――Let me make one thing clear.

It is a fact that had it not been for Emilia’s reckless decision to act on her own, the plans of the “Witch” Sphinx would have worked, and the demise of the Volakia Empire would have arrived in an unavoidable manner.

Furthermore, it’s something that anyone other than Emilia might not have been able to stop.

“――Hah!”

Emilia, with sharp breaths and her cheeks clenched, repelled the rays of heat and orbs of light pouring from all directions with her polished ice armor, gripping the ground firmly in determination.

In front of her, the spells cast by Sphinx, who resembled her enemy Echidna, were nothing short of awe-inspiring, and the only way to endure the difficult-to-dodge attacks was to adeptly shield herself with shining ice like a mirror.

Emilia, who often hears Subaru say, “Creativity is key!”, took meticulous care to pay attention to the ‘details’ in her ice weaponry, which proved outstanding in this case.

Thanks to her usual diligence, she was able to quickly create weapons to counter Sphinx’s magic.

“Thanks as always.”

Expressing her gratitude to Subaru, who wasn’t present, Emilia donned her icy armor energetically.

Somewhere in the Imperial Capital, Subaru was surely doing his best, holding hands with Beatrice and Spica. Even if they couldn’t be together, he was helping Emilia in this way.

Thinking of Subaru alone made Emilia forget her fatigue and swing her massive ice hammer with vigor.

“――I must eliminate this threat. And quickly.”

Facing Emilia, Sphinx continued to unleash magic while maintaining her distance. Despite being bombarded by Sphinx’s fierce attacks, Emilia sensed the urgency of her opponent without revealing any expression.

Originally, Sphinx had come discreetly to this place to do something. Emilia, sensing something amiss, rushed in, which initiated the battle.

They must not be allowed to carry out whatever Sphinx plans to do.

With that in mind, although not her forte, Emilia concentrated on thoroughly hampering her opponent.

――Here too, Emilia was making the best move that no one else in the Imperial Capital could execute.

Had Emilia taken Sphinx’s life, the “Witch” would have returned the memory of her death to her soul, giving rise to a new incarnation equipped with countermeasures against the threat that was Emilia.

However, while Emilia aimed to stop Sphinx, she had no intention of killing her.

Thus, the situation that Subaru termed “death escape” did not occur, and Sphinx could not send a new version of herself as reinforcements against the unshared threat of Emilia.

This was something that could not have been established even if powerful individuals like Cecilis and Halibel, wise characters like Vincent and Roswaal, or lawless ones like Subaru and Al were present.

No one other than Emilia could pin down Sphinx here.

“Darn it!”

Having achieved such miraculous alignments through sheer intuition, Emilia unknowingly kicked the glowing orb with her icy shoes—

“I don’t know what you’re planning, but I won’t let you do it! Also, tell me where Priscilla is! It’s a promise with Schult-kun!”

“――One-sided and greedy. Truly befitting of a witch, aren’t you?”

With Emilia visibly eager, Sphinx whispered coldly in response.

Yet within that whisper lingered undeniable irritation.

△▼△▼△▼△

――A brilliant white light blanketed the view, and in the next moment, the world was ending.

That was the new phase of “return by death” that Natsuki Subaru would experience multiple times in a fleeting moment.

“――――”

Held closely by the flying Roswaal, who also had Beatrice in his opposite embrace, Subaru tightly held hands with Beatrice behind Roswaal’s waist.

The presence of Beatrice, the heat from Roswaal, and the feeling of the wind bathing over his entire body were all real.

Moreover—

“Speaking of the dragon hunt, I don’t think it’s very noble to compete for the number of heads. What we truly want is not the merit of the head but the sound of thunderous applause, right? So, for now, how about a summary where both the Volakia and Kararagi stand side by side!”

“Sure, I’m good with that. If I stand out too much, I’ll be a target for all sorts of post-war situations, so that’s a bit troublesome.”

With the undead dragon dissipating in the sky, and having literally been obliterated by Cecilis and Halibel, there were conversations floating around as they descended to the ground.

They were undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the world, unparalleled transcendents, but even they could not remain in the sky defying the laws of physics, which brought a sense of understanding to this.

“――For now,”

Something was happening, and they had to grasp the new threat and take countermeasures.

After blocking the Magical Crystal Cannon and slashing away the approaching undead dragon, Subaru witnessed the swelling green light in the sky blowing away clouds, and he knew that the “Witch” still had her tricks up her sleeve.

Time was short before the events ignited, leading to Subaru and the others losing their lives in a whitewashed world.

Think, think, think. Think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think, think.

“――Subaru.”

A voice rang out in the midst of Subaru’s racing thoughts. It was Beatrice’s strong voice reaching his eardrums.

Connecting to the hand that was held, she must have sensed the intense feeling of loss that Subaru’s body and soul experienced, along with the determination to do something about it.

Beatrice withholding her words further illustrated her noble resolution.

“Anything I can do for you, just ask. Betty will help you with everything!”

Beatrice saying that without needing extensive details was incredibly comforting.

While feeling uneasy about his reliance on her, Subaru nodded.

Nodding—and—

“――You can push me to the brink of consciousness. I’ll signal you to be ready to use that earlier thing anytime!”

△▼△▼△▼△

――Above, Subaru raised his voice loudly, and what followed were strokes of black and blue racing across the sky.

While he couldn’t hear the specific orders given, he felt as if he did.

To weave the time of light, the misaligned gears of the world began to mesh and spin once again.

“――――”

Whether it was an auditory hallucination or reality didn’t matter. The fact was, it should turn out that way.

Natsuki Subaru thought and struck against the situation with the best move he could conceive. Therefore, it should be trusted.――No, he had no choice but to trust.

That was the remaining best move from Al—Aldebaran—who called out to Subaru, insisting that the “Witch” had not yet exhausted her strategies.

“Damn it.”

A short curse reverberated exclusively in the helmet around his ears.

Because of this, he suddenly felt emphasized that he had muttered that subconsciously.

What could possibly trouble Aldebaran so?

From the moment he found Natsuki Subaru in this empire, he had understood that in times of crisis, he should use Natsuki Subaru without hesitation.

Disliking or loathing that was ultimately nothing more than a trivial sense of pride.

――He was merely a trailing star unable to accomplish what the Natsuki Subaru could.

“……Need to rethink.”

Suddenly hearing that voice, Aldebaran turned silently.

There lay Sphinx, her body below the neck bound in solid black light, sprawled helplessly on the rough ground.

The gate was completely sealed, leaving Sphinx in a state where she could literally do nothing, yet her detestable visage showed neither anxiety nor anger as she stared silently at Aldebaran.

There was an uncomfortably scrutinizing gaze, as if watching a scientific experiment unfold.

“Reconsider? You mean to change your thoughts? What exactly? You don’t seem to want to discuss what’s on your mind no matter what I do.”

Aldebaran’s lips twisted as he glared at Sphinx through his visor.

This was indeed the case.――Aldebaran had already interrogated the captured Sphinx repeatedly, confirming that she was unwilling to divulge the nature of her scheming.

Ironically, even amid the numerous attempts Aldebaran had at retrieving information, there were always certain facts that remained steadfast.

Even if the dice were rolled infinitely, one would never roll a zero or a seven.

That was something they simply could not achieve.――Not for Aldebaran.

“But you lot are done for. You’ve made enemies out of those you shouldn’t be making enemies of. No matter how you rethink anything now—”

“The one reconsidering is my evaluation of you.”

“Huh?”

“I only recognized you as a mere servant of Priscilla Barielle, but…you are just like me.”

“――――”

“I see you as a martyr who strives for lifeways with an unfulfilled purpose.――Having fulfilled mine, I cannot help but feel pity for you, still stuck in place.”

While bound and stripped of magic, Sphinx, despite her situation, didn’t speak out in mockery or resentment; instead, she quietly pitied Aldebaran.

The sincerity in Sphinx’s gaze froze Aldebaran’s throat.

The very chill that froze his throat was a sense of murderous intent.

He had to kill this witch-faced woman. He must put an end to her life. It was absolutely impermissible for her to say such a thing to Aldebaran with that very face.

――Who did she think made him Aldebaran?

“You—”

“Ald! Lend me your power!!”

In that moment, the vision was dyed crimson, and thoughts were obscured in white.

If he were even a second late—no, not even a split-second—Aldebaran would have slaughtered Sphinx. However, a powerful gust, accompanied by a shouting voice, halted him.

“I need your strength! Just as you said, the ‘Great Calamity’ is not over yet! It’s an all-out war!”

Landing right beside Aldebaran was Natsuki Subaru, his expression frantic, along with the long-haired sorceress and the dressed spirit by his side, reaching for the light that Aldebaran couldn’t quite grasp.

“Even if you ask me for help…”

“Shut up!”

“――!”

As any bitter feelings mixed together, Aldebaran found himself uttering those words.

Yet, Subaru, seemingly ignorant of Aldebaran’s inner turmoil, thrust his fist forward.

“There’s no time to humor everyone’s troubles right now! So for this moment, switch gears and cooperate! You said before!”

“Me, before…?”

“You’re expecting me to deliver! I’m throwing the same back at you!”

“――Ah.”

Aldebaran gasped in surprise at Subaru’s loud shout.

Simultaneously, he recalled the time when he reunited with Subaru in the Volakia Empire and how Subaru had nearly lost the meaning of his existence in Castle City Gwararu.

Having been denied by the girl named Rem, it was Aldebaran who had encouraged Subaru, whose footing had become unstable.

What Aldebaran had told him at that time was—

“You have to reclaim your lost confidence and everything else through results. It’s all the same as before!”

“――――”

At those words from Subaru, the girl holding his hand, the long-haired figure standing behind him—both gazed at him with hope in their eyes.

Thus, surrounding him was Subaru, who was empowering everyone and reaching out to Aldebaran, as if returning the favor.

“Come on, Al! ―Carry the Heroic Fantasy with me!”

△▼△▼△▼△

――The “Witch’s” scheme, the demise of the Volakia Empire, and “Death” have succeeded numerous times.

A death that brings no pain may very well be the ideal ending.

An end that arrives before one even realizes what has transpired may be the kindest means to deliver humanity from the fear of an approaching end.

Yet, there’s something I think.

“No, my ideal ending is to live a long life surrounded and seen off by Emilia-tan, Beatrice, and my grandchildren, so it’s not the same.”

Even if the “Great Calamity” were to be akin to a final boss thinking of saving all humanity from grief and suffering by bringing forth an end devoid of pain and fear, Subaru would firmly refuse.

When imagining the ideal ending I envision, the pain of leaving behind Emilia and Beatrice thereafter pierces through my heart like glass, but that’s a problem Subaru must surely wrestle with and find a solution for, through suffering.

I absolutely cannot throw it all on some sweet dream that someone else provides.

In the first place, it’s all hypothetical, and the “Great Calamity” isn’t aimed at a soft ending; it’s directed toward the ruin of the Empire through accumulation of the most heinous schemes imaginable, thus the premise does not hold.

Therefore, there exists no compromise other than thwarting the “Great Calamity’s” objectives in this battle.

“……Little by little, I’m seeing it.”

Initially, the world was helplessly stained white, and Subaru was left to be consumed by the imposed “Death” without knowing what was to bring doom upon himself and his comrades.

Moreover, he had returned just after he and Beatrice had been cradled in Roswaal’s embrace, following the moment when the undead dragon was felled by Cecilis and Halibel.

Not even a minute after that, doom was upon them.

“――――”

Time was short, and much had to be done.

Had Al not informed him of the “Witch’s” scheme, it would have taken even longer to unearth it. Thanks to that, they’d probably saved over five of Subaru’s “returns by death.”

Yet even so, he needed attempts to ascertain what was happening.

And amid those trial and error moments—

“The greatest possibility is that the ’Stone Block’… could be the death of Muspel. If they have any remaining move for a reversal, that should be the most likely possibility.”

“The collapse of the Empire’s land; it could be that the enemy has prepared a trigger for that catastrophe. If it were Sphinx’s usual methods, there could even be some sort of magic circle.”

“Well, still, the most pressing issue, the ‘Curse of Thorns,’ has been lifted by Guruby, so I wouldn’t assume there are any further hidden curses, right?”

“Yup, yup, yup! According to Al, if Anya dies, the Empire goes under too, so that might relate! In other words, there’s a possibility of a large army being dispatched to target Anya! Shall we gather up and play ‘Thousand Cuts’ once more?”

“Uu! Uu! Ah, uu!”

“Have you been all right, child…! I’ve heard Tanzer has been greatly indebted to you. If I can be of assistance, simply let me know.”

“Schwarz-sama, I have a bad feeling… Are the members of the Battalion safe?”

“You have good eyes for someone so young. My star may not be much, but I’m relying on you. Should you need anything, feel free to ask.”

“General! I’m pleased, but don’t praise me too soon! It’s not over yet, is it? So say whatever you want, I can handle it!”

“……Shut it. Don’t lump me with you folks, brat.”

“I’ll vanish! …The dragon can’t do anything more than this anymore…”

“I’ll vanish! …The dragon can’t do anything more than this anymore…”

“Subaru-chan, I’m not good at thinking, but I will think! Do your best too, Subaru-chan!”

“Uh, sorry, but my hands are gone, so can you get back by yourself? I can’t seem to pull your soul back into shape like this, hahaha!”

He was not a Superman who could solve everything by thinking alone.

In the limited time of only a minute, he would use the “death” exchange and continuously refine the board the enemy had crafted—that was his strategy, moving forward one step at a time.

The death of the ’Stone Block’ Muspel, magic circles, the “Curse of Thorns,” Arakia’s life, Spica’s “Star-Eater,” Yorna being safe, the situation in Castle City, the boisterous undead emperor, and my Garfiel being the best, then there’s the drunkenness beyond words, dragons unable to converse, dragon folk silent, trying hard without saying anything to kill the fighting spirit, etc., etc.—

“――Foolish. Don’t look down, Natsuki Subaru.”

“Neither of us has the luxury to look down. We’re supposed to fight, and we’ve decided to do so.”

“I have no intention of giving up.――Who do you take me for?”

Behind the haughty remarks, how much self-respect truly lay there?

Such base curiosity shall not be indulged. Fine, let it be. He would do it.

Giving up was not a choice for Natsuki Subaru.

“――――”

Even the thought of her, whom he could not find no matter how hard he searched, was the same.

Right now, the feeling of trust outweighed the uncertainty.――Even if she might be in danger, it wouldn’t suit her to be calm in a safe spot; she would surely be doing her utmost to seize the future.

Thus, he would overturn it.――The “Witch’s” board.

“Come on, Al! ―Carry the Heroic Fantasy with me!”

△▼△▼△▼△

Absurd injustice attempts to overturn Sphinx’s final scheme.

“――Be ready to prepare thoroughly.”

He should have been set; yet, everything began to crumble.

The results he desired, the ultimate agenda to fulfill in his creation’s purpose, and a sure sense of achievement briefly commanded his heart, but the situation twisted time and again.

What, or who, stands against Sphinx and the “Great Calamity”?

“――Vincent Volakia.”

“――――”

“――Aldebaran.”

“――――”

“――Natsuki Subaru.”

As if getting closer to Sphinx’s mind, crimson lips whispered those names.

Selected as the “Great Calamity,” Sphinx had set in motion the fight that would determine the fate of the Volakia Empire, and now an opposing force aimed to right the path of the stars.

“How would you evaluate them?”

Sphinx’s inquiry rang out while chains clinked, her eyes turning toward the speaker.

Through the water mirror, Sphinx gazed at Priscilla Barielle, who smiled at the question asked.

It was not a sneer or pity but a smile of fondness.

Those familiar with Priscilla would have been astonished. The smile bore familiarity.

The friendliness Priscilla harbored toward Sphinx.

“Why…?”

“Why the surprised look? Did you not ask me for my evaluation of those men just now? True to her nature as the “Witch of Greed,” aren’t you rather greedy for an answer?”

“If it’s mockery…”

“You already know. It isn’t.”

With her words dismissively cutting through her lens, Sphinx was silenced by Priscilla’s gaze.

There was no trace of mockery in Priscilla’s eyes or words. So, what did reside in those crimson eyes?

It clawed inside Sphinx, through a sensation she had never felt before.

It diverged from the mission that spurred her on, keep her motivated in pursuing her creation’s goals.

It was a longing, unbearable yet inescapable.

“Remember, this is what it means to long for something.”

“To long for…?”

“If you desire something beyond your realm, you must struggle and endure the pain of being burned by flame. Some may live without seeking it, but I’d say that’s a foolish way to live.”

“――――”

“Why not be scorched by flame, and listen to the cries of your soul? Live in a longing manner. Love as if drowning.――The world has been created to suit me.”

With that declaration, Sphinx genuinely tasted a feeling akin to being struck by lightning.

An absolute unwavering selfhood; an unchanging confidence, along with a heat from the flame which could by no means be avoided were felt. Only then did Sphinx grasp the feeling of being alive for the first time in death.

Simultaneously, she developed a longing—in this flame-like woman standing before her, she wanted to triumph.

Thus—

“Need a countermeasure—no, go ahead if you can prevent it.”

△▼△▼△▼△

Surrounded by the Imperial Capital’s star-shaped castle with its five points, the magic circle of the pentagram laid out to just align upside down—Sphinx and company, charged with initiating the imperfect spell, now received its effect with suspicion.

The spell’s effect targeted the defenseless miasma of the Crystal Palace.

Disassembling that huge mass of colorless mana, the “Witch” Sphinx plotted to absorb it into her soul, attaining colossal power.

Now that she had succeeded in the soul reproduction as the “Witch of Greed”, Sphinx had the same power as a creator holding all magic knowledge. As long as she secured the mana for it.

Thus—

“The completion of the magic circle—”

“Unfortunately, the order is to prevent that, courtesy of your superior and the boss.”

At that moment, the burst of sword light beheaded Sphinx without an instant to react.

Her long white hair was severed from her neck, and spiraling through the air, Sphinx witnessed the young man who had ended her life.

The flash was unbearably beautiful, yet still insufficient. It couldn’t be the end.

Even with an imperfect magic circle, it maintained a breath for the soul.

Now it was just—

“—Ah, is that so? You are drowning as well.”

Immediately following Sphinx’s choice, Cecilus Segmunt, bearing a sword, laughed.

In Cecilus’s line of sight was a multitude of Sphinxes resurrected from the soul infused with the flavor of his slashing, blocking the complete initiation of the magic circle.

Those Sphinxes stood and tilted their heads.

“There is no water source here. What do you mean by drowning? Explain yourself.”

“There’s no need for a real river, pond, lake, or even a puddle. The thing called ‘Oouunabara’ exists in everyone’s heart. Those who desperately desire something are all drowning.”

At that playful statement, Sphinx tilted her head further.

However, without minding that, Cecilus remained poised, placing a hand upon the hilt of his sheathed sword.

“—Swordmaster, Cecilus Segmunt.”

“—The ‘Witch of Greed’ Sphinx.”

It was said instinctively, revealing itself from Sphinx’s lips.

△▼△▼△▼△

At the same time the “Blue Lightning” and “Witch”’s machinations shook the Imperial Capital, fierce battles to thwart the activation of the magic circle began at the other three sites.

“—‘Worshipper’ Halibel.”

“—The ‘Witch of Greed’ Sphinx.”

“—The 61st Emperor of Volakia, Yugaldo Volakia.”

“—The ‘Witch of Greed’ Sphinx.”

“—The ‘Gorgeous Tiger’ Garfiel Tinsel.”

“—The ‘Witch of Greed’ Sphinx.”

The elite chosen by Natsuki Subaru faced off against the “Witch,” as they stood against the last resort of the “Great Calamity,” subjecting against overwhelming magical might.

As the mana of the Crystal Palace fell into disarray, if it flowed completely into the “Witch’s” soul, it would be impossible to stop the scheme.

That’s because, the methods could extend limitlessly.

Magic can expand its possibilities infinitely, rooted in the user’s imagination and application.

That means the “Witch” Sphinx would gain the power of a transcendental being, capable of turning nearly all impossibilities possible by obtaining unimaginable mana.

And that would grant her the key to overcoming various obstacles to fulfill her desires.

Yet, what truly terrified about Sphinx wasn’t the vision of obtaining that monstrous power.

The most fearsome aspect was her meticulousness that did not become one-sided toward her singular aim.

“Beatrice! Roswaal!”

“Minya!”

“Uru Goah!”

A storm of purple arrows and fireballs surged around them, leaving no escape, blasting away the encroaching undead.

However, even if the vanguard was pushed back, the invading undead looming now had their consciousness completely shattered and had turned into obedient puppets attacking—aiming to kill Arakia.

Not just the magic circle, preventing it was also necessary for Subaru and the others’ victory conditions.

“Al!”

“Got it!”

Breaking through the encirclement, Al lunged toward the approaching undead targeting the girl, stabbing a clump of earth with his azure dragon blade and causing it to swell then explode from within.

It had been since the “Chaos Frame” that he had witnessed Al’s fighting style, and it was still nervously thrilling. He certainly couldn’t be called a battle expert.

However, it was an all-out war where they faced off collectively in a haphazard manner.

“—One minute has passed.”

Having surpassed the lines of lethality previously defined, Subaru keenly felt the progression of events.

The “Witch” Sphinx leading the “Great Calamity”—to be honest, the shock of seeing her resemble Echidna was anything but trivial. Still, Beatrice calmed Subaru’s confusion.

Despite being face to face with the “Witch” who now bore an uncanny resemblance to the one who could be considered her own mother, Beatrice managed to retain her cool composure despite the unnerving sight.

“Subaru, she isn’t my mother.”

“That’s right. She has no resemblance whatsoever to the ‘Witch of Greed’ Echidna.――Though she is exceedingly, unbelievably obnoxious.”

Somehow, with both Beatrice’s assuring demeanor and Roswaal’s certainty pushing him forward, Subaru concentrated on discerning the target of the “Witch” rather than her off-putting looks.

The fact that the “Witch”, who should have been burned by Abel’s “Light Sword,” survived and changed her form was itself the ultimate counter to the “Light Sword” and “Star-Eater.”

That also had to be taken into account.

But right now—

“If we can disrupt the activation of the magic circle completely—”

In that very instant, the sky over the Imperial Capital was expanded as a giant water mirror emerged, displaying images—facing imminent destruction surrounded by a great army of undead, the city of Castle City Garkura.

The sword-wolf battalion, drawing in the undead, waging battles for the survival of the Empire alongside Vincent and the others, was now receiving the condemnation of beautiful annihilation from the stars falling in droves.

Should those stars strike the city, the walls and stronghold would collapse, and most of those inside would perish. And that would mean, even if the operations in the Capital succeeded, the demise of the Empire couldn’t be repaired.

The starlight in the Imperial Capital, the flames of ruin, the riot of magical cores, and magic circles targeting the Crystal Palace.

The continuous malevolent plots of the “Witch” were not only directing toward the Capital but aimed toward the downfall of the Empire.

Wise beings deliver the most fatal blows, ensuring the targets never catch on.

Thus—

“—Our fears have come true, Natsuki Subaru.”

Vincent spoke, just after uttering those words.

――Through the opening in the sky that shattered the water mirror, the fire of ruin pierced straight toward the northern part of the Imperial Capital.

△▼△▼△▼△

――With sincerity—Natsuki Subaru and Beatrice’s trump card.

To fire the flames of annihilation returned from the alternate dimension through Al Shamak, the falling stars intended to spell doom for the ‘Castle City’ would be shot down.

Thanks to Cecilis and Halibel’s assistance, the trump card used to evade the undead dragon had pierced through the final maneuver prepared by the “Witch,” shaking their composure.

“――!”

As the shattered water mirrors transformed into a torrent of raindrops, pouring down like a shower upon the Imperial Capital, Subaru was overcome with an intense wave of emptiness and fainted.

The outburst of Beatrice’s genuine abilities had been exerted continuously during these last few hours.

While Beatrice’s cuteness was priceless, the cost to unleash her talents was heavy. There was a limit to sharing that burden with the “Pleiades Battalion.”

That limit presented itself before him, and he found himself kneeling.

“Subaru!”

Supported by Beatrice, even though he wished to reassure her, no words came out.

Beatrice tried to stop the endless geyser of blood oozing from his nose with her dress. As much as she wanted to prevent the elegant garment from getting dirtied, she simply couldn’t muster the strength to lift her arm.

“Not yet, not yet…”

There was no way he could stop his pursuit here.

There were still duties to fulfill and schemes to thwart.

Subaru had deemed it an all-out war and was the one who decided so.

For that very Subaru to tire out first—now, that was absurd.

Thus—

“――Huh?”

“Subaru? Don’t overexert yourself. Rest a bit—”

With a sudden intake of breath, Beatrice attempted to admonish Subaru as he eased himself, but her words halted abruptly. It was because Subaru had risen to his feet.

“――――”

With eyes wide open, Beatrice stared at him standing up. Under her gaze, Subaru looked down at his hands—perplexed.

The emptiness that had clutched his entire being just moments ago disappeared without a trace.――No, it wasn’t merely gone. It was quite the opposite.

“The strength… is welling up?”

Subaru muttered in astonishment, and indeed, vitality surged throughout his body.

It was a feeling similar yet distinct from the strengthening of his connection with the Pleiades Battalion, their minds sharing as they mutually fortified their strengths—an overwhelming sensation wrapped in great flames.

And Subaru quickly understood why this was happening.

――The shattered sky’s water mirror, the fire of destruction piercing through the starlight while leaving a trail of light. These events stirred new light into the air over the Imperial Capital.

It was comparatively small against the light of stars and even smaller than the flames of ruin, yet it was a twinkle whose radiance was unmatched, outshining everything else.

Descending from the sky was a woman dressed in the color of blood—an embodiment of fire.

“――You have my utmost respect.”

As everyone gazed up at the water mirror that sought to project despair, one among them was drawn to the enhanced brilliance—capturing the attention of every soul in the Imperial Capital and igniting their spirits.

It descends. With orange hair flowing and crimson eyes sparkling, the female of the sword-wolf breed.

“Unnecessary words are not needed. ―Call my name.”

Grasping a scarlet sword, she descends like the sun into the beleaguered city—looking up at her, Subaru found himself unwittingly compelled by her intent.

In other words—

“――Priscilla!”

He uttered the name of the one who had descended.

――By igniting the fire in her right eye, as one benefitting from the sun’s grace, he called her name.