V7Ch6: If his old wounds hadn’t hurt, you would have died!?

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Translator: Soafp

---

“Master, the ring has started to shrink.”

Lalanoa said as we moved toward the next combat zone. We had searched for artifacts since then, but all we found were low-rank duds.

“Understood. We might encounter someone along the way. Stay alert.”

Unfortunately, we were outside the ring, so we had to cover quite a distance. Exiting the ring would forcibly drain our mana to zero and eliminate us, so we ran at high speed, accepting the risk of being detected.

When I lightly sensed the surroundings, I could hear the footsteps of other participants rushing in the distance, moving with the same urgency. And ahead, there was the sound of battle. Even during the ring's contraction, someone was fighting.

“…Have they noticed us?”

I stopped, and Lalanoa followed.

“They're fighting… even in the early stages, they're acting rather aggressively,”

Usually, participants avoid engagement early to prepare, so these fighters were clearly battle-hungry.

“What should we do?”

“I'd like to avoid combat for now… but”

“Ah, they've noticed us.”

The fight had ended in an instant. The skill gap was obvious. The two victors had apparently heard our footsteps and were moving toward us deliberately.

“…They're coming.”

Too aggressive. Like a pro team barging into an amateur match.

“Can we outrun them?”

“No… impossible.”

I could manage, but Lalanoa would be caught. They were highly skilled. For the first time in a while, I felt a thrill.

Lalanoa drew her sword, bracing herself. And then — the two finally appeared.

“Well, well… look who we have here.”

A boy with hair like a deep spring said.

“Oi, Epsilou. Don't go ahead without me… huh, and you are?”

A silver-haired boy with a tear mole spoke.

“Whether lucky or unlucky, we've drawn a rare case. Betao, what should we do?”

“Hmmm, first we should investigate them. I recommend retreat.”

“I think lightly testing them in combat would be most efficient.”

“Efficient, yes, but risky.”

“There are two of us here, and only one there. Risk is low.”

“But Lalanoa is with you. That makes it two there as well.”

“She's not a factor.”

“Hmmm… but still…”

“We'll just play with them lightly.”

“…Understood.”

So it's Beta and Epsilou. I watched the two whispering to each other with a detached gaze.

“Are you done talking?” I asked.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We just finished,” Epsilou said.

“So, what now?”

“We'd like you to accompany us for a bit.”

“And if I say no?”

“Then you'll be forced to.”

Epsilou raised a large scythe. Behind him, Beta readied a bow. Both weapons radiated artifacts' presence. Whether from the dungeon or stolen from enemies, they had clearly made a strong start.

“Let's go. Don't end it in one strike, okay?”

At that, Epsilou charged. Normally, mana restrictions would slow him, but his precise mana control made his movement smooth.

“Impressive,” I muttered, drawing my sword. I slid my blade along the scythe. The scythe's trajectory shifted effortlessly, passing harmlessly above my head.

“…!?”

The lack of resistance made Epsilou stumble. I slid into striking range.

“Crap—!”

Epsilou twisted desperately to evade. His reflexive dodge was astonishing — light, agile, balanced, feline-like. I knew he could move like this only without the slime.

My sword moved toward his neck as if drawn by magnetism. But —

“—Too bad.”

Epsilou laughed. At that instant, I laughed too. I halted my sword aimed at his neck and swung in the opposite direction. With a clink, an arrow cut by the blade spun in the air.

“…Damn it!”

Epsilou widened his eyes in shock and stepped back.

“I thought I had cleared the line of fire… I see, you didn't just dodge the blade, you shifted to open the line of fire,” I said, noticing Beta readying her bow behind her. She had a stern expression, aiming at me.

“Watch out, Epsilou. This guy is—”

“I know!”

Epsilou adjusted his scythe, clearly irritated.

“Unfamiliar swordsmanship… where did you learn that?”

For this moment, I had developed a special sword technique that Alpha could never notice. I had refined my disguise repeatedly so that Delta wouldn't detect it. Not even Epsilon or Beta could see through it.

“Do I need to answer that?”

I smiled faintly.

“No. By the way, what's your purpose?”

“Everyone's purpose for entering the Royal Succession War is the same, isn't it?”

“Normally, yes. But some think despicable things.”

“That's unfortunate. I hope your faction… the Mitsugoshi Company isn't participating with any nefarious aims.”

I and Epsilon locked eyes for a long moment.

“The Succession War isn't a stage for lowly elves like you to soil. This kingdom will never become your puppet—”

I knew their intentions. They were going to set up a puppet candidate to expand the Mitsugoshi trade network and put her on the throne. Still using dirty tactics, as always.

“How much do you know about us…!”

“Epsilou, he's dangerous. Don't give him any more information.”

“I… understand.”

Epsilon glared at me.

“I know your plans. Don't think it will go smoothly.”

“…I'll ask again. What is your goal? Revenge? Or…”

Beta asked.

I hadn't mentioned revenge before, but it made for an intriguing setup. I paused, then decided to run with it.

“Revenge… I've lost too much. Time passes fast. Anger, sorrow, even the burning impulses from back then fade… but I haven't forgotten everything.”

I spoke wistfully, as if recalling comrades I would never meet again.

“…I see.”

“The pain from that day will never fade, even if the wounds heal. Yet if I give in to those impulses, my fallen comrades would laugh at me. That's why I am here — with the people I love, with those I once hated, and on the land where my heart rests…”

“So revenge is not your goal?”

“That's not for me to decide. I am an elf who has already died once. No one remembers me. I have no right to stand in the spotlight.”

“But you have entered the stage of the Succession War.”

“Yes. I wanted to see it… a tiny elf causing grand mischief. The story that begins from there—”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well, let's end this conversation soon…”

I raised my sword.

“Betao. As I thought, there's something about this man…”

“I know, Epsilou. His sword technique, movement, and mana control… everything is far too perfect.”

Beta nodded and subtly shifted her stance. Even the smallest change was noticeable to me. They intended to retreat. Slowly, with piercing eyes, they began to back away.

“I see… you realize it. That from hunter, you've become the hunted.”

“…!”

The moment I finished speaking, Beta loosed an arrow.

Predictable. I tilted my head and dodged the straightforward shot. Then I pushed off the ground, closing in on Epsilon in an instant.

“Don't underestimate me!”

Epsilon swung the scythe. But just before entering its range, I paused for a fraction, shifting the timing. That was enough for the scythe to graze my cheek and pass harmlessly.

Then, stepping forward, I swung my sword. The blade drew near her slender neck.

“Ah—!”

Epsilon's eyes widened in shock. Now!

Just before my sword would sever her neck, I halted it and dropped to my knee in a dramatic display.

“Ugh—!”

“Eh? What—?”

Epsilon was confused.

“Ugh—my old wound… it aches.”

I groaned, clutching my chest.

“This pain still torments me… my heart remains in that fierce and fleeting battlefield…”

And I stood up, breathing heavily, sweating cold drops, trembling all over. Gah──I spat blood. This is it──! This is exactly the kind of scene I wanted to play out! A powerhouse, yet brought to a pinch by past trauma and old wounds!

“Hmph… impressive. I almost got careless and nearly got taken out by you,” Epsilon said, looking down at me struggling.

“Be careful, Epsilon. If his old wounds weren't acting up, you'd be dead──”

“I know, so don't say another word!!” Epsilon shouted, cutting off Beta's warning. Her face burned with anger, likely hurt pride.

“You're dangerous. I'll finish you here.” She approached, scythe at the ready.

“Haa… spring reminds me of the comrades I've lost… perhaps this is fate as well,” I panted, shaking, gripping my sword with trembling hands.

“I'll send you to your comrades. If your body were fully intact, you could have been our greatest threat. But no matter the circumstances, the one who stands last wins.”

“…No objections.”

“Goodbye.”

Epsilon swung her scythe mercilessly.

Then, a small voice called out.

“…Have you forgotten I'm here?”

Clang! At the same moment, Lalanoa intercepted both my and Epsilon's weapons.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino… you should have stayed out of it,”

“How dare you! Who said I wouldn't be useful in battle!?” Lalanoa glared at Epsilon, her face burning with anger.

But in sheer strength, the scythe began to gain the upper hand over the sword.

“Lalanoa, stop! You can't beat him! Leave me behind and escape… as long as you survive──!”

“Don't give up on your own!! We promised we'd win the Royal Succession War together!!”

“But──!”

Even in raw strength and magical efficiency, Epsilou had the advantage.

“Hmph. You understand the difference in power. Step back now.”

Lalanoa struggled, but she managed to shield me at the last moment.

“I haven't repaid my master yet! I haven't been recognized by anyone yet!”

“You might be being used by him,”

“Used by my master? Don't be ridiculous──!”

Then—

“Enough, Epsilou. The farce ends here.”

With a sharp whistling sound, Beta fired an arrow, aimed straight at Lalanoa.

“──!”

Lalanoa's attention momentarily shifted toward me. If she dodged, the arrow would hit me. She realized it.

“──No.”

Whether it was a groan or a word, I couldn't tell. Lalanoa chose not to dodge. She fixed her gaze on the arrow.

Oh, come on.

Just as I was about to stop my act and move──light began to radiate from Lalanoa's sword.

“──What!?”

The light deflected both the arrow and the scythe, dazzlingly bright, ancient runes appearing on the blade.

The two retreated in shock.

“I'll… protect properly,” Lalanoa said, raising her sword as if possessed, then stepped forward and swung fiercely.

Epsilon blocked the strike.

“──Impossible!?”

Yet she was thrown back, or perhaps leapt back on her own.

“Epsilou!!”

Beta tried to support her immediately, but she too was flung back upon touching Lalanoa's sword.

“What power──!”

The two faced Lalanoa in confusion.

“I… I can protect properly… this time for sure.”

She whispered, raising her sword again.

“That sword… it's an artifact.”

“Even so, that's an abnormal output.”

The two exchanged glances and nodded.

“Betao!”

“Epsilou!”

Then, simultaneously, they shouted and threw something.

The next moment, a deafening explosion and blinding flash hit at the same time.

Instinctively, I covered my eyes and ears.

──A flash grenade.

It must have been an artifact they picked up somewhere.

When I opened my eyes, Beta and Epsilon were gone.

“…They ran? Good thing, Lalanoa.”

I spoke to Lalanoa, still gripping her sword.

“I… am…”

Something was wrong. She swayed unsteadily.

I moved to her front, and ancient runes were glowing in her eyes.

“Lalanoa, are you okay?”

The runes quickly disappeared.

The sword slipped from her hands, and she collapsed forward.

“Hmm.”

I held her for now and observed. She seemed unconscious.

“…Mother.”

She whispered, her voice fading.

I'm not her mother, though.

I sighed and hoisted her onto my back, starting to walk.

Artifacts awakening or causing berserk states is common, but I've learned that cleaning up afterward is always a hassle.

---

“…Have you noticed?”

I spoke to Lalanoa, who was slowly opening her eyes.

“Where… am I?”

She sat up and looked around.

“We're inside the trunk of the World Tree. Looks like the desert area.”

Before us stretched vast dunes of sand. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the enormous trunk, illuminating the sand.

“How long… have I been asleep?”

“The last ring contraction just finished. Now we're in the waiting phase.”

“I see… I must have caused trouble for Master.”

“No, thanks to you, I was saved.”

“Is Master's body okay?”

Lalanoa looked at me with concern.

“It's nothing serious. Just some old wounds aching a bit.”

“You were vomiting blood. Are you really alright?”

“I'm fine. More importantly, you collapsed too. Are you okay?”

“I… I'm fine.”

Even as she said this, Lalanoa tilted her head slightly.

“Is something wrong?”

“I just feel a bit sluggish. And my magical power has decreased. Back then, it felt like strength surged from the sword…”

“I saw it too. Seems it's no ordinary sword.”

“I suddenly found myself here, and I don't really remember what happened then. Could this sword be dangerous?”

She picked up the sword, looking worried.

“I don't know. But that power saved me.”

“But it doesn't feel like my own power. I… I want to fight with my own strength…”

Lalanoa's voice gradually grew quieter.

This is bad—if this continues, the protagonist might just throw away the key item!

“Then make it your own power.”

“Huh?”

Lalanoa looked up.

“Sure, right now you might just be controlled by the sword. Then use it properly.”

“Use the sword properly…”

“Yes. If you master it, it will be truly your own strength. Lalanoa, does holding that sword feel unpleasant?”

“…No, it doesn't. Somehow, it feels gentle, like it's embracing me.”

“Then trust that feeling. The weapon isn't dangerous—the one who wields it is. If you use it correctly, that sword will surely become your strength.”

“…You're right. If this sword is dangerous, then it's my fault for not being able to master it.”

Lalanoa let out a breath.

“Now then, what should we do next?”

“The battle situation changed a bit while you were asleep.”

I said that and continued explaining while operating the magical device.

“First, the ring contraction ended, and the combat area is now two-thirds its original size. Also, the number of participants has dropped to seventy-eight.”

“That's quite a decrease.”

“Yeah. And the ones responsible are the two we met earlier.”

I showed Lalanoa the kill log.

“Epsilou and Betao… these two alone have defeated more than ten people.”

“In addition, Alfred and Sakura each took down one person. It seems the Mitsugoshi Company rampaged in sync with the ring contraction.”

“Just four people achieving that much… it's astonishing.”

“But they're moving too flamboyantly. They'll make enemies of the three major factions.”

“I can't imagine them staying quiet.”

“Or perhaps they think it won't matter if they make enemies.”

At my words, Lalanoa frowned and shook her head.

“That's overconfident. Once each faction finishes equipping their magical tools, even the strongest will be outnumbered. This is the heart of the World Tree; magical tools perform several times better than usual here.”

“Magical tools custom-made by workshops across the kingdom… I wonder how powerful they really are.”

“Very powerful. Swords that release vacuum blades, shields that automatically deflect attacks…”

“──There's even magical equipment that lets you sense the position of a strongly focused opponent.”

The voice came from behind us.

I had sensed something approaching in a straight line, but now I understood the trick.

The elf standing behind us wore a magical device like a monocle over one eye. A small round object floated above his head.

“Ah, you're the Secondary of the Prince's faction…!”

Lalanoa quickly drew her sword.

I lowered my stance slightly, my eyes on the floating sphere above the Secondary.

“Ah, this? It's a flaw in this magical tool. To sense the opponent's position, it always has to carry this camera along.”

The Secondary sighed.

“That round sphere is a recording camera. Through its lens, it broadcasts in real-time to magical orbs across the kingdom.”

“In other words, our current situation is completely exposed. But given what we're about to do, that's not a bad thing. It'll make a good example.”

He said that with a grin and finally drew his sword.

“You, a mere hybrid… how dare you strike someone from our faction.”

“…Serves you right.”

Lalanoa muttered softly.

“What did you just say, ‘hybrid'?”

“I said, ‘serves you right.'”

Lalanoa said with a smile.

“Surely your pride is wounded. Does it hurt?”

“…Of course it does!”

“But your pain is like a scratch compared to what my mother and I endured. It's far from enough. I am Lalanoa, daughter of the Elf King Anorion and Ainoa Hinoizumino. I have come to bring pain to you, the Prince's faction, and all those who rejoiced at my mother's death!”

Lalanoa's gaze was not on the Secondary, but on the camera above him.

“You little girl, stop talking back!”

And the two stepped forward simultaneously.

A high metallic clang rang out as their swords met.

The Secondary, as expected of an experienced swordsman, moved with flawless technique.

“Oh, not bad.”

This Secondary magic swordsman is quite strong.

He's probably over two hundred years old, having dedicated most of his life to the sword. His technique is polished and refined.

Lalanoa, still young and inexperienced, had rough swordsmanship. Yet her natural talent and the techniques I had taught her allowed her to fight without being outclassed.

Honestly, I hadn't expected Lalanoa to handle an opponent of this level so well.

But after several exchanges, the difference in skill began to show.

“Where did your initial momentum go?”

“Take this!”

The Secondary began to press forward.

Lalanoa dodged skillfully with her sharp eyes, but the sword began to graze her body more frequently.

She had no time to counterattack and was fully occupied with defense.

And then──.

“The game is over.”

Magic power gathered in the Secondary's sword.

It's a magical tool.

Realizing that, Lalanoa tried to put some distance between them, but the activation of the tool was faster.

“Slice them to pieces, Fangs of the Wind God!”

A gust of wind cut through the air.

At the same time, Lalanoa was thrown back.

Invisible wind blades struck her.

She blocked them instinctively, but her stance was broken, leaving her nearly lifeless.

“This ends here.”

A fast, sharp blade was unleashed.

Just as it was about to slice Lalanoa apart, I stepped in.

I infused my sword with magic and deflected it.

“Just so you know, I'm here too.”

“You weakling, don't get in my way!”

The Secondary glared at me.

“Master, you saved me.”

Lalanoa stood up and readied herself again.

“I'll carve both of you up at once.”

Even more magic gathered into the Secondary's sword.

It coiled around the blade like a small tornado, kicking up sand and producing a sharp wind roar.

The sandy tornado stretched several times taller than a person.

“So this is the World Tree's blessing…”

Output like this from a magical tool is rarely seen outside of national treasures. It must also have custom modifications for the World Tree.

“Master…”

Lalanoa gave me a worried look.

“No problem”

But in this environment, where magic is restricted, it was obvious that a normal test of strength would never win.

I needed some strategy… but how could I act with the camera watching?

As I hesitated, the Secondary began to speak.

“Lalanoa Hinoizumino, you've grown strong. Coming to inflict pain upon us is no mere game.”

Strangely, I could hear his voice clearly through the sound of the wind.

“Of course…!”

“Are those you seek to punish me, the Prince's faction, the three major factions, or the citizens?”

“All of them, obviously!”

“You still know nothing. The truth behind Ainoa's death…”

“Eh… what do you mean?”

“Pain has long been engraved in your soul. No matter how much you inflict, it changes nothing now. This conversation cannot be heard outside over the wind. That said, I will at least tell you this as a small act of atonement: the ones you should truly bring pain to… are others.”

“W-Who!?”

“That is an answer you must arrive at yourself.”

With that, the Secondary cut the conversation short and infused even more magic into his sword.

The magic swelled to an abnormal degree, and the sandy tornado stretched far into the sky.

“W-What is this magical tool?!”

“I'll go.”

I stepped forward.

“Master… but even you, with restricted magic—!”

“It's fine. No problem.”

With the camera watching, it was about time to give them a show.

I lazily raised my sword and infused just a bit of magic.

In the space where the sandstorm raged, I closed my eyes.

“…Master!?”

“I don't need sight. The wind will tell me everything…”

Then the Secondary struck, channeling his magic to the limit.

I merely aligned my sword with the trajectory.

──The wind stopped.

As the gusts that had lifted everything ceased, a moment of silence followed.

And then, the wind began gathering into my sword.

“W-What!?”

“You stole my wind!?”

I had taken the sandy tornado the Secondary had unleashed and trapped it in my sword.

“Manipulating wind with magic… not impossible, but a brute force method relying on an artifact. If this weren't the World Tree, I'd run out of magic immediately.”

I murmured.

“What have you done!?”

“I matched the wavelength of your magic. And transferred the wind flow you created into my sword.”

“Is that even possible!?”

“The great power came from you. By matching the wavelength, I can control it with minimal magic.”

“You dare—no, wait, there was an artifact that could create illusions.”

“Oh?”

“Even if one possessed a wind artifact, the idea of stealing wind from another and controlling it is purely theoretical. Therefore, this wind must be an illusion.”

The Secondary fixed me with eyes full of confidence.

The unease from moments ago had completely vanished.

“Born in this country two hundred years ago, I have devoted nearly all of that time to the sword. My understanding of magical power control is deeper than that of most researchers. Probably no one but me could have seen through this. I had heard of artifacts that create illusions… but facing one directly, I realize just how troublesome they truly are.”

Even as he spoke, he exuded the aura of a true king.

“The sound of this wind, the flow of magic… the fact that it's all an illusion makes it utterly terrifying.”

The Secondary raised his sword high above his head.

“Unshaken even when the trick is revealed. It seems your resolve is already set. But there is no value in clinging to illusions. True worth belongs to those who carve their path with their own strength.”

“Hmph.”

“──Embrace the illusion and die.”

In an instant, the Secondary closed the distance and swung his sword from its high stance.

I used my sword, infused with the raging wind, to blow everything away.

The massive sandstorm filled my vision.

After a while, when the storm settled, there was no trace of the Secondary anywhere.

As if he had been nothing but an illusion.

“Ah, a notification just came—Secondary eliminated.”

Lalanoa said, looking at the magical orb.

“So it wasn't an illusion──”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing. We probably can't retrieve his magical tool anyway.”

“That's true. Most likely the camera is broken too. Deliberately breaking it would mean disqualification… but no notification has come so far.”

“It just happened to get caught up in it. In any case, it's good we didn't give away unnecessary information.”

“If we'd shown them your strike, they'd be on full alert. I think the sandstorm hid the key moments…”

Lalanoa said, looking a bit worried.

“Either way, we defeated the Secondary, so they'll be cautious. It must have been unexpected for the Prince's faction as well. From now on, we need to act more carefully—cough, hack, wheeeze!!”

Mid-sentence, I suddenly started coughing.

At the same time, a bag of blood and mucus burst, and I coughed up blood.

“M-Master!? Are you okay!!”

Lalanoa rushed over in a panic.

“I-I'm fine. Just an old wound acting up a bit…”

“An old wound causing that much blood…?”

Yeah, maybe there was a bit too much fake blood this time.

“I'm fine. No problem.”

“…Please don't overdo it.”

“I know. I have no intention of collapsing here.”

Even as I tried to act nonchalant, Lalanoa still looked worried.

It was about time to prepare for the next phase. I had no intention of letting this Nazono Senen end as just another skilled fighter.

I turned my back, hiding the blood at the corner of my mouth.

“The remaining time… is almost up, huh…”

And I spoke in a voice barely audible, almost on the edge of being heard.

“──Master, what did you just say!?”

“Hm? I said there's only a little time left until the next ring contraction.”

“…Y-Yes, that's right! Oh no, the ring contraction is already starting!?”

“From now on, let's move even more carefully and avoid direct confrontation.”

We began to move.

Thanks to our cautious approach, we managed to avoid combat during the third ring contraction.

And now, the final ring contraction was about to begin.

---

An unusual meeting was being held in the dense, shadowy forest of the World Tree.

“You've been having a rough time, it seems. Losing the Secondary in the preliminaries must have been completely unexpected,”

said Shinji, a handsome young man with light purple hair parted in the middle, representing the Reform Faction.

He wore a faint smile as he sat in a prepared chair.

Behind him stood a beautiful blonde elf, Beatrix.

“And you've lost quite a number of your subordinates as well,”

said Otoutorion of the Prince's Faction, a faint smile on his lips.

Sakisa stood behind him.

“We lost a detachment in the surprise attack by the Mitsugoshi Faction, but the main force is still intact. However, it seems they've gathered more skilled fighters than expected. Please be careful as well, Otoutorion-sama.”

“Hmph. I understand.”

Of course, Otoutorion's subordinates had also been reduced, though not as severely as the Reform Faction.

“Still, I never imagined that the Secondary would be defeated by Lalanoa's knight,”

Shinji said with apparent surprise, though a hint of mockery lingered behind his eyes.

“…What are you implying?”

Otoutorion's gaze sharpened.

“No, I just mean that if the Secondary was defeated by Lalanoa's knight, some unkind whispers are bound to arise. I only hope that both his and your honor remain intact.”

“Unfortunately, this is the first time I've heard such voices.”

“Oh, I didn't mean it like that…”

Shinji smiled awkwardly.

“Enough. This kind of conversation is a waste of time. Get to the point.”

“Yes, of course. The final ring contraction will begin soon. So far, our forces have been depleted more than expected. Neither of us would want to suffer further losses.”

“…And?”

Otoutorion nodded lightly, urging him to continue.

“Let's join forces.”

“Oh? To hear such a proposal from you is… unusual.”

Temporary alliances aren't uncommon in the succession war, but cooperation between major factions is usually prearranged. Spontaneous proposals like this are rare.

“This is a situation where we must. For both sides.”

“And what do you intend to do by allying?”

“In preparation for the succession war, the three major factions formed an agreement and gained prior knowledge of each other's powerful magical tools—artifacts. The Reform Faction has Gram,”

he said, displaying a magnificent sword.

“And the Prince's Faction has the Thor Hammer,”

Sakisa held up a massive hammer.

“And the Conservative Faction has Kusanagi no Tsurugi.” [TL:A legendary Japanese sword and one of the Three Imperial Regalia, symbolizing valor and the emperor’s legitimacy]

the sword was held by Beatrix behind him.

“Wait, why are you holding that sword!? It's supposed to be retrieved by the Conservative Faction!”

“Hmm, I wonder why,”

Shinji said with a faint smile.

“These artifacts boast unparalleled power. Especially in the preliminaries, where few other powerful magical tools exist, they are overwhelming. As proof, the Mitsugoshi Faction refrained from attacking the main force, clearly wary of the artifacts.”

“Using an artifact to cause chaos… not bad. What's the target?”

“I'd say Mitsugoshi… but they're a small, elite group. Depending on their position, they might escape.”

“Then… the Conservative Faction?”

“They move in large groups and are slow. With an artifact, they make easy targets. Using the artifact to attack them could quickly reduce their forces.”

“I see. And after the first strike?”

“We can follow up, target the Mitsugoshi Company, or even eliminate Lalanoa if desired.”

“Ah, so we're free to act after the initial blow.”

“Yes. The battlefield will be in chaos. Predictions are difficult, so it's best that we act according to our own judgment, and Otoutorion-sama according to his.”

“…I see. So freedom also means we could target the Reform Faction.”

Otoutorion glared, and Shinji's faint smile remained.

“Of course. But that would be a poor choice.”

He then revealed the two artifacts once more.

“…Very well. I will go along with your plan.”

“Thank you. We will give the signal to begin──”

After finalizing the details, they parted ways.