――What is needed is to capture that which is formless.

There it is, something that undeniably exists, yet when you try to touch it, it loses its original shape and slips away like water, like wind, like light.

Like heat, like shadow, like a dream.

The more bravely you reach out to touch it, the further it retreats from your grasp; the more you fear breaking it, the more elusive it becomes.

“You cannot capture me, even if you attempt to touch me.”

Though the person is right in front of me, I can touch them, yet cannot feel their presence.

The feet planted firmly on the ground, the skin bathed in the crimson glow of the setting sun, the gaze fixated on the person in front of me, the heat of the fire reflected in their eyes—I can feel all of this, yet…

“——Sphinx.”

Calling that name, I consume the role of the “Witch” who plotted everything, desiring calamity instead.

Having snatched away the lives of many humans, spawning misfortune and cloaking disasters, now I seek to use that treachery to reclaim the happiness of many lives.

I desperately chase after the soul of the “Witch” who denies that.

“——――”

By continuously resurrecting the undead, the “Witch” Sphinx has learned the nature of the soul.

In turn, having succeeded in recreating the “Witch of Greed,” she has acquired the means to escape from the flames of the “Sun Sword” and the light of the “Star Eater” by altering the nature of her own soul.

It feels like searching for a single needle dropped in a vast desert, like seeking a spirit unaware of words that have dissolved into the atmosphere, or like looking for someone who has plunged into a sea that does not exist in this world—an unfathomably aimless journey.

“You shouldn’t set sail into ‘Oounabara’ without a map or compass.”

Against Subaru’s back, as he attempts to challenge the final grand battle of the empire’s turmoil, a man from the same world calls out.

Covered head to toe in a cold iron helmet, his true face is never shown. Surely, his eyes—Al’s—burn with the same fire as Subaru’s.

At Al’s words, Subaru becomes acutely aware of how dependent he truly is.

Al is absolutely right. If he understands that he stands in the desert, gazing at an unfamiliar world, floating adrift in the vast ocean, he can’t afford to act recklessly.

“——Uah!”

The small hand gripping his right hand asserts its existence with heat and sensation.

He knows Spica is there, not merely because they’re holding hands, but because they have clashed multiple times before this, trying to understand her.

Again and again, attempting to know the incomprehensible her, Natsuki Subaru—

“The map is my heart. The compass is you. —Spica, Rem.”

The more he remembers, the worse it seems when he was first thrown into the Volakia Empire.

Being unable to rely on anyone, he found himself distanced from Rem, the one he wished to lean on, while Spica, whom he tried to push away, closely approached him, leaving him wandering, lost on his path.

However, even without memories, Rem is still Rem, and despite her past, Spica remains Spica. No matter where or with whom he encounters, Subaru can only ever be Subaru.

“——Sphinx.”

Calling that name and attempting to touch the soul of the “Witch” while still holding Spica’s hand.

――The power of the “Star Eater” is a wish.

A wish that seeks to save someone using the power that has merely continued to snatch and demean others, a self-serving desire akin to entrusting one’s thoughts to a shooting star—utterly dependent and selfish.

Yet because of this, it is essential to be sincere in wishing for something that was not meant to be.

It’s not just about calling a name. Knowing and calling out someone’s name is akin to declaring one’s intent to participate in their life—to step onto the stage.

“Then you must look your best! Life is always a splendid stage every second! Since everyone is an actor and everyone has a part, everyone has a duty to recite great lines! Are there lines that don’t resonate in your heart? Is there an act that can be half-hearted? Absolutely not!”

To a stranger, what words can draw their attention?

To someone unknown, how many times must he extend his hand before he is remembered?

If he wishes for the other person to see him, to touch their soul, then the journey must first begin from being strangers who don’t know each other to becoming acquaintances.

He knows the best way for the other to learn about him.

“My name is Emilia. Just Emilia.”

That’s right. Oh yes, it’s neither you nor your. It’s not me or myself.

――This is a dialogue between Natsuki Subaru and Sphinx.

“——Sphinx.”

Calling out not to haphazardly touch the soul, but to purposefully engage the other.

With a sound that resonates differently from before, the “Witch” who had been wandering the vast desert, the unfamiliar world, the great sea, senses someone turning towards her.

“——――”

Though they were right before him, he finally meets the other’s gaze.

No matter what expression they bear, while ignoring that heart, he can’t touch the deepest part inside.

Such a basic form of communication is something he wishes to achieve now, in the final battle of the empire.

“My name is Natsuki Subaru. It’s derived from the name of a star. —And you?”

△▼△▼△▼△

Three alignments of the “Sun Sword” collided with the magical giant soldier, which stood against the tomorrow of the empire.

Both were entities immersed in extraordinary power clashing, as the setting sun, which dyed the empire crimson, was pushed back by the earth’s sun that refused the fallen twilight, illuminating the imperial capital.

“——――”

The magical crystal stone flickered ominously, and the light of destruction that was unleashed began to darken the streets of the imperial capital, but the sword wolves that scattered in three directions deftly evaded it without a single word exchanged.

As the vegetation and flowers exposed to the dark light of the magical giant soldier had their life frozen in time, the Thorned King ascended the roof of a building, aiming for the legs of the inorganic giant soldier.

The dazzling swordstrike swung down, aimed at the defenseless giant’s legs—only to be repelled by a hard impact.

“Oh, so you had a little modesty, hiding your skin.”

As the sword of the ancestor, the Thorned King, was blocked, the “Sun Princess” laughed. Her crimson eyes watched as the white garment woven from mana expanded, protecting the giant’s massive frame.

Unlike the “Steel Man” Moguro Hagane, wearing clothing wouldn’t mean the “Witch” is no longer a woman.

“Brace yourselves!”

In stark contrast to the laughing “Sun Princess,” the “Wise Emperor” shouted with a serious expression.

Immediately after, a massive sword of light, sweeping across, shaped the streets of the imperial capital for over a kilometer, trying to hunt down enemies scurrying about beneath him.

That feat was achieved by the magical giant soldier grasping a pillar of magical crystal in its arm.

Standing as tall as the giant soldier, a sword that spanned fifty meters became a weapon that rivaled the scale of the “Sun Sword.”

However—,

“Good, flamboyance is to my taste.”

The “Sun Princess,” who drove her sword into the blade of the giant’s wielded magical crystal sword, was atop it.

From over a hundred meters high, the tip of the sword aimed for the giant’s head—the part that had once been the cannon of the magical crystal cannon and was now the “Witch’s” throne.

The throne had become like a closed flower bud made of magical crystals, preventing a direct gaze with the “Witch”.

Then, until I can guide the “Witch” to look upon me—

“I’ll show you dazzling ‘entertainment!'”

In an instant, responding to the flicker of the “Sun Sword,” the giant’s sword of magical crystal erupted into flames.

The swelling violet flames, the fifty-meter demonic stone pillar ignited as light, dazzling the eyes of the world.

Naturally, igniting the giant sword would result in losing a foothold, and the “Sun Princess,” having done that, plummeted to the ground—her white arms reaching skyward to be enveloped in flames, as a celestial maiden swept her up.

“Well done.”

The praise of the “Sun Princess” brought a smile to the cheek of the celestial maiden who intervened and lent her strength to the heart of the object, instilling courage. As the two flew through the sky, drawing ribbons of light, the magical giant soldier attempted to draw its second great sword.

“This single cut, is dedicated to my star and my people—”

“Don’t underestimate the pinnacle of sword wolves!”

Two arcs of the swordlight raced diagonally up towards the narrow waist of the giant soldier.

The combined arts of the Thorned King and the Wise Emperor shattered the holy white garment protecting the giant, mercilessly striking the shimmering white sword attack into its bulk.

The sound of a treasured sword striking the magical crystal resounded through the sky of the imperial capital like a scream of anguish from the giant.

“——――”

With a creaking sound, the great sword shattered, fissures emerging all over the giant’s body—a testament to being pushed toward an extraordinary existence and a catalyst for the giant to change its method of fighting.

The countless cracks glowing from inside illuminate the next moment as, literally, without a blind spot, a rain of light—or rather, a mist of light that cannot be evaded is unleashed.

As raindrops, the “Swordsaint,” the “Blue Lightning,” and the “Hymnist” have arrived.

However, if this were a mist of light, it would be difficult for even the transcendent to evade it.

Thus—,

“「「「——The ‘Sun Sword’ Volakia」」」”

Anchored at a point in the sky and two points on the ground, three red treasured swords shone brightly, creating a wall of flame. That flame pierced through the mist rain that gouged through what it touched, exterminating those it penetrated with scorching fire.

Being blocked by the “Witch’s” destruction, however, the fissures expanded across the entirety of the giant’s body, shedding the purple radiance like a snake shedding old skin, deepening the giant’s brilliance.

To prevent the magical giant soldier from acting next, different waves of power spread—slowly, like being drawn upon by an invisible giant hand, the buildings forming the streets of the imperial capital began to rise from the ground, encircling the giant as tens, twenties, even hundreds of them surrounded it.

This was done by the celestial maiden aiming the opposite hand of what held the “Sun Princess” at the giant—

“I am the princess’s servant.”

“Good mindset.”

Immediately after, a storm of buildings swirled wildly, racing towards the magical giant soldier like a torrent.

Against that storm, the giant soldier gripped the magical crystal pillars in its outstretched arms, wielding them as giant swords, rotating its upper body at high speed—the deadly dance of destruction, annihilation, and devastation was exhibited.

It was an overwhelming sword dance that not only cut down the approaching buildings but also transformed into a cyclone that began to ascend towards the imperial capital of Rupugana.

“How many times must I witness the end of the world?”

Before the unimaginable storm of light, the “Wise Emperor” heaved a sigh yet advanced, his gaze unwavering, aligning his sword with the blade of wind that ravaged the imperial capital, the empire, and the world.

At the same time, the sword flashes of the “Sun Princess” and the Thorned King overlapped with the “Wise Emperor,” trying to halt the flickering storm of blades.

“——Ugh!”

Blood trickled from the lips that pressed together as the “Wise Emperor” stood firm, carrying the brilliance on his back. That light also appeared on the backs of the two standing against the swordstorm, the resonance of light and power beginning to swallow the tempest of blades in flames.

The purple light-coated cyclone was burned by the flames of the “Sun Sword,” slowly changing color. The swirling mist of sword winds transformed into sparks, eventually converging into a towering pillar of fire that reached for the heavens.

Looking good. To accomplish such with an incomplete “Sun Sword” is—

“——――”

Gripping the “Sun Sword” tightly, the “Wise Emperor” squinted at the rising pillar of fire, the blazing flames growing even stronger before him.

In the midst of battle, he realized that stopping to think would be foolish.

At that moment—,

“——I love you.”

Breaking through the incinerated storm of light, the magical giant leaped out, not giving him a moment to breathe. The massive sword it swung was deflected back by a high wooden clog that shot upward.

Delayed by a beat, Subaru was engulfed in a strong gust, and in the air, the exquisite “Extreme Color” changed its beautiful movements once again.

“——――”

The giant soldier, aiming for the airborne “Extreme Color,” tried to sweep its other great sword in the opposite direction, but it too fell short.

“I won’t let you touch my star so easily.”

Breaking in, the Thorned King swept up the “Extreme Color” and, with the “Sun Sword” held vertically, parried the giant’s blow, severing the blade of the massive sword.

This modern-day adventure of “Iris and the Thorned King” was one where the severed tip of the great sword leaped off the ground, injuring the imperial capital as it soared from north to south.

The moment his awareness shifted to the southern part of the imperial capital—a white light ascended through the city.

“——――ttt!!”

In the southern sky, a dragon wrapped in clouds roared with white wings flapping.

Ignoring the values of life and death, the “Cloud Dragon,” who had fought for their beloved, had converted and exhaled the breath that resisted oblivion.

As the direct hit struck, the magical giant soldier staggered backward. Retreating, it embedded its sharp feet into the streets to stop itself, resonating with the remaining magical crystal pillars, and countless small swords formed from the shattered columns began to swirl around it like an armada of protective blades.

Still, the fight of the “Witch” and “Great Calamity” did not falter. Then neither would we.

“——――”

Truly at the heart of the total war of the Volakia Empire, the “Wise Emperor” faintly directed his awareness outward.

Even if he was weak, fragile enough to be blown away, he could not help but appear where someone was risking their lives.

“You seem to be throwing yourself into a reckless fight, don’t you?”

So, with a kind of expectation and trust upon his words, the “Wise Emperor,” while intensifying the brilliance of his treasured sword, glared at the ominous magical giant soldier, stepping forward.

“Let’s go, my chosen ‘Generals.’ —We are but small dust in the ‘Great Calamity’s’ eyes.”

△▼△▼△▼△

Natsuki Subaru and Spica confront the “Witch” Sphinx.

In their struggle to capture the “Witch’s” stubborn and tenacious soul, Al’s mission was to ensure that enemies didn’t get too close.

“Bring it on! No one can defeat me and the princess!”

Bellowing as he riled himself up, Al swung a makeshift Azure Dragon Blade.

Behind Al, Spica sits leaning against a barrier, while Subaru continues facing her from directly in front.

What Subaru is trying to accomplish with Spica’s help has even exceeded Al’s imagination.

Relying on the power of “Gluttony,” it would have been a ridiculous plan. When he heard it, he doubted their sanity, but realizing it was something Subaru could pull off, Priscilla ordered.

If that leads them to a future, Al would give his all to support it. To see it through.

“Uru Goah!”

Above Al, Roswaal freely darted through the sky, raining down flames.

Though not the highest grade of magic, the sheer volume of spells was not normal. However, that excessive magical prowess was not overwhelming enough to dominate this situation.

“Uru Human!”

Countering the rain of flames was a barrage of water bullets sprayed from the ground to the sky.

With both the quantity and effective range at world-class levels, they were engaged in a magical battle not witnessed in modern times—magicians and “Witches” turning the world into allies, flipping the world to their liking, and ultimately exploiting it for their benefit.

Priscilla asserted her presence boldly, yet not all “Witches” were drawn to her like moths to a flame. Some of them discerned that the only terror they needn’t face was the “Sun Sword.”

However—,

“Then let it be!”

Beside Priscilla, who appeared as a little girl but moved like an athlete, Beatrice ignited her dark magic.

At that moment, her raised hands summoned a pale purple haze across the surrounding area, slowing the advanced undead who charged in impulsively under her directives, allowing the “Witch.”

Thanks to Beatrice’s delightful assist, Al energetically capitalized.

“It was a bad star, after all!”

Splendid control drained the enemies’ strength, granting Al an invulnerable window of time. He decapitated the wretched corpses one after another and shared a wink with Beatrice over his helmet.

Instantly, upon witnessing that wink which she shouldn’t have seen, Beatrice’s expression shifted to one of panic.

“Is this bad?!”

To that voice, Al turned around, “Huh?” and saw something immense—something with a brilliant purple glow—was bouncing towards them.

It was the tip of the giant sword swung by the magical giant soldier that Priscilla and the others had been dealing with. Al understood that if it struck directly, both he and Subaru would be ground into minced meat—

“Carry it—!”

He fled from the line of fire with Spica and the others.

How many attempts would it take to resolve this? He had no time to calculate. Everything is better tried than judged.

“Matrix update, thought experiment—”

“—Don’t give up on your own!!”

In the moment, an arm clashed with the incoming fragment that had barreled through, meeting it head-on with overwhelming force.

A thunderous sound and a gust rushed past him, yet the incoming fragment halted at that spot. The one who performed that task was Garfiel, gnashing his sharp canines.

“Sorry for being late, Beatrice! General—”

“Well done! Our victory condition is to protect Subaru and Spica!”

“Hah! It’s easy to comprehend! It’s like ‘If you take a whisper of love, then look to the Thorned King!'”

Kicking the blocked massive fragment, Garfiel clenched his fists in front of his chest. His eyes—truly—not a mere metaphor for determination were ablaze, filled with combat spirit.

“——A necessary exit.”

Yet, a quiet voice announced the “Witch’s” involvement, and Al and the others lifted their heads, finding a swirl of lights in the sky.

Did the light have some form of attraction? The surrounding structures and rubble floated, swallowed by the whirlpool, broken down into dust of light.

In that very light, he sensed the power of destruction. With a single word from the “Witch,” it attempted to smooth the ground—

“—Hallebel, please.”

“Sure. I always root for the hardworking ones.”

Unexpectedly, two voices sounded, and the next moment, a cannonball in a kimono—a deer girl—flew in.

She spun mid-air and kicked at the back of the “Witch” who had nearly released the light dust. With that momentum, the “Witch” shattered in two.

“Well, well, you’re quite something. If there’s a child like you, the future of the empire is secure.”

Continuing with that velocity, the girl almost dove into the whirlpool of light before being rescued by a sleek black werewolf just in time.

The werewolf deftly nullified the magic circle formed by the “Witch” and caught the girl gently, landing them both on solid ground.

It seemed that the same werewolf threw her and caught her, leaving confusion in the chaos.

“A new monster has been added! Is it a Cecilis variant?!”

“Can’t deny that, but it’s an unpleasant classification.”

“Long time no see. This is presumptuous, but Cecilis and Hallebel are entirely different in humanity, so it might be rude. Shall we protect Schwarz?”

“O-Oh, a speedy conversation! Plus, I’ll gladly welcome strong allies. Together, let’s protect our brother!”

“Right. It seems this is a climax, and we’ve even received such gifts.”

The girl in the kimono seen in the magic city—Tanzer introduced the werewolf as Hallebel. Both of their eyes glowed with Priscilla’s blessing like flames, filling them with immeasurable confidence.

Moreover—,

“I don’t know who you are, but a perfect gift has arrived.”

Saying that, Beatrice lightly touched the enormous fragment with her small hand. —What Garfiel had received was not merely rubble, but a lump of magical crystal.

In an instant, Beatrice decomposed it into mana with a breath, leading to the appearance of around a hundred swords made from deep purple crystals, initiating her sword dance synchronized with the motions of her lifted hands.

“Now we’ve got abundant mana, I’ll deploy this for my own benefit. You lot, if you even lay a scratch on Subaru, I won’t hold back my punishment.”

“When that time comes, I’ll take care of Beatrice’s punishment myself.”

Seeing Beatrice and Tanzer’s glaring stares, Al shrugged.

—It seems he should include Subaru’s unscathed condition as a requirement for matrix updates.

△▼△▼△▼△

Thus, while being protected by Al and the others, Subaru was enveloped in extreme concentration.

He doesn’t lack consciousness, nor is he caught in dreams. Yet, the battle unfolding around him was beyond recognition, and he couldn’t connect to anything within the imperial capital.

Now, the essence of Natsuki Subaru existed not in the battlefield of the imperial capital, but in a white world shared with Spica holding his hand and Sphinx looking directly at him.

――It resembled the “Memory Corridor.”

“For me, it’s mainly an unpleasant place filled with memories.”

Having unexpectedly arrived, it’s where he was forcibly made to “consume” memories.

Emilia, Beatrice, and indeed, he had caused plenty of pain to Rem and Julius.

Yet above all, this was where “Natsuki Subaru” had no choice but to vanish.

“But that’s precisely why, everything about me is here.”

“U?”

“You don’t need to know about this place. It’s collateral damage for you, and that’s just fine.”

To the wondrously puzzled Spica, Subaru smiled again before taking a deep breath.

In this calm white space, Subaru facing Spica and Sphinx was not merely because they all shared the initial “S” in their names.

All were akin to other versions of himself, deeply connected, wanting to talk without reservations.

“Sphinx is the name of a monster from the Creator’s knowledge.”

“Uh? Ah, so that’s the origin of the name.”

“Yes. If the creator’s wishes had been fulfilled from the beginning, I would have gone by Echidna. Therefore, it became necessary to have a different name.”

Directly facing him, Sphinx explained her origin much more gently than he expected.

Sphinx—the one Subaru knew resembled a creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human. She seemed to guard pyramids and was good at riddles.

“In the morning, it has four legs, at noon, two legs, and at night, three legs… what is it?”

“——? It’s not a monster, is it? Or perhaps a shapeshifting creature?”

“You’d think so. By the way, the answer is a human.”

Upon revealing the typical riddle, both Sphinx and Spica made sour faces, as if they found it hard to accept, but he wished the one who posed the riddle would simply address it instead.

In any case—,

“Thanks for teaching me. In return, I also have something I want to show you.”

“You have something to show me?”

“Yeah. —Though whether you’ll be happy about it is debatable.”

Having set that tone, Subaru chuckled while glancing towards Spica. She raised their joined hands as if to lightening Subaru’s worries, saying “U!”

That was Spica’s encouragement—the one who had reached “self” before Subaru.

――Within the “Memory Corridor,” when he closed his eyes, he sensed his own scent strongly.

He’d heard that memories are strongly linked to scents. Memories associated with smells are plentiful, and perhaps that’s why the “Memory Corridor” has that impression.

In either case, following his scent, Subaru walked through the unreal “Memory Corridor,” slowly trying to reel in what was uncertain back into something solid.

On that many times through “Return by Death,” he’d been apologized to lightly by Al, who had no idea how difficult it was to break free from “childhood.” —So instead of an apology, he sought guidance.

The vessel and soul yearned to return. He just needed to guide it using scent after finding his way.

By doing so—,

“—My name is Natsuki Subaru. Unique and unparalleled in heaven and earth.”

His voice, delivering a rather mundane jab, came out slightly deeper, lower in tone. His perspective shifted, and he suddenly felt that the sensation of Spica’s hand grasping his had shrunk.

But that was the reverse. Spica wasn’t shrinking—Subaru had changed.

“——――”

It was a sensory transformation. The soul continuously endeavored to revert to its original form.

The realization of that being fulfilled felt like growth pains, a transformation from child to adult, permeating through Subaru’s veins and nerves to all his cells.

Thus, having reclaimed himself with a significant meaning, Subaru faced Sphinx—no, for the first time, he faced Sphinx directly.

“—Nice to meet you, Natsuki Subaru.”

Understanding Subaru’s intent, Sphinx, witnessing the change, spoke the greeting for their first encounter. Upon that, Subaru thought she wasn’t merely a spirit that could converse.

With a thoroughly restored mind, body, heart, and soul, Natsuki Subaru thought so.

“But we must come to a conclusion.”

“Yes, indeed.—We need a parting.”

“…Why is that?”

“Why, indeed?”

“Why do you insist on trying to do it all alone?”

That was Subaru’s honest question.

The “Witch” Sphinx attacked with the “Great Calamity” that brought ruin to the Volakia Empire, playing with numerous lives—things she could not be forgiven for. But did it truly have to come to that?

If Sphinx’s aim was merely recreating the Creator—the “Witch of Greed.”

“There had to have been another way for you. You took the wrong approach. If you had simply avoided the wrong approach, we would have—”

“Not had to fight at all, is that it? That’s impossible. You need to reconsider.”

“Why!”

“Because indeed, there exist reasons other than recreating the Creator within me.”

Looking down at herself, Sphinx confirmed the decisive difference as she smiled softly.

That smile could be seen as a testament to Sphinx celebrating her existence, which made it impossible for Subaru to push further.

However, simultaneously, Natsuki Subaru undeniably recognized.

“Uah!”

“Ah, I understand. —Thank you, Spica.”

Subaru bit his lip as Spica called out. She likely wanted to react to him returning to his original size, but forbearingly held back.

He wanted to respond to that emotion.—Even if it meant descending into hell.

“—Sphinx.”

“What is it? Regardless of how you feel, I—”

“Happy Birthday.”

Saying that, he reached out to touch Sphinx, whose eyes widened at an unfamiliar blessing.

And then――

△▼△▼△▼△

Basking in a pleasant breeze that carried the scent of dusk, Priscilla applauded her existence.

Utilizing the mechanism of the “Crystal Palace” that had once been “Miteria,” she reveled in the rampaging magical giant soldier and the gathering of “Generals” assembled by Vincent.

She wished to see the unending dream, the ongoing performance, and a story without an “ending.”

However, such childish “ego” was unworthy of this battle’s conclusion—

“I shall duly lower the curtain for you.”

So saying, Priscilla released Arakia’s hand as they soared above the clouds, plummeting through the sky.

Plummeting straight down, Priscilla sheathed the “Sun Sword” in the air and opened her arms wide, basking in the setting sun while closing her eyes.

Though unseen, the spirits who shared the flame of their souls relayed their earnest intentions to the world.

The light-clad Arakia dispelled the “Witch’s” magic, while the dragon, garbed in white clouds, restrained the devastation from spreading beyond the city limits. Yorna, reunited with her husband, busied herself with earth-shattering displays of affection, undeterred by the eyes of her daughter.

And then, the disowned brother—Emperor Vincent Volakia—

“It’s late.”

He uttered that short line, looking up fearlessly at the magical giant soldier ahead with his black eyes. The giant raised its two enormous magical crystal swords, aiming to cleave the imperial capital—and the empire aside.

Just then, a flash of lightning surged through behind Vincent and—

“—Let the celestial observers watch! The world must choose… No, this vessel chooses!”

Two striking beams, with the light from the white sword and the shadow of the black ones severing the air, raced across.

Those were the shining strokes of the treasured swords that detached the giant’s arms from its shoulders, a harbinger of the impending destruction of the imperial capital. The dazzling brilliance scattered like dust as the magical crystal’s luminescence dissipated, eliminating the very existence of the “Dream Sword” and “Evil Sword.”

Yet still, even without arms, the giant soldier swung the countless swords floating around it, trying to sever the will of an empire resisting.

Naturally, its target included the descending Priscilla.

“—Priscilla Barielle!”

The light of destruction, so potent, it seemed to alter the sky’s color, bore down upon her, and sensing the imminent threat, Priscilla opened her eyes and spread her arms wide.

In the next instant, the “Sun Sword,” tossed to her right hand by the “Wise Emperor,” and the one tossed to her left by the “Thorned King,” both found their place simultaneously in her grasp, as she swung her twin swords to burn up the magical swords unleashed by the “Witch.” The flames began to twirl around the magical giant soldiers like a vortex, enveloping them in a crimson blaze.

“——――”

In an instant, Priscilla’s form vanished from everyone’s sight—and in a moment, her figure soared through the flaming curtain. The “Sun Princess” flew straight towards the head of the magical giant soldier, towards the closed magical crystal bud.

That sword, which Priscilla rode upon, pierced the bud of magical crystal, breaking open its petals and entering inside.

“—Priscilla Barielle!”

At that moment, she parried the barrage of light balls that had assaulted her using the “Sun Sword” of the Thorned King.

The flames obscured her vision, yet Priscilla advanced through that curtain of fire.

“—Priscilla Barielle!”

Simultaneously, crossing through the flames that obstructed her view, Sphinx emerged wielding a blade of light.

Their gazes collided as Priscilla ignited the opponent’s sword with the “Wise Emperor’s” “Sun Sword.”

“—Priscilla Barielle!”

With eyes ablaze in passion, Sphinx repeatedly called out Priscilla’s name, prompting a smile from her. As she registered that beaming face, Sphinx flew backward, readying herself.

From her ten fingers, ten blades of light emerged, raging inside the bud, reflecting irregularly within the magical crystal, creating a kaleidoscope of death that beautifully sparkled.

To that chaotic and emotional gleam, Priscilla stretched her arms skyward.

Then she grasped the hilt of the treasure sword, which reached out beyond her extended arms—

“—Priscilla Barielle!”

“That is my name!”

With a voice that resounded boldly, Priscilla swung down the brilliantly glowing “Sun Sword,” imbued with passionate hostility.

――Crimson flames burst forth, heralding the dawn or dusk, igniting the light with a fervor that illuminated lives. The inside of the magical crystal bud glowed, blossoming forth.

In other words, it was the budding of a soul—

“Be proud, Sphinx.”

“—――”

“You have become my foil, not anyone else. —It has been a grand undertaking.”

Rising from the position where she swung the “Sun Sword,” Priscilla spoke to Sphinx directly before her. In response, Sphinx narrowed her black pupils and,

“…Even if I fell short,” she murmured.

“Of course. Do you not know who I am?”

Snorting at the question, Priscilla replied.

The answer caused Sphinx to lower her eyebrows, her tense expression dissolving into a sigh.

“Priscilla Barielle. —I am the adversary of ‘Great Calamity’ Sphinx.”

Thus, she found significance in her existence, different from the reason originally crafted, smiling at last.

――That was the conclusion between “Sun Princess” Priscilla Barielle and “Great Calamity” Sphinx.

△▼△▼△▼△

Once, there was a time she was nearly destroyed.

Even then, there were unfulfilled desires, yet calmly accepting to meet a fate that ended before reaching them felt just as silent as the closing of the day.

What about now?

“Just like then, I shall vanish without reaching a wish.”

Her heart, akin to the dawn or dusk, was not a sinking sun, but rather a child eagerly waiting for the rising day, perceiving a definite “heat” inside her chest.

And that was the harrowing “heat” that had dazzled the eyes of an ice-cold, dry monster while tethered there for decades.

“Thank you. For helping define who I am. —I am grateful.”

Unclear, indeterminate, vague, and indistinct, she established herself as “self,” aware that it had strayed far from what she had imagined from the start, yet it didn’t bother her.

Once more, she could state that this being born as a monster was not a mere substitute for the “Witch of Greed.”

So now, as she disappears without fulfilling her unique wish, she says this.

“—Ah, how regrettable.”

△▼△▼△▼△

“——Sphinx.”

Thus called by Subaru, the soul-altering Spica consumed that essence.

The moment “Star Reading” activated, a serene sense of achievement and satisfaction surged within Subaru, intertwined with a blossoming sense of loneliness. Perhaps it was similar to the bittersweet feeling of the end of a meal filled with laughter.

He felt fulfilled, yet there was still a tinge of emptiness, just a fleeting moment.

“——――”

Celebrating the birth of a life as a single entity, he simultaneously aided in devouring her.

However, it wasn’t from hatred. He didn’t wish to inflict suffering or disappointment; there was no other way to conclude this.

The conclusion between Subaru and Sphinx could only have ended in this manner.

“U!”

The Sphinx started to dissolve into dust. As Subaru bore witness to her end, Spica, who had accomplished this with him, called out.

He had to express gratitude and words of encouragement to Spica too.

“And then, with the top enemy gone, this means for Abel and the others—”

Just as he articulated this,

“——Subaru.”

The sudden voice resonated, bypassing his eardrums and skull straight to his brain.

Always so. That beautiful silvery voice usually stripped Natsuki Subaru bare. Left exposed, it turned him around, invoking an impulse that made him want to cry.

“——――”

Unable to produce a word, as Subaru stood and turned, the sunset illuminated his eyes. The fading light of victory stood in the way now—within that glow was a face he longed to see.

Her long silver hair captured the moon’s droplets, while her purple eyes shone with the world’s most exquisite jewels; from head to toe, there wasn’t a single part he couldn’t find endearing.

“Uah!”

Overwhelmed by a rising impulse and on the verge of tears, Spica smacked Subaru gently on the back.

That touch rekindled his courage, and with renewed determination, Subaru took off.

Dipping past Al, who gave him a thumbs up, he waved goodbye to Hallebel, who was exuding purple smoke, slapped Garfiel—who was sobbing uncontrollably—on the shoulder, and playfully poked Beatrice’s cheek, who held back her urge to leap for joy, indulging in Tanzer’s usual deep bows, finding humor in the situation, as Roswaal landed above him, draping his discarded coat over Subaru.

“Subaru-kun, you’re as naked as can be!”

Having regained his original size, Subaru’s attire looked mismatched; no clothing remained in his child form. In another world, it signalled the embarrassing state of needing to buy new clothes.

But this wasn’t the original world; he lived now in a fantasy realm.

“Su—”

Hastily approaching him, she opened her mouth, but Subaru didn’t halt his speed. Instead, he rushed straight in to hug her, silencing her effectively.

He wrapped his arms around her fragile frame tightly—his adult arms embracing her properly—and—

“——E.M.T.”

“…Idiot.”

As he embraced her directly, Emilia appeared a bit surprised, yet smiled apologetically.

Their reunion in the Volakia Empire filled his heart with joy. Being able to touch the one whom he had longed to be with made Subaru realize his feelings for her deeply.

But still, it was different. —This feeling, combined with his heart and soul, made up Natsuki Subaru.

“Welcome back, Subaru.”

“Yeah.—I’m home, Emilia-chan.”

That sense of fulfillment in Subaru’s soul, similarly resonated with Emilia as she said it.

As the two shared their delight in the reunion, behind them, the Crystal Palace blazed brightly, flaring up.

—That marked the ceremony signaling the end of the “Great Calamity” in the long-standing, drawn-out Volakia Empire.