–As you know, Ubiruku is a “Star Reader.”

His destiny bestowed upon him is to save the Volakia Empire from the impending “Great Calamity.”

In pursuit of that, what was once a mere male prostitute acquired extraordinary intelligence, eventually gaining recognition of certain value from Vincent Volakia.

Of course, Ubiruku is not naive enough to delude himself into thinking it was entirely his own achievement.

Nevertheless, while many who have been granted the role of ‘Star Reader’ seem to lead tragic paths, he felt fortunate in his position.

Most ‘Star Readers’ are twisted by their destinies, forced into new lives. Though some may call it misfortune or pity, to Ubiruku, the prerequisites seemed extravagant, a privileged view of those who have it.

Without their humanity twisting and the recognition from those around them that something has changed, one wouldn’t even be able to conceive such notions.

Ubiruku was indeed one of those, eternally grateful to his fate, which transformed a life that would have consumed him into something more.

–That remains unchanged even now, having finished fulfilling his destiny as a ‘Star Reader.’

“Well, I still can’t say that I’ve saved Volakia, you know…”

With military preparations and proper allocation of personnel underway in the fortress of Fortress City Garkla, Ubiruku, with no assigned post, muttered while looking down at the bustling people.

A sensation of clarity brushed through his mind, clearing the fog that had cloaked him, and he recognized that he was no longer a ‘Star Reader.’

As mentioned earlier, Ubiruku’s destiny was to save Volakia from the “Great Calamity.”

Yet, at this point, being freed from his destiny felt like an unspoken message that there was nothing more he could do regarding the ‘Great Calamity.’

Suddenly awakened from the ecstasy that had driven him, Ubiruku felt bare.

“I am grateful, you know? I truly am…but…”

This was a monumental gamble that had taken nearly a decade to realize.

If the ladder was pulled out from under him just before the results were in, he would understandably feel upset. Ubiruku had proven to Vincent that he had no second intentions, even going so far as to destroy his innate magic eyes, to express where he stood.

Even now, a scar from the magic eye he had destroyed lay heavy in his chest, a lonely reminder.

“Well, I’m useless as a user of magic eyes, so it’s fine, I guess.”

The issue now was the belief that had been consistently stoked until today, reduced to nothingness alongside the smoldering remains, and what his existence would entail afterward.

Until now, he had consistently followed the path indicated by his destiny, fulfilling the role of ‘Star Reader.’

That being Ubiruku’s way of fighting, he had not acquired skills like wielding a sword or drawing a bow. His time spent on Gladiator Island was solely focused on not dying to fulfill his destiny, so he lacked any real combat experience.

Thus, in this fortress where everyone braced for battle, Ubiruku found himself utterly alone.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have conveyed my thoughts honestly to the Lord.”

Leaving Fortress City Garkla, Vincent headed toward the Imperial Capital Rupugana for the decisive battle.

Just before his departure, Ubiruku was directly asked by him: –As a ‘Star Reader’, was there still something he could contribute to avoid the “Great Calamity”?

If he could have lied and said that he still had a destiny to fulfill, perhaps he wouldn’t have remained in the fortress.

“But, it’s not that I want to destroy the Empire.”

To lie about having nowhere to go would be a treacherous act, confusing Vincent.

Weighing whether Vincent or Chisha would benefit the Empire more, Ubiruku had chosen to side with Chisha’s plans and aid in ensuring Vincent’s survival.

He had been granted a destiny, but Chisha, who sculpted his own path without it, was impressive.

He didn’t want to taint that choice. On the other hand…

“——–”

Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the fortress, Ubiruku passed countless people.

Each was someone who understood their hardships, yet was ready to tackle their duties. Regardless of their abilities, he respected those who fulfilled their responsibilities, while simultaneously feeling envious. Just a short while ago, Ubiruku was on the same side as them.

For that reason, Ubiruku wondered:

“If the Empire fell into danger… would I still be granted my destiny once more?”

If he were stripped of his role because he was deemed unnecessary, what if hands were once again required?

At this point, there was nothing Ubiruku could do for Vincent and the others, who had already set off for the Imperial Capital. However, even if they removed the source of the “Great Calamity,” what would happen if those in high positions of the Empire met untimely ends, or if those connected to allied kingdoms perished?

That too could lead to a crisis of annihilation for the Empire, albeit in a different form from the “Great Calamity.”

“The likelihood of a ‘Star Reader’ who has once been granted a destiny receiving another is nearly zero. –But, it’s not impossible.”

If a new crisis arose that required salvation for the Volakia Empire.

Should that new danger emerge, perhaps a new destiny might be bestowed upon him to avert it.

–That longing for potential possibilities guided Ubiruku’s feet toward the back of the fortress.

“——–”

Ubiruku and important figures from both the Empire and kingdoms gathered in the most fortified bastion of Garkla.

For the undead to reach this stronghold, they would first need to breach defensive walls and many fortifications along the way. By the time that happened, it would signify a massive defeat from a defense perspective.

However, the Castle City had no further retreat, and the soldiers must fight to the last man. This great bastion would literally become the final stronghold of the Empire.

–Yet, if there were even the slightest crack.

“Just a small…”

Just a tiny flaw would suffice.

There was no need to fully unsettle the bolt on the gate; even slightly loosening it would make it easier to detach. A simple timer device with a magic stone could be placed on the outer walls. If any pressure could be applied to push the undead back.

If that could be arranged, the next spark could ignite Ubiruku’s despondent heart—

“—Hey, what are you doing over there?”

Suddenly halted by a voice from above, Ubiruku stiffened.

Turning around, he met the gaze of a woman with deep brown eyes, sitting in a wheelchair, looking down at him from the second-floor corridor of the fortress.

She was the woman from the Dragon Carriage, with an unclear role. With suspicious eyes, she glared at Ubiruku, who was alone behind the deserted fortress.

“Could it be… slacking off? If so, that’s the worst. You know, someone like me, with a bad leg, is still working. Do you want to die?”

“…N-no, I’m not slacking off!”

“Then why are you over there? Now, don’t give me some lame excuse. You think someone naive like me can be easily duped, huh? I know what’s up.”

The woman accused Ubiruku with an outrageously self-pitying perspective.

It was a one-sided attitude, and no matter what he replied, it felt like he would only anger her further, leaving Ubiruku seriously torn on what to do. He pondered and suddenly thought:

“I’d like to ask you a little something… how is it that a lady with a disability, who probably can’t even fight, is able to keep living?”

“You trying to pick a fight with me!?”

“Ah, n-no, that was a mistake. It’s not that I want to speak ill of you…”

Raising both hands to apologize to the woman who leaned out of the window, Ubiruku mentally formulated what he truly meant to ask.

In this massive fortress bustling with warriors, a handicapped woman who would not be of any use in battle.

“How can someone like you find ways to contribute like that?”

“Why, obviously, it’s because staying idle is uncomfortable!”

“——–”

Her blunt retort surprised Ubiruku.

Witnessing his bewilderment, she bit her nails in annoyance, glaring at him as if he were her parents’ enemy.

“…My fiancé died in this battle. He came all the way to save me, and he died.”

“…That must have been tough.”

“Don’t act like you understand how I feel. It’s not just you, it’s everyone. Everyone keeps saying they know; it’s just unnecessary pity. But…”

“But?”

“What do you think will happen if a woman in a wheelchair just wallows around uselessly? They’ll say ‘that’s why her fiancé died, look at that loser Todd.’”

With tremors of voice and lips, tears glimmering in her anger-filled gaze, she expressed.

Perhaps it was the name of her fiancé that sprung forth without explanation. What she spoke of felt undeniably like paranoia. Yet, despite the embellishments, she was speaking some form of reality.

Were someone unaware of the circumstances and the relationship between her and her fiancé to catch a glimpse of her life, most would likely feel pity for her.

“I don’t need pity! If I can stand tall even a little, if I can find even the slightest job, that idiot would no longer be looked down upon by those who don’t know him!”

“——–”

“I will live boldly!”

Gritting her teeth and tearing up, she proclaimed, fixing her tearful eyes back on Ubiruku.

With a sharp gaze from high above, she pointed a finger at him.

“If you understand, then go find a job and work! Are you below a woman in a wheelchair!?”

Whether it was to spur him on or purely because she had a sharp tongue, Ubiruku couldn’t discern her true intentions.

He couldn’t understand, but it was clear what kind of life she had chosen.

And that was—

“You’re admirable, miss. You’ve just slain one reason why the Empire could fall.”

Ubiruku was truly freed from his destiny when he relinquished the title of ‘Star Reader.’

△▼△▼△▼△

“That baffling man tried to pull a fast one on us, you know. Though apparently, after that, he went properly to get a job from the fort soldiers…”

Walking beside Kachua, venting her frustrations, Rem let out a deep sigh over the tale of the man Kachua admonished.

Even in such a situation where everyone needed to unite, a certain number of problem children would always emerge. Individuals who dampen the morale of those around them.

“But please be careful. There’s no telling when he might snap and attack you, Kachua.”

“Ugh, that’s…”

“This time he was receptive to reason, which is fortunate. Next time, please don’t act recklessly when I’m not around.”

Pouting in annoyance, Kachua had no retort to Rem’s concern.

She didn’t want to nod in agreement, yet didn’t want to utter anything unnecessarily nasty either. Kachua’s usual inner turmoil was visible, softening Rem’s expression.

With Subaru and the others off to the Imperial Capital, those left in the city, including Rem, were busy preparing for the defense.

Those who could fight took their positions, while those who could not assisted them. Rem, able to use healing magic, was of great value, making this a true combined effort.

Even Kachua, who had successfully changed an apathetic person, was one working hard—of course, Rem understood that her valiant efforts didn’t mean she had entirely overcome her grief.

Kachua had lost her fiancé Todd, and had even declared boldly to her brother Jamal that she was heading into battle. Imagining her inner strife made Rem’s heart feel as if it would burst.

Kachua’s way of acting tough to avoid worrying Rem only exacerbated the situation.

Thus—

“Kachua, could you help gather clean cloth? We’ll surely need lots when the battle starts.”

“Sure thing. You know, surprisingly my lap can hold quite a bit.”

Not addressing Kachua’s bravado, Rem asked her for help, believing it would be necessary for Kachua herself and for as many people as possible to survive until tomorrow.

Just then—

“—Oh, Rem Onee-sama!”

At the call of her name, Rem looked up to see a girl waving at her down the hallway.

A cute girl with a large ribbon on her head—Petra. Alongside her was the tall Frederica, and there was yet another person—

“What brings you three together?”

Spotting Ram, resting against the wall, Rem tilted her head in curiosity.

The three were colleagues of Rem from times when Subaru spoke of “memories.” Rem understood her relationship with Ram, but felt uncertain about the other two.

Noticing Rem’s slight tension, Frederica smiled with gentle eyes.

“We’ve finished our work, so we thought we’d invite you for a break. While it’s crucial not to lose too much tension…”

“Missing out on time with you just wouldn’t do, you know, Rem.”

“I was also in agreement with Ram Onee-sama on that. Besides…”

The candid words of Ram caused Petrah to glance meaningfully at Rem.

In that gaze, Rem suddenly realized their true intent. For them, while they were also feeling out their relationship with Rem, they found the same necessity for connection true for themselves.

Yet, it was also a fact that this was a critical time—

“I truly appreciate the sentiment. But this isn’t the time for such things…”

“No, Rem. You’ve got it backwards.”

“Onee-sama…?”

“Given the situation, you might think this is not the time for such things. But it could very well be the only opportunity we have. Ram can trust you without question. However—”

There, with narrowed rosy eyes, Ram gestured to the two beside her.

Rem thought that because of the pressing situation, they should prioritize bonding. However, Ram seemed to think that just because it was a pressing situation, building trust was vital.

“…What do you think, Kachua?”

“Huh!? D-Don’t ask me about that! I wasn’t invited in the first place…”

“What are you talking about? You’re Rem’s friend, right? You should join us.”

“Ugh…Even though your faces look similar, you’re super forceful compared to Rem… No, wait, now that I think about it, I’m also pretty pushy…”

Caught between the sisters’ simultaneous inquiries, Kachua was deeply bewildered.

Nonetheless, after contemplating, Kachua eventually swayed toward agreeing with Ram and Frederica.

“…Why not get along? As long as we’re discussing our work, it shouldn’t be deemed lazy, right? I think they’d want to see you too.”

“Kachua!”

“—Kachua-sama!”

“D-Don’t come at me all of a sudden! I don’t even know your names!”

After her agonizing decision to lean toward Ram and Frederica, both girls beamed with joy. Watching Kachua’s flustered reaction, Rem resigned herself to the situation.

Not that she felt bad about it—just that her anxiety surged nonetheless—

“—Are you really worried about Balus?”

“Yes. He tends to get himself into dangerous situations…”

With her hand over her heart, Rem turned to answer Lam’s calm inquiry.

The ease of it took Rem by surprise, and without thinking, her true feelings slipped out.

Reflexively, she placed her hand back over her mouth and stared at Ram. Yet, her sister merely smiled proudly with one eye squinted, a clear indication that she was unwavering.

At that moment—a booming explosive sound reverberated through the sky above the great fortress.

“—!”

In an instant, Rem reflexively turned toward the sound, spotting a brilliant flash slicing through the morning sky.

It was the signal from the town watch, previously agreed upon and announced—

“—Frederica!”

“I’m on it!”

Immediately, faster than Rem’s reaction, Frederica responded to Ram’s sharp call.

She swiftly moved behind Kachua, grabbing hold of the handles to push the wheelchair.

“Kachua-sama, please be careful not to bite your tongue!”

“W-Wait, hold on…gyaah!”

“Frederica Onee-sama, over here!”

With Frederica sprinting forward, a terrified Kachua screamed from the wheelchair. Leading the way, Petra darted down the fortress’s corridor with her petite figure.

Just a moment behind, signs of movement began to ripple throughout the great fortress and indeed, the entirety of Fortress City Garkla, bustling with activity as if it were a single living entity.

A community of fate together, sharing life or death as one being.

“Rem, are you prepared?”

As if feeling the rumble of the city, Rem sucked in her breath beside Ram.

Rem looked back at her sister’s formidable profile and let out a small exhale.

“What would happen if I said I wasn’t prepared?”

“In that case, I’d make sure to prepare enough for both of us.”

“—You truly are remarkable, Onee-sama.”

“Of course! I’m the proud sister that makes you want to stand tall.”

No need to mention it, Rem nodded towards Ram, who instilled courage in her, as she chased after Kachua, charging through the now lively fortress with her sister.

The battle begins. —The final fight that would determine the fate of this Empire.

“I plead. —You are my only source of support.”

Holding on to the thought of the boy not present at this scene, Rem refrained a choking sense of regret.

Whether it was a plea to rely on that boy or a grievance for not being able to assist him, the source of her frustration remained unclear.

Rem pursued Ram’s back, racing through the trembling fortress.

△▼△▼△▼△

A grand evacuation from the Imperial Capital Rupugana and an unprecedented scale retreat proceeding alongside it.

Heavy losses were incurred among both civilians and soldiers, yet they managed to create a reality that far surpassed the initially projected casualties, largely influenced by the daily mindset of the Empire’s citizens.

—The Empire’s citizens are to be resilient.

That teaching and philosophy penetrated through to every corner of the Empire, successfully implementing the best measures for survival, even in extreme conditions.

Coupled with this individuals’ resolve and action, the preparations in place for emergency situations, such as the Dragon Carriages, functioned flawlessly. Initially, the impending “Great Calamity” had been anticipated by a ‘Star Reader’ and prepared for.

It was regrettable that the very person who had seen the threat of the “Great Calamity” would not arrive at the battlefield.

“Yet, that selflessness has saved the Empire! I pay my respects, General Chisha…!”

With a loud voice, Kafma Ilurukusu swept through the horde of undead with thorns unleashed from his arms, striving to protect the road leading to the Castle City at his back.

The Imperial Army’s formation had progressively developed along the pathway from the Imperial Capital to the Castle City, supporting the retreating citizens while gradually falling back towards the city to merge with the forces of the stronghold.

Among the “generals” who joined the decisive battle at the Imperial Capital, the role Kafma was assigned held the utmost importance, though he would never admit it, it could be said that his work directly influenced the survival of Volakia.

The resolve found within the fleeing citizens, the defensive measures in the Castle City, and the high morale of the Imperial soldiers coupled with minimized losses were all significantly impacted by Kafma’s tremendous struggles.

Serving as the rearguard while steadily backing toward the Castle City, he slowed the advance of the undead with the power harnessed from the “beetles” he had incorporated, and that feat deserved to be recorded in history.

However, that achievement was contingent on the Volakia Empire surviving.

Kafma’s extraordinary accomplishments stemmed from not contemplating his own survival in the midst of battle.

“—!”

The vast plains were filled with hordes of undead.

As he pounded them with thorns, light orbs, and wind blades, Kafma bit down hard, suppressing the hunger gnawing at him from within, consumed by the “beetles.”

The “beetle” tribe uses the power of the insects it shares its existence with and exhibits various abilities and combat powers depending on the types of “beetles” they have taken in. However, the relationship between the beetle tribe and the “beetles” remains symbiotic.

It is neither servitude nor assimilation.

Naturally, the “beetles” demand compensation from their host. That demand is for the host’s mana or life force, and when there isn’t enough, it claims blood and flesh.

After having fought for over fifty hours since he resolved to push through to the extreme, he was truly in a state of taking in nothing to eat or drink.

His rising fighting spirit had sharpened his senses like never before, but the mental state of the host was of no concern to the “beetles.” All they could do was relentlessly communicate the facts about their hunger to their host until he grew bored with not listening.

“When it comes to breaking promises, we’re in the wrong, that’s for sure! But…!”

He couldn’t afford to withdraw from the battle, nor could he afford to fall.

While there were many trustworthy warriors in the Empire aside from himself, Kafma was proud to believe himself the one who could die the most bravely among them. He had to prove that pride right.

To that end—

“I cannot fall here—”

He couldn’t, he mustered to bolster himself, but just as he was about to step out despite his insides being devoured…

A firm hand clasped his shoulder from behind.

And the owner of that great hand was—

“Step back, Kafma! You’ve accomplished plenty!”

The thunderous voice, while booming, was natural for this individual.

With those words carried by the wind, Kafma opened his eyes wide, looking up at the towering figure beside him clad in golden armor—Goz Ralfon.

Armed with a hammer spear unusable by anyone else, Kafma was taken aback by Goz’s appearance.

“Why have you come forward, General Goz? You’re supposed to be commanding from the stronghold…”

“There’s a general, Lady Dracroy, there! Even if I don’t stay in the stronghold, that heroic lady can handle the soldiers! More than that, I can be of better service on the battlefield!”

“—In that case, I’ll join you as well.”

Kafma’s heart, fragile with desperation and anxiety, began to strengthen again with Goz’s arrival. However, Kafma’s plea was met with a firm rejection from Goz.

Goz pointed his thick finger directly at Kafma’s chest.

“I hear the sound of your insides being devoured. The ‘beetles’ have lost control. Should you be consumed, it would be a tremendous loss!”

“But this is what I’ve built up for this battle!”

“Kafma Ilurukusu! Dying is not redemption!!”

“—!”

Receiving a genuine shout face-to-face, Kafma shivered all over.

This time, even the “beetles” that had been engrossed in consuming him halted their actions, quaking under the fierce aura emanating from Goz standing right before him.

Observing the trembling Kafma, Goz’s beard bristled with anger.

“It’s clear you still seek to atone for the sins of your kind joining forces with Barloi. However! Dying won’t fulfill that atonement! Live!”

“General Goz…”

“Even after the ‘Great Calamity’ settles, the Empire will not instantly revert to its former self! There are still many ways you and I can aid the Lord! So—!”

Goz hurled his loyalty back at Kafma.

This was not a spot for throwing away lives, and Goz, having read the depths of his heart, Kafma shut his eyes tightly and bowed deeply in front of him.

“No, regardless of what happens, whether you withdraw or not, this struggle will not be easily finished. Your turn will come again before long! Until then, eat, rest, and regain your strength!”

“Understood. General Goz, I leave this place in your hands…!”

“You don’t need to tell me. —I have plenty of pent-up frustrations myself!”

Goz grinned at Kafma’s strangled words, directing his hammer spear towards the enemy lines.

The weight of that weapon would be impossible for anyone else to wield lightly as he prepared himself, emitting a visible aura so overwhelming it could almost be touched.

Sensing his “beetles” quivering in fear once more, Kafma contemplated.

Both Chisha Gold, who devised the cunning plans to prevent the Empire’s demise, and Goz Ralfon, emanating a commanding spirit merely through his presence, were indeed extraordinary beings claiming the title of generals of the Volakia Empire.

Considering the past where he nearly stood among them and the future where he might have to stand alongside them—

“—The Empire is strong. They are not easily snatched away by the undead or disasters.”

△▼△▼△▼△

“It’s not about strong or weak; it’s a matter of sheer numbers that’s difficult to tackle. Fortunately, the resources and defense of Fortress City are ample… but we can’t hold out for too many days.”

“You speak plainly, don’t you? Honestly, I much prefer that over someone who can’t even express an opinion out of fear of offending. If military prowess can keep up with intellectual strategy, that’s my kind of style.”

“Lord Dracroy, let’s not stray too far…”

So admonished, Belsutets eyed Selena with its narrow gaze. The fox-like collar, who appeared to be an accompanying spirit of Anastasia, let out an incredulous sigh in response.

A rather strange sight, but having an extra mind on their side was truly a valuable asset as they waged this total war.

“First, we must see how long the city’s defenses can hold. In exchange for General Ilurukusu, General Ralfon has gone. He may seem brutish, but he handles delicate tasks surprisingly well. He won’t be inclined to take lives unless absolutely necessary as per the Lord’s instruction…”

“Maintaining a policy of non-lethal measures is impossible. It’s not just General Goz, but anyone else will have the same issue. The only hope would be…”

“The ones from Natsuki-kun’s group, perhaps?”

“That seems likely.”

Anastasia and Otto exchanged glances, aligning their opinions.

They spoke of the members of the Pleiades Battalion, deemed a peculiar defensive force within Fortress City, expected to support their defense.

The black-haired boy with whom Vincent had forged a miraculous bond, leading that group and displaying strong camaraderie alongside their inexplicable combat prowess, had lent their strength multiple times to aid the refugees.

Currently, their representative had headed towards the Imperial Capital with Vincent, while Gustav Morello—an upright multi-armed man—was leading the group and causing quite the stir among the gladiators.

“A high morale, coupled with a powerful non-lethal fighting force. I often think, Natsuki-kun is a genius at bringing necessary things to necessary places.”

“Yes, that’s his only redeeming quality. If only he would just deliver things and act as a bridge without rushing into the most dangerous spots.”

“But isn’t that more of an issue with Emilia-san? If she charged ahead, Natsuki-kun would have no choice but to follow.”

Shaking her head in exasperation, Anastasia and Otto nonchalantly lowered their shoulders.

Observing such interactions, keeping an eye on their developing relationships was quite the pleasure. However, if they continued to dawdle, the Chancellor’s gaze would soon grow stern.

Clearing her throat, Selena drew everyone’s attention.

“As prearranged, our combat strategy is strictly about the defense and siege. If it were simply to dispatch a specific enemy and be done with it, we might consider assassination…”

“As it stands, the Lord-headed group headed for the Imperial Capital would become our arrow for assassination.”

“Indeed. —A total war, then.”

With Selena’s words, a palpable tension swept through the air, transforming the expressions of those present.

The lighthearted exchange just moments ago faded, and they now stood on the precipice of a life-and-death struggle.

The Imperial Army’s soldiers, the rebellious fighters, the gladiators of the Pleiades Battalion, the people of Shudrak, and ultimately, the allies from various kingdoms and city-state envoys—all of them would contribute to this battle.

As a first barrier to face—

“I’m counting on you, envoy from the city-state.”

“Leave it to me. —As far as I can remember, I’ve never been let down by my expectations.”

△▼△▼△▼△

—In the war of the Volakia Empire, what sets them apart from other nations?

Ignoring aspects such as the mindset of the Empire’s soldiers and their strong determination to tackle war, the answer is clear and straightforward—the presence of aerial combat forces.

With unique technology absent in other nations, the Empire’s flights involving flying dragons have revealed their advantages markedly in warfare.

It’s a self-evident reality, but being able to fly grants immense leverage in battle.

Indeed, the Castle City Gwararu, known for its robust defense among cities of similar size, faced total devastation under the flocks of flying dragons led by “Dragon Knight” Madelin Eshault.

Simply being rained upon by dropped projectiles from an unreachable height turns a battle one-sided.

That threat remains unchanged even for the Fortress City Garkla, tightly surrounded by high walls.

Yet—

“Release—!!”

Standing atop the castle walls, the Shudrak warriors simultaneously released their arrows into the sky.

An unrelenting barrage of arrows filled the sky, riddling the hordes of undead flying dragons approaching intrusively from above the stout city.

Undead flying dragons, torn apart and smashed down, fell like dust to the earth.

Among them, some continued to fly despite taking a bit of damage, yet—

“Take that!”

“Hope you fall down!”

Those few unlucky ones were hit by unlike any other attack, causing them to explode into tiny fragments mid-air.

The Shudrak tribe, who exhibited unmatched prowess against aerial forces—due to their previously mentioned defeat within the castle, that experience influenced their combat tremendously.

Without that defeat, they likely wouldn’t have dared face the undead flying dragons here.

Infusing meaning into every fight, the people of Shudrak had been battling against the upheaval brought upon by the expulsion of Vincent Volakia from the outset.

Responding in kind—

“Let’s go! Handsome boys!”

“I’ll meet your expectations. —Al Krauzeria!”

An elegant voice spun the chant, and the tip of the knight’s blade tracing through the sky drew a rainbow of light, blocking the undead dragons’ advance.

The rainbow’s luminescence, contrasting its beauty, served as a barrier denying passage to all.

“It’s different from when we were buds; they’ve blossomed into a vibrant light.”

For merely a moment, the rainbow light blanketed the skies above Fortress City Garkla—but the scale and range of that rainbow safeguarded nearly half of the massive city.

Faced with such extraordinary offensive and defensive measures, the imperial soldiers fighting on the frontline and those engaged in defending the city were left speechless, encouraged by that reassurance.

Feeling the heights of such rising spirits coursing through him, the knight who had birthed the rainbow—Julius Euclius flipped the hem of his kimono while gazing back up at the sky.

With a white scar beneath his left eye, this resolute youth, participating in this battle out of righteousness, gazed, without an ounce of hesitation, into the approaching mass of deceased above and the earth below, unwavering in belief in his friend’s efforts stretching beyond—

“—I will fulfill my mission. You too, do what you must, Subaru.”