――The Great Library Pleiades.

That was the official name of the tower that Shaula mentioned when Subaru and the others were invited here for the first time.

It seems unlikely that she was able to come up with such a scholarly term on her own, so she probably learned it from her “master,” who had tasked her with managing the tower.

Having memorized that term and the necessary explanations for four hundred years, Shaula was finally able to reveal it at that moment.

And now――,

“――The Great Library Pleiades, and the repository of ‘The Book of the Dead,’ known as ‘Taygeta.’”

So saying, Ezzo spread his arms wide, revealing a row of shelves lined up behind him. The shelves were arranged in a circular pattern around the stairs leading from the lower four levels, with rows upon rows and dozens of rows placed in succession.

Even taking into account the considerable circumference of the Pleiades Watchtower, this space, which could not possibly be contained, was likely augmented in some way.

“If it’s Dark Magic, it’s not impossible. However, to construct a spell that remains unsolved for hundreds of years without a practitioner would be a feat beyond human capability.”

In response to Subaru’s question, Beatrice replied with a serious expression.

As the Great Spirit of the Dark attribute, Beatrice could naturally sense the advanced magic placed upon the tower, which might cause her unease.

In any case――,

“――――”

The first-time entrants, Garfiel and Petra, stood wide-eyed, speechless at the sheer number of shelves—no, at the overwhelming amount of books contained, namely, ‘The Book of the Dead.’

That was to be expected. When Subaru first learned the identity of the books in ‘Taygeta,’ he was left speechless, even if he understood the reasoning behind the vast number of deceased’s existence.

“Are all of these… books about dead people?”

Petra exclaimed, lost in thought.

With her eyes slightly darting about, showing an astonished reaction, it felt natural to Subaru. Recently, Petra had become quite composed and frequently displayed a maturity that would put adults to shame, even when faced with challenging situations. In fact, when confronted with the ‘Sand Time’ that troubled many who dared to challenge the Augria Sand Dunes, she adeptly handled the sandy winds.

Yet, even Petra found the unnaturalness of ‘Taygeta’ difficult to remain calm in.

“――ッ”

The same could be said for Garfiel, who was softly gulping and glancing around the library.

Instead of the peculiar solemnity of ‘The Book of the Dead,’ which certainly held a unique quality, he might be more overwhelmed by the sheer number of books it contained.

It might have been exacerbated by the recent encounter with the hordes of undead in the Volakia Empire, witnessing the massive resurgence of the dead and their return to death.

Both Petra and Garfiel’s reactions were of concern to Subaru. However, his greatest worry lay with another person who was visiting for the first time, just like them, and had a purpose in mind――,

“――――”

With a small sigh, Al gazed intently into the library, his neck gently scanning around.

His shocked demeanor was more subdued than Petra’s, and the way he turned his neck to inspect the library was slower than Garfiel’s; yet, it radiated a palpable tension.

Subaru found himself hesitating to speak, as his mouth felt dry.

Just then, caught in that moment of hesitation――,

“――I can’t read this.”

Unceremoniously walking up to one of the shelves, Al naturally pulled out a book, holding it open with his elbow propped underneath while flipping through its pages.

His actions were so natural and devoid of hesitation that Subaru was slow to react, exclaiming, “Wait, wait, wait! Don’t jump in like that! It’s startling!”

“Hmm… Ah, sorry. It just appeared in front of me, so I couldn’t help it.”

“Isn’t it scarier to rush into something unknown all of a sudden?!”

As Subaru hurriedly snatched the book from Al’s hands, he felt a strong sense of surprise at that swift action, while simultaneously realizing Al’s recklessness once again. During this journey, though he didn’t display it overtly, perhaps it stemmed from his strong desire for knowledge.

He wanted to show understanding, yet on the other hand, he couldn’t ignore the danger of such recklessness.

“I told you to be careful. The books here are, well, way more intense than you could imagine. I almost turned into Meily halfway through.”

“What kind of joke is that?! Don’t say scary things like that!”

Meily, whose name was mentioned, protested, yet this was no mere joke from Subaru; it was the dreadful reality of the existence that ‘The Book of the Dead’ held.

On a previous journey, when Meily lost her life during a certain loop, Subaru had read her ‘Book of the Dead,’ enduring immense mental strain, and became so immersed in her life that it felt like he housed an existence that hadn’t been there.

Truthfully, although Subaru felt a bond and affection toward Meily, it was impossible to deny that the influence of ‘The Book of the Dead’ had weighed heavily on him. If one could feel familiarity through empathy and understanding, then ‘The Book of the Dead’ was the ultimate mediator.

Yet, under normal circumstances, there would never be an opportunity to reunite with the deceased while alive, so this kind of development was only possible for Subaru.

“That’s why you need to handle these books with care. You might end up losing your sense of self.”

“To lose myself, huh… In a sense, that might not be so bad.”

“Al…”

“Just kidding, just kidding. A terrible joke, not even funny.”

Al’s self-destructive words struck a nerve in Subaru, causing him to stiffen.

Hoping to provide him with a breakthrough, Subaru had listened to Al’s wishes and brought him to the tower. However, he was now becoming increasingly anxious about whether this could result in a remedy or only deepen the scars.

“Just now, as Natsuki said, the reprimanding of Al’s reckless behavior has already been addressed, but I also want Garfiel and Petra to remain vigilant. Carelessly being influenced by the books may leave an indelible scar on the heart.”

Amidst the exchange between Subaru and Al, Ezzo cautioned the first-time visitors.

Ezzo’s words held nuances that only those who had experienced the feedback from ‘The Book of the Dead’ could carry.

Without a doubt, he was one of those who had encountered ‘The Book of the Dead,’ just like Subaru and Julius――,

“Though it’s not often taken seriously, the scars left on one’s heart are troublesome. Healing magic may not have a chance of recovery and, since they are not visible from the outside, they are often overlooked. Still, the miasma in this land is strong, which can also put one in a low mood. If anything happens, make sure to tell me, the elder, at once.”

“Ah, thank you, Ezzo…”

“You show a commendable attitude as the oldest, Ezzo. As expected, you were the one who, when you first read ‘The Book of the Dead,’ rolled your eyes, foamed at the mouth, and wet yourself.”

“Flame?! We agreed not to talk about that?!”

“I was trembling with fear in the library, and I also rolled my eyes.”

Ezzo, who had confidently patted his chest, was shocked when Flamme exposed his embarrassment. Petra’s gaze, which had once held a look of respect, began to show suspicion as she said, “Ezzo…?”

At that girl’s glance, Ezzo gestured frantically,

“Ah, no, wait! I mean, that’s not entirely wrong, but Flamme’s account is way too effective at scaring people! Sure, in the beginning, I couldn’t endure it and fainted, but once I learned the knack of reading the books, I’ve never displayed such shame again!”

“The knack for reading?! Is there such a thing?!”

“There is! To put it simply, you empty your mind. You close your heart. If you can just place yourself in that mindset, you can recognize the incoming information merely as information.”

“It sounds so simple, yet no matter how many times I hear it, I can’t understand.”

Flamme gently shook her head while Ezzo looked around for support. But, including Petra, Garfiel, Meily, Subaru, and Beatrice, no one understood.

Faced with this lack of understanding, Ezzo was left aghast, “How foolish…!”

Put aside Ezzo’s shock; if he had truly succeeded in protecting his heart using the methods he described and read ‘The Book of the Dead,’ that would be nothing short of astounding.

Having read ‘The Book of the Dead,’ Subaru knew just how impressive it was. Frankly, even after hearing the current trick, he couldn’t see himself being able to do the same.

“So you see, doing something thoughtless could lead to something irreversible. Therefore, let’s avoid touching anything other than the book we need…”

“It would be best to refrain. …Understood. I will heed your advice. Besides, it’s thanks to my brothers that we could come to the tower without any trouble.”

“…Then that’s good.”

While saying this, Subaru returned the book he had taken from Al back to the shelf. Although he didn’t know the name on the spine, it felt like he was handling a gravestone.

Indeed, ‘The Book of the Dead’ might evoke a sensation similar to grave markers or headstones. Therefore, behaving chaotically or recklessly here came with a strange sense of resistance.

In any case――,

“Searching for the required book amidst such a vast collection will be a challenge. It’s best to settle in and get to work. After all, books may be continuously multiplying within this library even as we speak.”

Ezzo’s addition spoke of the daunting journey through a sea of books, one that was different in nature from the journey across the sandy seas, and one that held no guaranteed victory.

△▼△▼△▼△

“――I, Volcanica. By the ancient pact, I shall question the intent of those who reach the pinnacle.”

It was a voice large, solemn, and as if it resonated with the souls of the listeners, a presence unlike any other.

Against the blue sky, before the majestic dragon—the “Divine Dragon”—that perched atop the high tower, Garfiel stood there, stunned.

It was not his first encounter with a dragon.

On the contrary, during the recent ‘Great Calamity’ in the Volakia Empire, Garfiel faced the “Cloud Dragon” Mezoleia head-on and clashed with it while entrusted to Subaru and the others.

Given the nature of that battle, Garfiel did not believe he had won against the “Cloud Dragon.”

Yet, he had a strong sense that he had never been defeated either.

Dragons were synonymous with the mightiest beings in this world, reigning at the top of a ranking that included humans, subhumans, beasts, and spirits.

Having engaged in fistfights with one of the top dragons, Garfiel was conscious of having broken through a shell surrounding him.

However――,

“――Thou, who has reached the pinnacle of the tower. Step upon the first stage, oh all-powerful supplicant.”

The Divine Dragon Volcanica rested its wings at the tower’s summit, and it was clear to his instincts that this dragon belonged to a different tier than Mezoleia.

Though not apparent at first glance, the experience of being a “dragon” was worlds apart between Volcanica and Mezoleia, as different as an adult is from a child.

“…Last time, I barely brushed past it, just hearing secondhand accounts, but this is seriously impressive.”

While Garfiel gazed up at the dragon, Subaru, standing behind him, couldn’t help but express admiration.

Last time, in the Pleiades Watchtower, Subaru was thrown to the Empire without even a chance to encounter Volcanica. While he did have opportunities to see the “Cloud Dragon” in the Empire, the awe before “Divine Dragon” Volcanica was evidently shared with Garfiel.

This was the dragon with whom Emilia had fought.

“Emilia really took a huge risk back then…”

“Indeed, she nearly gave Beatrice a heart attack. Back then, everyone including myself, Subaru, Ram, and Anastasia had a rough time…”

“Back then, Beatrice was really on the edge of coming apart, so I appreciate that.”

Thinking back to that time, Subaru received a gentle pat on the head from Beatrice, who wore a serious expression. However, it was known that the scale of the resolution was no mere innocent tale.

During that time, Subaru had experienced memory loss, a betrayal by Meily, skirmishes with “The Sage” and “Gluttony,” and it had turned into a massive uproar.

“If I were around, the general wouldn’t have to be sent flying off to the Empire…”

“Are you suggesting that Garfiel could handle the problems that Beatrice and Emilia couldn’t?”

“Uh, no, I didn’t mean it that way!”

“That’s a pretty joke, Beatrice! You understand completely, don’t you?”

As Garfiel panicked over what he might have said, Beatrice began to laugh. When Garfiel exhaled in relief, Subaru continued by saying, “And also,”

“We’ve worried everyone so much. I can’t say it’s a good thing that we were sent flying, but somehow I think if we hadn’t been there, the Empire would have been destroyed.”

“It can’t be said to be a case of good results, especially considering Al’s feelings.”

“Not just that guy. Schult, the old man too.”

At Subaru’s words, where he scratched his cheek, Beatrice and Garfiel responded in kind.

Images of the crumbling faction due to Priscilla’s absence floated in Garfiel’s mind.

With Heinkel gone, Al seeking ‘The Book of the Dead.’ Even the most positive Schult was struggling as he tried to pull himself together. It was too burdensome to leave it all to Roswaal, so Frederica was accompanying him, providing some relief.

If only they could help each person move forward, even just a little――,

“Sorry for dragging you into this, chief. I really wanted to see the ‘Divine Dragon’ at least once.”

“I’m just as curious, and there’s no reason for you to apologize. It’s like when you find out a famous person is staying on an upper floor of a hotel; you naturally want to see them… ah, wait, going to meet them like that would be rude, wouldn’t it? Am I overstepping my boundaries here?”

“No one has a reason to scold you. If anyone has that right, it would be the dragon itself. But—”

“――I, Volcanica. By the ancient pact, I shall question the intent of those who reach the pinnacle.”

“Seems like that’s how it is.”

Hearing Volcanica’s response, Beatrice shrugged at the ambiguity of it.

Although Garfiel was also somewhat skeptical, he clearly understood that meeting Volcanica in person confirmed the existence of a different dimension compared to Mezoleia, though the dragon emanated an extraordinary aura that made it evident that it was an extraordinary dragon.

In any case――,

“Now that we realize there’s someone above us, we need to avoid any misunderstandings.”

“…You are strong, Garfiel. Among the people I know, you would easily rank among the top.”

“It’s my duty to bring that to the very top, isn’t it?”

Testing the solidity of his own ground, Garfiel gently nudged Subaru, who wasn’t disheartened. The impact from his fist was enough to make Subaru groan lightly, and he nodded with teary eyes.

Just then, as they were speaking――,

“――Oh, you really were at the ‘Divine Dragon’s’ place.”

At that moment, Ezzo descended the stairs and joined them.

Ezzo looked at Garfiel, Subaru, and the Volcanica beyond them.

“I can understand. There is a great deal of intrigue surrounding the mysteries of this tower, but the ‘Divine Dragon’ Volcanica, an existence essential to the current formation of the Lugnica Kingdom, is of equal interest!”

“Haha, that may differ from Ezzo’s perspective, but I also have an admiration for dragons. Volcanica might be too massive, but a dragon rider or something is a boy’s dream.”

“A Dragon Rider…!? Chief, please explain that more after this!”

“Sure. But to be fair, the Empire’s ‘Flying Dragon Riders’ were kind of like that.”

As Subaru nodded along, Garfiel’s intuition sparked with interest. It quickly struck him as something incredibly cool.

Ezzo, with his hand on his chin, tilted his head and said, “I expected to engage in a discussion about the significance of the ‘Divine Dragon’ from historical and scholarly perspectives, but let’s save that for another opportunity. So Natsuki, as requested, I’ve explained the library to Al. Currently, he is with Flamme.”

“Thank you, that’s a big help. I haven’t been able to talk properly with Flamme yet; is everything okay?”

“There’s no need for concern. If she dislikes something, she clearly states it. It’s a bit troubling that there are many moments when she says so as a servant, but…”

“I’m used to maids who say they don’t like things.”

“Ah, that’s true enough.”

At Beatrice’s remark, Garfiel and Subaru exchanged glances and nodded.

Garfiel, who is proud and self-conscious, certainly has a lady he admires who can clearly voice her opinions without being stuck because of her role as a maid. He likes that.

When he thought this way, Flamme was similar, yet the pink-haired girl might be strong.

“By the way, Flamme has a twin sister named Gracis, and they’re troublesome since not only do they look alike, but they also have very similar personalities.”

“Felt’s group is also varied, between Old Man Rom and that crazy woman. How did you end up in Felt’s circle?”

“I once received a favor from Felt and Reinhardt. Because of that connection, they took notice of me and picked me up, which would be the proper way to put it.”

“If that’s the case, then you hit the jackpot. Just like our Otto.”

The term “hit the jackpot” was something Otto often used himself, but the commonality between Otto and Ezzo might be their earthy green traits. Otto in his outfit, and Ezzo in his hair.

Greenish acquisitions are likely to be capable and reliable. Reflecting on this, Garfiel couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You seem particularly cheerful, Garfiel.”

“It’s nothing really, just some stupid stuff. But more than that, it feels odd to hear you call me ‘chief.’ It feels too pretentious to say ‘chief.’”

“Is that so? I don’t think so, but… then, I shall call you Garfiel as I do with Lachins and the others.”

“Right. We’re no longer strangers, so that works for me.”

As Garfiel waved his hand, Ezzo nodded in agreement.

During that exchange between Garfiel and Ezzo, Subaru looked back and forth between the two, “Speaking of which,” he asked,

“You two know each other, right? How did that come to be?”

“That would be during the ‘Pristella Incident’… when the city of Watergate was attacked by the Witch Cult led by the Archbishop of Sin. After the incident, I was called by Felt to help with the cleanup efforts, and I ended up entering the city. That was where I got to know Garfiel and Otto.”

“I see, it was that time…”

“Oh, yeah, there was also quite a stir back then…

But that’s a long story.”

That was the time they had embarked on this journey to the Pleiades Watchtower.

While Otto was in need of healing, Garfiel remained behind in the city to help with its recovery, during which he assisted in excavating the ‘Witch’s Remains,’ sealed beneath the city. Among the excavation team was Ezzo, alongside Garfiel, Ricardo, and inexplicably, Liliana, who had tagged along.

“From the sound of it, it seems like there was quite a commotion back then…”

“It was certainly challenging but also a time of immense learning. Of course, I was often aided by Garfiel. Though it feels peculiar to say this in front of him, he’s an exceptional young man.”

“Hey, come on now.”

“Not that extraordinary.”

Without a hint of embarrassment, Ezzo’s declaration made both Subaru and Beatrice beam with joy, even more than Garfiel himself.

Indeed, Garfiel had felt firsthand that Ezzo was not the kind of person who had his head in the clouds but rather a capable and practical magician. Yet it was all too easy to undervalue Ezzo’s abilities when comparing him to someone even more extraordinary in the vicinity.

“Now then, while deepening friendships is nice, let’s get down to business first. I’m referring to Al here.”

“Al’s situation.”

“Correct. I want to confirm something: I suspect that Al’s aim lies in the resurrection of Priscilla Barielle; am I wrong?”

“Wha…!?”

“Huh?”

The simultaneous reactions of Garfiel and Subaru to Ezzo’s statement caught them off guard.

The sudden mention of resurrection left Garfiel at a loss for understanding. Meanwhile, Beatrice narrowed her eyes, intrigued.

“What do you mean? Resurrecting the dead… If this is about the ‘Secret of the Undying King,’ I’m more than informed enough.”

“I’m referring to that incident in the Empire I heard bits of. The ‘Secret of the Undying King’ is deeply fascinating, but what I mean right now is not that. Coincidentally, I’m concerned about the method that Natsuki just jokingly mentioned.”

“I jokingly…?”

“By reading Priscilla Barielle’s ‘Book of the Dead,’ you overwrite yourself with her existence—this is a pseudo-resurrection of the dead.”

“――――”

Ezzo’s words, devoid of inflection and additional emotions, sank deep into their minds.

Pseudo-resurrection of the dead―― While Garfiel couldn’t grasp the full meaning of what Ezzo described, he recognized from the shock written on Subaru’s face that those words were far from absurd.

Subaru was speechless at the implications of Ezzo’s revelation. As he observed Garfiel’s expression of confusion, Ezzo continued.

“As I mentioned, I’ve already read about twelve copies of ‘The Book of the Dead.’ The embarrassing failures of my early experiences truly were incompetent actions, just as Flamme said. And if we go by the sensations I felt at that point… it can be argued that mental overwriting is possible.”

“……That sounds like it could lead to memory mixing, and Subaru has mentioned that before. However, to consider that the consciousness of the reader would completely vanish seems unlikely.”

“Mixing and swirling feelings would be right, but what if the reader prepared themselves for this? If from the beginning, one is in the mindset that they will vanish, then wouldn’t the spirit they absorbed from the book settle in easily?”

“――――”

“Of course, that’s just a theoretical hypothesis. I haven’t actually tried it out yet. However, considering that there must be someone who has lost a crucial person and seeks this person’s ‘Book of the Dead’ raises this thought.”

Ezzo’s reasoning, flowing smoothly, created an unusually deep frown on Beatrice.

Unable to interrupt, Garfiel struggled to comprehend as he attempted to catch on, thinking he understood the gist.

Yet even if one were to pour memories, feelings, and such from the ‘Book of the Dead,’ wouldn’t that end up nothing more than—?

“Even if that happens, it wouldn’t mean they’re brought back to life.”

“Why is that?”

“Because… well. The soul! The soul differs! It’s not someone from within the book!”

In a swirl of confusion, Garfiel clenched his canine teeth and replied.

It wasn’t something that could be explained logically. Yet he didn’t believe that a person could be composed solely of “memories” or “information.” That was why he answered as he did.

Upon hearing Garfiel’s response, Ezzo narrowed his eyes.

“I see. I hold the same view as you, Garfiel.”

“…Huh?”

“What sort of blank expression and voice is that? You’re ruining your dashing figure. Stand taller.”

After Garfiel had earnestly come up with an answer, Ezzo remarked with a finger raised.

“Precisely, your observations hit the nail on the head. Even if all details of the deceased were written down in ‘The Book of the Dead,’ and even if one could relive the accompanying emotions and experiences as if they were real, or even if mental overwriting were accomplished, that wouldn’t be resurrection of the dead. Rather, it’s the birth of another being sharing the memories, experiences, and feelings of the deceased.”

“Shared memories, experiences, and feelings…?”

“I do not consider that true resurrection of the dead. Many would likely feel the same intuitively. Thus, I wish to confirm something… Al, do you truly desire to resurrect the dead? If you choose ‘The Book of the Dead’ as the method to achieve this, then your wish will remain unfulfilled.”

“――――”

“However, should he wish to encircle Priscilla in his heart, then it could be a possible plan.”

Gently shaking his head, Ezzo closed his remarks.

Caught in thought from his narrative, Garfiel ground his teeth, glancing at Subaru.

The one who had been most concerned about Al’s feelings, seeking to do something for him, would certainly be Subaru. How then would he feel upon hearing Ezzo’s explanation?

“Have I been a fool? No, I’ve certainly been foolish.”

“Subaru…”

“I hadn’t even considered such a possibility until you mentioned it. …I just assumed that what Al wanted to know was simply Priscilla’s last moments. I thought perhaps he might find clarity during his search for the book…”

Having pressed his fist against his forehead, Subaru chastised himself for not realizing such an essential aspect. Seeing his pained self-recriminating expression, Garfiel reached out and grasped his outstretched arm.

Doing so wouldn’t alleviate anything. He knew that from the white scar on his own forehead.

“I’m not saying I blame you for not thinking of it. This is a way of reasoning that only comes from having experienced reading ‘The Book of the Dead’ and wanting to perceive things from various angles. So it’s doubtful that Al has thought about that as well. However—”

“I understand. I understand, Ezzo. If Al happens to want to go back to Priscilla by disappearing himself, then that’s unacceptable.”

Clenching his molars tightly, Subaru answered Ezzo’s insight with determination. He then glanced at Garfiel, who was holding on to his hand.

“Sorry to have worried you.”

“There’s no need for an apology. This time, it’s my job to worry about you, chief. I’ve been asked to keep an eye on you by Otto and Emilia too.”

“That’s a different form of worry, you know.”

As Garfiel released his grip and shrugged, Subaru forced a weak smile, then muttered “Alright,” quietly,

“I’d better avoid bluntly discussing this with Al straight away. If he hasn’t thought of it himself, pushing him could cause him unnecessary stress. However, I won’t allow him to be left alone.”

“If he’s left to search for the intended book alone and ends up reading it, there would be no stopping what happens.”

“It’s probably ideal that we can find the book before he does. Whether we show him that book or not, having it will allow us to take the lead.”

“…I hate to think about fighting for the lead like that.”

“Chief…”

While softly reflecting on Al’s potential to become overwhelmed, Subaru weakly murmured in their ongoing discussion.

Originally, the reason they brought Al with them to the tower was to prevent him from getting overwhelmed. But, it felt absurd that being here could cause that very outcome.

“――――”

Garfiel began to scuff the floor with his feet inside the tower, resenting the Pleiades Watchtower.

What was the reason for having the tower hold the dead’s memories in the form of ‘The Book of the Dead,’ bewildering those who sought it, and causing Subaru and themselves so much distress?

“Is Al currently searching for the book he’s after in the library?”

“Yeah, that should be the case.”

“And what about Flamme, the girl we left with him? What kind of person is she?”

“She is a servant of Felt… or rather, a maid of the Astrea family. She is a child from a family that has served the Astrea family for generations, though she is young, she is not to be underestimated. Without magic, I could never keep up with her.”

Having heard Ezzo’s explanation, Garfiel could readily accept the image of Flamme.

He had not seen her move nimbly, yet Flamme’s stance was unparalleled—akin to Ram, she possessed an exceptionally well-aligned posture. While saying she’s not on par with Ram wasn’t quite right, if she worked in the Astrea household, one could certainly expect her to be a formidable opponent.

“Al must be pouring his heart into his search for books, as he’s likely even foregoing sleep and food. I intend to suggest that we divide ourselves to assist… but what about the stay in the tower?”

“――It’s set for three days. Al is aware of that.”

Three days—that had been the original stay period allocated for the Pleiades Watchtower.

Even if Priscilla’s ‘Book of the Dead’ isn’t found within that time, they will leave the tower after three days, and Al would return to the Barielle territory, where he’d need to remain with Schult.

So, before then, Subaru’s wish was to create a chance for Al to regain his footing, a sentiment shared by Garfiel as well.

This three days should be a time for Al to cultivate his resolve.

And ensuring that it doesn’t become time for anything else would be――,

“――Something I must accomplish here.”

Garfiel tightly clenched his fist, bones creaking, assigning a heavy responsibility to himself.

To fulfill what had been entrusted to him by those not present—Emilia, Frederica, Otto, Ram, Rem, and, to some extent, Roswaal.

“――Thou, who has reached the pinnacle of the tower. Step upon the first stage, oh all-powerful supplicant.”

Thus, Garfiel and the others, having made their resolute decision to extinguish the potential of unrest, found themselves under the gaze of the ‘Divine Dragon,’ which remained in an unchanging state of ambiguity.