— Three years ago, Talitta began to be plagued by nightmares related to “Fate.”

　Until then, Talitta had lived a life completely unrelated to “Fate.”

　Of course, she was utterly ignorant of beings known as “Star Readers.”

　— What do people imagine when they hear “Fate”?

　Destiny or doom, unavoidable trials and obstacles in walking one’s own life. If one thinks of these, “Fate” is clearly different from them. These are things that fall like rain on a path without a roof, things one cannot prevent.

The “People of Shudrak” understand such unavoidable occurrences.

　To put it plainly, “Death” is the most inescapable fate.

　Old age, disease, hunger, wounds—everything associated with “Death” is unavoidable, a curtain that inevitably falls on destiny.

　No one can defy fate. Moreover, they believe it should not be defied.

　When a fellow member dies, they pray and sing for that soul to be welcomed into peace. Singing and holding a feast is the custom of Shudrak, and it’s the value Talitta believes in.

　Her sister, Mizelda, is an outstanding Shudrak among Shudrak. Although not as exceptional as her sister, Talitta also bears the blood of a family that has passed down the title of clan leader for generations.

　Being a Shudrak was an undeniable truth for Talitta.

　Following the teachings of Shudrak was a matter of course without room for doubt.

　Originally, Talitta was not good at thinking about things. She had no intention of worrying unnecessarily and increasing her own troubles.

　She thought her life would continue following her sister, and through her kin who shared the blood and path of “the People of Shudrak,” she would be present from beginning to end.

　That was her fate and destiny—

“—Hey, Talitta. I was chosen by the ‘Star Readers’ and given a fate.”

　— Until she confided in her closest “soul sister.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“—Is the Empire’s downfall a different matter from that ‘Great Calamity’?”

　Before Talitta, who was shaken in her resolve and whose footing was uncertain, a man with an ogre mask gazed ahead.

　In the distance was a writhing black mass, instinctively understood by her as the “Great Calamity,” yet the man—Abel mocked it as something to fear.

“Then, there’s no reason to stumble on the way. — I’ll have you disappear from the board, outsider.”

　He explicitly stated he was not welcome, stepping forward against such overwhelming force.

　At that moment, a small Medium shouted, “Wait, wait!” as she grabbed the hem of Abel’s clothing, pulling him back with all her strength.

“Suddenly getting all fired up, huh?! But Abel, it’s dangerous for you!”

“Fool. What needs to be done was always determined. If that is the main event ‘Great Calamity,’ then I would lament how insufficient our preparations are. But if that’s not the case…”

“What if it’s not?”

“Then it’s just a prelude to the main event. I have no time to accommodate a prelude. If that’s the case, I’ll bring this to an early conclusion. — You should notice it from a distance.”

　Abel jerked his chin, indicating the “Great Calamity” while questioning the Medium. However, the Medium frowned, perplexed by his words.

　She compared Abel and the “Great Calamity” back and forth, saying, “I don’t understand at all! Abel, stop being so intentionally vague!”

“You’re blaming my comprehension for your lack of wit?”

“Exactly! If I can’t accept it, I’ll be a nuisance! Abel, you’re the one restricting yourself! You should understand if you’re smart!”

“—”

　Stomping her feet and puffing her cheeks, the Medium wouldn’t let go of Abel’s hem.

　It was quite cheeky for her to speak that way, but perhaps Abel considered their time too precious to waste on her, as he took a small breath and said,

“To stop that ‘Great Calamity,’ that girl, Yorna Mishigure, Kafma Ilurukusu, and the residents of the Magic City are fighting hard. Do you not notice?”

“Hmm, is that another bad habit of yours?”

“—There’s intent behind it. Crystal clear, human intent.”

　As Abel spoke, the Medium tilted her head in confusion.

　Talitta, standing behind and rooted to the spot, furrowed her brows as well. This “Great Calamity,” manifesting the end of the world, having intent seemed preposterous.

　Moreover, Abel claimed it was “human” intent. Where could any of that reside in it?

　She couldn’t even begin to imagine perceiving it as a living thing.

　Its grotesque, writhing form, devouring the world was simply oblivion itself.

　To say it had intent—what in the world could lead Abel to such a conclusion?

　As Talitta and the Medium found themselves puzzled by the same question—

“It reached out to you just now.”

“Eh?”

“—Ah!”

　Both were caught off guard by Abel’s statement, voicing clumsily.

　The Medium had no clue, while Talitta felt a faint sense of unease. Just when the shadow had descended, it felt like it had whisked them away.

　From that horrifying blackness, she had sensed a faint air of attachment.

“Most likely, it reflects the intent of something struggling within. Seeking salvation, reaching out indiscriminately. See?”

　Before the breathless Talitta, Abel pointed out the “Great Calamity.”

　Torn from her stunned state, Talitta and the others widened their eyes in understanding as they grasped what Abel was indicating.

　In the center of the Magic City, instead of the collapsed Crimson Lapis Castle, there lay the “Great Calamity,” sprawling and unleashing merciless destruction and demise. Its shadows stretched out, sweeping past while trying to engulf the end within itself—not targeting buildings or land, but humans.

　Moreover—

“—Are they mainly targeting Rui and Yorna?”

　The Medium whispered hoarsely, and Talitta held the same impression.

　Observing the fierce battle from a distance, it was clear the shadows had a specific focus in their targeting.

　The primary targets were Yorna, who was sweeping left and right with remarkable agility, and Rui, who was dodging the shadows with quick movements.

　Talitta was amazed by Rui’s incredible agility, but Yorna’s destructive capabilities and her defenses were impressive, showcasing the strength of the “Nine Divine Generals.”

　Still, there was a man among the “Bramble Users,” who displayed an overwhelming strength, suppressing the devastation brought by the “Great Calamity.” Despite that, only stray arrows were directed that way, even with mages from the Magic City throwing strikes against it.

“If Rui is targeted too, then it’s not in order of strength after all.”

“Judging purely by their abilities, even Kafma Ilurukusu doesn’t come up short. However, viewed from above, it’s clear: it has intent. Therefore, my movement is quite justified.”

“W-why can you say that…?”

“Of course. It cannot possibly harbor any favorable attitude towards me. Should it reach out for support, I wouldn’t even be considered a candidate.”

　Talitta felt puzzled by Abel’s calm manner of speaking.

　She understood Abel defined the “Great Calamity” as having intent. Yet even with that in mind, it was strange to be able to discern its standards of judgment.

　It was as if Abel understood whose intent that “Great Calamity” harbored.

“—It’s Natsuki Subaru.”

“—Huh!?”

“Eh!?”

　Pushed forward by Talitta’s doubts and the Medium’s misunderstanding, Abel declared to the two while fixating on the “Great Calamity.”

　Seeing the two with their eyes widened in shock, Abel lowered his chin deeply.

“That has poured forth from the depths of Natsuki Subaru. Thus, it’s no wonder his intent is involved. I had suspected him to be a man of many secrets, but it’s to this extent.”

“W-wait, Abel! Are you saying that, that is Subaru?!”

“To be precise, it allows for the reflection of Natsuki Subaru’s will. I won’t say it is him, nor that he is commanding it. — Either way, the outcome is the same.”

“Why are you so calm about this, Abel?!”

　Looking up at Abel with round eyes, the Medium pleaded with a voice almost on the brink of tears.

　Abel peered down at her small form, narrowing his black eyes behind the ogre mask as if to disdainfully look at a child who was throwing a tantrum.

“Do I appear calm? Because of that thing spilling forth from within him, my plans have crumbled. I must reconsider my approach, but now there isn’t time for that. Yet you think I appear unperturbed?”

“No! It’s not that! That’s not what I mean! I’m asking why you’re so calm while Subaru’s crying out for help!”

“—Does empathizing with its suffering ensure the predicament at hand can be resolved? Regrettably, reality isn’t that flexible or filled with camaraderie.”

　The Medium’s earnest words failed to sway Abel’s steely heart.

　He was a man who didn’t understand human emotions—no, he was a man who didn’t prioritize human emotions and could separate what should take precedence.

　The qualities that those in power—rulers or leaders—must possess.

　Maybe Talitta, who had to take the position of clan leader, was expected to possess the same qualities.

　However—

“I can’t…”

　She couldn’t harbor a mindset like Abel’s, nor could she possess his decisiveness.

　Let alone face unpleasantness head-on, speaking out against it like the Medium.

“There’s no time to bicker here. I will go. I must talk to Yorna Mishigure.”

“…With Yorna? But how?”

　As Abel attempted to press forward, the Medium cut in with her words. Her gaze silently indicated the challenges ahead of him.

　Wherever Abel announced he would go, awaiting him was the chaotic frontline with the raging “Great Calamity.”

　In a battlefield where even a moment’s decision could spell life or death, it was clear that Abel stepping forth would only put his life at risk. It wouldn’t lead to a single crucial tactical blow to change the tide of the battle.

“—”

　The thought of enacting a decisive strike froze Talitta’s body.

　Perhaps she alone could hold that as a choice. The beneath the “Great Calamity,” scattering heralds of destruction, a way to quell it lay only with her.

　The fate decreed to fend off the “Great Calamity,” known only to Talitta—

“—I will step forward as well.”

“What?”

　Before her great decision, Talitta trembled.

　Next to her, the Medium assertively stated. Abel turned his voice into one of doubt, as he eyed the girl trying to restrain him and gazed into her heart.

“What are you thinking? Did you even listen to me? My argument for stepping forward is that thing does not hold me in good favor. If you arrive there…”

“I get it! So, I won’t go with you! I’ll go where Rui and Yorna are fighting! I want Subaru to find me.”

“—”

“If Abel’s line of thought is correct, Subaru will reach out to me, right? If so, then Rui and the others would have it a little easier, right? You might not get targeted either.”

“I’ve always possessed a low probability of being targeted.”

“Maybe even less! Right!?”

　With a determined step forward, the Medium emphasized her proposal.

　For a moment, it was clear Abel seriously considered what the Medium suggested. If what she said was true, and the “Great Calamity” reflected Subaru’s will, the likelihood of targeting the Medium would rise.

　However, the concern was still the Medium was small and growing sluggish.

　Even if she took on the role of drawing the “Great Calamity’s” attention, there was a significant possibility she could be consumed by the shadows without ever fulfilling that role. If that happens, it could spell psychological turmoil for those around her.

　Especially Talitta herself couldn’t imagine being at ease if the Medium were lost.

　The lively and un-intimidated Medium was one of Talitta’s preferable companions. She wouldn’t be able to look her brother, Flopp, in the eye.

　—Then, did that mean she could face anyone else?

“No.”

“Abel!”

“I pondered for a moment, but with that current state, you wouldn’t even fulfill the role of a decoy satisfactorily. Your death could very well be a concern for those around you. I won’t take such a gamble.”

　Next to Talitta, Abel outright rejected the Medium’s proposal, arriving at the same concern.

　But the Medium, gnashing her teeth in frustration, didn’t accept this. If things continued like this, she might completely ignore Abel’s opinion and rush into the battlefield, shouting at the “Great Calamity.”

　In that precarious situation—

“—Then I’ll protect Medium. You can’t complain about that.”

　Stepping heavily onto the rubble, a familiar voice intruded.

　Turning in various directions at such a recognizable voice, Talitta and the others looked to see a man—Al.

“Al! You’ve grown! Did you go back to normal!”

“Just ran into a revenant old guy and didn’t have the time to grab my helmet at the inn, so bear with me for a while looking like this.”

“You look good! But if Gramps is here…”

　Al had returned to his original state, except for the rag around his face. The Medium brightened at his words and began scanning the surroundings enthusiastically.

　Of course, the same situation applied to her. She’d prefer the option of reverting too.

　However, seeing her enthusiasm, Al added, “Sorry,” stating,

“Sorry, but I couldn’t bring Gramps. He said to play smart.”

“Ah, I see. Got it! But I’m glad you came back, Al! Is the scary stuff over?”

“…The scary stuff probably won’t cease for a lifetime.”

　Deprived of hope for just a moment, the Medium averted her eyes but immediately rallied. Receiving her words, Al lowered his tone, shaking his head.

　His voice carried concealed fear and unease. In the face of the “Great Calamity,” everyone felt innate fear. No one could be blamed for that.

　Nevertheless, bearing that unmasked fear, Al said,

“Even so, we have to do it. … Fates, bring it on.”

“Al…”

　With a determined grip on his Azure Dragon Blade, Al’s resolve impressed the Medium.

　As their conversation unfolded, a sound of disdain, a small “hmph,” cut in.

“You’ve got some nerve boasting so boldly after trembling and shrinking back. There’s no way that Roswaal Dunkelken has the capacity to inspire others.”

“True enough. That old man just said annoying things. It’s not like I stood up because of that.”

“Then what brought you to your feet? You’re saying you can include an immobile fool like you in the plans ahead, and how can I take that as acceptable?”

“—”

　As Abel remained stopped by the Medium grabbing onto his hem, he asked Al.

　His cold gaze behind the ogre mask still bore the thoughts necessary for the win he desired. How would Al convince Abel to join them?

　Talitta, struggling to even breathe under Abel’s gaze, could not imagine such a feat.

　While Abel, Talitta, and the Medium focused on Al—

“Apologies, but I won’t go out of my way to provide words to persuade you, Abel.”

“Oh?”

“My master is that sexy cute princess. I’m here to help my brethren in this way… so I will do that. How I move is for Abel to put into his calculations or whatever he wants.”

　With a nonchalant attitude, Al shouldered his Azure Dragon Blade.

　Such a refreshing resolve made Abel’s face tighten almost imperceptibly behind his mask.

　However, whether he wished to dismiss such an answer or not, Abel lacked the effort to shove Al away, nor did he have enough rapport to hold him back. Just as Al wanted.

　In any case, Abel must devise a strategy acknowledging Al’s existence.

“You’re a nuisance once you’re back to sanity. How will you approach this?”

“Company secret. — Well, I won’t let the Medium die. I’ll protect Abel too on the side, so don’t you worry.”

“Al…”

　With the “Great Calamity” rampaging before them, Al’s words were strongly reassuring.

　The Medium’s widened eyes reflected surprise at Al’s resilience against Abel’s earlier “nuisance” remark. That was a show of respect and admiration.

　Thus, the Medium nodded with all her small form and exclaimed,

“I’ll do my best with you, Al! Abel, is that okay?”

“— To begin with, you two were never included in the calculations.”

“Well, that’s fantastic. Just the thought of being an unplanned combat strength boosts my spirits.”

　Shrugging at Abel’s response, Al stepped forward with the Medium falling in line beside him.

　At last, the Medium let go of Abel’s sleeve.

　With his freed arm swinging, Abel took a small breath and turned to face the “Great Calamity.”

　And—

“—Talitta.”

“Ah…”

“If you wish to target my back, feel free. However, be cautious. — whether to follow fate or resist it, ultimately, you have no choice but to decide for yourself.”

　Without turning to look at Talitta, Abel, addressing her over his shoulder, advanced into the battlefield.

　The Medium and Al followed his lead.

“—”

　Talitta stood still, unable to move either forward or backward, merely watching the three depart.

　The words Abel had just spoken echoed repeatedly in her mind, almost as if to admonish her. She could easily nock an arrow to her bow and shoot it at Abel’s back—it felt that simple.

　But if it were easy to leap into such a simple narrative, Talitta wouldn’t be lost in her thoughts like this.

“Will I follow fate or resist it…? I…”

　Biting her lip tightly, Talitta bowed her head, suppressing the swell of heat rising within her.

　Even as she held her arrow aloft, she lacked the courage to voice what was choking her heart.

　In the relentless turmoil and roar around her in the crumbling Magic City, Talitta looked down.

　—Just as before, she would be swept away and laughed at by the stars.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

　Fiercely resisting the oncoming pitch-black darkness, a gale raged within Yorna’s chest.

　“—”

　With a smoking pipe in hand, she used the generated smoke to shield against the “Great Calamity’s” attacks and suppress its expansion.

　In between, she fired part of the city as cannonballs, seeking to inflict even the slightest damage on the “Great Calamity.”

　Repeating this cycle, she dedicated her mind and body to dealing with the shadows that could easily cost her life while managing to keep to any viable counters.

　However, such desolate actions couldn’t endure for long.

“—What is this weakness you’re showing?”

　Yorna rebutted, distorting her beautiful lips against the weakness creeping into her heart.

　No matter the effect, she had no intention of retracting her words spoken resolutely to Abel. This city belonged to Yorna, and all who lived in it were under her protection.

　For those with nowhere to turn, losing the last bastion was not an option—

“Uuuaaaah!”

“Child…!”

　Suddenly, a torrential downpour of black filth rained down towards Yorna. Before she could respond, a small shadow leapt forward, diving into her waist, and in the blink of an eye, the world transformed.

　In an instant, a feeling of vertigo seized Yorna’s head, but understanding she had been saved came immediately as she witnessed the earth beside her ravaged.

　The one who did it was a girl with golden hair tied in a ponytail and blue eyes—Rui.

　With her slender shoulders rising and falling rapidly, an adorable face colored with severity, Rui opened her round eyes wide in despair, glaring intently at the “Great Calamity.”

　However, she wasn’t staring at the “Great Calamity” itself but at what was within it.

“Don’t worry about that child.”

“Uwaah…!”

　Rui responded briefly to Yorna’s words and then dashed towards the “Great Calamity.”

　Then, Rui hopped around the upper area of the “Great Calamity”—there was essentially no head to the amorphous mass, but if it had one, she darted around the area it would encompass, trying to attract its attention.

　The nearly hundred shadowed hands targeting Rui’s small form unleashed one after another while she dodged it all and prevented any expanding damage. Rui’s contribution was unfathomable.

　If she wasn’t there, it was hard to believe Yorna and the city’s residents could hold back the “Great Calamity” alone. The thought sent chills down Talitta’s spine.

“Use it, girl!”

“Uwaah!”

　Supporting Rui’s ferocity were brambles extending from Kafma’s arms.

　His overwhelming crowd control with those brambles was effectively aiding Rui’s evasive actions. Naturally, whatever brambles he could not save would be consumed by the “Great Calamity,” but judging from Kafma’s serious demeanor, he seemed unaffected, and his unwavering support continued.

　Meanwhile, concealed by Rui’s, Kafma’s, and Yorna’s counterattacks, the residents of the Magic City were doing their utmost to resist the “Great Calamity,” albeit with minimal contribution.

　Those who ignited one eye in flames were under Yorna’s “Soul Marriage Technique,” enhancing their capabilities.

　Yet, there were limits and differences in individuals’ strengths regarding that enhancement.

　Above all, Yorna’s “Soul Marriage Technique” had a nature that favored the weaker.

　While it might allow the weak to face the strong, it wouldn’t make the strong fit to contend with those even stronger.

　That was determined by the quality of their souls, something Yorna couldn’t influence.

　Thus—

“—It’s only been a few minutes.”

　It felt like a profoundly and endless duration had passed, but only a few minutes had elapsed since the “Great Calamity” had engulfed the Crimson Lapis Castle, signaling the commencement of Yorna’s full-scale battle.

　Despite that, the exhaustion consuming Yorna’s group was far from trivial.

　In dire circumstances, one always remains conscious of potentially fatal injuries.

　That was the essential difference between true warriors and Yorna Mishigure, someone who had merely been granted power by chance.

　Against the “Great Calamity,” which true warriors could carve down, it would be unreasonable for her to think she was inherently blessed enough to readily seize a victory.

　That very self-awareness was Yorna Mishigure’s greatest strength as the mistress of the Magic City.

　And then—

“Uoryaah!”

　Amidst the beleaguered battlefield, a rallying cheer rang out as new forces were thrown into the fray.

　Indeed, calling it a throw seemed fitting for the energetic girl who charged in while wielding a brutish sword.

　With a lively presence just as she was, the girl’s entrance stirred the entire battlefield, including Yorna, into confusion.

　It was only natural. What could one little girl joining the battlefield change? She appeared to be nothing more than bravado gone awry—her courage potentially leading to her own doom.

　Even odder was that she wasn’t the sole strange intruder.

“Here we go, Medium! We’ve come to take part proudly!”

　This proclamation came from a masked man who landed behind the girl, shouldering an Azure Dragon Blade.

　He was one of the envoys who had visited the stronghold yesterday, but unlike then, he was now masked rather than in a helmet. Moreover, the way he bore the Azure Dragon Blade was bizarre.

　Somehow, he had pressed the blade closely against his neck, running the risk of accidentally slicing himself as he charged forward.

　Needless to say, their reckless arrival only served to puzzle the defenders.

　However, it seemed that the “Great Calamity,” which lacked a sense of will, showed no surprises at the sudden arrivals.

　Even so, it was strange that the “Great Calamity” sensed annoyance—it directed the majority of its shadowy tendrils not at Yorna or Rui but towards the charging girl.

　Yorna felt compelled to move protectively towards her, but—

“Right! Step on the foothold and leap! Hook your toes on the rubble and jump higher this time!”

“Uunrya!”

　Following the masked man’s shout, the girl cheered as she bounced.

　Complying with his directions, she leapt right, stepping on the rubble to jump ahead. As her feet reached the next rubble, she used the strength of her toes to launch herself up high.

　As she moved, the shadows chased her, seeking to ravage her.

　However, through sheer will, she managed to evade their onslaught.

“That’s…”

　This was a sight Talitta had seen yesterday when the envoys had joined in Yorna’s suggested duel; they were attacked by the Emperor—or rather, a figure masquerading as the Emperor.

　That masked man had effectively directed the necessary defenses against Kafma’s brambles and Roswaal’s attacks, guiding them seamlessly to safety. Even though he didn’t seem particularly gifted, he had saved the day.

　Perhaps he had remarkable intuition or some deeper reason behind his actions.

　Assuming it was the latter, Talitta couldn’t trace the exact nature of that reasoning.

　Regardless, the situation had evolved.

“Al! What’s next?”

“Don’t rush me; this requires focus! Hey, tattooed guy over there, help out! I’ll do the instructing! Interfere with his movements!”

“Not a chance! Why should I follow the orders of someone so suspicious?”

“Up above! Spread the brambles wide!”

“Mu!?”

　Responding to the girl’s command, the masked man—Al—called out to Kafma.

　Naturally, Kafma didn’t intend to follow some unknown entity, but the approaching black shadows proved it was not the time for squabbling.

　He quickly crouched down, raising his arms overhead, causing his brambles to spread wide to redirect the waves of shadows flowing towards him.

　Of course, the brambles couldn’t endure the full force of the encroaching shadows, but in the second he bought himself, Kafma avoided impending death.

　Darting into the gap, Kafma glared at Al, saying, “You…!”

“Can you read the movements of this ‘Great Calamity’?”

“Just a bit of history there. Are you interested in hearing about it now?”

“—If it’s to reduce damage, I have no choice. But should this turn out to be mere nonsense, I won’t forgive it!”

“To my surprise, you’re rather accommodating. I appreciate it.”

　Acknowledging the unexpected superiority of their position, Kafma recognized Al’s request as he stepped forward, smiling ruefully.

　He began issuing commands to the girl and Kafma, positioning the Azure Dragon Blade against his neck, and assumed a commanding role against the “Great Calamity.”

　Meanwhile—

“—Yorna Mishigure.”

“Master…”

　Amidst Al and the girl becoming an unexpected force, Yorna sought to step over the rubble toward the ogre-masked figure—Abel.

　Only minutes had passed since their last separation, yet he wasn’t the type to change his mind lightly.

　Truly, Yorna felt that the divide between herself and him was not something that could easily be forgiven with the passage of time.

　As those thoughts brewed uneasily within her—

“Has your head cooled enough to think about abandoning the Magic City and consider my earlier proposal?”

　Calmly and coldly, Abel cast the proposal he had previously discarded back towards Yorna.

　Of course, words expressing detached calm were hardly fitting in a situation charged with battle cries. As long as the circumstances remained unchanged, Yorna’s response wouldn’t change either.

　Engaging in pointless discourse felt futile; Yorna turned her back on the cold-blooded emperor.

“You said this is the last refuge for those with nowhere to go.”

“—”

“That sentiment into sentimentality hasn’t changed. However, allow me to correct your mistake.”

“Correct my mistake?”

　This unexpected remark halted Yorna in her tracks as she sought to return to the battle.

　There was no way she could misinterpret anything regarding the Magic City Chaos Frame. This was Yorna’s city, and all its residents were her beloved children.

　Therefore, Yorna held no misconceptions regarding that—

“What exactly do you assert I have misconceived?”

“Those who are forsaken and cling to this city do not cling to it; they cling to you.”

“—”

“The city stands as a symbol built upon the ruins of a devastated land and the wreckage of war. While the Crimson Lapis Castle is a symbol, the true symbol lies in the keep—namely, you.”

　Abel’s gaze sharpened once more, placing weight behind his assertion directed at Yorna.

　His powerful words reverberated in her ears, causing her cheeks to tauten.

　The logic made sense. Yet that was mere idealism.

　Although Yorna was the spiritual cornerstone for the residents of the Magic City, it was still a fact that when it rained, she needed a roof, and when they were hungry, they needed food.

　The city could prepare such necessities, yet Yorna could not provide for all of them.

“Or do you assume that if I’m there, they’ll endure hunger and won’t mind getting drenched by the rain?”

“—I would say yes; they would.”

“Wh-what…?”

“Do you view those under your wing as mere infants? Babies waiting to be soothed and nursed? — That perspective greatly differs from mine.”

　Yorna quietly gasped at Abel’s reply.

　Moments later, the sound of a thundering crash echoed from behind, fragments of rubble hurled by the “Great Calamity” enveloping the area, soaring towards Yorna and Abel. One of them struck just beside the ogre-masked figure, sending him sprawling into the dark.

“—”

　Exposed, Abel’s white visage, a trickle of blood bleeding over a grazed brow, remained unyieldingly stoic as he picked up his fallen mask and held it firmly.

　And in his true face, Abel—no, Vincent Volakia glared at Yorna.

“The common folk are foolish. They forget to push back until they feel pain, and if there’s no enemy, they won’t arm themselves. Not knowing how to unite without calamity, they turn away from the very thing they fear.”

“—”

“Yet that cowardly foolishness is what makes them who they are. The Empire binds its people with an iron-clad rule, while in the Magic City, it’s your existence that has discipled the people. Hence—”

　At that moment, he paused and shifted his gaze far away. Drawn along, Yorna’s gaze followed, and there, she could see the residents of the Magic City bearing the light of her love, fighting against the “Great Calamity.”

　They fought valiantly to protect the city, and their determination shined through.

　No—

“They would endure hunger and rain for you. They would choose to wait in hope for the sun to rise again, dreaming of fulfilling their longing with you.”

　Thus—

“Abandon the Magic City. Their path lies with you. Their only refuge is you.”

“—Ah.”

“Or do you lament that you cannot? That that desire of yours will never align, no matter how you struggle?”

　As he spoke, Abel wiped the blood from his brow with his sleeve and donned his mask anew.

　Once concealed behind the mask, the preceding words pressed deeply into Yorna’s heart, becoming a thorn that refused to dislodge.

　From the moment she read the letter, Yorna had realized Abel understood her desires.

　Yet, to bring it up here felt unbearably cold. And it was precisely that indifference which marked the traits expected from the current Emperor of Volakia.

　Thus, the plays he was making began to spin—

“What do you intend to do, abandoning the Magic City and fleeing from that ‘Great Calamity’? It may continue even if swallowed by this city.”

“Do you test me now, even at this point? You understand full well.”

　Yorna’s inquiry was met with a flick of Abel’s chin, aggravated in his response. What his gesture indicated was not the “Great Calamity” itself—nay, the source of its overwhelming force.

　That was the ruins of the Crimson Lapis Castle where the “Great Calamity” had emerged—

“We will do to the city what was done when we swallowed the castle. — Though the castle couldn’t be blown away, in the case of the Magic City you love, it will be a different matter.”

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“—”

　In the distance, a sharp black gaze surveyed the city-being devoured by the “Great Calamity.”

　Thanks to Yorna’s efforts to suppress the destruction, aided by Kafma, the residents, and the newly unforeseen forces, it seemed to be achieving results.

　But that wouldn’t last long.

　That was how overwhelming the threat of the “Great Calamity,” an embodiment of darkness, was.

　Perhaps, in ancient times, people witnessed such things and braced themselves for the world ending, leaving behind legends to recount the horror of survival.

　The embodiment of that was none other than the “Witch of Envy,” and the “Great Calamity” was interwoven with that.

　However—

“—The calamity that will destroy the Empire is another matter.”

“Indeed, indeed. Oh no, I didn’t anticipate such events; it makes me want to complain to the stars while forgetting my place.”

　A man—Vincent, stood casually against the backdrop of grandeur while a blue-robed “Star Reader” crouched beside him, sharing the same view.

　This man, who had joined them without warning, repeatedly stated, “Well, it’s all outside my jurisdiction!” seeking to evade responsibility.

　Yet, what one observes cannot lie, and this was one of the few virtues of the “Star Reader.”

　Since he boasted as such, it clearly indicated the disaster at hand differed from what the “Star Reader” had foreseen of the Empire’s destruction.

In summary—

“Ah, look who’s here! I thought I was going to lose it.”

“Oh, Orbaルト!”

　As Vincent squinted into thought, an elderly man appeared alongside him, responding with a nod as he heard his name called.

　Then, as the elder, Orbaルト, moved beside Vincent, the latter frowned.

“Where on earth did you lose your right arm?”

“Sharp as ever, my lord. Truth be told, I had my right hand hidden in your bosom… That would not be the least amusing joke, though. It was swallowed by that huge shadow.”

“I see. That must have been quite an intense experience.”

“Oh, indeed! It was so painful! At my age, I nearly cried out like a little brat. How embarrassing.”

　Waving his hand, severed beyond the wrist, Orbaルト jested.

　Vincent ignored the antics of Orbaルト and the “Star Reader,” refocusing on the battlefield.

　There, the “Great Calamity,” twisting amidst the ruins of Crimson Lapis Castle, was clashing against the city’s forces.

　By now, the strategies to counter that “Great Calamity” should have been communicated to Yorna.

　All that remains—

“Is it fine for you to be leisurely here, my lord?”

“Not at all.”

　Vincent calmly responded to Orbaルト’s questioning tone.

　It was Yorna’s role to communicate strategies and persuade people. In return, Vincent knew his own duties must also be fulfilled.

Thus—

“I have taken action. — As the Emperor of Volakia, Vincent Volakia, I will take the necessary steps.”