228 227. The final battle of the labyrinth.txt (2/2)

And then, in my hand - ”My best friend (Rowen)” returned.

'I'm good at making my way!　With all my strength, this child will make a big hole in the ground!　--Zeerweird!

Furthermore, just before landing on the ground, Titi held up her bayonet and fired her magic at the dome of light. However, since there was no time to accumulate bullets, it was a random wind that was shot off.

However, it was still not just a wind.

It's a [Wind of Freedom] that disintegrates everything by [The One Who Steals the Reason of the Wind].

And it creates a tunnel-like hole in the defensive Great Magic Light Variants Wall.

A ”path” is created.

Now, at last, I can see the 'path' that leads to victory with the naked eye and not with dimensional magic.

Thank you!　Titi, Rainer!　Let me take care of the rest!

All that's left is to push forward.

If you take the sword you received from Reiner and push forward on the path that Titi has created for you - that's all you need to win.

I have this confidence. That's why I can move forward without hesitation.

Nosfi--!

I run through, shouting the name of the opponent I need to defeat.

In a single breath, the distance is zero, and I reach Nosfi's immediate vicinity.

He's defenseless.

I seem to have my hands full stopping the wind spears with defensive magic.

I manage to stand by thrusting the flag of light into the ground and clenching it with both hands. If it's now, the sword can definitely be reached. We can win.

I'm going to slash at it with the 'Treasured Sword of the Aleis Family, Rowen'.

I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

--the blade didn't even reach it close enough.

Just before touching Nosufi's shoulder, the sword stopped as it was blocked by a thin, black wall of light.

That wall blocked both Titi's [Wind of Freedom] and 'Rowen''s blade, all of them.

I intuitively understand it. That Nosufi also used a special power that only 'the one that steals the reason of light' has.

The wall of light that stole that some kind of reason is protecting Nosufi in a thin layer of skin.

''Hmph, hmph. Hmph.''

Nosfi laughed as he clutched the flag and turned his face down.

Then, after shaking his shoulders with enough plumping, he looked up.

''Ah, that's a shame--that's close!　Hmm, welcome, Uzumi-sama!

A thin wall of light unfolded behind me as well, trapping me in the dome of light. In addition, Nosfi made the new dome of light huge, easily swallowing the antagonistic wind spears with light.

''It's already empty, isn't it, Uzuraha-sama!　And yet I'm glad you're so close to me!　I feel your love!　But it's a reminder, isn't it?　Thoughts that seem to reach, but never reach!　I can't believe I'm one step away from losing!　Ah, after all that hard work, the fight is finally over!　--Lose, lose, by!　Hmmm, how does that feel!　Please tell us how you feel about that!　If you want to, hmmm, let me see your painful face - I, hmmm, please let me see it well!

He takes his hand away from the flag of light and takes a step closer to me with his signature look.

The performance went well, and I think he was convinced of victory.

Without holding a weapon, he reaches out his hands to me and even tries to touch both of my cheeks.

But I laugh.

Instead of struggling and contorting it, I lift the corners of my mouth and laugh challengingly.

'-- what are you talking about?　Nosphy, I'm not done. I may be empty, but I'm not finished!

What--?

Nosfi is surprised to see my smile.

I take advantage of the opportunity and use it.

'Mr. Reynand!　I'm sorry, sir, we'll use it all up here!　And this is the real deal, the final blow--!

I'm not going to be able to get a good idea of what I'm talking about.

It's just a little bit of magic power - less than ten in terms of status, but the power returns to the body.

''Is it a replenishment of magic power ......!　But with such a small amount of magical power--!

Indeed, even if the power returned to the body a bit, the result would be the same.

This last piece of defensive wall is a magic beyond magic by the power of 'The One Who Stole the Reason'.

It's impossible to break through it with half-hearted strength.

But the sword in my hand is not a half-hearted sword.

This is the sword that cuts off all demons.

And the wind at my back is not an ordinary wind.

It's the wind that allows me to walk the road freely.

”'Rowen'--!

I regain my grip on the sword, trying to cut through the wall of magic.

And then he spins.

His (ka) swordsman's life is packed into that 'chanting'.

”- 'I (I) will leave the world (you) behind. The sword (tsurugi) that the world (anata) rejected, I (me) will inherit it--!

The essence of the magic that leads to the guardian - the ultimate in magic construction.

The 'chanting' of 'The One Who Stole the Reason of the Earth'.

”Well, this can't be...!

Nosfi seemed to know.

The sword that cut off the demons of Aleis - its final form.

Hence the trembling in his voice.

Even though I thought it couldn't be possible, I was frightened.

Certainly, there's no way I can do it with common sense.

This sword is Rowen's technique. At that time, I was able to understand Rowen's life because I had a 'connection' with the Reaper, but that 'connection' has already been severed. I'm missing a lot of things to make it a success.

But I am convinced.

I'm sure I can do it now - and I'm strong enough to overcome more hardship.

I just went with Tity just now, so it's easy to recreate this.

All I need to do is apply the 《Distance Mute》 and make a 'connection' with the magic stone 'Rowen'!　You can 'chant' that life!　In the truest sense of the word, he can wield his best friend's sword, Lowen, the treasured sword of the Alais family--!

This is the final blow with which we have all been fighting for!　--magic (...) ”Dearest Flash (Di a Wraith)” -- ！！！！

--and cut off (...).

Distorting the dimensions, stealing the reason of the world, the flashes crossed the wall.

Ignoring all obstacles, the sword was swung out.

Only Nosfi's body is the one that cuts through it.

What we gained on the ground, what we gained underground, we put everything out - that flash finally reaches Nosfi.

Ugh, ugh--!

Nosfi's left arm was slashed away from the tip of her shoulder.

I had intended to slash Nosfi's body diagonally through the shoulder opening, but anticipating Aleth's technique, she twisted herself to minimize the damage.

It wouldn't be because of her physical abilities or her reflexes. The 《D Dearest Flash (Di a Wraith)》 was a technique that couldn't be performed in time after seeing it. In other words, Nosfi avoided it on a hunch.

Plenty of red blood poured out of the section of the wound.

Immediately, Nosphy stopped the bleeding with magic, grabbed the flying left arm with his right arm and jumped backwards in a big way.

He's probably wary of the second shot, ”Dearest Flash (Di a Wraith)”.

I can tell from his expression that he thinks that the range of the sword is dangerous.

A large amount of blood had been drained out of him, and Nosfi had completely paled.

It looks like a life-threatening wound, even if there is an enhancement due to the unrelieved non-resolution.

His face contorts and he speaks of his current situation.

''Hey, why ......?　Against my full strength ......, Uzumi-sama, who has zero magic power, competed against me ......?　On ”view” at ...... that's impossible!　Yah, it's still weird (・・・・・・). It's too funny, no matter how much it is: ......!

He finally took his gaze away from me as his blood drained and he became calm.

Then, Nosfi activated his magic.

''-- 《Dimension》!

The choice was not light magic, but the foundation of dimensional magic.

I furrow my brow and begin to focus on basic magic.

I try to move forward, trying to make a follow-up attack while it's happening.

But my footing wobbles and I can't move forward. What's more, I'm not sure I can unleash the Dearest Flash (Di a Wraith) again after approaching Nosfi.

Titi and Ryner in the rear were also very worn out, and it was going to take some time before the next resonance magic.

During that slight hesitation, Nosfi seemed to have sensed something.

While looking around, he muttered out grimly.

''After all, is this weirdness due to Uzuraha-sama's magic?　No, I'm sure of it now. But is this strange technique ...... also supposed to be a 'magic to attract a convenient future' ......?

Apparently, he was using 《Dimension》 to analyze the magic power around him.

He said he was familiar with magic and wards, but it was surprising that he could also understand the magic he used a long time ago. No, perhaps the magic 《Dimensional Decisive Operations (Dimension Graduation) ”Realize” is a magic that is particularly easy to sense. When I used it before the fight, I felt the magic I used seeped into the world.

As I was also analyzing it calmly, Nosfy suddenly became agitated and shouted.

''Huh, you've got to be kidding me!　Isn't that kind of magic like manipulating fate?　It's no longer in the dimension of strong and weak!

I'm indignant as if I was being used for a foul in the game.

If it's true to those words, then that anger is reasonable, but the effect of my idea of the ”Dimensional Decisive Arithmetic (Dimension Graduate) 'Preternatural (Realize)'” is not that convenient - it should be. Still.

'Nosfi, you're mistaken. It's true that the trigger may have been the power of the magic Dimension Graduate ”Realize”. But that's not such a useful magic. It's a little bit of futuristic magic - it's just magic to know that there's a possibility. I'm sure that the reason why I'm here today is because of ...... that I was able to overcome various challenges and grow. ...... so many things and people have taught me so many things.

The people from the past, including Mr. Reynand, who taught me. And the late Hain and Hailey.

He was also greatly influenced by the guardians he defeated.

Tida taught me that I shouldn't be defeated unreasonably. She learned from Artie that she shouldn't pretend to be something she isn't. And from Rowen, she learned that she should not pretend to be something she isn't. From Rowen, he learns not to make a mistake in his wish. From Palinkulon, he told me to be myself, no matter what happens. Lord has taught me to never run away from my past.

-- taught me that.

I think it's the 'unquantifiable numbers' that make me strong.

I owe it to everyone. Because of the people who helped me, I failed over and over again, and yet I was able to keep walking while getting lost, growing little by little, and becoming stronger than I am now. And that strength has now surpassed you.

But Nosfi refused to admit it.

'What do you mean by that? What's the thanks to everyone ......!　All, no doubt, is your magic: ......!　Eh, now you're definitely the strongest 'stealer of reason' of all: ......!

Despite being an enemy, Nosfi, who is somewhat fascinated by me, seems to think that I would do that much.

Since the battle isn't over yet, I don't want to force myself to correct that overestimation, and I'm at a loss for words to reply.

'...... Ah, so this is the true value of ”the one who steals the reason for the dimension”. This is what the Apostles said about Uzurinami-sama coming close to completion. ...... making him overcome despair and seize the demonic poison with only the strength of his heart - a 'realm' that even that Yotaki-sama could not reach. I thought it was just nonsense, but it looks like I have no choice but to believe it now.

After praising me sufficiently, Nosfi scratched out the flag in his hand.

The light that leaks out of his body weakens, and his will to fight shrinks to match.

And then he readily admits.

''It can't be helped. I accept it as a defeat. This battle, the moment you use the magic power of this dimensional attribute, I've lost. ...... And now that I know I can't get a sure victory, I can't fight anymore. I'm not going to be able to get any more light ”chanting” because it's dangerous. ...... Hmmm, another unfinished business.

But Nosfi didn't seem to regret it.

He stared at the wound with a somewhat happy look, and despite the words of increased unrepentance - his shining body had faded a bit. Maybe it's only a small margin of error, but it's definitely thinner nonetheless.

While I'm thinking about the reason for this, Nosfi casts a magic.

''-- 《Connection》. I will have time to prepare my stance and think about countermeasures. Right now, going head-to-head with that dimensional magic is not only disadvantageous ...... but also too unreasonable.

They create a doorway of light in the meadow and retreat, pointing the tip of the flag at us.

If we wanted to chase her down, we could do it.

However, I was sure that if we cornered her now, there would be dead people.

Probably, even if we succeed in defeating Nosfi, someone on our side will die as well. In any case, I'm using the deepest magic, Dimension Graduate ”Realize” and the magic ”Dearest Flash”, but Nosfi still hasn't used any serious magic.

There's still a magic that hits Nosfi's life itself. And it's most likely an unavoidable and instant death magic.

The only person who can deal with it is Titi, who has enough magic power - or maybe even Titi can't. That's how much difference there is in the amount of unrequited love between the current Titi and Nosfi.

It's better to consider it fortunate that Nosphy is scared of the effects of my magic, which is impossible to have, and that she's retreating.

''Then, Uzurinami-sama. I'll wait for you on the ground first. I will be waiting for you with the oath I made that day. Please do not forget that although the sins of the 'North' have been atoned for, the sins of the 'South' still remain. Please, please do not forget me.

...... How could I forget? I'll see you again someday.

'Yes. I'll see you again at ....... Next time, I'll finish you off, body and soul, all of you.

Then, as if there hadn't been a fight earlier, Nosfi bowed with a gentle smile.

There was no doubt that the next time they met, it would be a fight as well, but he still left while showing his goodwill.

Thus, Nosfi passed through the door of light and disappeared from this space.

As soon as the door of light dissipates, I carefully search for enemies around me.

The experience of always being taken by surprise after something important is done makes me do that. But after confirming that there were definitely no more enemies, I fell on my ass with relief.

Honestly, my body was at its limit.

''It's done ....... Somehow, I won ....... No, it's a draw .......

I sit in the meadow and exhale into the sky.

'Christ......!　Don't move, I'll cast a recovery spell on you right now!

Confirming that the fight is over, Ryner wanders up to him from afar and builds sacred magic.

While thanking the liner, he calls out to Titi, who is accompanying him next to him.

'Titi ....... Nosfi's true unconsciousness ......, do you understand?

...... No, I don't understand. It is impossible for the children of the North to know what happened in the South a thousand years ago. The last time I was one-on-one with Nosfi, I couldn't even speak to him.

I see. ......

Titi looked frustrated. She was probably blaming herself for not being able to understand her friend's pain.

'No, Titi, we can worry about it later. I think we'd better get to earth sooner than that.'

I whip my tired body and slowly stand up.

Ryner, who was using sacred magic by my side, panics and tries to stop me.

''Christ, the wound isn't completely closed yet!　I can get some more rest and then--

....... If you don't go now, you'll starve to death. The city back there has completely collapsed.

Titi seemed to know what I was thinking.

She changes her mind and agrees with me.

'I mean, Titi!　You're the one who made it collapse anyway: ......!　What's the big deal: ......!

”Don't be so angry. ......!　Today's child will cry!　You cry easily!

Of course I'm angry!　Because of you, this one has to start walking again from the sixty-sixth layer!

'Don't worry about it!　I'll help you explore the maze from here on out.　If the child (straw) gets serious, it will be over in about sixty-six layers soon!　It's probably not too late!

”Because I haven't forgotten the monsters you put me through yesterday: ......

Can't we just write off that ...... site once?　So here's the real child (straw man): ......

Maybe it's because of the tension that's been building lately, but I'm a little comforted by their arguments.

'Haha ......'

I laugh at the nostalgia.

I'm finally back ...... and that's what I thought.

Looking back, it seems like before I knew it, I felt like I had fallen into the depths of not just sixty-six layers. It's a feeling of finally being able to crawl out of there and back to the starting point.

With a small smile, I step between them.

'Ryner, calm down. There's no doubt in my mind that we need to hurry up.

'Well, well, if Christ says so much: ......'

Ryner reluctantly obeys and continues to activate his recovery magic.

Thanks to this, the core of my bones still hurts, but both Ryner and I have recovered until we can walk.

I lead the two of us out of the meadow.

As we walk step by step toward that big spiral staircase, we reaffirm what we need to do now.

Let's go back. We've left a lot of stuff on the ground, so ...... we have to hurry.

And as the one who walks in the lead, I encourage my friends to do the same.

Me, Ryner, and Titi all have families on earth waiting for us.

We've left our loved ones behind.

Food is a problem, but that's more than enough reason to rush.

'Huh. ....... I understand. All is as the Lord commands.

'Mm, Kanamin!　No, thank you!

Ryner was a little disgruntled and Titty was elated.

Both of them nodded and followed behind me.

My body may have been full of wounds, but my heart was light.

That would be the same for Ryner and Titi.

The heavy feeling I had felt this morning has completely disappeared.

We are on the verge of HP and MP, and although we are too unprepared, this is the lightest we've ever set out on a labyrinth search.

That's to be expected.

It's because, at last, in the true sense of the word, we're heading to the ground.

Ryner and I - and after a thousand years, Titi - are finally on the ground.

[Party]

Lord Titty joined us.

When I saw that 'display', I felt as if all of this underground battle had been rewarded.

Maybe that's why I naturally increase my walking speed.

I almost forgot about the pain.

It's the same with my friends.

Before I knew it, they were walking next to me and had the same expression on their faces as I did.

The three of us walked up the central spiral staircase.

There are no more obstacles on these sixty-six layers. We climbed steadily upward without stopping even once.

The first thing we arrived at was the 65th layer.

It's a world where an inexhaustible maze of stairs is woven into the sky.

There are a lot of labyrinth monsters, lizardfliers and others floating there.

These monsters were a threat at one time, but now they are no longer scary.

The most recent Lizardflea, who found the intruder, approaches with the agility of a fly.

''Leave it to me. --Wind.

But then Titi teased it with her wind magic.

'Leave these trivial matters to the knights and let the Lord rest!

The liner slashes through.

The battle was over in an instant by the reassuring companions.

It was a sight that showed that even though the new party was in a bad state, it was definitely the strongest ever. If this is the case at the 66th layer, as far as going back up, there will definitely be no more fumbling with monsters.

--We can go.

With that belief in mind, you can resume your search for the labyrinth with peace of mind.

Now you can finally reach the ground.

The ”path” is now clear.

There is no slope or obstacle in the ”path” that leads to the ground. Not so long ago, it felt like a precipice, but now it feels like a flat and easy path.

There was no way in hell I was going to fall down to the 66th layer anymore.

In that case, there's only about sixty-five more layers to go, and I'll be done with it in no time.

”Rainer, Titty--let's go!　We can finally move forward. We're almost to the ground--!

And so, we make one last search in the maze.

To go back under that sky once more.

Vowing never to return to 'here' again, we move on - ......