— “Moguro Hagane,” known as one of the “Nine Divine Generals.”

Only a select few in the Volakia Empire know that he is not truly a Steel Man.

The true Steel Men are beings born with their bodies composed of inorganic materials like minerals and metals, existing between human and object. Blade Metal Men, possessing metal parts in their bodies, are considered a derived species from the Steel Man and have many unknown aspects in their alien ecology.

While they may be rarer than Dragon People, the Steel Men stand apart from humans not just in appearance but also in mentality, easily overwhelming even Dragons in the difficulty of communication.

In some ways, they are more difficult to contact than spirits, which can converse if they possess the talent. Such is the Steel Man.

This is why Moguro, having risen to the position of the Empire’s foremost general and being considered more approachable than the troublesome others in the “Nine Divine Generals,” is recognized as an outcast among Steel Men.

However, the reality is different; Moguro merely exploits his appearance and the Steel Man’s inherent characteristics that avoid interaction, claiming to be one himself.

Because of Moguro Hagane’s true identity, Abel was certain.

—That Moguro is the greatest obstacle in this decisive battle aimed at conquering the imperial capital.

———

“———”

The shock enveloping his entire body launched him into the air, and he locked eyes with an overwhelmingly powerful presence.

As he was dealt another strike in quick succession, he finally accepted his fate, certain that he could not escape being scattered across the void. —Or so he thought.

“Cough—”

His lungs, shriveled to the limit, expanded painfully, awakening Heinkel’s consciousness.

As his fragmented awareness returned, the first sensation was the hard, large feeling supporting his back — the ground. The body that was supposed to be shattered in the air was lying on the dirt.

Recognizing this fact filled his head with confusion. Why? How? What had happened?

Yet, as his brain acknowledged that he was alive——

“The sword…”

His pain-ridden body lacked the feel of the sword grip in his hand. Instinctively, he reached for his waist with his opposite hand, but even the scabbard hung there was weightless.

Turning his neck, the deafening ringing in his ears rattled his brain, and Heinkel spotted the sword embedded diagonally into the ground not far from him, letting out a breath of relief.

Had it disappeared, had he lost it, an overwhelming anxiety surged, making every bit of him feel like a heart racing wildly——

“——Damn it.”

After enduring everything, he felt irritated that he was worried about losing the sword. That momentary shift in his heart seemed to symbolize how half-hearted he was.

“What’s…”

Increasing the reasons for his own self-hatred, Heinkel shook off his bitter emotions.

He wasn’t dead. He was alive. But that in itself was strange.

At that moment, Heinkel had locked eyes with a being that called itself one of the “Nine Divine Generals,” facing him with a clear murderous intent. —It had declared to kill him, unabashedly and straightforwardly.

Indeed, Heinkel had been launched into the air and was supposed to be scattered and killed from a single blow.

Why hadn’t that happened? Seeking the answer, his gaze turned around——

“——Huh?”

A stunned voice unintentionally escaped his lips.

But that was understandable. What he saw was so absurd. It was far, far too far from reality.

—The world split in two around Heinkel, illustrating different hells.

The right sky was enveloped by thick clouds made of fiery red flames in a scorching world.

The left sky showcased a massive figure draped in white clouds, spreading its wings as it gazed down at the frozen earth.

“A burning sky and a white dragon…”

Heinkel exclaimed in disbelief at the scene that should not exist. Perhaps, feeling that he hadn’t truly died was a mistake. He might have already passed away, which is why such a spectacle beyond this world was now before him.

“——”

Overwhelmed by a reality that exceeded acceptance, Heinkel’s thoughts became chaotic, longing for an escape.

What made him feel this way was that his whole body was suddenly covered by a black shadow while lying on the ground.

He could hardly believe that a second dragon had crossed right above him——

“Woahhhh—!?”

Looking up at the sky, Heinkel’s throat screamed as he laid eyes on the shadow’s true identity.

With tremendous speed, something that appeared to be a giant boulder flew overhead, whirling through the air — not just one or two.

Massive stones intended for siege fell one after another, speeding along from Heinkel’s feet towards his direction, accompanied by an ominous gale.

And what those stones were heading towards was——

“———”

A thunderous crash echoed through the realm as Heinkel felt the ground quake, likened to a cough.

The impacts continued to resonate, and he hurriedly pushed himself to stand.

The gigantic boulders that had been hurled had struck a singular colossal figure standing there, one that resembled a castle wall.

“… Moguro Hagane.”

Heinkel realized, with every fiber of his being, that this was one of the nine most feared entities in the Empire.

Almost losing consciousness, he desperately wished it was a mere optical illusion or a terrifying illusion conjured from fear. But neither was the case.

—Moguro stood there in physical form, a truly immense being, literally acting as the third vertex they were meant to conquer.

Literally, it was truly the case.

Could there exist a situation more accurately described as “literally”?

Rising onto his knees like a wall, the humanoid wall utilized the torn farmland and paved streets as its own arms and body, executing impossible defensive actions.

At its feet lay the golems Heinkel had desperately fought through, and as their heads high over his, the giant fists that descended felt as if the town itself was crashing down.

“———”

Giant rocks incessantly crashed against that giant form.

Those rocks, prepared from quarries on the way to the imperial capital, were formed from the cliffs of steep mountains.

And those were being thrown towards the towering Moguro by the residents from the Magic City Chaos Frame, who had been waiting for an opportunity to depart from the headquarters——

“——The subordinates of Yorna Mishigure.”

More specifically, the citizens that Yorna led in the chaotic magic city.

The eclectic medley of horned folk, lizardmen, beastmen, and multilegged races was markedly distinct, yet they were bound by the singularity that all possessed a burning crimson flame in one eye and maintained high morale.

This group, quite literally aflame with fighting spirit, was heaving immense boulders, flawlessly pitching them over tremendous distances.

However, as for whether the massive boulders were impacting Moguro, Heinkel doubted this assessment.

Of course, the boulders impacted the sections constituting the wall and farmland making up Moguro, causing destruction. However, those damaged portions were repaired again with the very materials from Moguro’s relentless form, which in turn perpetuated the attack.

From a distance, the futility of such attacks was palpable.

And yet, they did not cease their onslaught so simply. The reason was entirely straightforward. —As long as their assault kept Moguro’s movements at bay, the other rebels could charge forward with fervor.

“… Absurd.”

Heinkel had also heard that this third vertex was the weakest compared to others.

Yet that was before Moguro Hagane had risen and began blocking the way with everything it had. Still, the plan wasn’t updating at all; even the rebels who had retreated from different battlefields had regrouped, continuing to swell their forces.

Among them, it seemed were the people of the “Sewers of Shudrak” who had fought alongside Heinkel.

“Absurd.”

A more explicit sound of disbelief escaped from Heinkel.

Absurd. There was no other way to say it. What else could he possibly express? In a space where hell awaited at every direction—left, right, above, below, forward, backward.

What else could he say?

“Why, why are you all like this! Everyone! You’re all out of your minds!!”

Noticing, Heinkel grabbed onto his sword driven into the ground.

Entrusting his weight to the hilt perched upon the dirt, he gritted his teeth, battling against his trembling knees. Everyone was out of their senses. He couldn’t comprehend their mentality.

After all, it was impossible. Impossible and impossible—it was nothing but impossibility.

“Incredible——”

Weakly leaning against the sword, Heinkel felt his throat shake gently.

All around him, flames, dragons, titans rattled the world. Were they truly to accuse him of being at fault for not being able to stand against it?

If that’s the case——

“I…”

Just as Heinkel murmured those words, a sound of light hoofbeats echoed. A speedy chestnut horse dashed past Heinkel.

The wind from the galloping steed whipped Heinkel’s red hair, bringing him to look up.

And——

“———”

For a moment, Heinkel locked eyes with a man boasting a round hairstyle atop the charging horse.

Ziqru Osman. Acting as Abel’s right hand in directing the rebels from the headquarters, he himself was a traitor who had turned against the Volakia Empire while being one of the “Generals.”

Declaring that he was unworthy to wield a sword himself, and as Heinkel perceived, the man indeed possessed incredible skills which made him quite formidable.

—As he passed by, he left behind a disdainful look, condescendingly observing Heinkel kneeling.

“I can’t…”

Ziqru galloped onward, past the kneeling Heinkel.

Following Ziqru’s heroic figure, the assorted rebels gathered from every battlefield pressed forward, charging towards the wall that was Moguro Hagane.

Watching all this, Heinkel remained rooted to the spot, unable to move.

He couldn’t move——

“… After all, I can’t do this, Ruanna.”

———

As Ziqru Osman passed the red-haired swordsman defeated in spirit on the battlefield, a sense of sympathy surged through him, observing that it was merely following the natural laws of existence.

Priscilla Barielle, the crimson woman who brazenly supported this rebellion. The swordsman joining her in battle was likely not even from the Volakia Empire.

For him, forcing the citizens of the Empire to stand strong was exceedingly cruel.

“I can’t even claim to adhere to that ideal.”

Clutching his sword, swaying upon his faithful steed, Ziqru spoke self-deprecatingly.

While he adorned himself in bravado, he had only attained the position of General by riding on the stature accumulated by his predecessors in the Osman house.

Had Ziqru not been born into a military family, it would have been impossible for him to stand amongst the soldiers just like the rest.

This wasn’t to lament. Of course, Ziqru was a man of the Empire.

He harbored aspirations to stand in the frontlines, swinging his sword and altering the outcome of battles just like the “Nine Divine Generals.”

Yet, just as none could take Ziqru’s role, he couldn’t weave those aspirations into reality for himself.

Therefore——

“——I am the second General of the Empire, Ziqru Osman, ‘The Coward’!!”

He boldly raised his voice, charging through the dramatically changing battlefield atop his steed.

More often than not, Lady, his trusty steed, kept pace during gentle gallops for expeditions or strolls; however, at this moment, attuning to Ziqru’s will, she displayed the finest run of her life.

Ziqru could only admire the courageous gallop, entirely free of fear and anxiety.

That radiant display at Lady’s unprecedented speed ignited fires in the hearts of rebels, spurring them on to follow suit.

“Right wing, Light Men! Left wing, Blade Men! Everyone, move per instructions! The rest, follow my lead! We shall strike down ‘Steel Man’ Moguro Hagane!”

“Ohhh—!!”

At Ziqru’s command, assembled forces roared before charging towards Moguro. Enormous boulders flew overhead — reinforcements from the volunteers who admired Yorna.

If those drew Moguro’s focus, any slightest disturbance in the coordination of the stone golems would provide an opportunity for Ziqru’s charge to make its impact, fulfilling the purpose.

“Shoot—!!”

A valiant battle cry echoed from the distance as a volley of arrows pierced through the stone golems standing in their way, nailing them to the ground.

The forces responsible for the onslaught — the “People of Shudrak,” already having distanced themselves under Ziqru’s orders, demonstrated overwhelming firepower through their archery alongside the rebel sharpshooters.

Advancing forward alongside the elegant and noble women whose support surged forth, everything seemed too good to be true, causing Ziqru to grit his teeth.

“If one speaks of things going well, that blessing is—”

With a glance upon the gripped sword, Ziqru barely allowed a smirk to curl upon his lips.

Just before embarking, he received a blessing from a girl, lovely yet infused with a distant elegance residing in her gaze — as though she had experienced eons beyond Ziqru’s imagination, he had implored her earnestly.

There was no denying that nerves had rattled him.

Simply recalling the role he had to fulfill amplified Ziqru’s desire for that blessing. Should it raise the odds even slightly, he naturally found his mind leaning toward superstition.

“Second General Ziqru! Please fall back! This is all we need!!”

“Don’t be ridiculous! There is no retreat! No room to fall back! I’m going in too!!”

“——!”

Shaking his head at the cries from the soldier zonking beside him, Ziqru was not about to relinquish his role.

His subordinates briefly seemed like they’d say something but chose not to impede his resolve any further. Grateful for their concern, he gripped the reins tight, tighter still.

“Ha! ‘The Womanizer’ Ziqru Osman is joining the frontlines!”

Just then, a figure sprinting alongside them, matching the gallop of the swift steed, caught up. It was Jamal Aurelie, a dual-wielding soldier with an eye patch.

Captured during the siege of the castle city, Jamal had since been brought under Ziqru’s command thanks to his intense loyalty toward Emperor Vincent Volakia.

“Jamals, Cadet, how’s it feel?”

“Awesome! To the right, to the left, everywhere I look, it’s filled with enemies! This is getting fun!”

“Ah, quite splendid. A pride of the Empire. I aim to shove Moguro down from his ‘throne,’ so you with me?”

“Sure! Shall I make a pathway for you?”

With a wild grin, Jamal sped up, overtaking Lady’s speed, diving straight toward the stone golem formation.

While chasing after that back, Ziqru was both heartened by Jamal’s bravery and felt guilt in dragging him along—yet, such hesitation was promptly cast aside.

Fulfilling necessary roles in necessary moments was paramount.

It was what Ziqru himself had yearned to do.

And then——

“Your Excellency, do as you will.”

Ziqru prayed just as the incidence occurred simultaneously.

———

At the Crystal Palace atop the Imperial Capital Rupugana, the magic crystal shone.

———

During this decisive battle for the imperial capital, several factors changed the design that Abel had envisioned.

One was Priscilla’s presence, who engaged in battle at the first vertex where Yorna Mishigure had headed.

One was Otto, displaying the ability to gather detailed intelligence using his blessing.

One was Garfiel, who had not only stalemated with Kafma Ilurukusu but had achieved his defeat.

One was Emilia, who angered Madelin Eshault unexpectedly and summoned the “Cloud Dragon.”

However, these events had merely made slight adjustments to the painting Abel had crafted rather than significantly altering its completion.

If a star-shaped wall defending the imperial capital could breach just one of the five vertices, there still remained a plan for victory, despite the other vertices being in a stalemate.

Yet while he drew those designs, there remained an unshakable factor: Moguro Hagane—no, the Crystal Palace, the core of the Volakia Empire, presided over by “Meteor.”

The Crystal Palace, renowned across the world for its beauty, was constructed with ultra-pure magic crystals among the magical stones, and the palace itself serves as a weapon to combat external threats.

The reserves of mana stored within the palace amplify through the magical crystals located throughout the building and are released from the “Magical Crystal Cannon” placed on the topmost level.

Its power is said to wipe entire cities off the map, having been used hundreds of years ago against the “Great Calamity,” as the legends recount.

Since then, the Magical Crystal Cannon had been deemed a relic of legends. Once it was confirmed that an actual one existed, it had been maintained for operational capability, recovering its terrifying might.

Ironically, this Magical Crystal Cannon was now directed toward Abel himself. As long as this weapon existed, the battlefield of the imperial capital could easily be turned upside down.

Therefore, it was imperative to ensure that this Magical Crystal Cannon was fired.

Not as a definitive strike to change the battle’s outcome, but as part of a predetermined casualty.

And for that——

“——Ziqru Osman, you did not withdraw, did you?”

As Ziqru galloped toward the third vertex of the battlefield, Abel muttered that.

Ziqru had choices. He could retreat from the conflicts at the other vertices to command the regrouped rebels and raise their morale, directing them against Moguro’s massive form while he left the frontlines.

However, Abel had a hunch that he would not choose that.

It could be due to Ziqru’s cautiousness, fearing that even the slightest possibility of success was lost; or perhaps because he was one of the Empire’s soldiers who believed in being brave.

Abel had no way of measuring which it was.

Nonetheless, regardless of what reason led to Ziqru’s decision, Abel would not seek to impede it.

Ziqru’s life-and-death status was also pivotal to the painting Abel had sculpted.

To speak heavily, the painting could ultimately influence even the life and death of Abel himself.

“——Scout reports! The Magical Crystal Cannon is ready to fire!”

“———”

“Targeting the third vertex!!”

A voice like thunder reverberated through the headquarters, confirming that Abel’s plan had come to fruition.

The Magical Crystal Cannon would be fired. It would sweep across the battlefield beyond the third vertex—that is, where Moguro’s structure became the battlefield, obliterating the rebels in one fell swoop.

Even should this happen, as long as the Crystal Palace housing Moguro’s true form stood unaffected, they could never defeat “Steel Man” Moguro Hagane nor breach the third vertex.

Yet, the Magical Crystal Cannon that could overturn any situation would be lost to the imperial capital.

Everything was planned with that in mind.

Therefore——

“——An anomaly has been detected in the firing line of the Magical Crystal Cannon!!”

“…What?”

—The report of the situation occurring right when the plan was set fell entirely outside Abel’s calculations.

———

During this decisive battle for the imperial capital, several elements altered the design Abel had envisioned.

One was Priscilla’s presence at the first vertex where Yorna Mishigure had headed.

One was Otto, showcasing the ability to gather detailed intelligence using his blessing.

One was Garfiel, who had achieved a defeat instead of a stalemate with Kafma Ilurukusu.

One was Emilia, who roused Madelin Eshault and compelled her to summon the “Cloud Dragon.”

And——

“——This is absurd.”

Far beyond Moguro’s giant form, now writhing to become a wall, stood the Crystal Palace nestled deep within the beloved capital of the Volakia Empire.

The top of the beautiful palace held secrets known to only a select few, including the fact that it was a weapon—a truth only revealed upon hearing it from Abel’s mouth, not even generals were aware of the Magical Crystal Cannon’s existence.

Supposedly capable of tearing apart the very ground and completely dismantling the battlefield, the precious cannon was to be fired, yet Ziqru Osman had risked his life to ensure that it failed.

Racing forward on the frontlines upon his steed, rallying everyone with confidence in their odds, urging the rebels into a frenzy, he had drawn the cannon’s aim upon himself.

All was meant to ensure that this moment was the optimal opportunity to make a decisive shift in the battle, persuading others mistakenly of its significance.

Thus, as the tip of the palace began to shimmer, Ziqru felt triumphant.

Visions of his mother, sister, and the women vital in crafting his identity danced through his mind, eliciting a smile all the more genuine.

An exceedingly beautiful prayer meant to carry him through death, an end he had wished to greet with tranquility transformed into sheer astonishment before Ziqru’s wide-open eyes.

Because——

“——Lady Beatrice?”

———

“I thought something like this might happen,” Beatrice murmured as she surrendered to free fall, her dress and long tresses dancing with the air.

Upon seeing Ziqru, who had come seeking warrior blessings, face Beatrice, she sensed that he intended to throw his life away.

Four hundred years ago, multitudes bore eyes like his in the ceaseless chaos of that era.

Back then, Beatrice hadn’t helped them. Some didn’t desire that assistance, while others lacked the knowledge of how to extend aid.

Even if that era were to repeat itself, Beatrice couldn’t envision herself offering any better approach to them.

She knew she’d likely relive that same powerlessness, letting them march towards death.

But that does not mean——

“——Today cannot be a reason for doing the same thing.”

“Ah—uh!”

Beatrice’s symbolically attuned eyes focused forward, accented by a distinctive pattern. Just behind her, small arms enveloped her shoulders from behind.

The girl with golden hair and blue eyes was indeed not forgiven by Beatrice.

It was a fact that her unforeseen actions had brought misfortune upon many.

However, in this moment only, she felt so.

Only in this moment, she thought to trust in the feelings of Natsuki Subaru, beyond his “sweetness.”

“———”

Beatrice and the girl—Lui—were now hovering high above the castle walls.

By some method, having executed short-distance teleportation continuously, Lui demonstrated her presence, having brought Beatrice into this space.

Previously, Lui had validated her standing.

Therefore, it was Beatrice’s turn to respond to that act.

“I can picture everyone fuming at me.”

Whether it’s anger or anxiety, it’s definitely a face filled with discontent.

Those endearing faces of her comrades swirled in her mind, and Beatrice’s lips softened slightly.

Yet, the option of not taking action did not exist. After all, Beatrice was——

“Beatrice is, Subaru’s partner!”

As she whispered that instant, the stunning entirety of the magnificent palace beforehand gleamed brilliantly, allowing a strident burst of light capable of reshaping the world to zoom unerringly toward the ground, striking down on the rebels.

It swallowed Ziqru who raced at the forefront while bringing forth overwhelming destruction in one devastating strike—— intercepting the light, Beatrice clasped her hands before her chest.

And——

“——Al Shamak.”

——— The rift to another world, swallowing even the radiance that changed worlds, opened and closed.

———

How many truly grasped that instantaneous turn of events?

In reality, the consequences had been playing out precisely as Abel envisioned; if surpassed their anticipated thresholds, the damages would be extensive, and the impact on those fighting at the other vertices could hardly be calculated.

Nonetheless, the calamity meant to be wrought by the Magical Crystal Cannon did not emerge as Ziqru Osman, resolved to meet death, plunged headfirst into a melee with a throng of stone golems.

The Cloud Dragon Mezoleia’s emergence and the battle that continued with Madelin were ongoing; the “Malicious Old Man” Orubart almost cornered Garfiel.

The “Vivid Colors” Yorna and Priscilla were embroiled in fierce confrontations with the “Spirit Eater” Arakia, determined to break through and seize control of the battlefield, with Otto and Petra scheming, facing madness alongside Medium.

There were no significant shifts in those battles.

However, the possibility of them tipping heavily into disadvantage was nullified.

That monumental achievement extracted——

“Uah! A-aah! Aaaah!!”

As Rui hugged the girl falling through the air, becoming faint, the existence of that girl began to thin.

It was the spectacle of a girl’s form gradually turning insubstantial. Rui sought to embrace her, Beatrice, desperately but futilely.

It appeared as if Beatrice’s body shouldered the burdens into the illuminating light.

“Aah! Aah, ahh!”

Screaming in tones of anguish, Rui fought against the unfolding scene before her.

No matter how much she lamented and shrieked, the existence of Beatrice’s disintegration continued unabated.

To save numerous lives, she had catapulted herself into the void.

At the cost of such vast power, Beatrice’s essence fractured and scattered. Even as Rui reached out to the scattering light and clawed at it, it continued to slip away.

“Aah……!!”

Tears brimmed in Rui’s eyes as she wailed, her widened azure gaze filled with anguish.

She cried, cried, and amidst the helplessness realized there was nowhere else to turn, she shouted.

So desperately did she shout, shriek, and lament——.

“——Huh?”

At last, as a large tear splashed through the air, Rui turned her gaze toward the expanse ahead.

In that moment, as she held on to Beatrice, not looking upon the girl set to vanish, nor the white-saturated sky or the red-stained sky, nor the cacophony of screams from myriad below, she simply forgot everything that formed this battlefield, staring into the distance.

And then she leapt forward.

“U——!”

In midair, the reach of her jumps typically stayed around ten meters, and continuously executing them strained her insides, yet she wouldn’t mind.

With every heaviness Beatrice would feel, Rui jumped.

She jumped, and leaped, and leaped again—jumping and jumping and——

“———”

When she landed clumsily on the earth, disregarding the fatigue flowing through her body, Rui held aloft the incomprehensibly light girl.

Presently, displaying Beatrice, who was becoming intermittent.

And——

“Whoa…”

“——I get it. You two are being way too reckless.”

A sound resembling a laugh escaped, as Rui felt Beatrice lift gently from her outstretched arms. —No, it wasn’t that she was taken away. Rather, she was kindly and tenderly embraced.

Then, descending before the knelt Rui, Beatrice’s body was gathered into the warmfolds of a dark-haired boy.

Enfolding her gently, with care and love, the boy’s generous embrace caused Beatrice, who had accomplished her significant task, to tremble, slowly opening her eyelids.

Soon after, her eyes, adorned with such characteristically pronounced patterns twinkled——

“——You’re making everyone worry.”

“Ah, I love you too.”

In an intimate hushed tone, the fervent reply met with a proud profound affection, the hands meant to be joined intertwined.

Witnessing that bond happen front and center, Rui let out a soft breath, finding solace as the boy grinned.

Smirking, he declared, “Alright, let’s kick this off. —Destiny, bring it on!”

“`

 

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