup.

    "I heard you fought with that Luminaris inside the Demon King City."

    "Yes, she lives up to her reputation as a formidable enemy."

    "Nevertheless, you fought on equal terms, did you not?"

    "I am honored that I had a chance to meet Luminaris-dono inbat. Even though she is a knight of the Holy Kingdom, her sword is pure and honest."

    "Is that so? A valuable experience, I see."

    "Yes, my esteemed sister¡ª"

    Ellis smiled. Velsaria smiled gently too.

    ...Their sisterly rtionship, which used to be quite stiff, had be much more harmonious.

    Seeing that, ire looked sad for an instant.

    "Nee-sama isn''t here yet..."

    "I guess Rubia doesn''t like banquets much."

    "Totally wrong. Back in the day, Nee-sama used to be very happy whenever festivals and celebrations came up."

    The two twintails were drooping in disappointment.

    "Nee-sama was so good at ying Old Maid."

    "Really..."

    Seeing ire like that...

    "Rubia-sama will be here soon. She is getting ready right now."

    Fianna exined.

    "Ready? Ready for what?"

    "You shall know soon."

    Saying that, Fianna kept her gaze on Princess Sdia on the throne.

    Even though it was a banquet situation, Fianna seemed oddly nervous.

    ¡ªSuddenly.

    The flute stopped and the throne room went silent.

    Everyone''s gaze gathered at the entrance to the za.

    Appearing there was&mash;

    "Nee-sama...!?"

    Sitting next to Kamito, ire eximed softly.

    Indeed, it was Rubia Elstein.

    However, instead of her usual military uniform, she was dressed in a princess maiden''s ritual attire.

    Whispering could be heard from the guests.

    "Rubia-dono, what is this outfit for?"

    Princess Sdia asked in surprise.

    Rubia slowly walked up to the throne and bowed magnanimously.

    "To celebrate your ascension, Princess Sdia, I would like to offer a ritual dance."

    "You will be one to perform the ritual dance?"

    Sdia frowned and asked.

    Indeed, this was a natural reaction for anyone who did not know that Rubia Elstein used to be the Queen serving the Fire Elemental Lord.

    "Princess Sdia, Rubia-dono is a princess maiden of the Divine Ritual Institute. I am certain she would be able to please the spirits here."

    Fianna stood up and offered support.

    "I see now. In that case, I look forward to your performance."

    The princess nodded and raised her hand lightly. The sound of flute music resumed.

    They yed music for pleasing spirits.

    With a flutter of her crimson hair that looked as though it were burning, Rubia began to dance gracefully.

    "Nee-sama..."

    ire widened her ruby-like eyes. It was many years ago since shest watched her sister dancing from up close. Thest time was the Great Festival of Spirits at the imperial capital.

    With unblinking eyes, ire stared at her older sister''s me-like dancing figure.

    Small mes were produced from her fans, spinning back and forth in Rubia''s surroundings.

    The spirits gathered at the banquet expressed their joy by shing nonstop.

    Frolicking in the mes, Rubia was so beautiful that Kamito was mesmerized.

    "I don''t know anything about dancing, but it''s really pretty..."

    "Yes. This is Nee-sama''s dance, Kamito."

    ire spoke with pride.

    In the past, Kamito had witnessed Rubia offering a ritual dance performance at the imperial capital.

    But back then, he waspletely focused on the Instructional School''s mission had no leisure to pay attention to that beauty of hers.

    Rubia''s dance heated up like a zing fire as the music rose in intensity.

    At that very moment, Kamito suddenly noticed it.

    Sitting on the throne, there seemed to be something wrong with Princess Sdia.

    (...What''s going on?)

    "...Ah...Ah..."

    She began to moan as though having a seizure.

    "Sdia-sama, is something bothering you?"

    The retainers noticed the anomaly and began to mor.

    "Princess, are you alright?"

    Rinslet stood up with worry.

    However, just as she was about to hurry over, Fianna stopped her.

    "Wait, Rinslet."

    "Your Highness? What is it¡ª"

    "Please be quiet, everyone!"

    Fianna stood up and shouted.

    Instantly, the throne room became silent.

    "Ah, guh, oh, ohhh, ohhhhhhhhhh¡ª"

    Clutching her chest in pain, Sdia copsed on the ground.

    That hoarse voice of old men did not belong to Sdia.

    Sounding like many ghosts, the sound was quite terrifying.

    (This voice is¡ª!)

    Kamito jumped in surprise. He remembered that voice.

    It was precisely the bizarre noise made by Sjora Kahn just before she died.

    "Curses, how dare you conspire against us, damn giiiiiirl¡ª"

    Like pitch-ck mist, dark miasma surged out from the copsed princess.

    The retainers in the surroundings lost consciousness one after another as soon as the thick miasma touched them.

    "How is the pain? Hierarchs of the Demon King Cult¡ª"

    Coldly looking at the dark miasma, Rubia spoke.

    "I first realized your true identity when I was investigating the grimoire about forbidden spells that Sjora Kahn had left behind. A particr type of magic intrigued me."

    "...Guh... Urgh. Damn yooooooou...!"

    "Reincarnation magic. Abandoning the physical body then using one''s mind to possess another person¡ª"

    "Damn you damn you damn you daaaaaaamn...!"

    The terrifying dark miasma surged out and crawled along the floor, trying to escape.

    However, its surroundings were already surrounded by a barrier of light.

    "An istion barrier. Escaping is impossible."

    Holding Save the Queen by the time Kamito noticed, Fianna spoke sternly.

    "What Rubia-sama had performed was the first style of ritual dance¡ªExorcism Dance. The goal was to force out the evil upying Sdia''s body."

    "D-Damn girl, unforgivable, unforgivable!"

    The dark miasma crashed around inside the istion barrier, but only got burned by the barrier of light.

    "The fearsome grudge of the Hierarchs, you shall be destroyed here and now!"

    Countless blue-white mes lit up at the tip of Rubia''s raised fan.

    "That me is..."

    Surprised, ire eximed.

    Indeed, these mes were not from spirit magic.

    Instead, it was the special ability passed down generations of the Elstein family. Even capable of freezing mes¡ª

    "¡ªAbsolute me."

    The anomalous me swallowed the Hierarchs'' vengeful souls together with the barrier of light.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Gradually incinerated, the dark miasma screamed, struggling in pain.

    Having secretly manipted the Kahn dynasty from the shadows for hundreds of years, the Hierarchs¡ª

    Were easily destroyed here and now.

    "Sdia-sama, are you alright!?"

    The retainers hurried over to the copsed Sdia''s side.

    "Please rest assured. She has only fainted."

    After Fianna chanted spirit magic for awakening someone, she soon opened her eyes.

    "...mm, ooh... oohhh..."

    "Are you feeling alright, Princess Sdia?"

    Sdia blinked in puzzlement.

    "Uh, what happened? What did, I..."

    "The darkness upying you has been destroyed."

    Rubia stepped forward and exined everything to her.

    After hearing that, Sdia closed her eyes¡ª

    "Evil was lurking inside me just as it had with my sister Sjora, right?"

    Surprisingly, she calm epted it as fact.

    "On further thought, there were warning signs. Sjora''s change and how I unbelievably decided to head into Ghul-a-val for the sake of the Demon King''s Coffin were both due to that darkness, I suppose."

    "Sessive Hierarchs of the Demon King Cult have used the forbidden spell of reincarnation to lurk within the royal family''s bloodline to rule the Alphas Theocracy. However, that history finally drew to a close today."

    "Much appreciated, Rubia-dono. And you too, Princess Fianna¡ª"

    Sdia bowed deeply. Immediately, the retainers pped naturally.

    "¡ªVery well, resume the banquet. Music to please the spirits will be performed next."

    Sdia pped her hands.

    Joyous melodies once again resounded throughout the pce.

    Part 2

    Late at night¡ª

    Kamito quietly slipped out of the banquet venue and returned to his room in the imperial vi.

    ording to the Theocracy''s customs, the celebration would continue all the way until morning, but he was too tired to persist.

    After all, the Demon King City''s copse was less than a day ago.

    ire and the girls also left the banquet halfway and returned.

    After putting Est and Restia, who had turned into sword form after eating to their hearts'' content, against the wall, Kamitoid himself down on the bed.

    Therge round bed featured a decorated canopy. This could very well be a bed that the Lecherous King had used in the past.

    (...Now that I think about it, I really get mixed feelings.)

    Spreading his arms out, he looked up overhead.

    ...Although he was far from being drunk, there was a small amount of alcohol from the wine remaining in his body.

    "I never thought Velsaria would be so aggressive in forcing others to drink with her..."

    ...Now that he thought back, she must have been intoxicated back then.

    His body still felt hot. It was hard to fall asleep.

    Although the mission in the Theocracy was considered done, there was still so much to think about.

    (The resurrected Sacred Maiden Areishia... And Alexandros, huh¡ª)

    The true culprit who had created Demon King Solomon a thousand years ago.

    The most worshiped Elemental Lord on the continent, why did he do something like that?

    (Lurie Lizaldia mentioned rebuilding the world...)

    Also, the army of angels that Kamito had seen wasing to the human realm¡ª

    ...What did that mean?

    While he was staring at the bed canopy, lost in deep thought¡ª

    "Kamito¡ª"

    He felt something squirming under his sheets.

    "Est?"

    Kamito jumped in surprise and sat up.

    He found Est sitting quietly on the bed, naked except for kneesocks.

    "...Didn''t you change back to sword form?"

    "Seeing as you cannot sleep, I shall serve as your pillow, Kamito."

    "P-Pillow...?"

    "Yes."

    Nodding lightly, Est leaned her naked body against him.

    "...!?"

    Kamito almost cried out.

    ...By pillow, she meant a body pillow, huh?

    (She''s cool to the touch, which feels really great, but...!)

    With an elemental affinity of steel, Est''s body temperature was quite low.

    His body felt boiling hot due to the alcohol, so Est''s cool sensation was perfect.

    "...Wait, stop, put on your clothes first!"

    "Pillows do not wear clothes."

    "...!"

    Est tilted her head slightly, staring straight at him with her clear violet eyes. She was usually very obedient but today, she was oddly stubborn.

    ...Just then, Kamito noticed.

    Est''s cheeks were mildly flushed.

    "Don''t tell me you were drinking?"

    "Offerings must not be declined."

    Est spoke expressionlessly.

    ...So that was what had happened. Evidently, she had gotten intoxicated from the alcohol in the divine wine prepared for spirits.

    "Hua... I am a sword spirit. I do not get drunk."

    "Drunk people always say that..."

    Shrugging helplessly, Kamito gave up trying to persuade Est.

    He went with the flow andy back down on the bed. Suddenly thinking of something, he asked.

    "Say, Est¡ªDid you dream about her again?"

    By "her," he was referring to Sacred Maiden Areishia.

    On the way to the Demon King City, Est had dreamed about her again.

    "No more dreams sincest time."

    Est shook her head.

    "I see."

    "What is the matter, Kamito?"

    "Nothing much¡ª"

    Kamito quietly dropped the matter. He originally thought that the revival of Sacred Maiden Areishia, Est''s original contractor, would have unsettled Est.

    (No, I guess I''m the one who''s unsettled instead...)

    Kamitoughed at himself in his thoughts.

    "Kamito¡ª"

    "Hmm?"

    "I will forever be your sword, Kamito."

    "Yeah, that''s right¡ª"

    Kamito gently stroked Est''s shining silver-white hair.

    Just then¡ª

    "Hold it right there, I will have you know that I am Kamito''s first sword¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Jet-ck feathers floated lightly onto the bed.

    In the next second, Restia in her dress pounced on Kamito.

    Her soft bosom, like bountiful fruit, pressed against the tip of his nose.

    "Restia, are you drunk too!?"

    "I am upholding my right of possession."

    Restia wrapped her arm around Kamito''s waist as thoughpeting with Est.

    "Darkness spirit, you are in the way. Leave."

    "Oh dear, aren''t you the one who ought to leave?"

    "H-Hey, you two... Uwah!"

    Click.

    In that instant, there was the sound of something hard getting pushed.

    A mechanism hidden by the pillow had apparently been triggered.

    Then the was a sound like gears turning¡ª

    The great bed started to rotate.

    "What?"

    A bizarre tune began to y from a music box while pink spirit lights illuminated the entire room.

    ...Speaking of which, this imperial vi belonged to the legendary Lecherous King.

    It woulde as no surprise if this room had been used by royals to keep mistresses.

    "W-What is this, it started spinning!!"

    "Hua, Kamito, my eyes are dizzy."

    Kamito was rotating, hugged on the bed by two spirits.

    "I-Is this the spirit kebab?"

    With eyes spinning, Kamito this stupid thought crossed his mind.

    Part 3

    ¡ªWhile the celebration was taking ce in the Theocracy...

    A certain incident shook the imperial capital at Ordesia.

    "...Did you say rebellion!?"

    Woken from his sleep, Emperor Arneus roared angrily at his retainers.

    The incident had happened several hours earlier.

    After Arneus'' ascension to the throne, at the Academy town which was under the Imperial Knights'' control, the students and some of the teachers led an uprising.

    Even though the principal cause of the rebellion was still under investigation, it was evident that the Imperial Knights'' oppressive upation of the Academy, whose cherished ideals included freedom and independent thinking, had elicited even more resistance.

    In istion, that would not have been too bad. After all, it was nothing rare for students to organize radical protests, and quelling them would be easy just by mobilizing the Imperial Knights'' upation force garrisoned in the Academy town.

    However, the timing was terrible this time.

    After his ascension, Arneus'' policies had incurred dissatisfaction from the noble. Brutal oppression of nobles belonging to the anti-Arneus faction also caused resentment in the popce.

    Reportedly, even the neutral nobles with seats in the imperial council had abandoned Arneus, secretly and frequently exchanging correspondence with the exiled second princess Fianna.

    Under such circumstances, to think even a rebellion started.

    This was like dropping a lighted match into a powder keg.

    Left alone, all negative feeling against the Empire would explode all at once.

    "Supporting the rebellion at the Academy town, Marquess Boderalume, all the houses of Haldery, and Earl Edelgart have mobilized their forces."

    In charge of military matters, Duke Cygnus Fahrengart calmly reported.

    "Even though it is not yet confirmed, there are rumors of movements in Margrave Laurenfrost''s territories too¡ª"

    "Damn it, why!? Why won''t they obey my orders, the emperor''s orders!?"

    Emperor Arneus anxiously threw a cup.

    He had gone as far as to take the imperial throne with the Holy Kingdom''s aid...

    But the only ones who recognized him as emperor were the sycophantic retainers.

    "Quell the rebellion at once! I allow the use of militarized spirits¡ª"

    "Using militarized spirits against students? The nobles will feel strongly against that."

    Duke Fahrengart spoke calmly.

    "I don''t care. They need to be taught a lesson. I need people to know the consequences of defying me."

    "Deployment of militarized spirits against the Academy requires authorization from the imperial council."

    "...Shut up! These are emperor''s orders!"

    Arneus mmed the conference room table, instantly plunging his retainers into silence.

    However, Duke Fahrengart remainedpletely unfazed, not even raising an eyebrow.

    "The rebellion at the Academy town can be suppressed using the garrison force. However, nobles engaged in armed rebellion must be punished. A military force will be assembled immediately."

    After speaking without any emotion, Duke Fahrengart excused himself.

    "Damn it, why... why...!?"

    After sending the retainers away, inside the military conference room¡ª

    Arneus began to drink sullenly alone.

    Eliminating the emperor, framing his younger sister with the crime of attempted assassination, everything had gone so well.

    But why?

    "Why are you sighing, Your Majesty?"

    Just then, having arrived without him noticing¡ª

    A girl was standing behind Arneus.

    "Dame Millennia!?"

    Jumping in surprise, Arneus stood up.

    This girl was precisely the Holy Kingdom''s cardinal who had incited him to ascend to the imperial throne.

    "I shall personally pay the Academy town a visit."

    "S-Say that again? But if the Holy Kingdom intervenes with military force, inevitably¡ª"

    If that were to happen, the imperial council would definitely hold him ountable.

    "The Holy Kindom''s forces will not be deployed. I intend to perform an experiment at that location."

    "An experiment?"

    "¡ªIndeed. To erase the entire Academy town from the face of the earth."

 Volume 18, 6 - Retaking the Imperial Capital

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 6 - Retaking the Imperial Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Hm, mmm...?"

    Kamito woke up to find a soft feeling against his nose.

    Delicate strands of hair were brushing against his cheek. Slender fingers were gentlybing Kamito''s ck hair.

    It looked like someone was stroking his head. In a state of shallow slumber, Kamito noticed.

    What a nostalgic feeling. He remembered this had taken ce often in his childhood.

    He heard a beautiful singing voice overhead.

    Her singing was also something he had heard frequently when he was young.

    "...Restia?"

    Kamito moved slightly under the sheets.

    Immediately, Restia''s luby stopped.

    "Did you sleep well, Kamito?"

    She smiled.

    She was apparently reclined by the pillow, gazing directly at Kamito''s sleeping face.

    "Uh, yeah..."

    Feeling his heart beat fast, Kamito sat up. Because Est and Restia refused to back downst night, he had no choice but to allow the three of them to sleep together on the same bed.

    "Hua... Good morning, Kamito."

    Just then, Est rubbed her eyes and woke up.

    ...She was still in the same state as duringst night, naked except for kneesocks.

    "Last night was so fun, Miss Sword Spirit. All of us, spinning round and round."

    Restia chuckled. Although spirits sharing the same contractor would often bicker, Restia seemed to have a soft side for Est too.

    "I do not deny it, darkness spirit."

    Est expressionlessly nodded.

    ...It seemed like she quite enjoyed that rotating bed.

    "Wait, it would''ve been impossible to sleep had it kept spinning nonstop."

    Scratching his head, Kamito muttered.

    ¡ªJust then...

    Kamito heard lively footsteps. The door was suddenly flung open.

    "K-Kamito, bad news...!"

    ire barged in with panic on her face.

    "...Wait a sec, w-what are you doing with your contracted spirits!?"

    Seeing the scene on the bed, ire cried out, blushing to her ears.

    "H-Hold on, this is¡ª"

    Kamito frantically tried to exin, but waspletely unconvincing, given that Restia, dressed in a seductive nightgown, and Est, naked except for kneesocks, were leaning against him.

    "Fufu, would you girls like to join in?"

    "Eh?...N-Nonsense, w-what nonsense are you talking about!?"

    "H-How improper! Go to hell, turn into kebab!"

    Entering together with ire, Ellis drew the sword at her waist.

    "We already were kebab..."

    "Say that again, what do you mean?"

    Holding her sword, Ellis asked in puzzlement.

    "E-Enough already! A-Anyway,e quick!"

    Part 2

    In a hall of the imperial vi, the other team members were already seated at the table. Apart from Rubia, Fianna and Rinslet, Muir and Velsaria were also present.

    Muir looked quite drowsy, nodding off to sleep.

    Spread on the table was arge map.

    On further examination, it seemed to be a map of the Ordesia Empire and the surroundings.

    "You arete. What on earth were you doing?"

    Just as Kamito was looking at the map, Rubia suddenly scolded him.

    "Nothing, just sleeping in my room..."

    "He was apparently enjoying a spirit rotation untilte night."

    With a cold tone of voice, ire told on Kamito to her sister.

    "What did you say?"

    Hearing that, Rubia red strictly at Kamito.

    "...F-Forget that. What the heck happened?"

    Kamito hastily changed the subject and cast his gaze on the map.

    There were a number of wooden colored pieces ced on the map. These pieces were also used by the Academy during lessons for tactical training.

    "Last night, a student rebellion broke out at Areishia Spirit Academy."

    "...What?"

    Kamito''s groggy mind was jolted fully awake instantly.

    Taking a closer look, he saw that there was a piece ced at the Academy''s location indeed.

    "...And the cause?"

    "It started with the Imperial Knights arresting students who were protesting against them. The existing embers of discontent red up even more as a result."

    "So from there it sparked into a full ze?"

    Rubia nodded slowly.

    "Reportedly, the students rallied around the Sylphid Knights and erectedrge scale barriers in the Academy town''s Undine district. Their resistance is still ongoing."

    "Still ongoing? So the knights haven''t deployed militarized spirits yet?"

    As Ordersia''s proper army, the Imperial Knights should find it a piece of cake to squash a student rebellion if they were serious. Since they had yet to take action, it meant that they were still observing the situation.

    "I suppose. If they were to attack students using militarized spirits, they would be criticized not only within the Empire but by all the other nations. I presume they are passing this off to the outside world as just a student protest instead of a rebellion."

    "I see¡ª"

    ...However, it was just a matter of time.

    Even without using militarized spirits, the garrison at the Academy were proper spirit knights, after all.

    "What about the Academy town residents?"

    "They have already been forced to evacuate. The Empire has sealed all town gates, refusing entry to everyone."

    "So they are gearing up for a suppression battle."

    ire murmured.

    "Whates next is the real deal."

    "¡ªHow so?"

    "Rallying to support the rebellion at the Academy, the nobles in the anti-Emperor faction have mobilized their forces."

    Fianna spoke up.

    Kamito now understood that the pieces scattered across the Empire represented these nobles.

    "The students at Areishia Spirit Academy are all daughters from noble families. Oppressing the Academy has caused resentment against the Emperor to explode."

    "My homnd of Laurenfrost seems to be ready to march too."

    Rinslet pointed at a wolf-shaped piece.

    "House Fahrengart is on the Emperor''s side."

    Ellis murmured sadly.

    The great noble house of Duke Fahrengart''s had served the Ordesia''s imperial family for generations. Ellis'' grandfather was probably nning to remain loyal to the very end even if the Emperor was ipetent.

    "Do the nobles of the rebellion have a chance of winning?"

    Rubia shook her head at the question.

    "The rebels are all minor lords. Given their present numbers, it is futile."

    She spoke in a merciless voice.

    "However, if a leader were to make an appearance in this rebellion, perhaps the neutral nobles who are observing the situation might be swayed to join us."

    "You mean Fianna?"

    "Indeed. The Empire''s many citizens are hoping for the second princess'' return."

    Rubia nodded.

    Kamito looked at Fianna, only to see her nod as well.

    (...So she''smitted her resolve already, huh?)

    "If I do not return now, it would be tantamount to forsaking the rebels who had stood up to resist Arneus."

    ...She was right. However, everyone present apart from Muir must be thinking the same question right now.

    Even if Fianna returned to her country, facing the powerful Empire, was there really a chance for victory?

    Presumably guessing what everyone was thinking, Rubia spoke up.

    "The situation will develop very differently as soon as we secure a stronghold to serve as a symbol for the resistance."

    "You mean the Academy, right?"

    ire said.

    Indeed, Areishia Spirit Academy was a symbolic location in Ordesia.

    If the rebel army took control of this ce, the map of allegiance could changepletely.

    "Are the rebel nobles marching on the Academy?"

    Velsaria, who had been silent until now, asked. If they were rallying to support the students, they ought to be sending reinforcements¡ª

    "No, the Academy is surrounded by territory under the Empire''s direct control. It would turn into full scale war if they sent troops there. Currently, they are probably at the stage of mustering their forces and observing the situation."

    The lords in the anti-Emperor faction were probably waiting to see Fianna and Dracunia''s next move.

    Arneus was probably doing the same.

    "So what do we do? From the position of Legitimate Ordesia."

    Towards Kamito''s question, Rubia picked up a piece on the map.

    "We will split up into two parties. Fianna and I will march on the imperial capital to draw the Empire''s attention."

    Saying that, she ced a piece on Laurenfrost territory.

    "The rest of you will head to the Academy."

    Then she ced another piece at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "To the Academy¡ª"

    "Just us, is that correct?"

    "Indeed."

    Seeing ire and Rinslet surprised, Rubia nodded in confirmation.

    "Hasn''t the Academy turned into a stronghold held by the Imperial Knights?"

    Spirit knights were elite elementalists. In addition, they were equipped with militarized spirits.

    Rushing into that kind of ce would be totally reckless.

    "There is no need to seize the Academy. All you need to do is fight alongside the resisting students and defeat the Imperial Knights attacking them. Once the resistance has gone on for some time, the neutral nobles will be swayed to our side."

    "That sounds simple."

    Velsariamented.

    "First of all, how do we enter the Academy town?"

    Ellis asked. ording to what had just been said, Areishia Spirit Academy and the surrounding territory were under the Emperor''s direct control. In the current situation, passing through there to reach the Academy was probably difficult.

    However, Kamito guessed what Rubia would say next.

    "Through the Spirit Forest."

    Ellis and the others looked at each other.

    The vast Spirit Forest was part of the Academy''snds. Powerful spirits inhabited the forest, preventing trespassers.

    "Indeed, no one would expect that route."

    ire concurred.

    Arge invading army was definitely impossible. However, pushing through the forest with a few elementalists might be doable.

    "No matter what, the rebellion of mere students will be easily crushed as this rate. Let''s do it."

    "...You''re right."

    "I agree."

    Hearing what ire said, everyone resolved themselves and nodded.

    "¡ªSo it is settled. Make preparations immediately. Time is of the essence."

    Part 3

    Port Areishia, the town affiliated with Areishia Spirit Academy, wasmonly called the Academy town.

    It was a nned city built with the Academy''s school buildings as the center and designed to serve both spirits and elementalists.

    In one part of the town, Undine district, students and some of the teachers had erected sturdy road barricades to keep up resistance against the Imperial Knights.

    The conflict started from the Imperial Knights, that had effectively upied the Academy, arresting student organizations that were protesting in front of the school building. With this as the trigger, all the resentment against the Imperial Knights'' injustice exploded in one go, turning into a riot that even roped in teachers.

    The fires of conflict instantly spread. Right now, the situation had turned into something the entire Empire was watching.

    Unable to use militarized spirits against students, who hailed from noble families, the Imperial Knights had to catch rebels one by one. At the same time, the students had home field advantage because they were deeply familiar with the Academy town''splicatedyout.

    However, the Empire could not possibly allow this to continue for long.

    Now that news had spread throughout the Empire, within twenty-four hours, the Empire would probably steel itself to mobilize militarized spirits to solve the problem.

    Late at night, in the Academy town that was filled with false peace, a traveler was on the road.

    She was petite, wearing a gray hooded cloak.

    She also had a silver mask on her face.

    Given the current situation, no would be going out alone. The Imperial Knights usually took action in squads of three or more, whereas the students would not leave their barriers to go outside the barricades.

    The gates of the Academy town were all sealed. In theory, no travelers could get in or out.

    The traveler walked in darkness. Carried at her waist was a crimson long sword with ominous decoration. Compared to her petite figure, it looked quite mismatched.

    Just then, three knights in military uniform appeared in front of the girl.

    A squad of Imperial Knights. They were patrolling the streets.

    "Who are you?"

    The leader questioned.

    Without saying a word, the masked figure lightly drew the crimson long sword at her waist.

 Volume 18, 7 - Return to the Academy

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 7 - Return to the Academy</h4>

    Part 1

    Twenty-eight hours after setting off from Zohar, Kamito''s team took and route to enter the Spirit Forest in the Alzanu earldom bordering the Theocracy.

    Just as Rubia had predicted, slipping into Ordesia was not that hard. Although Earl Alzanu was among the nobles on the Emperor''s side, he had not deployed any troops to monitor the Spirit Forest, a notoriously terrifying realm.

    (...I guess only suicidal armies would invade this kind of forest.)

    It was night. Kamito''s team were forcing a march through the dense and lush forest.

    Since it was a new moon tonight, there was no moonlight in the forest. However, even during a full moon, moonlight would likely have trouble prating such a dense forest.

    The ground was illuminated by nothing more than the me on Scarlet''s tail.

    "...So eerie. I can clearly sense breathing, but there are no sounds from wild beasts at all."

    "The Spirit Forest hates living things. Looks like we''re not wee."

    Hearing ire''s murmurs, Kamito replied.

    "Avoid making noise as much a possible. The spirits in the forest dislike outsiders."

    "Yes, I know."

    Across the human realm, the Spirit Forest was the location closest to Astral Zero. In the depths where the density of divine power was highest, it was not unusual to encounter archdemon-ss spirits.

    (...Greyworth brought me here before.)

    Just then, Kamito recalled an unpleasant memory.

    Even though he was trained as an assassin at the Instructional School, abandoning the twelve-year-old Kamito in this kind of ce was not something a normal person would do.

    That being said, this was undoubtedly the fastest route to the Academy.

    Assuming safety considerations could be ignored, of course.

    "Onii-sama, this is scary?"

    Squish.

    Holding Kamito''s arm, Muir pressed her developing bosom against it.

    Even though she was only thirteen, her chest was starting to show bounciness.

    "M-Muir!?"

    "H-Hold it right there, get away from him now!"

    "No. Onee-chan, isn''t his other hand free anyway?"

    "Gunununu..."

    Sparks flew from ire''s twintails as though they had ignited.

    "Settle down, you two. The spirits in the forest have started to mor."

    Walking in the lead, Ellis warned.

    "Captain, have we not reached the Academy''s area yet?"

    "We should be close..."

    Ellis murmured. Perched on her arm, Simorgh crowed.

    In the forest, maps andpasses werepletely useless.

    All they could rely on were directions from Simorgh whose hunting grounds was the forest.

    Eight hours had gone by since they entered the Spirit Forest. Even for well-trained elementalists, advancing through a danger-filled forest in the night without any rest would naturally be quite exhausting.

    "I''ll give you a piggyback ride if you''re too tired. Just tell me, don''t be shy."

    "I-I can still manage!"

    "The Temple of the Contract should be up ahead."

    "The Temple of the Contract?"

    "It''s where I released Est."

    ire nced at Kamito beside her and exined.

    "Really? So we''re around there..."

    It was a ce where Kamito had suffered greatly soon after transferring into the Academy. In order to protect ire from Est who had gone out of control, Kamito intervened and established a spirit contract with Est.

    Failing to obtain Est, ire hadined and insisted on taking Kamito as her ve spirit¡ª

    (...Now that I think back, everything started at that temple.)

    Kamito reminisced with emotions stirring within him.

    Although it was merely a couple months of time, those bewildering days at the Academy really felt longer to him than the three years he spent wandering around in search of Restia.

    "Y-You jerk! You''re remembering the sight of my naked body, a-and groping my chest, right!?"

    ire red obliquely at Kamito.

    "What? I have never heard of this!"

    "This is my first time hearing of it!"

    Ellis and Rinslet interrogated.

    "Y-You''ve got it wrong! It was ire herself, swinging metongue around wildly..."

    "...! What, you did grope me there, didn''t you!? And you even said something about poorly developed breasts and having no interest in a child''s body, right!?"

    (...Crap, now I''ve really poked a ho''s nest!?)

    Probably recalling her experience from that time, ire flew into a rage.

    "Poor you! ire, your breasts have grown even if only a little!"

    "Wait a sec, Rinslet!?"

    "Onii-sama, I can''t believe you said you''re not interested in a child''s body. I can''t let that slide!"

    While the group began to fight¡ª

    "Quiet, all of you¡ª"

    Velsaria, who had been quiet so far, spoke sternly.

    Scolded by the former captain of the Sylphid Knights, ire and the girls could not help but stand up straight.

    Velsaria ced her hand on the sword at her waist and kept staring into the darkness.

    Deep behind the crisscrossing trees, there was a deer withrge antlers.

    "That''s¡ª"

    "An ancient divine beast spirit inhabiting the Spirit Forest. Do not make a sound."

    "...!?"

    Everyone held their breaths. This was a high-tier spirit whose appearance had be identical to an animal''s.

    "I never expected to encounter a spirit of that level not that deep in the forest..."

    "I guess we''d better make a detour now."

    "Yes, no matter how much longer a path it takes¡ª"

    Just as ire quietly prepared to retreat.

    Whoosh, there was a sound of something slicing through the air.

    Countless shadows attacked Kamito''s group from between the trees.

    "...!?"

    Kamito hastily jumped and shed the shadows closing on his feet.

    However, Kamito was the only one who managed to react to the sudden incident in the nick of time.

    "Hyah, hyahhhhh!"

    "Kyahhh, what is it doing... Ahhh?"

    Shadows resembling tentacles ensnared the youngdies'' legs within the blink of an eye, tying them up onto the trees.

    "...Guh... W-What is this...? Uwah, d-do not touch me there!"

    Deprived of her armor, Ellis'' voluptuous bosom was vulnerable to all kinds of groping.

    "D-Damn it... I cannot believe I would end up, ah..."

    Suspended in a bizarre pose, Velsaria was thrashing her limbs, struggling.

    Her innocent skirt was boldly lifted. Kamito could see her pure white panties seductively wrapped around the well-developed root of her thighs.

    "...! R-Ren Ash¡ªKazehaya Kamito, what are you staring at!?"

    "N-No¡ª"

    red at by her ice-blue eyes, Kamito frantically avoided eye contact.

    "Yahh, Onii-sama, save me...?"

    Muir was the only one who seemed a little happy.

    Kamito approached the wriggling tentacles with the glowing Demon yer.

    Very quickly, he saw the true identity of the tentacles.

    ...It looked like they were merely nt vines.

    "They seem harmless."

    Kamito exhaled in relief.

    "What are you talking about? Aren''t I harmed right now? Hyahhhhhhhh?"

    "I-It has even made its way into my underwear... Nnnn?"

    "...I-In front of Kamito... Huahhh?"

    Entangled by vines, the youngdies kept moaning.

    "Meow?"

    Kamito did not know if Scarlet thought her master was ying or if it was due to a cat''s instincts, but Scarlet kept jumping around nearby.

    "K-Kamito, stop watching and start helping!"

    "I-I got it!"

    Kamito hastily swung the Demon yer.

    Just then¡ª

    "What are you people doing here!?"

    A girl''s voice echoed throughout the dense forest.

    "...! Y-You''re¡ª?"

    Kamito turned around¡ª

    Only to see a familiar girl riding the back of a giant wolf.

    Part 2

    Inside a certain temple in the forest, fire light was flickering. Hanging on the wall wererge decorations made of bones. The pungent smell of herbs filled the air.

    "My apologies to you all."

    Saying that, the girl bowed towards Kamito''s group sitting by the fire.

    Her blue eyes were as clear as ake''s surface. She had tinum blonde hair.

    Like Kamito and his friends, she was wearing the Academy''s uniform.

    The girl''s name was Horin Shareilia.

    She was the druid girl of Team Cernunnos.

    A powerful user of a beast swarm spirit, she had defeated Kamito and ire before in the school tournament. She was one of only a handful of powerful elementalists in the Academy.

    Earlier, Kamito and the girls had triggered the traps she hadid in the forest.

    "No, we were in the wrong for trespassing."

    Kamito apologized. This part of the forest was apparently something like her backyard.

    Born in a forest n, Shareilia was a rare elementalist not hailing from a noble family.

    Because of that, even though she was attending the Academy, she obtained special permission to live inside this Spirit Forest together with animals.

    "If your home is here, that means that Academy town isn''t far off, right?"

    ire asked while drinking herbal tea.

    "Hmm, you will soon reach it after going down the hill."

    "How are things at the Academy town?"

    "...Hmm, sorry."

    Shareilia shook her head at Ellis'' question.

    She was still in the forest when conflict broke out between the students and the Imperial Knights, which was why she could not return to the Academy. Left without a choice, she came to this temple to sleep. As it so happened, Kamito and his group triggered the traps in the yard.

    "Why did you set traps like those?"

    "It would be dangerous if students identally wandered into the forest."

    Hearing Rinslet''s warning...

    "¡ªI set them to prevent those people from damaging the historical sites in the forest."

    She replied with a serious look.

    "Did you say historical sites?"

    ire and the others exchanged nces.

    There were many historical sites in the Spirit Forest, dating back to the age of myths.

    For example, the temple dedicated to worshiping Est was one of these sites. The most famous historical site in the forest was probably the gate that allowed people to teleport to Astral Zero.

    "Hmm, a bunch of weird looking people entered the forest and took away the gate historical site near theke."

    "Took away? How do they take away¡ª"

    "They used militarized spirits¡ª"

    Shareilia spoke with chagrin.

    ording to her, the suspicious group had released militarized spirits in the forest, slicing apart the giant rock that constituted the historical site and carried it away.

    "They are not the Empire''s knights?"

    Ellis asked.

    "I don''t know. All of them were wearing strange masks. Animals have left because these people chopped down trees in the forest."

    "It is hard to believe the Imperial Knights doing something like this¡ª"

    Ancient sites were products left behind from a past age when Astral Zero and the human realm were one. The technology of modern spiritology was unable to replicate the power of even the most basic historical sites.

    Thus, historical sites were protected by international treaty. Let alone damaging them, even moving them was strictly prohibited. If the Empire''s army had taken away the site, it would surely draw violent criticism from domestic nobles and foreign nations.

    "What are they nning by taking a historical site away?"

    "...I have a bad feeling about this."

    "Yeah, we better hurry¡ª"

    Kamito nodded. Hearing that, Shareilia stood up and whistled.

    "There is a shortcut to the Academy town ahead. I asked wolves to lead the way for you."

    Part 3

    S.. Scr... Screeeeeeeeech...!

    The noise of something massive being dragged could be heard at arge training ground at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Under the Imperial Knights'' supervision, severalrge militarized spirits of type sya-Labs werebining gigantic stones together, each as tall as themselves.

    This was the historical site they had stolen from the Spirit Forest, the gate dating back to age of myths.

    "Excellent. This is sufficient for the gate."

    Sitting on the shoulder of a militarized spirit, a girl spoke.

    Millennia Sanctus, a cardinal of the Holy Kingdom.

    She was separate from the Millennia at the imperial pce in the capital, yet also the same being.

    The ability to exist simultaneously across anywhere in space was part of her powers as a spirit.

    The militarized spirits were employed by the Holy Kingdom''s warrior priestesses instead of the Imperial Knights.

    Wearing pure white masks, they belonged to an execution force under the directmand of Des Esseintes¡ª

    Moving a gate from the age of myths. Despite such an atrocity happening before their eyes, Ordesia''s Imperial Knights were unable to intervene.

    Because Cardinal Millennia came here bearing a decree from Emperor Arneus.

    The Empire''s knights were merely informed that the gate was to be used to perform arge-scale summoning magic experiment.

    "Dame Millennia, the third set isplete. Do we begin as nned?"

    Just then, a masked warrior priestess reported.

    "Very well, let us begin as soon as possible."

    Saying that, Millennia curled her lips and smiled.

    "¡ªThe very first Astral Shift."

    Part 4

    Led by forest wolves along a shortcut, Kamito''s team emerged to instantly see the familiar scenery of the Academy town.

    Surrounded by town walls, the center of the town showed the use of search lights.

    That was the location of Areishia Spirit Academy''s school building.

    The barricades set up by the student resistance were in the Undine district where small theaters, cafes, clothing stores and various entertainment facilities were gathered.

    This was the part of town most familiar to students. Kamito and his friends frequently went there to shop and even held a party in a restaurant once.

    There was still plenty of time before dawn.

    Overhead were flying militarized spirits with search lights.

    "Don''t look up, be careful of getting spotted."

    In the shadow under trees, ire whispered.

    "Hmph, as a noble, I do not sneak around. Allow me to show you how to shoot down that thing."

    Rinslet drew her bow confidently.

    "Hold on¡ªStop it!"

    ire hastily pulled her back by her hair.

    One could hear the sound of a neck cracking.

    "That really hurts! What are you doing!?"

    Rinslet protested with tears in her eyes.

    "The patrolling militarized spirits are all connected. As soon as you attack, the army will know where we are."

    Watching them, Muir said with exasperation.

    "This level of security is nothing. Let''s hurry."

    "Wait, Muir. You''re fine on your own, but we''ll definitely get spotted if we move with this number of people."

    "Oh my, Onii-sama, just kill whoever sees us."

    Muir replied innocently.

    ...Those with Instructional School origins were all like this. Kamito sighed.

    Nothing needed to be said about Kamito and Muir''s prowess. ire and Ellis were somewhat capable of stealth operations, but Rinslet and Velsaria did not quite seem suited to infiltration.

    "Fufu, looks like it is my turn to enter the stage¡ª"

    Just then, Restia reverted to her original form and spread her jet-ck wings.

    "Do you have a solution?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, Restia began to chant spirit magic.

    "O dark night, clothe me as a robe of ck¡ªDarkness Mist."

    Kamito''s group was instantly covered by ck mist.

    "Hyah! W-What is this!?"

    "Totally pitch ck!"

    "Spirit magic of the darkness element. With this, you can go about unseen, hidden in darkness."

    "But my vision is dark too. How can we do anything like this?"

    "Your eyes will soon adjust."

    Just as Restia imed, the darkness covering their vision gradually turned clear.

    It was apparently possible to look out of the mist.

    "I see, that''s really handy."

    Kamito eximed.

    Covered in ck mist, Kamito''s group used wind magic tond on the town wall.

    Unnoticed by the patrolling militarized spirits, they made their way towards the Undine district. In addition to hiding them from view, the Darkness Mist magic apparently erased footsteps and presence too.

    Just as they reached a wall that separated districts¡ª

    "...Someone''sing."

    Kamito turned around and stopped his team.

    ...The footsteps of multiple people running were approaching.

    "Imperial Knights?"

    ire asked quietly?

    "Who knows? Compared to the sound of military boots, they sound a bit light¡ª"

    "...Wait, this noise is familiar."

    Ellis realized with surprise. She chanted wind spirit magic to gather surrounding sound.

    "This is Rakka''s sound. And also the Sylphid Knights¡ª"

    "Really?"

    "Yes, unmistakable¡ª"

    Ellis nodded at ire''s question.

    Soon after, girls in the Academy''s uniform appeared. Wearing the Sylphid Knights armor on top, they were familiar to Kamito.

    "Rakka! And Reishia¡ª"

    As soon as Ellis called out to them, the ck mist automatically disengaged.

    "...Captain!?"

    Ellis was originally teammates with Rakka before joining Team Scarlet for the de Dance. Rakka rushed over.

    "I apologize for worrying you."

    "So you are safe, Captain¡ª"

    Likewise another former teammate of Ellis'', Reishia teared up.

    "Excuse me, Captain, why are you and your team here?"

    Just then, Rakka asked.

    Thus, Ellis gave brief and simple exnation of what led them toe over to reim the Academy.

    "I see. That is reassuring."

    Reishia replied happily.

    "Everyone will be so encouraged now that the de Dance''s victorious team has returned to the Academy."

    "Then why are you here? Isn''t everyone in Undine district?"

    "We came to collect supplies. After all, the town gates are shut."

    Rakka answered ire''s question. Although the Undine district itself had many restaurants and did notck food, most daily necessities had to be moved from the Sylph district, their current location.

    "Of course, we keep records at all the shops where we have borrowed supplies. The Sylphid Knights will pay off every debt."

    "It is an emergency, after all. You had no choice."

    Hearing Reishia''s exnation, Ellis nodded.

    "How many Imperial Knights are garrisoned in the Academy?"

    Kamito asked.

    "At least a hundred or so regr knights. Themander is Dame Alendora of the Numbers."

    "Dame Alendora huh¡ª"

    Velsaria crossed her arms and murmured.

    "Do you know her, Velsaria?"

    "Seventh of the Numbers. I heard that she is quite aplished."

    "A hundred spirit knights, and on top of that, a member of the Numbers huh..."

    Considering each spirit knight was each a formidable warrior in their own right, one could say that the Ordesia Empire had gathered substantial military force here. In addition, they probably possessed plenty of militarized spirits.

    "On the student side, there are not a lot of people who can fight. The majority of the teachers are researchers and students usingbat-oriented contracted spirits are in the minority. It is anyone''s guess how long the barriers and barricades will hold¡ª"

    The usually cheerful Rakka spoke in a somber tone of voice.

    "In any case, let us head to the barricades first. Please lead the way."

    "Yes, right away!"

    "Everyone will surely wee you, Captain."

    Hearing Ells, Rakka and Reishia nodded.

    Just then, the glow of the Demon yer''s de shed.

    "Kamito, I sense an ominous aura."

    "Est?"

    "Yes, I feel it too¡ª"

    Restia agreed.

    "What is that!?"

    Restia pointed into the air.

    "...What the hell!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes in shock.

    A gigantic pir of light had appeared at the Academy''s school building.

    The pir of light went straight up into the clouds, opening arge hole in the sky.

    Eerie red light leaked out from between the clouds, pouring onto the town at night.

    At the same time...

    There were repeated sounds of explosions in the distance.

    "What is that noise?"

    "¡ªThe barricades are in that direction!"

    Rakka shouted and started running towards the sound.

 Volume 18, 8 - The Demon Realm Brought Forth

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 8 - The Demon Realm Brought Forth</h4>

    Part 1

    A gigantic pir of fire erupted on the street. The atmosphere shook.

    The zing me in the ck night illuminated the bizarre scene.

    "What is that!?"

    Rushing nearby, Kamito could not help but gawk, rooted to the spot.

    Countless cracks were produced in the air¡ª

    Terrifying xenomorphic beings were crawling out from these cracks.

    Although the xenomorphs had different appearances, in terms of numbers there were at least a couple hundred.

    "...! Demon spirits, where are so manying from!?"

    ire shouted.

    Demon spirits was an umbre term for spirits whose peculiar mental structure made it impossible for them to form contracts with elementalists.

    The majority of demon spirits were violent in nature and would even have a tendency to attack humans and other spirits.

    However, there had been virtually no reports of demon spirits manifesting in the human realm.

    Even though there were elementalists like Sjora Kahn, known as witches and capable ofmanding demon spirits, they were exceptions, after all.

    "Why are demon spirits in the Academy town?"

    "Looks like it''s got something to do with that bizarre gate..."

    Kamito looked up at the giant hole in the air above the Academy''s school building.

    The demon spirits were apparently attacking the barricades erected by the students. Although the students had deployed barriers to resist, at this rate, their defenses were going to be breached.

    "Rakka, you girls go protect the barricades. Let us take care of the demon spirits."

    Ellis gave directions to her Sylphid Knightrades.

    "Captain, but..."

    "Worry not. Despite their numbers, I do not see any particrly strong foe."

    "Yes, leave it to us."

    Saying that, Ellis and ire deployed their elemental waffen.

    Rakka silently nodded and ran towards the barricades.

    Noticing their movements, the demon spirits pounced on them.

    However¡ª

    "I shall not allow them to seed! Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Magic arrows of ice poured down like rain, piercing dozens of demon spirits in one go.

    Rinslet went "hmph" and tossed her hair with pride.

    "I shall provide cover fire. Very well, make haste¡ª"

    "...! You have my utmost gratitude, daughter of Margrave Laurenfrost!"

    The Sylphid Knight students were surrounded by countless arrows of ice. The demon spirits pouncing on them had all been pierced by Rinslet''s urate marksmanship.

    "Lowly demon spirits, how dare you trample the Academy town under our protection¡ª"

    Tranquil rage could be seen in Velsaria''s ice-blue eyes. She ced her hand on her chest.

    Inside a spirit crystal glowing with ominous light, her fortress spirit was sealed.

    The Juggernaut was a spirit of mass destruction, capable of ughtering even archdemon-ss spirits.

    If she were to use this power, annihting the demon spirits in one breath would be easy.

    "My esteemed sister¡ª"

    Just as she was about to deploy her spirit, Ellis grabbed her arm.

    "...?"

    "Your fortress spirit is too draining. Leave this to us¡ª"

    "Oh? You aremanding me now, Ellis?"

    Velsaria looked at her adoptive sister and smiled fearlessly.

    "...! My esteemed sister, I¡ª"

    "No, I am praising you."

    Velsaria shook her head and put down her hand.

    "That power of yours that had matured during the de Dance. Show it fully to me."

    "Y-Yes!"

    Ellis instantly straightened her back and picked up Ray Hawk.

    "Muir''s militarized spirits will make short work of these things, but let Muir have a look at these Onee-chans'' abilities first."

    Saying that, Muir nimbly jumped onto a rooftop.

    "Wait,e on...!"

    "No, that is perfect."

    Kamito stopped ire, who was ring at Muir.

    Muir''s special power, the Jester''s Vise, was akin to a curse and would drive militarized spirits to the point of copsing.

    Before they figured out why demon spirits were appearing in great numbers, it would be best to keep such a trump card unused.

    "The three of us are doing it. ire, what formation?"

    "The anti-army Blitz Lightning¡ªWipe them out in one go."

    "¡ªGot it."

    "Understood!"

    Kamito, ire and Ellis deployed their respective elemental waffen.

    Team Scarlet had used code names for their tactical formations in order to win the de Dance tournament. There were a total of twenty-fourbinations, capable of rapidly adjusting to enemy characteristics on the battlefield. Since their core defense, Fianna, was absent, while Rinslet was providing support fire at the barricades, the formation was undertaken by the three of them this time.

    Kamito, the closebat specialist, was in the center, nked by ire and Ellis.

    This was a super offensive formation abandoning all defense, seeking to blitz the enemy.

    "Let''s go¡ªEst, Restia!"

    "Yes, Kamito. Your wish is mymand¡ª"

    "Fufu, let''s go wild."

    Pouring divine power into the twin swords of steel and darkness, Kamito rushed into the crowd of demon spirits.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, ck Thunder Dual Strike!"

    The Demon yer in his right hand sliced through the ck night with a trail of silver-white light.

    The Vorpal Sword in his left hand devoured darkness, spreading jet-ck lightning all around.

    Wherever Kamito went, the torrent of white and ck followed him like a shadow, mercilessly tearing apart each and every demon spirit.

    "We''re going too, Scarlet!"

    ire swung metongue.

    With a whoosh, there was a sound slicing through the air¡ª

    "All of you, turn into charcoal¡ªre ze!"

    In the next instant, the demon spirits in front of her were all set ame.

    This was a move executed by imbuing metongue with the ultimate spirit magic of Hell ze. Following the sh that swept through darkness, scorching mes kept surging to devour demon spirits nonstop.

    With her crimson twintails flying in the air, she danced spectacrly in the night, reminiscent of Rubia''s ritual dance performance.

    As for the barricades in the streets, the students were in disarray due to the sudden arrival of Kamito''s team.

    Under the holy light of an istion barrier, noisy voices sounded.

    "Isn''t that Team Scarlet!?"

    "That problem child from Raven ss, ire Rouge the Hell Cat!"

    "That boy... Uh, Kazehaya... The Lecherous King... That''s right, the Lecherous King!"

    "Demon King of the Night!"

    ...Despite the oddment mixed in there, it looked like they had noticed the arrival ofrades at least.

    "Ellis, counting on you over there!"

    "Yes¡ª!"

    Running, Ellis spun Ray Hawk and flew.

    Then¡ª

    "Fahrengart Style of the Spear¡ªWind of Death!"

    With a terrifying technique name, sheunched her spear towards the remaining demon spirits.

    The magic spear flew like a bolt of lightning and kept piercing demon spirits.

    It was an absolutely unavoidable spear strike, guaranteed to hit.

    With her residual momentum, Ellisnded on the barricade.

    "Heh, that''s pretty good."

    Seeing that, Muir whistled from the rooftop.

    Under thebined attacks of Kamito''s team, the demon spirits were virtually wiped out.

    Part 2

    As Kamito andpany made their way to the barricade, the students instantly cheered.

    After all, they were the victorious team at the de Dance tournament. From the seniors down to the lower years, no one did not recognize Kamito''s team.

    "Th-The Demon King of the Night ising, what shall I do..."

    "I heard you''ll get pregnant just by meeting his gaze¡ª"

    "But just now, he looked a bit cool, right?"

    "Y-Yes, that''s true..."

    ...However, Kamito''s fame seemed to have a different source.

    Just then¡ª

    "¡ªPerfect timing."

    A familiar voice was heard from amid the students.

    "Freya-sensei!"

    Out came Raven ss'' homeroom teacher, Ms Freya Grandol.

    Evidently, she had taken part in the student uprising movement.

    "I have heard the gist from them. Wee."

    Saying that, Ms Freya motioned with her gaze towards Rakka and the others further in.

    While Kamito and his friends were fighting the demon spirits, the Sylphid Knight girls had apparently told the teacher about them.

    "We''ve heard about roughly what happened here too. Things are crazy."

    "Indeed, who could have expected the glorious Imperial Knights to have summoned demon spirits?"

    Ms Freya spoke quietly with a look of disdain.

    "What exactly are those demon spirits...?"

    "¡ªNo idea."

    Freya shook her head at ire''s question.

    "I just saw a pir of light appear over the Academy and then suddenly they were here."

    "Who could have expected demon spirits to appear in the human realm..."

    "That ispletely unheard of."

    Rinslet nodded with a strange expression.

    Just as she had pointed out, demon spirits usually did not appear in the human realm.

    Although Sjora Kahn had summoned a great horde of demon spirits during the de Dance tournament, it was only possible inside Astral Zero after all.

    Right now, what on earth was happening?

    "Regardless, it was all thanks to you that our defenses held up. Allow me to express my gratitude."

    "Too soon to say that. There''s no telling when those demon spirits might appear again."

    Kamito looked towards the Academy''s school building, staring at the pir of light reaching to the sky.

    "...True."

    Saying that, Freya turned around and invited Kamito''s group inside.

    "This is no ce to stand and chat. Come over, let us discuss our next step."

    "Where are we going?"

    "There is a restaurant nearby called the Sablefish Pavilion. It is perfect as a conference room."

    "I know it. Amoner''s shop, isn''t it?"

    "Yes, that is the ce¡ª"

    It was where Vivan Melosa of Murders had lurked as a waitress.

    Kamito remembered Est ordering an extrarge parfait there. It was a crazy situation that time.

    "Did anyone get hurt during the attack just now?"

    With a pained expression, Ellis looked to the sides of the passage.

    Several students were receiving treatment from spirit magic.

    "Yes. But thanks to you guys, there were no deaths."

    "We wouldn''t have made it if she hadn''t told us about a shortcut."

    "Now that I think about it, I''m surprised we made it in time..."

    "We have arrived¡ª"

    Freya pushed open the door of the Sablefish Pavilion under lighting.

    "W-Wee! Would you like some food? Or rest a little¡ªKyah!"

    Just then, a girl walked briskly down the stairs¡ª

    Then with a thud, she tripped over spectacrly.

    "Ooooh~, it hurts..."

    Rubbing her head while crawling up, this girl in a maid uniform was very familiar to them.

    "Carol, are you alright!?"

    "M-Mdy!?"

    The girl in the maid outfit swiftly stood up and threw herself into Rinslet''s embrace.

    "Mdy, I have been so worried about you!"

    "Yes, Carol, I have missed you so much."

    The master and servant of the Laurenfrost family hugged each other tightly.

    Part 3

    While Kamito''s group were on the run from the Empire and exiled to Dracunia, Carol had stayed at the Academy instead of returning to the Laurenfrost home.

    Her intention was to endure and wait for her master''s return as Rinslet''s maid, but precisely because of that, she unfortunately got roped into the Academy rebellion.

    "Mdy, have you been well in my absence?"

    Pulling out a chair for her master, Carol wiped the corner of her own eye.

    "Yes, please rest assured."

    "I-I see..."

    Hearing that, Carol seemed a bit depressed.

    "Ah, uh, of course, I was sad without seeing you!"

    "M-Mdy..."

    Rinslet hastily covered for herself, prompting Carol to hug her tightly again.

    "Carol, do you work at this shop?"

    Just then, ire asked.

    "Yes, I work here part time."

    "...You''re quite resilient."

    "Speaking of which, I also work at a crepe store."

    It looked like she was quite serious about her work outside of being a maid.

    "After the Academy came under upation, what happened to our rooms?"

    "The Knights took over Raven ss'' dorm building, apparently to use as their own quarters."

    "...Well, figures."

    ire slumped her shoulders dejectedly.

    "Did my precious books and treasures get thrown out?"

    "So frustrating..."

    "Please rest assured, Miss ire."

    "Eh?"

    "All the personal belongings from your rooms are with me."

    "R-Really!?"

    "Yes, I took everything and ran when we were evicted."

    "Well done, Carol."

    "How wonderful!"

    Carol smiled, took out a notebook and licked the end of her pen.

    "Miss Rinslet''s treasure box contains the Laurenfrost seal. Family heirloom, Dagger of Magic Ice. Also the doll given to her from Miss ire when they seven, a toy ring from Miss ire at age eight, also..."

    "E-Enough!"

    Rinslet blushed heavily and covered Carol''s mouth.

    "...Y-You kept them all as treasure."

    ire murmured softly.

    "Miss ire''s personal belongings include canned peaches, textbooks on spiritology, buried deep in the shelves were Noble Young Ladies Flourishing in the Night, Do you like wanton cats?, The Giant Bust Spirit Exists for Real¡ª"

    "H-Hold on a second! Why do you know about hidden books!?"

    "Excuse me, do all noble daughters read such racy books?"

    "C-Certainly not!"

    "Immoral books must be confiscated ording to the rules."

    Ellis spoke sternly.

    "Miss Ellis'' Ren Ashbell-sama Fan Club bulletin notes have been kept safely too."

    "Th-Thank you so much! Those are precious materials impossible to gather again!"

    Ellis held Carol''s hands in gratitude.

    (On the other hand, I''d rather burn it all immediately...)

    Kamito groaned in his mind.

    Carol smiled happily and said:

    "Let me bring you something warm. I am sure all of you are hungry."

    "Allow me to cook. Carol, are there any ingredients?"

    "Yes. Though not a lot, we do have a bit of flour."

    "Good enough. ire, I am borrowing Scarlet."

    "Meow¡ª"

    "Wait, Scarlet!"

    Scarlet skipped along and followed Rinslet.

    "Muir will help taste test."

    Saying that, Muir ran into the kitchen too.

    Watching the back of his adopted little sister, Kamito felt his heart warmed up.

    Part 4

    While Rinslet was in the kitchen, Kamito exined to Freya everything that had happened so far.

    "¡ªAnd so, we came back to take back the Academy."

    "I see¡ª"

    The intelligent homeroom teacher soon understood his words and nodded.

    "In other words, whether the Academy rebellion seeds or not shall determine the shift in allegiances and the politicalndscape in the Empire."

    "Yeah. Once news of the Academy''s recapture spreads, the neutral nobles will throw their support behind Fianna."

    "Indeed, calls for the second princess'' return are not umon among the popce. News of your great achievement in the Theocracy in stopping Leviathan, have reached here too."

    "The Empire''s people all hope for Fianna''s ascension to the throne."

    ire said.

    "Indeed. Currently, Arneus'' reign is poor no matter how you mince words. However, there are nobles who would rather ept an ipetent monarch than see the beautiful and wise princess in power."

    "Have these people realized the shadow of the Holy Kingdom behind the current Emperor?"

    "Of course they have. The Holy Kingdom''s cardinal has been strutting about in Nefescal Pce. However, they still choose to obey and ingratiate themselves to those in power."

    Ms Freya curled her gorgeous lips with mockery.

    "By the way, I never expected the glorious Imperial Knights to resort to such tricks¡ª"

    Ellis spoke loudly with anger on her face.

    Having admired the Knights, she probably could not ept such an atrocity.

    "So they have abandoned all scruples¡ª"

    Having installed a curse armament seal on herself before, Velsaria murmured.

    "However, it is iprehensible. Once news of releasing demon spirits against students spread out, it will surely cause a huge outrage."

    "...That is true indeed."

    Freya agreed with ire.

    Except for the Alphas Theocracy, demon spirits were taboo in every country.

    If Ordesia''s knights were to use them, it would bring all the countries on the continent to condemn them. The nobles in the Empire would also resent Arneus for authorizing such an act.

    Also, if they were to quell the rebellion by any means necessary, they could have deployed militarized spirits directly. Why go such lengths to summon demon spirits?

    "The summoning of demon spirits is a side effect at most."

    "Restia?"

    With a flutter of ck feathers floating down, Restia appeared next to Kamito.

    "Their true goal is probably something else."

    "What do you mean?"

    "What do you think that pir of light is?"

    Saying that, Restia looked out the window.

    The pir of light they had seen from the streets earlier, was currently prating the dense clouds in the sky.

    Eerie red light was leaking from the gaps in the clouds.

    Everyone shook their head silently. Evidently, even Freya was stumped.

    "¡ªThat is a gate to the demon realm."

    "Demon realm?"

    "Yes, contrasting with the holy sanctuary, there is a ce in Astral Zero known as the demon realm. It is where the majority of demon spirits reside."

    Restia looked back at Kamito and the others.

    "That pir of light is the gate for opening a connection to there."

    "A gate connecting to Astral Zero? How do you open something like¡ª"

    Mid-sentence, ire widened her eyes.

    "Don''t tell me, they used the ruins from the spirit forest...!?"

    "Yes, that is correct."

    Restia nodded slowly.

    "Such an immense gate is possible to open so long as resonance is produced from the power of multiple ruins. Those demon spirits earlier came from the demon realm through the gate."

    "Then why would they do this...?"

    "Then I have no idea..."

    Saying that, she shook her head.

    "But if we let it continue, the gate will swallow this town sooner orter."

    "What did you say!?"

    "What is going on!?"

    ire and Ellis shouted at the same time. Velsaria frowned too.

    "Please look. Isn''t the red glow between the clouds increasing?"

    "...!"

    Taking a closer look, she was right. The red light''s brightness had increased from earlier.

    That light came from Astral Zero, huh¡ª

    Suppose the gate continued to erge, then surely even bigger quantities of demon spirits than earlier would surge into the Academy town.

    "...They must not seed!"

    ire''s ruby-like eyes burned with mes in them.

    "Yes. As captain of the Sylphid Knights protecting the Academy, I shall not allow this to happen!"

    Ellis stood up too.

    "So what can we do?"

    Just then, Ms Freya spoke.

    "Since they are using the ruins'' power to open the gate to the demon realm, all we need to do is destroy the ruins and the gate should vanish, right?"

    "Indeed. Gates leading to Astral Zero are very unstable. Once the ruins are destroyed, it should vanish naturally."

    Hearing ire, Restia nodded.

    "But the Academy has been turned into a fort by the Imperial Knights. Infiltrating will not be easy."

    Velsaria pointed out.

    "Can''t we use your shadow magic to slip in, Ms Freya?"

    "Unfortunately, that will not work. The army''s alert line will be triggered."

    "I see..."

    Normally, it would not be a problem, but given the current situation, there were probably many sensing-type barriers set up. In that case, even Kamito and Muir would find it difficult to sneak in unnoticed.

    "What about negotiations? Ellis knows many people in the Knights, right?"

    "...Negotiations will probably be difficult. I have no right to criticize anyone, but the Imperial Knights are very stubborn."

    "If even you say that, then their stubbornness is definitely no ordinary stubbornness."

    ire shrugged slightly.

    "So that leaves storming in from the front huh¡ª"

    Kamito muttered.

    "...That is the only way to go."

    "Are you all serious?"

    Asked Ms Freya.

    "I know it''s very reckless but I can''t just stand back and watch the Academy get trampled by demon spirits."

    Kamito nodded slowly.

    "To me, the Academy is a very precious ce."

    "Kamito..."

    ire showed surprise as she looked at Kamito.

    Equally surprised, Restia also looked at Kamito.

    These were Kamito''s true feelings that had slipped out naturally.

    Even though he had only lived at the Academy for two months¡ª

    Kamito had experienced so many new things for the first time during that period.

    Encountering hisrades. Training night and day to participate in the team battles. Working part time in the Academy town, the Valentine Festival, training camp, mystery hot pot, and even hunting the legendary giant bust spirit.

    Every incident was a precious memory for Kamito¡ª

    And those memories were all born inside the ce called Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "Yes, me too."

    Next, Ellis added.

    "Me too, Kamito."

    "It is the same for me!"

    Just then, Rinslet came out of the kitchen, bringing sandwiches.

    "These are Laurenfrost lucky charms."

    "Very tasty."

    Muir had her cheeks stuffed full... So cute, like a squirrel.

    "But I disagree with storming in without a n. Let us discuss our n of action first."

    "...I guess you''re right."

    Kamito steepled his hands on the table and fell into deep thought.

    Indeed, breaking into the Academy from the front would probably be very hard.

    Was there some way to cause a great diversion first¡ª

    "...Oh."

    Suddenly, Kamito thought of something.

    "Say, Ellis¡ª"

    "What is it?"

    "Back when I lost my memory, wasn''t there a treasure vault of the Demon King that appeared underground of the Academy town?"

    So he asked Ellis.

    "Yes, that Burial Chamber, right?"

    Ellis nodded. She had entered that Burial Chamber together with Kamito.

    Indeed, that incident was the reason why the Imperial Knights started garrisoning the Academy in the first ce.

    Instigated by Millennia, the spirits in the Academy went on a rampage, causing a great cmity.

    At the time, Kamito had amnesia due to the blow of losing Restia, but the aftering into contact with Est in the Burial Chamber under the Academy, he recovered his memory.

    Summoned as result of Kamito''s awakening, the Burial Chamber was where many artifacts and sealed spirits used by the legendary Demon King Solomon in the past were sealed.

    "You''re going to retrieve the Demon King''s weapons, lying dormant in the Burial Chamber, right?"

    ire instantly reacted.

    But Ms Freya shook her head.

    "Unfortunately, you are toote."

    "Why?"

    "Reportedly, the Imperial Knights have taken away all the treasure in the underground historical site. Ancient artifacts and powerful sealed spirits, I expect they are all being kept in the Academy''s Sealed Library now."

    This made sense too. It was only natural that the army would intervene when ancient and valuable artifacts had been dug up.

    "Looks like your n is foiled."

    "No, not entirely. This is an opportunity, actually."

    Saying that, Kamito reached into his chest pocket.

    "Ah. Kamito, I know what you''re thinking."

    Seeing that, Restia whispered quietly.

    As expected of his longtime partner.

    "Yeah, we''re gonna use everything at our disposal."

    Part 5

    Carrying Second Princess Fianna, Legitimate Ordesia''s gship, the Revenant, had met up with Dracunia''s Flying Dragon Knights in Laurenfrost airspace.

    Composed entirely of dragon riders, the Flying Dragon Knights were renowned as the continent''s strongest.

    There were even rumors that Dracunia had stubbornly refused to build a fleet of massive flying ships because they felt that military ships slower than dragon riders had no strategic value.

    Under the moonlight, dozens of lying dragons were arranged in a neat and orderly formation.

    On the ground, a great bonfire was lit at Winter Gulf Castle. The soldiers serving the family of Margrave Laurenfrost were preparing for battle in an orderly fashion.

    Fianna and Rubia were standing on the deck to stoke up morale.

    "The neutral nobles still have yet to dere their position."

    While staring at the Kyria Mountain Range towering ahead, Fianna spoke.

    Although there were a few nobles who had secret correspondence with her and had agreed to march, in the end, the only ones who responded to her call to take action were the anti-Arneus nobles.

    "Until the situation clears up, I doubt they will take any action. However, once we recapture the Academy, the situation will tilt in our favor."

    Rubia replied. There was no emotional fluctuation in her voice at all.

    Fianna withdrew her hand from the railing on the ship''s side.

    "Are you worried about ire?"

    "..."

    This time, Rubia did not answer.

    However, Fianna did not miss the subtle tensing in her fingers.

    "She will be fine. After all, Kamito-kun is there."

    "Yes¡ª"

    The iing wind caused the two girls'' long hair to flutter.

    At thetest, their war against the Empire was going to begin in the morning.

    (...We must prevail against time.)

    Fianna bit hard on her lip that had lost color in the cold wind.

    Just then, the crystal in Rubia''s hand glowed.

    At the same time, arge image was projected in the air.

    It was a pitch-ck shadow with the appearance of a giant dragon.

    "...! Lord Dragon King!"

    Surprised, Fianna looked up.

    "Princess of Ordesia, you have done very well in the mission to quell the Theocracy''s civil war."

    The giant dragon silhouette''s solemn voice resounded across the entire deck.

    "I hereby recognize Legitimate Ordesia as Dracunia''s ally and pledge to fight the Holy Kingdom together."

    "Thank you for your reinforcements, Lord Dragon King."

    Fianna bowed deeply towards the image in the air.

    "So, how is the battle situation?"

    "More than half the nobles are taking the Emperor''s side. The remainder will depend on the situation at the Academy."

    "¡ªHmm, not unusual. The Academy is tantamount to the Empire''s heart."

    Dracunia''s Dragon King spoke gravely.

    "But rest assured. I have made arrangements on that front too."

    "...What do you mean?"

    Fianna blinked her dusk-colored eyes.

    "I have sent the strongest dragon to that heart."

    Part 6

    "My esteemed sister, I leave this in your hands."

    "Rest assured. I shall not let even an ant pass."

    Facing Ellis, who was in front of the barricade looking back, Velsaria nodded briefly.

    ording to ire''s attack n, Velsaria and Muir would stay behind to guard the barricade.

    The attacking demon spirits were sure to be back. Since the gate connected to Astral Zero kept expanding, it was highly likely that the next wave would be bigger than the one before. Moreover, openings were about to appear in the barrier set up by the princess maidens.

    Hence, it was necessary for Velsaria, capable of deploying the ultimate fortress spirit, and Muir, able to employ militarized spirits, to stay behind as guardians.

    "Leave this to us, Captain."

    Carrying her hammer elemental waffe on her shoulder, Rakka said.

    "As Vice-Captain of the Sylphid Knights, I will protect the students well."

    Saying that, Reishia nodded too.

    "Yes, I wish you the best of luck."

    Ellis shook hands firmly with her best friends.

    "...Ah~ ah~, Muir wants to go raise hell with Onii-sama too."

    Muir was pouting unhappily.

    "Why must Muir protect small fry?"

    "Because you''re the best suited to it. Hunt down and clean up those demon spirits."

    ire crossed her arms and said.

    "Stop ordering others and acting all high and might, you t-chested charcoal girl."

    "W-What are you talking about!? Y-You''re the t-chested one!"

    With twintails standing up on end, ire roared angrily.

    "Yeah~ right~, Muir is still growing. Right, Onii-sama?"

    Saying that, Muir hugged Kamito''s waist.

    "Uh, yeah, right..."

    Kamito ced his hand on Muir''s head.

    "Muir, I''m counting on you. Protect everyone."

    He gently stroked her ash-gray hair.

    "...O-Okay, got it, Onii-sama."

    Muir partially closed her eyes in bliss and nodded obediently.

    "Kamito, pet me too."

    Seeing Est hug him too, Kamito began to pet her on the head at the same time.

    "Hua..."

    "Sheesh, all you do is indulge that adopted sister and Est!"

    Seeing that, ire was so angry that she cracked her whip loudly.

    Behind Kamito and the others¡ª

    "Th-There is more, kyah¡ª"

    "Uwawa, mdy, are you alright!?"

    Passing out snacks to those in the front lines, Rinslet was surrounded by spirits.

    "Rinslet, stop ying around. We have to go."

    "I-I am not ying around!"

    Kamito smiled wryly and looked out at Academy in the distance.

    The pir of light, rising into the clouds, it reminded him of the light from the sacred maiden he had seen at the Demon King City.

    "Kamito, we are counting on you."

    Hearing Ms Freya''s words, Kamito nodded briefly.

 Volume 18, 9 - Offense and Defense at the Academy

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 9 - Offense and Defense at the Academy</h4>

    Part 1

    Ominous clouds were hanging low in the sky.

    Kamito andpany were running in the Academy town where thick miasma was swirling.

    Going through the Sylph district, a dense residential area, they rushed straight to the main entrance to the Academy''s school building¡ª

    This distance was quite short for a well-trained elementalist, but the worry was that more and more demon spirits would surge out from the dimensional gap as time went by.

    (...We are in a race against time.)

    Looking up at the giant gate in the sky, Kamito muttered to himself.

    "The Academy''s school building is in sight."

    "Charge it in one breath!"

    "Yes!"

    ire swung metongue in her hand.

    With a crimson sh sweeping through the air, demon spirits appearing out of nothing were instantly destroyed.

    Noticing the unusual situation, the guards in front of the gate manifested elemental waffen in their hands.

    There were five of them. They looked like elite spirit knights.

    (...As expected of the Empire''s knights. They are well-trained.)

    "Charging at us with merely four people... Are they mad!?"

    The apparent leader shouted, swinging a mighty hammer.

    The shockwave was released radially, tearing up stone tiles on the street.

    "O eternal magic ice, turn into a solid castle wall¡ªIce Wall!"

    Rinslet instantly recited defensive spirit magic.

    Rising from the ground, the wall of ice blocked the shockwave and debrispletely.

    Stepping hard on the ice wall in front of her, Ellis jumped into the air.

    Raising Ray Hawk, sheunched it at the main entrance.

    "Fahrengart style of the spear, secret technique¡ªStorm Strike!"

    BOOM¡ª

    A whirlwind began to swirl, contracting at the spear tip.

    The thrown Ray Hawk tore through the air as a sh of light, producing a spiral shockwave.

    The Academy entrance was immediately contorted, then blown away in an instant.

    The spear turned back into the shape of a demon bird spirit. Circling in the air, Simorgh returned to Ellis'' arm.

    Standing on the wall of ice, Ellis looked down at the Empire''s knights with her blue hair fluttering in the wind.

    Seeing her like that¡ª

    "...! Don''t tell me it''s Lady Ellis!?"

    The apparent leader of these knights eximed in surprise.

    "You are the Fahrengart''s gbearer, Inase-dono of the van Browa family, are you not?"

    "Indeed. I am Inase van Browa, Captain of the Imperial Knights!"

    Answering Ellis, the captain introduced herself openly. As the Fahrengart''s gbearer, she was supposed to be a knight swearing allegiance to Ellis.

    However, Inase continued to keep her elemental waffe raised.

    Presumably, she intended to remain loyal to her military position.

    "Inase-dono, why would an honorable knight like you oppress students!?"

    Ellis hated beating around the bush and true to her usual style, went straight to the point.

    "I am a knight serving His Majesty the Emperor. I mustplete the assigned mission."

    The captain''s answer left no room for mercy.

    "So the Imperial Knights'' methods include the use of demon spirits now?"

    This time, it was ire who shouted.

    "...! It was the work of the Holy Kingdom. We have nothing to do with it."

    "Did you say the Holy Kingdom!?"

    (...As expected, the Holy Kingdom is involved, huh?)

    Kamitomented in his thoughts. Naturally, he had thought that possibility highly likely to begin with. However, to summon demon spirits in great numbers was an act that would lead to disaster once the surrounding nations found out. Since such an act received military authorization, it meant that Ordesia''s higher-ups currently had no power to resist the Holy Kingdom.

    "You have admitted your guilt. If you stand by and allow it, you areplicit!"

    "...!"

    Hearing Rinslet''s harsh and valid criticism, the captain became speechless.

    "Inase-dono, you will only bring shame to the van Browa family name if you continue to let the Holy Kingdom do as it wishes."

    "Even so, I shall never turn back from my oath of loyalty!"

    Inase van Browa replied with determination.

    "...! Even though I am in no ce to say this, I must call you out on your stubbornness!"

    "Ellis, looks like you''re actually quite flexible for a knight..."

    "Captain, I have revised my opinion of you."

    "Sh-Shut up..."

    Ellis coughed and readied Ray Hawk.

    "It is pointless to continue the discussion. Allow me to break through by force!"

    "Break through by force? Do you intend to make enemies out of every spirit knight garrisoned here!?"

    rms kept sounding all around. The militarized surveince spirits flying in the sky aimed searchlights at Kamito''s group.

    Reinforcements were apparently arriving.

    (...Fine, it''s time to take a gamble.)

    Kamito wiped away cold sweat while he reached into his chest pocket.

    What he took out was a silver ring carved with High Ancient.

    This was the Demon King''s Ring formanding the seventy-two spirits.

    Although Kamito could only use this ring to control one spirit at a time¡ª

    If he eschewed control and simply used it to liberate sealed spirits, there was no limit.

    Kamito raised the ring and poured divine power into it.

    "As the Demon King''s sessor, I herebymand. Awaken from your thousand-year-long slumber and unt your power to your hearts'' content!"

    The Ring glowed with intense light.

    That blinding brightness frightened the Empire''s knights.

    Rumble, rumble rumble, rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    In the next second, earthquake sounds kept appearing¡ª

    A great explosion happened in the Academy.

    "W-What on earth is going on...!?"

    The captain of the Imperial Knights sounded confused.

    They turned their head to look back¡ª

    Only to see an unbelievable scene before their eyes.

    A gigantic dragon spirit with as many as eight heads. A two-headed giant wielding a humongous wooden club. A great serpent shrouded in lightning. An enormous turtle with a weird mountain of rock on its back. A warrior d in armor of steel¡ª

    Every spirit was powerful enough to rival archdemon-ss.

    "¡ªFive, no, six of them. More than I expected."

    Restia''s voice sounded in Kamito''s mind.

    What Kamito had liberated were the Demon King''s minion spirits that the army had taken from the Demon King''s Burial Chamber to safekeep. Although earlier Restia was uncertain whether primordial powerful spirits would heed Kamito''s voice, now it was evidently a winning gamble.

    Confronted with the sudden appearance of multiple archdemon-ss spirits, the Imperial Knights panicked.

    "Go wild all you like, servants of the Demon King!"

    Kamito continued to pour divine power into the ring and shouted. The Demon King''s Ring instantly shattered into fragments.

    "Kamito, that was pretty good Demon King style. I award you six Demon King points."

    "What kind of stupid points are those..."

    Hearing Restia sounding a bit happy, Kamito could not help but retort.

    "Anyway, now is the time to charge!"

    With dual swords of white and ck in his hands, Kamito charged into the knights.

    Part 2

    "...! What happened!?"

    The current master of the headmistress'' office stood up from her chair and shouted anxiously.

    Taken over by the Imperial Knights, the headmistress'' office of Areishia Spirit Academy had be the room of Alendora Eva Abyne,mander of the garrisoned force.

    Among the aristocracy, the family of Duke Abyne was only second to House Fahrengart in prestige. In addition to her family background, Alendora''s power as a spirit knight was also top-notch. Graduating from the Academy as the valedictorian, she currently held the position of Seventh of the Numbers. She was widely known as the user of a void spirit.

    As someone of such stature, Alendora was stunned speechless after seeing the scene outside the window.

    Large xenomorphic spirits had demolished the Academy''s Sealed Library and came out of it.

    They were on a rampage and currently attacking the Academy''s school building.

    No one had any grasp of the current situation.

    Why would these spirits, supposed to have been sealed, suddenly awaken?

    "...Damn it¡ª"

    With a contorted expression, Alendora smashed the headmistress'' office''s window.

    "Fufu, why are you so agitated? Seeing as your are Seventh of the Numbers."

    "...! You!"

    She shouted angrily and turned her head back, only to see the Holy Kingdom''s Cardinal standing in front of the door.

    "I did not permit you to enter, Dame Millennia."

    "I do not need your permission."

    The young girl with an eye patch and dressed in holy vestments smiled nonchntly.

    "Do know that I was sent by his Majesty Emperor Arneus and granted full authority."

    "...!

    Alendora gritted her teeth. She had always viewed with disdain this cardinal who did whatever she wanted, taking full advantage of the Emperor''s decree, despite being among the Imperial Knights.

    "What is the matter with this utter mess? Don''t tell me this is another of your experiments?"

    "No, incorrect. The Demon King is the one responsible¡ª"

    "What did you say?"

    "Kazehaya Kamito has apparently arrived with hispanions to recapture the Academy."

    "Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    There was probably no one in Ordesia who did not know this name by now.

    He was the one and only male elementalist in the world.

    He was also the ace of Team Scarlet who had obtained victory in the de Dance.

    At the same time, he was also the wanted criminal who had infiltrated the imperial capital to assist Second Princess Fianna''s escape from prison.

    "What a joke! How could a handful of people hope to take this military stronghold¡ª"

    "He did stop the strategic-ss militarized spirit Leviathan in the Theocracy."

    The cardinal girlughed, somewhat amused.

    "...!"

    Indeed, he was not an opponent to be trifled with.

    Currently, the Imperial Knights were in huge disarray¡ª

    "I shall personally take to the front line. I suppose even higher-ranking knights might not be able to handle a de Dance victor."

    With a flutter of her pure white cape, Alendora gantly turned around and exited the office.

    After taking a few nces at her as she left¡ª

    Millennia Sanctus murmured softly.

    "Unfortunately, you are no match for him either."

    She spun around and looked up at the reddened sky outside the cracked window.

    "Time to begin. Astral Shift."

    In the next instant, countless cracks appeared in the air.

    Part 3

    "Guooooooooooooooo!"

    "Kishaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

    Six spirits, minions of the Demon King, liberated from their thousand-year-long slumber, were running amok, looking as though they were showing off their strength. It looked like a battle between giant monsters.

    Everything was unfolding as Kamito had hoped. The Imperial Knights were in utter confusion.

    "On the other hand, I''m worrying whether the Academy might turn into rubble!"

    While defeating the Imperial Knights standing in his way, Kamitomented.

    "Since they have so many knights, I''m sure they''ll find a way."

    Running beside him, ire replied.

    "I-I guess..."

    A total of six spirits, rivaling or even surpassing archdemon-ss...

    However, if they mobilized spirit knight battalions equipped with militarized spirits, they should manage to vanquish them.

    "Send out the anti-spirit Kerberos! Deploy every sya-Labs too!"

    Kamito could hear what sounded like the voice of amander knight. Although the knights deployed militarized spirits in a scattered manner, they soon lost against the Demon King''s spirits because they could not muster an organized formation.

    "Thetest militarized spirits are getting taken out one after another!"

    Saying that, Ellis turned pale.

    "W-Will they demandpensationter on?"

    "Sheesh, there''s no use worrying about so much!"

    "The princess will think of something!"

    Kamito swung the Demon yer, chopping arge sya-Labs in two.

    In the center of the vast training ground, the pir of light extended all the way to sky, forming a giant gate in midair. Three smaller pirs of light were sustaining that gate.

    Under them were probably the ruins transported from the Spirit Forest.

    The Imperial Knights did not seem aware that Kamito''s team was targeting the ruins.

    To destroy the ruins at three locations in one go, before they could bolster their defenses¡ªThat was the n concocted by ire.

    "We''re gonna split up three ways here."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito was in charge of the ruins deepest in the Academy, located in the direction of therge training ground. Ellis and Rinslet were responsible for the ruins towards the old cathedral in the northwest. As for the dormitory buildings in the northeast side¡ª

    At this moment, Kamito released the Vorpal Sword.

    The jet-ck demon sword transformed into endless darkness that turned into the ck-winged darkness spirit.

    "¡ªI look forward to working with you, ire Rouge."

    Restianded next to ire.

    Indeed, ire and Restia were the ones heading to the third set of ruins.

    So long as he had Est in hand, Kamito was enough to fight by himself.

    This was the conclusion reached after considering the bnce between the three teams.

    "Okay, hurry!"

    "Yeah!

    Just as they were about to break into a run...

    Crk, crk crk¡ª

    Suddenly, cracks appeared in the space around them.

    "...W-What!?"

    ire jumped in surprise and looked around in a circle.

    Next¡ª

    OUt from the cracks in the air, demon spirits with strange appearances appeared one after another.

    "...! Why are there demon spirits here!?"

    Summoning great numbers of uncontroble demon spirits within the Academy''s premises.

    Doing this would clearly add to the chaos.

    Also, the quantity of demon spirits far surpassed what they had fought at the street barricade.

    Even the spirits'' ranks would be ssified as mid-level or above.

    Countless cracks swept by, upying the entire Academy in one go.

    "Could they be trying to release demon spirits all over the entire Academy town!?"

    Ellis cried out in shock.

    "...! We must hurry. Stop the ruins!"

    Part 4

    Crk, crk crk crk¡ª!

    With the sound of spatial distortion, many cracks appeared in the air.

    "It ising. Upperssmen, ready your elemental waffen!"

    Standing on the erected barricade, Freya shouted.

    The Sylphid Knights'' best students and the highest-achieving upperssmen all deployed their respective elemental waffen. Rakka and Reishia also held their weapons, preparing to intercept the enemy.

    "Surround each one with a squad of three or more! The injured should retreat to the back, don''t overdo it!"

    "Y-Yes!"

    Roughly half of Areishia Spirit Academy''s students were contracted with spirits above mid-level, but only about 30% were capable of deploying elemental waffen.

    And only a handful had actually seen demon spirits before in actualbat.

    Facing arge group of demon spirits, baring their teeth as they approached, the students'' legs began to shake.

    In front of these students, a knight dressed in a white overcoat stood in the front.

    "¡ªFear not. I am the fortress that shall protect you all."

    Velsaria Eva Fahrengart.

    The Sylphid Knights'' original captain, the one bearing the title of the strongest.

    Facing the great number of demon spirits, standing there gantly in the front line, her figure brought courage to the students.

    "Deploy elemental waffe¡ªJuggernaut!"

    With a sh of light, countless hovering cannons and castle wall shields appeared around her.

    Looking back at the students eximing in surprise, Velsaria spoke.

    "Take a few steps back. My elemental waffe might be a bit destructive¡ª"

    Boom! Boom boom boom boom boom!

    Countless cannons fired all at once.

    The air shook. The astounding supreme firepower swept the demon spirits away.

    The round of suppressive fire brought fervent cheering from the students.

    "Hmph, pretty good eh¡ª"

    Just then, looking down from a building rooftop, Muir smiled with amusement.

    She jumped down nimbly from the roof and walked over to a barricade in the opposite direction.

    "Muir will show off too."

    Taking off a bracelet artifact, she recited the incantation to release the seal.

    The cursed armament seal on the back of her hand glowed with ominous light.

    Instantly, space was distorted and a gigantic beetle-like militarized spirit appeared.

    This was Gargantua, a spirit specializing in building battlefield entrenchment.

    Although not abat-type spirit, its power far surpassed ordinary militarized spirits.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    With the Jester''s Vise removing its limiter, Gargantua swung its two massive arms to crush the demon spirits that were flitting about.

    "Ahaha, crush them¡ªGargantua."

    The horrific scene was making the Academy''s teachers gasp.

    "Muir will earn Onii-sama''s praise."

    Part 5

    "Demon spirits? ursed Holy Kingdom, what on earth are they thinking!?"

    Seeing the atrocity before her eyes, Alendora Eva cried out with irritation.

    Many demon spirits had appeared out from a dimensional gap to attack the Empire''s knights indiscriminately.

    Themand system was inplete disarray. Even with her arriving the front line as the suprememander, reorganizing the chaotic troops would be no easy task.

    (At the very least, I need to get a grasp on what is happening¡ª)

    In addition to the demon spirits, the spirits liberated from the Sealed Library were also on a rampage.

    With her elemental waffe¡ªNether Void¡ªin her hand, she stepped towards the training ground.

    Even though the berserk spirits were quite powerful, as one of the Empire''s prided Numbers, she was capable of defeating archdemon-ss spirits singlehandedly.

    ¡ªAhead of her direction of advance...

    Suddenly, a petite figure silently appeared.

    "...?"

    The new arrival was dressed in a gray overcoat with a hood.

    On her face was a silver mask.

    (A warrior priestess of the Holy Kingdom? No, not right...)

    Alendora stopped and carefully examined the opponent before her eyes.

    "Is it you? Are you the one who liberated the spirits in the Sealed Library¡ª"

    "..."

    The masked figure did not answer. She silently drew her sword from her chest.

    It was a long sword with the color of blood,pletelycking in ornament.

    "I see. You prefer military torture and interrogation. You get your wish."

    Alendora whispered icily and poured divine power into the Nether Void.

    "This is your unlucky day. To challenge the Empire''s strongest, one of the Numbers¡ª"

    The surrounding air shook. A chunk of earth by her foot was carved away.

    "¡ªEmpire''s strongest, huh?"

    Heh, the opponent seemed tough beneath her mask.

    She sounded like a young girl. Presumably a student of the Academy¡ª

    Suddenly, in the next instant, the opponent disappeared from Alendora''s sight.

    "...!?"

    She did not even get a chance to cry out.

    The sword moved like purple lightning. Alendora Eva copsed on the ground.

    In defense of her honor, it is necessary to note¡ª

    Without the ability on the Numbers'' level, she probably would not have even seen the sh of the sword.

    Looking up into the reddened night sky, the masked girl whispered.

    "Do they intend to bring about an Astral Shift here?"

 Volume 18, 10 - Astral Shift

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 10 - Astral Shift</h4>

    Part 1

    Under the night sky, a morous dance of ming shes began.

    Passing through the wide open training ground, ire made her way towards the ruins in the northeast.

    rm devices kept sounding while searchlights pursued her relentlessly.

    However, spirit magic attacks aimed at ire were blocked one after another by a pair of ck wings.

    "Darkness spirit, I never expected a day when you and I would fight alongside each other¡ª"

    "Fufu, are you able to keep up?"

    "Don''t look down on me, watch¡ª!"

    ire''s metongue destroyed countless demon spirits.

    Faced with a swarm of demon spirits that had suddenly appeared, the Imperial Knights were in total chaos.

    Was it because theirmander was absent? Coordination between units was insufficient.

    "Speaking of which, I still owe you a favor¡ª"

    Suddenly, Restia spoke.

    "A favor?"

    "Yes, on Ragna Ys. You saved me from those people from the Sacred Spirit Knights."

    ire remembered. It was during the final round of the de Dance.

    "You don''t need to return it. I did for Kamito anyway."

    "Now that won''t do, ire Rouge¡ª"

    Restia spread her jet-ck wings.

    "Howl, a storm of demon swords¡ªde Storm!"

    Theunched jet-ck feathers turned into a storm of darkness, shredding the demon spirits.

    Witnessing the darkness spirit''s astounding power, ire could not help but gasp.

    "...! Not bad, you might be a match for Ortlinde, I guess?"

    "If you manage to draw out the hell cat''s full power, well, perhaps it might be an even fight."

    Restia chuckled.

    "I have to admit, you are quite reliable when we''re on the same side."

    "You have improved too."

    Although the two of them were always arguing, they were surprisingly in sync when working together.

    Arriving at the za behind the student dormitories, they could see the base of the pir of light.

    It was a stone circle site formed from massive stone columns.

    This used to be the ruins forming the gate within the Academy. ire had used it before.

    "The ruins!"

    "Let''s destroy it before they bring reinforcements."

    "Yes, I know! Dance, the crimson mes summoning destruction¡ªHell ze!"

    ire recited the strongest me-type spirit magic while running.

    However¡ª

    "...W-What!?"

    An incantation written in High Ancient, carved on the ruins, glowed and nullified the mes.

    "...! Looks like ordinary attacks can''t damage it."

    The Holy Kingdom people had apparently cast multiple barriers.

    ...In that case, the only choice was to try using an elemental waffe to attack repeatedly to destroy it.

    While slowly doing that, reinforcements were going to arrive sooner orter.

    "Darkness spirit, do you have any way to destroy it?"

    "...I could, but it will have to take some time. Of course, it would be a piece of cake if Kamito were to do it with my elemental waffe form."

    "Okay, fine."

    ire shrugged and walked towards the ruins.

    "...What is your n now?"

    "I will show you Scarlet''s true power."

    ire poured divine power into metongue.

    ¡ªThou art the valorous valkyrie, the one who guideth the souls of warriors to the final battlefield.

    ¡ªThou art the destroyer, governing scorching mes, bringer of eternal destruction.

    "Respond to my call, I hereby announce thy true name¡ªOrtlinde!"

    In that instant, metongue in ire''s hand transformed.

    Countless deep-red des, interlinked like a chain, burned with crimson mes.

    ¡ªA de chain forged from mes.

    "Elemental waffe second form¡ªme Blossom!"

    With twintails fluttering up and down, ire performed a de dance like a princess maiden.

    Innumerable sharp des, imbued with the power of mes, ripped apart the barrier, destroying the ruins and rendering it unrecognizable.

    Part 2

    The team of Ellis and Rinslet was running northwest, heading for the old cathedral.

    It was the building formerly used by the Sylphid Knights as their headquarters.

    "Rinslet, please cover me!"

    "Hmph, enjoy my spectacr marksmanship!"

    Rinslet drew her bow elemental waffe and shot an arrow into the sky.

    Like a rainstorm, countless arrows proceeded to descend.

    The arrows of ice caused chain explosions as soon as theynded, immobilizing the legs of militarized spirits.

    Seizing the opening when their movements were stopped, Ellis flew, enveloped in a gale.

    "Ohhhhhhhh!"

    Elemental waffe second form¡ªRay Hawk Ragna.

    The cyclone generated from the sacred spear tip swept away all the Empire''s knights standing in their way in one go.

    It was truly a sublime de dance.

    "A splendid job, Captain."

    "You too, Rinslet¡ª"

    Without turning her head back, Ellis replied to Rinslet who had swiftly caught up.

    "The demon spirits turn out to be more troublesome than the Imperial Knights."

    "Yes, they are endless."

    The ruins firing the beam of light had apparently started summoning huge numbers of demon spirits.

    "Let us wipe them out in one go, Rinslet."

    "Understood."

    Rinslet answered with excellent tacit understanding.

    Ellis swung her spear, enveloped in a cyclone, while Rinslet fired an arrow that was like a storm.

    " "Ice Storm!" "

    This was abination technique of elemental waffen.

    The blizzard''s sharp des howled as they shredded the demon spirits.

    Rinslet allowed her bow to return to Fenrir''s form, then mounted his back.

    "Captain, the ruins!"

    "Yes¡ª!"

    Towards the circle of stone pirs, Ellis unleashed a full-powered strike.

    However, it was easily deflected.

    "...! There is a barrier, and quite a sturdy one too."

    "The knights'' reinforcements wille if we do not hurry."

    "...!

    Ellis poured divine power into Ray Hawk Ragna and kept attacking.

    "Rinslet¡ª"

    Just then. There was a voice from behind.

    "...?"

    Rinslet turned her back to see Fenrir tugging at her sleeve with his mouth.

    "It is I, Rinslet¡ª"

    "Iseria-sama!?"

    Rinslet widened her eyes in surprise.

    "Listen to me. A serious incident has urred in Astral Zero."

    "Uh, excuse me, Iseria-sama, we are currently quite upied¡ª"

    "It concerns you too."

    The Iseria-possessed Fenrir spoke solemnly.

    "W-What do you mean?"

    "At your current coordinates in the human realm, a gigantic gate has been opened. At this rate, Astral Shift will be invoked."

    "...Astral Shift?"

    Hearing an unfamiliar term, Rinslet could not help but frown.

    "Simply stated, it is a state when the human realm and Astral Zero ovep."

    "That would be cmitous... What are you talking about!?"

    Rinslet could not help but raise her voice.

    Just then, cracks appeared in the air. A great number of demon spirits appeared next.

    "...! We are surrounded!"

    Ellis raised her spear and looked around.

    There were roughly thirty demon spirits and they were clearly much bigger than the earlier ones.

    "This is not good¡ª"

    Cold sweat flowed down their necks.

    In the next instant, a sh of the sword swept through the darkness, slicing through space in all directions.

    The demon spirits gathered near the ruins were annihted in one go.

    "...Eh?"

    "W-What happened!?"

    On the ruins, they saw¡ª

    A petite young girl with a gray hood, holding a long sword with the color of blood.

    "¡ªWho is that?"

    Ellis questioned. Next...

    "All of you must leave now¡ª"

    The girl took off her hood and revealed her true identity to them.

    " "¡ªY-You are!?" "

    Ellis and Rinslet widened their eyes, rendered speechless.

    Part 3

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!

    The sh of the sword traced out countless arcs, instantly tearing through the gathered demon spirits.

    Holding the Demon yer glowing with silver-white light, Kamito charged the whole way through.

    No one could block him. Never would the Imperial Knights imagine in their wildest dreams that they were meeting the renowned Strongest de Dancer in battle.

    (¡ªSay, the coordination between teams is really bad, considering they''re military knights.)

    While sweeping away the Imperial Knights hurrying to the scene, Kamito thought to himself.

    (...What the heck is theirmander doing?)

    Breaking past the garden that was crowded with spirits, he approached the ruins that were producing the pir of light.

    "He is here. Surround him!"

    In the darkness, a knight called out.

    But it was toote. Kamito extinguished his sacred sword''s glow then slipped through silently, using the back of his single-edged de to knock out the Imperial Knights one after another.

    Using a spectacr de dance to draw attention first then using the Instructional School''s assassination techniques to silently eliminate his enemies the next instant. His ever changingbat style made the knights dance on the palm of his hand.

    The pile of super ancient ruins glowed with pale white light.

    It looked like it could not be destroyed with ordinary power.

    However¡ª

    "Est, let''s go¡ª"

    "Yes, Kamito."

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer tightly in both hands.

    Next¡ª

    "¡ªI shall not yield the ruins to you."

    "...!?"

    A girl dressed in holy vestments of pure white appeared out of darkness.

    Hovering in the air, the girl looked down at Kamito with a smile.

    "Millennia Sanctus...!"

    Kamito readied his sacred sword.

    "What is your goal in summoning demon spirits?"

    "The demon spirits are merely a side effect."

    Millennia shook her head.

    "Her goal is to cause an Astral Shift."

    "What did you say?"

    ...Astral Shift. An unfamiliar term.

    "¡ªTo make the human realm and Astral Zero ovep."

    "What...?"

    "This is an experiment and a preview. To return this world to its original state. And start over¡ª"

    ¡ªTo rebuild the world from zero.

    Those were Lurie Lizaldia''s words.

    To make the human realm and Astral Zero ovep in order to fulfill that goal?

    "Do not get in the way, Kazehaya Kamito¡ª"

    Millennia chuckled and lifted the eye patch over her left eye.

    Part 4

    The demon spirits pouring out from the crack in space were getting more and more numerous.

    Even though fortress spirit''s bombardment did not stop, against overwhelming numbers, the barricade''s barrier was nearing copse.

    "...!"

    Clutching at her heart, Velsaria coughed blood.

    The fortress spirit consumed vast amounts of divine power. Having lost the cursed armament seal on her heart, her body could no longer endure continuous operation for long periods of time.

    "Velsaria-sama!"

    "So hot...!"

    Senior students of the Sylphid Knights helped support Velsaria who was about to copse.

    Her body felt scorching as though steam woulde out any moment. In such a state, Velsaria was sustaining the fortress spirit through her extraordinary willpower.

    "Velsaria-sama, this ce won''t hold any longer. Please retreat."

    "...I cannot... re... treat..."

    Velsaria panted while brushing away a knight''s hand.

    There was arge number of injured and immobile students here. If she were to withdraw the fortress spirit''s defense line, it would be tantamount to leaving them to their fates.

    "But...!"

    "...! Wait, no way, how could this be possible!?"

    Opposite to the barricade, Muir''s voice was almost a scream.

    Velsaria turned her head to look.

    ...Only to see a despairing scene.

    Out from an extrarge crack in space¡ª

    An especially gigantic demon spirit was crawling out.

    It was a mandible spirit with no limbs and no lips, just countless teeth.

    Cracking open, it seemed to beughing¡ª

    In the next instant, it crushed Muir''s militarized spirit, Gargantua, in its teeth in one go.

    "...! No way, that''s arge militarized spirit that can build strongholds!?"

    Muir widened her ice-blue eyes.

    The defense line was instantly broken. Demon spirits swarmed into the barrier.

    "Front line units, retreat while counterattacking. Withdraw to behind the Fortress!"

    Velsaria swiftly gave orders.

    She deployed all cannons to fire at once.

    Although arge group of enemies were instantly annihted, the demon spirits kept appearing like smoke.

    Her fortress spirit was not going tost long.

    What made things worse was¡ª

    "N-No way...?"

    Muir''s voice was convulsing.

    Arge demon spirit emerged from a crack, followed by the same type of demon spirit.

    One, two, three, four, five...

    Therge demon spirits ravaged the barricade while devouring the surrounding demon spirits.

    "...! Damn it¡ª!"

    Boom! Boom! Boom!

    Velsaria''s main cannon destroyed one of therge spirits.

    However, that was the limit.

    "Cough... Huff..."

    With a forceful gasp, Velsaria copsed right there on the ground.

    The core of the defense, the fortress spirit, proceeded to copse, turning into particles of light then disappearing.

    "...I am sorry, Ellis¡ª"

    The copsed Velsaria drew the sword at her waist. It was a ceremonial sword rather than an elemental waffe. However, if one were to pour divine power into the de, it ought to be able to y small demon spirits¡ª

    "Velsaria-sama, please withdraw!"

    "Protect the captain!"

    The senior students in the Sylphid Knights formed a circle formation, stepping forward to protect her.

    "Y... ou..."

    "Please escape. We will do everything we can to buy time."

    "...This body of mine should have died a long time ago. I shall fight here to the very end."

    "Velsaria-sama..."

    As though mocking them, therge demon spirits made bizarre noises while approaching¡ª

    In the next instant, the approachingrge demon spirit was crushed with a st.

    "...Wh... at...!?"

    A great steel sword with metallic luster had pierced the demon spirit''s head in one strike.

    Carved on the great sword''s hilt was a dragon head design.

    "¡ªLooks like I made it in time."

    A girl descended to the ground, effortlessly pulling out the great sword embedded in the ground.

    "You are..."

    "Leonora Lancaster, Captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor."

    The girl in military uniform introduced herself.

    "Upon the orders of the Dragon King, Ie to provide assistance."

    She casually swung the great sword in her hand and chopped down another demon spirit.

    Just then, dragon riders riding flying dragonsnded one after another.

    Raising the Dragon yer in one hand, Leonora turned the de.

    "The dragons of Dracunia obtain strength when on the verge of death¡ª"

    Unable to conceal a dragon''s instincts, her eyes were filled with the joy ofbat.

    "¡ªFeast your eyes upon the power of an awakened dragon."

 Volume 18, 11 - Angel of the Otherworld

    <h4>Volume 18, Chapter 11 - Angel of the Otherworld</h4>

    Part 1

    "...Ah, ooh, ahhhhh... Ahhhhhhhhh!"

    The darkness dripping out from Millennia Sanctus'' left eye was spreading out on the ground.

    This dense darkness was able to corrupt Elemental Lords and render them insane¡ª

    Millennia writhed in pain, tearing at her left eye.

    The spilled darkness stained her pure white vestments, gradually swallowing her.

    "...! What the heck are you doing¡ª"

    Faced with the girl who was being devoured by the darkness that she herself was generating, Kamito had no idea what to do.

    ...Was she unable to control the Otherworldly Darkness?

    No. No way in hell¡ª

    This cardinal had controlled the Otherworldly Darkness many times before.

    "Kamito, be careful."

    Gripped in his right hand, Est spoke.

    "¡ªThere is something inside."

    "...What!?"

    "Fufu, so you sensed it, my little sister¡ª"

    With half her body swallowed by Otherworldly Darkness, Millennia jeered.

    "The Otherworldly Darkness within me is a catalyst for opening a gate¡ª"

    "Did you say gate?"

    "To summon... The Otherworld..."

    The restless Otherworldly Darknesspletely swallowed Cardinal Millennia.

    Turned into a hovering ck sphere in the air, it started vibrating with an earsplitting sound.

    "What is going on...?"

    "Kamito, hurry, destroy it¡ª"

    "...! Got it!"

    Hearing Est''s urgent voice, Kamito instantly reacted.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    He unleashed all the divine power gathered in his feet in one go and flew to the air to execute an anti-air interception Absolute de Art.

    The glow of divine power left a trail of light in the night, dashing through the air like a long dragon.

    However¡ª

    Wwn!

    An invisible barrier appeared around the sphere, deflecting the silver-white de.

    (...What!?)

    Almost like bouncing away, Kamito was sent flying to crash into the ground.

    Kamitonded.

    (...What the heck was that just now!?)

    Was it a wall generated by a barrier, or spirit magic¡ª

    "...! I can''t believe it deflected the Demon yer...?"

    Kamito looked up and stared into space.

    Just then, a crack suddenly appeared in the center of the dark sphere that had swallowed Millennia¡ª

    In the next instant, the sphere was ripped apart from within.

    Spurting out like blood, Otherworldly Darkness fell all at once, dyeing the ruins ck.

    Next, two glowing arms emerged from the center of the torn open sphere.

    "...!?"

    Kamito instantly felt his hairs stand on end with goosebumps.

    He felt it instinctively.

    This was something that did not belong in this world¡ª

    The dark sphere was shredded then it appeared in this world.

    An effigy of a warrior, three times a human''s height, with golden glowing wings.

    The beautiful face formed from pure white stone looked both masculine and feminine.

    Glowing with bright light, the jewel-like eyes looked down coldly at the earth.

    (...A spirit?)

    Muttering in his thoughts, Kamito decided no and shook his head.

    (...No. I''ve seen something simr to it before¡ª)

    At the Forest of Ice Blossoms in Laurenfrost, merged with the dominating ice spirit Zirnitra.

    The thing possessing Rinslet''s younger sister Judia Laurenfrost¡ª

    Inside the Otherworldly Darkness surging in the Elemental Lord''s shrine, Kamito had seen it.

    "...An angel."

    Cold sweat slowly dripped down the back of his hand.

    The Demon yer in his hand likewise shook slightly.

    Millennia Sanctus had said that she was the gate for summoning it.

    To summon this visitor from the Otherworld, neither the human realm nor Astral Zero¡ª

    The angel slowly descended to the ground and manifested a single-edged sword in its hand.

    The sword''s length was twice that of the Demon yer.

    Facing off against it, Kamito readied the Demnon yer and poured divine power into his sword.

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Just then, the glowing silver-white sword spoke.

    "Yes, I know. It''s¡ª"

    "I was created for the purpose of destroying them."

    "Huh?"

    Hearing what Est said, Kamito asked in return.

    "Est, you know that thing?"

    "Yes. The primordial memories sleeping inside me told me. I am¡ªNo, the original purpose of every spirit weapon created in this world was to destroy such angels."

    Held in his hand, Est was exuding an astounding amount of hostility from her de.

    It was like a beast facing a natural enemy with an unforgivable grudge¡ª

    "Spirit weapons huh¡ª"

    That term had been uttered by Est herself a number of times before.

    They were powerful weapons used to annihte spirits during the Spirit War. Like her, Ortlinde the Scarlet Valkyrie was also a spirit weapon.

    If their original purpose was to fight angels from the Otherworld¡ª

    (...Then who was it that created them?)

    As though to interrupt Kamito''s thoughts¡ª

    Kiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiin¡ª

    The angel made a sound in a strange pitch.

    "¡ªKamito, it ising."

    The angel acted.

    It slid over like gliding on the ground. In the next instant, it suddenly disappeared from sight.

    "...!"

    Immense mass, moving with subsonic momentum¡ª

    In response, Kamito used the Demon yer to block.

    Mustering his entire body''s divine power, he strained his hardest to resist the earth-shattering impact.

    "Kamito, I need even more divine power¡ªOr else we will be overwhelmed."

    "...! I''m already doing my best!"

    Even though he had drawn upon such a massive amount of divine power in one breath, Kamito was still pushed back.

    With his feet scraping against the ground, Kamito was pushed against a building in the training ground.

    "Cough... Huff¡ª!"

    His breathing stopped momentarily, Kamito spat out blood.

    Without Est''s Protection of Steel, he might have been crushed to death.

    In front of his eyes was an eerie beautiful face carved from pure white stone.

    Without any expression, it kept muttering strange notes the whole time.

    (...! What is with this brute strength... Ah...!)

    Compared to the graceful looking appearance, its strength far surpassed even that ofrge militarized spirits.

    "Combat memory domain connection established. Analysisplete¡ªKamito, this is Dunamis."

    "What? That''s this thing''s name?"

    "No, a ssification to distinguish type. The ones seen before were reconnaissance type, but this one is¡ª"

    Just then, the angel''s shoulders split open to sprout multiple arms wielding swords of light.

    "A purebat type¡ª"

    "...! Ohhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito shouted. Kicking against the wall in the training ground with one put, he allowed the gathered divine power to explode.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon Revised!"

    The power of this anti-air Absolute de Art was supposed to be directed vertically, but he unleashed it towards the front.

    Boom¡ª

    With a sound like a cannonball, the wall was instantly blown away. The surging divine power dug up a huge hole in the ground.

    The contact point of the de erupted with violent sparks. The angel''s gigantic body was pushed back for an instant.

    In that instant, Kamito deflected an iing de and swiftly turned around. Lowering his stance, he lunged at the enemy''s chest.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ª"

    Just then, the angel''s two wings resonated together to produce strange noise.

    Instantly, something resembling tiny glowing runes kept appearing, deploying around the angel.

    (...Defense magic!? It''s not gonna work!)

    Unfazed, Kamito unleashed his sword move.

    "¡ªPurple Lightning, re!"

    The sword traveling with godlike speed at pointnk range erupted with lightning as it struck the angel squarely in belly.

    However, the sacred sword''s tip, concentrated with divine power, was blocked by the barrier of glowing runes.

    (...What!?)

    Those runes, swiftly rotating around the angel, seemed to resemble High Ancient a little.

    (...! What, so it isn''t spirit magic!?)

    "Anti-field¡ªthis rejection barrier has nullified my steel attribute on a conceptual level."

    "What the heck!?"

    "Not spirit magic. A rewriting of rules. A phenomenon not of this world¡ª"

    A halo appeared on the angel''s head.

    Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiii¡ª

    Making a howl resembling supersonic waves, it blew Kamito away.

    "Guh¡ª"

    Kamito somersaulted while regaining bnce then immediately readied his sword.

    "...Did you say your steel attribute has been nullified? What do you mean?

    "Reconnecting tobat memory domain¡ªBegin analysis."

    While Est said that, words of High Ancient appeared on her de and flowed swiftly.

    "Est? What the heck are you doing¡ª"

    "Due to contact with natural enemy, part of the spirit weapon''s memory domain has been released. Kamito, I will analyze the barrier. Until that is done, please buy time for now."

    He heard Est''s calm voice in his mind.

    "If I buy time, you''ll have a way to deal with that cheating barrier?"

    "Yes, Kamito. Upon the name of Terminus Est¡ª"

    The Demon yer held in his hands glowed with silver-white light.

    In front of the enemy, Est''s originalbat mode seemed to be awakening.

    "...I got it. I''m counting on you, Est."

    While creating distance to face off, Kamito cautiously bided his time.

    Although the subsonic movement was a threat, it was not impossible to evade as long as he discerned the activation time of the movement.

    (¡ªRen Ashbell isn''t gonna lose in contest of speed.)

    The angel spread its wings of light and raised one hand to the sky.

    Instantly, runes of light turned into countless rings, capturing several demon spirits floating in the air.

    (...What the heck is going on this time?)

    With the Demon yer readied, Kamito remained alert.

    As though issuing an order, the angel swung a giant sword forcefully down.

    In the next instant, a demon spirit roared and charged at Kamito.

    The demon spirit opened their jaws to reveal terrifying teeth and flew at him like a cannonball.

    (...Don''t tell me it can take control of demon spirits!?)

    It was different from how elementalists employed spirits.

    It was almost like the spirit''s existence itself was rewritten¡ª

    Kamito instantly reacted and swung his sword¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ª"

    "Kamito, no!"

    Est''s voice rang out. In the nick of time, Kamito chose evasion instead.

    Next, the demon spirit exploded.

    "...!"

    The violent explosion continued to ring in his ears. Kamito rolled on the ground, dodging the heat wave.

    If he had struck the demon spirit directly instead of evading, he would have been blown to bits.

    "Spirits can be suicide bombers?"

    "Yes. It overwrote the demon spirit''s nature tounch a suicide attack."

    "It can even do that!?"

    While dodging the demon spirits that kept flying over to attack, Kamito muttered to himself.

    The angel raised its hand again, seizing control of the demon spirits that kept flowing through the crack in space.

    "Damn this¡ª"

    Heat waves from the explosions were scorching Kamito''s skin.

    It was like using the massive divine power possessed by spirits, turning it into the energy for an explosion.

    For example, this would be like nonstop creation of small auto-tracking spirit detonations.

    Using an elemental waffe specialized for close quartersbat against them would be really poorpatibility.

    (...It''s not like I can summon Restia back, right?)

    If he called Restia back now, ire would have to fight alone.

    Aiming at Kamito who had evaded the bombardment, the angel shot a new demon spirit projectile.

    (...Infinite ammo!?)

    He looked up at the reddened sky and grumbled in his thoughts. Just then...

    Suddenly, Kamito noticed a change in the surrounding scenery.

    "...Two moons?"

    Hanging in the sky over the Academy was Astral Zero''s moon.

    Part 2

    "...W-What is going on!?"

    In front of the copsed ruins, ire looked around in astonishment.

    Like a mist of blood, the demon realm''s miasma was hanging all around, greatly decreasing visibility.

    ...The familiar environment of the Academy was practically a different scene.

    "¡ªAstral Shift has happened."

    Restia spoke softly and calmly.

    "...Astral Shift?"

    Even an honors student like ire had never heard of the term.

    "It''s a phenomenon when the human realm and Astral Zero temporarily ovep. Although it asionally happens inside the Spirit Forest, I have never seen one on such arge scale."

    "W-What is that..."

    ire spoke with an unsettled look.

    "Isn''t the point of creating the gate is to summon demon spirits?"

    While ire was in confusion, a great number of demon spirits were still pouring through. The crack slicing through the air became evenrger. Large demon spirits started to show up.

    "I clearly destroyed the ruins here¡ª"

    "Looks like the Astral Shift is limited to the Academy''s premises. Had these ruins not been destroyed, perhaps the entire Academy town would have been superimposed with the demon realm."

    "Then that means there must be a set of ruins yet to be destroyed."

    "Yes¡ª"

    Restia''s sunset-colored eyes stared into the distance.

    ire noticed a measure of worry in those eyes.

    (The darkness spirit is worried about Kamito.)

    She must want to hurry over to Kamito''s side.

    ire gripped metongue tightly.

    "Go, darkness spirit¡ª"

    "Huh?"

    "Leave this ce for Scarlet and me to handle. You go back to Kamito''s side¡ª"

    "ire Rouge..."

    Restia thought for a while¡ª

    "Uneptable. I promised Kamito to protect you."

    She soon shook her head.

    "After Scarlet''s true name release, your divine power must be depleted."

    "Uh..."

    ire bit her lip.

    She was right, ire had definitely consumed quite a lot of her energy.

    But even so¡ª

    "I will protect myself. After all, I am Kamito''s teammate."

    "..."

    Hearing such words from ire¡ª

    Restia shrugged and sighed lightly.

    "...Fine. ire Rouge, I have revised my opinion of you a bit."

    Saying that, she plucked a few feathers from her ck wings and handed them to ire.

    "...These are?"

    "Talismans of Darkness. They will surely protect you."

    The feathers of darkness spirit Restia weremonly known as Blessings of Darkness.

    They were supreme talismans that could not be bought from any shop no matter how much one desired them. In the past, there was even one time when a major nation''s royal family started a war because of them. Legendary artifacts indeed.

    However, ire had no idea the priceless value of the gift.

    "...Th-Thank you."

    She obediently epted them.

    "¡ªI entrust Kamito to you."

    "Of course¡ª"

    Restia nodded then spread her jet-ck wings and flew into the night sky.

    Part 3

    Two moons, red and white, were hanging in the sky over the Academy.

    Looking at Astral Zero''s moon, Kamito was rooted to the spot in astonishment.

    "What''s happening, Est?"

    Even though he asked his partner, she did not reply.

    She was evidently focusing her full attention to analyzing the Dunamis angel.

    (¡ªMillennia said it was to make the human realm and Astral Zero ovep.)

    Astral Shift referred to such a phenomenon?

    (What''s the purpose of doing that...?)

    But wait, the enemy in front of him was more important right now.

    The Dumanis kept rewriting the demon spirits flowing out of the gate to be spirit detonations.

    Perhaps due to the Astral Shift''s effect, the surroundings were gradually corrupted by the demon realm¡ª

    The demon spirits serving as raw materials became muchrger than before.

    ...Kamito dared not imagine their firepower.

    The angel''s wings glowed with blistering light.

    ¡ªAt the same time, it swung down its massive sword like an executioner.

    Seven spirit detonations formed fromrge demon spirits instantly rushed at Kamito in a charging attack.

    Since their firepower had increased, Kamito concluded that dodging them by paper-thin margins like earlier would not work.

    He had no method of handling suicide bombsing from seven different directions at the same time.

    (What can I do? Should I use steel magic to create daggers out of divine power and pierce all seven at the same time?)

    No good. The demon spirits were all mid-level or above.

    Using spirit magic to create improvised weapons would not be enough to cause damage, probably.

    (I have to take a gamble and use Purple Lightning''s godlike speed to race against the explosions¡ª)

    Kamito concentrated a great amount of divine power at his feet.

    Failure meant getting blown to bits.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ª"

    "O ck lightning, even capable of incinerating souls to oblivion¡ªHell st!"

    ¡ªA second just before Kamito released his divine power...

    Raging jet-ck lightning pierced the sevenrge demon spirits.

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Deafening explosions. A terrifying chain reaction took ce. Heat from the scorching mes made Kamito''s skin hurt.

    "...!?"

    While shielding his eyes from the flying sparks, Kamito looked up.

    Only to see amid the zing mes that seemed to incinerate the night sky¡ª

    pping her jet-ck wings, the darkness spirit slowly descended.

    "Restia!?"

    "Fufu, looks like you are in quite a tough battle, Kamito¡ª"

    The spirit seal on his left hand glowed especially brightly.

    Landing on the ground, Restia raised her hand lightly and extinguished the zing mes.

    "Restia, why¡ª"

    "The ruins over there have been destroyed by ire Rouge."

    Restia replied to the surprised Kamito who was inquiring about what had happened.

    "ire is fine, right?"

    "I have her some feathers to serve as talismans. She should be able to endure until she converges with herpanions."

    Restia chuckled.

    "You go back to Kamito''s side¡ªThat was what she said. What an adorable child."

    "Really¡ª"

    ire''s feelings warmed Kamito''s heart.

    "If you''re worried about little miss hell cat, hurry up and defeat that thing."

    "Yeah, you''re right¡ª"

    Kamito nodded boldly and took Restia''s hand immediately.

    "Come, ruler of the night. O merciless goddess of darkness¡ª

    Thou art the sword of wisdom, the piercer of truth¡ª!"

    He chanted the words of release for an elemental waffe.

    ¡ªThe Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword.

    Wielding the ultimate sacred and demon swords, Kamito faced the Dunamis angel again.

    "¡ªSorry for making you wait. I am Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer."

    The angel''s wings of light shed. That sculpture-like beautiful face still showed no expression¡ª

    But it looked confused, apparently.

    "Kamito, analysis of concept barrier isplete¡ª"

    Words of High Ancient appeared on Est''s de.

    "¡ªThere is nothing which the ultimate steel cannot cut."

    "Well done, Est."

    "Yes, Kamito."

    An image of Est puffing out her chest with pride appeared in his mind.

    "Let''s go, you two¡ª"

    "Yes." "I am your sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    The two spirit swords replied at the same time.

    Despite bickering frequently, the two of them were very in sync when taking action.

    The Dunamis raised its great sword. Emitting strange noise, it created bombs out of demon spirits.

    "¡ªStop thinking you''ll win by repeating the same old move!"

    Kamito took a deep breath and kicked the ground hard.

    While shouting, he aimed at the demon spirits raining down on him.

    "O darkness, go and pierce¡ªVorpal st!"

    Using Ren Ashbell''s signature move, he annihted them in one strike.

    Between the mes and heat waves, Kamito enveloped himself in divine power and charged in one go.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning Revised!"

    Drawing the Demon yer, he released divine power.

    Instantly, Kamito closed in on his target, stabbing the silver-white sword into armor that resembled a breastte.

    Runes of light appeared in front of the sword''s tip to form a barrier, but¡ª

    At the same time, runes of light likewise appeared on the Demon yer and neutralized the generated barrier.

    The silver-white de pierced the breastte, shattering that marble-like body.

    (The attack worked!)

    Kamito cheered in his thoughts. Immediately...

    Aiming at the angel''s massive stumbling body, he unleashed a series of sword moves in continuous session¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!" "Absolute de Arts, Sixth Form¡ªCrushing Fang!" "Absolute de Arts, Fourth Form¡ªze sh!" "Absolute de Arts, Introductory Form¡ªTrue Bursting Cherry Blossom Flurry!" "Absolute de Arts, Third Form, Alpha Variant¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Major Double Turn!" "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon Double Blossom!"

    Every strike of the Absolute de Arts, each capable of a one-hit kill, connected¡ª

    The armor covering the angel began to ke off and crumble.

    Then¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Second Form¡ªObverse Meteor, Peerless Zetsura!"

    A dual-wielding technique using his entire body, he sent the Dunamis'' massive body flying.

    Crash!

    Smashing against the ruins, the angel lost an arm that snapped off tragically.

    The angel seemed unable toprehend the phenomenon before its eyes.

    Expressionlessly, it looked down at its damaged part.

    "...What now? First time getting hurt?"

    Kamito grinned savagely.

    He could feel a violent power that was sleeping inside him gradually awaken.

    The divine power''s glow covering his entire body had turned ck in color.

    After he had exhausted his own divine power, Ren Ashdoll''s power was starting to surge.

    Just then, the angel''s massive body slowly stood up.

    It swung its sword to point straight up at the sky, rewriting the demon spirits that were flying to and fro.

    "...Ha, don''t you remember anything at all¡ª"

    Kamito used the Vorpal Sword to summon jet-ck demon lightning. However¡ª

    Instead of charging at Kamito, the demon spirits gathered around the injured angel.

    "What the...?"

    As soon as the strangely shaped cluster of demon spirits touched the angel''s armor¡ª

    They were absorbed like melted ice.

    The angel''s damaged body began to gradually regenerate¡ªor rather, reconstruct itself.

    "...What the heck, are you kidding me?"

    Kamito groaned.

    "¡ªIt is rewriting the demon spirit''s structure to meld with itself."

    "Where does it get so many cheating skills from..."

    Hearing Est''s voice in his mind, Kamito could not help but exim in despair.

    The angel''s entire body was covered by armor resembling a hard shell.

    (...Come to think of it, the angel at Laurenfrost also merged with spirits and ice dragons.)

    Just then, Kamito recalled that incident.

    It was like they had the authority to freely write this world''s existence.

    That was practically...

    "...Damn it. Looks like it''s a waste of effort I don''t finish it off in one attack."

    Kamito shrugged andughed.

    ...Confronted with such an absurd being, his only choice was tough.

    (¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, I guess?)

    Kamito regted his breathing while readying his two swords in a stance.

    The most destructive of the Absolute de Arts, meant to be used againstrge spirits.

    If even this move failed to work¡ª

    "Then we''re dead meat¡ª"

    Kamito muttered to himself sardonically. Just then¡ª

    "¡ªDecisiveness is a virtue, but there is only a fine line dividing it from recklessness,d."

    A voice spoke to him from across the sea of fire.

    "...!?"

    Kamito looked back, only to see a petite girl in a gray overcoat appear before him.

    Carrying an ominous demon sword with the color of blood, the girl was making her way towards him.

    Under the hood, he could catch glimpses of gray eyes, glimmering faintly in the darkness.

    "...! You¡ª"

    Speechless, Kamito widened his eyes.

    The girl took off her hood, her gray hair instantly fluttering in the wind.

    "Greyworth!"

    Kamito''s shout echoed all around.

    Yes, she was none other than¡ª

    The Greyworth who had gone missing after falling down the canyon in Dracunia.

    Having regained her youth as well as her peak capabilities, she had be an assassin for the Holy Kingdom¡ª

    "Greyworth, I knew it, you''re still alive!"

    "Of course. How could the Witch be dead?"

    Saying that, the youthful Greyworth grinned.

    Seeing that especially nostalgic expression, Kamito understood.

    "...You''ve regained your memory?"

    "¡ªYes. I remember everything. Everything."

    Greyworth nodded and looked towards the angel that kept absorbing demon spirits.

    "Twenty-four years ago, I saw it too."

    "Twenty-four years ago¡ª"

    It was the year when Greyworth Ciel Mais had won the de Dance.

    "However, let us leave that story forter. We must end this before it finishes reconstructing itself."

    "Yeah, you''re right¡ª"

    The Dunamis angel''s armor was bulging. Its weight was enough to crush the ground underfoot.

    In addition to the demon spirits, it was even starting to absorb the ruins sustaining the gate.

    Greyworth drew a blood-colored demon sword¡ªthe elemental waffe d Dracul.

    Likewise, Kamito readied his two swords and stood beside her.

    Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer, and the Dusk Witch¡ª

    "¡ªCan you keep up with me,d?"

    "I was gonna ask you the same thing. By the way, didn''t I win that de dance at Dracunia?"

    "I had lost my memory then. Doesn''t count."

    "...You''re going with that excuse? Whatever. I''d win no matter how many times we tried again."

    "Oh? You''ve upgraded your mouth, the boy who used to work as a maid in my mansion."

    "...Do me a favor and lose your memory again."

    The two bickered while amplifying their divine power.

    "¡ªEnd the battle in one strike. It''ll be bad if Ren Ashdoll''s power continues to eat away at me."

    "My intention all along¡ª"

    Both of them kicked the ground at the same time.

    Like a sh of purple lightning, they instantly rushed to to the gigantic Dunamis angel to engage in close quartersbat.

    The angel raised four arms and entered a defensive stance.

    "¡ªCan you break them, Greyworth?"

    "Hmph, who do you think you''re talking to?"

    The angel roared. Against the shing attacks that were like a storm¡ª

    With fluid motions to evade, Greyworth delivered heavy blows aimed at the joints.

    "Absolute de Dance, Alternate Form¡ªIce Storm Rakshasa!"

    A vine of ice shot out from the demon sword''s de to entangle the angel''s entire body.

    This was an Absolute de Art unique to the Witch, abination of spirit magic and sword technique.

    The angel''s movements stopped.

    ¡ªHowever, runes of light immediately appeared, taking only an instant to erase the magical ice that rivaled Rinslet''s Ice Nein.

    "Oh?"

    "Instant disintegration of constitutional elements. All magical effects will be neutralized."

    Est exined in Kamito''s mind.

    "Suits me just fine. Let''s see how many times you can neutralize!"

    Enveloped in demon lightning, the Vorpal Sword smashed the angel''s erged legs. Greyworth''s demon sword deflected a great sword that was approaching Kamito, then spun around to amputate that arm.

    sh after sh of swords tore through the night¡ª

    These movements of swords were almost like a de dance offered to spirits.

    (So this is the Dusk Witch in her prime, huh¡ª)

    Kamito clicked his tongue mentally. He was lucky to have won the duel at Dracunia.

    "Absolute de Dance, sh Form¡ªDeath Butterfly sh Dance!"

    Dodging a storm of violent attacks, Greyworthunched a counterattack. Even though the angel tried to deploy a rune barrier, Est erased it.

    Two arms were chopped off. An opening appeared in the enemy''s secure defense. In that very instant...

    There was no need to signal.

    As though they had agreed beforehand...

    The two of them unleashed the ultimate Absolute de Art at the same time.

    " "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Hundred Combination Ashura!" "

    Innumerable shes of the sword criss-crossed and ovepped, turning into a rain of light, flooding the entire space.

    It was an ultimate sword technique that originally existed in theory only.

    With the Demon King and the Witch performing the strongest Double Absolute de Arts together¡ª

    ¡ªThe Dunamis angel was pulverized.

 Volume 18, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 18, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    ire was running across the training ground that was covered by strange mist.

    "Meow..."

    At her feet, Scarlet called out feebly.

    Simply breaking out of the demon spirit encirclement had exhausted her divine power, to the point where she could not even muster the energy to maintain her elemental waffe. Without the protection of Restia''s talismans, she definitely could not have escaped to here.

    "...Say, where is this?"

    Inside the demon realm''s mist that was hanging around, ire looked at her surroundings apprehensively. The Academy''s training ground, supposed to be a familiar ce to her, currently looked like another ce.

    "Kamito..."

    She could not help but recite his name. Just then...

    "ire, are you there!?"

    Rinslet''s familiar voice called out.

    "Rinslet? I-I''m here!"

    As soon as she called out, Rinslet and Ellis soon appeared, riding Fenfir''s back.

    Also, for some reason, they were followed by several Imperial Knights.

    "I am d you are safe and sound. Looks like the ruins here have been destroyed sessfully."

    "...Yes. What about you?"

    "Yes. But we were not the ones who destroyed the ruins."

    Ellis seemed a bit vague with her words.

    "...?"

    "Say, did something happen? Why is Astral Zero''s moon here?"

    The Imperial Knights asked in confusion.

    Confronted with the anomalous surge of demon spirits, they looked like they had no time to bother with the student uprising.

    "I am not sure either¡ª"

    ire shook her head in response. Just then...

    "Ah, the pir of light vanished!"

    Rinslet pointed at the sky and cried out.

    Thergest pir of light from the center of the Academy had disappeared without a trace.

    "Looks like Kamito seeded in destroying the ruins."

    "Then the demon spirits will stop appearing?"

    "Yes, so long as the gate is shut¡ª"

    ire answered, prompting the Imperial Knights to exhale in relief.

    Looking up at the sky, she saw Astral Zero''s moon grow dim, about to vanish.

    Suddenly, she saw countless silhouettes flying over from the sky above the Academy.

    "More demon spirits?"

    "No, they are reinforcements from Dracunia!"

    Riding flying dragons, the knights entered the Academy one after another.

    With the Numbers knight serving as the suprememander missing and the majority of the Imperial Knights unwilling to fight anymore, recapturing the Academy was just a matter of time.

    "...Anyway, mission aplished, I guess."

    ire murmured to herself.

    Part 2

    The demon realm''s mist gradually dissipated.

    After executing the Absolute de Art, Kamito instantly lied down face up on the ground.

    After the ruins were destroyed and stopped operating, the Astral Shift seemed to have stopped.

    The terrifying numbers of demon spirits also gradually vanished.

    The fragmented remains of the Dunamis angel turned into runes of light and disappeared into thin air.

    "...Looks like we made it."

    Kamito muttered in exhaustion.

    Astral Zero''s moon had disappeared. A weak glow leaked from between the clouds.

    The sun was starting to rise.

    "...Greyworth, what have you been doing until now?"

    Kamito asked Greyworth who was standing by his side.

    Hearing that, she tossed her gray hair.

    "Working out how to take back the Academy from those morons. I can''t tolerate people messing around in my backyard."

    She smiled wryly and replied.

    "Doing things alone is a bit reckless, but you guys showed up in time."

    "Just be honest. You wanted to save the students, right?"

    "...My unworthy disciple. So you''ve learned to talk back, huh?"

    With an offended look on her face, she frowned.

    Even her unlikeable attitude now seemed a little cute when performed by that adorable young girl''s appearance.

    "Say, how did an elementalist like you get brainwashed?"

    Kamito asked just then.

    ...It was a question he had wondered for a long time now.

    He found it hard to imagine the Dusk Witch falling so easily to be the enemy''s tool.

    "Brainwashing, huh? I wish that was what had happened."

    "...?"

    Kamito raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    "What constrains my soul is the covenant from twenty-four years ago."

    Greyworth replied.

    "Covenant?"

    "Yes, the covenant I entered with Holy Lord Alexandros."

    "...!?"

    Hearing that name from her lips¡ª

    Kamito could not help but gasp.

    "...Very well, since I promised, I shall tell you."

    With a serious look on her face, Greyworth began.

    "¡ªAbout what I know from the Elemental Lord''s shrine twenty-four years ago."

 Volume 18, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 18, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªTo me, the Academy is a very precious ce.

    Hello everyone, this is Shimizu. Thank you for your patience.

    I hereby present to you all, Seirei Tsukai no de Dance Volume 18, Retaking the Imperial Capital.

    The Holy Kingdom''s guest general, Lurie, used a spirit detonation to cause the Demon King''s Tomb to copse. Caught in the explosion, Kamito was rescued by the unidentified merchant Safian whom Kamito had met in the Demon King City. He had revealed his true identity to Kamito and told him the truth of the Demon King''s Coffin. With the thousand-year-old seal released, what had awakened was¡ª

    This was how the first half of Volume 18 ended the Demon King City arc of Volume 17. The second half is about the story after returning to the Theocracy. With the appearance of the one who doesn''t wear panties and the one who had gone missing, it feels like the plot is entering a climax... Kamito''s group, in exile from Ordesia since Volume 14, finally returns to Areishia Spirit Academy after traveling to various ces including Dracunia, the Theocracy and the Demon King City. Will Kamito and the noble youngdies of Team Scarlet ever return to the ordinary daily life they used to live?

    Nextes acknowledgments. Shimesaba Kohata-sensei, who has drawn beautiful illustrations since Volume 17, thank you very much. Restia-sama on the cover is too beautiful... The princess maiden of water version of Rinslet in the color illustrations is also amazing. As for the princess maiden of fire outfits worn by Rubia and Ren Ashbell, the design is different because different Elemental Lords have different preferences. *As a side note, the princess maiden of wind ritual attire is so erotic that Ellis does not wish to wear it.

    Editor-sensei, sorry for causing you all kinds of trouble again. I will do my very best to produce the most awesome ending. Please continue to support me!

    And so, we finally reach Volume 19 next time. Let us meet again with The Darkness Elemental Lord. At the same time, look forward to more news about the audio drama!

    Shimizu Yuu, April 2018

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Hello, I am Shimesaba Kohada.

    Volume 18, the climax approaches! This is my second volume ever since I took over illustrations starting from the previous volume.

    There are many characters in Volume 18 that I''m drawing for the first time. In order to grasp the characters, I had to read the previous volumes again and again, trying my best to do a faithful rendition of every detail. I hope I will meet the expectations of every de Dance fan.

    I will continue to do my best for the next two volumes~

 Volume 19, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 19, Prologue</h4>

    "¡ªVery well, since I promised, I shall tell you."

    Greyworth spoke as she looked down at Kamito who was lying on the ground.

    "About what I know from the Elemental Lord''s shrine twenty-four years ago."

    Dawn''s rays were streaming through gaps in the gray clouds, illuminating Areishia Spirit Academy''s school building.

    The merging of the human realm and Astral Zero¡ªAstral Shift¡ªthis phenomenon had been interrupted. After that, the great quantity of demon spirits filling up the sky had vanished.

    The ruins in the za, set up as a gate, had been destroyed by Kamito and Greyworth''s Absolute de Arts. There was the angel''s remains and a sacred sword, very simr to Est, were stabbed in the ground.

    This was the elemental waffe form of Millennia Sanctus, the cardinal from the Holy Kingdom.

    Right now, she probablycked even the power to return to her original form. The de had lost its luster, standing there like a grave marker.

    "Twenty-four years ago, you..."

    With blood filling up in his mouth, Kamito spat on the ground and muttered.

    That was the year when Greyworth the Dusk Witch had won the de Dance.

    "...What... happened..."

    Kamito asked¡ª

    Suddenly, he felt an intense wave of dizziness.

    (...Wh... at!?)

    All strength instantly drained from his body. He felt a searing pain in the depths of his eyeballs. His pulse throbbed violently.

    His view, containing Greyworth''s figure, was dyed a shade of blood red.

    "What''s the matter,d¡ª"

    Noticing the anomaly, Greyworth cradled Kamito''s head in her arms.

    The instant she glimpsed into Kamito''s eyes, Greyworth gasped.

    "This is...!?"

 Volume 19, 1 - Darkness Awakens

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 1 - Darkness Awakens</h4>

    Part 1

    It was an hour and a half after the localized Astral Shift had imploded.

    At the school building of Areishia Spirit Academy where the Imperial Knights were stationed, the Sacred Maiden g symbolizing the Academy was flying, a deration from the students that they had recaptured the school.

    Since the majority of their soldiers had lost the will to fight and surrendered, the Imperial Knights offered virtually no resistance.

    The suprememander, Alendora of the Numbers had gone missing. The airspace was upied by Dracunia''s Knights of the Dragon Emperor. Meanwhile, getting the Academy town caught up in the Astral Shift and therge-scale summoning of demon spirits had generated intense distrust of the Holy Kingdom.

    Moreover, what changed the knights'' minds was the Dusk Witch''s speech.

    Suddenly making an appearance at the auditorium, Greyworth had revealed the Holy Kingdom''s plot hanging over Ordesia''s imperial court and the terrifying research they were conducting in the imperial capital, thus persuading them to take up Legitimate Ordesia''s cause.

    No one questioned why Greyworth seemed to have reverted prime condition. They probably thought that since she was the legendary witch anyway, altering her appearance would be a piece of cake.

    Like the students of Areishia Spirit Academy, there was arge proportion among them who had be spirit knights because they idolized the Greyworth legend. And now, that hero had made her appearance like the legend.

    Thus, the princess maidens'' school building returned to the students once again.

    "...Still, the destruction is quite severe."

    "What a tragic sight."

    In front of Raven ss'' dorm whose outer walls were copsing, partially incinerated and demolished¡ª

    ire and Rinslet stood there a long time, stunned.

    Such brutal devastation did not result from the great quantity of demon spirits summoned from the gate, the angels, or the Imperial Knights.

    Rather, they were caused by Demon King''s spirits rampaging after Kamito released them using the Ring of Solomon''s power.

    Out of control, the spirits scattered in the Academy''s premises, crashing this way and that, finally using the gate that had appeared during the Astral Shift to return to Astral Zero.

    "Our rooms must be a mess too."

    "It would have been terrible had Carol not taken our belongings out."

    Sighing, Rinslet murmured softly.

    Carol had brought out her master''s and the others'' valuables before the Raven ss dorm was seized by the Imperial Knights.

    "Repair costs have risen again."

    Ellis pressed her temple and groaned.

    "Isn''t it great that Ordesia will foot the repair bill?"

    "Yes, that is assuming the princess reims the throne sessfully."

    "Fianna and Nee-sama will be fine, I hope..."

    "The alliance between the nobles and Dracunia are apparently attacking the imperial capital. After news of the Academy''s recapture, the neutral nobles have taken our side apparently."

    Ellis was able to listen to the voices of wind spirits. Her intel was probably correct.

    "...I''m so d we made it in time."

    ire exhaled deeply.

    "So the Holy Kingdom isn''t going to send their army?"

    "Apparently. They must have decided that open intervention would be inappropriate, or are biding their time."

    Ellis tidied up debris while stepping into the Raven ss dorm.

    Though themon kitchen on the ground floor was a mess, its interior seemed intact.

    "Despite the destruction of the exterior walls, the damage inside is quite minor¡ª"

    She walked around the inside of the dorm, noting down damage in her notebook.

    "Wonderful, it looks like the spirit mechanisms sort of work."

    Rinslet touched the stove''s spirit crystal with her fingertip and a tiny fire was produced.

    "Now with this I can cook."

    "Look, the canned peaches I hid are still here."

    ire returned from the basement, carrying cans in her arms.

    "ire, hogging them is not the way to go."

    "I-Ik know! I''m taking them to Kamito, okay!?"

    Part 2

    Two moons. A sky so red that it seemed like it was burning.

    Over a forest more vast than any that Kamito had seen before, countless spirits were flying, weaving between one another.

    (...What is this?)

    Kamito''s gaze was in the sky.

    He could not move his body. All he could do was watch the scene before him.

    A gigantic me spirit was burning the forest. In the shape of a dragon, the spirit was turning its surroundings into scorched earth.

    Valkyries d in red armor were fighting courageously against the dragon spirit.

    Among the valkyries, Kamito could recognize one of them.

    (...That''s Scarlet!?)

    Ortlinde the Scarlet Valkyrie¡ªThe true form of ire''s contracted spirit.

    Enveloped in mes, the valkyries all stabbed their weapons at the gigantic dragon spirit.

    The dragon spirit roared, loud enough to shake the earth, then copsed in mes.

    Next, in front of the valkyries who had ughtered their prey, a darkness spirit with jet-ck wings appeared.

    (¡ªRestia!?)

    This was her appearance without a doubt. Kamito''s contracted spirit who resided in his left hand.

    Smiling mercilessly, Restia unleashed lightning of darkness thatpletely covered the sky.

    Several of the Scarlet Valkyries were struck by lightning and crashed.

    "What the heck...?"

    ...Kamito decided this was a dream.

    (But it''s not purely a dream. This scene is¡ª)

    ''The Spirit War. The great war that took ce six thousand years ago to split Astral Zero in two.''

    Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind.

    "...!?"

    This was a familiar voice to Kamito.

    A voice of darkness, enticing Kamito.

    The voice of Ren Ashdoll, the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    Kamito subconsciously clenched his hands to grip his two swords.

    However, no swords manifested in his hands.

    This was only natural. Because he was in a dream. A dream she had allowed him to see.

    ''My nemesis has awakened. Consequently, you have no choice but to awaken.''

    A writhing ck mist gently enveloped Kamito like an embracing arm.

    "Nemesis? Are you talking about the Sacred Maiden?"

    ''Indeed. The Sacred Maiden is the Demon King''s opposing existence.''

    "I don''t n on bing your possession!"

    ''Now that simply wouldn''t do. Because you are mine, beloved child¡ª''

    Laughing in mockery, her voice echoed repeatedly in his mind.

    Part 3

    "Guh, ooh... Ah...!"

    Shouting as hard as he could from the depths of his throat, Kamito jumped from the bed.

    The bedsprings creaked intensely.

    "Huff... Huff... Huff... Huff..."

    He looked at the sweat on his hand then surveyed his surroundings.

    Walls of pure white. Shelves of spirit crystals and medications, neatly arranged.

    ...A familiar ce.

    As part of his job at the the Sylphid Knights, Kamito often transported students who had been knocked out in training. This was the medical facility at the school building.

    (...Right. After fighting the angel, I fainted¡ª)

    Instantly figuring out his situation, Kamito sighed in relief.

    Was the Greyworth the one who brought me here?

    Sitting up, Kamito touched his aching ribs.

    The bones fractured by the angel''s attacks had healed. It was all thanks to this astounding recovery ability¡ª, or rather, regeneration¡ªthough it still hurt a bit. It was also thanks to protection from Est, a steel spirit, that his body was fine. Come to think of it, his body''s recovery speed was way too fast.

    "Guh...!"

    Covering his left eye, Kamito groaned.

    Wave after wave, the depths of his eyeball was struck by searing pain.

    "Don''t worry, Kamito¡ª"

    A sweet voice vibrated against Kamito''s eardrum.

    Pale and soft fingertips gently took Kamito''s hand.

    "Restia..."

    He looked back to see her sunset-colored eyes smiling at him.

    d in a dress the color of night, the beautiful darkness spirit.

    The version of her he had seen in the dream just now, with the calm and piercing eyes of a dispassionate and merciless queen, contrasted with the expression of the adorable girl looking at him right now.

    "You saw her in your dream just now, didn''t you?"

    "...Yeah."

    Kamito nodded mildly to Restia''s calmly spoken question.

    Due to the contract between them, elementalists and their contracted spirits were capable of sharing some of their memories from dreams.

    This was especially true for vivid dreams such as just now.

    Ultimately, was that a dream dreamt by Kamito, or Restia?

    (...Hell, it''s the same thing no matter which side it is.)

    He felt really repulsed. No matter what, the fact that Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll wanted to control his soul remained unchanged.

    "What happened in the dream... Was it real?"

    "It was a scene from the Spirit War six thousand years ago."

    Restia nodded and answered.

    "At the center of Astral Zero, the final battle took ce between Ren Ashdoll and the five Elemental Lords. The Elemental Lords'' faction suffered heavy casualties whereas the Darkness Elemental Lord was taken down. In the end, she was sealed in the gap between the human realm and Astral Zero¡ª"

    "But the seal was imperfect...?"

    "Yes. Without the Elemental Lords noticing, she used her own power and seeded in reincarnating into the weakest race, the humans¡ª"

    A glowing fire-red emblem appeared in the depths of Restia''s eyes.

    An emblem of a sword and a moon. It was identical to Restia Ashdoll''s spirit seal.

    (...No. What''s reflected in her eyes is the lighting from my eye.)

    He felt another wave of pain from the depths of his left eyeball.

    "...Why is your spirit seal in my eye, Restia?"

    "No, that isn''t my spirit seal, Kamito."

    "...?"

    "That is the spirit seal of Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll. Having awakened, she wishes to form a spirit contract with you."

    "What?"

    Restia leaned on the bed and brought her hand gently against Kamito''s eyelid.

    "In response to the awakening of her nemesis, the Sacred Maiden, I suppose she too has started to awaken."

    "H-Hey, Restia!?"

    Her body, as light as a feather, was gently pressing down on Kamito, whose eyesight was blocked.

    Her gentle arms wrapped around the back of his head, thus hugging him tightly.

    Draping down, the tips of her hair brushed against his cheeks. Dark feathers gently enveloped his back.

    Back at the Instructional School, she often cuddled Kamito in this manner.

    "Don''t worry, Kamito. I am your sword. I shan''t hand you over to her."

    "Restia..."

    His left hand heated up faintly. The pain in the depths of his eyeball dissipated gradually.

    It probably was through their contract''s spirit seal that she had suppressed Ren Ashdoll''s power.

    The hand blocking his eyesight moved away.

    Moist ck feathers gave off faint phosphorescence of darkness.

    With a mischievous smile surfacing on her face, gazing downwards at Kamito, she was extremely beautiful, Kamito thought.

    Next.

    "Fufu, I don''t mind if youe in, Miss Hell Cat."

    "Hyah!?"

    Kamito heard a scream from outside the room.

    Then there was the sound of something tumbling to the floor.

    "ire? W-What are you doing?"

    Still on the bed, sitting up, Kamito asked in surprise.

    With twintails flopping, ire frantically picked up the cans that had fallen.

    "...N-Nothing. I heard you copsed, Kamito, so I came to have a quick look at you!"

    Carrying a pile of cans in her arms, ire stepped into the room.

    Her cheeks were tinged with a bit of red.

    (Did she see Restia hugging me tightly...?)

    Although there was nothing on his conscience, Kamito felt quite embarrassed.

    "Umm, are your injuries okay now?"

    ire coughed to clear her throat and asked.

    "Yeah, looks like I''m pretty much okay."

    "Really? That''s great."

    ire breathed a sigh of relief.

    She did not say anything despite making eye contact with Kamito.

    The emblem appearing on his left eye had presumably vanished.

    Kamito looked at Restia to signal "Don''t mention about the left eye."

    ...He did not want ire to worry.

    Restia nodded with a "I know" look.

    "You must be hungry. Anyway, I brought many things from the Raven ss dorm."

    Saying that, ire unloaded the cans in her arms onto the bed.

    Venison stew with fish added. Fruit with sweet syrup. These cans were luxury items and had spiritnguage on thebels because they were used as offering to spirits.

    "Ah, perfect. I was just about to wonder what to eat."

    Kamito picked a couple cans of fruit and stacked them on a shelf by the bed.

    "Umm, darkness spirit..."

    "What is it?"

    ire looked to the side while handing cans over.

    "U-Umm, thanks for your aid. It was all thanks to the talismans you gave me."

    "...Huh?"

    "So, this is a return gift of sorts. I don''t think there are spirits who hate canned food, right?"

    "Oh my, a return gift¡ª"

    Shaking her head, Restia smiled.

    "I should thank you instead. Because of you, I was able to hurry over to Kamito''s side."

    "H-Hey now, ept it!"

    "Fufu, very well. Thank you."

    Restia epted the cans, somewhat pleased.

    It looked like these two, who had aplicated past, had slightly improved their rtionship without Kamito knowing.

    "By the way, what is this can?"

    "Canned mackerel. It''s quite popr with the spirits in the Academy, you know?"

    "Mackerel..."

    "What, you don''t like fish?"

    "No, I will eat it. Though it''s not very often that I eat fish..."

    ire looked at Kamito again.

    "O-Originally, I was thinking I should be bringing something for you."

    "That''s okay. It''s the thought that counts."

    "...! M-Mmm..."

    ire''s twintails jumped lightly.

    "Fine, give me that spoon. I-I''ll feed you."

    "N-No, I said I''m fine! I can move my own hand..."

    "What, you got a problem with me?"

    Just as ire pouted...

    "Hey hey, is Kazehaya Kamito here~?"

    "...?"

    A voice was heard.

    What suddenly appeared was an adorable girl, roughly ten years old, dressed in a ck and white dress.

    Her silver hair was reminiscent of steel. Her eyes were red like blood.

    Her skin was as pale as wax. Her arms and legs were quite slender.

    From head to toe, she was quite a beautiful maiden.

    "...W-Who are you!?"

    ire cried out warily, summoning metongue to her hand.

    She was probably making the right call. Although the girl looked quite cute¡ª

    (...I totally did not felt her presence.)

    Kamito stared unerringly at the girl. This was no ordinary person.

    However, the girl waspletely unfazed by Kamito''s serious gaze.

    "The hag told me toe. She told me to summon Kazehaya Kamito once he''s awake."

    "...H-Hag?"

    "Kamito, she''s a spirit¡ª"

    Restia whispered in Kamito''s ear.

    "A spirit?"

    Spirits capable of taking fully human form were top-tier beings in Astral Zero.

    Even for Kamito, he could count the ones he had met on a single hand.

    Why would this kind of spirit be here?

    "Kiheeheehee, you are right, darkness spirit. We crossed des at the country of dragons, right?"

    "Country of dragons... Don''t tell me¡ª"

    Kamito finally remembered.

    At the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia, what had crossed des with Restia was¡ª

    "You''re Greyworth''s contracted spirit?"

    "Bingo~!"

    The girl giggled, showing her fangs.

    "I am d Dracul the demon spirit. Nice to meet you!"

    Part 4

    The imperial capital Ostdakia was a hexagonal fortified city surrounded by threeyers of walls.

    Ever since the founding of the Ordesia Empire, this impregnable city had never been conquered.

    Looking down at this city from the sky over the Caldamon Mountain Range¡ª

    The forces of Legitimate Ordesia, led by Second Princess Fianna Ray Ordesia, and its ally the Dragon Duchy of Dracunia were in formation.

    The gship Revenant, military ships gathered here to join the resistance, as well as Dracunia''s mainstay, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, were spread out in the air.

    Meanwhile, the imperial capital''s defense line consisted of many defense teams with militarized spirits lying in ambush on the ins of Sadelka, as well as Duke Fahrengart''s airborne knights.

    War between the two sides was about to break out as soon as the rays of dawn rose.

    "The students have apparently seeded in recapturing Areishia Spirit Academy."

    Standing on the deck of the Revenant, Fianna spoke.

    Perched on her shoulder was a demon wind spirit that had brought the good news.

    This was Simorgh sent by Ellis. Although using him as as a messenger was a waste of his vast abilities, Ellis had decided to send the fastest wind spirit under hermand.

    "¡ªI see."

    Staring at the Ordesia army''s formation, Rubia acknowledged concisely.

    "With that, the neutral nobles will take our side."

    "Kamito and the others seem to be fine. Of course, so is ire."

    "I see."

    There was no change in tonepared to before. However, Fianna did not miss the emotions of relief hidden somewhere in Rubia''s voice.

    "The Ordesia army seems to be making a move. It is beginning."

    "...Yes."

    Under a tense atmosphere, Fianna nodded¡ª

    And instantly drew the silver sword sheathed at her waist.

    Reflecting the sunlight of dawn, the slender de shone brilliantly.

    This was the elemental waffe of the knight spirit Georgios, which had served generations of the Ordesia imperial family.

    Raising the silver sword''s de to the sky, Fianna chanted mystic words.

    Thou, servant of the king of the child of man, knight and master swordsman¡ª

    Thou art my sword, thou art my shield, unleash the light of perpetuity to purify darkness¡ª

    "Elemental waffe Zwei Shift¡ªits appetion is Glory of the Queen!"

    The instant the words of releasing were unleashed, there was an explosion of silver-white holy light.

    The blinding holy light instantly enveloped all the forces on her side. A gigantic holy knight spirit seal, symbolizing the Ordesia imperial family, appeared in the dawn sky.

    This was the supreme barrier imbued with spirit blessings and protection, the new power Fianna had gained from her training on Dragon''s Peak.

    Her spirit seal, shining gloriously in the sky, rendered all arguments inferior.

    Fianna Ray Ordesia¡ªThe Lost Queen.

    She was truly the queen of Legitimate Ordesia¡ª

    Holding the shining silver sword up high, Fianna shouted.

    "¡ªLend me your strength, everyone. Let us take back my home country from the Holy Kingdom''s puppet!"

    The ground shook with thunderous cheering.

 Volume 19, 2 - The Truth Twenty-years Prior

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 2 - The Truth Twenty-years Prior</h4>

    Part 1

    After the demon spirit d Dracul showed up, Kamito and his friends went over to the headmistress'' office.

    With her gray hair was bobbing about, d Dracul was quite cute.

    Kamito had crossed des with her in her elemental waffe form at Dracunia¡ª

    "I can''t believe there''s a demon spirit with human form..."

    Kamito spoke quietly, out of earshot of the girl walking in front.

    "That''s the highest-ranked spirit out of all the demon spirits, crowned with the title of ''Duke.'' Truly impressive as ever, the Dusk Witch, to be able to tame such a powerful spirit."

    "Don''t tell me you''re acquainted with her?"

    "Only by reputation. After all, she went on a wild rampage during the Spirit War¡ª"

    "Yes, Miss Sword Spirit over there, I''ve fought you before, you know~"

    The girl looked back and giggled, baring her sharp teeth.

    "Pretty much every Elemental Lord''s direct subordinate was strong, but this wild child Est was super dangerous. To be honest, I really don''t want to go against her again."

    "Est, do you recall any of this?"

    "No, Kamito."

    Upon hearing Kamito''s question, the sacred sword at his waist shed several times. Separated from her principal body, Est currently retained only fragments of her memories from the Spirit War.

    "What~, you don''t remember~? Tsk."

    The demon spirit girl grumbled quite disappointedly then half-skipped half-ran up the stairs.

    "ording to the Spirit Research Society''s understanding, it is theoretically impossible for humans and demon spirits tomunicate with each other. I never expected a spirit like her to exist."

    ire murmured with curiosity.

    "You elementalists might think you know everything about spirits, but there are still many more mysteries in Astral Zero."

    "Can''t deny that."

    ire admitted it honestly with a shrug.

    Arriving before the headmistress'' office, the demon spirit girl pushed the door open without knocking.

    "I brought ''em here~, shitty witch hag~"

    "Who do you think you are calling hag? I''ll annihte you, demon spirit."

    Sitting at the office desk inside, Greyworth invoked void spirit magic without dy.

    "Woah!"

    Kamito hastily dodged.

    "Ehehe, so scary¡ªWoo?"

    Somersaulting in the air with a flutter of her skirt, the demon spirit d dodged the magic projectile spectacrly.

    The floor was dug up with a huge hole in the office wall.

    "H-Hey, Greyworth!?"

    "You''re in the way,d. I need to teach a disobedient bad spirit a lesson."

    Still with her finger pointed at the demon spirit girl, Greyworth spoke with a serious demeanor.

    "What''s wrong with calling a shitty hag out for being a shitty hag?"

    "How dare you¡ª"

    d stuck out her tongue.

    "Shitty hag so scary, d''s gonna y outside now~"

    With a turn of her jet-ck overcoat, she immediately escaped out of sight.

    "...My goodness. My previous contracted spirit was so much better, even though they''re both demon spirits."

    "Where did you contract this spirit from?"

    Kamito asked while walking into the office.

    "A sealed spirit kept in secret by the Ordesian military. Unearthed from ancient ruins, but no one was able to tame her. Okay, please take a seat¡ª"

    Greyworth stood up and invited Kamito andpany to sit down on the sofa for guests.

    Leaning Est against the side, Kamito sat down on the sofa.

    upying his left and right were ire and Restia respectively. Faced with Greyworth, who looked like she was the same age as them, ire seemed a bit nervous.

    Well, who could me her? After all, the legendary witch recorded in the Academy''s textbooks was appearing before her, looking identical to during the olden days.

    "Have you recovered?"

    "Yeah, pretty much. At least I can walk."

    Nodding, Kamito shrugged a bit.

    "I see. Sorry for pushing you too hard,d."

    Greyworth spoke quietly with a solemn look.

    "What''s going on, this is totally unlike you."

    "I became the Holy Kingdom''s pawn and hurt you. I must apologize for this first."

    Saying that, Greyworth slowly bowed her head.

    "...!?"

    Seeing that, ire widened her eyes in surprise. Kamito gasped too.

    To think the witch would bow her head. Was history being made?

    "What happened to you in the imperial capital? It''s not like I don''t care about what happened twenty-four years ago, but I want to clear this up first. An elementalist of your level, manipted by others, that''s unthinkable¡ª"

    "...You are right."

    Lifting her monocle, Greyworth stared intently into Kamito''s eyes.

    "Did you hear from the princess about the attempted assassination of the emperor?"

    "Yeah..."

    She was referring to how the Bloodstone in Fianna''s possession had run amok and released a powerful demon spirit during the Imperial Council''s discussion of how to handle the Theocracy''s coup d''etat.

    "I wasbeled a traitor to the country and imprisoned in the infamous tower of Guas Gibai. Everything was nned by the Holy Kingdom backing Arneus."

    Guas Gibai. Commonly known as the "torture tower," it was a military research facility used during the Ranbal War for a series of cruel human experiments involving cursed armament seals and others.

    While Kamito and hispanions were infiltrating the imperial capital, the Numbers special operative knight Virrey Branford had disappeared there during her mission to rescue Greyworth.

    "I heard that the Holy Kingdom''s warrior priestesses are imnted with faith towards the Holy Lord using mind magic¡ª"

    Resting her chin on her hand, ire murmured.

    "It was not mind magic."

    Greyworth shook her head in response.

    "I''d have trouble believing that an elementalist like you could get brainwashed by mind magic, even having lost your peak power."

    Restiamented while preening her jet-ck feathers.

    "Oh? I never expected to receive such high praise from you, darkness spirit."

    "Oh my, I have no choice but to acknowledge how scary you are. After all, you are the witch who took away my Kamito before."

    Faced with Restia''sbative gaze, Greyworth smiled wryly in return.

    (...Oh well, I can''t imagine this witch getting brainwashed either.)

    Also, it would not exin why she had regained her youthful appearance either.

    Like resurrection of the dead, regaining one''s youth was not something any spirit''s power could achieve.

    If there was an exception, it would only be¡ª

    "The Holy Kingdom made me remember my covenant from the past."

    "Covenant?"

    "Indeed. Twenty-four years ago, I entered into a covenant with the Holy Lord."

    Greyworth began to narrate in a calm tone of voice.

    Part 2

    Twenty-four years ago, the month of the white lion...

    It was the day when Greyworth Ciel Mais had emerged victorious in the de Dance as the Empire''s representative.

    She had gone to the Elemental Lords'' altar to present her longtime wish.

    Back then, the wish she had made was a young girl''s naive fantasy.

    "...What did you wish for?"

    Hearing Kamito''s question, Greyworth smiled wryly in self-mockery.

    "¡ªA world without war."

    "That foolish little girl wished for such a dream toe true."

    "..."

    Kamito could not help but stay silent.

    A foolish wish¡ªThe witch''s words were excessively heavy.

    The Ranbal War. Before Kamito and hispanions were born, two great wars had broken out on the continent.

    It was said that war had started due to squabbling over mining rights of spirit crystals, but there was no definitive narrative of the true reason.

    With the entire continent gripped in war, the ultimate witch had applied herself to the battlefield, earning the title of hero in her homnd.

    However, what the girl known as the witch sought was not fame or praise.

    On the battlefield where numerousrade-in-arms and contracted spirits perished constantly¡ª

    With a singlehearted wish to put an end to armed conflict, she plunged into the midst of war.

    Hence, that was the first wish the girl made.

    It was precisely for the sake of achieving that wish, the girl had won every fight throughout her de Dance tournament.

    However, that wish¡ª

    That pure wish was absolutely impossible to achieve exactly because it was too pure.

    Kamito knew this already.

    (...Fifteen years ago, there was another girl who made the same wish.)

    Lurie Lizaldia¡ªThat girl''s wish did note true.

    "The Elemental Lords said that it was a wish beyond the power of miracles. At that moment, I realized for the first time that the Elemental Lords were not omnipotent."

    In front of the Elemental Lords'' altar, the girl fell into the abyss of disappointment.

    From the beginning, she was uninterested in any other wish.

    I might as well leave without making any wish, she thought.

    It would serve as a tiny "take that" directed at the powerless Elemental Lords¡ª

    But just then...

    "¡ªA voice appeared in my mind and spoke to me."

    "Was it Holy Lord Alexandros...?"

    Greyworth quietly nodded when Kamito spoke that name.

    Three years ago, the Holy Lord was absent when Kamito was granted an audience with the Elemental Lords.

    What had the Holy Lord said to Greyworth twenty-four years ago?

    "The Holy Lord proposed a certain deal to me."

    "...A deal?"

    "The Holy Lord told me this. I can make your wishe true. I can create a world without war, a world where conflict between people will no longer exist¡ª"

    ¡ªBe my right arm to achieve that world.

    "Was that the covenant? Between you and the Holy Lord¡ª"

    "...Indeed."

    Greyworth''s gray eyes darkened.

    "Having witnessed too much death, the littless was dealt a serious blow by despair. She believed those words that were filled with hope. Or rather, she entrusted everything to that sliver of hope¡ª"

    Hence, the Holy Lord and the Witch established a covenant.

    The Holy Lord granted a portion of the power of miracles to the maiden. Completely unaware that true identity of the miracle was the darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords, the maiden epted the power.

    "It was thanks to the power of miracles shared by the Holy Lord that my appearance remained unchanged over so many years. And also because of that, my divine power did not wane until now¡ª"

    "I see, so that''s what happened..."

    ire held her breath, unable to hide the surprise on her face.

    (...Speaking of which, Lurie Lizaldia also kept her youthful appearance.)

    Just then, Kamito recalled that.

    However, Lurie apparently had the ability to alter her appearance using spirit magic as well..

    "On that day, I became the Holy Lord''s right arm. While serving my homnd Ordesia as the first of the Empire''s Numbers, I waited for the right time."

    "The right time?"

    Greyworth''s sharp gaze shot straight at Kamito''s face.

    "Yes. I was waiting for one who had inherited the Demon King''s power to show up."

    "...What!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes in surprise.

    THe one who had inherited the Demon King''s power. In other words...

    "You, Kazehaya Kamito."

    Greyworth exhaled gravely.

    "All this time, I have been waiting for you to appear,d."

    Part 3

    "...Waiting to meet me? You?"

    This was the most shocking statement she had made so far.

    Feeling intense thirst in his throat, Kamito gulped.

    In Kamito and Greyworth''s first encounter, they were respectively the assassin and assassination target.

    That was actually all part of the n?

    "The Holy Lord predicted that the Darkness Elemental Lord''s reincarnation would be born in this era, and therefore looked forward to his awakening."

    "The Holy Lord wanted me to awaken? Why...?"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord was supposed to be the Holy Lord''s enemy.

    Then why on earth did he want her to resurrect...?

    "In response to the Darkness Elemental Lord''s awakening, that which had sealed the Holy Lord''s soul would be liberated¡ªThat was what the Holy Lord told me. Back then, I did not fully understand, but now I finally do. You must have realized too,d."

    "...! So that''s what''s going on?"

    That which had sealed the Holy Lord''s soul.

    It was referred to the one who had turned into a spirit crystal due to Est''s power, and was thus sealed underground in the Demon King''s Tomb for a thousand years¡ª

    (¡ªAreishia Idriss.)

    ...He had suspected this before.

    Why had the Holy Lord not released the Sacred Maiden''s seal for so long, the past thousand year?

    The spirit Iris'' barrier was not the sole reason.

    Until the Demon King''s sessor awakened, the Sacred Maiden likewise could not wake up.

    "Then in that case, you raised me as Ren Ashbell because¡ª"

    "Yes, indeed¡ª"

    Confronted with the question asked by Kamito''s trembling voice, Greyworth answered.

    "My mission was to hasten your awakening as the Demon King."

    "...!"

    He felt as though his vision turned pitch ck.

    In that case, those memories back then with her raising him¡ª

    Instruction at the witch''s mansion, training in the Spirit Forest, inheriting Absolute de Arts, etc¡ª

    (All that was toplete her mission as the Holy Lord''s right arm...?)

    Presumably realizing Kamito''s thoughts¡ª

    Greyworth showed sorrow on her face.

    Seeing her expression, Kamito clenched his fist hard.

    ...The thought of condemning Greyworth did not cross his mind.

    No matter what her motive, she had personally raised Kamito.

    However, it was a feeling akin to loss and destion that tightly gripped Kamito''s heart.

    "In the beginning, I took you in because of the mission. That is the truth."

    Greyworth confessed everything.

    "..."

    "But while I was raising you, confusion appeared in my heart for the first time."

    "Confusion..."

    "Perhaps I developed feelings over time. If you were to awaken as the Demon King, you would be the enemy of the world, destined to walk a path of no return, bearing the brunt of hatred and resentment from numerous peoples. When I realized that, I¡ª"

    Suspicious of the Holy Lord''s words for the first time, Greyoworth exined.

    "It was then that I figured it out. The Holy Lord''s true objective."

    "True¡ª" "Objective...?"

    Kamito and ire''s voices ovepped.

    "Soon after adopting thed, I had a strange dream."

    "...A dream?"

    "Yes. What you saw at the Elemental Lords'' altar, I saw in my dream."

    "...The angels of another world?"

    Greyworth nodded.

    Repeating the same dream every night, she soon realized it was no ordinary dream.

    It was a dream shared between a spirit and the princess maiden contracted to the spirit.

    Just as how Kamito was able to catch glimpses of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s memories¡ª

    Perhaps through the Otherworldly Darkness inside her, Greyworth had witnessed the Holy Lord''s dream.

    Or maybe, it was a sign that the Holy Lord was gradually recovering his original strength just as Kamito was starting to awaken as the Demon King.

    "In the dream, an army of an astounding number of angels upied the entire sky. A gigantic gate was open in the air. Countless angels descended from there."

    "What...?"

    An army of angels hade to this world through a gate?

    It was what Kamito feared most after seeing whaty across the Otherworldly Darkness at the Elemental Lords'' altar.

    "But that was not the most shocking scene."

    "...Huh?"

    "Next, a giant of light swallowed the angels."

    Saying that, even Greyworth had sweat on her forehead.

    "Uh, a giant of light...?"

    ire asked in surprise.

    "...The Holy Lord. As a contractor, I instinctively understood."

    In front of the shocked Greyworth¡ª

    Having swallowed the angels, the giant of light began to employ that power.

    Literally, the giant changed the world by hand.

    All Greyworth could do inside the dream was watch in shock as the world she knew gradually disappeared.

    "I could not tell whether the scene I witnessed in my dream was something that had actually happened in the past or a possible future in the Holy Lord''s mind."

    However, it was then that Greyworth finally understood the true meaning of the Holy Lord''s words.

    So-called creating a world without war meant opening a gate to the Otherworld to obtain the power of angels, then using that power to remake the world from zero¡ª

    "That''s..."

    Mid-sentence, Kamito stopped.

    He recalled what Lurie and Millennia had said.

    Rebuild the world¡ªThat was what they had said.

    Although it had limitations, the summoned angel definitely possessed the power to interfere with physicalws.

    If the Holy Lord, leader of the Elemental Lords, obtained that power, then¡ª

    "As for the world the Holy Lord will create, I have no idea what it will be like."

    Greyworth shook her head calmly.

    "Perhaps it is the world without war that I once wished for. However, it is definitely not the world that myrades-in-arms sacrificed themselves to protect."

    "...I see. That''s why you¡ª"

    For Lurie Lizaldia, the world was already filled with despair.

    That was why she was willing to sacrifice herself for the ideal world the Holy Lord described.

    However, Greyworth was different.

    What she wanted to protect was the current world.

    "Resolving to betray the Holy Lord, I ordered Vivian Melosa, who was my disciple back then, to transnt an illegal cursed armament seal onto my heart, sealing the covenant."

    However, that was a miscalction. When the cursed armament seal was transnted to her heart, simultaneously, all memories about the Holy Lord were erased.

    This was a trapid by the Holy Lord when he granted power.

    Forgetting she had entered into a covenant with the Holy Lord¡ª

    She unconsciously guided Kamito to awaken as the Demon King.

    ¡ªHence, the Strongest de Dancer, Ren Ashbell, was born.

    "...That was what happened twenty-four years ago."

    Greyworth said.

    "While I was imprisoned at Guas Gibai, Millennia Sanctus destroyed the cursed armament seal and awakened the darkness lying dormant inside me. Lad, do you still remember the time when you inherited the ultimate technique during the de Dance?"

    "Yeah..."

    Last Strike.

    Passing on the ultimate technique of the Absolute de Arts, Greyworth had lost her power as an elementalist.

    "That time, it was Lurie Lizaldia who saved me at Ragna Ys. My guess is she analyzed the cursed armament seal on my heart while treating me."

    "..."

    "I am the stupid witch, leashed by the Holy Lord."

    Greyworthughed in self-mockery.

    "...No."

    Kamito said slowly.

    "Hmm?"

    "You put your heart into raising me. That''s the unalterable truth."

    Although he felt a bit shy saying this in front of the witch, these were Kamito''s true feelings.

    She was the one who had taught Kamito how to survive in this world.

    She was the one who had created the opportunity for him to meet ire and the rest of Team Scarlet at the Academy.

    She had given Kamito back his human side after his assassin upbringing.

    It was almost like¡ª

    "You''re... my¡ªmother."

    "..."

    Hearing these words of Kamito¡ª

    Greyworth showed a shocked expression for an instant, stunned.

    Then¡ª

    "Fufu, I almost fell for you there,d¡ª"

    Seeing the witch''s innocent smile for the first time, Kamito felt his heart race.

    Part 4

    After listening¡ª

    "Excuse me, headmistress, how were you able to recover your memory?"

    ire asked.

    "It was the Demon yer that severed the covenant together with the Otherworldly Darkness inside me. When I woke up at the bottom of Dragon''s Canyon, I had regained all my memories."

    "I see, the gamble paid off¡ª"

    Kamito looked down at Est at his waist.

    The Demon yer had destroyed the cursed seal armament transnted to Velsaria''s heart in the past and erased the darkness corrupting Elemental Lords.

    Naturally, erasing the Holy Lord''s contract was possible too.

    "Praise me, Kamito."

    "You''re amazing, Est."

    Kamito chuckled wryly and gently stroked the sacred sword''s hilt.

    "Speaking of which, how does the Holy Lord intend to open the gate to the Otherworld?"

    "...Yeah. And to obtain the angels'' power¡ª"

    Though the Elemental Lords were powerful, would something like this actually be possible...?

    "¡ªPerhaps this thing might know."

    Greyworth nced at the sword leaning against the wall.

    Securely bound by by a chain for restraining spirits, this was the sword of Millennia Sanctus.

    Turning herself into a gate, she had summoned an angel.

    Surely, she must know the inner details of the Holy Lord''s n.

    "Come to think of it, I think she called Est her sister."

    ...Upon closer examination, the sword''s decorations were quite simr to the Demon yer''s.

    Even her iris was colored the same as Est''s, a clear violet.

    "I have no sisters."

    Est denied simply.

    "Allow me to investigate that sword."

    "Yeah, thanks."

    ¡ªJust then, there was knocking at the door of the headmistress'' office.

    "Headmistress, an emergency report¡ª"

    The voice belonged to Kamito''s homeroom teacher, Ms. Freya.

    "What is the matter?"

    "¡ªThe pce at the imperial capital has fallen."

    Part 5

    Boom, boom, boom¡ª!

    Violent explosions rocked Nefescal Pce.

    Militarized spirits for subduing strongholds were deployed in the air over the imperial capital, one after another.

    At the back of the throne room inside the vast pce¡ª

    "...! W-Why... Why!?"

    Pale in the face, Emperor Arneus cried out convulsively in terror.

    With every vibration, the luxurious chandelier encrusted with spirit crystals swayed widely.

    It was like a countdown to death.

    "I-I am the legitimate Emperor of Ordesia! Why did this¡ª"

    There was no one else in the throne room. Only a few personal guards protected him.

    The battle over the ins of Sadelka soon reached a conclusion.

    Encouraged by Fianna''s Glory of the Queen, the rebel''s knights overwhelmed the Imperial Knights with their burgeoning morale.

    Even taking into ount Dracunia''s reinforcements, the Empire''s forces still enjoyed a six to four ratio advantage in numbers, but the Imperial Knights were extremely low in morale.

    On top of it beingmon knowledge that Emperor Arneus was the Holy Kingdom''s puppet, news of the rebel forces conquering Areishia Spirit Academy had dealt a decisive blow.

    Transmitted by the wind, the news spread all at once, greatly shaking the Imperial Knights.

    The Holy Kingdom''srge-scale summoning of demon spirits, forbidden by international treaty,bined with the fact that the hero Greyworth supported the students, also contributed to the decrease in morale in the Empire''s knights.

    As the battle situation deteriorated, nobles in the emperor faction switched sides and surrendered.

    The imperial capital''s walls were raising white gs. Military ships and Dracunia''s dragon riders upied the whole sky.

    "...Damn it, why didn''t the Holy Kingdom send reinforcements!?"

    Arneus emotionally smashed his fist against the throne''s armrest.

    The Holy Lord''s Knights were garrisoned on the Holy Kingdom''s border. Under a secret agreement, they were supposed to send reinforcements to help in defense as soon as the imperial capital was under attack.

    However, there were no signs of reinforcements at all.

    The cardinals stationed in the pce had also vanished without a trace.

    The Holy Kingdom, which had backed his ascension, had abandoned him.

    Explosions were heard repeatedly. The pce shook violently.

    "Uwaaaah!"

    Arneus fell off the throne in an unsightly manner, clutching his head.

    "Why, why...!?"

    Just then...

    "How unseemly, Your Majesty."

    Inside this throne room where there was not supposed to be anyone else. Someone''s mocking voice was heard.

    "I cannot fathom why you would cling so obsessively to a throne you never acquired through your own ability."

    "...!"

    He looked up, only to see a young girl standing before him.

    The Holy Kingdom''s cardinal¡ªMillennia Sanctus.

    She was not merely a ordinary young beauty.

    Arneus knew that she was an exceptionally rare and terrifying being.

    "D-Dame Millenia, why didn''t the Holy Kingdom send reinforcements!? At this rate, I''ll¡ª"

    "Your reign will be overthrown."

    Finding it funny, Millenniaughed.

    Arneus scramed.

    Then why on earth did you people allow me to ascend to the throne!?

    Arneus knew he was merely a puppet a long time ago.

    "I-I still have value! Right?"

    "No, your mission is over. Your Majesty."

    "...! What did you say?"

    "Enough sacrifices have been offered."

    "...Sacrifices?"

    Arneus frowned in surprise.

    "Our goal is to cause war and chaos on the continent. The two Ranbal Wars, the Theocracy''s civil conflict, this Ordesia war and the Demon King War a thousand years ago, all of them were sacrifices for disrupting order in the human realm¡ª"

    "What on earth are you talking about..."

    "The copse of order in the human realm is enough to destabilize the Elemental Lords. This is key to opening the gate to the Otherworld¡ª ="

    With the sound of intense explosions, the pce gates were destroyed.

    "¡ªNow then, I must excuse myself. Take care, Your Majesty."

    "W-Wait, I said wait!"

    Ignoring Arneus'' yelling¡ª

    With a turn of her pure white vestments, Millennia Sanctus disappeared.

    "Ha, haha, hahahaha..."

    Sitting on the throne, heughed drily.

    Just then, people entered with the sound of footsteps.

    It was Fianna in full imperial attire and bodyguard knights.

    ...Evidently, even the knights in the king''s royal guard had abandoned him.

    "¡ªArneus, you have no right to sit on that throne."

    Fianna pointed her elemental waffe rapier straight at him.

    "...Is this the end?"

    Hanging his head, Arneus raised his arms to surrender.

 Volume 19, 3 - Holy Lord

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 3 - Holy Lord</h4>

    Part 1

    "Alright, one after another please. No butting in line!"

    "Please line up~"

    In the school courtyard, in front of a simmering soup cauldron set up over a fire spirit crystal, Rinslet and Carol were busy at work.

    Inside the cauldron was a Laurenfrost-style hot pot made using leftover vegetables and seasonings.

    Chopped yams and spinach. A small amount of salted meat.

    In addition, a lot of spices and chili peppers had been added, causing bodies to heat up after consumption.

    In front of the two girls, passing out portions, the Academy''s spirits had formed a long line.

    Coming into contact with the demon realm miasma summoned by astral shift and losing their divine power, the spirits naturally gathered together.

    The school courtyard was filled with glowing spirits.

    "If I serve them all, there wouldn''t be any left for the students and the Imperial Knights."

    Rinslet crossed her arms, somewhat in a dilemma.

    "We do not mind waiting. After all, the spirits might vanish at this rate."

    Responding to her was Ellis who had arrived at the courtyard to pick up aid supplies.

    The Sylphid Knights were currently bandaging wounded students.

    "Speaking of which¡ª"

    Saying that, Ellis looked at her feet and asked a question.

    "Why are demon spirits staying here?"

    Mixed among the the line of spirits were scattered demon spirits with terrifying appearances.

    Presumably, with the gate to the demon realm suddenly gone, they had nowhere to go.

    Running over to Carol''s feet in front of the soup cauldron, the demon spirits gnashed their teeth noisily.

    "Kyah, m-mdy!"

    "Be good. Do not threaten Carol!"

    When Rinslet yelled at them, holding adle, the demon spirits settled down.

    "Rinslet, you canmunicate with demon spirits? I remember textbooks in the Academy said they were impossible tomand..."

    "I do not discriminate spirits when they are hungry spirits."

    With a wave of her hand, Rinslet instantly sent the demon spirits forming a line neatly.

    "This is definitely a case to report to the Spirit Research Society¡ª"

    "Haha, taming even demon spirits, nothing less expected of mdy!"

    Carol pped her hands andughed heartily.

    Just then¡ª

    "Hey, still not ready yet? I''m hungry."

    The girl with ash-gray hair in twintails ran over.

    She was Kamito''s adopted sister, Muir Alenstarl.

    "It will be ready soon. You must wait your turn even if you are Kamito-san''s sister."

    "Yes, fine."

    Muir nodded obediently and joined the back of the line.

    Demon spirits kept drifting over, hanging around her.

    For some reason, Muir seemed particrly popr with demon spirits.

    "They''re pretty cute in spite of their horrifying faces."

    "R-Really...?"

    Ellis frowned at thement with a questioning countenance.

    ...This girl''s sense of aesthetics was definitely impossible to understand.

    Just then¡ª

    "So you''re all here¡ª"

    "Oh, Onii-sama!"

    Kamito and ire arrived together.

    Muir instantly ran over and buried her face in Kamito''s chest.

    Her twintails swaying, she rubbed her face repeatedly against him.

    "Muir, I heard you worked hard."

    Kamito stroked Muir''s ash-gray hair.

    "Yes, I put in a lot of effort for you."

    Still hugging Kamito''s waist, Muir nodded.

    Together with Velsaria, she had defended the students'' street barricade.

    "Hold on, Kamito, you''re spoiling your adopted sister."

    ire was pouting unhappily.

    "Hmph, it''s only natural for a brother to dote on his sister."

    Muir stuck her tongue out and taunted.

    "Grrrrr...!"

    The two twintailed girls red at each other, sparks flying.

    "Kamito, are your injuries healed?"

    Ignoring the two girls, Ellis asked with concern.

    "Yeah, the bone fractures are set at least."

    "That does not count as healed, my goodness."

    "Kamito-san is too reckless."

    Rinslet made a look of exasperation and shrugged.

    "This is a specially prepared hot pot, everyone. It will warm you up."

    Carol served soup in wooden bowls.

    There wererge chunks of yams. One glimpse was enough to make you hungry.

    "Thanks. I shall take a portion to my esteemed sisterter."

    "Is Velsaria okay? I heard she really strained herself."

    When Kamito asked...

    "Yes, she consumed too much divine power. She is currently being treated at a facility in the Academy town."

    "...I see. Looks like she pushed herself too much."

    "But if thatdy wasn''t there, the barricade would have fallen long ago."

    In a rare moment, Muir acknowledged someone other than Kamito.

    "By the way, did youe here for a reason?"

    "Oh, yeah, that''s right..."

    Now Kamito remembered.

    "The imperial capital, Ostdakia, has fallen¡ª"

    Next, ire spoke.

    "What?"

    "It capitted much sooner than expected."

    "Yes, we were surprised too¡ª"

    Hearing Rinslet murmur with a questioning look, Kamito agreed.

    No one would have expected the battle for the imperial capital to have concluded in such short time.

    "Duke Fahrengart apparently surrendered. He wanted to avoid turning the capital into a sea of me, I guess."

    "My grandfather..."

    Ellis murmured with aplicated expression.

    "Right now, Fianna and the nobles of the Emperor faction are having a peace negotiation."

    "Who knows what will happen in the imperial capital? If Greyworth has to manage things here, I guess the few of us could head over to protect Fianna¡ª"

    The imperial capital was currently in turmoil. The nobles in the Emperor faction might still be targetting Fianna''s life. The Holy Kingdom''sckeys might still be lurking in the pce too. Considering the precedents set by Lurie and Leschkir, the Numbers could not be trusted either.

    In the middle of the enemy camp, Fianna''s only truepanion around her was Rubia.

    ...She must be feeling ill at ease.

    "Yeah, that''s right. Let''s leave this to the Sylphid Knights and we head to the imperial capital."

    "Well said. Carol, I leave the food to you."

    "Please rest assured, mdy. I won''t get sugar and salt mixed up anymore!"

    "Ah, that worries me..."

    Rinslet pressed on her own temple.

    "How do we get to the imperial capital? Should we use the Lightning Feather?"

    Ellis asked.

    The Lightning Feather was the Academy''s only research ship, belonging to the Sylphid Knights.

    Although its name seemed to imply it was very fast, but in actual fact, the Lightning Feather was just a retired military ship from the Ranbal War, and quite slow.

    From what Kamito had heard, the spirit crystals serving as the power source already had cracks.

    "...Well, that is the only ship."

    "That rundown ship really makes me worry whether it might crash in the middle of the journey..."

    "I-It will be okay... I think, probably."

    Ellis did not seem too confident either.

    After all, that ship had never been used ever since Ellis became captain of the Sylphid Knights.

    "How about borrowing my ship, if it is alright for you?"

    "...?"

    Kamito looked towards where the voice came¡ª

    "It has been a while, Kazehaya Kamito."

    "You''re here, Leonora!?"

    Leonora Lancaster, dressed in the dragon country''s military uniform, was standing before his eyes.

    "Leonora-dono and the Knights of the Dragon Emperor havee to aid us."

    Seeing Kamito did not know the whole story, Ellis exined to him.

    ording to her, the Dracunian army had sent Leonora and the Knights of the Dragon Emperor as a detached force to the Academy while their main force went to reim the imperial capital. Thus, Leonora had helped the barricades hold.

    Leonora was Dracunia''s strongest knight.

    Her assistance was tantamount to obtaining the most reliable reinforcements.

    "Leonora, are your injuries all healed?"

    Kamito asked.

    Wounds caused by Greyworth''s demon sword should have been critical.

    "Yes, a resilient body is an advantage of being a dragon spirit user."

    Saying that, Leonora smiled fearlessly.

    "Dragon knights be stronger every time they awaken from the abyss of death. As I am now, perhaps I might be able to match you, you know?"

    She ced her hand on the great sword at her waist.

    In that instant, she exuded astonishing divine power, causing surrounding spirits to mor.

    "H-Hold on, I''m still injured, okay!?"

    Kamito hastily waved his hands.

    "Fufu, I was just joking. I have yet to recover to peak condition."

    Leonora replied but Kamito was unsure if it was a joke or not. She shrugged and put her sword away.

    It was hard to imagine her being far from peak condition given that she had fought arge number of demon spirits intensely mere hours earlier.

    How much stronger did this dragon girl be...?

    "I''ll take you on once everything is settled, okay?"

    "Fufu, now I have your word. Be it a de dance of the night, I shall take you on to the very end."

    Pressing her chest against him, Leonora smiled mischievously.

    "...! W-What is with you!?"

    "H-Hold on, Kamito!"

    "Kamito-san!?"

    "Onii-sama, what is a de dance of the night?"

    Muir asked with an innocent expression on her face.

    ...Give me a break, exining this to my adopted sister would make me a bad influence.

    Cough cough, Ellis coughed lightly just then and spoke.

    "B-By the way, about borrowing Leonora-dono''s ship that was brought up just now..."

    "Yes, that is right."

    Leonora withdrew her chest from tightly pressing against Kamito.

    "I traveled here on a dragon carrier. Although it is the small type, its flight speed is extremely fast."

    The military ship was reportedly moored in the outskirts of the Academy town. Although Dracunia was not well-known for its military ships, the dragon carriers used for transporting flying dragons to the battlefield were a whole different matter.

    The ship that brought Leonora here could apparently carry six flying dragons.

    "We are allowed to borrow a Dracunian military ship?"

    Ellis asked a very natural question.

    "No problem at all. It belongs exclusively to the Lancaster family."

    "A-A private military ship?"

    "Nothing less expected from a Dragon Duchess..."

    ire and Rinslet stared wide-eyed.

    "Thank you very much, Leonora-dono¡ª"

    "Yes, you are a great help."

    "I shall be traveling to the imperial capitalter too. Before that, I have orders from His Majesty the Dragon King for me to guard this Academy¡ª"

    Saying that, Leonora reached into her own cleavage and took out a dragon-shaped key.

    "This is the admin key for the ship."

    "W-Where the heck are you keeping stuff..."

    Kamito epted the key from her that still held residual body warmth.

    "By the way, please do not use my personal cabin for indecent acts."

    "Like hell anyone''s gonna do that!"

    "Hey Onii-sama, I wannae too."

    Just then, Muir hugged Kamito''s waist.

    However, Kamito shook his head.

    "No, you have to stay back."

    "Eh, why!?"

    "You haven''t recovered yet. You''ve got to rest well."

    Kamito ced his hand on Muir''s head and stroked her ash-gray hair gently.

    Muir''s special ability, the Jester''s Vise, ced a huge strain on her health. It easily caused her to copse with fever, and back in the Instructional School, she could not use it continuously either.

    "Wait until you recover your stamina, thene to the imperial capital with Leonora."

    "...Fine, Onii-sama."

    Muir pouted and nodded reluctantly.

    Part 2

    The Holy Capital of Alexandria.

    As the Holy Kingdom''s capital, it was also the homnd where Sacred Maiden Areishia was born.

    Although its functions as an economic and political center had already shifted to the secondary capital city of Meriazel long ago, numerous princess maidens lived in this city that still stood as the Holy Kingdom''s center of schrship and religious affairs.

    On top of a developed hill, pure white spires stood in neat rows like soldiers in formation. And lording over these spires was the massive Holy Lord Pce.

    Built four hundred years ago, this magnificent sacred pce towered over all other buildings, overlooking the entire holy capital.

    Inside the deepest part of the Holy Lord Pce, inside the Most Sacred Hall¡ª

    "The localized Astral Shift in the Areshia Spirit Academy region has been confirmed. The experiment could be described as a sess."

    A girl dressed in holy vestments spoke calmly.

    This young and adorable girl had waist-length blonde hair and an eye patch over her left eye.

    This was the spirit carrying Otherworldly Darkness within her¡ªMillennia Sanctus.

    "Although two of me have been lost, the n proceeds without impediment."

    "¡ªWell done, Est."

    Sitting on the throne, the Sacred Maiden¡ªAreishia Idriss¡ªspoke in a voice filled with tender affection.

    "With this, Lurie Lizaldia''s sacrifice would not be in vain."

    "Yes, she must feel ted for being the rock which the Holy Lord''s n is built upon."

    "I would hope so. After all, she risked her life to release this vessel."

    Sacred Maiden Areishia stood up and stared at the ceiling of the Holy Lord Pce''s great hall.

    Carved there were sculptures based on the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    "This world is filled with sadness. Because of the original sinmitted seven thousand years ago¡ª"

    Next, she turned her gaze towards outside the balcony and waved her hand lightly.

    A pir of light rose up from six churches in the holy capital.

    These phenomena were very simr to the warning signs before the Astral Shift at the Academy.

    Just then.

    "¡ªWhat are your intentions, Holy Lord Alexandros!?"

    In this ce where entry was supposed to be forbidden, a figure appeared.

    A beautiful young girl dressed in a scarlet dress enveloped in crimson mes.

    "¡ªLord of Fire, why are you here!?"

    Millennia Sanctus eximed in surprise.

    However, the newly arrived Fire Elemental Lord ignored her and interrogated the Sacred Maiden.

    "I am asking you, what are your intentions?"

    Confronted with the Fire Elemental Lord''s zing eyes of wrath¡ª

    The Sacred Maiden slowly turned and coaxed.

    "¡ªTo take this world that has gone down the wrong path, and rebuild it anew."

    "What?"

    "To this ened¡ªI shall open the gate to the Otherworld."

    "...! Did you just say gate!?"

    Volcanicus spoke in agitation.

    "Have you forgotten the beings existing outside the gate? We defeated and repelled them only by making numerous sacrifices and going as far as to borrow the power of spirit weapons¡ª!"

    "I certainly have not forgotten."

    The Sacred Maiden nodded.

    "It is precisely to obtain that power, that I am going to open the gate."

    "...You!"

    In that instant, Volcanicus spewed intense mes.

    The strongest fire of Astral Zero, capable of melting even the Demon King''s Tomb.

    "Holy Lord!"

    Millennia Sanctus cried out.

    "¡ªIt is useless, Volcanicus."

    The Sacred Maiden shrugged and brushed the mes away with one hand.

    "...!"

    "You are merely an avatar right now, separated from your principal body."

    Volcanicus bit her lip and angrily red at the Sacred Maiden.

    "O Holy Lord, you have been devoured by the Otherworldly Darkness."

    "No, Volcanicus. I have not been tainted by the Otherworldly Darkness."

    "...What are you talking about?"

    "Inside me is something else."

    The Sacred Maiden smiled emptily, pressing her hand against her heart.

    "Even I sometimes have trouble distinguishing whether my thoughts belong to myself or what is inside me. However, no matter which of us, we both covet the power of the Primordial Spirit."

    "Is this why you wish to open the gate to the Otherworld!?"

    "Indeed. That power, capable of interfering in the naturalws governing this world, are essential to my n."

    "...! You shall not seed, Holy Lord. This world is very much to my liking!"

    Scorching mes were exuded from all over Volcanicus.

    The Holy Lord Pce shook violently and surrounding stone pirs melted as though they were candy.

    "What a surprise. You, a mere avatar¡ª"

    "In this world is a friend whose name I cannot recall."

    Volcanicus spoke softly.

    Surfacing in her mind was the image of the girl with crimson hair whom she had encountered in the Demon King''s Capital.

    ¡ªA girl with a strong resemnce to someone she knew.

    That girl''s existence was lying dormant deep in her memories.

    "I cannot allow you to change the world without permission!"

    The crimson mes surged even further, turning the Holy Lord Pce into a sea of fire.

    ¡ªHowever, the Sacred Maiden shook her head.

    "O proud Lord of Fire. Regrettably, you cannot destroy me."

    The me spirit seal branded on her right hand glowed red.

    "...! Damn you, Alexandros!"

    Volcanicus released mes.

    "Futile."

    However, the mes were absorbed by the Sacred Maiden''s spirit seal.

    Then the Sacred Maiden slowly chanted.

    "O Lord of Fire, sleep. Let soul turn into de¡ª"

    "...! Ah, ahhhhh, ahhhhhhhh!"

    Volcanicus turned into particles of light and disappeared into thin air.

    Then¡ª

    In the next instant, a crimson great sword, surging with scorching mes, was held in the Sacred Maiden''s hand.

    The most powerful elemental waffe of Astral Zero¡ªthe me sword Ragnarok.

    Tossing the sword away with disinterest¡ª

    The Sacred Maiden looked at the blindingly bright holy capital.

    "¡ªVery well, begin. Astral Shift of the Holy Capital."

 Volume 19, 4 - To the Imperial Capital

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 4 - To the Imperial Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    The flying dragon carrier Lancaster was not as spacious as the military ship Revenant.

    Partly because the ship size itself belonged to a smaller ss and partly because much of the interior space was used for keeping flying dragons and therge extended flight deck.

    Althoughrge spirit crystals were used as power sources like in conventional military ships, rather than propelling the vessel using the power of wind spirits, this flying dragon carrier used the power of fire spirits to drive a massive cylinder, thus obtaining thrust. In terms of design, more priority was given to horsepower for carrying flying dragons than towards speed.

    Due to the fact that helmsmanship requirements were lower than for ships driven by wind spirit crystals, even Ellis could control this ship easily when she was only qualified to fly small ships.

    Inside the slightly cramped ship¡ª

    Kamito told Ellis and Rinslet about the conversation in the headmistress'' office.

    This was about Holy Lord Alexandros and the Holy Kingdom, active behind the scenes throughout history.

    Then there was the matter of the Holy Lord wishing to obtain the power of Otherworld angels, to rebuild the world¡ª

    "...Did you say rebuild the world?"

    "T-Then what will happen to the current one?"

    "It''ll disappear, I guess. Both the human realm and Astral Zero, no exception."

    "Impossible..."

    Rinslet''s hand, holding a cup of tea, was shaking.

    "Also, even if the Holy Lord''s n fails, once the gate to the Otherworld opens, thousands of angels behind the gate will be arriving."

    "An angel... The thing that possessed Judia, right?"

    "Yeah..."

    Kamito answered a little ambiguously.

    ording to Est, what had possessed Rinslet''s younger sister Judia Laurenfrost was just a reconnaissance type.

    In fact, thebat-type Dunamis he had fought in the Academy had way more powerful abilities than the angel at Laurenfrost. If Est had not awakened her spirit weapon side, perhaps it would have been one-sided ughter.

    No matter what, once the gate to the Otherworld opened, this world would probably get destroyed.

    "We have to stop the Holy Lord from opening the gate to the Otherworld."

    "...Yeah, that''s right."

    "But what exactly is the gate to the Otherworld?"

    "...Who knows?"

    Since the Holy Lord had to spend so much time to make perfect preparations, it meant that the gate was not as easy to open as ones for connecting the human realm to Astral Zero¡ª

    The mood had grown somber by the time they realized.

    Just then¡ª

    "Kamito, I am hungry."

    Leaning against the sofa, Est''s de glowed.

    "...Anyway, let''s eat first."

    "You are right. Miss Sword Spirit must be hungry too."

    Rinslet smiled wryly and stood up.

    "I think Leonora said that there are leftover ingredients in the cold room."

    "That is very helpful."

    Saying that, Rinslet opened the door to the cold room from the kitchen.

    Inside was a spirit that looked like a white lizard, blowing out cold air.

    "...Hold on, what is with these ingredients!?"

    "Hmm, all I can see is meat."

    "This is a bit too heavy for lunch..."

    "Bean curd..."

    Est murmured in disappointment.

    Part 2

    After lunch, Kamito walked over to the windy deck.

    "...Phew, I''m really stuffed."

    He stroked his belly while climbing the gangway. Nevertheless, he was quite impressed by how much this ship lived up to its name as the possession of a nobledy of the dragon duchy. The cold room contained only steaks of the most expensive quality.

    "Leonora would probably able to finish them off by herself."

    Kamito recalled the time when the dragon princess maiden had took him on a tour of Dragons Street.

    She had ordered three steaks from cows the size of dragons.

    Prior to arriving at the capital, Kamito''s campanions seem to be in their cabins, either reading or studying.

    Especially Ellis, who had fallen far behind on the Academy''s supplementary lectures, so the homeroom teacher of Weasel ss had assigned a mountain of homework to her.

    Doing homework at a time like this was iprehensible to Kamito, but the disciplined Ellis still worked hard on her studies, seeing her title of captain of the Sylphid Knights as a role model for other students.

    (...She''s a thoroughly serious noble youngdy no matter where she goes.)

    Still, that was one of Ellis'' strengths, Kamito supposed.

    Climbing the gangway, he arrived on therge deck where flying dragons took off andnded.

    Across the barrier guarding against the wind was the endless sky. Down below was a vast in.

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, there was pain in his left eye again.

    ...Did he imagine it?

    He was not supposed to be using divine power right now¡ª

    (...Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll.)

    Kamito understood that the Demon King''s power inside him was gradually taking over his body.

    As though responding to the Sacred Maiden''s revival¡ª

    (...Tsk, who asked you to devour me!)

    He gripped the deck railing tightly.

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Just then, he heard a voice behind him.

    He looked back, only to see ire and Scarlet ascending the gangway.

    "ire, aren''t you tutoring Ellis?"

    "It''s break time now. Teaching everything all at once would be bad for her."

    ire raised an index finger and shrugged.

    Not only were her grades topnotch in the Academy, but ire''s ability to teach was equally high.

    Perhaps she might turn out to be a surprisingly good school teacher, Kamito wondered.

    ire came over to Kamito and rested both arms on the railing.

    Staring at the vast sky and the mountain range in the distance, she murmured softly to herself.

    "...It feels like the days are going by so quickly."

    "Yeah."

    Rescuing Fianna then going into exile in Dracunia, stopping the rampaging militarized spirit in the Theocracy, crossing the desert to witness the Sacred Maiden''s revival in the Demon King''s Capital.

    ...All this happened in a short matter of weeks.

    An adventure would be an understatement to describe this densely packed period of time.

    "Kamito..."

    Mumbling a little, ire nced over at Kamito.

    "What?"

    "Uh, u-umm, nothing!"

    ire waved her hands repeatedly, causing her twintails to shake as well.

    However, there was an element of insecurity in her ruby-like eyes.

    "...? What''s wrong?"

    When he stared at her eyes and asked, ire''s face went red immediately.

    "K-Kamito!"

    "Hmm?"

    "I-I am your master!"

    "Huh!?"

    Hearing that, Kamito could not help but exim.

    "W-What are you suddenly talking about...?"

    "What, did you forget? You''re still my contracted spirit!"

    ire extended her finger and pointed at Kamito''s nose.

    "...!

    ...Yeah, I definitely said that.

    Facing her in her despair when Scarlet had turned into a berserk spirit¡ª

    Since you wish to obtain power¡ª

    Then let me be your contracted spirit. Something like that.

    "Hmph, looks like you finally remember."

    Seeing Kamito''s reaction, ire nodded with satisfaction.

    "Don''t forget you''re my contracted spirit. In other words, I am the contractor, the elementalist and the master!"

    "O-Okay?"

    "Yes! That''s why¡ª"

    Still pointing her index finger at him, ire stared straight at Kamito and said.

    "You are not allowed to be someone else''s. You belong to me, forever, okay?"

    "..."

    Ohhh, Kamito finally understood.

    Although she was saying this in an overbearing manner just like the first time they met¡ª

    This time, after hearing about the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, she was worrying about Kamito.

    (...What an awkward girl.)

    Kamito smiled wryly and ced his hand on ire''s head.

    "...! Hwah! W-What are you doing!?"

    "ire, I will always be your contracted spirit."

    When he said that, ire''s face instantly went bright red.

    "G-d you know it!"

    She turned her face away forcefully.

    Part 3

    Three hours had passed since they set off from Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Carrying Kamito''s team, the flying dragon carrier arrived at the imperial capital, Ostdakia.

    Mooring the ship at the ins of Sadelka, which had turned into a battlefield, the group then walked on foot to the main gate.

    News of their arrival had apparently been spread. The spirit guarding the city gate did not block them.

    "Anyway, let''s head to the knights quarters to meet up with Nee-sama."

    "Yeah, good idea."

    "Her Highness is probably very busy."

    No one objected, so the group walked to the city center.

    Banners of the Ordesia imperial family with knight crests were fluttering on the sides of the main road.

    "What a peaceful liberation."

    Seeing no signs of damage on the buildings, iremented.

    "Yeah. Looks like the situation has settled with the battle on the ins of Sadelka."

    Ellis nodded with an meek expression.

    Her grandfather Duke Fahnrengart was the one who had decided to surrender the imperial capital. Between loyalty to the emperor and the lives of the people in the capital, he had chosen the option that avoided bloodshed ofmoner lives.

    As for how her grandfather was treated, Ellis must be very curious to know.

    Although Fianna probably would not hand down a severe punishment, it was unknown whether the nobles in the rebel army would ept such a decision. Surely there would be nobles who wanted to take advantage of this situation to rece the Fahrengart family in taking control of Ordesia''s military affairs.

    This would depend on Fianna''s authority¡ª

    "By the way, I don''t get it."

    "What?"

    Hearing ire''s murmurs, Kamito asked.

    "The Holy Kingdom. Why did they disappear without sending reinforcements?"

    "...I agree. It feels a little weird."

    Rinslet expressed the same puzzlement.

    The Holy Kingdom''s Des Esseintes was aiming to control Ordesia from behind the scenes, using Emperor Arneus as a puppet¡ªOne would logically expect this to be the case.

    (Those people even conspired to frame Fianna...)

    However, even though the rebellion got started, ording to reports, the Holy Kingdom withdrew all their cardinals from the pce and did not send any military force at all.

    "They did all they can to stoke conflict in the Theocracy too, why?"

    "...Who knows?"

    Rather than controlling the Empire, it was as though their purpose was to spread the seeds of war across thend.

    Why exactly did they need to do that kind of thing?

    (No, wait a sec...)

    Kamito suddenly remembered something.

    It was the truth of what happened a thousand years ago, which the spirit Iris had shown him at the Demon King''s Capital¡ª

    By persuading the young man Solomon who had grown to hate mankind, the Holy Lord had brought about the Demon King''s birth.

    Then using Sacred Maiden Areisha, who had been granted part of the Holy Lord''s soul, the Holy Lord vanquished the Demon King whom he had personally created.

    The Demon King War had brought unprecedented destruction and chaos to the continent.

    And fanning mes behind the scenes, why was the Holy Lord doing this?

    "No matter what, even if the Holy Kingdom''sckeys have vanished, we can''t lower our guard."

    "Yes, they will definitely be back!"

    When ire dered with a serious look on her face, Rinslet nodded vigorously.

    Kamito''s group went through the main road and entered the inner city gate.

    Last time they infiltrated to rescue Fianna, they had used a Murders merchant channel arranged by Rubia, but were betrayed by the merchant in an underground passage.

    If Virrey Branford of the Numbers had not provided assistance, they would have had to wander endlessly in the vast underground passages under the imperial capital.

    (...I hope Virrey is fine.)

    Just as Kamito worried about the missing knight...

    "Ah, Onee-sama~...And Kamito-sama too~"

    A young girl''s adorable voice wasing from beside the gate.

    "Mireille!?"

    Seeing the figure of the girl running towards them, Rinslet stared wide-eyed.

    Dressed in a child''s dress, the young girl was precisely Rinslet''s youngest sister Mireille.

    "Why are you here, Mireille?"

    "I came with the others in the Wolf Ritters to join Princess Fianna''s army. After all, I am a daughter of Laurenfrost too!"

    Mireille puffed out her tiny chest.

    Laurenfrost was the first ally to respond to Fianna''s call. Due to being responsible for border defense, the knights serving under them were also very strong inbat. Mireille must have joined the army as the gbearer leading the Wolf Ritters.

    "Mireille, you are still a child. The battlefield is too dangerous for you."

    "Don''t worry, Onee-sama. The Wolf Ritters will protect me, and I have Mi too. Besides, Judia-oneesama cannot leave the castle while her eyes have not healed."

    "Mi?"

    Kamito asked.

    "Yes, mdy."

    A girl dressed in a maid outfit emerged from the shadows of a neighboring building.

    "M-Mi, when did you get here!?"

    "It has been a long time, Kamito-sama¡ª"

    Faced with the surprised Kamito, the maid girl bowed respectfully.

    Mi Bassett.

    She was originally a knight belonging to the Rupture Division from the Principality of Rossvale, but after the de Dance, the Laurenfrost family had hired her to serve as Mireille''s maid.

    Her two eyes were of different colors because the left eye used to be a Demon Sealing Eye that held a powerful legion spirit.

    "Rooms have been prepared for all of you at the Laurenfrost secondary residence. Please have a short break to alleviate the fatigue from your travels."

    "Thank you so much. I am so looking forward to a bath."

    ire was so happy that her twintails jumped.

    "Thanks, Mi."

    "So I have a room too?"

    "Of course, Kamito-sama."

    Mi spoke in an emotionless voice. What a calm girl.

    "Really? That''s such a great help, thanks a lot, Mi."

    Unlike hispanions who were sheltered daughters of nobility, Kamito had been raised at the Instructional School to be able to sleep anywhere. He originally nned to find a cheap motel somewhere in the imperial capital.

    "No, I merely fulfilled my duties as the maid¡ª"

    Mi shook her head.

    "Mi even spent extra time making your bed, Kamito-sama."

    "What are you talking about, mdy?"

    Upon hearing that, Mi, who had stayed calm until now, blushed and patted Mireille''s back repeatedly.

    "I am d to have a bath, but should we not head over to meet up with Rubia-dono first?"

    Ellis asked.

    "...Yes, you have a point."

    "Is Rubia-sama at Nefescal Pce?"

    "I don''t really know..."

    ire mumbled ambiguously.

    The Cmity Queen, who had brought disaster to the imperial capital before, probably would not make a public appearance. Perhaps she was waiting somewhere less conspicuous?

    In that case, finding her in this vast capital city would be no easy task.

    "In that case, let us proceed like this. Tell the princess that we will be at the Laurenfrost secondary residence. No matter what, we need to get in touch with the princess."

    "...That works too. Ellis, please send word to the pce."

    "Yes, understood."

    Ellis created a transparent flower in her hand.

    This was the spirit magic of Wind Ear for sending sounds to a destination.

    The flower floated in the wind and flew away just like that.

    "Onee-sama, I want to eat your crab omelet rice."

    "Very well, I shall make it."

    "Wow~, Nee-sama is such a fine woman talented at cooking!"

    "W-What are you talking about, Mireille!?"

    Taking Rinslet''s arm, Mireille turned her head back and nced a few times at Kamito.

    "These sisters are so close."

    "Hmm, if I were to do that to my esteemed sister, I would receive the iron fist punishment."

    Hearing Kamito''s muttering, Ellis nodded several times.

    Seeing the sisters walking holding hands tenderly, ire looked upon them wistfully with a tinge of jealousy.

 Volume 19, 5 - Rubiaâ€™s Determination

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 5 - Rubia''s Determination</h4>

    Part 1

    With Mi leading the way, they arrived at the Laurenfrost family''s secondary residence, located in the outskirts of the aristocracy district.

    Although this ce was rtively far from Nefescal Pce, it was in a quiet location with lots of greenery.

    Leaving Kamito to rest in his room, ire and the others went to a purification facility outside the mansion.

    "I am so d for a proper purification facility. I must thank Mi."

    "Yes, it was hot in the ship and I sweated a lot."

    Saying that, Ellis ced her folded uniform into a clothes basket in the changing room.

    "This is a shrine usually used for worshiping the Water Elemental Lord."

    Rinslet spoke with a raised index finger.

    Reportedly, this ce was normally open to princess maidens in the imperial capital, but right now, it was exclusively reserved.

    Having disrobed, the three naked girls rinsed themselves in front of the shrine and stepped into the bath chamber.

    This was a sauna-style purification facility quite rare in Ordesia. The wide bathtub was set up with interacting fire and water spirit crystals to produce arge amount of steam.

    "They even have the famous Frozen Hell bath from Laurenfrost."

    "...? What is that?"

    Rinslet was pointing at a bathtub in whichrge pieces of ice were floating.

    "E-Entering that kind of bathtub will kill me!"

    ire shuddered.

    "Oh my, Mireille and I are used to these since we were small."

    "Eh... As I always say, in the bordernds..."

    "What, are you looking down upon Laurenfrost!?"

    Rinslet pouted unhappily and poked ire in the back with a finger enveloped in cold air.

    "Hyah!"

    ire''s cute screams instantly filled the bath.

    Part 2

    Three girls were sitting side by side on a bench next to the wall.

    The sauna steam filling the entire purification facility was very rxing.

    "This is so nice. It feels like all the fatigue from entire body is gone all at once."

    "...Y-Yeah."

    Saying that, ire resentfully nced at the chest of Ellis, who was sitting further in.

    (...Sure enough, Ellis is huge.)

    Sitting adjacent, Rinslet''s bust wasparable in size too.

    With all of them sitting side by side, every difference in figure between them became brutally obvious.

    (...S-So unfair, this.)

    ire pouted unhappily.

    "ire, no matter how much you stick out your chest, it is still useless."

    "...! W-Who is sticking out her chest!?"

    She went red in the face and cried out.

    In response, Rinslet smiled with tender affection.

    "It is fine, you have no need to be so worried. There is still room to grow. You will eventually catch up to the captain if you follow my instructions every day for the bust enhancing technique I taught you¡ª"

    "Rinslet, w-what are you talking about!?"

    Ellis frantically covered up herrge pale breasts with her arms.

    However, there was no way she could cover them uppletely.

    "R-Right! Besides, that so-called bust enhancing technique you taught¡ª"

    Mid-sentence, ire stopped.

    The bust enhancing technique taught by Rinslet required a girl to have her breasts massaged by the target of her affections.

    (A-Asking my crush to massage my breasts, how could I possibly do that...)

    "ire, who are you imagining right now?"

    "Uwah, I-I''m not imagining anyone!"

    ire frantically denied.

    "Fufu, an interesting conversation seems to be going on."

    "Fianna!?" "Your Highness!"

    Just then, Fianna emerged through the sauna steam, wrapped in a bath towel.

    "Fianna, how are things at the imperial council?"

    "Adjourned for the time being. I wanted to squeeze out a little bit of time to take a bath."

    Fianna sat down next to ire and poured adle of water onto the stove.

    She must have found out about the location of this purification facility from Mi or Mireille.

    "In any case, thank you for your efforts. Are things going well with unifying opinions in the council?"

    Hearing ire''s question, Fianna shook her head.

    "Not that well. It is not like I could punish every noble in the emperor faction."

    "Well, it is definitely a difficult situation..."

    Hearing that, ire shrugged.

    "Are you nning to go on to be queen of the Ordesia Empire?"

    "...That is not funny at all."

    Fianna sighed and spoke.

    "Although I self-proimed Legitimate Ordesia as a banner for the rebel forces, I have no wish to y the part of a queen or some such anymore after liberating Ordesia from the Holy Kingdom."

    "Really? I think you''re doing a splendid job, you know?"

    "Ultimately, I am just the acting monarch. Once His Majesty the Emperor recovers from his illness, I shall return all authority."

    Fianna shrugged then whispered in ire''s ear.

    "Furthermore, if I really became the queen, then I wouldn''t be able to marry Kamito-kun, you know?"

    "...! Y-You, y-you, what are you talking about!?"

    "After all, I love Kamito-kun. ire, could you be bit more honest too?"

    "...~!"

    Facing the chuckling Fianna who was wearing a taunting smile, ire fumed and pursed her lips.

    "Y-Your Highness¡ª"

    Just then, Ellis interjected.

    With a grave expression with apparent worries in her mind, she spoke.

    "May I ask what will happen to my grandfather, who stayed loyal to Arneus?"

    "Duke Fahrengart ought to receive leniency. After all, it was all thanks to her that the capital was captured peacefully. Also, with the Holy Kingdom''s next move unknown, I presume the imperial council would not want to lose an outstanding militarymander."

    "...I see. That is wonderful news to me."

    Ellis exhaled deeply in relief when she heard the answer.

    "Oh, right¡ª"

    Looking like she remembered something, Fianna said.

    "Ellis, I nominated you as my royal guard."

    "...Huh?"

    "Did you say royal guard?"

    Ellis left her mouth gaping in shock. ire expressed her surprise too.

    Serving as the royal guard for members of the imperial family was considered the highest honor for the Imperial Knights. They were the most elite of the elites, basically candidates as future Numbers.

    Indeed, it was certainly no problem for Ellis given her status as the noble daughter of the Fahrengart family, but to be nominated as royal guard as a student, that was virtually unheard of.

    "I-I am not worthy, royal guard for me would be¡ª"

    "At least Ellis is the most reliable. And there is no question about her ability."

    Ever since they were in exile from Ordesia, Ellis had served as Fianna''s bodyguard and secretary, with many feats ofbat to boot.

    It came as no surprise that Fianna would want to keep her capable and trustedpanion by her side.

    "B-But... Is it really okay for me to take this position?"

    "Yes, I hope to rely on you."

    "...Hmm."

    Ellis hesitated for a while then finally looked up.

    "I understand. Your wish is mymand, Your Highness."

    Saying that, she responded with perfect knightly etiquette.

    Part 3

    Kamito felt a sharp pain across his left eye, almost like it was bleeding.

    "...Guh, ah...!"

    The intense pain rendered his consciousness almostatose. Kamito opened his right eye.

    ...That dream again.

    A world from the ancient past, who knew how many thousands of years ago.

    The world from the memories of Darkness Elemental Lord Ren Ashdoll¡ª

    In the sky, covered with dark gray clouds, a massive hole suddenly appeared.

    Darker than the ckest night, darkness surged out from the edges of that abyss nonstop.

    That darkness seemed as though it would shroud the entire world¡ª

    "...What, is that... the Otherworldly Darkness...?"

    Looking up at the sky-piercing abyss, Kamito muttered to himself in a daze.

    (This morning''s dream was about the Spirit War¡ª)

    Then what time period did the current scene before his eyes belong to?

    He saw a few particles of light appear in the center of the abyss from where dark filth was pouring out continuously.

    The lights took on the shape of winged humanoids, descending upon thend one after another.

    That appearance was not foreign to Kamito.

    "...Are they angels?"

    Hundreds of Dunamis angels, their wings of light outspread,nded sessively in the deste wilderness.

    In that instant, zing crimson mes swept across thend.

    "...!?"

    The one who had released the mes was a girl wielding a massive sword.

    Hovering in the air, she coldly looked down at thend, burning brightly red.

    Her crimson hair, fluttering in the wind, shone with red light against the illumination of the fire.

    (Who is she...?)

    Next to the girl were other beings, armed with spears and staves.

    Wielding a magic spear enveloped in fierce wind was a maiden with jade hair who looked to be in her twenties.

    Another girl, wielding a staff surrounded by a vortex of water, Kamito recognized.

    It was Iseria Seaward whom he had encountered in Astral Zero.

    In that case, were the other two the Fire Elemental Lord and the Wind Elemental Lord?

    "...The Elemental Lords are fighting angels?"

    Just then. Darkness bled from his aching left eye like blood.

    "...!?"

    Falling to his feet, the darkness instantly began to devour Kamito''s body¡ª

    (...This is, bad...!)

    Amid the entangling darkness and filth, Kamito struggled and reached out.

    Part 4

    "...!?"

    Upon awakening¡ª

    "...Ugh!"

    Squeeze.

    He felt a pleasant sensation in his right hand.

    (...No way!?)

    Keeping the posture of his outreached hand unchanged, Kamito was struck by a question in his not yet fully awakened mind.

    He seemed to hear a cute scream¡ª

    Squeeze. Squeeze.

    "...Mm... Y-You knave... W-What are you... doing!?"

    "...Huh?"

    Finally realizing he had woken up from his dream, Kamito looked up forcefully.

    Only to see, in front of his outstretched right hand¡ª

    "¡ªDo you want to turn into charcoal right away?"

    The beautiful maiden in the military uniform. Her shoulders were shaking while she red angrily at Kamito.

    "Woah, Rubia!?"

    Kamito frantically withdrew his hand, almost falling off the bed.

    He never expected the hand he had extended during his dream to have touched her chest.

    ...Speaking of which, so that cute sound earlier came from her?

    (...No, wait a sec, why is Rubia here!?)

    Was he still in a dream?

    Still in a state of confusion, Kamito looked around him.

    A furry carpet made from animal pelt. Beige walls. A smallmp by the pillow, shaped like a wolf''s head.

    This was the room in the Laurenfrost secondary residence where Mi Bassett had brought him.

    (...Looks like it isn''t a dream.)

    Kamito turned his gaze back to Rubia, who was sitting on the bed.

    "Sure enough, you are the Demon King of the Night. Perhaps you should be vanquished here and now."

    With murderous eyes, she red coldly at Kamito.

    "W-Wait, I didn''t do it on purpose...!"

    Truly feeling his life was in danger, Kamito frantically spoke.

    "...By the way, why are you here!?"

    When he threw a question at her, she bit her lip with displeasure.

    "I came to confirm whether the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power is corrupting you."

    "...Huh?"

    "During the battle to take back Areishia Spirit Academy, you would have consumed plenty of divine power, right?"

    Saying that, Rubia switched to a solemn expression as she inspected Kamito''s eyes.

    "¡ªWhat is with this eye of yours?"

    "..."

    She was probably asking about his left eye, still stinging slightly.

    Perhaps the spirit seal of Ren Ashdoll had appeared again.

    "You saw through everything? Nothing gets past you, huh?"

    Kamito gave up and shrugged.

    "Does that spirit seal belong to the Darkness Elemental Lord?"

    "...Yeah."

    He nodded. Rubia gasped slightly.

    "I never expected it to progress to this stage¡ª"

    "I was dreaming of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s memories just now. Although Restia is currently suppressing it for now, to be honest, I don''t think it canst for long."

    Looking down at his leather-gloved left hand, Kamito shook his head.

    "Is that so?"

    Hearing that, Rubia quietly bowed her head and bit her lip.

    Sharing dreams with a spirit.

    She must know very well what that implied.

    "As I thought,ing over to examine the situation was the correct thing to do."

    "...?"

    Hearing her whisper¡ª

    Kamito frowned slightly.

    "What do you mean...?"

    "Close your eyes for a while, Ren Ashbell."

    "...!?"

    In the next instant, Kamito felt his shoulder being grabbed. He was pulled closer.

    Her face appeared before him.

    Clear eyes like rubies. Adorable cherry lips.

    Perhaps she had just taken a bath. The scent of soap entered his nostrils.

    (...S-So near!?)

    Kamito felt his heart racing.

    "...! Rubia! W-What are you¡ª"

    "Do not make me repeat myself. Close your eyes. Also, do not make a sound."

    "...!?"

    "I am a woman. I feel embarrassment too."

    Her slightly hoarse voice whispered into his ear.

    He could feel the sensation of her small but cute breasts behind the military uniform.

    "What..."

    As though to interrupt Kamito''s speech¡ª

    Her lips sealed Kamito''s mouth.

    (...!?)

    Badump¡ª

    His heart raced even faster.

    At the same time, a huge amount of divine power flowed into all the channels in his body.

    The divine power circting within him seemed to have renewed all at once.

    "Mm..."

    With a sweet moan, she slowly separated her lips from him.

    With burning cheeks and water eyes, she stared into Kamito''s eyes.

    "W-What..."

    "¡ªThe spirit seal has vanished, yes?"

    Saying that, she brought her slender finger lightly to her lips.

    "Ah..."

    Only then did Kamito notice.

    The stinging pain in his left eye had gone awaypletely now.

    "...What did you do?"

    Still dizzy, Kamito asked.

    His entire felt quitefortable, like he was floating.

    "This is a princess maiden''s ritual magic. It causes the dark divine power inside you to circte into my body."

    Rubia spoke, panting.

    "This should relieve your burden a bit..."

    Saying that, she clutched at her chest in pain, looking like she was about to copse.

    "H-Hey, are you okay!?"

    Kamito frantically caught her.

    Her shoulder felt burning to the touch, almost like a lit furnace.

    "Letting dark divine power circte? Will that be dangerous?"

    "...It just strains the body a little..."

    While Rubia was held in Kamito''s arms, her face was contorted with pain.

    "Strain, you¡ª"

    "Sure enough, there are limits to my body that had lost a princess maiden''s holiness, I suppose¡ª"

    Panting, she murmured in self-deprecation.

    "...! You, don''t over do it..."

    "...It is not serious. Although it was a first attempt, it seeded¡ª"

    Red in the face, she lowered her head shyly.

    "...First attempt?"

    What did she mean? Kamito did not understand for a moment.

    Instantly covering her lips with her hand, Rubia shook her head vigorously.

    "N-Nothing, pay no mind to it...!"

    "...?"

    Her strange attitude was making Kamito more and more puzzled.

    ¡ªJust then.

    Static¡ªA hoarse voice wasing from somewhere.

    It was Lily me from the Instructional School.

    Rubia instantly switched to a serious expression and took out a talisman from her military uniform''s chest pocket.

    Voice Print Talisman¡ªThis was a magical tool used by princess maidens to transmit voices over short distances.

    "I hear you. What is the matter?"

    Hearing Rubia''s calm reply¡ª

    Lily spoke in a shaken voice.

    Part 5

    The holy mountain of Londinia. It was both the birthce of Sacred Maiden Areishia and the hearnd of the Holy Lord''s faith.

    At that mountain¡ª

    "What...!?"

    Luminaris, captain of the Sacred Spirit Knights, copsed on her knees in shock.

    The ce they were returning to¡ªthe holy capital Alexandria¡ªhad vanished.

    Not obliterated by destructive disasters like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

    But literally vanished, as though the holy capital had been whisked away.

    On the surface of the giant holy mountain, all that was left was arge hole filled with empty darkness.

    Darker than the ck night, a void where no light could shine into.

    "W-What on earth happened? Where did Alexandria go...?"

    No one answered Luminaris'' murmurs.

    Only the sound of the howling wind resounded over the mountain range that had lost the holynd.

 Volume 19, 6 - Disappearance of the Holy Capital

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 6 - Disappearance of the Holy Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    Disappearance of the Holy Capital of Alexandria instantly spread throughout the pce.

    For a massive capital city to vanish all of a sudden, residents and all, that was unprecedented in the entire history of the continent.

    Receiving the report, Fianna instantly summoned the nobles to hold an emergency meeting of the imperial council.

    "Unbelievable, Alexandria has vanished?"

    Inside the circr hall of the imperial council, an aristocrat eximed.

    "It is certainly hard to believe. Is the report reliable?"

    "Confirmation is in progress. However, ording to reports from our border, the news is quite likely to be true."

    Standing in the center of the hall, Fianna spoke.

    "Vanished, rather than destroyed...?"

    "That is what our sources say."

    "B-But is that even possible...?"

    The imperial council was plunged into confusion.

    (...Oh well, I can hardly me them.)

    Leaning against the wall at the back of the imperial council hall, Kamito muttered to himself with his arms crossed.

    There were no detailed reports at the current stage, only a disorganized mess of rumors. Added to the fact that the Empire had been in turmoil not too long ago, one could forgive the nobles for losing their calm.

    "Is it true? News of the Holy Capital disappearing¡ª"

    ire whispered.

    "...Unconfirmed for now."

    "For a city to vanish in an instant, that is unheard of."

    "The Sylphid Knights had a training excursion which included a stay at the Holy Capital. The city was roughly the same size as the Academy town. To think it could vanish¡ª"

    Ellis had her head tilted in puzzlement.

    "Suppose it met the same kind of cmity that destroyed my homnd?"

    Thinking of something, ire rested her chin on her hand.

    "ire, do you have some kind of idea?"

    "Yes, the Fire Elemental Lord''s avatar is at that city."

    "Oh..."

    Hearing ire''s whispers, Kamito groaned.

    Victorious in the de Dance, Kamito and his team had seeded in liberating the Fire Elemental Lord.

    But ording to Rubia, the freed Fire Elemental Lord''s soul apparently teleported to the Holy Capital.

    The Holy Kingdom must have nned to take possession of the Fire Elemental Lord a long time ago.

    In fact, the Fire Elemental Lord was traveling with the Sacred Spirit Knights at the Demon King City.

    "Did the Holy Kingdom screw up, causing the Fire Elemental Lord to go on a rampage?"

    "That is possible. If the Fire Elemental Lord''s power was released, destroying a city would be effortless."

    "That''s true¡ª"

    Even the pyramid of the Demon King''s Tomb had melted within the blink of an eye by the Fire Elemental Lord.

    Obliterating the Holy Capital in an instant would not be impossible.

    "But ording to Lily, the city had vanished suddenly without any signs of destruction."

    "...Yes, that is quite unbelievable."

    ire looked down again, lost in deep thought.

    Just as the council continued to remain in a state of chaos, a princess maiden arrived at the center of the hall.

    "Who is that?"

    "Oh, it is Lady Rosamia Ashel!"

    Rinslet eximed quietly.

    "Eh, that''s the famous Heavenly Eyes¡ª"

    With great interest, Kamito looked upon the princess maiden with beautiful ck hair.

    "Heavenly Eyes" Rosamia Ashel.

    Kamito had heard of her name back in his Instructional School days.

    She was second of the Numbers, as well as being the top-ranked special operative knight.

    At the age of twenty-five, she was the oldest of the Numbers.

    Rosamia Ashel bowed to the nobles before chanting ritual magic.

    "What is she nning to do?"

    "This is the spirit magic of irvoyance. The ability to observe situations from afar."

    "Like the magic used by Princess Linfa of the Four Gods, huh?"

    "Yes, but just on an even higher level¡ª"

    After a while, a translucent sphere appeared in the center of the hall.

    Projected on the sphere''s surface was a clear image. The hall instantly filled with mor.

    The image was projected from a spirit''s eyes.

    "W-What is that!?"

    "What happened?"

    ire and the girls were fixating their gazes upon the image on the sphere too.

    The massive Londinia mountain range was gouged out.

    Nothing remained to prove that a magnificent city once stood there.

    Not even the slightest trace of destruction.

    Left behind was a dark and hollow space where even light did not reflect.

    "What the heck happened?"

    Just as Kamito asked in shock...

    "¡ªSigns of Astral Shift."

    A calm voice spoke from behind him.

    "N-Nee-sama!?"

    Kamito and ire looked back, only to see Rubia standing there wearing a scarlet mask.

    "Did you say Astral Shift?"

    "Yes, indeed. ording to reports, when the human realm and Astral Zero ovep, this sort of void space is left behind at the location of where the Astral Shift urred. However, previous reports were all concerned with small-scale shifts that happened naturally in ces like the Spirit Forest¡ª"

    "Don''t tell me the entire city went through an Astral Shift..."

    "Then the Holy Capital has been transported to Astral Zero?"

    "Yes, it appears so."

    Rubia nodded slightly.

    "Could it be that the Astral Shift at the Academy was a trial run for this?"

    "...Possibly. But what is the purpose...?"

    The eerie image shown on the sphere had plunged the imperial council into deeper chaos.

    The entire hall was full of noise.

    "Silence¡ª"

    Fianna spoke sternly. Just then...

    The image on the sphere shook violently.

    "...!?"

    The mountain range became covered by blinding light. Soon, nothing could be seen.

    "Dame Rosamia, what exactly is this!?"

    Fianna looked back to ask Rosamia Ashel.

    Only to see¡ª

    "...Ah, ah, ahhh, ah... Ooh, ahhhhhhhhh!"

    The princess maiden of Heavenly Eyes clutched her head and began to moan in pain.

    "Dame Rosamia!? A-Are you alright?"

    "...Ah, ooh... Ahhh, has been... issued..."

    "...Huh?"

    "...An oracle... has been, issued... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Rosamia''s eyes rolled up and she screamed, losing consciousness on the spot, copsed on the ground.

    The hall was instantly inmotion.

    "Spirit interference! Deploy a barrier immediately!"

    THe first to notice this possibility, Fianna issued orders to the Numbers serving as bodyguards.

    Someone had hijacked Rosamia''s contracted spirit.

    (...To think someone interfered with the spirit of one of the Empire''s Numbers from outside?)

    With his hands on the hilts of his two swords, Kamito secretly jumped in surprise.

    How many elementalists capable of such a feat existed on the continent?

    Two knights standing by in the corners of the hall immediately deployed an istion barrier.

    This ought to break the interference afflicting Rosamia¡ª

    Just then, the sphere hovering in the air changed.

    The blinding brightness went away and an image seemed to surface.

    "H-Hey, don''t tell me that''s...!?"

    ire pointed at the sphere and shouted.

    "...!?"

    Seeing that figure shown in the sphere, Kamito gasped too.

    It was a blonde young maiden, d in pure white holy armor.

    Appearing there was¡ª

    The legendary Sacred Maiden who had revived in the Demon King City.

    "Sacred Maiden Areishia..."

    The Sacred Maiden in the sphere looked down at the nobles with her blue eyes.

    ''¡ªI am Holy Lord Alexandros. I am issuing my final oracle to you.''

    Thus she spoke.

    Part 2

    Holy Lord Alexandros.

    That was whom she, the one with Sacred Maiden Areishia''s appearance, called herself.

    The maiden''s pure and sacred glow inspired viewers with absolute fear and reverence.

    The nobles in the council all held their breath, staring at her in mesmerization.

    "Th-That sacred appearance¡ª" "The Holy Lord?" "Unbelievable..."

    No one in this world had witnessed the Elemental Lords'' appearances first hand.

    Even Sacred Maiden Areishia was known toter generations only through surviving portraits.

    However, everyone present believed they were looking at the genuine Holy Lord.

    That absolute majesty awakened primal fear in humans.

    "...!?"

    Even Kamito and his friends were rendered speechless, flooded by the imposing presence.

    "I never expected, to show up here¡ª"

    ire wiped sweat off her brow.

    "...What the heck is going to happen?"

    Next¡ª

    "Loyal servants of the Elemental Lords, people of the human realm¡ª"

    Inside the otherwise silent hall, the Sacred Maiden''s transparent voice echoed.

    "¡ªI issue to you the final oracle."

    (...Final oracle,e again?)

    Kamito''s thoughts were puzzled.

    Confusion arose among the nobles in the hall, subdued by majestic light.

    In all of history, the Elemental Lords had never issued an oracle in such a manner.

    Also¡ª

    (She said final¡ª)

    "¡ªThree dayster, this world shall disappear."

    Thus dered the Holy Lord with a young girl''s appearance.

    "...! W-What!?" "What was that just now...?" "...Disappear?"

    The hall was instantly in chaos.

    "W-What is the meaning of this!?" "What?"

    The totally one-sided deration made even ire and the girls, who already knew the Holy Lord''s goal, unable to hide their surprise.

    It was neither prophetic verse, a riddle or a parable.

    ¡ªIt was truly an oracle.

    Conveyed was clear intent to erase the current world.

    "I shall be the one to reconstruct this world that has gone down the wrong path. The human realm and Astral Zero shall bepletely erased, to create correct world¡ª"

    A peaceful voice filled with tender affection was heard.

    All the nobles present could not speak, listening to the oracle in shock.

    Humans could not say no to an Elemental Lord''s oracle.

    All they could respond to a powerful Elemental Lord were offering rituals.

    Even when the Fire Elemental Lord destroyed the Elsteinnds and took away the power of mes¡ª

    The people of Ordesia were powerless, left with no choice but to obediently endure that wrath.

    "¡ªUntil the gate of termination opens, I grant you the chance to enjoy your final moments. This is a gift to the human race who has served loyally."

    "¡ªNonsense!"

    Crack.

    ire struck the floor with metongue.

    Her clear eyes, like rubies, red at the Sacred Maiden shown in the sphere.

    "What gift? I''m not gonna let you do as you like!

    "H-Hey, ire?"

    The Sacred Maiden looked down coldly at ire.

    "¡ªYou are not at fault. It is the world itself that has erred."

    "...! What did you say!?"

    "I hope you will all enjoy your final happiness¡ª"

    After making a gesture of rest in peace with her hand in front of her chest, the Sacred Maiden¡ª

    She vanished amid blinding light.

    Part 3

    The imperial council was forced to end amid chaos.

    First there was the Holy Capital''s disappearance, followed by the Holy Lord''s oracle to erase the world.

    One could hardly me them for panicking.

    "The Holy Lord''s oracle just now has apparently reached all the shrines across the continent."

    While traveling through a corridor to her room, Fianna spoke.

    "In other words, every nation is in chaos too."

    "Yes, apparently..."

    Fianna answered gravely to ire''s whispers. Having sent away her bodyguard knights, she only had ire and the rest of Team Scarlet by her side.

    "A one-side deration to erase the world, who could ept that!?"

    "Too unreasonable!"

    Ellis and Rinslet protested in anger.

    Wearing a mask, Rubia remained silent.

    "By the way, I didn''t think they''d work this fast."

    Opening the gate to the Otherworld, seizing the power of angels, recreating the world.

    Was the Holy Lord''s n finally going to be implemented?

    (She mentioned some kind of gate of termination. Where the heck is that gate...?)

    ¡ªJust as Kamito was lost in deep thought...

    Fianna suddenly halted in her steps.

    "What''s the matter, Fianna?"

    "¡ªA spirit sent by the Divine Ritual Institute."

    Fianna pointed into the air.

    Small dots of light were gathering there, forming a spirit in the shape of a three-legged bird.

    "¡ªYatagarasu, huh? Among messenger spirits, it is considered the highest ranked."

    Rubia instantly discerned its identity.

    The ck bird with three legs pped its wings andnded on Fianna''s left arm.

    "Uh, who sent this?"

    Just as Fianna wondered in puzzlement...

    ''It has been a while, Senpai.''

    (Hmm, where have I heard this voice before...)

    Kamito found the voice a bit familiar.

    "...Reicha?"

    Fianna widened her eyes slightly.

    The voice belonged to Fire Queen Reicha Alminas.

    She was junior to Fianna and Rubia. Before the de Dance tournament, this princess maiden had helped out Kamito.

    With a serious expression, Fianna looked at the spirit on the left arm.

    "¡ªThe Sacred Maiden''s oracle, right?"

    ''Indeed.''

    Hearing that, the Yatagarasu with Reicha''s voice nodded. Sending a messenger spirit at this point in time could only be because of that incident.

    "About the oracle just now, what is the Divine Ritual Institute''s interpretation?"

    "It is unmistakably the Holy Lord''s oracle. However¡ª"

    Saying that, Reicha paused.

    "The Divine Ritual Institute cannot ept such an oracle."

    "I am relieved to hear that."

    Fianna exhaled.

    She had been worrying whether the Divine Ritual Institute would end up mired in disagreement over the oracle.

    ''Uh, there is one thing I must tell you, Senpai.''

    "What is it?"

    Hearing Reicha''s nervous voice, everyone present paid extra attention.

    Apart from the Holy Lord''s oracle, did something else happen at the Divine Ritual Institute...?

    ''The Holy Capital of Alexandria has appeared on Ragna Ys.''

    "What!?"

    "What did you say!?"

    Even Kamito could not help but shout after hearing the shocking report.

    (The Holy Capital is at Ragna Ys...?)

    Ragna Ys was the stage where the de Dance had been held.

    For Team Scarlet, it was a ce filled with special memories.

    Of all ces, who could have thought the Holy Capital would appear there¡ª

    "Wait a sec. Ragna Ys is quiterge, you know. Where exactly is it?"

    ire asked.

    ''Well¡ªthe location where the Holy Capital appeared is the shrine of the Five Great Elemental Lords.''

    "What!?"

    Kamito and the others stared at one another.

    The shrine of the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    It was a ce where only victors of the de Dance were eligible to enter.

    "...Why is it there?"

    ''No idea. It is hard to believe it is mere coincidence¡ª''

    The Yatagarasu conveying Reicha''s voice shook its head.

    ¡ªNaturally, it could not be coincidence.

    "Is there anything happening on Ragna Ys?"

    Fianna asked.

    ''No, not at the moment. But¡ª''

    After a pause, Reicha continued.

    ''I have an extremely bad feeling.''

    ¡ªIt was no mere feeling.

    This was the instinct of a Queen, a supreme princess maiden of the continent.

    "So the n is to open the gate at the Holy Capital that is superimposed with the Elemental Lords'' shrine, huh..."

    "I guess¡ª"

    Although it was unknown how the Holy Lord was going to open the gate to the Otherworld¡ª

    "..."

    After a brief silence, ire spoke.

    "Let''s go, to Astral Zero¡ª"

    "Alright." "Yes." "...I agree."

    The trio of Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet nodded at the same time.

    Once the Holy Lord opened the gate, whether the human realm or Astral Zero, both would probably disappear as a result.

    If not that, the army of angels would surely crush everything.

    ...No matter which oue, neither was eptable.

    Even if this was a wed world that had erred¡ª

    (...This is the world where we live in.)

 Volume 19, 7 - The Flame Sisters

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 7 - The me Sisters</h4>

    Part 1

    ording to Fianna, teleporting to Astral Zero required some time for preparations. Before the transfer, the historical site in the shrine had to be activated with correct coordinates set for the Divine Ritual Institute''s main worship hall.

    During this preparation period, ire returned to her room to check the luggage she was going to bring.

    "...I never thought I''d return to Astral Zero again."

    She stuffed ritual instruments and spirit crystals with all kinds of effects into her backpack.

    As the leader of Team Scarlet, it was her duty to prepare for contingencies.

    Finally, she stuffed an utterly worn out notebook in the chest pocket of her uniform.

    It contained the notes about formation tactics developed for the de Dance.

    (...We won again and again throughout that de Dance.)

    de dancing against many strong teams and formidable foes, the memories were still vivid in her mind.

    If the Holy Lord obtained the power of angels, then the victory won by Kamito and Team Scarlet would no longer exist.

    (...That is something I will absolutely not ept!)

    She clenched her fist tightly and stood up.

    Just then, Scarlet, who was lying on the bed, looked at the door and miaowed.

    "What''s up, Scarlet?"

    Did Rinslet visit?

    Just as ire wondered...

    "¡ªire, it is I."

    "N-N-Nee-sama!?"

    ire hastily stood up and opened the door.

    Rubia was standing in front of the doorway.

    This was the first time ire''s sister hade alone to find her.

    "N-Nee-sama, uh?"

    "I need to speak with you."

    "U-Uh, hold on, I-I''ll prepare some tea..."

    In a fluster, ire went to get a teapot.

    "Let me sit down first."

    Saying there, Rubia sat down on the bedside.

    "O-Okay, please go ahead..."

    ire nodded stiffly.

    She ced the y teapot on top of the curled up Scarlet.

    Whoosh¡ªSteam instantly gushed out. The hot water all evaporated within the blink of an eye.

    "Are you still unused to controlling fire?"

    "...! N-No, it''s because you suddenly came, so I''m nervous..."

    ire seemed lost.

    "..."

    Rubia suddenly looked at the books piled on the bed.

    "You always loved reading since childhood."

    "You were the one who taught me to read, Nee-sama."

    "...Is that so?"

    "Yes, you always read to me before bedtime."

    ire kept a little distance and sat on the bed.

    "U-Uh, you wanted to speak to me about?"

    "¡ªAbout Kazehaya Kamito."

    "...Kamito?"

    Rubia nodded calmly.

    "The Darkness Elemental Lord is gradually taking over his soul. At this rate, eventually¡ª"

    "...I knew it."

    ire bit the nail of her thumb.

    Of course she had noticed something strange about Kamito.

    During the ship ride to the imperial capital, he had seemed inexplicably worried.

    "With the awakening of Sacred Maiden Areishia, I fear that the Demon King''s power has started to awaken again. Although the darkness spirit is suppressing it the time being, he will soon reach his limit."

    "What will happen to Kamito once the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power consumes him?"

    "An reenactment of Demon King Solomon. No, considering Kazehaya Kamito''stent power, perhaps a cmity far greater than that."

    ire clenched her fist tightly which was resting on her skirt.

    (If Kamito turned into that...)

    He would probably forget his memories with ire and everyone else¡ª

    "What should we do?"

    "Although imperfect, there are methods to suppress the Darkness Elemental Lord''s awakening."

    Rubia reached out and summoned an ancient scroll from out of thin air.

    "...What is this?"

    "A scroll from a thousand years ago that I discovered in Sjora Kahn''s secret library."

    "What''s written in it?"

    "Writings about the ritual magic used by Demon King Solomon to control the power of darkness¡ª"

    "...!?"

    With a snap of Rubia''s fingers, the scroll wasid open.

    "I can''t read High Ancient."

    "I Know. I will now transmit the images directly into your mind."

    "Huh?"

    Staring into ire''s eyes, Rubia ced a hand on her forehead.

    Her slender fingers glowed faintly with the light of divine power.

    Instantly, information rushed into ire''s mind all at once.

    "N-Nee-sama, what is... this... Hwah!"

    "Close your eyes and concentrate."

    "B-But this is... almost like a de dance of the night..."

    Seeing what the ritual magic involved, ire''s face turned bright red.

    "Do not loseposure over something of this extent. Do you not wish to save Kazehaya Kamito?"

    "Y-Yes, Nee-sama... Ehhh, no way, I-I even have to do that!?"

    "Do not overreact. This, f-for me too..."

    Confronted with the images of ancient ritual magic swirling in their heads¡ª

    The pure and innocent sisters on the bed began to heat up in body temperature.

    Part 2

    "Packed lunch boxes can eaten any time. Good idea."

    "Yes. After all, sandwiches alone would be too monotonous."

    Meanwhile, Ellis and Rinslet were borrowing the pce kitchen to make packed meals.

    Although they had no idea what had happened in Astral Zero, regardless, hunger was an eventuality that had to be taken care of.

    "...Hmm, this came out pretty good."

    Ellis packed omelet rolls into the lunch boxes one after another as she finished frying them.

    The Sylphid Knights'' lunches originally consisted mainly of sandwiches, but ever since Kamito joined the order, the girls started to make cute lunch boxes on their own.

    Seeing that, Ellis changed her former view that lunch was merely a meal to fill the stomach, and started preparing lunch boxes for Kamito under the pretext that making an additional portion was no extra effort.

    While making her lunch boxes up to standard, Ellis took full care to consider nutritional bnce too.

    Hers included mini-sd with roast beef, omelet rolls, pasta, grilled cheese, stewed yams, etc, as well as an abundance of hot vegetables.

    "I have done my best work too!"

    "Oh, I look forward to it... Wait, what is with that lunch box!?"

    Drawing closer to nce at Rinslet''s lunch box, Ellis'' expression froze.

    There was a strange and iprehensible pattern depicted inside Rinslet''s lunch box.

    ...It was almost like abstract art by an avant-garde artist.

    "There are elemental lunch boxes for everyone, created with a motif based on each person''s contracted spirit."

    Rinslet puffed out her chest in pride and exined.

    "Did you say... spirit? So this red one is Scarlet, really?"

    Ellis asked in trepidation.

    "Of course."

    She nodded proudly.

    "I-I see..."

    Ellis avoided eye contact, pretending she had seen nothing.

    "No one can be perfect in everything, yes."

    "What was that?"

    Hearing that, Rinslet frowned.

    "...N-Nothing. By the way, what are those ingredients for?"

    Ellis hastily changed the subject, drawing attention to the many sacks of flour in the kitchen.

    "Yes, this is flour to make pancakes to be offered to Lady Iseria."

    "Oh I see."

    Rinslet had made a promise with Water Elemental Lord Iseria Seaward who was in Astral Zero, to dedicate offerings of pancakes to her.

    "After that, Lady Iseria has not issued any oracles."

    Saying that, Rinslet nced at the blue rose spirit seal, murmuring with worry. Back when they were recapturing the Academy, she could still hear Iseria''s voice, but now there was no response no matter how much she called out.

    "Hmm, there might be a situation."

    "I hope she is safe and sound..."

    Part 3

    Meanwhile, Kamito was in his room polishing Est.

    He pressed a steel spirit crystal against the sacred sword''s de and poured in divine power, polishing meticulously. Every time the spirit crystal brushed against the de, tiny particles of light floated into the air.

    (Doing work as usual helps with calming the heart and mind...)

    Using a dry cloth, he carefully rubbed the de he had spent his time polishing.

    An observer might think he looked confident.

    But Kamito was not polishing his sword because he was confident.

    It was the opposite.

    Starting from the time at the Instructional School, he would polish his weapons like this before missions. For Kamito, weapon maintenance was akin to a ritual for adjusting his mind.

    ''...Hua, it feels nice, Kamito.''

    The silver-white de shed. Originally, there was no need to polish or sharpen the Demon yer, an elemental waffe, but Est apparently enjoyed the feeling of her de being polished.

    (Maybe it''s kinda like cleaning ears for us humans...)

    Thinking that, Kamito smiled wryly.

    As a side note, Restia apparently disliked getting her de polished.

    ording to her, it was a bit embarrassing.

    Reminded of Est''s refusal to expose her bare feet, Kamito was truly confused as to what triggers spirits'' sense of shame and embarrassment.

    ''Kamito, I entrust the back of the de to you too.''

    "Yeah, I got it."

    Responding to Est''s request, Kamito started to polish the back of the de.

    Staring at the phosphorescent sh of divine power, he fell into deep thought.

    Protecting ire in the sealed cave and performing the spirit contract ceremony had been just a few months ago.

    After that, Est had been Kamito''s sword all this time.

    There was once when she exhausted her power to save Kamito and was lost as a result.

    And also because Kamito lost his memory one time, it interrupted the spirit contract temporarily.

    But no matter what, Est was always Kamito''s sword.

    Even if she had to oppose Sacred Maiden Areishia, her former contractor, she swore she would remain Kamito''s sword forever.

    ''Kamito, what is wrong?''

    Perhaps because his hand stopped for a moment, Est asked.

    "...Hmm? Oh, uh, I was just thinking you''re super awesome, Est."

    ''...!''

    When he revealed his true feelings without thinking, Est''s de instantly sparked.

    "That burns!"

    ''...! Sorry, Kamito.''

    "It''s okay, I was just startled a bit."

    Kamito dipped his hand in a bucket of water to cool his scorched finger.

    Just then...

    The sacred sword turned into particles of light and vanished. A silver-haired maiden dressed in uniform appeared before his eyes.

    Her silver-white hair glowed faintly. Skin as pale as snow. There seemed to be faint blush on her expressionless face, dainty as a doll''s.

    "¡ªI was startled too, Kamito."

    Her clear eyes of violet stared intently at Kamito.

    "You are truly the Demon King of the Night, Kamito."

    "W-What...!?"

    "Kamito, were you speaking your true feelings just now?"

    Faced with Est asking expressionlessly...

    "¡ªYeah, of course."

    Despite feeling a bit embarrassed, Kamito still nodded vigorously.

    "Est, you''ve been my awesome partner this whole time. As long as I''m with you, I''ll never lose, not even to angels from another world, the Holy Lord, or Sacred Maiden Areishia."

    "...Kamito."

    Est murmured then stood rooted to the spot.

    Next¡ª

    "Kamito, I have made my decision."

    Est sat down on the bed in the room.

    "E-Est, th-they''re showing, you know!?"

    "Yes, please have a look. Kamito¡ª"

    "Eh?"

    When Est finished speaking expressionlessly¡ª

    She hooked her finger against the hem of her kneesock.

    "I want you to see, Kamito. My all as the ultimate sword spirit¡ª"

    "What!?"

    Kamito could not help but fix his gaze on Est''s leg.

    Thighs as smooth as porcin. Her slender little feet, wrapped in dark blue kneesocks.

    Maintaining her posture with her hands against the hems of her kneesocks, Est stared at Kamito.

    And Kamito was stunned, sitting on the bed.

    ...Est had always been strongly against exposing her bare feet.

    Even Kamito had never had a chance to see what was hidden inside those socks.

    For Est to be willing to expose her bare feet, in spite of all that¡ª

    "...W-Why so suddenly!?"

    "This is to prevent my de from wavering when crossing swords against Areishia."

    Est dered firmly.

    "I want you to see my all, Kamito, to engrave upon my heart the fact that you are my true master."

    "Est..."

    Est, as she was right now, was a separate existence from her principal body. But even so, there was always the possibility she might waver when facing off against her former master Areishia.

    Even wavering for the slightest instant could end up deciding the oue of the battle.

    "Kamito, please bear witness to my determination now¡ª"

    Est began to slide down her fingers that were hooked against her kneesocks.

    "...!"

    Seeing that, Kamito could not help but hold his breath.

    The dark blue kneesocks rustled as it slid below the knees¡ª

    There, they suddenly stopped.

    "...?"

    "...Sure enough, it is still embarrassing."

    Est shook her head mildly.

    Perhaps due to embarrassment, there was a faint tint of pink on her snow-whiteplexion of a spirit''s.

    Kamito was seeing this expression for the first time.

    "Est..."

    Kamito¡ª

    "Hang in there, do your best."

    He spoke in a serious tone of voice.

    "...!?"

    ...Indeed, this was Est''s determination.

    As her contractor, Kamito was obliged to witness to the very end.

    "...No good. To go further, even for Kamito..."

    Est was speaking so quietly that her voice seemed like it would vanish any moment.

    To encourage Est, Kamito spoke in her ear to persuade her.

    "Still, I do want to see all of you, Est."

    "Kamito... I understand..."

    Est nodded mildly.

    Rustle. Rustle.

    The kneesocks moved downwards.

    As the kneesocks formed coils, the snow-white calves came into view.

    "Hwa, so embarrassing, Kamito..."

    "Est, just a little more... Hang in there, just a little more..."

    "...No, sure enough, this is the limit, no more."

    "Just hang in there a bit, Est¡ª"

    Kamito''s voice naturally grew more and more fervent.

    "...! K-Kamito, so perverted."

    Just as Est whispered that...

    "¡ªFufu, having a lot of fun here, are we?"

    Kamito''s view turned pitch ck.

    "...Owah!"

    Kamito fell back on the bed.

    He looked up¡ª

    Only to see the darkness spirit before his eyes, her jet-ck wings outspread.

    "Kamito, what are you doing to Miss Sword Spirit?"

    "R-Restia..."

    ...Despite the smile on her face, there was no smile in her eyes.

    Part 4

    At the main shrine of the Elemental Lords, located in the center of Ragna Ys...

    This was the ce where Greyworth had reached twenty-four years ago, whereas Kamito and Team Scarlet had also arrived after de dancing against numerous formidable foes.

    Those qualified to enter this ce were limited to the Queens serving the Elemental Lords and the winners of the de Dance tournament. No exceptions.

    A girl was slowly walking up the steps leading up to that altar.

    The Sacred Queen dressed in vestments of pure white¡ªNo, it was a being bearing such an appearance only.

    "¡ªThank you for your patience, my friends and allies."

    Holy Lord Alexandros greeted the lords on the thrones with familiarity.

    The silhouettes of five thrones behind the curtain were visible.

    They were the vacuous lords ruling over this world.

    The thrones of the Elemental Lords corrupted by True Darkness.

    The souls of the Water Elemental Lord and the Fire Elemental Lord had been liberated, but what could be considered their principal body were still imprisoned on this altar.

    The Holy Lord ascended the steps and arrived before the thrones.

    Using the insane Elemental Lords as sacrifices, to reopen the gate leading to the Otherworld¡ª

    "With this my long-time wish, mine and hers from seven thousand years ago, shall be fulfilled."

    The Holy Lord reached into the darkness swirling over the Fire Elemental Lord''s throne.

    "¡ªLet the gate to paradise open here and now."

 Volume 19, 8 - To Astral Zero

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 8 - To Astral Zero</h4>

    Part 1

    After packing their respective luggage, Kamito and the members of Team Scarlet gathered in front of the historical site where the Fianna had designated the portal.

    Located at the imperial capital''s main shrine, the historical site was shaped like a giant disc. Carved on the stones were writings in High Ancient, left behind by the Elfim race.

    In front of the site, Fianna set up spirit crystals and calibrated the teleport destination coordinates.

    Some of the nobles were against Fianna leaving the imperial capital even temporarily, seeing as she was the acting monarch, but Fianna was able to get her way thanks to Duke Fahrengart''s support.

    He announced that this reconnaissance mission was on invitation from the Divine Ritual Instiute. Furthermore, it was necessary for the princess to confirm personally whether the rumor of the holy capital teleported to Astral Zero was true or not. Thus, the imperial council was persuaded.

    "Kamito, why does it seem like there''s a burnt smell?"

    "...Yeah, don''t worry about it."

    When ire pointed it out, Kamito looked away.

    ''Kamito is the lecherous Demon King.''

    "E-Est!?"

    ''Indeed, there''s nothing wrong with being the Demon King of the Night, but know some restraint.''

    "Restia!"

    Carried at his waist on his left and right respectively, the sacred sword and the demon sword spoke with tacit coordination.

    "Wait a sec, Kamito, what did you do!?"

    "Hmm, please confess everything."

    "I smell an incident!"

    The three youngdies eyed him suspiciously.

    "W-Wait, it''s not like that...!"

    Just as Kamito frantically shook his head...

    "The teleportation circle isplete. Are you ready, everyone?"

    Fianna stood up and asked them.

    "Y-Yeah..."

    "Yes, no problem here."

    "Lunch boxes all ready!"

    Having swallowed everyone''s luggage, Fenrir barked.

    Next, slightlyter¡ª

    "¡ªThank you for waiting."

    "Nee-sama..."

    Rubia appeared in her military uniform.

    On her face was the me mask she had been wearing during the de Dance.

    Indeed, if the notorious Cmity Queen were to show up at the Divine Ritual Institute''s main shrine in her true appearance, it would most likely cause a greatmotion.

    "Now then, everyone hold hands and step onto the magic circle¡ª"

    "Hwahh, h-hold hands!?"

    "N-No way, I am not mentally ready yet...!"

    Standing on Kamito''s two sides were ire and Ellis, who instantly blushed.

    "So unfair, you two!"

    "Seriously, what are you doing? Hurry up."

    Fianna forcefully ced the two shy girl''s hands into Kamito''s, linking them.

    "Hyah!"

    "Ah, ooh..."

    The two noble youngdies reacted adorably.

    "¡ªWell then, we are leaping now."

    In the center of the magic circle, Fianna chanted words from the lostnguage of High Ancient.

    "Isra El Ruo Arak Nell O Ragna Ys¡ª"

    The spiritnguage carved on the historical site immediately glowed with mysterious blue light¡ª

    In the next instant, Kamito andpany became shrouded in an incredible floating feeling.

    Part 2

    Saaaaaaaaaaash!

    The instant they were liberated from the floating feeling, there was a massive ssh of water.

    "...!?"

    Falling headlong into water, Kamito was plunged into confusion, unable to get a grasp on his situation.

    "Mmgg, mmggggg...!"

    About to drown, he frantically tried to stand up. His mind was still in a daze.

    Soft.

    Just by chance, the tip of his nose collided with something stic.

    "...Mmgg, mmggggggggg...!"

    Taking a closer look, he saw an attractive bottom, covered by panties of pure white.

    Boing, boing, pinned under a very bouncy bottom, Kamito almost suffocated.

    "..Hwahh, K-Kamito-san, what are you doing!?"

    Apanied by a scream, the panties separated from Kamito''s face.

    ...It was apparently Rinslet''s bottom.

    "Pwah!"

    Finally freed, Kamito poked his head out of the water.

    "C-Cough, c-cough... W-What happened...?"

    While choking, he looked around him.

    Next¡ª

    The scene before his eyes stunned Kamito.

    Wrapped in wet sheer fabric, almost half naked, princess maidens were staring at Kamito with shocked expressions.

    "...What!?"

    One princess maiden''s face looked familiar to him.

    ck hair, dripping with water, innocent eyes blinking.

    She was Reicha Alminas¡ªthe current Queen serving the Fire Elemental Lord.

    (Uh, in that case, these girls are...)

    A bad feeling made Kamito''s back break out in cold sweat.

    In the next instant...

    "Kyahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The girls lostposure and shrieked.

    "S-Suspicious person!" "Has the lewd beast invaded the Divine Ritual Institute''s main shrine!?" "Be gone! Be gone¡ª!"

    Yes, this was a forbidden zone, where only selected princess maidens were eligible to step foot into.

    A purification site reserved exclusively for the Queens, only five of them across the whole continent.

    "...H-Hey, Fianna!?"

    Kamito turned his head back, looking for the culprit behind this situation.

    Fianna remained sitting in the water, sticking her tongue out innocently.

    "Fufu, perhaps I messed up on the coordinates a little?"

    "Sheesh, why did you have to teleport here of all ces!?"

    Her uniformpletely drenched, ire was so angry that her twintails were standing on end.

    "K-Kamito-san t-t-touched m-m-my bottom...!"

    Holding down her thoroughly wet skirt, Rinslet was shaking, her face bright red.

    "W-Wait, you two, uh, your underwear... is showing through."

    "...!?" "Hyah!"

    When Ellis pointed it out, ire and Rinslet hastily brought their arms up to cover their chests.

    "S-Sorry!?"

    Kamito shifted his gaze away, meanwhile his heart rate rising.

    However, when he turned his head to look back¡ª

    He found the Queens holding soap and buckets, all ring at him.

    "...!?"

    Just as he was thinking "my life is over"...

    "...My goodness. You have fared poorly with teleportation ritual magic since long ago."

    With her crimson hair dripping water nonstop, Rubia slowly stood up.

    "...Huh? R-Rubia-sama!?"

    Reicha Alminas instantly covered her own mouth and looked shocked.

    "Oh..."

    Taking another look¡ª

    The demon mask covering her face had evidently fallen off in the impact.

    "...Sorry, wrong person."

    "No way, this is Rubia-sama, right? Right?"

    "..."

    In response, Rubia turned her head away somewhat awkwardly.

    (...Come on, no way in hell you can deny it now.)

    Kamito muttered in his mind in exasperation.

    Part 3

    "My goodness, are you sure you didn''t do it on purpose?"

    "That goes without saying. Even someone like me would not y a joke at a time like this."

    "...Hmph, who can trust you?"

    "K-Kamito-san, p-please forget my bottom."

    "Y-Yeah..."

    "Be quiet. This is the main shrine of the Divine Ritual Institute, you know?"

    Using Scarlet''s mes to dry their clothes, ire and the girls bickered while walking along a corridor in the Divine Ritual Institute''s main shrine.

    The four Queens, who had finished their ritual purification, were leading the way.

    Wind Queen Sylpha Lastia, Earth Queen Nia Roshka, Water Queen Feilei Sin Quina, as well as Fire Queen Reicha Alminas¡ª

    The fifth Queen was not present.

    Lumi Leisched, the Queen serving the Holy Lord, had lost consciousness after the oracle was issued, remaining bedridden all this time.

    The Holy Lord''s oracle had been issued to every church across the continent. As the medium for the oracle, she had copsed, unable to withstand such massive strain.

    (...For the Holy Lord, even a Queen is just a tool, huh?)

    Trailing a few steps behind Kamito andpany, the masked Rubia remained silent.

    It looked like she found it awkward speaking to her juniors, the current Queens.

    "Just now, something has happened at the holy capital on Ragna Ys."

    Leading the way, Reicha spoke in a nervous voice.

    "What happened?"

    Her close friend Fianna asked.

    "It is faster for you to see with your own eyes. Please do not jump to conclusions based on preconceptions."

    "...I understand."

    ¡ªThe Divine Ritual Institute''s main shrine was located on a cliff where there was a great waterfall.

    Towards the cliff, one overlooked a vast forest. This was the forest of Astral Zero, even bigger than the Spirit Forest that upied one third of Ordesia''s area.

    The sky was mildly red. Even during the daytime, twinkling stars were visible.

    At night, two moons, one red and one blue would rise.

    "How nostalgic, this air."

    ire puffed out her chest and took a deep breath.

    "Yes, the air is filled with pure divine power."

    "Yes, it feels like my soul is being cleansed."

    "The holy capital was transferred to the Elemental Lords'' shrine, in that direction¡ª"

    Saying that, Reicha pointed across the vast forest.

    "...Where?"

    cing her hand over her forehead, ire narrowed her eyes.

    "Wait, I shall create a lens of wind using Far Sight."

    Wind Queen Sylpha stepped forward and chanted spirit magic.

    Kamito andpany watched as the air before them became distorted, turning into a massive lens.

    Their view was magnified. Scenery far away instantly looked as though it was right in front of them.

    Then¡ª

    "W-What is that...!?"

    Ellis eximed in shock.

    Kamito and the others were stunned too.

    "Not sure. It suddenly appeared in the sky over the holy capital."

    As though superimposed on top, the holy capital had appeared on the Elemental Lords'' shrine.

    A gigantic ck pir had risen from the central part of the holy capital.

    The ck pir pierced a hole in the sky of Astral Zero, producing a swirling void.

    (...! That''s¡ª!)

    Kamito had seen this scene before.

    It was the Otherworld hole he had seen in Ren Ashdoll''s dream.

    "The gate to the Otherworld has opened?"

    Kamito groaned in a trembling voice.

    Part 4

    A gate to the Otherworld had appeared in the sky over the holy capital. Witnessing the shocking scene, Kamito andpany returned to the main shrine for the time being.

    Next, they exined the current situation to the confused Reicha and Queens.

    The Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords. Sacred Maiden Areishia who had revived in a desert far away. Also, the truth of the Holy Lord''s wish to open a gate to the Otherworld and obtain the power of angels¡ª

    After listening to them, the four Queens were stunned, unable to speak.

    "The Holy Lord wishes to open a gate to the Otherworld..."

    "No way...!"

    "Although it is hard to believe, I can assure you this is absolutely true."

    Fianna told them.

    "No, we are not doubting your words. After all, there is that oracle earlier."

    Reicha shook her head.

    "However, the amount of information is staggering..."

    "Yes, that is true. After all, we suddenly have mentions of a gate to the Otherworld and angels¡ª"

    Hearing what Fianna said...

    "..."

    The four Queens looked at each other with a look of doubt.

    "...What''s wrong?"

    "No, uh..."

    Wind Queen Sylpha spoke ambiguously.

    "Actually, we know about the angels'' existence."

    "What!?"

    "...What is this about?"

    ire and Fianna eximed.

    "Although the Divine Ritual Institute''s dogma does not mention such beings, which means we must not speak about them, we Queens have all seen angels."

    "How exactly, where¡ª"

    Mid-sentence, Kamito realized it.

    "I see, the Elemental Lords'' dreams...!"

    "Indeed."

    Reicha nodded calmly.

    True, these Queens were contractors who received the Elemental Lords'' oracles directly.

    Assuming it was possible to share in the dreams of the Elemental Lords driven mad by the corrupting Otherworldly Darkness, it came as no surprise that they could see the army of angels, restless in the darkness.

    "After listening to your story, I finally understand."

    "...Understand what?"

    "The truth about the gate appearing in the sky over the holy capital."

    "...!?"

    Reicha looked around her in a circle.

    "That ck pir is the principal body of an Elemental Lord."

    "What?"

    "Using an Elemental Lord as a gate...?"

    Kamito andpany looked at one another.

    "Earlier, my spirit seal showed an intense reaction. I fear that the Fire Elemental Lord is the sacrifice used to create that gate."

    "I see."

    Rubia, who had been leaning against the wall, listening silently, finally spoke.

    "ursed Holy Lord, using the Elemental Lords who have been corrupted by the darkness, huh?"

    "In that case, the reason why the holy capital was transported to the Elemental Lords'' shrine¡ª"

    "Yes, it was for this."

    Hearing ire''s murmurs, Rubia nodded.

    (I see, I had seen the army of angels in that darkness...)

    It was because the Elemental Lords served as gates to the Otherworld.

    (...I should''ve realized. The significance of the scene I saw.)

    Using herself as a sacrifice, Millennia Sanctus had summoned an angel at the Academy.

    If an Elemental Lord was used instead, how much bigger of a gate would be opened?

    "But if that''s the case, why hasn''t the Holy Lord opened any gates until now?"

    ire raised a question.

    "¡ªMost likely, he was waiting."

    Rubia looked down at her spirit seal and said.

    "Waiting for the darkness to corrupt further, waiting for the Elemental Lords to descend into instability. No, perhaps stirring up trouble in the continent was for that...?"

    "Indeed, unrest in the human realm would greatly affect the condition of the Elemental Lords responsible for the world''s stability."

    Reicha agreed.

    "Holy Lord Alexandros¡ª"

    Rubia''s crimson eyes burned with tranquil mes of fury.

    Suppose the unrest in Ordesia and the Theocracy, the two Ranbal Wars, and that time when the Fire Elemental Lord went crazy, all this was part of the Holy Lord''s n¡ª

    Then the Holy Lord would be Rubia Elstein''s enemy.

    "...But even so, there might be hope."

    Reicha looked up and swept her gaze over everyone''s face one by one.

    "...What do you mean?"

    "Only one gate has been opened so far, right?"

    "It means that the gate to the Otherworld is notplete yet!"

    Earth Queen Nia Roshka stood up.

    "That''s right!"

    Kamito pped.

    The Holy Lord had said the world would end three dayster.

    In other words, the current gate was notplete, unable to summon the army of angels.

    "Then it means there''s a chance of stopping the Holy Lord''s n¡ª"

    Chin resting on her hand, ire murmured softly.

    "But how do we stop it?"

    "Hmm, if only there were a way to close the gate..."

    "Yes, that''s right..."

    Nodding, Kamito ced his hands on the two swords at his waist.

    (...So I''ve got to storm the holy capital and assassinate the Sacred Maiden, huh?)

    "¡ªI have got an idea."

    Just then, Fianna spoke.

    "What do we do?"

    "Assuming the gate to the Otherworld is formed from the Elemental Lords, then wouldn''t a kagura dance offering be able to pacify their soul?"

    "I see."

    ire nodded.

    "...That could very well work."

    Water Queen Feilei Sin Quina murmured, nodding.

    "But Senpai, that would be no easy task."

    Reicha shook her head.

    "We here have offered kagura to the Elemental Lords many times but that still could not suppress their madness¡ª"

    Even Rubia, famed as the most aplished Queen in history, had not seeded in cating the Fire Elemental Lord''s mad rage.

    "True, but Kamito-ku¡ªRen Ashbell-sama''s de dancing offered at the de Dance tournament did seed in quelling the Elemental Lords'' anger, even if only for a short time, right?"

    "...!?"

    "So you want us to offer a de dance to the Elemental Lords?"

    Hearing ire, Fianna nodded.

    "Yes, a de dance from Team Scarlet, victors of the de Dance tournament, could very well enable the Elemental Lords to recover stability somewhat."

    "Indeed, we Queens were very moved by your de dance."

    Reicha said.

    "It might be worth trying."

    "It does not hurt even if it fails."

    Ellis and Rinslet agreed.

    "Yes, in that case, we shall assist too."

    Water Queen Feirei Sin Quina spoke.

    "Someone is needed to preside over the kagura de dance, right?"

    "Much appreciated."

    "Rubia, what do you think?"

    Just then, Kamito looked back at Rubia standing by the wall and asked.

    With a strict gaze, Rubia had her arms crossed.

    "...It is worth a try, I suppose. At least it could buy some time."

    "Then it''s decided."

    ire practically bounced up.

    "...By the way, where should we offer the de dance?"

    "Hmm, it is not like they will let us approach and perform right in front of the gate, right?"

    Ellis pointed out.

    Indeed, it was hard to imagine the enemy would allow them to offer a de dance right in front of the enemy camp.

    "At the center of Ragna Ys, there is still the arena used for the de Dance three years ago."

    Wind Queen Sylpha spoke.

    "That''s the stage where Ren Ashbell won three years ago!"

    "Yes. Perhaps it might be possible to reach the Elemental Lords with a de dance from there."

    "Got it. Then let''s make that ce our goal."

    Hearing ire''s words, Team Scarlet''s youngdies all nodded.

    "I shallmand the Divine Ritual Institute to prepare a ship. Please be patient."

    Part 5

    "The gate to paradise has finally been opened, Holy Lord¡ª"

    The pir of darkness in the sky of Astral Zero was piercing the gigantic gate.

    Millennia Sanctus was looking up at the scene from a balcony in the Holy Lord Pce.

    The grand Holy Lord Pce was now a temple that had lost its master. Des Esseintes and the Sacred Spirit Knights and others, having served the Holy Lord''s wishes for centuries, were no longer present.

    Then there was Lurie Lizaldia, her former friend and ally¡ª

    All were short-lived bubbles in the past, unnecessary in the new world created by the Holy Lord.

    (Including me...)

    She was not dissatisfied at all.

    After all, the spirit Millennia Sanctus had been born for this purpose.

    (What I need to do is finish the final mission...)

    The spirit with a girl''s appearance gripped tightly the crimson longsword granted by the master.

    Ragnarok¡ªThe elemental waffe of Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus.

    The ultimate elemental waffe of Astral Zero, even surpassing Laevateinn.

    But even the strongest me was not worthy of the master''s possession.

    The sword that belonged in the Sacred Maiden''s hand no longer existed in this world.

    It was what the Holy Lord wished to obtain¡ª

    Just then, a wavering shadow appeared behind Millennia.

    "Ren Ashbell and others have apparently traveled to the Divine Ritual Institute."

    "Yes, I know¡ª"

    She looked back¡ª

    To answer another Millennia Sanctus who had appeared out of thin air.

    A hybrid being, created by merging an angel with the fragments of the sacred sword Terminus Est.

    Distributed across space and time, all of them were one being.

    One of them was destroyed by Dragon King Bahamut. Another became the gate for summoning angels at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    Of four fragments, two remained¡ª

    "Well then,plete the final mission, Millennia."

    "Yes, Millennia¡ª"

    Like mirror reflections, the two instances of Millennia Sanctus nodded simultaneously.

 Volume 19, 9 - To the Altar of Dancing Blades

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 9 - To the Altar of Dancing des</h4>

    Part 1

    The ceremonial ship, Grand Titania, took off for the Elemental Lords'' shrine.

    Although the Divine Ritual Institute''s elder council were reluctant to let four Queens go in person, Reicha and the Queens'' strong resolve convinced them in the end.

    The elder council probably could note up with any effective response to the Holy Lord''s oracle and the gate to the Otherworld that had appeared over the holy capital.

    Grand Titania was a white ship with a graceful streamlined shape.

    Three years ago, it had been first unveiled during the de Dance opening ceremony. Itcked weapons because it was not a military ship, but it was the fastest ship in Astral Zero.

    Of course, this was also its first time to carry a man, apparently.

    "The destination is not far. With this ship''s speed, we ought to arrive in half an hour or so."

    Staring intently at the holy capital afar, Reicha spoke.

    She was holding a glowing transparent orb in her arms.

    It looked like an artifact connected to the spirit crystal energy source and used to control the ship.

    Grand Titania flew quickly across an endless in.

    On lookout duty was Simorgh, currently on deck to guard against spirit attacks.

    Although the figures ofrge spirits could be seen in the sky, there were no signs of theming to attack yet.

    Looking at the sky over the holy capital, one could see the gate that resembled a vortex of festering darkness.

    It was already as big as the gate that Kamito had seen in the Darkness Elemental Lord''s memories.

    If the gate were to bepletely activated, how many angels would appear?

    Just as he was lost in thought¡ª

    "Kamito, what are you spacing out for?"

    ire tugged at his sleeve and greeted him.

    "W-What''s up?"

    "Rinslet and Ellis said they made packed lunches. Let''s fill our stomachs before we arrive at the holy capital."

    "Yeah, I got it."

    Indeed, no one could predict what was going to happen in the holy capital. Since it was not far away, he should take this opportunity and eat first.

    "...Hmm?"

    Just then, noticing something a bit strange about ire''s attitude, Kamito frowned in surprise.

    Tugging at his uniform sleeve, ire was staring directly at his eyes.

    As though observing seriously¡ª

    Next¡ª

    "...Looks like it''s fine."

    She murmured quietly.

    "...What do you mean is fine?"

    Concerned, Kamito asked.

    "N-Nothing!"

    ire went red in the face and shook her head, returning to Rinslet and the others.

    On the deck of Grand Titania, the youngdies set out their lunch boxes.

    No simple snacks along the likes of sandwiches. Everypartment in the little wooden boxes was filled with a small portion of a cooked dish.

    "The Captain and I took great pains to create these."

    "Yes, and we even used carefully selected ingredients to help replenish divine power."

    Rinslet and Ellis arranged the colorful wooden boxes on the floor.

    "Wow, that is amazing!"

    "M-May we have a try too!?"

    Wind Queen Sylpha and Earth Queen Nia eximed.

    "Most certainly. As it turns out, in our zeal we made too much."

    "Wow, thank you very much!"

    The four Queen bowed their heads politely in gratitude.

    Even Queens, elite of the elite, had a side to them like ordinary girls... Thought Kamito to himself.

    "Where is Rubia?"

    "I invited her, but she said she needed to check some literature on rituals."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "I see..."

    Sure enough, spending time with junior Queens would feel awkward.

    "I will take my sister''s portion to herter."

    Saying that, ire took a pink lunch box.

    "That''s your portion, ire."

    "...? They''re not the same inside?"

    "Indeed, open it up and have a look. You will be surprised."

    Rinslet looked quite proud as she spoke.

    "Oh well, it''ll definitely taste good anyway since you cooked it."

    Saying that, ire took off the lid.

    "H-Hwahhhhhhhhhhhh, a d-demon spirit!?"

    Instantly, she screamed.

    "...What is with you, that is so rude. It is Scarlet, okay!?"

    Rinslet protested with a look of dissatisfaction.

    "Huh? How does this thing resemble Scarlet in any way!?"

    ire disyed what was in the lunch box.

    When they had a look, everyone except Rinslet ended up with frozen expressions.

    On top of the rolled omelet was a monstrous design drawn using bright-red ketchup.

    "It doesn''t even look like a cat!"

    "Miaow¡ª!"

    Boshboshbosh.

    Scarlet protested and gave Rinslet several kitty punches to the knee.

    "See, even Scarlet''s angry."

    "Ehh, didn''t I draw the ears and the tail!? Look, here¡ª"

    "Uh, I totally cannot make it out¡ª"

    Fianna shrugged too.

    "Say, don''t tell me that Rinslet''s sense of aesthetics is this low?"

    Kamito whispered in Ellis'' ear.

    "Hmm, it looks she really believes the drawing is cute."

    Ellis scratched her own face while answering quietly.

    ...How unexpected, a perfectionist young nobledy''s surprising weakness.

    "Could it be that all the lunch boxes are like this too?"

    Fianna opened a white lunch box this time.

    "This nightmare... No, very avant-garde pattern, what is it?"

    "Tha is Miss Sword Spirit. I made it using bean curd."

    Rinslet replied nonchntly.

    "I-Is that so..."

    "Don''t tell me there''s one for me too?"

    In human form, Restia asked with curiosity.

    "Here it is."

    What Rinslet handed over was a ck lunch box, the incarnation of chaos.

    "This wouldn''t be Otherworldly Darkness, would it!?"

    "What a wonderful sense of humor, Miss Darkness Spirit. I used powdered truffle."

    "Hmm..."

    Restia made a very subtle look.

    "Oh, b-but it''s extremely delicious!"

    Having tried the food in trepidation, Reicha attempted to lift the mood.

    "...Well, the taste is definitely not bad."

    ire murmured quietly with aplicated look on her face.

    "O-Okay now, let''s ignore appearances."

    "Kamito-san, what do you mean by that!?"

    "K-Kamito, if you do not mind, please try my food too."

    "Yeah."

    He epted the stewed yam that Ellis had extended to him and ate it.

    "Mm, delicious!"

    Despite the simple taste, the ingredient''s natural vor was fully brought out.

    "Really, I am so d."

    Hearing hisment, Ellis smiled demurely.

    In such a manner, the group spent a moment''s respite.

    "Kamito-kun, look over there¡ª"

    Just then, Fianna pointed at the outside scenery.

    "Hmm?"

    There was a small town down below, in front of where the ceremonial ship was headed.

    Speaking of towns on Ragna Ys, this was the only ce.

    The Town of Fantasy built for people to watch and enjoy the de Dance.

    "So nostalgic, that ce is still here."

    ire leaned out and looked at the town''s scenery.

    "Yes, it was originally ted for gradual dismantling within a few months."

    Reicha replied.

    After Team Scarlet''s celebration party and sightseeing with Leonora, this ce was also filled with memories for Kamito too. However, the Ren Ashbell Memorial Museum was the one building he wanted demolished as soon as possible.

    On a hill, one could still see that castle where Team Scarlet had stayed.

    (I remember the forest near there. Muir''s militarized spirit even attacked it...)

    How odd. Even though not much time had passed, it felt so nostalgic.

    (¡ªIt shows how too many things have happened recently.)

    Just as Kamito andpany were reminiscing...

    Kyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

    Simorgh on lookout gave a mighty cry resounding across the whole deck.

    Part 2

    "...!?"

    Kamito andpany instantly stood up and deployed their elemental waffen. They surrounded the puzzled Queens for greater protection.

    Arge spirit flew from the holy capital''s direction.

    It looked like a winged snake, as long as the ceremonial ship.

    "...! What is that, a berserk spirit?"

    Ellis asked quietly.

    "No, spirits of such a high rank should not ur around these parts."

    Fianna shook her head.

    Indeed, this was the location of the de Dance town.

    They would not have built a town here if such dangerous spirits roamed the surroundings.

    "It is the Holy Kingdom''s assault militarized spirit¡ªKerykeion."

    On the deck, Rubia carefully examined therge spirit and spoke.

    "I have received reports about it when I previously sent Lily to infiltrate the Holy Kingdom. They are extremely mobile despite their massive size. These spirits are trained for attacking high-speed military ships."

    "Did the Holy Kingdom notice us...?"

    Just as Rubia said, the militarized spirit Kerykeion was approaching at high speed despite what its size and appearance would suggest. It looked like the Grand Titania would have difficulty shaking it off.

    "Prepare to intercept. Protect the Queens. I leave the barrier to you, Fianna."

    As the team leader, ire swiftly gave orders.

    "I shall not allow you to approach the ship."

    Readying her elemental waffe bow, Rinslet nocked a magic ice arrow and drew.

    "Wait, there is a rider¡ª"

    Just then, Ellis used Far Sight magic and called out.

    "That''s¡ª"

    Kamito focused his vision. Although he did not know how to use Far Sight magic, Instructional School assassins were able to enhance their vision for brief periods.

    A petite figure was on top of the giant snake''s head.

    A blonde maiden dressed in pure white vestments.

    "¡ªMillennia Sanctus."

    "What did you say!?"

    ire shouted.

    ...No mistake. This was the cardinal from the Holy Kingdom.

    With Otherworldly Darkness residing in her eye, a being neither human nor spirit¡ª

    ROOOOAAAAAR!

    The gigantic militarized spirit Kerykeion roared.

    The atmosphere shook as a result. The intense shockwave struck the Grand Titania.

    "Kyahhhhh!"

    With an explosion sound, the deck shook violently.

    Losing bnce, ire fell on her bottom.

    Had Fianna not deployed Save the Queen, the ship might have disintegrated in that attack.

    Kerykeion''s massive body coiled up, wrapping itself around the prow.

    Then¡ª

    "Fufu, hello,dies."

    "...!?"

    A girl''s cute voice was heard on the deck.

    Standing on the militarized spirit''s head, Millennia Sanctus looked down at Kamito''s group.

    "I am sorry to say to you all, please die here."

    With an innocent expression, she grinned and dered.

    "You shall not seed! Freezing fangs of ice, go forth and pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet shot the arrow from her elemental waffe.

    Bringing cold air, arrows of ice rained down on Millennia and the militarized spirit from above.

    However, the released ice arrows were neutralized before they could strike their target.

    Kerykeion pped its gigantic wings, blowing the rain of arrows away.

    "...! H-Howpetent! Then take this instead¡ª"

    Rinslet closed her eyes and gathered a huge amount of divine power in her fingers.

    It looked like she was about to release a finishing move.

    "Fu, fufu, fu... Haha, ahahahahahahahahaha!"

    Allowing her vestments to flutter, Millenniaughed conceitedly.

    Tearing off the eye patch covering her left eye, she tossed it into the air.

    "...!?"

    From her clear violet eye, terrifying Otherworldly Darkness flowed out.

    "I shall not allow you to interfere in my master''s wish. Crash down right here right now!"

    In that instant, the deck of the Grand Titania shook violently.

    "What!?"

    The ship''s speed instantly dropped while the body became tilted.

    "Wait, what''s happening!?"

    ire shouted.

    "...! I-Impossible to control, the spirit crystal acting as the power source has run amok!?"

    Holding the orb used to control the ship, Reicha spoke in almost a wail.

    "...! It''s the Otherworldly Darkness causing interference!"

    The Otherworldly Darkness, capable of driving even the Elemental Lords mad, had been used by Millennia in the attack against the Academy town. Corrupted by darkness, the spirits in the Academy all descended into chaos.

    The spirit crystal serving as the ceremonial ship''s power source was the first to be affected.

    Out of control, the Grand Titania spewed the light of divine power while falling.

    "Kyahhhhhhhhh!"

    "W-We are falling!"

    "Grab the railing, everyone! We''re gonna crash!"

    Amid Millennia Sanctus''ugher, Kamito shouted as hard as he could.

    Directly beneath the ship was the town built for de Dance visitors.

    "¡ªO great wind, relentless guardian, protect thy servants!"

    Wind Queen Sylpha deployed a wind barrier around the Grand Titania.

    The ship''s orientation was righted, but the momentum of its descent still could not be stopped.

    The militarized spirit Kerykeion squirmed its massive body to strike its slow-moving prey. The gigantic tail smashed into the top of the cabin directly, blowing away panels of armor.

    "Eat this¡ªFireball!"

    BOOOOM!

    ire released me spirit magic against the snake''s head.

    The fireball caused a great explosion at extremely close range.

    Hisssssssssssssssssss!

    Kerykeion hissed angrily.

    It flew up into the sky in one go, this time intending to tten this ship from above.

    "Iing!"

    Ellis cried out.

    "Hmph, they shall not seed!"

    Rinslet readied her magic bow and closed one eye. Then¡ª

    "O piercing spear of ice that prates sturdy walls¡ªIcicle Driver!"

    She unleashed a finishing move with all her might.

    A gigantic spinning ice spear flew straight, skewering therge assault spirit in the belly.

    Shigyahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    "Sess!"

    Kerykeion''s giant body struggled then turned into particles of light and disappeared.

    "...! U-Unbelievable, you defeated a militarized spirit in one strike!"

    The Queens, Reicha especially, were astonished.

    "Hmph, this is just a piece of cake whenever I bring out my true skills."

    "The result of training at Dracunia."

    The Raven ss pair of the hell cat and the ice demon hi-fived on the deck in celebration.

    "You two, stay alert. That cardinal disappeared."

    "Hmm..."

    Hearing Ellis'' warning, ire stiffened her expression.

    During this time, the Grand Titania slowly descended.

    The town ruins below them kept drawing nearer.

    "This ship is hopeless. Everyone brace for impact."

    Rubia calmly said.

    Reicha and the Queens gathered together, holding onto the ship''s railing in desperation.

    Next¡ª

    Craaaaaaaash...!

    "...!"

    A shocking impact swept through the entire ship.

    Squashing buildings in the town, the ship''s massive body dug a trench in the stone-paved road surface.

    Surface armor ked off, exposing the frame inside.

    While causing destruction in the streets, the Grand Titania continued on, finally stopping after knocking down a great clock tower at a za in a spectacr manner.

    Were it not for Fianna''s barrier and the Wind Queen''s shield, the ship would have fallen apart early on, dismembered.

    A great cloud of dust rose, blocking the entire view.

    "...! Are you okay, everyone?"

    With the Demon yer stabbed into the deck, Kamito looked back.

    "Y-Yes, we are fine."

    Behind the dust, he heard Reicha''s reply.

    At the same time, there was a sshing sound. It seemed like Water Queen Feirei Sin Quina had activated water protective magic.

    "That was crazy..."

    "My uniform is covered in dust!"

    "H-Hold on... Kyah!"

    "Are you alright, Your Highness¡ª"

    ire and the girls jumped off the tilted deck one after another onto the ground.

    Kamito remained alert as hended in the wrecked town.

    (Oh, it''s this ce...)

    Looking at his surroundings with smoke and dust hanging in the air, he muttered to himself.

    No wonder this ce felt so nostalgic¡ª

    This was the za where he and Leonora had strolled along the streets before the final round.

    ''¡ªKamito, be careful.''

    The silver-white sword''s de shed while Est warned.

    "Yeah, I know¡ª"

    The gigantic militarized spirit was at most a wee party.

    The cardinal would not be naive enough to think that something of that level could bury Kamito''s group.

    Suddenly¡ª

    "Ahaha, how does it feel to have your wings broken?"

    Mockingughter resounded across the za.

    "Y-You!"

    ire red at the sky.

    Hovering in the air, vestments fluttering, Milleenia Sanctus looked down upon Kamito and hispanions.

    From her left eye where the eye patch had been removed, Otherworldly Darkness flowed out endlessly.

    Small spirits, dancing in the sky, were shing intensely.

    Although high-tier spirits such as Scarlet, Fenrir and Simorgh were unaffected so long as they did note into direct contact with the darkness, the low-tier spirits living in Astral Zero were evidently unable to withstand the miasma, all of them rendered chaotic.

    "What a barbaric greeting, Millennia Sanctus."

    Kamito readied the Demon yer and the Vorpal Sword.

    In response, Millennia Sanctus grinned savagely.

    "After all, none of you are needed in my master''s world. Just like me."

    "...!"

    The dripping Otherworldly Darkness¡ª

    As though utterly ravenous, it kept devouring the girl''s body.

    "Ah, ahhh, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    From Millennia Sanctus'' throat exploded a hoarse scream.

    "W-What is she intending to do¡ª?"

    "She is suddenly killing herself!"

    ire andpany were puzzled by her behavior, but...

    "¡ªNo wait. That''s a gate."

    Kamito said.

    "...Huh?"

    "That spirit is creating a gate for summoning angels."

    Having absorbed Millennia''s body, a ck sphere hovered in the air.

    ...No mistake. This was the same as when the Dunamis angel had been summoned in the Academy.

    The Demon yer in Kamito''s hand gave off a low hum.

    As a spirit weapon, Est sensed the presence of a mortal enemy inside.

    Whoosh¡ªSuddenly, a crack appeared in the sphere.

    ...Zu...Zuzuzuzu...Zuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzu...!

    Something was about to crawl out of the dense darkness.

    "...! Something ising out...!"

    Probably sensing it through a princess maiden''s instinct, Fianna held her breath.

    "Don''t think it''ll be that easy! O scorching congration¡ªFireball!"

    Seeing that, ire released me spirit magic, trying to destroy the entire gate.

    However, the crimson mes entered the darkness and immediately disappeared.

    "...! Take this¡ª"

    "It is futile. Do not waste your divine power."

    Seeing ire about to use spirit magic again, Rubia gripped her shoulder to stop her.

    ...Zuzuzu... Zuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzuzu...!

    The sphere of darkness ruptured as though ripped apart from inside¡ª

    It came out.

    "W-What is that!?"

    Wielding Ray Hawk, Ellis eximed urgently.

    "...!?"

    Kamito was also speechless, gripping his two swords.

    Appearing out from thin air was a gigantic rotating spiral column.

    ...That was what Kamito could describe using his own knowledge.

    The spiral column gave off rainbow-colored light while slowly descending to the ground.

    "Is that a so-called angel?"

    ire asked.

    "Yeah, but it''s different from the one I sawst time..."

    ''¡ªIt is an Ophanim.''

    Est''s voice sounded in his mind.

    "So a different type from the one we fought in the Academy, huh?"

    ''Indeed, but specific authority unknown. Require memory domain to conduct analysis¡ª''

    "Got it."

    ...Despite the weird appearance, this was an angel no doubt.

    With both swords gripped tightly, Kamito spoke to ire and the others behind him.

    "Everyone, take the Queens and go. I''ll take care of this."

    "W-What are you talking about? We have to fight together too."

    "I agree!"

    Ellis and Rinslet objected, but...

    "No¡ª"

    "Why?"

    "Kamito, are you treating us as burdens?"

    "No, that''s not what I mean."

    Kamito shook his head.

    "The angels possess authorities that interfere in naturalws and nullify spirit attacks. Ordinary spirit attacks don''t work on them."

    "Why are you talking about?"

    "They can only be defeated by spirit weapons, born to fight angels."

    Saying that, Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer.

    "...! No way, even the power of spirits won''t work?"

    "...I understand, then let us do as Kamito-kun says for now."

    Fianna said.

    "Your Highness..."

    "Kamito-kun, I shall leave this to you, okay?"

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Hearing that, Kamito nodded lightly.

    "Hold on. In that case, I''ll fight with you."

    "ire?"

    Kamito frowned and looked back.

    "Like Terminus Est, I am also a weapon created for fighting angels. Though my memories from the great war are gone, as thest survivor of the Valkyrie series, I see fighting them as my mission."

    ire''s metongue spoke.

    "Ortlinde, speaking of which, that''s true¡ª"

    "Sword spirit, please provide analysis data¡ª"

    ''¡ªUnderstood, Ortlinde.''

    Glowing words hovered around the Demon yer and started to rotate at high speed.

    Next, as though in resonance, ire''s metongue also had glowing words appear around it too.

    "Kamito-kun, ire, I leave this to you."

    "Do not overdo it."

    "Thank you for taking care of it."

    "Yeah, don''t worry¡ª"

    Kamito made a thumbs up behind him.

    "ire..."

    "¡ªGo, Nee-sama. I''ll take care of Kamito."

    Hearing Rubia''s voice, ire nodded firmly towards her.

    In front of Kamito''s group, the spiral angelnded on the ground.

    "Are you ready, ire? I''m trusting you with my back."

    "Hmph, leave it to me!"

    Holding metongue, ire smiled fearlessly.

    Standing with their backs together, the two of them red at the angel before them.

 Volume 19, 10 - The Demon King Is Summoned

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 10 - The Demon King Is Summoned</h4>

    Part 1

    Around the spiral angel were glowing runes that resembled High Ancient.

    This wasnguage for altering physicalws in this world, rewriting them¡ª

    ording to Est, the enemy was an Ophanim, an astral reconnaissance type.

    Unlike the Dunamis angel where he had fought in a deadly battle, this was yet another type of angel.

    "ire, don''t lower your guard just because it looks like that. This is a genuine monster."

    "Yes. After all, Scarlet is shaking this much."

    metongue held in ire''s hand was producing low rumbling that resembled ultrasound.

    A spirit weapon like Est, Orlinde was reacting to the enemy''s power.

    "I am trembling in excitement, master."

    "I know."

    Hearing the proud contracted spirit exin, ire smiled wryly.

    "Est, how long will it take to decipher those runes?"

    ''¡ªYes, within sixty-four seconds.''

    "Roughly a minute, huh?"

    This was quite a tough duration. However, unless those runes capable of manipting naturalws were deciphered, the attacks from elemental waffen would all end up nullified.

    "Got it. A minute. I will buy as much time as possible."

    ''I will protect you, Kamito. Miss Sword Spirit can focus on analysis.''

    As jet-ck magic lightning erupted, Est responded to Restia.

    ''¡ªThank you, darkness spirit.''

    Est brightened the silver-white de and answered.

    ''Fufu, with the legendary sacred sword rely on me, I really cannot betray those expectations.''

    "Yeah, that''s right¡ª"

    Saying that, Kamito poured divine power into the Vorpal Sword.

    In that instant, he felt a sting in his left eye, but...

    (...Shut up, Ren Ashdoll!)

    Unfazed, Kamito continued to release divine power.

    This was not an opponent that could be defeated by conserving strength.

    "ire, I''ll be the vanguard. Cover me."

    "Yes, then allow Scarlet and I to make this thing run in circles."

    With a swing of metongue from ire, crimson mes instantly crossed the ground.

    They were teammates for the longest time, working together ever since they started participating in the Academy''s ranking tournament.

    There was no need to discuss how to coordinate before a battle.

    "Let''s go¡ª"

    Allowing the divine power gathered in his feet to explode, Kamito kicked the ground hard.

    Part 2

    Listening to the sounds ofbat behind them, Rubia and the rest of the group ran along the streets that had turned into a wastnd.

    Unlike Ellis and Rinslet, who had gone through de dance training at the Academy, and Rubia whose body was enhanced using cursed armament seals, Fianna and the four Queens werecking in physical stamina.

    Added to the fact that the ground had been dug up, they almost tripped and fell many times.

    "We have to leave this ce as quickly as possible, or else we will get caught up!"

    Staying in the rear to protect the Queens, Ellis shouted.

    Although she had not witnessed an angel''s power first hand¡ª

    If what Kamito had said was true, then their surrounding could turn into scorched earth any moment.

    Just then...

    "...! Kyah!"

    A Queen up ahead screamed.

    "...What!?"

    Ellis widened her eyes.

    A zing wall of fire was blocking their path.

    "...! What on earth is going on? Blizzard Breath!"

    Rinslet chanted ice spirit magic¡ª

    However, the fire grew even stronger, instantly devouring the blizzard.

    "Impossible...!?"

    Seeing that, Rinslet was shocked.

    Next¡ª

    "Fufu... Running is futile, little rats on the ground."

    "Curse you¡ª!"

    Ellis looked up in the sky and shouted.

    Only to see in the sky over the fire wall blocking them¡ª

    A cute girl dressed in pure white vestments, standing there.

    "...! Why is there another Millennia Sanctus!?"

    Stopping, Fianna bit her lip.

    "How many of them are there?"

    "Dear me, do know that I have always been one. All of me are me¡ª"

    Millennia Sanctus was holding a crimson greatsword enveloped in mes.

    This was presumably the sword that had generated the wall of fire¡ª

    Just then¡ª

    "...! That sword, could it be¡ª"

    Rubia''s voice was hoarse.

    Her ruby-like eyes seemed to be burning. Her hair was lit with the color of me.

    The spirit seal on her right hand glowed intensely.

    A red akin to boiling blood¡ª

    "Rubia-sama..."

    Noticing something unusual about her demeanor, Fianna murmured in surprise.

    As though resonating against the light from her spirit seal¡ª

    The deep red magic sword in Millennia''s hand spewed crimson mes.

    "Yes, this sword is the ultimate me sword that brings about the world''s end¡ªRagnarok."

    Millennia Sanctus smiled and raised the magic sword.

    "The elemental waffe of Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus."

    "Damn you¡ª"

    ring angrily at Millennia Sanctus, Rubia slowly spoke up.

    She exuding murderous intent from all over her body.

    "How dare you take that out in front of me¡ª!"

    Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus.

    She was the culprit behind why Rubia had be the Cmity Queen.

    The grudge from turning Elstein territory into a sea of fire¡ª

    "Aha, what a touching scene, Cmity Queen. Be grateful to me. I shall use this me, which had destroyed your homnd, to burn all of you lot into nothingness!"

    The me sword Ragnarok in Millennia''s hand became bright red as though heated red-hot.

    In that instant...

    "Fahrengart style of the spear, secret technique¡ªStorm Strike!"

    Ellisunched Ray Hawk at the wall of fire towering before them.

    BOOM!

    Enveloped in a storm, the magic spear created an opening in the wall of fire.

    "What!?"

    The unexpected situation caused Millennia to frown.

    "Rinslet, take the Queens and go!"

    "Understood! Fenrir!"

    Mutual understanding in Team Scarlet allowed Rinslet to react immediately.

    She did not say anything extra. The fire wall''spse was only temporary. Any hesitation would have wasted the rare opportunity to escape created by Ellis.

    Right now, protecting the four Queens was the most important.

    Woof!

    Enveloped in a blizzard, the white wolf was summoned out of thin air.

    Fenrir took the four Queens with his mouth, waited for Rinslet to mount his back, then leaped across the narrowing gap in one go.

    "Little rats with petty tricks, do you expect to escape just like that?"

    Sneering, Millennia swung Ragnarok lightly.

    A scattering of sparks turned into countless fire hounds, chasing after Fenrir.

    "...! This is bad!"

    Ellis eximed¡ª

    "Oh dear me, is this the time to be worrying about yourpanions, little miss?"

    Millennia Sanctus jeered and slowlynded on the ground.

    Stabbed into the ground, Ragnarok turned the stone tiles into scorchingva.

    "Rubia-sama, please step back¡ª"

    Wielding her elemental waffe rapier shining with silver-white light, Fianna spoke.

    Their formation was to have Ellis as the vanguard and Fianna covering from behind.

    Although with only two of them, this was not reassuring, yet this was currently the best tactical formation avable to them.

    However¡ª

    "You two, stand down."

    Ignoring Fianna''s voice, Rubia walked up to the front.

    "...Rubia-sama!?"

    "The Fire Elemental Lord shall be mine to handle."

    She red at the sneering Millennia Sanctus.

    No, it was the Ragnarok held in her hand.

    Scorching mes surged out of the Cmity Queen''s hands.

    Part 3

    Kiiiiiiiiiiiin¡ª

    With an ear-splitting noise¡ª

    The glowing spiral angel began to spin at high speed.

    The glowing runes deployed around it gave off intense light.

    "¡ªIt''sing, ire!"

    Issuing a warning, Kamito released divine power and closed in all at once.

    The spiral angel stopped spinning.

    From instinct, Kamito judged it to be an attacking motion.

    Instantly, the deployed glowing runes gathered into a point and released a sh of light.

    (...It''sing!?)

    Kamito lowered his posture as though lunging at the ground.

    This reaction could only have been performed by predicting an attack.

    The lightning beam rushed past the top of Kamito''s head from the focus point.

    The air was torn apart. The heat wave from the beam scorched his skin.

    Fired in a straight line, the lightning beam''s trail disappeared in the sky far off in the distance behind him.

    Had it touched any part of him, his entire body probably would have been turned into ash.

    Crushing stone tiles underfoot, Kamito rushed forward resolutely.

    "O magic lightning of darkness, crush mine enemies¡ªVorpal st!"

    The jet-ck lightning erupting from the demon sword''s de rained down on the spiral angel.

    But¡ª

    K... iiii... iiiiiiiiiiiiii¡ª!

    The angel deployed glowing runes around it again, producing a weird noise akin to metallic friction.

    The magic lightning of darkness, capable of destroying everything, was easily deflected by the angel''s barrier.

    This was absolute defense for nullifying the power of spirits, interfering with naturalws of the world.

    (...! Sure enough, it doesn''t work, huh?)

    Kamito had expected the angel''s defense to rx after a powerful attack.

    The spiral angel floated up lightly.

    Then six points of light began to contract at the same time.

    (...! Carpet bombing next!?)

    Discerning the lightning beams'' trajectories, Kamito realized dodging was impossible.

    In that case¡ª

    (¡ªEst, can you hold up!?)

    While jumping to the side, Kamito shouted in his heart.

    ...But all he got was silence.

    (Huh, E-Est...?)

    ''It''s useless, Kamito. Miss Sword Spirit is currently focused on analyzing the barrier.''

    "...No way!"

    Hearing Restia''s voice, Kamito groaned in despair.

    ''Didn''t we agree to buy a minute of time? Very well, let''s go¡ª''

    "W-Wait...!"

    Just then¡ª

    "Dance, a rondo of mes, O flourishing blossoms of scorching mes¡ªre Rose Garden!"

    ire''s stern voice was heard.

    The spirit magic poured into metongue was released¡ª

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    Detonation. Centered on the angel, the entire area exploded.

    By striking the focus points of the lightning beams, metongue had detonated them.

    "ire, you saved me!"

    "Scarlet and I will take out the attack''s origin points."

    Jumping onto a copsed building, ire brought back metongue with a swish.

    "Kamito, keep moving to act as a diversion."

    "...Got it. I''ll try to draw its attention as much as possible."

    "B-But, don''t overdo it!"

    Saying that, ire hastily added.

    "Yeah, I''ll be fine."

    Chuckling wryly, Kamito readied the Vorpal Sword.

    (Time until Estpletes analysis, thirty-four seconds to go. Thirty-three, thirty-two...)

    While focusing on the battle at hand, Kamito also kept an urate countdown in his mind.

    ...As long as he persisted, a chance woulde.

    ...i, iii, iiiiiiiiiiiii¡ª!

    The strange noise was heard again. Burning mes were instantly erased.

    This time, runes with a red glow were deployed around the spiral angel.

    (¡ªThe pattern is different from just now!?)

    Of course, Kamito could not understand what the runes meant.

    But at least he knew that the iing attack would be different from before.

    The glowing runes reached the ground and deployed in a circle.

    "It''sing, ire. Be careful¡ª"

    "What''sing?"

    "Who knows¡ª"

    "W-What... Eh, kyah!"

    "ire, hold on to me!"

    Kamito hurried to ire''s side and pulled her by the arm.

    Picking up her kitten-like body in his arms, he jumped on top of rubble.

    "Hwa... K-Kamito!?"

    ire instantly blushed to her ears. Her eyes became moist.

    Just then, the ground under Kamito''s feet turned into mud. His body instantly sank down.

    "...!?"

    Kamito released concentrated divine power in one go, jumped again, leaping on top of a building.

    Centered around the spiral angel, the surrounding buildings slowly sank into the ground.

    "W-What is going on...!?"

    "This area''s properties has been rewritten¡ª"

    Putting ire down on a roof, Kamito looked down.

    The road paved with stone tiles had turned into pitch-ck mud, devouring everything.

    "T-This is so crazy..."

    Stunned, ire grumbled softly.

    "This is nothing..."

    Still gripping his swords tight, Kamito wiped sweat off his brow.

    Soon, the glowing runes vanished and the bottomless swamp turned back into the original ground.

    Glowing with rainbow colors, the spiral angel began to slowly spin in one ce.

    (But it seems a bit odd...)

    Suddenly it urred to Kamito.

    Compared to the Dunamis angel he had fought at the Academy, this angel seemed more defensive in action.

    Of course, its power was still nothing tough at, but¡ª

    (It''s almost like it''s waiting for something to arrive...)

    Thinking that, Kamito then noticed.

    Apart from the barrier deployed around the angel¡ª

    Runes had been spinning inside the spiral this whole time.

    (...What''s going on? What is it doing?)

    ''¡ªKamito, angel analysisplete.''

    Just then, Est''s voice interjected into Kamito''s mind.

    Words of High Ancient flowed rapidly around the Demon yer''s de.

    "Good job, Est!"

    ''Yes, Kamito. I shaved off approximately seven seconds.''

    With an unemotional voice, Est dered a little proudly.

    "Now we can finally counterattack."

    "Yes, it''s not my style to keep taking attacks."

    ''Sharing data with hell cat spirit.''

    Resonating, the Demon yer and ire''s metongue began to glow.

    "I don''t know why, but this angel doesn''t seem that strong in offense. It''s much easier to handle than the Dunamis angel I met in the Academy."

    Just as Kamito was about to counterattack...

    ''¡ªWait a moment, Kamito.''

    "Whati is it?"

    ''The existence density inside the angel is rapidly rising.''

    The silver-white de shed intensely.

    "...Sorry, can you exin more clearly?"

    ''The angel seems to be summoning something inside it.''

    "...What did you say!?"

    The spiral angel that continued to spin gave off blinding light.

    The spiral unraveled then vanished into thin air¡ª

    Something enveloped in light appeared at the same spot.

    "...What!?"

    Kamito could not help but gasp.

    It was a human figure.

    A tall human figure, dressed in a jet-ck cape whose shape kept shifting like a shadow.

    His entire body was shrouded in dark miasma. Behind that mask, shaped like a skull, was a pair of blood-colored eyes glowing ominously.

    That image was almost like¡ª

    "...What the hell!?"

    The strongest and most vicious being in the history of the continent¡ªDemon King Solomon had appeared.

    Part 4

    "Aha, what a sense of humor, Cmity Queen!"

    With her back to the zing wall of mes, Millennia Sanctusughed, the corners of her lips curling.

    "Having lost your power, what could you do now?"

    "Lost my power, is that what you think?"

    Rubia extended her right arm, enveloped in mes.

    "What?"

    "¡ªO ancient and unruly mes, take residence in my hand and turn into a sharp de!"

    Instantly, a scorching weapon with graceful curves appeared in her hand.

    Its shape was very simr to the weapon known as the katana that had existed throughout the ages in a far eastern country.

    "Is that an elemental waffe!?"

    Fianna widened her eyes, eximing in surprise.

    The elemental waffe Laevateinn should have been destroyed during the final round of the de Dance.

    Also, Rubia was supposed to have lost the power of the spirit contract.

    "Eh, how interesting. Why do you have an elemental waffe?"

    "It is not an elemental waffe."

    "What did you say?"

    Rubia readied the de she had summoned out of thin air.

    The de left an after-image of blue mes wherever it swept past.

    "Militarized spirit Kagutsuchi, an experimental model I had Vivian Melosa create."

    "M-Militarized spirit...?"

    Hearing that, Fianna was stunned.

    Militarized spirits were meant to be spirit that could be employed without establishing a spirit contract. Normally speaking, they were impossible to turn into elemental waffen.

    Even for the Ordesia military, relevant technologies should still be at the research stage.

    To think that Rubia had actually implemented it?

    "Similiar to my esteemed sister''s Elemental Panzer, huh...?"

    "Yes, the theory is quite simr."

    Rubia replied.

    "Although swordy is not my specialty, at least I am better than you, cardinal."

    She red sharply at Millenia Sanctus before her.

    The cursed armament seals branded all over Rubia''s body gave off ominous light from under her military uniform.

    The blue mes on the de began to burn intensely.

    "Rubia-sama, no¡ª!"

    Fianna could not help but cry out in rm.

    Using so many cursed armament seals at the same time was tantamount to suicide.

    "I care not. I am but a moving corpse."

    "Ho... Aha, ahahaha, to think I thought it would be something else, unbelievable, a militarized spirit!?"

    Millennia Sanctus mocked coldly.

    "You intend to cross des with this Ragnarok with something like that?"

    The ultimate elemental waffe in Millennia''s hand spewed crimson mes.

    The sword was swung.

    A giant mansion was sliced diagonally. The top portion slowly slid down.

    CRAAAAAAASH!

    With noises of destruction one after another, a massive dust cloud floated into the air.

    "Thank me for my mercy. I shall grant you swiftness, burning you three nice and clean. So clean, not even ash will be left!"

    The remains of the copsed building turned into a rain of fire, falling upon Rubia.

    " "Rubia-sama!" "

    Fianna and Ellis hastily tried to rush over, but were blocked by the burning debris.

    However, Rubia stood calmly amid the pouring rain of fire.

    Her crimson hair, ame in appearance, fluttered wildly in the wind.

    "Cardinal, you are not worthy to hold that weapon."

    Rubia slowly spoke.

    "¡ªSomeone like you cannot use those mes."

    The spirit seal of fire branded on her right hand gave off blinding light.

    "...!"

    For an instant, Millennia''s body froze as though shocked.

    "No need for you two to intervene. I shall handle this."

    Turning her head to look back, Rubia said.

    "Oh my, your words are killing me withughter. Cmity Queen."

    Head lowered, Millennia spoke.

    "Very well. As you wish, I will burn you into charcoal!"

    With her face filled with anger, Millennia swung Ragnarok.

    A snaking dragon of fire swept over the ground, melting stone tiles as it charged forward.

    In response, Rubia¡ª

    She stabbed her Kagutsuchi into the ground.

    "¡ªNot even time can escape a frozen fate, congrating mes of absolute zero¡ªFrost ze!""

    The secret passed down the Elstein bloodline.

    The otherworldly me capable of freezing even the strongest me in Astral Zero.

    "Have you forgotten this me, Volcanicus?"

    Amid the freezing blue mes, she said.

    "¡ªIn that case, I shall make you remember!"

    Part 5

    ¡ªDemon King Solomon.

    The most powerful elementalist in history, who had brought terror and chaos to the continent a thousand years ago.

    Seeing him appear before their eyes¡ª

    "...Say, what the hell happened?"

    Kamito asked ire behind him.

    "What makes you think I can exin clearly..."

    ire''s eyes were equally filled with doubt and confusion.

    The appearance disyed before them was just like the Demon King of legend.

    (...Say, I''ve seen both that mask and the cape before.)

    ...Unmistakably, this was the real Demon King.

    The being before them was exuding an oppressive aura, enough to convince Kamito beyond doubt.

    The Demon Kingnded lightly on the ground. Dense miasma of darkness instantly spewed forth from his entire body.

    "Est, what happened? What did the angel do?"

    ''¡ªA summoning of past temporal coordinates, Kamito.''

    "...Huh?"

    Kamito''s reply was a question mark.

    ''A rewriting of the world''sws, invoked by the angel''s authority. Extracting coordinates from the time axis of this world, then materializing it¡ª''

    "Uh, in other words, what do you mean?"

    "In other words, the Demon King existing from a thousand years ago was summoned here in his entirety?"

    Through Ortlinde, ire had heard Est''s voice and responded.

    ''Affirmative.''

    "...So absurd¡ª"

    Kamito grumbled.

    (...Summoning the Demon King? That''s ridiculous.)

    Demon King Solomon was the reincarnation of the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power. If the Demon King before his eyes was the real thing, it meant that the angel had summoned that power along with him.

    This ability was practically the same as a miracle. No wonder the Holy Lord wanted it so badly.

    The angel''s behavior focused on defense in order to buy time, huh?

    ¡ªSuddenly, his left eye began to sting.

    Perhaps the appearance of a being possessing the same power was causing her to react.

    "Summoning the most powerful being recorded in the history of this world."

    Holding metongue, ire jumped down to the ground.

    Kamito followed, facing off against the Demon King in front of him.

    His gaze met with that of the two eyes behind the skull mask, glowing red.

    Suddenly, Kamito recalled the young man he had met in the Demon King City.

    "...Oh, ohhhh... Oh, ohhhhhhhhhhh...!"

    With a weird growling sound, even denser miasma of darkness filled the surroundings.

    That voice of hatred seemed to be cursing all of creation.

    The Demon King slowly extended his right hand.

    "...! Iing!"

    "Burn all... souls, ck thunder¡ªHell st."

    ¡ªThe magic lightning of darkness released from the Demon King came as a raging torrent.

 Volume 19, 11 - Terminus Est

    <h4>Volume 19, Chapter 11 - Terminus Est</h4>

    Part 1

    The top-tier wide-area destructive magic of the darkness element.

    The jet-ck magic lightning released by the Demon King kept destroying buildings in the town.

    The ground was punctured and left with countless craters.

    "...Damn it... Are you okay, ire!?"

    "Y-Yes... Why is this so crazy...?"

    Kamito and ire crawled out from the copsed debris.

    Were it not for the Vorpal Sword, whose darkness element allowed it to act as a lightning rod to absorb the magic lightning, the two of them would likely have been scorched to ash in an instant.

    Although Hell st was also a type of spirit magic that Restia used¡ª

    The firepower demonstrated here far surpassed what the top-tier spirit could use.

    "...Living up to his name as the most powerful elementalist in history, the real Demon King himself."

    Muttering, Kamito wiped fresh blood off a corner of his lip. The amount of divine power was extraordinary.

    "How do we handle that monster...?"

    "Just go all out and take a gamble. The enemy looks all fired up."

    Kamito poured divine power into his two swords and stood up.

    (...Est has finished analyzing. At least, there won''t be any nullification again.)

    The Demon King extended both hands this time. The skull mask glowed with eerie light.

    "...!"

    Hastily, Kamito and ire jumped to the sides.

    "Eternal... sleep¡ªCocytus."

    One could hear air freezing.

    Shrouded in white mist, everything within a radius centered on the Demon King was frozen¡ª

    From the ground, countless arms of ice reached out for Kamito and ire.

    "Incinerate until nothing remains, O scorching congration¡ªFireball!"

    With the sound of an explosion, ire chanted me spirit magic, shattering the generated ice.

    However, the endlessly appearing ice covered the mes, surging towards them like a giant wave.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Double Moon Turn!"

    With a mighty shout, Kamito released divine power all at once.

    Countless ck and white shes of the sword.

    Leaving sword afterimages one after another, Kamito rushed in as a whirlwind.

    Confronted with ice arms attacking from all directions, he shattered, severed or broke them with his every motion.

    Stepping on a giant piece of ice fallen on the ground, he leaped into the air and¡ª

    "Absolute de Dance, Second Form, My Style¡ªDouble-Hit Comet!"

    A dual-sword move of the Absolute de Arts, modified from Comet, was unleashed against the Demon King.

    BOOOOOOOM!

    The impact of theet crash shook the air.

    Together with the ck garment, the Demon King''s body was sliced into two. A gigantic crack appeared on the ground.

    "...!"

    Kamito did not feel the move connect.

    He immediately jumped to the side. At the same time, a ck de swept by, just above his head.

    (...Shadow spirit magic, huh?)

    That magic was Ms. Freya''s specialty.

    The Demon King lifted a skinny ck hand.

    The golden ring on his finger instantly glowed ominously blue.

    (...That ring is!?)

    ''¡ªKamito, beware. He is about to summon a spirit!''

    Restia issued a warning.

    That ring was the Ring of Solomon.

    A legendary artifact capable of controlling seventy-two archdemon-ss spirits.

    (The spirit magic earlier was just a wee greeting, huh?)

    A terrifying voice sounded under the Demon King''s mask.

    "From underground,e... My minion¡ªMidgardsormr."

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    "W-What''s going on!?"

    Apanied by a violent earthquake, thend on Ragna Ys split opne.

    Appearing out from the crevasse in the shattered and frozen ground¡ª

    A gigantic serpent all covered in countless steel-like scales. Compared to the Holy Kingdom''s militarized spirit, Kerykeion, which was also a snake, it was several timesrger.

    ''Earth dragon spirit Midgardsormr. It is the prototype for the strategic-ss militarized spirit Jormangand that was sleeping in the mining town of Gado, you know¡ª''

    "...What did you say!?"

    The gigantic earth dragon spirit opened its jaws and crushed buildings in the street.

    "...Even the Demon King''s contracted spirits can materialized?"

    ''Yes, what the angel summoned are the Demon King''splete powers¡ª''

    To this, Est replied.

    "Kamito, I wille up with a way to handle this spirit!"

    ire shouted.

    Kamito took a closer look and saw that metongue had entangled Midgardsormr''s horn.

    "Don''t overdo it, ire!

    "Don''t worry and focus on the Demon King, kyahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The enraged giant serpent rampaged, causing ire''s petite figure to get thrown around in circles.

    The gigantic writhing body swept across thend of Ragna Ys.

    (...At this rate, the whole underground will be all dug up!)

    Kamito jumped aside, dodging a strike from the tail.

    He rushed up the earth dragon''s back in one go, pouring all of his divine power into the swords in his hands.

    His left eye began to hurt again.

    He remembered Rubia''s warning to him, but¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Eighteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    Unleashing numerous shes simultaneously, he destroyed Midgardsormor''s scales of steel.

    ''It''s not over, Kamito¡ª!''

    Restia called out.

    Midgardsormr raised its head and widened its jaw.

    (...! I can''t believe it can still move after taking an Absolute de Arts move for countering archdemon-ss spirits!)

    Kamito kicked the ground and jumped, evading the attack, then plunged the jet-ck demon sword into the monster''s eyeball.

    "O darkness, pierce¡ªVorpal st!"

    The magic lightning of darkness erupting from the demon sword''s de shattered Midgardsormr.

    However...

    "From the ends of the sky, respond to my call... Minion¡ªFafnir."

    The Demon King''s ring glowed and summoned a spirit from thin air.

    It was a dragon spirit with jet-ck wings.

    The dragon''s ws attacked from overhead. Kamito blocked the attack with the Demon yer.

    The heavy attack almost dislocated his shoulder¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon, Double Strike!"

    With a back handed strike of his sword, Kamito decapitated the dragon spirit.

    "Huff, huff, huff...!"

    He panted and pressed his hand against his aching left eye.

    (If he keeps summoning archdemon-ss spirits...)

    "From the dimensional gate, respond to my call... Minion¡ªYmir."

    "...!

    "You wish¡ªme Chain!"

    ire swung metongue.

    Enveloped in a congration, the long whip immobilized the Demon King''s right arm.

    Instantly, the Demon King''s right arm carbonized and turned into ash.

    "Kamito, do it now!"

    Apanied by ire''s shout¡ª

    Kamito dashed in one breath, executing a violent sh.

    However¡ª

    It was easily deflected.

    A jet-ck demon sword appeared in the Demon King''s hand and blocked the attack.

    "What!?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    The demon sword held in the Demon King''s hand was almost like¡ª

    "...I see. Indeed, that is the strongest spirit employed by the Demon King."

    With anger in his voice, Kamito spoke.

    Feeing the pain in his left eye, Kamito gripped the Vorpal Sword tightly.

    "But, that''s my sword, Demon King Solomon!"

    Kamito stepped forward and shed.

    The demon sword of darkness shed violently with the Vorpal Sword.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The Demon King roared.

    It was a howl of joy for encountering a formidable foe.

    Part 2

    "Pierce, freezing fang of ice¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    The magic ice projectile fired by Rinslet pierced three hounds simultaneously.

    However, the fire hounds created by the me sword Ragnarok immediately resurrected and kept narrowing the encirclement.

    "...! Why will their numbers not decrease!?"

    Rinslet shouted anxiously.

    "The Fire Elemental Lord''s fire is fire that burns eternally."

    Reicha said.

    "That is too unreasonable!"

    Standing in the front to protect the Queens, Rinslet red at her surroundings.

    The fire hounds appeared one after another from the shadows of the copsed building.

    Even for Fenrir, running at full speed while carrying four people was a stretch.

    Rinslet expected the hounds to catch up to them soon.

    ...Still, even with her defending as best as she could, the situation will only worsen eventually.

    She could not expect the Queens to help out on thebat front. After all, they were princess maidens cultivated to serve the Elemental Lords.

    (...All is lost, it seems.)

    Rinslet poured power into her hand, drawing her bow.

    (At least, I must create an opening for Reicha-sama and the others to escape¡ª)

    The fire hounds all pounced at them together.

    In that instant...

    An intense blizzard blew, turning the hounds into ice sculptures¡ª

    "...! W-What is going on!?"

    Still with her bow drawn, Rinslet was instantly speechless.

    Part 3

    "¡ªI will make you recall my name, Volcanicus!"

    With her militarized spirit armament¡ªKagutsuchi¡ªheld at a mid-level stance, Rubia kicked the ground.

    The cursed armament seals branded all over her body gave off intense sparks. Her figure instantly vanished.

    "...What!?"

    Millennia Sanctus'' violet eyes widened in shock.

    Leaving far behind the sound of her boots kicking the ground¡ª

    Rubia instantly closed in and executed a sh with lightning speed.

    Imbued with mes, the tip of the de brushed across Millennia''s throat, leaving faint burns on her pure white vestments.

    "¡ªTsk!"

    Millennia leaned back, turning into particles of light and vanished, performing a spatial leap towards the back.

    However, Rubia predicted that move.

    She forcefully turned her arm that was wielding the de and charged in one go.

    ng!

    With the ear-splitting sound of metallic friction, sparks flew all around.

    Kagutsuchi''s de had sliced into Ragnarok''s body.

    "What is with your movements...!?"

    "Do not look down on me, cardinal. Although this power is borrowed, do know that I do not wear the name of Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer, in vain."

    Saying that, Rubia attacked with even greater speed.

    The ming sh sliced across air.

    Branded upon her body were simply cursed armament seals for physical enhancement.

    However, Rubia Elstein was a princess maiden famed as the greatest Queen in history. When her astounding divine power waspletely converted into physical ability, her movements were just like a master swordsman''s.

    Using the power of a militarized spirit, she overwhelmed the Ragnarok-wielding Millennia.

    Even though Ragnarok''s mes threatened to devour Rubia, she skillfully evaded every time.

    "Rubia-sama''s swordsmanship is so exquisite¡ª!"

    Ellis could not help but exim.

    "Yes, but if she keeps using cursed armament seals like that¡ª"

    Nevertheless, Fianna murmured with worry.

    Although Rubia''s de dance was aggressive¡ª

    At this rate, even for Rubia, her body would probably copse from the strain in another minute or two.

    Of course, she understood this all too well.

    She must have nned from the start to conclude the match in a few dozen seconds.

    Perhaps, even end the enemy in the first few seconds¡ª

    Rubia''s Kagutsuchi sliced through Millennia''s shoulder.

    However, it was not fatal. A sword spirit with the attribute of steel had resistance to both cuts and fire.

    Meanwhile, Ragnarok''s mes could turn an enemy into ash with just a minor brush of the sword against the skin.

    "Fufu, looks like it is checkmate, Cmity Queen!"

    Millennia Sanctus grinned and swung Ragnarok.

    Intense mes spewed out, turning into a gigantic fire dragon that lunged at Rubia.

    "¡ªHah!"

    With a mighty shout, Rubia swung Kagutsuchi.

    Blue mes surged from the de, instantly freezing the fire dragon into ice.

    "Impossible, how could the strongest me in Astral Zero end up like this, by the fire of a mere human''s!?"

    "You do not know?"

    Seeing Millennia''s fluster, Rubia spoke coldly.

    "What!?"

    "Unlike the fire of Astral Zero, the Elstein mes are not governed by naturalw. Their true nature is simr to the Otherworldly Darkness you possess. Hence¡ª"

    Holding Kagutsuchi with blue mes over its de, Rubia approached, step after step¡ª

    "Even the strongest me can be frozen!"

    Releasing power from the cursed armament seals, Rubia charged all at once.

    "...! Then how about this?"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble¡ª!

    Millennia raised Ragnarok high above her head.

    A vortex of crimson mes surged from the de, piercing the high heavens.

    This was a scorching congration, enough to burn the entire sky.

    Next¡ª

    "Day of wrath, bring salvation to the foolish and punishment to the saints¡ªCmity Disaster!"

    Generated from the vortex of me, countless fireballs rained down from the sky!

    "Ahaha, turn into ash from the mes that destroyed your homnd!"

    "Rubia-sama!"

    Fianna screamed.

    However, Rubia remained where she stood without moving.

    Holding Kagutsuchi, which was enveloped in blue mes, she stared straight at Ragnarok.

    "¡ªDo you see my de dance, Fire Elemental Lord!?"

    Her entire body was surrounded by blue mes of absolute zero.

    The pouring rain of fire vanished as soon as it touched the blue mes.

    "Have you forgotten the mes of the Queen who had served you, this brilliance!?"

    The fire spirit seal branded on her right hand glowed crimson.

    Just then, as though in response to her voice¡ª

    "...Wh...at...?"

    The fire pir piercing the sky began to shake violently.

    "...! Could it be that Ragnarok has gone out of control?"

    Fianna murmured in shock.

    "...! What have you done, Cmity Queen!?"

    "Surely I must have warned you. You are unworthy of controlling those mes¡ª"

    The mes of Ragnarok in Millennia''s hand began to rampage.

    "Damn you, calm down, calm dowwn!"

    Millennia''s screams were heard from the mes.

    The crimson congration incinerated Millennia Sanctus in an instant.

    With nowhere to go, the ze of punishment devoured the surrounding rubble, expanding endlessly.

    "Rubia-sama, hurry and run!"

    Ellis shouted, hastily nning to hurry over.

    However, Rubia slowly shook her head as she stared intently at the fire.

    "¡ªNow I shall liberate you, Volcanicus!"

    With her body shrouded in blue mes of absolute zero, Rubia plunged herself into the mes of crimson congration.

    Part 4

    "Absolute de Arts, Sixth Form¡ªCrushing Fang!"

    Confronted with Demon King Solomon, who was wielding a demon sword of darkness¡ª

    Kamito mercilessly executed an Absolute de Art specialized for destroying weapons.

    However, it failed.

    With the persisting sound of metallic impact, violent sparks flew out from the shing des of demon swords of darkness.

    (¡ªHow dare you use that in front of me!?)

    ring angrily at those crimson glowing eyes behind the mask, Kamito roared in his heart.

    (...Sorry, you have really pissed me off with this, Demon King Solomon!)

    The Demon King had summoned another Vorpal Sword.

    The moment he saw it, Kamito felt his blood boil.

    What a childish feeling, wanting to monopolize. With self-awareness, he could not help but smile wryly.

    However, despite knowing he was being too emotional, Kamito still could not stop this impulse.

    Perhaps the divine power of darkness also yed a role in causing his emotions to turn violent¡ª

    "Ohhhhhhh!"

    With a great shout, Kamito swung his two swords.

    With the shes of light, he struck the body of the demon sword of darkness.

    His left eye kept hurting.

    Ren Ashdoll''s spirit seal was projected onto his retina.

    ''¡ªKamito, I''m sure you are aware, right?''

    Restia''s solemn voice warned him.

    (Yeah¡ª)

    He answered in his thoughts.

    As soon as he ran out of divine power, Kamito would be devoured by Darkness Elemental Lord''s power.

    Using the Absolute de Arts, intensely draining in divine power, was suicidal given his situation¡ª

    But the enemy was the legendary Demon King after all. The most powerful elementalist in history.

    Naturally, this was not an opponent he could defeat with his hands tied.

    (In that case, I have to go for a quick kill!)

    Kamito stepped forward in one breath, prating the enemy''s attack range.

    Since Demon King Solomon was both the most powerful elementalist and an outstanding warrior. But purely in the realm of swordsmanship, he was beneath Kamito who had mastered the Absolute de Arts.

    Using unlimited divine power to invoke powerful spirit magic and to summon spirits.

    This was the source of the Demon King''s power.

    Kamito would be uncertain of victory if he allowed the Demon King tounch attacks of that sort one after another, but¡ª

    (That''s why I can''t let him have things his way!)

    The two swords swinging through the air glowed with blinding brilliance.

    "Absolute de Arts, Introductory Form¡ªBursting Cherry Blossom Flurry!"

    This was an anti-personnel Absolute de Art exclusive to dual wielding.

    Kamito''s arms turned into a mirage, executing consecutive thrusts like falling petals.

    However¡ª

    "...What!?"

    The godlike speed of Absolute de Arts failed to reach the Demon King''s heart. All strikes were deflected by the ck garment.

    Glowing with dark luster, the cape''s shifting form was like a shadow.

    (...! Oh right, this ck garment¡ª)

    The Garb of the Lord.

    He had epted it from the spirit Iris, a legendary artifact that allowed the wearer to convert divine power into defensive ability.

    Although when Kamito wore it himself, it turned out to hinder the flow of divine power¡ª

    But right now, supported by Demon King Solomon''s massive divine power, it was showing its true worth.

    Seizing the momentary opening right after Kamito had executed the Absolute de Arts...

    The Demon Kingughed in mockery from behind his mask.

    The demon sword of darkness swept horizontally with lightning.

    Although Kamito hastily used the Demon yer to block the iing sword, the dark lightning still pierced his right arm.

    "...!?"

    He barely managed to hold on to his sword.

    Thanks to Est''s powerful magic resistance, his arm avoided a fate of carbonization.

    However, even a brief moment''s dy in attacking could prove fatal in battle.

    Glowing runes appeared over the stump of the left arm severed by ire.

    Within the blink of an eye, the left arm was restored together with the Ring of Solomon.

    (...! The angel''s authority!?)

    That being said, Kamito had considered the possibility of him using that move.

    The Demon King extended his right hand at Kamito, who did not get a chance to follow up his attack.

    "Dance, crimson mes summoning destruction¡ªHell ze!"

    The Demon King chanted the ultimate fire spell.

    Taking this move at close range would turn a person into ashpletely.

    "¡ªScarlet!"

    Kamito heard ire shout.

    At the same time, the hell cat wrapped in mes raised sharp ws and pounced on the Demon King.

    The Demon King easily swatted Scarlet away with a single hand¡ª

    While unleashing the mes of spirit magic with the other hand.

    In response, Kamito¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    With a mighty kick against the ground, he dashed straight towards the Demon King''s chest.

    Thanks to the brief opening created by Scarlet, the activation of spirit magic was dyed slightly.

    With godlike speed, the Absolute de Art connected in the nick of time just before the Demon King''s magic activated.

    This was a dangerous gamble that Kamito had made the call to take.

    If his judgment was off, Kamito would be the one with his body turned to ash.

    Like lightning, his attack pierced the Garb of the Lord.

    With the Vorpal Sword still deeply embedded, Kamito unleashed his divine power.

    "¡ªVorpal st, Vorpal st, Vorpal st!"

    He mercilessly sted three consecutive attacks with the darkness element.

    Every magic attack caused the Demon King''s massive body to convulse violently.

    Almost in a pleading manner, Kamito released the magic lightning of darkness for the fourth time.

    His left eye burned as though it was on fire. His view had almost turnedpletely red.

    ''Kamito, this is no good... At this rate, even I cannot suppress the power of darkness any longer...!''

    (...I know, but¡ª!)

    He had to take care of this monster right here.

    The fifth Vorpal st was released.

    But Demon King Solomon still remained active.

    With his heart still pierced, he grabbed Kamito''s neck with a bony right arm.

    "...! Cough... Gah...!"

    Next¡ª

    As retaliation, he plunged his demon sword of darkness into Kamito''s belly.

    "Guh... Ah... Ahhh, ahhhhhhhh!"

    Just like that, Kamito was thrown to the ground.

    "...Guh, ooh... Ooooh...!"

    Crimson blood dripped on to the rubble.

    Holding the demon sword of darkness that had drank this blood, Demon King Solomon began to step forward.

    (...! Damn... monster...!)

    Kamito cursed in his thoughts and smiled wryly.

    It was self-mockery.

    ¡ªDirected at himself, who had likewise be a monster.

    Thump, his heart throbbed.

    ck miasma surged out. The hole in his belly punctured by the demon sword instantly healed.

    He could no longer hear the voices of his two contracted spirits.

    Only her softughter echoed in his mind.

    (I... am¡ª)

    His consciousness was gradually turning all ck.

    He¡ª

    Slowly stood up.

    Demon King Solomon halted.

    It was unclear whether the emotion of fear still existed within him, but presumably he instinctively sensed danger.

    Boundless divine power of darkness filled his body.

    With every footfall, the ground was shattered. Dark miasma was generated.

    Oh, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...!

    The Demon King roared and swung his demon sword of darkness.

    "..."

    But the jet-ck lightning erupting from his demon sword''s de was effortlessly crushed in his hand.

    Of course. After all, he was synonymous to darkness itself now¡ª

    That being said, magical attacks of any other element would have ended up the same way.

    It was as though time had frozen.

    Step by step, he approached the Demon King.

    Demon King Solomon activated the Ring, intending to summon spirits.

    So slow. Those movements were truly too slow.

    No, it was only in his eyes that things seemed this slow.

    He raised the Demon yer simply¡ª

    Whoosh¡ªThe Demon King''s heart was pierced.

    That was all.

    That was all, and the Demon King''s body turned into glowing runes and vanished into the air.

    With that, he stood there.

    Part 5

    Amid all-incinerating fire, she saw fragments of lost memories.

    How long ago was it when that young little girl had arrived at the shrine for the first time to seek an audience¡ª?

    In front of her, whose sanity was corroded by Otherworldly Darkness, about to sumb to impulses of hatred and destruction¡ª

    The girl had arrived as Queen.

    "¡ªToday onwards, I shall serve at your side."

    So nervous that she was trembling, the princess maiden knelt before the altar, introducing herself with the name of Rubia.

    The girl''s face was more beautiful than any princess maiden she had seen before.

    ...But that was all.

    As Queen, she would serve for a mere few years then leave.

    This girl was nothing more than one of those princess maidens.

    ¡ªThat was what she thought at the time.

    "T-Today, I have learned a new dance to offer to you, Elemental Lord!"

    "I saw some beautiful flowers blooming in the Divine Ritual Institute''s courtyard and picked some to bring along."

    "I wrote a story for you, Elemental Lord. Would you like to listen?"

    "I received a letter from my younger sister, Elemental Lord. May I read it out?"

    Perhaps being young and naive, she was fearless.

    Unlike the Queens before, the girl did not focus single-mindedly on pleasing her.

    That girl''s attitude made her feel confused, agitated, and a little intrigued.

    ¡ªWhat was up with this human?

    ¡ªWhy does she not fear the revered Elemental Lords?

    One day, the girl came before the shrine and said.

    "U-Uh, today I have a favor to ask of you, Elemental Lord."

    ¡ªPermission granted to ask.

    She replied solemnly,

    The petitions of Queens were mostly concerned with bringing prosperity to the human realm.

    She thought the girl''s request would fall along those lines too.

    However¡ª

    "¡ªUh, Elemental Lord, umm..."

    ¡ªWhat is it? Be quick. My patience has limits.

    She had a me surge from the altar in a threatening manner.

    "I-I am sorry! U-Umm, I would like us to be friends!"

    That was what the girl had said.

    Had the elders of the Divine Ritual Institute heard this, they probably would have fainted on the spot.

    ¡ªWhat?

    Her angry voice echoed throughout the entire shrine.

    The girl jumped in fright, her shoulder trembling in fear.

    Nevertheless, she looked up with great fortitude¡ª

    "I-I have been very lonely ever since I separated with my sister. Lately, it has been hard for me to see my juniors in the Divine Ritual Institute such as Fianna and Reicha. Uh, and so¡ª"

    The girl exined awkwardly.

    Of course, her wrath was imcable.

    ¡ªA mere human princess maiden dares to call herself my friend, such insolence against an Elemental Lord such as I!

    "Uwah, p-please forgive me!"

    When she vented her angry mes on the altar, the girl fled in panic.

    ...Perhaps she was scolded severely by the elders of the Divine Ritual Institute after that.

    The girl never brought up anything simr again.

    This was her final memory as an Elemental Lord with sanity.

    A small me lit up in the darkness.

    Part 6

    In the mes of purgatory, Rubia gripped the Fire Elemental Lord''s sword.

    Using the Absolute me, she suppressed the rampaging ultimate me of Astral Zero.

    Freezing mes were exuded from all over her body.

    Were they to interrupt for but an instant, her physical body would have been annihted within an eye''s blink

    "¡ªRemember, Elemental Lord Volcanicus!"

    While shouting, Rubia hugged the de of Ragnarok to her chest.

    "Remember the name of Rubia Elstein, the Queen who serves you!"

    In that instant, the spirit seal branded on her right hand shone with blinding brightness in the mes.

    Ragnarok''s de glowed as though in resonance, then turned into particles of light and vanished.

    The howling mes of purgatory¡ª

    Instantly vanished without a trace.

    "...Ugh...!"

    Rubia copsed on the spot like a marite whose strings had been severed.

    "Rubia-sama!"

    Fianna and Ellis hastily rushed over to her side.

    Just then, a fire lit over Rubia''s head.

    That me, appearing out of thin air, flickered and gradually took on human form.

    Landing softly on the rubble was¡ª

    A beautiful girl with curving horns, a head of crimson hair and ruby-like eyes.

    Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus.

    With her ruby-like eyes widened, she looked down at Rubia who was on her knees.

    "...Ru... bia?"

    She murmured in a daze.

    "..."

    With her head down, Rubia did not respond at all.

    It was as though this girl''s voice had not reached her ears.

    "...I remember you."

    With a trembling finger, Volcanicus touched Rubia''s shoulder.

    "You are my¡ª"

    Rubia''s body instantly shook.

    Surprised, Volcanicus hastily tried to help her up.

    The color of blood swiftly left Rubia''s face.

    "R-Rubia! Someone, someonee cast healing magic¡ª"

    "Elemental Lord, allow us to¡ª"

    Fianna and Ellis replied while hurrying over.

    Just then...

    The sky glowed from over at the distant holy capital.

    Part 7

    Having destroyed Demon King Solomon, Kamito was surrounded by dense miasma of darkness.

    It looked like it was about to transport Kamito to somewhere unknown¡ª

    "¡ªKamito!"

    While calling out, ire ran over.

    (...! I must save him!)

    Est and Restia were probably dominated by that power of darkness.

    Right now, ire was the only one who could save Kamito.

    Suppose she used that method that her sister had taught, she might still make it in time¡ª

    Just as she stepped over rubble, about to reach Kamito''s side...

    The distant sky glowed with blinding light.

    (...What!?)

    She had a bad feeling about what wasing. Based on her instincts as a princess maiden, she understood this much.

    "...! Kamito!

    ire jumped without hesitation.

    She plunged headlong into the dark miasma shrouding Kamito.

    "...Guh, ah, ughhh...!"

    In that instant, ire felt searing pain as though being burned.

    Submerged in the divine power of darkness, her skin was tormented mercilessly.

    For a princess maiden with pure divine power, this was excruciating pain.

    "...! Damn... it... Give Kamito back...!"

    Even so, ire still did not let go of Kamito''s hand.

    This guy has saved me so many times.

    He always came for me, no exceptions.

    "This time, I will be the one to save Kamito¡ª"

    The massive light produced in the sky over the holy capital was released.

    "Kamito!"

    BOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    With the frightening sound of an earthquake, Ragna Ys'' ground split open.

    "W-What, kyahhhhhhhhh!"

    Hugging tightly Kamito''s body that was devoured by the divine power of darkness...

    The two of them fell into the vast forest of Astral Zero.

    Part 8

    The fractured ground of Ragna Ys turned into gigantic rock fragments, crashing down into the great forest below.

    The town created by humans for the de Dance was wiped out without a trace by that strike.

    "¡ªHmm, impressive as ever, Est."

    In the sky over the holy capital of Alexandria.

    Under the rotating gate in the air, Sacred Maiden Areishia eximed in admiration.

    Howling wind blowed that beautiful blonde hair.

    Slowly, she returned the sacred sword in her hand, Terminus Est, to her scabbard.

    The ultimate spirit weapon that had annihted numerous spirits.

    "¡ªAfter a thousand years, you have finally returned to my side."

    Giving a light kiss to the sacred sword''s hilt, the Sacred Maiden looked up at the rotating gate to the Otherworld.

    In a little while, the road leading to paradise would openpletely.

    ¡ªBy then, the existence guarded by angels woulde within reach.

    "Yes, very soon, the world we dreamed of shalle true¡ª"

    Looking at the sacred sword in her hand, Sacred Maiden Areishia smiled.

 Volume 19, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 19, Epilogue</h4>

    Part 1

    In a space illuminated by faint light, Fianna opened her eyes.

    "...Ooh, ooooh, mm... Where is this ce?"

    Gasping in pain, she slowly sat up.

    The ground which she used her hands to push against for support felt soft, like a feathered velvet carpet.

    Next to her, an unconscious Ellis was lying on the ground.

    "...Ellis? Hey, what happened?"

    Fianna woke up Ellis forcefully.

    "Y-Your Highness, where is this ce...?"

    Waking up, Ellis blinked her brown eyes.

    "I have no idea either."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "After that white light swallowed us, I woke up and here we are."

    In that instant¡ª

    Just as the two of them rushed over to Rubia and the Fire Elemental Lord, the silver-white sh of light had swept them up.

    The ground had shattered. They fell straight down.

    They could not remember anything after that.

    (...But I seem to recall seeing some kind of gigantic white monster.)

    Fianna touched what felt like a feathered velvet carpet.

    The ground was warm and trembled lightly as though it were breathing.

    "Anyway, we should be thankful we did not fall all the way down."

    "I wonder what happened to Rubia-sama, and Kamito and ire¡ª"

    Ellis worried.

    Fianna looked around in a circle. The only people present were Ellis and herself, the two of them.

    Just then...

    "The others are currently being located."

    "...! Rinslet?"

    Riding the back of a white wolf, Rinslet appeared from the darkness.

    "Rinslet, what on earth is going on? Where is this?"

    Fianna asked a series of questions.

    "In the belly of a spirit."

    "W-What did you say?"

    "Seeing you two fall from the sky, I hurried over to rescue you."

    "Rinslet, this isn''t your spirit, right...?"

    "You are right, of course not¡ª"

    Rinslet nodded.

    Then whose was it?

    "¡ªIt is mine, princess of Ordesia."

    Suddenly, particles of light gathered in the air before them, forming the appearance of a girl.

    "Y-You are¡ª!?"

    An adorable maiden with hair the color of water appeared.

    Iseria Seaward¡ªThe Water Elemental Lord.

    Part 2

    Rain began to fall.

    Inside a dense and creepy forest¡ª

    "¡ªKamito, open your eyes, Kamito!"

    ire hugged Kamito''s motionless body tightly.

    He was still breathing. However, it was still unknown whether he could regain consciousness.

    Starting from the instant when the holy capital had shot out light, shattering the ground of Ragna Ys...

    ire had grabbed Kamito''s hand and together they fell.

    Although she had seeded in slowing their descent by taking a spirit crystal out from her uniform pocket and activating levitation in haste, since it was not enough to support the weight of two people, the two of them had crashed into the forest in Astral Zero.

    "...Kamito, I''m begging you,e back... Kamito!"

    Not caring that the rain was drenching her, ire called out with all her strength.

    (...I must save Kamito!)

    Est and Restia showed no signs of responding.

    Right now, she was the only one who could save Kamito.

    But as though in mockery of her¡ª

    Divine power of the darkness element gradually shrouded Kamito''s body like a mist.

    (Nee-sama had taught me the ritual for dispelling divine power of the darkness element...)

    The ritual meant taking on the risk of getting devoured by darkness herself.

    Even so, ire did not hesitate.

    (...Kamito has saved me who knows how many times.)

    That''s why, I have to be the one to protect Kamito this time¡ª

    Pulling off the ribbon at her chest with one hand, she unbuttoned her shirt.

    Taking off the uniform, heavy from moisture, and removing her skirt, she was now wearing nothing except for a set of underwear.

    In front of Kamito, she was disying herself in an embarrassing state of undress on her own initiative.

    The thought of this caused her skin to heat up in embarrassment.

    However, now was not the time to be concerned about that kind of thing.

    (...A-Also, I should be happy to let Kamito s-see this.)

    ire bit her lip and steeled her resolve.

    She slowly picked up Kamito''s body, shrouded in dark miasma, in her arms.

    Wrapped in silk underwear, her two adorable little mounds pressed tightly against him.

    "...Ah, mmm...?"

    Blushing to her ears, ire whispered softly in his ear.

    "¡ªI love you, Kamito."

    Her lips, like cherry buds, touched Kamito gently on the lips.

    Part 3

    First to be born were the spirits of Light and Darkness.

    The spirit of Light illuminated the world while the spirit of Darkness covered the world with a canopy of night.

    Next, spirits of Fire and Wind, as well as Water and Earth were born into that world.

    The spirits created their own subordinate spirits and set about constructing the world.

    Astral World was a perfect paradise of harmony and bnce.

    When was it that this state of affairs was broken¡ª?

    (...Where am I?)

    In a strange dream, Kamito opened his eyes.

    His consciousness remained awake. Thest thing he could remember was destroying the Demon King Solomon that the angel had summoned.

    (...I was swallowed by Ren Ashdoll''s power, which took control of my soul.)

    In that case, what he was seeing now would not be a dream¡ª

    (...So I''ve arrived directly in her mind, huh?)

    Inside a space of endless darkness, Kamito slowly stood up.

    Held in his hand were two swords, the Vorpal Sword and the Demon yer.

    The two swords that had been missing in previous dreams.

    ¡ªRight now, they were in his hands.

    (...I knew it, not a dream. It''s my soul that has been trapped in her consciousness.)

    Reaching this conclusion, Kamito gripped his swords tightly.

    Just then¡ª

    "¡ªFufu, you have finally be mine, my dear adorable child."

    "...!?"

    The echoing voice made Kamito look around him in surprise.

    ¡ªBehind him, dense darkness coalesced.

    "Hi, this is actually our first time to meet face to face, you and me."

    Facing a presence that seemed to nurture death, feeling a chill down his back, Kamito greeted humorously.

    Without his two contracted spirits by his side, he probably would have spoken with trembling words.

    "Imend your courage. You have more potential than the brat a thousand years ago who was known as the Demon King."

    The mass of darkness flickered and gradually took on human form.

    Skin so pale it was like bright snow came into view in the darkness.

    Arms and legs as delicate as works of art made of ss. A petite body like a child''s.

    Furthermore, beautiful hair in the color of night, like that belonging to Kamito''s darkness spirit partner.

    Her golden eyes, glowing mysteriously, were staring at Kamito with curiosity.

    From the girl''s back, jet-ck wings spread out.

    They looked like a canopy of night covering the world¡ª

    Ren Ashdoll, the Darkness Elemental Lord, had appeared

 Volume 19, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 19, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªHave you forgotten this me, Volcanicus?

    Hello again, I am Shimizu.

    I hereby present Seirei Tsukai no de Dance Volume 19, "Disappearance of the Holy Capital"!

    Kamito and hispanions had returned from the Demon King City and seeded in recapturing the Academy. After getting wounded all over in his battle against the angel, Kamito then heard Greyworth reveal the truth from twenty-four years ago. With the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord eating away at Kamito, the mystery of the holy capital''s disappearance, the unexpected weakness of Rinslet-san the perfect noble youngdy, and Holy Lord Alexandros'' true goal is¡ª?

    Volume 19, which approaches the secret of Est''s kneesocks, I hope it will meet everyone''s expectations.

    Recently, perhaps due to the summer heat, I''ve been in bad health, and caused a great deal of trouble for staff. Novelists must prioritize their health and take good care of their bodies...!

    Nexte acknowledgements. Once again, I am very grateful to Shimesaba Kohada-sensei who has drawn adorable illustrations. Every illustration was awesome, especially the one with Kamito and ire standing next to each other, super amazing. Mr. Editor, I''ve caused a lot of trouble for you again, I thank you for taking care of me all this time. Finally, I have to thank all of you, dear readers, who have stayed with me the whole way to Volume 19. It''s thanks to you all that the series was able to make it to this point...!

    Almost eight years have passed since the series began. Manga and anime adaptations, autograph sessions, the Taiwan event, the performances of the Kneesocks voice actress unit, etc, so much has happened over these eight years. I had so many experiences. Volume 20 will be the final volume. I hope everyone can support the de Dance series to the very end!

    I have also finished the script for the audio drama to be performed by the anime cast. The main theme is a reunion of Team Scarlet. I hope everyone will listen to it too!

    Finally, let me advertise a little. Currently serializing in Gekkan Comic Alive to critical acim is the after school magecraft story "After School Witch Craft" written and drawn by Ichihara Kazuma-sensei. A fun and hi manga, I hope everyone could support it!

    ¡ªAnd so, the final volume arrives next time atst.

    I will work hard to bring you the best ending!

    Shimizu Yuu, August 2018

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Hello, I am the illustrator Shimesaba Kohada.

    This time, I drew the three girls who appear rtively less often in the illustrations!

    With Kamito, ire and Est in trouble, seeing these three always makes me feel reassured. Especially Ellis and Fianna, I really wanna hug them.

    It''s been three volumes since I took over as illustrator. Although next time will be the final volume, I still have this feeling of "I still haven''t drawn enough" in my heart.

    As the illustrator, I will work hard to the very end to draw illustrations in de Dance style!

    Shimesaba Kohada

 Volume 20, Prologue

    <h4>Volume 20, Prologue</h4>

    Part 1

    A spirit in the form of a gigantic white whale was flying in the air over Astral Zero''s forest.

    Dire Whale was a super massive spirit under the Water Elemental Lord''smand.

    Within the internal dimension of the Dire Whale''s stomach¡ª

    The trio of Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet were sitting around a small table.

    "Kamito and the others still aren''t found yet?"

    "No, they fell into the forest in Astral Zero. Locating them will be very difficult."

    To Ellis'' inquiry, the young girl with hair the color of shimmering water shook her head.

    The girl was Iseria Seaward, the avatar of the Water Elemental Lord whom Ren Ashbell had liberated three years earlier. Sensing that Kamito''s team had entered Astral Zero, she hade over to aid them.

    "ire should have prepared a Levitation spirit crystal. They will surely be fine."

    "Well said, Your Highness."

    "Hmm, I hope so..."

    With a worried expression, Ellis watched the outside world through a crystal ball on the table.

    Seen through the Dire Whale''s eyes was a vast forest and the Astral Zero sky that was raining. Also¡ª

    The remains of the shattered floating ind of Ragna Ys, slowly falling to the ground.

    ¡ªNot too long ago, it was still a sturdy piece ofnd.

    To seal away the Gate to the Otherworld that the Holy Lord had opened, Kamito''s team had taken the four Queens together to teleport to the Holy Capital of Alexandria.

    But along the way, the ship had crashed due to Cardinal Millennia Sanctus'' attack. Kamito and ire were forced to fight the angel summoned by Millennia whereas Ellis and the others had to contend with another Millennia that was armed with the ultimate me sword Ragnarok.

    Towards the end of the battle, Rubia had to face off against the Fire Elemental Lord after defeating Millennia.

    However, in that instant, gigantic des of light released from the four corners of the Holy Capital had shattered the ground of Ragna Ys.

    Kamito and ire, as well as Rubia with the Fire Elemental Lord, had all fallen to the ground below. Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet and the four Queens had been found by Iseria''s Dire Whale while they were falling and rescued without harm.

    "...Those des of light, what were they?"

    Fianna wondered quietly.

    With just a single strike, that light had shattered thend of Ragna Ys.

    To think that such a terrifying power existed in this world¡ª

    "That is the light of Terminus Est, a spirit weapon from the Spirit War era."

    Iseria Seaward answered.

    "...Miss Sword Spirit?"

    Rinslet asked with incredulity on her face.

    "The Demon yer contracted with Kazehaya Kamito only has one tenth of the original''s power. Most likely, the Holy Lord used Sacred Maiden Areishia''s body as the vessel and sessfully summoned the principal body of Terminus Est."

    "I see..."

    Holy Lord Alexandros had obtained the most powerful spirit weapon too, huh?

    "...We cannot recklessly approach the Holy Capital."

    Fianna stared at the Holy Capital shown on the crystal ball.

    From the central zone of the Holy Capital, three pirs of light rose, piercing gigantic holes in the sky.

    It was most likely the Gate connecting to the Otherworld.

    "No matter what, we must find Kamito and the others first."

    Saying that, Ellis quietly stood up.

    "Captain, where are you going?"

    "I will search the forest. If I go alone, the Holy Kingdom will probably not discover me."

    "Going alone is dangerous!"

    "There are many violent spirits in the forest."

    Iseria warned.

    "In that case, I must find them sooner."

    Ellis looked very determined.

    "...Very well. Take care."

    "Yes, Your Highness¡ª"

    Fianna nodded lightly and Ellis summoned her demon wind spirit.

    The Dire Whale opened its mouth, bringing a strong gust of wind surging inside.

    "¡ªLet us go, Simorgh."

    Mounting the giant demon bird''s back, she flew into the Astral Zero sky.

    Part 2

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble!

    A military shipnded inside the vast premises of Areishia Spirit Academy.

    The rumbling of its drive reactor shook the atmosphere violently.

    The students in the school building were drawn to the windows by curiosity, looking in surprise at the slowly descending military ship.

    This ship was the Revenant belonging to Team Inferno.

    Originally moored at the Imperial Capital of Ostdakia, it had been called over to the Academy.

    "Now that was fast. My unworthy disciple evidently fears me quite a lot."

    Greyworth remarked, looking up at the ship from the training ground down below.

    Previously, her body had temporarily returned to prime condition thanks to effects of the Otherworldly Darkness invading her body, but after Est removed the darkness, she had turned back to her original age. Her power in her youth was far greater than now, but unfortunately that was no longer essible.

    "Headmistress, preparations for Teleport areplete."

    "Is that so? Thank you."

    Hearing Ms. Freya''s report, she turned to the trio behind her.

    Gathered on the za were¡ª

    Leonora Lancaster, Dracunia''s dragon knight.

    Muir Alenstarl, the Instructional School''s "Monster."

    Velsaria Eva Fahrengart, the Silent Fortress.

    These three powerful elementalists were far beyond the Academy''s students in capability.

    "Are you prepared?"

    Greyworth asked.

    "How foolish a question, Dusk Witch. A dragon warrior knows no fear."

    "Onii-sama is waiting. Of course I have to go."

    "Upon the name of House Fahrengart, a knight never goes back on her word."

    The trio answered very decisively.

    "¡ªIndeed, I asked you a foolish question."

    Smiling wryly, Greyworth shrugged.

    Kamito''s team had headed to Astral Zero to thwart the Holy Lord''s n.

    Learning of this, Greyworth had immediately ordered Vivian Melosa to summon the Revenant and make preparations to head to Astral Zero.

    At the same time, she assembled the most powerfulbat team to set off for Astral Zero.

    "Velsaria, about linking up with the Revenant¡ª"

    "Yes, my Dreadnought shall surely link up without problems."

    Greyworth acknowledged with a brief "I see" after Velsaria nodded.

    In the center of the training ground, the Revenant''s giant hullnded.

    "Then let us depart¡ª"

    With a flip of her gray overcoat, Greyworth stepped towards the ship.

    Part 3

    Surrounded by infinite darkness without boundary¡ª

    Kamito was facing a maiden who had outspread wings of jet ck.

    The girl''s shining golden eye was like a bright full moon in the darkness.

    Her beautiful face was identical to Restia''s.

    With the two of them were ced together, one would definitely see them as sisters.

    The Darkness Elemental Lord¡ªRen Ashdoll.

    The renegade Elemental Lord. She was both Restia''s creator and the source of the Demon King''s power¡ª

    "...!"

    "Do not be nervous, my adorable child¡ª"

    The Lord of Darkness smiled at Kamtio who was ring seriously at her.

    Her expression and demeanor were quite simr to Restia''s.

    Nevertheless, Kamito was suspicious.

    Was this girl truly the owner of the voice enticing Kamito to be the Demon King?

    Every time the power of darkness was drawn out, that voice had sounded in Kamito''s mind.

    Corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness, she ought to be speaking with greater madness.

    However, there was not the slightest sign of insanity in the maiden in front of him.

    Originally, that power was so strong that he could feel it palpably.

    Visiting Dracunia previously, in an audience with the legendary dragon spirit, he had also sensed considerably strong power¡ª

    This girl was undoubtedly on the same level of power as that dragon king, at least.

    "No need to be wary. I am simply the avatar of part of her darkness power."

    "Avatar?"

    "You must have met the Water Elemental Lord''s avatar, yes? I am the same as her."

    "...Like Iseria?"

    Kamito had met Iseria Seaward in Astral Zero, the avatar of the Water Elemental Lord''s will that Ren Ashbell had liberated three years earlier. Although she was quite powerfulpared to ordinary spirits, her original power had actually been weakened greatly.

    (...I see now, an avatar, huh?)

    Kamito understood for now.

    Why was the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar here? Although Kamito wanted to ask this, there were more urgent questions.

    "...Say, where am I? What happened to me?"

    All Kamito could rememberst was the angel summoned by Millennia Sanctus.

    After the battle, devoured by the power of darkness, he had lost consciousness. Speaking of which, was he inside his own consciousness, devoured by darkness, or inside her consciousness?

    "It is as you think, adorable child."

    As though reading Kamito''s thoughts, the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar spoke.

    "This is inside your own soul, devoured by her darkness."

    "...I see."

    Kamito nodded.

    Even if told he was inside his own soul, to be honest, it did not feel real at all. But there was a weird sense of deja vu in this space, which indirectly supported the truth of her answer.

    "So what exactly do you want me to do?"

    "Fufu, I am very d that you understand¡ª"

    The avatar girl pped her jet ck wings, looking quite happy.

    ...Restia often did that too when she was in a good mood.

    "I hope you will inherit Ren Ashdoll''s power next."

    "What did you say?"

    Kamito could not help but ask.

    "What do you mean? If I inherit her power, that power will swallow me, right?"

    "Indeed, but that is part of her n too¡ª"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar pointed into the air, summoning a gigantic orb of darkness.

    "...!?"

    Kamito entered a stance, putting his hands on hilts of his two swords.

    "Do not misunderstand. I simply wish to chat with you about the past."

    "...The past?"

    "Yes, it is necessary for you to know. Where the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords came from, and the reason she had her power reincarnated in a human¡ª"

    The surface of the orb of darkness began to distort, then projected an image.

 Volume 20, 1 - Darkness Elemental Lord

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 1 - Darkness Elemental Lord</h4>

    Part 1

    "...!?"

    Even forgetting to put up his guard, Kamito stood frozen in his spot in astonishment.

    What was disyed on the surface of the dark orb was¡ª

    A gigantic vortex. A conglomerate of order and chaos that kept devouring and giving birth to countless stars.

    "What is... this...?"

    Kamito uttered in wide-eyed amazement.

    "This is the origin of all creation. This is the source of all phenomena, the sea of chaos giving rise to innumerable worlds. It is what created this Astral Zero¡ª"

    "...It created Astral Zero?"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar pointed at the center of the vortex.

    "You have seen this before, haven''t you? At the Elemental Lords'' shrine¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Kamito gulped as soon as he saw that thing.

    The gigantic vortex of chaos, swallowing stars.

    At its very center were countless tiny lights shing.

    "...Aren''t those angels!?"

    Kamito widened his eyes.

    "¡ªIn other words, that giant vortex is the Otherworldly Darkness?"

    "Half correct, my adorable child."

    The avatar girl lightly shook her head.

    "Half¡ª"

    "Not only Darkness. Light, Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, all elements were born from that vortex of chaos¡ª"

    "...Say that again?"

    The image projected on the orb of darkness changed.

    The bubble in the vortex''s center split open, producing countless spheres.

    "Every fragment of the ruptured bubble is the source of a world. Vast though this Astral Zero may be, it is merely one of such fragments."

    "What¡ª"

    This time, Kamito was speechless.

    (¡ªThat bubble is the world?)

    "For starters, only a very small proportion seed in forming worlds. The vast majority disappear like bubbles before developing into an embryonic world. However, in any case¡ª"

    The avatar girl turned her gaze back to the image.

    "¡ªThis Astral Zero was born from that vortex of chaos."

    Part of the fragmented bubble turned into a perfect sphere. Inside that sphere¡ª

    Light, and darkness too, were born.

    "First to be born were the spirits of Light and Darkness. After these two spirits'' power covered the entire world, the spirits of Fire, Water, Wind and Earth were born as well."

    "The six main elements... In other words, the current Elemental Lords?"

    Kamito asked.

    "More precisely, the entities that became the cores of the Elemental Lords. The primordial elemental spirits did not have any will yet. They simply brought the constituting elements of order to a world of chaos."

    The image in the orb kept changing.

    The sky and the earth separated, mountains rose up, rivers appeared, forests flourished.

    The power of spirits resided all over the world, finally filling the world withrge numbers of living spirits.

    Giant beasts in the ocean, herds of animals, magic beasts, dragons, giants, as well as the elves who were themon ancestors of humans and the Elfim race¡ª

    "It was a paradise filled with order and peace, maintained by the power of spirits. This world was originally meant to persist forever¡ª"

    "..."

    "¡ªBut one day, the primordial spirits, which only served as constituting elements of the world, changed. Will, or perhaps one might call it the soul, came into being."

    "Spirits gained will¡ª?"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar nodded.

    "It is still unclear why that sort of thing appeared. Perhaps such a change happened in response to the worship from the elves. But no matter what¡ª"

    She sounded self-effacing.

    "¡ªThat was the beginning of all sins."

    "...Sins? You mean the fact that the Elemental Lords gained their own will?"

    "Indeed. Having gained their own will and personality, the Elemental Lords were driven by basic instinctive desires in their souls, and believed they ought to make themselves into even more perfect beings."

    "...Perfect beings?"

    "Every element existing in Astral Zero is ultimately copied from the origin of worlds. Something like a shadow. Hence, the Elemental Lords wanted true elements."

    "True elements..."

    "They wanted the elements of true darkness, true light, true fire, water, wind and earth¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Hearing this, a sh of inspiration went through Kamito''s mind.

    ¡ªTrue Darkness. Cardinal Millennia Sanctus had used this to refer to the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Elemental Lords.

    "...So that''s what happened, huh?"

    That Otherworldly Darkness was the darkness element existing in the origin world?

    "The six self-aware Elemental Lords joined forces to open a Gate connecting to the origin and seeded in stealing true elements. However, there was a severe miscalction in the n."

    "Miscalction?"

    "After part of the World was stolen, the origin sent angels to Astral Zero."

    The image on the darkness orb changed again.

    And endless army of angels passed through the Gate and descended from the sky.

    "This is..."

    Kamito had seen this scene before.

    From the dream of Ren Ashdoll''s memories¡ª

    Weapon-wielding Elemental Lords, Est, Ortlinde, and the powerful spirits known as spirit weapons were fighting intensely against the army of angels.

    "The war with the angels only ended when the Elemental Lords sealed the Gate. During the intense conflict, all Astral Zero obtained was true Darkness and a small amount of true Fire. True Darkness went to Ren Ashdoll, whereas true Fire was stolen by the elves, its whereabouts unknown¡ª"

    Although the war with the angels left gigantic scars on Astral Zero, the Elemental Lords also obtained what they had desired.

    However, saying that, the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar bit her lip lightly.

    "¡ªThe true Darkness brought to this world began to corrupt the Elemental Lords."

    Part 2

    "¡ªThe first to descend into madness was Ren Ashdoll."

    The avatar girl spoke softly.

    "To stop her from turning into a Gate that brought forth angels, the five Elemental Lords formed an alliance with Holy Lord Alexandros as the leader, with the intention of destroying her. Namely, that is¡ª"

    ''¡ªThe Spirit War.''

    The demon sword of darkness in Kamito''s hand suddenly spoke.

    "Restia?"

    ''I heard everything you two said. Sorry for waking up toote.''

    "It''s okay, we went through such a deadly battle, after all¡ª"

    ''Miss Sword Spirit seems to be quite spent.''

    "Yeah, because she used her power to analyze the angel. Let her rest properly."

    Kamito lightly tapped the demon sword''s hilt.

    "¡ªMay I continue, demon sword of darkness?"

    ''Yes, please do. I am very interested in this topic too.''

    Restia replied to the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar.

    "¡ªThe Spirit War, that was when I was born, right?"

    "Yes, and the result of the Spirit War is as you know."

    The war between the Darkness Elemental Lord and the Five Great Elemental Lords.

    Its records were kept in the Divine Ritual Institute''s sealed library and rarely circted.

    Its purpose was to eliminate the Darkness Elemental Lord who had been corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness, huh?

    "The Spirit War was very intense. The aftershock broke Astral Zero into two, one of which became the human realm. To protect herst followers, the defeated Darkness Elemental Lord allowed herself to be sealed in the dimensional gap by the Holy Lord and reincarnated her power in the human race¡ª"

    The Darkness stolen from the origin was eliminated together with Ren Ashdoll.

    ¡ªThat was what was supposed to have happened.

    "However, the victorious Elemental Lords were already corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness. The Darkness Elemental Lord was simply the first to be discovered."

    After several thousand years, the Elemental Lords gradually changed in nature.

    By the time they realized, it was already toote.

    The de Dance held by the humans were able to bring temporary peace to the corrupted Elemental Lords'' souls, but at the same time,rge scale warfare in the human realm also agitated their souls.

    "And now, Holy Lord Alexandros is using the Elemental Lords as a Gate, intending to connect Astral Zero to the origin again."

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar waved her fingers, causing the orb of darkness to disappear.

    After a moment''s silence¡ª

    "...There''s something I don''t understand."

    Kamito spoke.

    "Why is the Holy Lord the only one untainted by the Otherworldly Darkness?"

    Indeed, the four Elemental Lords of fire, water, wind and earth had all descended into madness. But for some unknown reason, only the Holy Lord seemedpletely free from the effects of corruption.

    The avatar girl shook her head.

    "This I do not know. Although I doubt that the Holy Lord''s element of light could produce resistance against the Otherworldly Darkness, still¡ª"

    "...I see."

    No matter what, at least he now knew what had happened in Astral Zero in the ancient past.

    Kamito also wanted to ask about the true meaning of what she had said earlier.

    "Then what exactly did you mean when you asked me to inherit the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power?"

    Kamito was already swallowed by the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power.

    Awakened as the Demon King, Kamito would surely destroy the world in a state of insanity.

    Or perhaps, he could end up like the other Elemental Lords, turned into a Gate connected to the origin¡ª

    "You and the darkness spirit will liberate the insane Darkness Elemental Lord."

    ''What did you say?''

    "Is that even possible!?"

    Kamito and Restia eximed at the same time.

    "Yes, it was precisely for this purpose that she created the darkness spirit Restia, even reincarnated her power in the human race, and waited for thousands of years¡ª"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar turned her gaze to the Vorpal Sword in Kamito''s hand.

    ''She created me to liberate herself?

    "¡ªIndeed. Restia Ashdoll was created with the true Darkness element as the core, the only darkness spirit. Only you are capable of devouring the Darkness corrupting her."

    "...I see¡ª"

    Back when she recovered her memories at Dracunia, Restia had taken away Millennia''s Darkness.

    That power was born for the sake of taking away the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª

    The darkness spirit who was the Demon King''s guide, Restia Ashdoll.

    The human who had inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, Ren Ashbell.

    Corrupted by Otherworldly Darkness, knowing her mind was insane, she used thest remnants of her rational mind to prepare these two keys.

    ¡ªThen she waited all this time.

    Waiting for the Demon King who would have the power to liberate her several thousand yearster¡ª

    ''So basically, Kamito¡ª''

    "Yes, indeed. I am the fragment of her final will, left behind by her. I am the being created for this very moment, to offer advice and prepare opportunities for the one who is truly qualified to be the Demon King."

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar turned around.

    Just then¡ª

    Oh, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª

    "...!?"

    In the distance, out in the endless darkness, a terrifying roar was heard.

    It sounded like all grief and cursing in the world had coalesced into one mass.

    Kamito looked around. The surroundings seemed to be shrouded by darkness that was even darker than before.

    "The monster of darkness that had swallowed you, it has arrived¡ª"

    ''¡ªGood morning, Kamito.''

    Est greeted him sleepily.

    "I''m sorry, Est, I need to ask you to lend me your strength when you just woke up."

    ''Yes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand... Yawn...''

    ''...Say, will you really be alright?''

    Restia asked with concern.

    "There is little time left. Unless you liberate the Darkness Elemental Lord before your soul ispletely consumed, you will never be able to turn back to human again."

    "So basically, I just have to defeat that thing, right?"

    ¡ªNo sooner than Kamito finished speaking...

    The surging mist of darkness condensed and the monster was revealed.

    Part 3

    Zaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa¡ª

    Raindrops were falling in a storm.

    ire removed her drenched uniform, leaving herself only in underwear. She was tightly hugging Kamito who was shrouded in wavering divine power of darkness.

    "Kamito... Hurry ande back..."

    Her adorable cherry lips pleaded sadly.

    Pressed intimately together, her skin gave off mild warmth to warm up Kamito''s body that was rapidly cooling down.

    The divine power of fire residing within ire was entering Kamito through their connected lips.

    Divine power of fire and divine power of darkness mixed together then returned to ire''s body, circting nonstop.

    This was the ancient ritual kagura that her sister had told her about before they came to Ragna Ys.

    "..."

    "...Mm, I feel so hot..."

    ire exhaled sweet breath.

    It practically felt like Kamito was entering her body.

    Their skin, wet from the rain, was pressed tightly together. ire had her lips against Kamito''s lips as though greedily seeking the overflowing divine power of darkness.

    While panting in anguish, she desperately poured divine power of fire into Kamito.

    "...Please... Kamito, wake... up¡ª!"

    Part 4

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª

    After the mist of darkness coalesced, a terrifying thing appeared.

    It looked like countless human body parts had been randomly attached together¡ª

    The xenomorphic body had eight arms sprouting from it, writhing nonstop in mud of darkness that was melting and falling off.

    In the center of the mud, a golden eye, as round as the full moon, was ring straight at Kamito.

    "¡ª!?"

    Sensing an intense aura of death¡ªKamito could not help but cringe.

    (...This is the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª)

    Only by covering his entire body in divine power could Kamito finally hold his ground against that aura.

    The Vorpal Sword in his hand was trembling mildly.

    "Are you okay? Restia¡ª"

    ''Yes...''

    Although her reply sounded very calm, Kamito understood very well.

    The Darkness Elemental Lord was her creator and master.

    Her standing in this distorted and unrecognizable form right now, had shaken Restia''s heart and mind.

    "Keep your feelings in check. She has already be Otherworldly Darkness."

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar spoke mournfully.

    ''...I-I know¡ª!''

    The Vorpal Sword''s de erupted with jet-ck lightning.

    The monster of darkness narrowed its golden eye and emitted a noise that sound like burning.

    ''¡ªMy creator, Ren Ashdoll!''

    Restia''s anguished cry echoed in the darkness.

    ''If the slightest part of your soul remains, please listen to me!''

    "It is futile, darkness spirit, she is beyond helping¡ª"

    ''...!''

    The monster of darkness roared. Jet-ck lightning shot out from its decayed mouth.

    Hell st¡ªthe top-tier spell of the darkness element.

    The ball of darkness lightning, enough to erase high-level spirits, descended straight upon Kamito.

    "¡ªEst!"

    Using the Demon yer''s de, Kamito deflected the ball of lightning as he raced through the mud.

    The sound ofmentation was deafening. The monster''s massive body shuddered violently before releasing miasma of darkness.

    Readied in Kamito''s hand in a reverse grip, the Vorpal Sword emitted exceptionally intense ck light.

    ''¡ªKamito, let her rest in peace.''

    Hearing Restia''s voice, filled with determination, Kamito silently nodded.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Wielding the ck and white swords in his hands, Kamito ran.

    This dark space was inside Kamito''s own soul.

    However, his body basically felt as though he were in the real world.

    (...So I can''t do anything crazy, huh?)

    There was a limit to how much divine power he could use.

    Besides, there was a time limit running against him. He must destroy this monster before his soul waspletely devoured.

    Using divine power to clear away the mud on the ground, Kamito jumped.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    Tracing out a curve, the sh severed three of the monster''s arms.

    Dark miasma spurted out like blood.

    The miasma, whose mere contact brought death, was absorbed by the Vorpal Sword''s de.

    ''Leave the Otherworldly Darkness to me, Kamito, and focus on the main body¡ª''

    "¡ªYeah, I know!"

    Kamito swung around, chopping off another arm.

    Where the monster''s arm fell, a terrifying bubble appeared.

    (...What is that?)

    The four arms chopped off by Kamito were transforming inside their respective bubble, turning into four demon dragons.

    Kamito charged straight into the group of demon dragons.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, de Shadow!"

    Instantly ying the four demon dragons, Kamito continued to charge.

    He made his way towards that gigantic eyeball, shining with golden light, restless in the center of the darkness¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    He unleashed the Absolute de Art of divine speed.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The monster screamed. The demon sword of darkness had pierced its golden eye.

    "¡ªO de formed from true darkness, devour the Otherworldly Darkness and make it your power!"

    Kamito shouted.

    With a glow of divine power of the Vorpal Sword''s de, the dark miasma waspletely absorbed.

    ¡ªBut in the next instant, the golden eye suddenly squirmed.

    "What...!?"

    Glowing divine power was sucked into the eye that was like a vortex¡ª

    "Guh, ahhhhhhhh!"

    ''¡ªKamito!?''

    Together with his two swords, Kamito was sucked into the Darkness Elemental Lord''s body.

    Part 5

    "...Kamito!?"

    A bit of breath escaped from a gap between the two superimposed pair of lips.

    ire jumped in surprise and ced her fingers on Kamito''s chest.

    His heart was beating hard. The circting divine power had activated his body.

    (But...)

    After a brief relief, ire''s expression turned stiff again....Kamito did not regain consciousness.

    The endless flow of the divine power of darkness did not stop.

    At this rate, even if his life was not in danger¡ª

    "...Uh... Guh..."

    "...!"

    Just then, Kamito''s expression twisted in pain.

    "Kamito..."

    ire gently touched his cheek.

    (Kamito is fighting this darkness right now...)

    ...In that case, I must fight alongside him.

    Because I am... your master.

    Her long crimson hair, drenched in the rain, became enveloped in zing mes.

    (Let me use my mes to purify your darkness¡ª!)

    Part 6

    (...Was I careless?)

    Kamito struggled in the mud-like darkness.

    There was nothing around him. He could not even see the light of divine power released from his own body.

    This wasplete nothingness.

    (...This is the darkness that drives Elemental Lords insane?)

    Kamito gripped his two swords tightly. This was the only tangible sensation.

    But¡ª

    How could he escape from this darkness that could even rob divine power?

    ¡ªJust then, inside the darkness, a red light appeared.

    (...What?)

    It was a me glowing like a red lotus.

    This was also the most noble and beautiful me in Kamito''s memory.

    The me turned its surroundings into a sea of fire, swallowing the darkness like a ferocious lion.

    "...What... W-Wait¡ª!?"

    Swallowing darkness, the fire kept expanding and approached Kamito.

    But incredibly, Kamito did not feel fear. The mes engulfed Kamito¡ª

    In the next instant, Kamito was standing in the center of a howling vortext of fire.

    In front of him was the Darkness Elemental Lord that had turned into a monster¡ª

    It reached out to grab Kamito with its terrifying arm, but the howling mes burned intensely as though protecting Kamito, forbidding it from touching Kamito.

    "...Could this be the lost Fire of the Origin!?"

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar widened her golden eye and eximed in surprise.

    ¡ªIn other words, she wasn''t the one providing this me to cover me?

    Roar!

    The mes rose up violently.

    The zing mes raced across the ground, incinerating the Otherworldly Darknesspletely.

    The Darkness Elemental Lord faltered as though in fear.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª

    Filled with rage andmentation, the roar echoed throughout this dark space.

    ''This is Miss Hell Cat''s fire¡ª''

    "ire''s?"

    Kamito was reassured.

    (I see, this me is¡ª)

    He had seen it a number of times before.

    This was not the power of spirits. Instead, it was the Elstein me residing within ire.

    The End of Vermilion contrasting with Rubia''s Absolute Zero.

    (...ire, could it be that you''re by my side?)

    Kamito could not help but look up and ask.

    No answer. But at his feet, the mes burned with even greater intensity.

    He could feel ire''s presence. This was the noble and brilliant me he had felt the first time he saw her de dance.

    (So you''re by my side, ire¡ª)

    In the ring of fiercely burning fire¡ª

    Kamito poured divine power into his two swords and faced off against the Lord of Darkness.

    "My master is waiting for me, so I can''t lose here!"

    The monster of darkness roared, its giant body approaching.

    Kamito took a mighty leap with the release of divine power, jumping at the head of the monster of darkness in one g o.

    The monster swung its arm, trying to grab Kamito as he moved through the air, but¡ª

    As though protecting Kamito, mes rose up and deflected the monster''s gigantic arm like a whip.

    "¡ªWe''re doing this, Restia!"

    ''Yes!''

    The jet-ck lightning on the Vorpal Sword surged¡ª!

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Eighteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    In the darkness, shes of sword and lightning dashed through the air.

    The monster''s arms were chopped and sent flying. Layer byyer, dark miasma was peeled off.

    Kamito stabbed the demon sword into the monster''s gigantic golden eye¡ª

    "Will it work, Restia!?"

    ''Yes, because this Darkness is mine¡ª''

    Kamito poured all of his divine power into the Vorpal Sword.

    Lightning of darkness went on a rampage inside the monster''s body.

    The true darkness corrupting the Darkness Elemental Lord turned the demon sword''s de jet ck in color.

    Next¡ª

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    After roaring on the verge of death, the berserk Darkness Elemental Lord finally perished.

    ¡ªAs the Darkness Elemental Lord vanished, Kamito''s world copsed at the same time.

    The ground crumbled and Kamito fell into space.

    ''¡ªYou will inherit the Darkness Elemental Lord''s will and power.''

    Kamito heard the avatar''s voice in his mind.

    ''My mission ends here. My adorable child¡ªRen Ashbell.''

    "Mission... What happens to you next...?"

    ''The objective is achieved. I shall vanish and presumably turn into part of your divine power.''

    "I see¡ª"

    A falling ck feather touched Kamito''s cheek.

    ''I entrust the rest to you, my adorable child¡ª''

    The voice was interrupted and Kamito''s view became dominated by blinding light.

    Part 7

    "¡ªto... Kamito!"

    He opened his eyes¡ª

    A beautiful young maiden in underwear was on top of Kamito''s body.

    Her long crimson hair was wet and her ruby-like eyes were moist with tears.

    Having absorbed water, hercy underwear clung tightly to her skin, translucent.

    "...i... re."

    "Huah, Kamito!?"

    As soon as Kamito spoke, ire widened her eyes in surprise.

    "...I''m so d, you turned back to the original Kamito."

    She embraced Kamito''s head tightly all at once.

    "...!?"

    Although small, the sensation of her breasts made Kamito''s heart race.

    ire''s thumping heartbeat was transmitting to him through her thoroughly wet underwear.

    Traces of tears remained on her face, she was probably worried the whole time for Kamito who had been devoured by the power of darkness.

    The rain had stopped.

    From gaps in the clouds, the blue sky was visible.

    "...Sorry for making you worry."

    Slowly sitting up, Kamito then stroked ire''s head.

    "What happened? What on earth was that ck miasma..."

    "It was the divine power of the Darkness Elemental Lord sleeping inside me."

    Kamito looked the back of his left hand.

    The spirit seal of darkness, consisting of an intersecting moon and sword, was silently glowing.

    "However, she''s vanished. That power has been inherited by me and Restia¡ª"

    "What happened?"

    "I''ll save the details forter."

    "...You''re right, we have to meet up with Rinslet and the others first."

    Kamito stood up.

    "B-By the way, ire..."

    Blushing, Kamito turned his gaze to the sky.

    "...?"

    "Umm, anyway, I think it''s better if you put some clothes on."

    "...H-Huahh!"

    ire frantically summoned Scarlet to cover up her wet chest.

    "Y-You got the wrong idea! I-I was using the ritual Nee-sama taught me¡ª"

    ire''s twintails jumped.

    "Ritual?"

    "She said when the power of darkness devours you, this ritual can suppress it."

    Hugging Scarlet, ire spoke quietly in embarrassment.

    (...I see, so that me really was ire''s fire.)

    Kamito figured it out in his thoughts. Her me element had manifested in Kamito''s consciousness after mixing his divine power of darkness together with her own divine power of fire.

    "Meow!"

    All covered in fire, Scarlet instantly dried their uniforms.

    ire stood up and rapidly fastened her skirt.

    Kamito turned his gaze away from ire while she was getting dressed. At the same time, he said:

    "...By the way, where are we?"

    "Somewhere in the vast forest below Ragna Ys."

    ire looked up at the clear sky.

    In the distant sky, fragments of Ragna Ys were floating.

    "What on earth happened?"

    "I don''t know. The Holy Capital suddenly released a beam of light, then that light sliced apart thend of Ragna Ys. We fell into the forest and got separated from the others."

    "The Holy Lord''s power, huh?"

    Previously, the revived Holy Lord had used that power to slice the Demon King City into two.

    However, to think that the sturdy ground of Ragna Ys, which even archdemon-ss spirits were unable to damage, could be destroyed so thoroughly¡ª

    "That is my power, Kamito."

    Lying on the ground, the Demon yer suddenly spoke.

    "Est, what do you mean?"

    Kamito frowned. Just then...

    "Kamito, look!"

    ire pointed at the sky and shouted.

    Her gaze was directed at arge demon bird flying in the air.

    "Isn''t that Simorgh!?"

    "Ellis has found us."

    Pointing at the sky, ire quickly recited an incantation.

    "Explode¡ªre Burst!"

    Numerous small fireballs flew from her fingertips and exploded like fireworks.

    Looking quite spectacr butcking firepower, it was spirit magic for causing diversions.

    Ellis apparently noticed it.

    Simorgh circled quickly in the air thennded in the forest.

    Part 8

    The Holy Capital of Alexandros.

    It had manifested where it was almost superimposed with the Elemental Lords'' shrine. At its center¡ª

    Gates to the Origin had been opened.

    Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus and Earth Elemental Lord Lode Gear.

    Shooting up into the sky, the pirs of light had gouged holes in Astral Zero''s sky.

    Although they wererge enough for lower-level angels to descend, they were not enough.

    Only when all the Gates had been opened would her wishe true.

    Looking down at the wide streets of the Holy Capital, Areishia, i.e. Alexandros, spoke.

    "He appears to have been devoured by the Darkness Elemental Lord."

    The Holy Lord with the Sacred Maiden''s appearance silently turned around.

    There was a girl with long silver hair, standing there expressionlessly with her head tilted.

    The Sacred Sword¡ªTerminus Est.

    After the battle against Demon King Solomon, she had sealed herself in Astral Zero.

    However, after obtaining Areishia''s physical body, the Holy Lord had reactivated the contract and summoned her.

    "She hase to destroy me, I suppose, to destroy me and all of the Elemental Lords¡ª"

    "Yes, I sense it too."

    "What he holds, is another sacred sword?"

    Est shook her head expressionlessly.

    "That is another entity, already separated from me."

    "¡ªI see, so that is why she did not respond to my contract."

    Sacred Maiden Areishia shrugged. Although that Est had apparently gone so far as to betray the original contract and be the Demon King''s sword, her power was far inferior to this Terminus Est.

    Areishia stared up at the void piercing the sky.

    Everything was going ording to n. The Wind Elemental Lord and the Water Elemental Lord were about to open as Gates too.

    The Demon King War a thousand years ago, the two Ranbal Wars, the civil war in the Theocracy, the tumult in the Ordesia Empire, in order to destabilize the Elemental Lords who were corrupted by Darkness, she had used the Holy Kingdom to spread chaos in the human realm.

    Cardinal Millennia Sanctus, Des Esseintes, Lurie Lizaldia, the Dusk Witch¡ªeven the Holuy Kingdom itself¡ªall of them were nothing but instruments for achieving the goal.

    In addition, the Holy Lord had obtained the Sacred Maiden''s body of flesh, a vessel capable of manifesting him.

    "All this was for the purpose of returning there¡ª"

    Sacred Maiden Areishia raised her arms towards the sky.

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    The ground shook with the sound of an earthquake.

    Separating from the ground of Ragna Ys, the Holy Capital slowly began to rise.

 Volume 20, 2 - Counterattack

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 2 - Counterattack</h4>

    Part 1

    Carrying Kamito and ire, Simorgh flew through the air.

    Just as Simorgh spread out his wings majestically, suddenly, they were swallowed into an invisible space, vanishing without trace.

    "W-What!?"

    Holding on to one wing, ire cried out in surprise.

    Their view kept shifting like a mirage. In the next instant, the demon wind spiritnded lightly.

    "Where are we...?"

    Kamito looked around them.

    Faintly glowing spirits were hovering around them.

    There was a red carpet on the floor. Along the stone walls lining the sides of the corridor, there were sculptures of marine creatures.

    It was like an aristocrat''s mansion.

    "This is the belly of the Dire Whale, the Water Elemental Lord''s minion spirit."

    Saying that, Ellis jumped down from the back of Simorgh.

    "A whale spirit? But we never saw it."

    "That is because water elemental magic is being used to produce invisibility, to avoid detection."

    "...I see."

    "This way. Be careful not to touch the wall paintings or else you will end up in another room."

    With Ellis leading the way, the group walked along the corridor.

    "Kamito-kun!?"

    "ire, you are safe!"

    Soon, the trio arrived at a wide-open hall. Fianna and Rinslet greeted them.

    "Sorry for making you worry..."

    "Everyone is fine. That is so wonderful."

    "Yes, I was truly worried there was an ident once we lost you two."

    Rinslet wiped away tears with her little finger and hugged ire tightly.

    "W-Wait, Rinslet, sheesh..."

    ire squirmed, looking quite embarrassed, but showed no intention of pushing her away.

    "Reicha and the others are currently resting in other rooms. Uh, as for Rubia-sama¡ª"

    Fianna looked at ire, hesitating.

    In response, ire bit her lip hard and nodded slightly.

    "...Yes, I have heard from Ellis about my sister."

    While fighting the cardinal Millennia Sanctus, Rubia had seeded in turning the elemental waffe Ragnarok back to the Fire Elemental Lord''s form. But before they could even feel relieved, the terrifying beam of light had shattered the ground of Ragna Ys. Together with the Fire Elemental Lord, Rubia had gone missing.

    Had she fallen into Astral Zero''s forest like ire, or¡ª

    Seeing ire''s shoulders trembling lightly, Rinslet gently ced her arm over them.

    "She will be fine. After all, she is Rubia-sama."

    "...I-I guess you''re right. After all, she is Nee-sama."

    ire nodded vigorously as though to forcefully suppress her worries.

    Fianna ced a hand on ire''s shoulder too.

    "We must all be hungry, I am sure. Let me make something."

    Saying that, Rinslet snapped her fingers and summoned Fenrir.

    Part 2

    The table in the hall was packed with food that Rinslet had personally prepared.

    Soup boiled with veal bones, bacon and turnip. A souffle made withrge number of Laurenfrost local eggs. Stir-fried bean shoots. Marinated whitefish with herbs. Roasted quail with crispy skin and honey sauce on top. Several kinds of mushrooms sauteed with fragrant vegetables. Whole-grain bread. Bread with sweet fruit embedded. Raisin walnut bread. Fresh milk and butter. Desert was homemade bean curd ice cream.

    The table was covered with steam rising from the dishes. Waves of aroma went straight into the nose.

    Hungry for a while now, Kamito could not help but gulp saliva in anticipation.

    "I''m amazed you made so much in such short time."

    ire eximed.

    "Bean curd, bean curd..."

    Est, who had been helping with the cooking, had already started eating the bean curd ice cream.

    "Est, eating too fast will make your head hurt."

    "Do not worry, Kamito."

    Saying that, Est expressionless ate spoonful after spoonful of ice cream.

    "Another bowl, snack person."

    "You already finished!?"

    "Your cooking is amazingly delicious after all, Rinslet."

    The one whomented was the Water Elemental Lord, sitting quietly on a chair, holding bread in her hands as she spoke. Her mouth was stuffed with bread, causing her cheeks to puff out. Lord Iseria, that''s not very good manners, you know?

    "We have plenty of bread."

    Meticulous in the ways of aristocracy, Rinslet instantly reassured her.

    "...Ahmm?"

    "See, you have crumbs everywhere now."

    Saying that, Rinslet held out a handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth.

    Seeing such a scene, it was hard to imagine that Iseria was the Water Elemental Lord, one of the rulers of Astral Zero.

    If the Water Queen Feilei Sin Quina, who was currently resting in another room, witnessed this, she probably would have fainted right on the spot.

    Not one to be shy, Kamito started his meal and moved a piece of quail to his bowl.

    With its crispy skin, roasted with herbs, then topped with a honey sauce, this Laurenfrost specialty dish deserved nock of praise.

    "What the hell, this is crazy delicious."

    "Fufu, I am pleased to know that!"

    Hearing Kamito''s mumbled praise, Rinslet smiled happily.

    "M-Maybe I should learn to cook too..."

    Seeing that, sitting on the side, ire murmured to herself.

    "I could teach you, you know?"

    "Hwah, you heard that!?"

    When Rinslet discreetly whispered in her ear, ire instantly blushed red to her ears.

    "Next time, I shall give this a go too."

    "Your Highness, I believe you ought to start with the basics of cooking first¡ª"

    "Hold on a minute, Ellis, what do you mean by that?"

    Seeing Ellis sigh, Fianna red at her with dissatisfaction. Ever since Ellis started working as her secretary and bodyguard knight, the two of them had be especially close, probably because they had many more opportunities to interact.

    "Darkness spirit, that is my bean curd. Do you wish to be erased?"

    "Oh dear, it''s all your fault for hogging all the ice cream, Miss Sword Spirit."

    "Ah, give it back, darkness spirit¡ª"

    Meanwhile, the legendary sacred sword and the demon sword that had inherited Ren Ashdoll''s power were bickering amicably too.

    Looking like she was teasing a little sister, Restia seemed to be enjoying herself.

    (...Everyone''s acting the same as usual even though we''re clearly on the brink of the final battle.)

    While smiling wryly in his thoughts, Kamito dug right into the nourishing feast.

    Part 3

    Thus, after filling his belly with food and warming up his body that had gotten cold from the rain...

    Kamito told everyone about how the miasma of darkness had devoured him and what Ren Ashdoll''s avatar had said.

    This included the Otherworld on the opposite of the Gate, the origin of Astral Zero and the true nature of the Otherworldly Darkness, as well as the truth of the Spirit War that had broken out between the Five Great Elemental Lords and the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    Then there was the whole story of how he had purified the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting the Darkness Elemental Lord and inherited that power¡ª

    "So in other words, the Darkness Elemental Lord has vanished from inside Kamito."

    Putting down her teacup, ire remarked.

    "Yeah. She''s gone. She left her power to me and Restia¡ª"

    Finished with his story, Kamito gazed at his left hand, from which he had removed the leather glove.

    Just then...

    "W-Wait a second, hold it right there!"

    Suddenly, Ellis stood up and shouted.

    "What''s with you, Ellis?"

    ire raised an eyebrow with surprise on her face in reaction.

    "K-Kamito is the Ren Ashbell-sama!?"

    "Eh, that "

    "S-So you already knew, Your Highness? ire, you too?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    "I-Indeed..."

    ire and Fianna nodded awkwardly.

    "I sensed it vaguely too."

    Rinslet tossed her hair.

    "After all, there was no deliberate effort to hide it."

    "I-I suppose..."

    Hearing ire''s helplessment, Kamito nodded.

    "R-Really? So I am the only one who failed to notice, huh..."

    "S-Sorry, uh... It''s because I didn''t want to ruin your dream."

    "..."

    It was precisely because Ellis was Ren Ashbell''s loyal fan that she did not notice the true identity of Kamito, who was right by her side.

    Ellis kept staring intently at Kamito''s face.

    Her cheeks gradually turned red.

    "I see some resemnce..."

    "E-Ellis?"

    Her eyes went wide.

    "Kamito, please dress up as a girl!"

    "Give me a break."

    Kamito hastily shook his head.

    "Ren Ashbell-sama is Kamito... I-I see..."

    After murmuring quietly to herself, Ellis nodded.

    "...I understand. I can imagine how you felt. Sorry for my outburst."

    "No, I''m the one who needs to apologize..."

    Ellis smiled cheerfully, then¡ª

    "As for my esteemed sister, I hope to keep this a secret from her for the time being. After all, her feelings towards Ren Ashbell-sama must be quiteplicated¡ª"

    "No, Velsaria actually realized it long ago."

    "N-No way¡ª!"

    Tears welled up in Ellis'' eyes.

    Part 4

    "Eh, putting aside the matter of Ren Ashbell¡ª"

    "U-Umm, apologies..."

    After ire coughed, Ellis quietly sat down.

    "In any case, we will have a huge cmity unless we stop the Holy Lord."

    "Yeah, you''re right."

    Kamito nodded.

    The Holy Lord''s goal was to steal the authority of angels to recreate this world.

    Although they had no idea what the ideal world pictured by the Holy Lord was like, but if the n came into fruition, the current human realm and Astral Zero would surely be destroyed.

    "What''s the situation with the Gates at the Holy Capital?"

    "Very well, allow me to disy."

    Iseria pointed into the air. A transparent sphere of water instantly appeared, hovering over the table.

    "This sphere is connected to the Dire Whale''s eyes¡ª"

    The surface of the water sphere changed to project an image.

    It was the sunny sky of Astral Zero.

    Far in the distance, the Holy Capital floating on the clouds was visible.

    "...The Holy Capital flew into the sky?"

    "Yes. Kamito-kun, when you two went missing, the Capital separated itself from Ragna Ys."

    Fianna exined.

    "Avoiding interference, I''m guessing¡ª"

    "...I think so too."

    Hearing ire''s whisper, Kamito nodded lightly.

    Three beams of light rose up from the center of the Holy Capital hovering in the air.

    The first to be a Gate was the Fire Elemental Lord.

    Then the remaining two Gates were¡ª

    "The Wind Elemental Lord and the Earth Elemental Lord."

    Iseria''s voice seemed quite sad.

    "How can you tell?"

    "The blowing wind is unstable and moring. Furthermore, the earth is crying. As the Elemental Lords governing the elements lose their power, Astral Zero''s bnce is beginning to be broken. Next, if my principal body of the Water Elemental Lord were to be a Gate too, the tunnel leading to that Otherworld would likely openpletely."

    The three pirs of light piercing the sky had generated a gigantic void crevasse.

    ¡ªA Gate filled with darkness and chaos.

    The world origin that had created Astral Zero was already showing a corner of itself.

    "Looks like time is running out. We''d best hurry over as quickly as possible¡ª"

    "But it isn''t that easy, is it?"

    Hearing ire''s murmur, Fianna shrugged.

    "Indeed. There are militarized spirits guarding the Holy Capital. The Sacred Spirit Knights are also present."

    The Holy Kingdom of Lugia''s Sacred Spirit Knights. They were the Holy Kingdom''s elite military troops under Des Esseintes'' directmand.

    Even though some of them might have deserted after knowing of the Holy Lord''s goal, the vast majority were willing to sacrifice themselves for the Holy Lord.

    (...That''s quite simr to the fighters at the Instructional School.)

    How ironic, Kamito thought.

    "Then there is the barrier protecting the city. Also¡ª"

    Saying that, Fianna had trouble continuing.

    "Also?"

    "That sword of light¡ª"

    "You mean the Holy Lord''s Terminus Est?"

    Saying that, Kamito looked down at the Demon yer.

    The sword of light had shattered the ground of Ragna Ys. One misstep and this Dire Whale could be struck down in one hit.

    Kamito gripped his own sacred sword''s hilt tightly then...

    "I will be the one to take on that sword of light, Terminus Est."

    He said slowly.

    "What?"

    "Kamito, that''s why too reckless. That light was able to¡ª"

    Shatter the ground of Ragna Ys into pieces¡ªBefore ire could finish...

    "¡ªDon''t worry."

    Kamito dered firmly and looked at Est.

    "Est, can you do it?"

    ''Yes, Kamito. I am your sword, your wish is mymand.''

    Est''s silver-white de glowed brightly.

    Indeed, it was irrelevant whether the enemy was Est''s original body, the strongest spirit weapon, etc.

    For Kamito, this Est was the ultimate sacred sword.

    "So that''s settled. Leave the sacred sword''s light to me."

    Saying that, Kamito looked around the table.

    ire and Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna, these pairs of girls exchanged a nce.

    "...Got it. We leave that light to you."

    "Yeah."

    Hearing that, Kamito nodded forcefully.

    Part 5

    "Then it''s settled. The codename is ''Operation Turn the Holy Capital in Charcoal''!"

    "I will not ept such a codename."

    "Hmm, can you not think of something cooler?"

    Storming the Holy Capital head on without ying useless tricks.

    Just as the team decided on this ssic Team Scarlet approach...

    "¡ªWait, all of you."

    Restia turned back into spirit form and stopped them.

    "What is it, darkness spirit?"

    "Indeed, you have be stronger. Compared to the de Dance, you have left your former selves in the dust. Nevertheless, the enemy is still powerful. The few of you is not going to be enough."

    "...I-I know that, but¡ª"

    "¡ªI have an idea."

    Restia waved her hand to interrupt ire''s rebuttal.

    "What idea?"

    "Kamito will do this, sharing the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power with all of you."

    "Huh?"

    "Miss Darkness Spirit, what do you mean?"

    Rinslet raised an eyebrow.

    Restia raised an index finger and exined.

    "Having inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, Kamito possesses virtually infinite divine power. And there happens to be a ritual for exchanging that divine power with your own. A thousand years ago, Demon King Solomon''s concubines increased their power by using that ritual."

    "The Darkness Elemental Lord''s divine power? Can that really be done?"

    Kamito asked.

    "Yes, but¡ª"

    Restia paused for a moment then continued.

    "The condition for performing that ritual¡ªDarkness Kagura¡ªis that a strong bond must be built between the Demon King and the princess maidens. Otherwise, in the event of failure, they will be devoured by the divine power of darkness."

    "...!"

    ire and the girls exchanged looks.

    "...I-It will be fine!"

    "No problem at all!"

    "A redundant question."

    "M-Mmhmm.."

    Everyone agreed to it instantly.

    "Fufu, you girls are quite confident in your rtionship with Kamito, aren''t you?"

    "O-Of course. Got a problem with that?"

    ire puffed out her t chest.

    "However, you will need to do this, you know?"

    Restia chuckled and drew herself next to ire''s ear, whispering.

    "...~! Hwaah! Y-You must be lying, we need to go that far!?"

    Instantly, ire''s face became bright red.

    "Sure enough, this is too much for the little miss hell cat, right?"

    "Guh...!"

    Hearing Restia''s taunt, ire gritted her teeth.

    "...W-Watch me do it, that Darkness Kagura!"

    Pointing at Restia, she dered.

    "Fufu, very well."

    In response, Restia smiled contentedly and turned her head to the Water Elemental Lord.

    "Iseria-sama, could you please prepare a room where we can conduct the ritual?"

 Volume 20, 3 - The Demon Kingâ€™s Darkness Kagura

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 3 - The Demon King''s Darkness Kagura</h4>

    Part 1[edit]

    "¡ªThe Water Elemental Shrine is ready. Please gather."

    From on top of a glowing magic circle, Iseria Seaward spoke.

    She had apparently created a small dimension in the gap between the human realm and Astral Zero. Safian had done something simr at the Demon King City before.

    After standing on the magic circle ording to her instructions, Team Scarlet''s view was obscured by a sh of white light.

    "Hwah!"

    "W-What happened!?"

    In the next instant, Kamito and the girls were tossed into the air, then they fell upon some sort of soft object.

    "Hyah!"

    "W-What is this room?"

    Kamito looked around him and muttered.

    They had fallen on top of a soft and fluffy bed. The bed did not have a canopy. With all kinds of spirit mosaic artwork, it was steeped in fantasy.

    The floor, covered with artistic patterned tiles had a clearyer of water on it. Floating on the water was a dense plethora of roses in different colors such as red, white, pink and blue.

    Decorating the walls were spirit crystals providing faint illumination to the room. Reflected by therge circr mirror embedded in the ceiling, the light caused the water surface to shimmer brilliantly.

    The refreshing fragrance of incense was drifting in the air.

    "This room is quite nice, do you agree? I created it based on ancient harems."

    Iseria''s voice echoed in the room.

    "H-Harem!?"

    "How you use this room is up to all of you. Well then, I shall make myself scarce to avoid getting in the way."

    With a chuckle that echoed as it receded away, the Water Elemental Lord''s voice disappeared.

    "...What is going on?"

    Kamito shrugged then turned his head to look back¡ª

    ire and the girls were blushing to their ears, fidgeting awkwardly, exchanging nces with one another.

    "W-We have to do it in this kind of ce?"

    "This is the dimension created by a great Elemental Lord, after all. It is practically wless for conducting a ritual."

    In response to Ellis'' murmurs of unease, Fianna raised her index finger and exined.

    "Th-That being said..."

    "So, how is the ritual performed?"

    "H-Hmm... First, a bath for purification."

    With a nervous look, ire read through the scroll that Restia had handed over to her.

    After a while, she looked up and stared at Kamito as though she had something to say but was hesitant to say it.

    "Uh, should I go away for a bit?"

    "Th-That goes without saying... But, despite intentions¡ª"

    ire looked around the Water Elemental Shrine.

    Inside the cramped octagonal room, there was not a door in sight.

    "...By the way, how do we exit outside?"

    "Once the ritual is finished, it''ll probably copse automatically."

    Fianna answered Kamito''s mundane question.

    "...Then what do I do?"

    ¡ªDon''t tell me I''ll have to watch them bathe?

    "Worry not. I brought this exactly because I guessed something like this might happen."

    Fianna took out a ck cloth from the bosom of her uniform.

    "What is that cloth, Your Highness?"

    "A blindfold prepared for Kamito-kun."

    "Wha¡ª"

    Kamito could not help but stare wide-eyed.

    "Your Highness, you keep that with you at all times!?"

    "Fufu, after all, it is a royal hobby."

    Winking, the princess smiled mischievously.

    "Oh well, there''s no other way. We''ll just have to make do with what we have."

    ire coughed lightly and nodded.

    "W-Wait a sec, is that really okay?"

    "Come on, Kamito-kun, hold still now?"

    "Yes, my apologies, Kamito."

    "It is all for the ritual''s sake."

    "...!?"

    Held down by three youngdies, Kamito was thus blindfolded.

    Part 2[edit]

    ...Splish ssh.

    The sounds of girls bathing kept entering his ears.

    With his vision totally cked out, Kamito was idling away on the bed like a statue.

    (...W-What the heck is this situation!?)

    He silentlymented in his thoughts.

    The water noises sounded especially seductive right now. The girls'' whispers among themselves were echoing inside the shrine.

    "...~! I cannot believe I am purifying myself in front of Kamito-san. How embarrassing."

    "I-It is fine. His eyes are covered."

    "But he can still hear, right?"

    "You are worrying too much, Ellis. By the way, it looks so soft?"

    "Hwah, Your Highness, where do you think you are touching!?"

    Ssh. The sound of water was loud and clear.

    "You two, what is with the horsey during purification?"

    "Kamito won''t be peeking, will he?"

    "...L-Like hell I will!"

    Kamito could not help but refute loudly. Well, if he wanted to, all he needed to do was focus divine power in his eyes and he would be able to see, but of course, he was not going to do that.

    (But still, so the purification of princess maidens is like this, I see...)

    Thinking that, he waited for a while then¡ª

    "We''re ready..."

    ire said timidly to him.

    "Uh, what do I do?"

    "Kamito-kun, just rx."

    "O-Okay..."

    Hearing Fianna''s very cheerful voice, Kamito nodded.

    The bed creaked from the weight. The girls'' breaths approached him.

    "I''m going to take off the blindfold, okay¡ª"

    "S-Sure..."

    ire ced her hand on Kamito''s face and took away the blindfold with a whoosh.

    Under the dim lighting of spirit crystals, what entered his view was¡ª

    "...!?"

    Girls dressed in only underwear, shy expression on their faces.

    "Hwah, K-Kamito!?"

    In front of him, ire frantically covered her chest with both arms.

    She was wearing embroidered underwear of white silk withce.

    Her chest was petite and cute.

    Blushing faintly, her tender skin was all exposed to Kamito''s eyes.

    Normally tied in twintails, her crimson hair had been let down, spread on the bed like petals of a flower.

    Lying by Kamito''s side was Fianna dressed in mature ck underwear. Notably, portions of her underwear fabric was especially thin, offering a translucent view of her skin color. The panties consisted of extremely tiny fabric, looking as though she might have a wardrobe malfunction from the slightest movement.

    "Fianna, isn''t that outfit going too far!?"

    "Fufu, this is specially prepared underwear exclusive for royals?"

    "How can royals be so shameless!?"

    Kamito could not help but throw in a criticism, instantly averting his eyes.

    His gaze turned to¡ª

    "Kamito... Oooh, this is so embarrassing..."

    In underwear, Ellis was so embarrassed that she was at a loss what to do.

    Her breasts, normally imprisoned in her Sylphid Knights armor, had been liberated, exposing deep cleavage. Fidgeting with the tips of strands of hair in her ponytail, she looked extremely cute.

    Seeing the knight captain with the serious personality like this, Kamito could not help but stare mesmerized¡ª

    Suddenly beautiful brown eyes looked up at Kamito.

    "U-Uh, I beg you, please stop staring..."

    She pleaded.

    "...S-Sorry!"

    Kamito hurriedly turned his gaze to the side¡ª

    This time, he made eye contact with Rinslet, who was wearing water-blue underwear.

    Rinslet''s underwear was apparently called a babydoll, resembling a flimsy one-piece dress with flutteringce.

    Instantly, Rinsle hid behind ire''s back.

    "Wait, Rinslet!"

    "K-Kamito, I-I am too embarrassed..."

    On the bed, she kept drawing circles with her index finger.

    Her cheeks were bright red.

    "Uh, w-what is this...?"

    Faced with the beautiful maidens in underwear with blushing faces, Kamito was at a loss for words.

    "T-Time is running out. Let''s hurry and start the Darkness Kagura!"

    At that moment, ire seemed to havemitted her resolve.

    "W-Wait, you''re doing it dressed like that?"

    Hearing that, Kamito asked frantically.

    ¡ªDarkness Kagura was a ritual for sharing the Darkness Elemental Lord''s divine power with princess maidens.

    Kamito had prepared himself mentally for some level of bodily contact, but¡ª

    (No one ever told me it was going to be done in underwear, Restia!)

    ...So that''s why the girls made strange faces when Restia was telling them about the details of the ritual.

    "Th-The darkness spirit says it must be performed under skin contact."

    "W-We are fine! We aremitted!"

    "Y-Yes..."

    "Fufu, leave it to us? Kamito-kun, just sit back and enjoy."

    The four adorable girls pressed themselves against Kamito.

    "Hey Kamito, we have a-all prepared ourselves mentally for this¡ª"

    ire clutched Kamito''s uniform sleeve tightly.

    She sounded extremely serious.

    "..."

    Kamito noticed that the girls had mustered their full courage for the sake of bing stronger.

    To hesitate now would only waste their feelings.

    ¡ªKamitomitted his resolve too.

    Part 3[edit]

    "...Ah... Mmm...?"

    ire''s lips pressed against Kamito''s neck.

    Her kitten-like tongue was licking Kamito''s skin.

    "Mm... Kamito''s sweat, it''s salty..."

    Her sweet voice whispered in his ear.

    "C-ire!?"

    Kamito could not help but hold his breath.

    Her eyes were in ecstasy.

    With delicate movements, she gradually unfastened the buttons on Kamito''s uniform.

    Her attitude,pletely different from usual, made his heart race.

    "...! ire, uh, you don''t have to force yourself because of the ritual."

    "I-I''m not forcing myself..."

    ire pouted, looking a bit offended.

    "G-Give your divine power of darkness to us..."

    Saying that, she bit Kamito''s neck gently.

    The pleasurable pain made Kamito rx, feeling like his entire body was being carried away in ecstasy.

    (...My divine power is mixing together with ire''s?)

    ...Say, is it really okay for her to absorb the divine power of darkness?

    "...Mm... Ahmm... Mm?"

    The moist tips of ire''s hair brushed against Kamito''s naked skin.

    "Ah... ire... Wait, that ce is¡ª!?"

    As stimting as an electric current, the pleasure made him cry out.

    Did she find Kamito''s reaction amusing? ire began to seek Kamito''s affection like a kitten.

    "Fufu, Kamito, how''s this?"

    "...!"

    Scarlet eyes were looked up at Kamito.

    ...So cute. To think the ire he knew could make this kind of expression.

    (Is she behaving a bit weird after absorbing the divine power of darkness?)

    Just as Kamito was beginning to worry...

    "Kamito-kun, I want it too?"

    This time it was Fianna''s turn to kiss his naked shoulder.

    Her kiss was full of allure, like sucking nectar from a flower.

    "Fianna... P-Princess, you can''t..."

    sping Kamito''s hand, she stroked him gently with her fingers.

    "What does it matter, Kamito-kun? Or do you dislike an indecent princess?"

    With a mischievous smile, Fianna blew a breath against Kamito''s wrist.

    Even though all she was sping were his fingers, Kamito felt immobilized as though he was under a constriction spell.

    Wrapped in ck underwear, the royal bust of the princess came down upon him like an avnche.

    "...F-Fianna, i-if this continues... My sanity..."

    "I won''t stop. This is the Darkness Kagura ritual that will help us be stronger?"

    Chuckling, Fianna ced Kamito''s arm into her cleavage.

    Boing. Boing.

    "...!"

    "Kamito-san, m-me too...!"

    Rinslet timidly pressed herself against him.

    "Rinslet, over here."

    ire swapped positions with her.

    "Uh, umm, I... am not experienced in such affairs..."

    Dressed in flimsy sleepwear, Rinslet fidgeted with her hair.

    She frowned in distraught, ncing this way and that, with quite an adorable expression on her face.

    ...Throb, Kamito''s heart was racing madly.

    "Just mp your thighs around Kamito-kun''s neck and feel his divine power."

    "Ehhhh!?"

    Hearing Fianna''s suggestion, Rinslet widened her eyes.

    "K-Kamito-san, is she serious? It will work just by mping with my thighs?"

    Her face bright red with embarrassment, Rinslet asked.

    "N-No way, how can that be possible¡ª"

    Before he could finish, Kamito was dragged,ying him out prone on the bed.

    "ire!?"

    "Okay, Rinslet, it''ll be easier like this, right?"

    "G-Got it..."

    Rinslet nodded and seemed tomit her resolve.

    "I-Is it like... this?"

    Soft. Perfect in suppleness, her thighs gently squeezed against Kamito''s neck.

    (...Uwah, this is way toofortable.)

    Her skin was as smooth and tender as milk. Her tinum blonde hair brushed against Kamito''s cheeks.

    The smell of floral scented soap entered his nostrils, intoxicating him.

    "K-Kamito-san... Uh, p-please do not move too... Ahh?"

    "S-Sorry...!"

    Kamito was just about to adjust his position, but instantly dared not move.

    "Oh my, little miss Laurenfrost is surprisingly bold?"

    "...~! Hauu, Y-Your Highness, I am so ashamed."

    With Kamito''s neck between her thighs, Rinslet was so embarrassed she began to rub her knees together.

    Boing. Boing.

    With his head shaken this way and that, Kamito feltpletely dazed.

    "Jeez, Kamito is such a lech..."

    Seeing that, ire sulked and bit Kamito''s corbone.

    "...Ah, ooh..."

    At the same time, there was a girl at the bedside, covering her bright red face with both hands.

    "Ellis, what is the matter?"

    Noticing her, Fianna opened her mouth and asked.

    "...~! I-I, uh... Such unseemly behavior..."

    While peeking between her fingers at the ritual, Ellis murmured while she squirmed.

    "H-How is this unseemly? This is a ritual for getting strong...!"

    ire responded.

    "B-But Kamito is my idol Ren Ashbell-sama, uh..."

    Ellis nced at Kamito and shyly averted eye contact again.

    ...I see. So she still had not fully epted the fact that Ren Ashbell''s true identity was Kamito.

    "It is alright, Ellis. Come with me?"

    "Y-Your Highness... Hwah!?"

    Pulling the timid Ellis by the arm, Fianna dragged her before Kamito.

    "E-Ellis..."

    Wrapped in pink underwear was Ellis'' voluptuous bosom, wobbling right before Kamito''s eyes.

    Normally so gant and dignified, Ellis was now staring at him with moist corners of her eyes with uncertainty.

    Kamito instantly felt his heart shake.

    In that instant, divine power of darkness surged, passing through ire and the girls like an electric current.

    "Ah?" "Mm?" "Hyah?"

    The three girls moaned and leaned back.

    "Ellis, hurry... Take Kamito-kun''s divine power¡ª"

    "...I-I know!"

    Ellis inhaled.

    "Th-This is not acting indecent..."

    She kissed Kamito gently.

    "...!?"

    Two pairs of lips pressed tightly together. Kamito could even feel the moist sensation of the tip of her tongue. Thrown boldly against him, her body was trembling in embarrassment, sending waves of soft sensations from her breasts through her underwear.

    "...Hauu... Rubbing, my chest... It hurts..."

    While breathing, Ellis could not help but moan.

    Throb¡ª

    "K-Kamito, I-I want it too..."

    With eyes filled with passion, ire sought a kiss from Kamito.

    "ire..."

    Throb, throb, throb¡ª

    As his heart began to beat faster and faster, Kamito''s divine power of darkness gradually covered his entire body.

    ...His consciousness began to grow hazy.

    "...C-Crap... I think I''m starting to act weird..."

    "Kamito-kun, I want a kiss too."

    "M-Me too..."

    With looks of longing on their faces, the four girls took turns demanding to kiss with Kamito.

    Throb, throb, throb, throb, throb¡ª

    (...Th-This is bad¡ª)

    Kamito''s mind seemed to break somewhere¡ª

    His memories ended there.

    Part 4[edit]

    (...So warm.)

    It almost felt like that nostalgic hearth inside the Elstein castle.

    In her hazy consciousness, that was what she thought.

    The temperature of fire that she had forgotten for a long time.

    Since that day four years ago when she was reborn as an avenger from inferno, the only fire she felt was the anger and hatred in the depths of her heart.

    (...Am I... dead...?)

    That was the first possibility toe to mind.

    ...In that case, was this ce inferno?

    The souls of the dead would return to Astral Zero, turning into divine power for nurturing spirits, finally reincarnating as spirits. In the past, that was what the Divine Ritual Institute taught her, but¡ª

    (¡ªI am not worthy, probably.)

    Mocking herself in her thoughts, she opened her ruby-like eyes.

    A flickering me entered her view.

    No, it was not a me. Long hair as vivid as a me.

    That red hue was even stronger than her younger sister''s hair color, like a zing congration.

    Staring at her looking like she was about to cry was a young girl with curved horns.

    "Fire... Lord... Volcanicus..."

    Rubia parted her lips and whispered that name.

    The Fire Lord suddenly widened her eyes, exhaling in relief.

    Rubia quietly sat up, only to feel intense pain from every joint in her body. This was the result from using too much power in her fight against the spirit Millennia Sanctus, overdrawing from cursed armament seals.

    "¡ªY-You cannot get up yet!"

    The Fire Lord hastily tried to stop her. Ignoring the advice, Rubia asked:

    "Where is this?"

    She swept her gaze around her.

    It looked like a dense forest, with the sky and sun blotted out.

    "This is the Spirit Forest. Do you still remember the instant when Ragna Ys was split open?"

    "...Yes, I... do."

    In the sea of fire, Rubia had liberated the girl in front of her¡ªThe Fire Elemental Lord.

    In that instant, a pure white sh of light had shattered the ground of Ragna Ys.

    Already covered with wounds, she had been caught in the Fire Lord''s arms, and then they fell to the ground together.

    "My apologies. This is the extent of what I can do since I possess no healing powers."

    A swirling barrier of mes surrounded them.

    The warm wall''s heat wave seemed to have an effect of slowly recovering divine power.

    Volcanicus quietly stood up with her back towards Rubia.

    Like a zing fire, her hair wavered lightly.

    "¡ªWhere are you going?"

    Rubia asked, speaking to that petite back.

    After a moment''s silence, Volcanicus replied.

    "¡ªI must stop it."

    Her gaze, looking up, was directed at the pirs of light piercing the sky in the distance.

    "Are you going alone?"

    "Yes."

    "Aren''t you restrained by the Holy Lord''s covenant?"

    "...!"

    Volcanicus halted in her steps.

    Rubia was notpletely certain.

    However, she did find it odd that the great Fire Elemental Lord''s avatar could be bossed around and used by Millennia Sanctus as an elemental waffe.

    "¡ªIndeed, I have unable to defeat the Holy Lord, restrained as I am by an ancient covenant. Nevertheless, I ought to be able to incinerate that Gate."

    "A foolish approach. You will only y into the Holy Lord''s hands if you go alone."

    "...!"

    Volcanicus'' shoulders shook.

    In response, Rubia quietly held her hand.

    "...?"

    "Contract with me again, Volcanicus."

    "What did you say?"

    With a surprised look, Volcanicus looked back.

    "Do know that I am your Queen."

    The spirit seal branded on the back of her hand was heating up slightly.

    ¡ªNo matter how many times she had wanted to erase it, the contract''s bond remained impossible to get rid of.

    "I... I destroyed your homnd."

    "..."

    "Rubia, you still hate me, yes?"

    "...Possibly, that may be true."

    Rubia spoke with her hand on her own chest.

    "Corrupted by that Darkness, you have sinned. That is the truth."

    "..."

    "Hence, atone for your sin. You and I, together, by our own hands¡ª"

    Rubia tightened her grip and said.

    "¡ªLend me your power, Volcanicus!"

 Volume 20, 4 - Convergence

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 4 - Convergence</h4>

    Part 1

    After Kamito and the girls entered the Water Elemental Shrine, roughly an hour went by.

    Having concluded the Darkness Kagura ritual, the youngdies and Kamito were sleeping on the same bed, snoring away. This was theirst chance to rest before the final battle at the Holy Capital.

    Kamito carefully sat up to avoid disturbing the girls.

    Once again, his entire body was filled with the divine power of darkness that he had depleted at one point during the Darkness Kagura ritual. Evidently, the Darkness Elemental Lord''s divine power was practically inexhaustible.

    Taking his eyes off the girls in their underwear, Kamito changed into fresh clothing.

    "...Mm, Kamito, you''re such a lecher..."

    Just then, ire tossed and turned on the bed.

    "D-Don''t... keep ying with boobs, sheesh..."

    ...She seemed to be talking in her sleep. What the heck was she seeing in her dream?

    (Say, I''ve done such crazy things to them...)

    He felt his back break out in cold sweat.

    In fact, Kamito had lost consciousness halfway through the ritual. His memories were still hazy.

    However, the sensation of tender skin still lingered vividly on his fingertips. Also, his body was covered with marks from bites and licks.

    "¡ªto, hey, Kamito."

    "...!"

    Hearing a voice calling to him from behind, Kamito turned his head back forcefully.

    The one calling him was Restia with her jet-ck wings outspread,nding lightly on the bed.

    "R-Restia!?"

    "Shush, you''ll wake them up."

    Seeing Kamito cry out, Restia ced her index finger on his lips and spoke softly.

    ring at Kamito, she looked a little displeased.

    "As expected of the Demon King of the Night. I can''t believed you took care of everyone at the same time."

    "...! The ritual required it, to share divine power to them..."

    "Yes, it was required by the ritual, but I think you went a bit too far when you did it to them to the point of losing consciousness."

    "Losing consciousness... I did that?"

    Kamito looked at the girls sleeping on the bed.

    "Sure enough, you don''t remember. My goodness, towards the end, I was mulling over whether to stop you."

    "...Uh, what did I do?"

    "N-Never mind, if you don''t remember. Sheesh."

    Restia blushed in a rare moment and looked away.

    "Kamito is the Abysmal Demon King of the Night."

    Just then, Est spoke from her sword form that was leaning against the wall.

    "Abysmal Demon King of the Night!? W-What the heck happened!?"

    "..."

    "Est?"

    "Looks like it was too much of a shock for Miss Sword Spirit."

    Oh dear, Restia shrugged in exasperation.

    ...How far did he go exactly? Kamito became more and more curious.

    "By the way, it''s time to wake up Miss Hell Cat and the others."

    Restia pinched the sleeping ire''s cheek.

    "...Uwah... Kamito... Don''t, ah..."

    "No, everyone''s tired, let them rest a bit longer¡ª"

    "I''d like to do that too, but that''s not possible."

    No sooner had she spoken, ripples appeared on the water covering the floor. Cracks appeared on the Water Elemental Shrine''s giant mirror.

    "...W-What!?"

    "What is going on?"

    With this, the sleeping youngdies woke up in rm.

    Restia looked up at the ceiling and said:

    "The enemy has found us."

    Part 2

    Teleporting back from the Water Elemental Shrine, Kamito and hispanions returned to the hall they hadst gathered.

    The four Queens were already sitting at the table.

    "It appears that the Darkness Kagura ritual was a sess."

    "Y-Yes..."

    Hearing Iseria''sment, ire and the girls blushed.

    However, they soon regainedposure.

    "Speaking of which, how is the situation?"

    "Hmm, it leaves little room for optimism."

    Saying that, Iseria waved her hand towards the water sphere on the table.

    Seeing the image of the outside world reflected on the surface, ire gasped.

    "We''re surrounded..."

    Riding Pegasi, second-generation flying militarized spirits, knights were encircling the gigantic body of the white whale that swam through the air as though it were an ocean.

    The silver-white armor shining and glittering, paired with crimson capes, were symbols of the Sacred Spirit Knights, elite troops of the Holy Kingdom.

    "The Dire Whale is not enough to resist them on its own."

    Iseria said.

    "Can''t we escape?"

    "It will be very difficult."

    ire''s suggestion of retreat was met with Ellis shaking her head.

    "The Holy Kingdom''s main force of flying militarized spirits far surpass the speed of the Empire''s flying ships. Once caught up, they cannot be shaken off by this spirit''s flying speed."

    After all, Ellis hailed from a family with a long military tradition and was very familiar with all kinds of military intelligence from all nations across the continent. If she asserted so, then there was no way to retreat.

    Well-coordinated, eight spirit knights were circling deftly in the air, gradually approaching the white whale, tossing their elemental waffe holy spears like fishing harpoons.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhn!

    The gigantic white whale roared in pain, struggling violently.

    "This is horrible. I feel so much pity for Mr. Whale!"

    Rinslet spoke with anger.

    "Can''t we counterattack?"

    Seeing that, ire asked Iseria.

    "Just as you can see, the Dire Whale is a spirit with a gentle personality."

    "...! At this rate, we are only waiting to be shot down. I shall strike b ack."

    Ellis picked up her elemental waffe spear and prepared to sortie.

    "Wait, going alone is too dangerous!"

    Fianna hastily grabbed her arm to stop her.

    "But I am the only one able to use flight magic... Kyah!"

    The floor of the hall tilted greatly.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights'' attacks had torn the white whale''s pectoral fin.

    "Careful¡ª"

    Ellis cried out and stumbled. Kamito hastily caught her.

    "Oh, Kamito..."

    "...! This is bad, it appears that we are really going to crash!"

    "¡ªA crisis right off the bat..."

    The four Queens were huddled together, trembling.

    Just then...

    Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom!

    A series of explosions were heard.

    "What!?"

    "...I-Is that cannon fire?"

    ire stared at the water sphere.

    The artillery seemed to aiming at the Sacred Spirit Knights rather than the Dire Whale. A couple of spirit knights mounted on Pegasi were unfortunately caught in the sts and crashed to the ground.

    "...Such urate artillery shots. Who on earth could it be¡ª"

    The answer soon emerged.

    A gigantic military ship broke through the pure white clouds, sailing through the sky.

    On the side of the military ship were countless cannons.

    The silhouette of that ship, all covered with steel armor with a sharp battering ram¡ª

    "¡ªThe Revenant!"

    "Why is the Revenant here?"

    Kamito whispered in surprise.

    As the symbol of Legitimate Ordesia, the ship should be moored at the imperial capital.

    ''¡ªLad, can you... hear me...?''

    "...!?"

    Suddenly, the water sphere showed a new image, a face extremely familiar to Kamito.

    "Greyworth!?"

    "H-Headmistress!?"

    The face belonged to the Witch of the present, no longer in her prime.

    ''Muir is here too! Can you see, Onii-sama?''

    His adorable adopted sister''s twintails jumped energetically in a corner of the image.

    "And Muir... Why are you all here!?"

    ''¡ªWe shall exinter. Evacuate to this ship first.''

    "Easy for you to say..."

    The Revenant was located directly below the Dire Whale.

    (...Don''t tell me she wants us to jump onto the deck?)

    Not that he could not do it, but it would be highly challenging to do so while protecting the four Queens at the same time.

    If they were attacked by enemies during the descent, all would be lost.

    ''¡ªI shall open a Gate right away. Be patient.''

    Saying that, Greyworth began to chant void spirit magic, her specialty.

    Next, a pitch-ck shadow appeared beneath Kamito andpany.

    ''¡ªThe Gate will not hold for long. Hurry.''

    The hall in the Dire Whale shook again.

    Kamito andpany exchanged a nce then immediately jumped into the shadow.

    Part 3

    After experiencing a dazzling sense of floating...

    Kamito slowly opened his eyes, only to find himself standing on solid floor.

    It was the familiar deck of the flying ship, the Revenant.

    Cannon fire kept thundering, shaking eardrums.

    He looked around him and noticed that ire and the others, who had jumped into the shadow before him, were fallen on the floor.

    They probably jumped too hastily and failed theirnding.

    "Hmm, it really was in the nick of time¡ª"

    "Greyworth..."

    Kamito looked back to see Greyworth standing, arm crossed, dressed in a suit.

    "¡ªLooks like the Queens are safe. I am d we made it in time."

    Saying that, she turned her gaze towards the four Queens sitting copsed on the floor.

    "Dame Greyworth, I never expected to meet you here¡ª"

    Faced with the legendary Dusk Witch, Reicha and the rest all acted with reverence.

    "Exin to me, olddy. Why is the Revenant here?"

    "Because we received a report that you had gone to Astral Zero. Never did I expect you would try to invade the Holy Capital¡ª"

    "...I see. Anyway, looks like we lucked out. Thanks."

    Hearing Kamito''s thanks, Greyworth went hmph and looked away.

    "This ship''s exterior is different from the Revenant before."

    Standing up, ire raised a question.

    Indeed, Kamito remembered the ship was not equipped with such powerful weaponry.

    "Yes, the ship is currently merged with Velsaria Eva''s Fortress."

    In response, Greyworth answered nonchntly.

    "You can do that!?"

    "It''s military technology first developed during the Ranbal War. Vivian Melosa apparently stole Murder''s research results from after the war."

    "So this ship''s weaponry is essentially my esteemed sister''s elemental waffe?"

    Ellis looked astonished.

    "Rather than weaponry, it would be better to say that the entire ship is under Velsaria Eva''s control. She has connected to the drive reactor''s spirit crystal, thereby controlling the Revenant."

    "...I see."

    Just then¡ª

    "Onii-sama~~~~~~!"

    An adorable voice was heard as a tiny girl ran up to the deck.

    It was Kamito''s adopted little sister, Muir Alenstarl.

    Without slowing down at all, she threw herself headlong into Kamito''s bosom, rubbing her face against him.

    "Sheesh, Onii-sama, how dare you leave Muir behind and run off!"

    "Sorry for making you worry, Muir."

    Kamito smiled wryly and stroked his adopted sister''s ash-gray hair.

    "Hwa, Onii-sama..."

    Leaning against Kamito''s bosom, Muir kept rubbing her head against him. Next...

    "Hmph... Onii-sama, you have other women''s smell on you."

    "...!?"

    With eyes ring straight at him, Kamito frantically averted eye contact.

    Just at that very moment...

    "Oh no, look at Mr. Whale!"

    Rinslet pointed into the sky and wailed.

    Dozens of Sacred Spirit Knights had surrounded the white whale, which crashed slowly in the forest of Astral Zero with a scattering of dots of light.

    Despite the giant pectoral fin struggling to rise, it looked like the spirit no longer had the strength to take to the sky.

    "Is there any way to help Mr. Whale?"

    "Worry not. The Dire Whale is an ancient and powerful spirit. Although it may lose strength and be unable to manifest for a short period of time, it will not be erased permanently."

    Seeing Rinslet about to cry, Iseriaforted her.

    "Lad, who is this shorty?"

    Greyworth raised an eyebrow, asking in surprise.

    "S-Shorty!?"

    "Um, that child is the avatar of the great Water Elemental Lord, you know?"

    "...W-What did you say?"

    Even Greyworth was taken aback with surprise, widening her eyes.

    "Given the emergency situation, I shall overlook this insolence for now."

    "¡ªLook, the enemy ising."

    Saying that, ire pointed up.

    Perhaps noticing that Kamito and his group had moved, the Sacred Spirit Knights were now targeting them again.

    "Then I shall handle this!"

    Suddenly, a giant shadow descended from above with a voice.

    "Leonora!"

    Kamito looked up, only to see Leonora emerge from the clouds, riding a flying dragon.

    The wind blew up her skirt, offering an unrestricted view of her bare bottom.

    "...!?"

    Kamito hastily turned his gaze away.

    Leonora looked down at Kamito from above and smiled.

    "Kamito, your power seems to have increased again."

    ...Impressive as ever. She saw through right away.

    "I really want to fight you."

    "Any time you want, after we survive this."

    "Yes, I know."

    Leonora replied happily and vanished among the clouds again.

    "Leave the vanguard to Leonora. We will break through from the front and enter the Holy Capital."

    "Yeah, understood."

    "Could the princess and the Queens construct a barrier, please?"

    "Very well."

    Hearing Greyworth''s instruction, Fianna and Reicha nodded.

    "Ellis and I will break through from the front.

    "I will cover you. I will not let a single enemy through."

    "Muir will go too."

    "No, you''re the trump card for taking care of the big ones."

    "Eh¡ª"

    Pulled back by Greyworth, Muir pouted unhappily.

    "Ellis, can your Simorgh carry three people?"

    "It is possible, but carrying three people will affect flying speed."

    "I see, I was thinking I could join too¡ª"

    ire shrugged with disappointment.

    ire''s metongue was an elemental waffe for mid-rangebat and thus unsuitable for providing support from the back. Unlike Rinslet''s ice arrows, her specialty of me spirit magic was an area-of-effect attack and difficult to target friend and foe separately, and thus unsuitable for chaotic skirmishes.

    Even though she had a spirit crystal for levitation, aerialbat would be too much of a stretch.

    "Master."

    ¡ªJust then, a ming silhouette emerged behind ire.

    "Scarlet... Ortlinde!?"

    ire cried out in surprise and turned her head back.

    Standing behind her was the spirit weapon in the form of a young girl, with mes all over her body.

    This was the hell cat''s true identity, Ortlinde the Scarlet Valkyrie.

    "S-Scarlet, what''s going on? I clearly didn''t release your true name...!"

    "Through the ritual earlier, your divine power has taken a massive leap in power, Master. Thus, I am able to take this form on my own."

    Ortlinde straightened her ming tail and spoke.

    "...I-I see."

    ire looked down at her own hand. Originally, releasing Scarlet''s true name required spending a huge amount of divine power even for an elementalist of ire''s caliber¡ª

    (...Did I release her true name subconsciously?)

    Evidently, the effects of that ancient ritual of Darkness Kagura really lived up to its reputation.

    Or perhaps, the power Kamito inherited from the Darkness Elemental Lord was way too strong?

    "At your current level of power, Master, you should be able to use the elemental waffe''s second release."

    "Second release!?"

    "Could it be that it will allow her to fly?"

    "¡ªYes, I will turn into the elemental waffe pictured in Master''s thoughts."

    Elemental waffen were weapons materialized from the soul form of elementalists. Although they were not identical to what one imagined, they did not differ too far either.

    "G-Got it. Let me try."

    ire took a breath and faced Ortlinde with a nervous look.

    It was like looking at a mirror. Two girls with crimson long hair brought their hands gently together.

    ¡ªO guardian of crimson mes, watchman of the sleepless furnace!

    ¡ªTurn into my ideal form ording to the contract of blood!

    Instantly, Ortlinde turned into fire and covered ire''s entire body.

    "C-ire!?"

    Rinslet could not help but worry.

    The mes surrounding ire roared¡ª

    "...!?"

    Everyone present was astonished.

    ire emerged, d in shining crimson armor.

    Like an avatar of me, that appearance like a valkyrie''s¡ª

    "Elemental waffe, second release¡ªEinherjar!"

    mes spewed out from the back of the armor like a pair of outspread wings.

    "You have obtained the power of flight, Master."

    "Amazing, Scarlet!"

    "No, it is your talent, Master, for bringing out my power as a spirit weapon."

    ire gently kicked against the floor and her body began to float up.

    "Will you be able to get used to it?"

    "I''ll get used to it through actualbat."

    Hearing Kamito''s question, ire nodded.

    "I cannot lose either¡ªSimorgh!"

    Ellis summoned her demon wind spirit too.

    Kweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

    With the gathering of particles of light, a gigantic sacred bird took form.

    "...! Looks even more impressive than usual!"

    "The feathers are giving off iridescent light!"

    "There is a crown on his head."

    ire, Rinslet and Fianna widened their eyes in amazement.

    The summoned Simorgh glowed with the light of divine power, disying an appearance worthy of a sacred bird''s.

    Normally the terrifying face of a bird of prey, his face now looked stern and dignified, perhaps a matter of psychological effect?

    "Simorgh, so this is your original form¡ª"

    Ellis stroked his bright feathers. Simorgh cooed in joy.

    "Onii-sama, how did everyone be stronger?"

    Muir looked suspiciously at Kamito.

    "...! U-Umm...!"

    Hearing that, Kamito instantly panicked. The girls also avoided eye contact.

    "¡ªRinslet, allow me to lend you some power too."

    Just then, Iseria Seaward sped Rinslet''s hand.

    "Iseria-sama?"

    "Stay still, it will be over soon."

    Iseria closed her eyes and gently kissed the back of Rinslet''s left hand.

    "I-Iseria-sama, isn''t this a spirit contract!?"

    Rinslet widened her eyes in shock.

    In response, the Water Elemental Lord smiled¡ª

    In the next instant, she vanished into particles of light.

    "...E-Excuse me, Iseria-sama?"

    ''I am here, Rinslet.''

    "...!?"

    Instantly, the ice rose seal on Rinslet''s left hand glowed with blue light.

    ''I might as well stay here since I will be nothing more than a burden on the deck. In this state, Fenrir''s power ought to be amplified greatly too.''

    "An Elemental Lord personallye to this seal, this is too great an honor..."

    Hearing Iseria''s exnation, Rinslet seemed a bit troubled.

    "There is no time. Let us set off for the Elemental Lord''s shrine!"

    "Yes, you are right¡ª"

    The Sacred Spirit Knights had entered formation and kept approaching from the front.

    Kamito gathered divine power in the spirit seals of his left and right hands.

    The ultimate sword spirit and darkness spirit. The two seals glowed.

    "¡ªThis is the final battle."

    Part 4

    "¡ªTarget locked, over there."

    On a side cliff of the shattered Ragna Ys¡ª

    The special agent of the Sacred Spirit Knights, A Cedar, pointed to the clouds in the distant sky.

    She was an expert in tracking and searching. Using traces of divine power left behind by elementalists, she was able to lock onto the positions of targets.

    "¡ªI see."

    Hearing her subordinate''s report, Luminaris Saint Leisched nodded and slowly drew out the sacred sword Murgleis from her waist.

    The sword was giving off a mysterious glow.

    Ren Ashbell was on the other end of the sky.

    "Luminaris-sama, we too shall..."

    "No¡ª"

    Stopping her subordinates who wanted to apany her, Luminaris shook her head.

    "This is my stubborn decision. I shall go alone."

    She turned around, her beautiful blonde hair billowing in the wind.

    Residing in her blue eyes was powerful determination.

    Pdin Luminaris¡ªOne of the Holy Kingdom''s famous and powerful spirit knights.

    Since childhood, she had been educated as a holy knight, to offer her to her home country.

    Even if the Holy Lord wished to destroy the world, even after being abandoned by her country after failing her mission, she still remained loyal to the Holy Kingdom the whole time. However, during the de Dance, she had received the mission to capture the darkness spirit.

    Hence, her wish for a rematch with her could not be realized.

    (...Since the world ising to an end, ultimately, I wish to settle things with that man.)

    Neither for her family''s honor nor for a knight''s pride, nor for her country.

    Purely out of her own wish, she wanted to de dance against Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer.

    Luminaris looked up at the gigantic Gate prating the sky.

    "I failed to impress you during the de Dance tournament, but¡ª"

    With both hands, she raised up high the long sword shining with silver light.

    "O Elemental Lords, I shall now offer to you my supreme de dance."

 Volume 20, 5 - Chaotic Aerial Battle

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 5 - Chaotic Aerial Battle</h4>

    Part 1

    Kehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Carrying Kamito and Ellis, the flying demon wind spirit let loose a howl that tore through the air.

    The thunderous sound turned into a supersonic de, shing at the Holy Kingdom''s militarized spirits.

    Flying through the air while scattering particles of light, Simorgh''s gant form looked like a legendary-ss spirit.

    "So this is Simorgh''s true power!?"

    Sitting on the back of the giant sacred bird, Kamito could not help but exim.

    He knew Ellis'' Ray Hawk was a powerful elemental waffe, but he never imagined the spirit form to exhibit such strength too¡ª

    "Simorgh, it looks like you can finally bring out your true strength."

    With her blue ponytail fluttering in the wind, Ellis stroked Simorgh''s strong and thick neck.

    Simorgh happily crowed and elerated with a p of his wings.

    Naturally, the dramatic increase in power of the contracted spirit was inseparable from her own talent.

    Ellis was exuding astounding divine power from all over her body.

    "Ellis, let''s charge in all at once."

    "Yes, understood!"

    "W-Wait! Hwahhhhhh!"

    "...?"

    "What''s wrong?"

    Hearing the scream from behind, Kamito and Ellis looked back at the same time.

    "...What is she doing?"

    Ellis murmured with puzzlement.

    d in crimson armor, Einherjar, ire was spinning randomly around the Revenant, leaving a trail of fire behind her.

    "Looks like she hasn''t gotten used to using her elemental waffe''s second release."

    "...I see. After all, flying in the air is difficult for someone without an affinity for the wind element."

    Ellis nodded.

    "Oh well, she will get used to it soon enough. She is a genius after all."

    "Yes, that''s true."

    Kamito decided to ignore the out-of-control ire for now.

    After all, with Leonora present, they should be okay.

    "¡ªLet us go, Kamito. Hold on tight."

    Facing forward, Ellis spoke sternly.

    The elite troops of the Sacred Spirit Knights, in formation in front of the Holy Capital, initiated a charge.

    The spirit knights were wearing shining silver-white armor.

    They were riding winged military horses¡ªPegasus, the militarized spirit for aerialbat.

    These were second-generation militarized spirits also used by the Ordesia Empire''s Airborne Knights.

    Although these military horses were not as durable as dragon spirits, their speed made them quite difficult to deal with.

    However, there was no hesitation in Ellis'' eyes as she controlled Simorgh.

    After all, she was now riding the fastest wind spirit in Astral Zero.

    "¡ªO legendary demon bird that devours the wind, hunt mine enemy!"

    A cyclone was generated. With Ellis pouring divine power into him, Simorgh pped his wings and swiftly soared, charging straight for the Sacred Spirit Knights'' ranks.

    The instant they crossed, Simorgh''s sharp ws tore apart the winged horses'' wings.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights'' formation was disrupted. Even though the captain issued orders to attack, Simorgh had already disappeared from view.

    "¡ªAbove!"

    A sacred knight called out.

    Kehhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Like a de of wind, Simorgh tore through the clouds and charged at the knights again.

    "E-Ellis!?"

    "Kamito, do not fall off!"

    Holding onto Kamito''s arm, Ellis pushed him to lean further forward for a lower stance.

    Her blue hair, which seemed to meld with the sky, was fluttering wildly in the wind.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights readied their elemental waffen spears to intercept the charge.

    Erecting a formation of spears, they chanted spirit magic.

    This was multiple invocation of the supreme holy spell¡ªLast Judgment.

    (...! Spell superposition is the Sacred Spirit Knights'' specialty.)

    Kamito immediately made the call and grabbed Ellis by the sleeve.

    "Ellis, dodge!"

    "...!

    In that instant, the sacred knights raised their spears to release blinding brightness, shooting countless des of light.

    Simorgh instantly swerved hard to turn around.

    Faced with a rain of light des, Simorgh weaved through them to evade.

    The shes of light brushed past his wings, causing white feathers to scatter in the air.

    "¡ª! The second wave ising."

    Looking down below, Ellis said.

    "Leave it to me¡ª"

    With one arm securely holding onto Ellis'' waist, Kamito used his other hand to draw out the Vorpal Sword.

    From the jet-ck de that no light reflected from, Kamito poured in divine power of darkness to produce dim light.

    "Let''s go, Restia¡ª"

    Responding to Kamito''s voice, the de erupted with violent ck lightning.

    "O demon lightning of annihtion, pierce mine enemy¡ªVorpal st!"

    With a sh of ck light, jet-ck lightning raced through the air, striking the Sacred Spirit Knights who had their spears raised.

    A direct hit from the ck lightning attack caused several Pegasus spirits to vanish into particles of light, leaving their sacred knight riders to fall. Losing control, the activation of Last Judgment failed.

    "Ellis, let''s charge again before they regroup their formation!"

    "Yes¡ª"

    The instant Ellis nodded...

    (...!?)

    A shadow suddenly descended from overhead. Kamito looked up.

    "¡ªI found you!"

    Emerging from between the clouds was a pdin wielding a silver-white holy sword.

    Instead of a Pegasus, she was riding a Griffin, a flying militarized spirit from an older era.

    "...You''re Luminaris!?"

    "¡ªFight me, Ren Ashbell!"

    Riding her Griffin, Pdin Luminaris charged downwards at Kamito.

    Part 2

    "W-Wait, Scarlet, I can''t fly!"

    ''Calm down, Master... Meow!''

    Weaving through the curtain of projectiles fired by the Revanant, ire was flying haphazardly.

    Intense mes were pouring out in the form of wings.

    The mes traced out a curve in the air. Just when ire thought she would stop atst, she elerated all at once, almost getting shot by Velsaria''s full barrage by ident.

    The elemental waffe Einherjar''s immense power was making her spin in circles.

    "Stop, Scarlet! Or else you''ll get nothing but dried fish for dinner!"

    ''No¡ª''

    Although ire shook her twintails and shouted loudly, the out-of-control mes did not stop.

    With an unbnced posture, she rushed out all at once¡ª

    "Hwahhhhhhhhh!"

    Just as she flew past a sacred knight, she knocked the knight off her Pegasus.

    She felt the impact. However, protected by Einherjar, ire waspletely unharmed.

    "W-Well done!"

    ''...Uh, Master, we are surrounded.''

    "Huh?"

    Surprised, ire looked around her, only to see the Holy Kingdom''s knights had encircled her.

    ire instantly readied metongue.

    However, it was toote. The sacred knights all chanted spirit magic of light at the same time.

    ''Master, deploy Fire Wall¡ª''

    "...! No, there''s no time!"

    ire tried firing her back thrusters to evade. However, her elemental waffe did not respond.

    Just as the countless spears of light were going to pierce ire¡ª

    In that very instant...

    "O freezing fangs of ice, pierce¡ªFreezing Arrow!"

    Shining arrows of ice poured down from the clouds, shooting down the spears of light all at once.

    Shattered fragments of transparent ice danced in the air like diamond dust.

    "...! Rinslet!?"

    Surprised, ire looked behind her.

    Rinslet was standing there gantly with her bow drawn and arrow notched, on the deck of the flying ship.

    "No way, I can''t believe she shot down everything, from that far away¡ª"

    "Hmph, this is my second release¡ªHr¨®evitnir!"

    Rinslet''s tinum blonde hair fluttered in the wind.

    Held in her hand, her longbow was glittering like blue ice.

    The length of the bow even surpassed her height, allowing her to notch as many as five arrows simultaneously.

    "Demon ice spirit Fenrir, demonstrate your power!"

    At Rinslet''smand, the longbow curved greatly.

    With the release of her fingers, the ice projectiles unleashed from the bowstring poured down like a rainstorm.

    The rain of arrows urately pierced the wings of the militarized spirits. Losing their mounts the sacred knights screamed and fell.

    Seizing this opportunity, ire fired her back thrusters and increased her altitude in one go to escape encirclement.

    "Th-Thanks, Rinslet¡ª"

    Although Rinslet probably could not hear her, ire still expressed her gratitude.

    On the deck, Rinslet tossed her hair.

    ¡ªire Rouge, my rival, is this the best you can do?

    Her lips seemed to be saying that.

    "...! I can''t lose to her."

    ire bit her lip. Tranquil mes rose up in her ruby-like eyes.

    She closed her eyes and focused quietly.

    She poured divine power into metongue in her hand.

    She poured in the Demon King''s power that she had received from Kamito.

    Instead of trying to control the zing me in her heart, she imagined herself as fire itself.

    ''Master, iing attack¡ª''

    Scarlet''s voice sounded in her mind.

    Hearing that, ire immediately opened her eyes and swung metongue.

    "All of you, turn into charcoal!"

    A crimson sh swept across the sky¡ª

    The iing spears of light, as well as the sacred knights behind them, everyst one was struck down.

    Part 3

    "¡ªFight me, Ren Ashbell!"

    A body of a lion and the wings of an eagle.

    Luminaris'' mount, the Griffin,unched a surprise attack from overhead.

    "...! An ambush!?"

    Ellis widened her eyes in surprise.

    Simorgh twisted his massive body, trying to evade the attack.

    "¡ªMurgleis!"

    However, Luminaris swung her holy sword, leaving a deep wound on the demon wind spirit''s wing.

    Feathers of pure white scattered in the air like petals.

    "Simorgh!"

    Ellis cried out.

    Losing bnce due to the wounded wing, Simorgh circled while gliding through the air.

    The pressure of gravity increased all at once, almost causing Kamito to fall off.

    "...! O wind!"

    Ellis chanted wind magic to produce a small rising air current, lifting one wing.

    However¡ª

    "Ellis right above!"

    "...!

    The shadow of a gigantic magic beast appeared silently overhead.

    (...She''s catching up to Ellis'' Simorgh!?)

    Sacrificing stability as a trade-off, Luminaris'' mount¡ªan older generation militarized spirit, the Griffin¡ªwas somewhat faster than the Pegasus. Be that as it may, this speed was too¡ª

    (Nothing less expected from the Holy Kingdom''s strongest knight, huh?)

    It wasbat instinct built upon abundant battle experience.

    Predicting what Ellis would do after evading the initial attacks, Luminaris had circled around in advance.

    "¡ªO Wind, sweep away mine enemies, Wind Bombs!"

    Ellis immediately released spirit magic to intercept Luminaris.

    However, Luminaris used her holy sword to slice apart the howling gale.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Murgleis glowed with brilliant holy light.

    aaaaang!

    Kamito blocked the potent sword strike.

    (Crap¡ª)

    However, even though he blocked the sword, it was not enough to dissipate the force.

    Kamito was not sitting very securely to begin with, and ended up blown away into the air by the impact.

    "Kamito!"

    Ellis stretched out her hand but could not reach him.

    After leaving the effective range of the wind barrier, he instantly fell with gravity''s pull.

    (...! I''ll fall to my death at this rate... I have to take a gamble!)

    Whiling falling, Kamito closed his eyes and concentrated, circting divine power of darkness throughout his body.

    It was possible in theory, but he had never actually tried it.

    However, Kamito as he was right now was confident.

    "Hahhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Opening all the circting channels in his body, he released refined divine power in one go.

    In that instant, Kamito''s body emitted ck light and suddenly stopped in midair.

    "Ha, only after trying do I realize it''s easier than I imagined."

    Remaining suspended in midair, Kamito muttered.

    "Wha¡ª"

    "W-What!?"

    Ellis and Luminaris both eximed in surprise.

    "Impossible. To hover in midair simply by releasing divine power without relying on the power of spirits¡ª!?"

    "There is nothing to be surprised about. It''s just a physical technique that uses divine power."

    Among the assassination techniques learned by Kamito at the Instructional School, there was a move named Water Lily that enabled unfettered movement in water. This counted as a versatile application of it.

    Of course, though it was easy for Kamito to say, hovering in the air through the release of divine power was an act requiring high levels of concentration and precise control, and impossible to execute without vast amounts of divine power.

    No elementalist could achieve it apart from Kamito who possessed all the necessary requirements.

    "Although I still need to put in some work to get used to it, there happens to be some to practice with¡ª"

    Readying his ck and white swords in a stance, he boasted arrogantly.

    "...! Damn you¡ª!"

    Luminaris intensified her blood lust.

    "Ellis, it looks like she wants a duel with me. Leave this to me."

    "Are you going to be okay?"

    "Yeah, I''m entrusting the ship to you."

    "...Understood."

    After a moment''s hesitation...

    Ellis disappeared into the clouds, riding Simorgh.

    Her firm trust in Kamito was very evident.

    She strongly believed that Kamito would not lose¡ª

    Luminaris did not even nce at Ellis as she left the battlefield.

    She only had eyes for Kamito¡ªRen Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer she had crossed swords with three years ago.

    From intensity of her gaze, Kamito could feel her determination.

    "Sorry, there''s not a lot of time. Bring it on, Luminaris."

    "Here Ie, Ren Ashbell!"

    The holy light emitted by the elemental waffe Murgleis turned the sky white.

    Part 4

    "Oh dear, my disciple is bing less and less human."

    On the deck of the Revenant, Greyworth smiled wryly.

    She was watching Kamito and Luminaris performing an airborne de dance. Even back in her prime, Greyworth most likely would not have been able to move in the air like Kamito by releasing divine power.

    "...! The ship''s barrier has been breached!"

    Queen Reicha''s voice resounded across the deck. Riding military steeds, the sacred knights used their elemental waffen to slice open the barrier, storming into the ship one after another.

    "Oh my¡ª"

    Muttering, Greyworth calmly drew out her demon sword, d Dracul.

    The bloodstained demon sword glowed ominously.

    "Our opponent is the Dusk Witch. Attack, all three of us!"

    "Hmph, I''m being underestimated."

    The sh of a crimson sh. The sacred knights attacking from three different directions, together with their militarized spirit mounts, were instantly chopped down.

    Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Asura.

    ¡ªThis was an anti-personnel Absolute de Art designed for one-to-manybat.

    Greyworth looked down at the unconscious sacred knights.

    "I held back too."

    She sighed, murmuring to herself.

    The Dusk Witch had in many elementalists during the two Ranbal Wars in the past.

    Back then, she would not have offered any mercy to enemies attacking with the intent to kill.

    Just as she withdrew her demon sword, she felt a bone-splitting pain in her wrist.

    "Sure enough, this body can''t execute the Absolute de Arts fully, huh?"

    Greyworth spoke in self-mockery.

    On the eve of the de Dance tournament''s final round, when she had passed on the ultimate technique, Last Strike, to Kamito, her body had been injured to the point of practically losing allbat ability.

    "...! Charge, chop off the witch''s head!"

    Another two sacred knights breached the barrier and charged at Greyworth.

    They showed no fear even when facing the Dusk Witch.

    They were not afraid of sacrificing themselves for the Holy Lord.

    "Hopeless fools."

    She whispered, pouring divine power into the demon sword gripped tightly in her hand.

    Just then.

    "¡ªDrag sh!"

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    With the sound of thunder akin to a giant dragon''s roar, a sh of lightning pierced the sacred knights.

    "...What?"

    Greyworth frowned and looked up.

    "Am I interfering unnecessarily, Dame Greyworth?"

    A giant shadow appeared on the deck, apanied by a strong gust of wind.

    It was Leonora Lancaster, riding her jet-ck dragon spirit, Nidhogg.

    "The dragonss, huh..."

    Greyworth looked surprised.

    She was supposed to be responsible for the enemies on the starboard side¡ª

    "Enemies on starboard are all annihted."

    "No way¡ª"

    Hearing Leonora''s swift response. even Greyworth could not help but raise an eyebrow.

    The Sacred Spirit Knights were undoubtedly the Holy Kingdom''s strongest elite troops.

    (And yet singlehandedly, she¡ª)

    Leonora''s eyes had turned blood-red.

    She had activated Dragon Blood, the ability native to dragon elementalists.

    "You have improved much,pared to that time, dragonss."

    "Yes, I am much stronger."

    Leonora acknowledged it simply.

    Previously, the two of them had fought at the Dragon''s Canyon in Dracunia.

    Although her memories from that time remained unclear, Greyworth remember severely injuring Leonora with one strike of the sword when she tried to defend the Dragon King.

    (ording to rumors, contractors of dragon spirits would be stronger every time they recovered from near-death¡ª)

    But Greyworth never expected that the divine power she was sensing from Leonora would be powerful enough to make the air shake.

    "I hope for a chance to have a rematch with you, Dame Greyworth."

    "I am ready any time, dragonss¡ª"

    Greyworth stabbed her demon sword into the floor and smiled fearlessly.

    "But my disciple is who you really want to fight, right?"

    "...Indeed."

    Leonora shrugged and looked out into the distant sky.

    Her gaze was directed at Kamito, shrouded in the divine power of darkness, currently in an intense aerial de dance, fighting Pdin Luminaris who was riding a militarized spirit.

    Part 5

    Luminaris Saint Leisched.

    The runner up at the de Dance three years ago, the Holy Kingdom''s strongest elementalist.

    Reflected in her ice-blue eyes was the image of Ren Ashbell, superimposed upon Kamito.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Luminaris'' mount, the Griffin, dashed downwards all at once.

    The elemental waffe Murgleis glowed with blinding light.

    Confronted with a heavy sword attack from above, Kamito blocked using the Demon yer.

    A sh of des. Metallic noise echoed.

    The impact spread throughout the atmosphere, sweeping away the surrounding clouds.

    While releasing divine power to maintain his state of flight, Kamito counterattacked in the meantime.

    However, the Vorpal Sword, shrouded in dark light, was deflected by her holy sword.

    (...She''s very strong.)

    Kamito admitted in his heart.

    Luminaris was using the very pinnacle of knightly swordsmanship. Her performance at the de Dance was below par probably because she prioritized executing the Holy Kingdom''s mission.

    This swordsmanship was Luminaris going all out.

    Her true ability, what Ren Ashbell had experienced three years ago.

    Of course,pared to three years ago, her swordsmanship had improved substantially.

    Most likely, she must have gone through grueling training, for the sake of a rematch against Ren Ashbell on the de Dance stage. A single round ofbat was enough for Kamito to understand this.

    "You have improved, Luminaris."

    "Cut the small talk!"

    With an angry roar, Luminaris swung her holy sword down.

    The brilliant holuy light sliced through the divine power of darkness on Kamito''s body.

    Murgleis was a holy sword with ultimate anti-darkness properties, capable of neutralizing Restia''s darkness magic.

    While parrying the sh, Kamito released divine power and pulled back to create some distance.

    Fighting while releasing divine power in the air was like performing acrobatics.

    The divine power that ought to be fully concentrated in the elemental waffen was diverted.

    The Griffin spread its wings and roared threateningly.

    Faced with the iing sword strike, Kamito blocked with a sword again.

    Sparks flew intensely as the des shed.

    "Luminaris, the Holy Lord intends to destroy the world, you know?"

    Unlike the Sacred Knights following the Holy Lord with blind loyalty, her eyes shone with her own noble light.

    "I know, this is me being stubborn¡ª"

    Luminaris poked fun at herself.

    "Before this world disappears, I wish to leave behind proof that I have lived, as a knight. Namely, a de dance with you, Ren Ashbell!"

    "...!?"

    The holy sword in Luminaris'' hand glowed with stronger brightness.

    (...An elemental waffe''s second release!?)

    "Crush and pulverize, O light of Carbuncle¡ªSante Luminus!"

    Luminaris attacked with all her might.

    Kamito could have evaded, but he chose to take on the sword.

    It was a righteous and regal sword.

    The clear and pure light was blinding.

    "¡ªSo this is your sword, Luminaris."

    "...!"

    ¡ªHer determination. Her pride as a knight. Kamito could feel all of it.

    He responded based on what he had felt.

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon!"

    The attack shed, like the ascension of a flying dragon through the sky.

    It was an anti-air Absolute de Art.

    Originally, it was not meant to be executed while one was in midair.

    However, Kamito had forcibly performed it, fully releasing the divine power of darkness.

    His sacred sword''s de¡ª

    Severed Murgleis and prated her silver-white armor.

    Luminaris smiled faintly.

    The final Absolute de Art, it was his farewell of sorts.

    "I¡ª"

    Luminaris fell towards the Holy Capital.

    But given her abilities, she should be fine.

    Kamito threw a nce in that direction. Just then...

    ''¡ªKamito, iing.''

    Est warned.

    Instantly, he sensed an astounding power in the center of the Holy Capital, rapidly expanding.

    "...! Est! Restia!"

    Part 6

    ¡ªAt the center of Alexandria the Holy Capital...

    A sh of light shot out from a pure white tower, severing clouds, tearing the sky apart.

    Kamito''s figure was swallowed in the sword of light.

    "¡ª! Kamito-kun!"

    On the deck with her elemental waffe deployed, Fianna screamed.

    It was the same light from the sacred sword that had shattered thend of Ragna Ys.

    The scene was reyed in her mind.

    Her emotional turmoil caused cracks in the barrier surrounding the flying ship.

    (...No, I must pull myself together!)

    He will surely be fine.

    Fianna encouraged herself and focused her attention on maintaining Save the Queen.

    "Senpai, we are about to make contact with the Holy Capital''s barrier! Five, four, three¡ª"

    Reicha raised her voice.

    The Holy Capital''s city gate loomed near.

    The Revenant''s battering ram struck the transparent barrier covering the Holy Capital, producing sparks.

    "Then we will ram it just like that! Raise the barrier to the maximum!"

    " " " "Yes!" " " "

    The four Queens replied simultaneousluy.

    (...How odd.)

    Mocked as the Lost Queen in the past, she was now directing the Queens in battle.

    Back in the days when she locked herself away in the castle and refused toe out, she never would have imagined the arrival of such a day.

    It was Ren Ashbell''s de dance that had changed her.

    It was him who had given her the strength to pull herself together.

    She was worried about Kamito, but now was not the time to be distracted.

    (Kamito-kun did entrust matters over here to me!)

    Sparks flew. The Revenant''s hull was being deflected by the barrier.

    "...! As expected of the Holy Capital''s barrier. It is no pushover¡ª"

    "Fianna-senpai, the flying ship''s output has dropped!"

    Reicha cried out.

    The barrier was interfering with the drive reactor''s spirit crystals.

    Velsaria, in charge for controlling the military ship, was presumably taking on a lot of physical strain too.

    (...! I have to take a gamble.)

    Fianna drew out her elemental waffe rapier that was stabbed in the floor.

    She pointed the tip at the Holy Capital''s wall.

    "Danger, Senpai!"

    Seeing Fianna walking towards the ship''s bow, Reicha tried to stop her.

    "Do not worry. Reicha, you and the others keep maintaining the barrier¡ª"

    However, Fianna remained unfazed and walked over there.

    Then¡ª

    "¡ªKnight spirit Georgios of the royal house, demonstrate your true power!"

    The rapier exploded with the light of divine power.

    Elemental waffe second release¡ªCrimson Glory.

    The protective power of Save the Queen was concentrated on the rapier''s tip as the light of destruction.

    Released, the holy light pierced the barrier, tearing a huge opening in it.

    "...! Amazing!"

    Reicha eximed.

    ¡ªHowever, the barrier did not disappear.

    At this rate, it would probably recover soon.

    Fianna took out two small jewel fragments from her bosom.

    Spirit crystals as red as blood.

    (I wanted to use these as ultimate weapons on the Holy Lord himself¡ª)

    Blood Stones were top-level spirit crystals that only came from the sacred sanctuary of Astral Zero.

    When setting off from the imperial capital, she had secretly taken these ultimate treasures of the Ordesia imperial family.

    Thest time she released this spirit, it almost destroyed the Gado mine.

    "¡ªProtect the ship, everybody!"

    "Yes!"

    "¡ªThou art the sword of punishment that buries darkness, holy lord of destruction, Magna Carta!"

    Aiming at the breach in the barrier, she unleashed the power of the Blood Stone.

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The released power of holiness and purity broke the Holy Capital''s barrier.

    "The barrier has vanished. Charge!"

    The Revenant''s battering ram smashed through the city wall and entered the capital.

    "Kamito-kun..."

    Having exhausted her divine power and copsed on the floor, Fianna looked up at the sky.

    Part 7

    "...! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The gigantic sword of light, enough to pierce the sky, swung straight down.

    It was the de of Terminus Est, the ultimate spirit weapon.

    The torrent of blinding light swallowed Kamito''s bosdy.

    (...Damn, it¡ª)

    Kamito released all of his divine power of darkness to take on the sword of light.

    "Est, can you hold!?"

    His view turned pure white. In the vicious torrent, Kamito cried out.

    ''¡ªYes... Kami... to¡ª''

    Est''s voice replied in his mind, almost inaudible due to interference from the surrounding noise.

    From the de of the Demon yer came the sound of cracks.

    Est alone won''t hold.

    Kamito made a split-second decision and pressed the demon sword of darkness against the sacred sword''s de.

    The sword spirit of steel and the darkness spirit. The two crossed swords pushed back the torrent of light.

    "Kuh, ohhhhhhhhhhh...!"

    The erupting holy light tore apart the divine power of darkness on Kamito''s body.

    He felt the intense pain of scorched skin all over his body. It was unbearable.

    However, Kamito could not take even a single step back. If he failed to block, the descending sword of light would probably split the Revenant into two.

    ''Kamito, wear this¡ª''

    Restia summoned a piece of ck fabric out from thin air.

    "...!?"

    Shaped like the dark night, the ck garment draped over Kamito''s body like an overcoat.

    It was the Robe of the Lord, inherited from Solomon himself at the Demon King City. This legendary artifact, possessing top-level magic resistance, emitted dark light that protected Kamito.

    (...Restia, you saved me¡ª!)

    d in the ck garment, Kamito entered an Absolute de Arts stance in midair.

    He focused divine power on both swords, swinging the crossed swords in one go.

    "Absolute de Arts, Alternate Form¡ªShadow Mirror Dead Water!"

    It was a counterattack sword skill derived from the Last Strike, the ultimate mystic technique.

    The sh of the de was like a mirror, reflecting power back¡ª!

    aaaaang!

    The sound of ss shattering resounded all around,

    The sword of light cracked, turning into countless shooting stars pouring down on the forest in thend below.

    The sound of explosions kept happening. Massive pirs of fire rose from the forest.

    "...! What amazing destructive power...!"

    Panting, Kamito groaned.

    Turned into a tattered rag, the Robe of the Lordpletely vanished into the wind.

    This was the power of the legendary spirit weapon, Terminus Est.

    Staring at the Holy Lord Pce at the center of the Holy Capital¡ª

    Kamito fell just like that.

    Having released all of his divine power in one go, he had lost the power to remain in midair.

    (...! Crap¡ª!)

    "¡ªKamito!"

    The instant he fell, someone grabbed his arm.

    He looked up, only to see Ellis riding Simorgh.

    "Ellis... Sorry, looks like you saved my life¡ª"

    "...Yes, I am d you are fine."

    Pulled up by Ellis, Kamito grabbed onto one of Simorgh''s wings.

    Flying next to them was ire with her wings of fire.

    "Fianna seems to have destroyed the barrier."

    Looking down, they could see that the Revenant had broken the city wall and rammed into the city.

    "We should head over there too."

    "Yes."

    Ellis nodded. Just then...

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM...!

    Thunderous rumbling shook the whole surroundings.

    "...! What is that!?"

 Volume 20, 6 - Decisive Battle at the Holy Capital

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 6 - Decisive Battle at the Holy Capital</h4>

    Part 1

    "Kyahh, w-what happened?"

    Due to the sudden impact on the ship, Rinslet lost bnce and fell on the floor.

    "Woof?"

    Fenrir ran circles around her in concern.

    Having rammed into the Holy Capital, the Revenant had stopped in midair as though it were stuck.

    "The ship stopped. What is going on?"

    Standing on the deck, Fianna raised an eyebrow and looked behind her.

    Blocked by clouds of dust, visibility was quite bad.

    It was practically impossible to see what the situation was like outside the ship.

    With worried expressions, the four Queens were gathered together.

    "Did the drive reactor malfunction?"

    Rinslet stood up and patted dust off her skirt.

    "...Possibly."

    Perhaps the drive reactor had sustained some kind of damage when the ship crashed through the barrier.

    However, what was that impact just now?

    "Iseria-sama, standing there is very dangerous."

    Just then, Rinslet saw Iseria standing on the railing on the deck.

    The Water Elemental Lord''s avatar was staring into the clouds of dust with a serious expression on her face.

    "...! This presence, could it be¡ª"

    Iseria widened her eyes, murmuring to herself.

    "Hey, what the heck happened?"

    Originally standing by inside the ship, Muir came up to the deck. Greyworth was with her too.

    "Not sure."

    "Velsaria, is the drive reactor alright?"

    Greyworth took out a spirit crystal formunications.

    Divine power resonance produced some static. Soon there was a reply.

    "The drive reactor is not malfunctioning, but¡ª"

    "But what?"

    "Directly below the ship, there is some kind of giant entity¡ª"

    "What?"

    Just as Greyworth asked...

    There was a noise from the ship being squeezed. The ship was also tilting greatly.

    " " " "Kyahhhhhhhhh!" " " "

    "Grab the railing, everybody!"

    Fianna shouted to the fearful Queens.

    "Iseria-sama, over here!"

    "V-Very well..."

    Rinslet caught the Water Elemental Lord''s arm and embraced her.

    Suddenly, arge shadow with outspread wings appeared overhead.

    It was a giant flying dragon, all covered with jet-ck scales.

    Leonora''s dragon spirit, Nidhogg.

    "¡ªThere seems to be something directly beneath the ship!"

    Riding the dragon, Leonora warned.

    Nidhogg pped its wings hard and spun in a circle, blowing away clouds of dust.

    "...! That is!?"

    Leaning out from the deck, Fianna widened her eyes.

    Once the dust cleared, what appeared in her view was¡ªa gigantic arm.

    A gigantic hand made of rock had caught the Revenant in a firm grasp.

    "W-What is that thing!?"

    "...Could it be a strategic-ss militarized spirit!?"

    Fianna held her breath.

    After the Ranbal War ended, there were seven powerful militarized spirits that had been sealed away and scrapped under the terms of the continental treaty.

    To think that something of that sort had been lying dormant at the Holy Capital?

    However...

    "No, you are mistaken¡ª"

    Iseria disagreed clearly.

    "Iseria-sama?"

    "That is¡ª"

    The Water Elemental Lord only finished half her sentence.

    There was a noise from the ship getting ttened.

    "T-The ship cannot hold!"

    "...! Abandon ship!"

    "Toote!"

    Rinslet hastily pointed out. Putting aside Iseria who was a spirit, escaping while taking Fianna and the four Queens along would be no easy task.

    Just then...

    "Hold on tight, everyone!"

    A voice came from above.

    ire in Einherjar armor¡ªwith wings of me sprouted from her back¡ªand Ellis who was riding Simorgh. There was also Kamito behind Ellis.

    "ire, Captain!"

    "Your Highness, excuse me¡ª"

    ire grabbed Rinslet and Iseria''s hands and flew into the sky. Simorghnded on the deck and used his sharp ws to pick up Fianna and the four Queens.

    Meanwhile, Leonora''s dragon spirit picked up Muir by her cor.

    As for Greyworth, she had already chanted spirit magic for spatial travel and left the ship.

    In the next instant, the deck folded and the Revenant was crushed.

    With the destruction of the driver reactor''s spirit crystals, there was a sh of bright light.

    "...! The Revenant has been!?"

    "My esteemed sister!"

    Ellis cried out. However.

    "¡ªEllis, I am fine."

    Hearing that, Ellis looked back, only to see the Fortress hovering in midair.

    She had evidently escaped in time.

    "My esteemed sister...!"

    Ellis breathed a sigh of relief.

    But very soon, she switched back to a solemn expression.

    "...Kamito, what is that?"

    She was staring at the gigantic arm of rock, extending from the ground.

    ...Just the arm was already this big. Or wait, perhaps the arm was the whole body?

    Simorgh circled once in the air, putting down the frightened Queens somewhere in the distance.

    ire alsonded on a church to let down Rinslet and Iseria.

    "Be careful, it''sing!"

    Kamito shouted loudly.

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble...!

    As though the entire Holy Capital was shaking, there was an earthquake.

    The ground cracked open and something slowly stood up from underground¡ª

    A giant.

    A head like a mountain of rock. The body that was like a mountain range was covered with nts and vines.

    The size was enough to rival the Holy Lord Pce at the center of the Holy Capital.

    "W-What is that?"

    Rinslet gasped.

    The giant''s presence was astounding.

    "Lode Gear¡ª"

    Iseria spoke.

    "What?"

    The instant she heard the name whispered by the Water Elemental Lord, ire''s eyebrow jumped.

    "¡ªThat''s the Earth Elemental Lord."

    "...! Elemental Lord!?"

    The name uttered by Iseria made everyone present look at her.

    "Iseria-sama, wasn''t the Earth Elemental Lord turned into a Gate?"

    "Yes, that was what happened to the principal body, devoured by Otherworldly Darkness. This thing is simr to me and Volcanicus, an avatar that separated with a portion of power. However, it seems to be quite powerful."

    "Unbelievable...!"

    The Earth Elemental Lord''s avatar. If what Iseria said was true, then in front of them was an opponent even more powerful that strategic-ss militarized spirits.

    "...Is there any way tomunicate?"

    ire turned her eyes to Earth Queen Nia Roshka.

    However, the Earth Queen shook her head in despair.

    "...No, that thing no longer has any connection with me."

    "True. It does not even have the slightest sanity remaining."

    Iseria said sadly.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The Earth Elemental Lord roared. The sound caused the ground to tremble and the air to shake.

    "Our only choice is to defeat it, huh?"

    Kamito readied his two swords.

    However, Greyworth took a step forward as though to stop him.

    "Greyworth?"

    "Leave this to me. You lot should get going first."

    The Dusk Witch drew out her demon sword and red at the Earth Elemental Lord.

    "But¡ª"

    "As soon as that Gate opens, this world will end, right?"

    Following Greyworth, Leonora also walked towards the giant.

    "Count me in. After all, that is the Dragon King''s mortal enemy."

    "Ahah, Muir''s specialty is hunting big prey."

    Muir also took out a spirit crystal and looked back at Kamito.

    "Tiiiiime to go on a rampage!"

    "Hunting big prey is my prided domain too."

    Saying that, Velsarianded her Fortress on the ground.

    "Esteemed sister, I too¡ª"

    "You will go with Kazehaya Kamito."

    Velsaria looked the members of Team Scarlet one after another.

    "You are the ones who defeated me. Stay and work as a team."

    "¡ªUnderstood. I entrust the Queens to you."

    There was no time to argue. Kamito swiftly nodded.

    Fianna and Rinslet grabbed onto Simorgh''s wings.

    ire pped her wings of me.

    Kamito released divine power and jumped into the air.

    The Earth Elemental Lord tried to block the five of them who had taken flight.

    However, Greyworth''s demon sword shed, drawing its attention.

    "We are your opponents, Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Greyworth smiled fearlessly.

    "Now then, time to begin the hunt."

    "Don''t get in my way, dragonss."

    "I am no longer the same as before."

    Saying that, Leonora activated Dragon Blood.

    Part 2

    Leaving the battlefield, Kamito and his team flew towards the Holy Lord Pce towering at the center of the city.

    The Holy Capital''s anti-air defensework was practically paralyzed. After all, the Holy Capital Alexandria was not a city serving the role of military stronghold in the first ce.

    Despite spirit magic released by scattered statue guardian spirits, all of them were shot down unerringly by Rinslet while riding on Simorgh''s back.

    "Looks like there won''t be any more militarized spirits."

    With her wings of me outspread, ire stayed vignt of the surroundings while muttering.

    "Yes, what was deployed outside the city was already the Holy Capital''s entire military force."

    Ellis nodded.

    "There was no reason to keep anything in reserve."

    Saying that, Rinslet fired another arrow. Just then...

    There was a deafening explosion behind them.

    It was a noise from the battle between the Earth Elemental Lord and Greyworth''s group.

    Gloom surfaced on everyone''s faces.

    However, no one looked back.

    Those who stayed behind had ced their trust on Team Scarlet, entrusting the future to them.

    Hence, Team Scarlet will trust them in return.

    ¡ªThe Dusk Witch, Dracunia''s strongest dragon knight, Silent Fortress, the Instructional School''s Monster. They were all formidable foes whom Kamito had fought in the past.

    Even against the Earth Elemental Lord, those four were not going to find themselves at a disadvantage.

    A gigantic tower of pure white¡ªthe Holy Lord Pce''s perimeter wall was before them.

    "Where is the entrance to the building?"

    After surveying the tower''s exterior, Fianna asked in surprise.

    Indeed, there was nothing resembling an entrance no matter how they searched.

    "Who cares. Just melt the wall!"

    Saying that, ire began to swing the scorching metongue from the air.

    (...!?)

    Suddenly, a strong presence shrouded the vicinity.

    That blood lust felt to Kamito as though a giant hand was squeezing his entire body.

    "...! Ellis, evade!"

    Just as Kamito shouted.

    An intense storm blew across the Holy Capital''s sky that was filled with dark clouds.

    "...! Simorgh!"

    Attacked by the raging wind, Simorgh lost bnce in the sky. Despite Ellis'' best efforts, she could not regain control of air currrents.

    "W-What is going on? Kyahhhhhh!?"

    With wings bent at an unnatural angle, Simorgh spun while crashing down.

    "Ellis!?"

    With wings of me outspread from her back, ire tried to reach out, but she could not fly smoothly due to interference from the storm.

    (...!)

    Hastily, Kamito kicked the outer wall of the building and elerated towards the ground.

    Realizing Kamito''s intent, Ellis immediately used wind spirit magic.

    "...O Wind, sweep away¡ªWind Bombs!"

    The violent st punched a hole in the ground, neutralizing the howling wind.

    Seizing the moment when Simorgh quickly regained control, Ellis forced her contracted spirit tond on a za.

    Impact. On the wings, Rinslet and Fianna were both tossed hard into the air.

    "...! Careful¡ª"

    Waiting down below, Kamito swiftly caught the two youngdies.

    "Are you okay?"

    "Y-Yes..."

    "The method was rather rough, but thank goodness."

    Rinslet and Fianna nodded. Ellis ended up hitting the ground in the forcednding, but her armor apparently cushioned the impact.

    "...! What the heck happened!?"

    Landing on the za, ire asked.

    Overhead, the storm was howling.

    ¡ªIt felt like it was trying to imprison them.

    Of course, it could not possibly be normal wind. Even in the worse parts of Astral Zero, there would not exist any natural wind that could blow down Simorgh, a high-level spirit.

    (Also, that blood lust I sensed just now¡ª)

    Kamito stood up and searched the surrounding presences.

    Instantly...

    "¡ªFoolish flying insects, how dare you oppose a lord?"

    BOOM!

    A gust of wind began to blow in the center of the za.

    The swirling wind swept up debris, forming a gigantic tornado.

    "W-What!?"

    ire eximed in rm.

    The tornado split up while turning, forming a barrier of wind surrounding the za.

    "...! We are imprisoned."

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Nodding, Kamito stared at the center of the za.

    A petite figure appeared at the center of tornado that reached all the way to the sky.

    "...!?"

    It was a girl who looked about the same age as ire and the others, dressed in Quina-style priestess outfit.

    Her beautiful face had a paleplexion. Her glittering emerald hair fluttered in the wind. Beneath those elegant brows were a pair of clear sky-blue eyes, ring angrily at Team Scarlet from the sky.

    The girl was exuding terrifying blood lust.

    In front of such an oppressive presence, ordinary elementalists would be frozen stiff.

    "W-Who is this?"

    Rinslet gasped.

    "I am Belphal Sylphid¡ª"

    The girl spoke in an emotionless voice.

    "...! Did you say Belphal!?"

    Hearing that, Fianna widened her eyes.

    "Could it be the Wind Elemental Lord!?"

    Ellis spoke in shock.

    Wind Elemental Lord Belphal Sylphid and Fire Elemental Lord Volcanicus were equally known for their bad tempers among Elemental Lords.

    "I-Is this for real?"

    Rinslet asked the seal on her left hand.

    (¡ªYes, there is no mistake. She is the Wind Elemental Lord.)

    Iseria Seaward''s voice answered.

    "Not only the Earth Elemental Lord but the Wind Elemental Lord too¡ª"

    Ellis groaned.

    "At least she''s in human form. Can wemunicate?"

    "Who knows? I think chances are slim¡ª"

    Hearing Kamito''s suggestion, ire replied coldly.

    "I guess you''re right..."

    The girl enveloped in violent wind reached out with her hand and moved her lips.

    "Minions of the Darkness Elemental Lord who betrayed the world, be gone¡ª"

    Instantly, countless wind des appeared in the girl''s surroundings.

    "...!"

    BOOM!

    Hastily, Kamito swung the Demon yer towards the ground.

    The emitted light ripped the ground, digging up stone tiles to form a temporary wall.

    "¡ªWind Wall!" "¡ªKnights of Protection!"

    A beat slower, Ellis and Fianna deployed a wind barrier and a shield of holy light respectively.

    These were high-level defensive spells capable of deflecting the majority of spirit magic.

    The iing wind des attacking from all directions tore apart buildings and pulverized the ground.

    With the sound of sharp shattering noises, their vision was instantly obscured by clouds of dust and debris.

    (...What monstrous power¡ª)

    Keeping his stance with the Demon yer swung, Kamitoined in his mind.

    The za''sndscape was transformed.

    Practically all the surrounding buildings were demolished. Countless cracks and marks were left on the ground.

    Although they just managed to block, protected by Kamito''s technique and double defensive magic¡ª

    For the Lord of Wind, this attack just now was nothing more than a mere greeting.

    Despite her appearance as an adorable girl, her power was no less than the Earth Elemental Lord earlier, perhaps even greater.

    (...Damn it, in this kind of ce¡ª)

    Gripping the hilts of his two swords, Kamito looked beyond the girl hovering in the air.

    ¡ªA gigantic void had opened up in the sky of Astral Zero.

    There was no time. Even though the Holy Lord Pce was right before their eyes¡ª

    "¡ªKamito."

    Just then, ire lowered her voice and whispered.

    "Leave this to us. You head over to the Holy Lord."

    "ire..."

    Kamito looked back, only to see ire gazing at him with a determined look.

    "Kamito-san, leave her to us."

    Holding her bow, Rinslet smiled with confidence.

    "Yes, you should be able to break through the tornado barrier if it is just yourself."

    "But..."

    Kamito was a bit hesitant.

    Ellis was right. If it was Kamito alone, he could very well break through the wind barrier by force using the Demon yer''s protection and the divine power of darkness.

    However, though she was just an avatar, the enemy was one of the Elemental Lords of Astral Zero after all.

    To leave the rest of Team Scarlet here would be¡ª

    "Do not worry, Kamito-kun."

    Fianna shook her head.

    "We are the Demon King''s Queens."

    "Also, no matter what, there is no time to waste here with her."

    ire kicked the ground, spread her wings of fire and hovered.

    "The Holy Lord''s goal is to buy time to open the Gate, right?"

    "..."

    Kamito was at a loss for words. Indeed, she was right.

    If the Gate to the Otherworld became fully open, all of their efforts to this day would have been for nothing.

    ''Kamito, leave this to Miss Hell Cat and the others. Having inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s power, you are the only one capable of defeating the Holy Lord.''

    The seal on his left hand glowed while Restia''s voice sounded in his mind.

    "T-Trust us. We are the teammates who experienced the trials and tribtions of the de Dance together with you."

    "Yes. Just leave it to us."

    "Indeed."

    "We will catch up after defeating her."

    Hearing ire, Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet all nodded firmly.

    Kamito¡ª

    "...Got it."

    He said slowly.

    Indeed, these girls had achieved unbelievable growth over the past few months.

    Not only did their improve their individual power, but Team Scarlet was also working better and better as a unit in tactical coordination. Even against an Elemental Lord, they probably could hold their own.

    Using the divine power of darkness to cover his entire body, Kamito looked at Belphal across the cloud of dust.

    The Wind Elemental Lord''s sky-blue eyes widened slightly.

    "¡ªSessor of the Darkness Elemental Lord, you shall perish right here!"

    The wind roared. Her emerald hair fluttered.

    "Victory goes to the one who makes the first move, let''s go¡ª!"

    ire stepped forward. At the same time, Kamito and Ellis sprang into action too.

    This was a front linebination they had repeated many times already. There was no need to even signal.

    "Thou art my sword, thou art my shield, turn into infinite light, O purifier of darkness¡ªSave the Queen!"

    With Fianna''s incantation, a powerful protective barrier was deployed.

    "¡ªBe gone!"

    Belphal unleashed a storm.

    With overwhelming mass, the storm swept the surroundings in a radiating manner.

    "O vicious wind, rampage¡ª!"

    Ellis swung Ray Hawk.

    Full Burst¡ªThis was a move that deliberately sent the contracted spirit''s power to go out of control.

    The two masses of wind collided, causing an explosion at the center of the za.

    Weaving his way through the flying debris, Kamito dashed ahead.

    "¡ªGo, Kamito!"

    Ellis chanted the spirit magic of Swift Wind.

    Kamito felt his body float slightly, his running speed increased.

    "Oh?"

    Belphal widened her eyes slightly.

    In her hand, a giant magic spear appeared.

    This was a legendary weapon whose divine might wasst seen during the Spirit War six thousand years ago.

    "Freezing fangs of ice¡ªgo forth and pierce, Freezing Arrow!"

    Rinslet fired a rain of arrows to cover Kamito and ire''s advance.

    "Petty tricks¡ª"

    In response, Belphal swung her magic spear, sweeping away the ice projectiles.

    However, that momentary dy was enough.

    "Useless. Power on this level¡ª"

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning!"

    "What!?"

    Kamito released divine power, charging all at once.

    This was the Absolute de Art of divine speed, raising his speed to the limit.

    Instantly, Belphal withdrew her magic spear to enter a defensive stance.

    This was exactly what Kamito¡ªand his team¡ªwanted.

    Kamito turned into a gust of wind, ignored Belphal and charged at the barrier behind her.

    "...!?"

    Surprised, Belphal turned around.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    The Demon yer''s de pierced the wind barrier.

    Kamito fully released the divine power of darkness.

    Ignoring the wind des that were creating cuts all over his body, he charged single-mindedly.

    "¡ªDamn you!"

    Realizing his intent, Belphal prepared to unleash the magic spear¡ª

    However, a whip of fire entangled her arm.

    "Oh no you don''t!"

    "...!"

    With the whip held in her hand, ire smiled fearlessly.

    "¡ªWind Elemental Lord, your opponent is us, Team Scarlet."

 Volume 20, 7 - Two Sacred Swords

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 7 - Two Sacred Swords</h4>

    Part 1

    Listening to the rumbling wind behind him, Kamito dashed towards the Holy Lord Pce.

    His entire body was hurting intensely from the injuries sustained when breaking through the wind barrier. Without Est''s protection of steel, he probably would have been carved into pieces by the wind des.

    (...I need to hurry¡ª)

    The Otherworldly void in the sky above the Holy Lord Pce was slowly expanding.

    Despite his worries, Kamito did not look back.

    The girls trusted in Kamito.

    Hence, Kamito must trust them too and continue forward.

    He kicked the ground hard, exploding the divine power gathered at the soles of his feet. While crushing stone tiles underfoot, Kamito kept sprinting towards the Holy Lord Pce.

    Sensing massive divine power, guardian spirits appeared one after another to block his path.

    "Get out of my way!"

    However, Kamito cut down each and every one of them with a single blow without getting slowed down at all.

    Every time Kamito swung his two swords, spirits turned into particles of light and vanished.

    After taking care of dozens of guardian spirits¡ª

    Kamito arrived at the bottom of a tower of pure white, towering over a vast courtyard.

    The Holy Lord Pce.

    This was the great shrine built for worshiping Holy Lord Alexandros.

    The final enemy was on this tower.

    (...No elementalists guarding this tower, huh?)

    Kamito searched the surroundings for presences, but could not find any tracde of the Sacred Knights.

    There did not seem to be any militarized spirits deployed in the area either.

    Going closer to take a look, he still could not find anything like an entrance.

    In front of him was just a smooth polished wall of white.

    Kamito swung the Demon yer.

    Sliced open by the sword, the wall copsed with a loud crash.

    "..."

    Stepping inside, Kamito instantly had a strange feeling.

    Sound vanished. The howling storm sounded very far away now. Even battle noises from Greyworth''s group and the Earth Elemental Lord could no longer be heard¡ª

    It felt as though the entire space was isted.

    He looked back, only to see that the white wall had been restored without any signs of destruction.

    "...What? Did I get teleported?"

    Kamito checked out his surroundings with suspicion¡ª

    In front of him was a familiar-looking corridor.

    ''¡ªDue to Astral Shift''s influence, it looks like the Holy Lord Pce''s interior space has ovepped with the Elemental Lords'' shrine.''

    His left hand''s spirit seal glowed. He heard Restia''s voice.

    "...I see."

    Muttering, Kamito walked towards the corridor.

    On two separate asions, Kamito had walked through the corridor leading to the Elemental Lords'' shrine.

    The first time was with Restia.

    The second time was with his Team Scarletpanions¡ª

    After walking along the corridor for some time, that strange feeling surrounded his body again.

    Appearing before his eyes was a grand set of stairs.

    ¡ªStairs leading to the thrones of the Elemental Lords.

    Last time, that was where he had personally stabbed Restia.

    Kamito readied his two swords and stepped on the stairs.

    Looking up, he could see three pirs of light reaching to the top of the sky.

    After getting on the stairs¡ª

    What appeared before his eyes was not the shrine of the Elemental Lords but a wide open hall made of stone.

    It was even bigger than the circr training ground at the Academy.

    There was no roof over the great hall, only the void crack pierced by pirs of light. At the base of the light pirs, he could see the thrones of the Elemental Lords corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness.

    And at the center of the five thrones, on the throne that used to be empty¡ª

    "¡ªPerfect timing, Ren Ashdoll''s sessor. Wee."

    The Sacred Maiden wielding the sacred sword¡ªAreishia, i.e. Alexandros¡ªsmiled.

    Part 2

    "¡ªHoly Lord Alexandros."

    With the sound of footsteps, Kamito advanced through the great hall.

    Keeping his two swords ready in a stance, he faced off against the Holy Lord who was wearing the Sacred Maiden''s appearance.

    Shiny blonde hair. Ancient armor glistening with silver-white luster.

    Held in her hand was a sacred sword in the same style as Est. The only difference was that her sacred sword was double-edged, while Kamito''s Demon yer had a single-edged de.

    Previously, Kamito had seen Sacred Maiden Areishia''s sword in Est''s dreams.

    Spirit Weapon¡ªTerminus Est.

    (So that''s Est''s main body, huh...)

    Kamito gripped the Demon yer in his hand.

    The ultimate sword spirit whom the Five Great Elemental Lords used to fear.

    Simply facing off was enough to make Kamito feel an oppressive presence that made his hair stand on end.

    To resist, Kamito released divine power of darkness.

    Oh? Seeing this, Alexandros seemed quite amused.

    "Is this power of darkness inherited from her?"

    "That''s right¡ª"

    "Frankly speaking, I am surprised. I expected you to be devoured by her darkness¡ª"

    Alexandros got up from the throne and looked down at Kamito.

    "Even with the Otherworldly Darkness corrupting her, Ren Ashdoll managed to pass along herst hope. Her wish was that eventually someone inheriting her power would appear from among the human race."

    "So that is you, huh? Demon King¡ªRen Ashbell."

    "Yes. I am the assassin''s de, here to kill you."

    "I see. So that is her will."

    "¡ªNo."

    Facing the shrugging Holy Lord, Kamito shook his head and spoke.

    "She simply entrusted her power to me. I am seeking to destroy you out of my own will. You should not exist in this world."

    Kamito pointed the brightly glowing Demon yer at the Holy Lord.

    "¡ªAh, well said. From this world''s perspective, I am indeed the enemy."

    The Holy Lord smiled. There was not the slightest malice in that pure smile.

    The Sacred Maiden looked up at the crack to the Otherworld, prating the sky and reached out lightly.

    "¡ªConsequently, I must be the world itself."

    She spoke with anticipation.

    "So that''s why you''re going to absorb the power of the Angels from the Otherworld, to refashion this world ording to the image in your mind?"

    "¡ªNo."

    The Holy Lord denied Kamito''s usation.

    "What?"

    "What I want is not merely the power of Angels, but something behind the Gate."

    "...Something behind the gate, you say?"

    So Angels were not the only things behind the Gate to the Otherworld?

    "Indeed. So-called Angels are nothing more than beings guarding a certain something. In that case, when you saw those countless Angels while you were devoured by the Otherworldly Darkness, what exactly were they guarding?"

    "...!?"

    Kamito gasped in surprise. Cold sweat dripped down his forehead.

    ¡ªSo-called Angels, were as implied by their name, messengers of heaven.

    In that case, who was the one who had sent those Angels?

    "Behind that Gate is the origin that had created us Elemental Lords as well as this Astral Zero. The origin of all power, all existence. In other words¡ª"

    The Holy Lord giggled with a young maiden''s face.

    "¡ªAn omnipotent being. One you could call God."

    "...!"

    ¡ªGod.

    Just an empty concept, something that did not exist in this Astral Zero.

    The origin of everything, an omnipotent being.

    (No way, can something like that...)

    Kamito looked up at the Gate to the Otherworld, swirling in the sky.

    Rather than taking the authority of Angels to recreate the world, the Holy Lord wanted to merge with what the Angels were protecting, the origin of the world.

    ¡ªWanted to be God himself.

    "...! Is that even possible?"

    Kamito stared unerringly at the Holy Lord, demanding an answer.

    "Yes, I¡ªno, we¡ªset the n in motion for this very purpose."

    (...We?)

    Hearing the Holy Lord use that self-reference, Kamito instantly felt there was something odd.

    Was he referring to Holy Lord Alexandros together with Sacred Maiden Areishia who had be his vessel? Or perhaps¡ª

    "...Who exactly are you?"

    Kamito asked.

    ¡ªWhy did the Holy Lord know about what existed behind that Gate?

    Suppose Kamito''s hunch was correct, then¡ª

    "Yes, it is as you think."

    The Holy Lord shrugged and nodded.

    "I am both the Holy Lord and the Sacred Maiden¡ªand simultaneously, an Angel of the Otherworld."

    "..."

    ¡ªI knew it, Kamito muttered in his thoughts.

    "Just as you know, Angels once descended six thousand years ago, attempting to retrieve the Darkness stolen by the Elemental Lords. It was a war between the Angels and Astral Zero. The Elemental Lords deployed numerous spirit weapons to fight the army of Angels. Naturally, I was no exception."

    The Holy Lord smiled.

    "During that war, I began to think. I wanted to eat that."

    "...! W-What are you saying...?"

    Kamito was speechless.

    "I secretly captured an Angel to study. It was then that I found out. That Angel was the Light element with its form altered¡ª"

    "Angels, the light element..."

    "Indeed. I was delighted. Just as Ren Ashdoll desired Darkness of the origin, I hungered for the Light of that world''s. Using our mutual affinity for the light element, I absorbed the captured Angel into myself. And then¡ª"

    Saying that, the Holy Lordughed.

    "Merged with an Angel, the Light Elemental Lord was assimted by True Light to be the Holy Lord. Did you know? I did not start out as the Holy Lord. Instead, I used to be known as the Lord of Light."

    Lord of Light¡ªAlexandros.

    The being opposite to the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    "...I see. So that''s what happened."

    ¡ªEverything finally made sense.

    Merging with an Angel was equivalent to merging with Otherworldly Light.

    Precisely because he had already been assimted by the Light, the Holy Lord alone did not get corrupted by the Otherworldly Darkness like the other Elemental Lords.

    Also, there was the scene seen in the dream of Greyworth, who had contracted with the Holy Lord.

    The scene of the giant of light devouring an Angel¡ª

    It was actually something that had happened for real.

    The result of an Angel merging with a spirit. That reminded him of a certain spirit.

    "The same nature as Millennia Sanctus, huh?"

    ¡ªYes, that cardinal. The spirit born from fragments of Terminus Est. In her eye resided Otherworldly Darkness, which finally turned into a Gate to summon Angels.

    "Indeed, she was the experiment created in this manner. Although the results were less than ideal, she and Lurie both performed to the limit of their capabilities. Their sacrifices were not in vain."

    "That''s absurd!"

    "Sacred Maiden, Angel, Lord of Light. Within me are three consciousnesses mixed together. I have even forgotten what exactly is the nature of my existence. All that is left is a desire to merge with that origin, nothing more. To this end, I have waited a thousand years in full."

    The Holy Lord''s eyes were filled with mad desire for the origin.

    ¡ªTo overturn the world and begin anew, to be the world itself.

    "¡ªYou can think whatever you want."

    Kamito readied his two swords and spoke.

    "But we''re the ones living in this world. Even if you guys were the creators of this world, you have no right to take it away from us."

    "Yes, you have the right to resist. Just as in the past, the Elemental Lords rose in rebellion against that world that had created us."

    The sacred sword in the Holy Lord''s hand glowed.

    That excessively blinding light filled the entire hall.

    "¡ªUnlike the iplete specimen that you hold, this is the light of the true Terminus Est."

    "...!"

    The torrent of light instantly erased the divine power of darkness on Kamito''s body.

    However, Kamito red intently at the Holy Lord, holding his ground.

    He had no intention of being ignored.

    "¡ªHow dare you all her iplete?"

    Kamito poured divine power into the Demon yer.

    It was at that temple in the Academy''s surroundings that he had contracted with Est.

    That contract was admittedly iplete.

    Its power was only a tenth or so of the original.

    However, that was what had allowed him to fight throughout the whole de Dance, winning to the end.

    The sacred sword that had grown together with Kamito, oveing countless trials and tribtions.

    "My Est is the strongest sword spirit. Right, Est?"

    ''Yes, Kamito¡ª''

    Est''s voice sounded in his mind.

    My Terminus Est will not lose against the Sacred Maiden''s sacred sword.

    "¡ªCome, Holy Lord Alexandros. Let me show you my de dance."

    The Demon yer neutralized the light of Terminus Est.

    ¡ªAnd so, the de dance between the Demon King and the Sacred Maiden began.

    Part 3

    O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    The Earth Elemental Lord''s roar caused the surrounding air to shake.

    Covered with trees, the gigantic arm swung down, crashing upon the urban terrain beneath.

    "...!"

    Greyworth and Leonora both jumped at the same time.

    Next, a shockwave cracked open the ground.

    Apanied by a great noise, a st blew a huge amount of debris towards the horizon, spreading radially.

    Dug up, the ground turned into a tidal wave, swallowing the city''s buildings in its path.

    "¡ªO spirit Juggernaut, turn thyself into a secure fortress!"

    Velsaria extended both arms.

    Countless fortification walls appeared out of thin air to block the giant wave of debris.

    A great cloud of dust blew up from the stone-tiled ground, pouring down on Velsaria''s head.

    While maintaining a great quantity of fortification walls, she nced behind her.

    Seeing the Queens'' receding forms as they ran away from the battlefield, she breathed a slight sigh of relief.

    ...It looked like she had defended sessfully.

    (...That being said, what monstrous strength is this...)

    With a terrified expression, Velsaria muttered to herself.

    On the other side of the dust cloud, a giant''s silhouette gradually appeared.

    Centered on the Earth Elemental Lord, a bowl-shaped piece of the Holy Capital''s urban area had been destroyed.

    "...! This much from just a destructive impact..."

    An elemental waffe with mediocre defensive power would definitely have failed to hold.

    "Velsaria Eva¡ª"

    Just then, she heard a voice from nearby.

    Leonora was standing on a fortification wall.

    "Can your Fortress block that?"

    Saying that, Leonora pointed her great sword''s tip at the giant.

    That was referring to the Elemental Lord''s fist, presumably.

    "I cannot promise anything. Even with Dreadnought''s full power released, I expect it to block two hits at most."

    Velsaria shrugged.

    "Is that so? In that case, having you continue to defend as our shield is out of the question."

    "A protracted battle was never possible to begin with."

    Holding a blood-colored demon sword, Greyworth appeared from a void that opened up from thin air.

    "The Earth Elemental Lord is capable of absorbing the ground''s power to be stronger. Suppose this avatar possesses the same ability, then the only solution is to use our full power and defeat it in one go¡ª"

    Just then, three blinding shes exploded from the restless giant shadow.

    "Heed my call, spirits Garuda, Gigas, Ladon!"

    Three militarized spirits appeared at the Earth Elemental Lord''s feet.

    A bird-shaped spirit, a humanoid spirit wielding a club, and a giant coiled serpent spirit.

    They were Muir Alenstarl''s militarized spirits, each one capable of subjugating a stronghold singlehandedly, but they were abandoned due to the inability of ordinary elementalists to control them, thus relegated to be relics of a past age. However, Muir possessed the special ability Jester''s Vise which could force spirits to go berserk, thus rendering that disadvantagepletely irrelevant.

    "Destroy everything!"

    Muir''s voice rang out.

    At her orders, the giant bird spirit Garuda pped its wings hard, scattering the dust cloud.

    The serpent spirit Ladon used its body to entangle the Earth Elemental Lord''s giant legs.

    While Garuda attacked from the air, Gigas rammed the gigantic torso.

    "Coordinate with Muir Alenstarl and defeat it in one go!"

    Holding d Dracul, Greyworth raced along the ground.

    With a kick against the fortress wall underfoot, Leonora jumped into the air.

    "Dracunia Style de Arts¡ªFlying Dragon Fierce sh!"

    With a great roar, she swung her great sword from the air for a heavy blow against the Earth Elemental Lord''s shoulder.

    A full power attack executed while Dragon Blood was active, it ripped through the giant''s shoulder.

    The Earth Elemental Lord''s gigantic body shook.

    "Aha, Dragon-oneechan''s monstrous strength is unbelievale!"

    Seizing this opening, Muir Alenstarl silently rushed forward.

    From the chest of her pitch-ck assassin uniform, she took out a handful of spirit crystals and swiftly tossed them out.

    A sh of light erupted, attacking the Earth Elemental Lord.

    Five bolts of lightning exploded at the giant''s feet at the same time.

    This was re Balloon¡ªa special militarized spirit for destroying strongholds.

    They were fire-type militarized spirits that automatically tracked their targets to execute suicide bombing.

    The Earth Elemental Lord roared. One could not be sure if it was out of pain or anger¡ª

    Boom! Boom boom boom boom!

    Aimed at the roaring giant, artillery fire attacked.

    This was Velsaria''s Dreadnought firing all cannons at once.

    Just then, a figure swiftly weaved through the continuous hail of projectiles.

    Gray hair fluttered in the wind. The demon sword''s de left a crimson afterimage trail.

    Greyworth Ciel Mais¡ªThe Dusk Witch bearing the title of the continent''s strongest.

    Releasing divine power, she jumped, rushing up along the Earth Elemental Lord''s arm.

    "Absolute de Arts, Destructive Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Sixteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    Countless shes of the sword ripped through the rock constituting the Earth Elemental Lord.

    Facing against the Absolute de Arts move for annihting archdemon-ss spirits, no spirit could escape the fate of destruction.

    However¡ª

    ROOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAR!

    With a roar that shook the ground, the Earth Elemental Lord stood up.

    The trees covering his body repaired the broken rockyer within the blink of an eye.

    "What!?"

    The Earth Elemental Lord crushed Gigas underfoot and used both hands to rip off the head of Ladon, which was entangling his feet.

    "...It can regenerate, huh? What a bother."

    Greyworth whispered with annoyance.

    With the Holy Capital suspended in midair, the divine power in the ground was not limitless, but still enough to sustain the Earth Elemental Lord''s avatar to repair a certain level of damage.

    "¡ªNo problem. We just have to destroy faster than it can regenerate."

    Wielding the Dragon yer, Leonora smiled fearlessly.

    "What, that''s pretty simple."

    Muirnded softly on the ground and said.

    "...How reliable."

    Greyworthughed wryly in response.

    "But that thing is really sturdy."

    "It is the Earth Elemental Lord after all, even though it''s just an avatar¡ª"

    Trees gradually covered the Earth Elemental Lord''s upright gigantic body.

    The surface, previously like a mountain of rock, had turned into a dense forest.

    "So that''s Lode Gear''s original appearance, huh¡ª"

    Greyworth''s forehead dripped with cold sweat.

    She could sense the power of the ground that was umting in the Earth Elemental Lord''s interior.

    "Iing¡ª"

    Just as she whispered, the forest shook.

    Part 4

    "...! Kyahhhh!"

    A violent gale blew ire''s petite body, smashing her against the ground.

    A strong impact. Without Einherjar''s protection, her body probably would have been crushed.

    "¡ªire!"

    Rinslet shot a Freezing Arrow to pin down the approaching Belphal.

    However, the Lord of Wind swung her magic spear in the air, easily blowing away and scattering the ice projectiles. Shended softly on the ground and made a thrust at the panting ire with her magic spear.

    In the nick of time, Einherjar''s wings deployed in response to ire''s voice.

    A spurt of me pushed ire''s body backwards.

    ¡ªBOOM!

    Missing its target, the magic spear left a huge hole in the ground.

    "...! Scarlet, thanks..."

    ire stood up and licked her parched lips.

    Inside the roaring barrier of wind¡ª

    Team Scarlet had surrounded Belphal, facing off against her.

    With a magic weapon of wind in her hand, the emerald-haired girl looked calmly at her four opponents.

    Her sky-blue eyes showed terrifying blood lust.

    With a low rumble, wind left faint scratches on the skin of ire and her teammates.

    "...What a monster, as expected."

    Gripping metongue tightly, ire said.

    "Yes, to be honest, I really want to retreat."

    Ellis groaned with a pained face.

    Naturally, she understood that was out of the question.

    The deployed wind barrier surrounded the entire za.

    One would probably get ripped to pieces simply from touching it.

    "...Our only choice is to go all out and take a gamble. Let''s go."

    "Yes."

    Raising Ray Hawk, Ellis nodded.

    At the back, Rinslet also readied her magic bow of ice. Deployed by Fianna, Save the Queen was providing the whole team with reinforced protection. This was Team Scarlet''s standard formation for fighting powerful spirits. However¡ª

    (...I don''t know if this will work against a high-level humanoid spirit.)

    The Lord of Wind raised her magic spear.

    "Spirit Weapon¡ªmagic spear Brionac, exhibit thy power!"

    Rumble rumble rumble rumble rumble!

    Violent wind was generated from the magic spear''s tip, forming a gigantic tornado.

    Counless streaks of blue-white lightning could be seen inside the tornado.

    "Disappear, Ren Ashdoll''s minions¡ª"

    "...! It''sing!"

    ire warned shrilly.

    With electrified tornado swept up surrounding debris and went straight for them.

    The wind barrier could be heard behind them. There was no way to retreat.

    "¡ªStand down, everyone! I will block it."

    Fianna swiftly swung down her elemental waffe rapier.

    A holy light barrier immediately appeared, blocking in front of the tornado.

    Luminous Wall. This was high-level holy magic strengthened by Save the Queen.

    When the tornado made contact with the barrier of light, blue-white lightning instantly exploded.

    "...! It''s not going to be able to stop it!?"

    "O wind, turn into a sturdy barrier¡ªWind Wall!"

    On top of the barrier of light, Ellis added an extrayer, a wind barrier, to deflect the tornado.

    However¡ª

    "Foolish. I cannot believe you are trying to use wind of that level to block the wind of I¡ª"

    Belphal swung the magic spear Brionac.

    RUMBLE!

    Centered on the tornadao, another tornado appeared, erasing the magic barrier in an instant.

    "...! Kyahhhhhhhh!"

    A storm of violent wind and lightning rampaged.

    The four girls were swept into the sky, torn by wind des, then thrown hard to the ground.

    "Cough... Huff...!"

    The violent impact caused Ellis to cough blood.

    Rumbling wind was incessant. Fianna''s barrier was probably erased too.

    "...! Your Highness!"

    Picking up Ray Hawk, Ellis tried to reach Fianna''s side.

    "...!?"

    But right in front of her, the emerald-haired girl appeared.

    Belphal coldly stared at Ellis and swung the magic spear.

    "...!"

    The Sylphid Knight pauldron was shattered. Ellis felt a sharp pain in her right shoulder.

    Had she reacted any slower, the spear tip probably would have pierced her chest.

    Blood flowed like a spring. Ellis fell on the ground and rolled.

    "¡ªEllis!"

    Standing up, ire swung metongue.

    Confronted with a crimson sh that flew everywhere, the Lord of Wind nonchntly dodged.

    "Oh? A spirit weapon, a survivor of the Scarlet Valkyries, huh...?"

    "Scarlet is my good partner, not a weapon!"

    metongue zed intensely.

    Belphal frowned slightly and exited the whip''s attack range.

    "...! Do not think you can escape, Freezing Arrow!"

    Ellis fired ice projectiles, raining down.

    One of the countless arrows struck the leg of the Lord of Wind, freezing her to the spot.

    "Sess!"

    Seeing that, Rinslet could not help but cheer, but...

    "...!?"

    Belphal''s figure disappeared.

    In the next instant, the girl appeared behind Fianna''s back.

    "¡ªFianna, behind you!"

    "Huh?"

    Hearing ire''s voice, Fianna turned her head back quickly.

    The appearing Lord of Wind made a thrust of her magic spear against the unguarded Fianna¡ª

    CLAAAAAAANG!

    The sound of steel shing resounded across the za that was under a whirlwind.

    "¡ªWhat!?"

    The out-thrust spear was blocked by a great shield shining with silver-white light.

    O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh¡ª

    A low roar wasing from inside empty armor.

    "...Georgios!"

    Fianna widened her dusk-colored eyes.

    Her knight spirit had responded to his liege''s crisis, turning back into spirit form on his own ord.

    "¡ªPlease escape, my lord."

    "...!? Y-You can talk!?"

    Fianna cried out in surprise.

    Georgios kicked the ground hard, forcing Belphal back with his massive shield.

    "Imperial Ancient de Arts¡ªShield Smash!"

    A sideways strike from the great shield knocked the Lord of Wind''s magic spear aside.

    Seizing the moment with the opponent off-bnce¡ª

    Georgios performed sword skills.

    "Imperial Ancient de Arts¡ªMeteor Slicer!"

    His massive body stepped forward powerfully, executing five consecutive thrusts with his great sword that were like meteors.

    "¡ªA mere knight spirit, how dare you act with such insolence!"

    Showing emotion for the first time, the Lord of Wind yelled.

    She dodged the sword''s consecutive strikes and gathered wind at the tip of the magic spear Brionac.

    "Don''t forget me!"

    Manipting metongue skillfully, ire covered Georgios.

    The Lord of Wind disappeared again.

    "...! Another wind afterimage!?"

    Surprised, ire immediately began to search for surrounding presences.

    She sensed a faint flutter in the space behind Rinslet.

    "¡ªRinslet!"

    ire kicked the ground hard.

    Einherjar spewed out intense mes and flew over there like a red sh of light.

    She could see Belphal behind Rinslet now, about to thrust the magic spear.

    In that instant, ire hugged Rinslet and went for the ground.

    "...Ah... Cough¡ª!"

    Intense pain.

    Brionac''s spear tip had smashed Einherjar, piercing ire''s nk.

    "C-ire, are you alright!?"

    "...Q...Quick, escape..."

    Held in Rinslet''s arms, ire groaned in pain.

    "¡ªBe gone, Ren Ashdoll''s princess maidens."

    The Lord of Wind looked down coldly at the two girls and raised her magic spear.

    ¡ªAt that very moment...

    A mass of brilliant me appeared in front of the copsed ire and Rinslet.

    "...Huh?"

    ire could not help but exim in surprise.

    The mes burned intensely.

    In the center of the mes was a beautiful woman with crimson hair.

    Held in her hand was a zing great sword.

    After ncing at the blood-covered ire, she showed wrath in her eyes.

    This terrifying intent to kill instantly turned into a violent congration that kept growing stronger.

    "¡ªYou have waited long enough, ire."

    "Nee-sama!?"

    The Cmity Queen¡ªRubia Elstein¡ªhad arrived.

    Part 5

    CLAAANG!

    In the great hall of the Holy Lord Pce, one could hear des shing violently.

    The Holy Maiden and the Demon King¡ªtwo kindred who had both inherited the power of the Elemental Lords were locked in a final battle.

    Two Demon yers glowed with silver-white light.

    Every time the des crossed each other, blue-white sparks flew.

    Rather than sparks produced by friction between steel, these came from therge amount of divine power flowing through the two swords.

    (So this the power of the Holy Lord''s Terminus Est, huh!?)

    From just a few rounds of crossing des, Kamito could feel the opponent''s immense power.

    Both sides had ess to limitless divine power, but Kamito had a time limit against him.

    ¡ªHe must finish the battle before the Water Elemental Lord turned into a Gate to the Otherworld.

    (Fancy tricks are pointless. I have to pour in every ounce fromn the essence of my swordsmanship and defeat her with my full power!)

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    With a mighty shout, Kamito took a big step forward.

    Using the Demon yer to seize initiative as a first attack, he then executed a sh swiftly with the Vorpal Sword.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz, Furious Thunder!"

    Emanating light that was cker than the color of night, the de traced out a curved trajectory.

    This was a continuous sh executed with one hand. The jet-ck lightning released from the de swept across the ground, heading straight to the Holy Lord.

    "Light of mine, erase the dark night¡ªSanctum Guard!"

    While deflecting the iing demon de, the Holy Lord recited spirit magic.

    Instantly, her golden armor was enveloped in blinding holy light, neutralizing the jet-ck demon lightning.

    (I can''t believe he used spirit magic to defend against lightning that''s the level of the Vorpal st¡ª)

    Kamito clicked his tongue and jumped to the side. With a simple swing of Terminus Est, the Holy Lord proceeded to smash the hall''s floor.

    "...!"

    Having evaded the danger, Kamito immediately regained his stance and used the Demon yer to block the next sword strike. The sound of steel shing.

    The swordsmanship exhibited by the Holy Lord was probably what the container, Sacred Maiden Areishia, had trained.

    It was unlike the orthodox knightly swordsmanship used by Luminaris. Of course, it was also different from the assassinationbat skills that Kamito specialized in. Instead, this was ancient swordsmanship from a thousand years ago that had been lost long ago.

    Her moves were not exactly ingenious, but powered with overwhelming divine power, the de was extremely dangerous in each swing. If Kamito were not holding two swords of the strongest ss, he would not be able to hold his own, even with the power of the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    (¡ªSo this is the Sacred Maiden''s de dance, huh?)

    Contrasting with Kamito whose every move was an ultimate technique, they were two opposite extremes.

    "Is this all you can do, sessor of Ren Ashdoll?"

    With the two swords locked between them, two gazes crossed.

    "Or should I say, the impostor Demon yer amounts to nothing more than this?"

    "...! What did you say?"

    This could be a taunt, or a simple expression of disappointment.

    However, the Holy Lord''s words really pissed Kamito off.

    "¡ªI can''t pretend I didn''t hear that."

    ring at those clear eyes, Kamito answered slowly.

    "Don''t insult my partner!"

    Pitch-ck divine power poured out from all over Kamito''s body.

    "¡ªLet''s do this, Est and Restia!"

    Responding to Kamito''s vigor, the two spirit seals on his hands glowed brightly.

    "Absolute de Arts, Sixth Form¡ªCrushing Fang, Partner Dance!"

    The two swords'' des struck Terminus Est hard.

    This was an anti-personnel Absolute de Art for destroying elemental waffen.

    Of course, this move was not enough to break the ultimate sacred sword.

    However, the impact managed to make the Holy Lord lose bnce slightly.

    In that instant, Kamito vanished. He lowered his stance and swept his swords to attack the enemy''s lower body.

    This was Flying Snake, an assassination skill from the Instructional School.

    The sound of metallic impact. The sword''s tip was deflected by greaves.

    However, this was merely a diversion.

    With his posture practically lying against the ground, Kamito released divine power all at once, crushing stone tiles underfoot¡ª!

    "Absolute de Arts, Seventh Form¡ªBiting Dragon, Swift Lightning!"

    Altered and derived from the First Form, Purple Lightning, this form was an anti-air Absolute de Art executed with an upward sh with divine speed.

    The two swords ripped through the light enveloping the Holy Lord, leaving a cross-shaped crack on his armor.

    "¡ªO demonying light, purify ancient darkness!"

    The Holy Lord created countless swords of light, firing them at Kamito who had flown into the sky.

    Seeing that, Kamito released divine power in the air. With afterimages tracing out a curve, hended behind the Holy Lord.

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning, Dual sh Dance!"

    Quick as lightning, he swung his des to attack.

    Surpassing the speed of sound, the swords shed¡ª

    However...

    "¡ªCheap trick!"

    While turning around, the Holy Lord used the de of Terminus Est to deflect the Absolute de Art.

    (...! Given the timing, I can''t believe he saw through Purple Lightning just like that!?)

    Though he showed nothing on his face, Kamito was quite shocked inside.

    His movements had been read thoroughly.

    "Allow me to enlighten you, the reason why my vessel, Sacred Maiden Areishia Idriss, was known as the strongest elementalist¡ª"

    Part 6

    The Earth Elemental Lord''s roars sounded in the distance, shaking the air.

    Noise of explosions and intense fighting even reached a shrine that was protected by a secure barrier.

    Having retreated from the battlefield, four worried Queens were gathered in front of an altar.

    One could hardly me them. After all, unlike students of Areishia Spirit Academy, Queens hailing from the Divine Ritual Institute had never received de dance training.

    With earthquakes happening again and again, the small shrine that served as their shelter seemed like it would copse any time.

    "O Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Fire Queen Reicha moved her pale lips, praying quietly.

    The Queens, who served the Five Great Elemental Lords directly, knew better than anyone the terrifying power of the Elemental Lords.

    The Elemental Lords were beings who ruled over Astral Zero and the human realm.

    They were the embodiment of supreme power over the elements.

    They were absolutely not beings that could be opposed by mere mortals.

    (But¡ª)

    Those girls were fighting. For the sake of protecting this world, they challenged the absolute rulers.

    However, was trembling in fear here the only thing the Queens could do?

    Was praying to the heavens,menting their own powerlessness the only thing they could do?

    There was a loud noise, shaking the shrine. Stone fragments chipped off and fell from the ceiling, scattering on the ground.

    Huddled together, the Queens could not help but cringe.

    (Is there anything... anything within our power¡ª)

    Reicha mustered her fortitude and raised her head.

    Just then, the spirit crystal embedded in the front of the altar entered her view.

    This was a device for broadcasting the prayers of princess maidens across the city.

    The instant she saw that device, Reicha suddenly had an idea.

    "¡ªNia, Feilei, Sylpha, could you listen to my idea?"

    Looking at each of the other three in turn, Reicha asked timidly.

    Among the Queens, she was the most junior.

    "...What is it, Reicha?"

    Earth Queen Nia asked.

    "Using that voice transmission device, can we convey our voices to the princess maidens in the human realm?"

    "...?"

    Puzzled, the three girls looked at one another.

    "I am thinking of asking all the princess maidens across the entire continent to offer their prayers, to pacify the souls of the Elemental Lords."

    "The entire continent?"

    Water Queen Feilei widened her eyes slightly.

    "Yes. The entire continent, indeed."

    Reicha spoke firmly.

    Back in the human realm, thousands of princess maidens were paying close attention to the fate of the world. If they were to offer their prayers, perhaps they might seed in rousing the Elemental Lords'' original, noble souls.

    "...That is impossible."

    However, the older Sylpha shook her head.

    "The purpose of this device is only for transmitting prayers to the city. Getting our voices across the whole continent would really be¡ª"

    The Queens were able to convey the Elemental Lord''s oracles to the human realm. However, expanding the range to cover all princess maidens across the continent would be too unrealistic. The Queen who had remained confined to bed after transmitting the Holy Lord''s oracle was a vivid example.

    "It does not need to be long. If all of us work together here¡ª"

    With great sincerity in her eyes, Reicha gazed at the other three.

    At her insistence¡ª

    "...Fine. Let us give it a try."

    The Wind Queen nodded.

 Volume 20, 8 - The Prayer of Princess Maidens

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 8 - The Prayer of Princess Maidens</h4>

    Part 1

    Under the Gate to the Otherworld, piercing the sky...

    Two shes of light, one white and one ck, kept chasing each other and shing, so fast that it was confusing to track with the naked eye.

    Sword strikes shed with god-like speed, instantly creating showers of sparks and metallic nging of des.

    (...! What is going on!?)

    While engaged in the intense fight, Kamito wondered in puzzlement.

    (Compared to earlier, the movements arepletely different!?)

    Every attackunched by Kamito was read throughpletely.

    Something was weird. He had a kind of premonition.

    "Do you find this intriguing, Ren Ashbell?"

    Behind the crossed des, the Holy Lord spoke.

    "I have granted a portion of this vessel''s right of control to her."

    "What are you talking about?"

    "After all, I have yet to grow ustomed to this body."

    Hearing that, Kamito understood. The mentioned "her" was referring to¡ª

    "...Sacred Maiden Areishia!"

    "Areishia Idriss was the best princess maiden in all of human history. This was also one of the reasons why I chose her as a vessel."

    "...I see, so that''s why my sword moves are being read, so it''s the princess maiden''s¡ª"

    A princess maiden''s intuition.

    It was an ability possessed by top princess maidens such as Rubia and Fianna, as well as ire though in an unreliable fashion.

    This natural talent allowed them to sense phenomena in the world in the form of premonitions.

    Sacred Maiden Areishia''s intuition was said to dwarf even Rubia who was known as the most elite princess maiden.

    That sharp intuition was practically akin to predicting the future.

    (...Swinging the sword by instinct rather than relying on swordsmanshipm, huh?)

    The Demon yer and Terminus Est produced sparks between them.

    The Holy Lord stepped forward, flowing into the next attack in one breath.

    The shes wereing even faster. These movements were almost as though they were performed by apletely different person.

    "...!"

    Kamito released gathered divine power and jumped back, creating distance.

    "Go forth and pierce¡ªVorpal st!"

    He swung the demon sword of darkness. Jet-ck lightning attacked the Holy Lord all at once.

    However, the divine power of light emanating from all over the sacred maiden''s body neutralized the lightning of darkness.

    "...No way!?"

    To think the attack was canceled simply by divine power¡ª

    Crushing floor tiles underfoot, the Holy Lord closed in on Kamito.

    Kamito instantly thought of dodging, but quickly abandoned the idea. After all, his movements would be predicted by the princess maiden''s intuition even if he tried to dodge. In that case¡ª

    Kamito readied his two swords and chose to fight head on.

    He would use overwhelming destructive power and quantity of attacks to overwhelm the enemy!

    "Absolute de Arts¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Sixteen Consecutive Hits!"

    "Terminus Est, O queen of steel ruling all swords¡ª"

    Instantly, countless swords of light appeared around the Holy Lord.

    The unleashed swords of light blocked each and every one of Kamito''s strikes.

    (...! Every strike from the Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance ended up blocked!?)

    No, not just blocked.

    Two swords of light got through and left a cut each, one on Kamito''s leg and another on his arm.

    "Guh¡ª!"

    Groaning, Kamito could not help but copse on one knee.

    "This is the end, Ren Ashbell!"

    The Holy Lord raised the sacred sword.

    A massive amount of divine power surged and overflowed.

    Glowing with silver-white light, the de of Terminus Est turned the entire Holy Lord Pce pure white.

    This was the light that had shattered the ground of Ragna Ys.

    No, this surpassed that light.

    "O darkness, return to nothingness¡ªDeus Ira!"

    The sword of light, stretching all the way to the top of the sky, swung down.

    In that instant, Kamito released divine power, pouring it into the Demon yer.

    "Absolute de Ultimate¡ªLast Strike, Dual!"

    This was the strongest move that Greyworth had put her life on the line in order to teach him, the move he had used to defeat Rubia during the final round of the de Dance.

    des shed.

    Part 2

    "¡ªHuh?"

    Reishia suddenly halted while walking over debris in the street.

    "Reishia, what''s the matter?"

    Walking beside her, Rakka asked.

    Due to the Academy town getting damaged during the attack from demon spirits a few days earlier, the students, led by the Sylphid Knights, were upied with reconstruction.

    "...Did you hear a voice just now?"

    "A voice?"

    Rakka raised an eyebrow with a puzzled look.

    "A spirit''s voice?"

    "N-No. It sounded like someone calling¡ª"

    <¡ªPlease... offer... your prayers¡ª>

    "...! I-I hear it too!"

    Surprised, Rakka dropped her hammer elemental waffe on the ground.

    The students helping out with reconstruction work in the za were looking around, trying to figure out what was happening.

    <I am Fire Queen Reicha Alminas. I need all of you to help right now¡ª>

    "A Queen!?"

    For elementalists, the Queens were of paramount importance.

    After all, oracles were not directly transmitted to individuals.

    <Right now, Team Scarlet is fighting.>

    "The Captain and the others¡ª"

    The two knights looked up with a jerk.

    There were members of the Sylphid Knights at the za along with students of Raven ss.

    They looked like they were hearing the Queen''s oracle too.

    They learned about the truth, that in order to prevent the world''s destruction, Kamito along with Team Scarlet and headmistress Greyworth were currently fighting in Astral Zero¡ª

    Naturally, the students in the za all knelt down and bega to pray for the Elemental Lords to regain stability.

    Part 3

    In Laurenfrost territory, inside the stone-built hall of Winter Gulf castle, the acting lord Judia Laurenfrost raised her blind eyes into the air.

    "Mireille, do you hear it?"

    "Yes, so you hear it too, Judia-oneesama?"

    Hugging a weasel spirit, Mireille answered.

    "I heard it too. An oracle from a Queen, I see?"

    Standing by on the side, the maid Mi Bassett nodded too.

    "Ehhh, what''s going on? I''m excluded?"

    Carol frantically spoke.

    The voice was a product of spirit magic.

    Naturally, only princess maidens could hear the Queen''s voice.

    "Onee-sama and Kamito-sama are fighting right now."

    Hence, Mi told Carol about the Queen''s oracle.

    "Mdy..."

    Carol looked up into the sky.

    "Perhaps our prayers might help the Elemental Lords wake up."

    Saying that, Judia brought her hands together.

    "Let us all pray."

    "Yes, I will offer my efforts too and cheer you on, mdies!"

    Carol took out Team Scarlet''s g which had a hell cat pattern on it. By her side, Mi Bassett was also holding a g in both hands.

    "Where did you two get those from?"

    Part 4

    "¡ªWow, Reicha, it has been so long since Ist heard her voice."

    This was the great pce of Karan, the Quina Empire''s capital.

    In the grand garden that was filled with numerous lotus flowers, a petite girl in magnificent ritual attire spoke with joy.

    She was the Quina Empire''s third princess, Linfa Sin Quina. As the leader of the Four Gods, she had previously fought Kamito''s team at the de Dance.

    "The voice just now belongs to your acquaintance, Linfa-sama?"

    Standing on guard on the side was one of the Four Gods, "Vermilion Bird" Rion asked.

    "Yes, Reicha was my friend during my days at the Divine Ritual Institute."

    Linfa nodded. Blessed with top princess maiden talents, she had been rmended as the Water Elemental Lord''s Queen back when she was at the Divine Ritual Institute.

    Though the position of Queen was ultimately given to the first princess, Feilei Sin Quina, the more junior Reicha had also been Linfa''srade during the trials and tribtions of the selection process.

    And right now, Reicha''s calls for help had reached Linfa''s ears.

    "Kazehaya Kamito''s team is currently fighting the dogs of the Holy Kingdom..."

    The strongest elementalist of the Four Gods, "White Tiger" Shao Fu, looked up at the sky, muttering to herself.

    "Sigh, how I wish I could go too. I really want to fight the Elemental Lords."

    Tapping her fist against her elemental waffe gauntlet, she was restless with excitement.

    "Shao-oneesama..."

    "What nonsense are you talking about?"

    Hakua and Rao murmured in exasperation.

    "Shao, you are still shouldering the mission of guarding me."

    "Yes yes, I know. Well, since the Queen is asking for help, it means Kamito and the others are in a tough fight."

    "Yes, well said. Let us prepare for prayer right away. We still owe the Lust King and Team Scarlet a favor. Now is the time to repay our debt!"

    Part 5

    Simrly, the Queen''s voice reached the ends of the desert, into the pce of the Alphas Theocracy.

    "Gather all princess maidens immediately, to offer prayers to the Elemental Lords."

    Princess Sdia Kahn issued orders to her retainers in the throne room.

    Although people in the Theocracy seldom prayed to the Elemental Lords, due to their deep-rooted worship of the Demon King, there still existed small shrines to pray for things like bountiful harvests.

    The ones fighting in Astral Zero right now were their benefactors.

    She hoped to do everything they could for their benefactors.

    Sdia spoke to the dark-skinned young man standing on guard beside her.

    "Jio, you are an elementalist too, yes? Hurry up and pray."

    "Hah, I am the Demon King. I don''t pray to anyone."

    However, the young man appointed by Sdia as her body guard grinned and replied sardonically.

    "...~! Jio, my goodness!"

    Just as she wanted toin...

    "However, that Holy Lord really pisses me off. Watch me defeat him."

    The young man smiled fearlessly and made for the pce exit.

    "Where do you think you are going!?"

    "Huh? Send me a ship. This should be easy for a queen, right?"

    "I shall not do that! You have to serve as my bodyguard properly!"

    Despite all the retainers present, Sdia Kahn could not help but roar angrily.

    Part 6

    The roars from the countless dragons residing at Dragon''s Peak caused the atmosphere to shake.

    "Looks like the dragons are reacting to the Queen''s oracle too."

    Vicemander of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, Yuri El Cid, looked up at the sky and murmured.

    Princess maiden abilities would asionally awaken in high-level dragons. Despitenguage barriers, they would still be able to receive the Queen''s thoughts.

    Many bonfires had been lit at Dragon Rock Fortress with dragon priestesses praying.

    They were praying for the berserk Elemental Lords to calm down, as well as the safety of Leonora Lancaster, the dragon princess currently fighting in Astral Zero.

    (Leonora-sama...)

    "Vicemander Yuri, bad news!"

    Just then, a subordinate ran over, panting.

    "What is it?"

    Seeing that, Yuri looked surprised.

    "H-His Majesty the Dragon King¡ª"

    "Calm down. What about His Majesty?"

    The subordinate dragon knight spoke with a pale face.

    "...has disappeared from Dragon Rock Fortress!"

    "What did you say!?"

    Part 7

    des shed, the blinding light of divine power swept across all surroundings.

    Facing the Holy Lord''s Deus Ira, Kamito unleashed Last Strike, the ultimate technique of the Absolute de Arts.

    This was the ultimate countering sword skill that reflected the force of an attack by reading the enemy''s flow of divine power.

    However¡ª

    "O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Plink¡ª

    A crack appeared on the de of the Demon yer while it was blocking Terminus Est.

    (...! Est!)

    ¡ªActivation of Last Strike had not failed.

    However, it could not prevail against Terminus Est''s overwhelming destructive power.

    A shower of sparks. If the des continued to sh, Est was going to shatter¡ª!

    That hint of hesitation disrupted Kamito''s divine power.

    "...!"

    The light of Terminus Est expanded all at once.

    The surging torrent of light engulfed Kamito, sending his entire body flying.

    "¡ªCough... Huff...!"

    Kamito was sent smashing hard into the Holy Lord Pce''s barrier. After coughing a great mouthful of blood, hey copsed, unable to get up.

    "...Damn it...!"

    Kamito instantly looked at the elemental waffen in both hands.

    ¡ªThe Demon yer was not shattered. Only a crack had appeared on the de.

    He breathed a sigh of relief. However, his fingers gripping the hilt could no longer exert any strength.

    His view was shaking. He guessed that he had broken many bones.

    "Not shattering is impressive already, for an impostor."

    Looking down at Kamito who was copsed on the floor, the Holy Lord spoke.

    "...Like I said, she''s not an impostor...!"

    Spitting out the blood in his mouth, Kamito red back at the Holy Lord.

    Divine power of darkness surged to cover him entirely and began to repair his injured body.

    ...But it was not fast enough. The Holy Lord was slowly walking over.

    Suddenly, for some reason, the Sacred Maiden halted in the middle of the great hall.

    "...?"

    "Look, the Water Elemental Lord is about to turn into thest Gate."

    She spread her arms, looked up into the sky, as though offering a blessing.

    "...Wh-at...?"

    With slow movements, Kamito summoned all his strength to lift his head.

    Only to see that the Water Elemental Lord''s throne, covered by Otherworldly Darkness, was gradually turning into a pir of light.

    If that pir of light were to cause the crack int he sky to expand¡ª

    The Holy Lord would presumably be able to connect with the being on the other side of the crack.

    (...Don''t think... you can... seed...!)

    Gripping the hilts of his two swords, Kamito stood up.

    "Regrettably, it is over, Ren Ashbell."

    With a calm smile, the Holy Lord reached out to the final Gate.

    Just then...

    "What?"

    The Holy Lord''s movements suddenly paused.

    "¡ªThe Elemental Lords have recovered stability?"

    "Huh?"

    Kamito frowned too¡ª

    Soon, he figured out what those words meant.

    The pirs of light piercing the crack in the sky weakened in brightness.

    (...What is going on?)

    Is it actually possible for the Elemental Lords, corrupted by Otherworldly Darkness, to calm down?

    "...I see. So it is the work of the Queens¡ª"

    The Holy Lord muttered. There was an element of anxiety in the Sacred Maiden''s voice.

    Kamito did not understand what her words meant.

    Neither did he know that numerous princess maidens in the human realm had prayed, causing the Elemental Lords to regain a shred of sanity. But¡ª

    "...Looks like there''s still hope, Alexandros."

    Kamito grinned fearlessly.

    "No, this is merely stalling for time. The Otherworldly Darkness will soon corrupt the Gate."

    The Holy Lord dered coldly.

    "...Stalling for time... Is good enough¡ª"

    The divine power of darkness covering Kamito''s entire body surged violently.

    "So you have yet to give up? It is futile, humans cannot win against the Elemental Lords."

    Saying that, the Holy Lord readied Terminus Est in a stance.

    (...The Absolute de''s ultimate move, Last Strike, didn''t work¡ª)

    The ultimate spirit weapon could not be defeated using Kamito''s Absolute de Arts alone.

    (What should I do¡ª?)

    Just as Kamito gritted his teeth...

    ''¡ªO adorable child, would you like to listen to me and take a gamble?''

    (¡ªHuh?)

    A voice that was neither Est''s nor Restia''s sounded in his mind.

 Volume 20, 9 - True Force

    <h4>Volume 20, Chapter 9 - True Force</h4>

    Part 1

    Primordial forest sprouted at the feet of the earth giant.

    Spreading radially, the trees surged like a giant wave.

    "...! Retreat behind the Fortress, otherwise you will be devoured!"

    Velsaria deployedyer afteryer of Dreadnought''s fortification walls and fired again and again.

    Parts of the forest were blown away, but the rapid growth showed no signs of slowing down.

    Tree roots destroyed walls and stripped away Velsaria''s armor.

    "...Gah, ah, ahhhhhhhhhh!"

    Velsaria gritted her teeth and groaned in apin.

    "Absolute de Arts, Third Form¡ªShadowmoon Waltz!"

    Greyworth rushed to the forefront and severed tree roots in one breath but it was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.

    "This monster intends to grow a sea of trees, huh?"

    There were signs of fatigue on Greyworth''s face.

    The circtory channels in her body had been thoroughly damaged before when she taught Kamito the ultimate technique.

    Although the damage was repaired when she de-aged to prime condition, repeated usage of the Absolute de Arts like this would eventually cause her to lose the power of spirit contracts again.

    "Nothing less expected from the Earth Elemental Lord¡ª"

    Leonora was using her dragon''s heat beams to incinerate the forest, but all she achieved was stalling for time.

    "Muir, how many militarized spirits do you have left?"

    "Seven. I could burn forests, but what use is that?"

    Hearing Greyworth''s question, Muir shrugged.

    Muir''s militarized spirit Garuda had tried to attack the Lord of Earth, but ended up entangled by countless vines and then easily crushed.

    "Indeed, using several militarized spirits until they broke would not change the situation¡ª"

    Greyworth muttered in a conundrum. Just then...

    A giant shadow descended over them.

    "...! W-What is that!?"

    Muir pointed into the air and cried out.

    Appearing in the sky was¡ª

    A red dragon,rge enough to rival the Earth Elemental Lord.

    Gahhhhhhhhhh!

    The red dragon opened its jaws, releasing a heat beam that incinerated the forest.

    "W-What, that dragon... Could it be, a spirit¡ª"

    "¡ªHis Majesty the Dragon King!"

    Leonora shouted loudly. Everyone looked at her.

    "What did you say?"

    Greyworth asked in surprise.

    "No mistake. That dragon is the king of our Dracunia, Dragon King Bahamut!"

    Leonora''s voice was very emotional.

    "But isn''t Dracunia''s Dragon King sealed in the depths of Dragon Rock Fortress because of the Earth Elemental Lord''s curse?"

    "Yes, that is supposed to be the case¡ª"

    ''¡ªI was liberated.''

    Just then, an elegant voice sounded in their minds.

    "Dragon King...!"

    ''As the Earth Elemental Lord transformed into a Gate, the curse binding me disappeared too. I apologize for myte arrival. I flew here as fast as I could.''

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    The gigantic dragon spiritnded on the ground, tussling with the Lord of Earth.

    Two legendary-ss spirits were fighting in the center of a giant crater.

    It was practically a reenactment of a scene from the Spirit War six thousand years ago.

    Gruoooooooooooooooooh!

    The Dragon King released me breath at close range.

    However, the Lord of Earth waspletely unfazed by the fire and violently grabbed the Dragon King''s wings.

    Even Bahamut could do nothing more than restrain an Elemental Lord''s power.

    ¡ªHurry, while I have him pinned down.

    Realizing the Dragon King''s intent, Leonora and Greyworth sprang into action.

    Holding their elemental waffen swords, they rushed into the sea of fire.

    The Lord of Earth roared with anger, lifting up the Dragon King''s massive body.

    Next, he then smashed the Dragon King hard against the garound.

    The earth shook. The giant swung his fist against the Dragon King''s head lying at his feet.

    "¡ªDragon King!"

    Leonora cried out.

    Just at that instant, the Earth Elemental Lord''s movements stopped.

    "...What?"

    Running side by side with Leonora, Greyworth eximed in surprise.

    Of course, that was not a reaction to Leonora''s shout.

    O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Still in the posture of throwing a punch, the Lord of Earth roared at the sky.

    It was a roar with a hint of sadness amid madness.

    "...How on earth¡ª"

    Leonora could not help but halt.

    ¡ªThey did not realize the reason for change in the Earth Elemental Lord.

    Hearing the prayers from so many princess maidens in the human realm, Earth Elemental Lord Lode Gear had recovered his sanity in a brief moment¡ª

    Though brief, this duration was a rare opportunity.

    Greyworth called out to Leonora behind her.

    "¡ªDragonss, you have experience with thed''s swordsmanship, yes?"

    "...? Huh, yes¡ª"

    What am I supposed to say at a time like this?¡ªLeonora frowned with puzzlement on her face.

    "Seeing that your aptitude is not bad, I shall teach you some tricks. Be that as it may, this is just the basics of the basics."

    "...?"

    Saying that, Greyworth pressed her hand against Leonora''s forehead.

    Leonora instantly widened her eyes, turned red from the curse of Dragon Blood.

    "...! This... is...?"

    "I have passed on to you knowledge of my swordsmanship and insight towards the usage of divine power. This was originally supposed to be passed on to a graduating disciple only¡ª"

    "...Ah... Ku...!"

    Faced with this massive surge of information, Leonora could not help but groan. Throwing her a nce, Greyworth then turned her head back to face the Lord of Earth behind her.

    Aiming at the paused Lord of Earth, Velsaria fired all her cannons.

    ¡ªThe Lord of Earth began to move again.

    "¡ªLet''s go, dragonss."

    "...Easy for you to say... But I have no choice but to go all in¡ª"

    Gritting her teeth, Leonora readied her Dragon yer.

    Seeing that, Greyworth smiled with satisfaction.

    The two of them began to sprint at the same time.

    The Lord of Earth swung down his raised fist. In that instant, Bahamut''s jaws opened to release a heat beam. As a result, one of the arms of the Lord of Earth was blown away.

    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

    Roaring, the Lord of Earth lost bnce.

    Two elementalists rushed up his gigantic body all at once¡ª!

    "Absolute de Arts¡ªDestructive Form, Bursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Sixteen Consecutive Strikes!"

    Aiming at the head, Greyworth unleashed the most powerful Absolute de Art.

    A haphazard dance of the demon sword''s de.

    Immediately afterwards¡ª

    "Absolute de Arts, First Form¡ªPurple Lightning, Tyrant Dragon''s w!"

    Leonora''s Absolute de Art went straight for the neck of the Lord of Earth.

    This was a single-point destructive skillunched by the Absolute de Art of godlike speed, amplified by Dragon Blood.

    CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!

    The Lord of Earth''s gigantic body fell on the ground, crumbling to pieces.

    "...!"

    Having exhausted all her power, Leonora fell towards the ground just like that.

    Velsaria summoned a fortification wall to catch her just before she crashed.

    "Hmph, though far inferior to the brat, I admit it looks like you do have a bit of talent."

    Landing beside her, Greyworth grinned.

    "¡ªI suppose I could take you as my second disciple, dragonss."

    Part 2

    "¡ªYou have waited long enough, ire."

    "Nee-sama!"

    Copsed on the ground, ire widened her eyes.

    Only to see emerging from a crimson ze¡ª

    Rubia Elstein, wielding a scorching great sword in her hand.

    She nced at ire then turned her head to re at the Lord of Wind.

    Sparks flew from her shoulder-length red hair that started to ignite.

    (...Nee-sama is angry.)

    It was the same for ire. Whenever her emotions erupted, part of her body would give off mes. This was a characteristic of elementalists contracted with fire spirits.

    The murderous intent exuded from the Cmity Queen caused the surrounding air to tremble lightly.

    "¡ªTo think you breached the wind barrier of I, the Lord of Wind?"

    Belphal questioned.

    "¡ªWho are you?"

    ''Have you forgotten my presence, Belphal?''

    The one who answered was not Rubia but the scorching great sword in her hand.

    Hearing that, Belphal widened her sky-blue eyes.

    "...! Could that sword be¡ªVolcanicus!?"

    "What are you talking about?"

    ''Thank you for looking after me at the Demon King City, hell cat girl.''

    Hearing ire''s surprised voice, the fiery sword spoke to her.

    ¡ªNo mistake. This was the voice of the Fire Elemental Lord that she had encountered at the Demon King''s city.

    Her mes definitely would not have any trouble breaking through the barrier of the Lord of Wind.

    "Have you gone mad, Volcanicus¡ª?"

    The Lord of Wind''s voice was fill with rage.

    "As an exalted Elemental Lord, why are you assisting the Darkness Elemental Lord''s minions?"

    ''You are the one who is mad, Belphal. Affected by the power of Angels, your mind is controlled by Alexandros.''

    "...! Preposterous!"

    A violent gale swirled around Belphal''s feet.

    "The Darkness Elemental Lord is the mortal enemy of us, the Five Great Elemental Lords, and must be destroyed utterly!"

    "¡ªEvidently, this cannot be resolved through dialog."

    Rubia readied the scorching great sword¡ªelemental waffe Ragnarok¡ªin both hands.

    With crimson mes residing within the de, the sword glowed with red light.

    "...How dare a mere human use the Fire Elemental Lord!"

    Belphal kicked the ground.

    She released the power of the magic spear Brionac, enveloped in violent wind.

    "¡ªNee-sama!"

    The me sword hummed. Faced against a swift thrust, Rubia used the t of the de to parry away the magic spear.

    As the spear and sword crossed repeatedly, the shing elements of fire and wind entangled together, rushing up to the top of the sky.

    The Lord of Wind''s consecutive strikes attacked like a storm, but Rubia saw through each and every one. After entering a contract with the Fire Elemental Lord, her princess maiden''s intuition practically approached prescience.

    "Why... Why is the noble Lord of Fire, used by a human...!"

    "Because I am her Queen..."

    Rubia swung her sword. The sh of the crimson de left a shallow scratch on the cheek of the Lord of Wind.

    "...Did you say Queen?"

    Just then, the Lord of Wind suddenly halted in her movements.

    "...W...hat... is this...?"

    Holding her temples, she made a pained expression.

    "Looks like something weird is up with the Lord of Wind¡ª"

    ire murmured.

    "¡ªThe voice of princess maidens."

    "...?"

    ire looked back to trace the voice, only to see Fianna, who had arrived without her noticing, chanting healing magic for ire and Rinslet.

    The warm holy light began to heal their injuries.

    "The voice of princess maidens?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "The princess maidens in the human realm are currently offering their prayers to the Elemental Lords. It must be Reicha who took the lead and organized them."

    Fianna, whose princess maiden senses were strong, presumably sensed it.

    ''Yes, I feel it too. The prayers from the voices of hundreds, thousands of princess maidens¡ª''

    Rinslet''s blue rose seal glowed and Iseria''s voice could be heard.

    Overhead, Rubia could be seen dominating the Lord of Wind.

    The howling storm seemed to have weakened in wind strength.

    "The voices of princess maidens have touched the Lord of Wind''s soul..."

    Her injuries healed, ire raised metongue and stood up.

    "Now is the moment, let''s finish this in one fell swoop!"

    Kicking the ground to take a leap, she spread the wings of Einherjar.

    She was heading towards the boisterous dance between Rubia and Belphal.

    Swinging metongue is a smooth flowing motion, she inserted herself into their battle.

    "ire¡ª"

    "Nee-sama, let''s fight together!"

    Confronted with the approaching ire, Rubia simply nodded.

    The me sword Ragnarok produced fire that devoured wind. Targeting the Lord of Wind who was trying to evade, ire urately swung metongue to begin a fierce offensive.

    Perhaps one might describe this as resonance between two princess maidens with excellent intuition, or the tacit understanding arising from blood being thicker than water?

    Despite engaging in a de dance together for the first time, the two sisters cooperated as a perfectbination.

    "Hear that, Wind Elemental Lord!? The voices of princess maidens!"

    "...Shut, up... Shut up!"

    The Lord of Wind cried out emotionally. Her image proceeded to split.

    "...!?"

    Simr to instantaneous movement, this was probably magic relying on the power of wind.

    As many as a couple hundred Lords of Wind flew up in the sky andunched their magic spears simultaneously.

    "Thunderstorm of Brionac!"

    Hundreds of magic spears were aimed at the two on the ground.

    "The queen ruling over ice magicmands. Hereby manifest with haste¡ªWinter Gulf!"

    No sooner than she had spoken, a barrier of ice glowing blue appeared in front of the two girls, deflecting the thunderstorm spears.

    This was spirit magic chanted by Rinslet.

    "Rinslet!?"

    ire cried out in surprise.

    She never thought Rinslet would be able to defend against the Lord of Wind''s magic spears using spirit magic¡ª

    "The prayers of princess maidens are offered to all of the Elemental Lords, you know?"

    Rinslet raised her left hand, showing the ice rose spirit seal glowing brightly.

    This was the seal of the Water Elemental Lord, Iseria Seaward.

    The prayers of princess maidens had given her power too.

    "Iseria, are you siding with the minions of Ren Ashdoll too!?"

    The hundreds of Belphals roared angrily.

    ''You might change your mind too after eating her pancakes.''

    Iseria''s voice was heard.

    "Certainly, I am willing to cook for Lord Belphal too."

    "Curses¡ª"

    Cracks appeared on the ice barrier blocking the spears of magic wind.

    Even though they were both avatars,pared to Belphal, who still carried remnants of Elemental Lord power, Iseria was at a great disadvantage due to being separated from the majority of her power.

    "...I-I shall not lose."

    Rinslet gritted her teeth and poured divine power in her spirit seal.

    Just then, Rinslet became enveloped in holy light.

    "...Your Highness!?"

    Fianna had activated Save the Queen.

    With the power of the holy element stacked on top, the ice barrier eliminated the magic spears.

    "...What?"

    The Lord of Wind''s clones showed surprise.

    "Let us proceed, ire¡ª"

    "Yes, Nee-sama!"

    Rubia and ire attacked at the same time.

    Red shes shed in a flurry. The raging metongue erased the clones of the Lord of Wind.

    These were illusions created with wind.

    "¡ªO magic spear Brionac, manifest thy divine might!"

    Numerous instances of the Lord of Wind swung their spears, producing swirls of violent tornadoes.

    shes of lightning were mixed inside the barrier of wind.

    "...! That makes it impossible for us to approach!"

    Just then...

    "¡ªO vicious wind, rampage!"

    Raw Hawk,unched by Ellis, struck the center of the wind barrier.

    The rampaging wind tore a hole in the wind barrier.

    "¡ªScarlet!"

    ire unleashed Einherjar''s mes.

    Enveloped in zing mes, she and Rubia passed through the wind barrier together.

    "...Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    In the center of the barrier, the Lord of Wind roared. This must be the real one.

    "ire, I entrust my me to you¡ª"

    Rubia took ire''s hand. sped together, the two hands lit up with blue fire.

    "Got it, Nee-sama!"

    ire produced two mes, one on each hand!

    "That me, can it be the primordial¡ª"

    The surprised Lord of Wind groaned.

    End of Vermilion and Absolute Zero¡ªprecisely what had been passed down the Elstein family.

    True fire, stolen from the Otherworld, then ending up in the hands of the human race.

    Those two fires gathered together in ire''s hands.

    "...Turn into charcoal!"

    The mes released by ire swallowed the Lord of Wind.

    Part 3

    ''¡ªO adorable child, would you like to listen to me and take a gamble?''

    The voice that Kamito heard in his mind¡ª

    (Could it belong to the Darkness Elemental Lord¡ª)

    Indeed, it was the avatar of the Darkness Elemental Lord whom he thought had vanished.

    This was definitely her voice and no hallucination.

    (...Why are you here?)

    ''I am thest remnant residing inside your divine power. I could disappear any moment like a mirage.''

    The Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatarughed in self-mockery.

    ''My original n was to use thest of my power to cling to existence so that I may personally witness the demise of my mortal enemy, but the situation does not seem optimistic¡ª''

    "...Sorry, it''s my fault for failing to live up to being a worthy sessor."

    Holding the two swords stabbed in the ground, Kamito stood up.

    In his distorted vision, he saw the Holy Lord approaching, sacred sword in hand.

    ''I cannot me you after. After all, that Spirit Weapon is unique in the world.''

    "...Yeah."

    Kamito could only nod and concede.

    Spirit Weapon¡ªthe sword spirit Terminus Est.

    Practically the symbol of ultimate power.

    Whether Est or Restia, both top-tier spirits, neither could match Terminus Est in power.

    ''¡ªYes, your two swords as they are cannot prevail against her. However, if Darkness and Steel were to merge into a single sword, perhaps they might prove to be a match for that sacred sword.''

    "What did you say...?"

    ''Merge two elemental waffen into one. A "Waffen Merge" of spirits.''

    "Take two spirits... and merge them? How can that even¡ª"

    ''It is possible in theory. After all, Angels can merge with spirits. However¡ª''

    At this point, the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar paused.

    "However?"

    ''There are three essential conditions. Spirits of equal power, massive divine power capable of controlling their power, as well as a perfect union of their souls. Unless all are met, the spirits would end up with mutual annihtion.''

    The one who spoke was not the avatar but Restia.

    "...Mutual annihtion!?"

    ''Capable of merging the power of two spirits, Waffen Merge is an ability kept secret by the Elemental Lords. Of course, I know about it too. After all, I have inherited the Darkness Elemental Lord''s knowledge¡ª''

    Restia spoke calmly.

    ''¡ªTo be honest, probability of sess is only one half.''

    If Est and Restia were annihted, having lost his weapons, Kamito would lose.

    She must have refrained from suggesting this in fear of that risk.

    ''But that is the only way to resist that sacred sword¡ª''

    "¡ªNo."

    Kamito shook his head.

    ''Kamito¡ª''

    He gripped the hilts of his two swords tightly, biting his lip hard.

    (¡ªIf this fails, Est and Restia will be annihted?)

    How could he possibly take that risk?

    ''But my adorable child, at this rate, everyone is going to die, you know?''

    "...!"

    Hearing the words from the avatar of darkness, Kamito gritted his teeth.

    The sacred sword raised by the Holy Lord was glowing with even more blinding light than before.

    Not only Est and Restia, this time she was probably aiming to destroy Kamito''s being in one go as well.

    He was not going to be able to block the next strike.

    His rational mind told him of this fact of reality. But...

    ''¡ªKamito, do not worry.''

    In his hand, the Demon yer glowed with tranquil light.

    ''I trust you, Kamito¡ªI believe in Restia whom you trust.''

    "Est!?"

    ''Miss Sword Spirit!?''

    Restia eximed in surprise. Kamito could not help but widen his eyes.

    Est was calling Restia by her name for the very first time.

    ''¡ªUnderstood, Est.''

    Restia spoke.

    There was an element of delight in her voice.

    ''Kamito, unless we defeat the Holy Lord, the world is going to be destroyed sooner orter.''

    The two contracted spirits hadmitted their resolve.

    Kamito would be ashamed of calling himself an elementalist, unworthy of contracting with them, if he failed to respond to their determination.

    "...Got it."

    Hence. Kmaito replied.

    No matter what it took, he would not allow his spirits to be annihted. He swore to himself and gripped his two swords tightly.

    ''It appears that you have firmed your resolve¡ª''

    The avatar of darkness spoke.

    "Yeah¡ª"

    ''In that case, adorable child, I can entrust this to you, my final parting gift¡ª''

    Raised in the Instructional School, Kamito had no idea what it felt like to have a mother. However, the voice echoing in his mind was practically like that of a mother leaving a parting gift for her son, full of tender affection.

    In the next instant, a surge of information rushed into his mind.

    Waffen Merge¡ªThe secret technique only known to Elemental Lords became Kamito''s.

    The Holy Lord raised Terminus Est up high.

    ...As though offering the world as a sacrifice to the Gate leading to the origin.

    "Perish, Ren Ashdoll. My ally of past who used to share my dream¡ª!"

    The orthodox sacred sword''s light turned the world pure white.

    The light of destruction¡ªGrand Nemesis.

    The giant sacred sword swung down.

    The blinding sh filled Kamito''s vision with whiteness.

    Facing that destructive light, Kamito closed his eyes.

    He gathered his divine power of darkness into the spirit seals on his two hands.

    "Thou, dispassionate Queen of Steel, the sacred sword that destroys evil¡ª"

    The white and ck swords both glowed.

    Kamito crossed the two swords and began to picture the shape of that sword in his mind.

    The ultimate sword, capable of surpassing Terminus Est.

    "Thou, untainted queen of darkness, demon sword that pierces the truth¡ª"

    The slightest mistake in the image in his mind¡ª

    Or failure to control divine power in bnced manner¡ª

    The two swords would annihte together with their spirit contracts.

    Nevertheless, Kamito did not hesitate. He could picture the shape of that sword clearly.

    "¡ªNow form the sword ruling over the sacred and the demonic, and be the power in my hand!"

    Kamito crossed his hands whose spirit seals were glowing, ovepping the two swords together.

    In that instant, a sh of light exploded and one sword appeared in Kamito''s hand.

    A double-edged sword with a de of ck and white¡ª

    Elemental waffe¡ªThe Demon Bringer.

    "O-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    With a mighty shout, he swung that sword, slicing through the light of Grand Nemesis.

    Part 4

    "...Wh-at...!?"

    The Sacred Maiden''s cold but pretty face showed surprise for the first time.

    The double-edged sword had sliced apart the light of Grand Nemesis.

    Released from the de was both demon-ying sacred light and the darkness of obliteration.

    ¡ªDemon yer and Vorpal Sword.

    This was the merged form of the ultimate elemental waffe.

    (...Looks like it worked.)

    Kamito slowly raised the sacred demon sword gripped tightly in both hands.

    Thest memento left behind by the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    (¡ªThank you, Ren Ashdoll.)

    Kamito addressed her remnant lingering within him.

    However, no voice answered. Perhaps the Darkness Elemental Lord''s avatar had finally vanished for real this time.

    "...Wh-at? What is that elemental waffe¡ª"

    The smile filled with confidence was gone from that face. The Holy Lord muttered.

    With a look of disbelief, the Holy Lord looked down at the sacred sword in his hand.

    ¡ªThe ultimate spirit weapon of Astral Zero. The sword that was supposed to be far superior to Kamito''s Demon yer had unbelievably lost.

    "...Impossible. This Terminus Est, how could it lose to that impostor¡ª"

    In this world, there could not possibly be a weapon surpassing it.

    "Well, wanna give it a go? Alexandros¡ª"

    Kamito poured divine power of darkness into the Demon Bringer.

    Instantly, overwhelming sacred demonic light filled the whole hall in the Holy Lord Pce.

    Intimidated by that splendor, the Holy Lord took a step back.

    (...! This thing is crazy¡ª)

    Simply held in his hand, the sword kept sucking divine power of darkness from his body constantly.

    The slightest loss of focus and he could very well lose consciousness any moment.

    Moreover, Kamito''s physical stamina was reaching his limit.

    He surmised that he would not be able to sustain this form for long.

    (...A minute... No, if I use Absolute de Arts, thirty seconds at most, huh?)

    ¡ªBut that was enough.

    After all, there was no point in prolonging the battle.

    "...That sort¡ªThat sort of weapon, how could it be used by a mere mortal body!?"

    Holy divine power surged from all over the Holy Lord''s body.

    Terminus Est, raised up high, glowed with silver-white light.

    The light of destruction¡ªGrand Nemesis.

    The light was far greater than before.

    In response, Kamito lowered his center of gravity and entered the stance for the Absolute de Art of godlike speed¡ªPurple Lightning.

    Divine power of darkness surged.

    (I will settle things with this move¡ª)

    Then¡ª

    Both sides kicked the ground simultaneously.

    (...Let''s go, Est and Restia!

    He did not hear a reply, but the sword''s de glowed with blinding light as though in response.

    Everything till now was gambled on this one instant.

    Raised as the Demon King''s sessor at the Instructional School. Meeting Restia. Receiving Greyworth''s guidance to be Ren Ashbell, the Strongest de Dancer.

    Meeting ire. Contracting with Est. Forming Team Scarlet together with Ellis, Rinslet and Fianna, emerging victorious at the de Dance.

    The consciousnesses left behind by Demon King Solomon and the Darkness Elemental Lord.

    All encounters, all thoughts and feelings that had supported him to reach here.

    ¡ªFor the sake of saving Astral Zero and the human realm.

    A sh of light.

    The power residing in elementalists, divine power, was the light of life.

    Nourished by the light of life generated by humans, spirits turned into des.

    Enveloped in divine power, the des of spirits danced.

    ¡ªSuch were the de dances of elementalists.

    The des shed.

    In that instant, the light of world creation filled the whole Holy Lord Pce.

    "Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

    Kamito employed all the divine power of darkness in his body.

    "...Guh... How could this, be possible¡ª"

    Plink, plink¡ªThe sound of shattering.

    This was the ultimate spirit weapon capable of shattering even the stars in the sky.

    Cracks appeared on the de of the sacred sword Terminus Est.

    The Holy Lord faltered. Kamito pressed on, following up with a vigorous strike.

    The sound of des shing continued unabated.

    Twice, thrice, four times¡ªEvery time the des met, shes of light erupted, apanied by greater cracks.

    "...Impossible, impossible... A mere, humaaaaaaaaan!"

    Holy divine power surged in a torrent.

    (...! What!?)

    At the same time, glowing runes surrounded the Holy Lord to serve as a barrier.

    This was the power to rewrite the world¡ªThe ability the Holy Lord had absorbed from Angels.

    The Demon Bringer was deflected by the Angel barrier.

    (Est, analyze Angel¡ª!)

    Responding to Kamito''s voice, the de of the sacred demonic sword also began to have glowing runes swirling.

    But was there enough time!?

    (...Only seven seconds until my divine power is exhausted¡ª)

    "I shall concede this to you, Ren Ashbell! That impostor has indeed surpassed the ultimate sacred sword Terminus Est. You may die proud now!"

    Terminus Est''s de gave a low hum and shook.

    Waffe release¡ªIntentionally causing an elemental waffe to go out of control, a move to draw out power beyond limits. The Holy Lord was willing to break the sacred sword in exchange for assuring Kamito''s destruction.

    (...!?)

    But in that instant...

    BOOOOOOOOOOM!

    All at once, crimson mes devoured the glowing barrier and the Holy Lord in it.

    "¡ªKamito!"

    A familiar voice sounded across the hall in the Holy Lord Pce.

    (...ire!)

    Otherworldly fire utterly incinerated the Angel barrier that likewise belonged to the Otherworld.

    Even though the fire itself did not inflict any critical damage to the Holy Lord¡ª

    It created a momentary opening. That alone was enough.

    Kamito could sense the girls behind him.

    "Kamito-san!"

    "Kamito-kun!"

    "Kamito!"

    "¡ªRen Ashbell!"

    ire, Rinslet, Fianna, Ellis, and Rubia too.

    Hispanions from Team Scarlet were here.

    (I can''t make a fool of myself in front of these youngdies!)

    Divine power of darkness surged. The Demon Bringer glowed even brighter.

    "Holy Lord Alexandros¡ª!"

    Kamito kicked the ground and advanced.

    "I offer this to you, the de dance of Ren Ashbell, Strongest de Dancer!"

    The sword shed through the air.

    One, two, four, eight, sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four, a hundred and twenty-eight strikes¡ª

    Endless sword strikes danced in a frenzy across every volume of space upied by the Holy Lord''s being.

    Absolute de Arts, Divine Form¡ªBursting Blossom Spiral de Dance, Unlimited.

    Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of sword strikes¡ª

    As the light of unlimited swords subsided¡ª

    Only particles of light remained.

    Part 5

    The scene reflected on those eyes at the end was a frenzied flurry of de shes.

    The Sacred Maiden''s prescience could only foresee the future of her own destruction.

    The ultimate sacred sword shattered in an instant, its body flying up into the air.

    The Gate leading to the origin was visible, the void gap in the sky.

    The Holy Lord closed his eyes, reaching his hand out towards the homnd on the other side of the gap.

    How he desired obtaining true light.

    He wanted to be true light, not just the Lord of Light in name only, to shine correct light over the world.

    (Is that so? ¡ªDid I make a mistake...?)

    While his consciousness gradually faded, he muttered to himself.

    He originally thought that this world was a fragile bubble created by the origin, just a fake world.

    An imitation of the true world in that vortex, a world without value.

    He thought that a fake Lord of Light could never create true light.

    ¡ªBut he was wrong.

    In the end, he saw endless light.

    That light was the new light born in this world.

    What he desired in his dreams was in this world, not across the gap.

    His vessel, the borrowed form of the Sacred Maiden, turned into particles of light and gradually disappeared.

    After feeling satisfied by the de dance he witnessed in the end¡ª

    Alexandros, Lord of Light, vanished.

    A tiny shing speck of light remained at the end.

    It was a fragment of Areishia''s consciousness, that of the sealed Sacred Queen.

    (...Thank you, for saving the world.)

    The Sacred Maiden spoke to the Demon King of the contemporary world¡ª

    (¡ªEst, we can be together now.)

    (...Yes, Areishia. I am your sword, your wish is mymand.)

    Together with the fragments of the sacred sword, she vanished into thin air.

 Volume 20, Final - Return to the Academy

    <h4>Volume 20, Final Chapter - Return to the Academy</h4>

    Part 1

    After experiencing the final battle in Astral Zero¡ª

    Kamito andpany stayed at the Divine Ritual Institute''s shrine for a week and a bit. Only after borrowing the sanctuary''s hot spring topletely recover from fatigue did they return to the human realm.

    The entire student body of the Academy mobilized to wee the return of Team Scarlet.

    Compared to the reception half a year ago when they qualified to enter the de Dance, attitudes werepletely different.

    ire and Rinslet, formerly the problem children of Raven ss.

    Ellis, alwayspared to her foster sister as captain of the Sylphid Knights.

    Fianna, who was ridiculed as the Lost Queen after losing her power of the spirit contract.

    No one was going to regard these girls with prejudiced eyes of the past anymore.

    Even Kamito, who was shunned as the only male elementalist¡ª

    "Oh, it''s Kazehaya Kamito!" "How unbelievable. The Demon King of the Night actually saved the world..." "Wait, that''s too rude, you should call him Lord King of Lust!" "Yes, that''s right, Lord King of Lust..." "Awesome, Lord King of Lust." "In that case, Lord King of Lust, I¡ª"

    (...W-Why is my reputation the only one that''s unchanged!?)

    While walking down the flying ship''s gangway, Kamito rolled his eyes and retorted in his thoughts.

    ...It seemed like things were even worse than before.

    "Come on, Kamito, chest out and head up high."

    Seeing Kamito like that, ire gave him a push from behind.

    "After all, you have much to be proud of."

    "Tonight,rades from the Sylphid Knights are apparently holding a big party to celebrate."

    "Now that is something to look forward to."

    "But I have to be a downer first. They''re apparently going to resume sses tomorrow."

    ire spoke seriously.

    "Eh, really... We haven''t kept up with sses at all..."

    "H-Hmm, we must hurry and make up for lost progress..."

    "I will have you know that I have been studying seriously. I shall teach the rest of youter."

    "Oh, thanks."

    "Yes, that would be helpful..."

    As soon as Kamito andpany got off the flying ship, a huge number of students crowded around them.

    Amid the tide of people, Kamito looked up at the clear blue sky.

    (Back to student life again, huh...?)

    Through Greyworth''s designs, he hade to the Academy, and entered the de Dance only because he wanted to find Restia. Now he had no more reasons to stay at the Academy.

    However¡ª

    (...Graduating here wouldn''t be half bad, I guess.)

    Standing under the blue sky was the school building under reconstruction. The dorm of Raven ss.

    This was the ce where he and hispanions belonged, the ce he had protected.

    ¡ªThat night, during the celebration party and gathering of spirits, Kamito got drunk for the first time in his life.

    Part 2

    "...Mmm... Ughhh... Ooh..."

    The next day, under sunlight, Kamito opened his eyes.

    ...What a headache. It looked like he had fallen asleep in his uniformst night.

    Due to insistent pleading from Ellis with Rakka and Reishia joining in, Kamito had borrowed a princess maiden outfit from Fianna to perform a de dance. That was thest thing he remembered.

    Although the spirits at the party looked quite happy¡ª

    ...Kamito was sure he would not have done it if he were not drunk.

    Raised by the Instructional School, Kamito had never been drunk before. By circting divine power through channels in his entire body, he was able to eliminate alcohol.

    But this move did not work against the Dragon Wine brought by Leonora. This was wine prepared for spirits.

    The party even weed the grand arrival of the Dragon King, who urged Kamito to drink Dragon Wine by the barrel. Unable to refuse the king of Dracunia, Kamito drank to his heart''s content, and that was how he ended up like this.

    Without any recollection after the fact, he had managed to return to his room in the Raven ss dorm and copsed asleep.

    (What the hell was I doing...)

    Just as Kamito clutched his head in bed, plunged into self-loathing...

    Boing. Boing.

    He felt something soft against his stomach, like a water bag.

    "...!?"

    Kamito hastily lifted his nket. Just as he suspected, inside was¡ª

    "...E-Est!?"

    The naked kneesocks sword spirit had secretly made her way into his bed.

    "Est, didn''t I say you can''t get into bed...?"

    Kamito ced his hand on her silver-white hair and reminded her again.

    He knew he was always indulging Est, but he ought to be more strict during times that demanded it.

    "No, Kamito¡ª"

    However, Est expressionlessly shook her head.

    "Last night, Kamito was the one who carried me into bed."

    "...Is that for real...?"

    Kamito''s face twitched.

    ...He had no idea at all. Although his memories were very hazy, after performing a de dance in a princess maiden outfit, he had apparently gone to bed while holding Est in sword form without letting go.

    Back during his days at the Instructional School, Kamito had frequently gone to bed hugging Restia in sword form. Perhaps that childhood habit had reappeared without him knowing.

    "S-Sorry..."

    Kamito brought his palms together and apologized to Est.

    "Not only that."

    "Huh?"

    Hearing Est grumble softly without any expression on her face, Kamito could not help but ask.

    "While you were asleep, Kamito, you kept tugging at my kneesocks when I turned into human form."

    "...I-I did that!?"

    ...Crap. He had no memory of it at all.

    (...No, I think I had a dream ying tug-of-war with Est.)

    Her clear violet eyes stared unerringly at Kamito.

    "Kamito... You have a lot of pent up frustration, right?"

    "...Ohhhhhhhh, Est, I''m the one at fault!"

    Kamito immediately prostrated himself on the bed as fast as he could to apologize.

    Even if it had happened without conscious intent, he never expected himself to do something like that¡ª

    ...No wonder Est was angry.

    "No, Kamito. I am your sword. If it is your wish... So be it."

    Est swept up her draping long silver-white hair and stood up.

    Her pale skin, as white as fresh snow, was disyed before Kamito''s eyes without reserve.

    Her cheeks were so red that one could hardly believe they belonged to a sword spirit with steel affinity.

    "...E-Est!?"

    Kamito could not help but hold his breath.

    He watched as Est hooked her kneesocks with her thumbs and began to pull them down.

    When she reached the ankles, she paused for a moment, looking up at Kamito.

    "...Are you sure you''re okay with removing your kneesocks, Est?"

    Faced with Kamito''s doubt, Est nodded.

    "Yes, Kamito. Please witness my all¡ª"

    She lightly lifted her feet and removed her kneesocks.

    Toes as smooth as pearls.

    Her adorable bare feet, white and tender as milk, werepletely exposed this moment.

    "...How... is it, Kamito?"

    Still in a posture with her bare feet raised, Est shyly turned her gaze away.

    Probably due to extreme embarrassment, her shoulders kept shaking.

    "U-Uh, very cute... So pretty."

    Kamito stared intently and replied. Est instantly withdrew her feet into the nket.

    "Uwah, do not stare like that."

    "I-I can''t?"

    "...It is not like you can''t."

    Timidly, Est brought her bare feet out from the nket again... So cute.

    "I-I do not mind, if you touch a little."

    "Eh¡ª"

    "Special permission. After all, I am your contracted spirit¡ª"

    Est turned her head to the side and gently extended her petite legs.

    "Est..."

    Kamito held his breath and timidly stroked Est''s toes.

    A soft sensation. Cool to the touch.

    "Uwah... That tickles, Kamito."

    Est screamed softly.

    ...Why? Est was normally so adorable already, yet she seemed even more adorable now.

    Perhaps there were some lingering effects from the Dragon Wine drankst night.

    His head in a haze, Kamito tried to scratch the sole of Est''s foot.

    "K-Kamito, no... Uwahhhh!"

    Est shut her eyes tightly and gripped a corner of the nket.

    Just then¡ª

    "Fufu, you look like you''re having a lot of fun."

    "Uwah..."

    Suddenly, jet-ck feathers blocked Kamito''s view.

    He looked back, only to see Restia standing there with her jet-ck wings outspread.

    "R-Restia!?"

    "Darkness spirit¡ª!"

    Est hastily hid behind Kamito''s back, concealing her bare feet.

    "Oh dear, I''d like to have a look at Miss Sword Spirit''s feet too..."

    Restia chuckled and controlled her wings deftly, trying to lift the nket.

    "...! Darkness spirit, do you wish to be destroyed?"

    "It''s just a little look."

    "No."

    With Restia trying to catch her, thepletely naked Est hugged Kamito, refusing to let go.

    "H-Hey...!"

    Just as the three of them were wrestling on the bed...

    "Sheesh, why is it so noisy this early in the morning... Hold on¡ªHuaah, w-what, w-what are you doing!?"

    Arriving to wake up Kamito, ire froze.

    Scattered ck feathers. Completely naked Est. Kamito, hugged by her tightly. Even Restia, due to the tussle on the bed, her dress had slid down to her shoulders.

    "Y-You, you lot..."

    Her voice was shaking.

    The twintails instantly burst into mes.

    "W-Wait, there''s a reason for this¡ª"

    Kamito stammered.

    ...Even if he wanted to exin, he could note up with anything convincing to exin the current situation.

    "Y-You lewd beast, turn into charcoal!"

    For the first time in a long while, the sound of Fireball exploding returned to the room.

    Part 3

    "...Seriously, making so much noise early in the morning."

    Rinslet, dressed in an apron, spoke with exasperation as she looked at the scorched and ckened hole in the wall.

    Due to the explosion in the room, Kamito andpany had gone next door to eat breakfast at Rinslet''s room.

    ...Oh well, this was somewhatforting in how it was a return to their everyday life.

    That being said, there was something wrong with returning to everyday life through a room explosion experience.

    "Yes, seriously. How many times must you turn the dorm room into charcoal until you''re satisfied?"

    In the same room, Fianna red at ire.

    "...~! I-It''s all Kamito''s fault, doing that spirit sandwich!"

    "Kamito-san, what is the meaning of this?"

    Rinslet pouted after hearing what ire said and red at Kamito.

    "L-Like I said, she got the wrong idea!"

    "Kamito-kun, my, how energetic you are early in the morning. That''s nice."

    Fianna was cheerful, with a malicious smile on her face.

    Est and Restia had turned back into sword form.

    Restia aside, Est normally turned into human form at breakfast time in the past. Probably because she was still embarrassed from baring her feet earlier, even the toasty aroma of bread could not bring out anyment from her.

    "...Uwah, everybody, good morning~"

    Still in her pajamas, Carol rubbed her eyes and got up.

    Seeing Rinslet setting tes on the dining table...

    "M-Mdy, allow me to help!"

    She said hastily. However, Rinslet shook her head.

    "Do not worry, just sit down there."

    Saying that, Rinslet motioned to have Carol sit down on the chair next to hers... Still indulging her as always.

    "I made a breakfast that is easy on the stomach due to the drinkingst night. As it so happens, I gathered high-quality vegetables from the Spirit Forest."

    "Wow, it looks so delicious!"

    Seeing the food on the dining table, ire''s eyes were glowing.

    Wild mushrooms with vegetable sd. Walnut bread fresh out of the oven. Warm ck tea. Fresh milk and homemade butter. Fruit yogurt too.

    Although the dishes were a tad simple, every ingredient had been carefully selected.

    "Please enjoy, everyone."

    "Yes, thanks for the food¡ª"

    Kamito politely brought his palms together then tore off a piece of freshly baked bread.

    The bread was piping hot, giving off a toasty aroma that filled one''s nostrils.

    "Meow¡ª"

    Scarlet was at his feet, giving him a longing look. Right now, she was perfectly capable of awakening as Ortlinde, but the hell cat spirit apparently enjoyed a cat''s life of unfettered freedom.

    "Scarlet, that''s rude. Learn from Fenrir."

    Seeing that, ire scolded her.

    Fenrir was sitting properly on the floor, panting and drooling.

    "Oh no? Butter has dripped onto my chest."

    "...!?"

    Fianna made a troubled expression and looked at Kamito beside her.

    Kamito could not help but nce over, only to see a piece of melting butter in her cleavage.

    "Kamito-kun, could you help me take it out?"

    "Ah, no, well..."

    Facing the princess who was asking him passionately, Kamito stammered and hesitated. Just then...

    "Scarlet, lick her clean."

    "Meow¡ª!"

    "Kyah!?"

    Scarlet pounced on Fianna''s chest and licked the butter furiously.

    "Wait, that tickles... Ahhh, I hate you, ire!

    While twisting her body, Fianna red at ire angrily.

    Part 4

    While having breakfast in a lively gathering, Kamito andpany began to discuss the future.

    "The situation on the continent, ahmm... I think there will be many changes."

    "...Yeah."

    Listening to ire speaking while eating bread, Kamito concurred.

    The Elemental Lords, corrupted by Otherworldly Darkness, had all been freed by Kamito.

    Due to theplete destruction of the Gate, Astral Zero should note into contact again with the world origin. Likewise, Angels belonging to Otherworldly Light were probably not going to descend again.

    With the Holy Lord and the Darkness Elemental Lord gone, only the four Elemental Lords of fire, water, earth and wind remained.

    Although Belphal and Lode Gear were back to normal, freed from the the Holy Lord''s control, their power as Elemental Lords was greatly diminished. Currently, they were merely powerful individual spirits.

    Perhaps, the job of Elemental Lords as rulers of the world hade to an end too.

    In that case, perhaps the rtionship between Astral Zero and the human realm would change dramatically.

    Teleported to Ragna Ys, the Holy Capital had vanished from the human realm. Having instigated chaos across the continent, the Holy Kingdom of Lugia was going to be monitored by the other countries from now on. Records of viting numerous military agreements, the conspiracy in Ordesia and Des Esseinte''s covert operations, etc, were presumably going to be publicized. Incidentally, the leader of the monitoring team was reportedly Virrey Branford, the special operative knight of Numbers.

    "...By the way, how is it going with studying the lecture notes?"

    Just then, the topic shifted from the continent''s situation back to the Academy.

    To be honest, matters on this front were far more important for Kamito and his friends.

    "We already won the de Dance, I can''t believe it doesn''t count for academic credit, that''s so mean."

    "That goes without saying."

    ire remarked helplessly.

    "We have to find a way to make up."

    "Yes, Mireille and Mi will be enrolling in elementary school next year. I have no wish of being held back a year and humiliating myself in front of my sisters."

    Mireille and Mi Bassett were apparently entering the Eluor Elementary Academy at the imperial capital this year.

    A prestigious school for nobles, it was also where ire and Rinslet studied during their childhood.

    Like Carol, Mi was apparently entering as an apanying maid. Unlike Carol, Mi was very reliable, so with her there, there was probably nothing to worry about.

    ¡°Come to think of it, Mireille will be our underssmen.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Once Judia¡¯s eyes are healed, I expect she will study at the academy too.¡±

    Rinslet nodded happily.

    ¡°I¡¯m so d Judia will recover.¡±

    ¡°It is all thanks you, Kamito-san.¡±

    Judia¡¯s blinded eyes were reportedly recovering rapidly. Most likely, it was because the principal body of the Water Elemental Lord, who had struck her with a curse of ice, was gone.

    ¡°Speaking of which, what will happen to Laurenfrost territory?¡±

    Fianna asked.

    ¡°I shall inherit it after graduating from the Academy.¡±

    Rinslet shrugged and replied in response.

    ¡°To be honest, my wish is to open a restaurant in the imperial capital, leaving the territory to Judia or Mireille to govern. Yes, I already came up with a name, the White Wolf Pavilion.¡±

    Under the dining table, Fenrir barked.

    ¡°A restaurant opened by you, Rinslet, will surely be very popr.¡±

    ¡°Yes, all of us will go and eat there.¡±

    Saying that, ire nodded vigorously.

    ¡°Say, Fianna, are you really not nning to be queen?¡±

    Seeing the conversation topic shift to her, Fianna shook her head slowly.

    ¡°The Emperor¡¯s health has improved. Besides, I am not suitable either.¡± ¡°Really? I think you¡¯d make an excellent queen¡ª¡±

    ¡°Thank you. These kind thoughts are enough for me.¡±

    Fianna smiled wryly.

    ording to her, the imperial council¡¯s authority in the Ordesia Empire had increased currently. Many of the Numbers were also going to be changed with fresh personnel. While he was recuperating at Ragna Ys, Virrey once asked Kamito if he wanted to join the ranks of the Numbers, but of course, Kamito refused.

    ¡°What about you, ire, so you¡¯re not returning to Elstein?¡±

    ¡°I have already decided my career direction.¡±

    Hearing Fianna¡¯s question, ire replied resolutely.

    ¡°I remember you saying you wanted to be a teacher at the Academy, yes?¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°A teacher, huh? I see.¡±

    True, in addition to a serious personality and excellent grades, ire was also very good at teaching others.

    ...Being a teacher might be quite a good match for her.

    ¡°Originally, I wanted to entrust Elstein matters to Nee-sama¡ª¡±

    Saying that, a hint of gloom shed across ire¡¯s face.

    After the decisive battle at the Holy Capital, Kamito andpany had stayed at the hot spring on Ragna Ys. However, Rubia soon disappeared.

    ¡°After all, Rubia-sama always liked her solitary ways¡ª¡±

    Just then, Fenrir stood up and went ¡°woof.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it is almost time.¡±

    ¡°Beingte on the first day will be bad, let¡¯s hurry.¡±

    Finishing his cup of freshly brewed ck tea, Kamito stood up from his seat.

    Part 5

    After swiftly getting prepared, Kamito andpany passed through a beautiful garden on their way to the school building.

    ¡°The damaged school building has beenpletely restored.¡± ¡°Yes, I heard that the Academy received plenty of donations from within Ordesia.¡±

    ¡°The courtyard is even grander than before.¡±

    Passing by the church that served as the Sylphid Knights¡¯ base of operations, they happened to encounter Rakka¡¯s rock spirit clearing away the emptied barrels of alcoholic beverages that had been consumed during the partyst night.

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Hero¡ª¡±

    Rakka greeted without reservation.

    ¡°You showed a lot of good stuff to everyonest night.¡±

    Next to her, Reishia chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t remember much of it...¡±

    ...What the hell did I do?

    Just as Kamito was cringing inside...

    ¡°G-Good morning, Kamito¡ª¡±

    Ellis appeared in her uniform.

    Probably because she had just taken a bath, the tip of her ponytail was still moist.

    ¡°Ellis, you resumed your morning training the first day back?¡±

    ¡°Yes, with my esteemed sister. We did spear training.¡±

    Saying that, Ellis smiled wryly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you...¡±

    ire was speechless.

    ¡°Rakka, I am sorry for leaving cleanup work to you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You just got back, Captain, so rx and rest.¡±

    Rakka smiled and waved her hands.

    ¡°By the way, Captain, did you store ¡¯¡¯that¡¯¡¯ properly fromst night?¡±

    ¡°...Ah, yes, of course.¡±

    Hearing Reishia, Ellis nodded somewhat embarrassedly.

    ¡°Store what?¡±

    In response to Kamito¡¯s question...

    ¡°Your crossdressing de dance from the party. The Captain has been very working hard recording it.¡±

    ¡°R-Rakka!?¡±

    Rakka answered without thinking, causing Ellis to turn bright red in the face instantly.

    ¡°W-Wait a sec, what is going on here!?¡±

    ¡°Uh, umm... Well, uh...¡±

    Ellis avoided eye contact while scratching her cheek.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a spirit crystal that can store images from before your eyes? That¡¯s probably what¡¯s being used to record crossdressing Kamito¡¯s de dance, right?¡±

    ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°Reishia!?¡±

    Ellis panicked, her secret exposed.

    ...Kamito had no memory of it all. So Ellis even did something like this.

    ¡°Ellis...¡±

    Kamito stared at her.

    ¡°...U-Uh, I simply wanted to collect, as a precious memory, the sight of Ren Ashbe-sama dancing before my eyes. That is why I could not help but...¡±

    Fidgeting with her fingers, she exined awkwardly. Although she looked quite adorable, Kamito was determined that such a living record of his dark history could not be allowed to exist in this world.

    ¡°Destroy that spirit crystal. Now.¡±

    ¡°N-No!¡±

    Ellis shook her head repeatedly.

    ¡°I was really hurt by the fact that you hid your identity of being Ren Ashbell-sama. C-Can I not keep just a little record of my idol!?¡±

    ¡°Hmm...¡±

    ¡­She had a point. Kamito felt guilty for hiding things from her for so long.

    Ellis was Ren Ashbell¡¯s loyal fan and had even joined the fan club in the Academy. Seeing her all teary-eyed, Kamito sighed.

    ¡°...Don¡¯t let anyone see it, especially Greyworth.¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course! I will treasure it as my own personal memory.¡±

    Hearing Kamito¡¯s answer, Ellis instantly smiled with radiance, nodding again and again.

    ...Seeing such a happy smile on her, Kamito feltpelled to keep his word and not take back the permission he had granted.

    "I am so happy for you, Captain."

    Rakka patted Ellis'' shoulder.

    "Excuse me, everybody, we are going to bete."

    Rinslet frowned and reminded them.

    Part 6

    ¡°Okay Ellis, see youter.¡±

    "Yes."

    Parting ways at the corridor with Ellis, who belonged to Weasel ss, Kamito andpany entered the ssroom of Raven ss.

    It had been many months since theyst attended a real lesson here.

    After defeating Velsaria to qualify for representing the Academy at the de Dance, Team Scarlet had spent most of the time on training. The next time they returned to the Academy, Kamito had lost his memory due to the shock of losing Restia. After that, there was the expedition to Laurenfrost then the rescue of Fianna, oh well, it was certainly a long story¡ª

    "Let''s sit there."

    Kamito andpany sat down in the back row and opened their textbooks on spiritnguage.

    "Looks like the textbooks will need a major overhaul."

    "...Yeah."

    Reading the textbook, ire murmured quietly and Kamito concurred.

    After all, the Holy Lord, leader of the Elemental Lords, was gone, while the rest of the Elemental Lords had also lost the incredible power they used to hold.

    Also, Kamito''s team had conveyed many truths to the Divine Ritual Institute, including that of the Otherworldly Darkness and the Angels, the Spirit War six thousand years ago, the existence of Ren Ashdoll the Darkness Elemental Lord, the inside story of Demon King Solomon a thousand years ago, as well as the spirit Iris and Sacred Maiden Areishia, etc¡ª

    Although they had no idea how much the Divine Ritual Institute was going to disclose, research in spiritology was definitely going to undergo momentous change.

    "I heard that the Divine Ritual Institute intends to add mdy''s pancake recipe to their curriculum."

    "I am not surprised. After all, those are the pancakes that captivated an Elemental Lord."

    Hearing Carol talk happily, Fianna concurred.

    "They are just ordinary pancakes..."

    Looking a bit troubled, Rinslet cocked her head.

    "Speaking of which, we need to report about my sister''s and my mes."

    The Otherworldly mes that the Elemental Lords had stolen in the ancient past and passed on to the human race.

    ire apparently intended to research those mes thoroughly before she graduated.

    "Also, there''s Scarlet''s sisters and details of the Spirit War, there''s so much I want to research¡ª"

    At her feet, Scarlet meowed.

    "¡ªYou lot, hurry and sit down."

    Just then, Ms. Freya entered the ssroom.

    Standing at the stage, she rolled up her materials to tap the lectern.

    "Ah, allow me to introduce a part-time teacher today."

    She cleared her throat and spoke.

    "Part-time teacher?"

    ire and Rinslet exchanged a look.

    "Perhaps there is a shortage in avable teachers."

    Fianna wondered.

    ...She was right. The Millennia Sanctus'' attack on the Academy and the demon spirit summoning incident caused by Astral Shift had definitely injured many teachers. In addition, reconstruction of the imperial capital had also drafted a great many aplished elementalists, hence there were shortages everywhere.

    ¡ªJust then, a woman dressed in a suit arrived dashingly before the lectern.

    "¡ªStarting today, I, Ren Ashbell, shall be working here as a teacher. Pleased to meet you."

    It was a woman with long beautiful crimson hair. She was wearing a scarlet mask&mash;

    "Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!?"

    ire''s voice resounded across the entire ssroom.

    Part 7

    At the cafeteria space outside the school building...

    Due to the unlimited supply of free bread provided to students, this was a popr ce to hang out.

    After waiting for and meeting up with Ellis after her elementary spiritology ss, Kamito''s group were at the cafeteria, questioning the masked teacher.

    "...! Why are you here, Nee-sama!?"

    "It was at Dame Greyworth''s request. ire, your cor ribbon is messed up."

    However, Rubia waspletely unfazed and even rxed enough to adjust ire''s ribbon for her.

    "Where did you go? You made ire so worried."

    "I borrowed a military ship from the Theocracy and sent the Instructional School orphans back to their homnds."

    Rubia replied.

    "After all, the war is over. There is no need for Team Inferno''s continued existence."

    "I see..."

    How nice, to have homnds to return to, Kamito thought. Previous to this, there had never been a single child who could return home after being taken to the Instructional School.

    Children of unknown origins were reportedly staying at a facility in the imperial capital for the time being. Specialized in intel gathering, Lily was devoting her full efforts to investigating the girls'' homnds.

    "May I ask why you are wearing a mask?"

    This time, it was Fianna''s turn to ask.

    "It is not like I can show the true face of the Cmity Queen. I shall continue to borrow your name, Kamito."

    Indeed, the world''s impression of her still remained at the point when she had participated in the de Dance as the masked elementalist Ren Ashbell, leader of Team Inferno.

    "My lessons are very strict. Do not expect me to go easy on my own little sister."

    Rubia spoke solemnly to ire while picking up a piece of freshly baked melon bread.

    "Y-Yes, Nee-sama..."

    ire nodded with a nervous expression. Just then¡ª

    "Oh¡ª, it''s Onii-sama!"

    Apanying the familiar voice was a patter of light footsteps.

    Kamito looked back, as was surprised to see Muir Alenstarl dressed in the Academy''s uniform.

    "Why are you here, Muir!?"

    "She said she wanted to study here, so I had spoke with Dame Greyworth."

    "Look, "

    Muir spun on the spot, causing her skirt and ash-gray hair to flutter up.

    "I see, ah..."

    Considering Muir''s psychosocial development, attending school at the Academy might be a good thing after all. Though given her age, she ought to be going to Eluor Elementary Academy instead¡ª

    (...Once Mireille enters the Academy, they could very well be good friends.)

    Just as he was thinking that...

    "¡ªOver here."

    "Leonora¡ª"

    This time, it was Leonora approaching them with her dragon greatsword hanging at her waist.

    Due to an exchange activity between Dracunia and the Academy, Leonora was apparently going to be staying here for a while.

    Last night, she had clearly drunk as much Dragon Wine as Kamito, but right now, she seemed totally unaffected. Impressive as ever, a princess maiden contracted to a dragon spirit, blessed with an especially resilient body.

    "The food at the student cafeteria here is extremely delicious. I like it."

    Leonora sat down at the same table as Kamito''s group.

    This brought quiet cheering to the surrounding tables immediately.

    Back when the Academy town was attacked by swarms of demon spirits, the Knights of the Dragon Emperor hade as reinforcements and repelled the enemies. Thanks to that, Leonora was extremely popr at Areishia Spirit Academy.

    "The morning training is over?"

    "Yes. The students here are quite good."

    Leonora nodded. She was currently a de dance instructor at the Academy.

    "Kamito, I wish to be your partner if any chance should arise in the near future¡ª"

    Staring straight into Kamito''s eyes, Leonora smiled fearlessly.

    With Greyworth teaching her the Absolute de Arts, the dragon knight was clearly getting stronger and stronger.

    "If it is a de dance you want, I am ready for you any time."

    "de Dance of the Night?"

    "...! I-Idiot, of course I mean in the daytime!"

    Kamito could not help but choke.

    "Engaging in a de Dance of the Night during the daytime, what a pervert you are, Kamito."

    Leonora blushed, fidgeted and murmured.

    "W-Wait a sec, what are you two chatting about!?"

    "L-Leonora-dono, that is too immoral!"

    ire and Ellis spoke out.

    Next Leonora cleared her throat and regainedposure.

    "¡ªBy the way, I have good news to convey to all of you."

    "...?"

    Faced with Leonora''s sudden change of the subject, Kamito andpany exchanged looks with one another.

    "What do you mean by good news?"

    Leonora took a light breath and said:

    "¡ªThe next de Dance has been confirmed."

    "Ehhhhhhh!?"

    ire and the others eximed in surprise.

    "...de Dance, are you for real?"

    "Yes. The Dragon King told me."

    No mistake. Leonora nodded.

    "But didn''t they just finish holding one recently¡ª"

    "This de Dance is apparently rted to the reorganization of Astral Zero."

    "I see."

    Fianna nodded with a pensive look.

    With the Holy Lord''s demise, the rtionship between Astral Zero and the human realm was beginning to change. Through the de Dance festival that connected humans and spirits, they were probably trying to explore the path forward in building a new rtionship.

    "de dancing to bring joy to all spirits in Astral Zero instead of a kagura ritual offering to the Elemental Lords, huh?"

    A great idea perhaps, it might bring vitality back to the continent that had been ravaged by war. Kamito wondered if the one who had suggested the idea was Water Elemental Lord Iseria or the festival-loving Volcanicus.

    "The time will be half a year from now."

    "Time is tight, we''ll need to reconsider new team tactics."

    "ire, it is not certain yet whether it is a team battle."

    "The regtions will apparently be the same asst time''s. As the captain of the Knights of the Dragon Emperor, I look forward to a rematch against Team Scarlet."

    "Yes, we are not going to lose!"

    ire and Leonora shook hands lightly.

    "Muir can join Team Scarlet!"

    "No. A team has a maximum of five members. Find another team to join."

    "Eh¡ª!"

    Muir pouted unhappily.

    (...A de Dance, huh? It feels so nostalgic even though thest one wasn''t that far back.)

    Looking up at the sunny blue sky, Kamito muttered in his thoughts.

    Princess Linfa and Shao Fu of the Quina Empire, Luminaris whom he had fought at the Holy Capital, surely they were going to enter again, right?

    "We must not becent even though we were the victorious teamst time. I heard that a male elementalist calling himself the Demon King''s sessor has appeared in the Theocracy. He is quite good, they say¡ª"

    "...I have a feeling he''s not a stranger."

    A look of annoyance appeared on Kamito''s face.

    But times had changed. ire and the others could probably win easily even though they faced such a tough battle in the past.

    "Kamito, using divine power of darkness is forbidden. The spirits will be displeased."

    Rubia reminded him ahead of time.

    "Yeah, I know."

    He had no intention of using that power to begin with... After all, it ced too great a strain on his body too.

    "I am so looking forward to it."

    Fenrir barked.

    "It is almost time for afternoon lessons¡ª"

    "Yes, let''s go."

    Saying that, ire got up from the table.

    Just as Kamito was about to leave and follow her.

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Rubia stopped him.

    "Hmm?"

    "Who among them have you chosen?"

    "...!?"

    He looked back, only to see a mischievous gaze from Rubia who had taken off his mask.

    It was his first time to see such an expression on Rubia''s face.

    "Although I think you should simply choose my sister, if you really cannot make up your mind, remember I am an option too¡ª"

    Kamito did not know if she was joking or what¡ª

    With a chuckle, she turned around and left.

    Part 8

    "¡ªOh my, it''s already time to prepare for the next de Dance. I really can''t retire in peace."

    From the window of the headmistress'' office, watching the scene below, Greyworth shrugged mildly.

    As soon as the de Dance was announced officially, the Academy had to arrange a special program centered on the theme of tournament matches. Things were going to get busy, presumably.

    Putting that aside¡ª

    "¡ªLooks like thed has found where he belongs."

    Looking at her disciple walking among hispanions, Greyworth grinned.

    "Oh dear, are you preparing to retire? The Dusk Witch?"

    Just then, a gust of wind blew while ck feathers floated down.

    With jet-ck wings outspread, the darkness spiritnded on the room''s windowsill.

    The two of them had witnessed the whole journey of Kamito''s growth.

    Although these two had not always been on the same side, they got along with familiarity like old friends.

    "...No way. I still have to watch this Academy''s development a while longer."

    "Is that so?"

    Restia turned her gaze to outside the window, gazing tenderly upon Kamito.

    The boy, whose heart used to be closed tightly, had found the ce where he belonged¡ª

    (...Perhaps my mission was to guide him to this ce.)

    Whispering softly, Restia smiled serenely.

 Volume 20, Epilogue

    <h4>Volume 20, Epilogue</h4>

    Several weeks had gone by after their return to the Academy.

    Kamito and his friends were busy between academics, de Dance training and school tournament matches.

    Although written exams were a major challenge for him, Kamito managed to earn his credits thanks to ire''s study sessions and Rubia''s special tutoring.

    Rubia''s lectures were well regarded and the ssroom was packed with people every lesson. After all, as a former Queen, she taught in a very clear and organized way that was also easy to understand, quite simr to ire.

    As for Leonora, she stayed for a while as an instructor. After infecting her princess maiden fans with the habit of not wearing underwear, she returned to her home country of Dracunia.

    From what Kamito heard, her dressing habit of goingmando had be very popr among students recently, causing a giant headache for Ellis in her efforts to uphold public morals.

    More troubling for her was that even the rigid and stubborn Velsaria had stopped wearing underwear too. Velsaria and Leonora apparently got along well, and presumably got infected by the habit after spending too much time together.

    "I really look foward to battles at the de Dance."

    Leaving these words, Leonora left the Academy. Although Kamito had won all three training matches during her time here, he expected her to be even stronger half a yearter.

    ...In this manner, Kamito was busy every day at the Academy.

    One evening, after lessons, Kamito returned to the dormitory andy himself down on the bed.

    Resting Est and Restia against the wall, he plunged into deep thought.

    (...Those fighting days feel like they were so long ago.)

    Looking at the ceiling, ckened from coal smoke, he muttered to himself.

    He had experienced so many things sinceing to the Academy.

    Encountering ire, forming a contract with Est. Forming Team Scarlet together with ire, Ellis, Fianna and Rinslet, his fourpanions, to enter the de Dance.

    At Ragna Ys, he had encountered powerful rivals like Shao and Leonora, and fought them. At the final round, he finally fought and defeated Rubia decisively, but lost Restia and the shrine of the Elemental Lords.

    After that, Kamito had lost his memory temporarily, got caught up in the Ordesia coup d''etat, visited Dracunia, the Theocracy, the Demon King City, and retook the imperial capital.

    Finally, he had defeated the Holy Lord, who was nning to remake the world, thus saving the continent.

    (...Seriously, so much happened.)

    Just as he was deep in contemtion¡ª

    "Kamito, you''re back?"

    The room door was gently opened.

    The one who pushed the door open was ire. Presumably, she had bathed at the bathing facility after training beforeing back to the dorm.

    "Yeah..."

    Kamito sat up.

    "H-Hmm, you are alone..."

    Murmuring, ire looked around then coughed lightly.

    She entered the room and sat down next to Kamito.

    Under the setting sun, her pale neck gained a faint shade of red.

    "...Time went by so quickly. The battle at Ragna Ys was already weeks ago."

    "Yeah."

    Kamito nodded. The current peaceful life at the Academy felt like a dream.

    ...After that, ire fell silent for a while.

    The setting sun sank into the Academy town. The room began to darken.

    Kamito was just about to activate a spirit crystal for lighting.

    "Wait¡ª"

    Just then, ire grabbed Kamito''s arm and stopped him.

    "...What''s wrong?"

    "Ah, u-uhh..."

    ire blushed while she fidgeted with her fingers.

    "Th-Think about it, isn''t today that day? It''s too embarrassing if there''s too much light..."

    Saying that, ire bit her lip hard. Kamito could not help but feel his heart start to race.

    "I-It''s still early, right?"

    "R-Really? But the sky is already dark."

    "But everyone isn''t¡ª"

    Kamito gasped. No sooner had he spoken a few words than ire put a finger lightly on his lips.

    "K-Keep this secret from the others. There''s nothing wrong with starting the ritual early¡ª"

    Saying that, ire naturally leaned her petite body against Kamito''s chest.

    "...!?"

    The ritual¡ªmeant the Darkness Kagura.

    Indeed, the Darkness Elemental Lord was gone from the world, but her power still remained inside Kamito.

    Although Kamito was not going to go berserk and turn into the Demon King, the limitless divine power of darkness residing in him still posed a problem if it had nowhere to go.

    At this rate, he might unintentionally unleash divine power of darkness when encountering powerful opponents at the de Dance half a yearter.

    Hence, until Kamito gained mastery over his power, he still needed the Darkness Kagura ritual to be performed every few days.

    The ritual taking ce in the Raven ss dorm at night had given rise to many rumors. The students apparently called it the de Dance of the Night held by the Demon King.

    ...There was just no helping Kamito''s reputation.

    "...Kamito, close your eyes."

    ire kissed him on the cheek.

    It was a shy kiss with inexperienced movements.

    "C-ire!?"

    "C-Come on, rx..."

    Blushing to her ears, ire spoke with displeasure.

    Darkness Kagura required one to give over his body withplete trust in the princess maiden, otherwise it would not work.

    With close physical contact, he could hear ire''s breathing faintly. There were even the sensation of a small bulge against this arm.

    "I-I only do this with the boy I like, okay¡ª?"

    Saying that, ire hugged Kamito tight. Just then...

    "ire, we agreed not to steal a march on any of us!"

    "...! Hwah!"

    The door was opened forcefully.

    Fianna, Ellis and Rinslet entered the room.

    "My goodness, I cannot let down my guard at all. And it is only early evening."

    "You broke the agreement."

    "Yes, how underhanded to keep him all to yourself."

    "D-Didn''t you still have lessons?"

    "Fufu, do not underestimate a princess maiden''s intuition."

    Fianna raised an index finger and spoke proudly.

    "We agreed to perform the Darkness Kagura ritual together, though most of the time, it just happens."

    "...I-I know, okay?"

    ire''s face was bright red. She turned her head to one side.

    "Fufu, thank you for waiting, Kamito-kun?"

    Saying that, Fianna removed her shoes and climbed onto the bed.

    "You can rx your body."

    "Th-There is no nothing to be shy about."

    Ellis and Rinslet came on to the bed too.

    The narrow matress instantly became quite cramped.

    "Wait, you girls...!"

    "Kamito-kun, I am not wearing panties right now."

    Smiling quietly, Fianna gently lifted the hem of her skirt.

    "...Huh!?"

    "W-What are you doing!?"

    "Y-Your Highness! As the princess of the nation, how can you be so unbing¡ª"

    "See, isn''t this the popr trend among girls recently? Also, this allows me to fully experience Kamito-kun''s divine power with my skin¡ª"

    "...!?"

    Kamito could not stop his gaze from descending upon Fianna''s skirt, only to see her rubbing her knees shyly.

    ...Is she really not wearing anything there!?

    "Hold on, Fianna, what are you doing!?"

    "¡ªFufu, isn''t this fun? Count me in as well."

    Jet-ck feathers drifted lightly onto the bed no sooner than she had spoken.

    "Restia!?"

    Kamito looked up, only to see the girl in the one-piece dress of darknessnding on the bed.

    "Y-You are a spirit, this ritual has nothing to do with you!"

    "Dear me, it is the contrary. Need I remind you that I can suppress the power of darkness?"

    "What are you nning, darkness spirit?"

    Just then, the Demon yer leaning against the wall glowed and turned into Est''s form.

    Est sat down on Kamito''sp. The bed was instantly packed full of girls.

    "...~! S-So cramped!"

    "Kamito, sorry my chest bumped into...!"

    "W-What is this, sheesh!"

    "Fufu, it''s not easy being the Demon King of the Night. With so many concubines, what are you going to do?"

    Restia chuckled.

    ...She was totally enjoying herself.

    "W-What do you mean, what am I going to do¡ª"

    "Worry not. I havee up with a good solution for Kamito-kun?"

    Fianna raised her index finger.

    "All we need to do is win the de Dance and set up a polygamous harem kingdom."

    "...Huh?"

    ...What crazy idea was the princess proposing now?

    "A harem kingdom, you say?"

    "Yes. Although the Elemental Lords have lost the power to grant all wishes, the various nations on the continent will provide rewards on their behalf, right? After all, there already exists countries where polygamy is epted, such as the Theocracy, and coincidentally, there is a suitable territory in Ordesia that is suitable for building a new nation."

    "Don''t tell me you mean Elstein territory?"

    ire was surprised.

    Currently, Elstein territory was governed by a representative sent from the imperial capital. But after it was rendered a wastnd by the destruction wrought by the Fire Elemental Lord, all that remained were things like hot springs.

    Asking for it as a victory prize for the de Dance would not be too much.

    "I-I can''t believe you came up with such a good idea."

    "...H-Harem? But..."

    Ellis look troubled.

    "Indeed, that is the most peaceful solution."

    Restia smiled, apparently satisfied.

    "Kamito, what does harem mean?"

    Est asked expressionlessly.

    "Wait! First of all, will that kind of wish be epted!?"

    The de Dance involved sacred ritual kagura offered to spirits as an offering.

    Kamito did not think that the Elemental Lords would approve of such a crazy wish.

    "...You might have a point. Hold on a moment, allow me to ask Iseria-sama."

    "Huh?"

    Rinslet brought her left hand near her ear. The ice rose seal immediately glowed.

    "...Hmm, I see... Very well, alright..."

    She kept nodding.

    "She gave the okay!"

    Then Rinslet raised her thumb with inexplicable excitement.

    "Huh!? Say, Rinslet, you went and contacted an Elemental Lord directly...?"

    ...Doesn''t this make the Water Queen redundant?

    "Now that we have obtained permission from the Elemental Lords, how about we call it the Paradise of the Demon King of the Night?"

    "Absolutely not!"

    When Fianna cheerfully made her suggestion, Kamito could not help but rebuke.

    "But if you are going to establish a harem kingdom, who will you choose as the first consort?"

    When Restia interjected like this¡ª

    The girls instantly exchanged looks with one another, with Kamito caught in the middle.

    "...I-I am not first, but I don''t mind."

    "Indeed, I can ept the role of lover."

    "I hope for equal treatment for everyone."

    "Y-Yes, to be honest, being first would be best, of course... B-But I''m fine with being the same as everyone else."

    Blushing intensely, ire stammered her words.

    "Kamito, I am your sword, your wish is mymand¡ª"

    After they all expressed their hopes, the youngdies'' discussion reached a climax.

    "A-Anyway! It is decided, we must seize victory at the de Dance!"

    "Yes."

    "That is right!"

    "Of course."

    Ignoring Kamito''s own wishes, the youngdies immersed themselves into the topic of building a harem kingdom.

    (...Feels like things are going to get serious.)

    Kamito sighed.

    However, how to put it...?

    Just then, while Kamito was watching the girls, next to his ear...

    "Kamito¡ª"

    Restia quietly whispered.

    "...?"

    "¡ªAre you happy right now?"

    Hearing the question, Kamito was surprised.

    ¡ªHappy. Back during his Instructional School days, he probably would have answered he did not know.

    After all, that word waspletely foreign to his life back then.

    But nowadays, he was surrounded by preciouspanions.

    ire, Ellis, Fianna, Rinslet¡ª

    Est and Restia, they were all here.

    After difficult battles, he had seeded in protecting every one of them.

    He had protected the everyday life here that was irreceable.

    Hence, to answer that question...

    "Yeah¡ª"

    Kamito smiled and nodded.

    ¡ªIn the past, there was a boy bearing the title of the "Strongest de Dancer."

    The story beginning from his encounter with a sword, the Academy, and the hell cat girl, came to an end here.

    However, the story of spirits and elementalists would probably persist into the future.

    The Demon King and the princess maidens would continue to deliver de dances of elementalists.

    THE END

 Volume 20, Afterword

    <h4>Volume 20, Afterword</h4>

    ¡ªI offer this to you, the de dance of Ren Ashbell, Strongest de Dancer!

    Shimizu here. Thanks for waiting, everyone.

    I hereby present to you "True Force", the final volume of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance!

    To stop the Holy Lord''s n to destroy the world, Kamito andpany had gone to Astral Zero with the Queens apanying them. However, the revived sacred sword had destroyed Ragna Ys and scattered the members of Team Scarlet. In front of Kamito, who was being devoured by the power of darkness, a girl iming to be Ren Ashdoll appeared¡ª

    Thus, the story reached the final volume atst. I wonder if everyone enjoyed the ride fully? While I was writing the final volume, I felt conflicted at times because there was so much content I wanted to put into the book. Luckily, in the end, I still managed toplete the good ending that I envisioned in my mind.

    ...Oh dear,e to think of it, it''s really been a long period of time. Starting from the first volume sold towards the end of 2010, the series has continued until now, fully eight years in total. Wow, it surely makes me emotional.

    Having experienced the creation of twenty books, my love for the characters has grown deep. To be honest, there were times when I didn''t want to end it. There were things I still wanted to write about. But even though the novel did not describe it, Kamito and ire have a long life ahead of them, and would continue to live energetically in that world of theirs. Having finished writing the final volume, this is what I think. I wonder how many concubines the harem kingdom will have in the end (at least twelve of them, right!?) By the way, inspiration for the subtitle "True Force" came from the anime adaptation''s opening theme sung by Harada Hitomi-san. This is Est and Kamito''s song, as well as Restia and Ren Ashbell''s song. I hope everyone can listen to the song again after reading the final volume. I wonder if it will bring new thoughts to you.

    And so, even though the rate of publication fell in the middle and made everyone worry, this series sessfully came to its conclusion atst. It''s all thanks to your support, dear readers. At the same time, these eight years have left me with many precious memories.

    The autograph session with readers, the event in Taiwan (I had so much fun, an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Thank you for your support, fans in Taiwan!), Hyouju Issei-sensei''s godly manga, and the anime adaptation that came out four years ago, every week''s script meeting was extremely exciting. And events of the anime''s voice actress unit "Kneesocks" were super amazing. The final scene''s de dance still leaves me with a vivid impression (too bad I don''t have enough pages to continue with my thoughts!) Also, there was the drama CD that came outst year, produced by the anime''s original staff. Although I was the one who wrote the script, the voice actors really blew me away with their awesome acting skills, making me understand what professional skills truly meant. I really have to thank everyone for giving me all kinds of valuable experiences!

    It''s hard not to feel a little sad about the series'' conclusion, but right now, my heart is filled with gratification.

    Finally, let me thank everyone would took part in the production of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance.

    Sakura Hanpen-sensei, who created so many cute characters, Umeda Natsuno-sensei, who was in charge of the SD character illustrations, Nimura Yuuji-sensei who took over illustrationster on, and Shimesaba Kohada-sensei who crossed the finish line at the end, I am extremely grateful to all of you. Thanks to you, Seirei Tsukai no de Dance was able to reach a perfect conclusion.

    Hyouju Issei-sensei, thank you for drawing a supreme manga.

    Once again, let me thank the anime''s Director Yanagisawa Tetsuya, Yoshioka Takao-sama, Fujii Maki-sama, Kawai-sama, Hatayama-sama, all staff at TNK, Producer Tanaka-sama, and all the animators who poured life into the characters. Then there is Kashiwagi-sama and Yonezou-sensei of Connect Hearts that produced the drama CD.

    Next is the series'' benefactor, Shouji-sama, Narita-sama, Sukawa-sama, Nakamichi-sama, and generations of editors, proofreaders, designers, sales and marketing, I sincerely offer my gratitude to everyone who took part in the series'' work!

    Finally, I have to really really thank all the readers who supported this series thatsted as long as twenty volumes! I will treasure for a lifetime the reader letters and the surveys you mailed to me!

    Let me take this opportunity advertise a little here. I am currently working on stories for Ichihara Kazuma-sensei''s ''After School Bitchcraft which is serialized in the monthly Comic Alive magazine, as well as Aogiri Makoto-sensei''s ''Iseikai Munchkin which is serialized in the web magazine Wednesday''s Sirius. Like the final volume of de Dance, the first volume of After School Bitchcraft will be avable for sale in March. I hope for support from everyone!

    Also, the drama CD of Seirei Tsukai no de Dance is on sale with great reviews. The first limited edition discs wille with a werewolf card game (illustrated by Yonezou-sensei), likewise I hope everyone can check it out!

    Also, also, I am currently writing in preparation for a new series to be published at MF Bunko J. I will work my hardest to bring the new book to everyone as soon as possible, so please look forward to it.

    ¡ªWell then, see you next time with my new series!

    Shimizu Yuu, February 2019 (#nowying Kokuin Sanka)

    Illustrator''s Afterword

    Greetings, this is Shimesaba Kohada, in charge of illustrations.

    Seirei Tsukai no de Dance finally weed its final volume.

    Throughout these four volumes, stepping in mid-series and going until the end, I''ve felt excited about working on a major intellectual property.

    Although I also faced a corresponding amount of pressure, in the end, things worked out and I passed the finish line safely.

    Though it was not for long, illustrating for Seirei Tsukai no de Dance really was a very wonderful experience.

    I thank Shimizu-sensei and the editor for choosing me.

    Finally, I must deeply thank all the readers who gave their kind blessings to Kohada who took over mid-series. Thank you so much for everyone''s support!

    Last illustration is ire!

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!