An in the midst of that, a portion of a golden palace peeked out, with an innumerable number of trident vajras overlapping and circling the heavens. The sight was reminiscent of the Pure Land of Bliss. If Mushiki hadn’t understood what Anviet had done, he might have thought he had been fatally wounded and ascended to heaven unknowingly. Fourth Manifestation──the pinnacle of a mage’s mysteries and the culmination of their manifestation technique. The ultimate and supreme magic that rewrote the space centered around oneself with one’s own manifestation. “Grr──” Mushiki was momentarily captivated by the majestic and breathtaking sight. But, if this was Fourth Manifestation, it couldn’t just be a beautiful landscape. To be one-sidedly trapped in another’s Fourth Manifestation was a perilous situation akin to being captured in the enemy’s stomach. In order to overcome this situation, Mushiki had no choice but to manifest his own Fourth Manifestation. He focused his strength onto his hand, trying to draw out Saika’s magical power from within himself. “Ah……ugh……!” However, Mushiki’s body was in agony as it stopped moving. No, his body had become immobile regardless of his own will. “──It’s useless.” As the voice spoke, Anviet appeared in front of him. “Electricity is necessary for all living creatures to function. Muscles move when weak electrical signals are transmitted. ──In other words, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the human body is governed by electricity.” Anviet continued while pointing his finger. “<Akshaya Nirvana> is a Pure Land of thunder. Without exception, those taken into this space will be under the influence of my magical power. ……Do you understand? As long as you are a living being, the outcome was decided the moment this Fourth Manifestation was activated.”
Anviet, while faintly twisting his expression, told Mushiki as he turned his back on him. The next moment, countless vajras, which had been forming a massive circle in the sky, released a tremendous thunderbolt that exploded upon the immobilized Mushiki. “Tch……──” Anviet clicked his tongue at the deafening explosion, flash of lighting, and the residue burnt smell coming from behind. Fourth Manifestation <Akshaya Nirvana> was an inescapable cage of lightning for all living beings. Anviet didn’t intend to go this far. His opponent was a student of <Garden>. Moreover, he was a rookie magician who had just transferred a few months ago. Even if Mushiki was handling Saika’s spells, there was no way he should have been able to withstand Anviet’s lightning strikes. However, Mushiki must have known this as well. In his eyes, there was a definite light of determination and resolve. That’s why Anviet thought he couldn’t crush him with a half-hearted attack, and so──it came to mind there was a need to reward such resolution. If those with irreconcilable difference confront each other, the only option left is to clash. As long as Anviet had no intention of retreating, this outcome was inevitable. As expected, this wasn’t the most pleasant conclusion, but── “…………!?” In the next moment, Anviet’s eyebrows faintly twitched. This realm was, in a sense, Anviet himself. The ambient electricity filling this space served as his sixth sense, accurately conveying to him everything occurring within here. His sensors picked up on it──Kuga Mushiki still wasn’t defeated yet. “──Oooooooooooooh────!” A piercing, spirited scream echoed from behind. When he turned to look, he saw Mushiki, who should have been struck down by Anviet’s lightning. The Third Manifestation was no longer covering him. The staff he had been holding earlier was gone as well.
Instead, in his hands was a transparent, glass-like sword. “What the──” While at first surprised by this bizarre sight, what he couldn’t believe first and foremost was the fact that Mushiki was moving on his own accord within this Fourth Manifestation. Does this mean that Saika’s Third Manifestation was more effective than expected? Or perhaps Anviet had subconsciously held back? Regardless, Mushiki hadn’t been defeated. And the fire in his eyes was still burning. In that case, it wasn’t over yet. Anviet immediately shifted his focus, facing Mushiki by taking a stance. “<Vajradora>!” In response to Anviet’s voice, the golden vajras released a lightning strike. “────!” However, the moment Mushiki swung his sword, the deadly lightning closing in had vanished without a trace. “What──” The unexpected sight caused Anviet to hold his breath for a moment. Taking advantage of this opening, Mushiki stepped forward and closed in on Anviet. “──<Hollow Edge>……!” “Ugh……!” Anviet’s instincts screamed at him to not touch that sword. As a result, for a moment, Anviet tried to follow the sword’s trajectory with his eyes. The sword, now let go by Mushiki, danced through the air. “Wha……” By the time Anviet noticed, Mushiki had already closed in and── “Ha……!” With that said, Mushiki smacked Anviet’s chest with his bare hand.
However──that was all. The sword, which Mushiki had seemingly thrown away to distract Anviet, fell into the sea of clouds without a moment’s delay, leaving behind a glittering trail of light as it disappeared. “……What do you think you’re doing?” “──This is my……no, this is Saika-san’s and my victory.” Mushiki said that with a small smile, sinking his body as if to launch a follow-up attack. However, Anviet wouldn’t permit such a move. He immediately transformed his body into lighting to create some distance and yelled at Mushiki who had lost his sword. “<Deva Sharla>──” Countless lighting strikes were unleashed. The golden lightning should have pierced Mushiki’s body in an instant. However── “…………!?” For a moment, Anviet couldn’t understand what had happened. Yes, there was no way he could have predicted this. ──His own lethal lightning had rained down onto himself. “……Ha……ah……──” Following after that the intense flash of lightning, the scenery in front of him faded away as he returned to the training ground. Witnessing this, Mushiki swayed and collapsed. “Mushiki-san──” Kuroe rushed over from behind. Mushiki tried to raised his hand to signal he was still conscious, but his body wouldn’t cooperate. In the end, he had to be helped up by Kuroe. “……I’m……fine…… More importantly……” Mushiki’s voice felt hoarse as he looked ahead. Over there, Anviet had taken a direct hit from his own lightning.
His body was black from soot and his face was downcast. But unlike Mushiki, he wasn’t even kneeling. Mushiki couldn’t help but gasp over Anviet’s imposing dignity. “Mushiki-san, could it be?” “……Yes.” Mushiki nodded slightly to Kuroe’s words. At that moment, Mushiki, while immobilized by Anviet’s Fourth Manifestation, managed to manifest his own Second Manifestation, <Hollow Edge>. He thought that <Hollow Edge,> with the power to erase manifestations, could nullify the electrical current binding his body. At the moment <Hollow Edge> appeared, it was nothing short of a coincidence that its blade touched Mushiki’s arm. Perhaps, Saika’s <Animaclad> had drawn in that possibility. Mushiki, who regained his freedom of movement, escaped from danger just in the nick of time. However, that was all. His state had merely returned from the negatives to zero. No, since <Hollow Edge> erased all other manifestations, it had even wiped out <Stellarium> and <Animaclad> alongside the electrical current. If anything, one could say that the situation had worsened. To turn the tables, Mushiki needed Fourth Manifestation after all. “──Saika-sama’s Fourth Manifestation?” Kuroe must have reached the same conclusion and asked with a curious look. “Yes. But……with my body, I couldn’t fully manifest Saika-san’s Fourth Manifestation.” As he spoke, he raised his palm. “All I could do was──create a tiny area like a needle, enough to fit only here.” Indeed, it was a small manifestation incomparable to the magnificent Fourth Manifestation that could change the very scenery. However, it was still unmistakably the Fourth Manifestation boasted by the witch, Kuozaki Saika. ──Fourth Manifestation <Void Garden> held the power to observe and select possibilities.
It was unlikely for a magician like Anviet to make a mistake in controlling his own magic. However, one in a billion, one in a trillion, one in a quadrillion──as long as the possibility exists. Saika’s Fourth Manifestation could attract any future with even the slightest possibility. “……It’s just as Kuroe said.” “Huh?” “In the end, you need as many moves as possible to play rock-paper-scissors.” Mushiki weakly laughed. Kuroe’s eyes widened for a moment, and then a rare smiled appeared on the corners of her lips. Then──at that moment. “……Sa──ra──” A hoarse voiced echoed from ahead. While looking up, he realized Anviet, who had been standing with his face lowered, was faintly trembling. ◇ “──An──” “…………” “──Hey, An.” “……Hm──yeah, I’m listening. Anviet Svarner responded to the call while rubbing his sleepy eyes. ──It was a familiar room in the palace. Luxurious furnishings were placed on top of a carpet adorned with dazzling decorations. “Really? You seem to be sleeping very comfortably.” The girl who teased him while shaking his shoulders was the one who had woken him up.
She had well-defined features and beautiful black hair. She had the same brown skin as Anviet and was adorned with intricately designed ethnic clothing and accessories. Sara Svarner, she was Anviet’s wife who had married him just last year. “I’m serious. ──I mean, stop it with calling me An.” “Huh? But isn’t it cute?” “That’s the problem.” Anviet disapprovingly frowned over Sara’s amused smile. “I’m already an adult now. It’s troublesome if you keep calling me that forever.” Anviet had reached adulthood last year in accordance to the age system of this country. He had married and officially joined the ranks of the adults. ……But his wife, who was two years older than him, stilled called Anviet by this cute nickname no matter how much time passed. “I see……I’m sorry. I didn’t know you hated that so much.” Sara dejectedly drooped her shoulder over what Anviet had said. Seeing her so depressed, Anviet couldn’t help but panic. Ah, no……it’s not like I hate it myself. It just when around other people……” “……Then, can I call you that when it’s just the two of us?” “Uh, well, that’s──” “So you really hate it……I’m sorry I didn’t notice……I must be a failure as a wife……” “F-Fine…… Only when it’s just the two of us.” When Anviet gave in, Sara suddenly lifted her face and beamed with a wide smile. “Yay! I love you, An!” “Ah……wait, y-you tricked me again……!” “I didn’t trick you. I was just saved by An’s kindness.” As Sara said that while playfully smiling, Anviet sighed heavily. “Hey──”
And then, Sara’s eyes blinked. It seemed she had noticed the several books and registers scattered on the desk. “Were you studying by any chance?” “……Uh.” He had been caught looking at something he didn’t want her to see. His cheeks reddened as he averted his gaze. Although Anviet was a member of the royal family, he was only the third prince of a collateral descent. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t be in line for the throne. While he was trained in etiquette and education, he was raised in a relatively relaxed environment compared to the other princes. However, since marrying Sara last year, the other princes higher in the hierarchy than Anviet either eloped or were caught in scandals. In no time at all, he was suddenly thrusted into the role as heir to the throne. Anviet had mixed feelings about this situation, but his retainers whispered gossip that Princess Sara was the reincarnation of the goddess of fortune. Even so, he couldn’t rely just on luck. If he were to become king, there was a mountain worth of things he needed to learn. “……It’s not really studying. But if I were one of my subjects, I wouldn’t want an idiot who doesn’t even know the basics of politics to ascend the throne.” “An……” As Anviet spoke, Sara clasped her hands to her chest, looking deeply moved. “Oh, how admirable. My An……may I pet your head?” “No way. Stop it.” As Anviet bashfully replied, he then furrowed his brow upon noticing something. Sara was wearing several pieces of jewelry on her fingers and arm, but only one of them had an unusual design. “That ring──” “Huh?”
“I was just curious about that unusual thing you’re wearing.” “Oh, this is……something like. Well, it’s kind of like a charm.” Sara uncharacteristically hesitated as she spoke, covering the ring with her other hand. Finding her strange behavior concerning, Anviet frowned. “……Did you get that from someone?” “Huh?” Sara looked surprised, but then her lips gradually curved into a sly smile. “Are you curious? Do you think I got it from another man?” “S-Shut up! That’s not it!” Anviet furiously blushed and turned his back to Sara. Sara smiled softly and gently hugged him from behind. “──Don’t worry. The one I love, now and forever, is you, An.” “…………Oh.” Not knowing how to respond, Anviet nodded while his face was still red. Then, Sara gently placed her hand around the front of Anviet’s body. “But, you’re right. If An is working so hard, I have to do my best as the future queen too.” “Do your best……?” “Yeah. We should focus on producing an heir as soon as possible.” “Wha……!” Anviet couldn’t help but burst into incoherent mess over what Sara had said. “What are you saying all of a sudden!?” “What? It’s not an exaggeration to say this is the queen’s greatest duty, right?” “That may be true, but……”
Despite screaming in protest, Sara continued to caress Anviet’s body with her fingers. “Geez, it’s not like it’s our first time, but you’re always so innocent. Could it be you’re doing this on purpose because you know I’m weak to it? You adorable little……” “What are you──h-hey, stop──” Just then, the door to the room was knocked as a chamberlain entered in. “Excuse me, your highness──” “Ah.” The chamberlain’s worlds came to halt. “I-I’m terribly sorry! Please, take your take……” “Noooooo! Wait a minute! Don’t leave with that misunderstanding!” Anviet quickly shook off Sara’s hand and called the chamberlain back. “So!? What did you need to say!?” Upon Anviet’s urging, the chamberlain bowed to Sara and then resumed talking. “It’s an audience request. It’s a sudden matter, but the minister insited.” “An audience? Now? Who the heck is it?” “I don’t know the details myself, but apparently the request comes from a sorcerer from the far east.” “A sorcerer……?” Anviet scowled skeptically. Since a sudden audience was granted, he thought it must have been an important messenger. But instead, all he got was a dubious title. “……Well, fine. Let’s go, Sara.” “Yes.” Although still suspicious, Anviet left the room with Sara. The minister wasn’t an incompetent man. He wouldn’t grant a sudden audience without a good reason. It must have been an urgent matter. Still, it was possible that the minster had been duped by this so-called sorcerer.
While considering this, Anviet and Sara arrived at the door to the audience room. “──His royal highness, the crown prince Anviet Svarner has arrived.” With that declaration, the door opened. Anviet walked with a slow, dignified stride as he sat down on the throne. Sara followed suit and sat next to him. In the lower part of the audience chamber, separated by a veil, a person wearing a dark robe was kneeling. Because of the hood, neither the face, age, nor gender could be recognized. “How disrespectful. Why are you hiding your face in front of his highness.” Sara admonished the visitor in a stern tone. There was no trace of the person she had been when they were together earlier. She was now the picture-perfect image of the crown princess. “I apologize for my rudeness. Please forgive my impertinence.” With that said, the visitor revealed a hand from the hem of their robe and slowly removed their hood. “────” Upon seeing this, Anviet involuntarily held his breath. Hidden beneath the hood was the face of a beautiful girl with vivid, colorful eyes. “──I’m honored to meet you. Your royal highness, crown prince Anviet. I am a magician. My name is Kuozaki Saika.” The girl──Saika spoke with a thin smile on her lips. “A magician……” As Anviet repeated the eccentric title, Saika nodded in agreement. “Yes. I am deeply grateful for letting me take up your precious time.” “Hmph……” While her demeanor was humble, there was no hiding the stench of dishonesty radiating from her. Anviet replied back with a suspicious frown.
“So, what do you want?” “Well, let’s keep this as simple as possible. ──I would like to be given the ring that Princess Sara is currently wearing on the middle finger of her right hand.” “……What did you say?” Anviet scowled at the bold request made by the self-proclaimed magician from the far east. “That’s not a nice way of phrasing it. You want my wife’s treasure? Even a beggar wouldn’t be so quite daring……” “I am aware of my disrespect, but that object is too much for a human to possess. If Princess Sara continues holding onto it, misfortune will eventually befall her.” “What……” Anviet had thought this girl carried an unusual atmosphere, but it seemed she was just trying to swindle them and steal their treasures. He motioned for his guards to remove Saika. “…………?” But then, Anviet tilted his head. It was because he noticed the pale look on Sara’s face. “Sara……?” “Where……how did you learn about this ring? Who are you……?” “The name of this ring is <Fortuna>. It is a miraculous ring that grants its wielder good fortune and grants wishes. ──Does Princess Sara have that in mind about it?” “…………!” Sara gasped, covering her right hand with her left as if repulsed by the magician’s gaze. “However, it is a demonic object. Too much wishes demand a price to be paid──” “Guards! Remove this insolent person at once!” Sara raised her voice to interrupt Saika. Then, in response to that command, the guards surrounded Saika. But then. “──Good children. Sleep for a while.”
The moment Saika said that, the strong guards fell to the ground one after another. “Eek──” Sara trembled in fear and rose from her seat. Saika, stepping away from the fallen guards, slowly approached. “I won’t give it to you……! I will never hand it over……! Without this, I would……” “Sara, what’s wrong! Calm down! What the hell is that!?” “An──” Sara looked at Anviet. With her face on the verge of tears, she slowly raised her eyebrows as if having made up her mind. “Ring, hear my wish. This ring will be mine forever. I will never give it up……!” In that instant, the ring on Sara’s right hand glowed. “──Damn it.” Saika raised her voice and lifted her hand. A vivid, colorful pattern appeared above her hand, and a beam of light burst from her hand. However, before the light exploded, Sara’s body was enveloped in a faintly glowing rope and a massive halo of light. “Pseudo-Manifestation……! Did you take in the Destruction Factor!?” “────” Saika yelled with a grim expression. Sara, enveloped in light, gently floated and vanished into the sky, passing through the palace walls as if to escape from Saika. “I won’t let you escape.” Saika’s eyes sharpened as she levitated, preparing to follow after Sara. “Magician!” Even after being left dumbfounded by the sudden scene that had unfolded before him, Anviet managed to clench that word out of his throat. “What just happened!? What happened to Sara!? What are you planning to do to her!?”
“…………” After a brief moment of hesitation, Saika answered Anviet’s cry. “Princess Sara has been bewitched by a demon. At this rate, she is no longer human. ──And I must destroy the Destruction Factor.” “……! Wait! That’s──” Anviet shouted, trying to follow after her. However, Saika paid him no heed, leaping into the sky after Sara. ──Several minutes later. “Haah……haah……──” Anviet, along with several of his attendants, arrived at the location of the two. They saw Saika, now dressed in a witch-like robe, and Sara──whose appearance had drastically changed. “Sara……!” Anviet rushed over to Sara’s side and gasped at the ensuing sight of her. Sara’s body was crumbled and severed, with only her upper half remaining. However, the crosssection was faintly glowing, with no blood or bone visible. Nevertheless, she was still his beloved wife. He cradled her much smaller body and desperately called out her name. “Sara! Sara……!” “……──A……n……” As if responding to Anviet’s pleas, Sara faintly opened her eyes and let out a fading voice. “Sor……ry……, I──” Leaving only those words behind, Sara’s body disappeared into the light within Anviet’s arms. “Ah, ah──” Grief and confusion. Rage and chaos. Various emotions mixed together and ran wild in his mind. For a whole, Anviet could nothing but stare blankly at the hands that had held his wife.
“…………” Saika──the magician that had just taken the life of his beloved wife, slowly approached him. Standing by Anviet’s side, she quietly spoke. “──I won’t make any excuse. I killed her. You can hate me if you want.” Her tone was more casual than before, but Anviet ignored the rudeness and glared at her. “What happened……to Sara?” “She merged with the ring and became a Destruction Factor.” “Destruction……Factor……?” While he raised his eyebrows over the unfamiliar term, Saika continued after a small nod. “It’s a general term for beings that capable of destroying this world. The ring was a wishfulfillment device that granted the owner’s wishes in return for collecting a huge price from the world. ──Even wishes made for destruction.” “Wish-fulfillment──” Saika nodded again as Anviet repeated those words in a daze. “If it’s within the reversible annihilation period, the damage done to the world by the Destruction Factor will be undone, but──that doesn’t apply to her, who has merged with the Destruction Factor. Vanquished Destruction Factors do not remain the memories of ordinary people. It’s unfortunate, but the memory of her will eventually fade from your mind as well.” “What……do you mean……?” Anviet stood up from the spot with a stunned expression on his face. His mind was still in turmoil, and he couldn’t fully comprehend what Saika was saying at all. But he couldn’t ignore that statement. “You’re not just satisfied with taking Sara from me, but now you want to take my memory of her as well……!?” “……It’s an inevitable function to maintain the world in its proper state. ──Only magicians tasked with eliminating Destruction Factors and saving the world can retain their memories.” “Wha……”
Hearing what Saika had said, Anviet collapsed onto his hands as if crumpling to the ground. ──Why? For some reason, he couldn’t believe that her words were a lie. “…………” Saika was silent for a while with a pained expression on her face. But eventually, she let out a small sigh and narrowed her eyes in a mocking manner. “──How pathetic.” “What……was that……?” Anviet looked up at her with an infuriated look. “What did you just say……!?” “I said that your pathetic. Truly powerless. All you can do is prostrate yourself after your wife was killed. It’s laughable that the crown prince has been reduced to this.” “ ──Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhh──!” Anviet drew a dagger from his pocket, assumed a stance, and headed towards Saika. However, just before the blade touched Saika, Anviet’s body was slammed onto the ground as if pinned by an invisible hand. “Ugh……ah……ahh!?” “Oh, what a surprise. I thought you were a corpse, but it seems you still have some life in you.” “I’ll kill you……I’ll kill you……! How dare you do this to Sara……!” Saika snorted as she turned her back on Anviet. “Me? Kill me? That’s impossible──for a mere human who isn’t even a magician.” “………………” Saika’s words caused Anviet to choke on his breath. “…………You said it earlier, didn’t you?” “Yes?”
“If I become a magician……I can keep my memory of the Destruction Factor……and save my memories of Sara.” “Ah──I did say that.” Saika answered without turning back. “Then make me……a magician……! So, I won’t forget Sara……! So that one day, I can kill you……!” Anviet said this as his nails dug deep enough to make his skin bleed. ◇ “……Sa……ra──I……am……” Anviet let out a hoarse voice while standing there in a daze. ──Almost as if he were in a dream. “──Papa!” Then, in the next moment, Surya clung onto Anviet’s body. No, rather than clinging, her actions seemed more like supporting Anviet’s body──or maybe trying to stop him from continuing any further. “It’s okay now. Please, just──stop it.” “Sur……ya──” Anviet, who looked to have been lost in his own world, looked down at Surya as if he had snapped back to reality. At that timing, Kuroe suddenly stood up. “──Knight Anviet. I know about the feud between you and Saika-sama. However──” “…………” After a brief silence, Anviet began to speak. “I know……that it’s not all Kuozaki’s fault. I’m sure she took on the role of the villain for my sake back then……but──I found out. Perhaps it was due to the authority of <Fortuna>……” “You found out……? What did you learn?”
When Kuroe asked, Anviet continued while looking up at the sky. “──At that time, before I arrived at the scene, there was a conversation between Sara and Kuozaki……” “…………” Kuroe held her breath over what Anviet had said. ◇ “──I’m sorry. If only I found the location of the Destruction Factor before this happened……” Going back to 100 years ago. Saika, who had equipped Third Manifestation, lowered her eyes as if musing over her regret. “Why……are you……apologizing? Magician-san……” Sara, who had collapsed in front of her, responded while struggling to speak. More than half of her body had already vanished due to the recent battle. Even if she had assimilated with the Destruction Factor, it was only a matter of time before she drew her final breath. “Everything……is my responsibility. I relied on the ring……I couldn’t let go of that power……it’s all because of my weakeness..….sorry…….for forcing you……into a terrible role……” While saying that, Sara weakly smiled. “Just……one last thing……I have a favor to ask……” “Let’s hear it. If it’s something I can do.” After Saika said that, Sara continued while pleading. “An……please……don’t tell him. ──That there was a way to save me.” “…………” Those words caused Saika to involuntarily hold her breath.
“Sara. You.” “Right now……<Fortuna> is……me. I understand……the nature of its power well enough.” Sara said that and then laughed. <Fortuna> was a Destruction Factor that blessed good fortune to its owner and fulfilled their wishes. However, Sara, who had fused with <Fortuna>, could no longer fulfill her own desires. But if someone else wished before her body was completely destroyed──it might be possible to separate her from <Fortuna>. However, the fulfillment of that wish would come at a price. “If someone……wished for the separation of me and <Fortuna>……then that person would surely end up fusing with <Fortuna> instead……” And here was magician with a mission to destroy the Destruction Factor. In other words, saving Sara meant that someone else would have to die in her place. If he known that──Anviet would have undoubtedly offered his own life without hesitation. “Please……An is……a kind person……” “……I understand. I promise.” As Saika agreed, Sara closed her eyes feeling content. ◇ “During that moment……if I had died instead, there might have been a future where Sara could survive. Yet I……didn’t know anything……all this time……!” Anviet squeezed out his words through his sobs. Seeing him in such a miserable state, Mushiki couldn’t help but feel sympathetic. “But, both Sara-san and Saika-san were thinking about you, Anviet-san. That’s why──” “I know that already!” Anviet interrupted Mushiki with a howl.
It sounded like a scream, but it also felt like a wail of sorrow. In reality, he probably understood it best himself. Sara entrusted her wish to Saika while thinking of Anviet. And Saika listened to it out of consideration for both of them. But──if the person being saved suddenly learned about this. What would the surviving Anviet think? Ah, he now understood. Anviet was neither trying to destroy the world in despair, nor truly seeking revenge on Saika. It was just he couldn’t forgive himself for being so powerless. Unable to come to terms with these feelings, he didn’t know how else to vent these intense emotions──other than directing them towards Saika. “──Don’t say things like that. And then, a small voice spoke to Anviet. ──It was Surya. “Surya……?” “Mama is happy. That papa is alive. That you haven’t forgotten about her──” “Huh……?” Anviet widnened his eyes over what Surya had said. It wasn’t unreasonable. Surya’s words seemed more directed at Sara than meaning to cosole Anviet. “…………I see. I understand the situation now.” Kuroe, who had been silent up until now, let out a huge sigh. Her eyes kept a fixed stare at Anviet, and she continued without changing her expression. “──How dare you mope around at such a critical time. Enough already, you fool.” “……Wha……?” Anviet opened his mouth in astonishment, clearly taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.
Indeed, not only him, Mushiki was also surprised by Kuroe saying something so out-ofcharacter. “Knight Anviet, you have lost. Please surrender peacefully.” With those words spoken in a firm tone, she kept staring directly at Anviet. ……Well, the outcome wasn’t clear yet. Anviet still hadn’t fallen to his knees, and Mushiki was severely injured……but Mushiki decided to not say anything unnecessary. A battle between magicians was a contest of wills. And in that regard, it was fact that Anviet had been overwhelmingly inferior. Even his deadly Fourth Manifestation had been broken by Mushiki. “……No, you……” “Those who continue to wallow in self-pity for being loved can’t possibly win against someone fighting to protect their loved ones.” “………..” Anviet became speechless over what Kuroe had said. “…………Hah──” Anviet let out a small sigh, looking at Surya, Kuroe, and Mushiki in turn. Even though he noticed Kuroe’s intentions, he still decided to accept the results. With a heavy sigh, the golden armor disappeared and was replaced by his usual slacks and shirt. “……It’s just as you said. Regardless of circumstances, a rookie who had only been here for a few months broke my Fourth Manifestation. I have nothing else to show for myself. Do with me was you please.” “I have no intentions of punishing you.” “……Huh?” “Why should there be a punishment for training that simulates any emergency? Knight Anviet, your performance was truly realistic. Everyone in <Garden> was thoroughly deceived.” “……......Haaaaaaaah!?” Anviet’s eyes widened over words spoken with a nonchalant expression.
“Wait a minute. What the hell are you talking about? Training……?” “Yes, it training to respond in case a rebel emerges from within <Garden> and occupies an external facility. Only the planner, Saika-sama, and Knight Anviet, who was chosen for the role of culprit for this villainous looks, knew about the details. It allows us to experience tension closest to the real deal.” ……Of course, there was no way that was true. In short, even if the cover story was a little farfetched, Kuroe was saying that this incident will be left unquestioned. “Don’t be ridiculous! I did everything fully prepared for the consequences. Now you’re showing me mercy and charity──” “Mercy? Charity? I believe you are misunderstanding, Knight Anviet.” “Huh……?” “Don’t you understand? You’ve now incurred a great debt to Saika-sama. This is both a leash and collar. You will devote yourself entirely to <Garden> with all your strength.” With that said, Kuroe placed her hand on Mushiki’s shoulder. Mushiki, who sensed the situation, struck a pose deliberately to provoke Anviet. “That’s right, Anviet-san. From now own, you’ll be working as a loyal servant to Saika-san even more than before. ……You know, I’ll a little jealous of that. It’s not fair only you get to do that, Anviet-san!” “……What did you just say!?” Anviet’s hands trembled, but eventually he let out a sigh of resignation. “……Fine, do as you please.” “…………!” Surya tightly hugged Anviet. Mushiki couldn’t help but smile over her delighted expression. However, they couldn’t stay like this forever. Kuroe quickly got back to the other matter at hand. “──Well then, let’s do as we please. Knight Anviet, I need your help right away.” “……Huh? What the hell is going on?”
“Saika-sama has been kidnapped by a group believed to be called <Salix>. They are demanding Surya-san in exchange for her release.” “Wha……!?” Anviet’s face was filled with shock and astonishment. “What the hell!? Kuozaki has been kidnapped......!? That can’t be possible!” “I’ll explain the details later. For now, let’s return to <Garden>.” “But……if there’s no contact, that means we still don’t know Saika-san’s whereabouts, right?” As Mushiki anxiously spoke, Kuroe strained her eyes. “I have a lead on that. ……Although, there is one big problem.” “Problem? What do you mean?” “Kuroe gave a somewhat displeased look in response to Mushiki’s question. “──There’s someone I’m very reluctant to rely on.”
Chapter 5: Did the World Get Stolen? “Kurara-san, Kurara-san. Please wake up, Kurara-san.” “……Mmm……what is it, Kiritan?” While her body was being roughly shaken, Tokishima Kurara sat up while rubbing her eyes. The girl had flashy pink-colored hair tied in two braids. Her ears were cluttered with countless earrings and ear cuffs, and her fingernails were decorated with a manicure. Kurara was currently in a certain apartment room building in Tokyo. She was laying on the sofa in the living room, with her legs spread wide and……snoring “Shupipipipi” heavily. She had a blanket cover her stomach, but her panty was still completely exposed. “Yawn……sleep deprivation is the worst enemy of your skin. What am I supposed to do if I get rough skin?” “Then you stop napping with your makeup on. Besides, let alone rough skin, you can even recover from fatal injuries.” “Ugh, that’s a different matter entirely. Did you forget your maiden heart somewhere?” “I don’t what to hear that from someone who sleeps with her underwear exposed……” “What was that?” With that having been said, she pouted her lips. That’s right. Kurara wasn’t just a flashy girl. She was a magician, a streamer, and an immortal human harboring the Mythologia <Ouroboros> in her body. Having been recently involved in a huge battle against <Garden>, she was now a wanted person pursued by magicians all over the world. For the time being, she was hiding in a modest apartment. “……So then, what happened?” “Oh, that’s right. Please take a look at this.” As Kurara spoke, the apartment room’s owner, Araibe Kiriko, adjusted her thick glasses and showed the smartphone in her hand. Incidentally the smartphone Kiriko was given was capable of browsing magician-exclusive websites for the sake of gathering information.
At a first glance, Kiriko seemed like an ordinary human. But in reality, she was an immortal who wouldn’t die even if killed. In order to secure her hiding place, Kurara had removed death from her and turned her into one of her followers. Her job was being a professional illustrator. The reason she was chosen was because Kurara needed someone who could stay at home during the daytime on weekdays. “Look at this video. Isn’t that the boy Kurara-san mentioned?” “Hmm……? Isn’t that Mushipi? How unusual.” Indeed, the screen Kiriko was displaying was from the magician-exclusive video site MagiTube. An on the screen was Kurara’s boyfriend (self-proclaimed by Kurara), Kuga Mushiki. He was wearing <Garden>’s uniform, standing upright with a somewhat tense expression on his face. That innocent look unintentionally caused Kurara’s heart to flutter. The title of the video was “To Clara”. “Hmm……? To me…….? I wonder what it could be. Hey, could it be a love confession?” Feigning embarrassment, she wriggled her body and tapped the play button. Then, the Mushiki in the video began to speak with a faint, trembling voice. “First letter of Second Manifestation. Fourth letter of Fourth Manifestation. The floor level of the underground library battle──” And while uttering words spoken as if in a code, the video ended in about thirty seconds. “……? What is this?” “Hmm……?” Kurara said this while scrolling down the screen and looking at the video’s caption. A mysterious URL was written there. Tapping it led to a page with a plain, white background with only a window for entering text. “I see. A password, huh? It seems like he wants to send a message only to me.” “Did you understand that code just now?” “Well, it’s not much of a code. It’s made so that only people who at that place during that time can understand it. Let’s see……”
After displaying the same screen on her own smartphone and entering the password, Kiriko raised her voice in surprise. “Wait, is it really okay to enter the correct answer? Won’t they be able to track your location?” “I think it’s fine because all the communication from my smartphone goes through multiple oversea servers. It should be fine since the source of the connection is left unknown.” “Oh, you were doing that? That’s amazing.” “To be honest, I don’t really understand the principle behind it. An immortal technician did it for me. Thanks to that, the communication speed is a bit slow, but that can’t be helped as long as Silnee is in <Garden>.” While talking, she finished entering the password and pressed the send button. A concise message appeared on the screen. “Oh?” Kurara raised her eyebrows. The message offered an exchange for certain information. So long as that’s done, there were preparations to restore her frozen MagiTube account. “They want to make a deal with me? That’s quite bold of them. ──And asking for the location of <Salix>’s hideout. Has Mushipi gotten into trouble with some heretic magicians? Wow, maybe he’s actually the wild type despite looking so docile? Guhehe, that’s irresistible.” “This does sound suspicious……what are you going to do?” “Hmm.” Kurara gave a causal answer by dialing a certain number. “Ah, hello? Is this Dougchi? It’s me, it’s me. ……Huh? Who starts off a fake introduction like that? I’m the trendiest woman in the world of magic right now, Tokishima Kurara! Remember, you invited me to join your organization before. I can reconsider that offer, you know. Yes. Why? Consider it curious turn of events? Well, maybe that’s going a bit overboard. Rather than joining, I can work with you if you can provide a safe hiding place. A give and take agreement. ──Yes, okay. Let’s meet up to discuss this more. I’ll come to you. Where is your current location?” After finding out the necessary information, Kurara hung up her phone. “Alright, I got the information. Please go prepare for the video shoot.” “W-W-Wait.” As Kurara said that causally, Kiriko stopped her in a flustered manner.
“Who did you just call?” “That was Dougchi. ──Oh, I guess that doesn’t help. He’s the boss of <Salix>. Since we’re acquainted, I didn’t think there was a need to go to the trouble and use my followers to find his location.” “A-Are you going to sell out a fellow heretic magician to <Garden>!?” “Huh?” As Kurara titled her head with a confused look, not understanding what Kiriko was talking about. Kiriko trembled and broke out in a cold sweat. “It’s not like we’re allies just because we’re both heretics. And it’s reckless to just blab about your whereabouts. Reviving my MagiTube account is tempting too. And besides──” “……B-Besides?” “I prefer Mushipi over Dougchi.” As she said that while squirming, Kiriko looked at Kurara with an expression that said, “This person is seriously bad news……” ◇ “Yay! It’s time for Clara Channel! Are all my Claramates feeling giddy today?” In a car heading back to <Garden>, a cheerful voice echoed from the smartphone in Kuroe’s hands. What reflected on the screen was the streamer Clara, otherwise known as the magician Tokishima Kurara. “──So, you might be wondering about this unexpected live broadcast. I suddenly had some free time, so I thought I’d respond to the comments I received. What’s this? A comment here is asking, “What the hell are you planning, Destruction Factor?” Ahahaha, shut up or I’ll make good use of you☆” While laughing and issuing that threat, Kurara raised her middle finger, which was then blurred out a moment later. It seemed it was difficult to match the timing during a live broadcast.” Incidentally, the account hosting the live broadcast wasn’t Kurara’s. It was probably belonged to one of her followers. A spontaneous live broadcast from an unknown account wouldn’t initially
have many viewers, but the numbers steadily increase as word spread on social media that Kurara was streaming. That being said, the contents of the broadcast itself wasn’t particularly important. Kuroe showed little interest in the video and tapped on the URL listed in the video’s description. A page with only a window for entering text had appeared. “Hmm……since there are no instructions, perhaps it’s the same password as before?” Kuroe entered the letters and numbers, and she then tapped the send button. The screen switched to a page displaying an address. “This is……” As Mushiki peeked at the screen from the adjacent seat, Kuroe replied nonchalantly. “──The location of <Salix>’s hideout.” “……! That means……” “……That <Ouroboros> bitch decided to cooperate with us?” The skeptical comment came from Anviet, who was siting in the back seat. Just like Mushiki, his body was covered with bandages. “This is not one-sided cooperation. It’s closer to an extrajudicial transaction. ──Of course, we’ve kept the information about Saika-sama being held captive a secret.” Kuroe said that with her eyes-half closed. It’s true that Kurara was openly hostile towards Saika. If she had known that rescuing Saika was the goal, she might not have been swayed even with the revival of her account. “Still, it’s surprising that she obtained the information, which even <Garden> could find, so easily.” “We knew Tokishima Kurara prioritized building an information network from her previous attack during the <Leviathan> incident. By turning living beings into her followers, she can place her eyes anywhere, making her far more than just nuisance. There’s also the possibility that she has other connections we are unaware of. There’s an old saying: a serpent’s path is best known by a snake.” “I see. Is that a fitting saying because it’s <Ouroboros>?” “…………”
“It’s hurts. That hurts, Kuroe.” Mushiki cried out as his cheeks were being pinched. Kuroe continued after letting out a sigh of disappointment. “Nevertheless, we cannot deny the possibility of a connection between Tokishima and <Salix> as heretic magicians. If so, there may be a trap set up at the location of this address.” Kuroe’s words certain rang true. If a mutual acquaintance were to leak information to their common enemy <Garden> without hesitation, they must be especially dangerous. ……Well, in a sense, that description also perfectly suited Kurara. “What will we do if it is a trap?” As Mushiki asked, Kuroe replied without changing her expression. “Of course, we’ll crush whatever comes our way.” ◇ “──Any contact from <Garden>’s side?” In the dark basement, the tall woman sitting across from Saika──Zhuyan, spoke to a member of <Salix> waiting behind her. The man in the suit replied nervously. “No……nothing so far.” “Hmm……?” Zhuyan spoke without much interest as she stood up from her chair. And then, she slowly approached the restrained Saika with leisurely steps. “Are your friends really that heartless? Or do the think you don’t even need help……?” “Ms. Zhuyan……you shouldn’t get too close to her……” A member warned her with a slightly trembling voice. But Zhuyan remained unfazed as she drew her face close to Saika.
“Are you really the strongest magician?” “…………” Zhuyan stared at Saika’s face as if licking it with her gaze. Even though Saika felt a strange shudder, she replied with a blank expression. “Hello……what a strange feeling. Even though Willows is terrified of you, I don’t feel much magical power. Is being the strongest just a bluff? Or is there some other special reason? ──How curious. Despite how I may look, I have a very strong sense of curiosity.” While saying that, her inorganic eye peeked out from her long hair and bandages. “Now, look into my eyes. And tell me. What are you hiding──?” At the moment Zhuyan twisted her red lips into a smile, her eyes emitted a dream-like glow. “…………──” An ominous shine, as if seeing though everything──even Saika’s thoughts Feeing an indescribable discomfort, Saika involuntarily twisted her body. “……? What is this……” As Shaun raised a brow in confusion, a heavy thud was heard coming from the upper floor, which was soon followed by a shrill alarm echoing throughout the building. “……What’s going on?” Zhuyan straightened her posture and looked back. The man waiting by the room’s entrance hurriedly picked up the communication device, exchanged a few words, and began to shout with a look of pure desperation. “U-Under attack! <Garden>’s magicians have come to take us down……!” ◇ ──The multi-tenant building located at the southern end of Tokyo was now a battlefield.
The magical light of First and Second Manifestations handled by magicians, as well as bullets from handguns and machine guns, smashed through walls, shattered glass, and tore through the floors and ceiling. Amid the storm-like roar, angry shouts and screams echoed. There was approximately 30 members of <Salix> inside the building. On the other side, <Garden>’s assault team consisted of only four members, with only three being combatants. Despite setting up recognition inhibition and avoidance barriers for the attack, they couldn’t deploy too many troops due to the large-scale battle occurring in the center of the city. When comparing the two sides, the difference in strength was tenfold. The battle was one-sided. ──A landslide victory dominated by <Garden>. However, that was only natural. “<Rinkojin>!” “<Vajradora>!” After all, the advancing assault team included two knights, who were among <Garden>’s top fighting force. Ruri wielded a versatile flame naginata, turning countless bullets from the hallway into ashes. In sync with her, Anviet unleashed a lightning strike to neutralize a group of enemies. It was the perfect combination. Despite how they usually class, their movements when sharing a common goal could only be described as splendid. “W-Wait! If you come any closer, Kuozaki Saika──” “Shut up.” Anviet launched a lightning strike at the emaciated man who was the last one standing. He screamed, “Bugyaa!”, collapsing onto the floor as his movements came to a stop. Mushiki, the other combatant, could only watch the two’s swift advancement in amazement from behind. “Amazing……” “Two of <Garden>’s top magicians are working together. It’s only natural.”
Kuroe, the last member of the assault team, spoke up. Her tone was as calm as ever, but there seemed to be a hint of pride in her voice. “──Hmm. I feel relieved to see your intuition hasn’t dulled, Anviet.” As Ruri said that in front of the corridor, Anviet responded with an annoyed look. “Damn straight. Don’t underestimate me.” “Is that coming from the one who insisted on playing the role of the perpetrator for an emergency drill even during an actual emergency?” “Ugh……” Anviet frowned as he was at a loss for words in replying back. Anviet had accepted Kuroe’s scenario, which made him out to be a fool who enthusiastically carry out a training simulation all by himself during the emergency. Although Ruri didn’t seem to completely believe in that scenario, she seemed to understand Anviet couldn’t deny anything about it. As if feeding into her amusement, she had been teasing Anviet about this for a while now. “By the way, Anviet.” “……What?” “Why were you injured when returning from the training grounds?” “…………” “Not only that, but Nii-sama was also wrapped up in bandages, wasn’t he? What does that mean? Did you fight? Against my Nii-sama? Were those injuries from each other? Hey, are you listening?” Ruri aggressively closed in on Anviet. Her eyes weren’t smiling. It was a little frightening. Anviet was at a loss for words as perspiration marked his face. “R-Ruri! For now, we prioritize on rescuing Saika-san!” As Mushiki anxiously raised his voice, Ruri’s ears twitched. “……! That’s right! My Nii-sama’s judgement is always so calm and accurate. What’s more, isn’t he cute and invincible? Don’t you think so too, Anviet?” “……Yeah, yeah.”
“Huh? Are you aiming for my Nii-sama? I won’t allow it, okay?” “……What do you want me to say?” Anviet sighed in exasperation, and then he shook his head as if to regain his composure. “So, where is Kuozaki? Are we going to have to search every nook and cranny for her?” “We can’t afford to spend to much time of this. Let’s find the person in charge here and force them to talk.” As Ruri spoke, Kuroe replied while down to lower her eyes to her feet. “If you’re looking for the person in charge, it’s likely this person.” She pointed to the emaciated man who Anviet had knocked unconscious earlier. “Huh?” “He is Doug Willows, the head of <Salix>.” “……Ah.” After hearing what Kuroe had said, Anviet scratched his cheek. Ruri glared at Anviet in an accusatory manner. “What the hell were you thinking?” “If someone comes at me, I’m obviously going to knock them down.” “Well, you have a point.” Ruri nodded in agreement to Anviet’s counterargument. It was amazing how quickly changed her mind. Kuroe glanced at the nearby building layout and continued. “It’s normal to keep hostages in a soundproof location. Let’s start by searching the basement.” “I see. The basement, huh?” Ruri agreed with Kuroe’s suggestion. Their group headed for the basement via the emergency stairs.
“Wha……! You guys……!” “Shoot! Shoot!” In the basement, there were more members of the organization. They attacked as soon as they spotted Mushiki’s group. However, they were no match for Ruri and Anviet. Within a matter of seconds, all of them were subdued. Not long after the search began immediately, Ruri called to them from the end of the hallway. “This room is the only one that’s locked. Moreover, it’s an electronic lock.” “Let me see.” Anviet touched the panel besides the door. In the next moment, sparks flew out with a crackling sound, and then the door opened. “You’re being too rough. How about trying a more elegant approach like slicing the door open?” “Wouldn’t that be cruder?” While arguing with each other, they entered the room. Mushiki and Kuroe followed after them. Then, looking around the dimly lit room──they found Saika bound to a chair and gagged at the far end corner. “Saika-san!” “Witch-sama!” As soon as they spoke, Mushiki and the others rushed over to her. “…..! ……!” Saika tried to muffle out a warning. As Mushiki and the others removed the gag, they sensed something was amiss. Then── “──Be careful! There’s a magician here! That person can──manipulate the sight of others.” “Huh── It happened the moment Mushiki’s eyes lit up over Saika’s warning.
“Fufu……fufufufufu──” An eerie augh echoed from somewhere. ──It came from Zhuyan. “I take it you are the Knights from <Garden>? I see……what terrifying strength.” “…………!” Everyone prepared for battle. However, despite looking around, they couldn’t find Zhuyan anywhere. The laughter reverberated off the walls and ceiling, making it impossible to pinpoint its origin. “Oh……how scary. So scary. You’re so scary that I can’t help but cry.” The voice continued while mocking them. “──I guess I’ll have to get serious then.” And then. “Fourth Manifestation──<Baimugei Yexing>.” In the next moment, they heard that unfamiliar phrase from the darkness. ──The scenery of the basement where Mushiki and the others had been standing on was replaced by another world. The rigid lines forming the foundation of the dimly lit room’s walls, floor, and ceiling have all transformed into a structure made of dark red flesh. It looked as if they had been unknowingly swallowed by a massive beast. No, that wasn’t all. Numerous eyes of various sizes sprouted all over the pulsating flesh walls. It was a truly hellish spectacle, one enough to make the faint-hearted easily collapse. “Fourth Manifestation……!?” “No way. They had a magician of that caliber in reserve──!?” Ruri had a grim look while forming a hand sign with her fingers. At the same time, the world crest on her head fiercely flared and increased in number. If there’s not much difference in power, Fourth Manifestation would need another Fourth Manifestation to oppose it. However, Anviet was exhausted from the previous battle, and it was difficult to say Mushiki was in good condition to manifest a fully complete Fourth Manifestation. Right now, Ruri was the only one who could challenge the magician Zhuyan.
However, Zhuyan must have anticipated this as well. At the moment Ruri tried to use her Fourth Manifestation, the eyes on the wall squirmed and fixed their gaze on her. A severe chill ran down Mushiki’s spine. “Ruri!” They didn’t know what power Zhuyan’s Fourth Manifestation held, but they also couldn’t shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen. At that moment. “──Anviet, touch me!” As if also sensing the chill, Saika, who was still tied to the chair, raised her voice. “Then wish for it! To escape this desperate situation! To defeat that magician!” “Huh!? What are you saying all of a sudden!?” Anviet furrowed his brow. However, it was understandable to be perplexed by someone suddenly asking for such a random request. But then── “Just do it! ──Hurry up, An!” “…………!?” In that moment, Saika called Anviet with a different tone and nickname. Anviet placed his hand on Saika’s shoulder. “──I wish! For our enemy to be beaten……!” And while setting aside his confusion, he shouted. Then, in the next instance── “──Aa──aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh──!?” An incredible scream from Zhuyan filled the air. Cracks formed in the grotesque walls of flesh and eyeballs──before long, the scenery crumbled apart into dazzling light.
Countless pieces of meat were scattered around, only for the residual fragments to dissolve into the air after a brief moment. A moment later, the dimly lit basement scenery was spread out before their eyes again. In front of them, a tall woman in a long coat had collapsed, completely drained of strength. “…………” She seemed to be barely breathing. But she had lost consciousness and didn’t even let out a goran. When looking closer, her eyelids had sunken and blood was flowing out from empty eye sockets. “Wha……what just happened……?” Mushiki widened his eyes looking at Zhuyan, and then he turned his gaze towards Saika. It seemed everyone else also had the same idea. Ruri and Kuroe also stared at Saika. However, Anviet’s shock especially stood out. He was staring at Saika as if he had seen something unbelievable. But it was no wonder. It was just a matter of tone of voice or using a nickname. That voice just now was clearly not Saika. “──Sa, ra……?” Anviet called out her name while utterly stunned. “……Yeah. It’s been a while, An.” Saika replied with a hint of sadness in her voice. ──A long silence reigned in the poorly lit basement. Everyone present was left speechless over the events that had just transpired──and the words Saika just had uttered. “──So that’s what happened after all.” The one who broke the silence was Kuroe. “Kuroe……? What do you mean? Did you notice something?”
“There wasn’t any definite proof. Besides, I’ve only recently realized the possibility.” When Mushiki asked, Kuroe narrowed her eyes. “The <Fortuna> that appeared in this world a 100 years ago was defeated after its reversible annihilation period had passed. Therefore, the impact it brought to the world was recorded as a result. In other words, the wishes that were granted remained even after <Fortuna> disappeared. And now, with the damages that can only be thought of as compensation happening throughout various part of the world, I consider this idea. ──What if a wish made by Sara-san from when she was still alive hadn’t been fully granted yet?” “……Fufu, as expected from Witch-san’s chamberlain.” Saika──or rather Sara, said that with a bitter smile. Of course, they both knew that Kuroe was the true Saika. But she seemed to be willing to keep that fact a secret, perhaps out of consideration for Kuroe’s position. “A wish made……while still alive?” Ruri asked with a puzzled look. Sara nodded and slowly continued. “When I died, I had two unfulfilled wishes. May I be blessed with children. And──To be together with my beloved An in my next life as well.” “………” What Sara said caused Anviet to choke on his breath. “So……that wish came true after Sara’s death?” “Probably.” It was Kuroe who answered. “It seems to have taken some time, but Sara-san’s soul didn’t disappear after death and was reincarnated in this world as a new life. ……But there was one problem.” “Problem……?” “Yes. Due to Sara-san’s wish made during her lifetime, she became fused with <Fortuna>. As a result, Sara-san’s reincarnation was inevitably born with the same authority.”
“Wha──” In response to Kuroe, Anviet shook his shoulder and raised his brow. “Wait a minute. Wasn’t it Surya who held the authority of <Fortuna>!?” “That precisely true. In other words, that must mean she was Sara-san’s reincarnation.” “…………!?” Anviet looked even more confused as he ruffled his hair. “Wait, wait. I don’t understand. Then why do you look like Kuozaki right now?” After thinking over a response for a few seconds, Sara then continued. “……It happened a few days ago. Witch-san, who noticed my existence, lent me her body. ──She said it would be inconvenient for two consciousness to reside in only one body.” “What……?” Anviet said that with a puzzled look. In response, Mushiki quietly asked Kuroe. “……Was that what happened?” “……No. Sara-san is likely telling a lie by taking our circumstances into consideration. I think that when Mushiki-san and Saika-sama separated, it created a body missing a soul, which then attracted Sara-san’s soul. Kuroe replied back in a low whisper. Mushiki nodded and said, “I see……” “……No wonder the way Saika-san was walking felt different……” “Yes, that’s──” “……Mushiki-san, when did you realize that this Saika-sama wasn’t the real one?” “Huh? No, not at all. I had no idea she was Anviet-san’s wife. I’m still trying to process the initial shock……” However, Mushiki continued.
“Although, somehow after watching for a while, I felt like her mannerisms were slightly different from Saika-san……” “…………” “Ouch, why did you hit me, Kuroe. It hurts. It really hurts.” “If you noticed, please tell me sooner.” “S-Sorry……but it’s rude to point something like that out……” As Mushiki and Kuroe were having this exchange, Anviet glared at them. “.......What are you two babbling about?” “No, it’s not important.” “It’s just nothing……” As both of them replied, Anviet turned back to Sara while scratching his head. “One body with two consciousness? No, before that, who exactly is the Surya we have now──” As if to answer that question, a small figure jumped out of the entrance of the room and clung onto Anviet’s leg. “──Papa!” “……Surya!? Didn’t I tell you to wait outside until it’s confirmed to be safe──” “……But, papa wanted Su to come, right…..?” As Surya looked up with pleading eyes, Anviet let out a resigned sigh. Then Sara spoke to Surya one beat later after that exchange. “──Surya.” “…………!” Responding to that sound of that voice, Surya twitched her shouders. “Is it okay now……? Mama?” “……Yeah. Sorry. I got caught.”
While saying that, Sara playful stuck out her tongue. Surya, overcome with thoughts and feelings, trembled and hugged Sara. “Mama……Mama……!” “……I’m sorry, Surya. I wasn’t even able to give you a hug until now. Sara hugged Surya back. And after a while, she lifted her face up to look at Anviet. “Let me introduce her properly. This girl is Surya. ──Truly, a child of An and mine.” “Wha──” Anviet’s eyes widened over Sara’s words. It was only natural, given that the girl he didn’t know about and claimed to be his daughter was indeed his child. “My and Sara’s ……? H-How is this possible?” “──When I died, it seemed that new life was already residing within me.” “…………!” Anviet gasped in complete shock. Sara continued quietly. “And <Fortuna> faithfully granted my wish. When I reincarnated as a new life, the child inside of me was also born with her own self-awareness. ──There are two personalities within my reincarnated body, mine and my child’s.” “……I see. So, you were in a split-personality like state……is that what you mean? And then, due to the emergence of an empty vessel called Saika-sama’s body, Sara-san’s soul moved there and left Surya-san as the only consciousness remaining in the original body──” When Kuroe gave her conclusion, Sara nodded in agreement. “……To tell the truth, I wanted to go to An’s side right after my reincarnation. But the authority of <Fortuna> dwelling inside me didn’t allow it. ──A few years after my reincarnation, when I was finally able to go out on my won, a heretic magician noticed y power and took me from the orphanage.” Sara frowned in frustration as she spoke.
The explanation was strange and confusing, but──it made sense when Anviet thought about it. Even if Sara had reincarnated with her consciousness, there should still be birth parents for her current body. From what he had heard, it didn’t seem like the ideal family environment. “……Well, the silver lining amidst this misfortune is that they didn’t know about the true power of <Fortuna>. <Fortuna> bring good fortune to its owner just by its mere existence. ──Willows, afraid of losing that luck, didn’t let anyone touch me. Kuroe reacted with a slight twitched to what Sara had just revealed. “Making a wish while being in contact with you……so that’s the condition for granting wishes.” “……Yes. Originally, <Fortuna> took the form of an accessory.” “Ah──” Mushiki’s eyes widened as he let out a tiny gasp. There was something that came to mind after learning about the condition. Yes. A few days ago, during the evening, Mushiki had inadvertently voiced his wish while carrying Surya. ──To separate Saika from his body in order to meet her again. If that was recognized as a wish and realized by the power of <Fortuna> that dwelled within Surya, then the cause of the separation was Mushiki’s own wish. That wasn’t all. Looking back, Hildegard had said, “It would be nice if the girls’ uniforms in <Garden> were maid outfits”, when she touched Saika’s shoulder. By that time, Sara’s soul was already residing in Saika’s body. If the authority of <Fortuna> had transferred to her as well, it wouldn’t be surprising that the wish came true. “…………” At that moment, Mushiki noticed that Ruri’s face was covered in sweat. “Ruri? Are you okay?” “I-It’s nothing. Were you worried about me? You’re so kind, Nii-sama. I love──” Ruri suddenly shook her shoulders and covered her mouth. As Mushiki tilted his head in confusion, Anviet’s voice, somewhere between anger and sorrow, echoed.
“……Even so! Why──why did you tell me! Why did you say you were Sara!” “……I’m sorry, An.” Sara sadly lowered her eyes and continued. “I am a great sinner. Even if I was unaware, I used the power of the Destruction Factor for my own selfish desires and caused massive damage to the world. ……I didn’t have the right to meet you.” “Such a thing──” “Besides.” Sara interrupted Anviet while gently stroking Surya’s head. “I wanted this child to meet her father.” “…………──” At those words, Anviet stared at Surya. Hen then kneeled down on the spot and bowed his head. “……I’m sorry. I said something terrible you by claiming you weren’t my daughter.” But Surya moved her head from side to side. “It’s okay. Su knew all along.” “Huh……?” “Su heard it from Mama for the longest time. ──Papa may not be honest, but he’s the kindest person in the world.” “Surya……” As Anviet called out her name, Surya furrowed her brow as if realizing something. “──Huh? Huh, huh, huh?” “W-What is it……?” “Could it be that Papa wants to hug Su?” And then, she said that while staring into Anviet’s eyes.
Anviet’s eyes widened for a moment, but then he laughed and said, “……So you figured it out, huh?” He tightly embraced Surya. Watching this scene, Mushiki and Ruri exchanged glances/ “……Nii-sama.” “……Yeah.” He nodded as if understanding Ruri’s intentions. Indeed, they had been able to rescue Saika──or rather Sara, and Anviet was able to meet both Sara and Surya. That in and of itself was a happy occasion. However, the damage caused by <Fortuna> was still unresolved. “──Ah──” It was then that Mushiki realized. The third reason why Sara didn’t reveal herself to Anviet. “Kuroe, could it be Sara-san is──” “…………” When Mushiki asked that, Kuroe silently lowered her eyes. It seemed Kuroe had also noticed this. “……An.” Sara spoke to Anviet. “Thank you……I’m glad I could see you one last time.” “Ah……? What──” Anviet began to speak, but then he seemed to realized it as well. His words came to a halt as he looked into Sara’s eyes. “Sara, you……”
“……The reversible annihilation period from the first wish has not yet passed. If we erase <Fortuna> now, the disappearance phenomena that occurred all over the world will never happened.” Sara uttered those words. Destroy the Destruction Factor to save the world. For a magician, this was an unavoidable mission. And accomplishing that meant Sara, who has fused with <Fortuna>, would also have to disappear. Ah, yes. That was the third reason why Sara, who longed to reunite with Anviet, did not reveal her identity until the last moment. Mushiki thought she didn’t want Anviet to experience losing his wife twice. “……What……that’s. Don’t──” Just as Anviet was about to speak, Sara’s leg was grabbed by someone. “Huh……?” “Wha──” Suddenly, Sara widened her eyes and Anviet choked on his breath. A moment later, Mushiki and the others also realized. Zhuyan, who had been unconscious on the ground, was not at Sara’s feet. And then, Zhuyan let out a hoarse scream with her empty eye sockets wide open. “──I wish! O <Fortuna>! Make the world mine……!” In that instant. “Guh……ah……!?” Suddenly, an intense feeling of weakness stuck Mushiki’s entire body as he helpless fell to his knees on the spot. “Nii-sama!? What happened!?” Ruri anxiously asked.
However, Mushiki couldn’t even find the words to reassure her. The reason was simple. As soon as Zhuyan’s body lying on the floor faintly glowed, a massive earthquake struck the basement as if the entire world was writhing. “Ah──ha──hahahahahahahahaha──!” Amidst the tremendous tremors, Zhuyan slowly rose and loudly laughed. No, to be precise, her body floated upward as if defying gravity. “What is thissss──amaaaaaazing──this power──this power won’t stop overflowing……──!” With a euphoric expression, Zhuyan looked up at the sky. In sync with that, the magical power gathered in her empty eye sockets, forming glowing eyeballs. ──Apparently, her eyes were manifestations created by magic. “Wha……!? What on earth just happened!?” “This tremendous magical power is……!?” Anviet and Ruri widened their eyes in disbelief. But that was only natural. Zhuyan, who was thought to be completely incapacitated, began floating in the air, clad in enormous magical power. “What……is this……?” Fighting the intense exhaustion and discomfort that gripped his entire body, Mushiki somehow managed to speak. Kuroe immediately knelt beside him and whispered. “──Mushiki-san, what happened to you?” “I……I don’t know……it feels like something was suddenly ripped away from my body……” “…………” After hearing this, Kuroe frowned. “……This phenomenon. And also, Mushiki-san’s condition. Shaun used the phrase make the world mine…… because of that I’m afraid that the right to control the world──the throne of the World King has been transferred to her.”
“Wha……!?” Mushiki’s eyes widened over what Kuroe had said. World King──the title once spoken by the Kuozaki Saika who had come from the future. According to her, the world was a Fifth Manifestation──an embodiment created by Saika and modeled after the real world. And the magician who ruled the world was called the World King, and the Saika from the future had come to wrest that position from her present self. The battle that had unfolded due to this was deeply etched into Mushiki’s memory. “Ugh……ugh……!” Mushiki groaned with an intense passion welling up from within the depths of his chest. But of course, that was only natural. The throne of the World King which Saika had risked her life to protect. The very same which the future Saika had sought so desperately. It had been usurped by an unknown magician with a single sentence. “Please calm down, Mushiki-san.” “Calm down……how can I……” As he tried to suppress his intense dizziness, Mushiki suddenly shuddered. “That’s right……if the world was stolen by the power of <Fortuna>, then the opposite should be──” But just as Mushiki turned his attention to Sara. “I won’t let you──” As if sensing his movement, Zhuyan pointed her hand at Mushiki. In an instant── Just as his vision turned white, Mushiki’s body was blown away “Urgh……”