— A fierce battle unfolding in the Imperial Capital Rupugana, reaching its climax at various locations.

A dragon shrouded in clouds descended from the snowy sky, as blazing flames painted the air like chaotic thunderclouds. The stone figures clashed with soldiers, their desperate expressions reflecting the intensity of the conflict, crashing against the crumbled walls as mightily as a beast’s strong arm against cunning malice, the battle tilted back and forth, warping the situation further.

However, at this moment, this very second, the main focus of the battlefield lay deep within the Imperial Capital — the white light emanating from the castle known as the Crystal Palace, the most beautiful castle in the world.

It was the magical crystal, used throughout the entire castle — a crystallized form of purer mana amongst magical stones, amplifying the stored mana as it swept through the targets, a strategic weapon known as the Magical Crystal Cannon.

Indeed, it was the trump card of the Crystal Palace, the mightiest artillery possessed by the Volakia Empire. On this battlefield, a single shot could possibly determine the outcome of the conflict.

First of all, very few knew of the existence of this Magical Crystal Cannon.

Naturally, there was Abel, who held the Emperor’s throne, and Ziqru Osman, who had been informed of the plan. Then there was Priscilla Barielle, who would have had no trouble knowing beforehand, and a very limited number of individuals on the Rebel Army side.

It was likely similar on the side of the Imperial Capital. The false Emperor Vincent Volakia leading the rebellion, along with his Chancellor, Belstet Fondalfon. And even Moguro Hagane, who was the Crystal Palace itself — it was hidden from even the “Nine Divine Generals.”

And then,

“—The Magical Crystal Cannon’s remaining shots are limited to three, but on this battlefield, it can only be fired once.”

That was Abel’s estimation, and therefore it was shared within his consciousness with Vincent as well.

Various factors intertwined, but the Magical Crystal Cannon served as the trump card for national defense in every sense. A reckless act of depleting its remaining shots was something that could hardly be deemed usable, considering future implications.

Of course, if Vincent were to act recklessly, disregarding all future consequences and decided to exhaust everything on this battlefield, that would be another matter.

“You would not be reckless enough to do something like that.”

What would he call such resolved conviction? Abel dared not ponder.

Yet, his conviction, a confirmed one, was not cut off. Abel laid down the battlefield. And he chose to trigger the guaranteed firing of the Magical Crystal Cannon, which could only fire once.

That intention was drawn out by the valuable force of Ziqru and his highly motivated soldiers, as well as the “decoy” consisting of the various tribes.

“—The elites will act as decoys. The enemy cannot disregard them.”

And so, the Magical Crystal Cannon was aimed at the battlefield, which was seen as unfavorable to their position, held by Moguro.

The disadvantageous aspect of the Magical Crystal Cannon, which could cause immense harm to allies, need not be considered on Moguro’s battlefield. The stone figures scattered across the field were all mere extensions of Moguro; even the enormous Moguro integrated into the castle was not the main body.

Thus, the intentions of both sides converged, and the unleashed Magical Crystal Cannon was supposed to annihilate a group of rebels, while also erasing the reason for the rebels’ retreat in futility. —That was the plan.

“—”

In an instant, the black light that swallowed the released white light was witnessed by the vast majority on the battlefield.

What did that signify? Where did the tremendous impact of the Magical Crystal Cannon vanish without causing any damage? Was it the action of an enemy or an ally?

Countless thoughts flitted about in the void created, leaving everyone dumbfounded and motionless.

An occurrence outside expectation; not even Abel at the rebel command post was exempt from its shock.

He too, transfixed by the phenomenon that was unforeseen, created a brief moment of mental vacuity — albeit he was quicker to recover than anyone else.

Who was it? How, and to where? All these remained unknown, but—

“—As planned, launch it!”

If the situation could be tackled better than anticipated, that was ideal.

Usually, making the correct judgment on the battlefield is not as necessary as making rapid decisions — and updating the unfolding events based on those decisions to transform them into the correct judgments.

With his gaze diverted away from the battlefield, where the white light was expected to sweep away foes, Abel commanded. At his words, the soldiers in the command post, who were stiffened, widened their eyes and lowered their gazes.

To the multiple eyes that couldn’t hide their agitation, Abel responded with his black eyes over his demon mask.

“Launch immediately! Issue the commands! If delayed, it will lead to Ziqru Osman’s death!”

“—!”

“Move swiftly!”

“Yes—!!”

The soldiers around in the command post were all Ziqru’s committed subordinates.

Originally, the operation was devised with Ziqru’s life taken into account. However, it was somewhat empty to bring up Ziqru’s life; nevertheless, the soldiers quickly swallowed this notion and moved into action.

Here, more than Abel’s decisiveness, it was the culmination of the trust Ziqru had built up.

“The death squad did not fulfill their duty. However, that does not mean to let up, Ziqru Osman. If you survive, you still have a role to play.”

In the distance, in the third peak defending the Imperial Capital, an unprecedented clash occurred, led by Ziqru as he rallied the People of Shudrak and each tribe in combat.

The battlefield had turned into a true contest of power, pushing against Moguro, a battle where strength derived its rightful expression.

While observing that unpredictable struggle from afar, Abel touched his demon mask and murmured.

“—Inevitably, my turn shall be upon me soon.”

As Abel whispered, the soldiers under his command launched the magical stone cannon into the sky.

It marked the progress of the situation and was a return courtesy from the Imperial Capital for having unveiled the trump card, proving that the rebel army had also cast out their trump card.

As he caught sight of that light, Abel directed his gaze beyond the third peak—

“—Who are you that seeks to change the board from the west?”

△▼△▼△

“—Well, well.”

From the highest layer of the Crystal Palace, Belstet Fondalfon gazed at the distant battlefield, his aged throat trembling slightly.

The Empire’s Chancellor, who rarely revealed his emotions, showed an expression of confusion that caused not a little shock to the guards beside him.

“—”

Feeling the soldiers’ gazes on his profile, Belstet rapidly tightened his cheek.

To appear weak would be to invite disdain in the Empire. Even if the surroundings thought otherwise, if he personally succumbed to that thought, he wouldn’t be able to stand tall. That was the way of the Volakia Empire.

Belstet himself upheld the way the Volakia should undeniably be.

“Of course, knowing the enemy would be planning some countermeasures with an attack on the Imperial Capital is only logical…”

Steeling his mind, Belstet faced the events that had transpired head-on.

What rolled off his lips were thoughts regarding the recent event—the one shot of the Empire’s trump card, the Magical Crystal Cannon, ended up a strike into the void.

Only a very few knew of the existence of the Magical Crystal Cannon, deemed a state secret even within the Empire.

However, with the real Emperor Vincent Volakia on the other side, the secret surrounding the existence of the Magical Crystal Cannon had become utterly meaningless. Yet, even knowing it existed, there was inherently no way to guard against it, marking its extraordinary power and value.

Therefore, Belstet speculated that Vincent would either avoid the decision on the clash of the Imperial Capital or maneuver his forces in a manner that would not expose them to the Magical Crystal Cannon.

But Vincent had taken part in this battlefield, and moreover had seized control of the unruly rebels’ command, beginning to pull the strings. Most likely, this was a desperate strategy to push forces destined to be sacrificed into the line of fire of the Magical Crystal Cannon.

In that case, seeking maximum efficiency, Belstet aimed the Magical Crystal Cannon at the third peak.

The battlefield where the rebels’ forces were most concentrated, where his allies would suffer the least damage — this was probably Vincent’s intention to have it shot. However, that did not change the fact that the opponent would be facing hardship.

Devouring what was laid out for him, he would crush the enemy’s schemes with the power of the “Nine Divine Generals.” —With such thoughts in mind, he sought permission from the other Vincent on the throne.

And then—

“If our ingenious schemes dissipate, it will be purely a difference in military strength. —Do it.”

Having reached agreement with Vincent, Belstet ignited the Magical Crystal Cannon.

Unerringly, the vast destructive power unleashed soared straight toward the battlefield, destined to vaporize many valiant warriors standing in its path and transport them to another realm.

Thus, he believed that the outcome of the battle would hinge on the Magical Crystal Cannon sweeping through the rebel forces, and then actions taken after the battlefield was reset—

“Will the damage from the Magical Crystal Cannon be entirely negated?”

Reflecting on the achievement that had revived the Magical Crystal Cannon sealed within the Crystal Palace, he did not even consider that Vincent might possess some means to counterbalance it.

The art of keeping hidden cards hidden to the point of near impossibility was truly Vincent’s method. While regretting the fact that he was ensnared, a boil began to rise within Belstet.

More than anything, he thought. —How regrettable.

“Your Excellency, I sincerely lament this.”

Within the Volakia Empire, where the strong were revered, the disposition of Vincent, who reigned over the Empire with cunning rather than violence, was a mix of boredom and terror.

In evaluating the political maneuvers that prevented great upheaval, a part of him admired it, while simultaneously he bore disdain. Still, he held no dissatisfaction in serving Vincent.

As long as he fulfilled the Emperor’s duty, he would protect the glory of the Volakia Empire.

“What will you do when you return, Your Excellency…?”

Returning to the throne, executing all who conspired against him, what would become of the Empire afterward? Would he maintain the same condition of the Empire as before and again abandon the duty of the Emperor?

If that were deemed acceptable, then even a remarkable Emperor should not occupy the throne.

“—Prepare the next Magical Crystal Cannon.”

The ammunition of the Magical Crystal Cannon was finite; it was not permissible to exhaust it here.

Nonetheless, if a change in the situation was warranted, Belstet would exert all his powers. However, if the opposing side possessed two trump cards capable of negating the Magical Crystal Cannon, he could not make the same misstep.

Until he comprehended that, he could not initiate.

“—! Chancellor Belstet! That over there!”

Suddenly, one of the soldiers standing beside Belstet raised his voice.

Following the soldier’s gaze, they spotted a gleam from the sky far behind the battlefield — likely from the main base of the rebels.

Some form of signal.

Amidst the battlefield painted in white and red, it appeared exceedingly delicate, but for those waiting for the arrival of the signal, it held sufficient effectiveness.

“Signal…”

Through his excessively narrow eyes, Belstet began to assess the opponent’s intentions.

Following the shot of the Magical Crystal Cannon, they’d intended to act, too. If that were the case, the signal might be an instruction to the soldiers at the front. However, if they meant to inform the soldiers fighting at the forefront, that signal seemed far too unreliable.

Thus, the target of communication was not the soldiers at the frontline, but—

“—Reserve forces.”

Simultaneously, Belstet began to deliberate.

With the majority of the rebel forces already rampaging on the battlefield and being crushed by the power of the “Nine Divine Generals,” one wondered what sort of forces could still function as reserve forces.

Reserve forces weren’t merely pieces being held in reserve.

They ought to be the trump card that could decisively change the situation. Naturally, it stood to reason that they should possess suitable decisiveness.

What kind of forces could possibly be considered? —As he thought about it, Belstet opened his keen eyes to the west.

“Could it be…?”

Muttering softly, before Belstet’s eyes, a shadow slowly emerged from the western sky — a multitude of flying dragons with sprawling wings, behaving as sovereigns of the sky.

Flying dragons certainly thrived within the Volakia Empire, but wielding them required a unique technique and the talent of a handler to command. They belonged to the leading noble with tremendous striking power, boasting the highest number of dragons serving under him.

In the battle for the Imperial Capital, it was a junior duke who had refused to come forth to quell his territory’s upheaval and instead wielded the strongest flying dragon squad of the Empire—

“—Duke Selena Dracloy, I see.”

From the sky, the flock of flying dragons approached, and upon discovering a dragon ship hoisting crimson sails like flames, Belstet grasped the threat posed by the reserve forces prepared by the rebel army.

In terms of commanding flying dragons, there was also Madelin Eshault, one of the “Nine Divine Generals,” within their ranks. Before her, all flying dragons would bow to her will. —However, only those connected through the technique of “dragon weaving.”

“Nevertheless, merely vying for dominion over the skies would find us evenly matched. No, if she’s summoned the ‘Cloud Dragon’ Mezoleia, that would change everything.”

Although the impact of the Magical Crystal Cannon had left its mark, Belstet was not negligent in grasping the battlefield’s status.

Amidst the tremendous fights raging across the five peaks, alien and unimaginable clashes colored the skies, among which a formidable dragon would soon descend.

Madelin, a dragonborn, could summon her descendant “dragon.”

Having never called forth the “Cloud Dragon” Mezoleia onto the ground, her calling it would undoubtedly bring about significant changes in the war’s tide.

Of course, the backdrop of her summoning Mezoleia also contained the likelihood of being cornered and thus, no situation permitted any assumptions to be made.

“Regardless, should the contention for airspace solely among flying dragons ensue…”

In terms of both quantity and quality, Belstet perceived they possessed superiority.

The cunning Duke Selena Dracloy, as a female decision-maker with an exciting flair, instilled a fire within the Volakia men; it was to bounce back from the sentiment she might have erred—

“—?”

As he contemplated, gazing towards the west, Belstet suddenly realized.

He had been so focused on the approaching flock of flying dragons that he hadn’t noticed another change taking place in the west.

—Upon the western hills, there appeared a newly unfolding group, which became evident upon close inspection.

For a moment, it was presumed to be the forces under Duke Dracloy’s command, but Belstet quickly reassessed his thoughts.

The reasoning was simple; it was the flag being hoisted by that group.

It was neither the emblem of the wounded flying dragon of Duke Dracloy’s crest nor the wolf emblem pierced by the sword of the Volakia Empire, but a completely different flag being displayed.

Contemplating what it could be, Belstet remarked slightly.

“—Is that… a star?”

△▼△▼△

“Hey, brother, what do we do!? We are totally lagging behind!”

“Shut up, you lizard bastard… Schwarz is in the middle of something…!”

“It is undeniably ‘in the middle,’ yet Hiaine has a point. What do we do? Do we simply join the rebels’ ranks?”

“Whoa, can you see that, Boss? Everything’s in chaos, it’s like the decisive battle of the century! I’m so hyped up about where we’re heading next!”

“Geez, shut up!! We’re in the midst of a super emotional scene here!?”

The familiar voices flooded in like a wild wave, and Natsuki Subaru, feeling a pang of anxiety as he increasingly resonated with Natsuki Schwarz, shouted them down.

That said, “Natsuki Schwarz” was still merely an alias; his true name was “Natsuki Subaru,” and being called by his name made him strongly aware of it.

Most importantly—

“Are you talking about me when you use that name?”

“Wow, wow! Wow, wow, wow!”

“I get it! I got it, so quit rubbing your snot on me! Gross!”

The blonde girl clinging onto him—Lui—pressed her face against him, and Subaru found himself besieged by her tears and snot, responding as such.

Still, the reason he couldn’t wholeheartedly shake her off was the immense debt of gratitude he owed her for what she had done.

He had done far too many things for which he could never repay her.

He could convince himself that it was unavoidable, but—

“If I do that, I lose the right to face you. So I will make sure to handle this properly.”

“Uh…”

Clinging to Subaru’s back, Lui pressed her forehead against him as she groaned.

Whether that was her own way of accepting him or showing joy at their reunion, there seemed to be no negative feelings swirling in her emotions, and Subaru exhaled a breath of relief.

Not only did he need to apologize to Lui, there were countless things for which he still had to express his gratitude.

Most notably—

“—Beatrice.”

He softly called out the name of the girl he tightly embraced and gently stroked her voluminous hair. With its incredible volume and elegant dress, the girl, completely out of place on the battlefield, looked as if she was here entirely for Subaru from multiple perspectives.

Just barely, she had performed something that could have caused her disappearance, surely for his sake.

So—

“—Subaru.”

Her lips called out his name, and Subaru savored the relief washing over him.

After all, his name was “Natsuki Subaru,” and this reaffirmation brought back that reality.

“—Is it alright, Schwartz-sama?”

“Whoa, what!?”

As he indulged in relief, an unexpected whisper hit his ear, making him jump. Turning, he found the familiar, cute face of Tanzer.

The deer-girl clad in a kimono held her usual blank expression, as she sat down and cradled Beatrice, while also looking at Subaru, who had Lui clinging to his back.

“While I apologize for interrupting your celebratory moment, I believe Hiaine-sama’s words are not without merit. We are running out of time, aren’t we?”

“Running out of time sounds a little harsh…”

“You are indeed running out of time.”

“Sorry, sorry, my bad! …I get where you’re coming from, Tanzer. We likely need to find Yorna somewhere over this battlefield.”

Being scolded in such a cool, stern tone from Tanzer, Subaru accepted his fault as he understood. Tanzer slightly furrowed her round brows and murmured, “Yes.”

Having unexpectedly joined Subaru on the journey, Tanzer was originally a follower of Yorna Mishigure, the ruler of the Magic City Chaos Frame.

While holding back her strong urge to reunite with Yorna, she stayed to accompany Subaru on his journey, and now they stood on the brink of reunion.

In such a thrilling context, if Subaru embraced the moment of reunion, it was only natural she would want to speak up too.

However—

“…Subaru, what’s with this sassy deer girl?”

In Subaru’s arms, Beatrice squirmed and gazed up at Tanzer, voicing her dissatisfaction. Instantly, Tanzer’s gaze shifted towards Beatrice.

“My name is Tanzer. I have been assisting Schwartz-sama by happenstance.”

“Hmph, I see. You must have had a hard time up until now. I’ll take care of Subaru from here, so you’re off duty.”

“Take care of him? From the looks of it, Schwartz-sama cannot even move without your support, so it seems unreasonable…”

“Taking care of Betty is Subaru’s purpose, so I think that’s good enough.”

“Wait, wait! Why are you two fighting?! Can’t you girls just get along!?”

Sandwiched between the suddenly hostile duo, Subaru instinctively raised his voice higher.

It was so uncharacteristic of Tanzer to act this way normally, with her calm and cute demeanor. He knew it wasn’t right for a young girl to say or think such an old-fashioned thing.

“Both you Tanzer and Beatrice, quit the fighting. We’re on the same side, right? Huh?”

“Beatrice-sama initiated the trouble. Yorna-sama commanded us to deliver a fitting retribution for anyone who foolishly belittles or devalues our efforts.”

“You were told something that sounds like Hammurabi’s Code? I had no idea… In that case, you should probably apologize first… Beatrice?”

Though Subaru attempted to play peacemaker, he was met with Beatrice’s round stare.

Captured by the unique pattern floating in her eyes as Subaru asked, “What’s wrong?” he received a reply.

“Just now, you called that girl by her name before mine. What are your intentions?”

“Uh? Was that so?”

“It was! I’m incredibly angry! Depending on how things go, I won’t forgive you!”

Beatrice glared at him with anger, shaking her head as she frantically grasped at his shirt. Hearing those unexpected rules, Subaru found himself spun around too.

At once, he decided to intervene amid the deadlock, saying,

“—Schwarz, my patience does have its limits. You know that.”

“Meow,” “Whoa!”

A deep, heavy voice boomed like a thunderous strike, and Beatrice let out a scream before Subaru could react. His gaze followed Beatrice’s, and he quickly understood her surprise.

Standing there was Gustav Morello, the Governor of Gladiator Island, staring down at them with a serious expression, his four arms crossed from beneath his black cloak.

He was in a position that should have had him capturing Subaru and his companions, yet now he was standing proudly as an ally—no, a comrade among the numerous allies who had gathered here with Subaru, surpassing Gladiator Island.

“U-Uh, Subaru, this guy is…”

“This is Gustav-san. He looks scary, but he’s strict yet honest. Gustav-san, this is Lui on my back and this girl is Beatrice, and this girl is my…”

“…My?”

“Um… uh, that thing, you know?”

Subaru stumbled over his words while stroking Beatrice’s shrinking back. Gustav and Tanzer, as well as Beatrice, raised brows at his odd demeanor.

Sweating under their multiple stares, Subaru clumsily scratched his head.

“…I’ll explain the details later, alright?”

“Later?”

“Wait, wait! Are you serious? You’re telling me not only does your exterior look horrible, but your brain is also… blarg!”

Gustav solemnly absorbed Subaru’s flimsy diversion. Still, Beatrice was about to poke at something critical, so Subaru swiftly covered her mouth.

Then, he whispered softly to the wrestling Beatrice.

“If everyone finds out I shrank, things could get complicated. So, shh—”

“…I remember Beatrice well, you know?”

“That I love you and that I have to do this.”

Approaching Beatrice’s uncertain gaze, Subaru affirmed, holding her hand tightly. His little hands intertwined with her small ones.

In that instant, Subaru was hit with a fleeting wave of dizziness, but it was just a momentary sensation and not a lasting one.

“You’re my lifeline. Without you, I can’t survive. Isn’t that right?”

“…Somehow, I feel like I’ve been successfully swindled. And also—”

“And also?”

“—This feels odd, Subaru.”

As they held hands, warmth flowed from Subaru into Beatrice. Subaru sensed that it was not a bad feeling, but rather something reassuring and comforting.

There was a slight unease about the hazy parts of his memory of Beatrice, yet he held a hopeful conviction that everything would be fine once his body returned to normal.

In any case, while Subaru maintained a positive outlook, he noticed Beatrice’s shapely brows furrowed as she pondered something.

“Even with your contemplative face, what feels off?”

“…While I was separated from Beatrice, you had no means of expelling mana. So the mana has been accumulating steadily, but this amount is…”

“—?”

As if confirming something, Beatrice tightened her grip on his fingers; her long eyelashes trembled. Before the tilted head of Subaru, she let out a soundless murmur.

Indeed, she had softly whispered. —Too much.

However, before they could confirm the true meaning—

“—Ah, brother, we’re in trouble! That bastard Cecilis has jumped the gun!!”

“Eh!? What!?”

Hiaine let out a panicked shout, and Subaru hastily turned to see. What Hiaine pointed to was the violent clash continuing on the battlefield, where a dust cloud swelled furiously.

It was the evidence of a rebellious crewmember rushing down the hill, unable to contain himself.

“What do we do? Should I go bring him back…?”

“No, I appreciate the sentiment, but even Vaits could not manage that. In fact, stopping Cecilis is impossible for anyone… As for the flag.”

“I understand, Schwarz.”

As he begrudgingly watched the vanishing dust cloud, Subaru realized through the course of this journey that he very well understood how futile it was to hold onto the reins of control.

As he gathered himself to make the next request, Idra stepped up, knowing full well what was needed. He and Vaits slowly raised the flag right there.

And in response to that movement, many comrades in the vicinity followed suit.

One after another, flags were raised, and it would be clear to anyone nearby that the unity among the group on this hill was strong.

“Lui, get off my back.”

“Aah, okay!”

“You don’t have to disappear suddenly; that’s cool. I made up with the reason you took off.”

Subaru, while feeling dubious about Lui’s fear of vanishing again, managed to convince her, and she finally slid down from his back.

However, it seemed she still held onto some shred of distrust, not willing to distance herself too far.

“—Beatrice isn’t planning on separating from you.”

“Ah, you stay close. —Tanzer, are you ready?”

“Yes. —The Pleiades Battalion is ready to deploy at any time.”

With a deep bow, Tanzer stood behind Subaru, shoulders surrounded by comrades raising their flags and weapons in a display of fighting spirit.

Morale was high, motivation was rock solid, their goals were right ahead — now all that was left was to charge in.

“Cecilis is the kind of guy who knows my strategy without needing to communicate it explicitly, so this is just the usual quirks… Well then, let’s go for it, everyone!”

“““Ohhh—!!”””

“—!”

The thunderous shout echoed back at Subaru’s call, while Beatrice held her breath.

If you heard it for the first time, you’d be taken aback. However, for Subaru, it had become a familiar and extremely important ritual before battle.

“Wow, wow?!”

“Subaru, what are you planning?”

The details remained a mystery for the newly united Lui and Beatrice as they gazed up at Subaru.

With the perspectives of them both fixing upon him, Subaru closed one eye, channeling the exhilaration bubbling from the depths of his being into his slim legs—taking a step forward.

And then, declared—

“Of course! I’m going to ruin this ridiculous war started by the old man!”

 

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