296 293. Those who steal blood.txt (1/2)

In the lowest level of the Hoozeyer's Castle, Fafner and I face each other.

The 『Gazing』 definitely shows that he is the one who steals the reason for blood.

[Seventy Guardian] The one who steals the reason for blood.

The World Tree towers over Fafner's back, and Ragne stands hidden behind me. In addition, the Knights of the Fooziers surround us, standing in a circle and in the distance, watching. It's a little crowded, but I'm going to talk to them as if they're not here.

'--Good to meet you, Fafner. I know I'm missing a lot of memories, but I think we'll get along again.

I called out the name ”Fafner” in a friendly way, expecting a relationship with ”The One Who Steals the Reason of the Earth (Rowen)” and ”The One Who Steals the Reason of the Wind (Titty)”.

'Oh, we'll be good friends again. That's for sure. Yeah, that's for sure. Ah ......--!

Fafner was pleased with my friendly reply, his body trembling.

However, although he had a smile on his face, just like me, his eyebrows were bent into a C shape. Then he turned his face down to hide that gradually crumbling smile. The body didn't stop trembling and bounced its shoulders repeatedly to endure the sobs - and finally a drop of water fell from the face that was turned down.

''What, huh ......?　Could it be that you're crying ......?

I can't help but ask at that excessive and unexpected reaction.

''--Well, sorry. I'm a little impressed. But don't worry about it. It's the usual. You have more questions for me than that, don't you?　I'm having a major memory lapse. Don't be shy, you can ask me as much as you want. Haha.

Immediately, Fafner looked up and wiped the tears spilling from his red eyes.

He managed to smile and try to move on with his story.

I don't know, but maybe it was an emotional reunion worthy of a sob.

But I'm going to stop regretting what has passed and take Fafner at his word. I will never be able to empathize with his feelings now.

...... Yeah, I get it. ...... So, first of all, can you tell me what you mean by ”agent”?　I'd heard that Fafner Helvirshine was 'the one who steals the reason for blood': ......

Oh, I see. Then I guess we should talk to them. ...... Yeah, it's a pain in the ass. It's a real pain in the ass, but it's ......, but that's it.

A teary-eyed Fafner laughs innocently, like a child.

He looks really happy to see me. So much so that I can't help but feel sorry for him for not being able to share that joy.

'I said I'm an agent earlier, but there's no problem in thinking that this Fafner Helvishine is the 'one who steals the reason for blood' itself. The fact that he was summoned with my entire body by Nosfi's summoning must mean that. It shouldn't be any different than the other ones.

Fafner doesn't try to tell me much.

But he doesn't seem to be hiding anything, and he seems to be making it easy for me to talk about it so that my lack of memory won't confuse me.

I can sense enough kindness from Fafner to think so.

I temporarily forget about the agency and decide to expand the conversation on another piece of information. The fact that the enemy at hand has beaten me to the search for the labyrinth.

'I knew Nosfi had called Fafner from the labyrinth: ......

'Yeah, he's really handy, you know. He messed around with the seventy layers with magic and forced me to call out the boss, even though he's on the boss' side. On our side, I'm sure ...... and then you can do the same thing around Ayd and Serdra, right?　I mean, right now, the acclaimed Serdra is in the labyrinth and challenging you.

I knew when I fought Titi that Nosfi would be playing with the mechanics of the labyrinth.

Rather, the other names that popped up surprised me.

'Serdra in the labyrinth ......?　As I recall, a man named Serdra was a general under the Lord who ruled for a thousand years ago--

Yeah, that's the one. ”The thief of nothingness. Serdra's like me, he's out there because Nosfy called him. But unlike me, he didn't lose to Nosfi, so he does what he wants. Impatient, he just said he was going to wake up Noi, the last remaining person in the labyrinth, and then he disappeared. ...... so I'm sure it's going to be all the rest of them now, right?　Zero-layered Vortex Wave, Sixty-layered Nosfi, Seventy-layered Me, Eighty-layered Serdra, Ninety-layered Noi, and Hundred-layered Yangtaki. They're all here.

More unfamiliar names pop up.

However, no matter how much I dig up my memory, I can't remember the name 'Noi'. I've also remembered the lore I've heard from Rastiara and Dea, but it didn't hit the search in my head at all.

I'm sure you'll be able to see the troubled expression on my face and Fafner will be able to guess.

...... Oh, you don't understand Noi. Okay, I'll explain it to you.

And Fafner doesn't leave anything out at all.

I thought he was too light-mouthed compared to the other 'stealers of reason', but now I'm grateful for his lightness of speech.

'Noi El Rebel rules are the 'stealers of dimensional reason',' he said. Yeah, not the Vortex Wave thing, but the predecessor (・・・・・・). That's the one to put it more plainly. That's what the apostles call Our Lord. I heard he actually lives in the deepest part of the city, but you can call him from the ninetyth layer. No, I don't know how it happened, but a thousand years ago Utsuwa made it that way. Maybe there's some 'reason' why you wanted to meet with Noi before Yotaki, right?

...... The name of the Lord of the Apostles is Noi.

Unexpectedly, I recognize the name. And it seems that its master is the same as me, 'the one who steals the reason for the dimension'.

I'm not going to be able to say that it's only because I'm good at magic, but it's definitely not just that.

I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not the only one.

'In person, Serdra will bring Noi to me. Maybe it's forced. Even ...... Noi shouldn't be able to beat Serdra.

Fafner seems to think that Serdra is stronger than Noi, the Lord of the Apostles.

Naturally, I thought that the existence waiting in the deepest part of the world was the 'strongest', but it seems not so. When I, a thousand years ago, can drag the Lord of the Apostles from the deepest part of the world to the ninety layers, there is something wrong with the power relationship.

Whatever the case, I just knew that we had to hurry up with the story.

Even just because of Nosfi, the situation in the Great Holy City is complicated, but if Serdra and Noi show up there, it would be more than troublesome.

The story I heard from Apostle Sith - the story of 'saving the world' is likely to be interrupted.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to get rid of the 'demon poison' that is spreading, but for me, waking up my sister is more important than the method of eliminating the 'demon poison' that is spreading.

...... Hey, hey, Uzumi. Can I have a word?

As I was examining the information I got on my own, Fafner tends to ask me hesitantly.

I've been the only one listening for a long time, but it seems that the other side had something they wanted to ask too.

It's only natural. Now the world is a thousand years later. Many things have changed. Feeling bad for just asking, I nodded back ”of course” and urged Fafner to ask a question.

Then, Fafner seems really apologetic - as if his attitude from earlier as if he were a casual best friend is a lie - and asks very weakly.

”...... Well, you know. ...... Don't you like being called 'Lord' by me again this time?　I guess it wouldn't be a bad idea to call it 'The Great Messiah (Magna Messiah)' like when we met: ......

What?　Messiah: ......?

The difference in demeanor bothered me, but more than that, the grandiose language surprised me.

It's safe to say that I was taken aback.

Just when I didn't want to talk about 'saving the world' in my head right now, I'm about to be called the 'Messiah'. Naturally, I can't nod my head to that.

'Well, sorry ....... Would a more friend-like relationship be better for me?　I've heard you've been a squire before, but this time I'm asking you to be casual.

...... Oh, yeah. That's right. ...... Yeah. We're 'friends'. Fafner Helvirshine is 'friends' with Vortex Wave. ......

Fafner was visibly disappointed, almost to the point of breaking his knees at any moment.

His overly clear expression of emotion gives us a glimpse of his inner thoughts.

At the same time, the questions are never-ending.

If you ask those questions, the Fafner in front of you will surely answer them. But I also feel that it's not something you can ask casually. It's because Fafner will answer anything to me that I feel it's dangerous to ask him anything.

''Ha, ha!　Okay, let's stop wasting time and get down to business!　It says in some scripture. --Deuteronomy 12:2, 'Keep the time that is limited. Your laziness will harm all people'. Time is precious, you know.

Hating the damp air, Fafner forced another smile to brighten his face.

And he even called his earlier request useless.

I don't over-stimulate him too much, and I continue to talk, thinking it's better to accomplish my objective as soon as possible.

I'm not going to be able to tell you what the purpose of ...... is for coming to 'The World Tree' quickly. I came to see Apostle Diprakra to help Yotaki. Somehow, I would like to lend his knowledge.

Of course. But he's got me standing in the way of his manipulation. ...... Now what do we do?

'He wants to free you from Nosfi's magic first. I don't want to play into any of Nosfy's ideas.

”...... It's not going to be easy, is it?　My rules (traumas) were uncovered thanks to Maria, but none of them are too much trouble.

'I'm ready. I haven't met a single 'reason-stealing thing' I've met to date that was easy for me. ......

'...... Oh, right. Until today, Uzumi is ...... with those guys. So, it's finally my turn .......

Of course, Fafner, who is 'the one who steals the truth of blood', also has 'unfinished business'.

It's always there. And it's a complicated and difficult question just like everyone else's.

When I think back to the ”battles” of the ”reason-stealers” as I spoke, Fafner seems to have sensed the hardships we've gone through until today.

He smiled and nodded with a sullen look.

Now, a thousand years later, it's safe to say that Fafner's remorse will finally disappear.

I thought that the meaning of that smile that emerged was that he was happy that the time had come for his wish to be fulfilled - or so I thought. But it was as if he was misguided.

''--Kukkuk!　Huh, hahahaha!　Difficult (・・・・), vortex waves (...)!

Fafner couldn't hold back his laughter and called my name very happily.

At this point in time, he shouted my name (Kanami) and not his (Fafner).

It's easy to see that he doesn't care about his own 'unresolved issues' and is only thinking about me.

'Kuhaha!　Good hardship, as always!　Hardship is good, it makes people grow!　When we get through this hardship, we'll be strong again!　Another step closer!　Oh, that's really good!

Fah, Fafner: ......?

Fafner's voice volume suddenly jumped up.

I was puzzled by the sudden increase in tension.

However, there was an omen from earlier.

Even though Fafner called it a hassle with his mouth, he was somewhat pleased with this situation. Like a believer who is grateful for the trials imposed by God, he is truly happy about all the troublesome things.

''Vortex waves!　I'll show you how to unlock Nosfi's magic now!　It's very clear what its weaknesses are!　Surely I'm trapped in a messy trauma (rule) because of Nosfi!　If you try to disarm the spell, I will definitely fight back on my own!　But don't worry!　One hit of Uzumi's signature magic, Distance Mute, and you're done!　That's all it takes to free me and liberate Diprakra!　It's like a mock battle!　Let's take it easy!

And with that tension, his whole body was filled with the will to fight.

As Maria had told me, he easily told me his weaknesses, but it wasn't planned for Fafner to be motivated like this.

Fortunately, perhaps thanks to the rule of 'Don't leave the World Tree', he doesn't come close to us.

However, even now, he is starting to prepare to fight. Fafner lightly rotates his shoulders as he calls out to Ragne and the knights behind me.

''Everyone around you can move away for a moment, ......?　Haha, maybe it's the crowd around me, but I'm motivated!　Come on, Vortex Wave!　I can't wait to show you.　The power we had a thousand years ago!

'Well, wait, Fafner: ......!　You're going to do it now: ......!

'Vortex wave, there's nothing to worry about. You don't have to worry about anything, Uzumi. I value Uzumi's body more than anyone else, and I won't let him get injured. In other words, you can attack me as much as you like while I'm defending myself!　That's enough trouble, though!　Hahaha!

As he spoke, Fafner's full of battle spirit was being transformed into magical power.

A fresh mixture of red and black magic fills the underground space, swirling around like milk dripped into coffee.

Magic power is released endlessly from the vessel called ”the one that steals the truth of blood”.

Along with that, the color of Fafner's body - fades (...).

The black hair, red eyes, and white skin all fall away (...) and become transparent.

Not only the legs, but the whole body becomes transparent like a ghost, and you can completely see the other side of the body.

Fafner, who is turning into a ghost, happily talks about his power.

''- I am the guardian of the seventy layers (guardians). In other words, there are almost no restrictions on my powers. This is the heyday of the combat-specific 'Stealers of Reason', which is different from auxiliary specialization like Nosfi's. Above all, the 'blood' that has been flowing on the continent for the past thousand years has strengthened me again. -- Even though it's a vortex wave, please be lightly careful.

With a snap, Fafner stomped on the ground. Then, a bright red liquid gushed out of the ground under his feet in a slurry.

Seeing the liquid climbing with the force of a fountain, I intuitively knew that Fafner was 'pumping blood from the earth'.

His transparent body catches that blood. Fafner, who had lost his color, turns bright red for a moment and becomes a different person, as if he had redone the coloring book.

The hair that was black becomes dark brown, the eyes that were red become azure, and the skin that was white becomes brown - the race has completely changed, and it seems as if the person's appearance has also changed without thinking.

''--Fresh blood magic, ”Two Hundred and Fourteen Years (Valt Front) South (...) West Liberation Front (Seek Second).

Come on, Vortex Wave. Let's overcome this hardship together with me. ......!

Then he was told the name of his too unique magic, and before he knew it, he had armor in both hands.

In his right hand, a short-handed sword with a short handle. In his left hand, a small shield of the type attached to the back of his hand. Both were composed of bright red blood.

Furthermore, the undulating red magic power had taken the form of light armor. Combined with the old scars carved on its cheeks, it now finally looked like a knight of the past.

The fully armed Fafner looks ready to go, and continues to beckon to me from a little distance, ”Come on, come on, come on”. Naturally, I don't want to go near it.

”...... Sorry, Fafner. It's just reconnaissance today, so ...... another time?

I felt guilty as if I had to take a long look at the art on the street and not give a twist. Sorry to be shown quite a bit of direction, but I try to politely decline.

'Hmm, hmm ......?　Just reconnaissance today: ......, eh?

Fafner rolls his eyes in a big way. Then he understands the meaning of my words and raises his voice.

''You said you came to see Diprakra earlier!

'The objective is yes, but ......, I'm in no hurry to get to ....... As long as I don't get close to the World Tree, you can't do anything over there, right?　So, do you think we should just gather information carefully?

I tell the premature Fafner my policy this time.

The idea was unexpected, and he tries to hold me back, looking terribly flustered. But because of the 'don't leave the World Tree' rule, I haven't moved an inch.

No, no, no, no!　You're going to leave today like this!　Wait for me!　Just a little bit!　I won't let you get hurt!　I've been waiting a long time for this!　I wish Whirlpool Wave would come to my rescue!　I've been waiting for this for a long time!

If we're going to fight, I think we should all surround ourselves with people to fight (and) ......

'Does everyone mean you can cross Maria and the others too ......?　You can't do that!　If that happens, I'm under orders to 'keep the World Tree sealed' and I'm going to take the appropriate steps!　It's best for Uzumi to fight me alone here!　Me and Uzumi's--just the two of us!

Fafner is desperate to make the case that fighting here and now is the best solution.

He doesn't seem to be telling a lie.

Even Maria, who has the ability to see into the nature of people, said that Fafner would tell me everything honestly. Really, it would be the right thing for me and Fafner to fight one on one without anyone else in the room.

'...... Hey, hey, not many trials are this good, huh?　You want to save that waterfall, right?　You're my brother, and you decided to help instead!　Do you really think that's going to help?　If it's a little dangerous, you can't just go the long way!　There's more and more awful hardship ahead!　There's nothing you can get unless you're brave enough to try!　What are you going to do when you shy away from this place!　If you break through me now, you'll be reunited with that know-it-all apostle!　Well, then, we've got to do it here and now, don't we!

The words were like a breeze compared to Nosfi's agitation. I was going to silently take in all of Fafner's words and then gently decline them. I didn't want to disrupt my original plan and tell my companions waiting in the underground mansion what I'd heard today.

But before I do, I look.

'...... huh?'

'Hey, hey, Uzumami ....... Please ......!　Or else I'd be!　I'm ......!!!

Fafner had tears in the corners of his eyes again.

He looks like a child who has been rejected by a friend and is now begging to cry, like a child who has been rejected by a friend. My heart was not going to budge no matter what kind of agitation I received, but it was greatly shaken.

'I've been waiting for this all along!　In a place like this we both keep waiting and waiting and waiting ......!　But that guy couldn't make it!　It's just me and those guys alone here anymore: ......!　So I went to ......--

The next thing you know, what Fafner is saying becomes more and more incoherent.

If you look closely, you can see that his tear-filled eyes are unfocused. He is mumbling and muttering, his gaze darting back and forth between the air and the ground as if he is chasing something.

It's abnormal.

I know I'm shocked and confused. ...... I can understand, but this abomination is too unusual for me to pretend to leave for a moment.

I'm not sure if I've stepped on his taboo without realizing it.

This is too abrupt. The unsteadiness of his mind makes me gasp and I lose the words to reply.

'Kanami's brother!　Underfoot!

At that moment, Ragne's voice flew from behind me.

I, who had been staring at Fafner's face, lower my gaze as I was told.

I see that the ground, which had been ochre, has turned a pale shade of red. When I take a step back, I hear a sound as if I had stepped on a puddle of water with a tinkle.

Blood is oozing from the ground. And, little by little, the water level of that blood was rising. A shallow pool of blood that spread out across the ground, bubbling as if it was boiling, was swelling up.

Leaving the magical control of the ”Stealer of Blood's Reason (Fafner)”, the blood that had been pooling at the lowest level is running out of control. ......?

Immediately I anticipate the worst and speak behind me while pulling out the 'Treasure Sword of the Alais Family Lowen' from my 'belongings'.

''...... Lagne-chan. If anything happens to me, do your best to let everyone know.

'What ......?　Are you going to keep up with this thing?　Oh, no. Can we stop?　Like Kanami's brother said, there's no need to be in a hurry, is there ......?

I show my will to return fire with my sword, but Ragne disagrees, saying it's not the plan. Rather, she appears to be terrified of Fafner, who is busily going back and forth between emotions.

'No, ...... honestly, I have reasons to be impatient. If possible, I'd like to end Fafner's de-magicalization while there are no other 'reason-stealers' around.

Now Nosfi is being held back by Maria.

Serdra and Noi and the like are also in the labyrinth.

I have a feeling that this might not be the last time I can talk to Fafner alone without being interrupted by anyone.

As Fafner stirred up earlier, I don't want to take a detour because it's a bit dangerous - and I don't want to get into more danger.

There's still a reason.

Honestly, this one is the real deal.

”And I can't leave without Fafner, who I just met and who said ...... that I was his friend. Now Fafner is no stranger to (・・・・・・・・・) (・・・・・・・). I'll try to calm him down somehow: ......!

Fafner seems to be in more pain than Maria and Nosfi had told me. Most importantly, Fafner now reminds me of me being manipulated in the semi-finals of the Dancing Tournament sometime ago.

This is the state of 'someone playing with your mind' that I hate the most.

'Ugh, wow. ....... It's out again. That kind of thing about Kanami's brother stinks to me. ......

However, it seems to be an unconvincing reason from Lagune-chan's point of view. She accuses me of prioritizing compassion with a look of dismay.

''Anyway, I just need a little bit. A mock fight and Fafner says so too, right?

...... The way it looks, you're used to this kind of thing, aren't you? It's a good thing you're not the only one. But I'm a civilian, so I'll be watching from a great distance. I will never help you.

After a reminder, Ragne took a big step backwards and got on the stairs that came down. She dropped really far back compared to the knights who were still patiently surrounding her.

The conversation was settled.