―― Roswaal L. Meiastars is the greatest magus in the kingdom, in the world.

If you were to question him about this, he’d respond with a defiant grin and a sure self-confidence, saying, “Well, it might be so in this day and age.”

He adds “in this day and age” simply as a footnote, and there’s no regret etched on Roswaal’s expression. Instead, his mismatched eyes hold a wistful yearning and profound affection.

This fleeting nostalgia that vanishes when Roswaal talks about magic is known only to Ram and Beatrice, and even he himself remains unaware of it.

Considering that, Roswaal’s position as the contemporary foremost magus remains unshaken.

He informs Medium O’Connell, who is about to confront the decisive battle, cradling her in his arms as they soar through the sky toward the distant high altitude, facing the “Magic Bullet Marksman” — Roswaal has confidence and pride in his magic yet estimates their odds of victory as low.

“――――”

Entering the city’s sky from the southwest of the Imperial Capital, Roswaal’s view is filled with the sky directly above the Crystal Palace, now stained bright red with multiple explosions blooming. While the flames are caused by Roswaal, the transformation into explosive fire seems attributable to a group of flying dragons that took off from the castle and their controller — it seems.

The reason it seems is that Roswaal cannot quite capture the rapidly moving enemy from several kilometers away.

It’s not a problem with Roswaal’s eyesight. Rather, it’s a limitation of the human eye; it simply can’t do it.

However, the Medium in his arms, bolstered by protective magic, can somehow overcome the limitations, allowing both her and the “Magic Bullet Marksman” to visually confirm one another.

As evidence of this—

“――U, kyann!”

With an adorable cry, Medium, who is held aloft, swings her barbaric sword.

She is completely dependent on others while flying. There’s no way her balance can be that good, yet still, Medium’s barbaric sword catches the incoming glowing bullets and slices them through with a sound like splashing water.

Feeling the impact as the severed glowing bullets pass behind them and return to mana, Roswaal cannot help but tremble at the speed and precision of her attack.

――It was a killing magic technique completed after incredibly intensive training.

The released glowing bullets are presumed to be a type of “Light Magic,” but unlike the Ziwald-type that emits heat rays of light, these are an original non-systematic creation that shoots out light bullets.

In this brief exchange, one cannot be certain, but it’ll likely be similar to the icy pillars shot by Emilia, structured with light to pierce the enemy’s vital spots. One must note that it doesn’t carry the solidity of bullets made of ice or earth; it solely utilizes light to accomplish this.

By doing so, there are no remnants of physical projectiles left on wounds, making it difficult for the opponent to identify the true nature of the attack, and by burning the area surrounding the hit wound with light, it makes it easier to inflict severe damage.

“That’s good magic.”

Undoubtedly, it is worthy of being called a “Magic Bullet,” Roswaal praises.

If this was crafted independently, then that opponent must possess the talent to be considered a top-tier magician. More importantly, they likely wouldn’t desire such acclaim anymore. As someone from the Empire, they’ve already received the highest evaluation of “Nine Divine Generals.”

Furthermore, it is difficult to believe that a deceased would desire such honor.

“In the first place, it seems he wasn’t the kind of person to cling to honor or achievements even in life. I’ve heard this from those who were close to him, including the last one who stood by him.”

The opposing “Magic Bullet Marksman” — there is an astounding amount of information from those who knew Balroi Temegurif in his lifetime, which granted Roswaal even more opportunities than expected.

However, the information obtained from the O’Connell siblings was mainly of a character testimony, and even Selena was uncharacteristically stuttering with guilt. Thus, while Roswaal could not glean the tactical information he desired from them— a surprising ace in the hole appeared.

That was—

“—No way, Julius-kun was the one who defeated the ‘Nine Divine Generals’.”

Without Medium hearing, Roswaal organized his thoughts, recalling the troubled look on Julius’s face.

As Anastasia’s foremost knight, he was dedicated and committed, helping out alongside his lord even as far as the Volakia Empire, and he provided valuable information regarding the formidable enemy that Roswaal was about to confront alongside Medium.

――Originally, regardless of whether the battlefield was the Imperial Capital or the Castle City, Roswaal was destined to be the matchup against Balroi Temegurif.

This is not because Roswaal was an old acquaintance of Selena Dracloy, and she entrusted him with the responsibility of guiding Balroi, whom she had looked after since childhood.

Roswaal has emotions of his own, but he constantly excludes judgments influenced by emotions.

Naturally, the reason Roswaal would face Balroi is based on strategic considerations.

Though it may be a little late to mention it, the Volakia Empire has been a long-time nemesis of the Lugnica Kingdom.

Each of the four great nations maintains a relationship that demands caution, but they both mutually acknowledge that the other is the most formidable opponent that should be wary of.

Thus, it was a historic achievement to have established a non-aggression pact with the Empire while the Royal Selection was held in the kingdom, yet it did not warm the frozen relationship between the two countries.

In simple terms, the Lugnica Kingdom’s vigilance toward the Volakia Empire, an adversary that could be considered a phantom enemy, has been ongoing for many years, and countermeasures against their main force, the “Nine Divine Generals,” and against the aerial combat unit known as the Flying Dragon Corps have always been strategized.

Amidst the discussions for such countermeasures, it was decided— the Royal Army’s magical unit would contend against the Empire’s Flying Dragon Corps, with Roswaal, being the pinnacle of the unit, clashing with the ultimate “Flying Dragon Rider.”

“That said, I never thought I’d be facing the ‘Malicious Old Man’ and the ‘Magic Bullet Marksman’ within the Empire,” he muttered.

When they discussed strategies against the Empire, those two were notably considered the greatest threats.

Naturally, if we speak of individual strength, the “Blue Lightning” and “Spirit Eater” are two major powerhouses, but the kingdom also has its fair share of “Sword Saints” who wouldn’t fall behind.

However, in warfare, the presence of commanding leaders is vital.

The best way to end a war is by eliminating the enemy’s leaders. —In that regard, the “Malicious Old Man” and the “Magic Bullet Marksman” were more feared than the “First” or “Second.”

Thus, Roswaal has made estimates of skills and abilities based on rumors about the “Magic Bullet Marksman.”

In the end, he heard the rebel had died without ever facing him, and the simulation had not borne any fruit, but this unusual twist of fate had led to the current situation.

And upon witnessing the skills of the real Balroi Temegurif, the world’s strongest magician, Roswaal came to a conclusion.

“—After all, I can’t win alone.”

This was no jest or childish prattle; Roswaal acknowledged it calmly as a fact.

This isn’t to suggest that magic is inferior in martial arts; it came down to a matter of differing battlegrounds.

First and foremost, their mobility is different.

Although Roswaal can utilize flight magic, he remains among the best in solo flight, he still cannot match the speed and agility of a professional Flying Dragon. If he were to directly challenge them in aerial combat, he would probably be overwhelmed by their speed and be shot down in the fray of three-dimensional movements.

Secondly, the purpose and precision of their attack methods differ.

Balroi’s “Magic Bullet” was specifically honed solely for the purpose of killing others, and one could say it is perfected when it comes to its potency and precision.

Roswaal aims to become a magician who does not shame his master and thus strives for proficiency in all forms of magic, but he has yet to fathom the depths of magic. While he may overpower Balroi in variety, he can definitively state that his magic cannot compete with the enemy’s singular focus on killing.

And thirdly, the conditions of the battle are different.

This is a troubling matter, but it is the greatest obstacle in this match.

One could understand that in a fight, if you can attack the opponent unilaterally from a distance, losing is simply impossible. This is how Roswaal normally fights, maximizing his combat distance; it’s the basic winning strategy of any magician.

The problem arises when the opponent holds an advantage at this maximum attack range.

In such a case, Roswaal would naturally allow his previous unilateral attacks to be unleashed upon him. To avoid this, he must close the distance if he is at a range disadvantage, otherwise, he needs to bring the condition of both sides to a state where superiority or inferiority in range is nullified and it devolves into a contest of strength.

However, the conditions imposed upon Roswaal did not allow that premise.

“Honestly, there’s nothing more helpless than seeing allies drop one after another from afar. Please, do whatever it takes to keep the enemy occupied!”

When planning the battle for the Imperial Capital, this was the role entrusted to Roswaal by Subaru.

In fact, it was a reasonable judgment. While Roswaal does not intend to claim he is the highest force by putting aside Halibel or Orbarto, he undoubtedly possesses the longest range.

Emilia is also quite capable, but she lacks the finesse for attacks, and lacks the means to ascend to the enemy’s main battlefield in the sky. It was only natural that the task fell to Roswaal.

Ultimately, Roswaal was forced to initiate the battle to draw the overwhelming attention towards himself and attack from a distance advantageous to the opponent, to ensure his other allies weren’t picked off.

“I feared this would happen, even from this far apart, the opponent’s attack hits accurately. While I’ve managed to draw their attention… I must close the distance. A truly desperate undertaking.”

Just how challenging this feat will prove to be is clear from the three disadvantages mentioned earlier.

Facing a formidable enemy while fighting under their preferred tactics and at their most favorable range constitutes a precarious scenario. In addition, he acknowledges their superiority in terms of strength; Roswaal firmly believes that the enemy is superior.

However, within their differently colored, twin pupils resides neither sorrow nor despair.

Because—

“Diya!”

Just as he thought a spark flickered, the sound of splashing water and the shock shook both Roswaal and Medium.

This was proof of the next round’s impact and that Medium had succeeded once more in downing an enemy. While in awe of Medium’s skill, Roswaal’s grin widened.

That smile was—

“Medium-kun, can you keep it up?”

“Yup! I can do it! Just like you said, Rosu-chin… Bal-brother seems to be targeting my arms and shoulders!”

△▼△▼△

“Tch—”

In his expanded left eye’s view, having swatted away the next glowing projectile with his barbaric sword, Balroi gritted his teeth at the improvement displayed by the familiar girl and the enemy’s dastardly behavior.

Within the telescopic lens of the light refracted into its shape, he can see Medium with a full face of determination and the man flying through the skies holding her.

Their intent is clear; closing the distance to a foe proficient in long-range attack is a fundamental strategy in warfare.

The surprise attack that descended from the clouds using fiery projectiles failed and was immediately switched — or so he thought.

Given such a rough approach, how could one think it would go unnoticed before impact? That attack was designed to be shot down. Despite recognizing that, it falls to Balroi to bring down their attacks.

If he could successfully make the enemy fire the first shot and ignite the flames of battle, they could begin an overwhelmingly advantageous long-range battle— however, Balroi’s resolve faltered at the sight of Medium.

Preventing the surprise attack and still managing to initiate combat at advantageous distances was a plan Balroi devised knowing the “Magic Bullet” selects their target to shoot.

“Medium…!”

Both first and second rounds, the “Magic Bullets” launched by Balroi were successfully thwarted by Medium.

It had always been this way. When Medium wore a depressed face, she could be bested even by the clumsy Flopp, but when she was invigorated, she became an uncontainable wild child.

Even Flopp and Miles found themselves at her mercy; Balroi also struggled despite his familial bias. As Selena offered no reprimand, her energy never seemed to cease.

Yet how could he have expected anyone would block his “Magic Bullets”?

“—Tch.”

“—I understand now, Karyon.”

As Balroi gritted his teeth, his beloved dragon called out with a neigh.

Through the “Dragon Harnessing” technique, Balroi and Karyon are bonded through a shared essence—Odo and Odo bind them. This allows Balroi to command even the inherently vicious flying dragon.

Because of this bond, the fluctuations in Balroi’s thoughts and feelings are echoed directly to Karyon. The same could be said in reverse; Karyon’s thoughts could also be sensed by Balroi.

He understands. The reason the “Magic Bullets” were blocked was not solely due to Medium’s prowess.

The sight of his younger sister striving diligently with a grave look in her eyes impeded Balroi’s decisiveness as a warrior.

“A loss of limbs…”

If he were to inflict even a single injury upon her, Medium’s absence from the battlefield would become certain.

The magician accompanying her must recognize that carrying her while wounded poses no real advantage. If at all, he would prefer to harm an arm rather than a leg since injuring an arm would pose lesser complications for her life thereafter.

If he can inflict an injury that forces Medium to retreat from the battlefield, he could then down that magician and plead with Sphinx for her survival. In that event, all his worries would vanish.

Indeed, they would vanish.

“—Let’s do this.”

With a face as pale as that of a corpse, Balroi’s golden eyes burned with fierce resolve.

It was no longer the hesitant expression of attacking Medium; this was the expression of “The Magic Bullet Marksman” seeking agreement with his own nature and objectives.

“――――”

As intention filled Balroi’s pupils like molten gold, the heat within him cooled.

With his right eye closed and his focus transferred to his left eye’s telescopic lens, he steadied his spear against Karyon’s back legs and formed a razor-sharp light bullet on its tip.

Balroi was a nefarious magician and had only polished this singular expertise.

This single shot requires very little mana expenditure and operates on a minimum set of steps for maximum effect, making it entirely compatible with his character. —It was a decisive strike.

“――――”

As Balroi focused, Karyon too heightened its concentration.

Peering through the telescope, as it meticulously surveyed the target’s behavior, Karyon reflexively filled the role of peripheral vision for Balroi, who had become negligent of his surroundings.

With the vigilance of a flying dragon, Karyon resolved to keep watch over the surroundings; it had become an indispensable presence for Balroi, who established this strategy.

“If I’m going to face off with you, naturally, I’d want to close the gap. But do you think I’ll let you pull that off?”

So surprising to find flight magic exists, but the closing speed isn’t comparable to that of a “Flying Dragon Rider”. If they were to retreat the same distance as the approaching enemy, their separation wouldn’t diminish.

Of course, there’s a limit to how much one can continuously retreat. Therefore, a strategy to create distance also requires turning and altitude changes, but that’s not an issue.

There are no restrictions in the vast expanse of the sky. Thus, the battle techniques of the “Magic Bullet Marksman” have been established.

“—Hit!”

As light breaks through the gaps in raining ice fragments and blocks, Medium swings her sword, intercepting the approaching “Magic Bullet.”

Though Medium had been instructed to remain unflappable no matter what transpired, Roswaal couldn’t have been more thankful that she was loyally following suit. The “Magic Bullet Marksman” must have been taken aback by this performance, but the immediacy with which he shifted to an offensive stance was admirable.

However, compared to before, his rapid-fire performance and agility had undoubtedly diminished.

Above all—

“If you’re the person I’ve been told about, the ‘Magic Bullets’ cannot target me directly. —Should it fall from this height, there won’t be a way for Medium-kun to be saved.”

△▼△▼△

The enemy, a devilish foe orchestrating an extraordinary battlefield.

Balroi recognized the magician who was shielding himself with Medium’s existence and resolved to regard them with clear hostility.

In the Volakia Empire, so-called magicians are exceptionally rare.

This arises partly due to the traits inherited from their soil and race, meaning they aren’t skilled in using magic, and it fundamentally fails to align with the Empire’s ideology.

At the core of the Empire’s identity is reverence for strength, which could be expressed as admiration for excellent martial skills. The ideal warrior within the Volakia Empire is one who personally wields their weapons and bravely faces opponents, loathing any battle that doesn’t adhere to such a code.

The deep-rooted biases and preconceptions concerning this style of combat were beginning to be re-evaluated under Vincent’s rule, yet it would take a significant amount of time for it to disappear entirely.

Though Balroi’s battleground style as “The Magic Bullet Marksman” and the killing methods of the “Malicious Old Man” Orbarto were well-regarded in contrast to the vigilance of other nations, their reputation was far from commendable.

Both Balroi and Orbarto didn’t fight for reputation, so it hardly mattered to them.

With these distinctions in mind, unlike other Empire folk, Balroi harbored no reservations against magicians. —He would like to reverse any such evaluations from his past life here.

“That kind of tactic is not to my liking, magician lord—!”

While he was filled with reverence for the skill to manipulate everything in existence to craft his own battlefield, it bred anger when that poison was directed at himself — even worse, at his allies.

He would like to pierce that head, that chest—

“Karyon—!”

“—ッッ”

He smacked his back to motivate his beloved dragon, urging the neighing dragon to increase speed.

As Balroi and Karyon danced through the shadowy sky, they concentrated on breaking through the tempest of ice storm raining down with an incredible scale.

Previous evasions would often lead enemies to seek refuge in the dense forests or entrenched in formidable fortifications to avoid Balroi’s “Magic Bullets.”

When those situations arise, Balroi was known to either obliterate the trees using a rapid-fire barrage of his “Magic Bullets” to secure a line of sight or pinpoint the enemy’s hiding places and eliminate them through his signature walls of bullets.

However, no one had ever attempted such insane methods to effectively fortify against Balroi’s onslaught.

Because of that, it follows that there has never been a successful counter to such an absurd strategy either.

“This means, if I can get past this, it’s victory for me, right?”

Weaving through the shards of shattered ice that threaten to take his life with every brush, Balroi envisioned the figures of Medium and the magician confronting him.

Outside of those two, there wasn’t anyone else who could ascend to the skies over the Imperial Capital. In other words, these two would exhaust all cards available in the aerial confrontation against him.

It seems Selena had withheld the pride of her Flying Dragon Corps against Balroi.

“As expected, the high lord understands.”

Even in aerial battles using Flying Dragons, a clear hierarchy exists.

For instance, a lone Flying Dragon without a partner would never triumph over the Flying Dragons partnered with a “Flying Dragon Rider.” A highly skilled “Flying Dragon Rider” could easily wipe out a hundred-strong horde of dragons by themselves.

Moreover, when “Flying Dragon Riders” clash, the superior one will always win. The sheer number holds little significance; the side with the superior “Flying Dragon Rider” shall invariably be victorious.

If there is no “Flying Dragon Rider” more skilled than Balroi, deploying countless dragons will only lead to the accumulation of precious carcasses of both the riders and their dragons.

A skilled “Flying Dragon Rider” is that invaluable and extraordinary.

As such, Balroi did not harbor resentment against Selena. Her sanctioning of Miles’s secret mission in the Lugnica Kingdom was necessary — something he couldn’t fault.

“Still, I…”

The latter half of Balroi’s muttered remarks echoed near silence.

Below Balroi, the pieces of shattered ice crashed into the Imperial Capital one after another, unleashing sounds of thunder while blanketing the streets with smoke, crushing and reconfiguring the cityscape.

The damage to the poor Imperial Capital, which could only be termed as a magical disaster wrought by sorcery, continues unabated.

Once a place he sought to protect in life, seeing it crumble was no less troubling, yet Balroi kept his focus on the enemy rather than the disintegrating city.

“――――”

As shards of ice flutter through the air like powder, scattering the reflected light in a fantastical display, the silhouette of Medium and the others — now more distinct — come into focus.

Yet still, distance remains. After unleashing a massive attack on the cityscape, the increments gained were hardly significant.

“Hit, hit, hit!”

Time appears to abbreviate as Balroi’s “Magic Bullets” rush forth, shortening the time it takes to reach their target.

This accordingly means that Medium must respond a moment sooner. In her already fatigued state, he wonders how many shots she can still defend against.

Even if Balroi restricts her mobility and limits their angles of attack, they are still in a position of favorable odds.

Consequently, the next attack must come.

“—? Another one of those fire swells… Wait”

Perceiving an anomaly above, Balroi attempts to break through the ice fragments with his spear and blast them away with light bullets to decipher a clean line of sight, only to turn and narrow his brow.

Descending through the thick clouds, which had just been breached by the ice mountain, he sees blazing projectiles and several massive chunks of ice that are far from comparable to the previous ice mountain. They are in a path that directly targets the Crystal Palace.

“What a ridiculous scheme, you scoundrel—!!”

Seeing items plummeting from above that ought not to be aimed directly at him, Balroi’s voice rings as he understands those missiles were indeed targeting him after all.

While they wouldn’t bring him direct harm, they would indiscriminately devastate Madeline’s body or whatever remained within the castle.

He cannot allow it. —He mustn’t let Sphinx die.

“OOOOOOOOOOOO—!!”

Wings unfurling, Karyon rapidly pivots to avoid debris, and Balroi rises from his braced position, aiming his spear skyward as “Magic Bullets” were released.

Whether he could manage a limit earlier slipped through his grasp; Balroi’s “Magic Bullets” exploded into a shower like the barrage never before seen.

They would shoot down the flaming projectiles or icy chunks for what would have devastated the Crystal Palace.

However, at that moment, it was evident that the enemy would target Balroi, turning him into an easy target.

“—Hit!”

Thus, Balroi took aim as he sent light bullets toward the incoming debris while simultaneously targeted the enemy’s approach behind him with joy, launching concurrent shots of “Magic Bullets” forward and back.

“――――”

The “Magic Bullet” launched behind him was but a single shot, yet that was ample.

Balroi, who allowed a glimpse of his vulnerable position while directing his back away, was abruptly met with an incoming fireball aimed straight at him; it drilled through the “Magic Bullet” with ease, exploding in mid-air.

The bullet that pierced through the assistant’s magic burst forth and continued its course, striking what Balroi believed to be an idle Medium as her barbaric sword awaited in a counter.

“Medium, I was once a man among the ‘Nine Divine Generals’.”

In the realm of combat, though he felt thoroughly invigorated, he had not fallen behind his younger half.

The “Magic Bullet” released while turning toward the back was slightly larger than those he had shot previously, boasting a considerable increase in power.

“—Uagh!”

With the sound of splashing water, both of Medium’s blades were wrenched from her grip.

Instinctively, she may have sensed the difference, responding not with one but two blades. Thankfully, while he had aimed to blow her left arm off, both remained intact.

However, with no means for defense left, she would face the same fate. The next blow would eliminate her arms completely.

“Hit!”

In determination, the blade of the spear flickered, concluding the diversion. The attack that could have crushed the Crystal Palace and the incoming ice and fire were suppressed.

Without missing a beat, Balroi and Karyon ascended quickly, widening the gap rapidly while constructing “Magic Bullets” to extract Medium from conflict—

“Wha—”

At that moment, a prismatic glow engulfed Balroi’s vision, filling the sky entirely.

△▼△▼△

—The advice from Julius in dealing with Balroi Temegurif proves incredibly useful.

Having once fought alongside someone who had knowledge from their own experience serves as invaluable insight.

An advisory of such merit could seldom be provided, even to Subaru, who, being a warrior, often has uncertain perspectives about combat.

Anyway —

“I fought against Baron Balroi and defeated him. Naturally, it was a victory that I couldn’t have attained without Felix’s support. …As for why someone of Baron Balroi’s caliber participated in such a rebellion and sought the life of Lord Vincent, I’ll uncover the reasoning further down the line.”

“That was ‘The Book of the Dead’ that I stumbled upon, right? Truly, a stroke of unusual fortune. If possible, Julius-kun, could you share with me everything you witnessed…?”

“—Baron Meisars, I’ll only convey what I know of Balroi’s battle tactics and how I engaged in combat. What I saw without his permission, regarding what Balroi held within him, I never plan to disclose even at the end of my life.”

With a serious demeanor, Julius firmly expresses this; while Roswaal could have perceived this as an act of treachery and relentlessly pried for information from him, he chose not to. Instead, he simply listened to what Julius was determined to convey.

Surprisingly, this choice surprised even Roswaal.

Normally, Roswaal would seize every opportunity to gain intelligence when available—knowing everything and employing it as a strategy in lauding his preparations for battle would always be the way forward.

Yet, he respected Julius’s feelings, choosing to engage with and acknowledge his thoughts.

There was no definitive answer for why his mindset shifted, but — it didn’t matter.

Even without comprehending the entirety of Balroi Temegurif, Julius provided valuable answers that were enough for Roswaal.

“You met your end at the hands of Julius-kun, then. —Perhaps you have no idea why you died, Balroi Temegurif.”

Due to the authority of “Gluttony,” Julius found himself being stripped of his “Name”.

As a result, surrounded by people, save for Subaru, everyone else forgot about him. Roswaal was no exception, and most likely the deceased were not spared either.

The Balroi punished by Julius had lost track of the very thing that led to his death.

In other words—

“—It means I can kill you in precisely the same fashion as before.”

An extraordinary twist of fate befell him indeed.

Had Julius slain Balroi while not indulged in “The Book of the Dead,” it would have been a chance that could never have materialized.

Imagining the tribulations faced by the principal players, Balroi and Julius, is an audacious bit, though Roswaal could only internally express gratitude to this captivating twist.

—The emerging rainbow barrier stands in the way of Balroi and Karyon as they try to rise.

It was a radiant barrier formed of Aurora, said to be the decisive magic that allowed Julius to defeat Balroi.

This was an original spell crafted alongside the spirits Julius led, and recreating it required an exorbitant expenditure that would naturally strain even Roswaal.

While he could simultaneously use several spells, managing six was beyond reason.

As Roswaal heard the portal inside his body crying out, he steeled himself to recreate Julius’s victory to increase his own chances.

This was not intended as irony or annoyance; it was a strategic deliberation.

Of course, if the only goal were to confine Balroi’s escape routes, Roswaal could easily achieve this using fire or wind magic he was already accustomed to. However, such familiar spells would not remain undetected.

What was necessary was a spell unseen before to rob Balroi of his judgment momentarily.

Thus, Roswaal, suspecting that this rainbow’s aurora was also part of what “Gluttony” had allowed to slip from memory, opted to unleash this in the final showdown despite the burden to himself.

“—”

With gritted teeth, Medium’s hands had been stripped of the barbaric swords, yet the fight hadn’t seen her spirit dimmed as she tightly clenched her fists.

While she might be able to deflect one or two “Magic Bullets,” he had no intention of making this battle costly.

In terms of impeding the enemy’s options, Medium had already played more than enough of a significant role.

While traveling toward the Imperial Capital, Medium had expressed her gratitude to Subaru, who in turn conveyed thanks to her. Roswaal remained in full agreement with their exchange.

“What are you saying, Medium-chan? If anyone should be thankful, it’s me. Just the thought of what would happen if I hadn’t met Medium-chan and Flopp there sends chills down my spine.”

Roswaal couldn’t help but applaud Subaru’s performance, fraught with awkwardness.

Indeed, without the cooperation of the O’Connell siblings, this encounter would have faced insurmountable barriers.

“However—”

Then, the rainbow bars descent.

This will mark the end facing the Empire’s most formidable “Flying Dragon Rider,” Roswaal narrowed his eyes—

“――――”

—In a moment, he was struck from behind by an intense violent impact, deeply disrupting his consciousness.

“`

 

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