The 'thing' he felt at first was like a waking nightmare.

"Bu, bu, bu..."

It was a feeling as if his soul, rather than his mind, was refusing to understand it. The sensation just 'before' being cut, like a taut string, was completely detached from his current self, yet his body accepted what his soul would not.

The nightmare continued. An unbearable sense of loss that invaded through his mouth, opened to scream, consuming his insides from within; an impossible sense of closure, an unforgivable desecration. Who could possibly endure the sensation of having their very existence devoured?

He convulsed on the cold ground, yellow bile spilling from the corner of his mouth. That dim space, remarkably dissonant for the beginning of life, was evidence that the tormented soul, anguished by a never-ending nightmare, had been through this countless times before—

—Why?

Such a question arose in his mind. It was a 'why' aimed at irrationality, absurdity, unexpected misfortune, some kind of malevolence, an unacceptable threat, an inexhaustible vicious cycle.

—Why, why, why, why, why?

Why did he have to suffer in this way? Had he committed such misdeeds? Was it a sin so grave that it warranted this much retribution?

If it was an irreversible mistake, he should have been allowed to begin atonement before this punishment was repeated and compounded to the point of drowning. Yet, 'why' was it like this?

—Why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why, why.

To that unending question—

“Let us invite you—to the witches' tea party.”

A voice, full of joy as if it were both a blessing and a curse, was heard.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

"—Petra-chan!"

Petra swayed and lost her balance right in front of her, and Meili quickly supported her shoulders. Petra, who had steeled herself, turned the pages of a book with a black cover—the "Book of the Dead"—and within just five seconds, it was clear from her demeanor that she had succeeded in reading it.

The "Book of the Dead" is a magical book that allows one to relive the history of the deceased during their lifetime. However, not just anyone can read any book freely; there are conditions—it is limited to those who had some connection with the person the book is about. One cannot engage in the unsavory act of endlessly peeking into the history of someone unknown.

Still, whether peeking into the history of someone familiar is a refined act is debatable. In any case, Meili, who had once tried to find the "Book of the Dead" she herself wanted to see, couldn't question its legitimacy.

The important thing is that, judging by Petra's reaction, she met the conditions to read that "Book of the Dead"—a book with its title erased, discovered in Natsuki Subaru's bag. And then—

"Petra-chan, Petra-chan. ...No good, she won't wake up."

She lightly tapped Petra's white cheek, whose eyes were closed while holding her, but there was no sign of awakening from the limp girl. It was either fainting, unconsciousness, or collapse. Meili's worry spurred the crimson scorpion on her head to start clacking its pincers restlessly, trying to wake Petra. Naturally, there was no effect.

Those who read the "Book of the Dead" have someone else's entire life crammed into their head. The mental burden must be considerable. Flam had said that Ezzo, who apparently overexerted himself by reading more than ten books, at first fainted with bubbles foaming and wetting himself. Fortunately, it seemed Petra had not suffered such a dignity-destroying ordeal—

"—"

The expression of the unconscious girl was heavy with agony or distress, and her breathing seemed pained, as if she were tormented by a high fever, making it an altogether pitiable sight.

"Petra-chan, whose 'memory' were you shown...?"

Meili glanced at the "Book of the Dead" that had slipped from Petra's hands and nudged the book, which had landed open upside-down on the floor, away with her extended foot. Although the spine was facing her, if she inadvertently saw the contents and ended up collapsing like Petra, it would be a problem. There weren't many people, other than Meili and Petra, who came to mind that would be affected by the "Book of the Dead."

"It can't be Elsa, right?"

The only deceased person known to both Meili and Petra was Elsa Granhiert, and her face flickered in their minds. Considering the purpose of their journey, it wasn't an unfounded assumption that Subaru, upon finding her "Book of the Dead," would hide it in his bag to keep it away from Meili's eyes. However—

"...I know. If it were my brother, he wouldn't have hidden it by shaving off the spine to keep it from me."

Meili quietly nodded in response to the protest of the red scorpion swaying its long tail from side to side. It was Meili's unequivocal trust in Natsuki Subaru. He had told her it was okay to remember Elsa Granhiert. If he had found Elsa's book, he would have agonized over it and eventually confided in her. Not for his own sake, but out of concern for Meili and Elsa.

Therefore, this should be someone else's "Book of the Dead," but—

"――?"

Suddenly, sensing the stiffness in the movement of the red scorpion resting on her head, Meili slowly looked up. The red scorpion on top of Meili's head had shifted direction, and its red compound eyes were fixed on something in the empty air—or rather, toward the tower wall, making Meili's nape prickle with realization. It was a premonition, not a good one. Sensing the slight change in the air, Meili and the red scorpion detected an ominous presence beyond the tower, in the distance of the sand dunes.

"This is... no way!"

Just after a thought crossed her mind, Meili, still holding Petra, slid the red scorpion into her collar with one hand. Immediately, like an overboiled pot bubbling over, something—no, not something so vague, but the formidable, approaching power of a "witch" was felt beyond the wall.

Previously, the force that blew Natsuki Subaru and Rem to the southern empire is coming.

"This has got to be a joke...!"

At that time, the "Divine Dragon" Volcanica, perched atop the tower, countered the power of the "Witch". But now, for some reason, the "Divine Dragon" has left the tower with Al, and there is no one who can handle that power. Without the "Divine Dragon", facing the power of the "Witch" and getting blown away to who knows where wouldn't end with just a minor setback.

In other words—

"Is this the end?"

With a sigh at the premonition of an abrupt ending, Meili couldn't help but murmur. In her breath, as if accepting this helpless reality, Meili felt a sense of relief, as if a weight had lifted from her shoulders—and she realized her arms were still holding Petra close. Unconsciously, she was trying to protect Petra. Against that, the power of the "Witch".

"Big brother, you're such an idiot..."

Meili didn't even know why those spiteful words slipped out of her. Just, in an attempt to block out her weak voice, Meili covered Petra's body. This flimsy shield of flesh wouldn't be of any help at all. Regretting that she hadn't eaten more to bulk up—

—Right after, something intervened just before the power of the "Witch" reached the tower.

"――――"

She still couldn't comprehend what was happening beyond the wall. However, light and sound pierced through the thick walls of the tower, blasting Meili and the others indoors.

"Aaaaah!"

Screaming, Meili's body, still holding Petra, was slammed against the floor and wall. Luckily, they were by the wall and lying down, which saved them. Otherwise, they might have been thrown against the wall and hurt even more. Even so, their hair was disheveled, clothes in disorder, and the room was a mess with scattered belongings. However, miraculously, it seemed Meili and Petra had escaped without serious injuries.

"What happened...?"

"Lady Petra! Lady Meili! Are you both alright?!"

With blurry eyes, Meili blinked as she sat up on the spot. Petra, limp in her arms, remained motionless with her eyes downcast.

Just after confirming this, Flam burst into the room in a panic. Having discovered the 'Book of the Dead,' Flam, who had been transporting Garfiel and Ezzo to the lower levels ahead of Meili and the others, slightly lowered her eyes upon finding the two, then put on a serious face and said,

“The young master is holding it back.”

“Holding it back, you say…?”

“That means…”

“—is it about the 'Witch of Envy'?”

Upon hearing that name, Flam’s expression clearly turned pale. Even when betrayed by Al and realizing that the 'Divine Dragon' had turned against them, she hadn't been this shaken. Seeing her eyes clearly reflect fear at this name, Meili apologized, “Sorry.”

It was a natural reaction. Even Meili could remain calm just because this was her second time experiencing it.

Most people, merely feeling the presence of the 'Witch of Envy' as a reality, would feel as if their blood had frozen and become unable to move.

“Emilia and the others are just too special…”

Whether it was due to their utmost resolve, or their inherent courage and guts, expecting everyone to possess that was an unreasonable and extreme demand, Meili thought as she stood up while supporting Petra.

“Right now, the 'Sword Saint' is fighting outside, isn't he?”

“— Yes, the young master is holding them back. But the young master alone cannot…"

“…If we stay here, we'll just be in the way.”

They didn't know the cause of the 'Witch of Envy's' tantrum, but from Meili's perspective, both times it happened were when they were in the tower. She didn't want to believe that she was the cause of the 'Witch of Envy's' wrath, so it might be best to assume that staying in the tower was what she detested.

Just as she thought this, a brief pinch on her neck with the scissors of the Crimson Scorpion that had slipped out of her clothes reminded her.

“Sorry, you were with me both times too, weren't you?”

“Lady Meili! We must quickly leave the tower. I will take care of Lady Petra…”

“—No, it's fine. I'll carry Petra-chan, so Flam-chan, please prepare Patrasche and the others.”

Meili gently shook her head to decline Flam's offer, shouldered Petra on her back by herself, and slowly stood up. For a moment, Flam looked indecisive but quickly nodded and went ahead.

"To the bottom of the spiral staircase! I will prepare the dragon carriage."

"Alright, please do."

When Flam's figure disappeared, Meili also began to run after him. Just for a moment, she hesitated over the scattered belongings in the room—particularly the presence of the "Book of the Dead," which was the reason Petra had lost consciousness.

"Now's not the time for that."

Encouraged by the sound of the red scorpion returning above her head, Meili firmly held Petra to avoid dropping her and dashed out of the room. The contents of the "Book of the Dead" could be asked from Petra later if absolutely necessary—after Petra safely and completely embraced the 'life' of that 'someone.'

With that in mind, Meili began to run earnestly. As Petra was carried on her back, a single tear trickled down from behind her closed eyelids framed by her long eyelashes. And then—

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Subaru..."

A weak, heart-wrenching apology escaped from the girl's chest. Her desperate plea for forgiveness in her nightmare was drowned out in the aftermath of the impossible clash between the "Sword Saint" and the "Witch of Envy" echoing from outside the tower, reaching no one's ears.

△▼△▼△▼△

"Milk, make it cold."

Plopping himself down at the counter seat, Aldebaran ordered this from the tavern master. It was the only tavern in the nearest town of Milula to the Augria Sand Dunes. The place was just like a tavern straight out of a western—all dilapidated and devoid of other customers. Still, it would be narrow-minded to assume the tavern wasn't doing well because of that.

After all, Aldebaran visited the tavern at the cusp of night and early morning—the time when both early birds and night owls are the most sleepy, so it's no wonder a rural tavern would be outside of its business hours. Yet, the tavern owner graciously opened the shop for a late-night visitor like Aldebaran. Truly, the owner was the epitome of thoughtfulness and understanding, a model for the service industry.

"That's why I respect the way you work. I wouldn't do anything bad or nasty to you. I'll pay properly."

Sitting at the counter with bad manners and leaning on his elbows, Aldebaran shrugged his shoulders at the bearded shop owner. 

The shop seemed to be a home as well, and the owner, woken up in the middle of the night, was in his pajama shirt, but Aldebaran wasn't blaming him for serving in that attire. What Aldebaran was protesting about was the owner not promptly serving the ordered milk. 

But even regarding that—

"Hey, honestly, it just sounds like I'm threatening you, doesn't it?"

"Well, no wonder, when you think about it."

"Isn't the reason for the poor reception the fact that a one-armed man, suddenly barging in during the night and hiding his face with a helmet, isn't TV-friendly?"

"The biggest reason is saying something, it seems."

The one talking over the wall was the 'Divine Dragon'—the most revered being in the Kingdom of Lugunica, but appearing not in a familiar manner but rather with a thuggish attitude, so it couldn't be helped. 

Of course, 'Aldebaran' couldn’t possibly fit inside the shop, so the 'Dragon' was left cramped waiting outside on the street. Whether that contributed to the shop owner's peace of mind was questionable.

Thus, the visit of a suspicious character and the 'Divine Dragon' in the dead of night—this was the rough explanation of the unfortunate situation that had befallen the tavern owner.

"...Here's the milk."

After taking plenty of time to calm down, the owner finally served the milk in a wooden mug. As Aldebaran received it with a "Thanks," he motioned outside with his chin and said,

"As a matter of speaking, could you bring some water or milk by the barrel for my buddy outside? No alcohol, please. I don't know what might happen."

"Hey, what's wrong with alcohol? No way the legendary dragon is a lightweight, right?"

"Giving alcohol to a mythical dragon sounds like you're asking to be defeated. I can't afford for you to be taken down just yet... even if you are a partner who's not very useful for a while."

"Aw, come on, Master, I'm counting on you."

With a loud, exasperated click of his tongue that sounded almost like a gunshot, Aldebaran pulled his head back from peering through the window into the shop. After watching this, and hesitating for a while, the shopkeeper, with a resolute expression, shouldered a barrel and headed outside the shop.

Realizing then that the shopkeeper had a prosthetic leg, Aldebaran regretted making such a troublesome request. He thought he should have carried the barrel himself.

He thought so, but—

"...Really, unbelievably, exhausted."

Though his body was aching down to the joints, compared to the depletion of his spirit, it felt like nothing.

As for the extent of his mental fatigue, it was as if he had fought a formidable enemy about 132,044 times and was utterly worn out. No, that was putting it nicely. More accurately, he had lost continuously 132,043 times and finally ended it on the 132,044th time.

Roughly speaking, it could be said that they succeeded in stalling the 'Sword Saint' Reinhard van Astrea as planned. It could be said so, but there was no sense of achievement for Aldebaran.

What remained was a strong sense of defeat, an overwhelming sense of powerlessness, and just a bit of—

"A feeling of relief...for getting through it."

Despite successfully managing to suppress the greatest obstacles to Aldebaran's objective, the only thing he felt was relief, revealing his everyman spirit.

Of course, the notion of having brilliantly outmaneuvered someone felt like nothing but sarcasm. At least, Aldebaran had already torn to shreds everyone in the tower, Reinhard included. And that number would continue to increase exponentially from now on.

The greatest crisis stemming from that was still ongoing—

"The epoch-making showdown between the 'Sword Saint' and the 'Witch of Envy.'"

With the chin part of his helmet lifted, Aldebaran muttered while sipping milk from a tankard.

At the edge of his view, outside the window where the 'Dragon' had pulled its head back—intermittent sounds and glimpses of an apocalyptic and fierce battle unfold beyond the Sea of Sand, the aftermath reaching even there.

The white flashes cut through the night sky of the sandy sea repeatedly, creating a sandstorm that could be seen from afar, echoing like thunder in an ongoing battle.

Even those who have nothing to do with battles, no matter how dull their intuition, instinctively sense that this spectacle is akin to what would transpire on the last day of the world.

Therefore, despite it being the indistinct time between night and morning, the residents of Mirula would wake up, go outside, and gazed dazedly at the direction beyond the sand sea.

The battle does not end even as the sun begins to rise and a new day starts. Unless they decide to turn away at some point, people will continue to watch the battle endlessly. But, perhaps without any particular reason, it seems like the residents would remain in this place.

It's not about lacking a sense of crisis or feeling disconnected.

When a human is exposed to light they cannot fully comprehend, they become bedazzled. And when bedazzled, it becomes precarious to start moving. So often, those who are dazzled will follow the voice or presence of that dazzling light.

Blindly, as if attracted to the heat of the powerful light that dazzles their eyes.

Therefore, there's no reason to blame those who stand frozen in place—

"Wow! It's really a 'dragon' when you see it up close! Honestly, I couldn’t tell for sure until I got this close."

Suddenly, a high-pitched girl's voice cut through the oppressive air as if during a war. The voice, out of place with its brightness, was heard from outside the shop where Aldebaran was drinking milk. At that voice, Aldebaran, slipping off the stool, turned towards the entrance.

The next moment—

"Are you there, Aldebaran!? Come out right now!"

A red-haired man stormed in, as if to break through the tavern's entrance, and upon spotting Aldebaran, he approached with rough and aggressive strides.

With that same momentum, the man drew his sword and thrust its tip at Aldebaran. With such ferocity, Aldebaran raised one hand and said,

"You tell me to come out, but if you charge in yourself, that won't work, you know."

"Don't nitpick others' mistakes. More importantly, that thing outside! That is definitely, definitely...!"

"That thing outside?"

"Don't play dumb!"

As soon as he tilted his head, as if to say they wouldn't get anywhere, he was grabbed by the collar and forcibly stood up. Aldebaran was pushed out of the tavern's entrance. There was a sharp sensation of a blade pressed against his back. "You don't need to do that," he tried to say, but his words fell on deaf ears. It was understandable. After all, for them, facing such a long-awaited existence was a significant moment.

"Oh, Sir Al, you're out. ...Why are you looking like a hostage?"

"It seems his hot-blooded nature got the better of him. Don't provoke him. I'm in danger here."

"Oh, come on~. Saying that, Sir Al, as if anything could kill you~."

Waving her hand whimsically at Aldebaran, who was facing the sword, was a girl in a maid outfit that featured a Japanese style with a red base. The girl, with a capricious cat-like vibe, spoke casually. Aldebaran thought the reality wasn't that simple, but he didn’t voice it. It was pointless because she must not know, of all people. Nevertheless—

"It's like a battleground for me, isn't it?"

"Don't talk like it's someone else's problem, me."

With that, Aldebaran looked up from his elevated perspective and entertained by the playful laughter of the 'Divine Dragon,' he retorted with a heavy sigh. Then he turned around—

"Seriously, what a reliable bunch."

—Aldebaran took the dragon shell of the 'Divine Dragon.'
—Heinkel Astrea, recognized by all as the kingdom's 'freeloader.'
—Yae Tenzen, the female ninja 'Kurenozakura' who targeted the life of the 'Sun Princess.'

They were all co-conspirators with Aldebaran, who stood against the world.

△▼△▼△▼△

Sixteen.
In the strategy against the 'Sword Saint' Reinhard van Astrea, his father's presence was literally a crucial point and could serve as a trump card.

Whether Aldebaran wanted to use that trump card or not, ignoring the emotional aspect, negligence in not preparing that trump card was unacceptable. So, he properly persuaded him. Although Heinkel was in a deep depression for reasons different from Aldebaran, as long as the story was put together correctly, he was willing to listen. Even though Aldebaran and Heinkel belonged to the same faction, they certainly weren't on friendly terms. However, his desires were consistent and easy to understand. It could perhaps be called a single-minded love. To the man who made what Aldebaran admired and simultaneously deeply hated his own core, the return favor after cooperation was quite effective. Yet—

"You promised me the 'Dragon's Blood'! The 'dragon' is right here before my eyes! And yet, you still tell me to wait?!"

He had imagined Heinkel would shout that while spitting with eyes bloodshot. Heinkel advanced with an intensity that suggested he might attack any moment, and the tip of his sword was pointed at 'Aldebaran,' who lay obediently in the street like a tame dog. Strictly speaking, the tip was aimed at the chest of that 'dragon'—nothing other than the heart that beat within the dragon shell, laden with the 'Dragon's Blood.'

The 'Dragon's Blood' brings fertility to the land and heals even the most malignant diseases instantly.

This is a legend passed down since ancient times in the Kingdom of Lugunica, said to be one of the three great treasures bestowed upon the kingdom by the 'Divine Dragon' when the 'Three Heroes' repelled the 'Witch of Envy.' And it is the last drop of heart blood from the heart of a powerful 'dragon,' a treasure difficult to obtain through conventional means now that most 'dragons' have departed from the earth.

The possibility of obtaining that 'Dragon's Blood' was right in front of him. This fact burned with eagerness within the soul of Heinkel Astrea, who had been seeking a miracle for over a decade.

"Finally, finally Louanna will...!"

"Is that... your wife's name?"

"That's right. My wife... Louanna, who has been sleeping for so long, should be able to awaken with the 'Dragon's Blood.' That's why I cooperated with you!"

"Ah, I understand and acknowledge your contribution. In fact, thanks to your insurance, your son was kept under control."

"Then!!"

Rather than an argument, it might be more appropriate to say that Heinkel's emotions were too agitated to have a proper discussion. While secretly updating the matrix even here, Aldebaran tried to choose his next words to calm Heinkel down—

"Um, excuse me during your conversation. I have something to ask~"

"What is it, maid! Right now, I am having an important talk with this guy..."

"Over there, where it's flashing and making noises on the dunes, could that by any chance be Lord Heinkel's son?"

"—Huh?"

The girl with peach-colored hair tied in one, Yae, pointed beyond the sand sea, where an earth-shattering battle continued without pause. Apparently, Heinkel, who seemed to have nothing in his mind but the 'Divine Dragon' he dreamed of, blinked his blue eyes in surprise at that fierce fight,

"…Hey, what's that? Over there, the ones fighting—"

"As you might imagine, it's the 'Sword Saint' and the 'Witch of Envy'."

"—! What, why… why is it turning out like that!?"

With eyes wide open in astonishment, Heinkel glared at the sand sea where his son and the 'Witch' were clashing. Then, as if his shoulders were trembling,

"This isn't what I heard! The condition was to use me to stop him. Stop it immediately! The 'Witch of Envy'? Such foolishness…!"

"Sorry, but I can't grant that request. Your reward is the 'Dragon's Blood'. Stopping now is not part of the initial conditions. We can't do both."

"Ugh, guh…! Then…"

"Then?"

"—Ugh"

Furious, yet unable to continue his words, Heinkel's eyes wandered. Aldebaran felt nothing but pity for Heinkel's weakness of will. —Aldebaran sympathized with Heinkel. He too is a mud doll toyed with by fate, having a family beyond his means.

While Aldebaran felt this, Heinkel's sword tip repeatedly rose and fell,

"Lord Heinkel, I absolutely refuse to be dragged down with you, so could you please stop whining like that?"

Seeing this, Yae, unable to stand it any longer, ended up hurling a terribly cold remark. At those words, Aldebaran put his hand on his forehead, and Heinkel widened his eyes, glaring at her. Meeting his gaze directly, Yae tilted her head with a smile.

Then, in stark contrast to the smile on her lips, she fixed her gaze on Heinkel with eyes that showed no trace of laughter.

"You decided to do it only once, yet you’re still complaining afterward; that’s really unbecoming. If there are two things you want, it’s obvious you can't reach for both at the same time, isn't it? You’re not a child."

"—Damn it, he’s a brat no matter how old he is!"

"Good grief, this is pointless. —Lord Al?"

Seeing Heinkel lose his composure, Yae, exasperated, looked at Aldebaran. Understanding the meaning of her narrowed gaze, Aldebaran shook his head.

Yae had no sense of restraint. She was a woman who had never learned a method other than killing.

Therefore—

"...I beg of you."

'Got it.'

In the next instant, Aldebaran's descending forearm struck Heinkel, who had been glaring at Yae, straight from above, slamming him into the ground.

"Wow," Yae exclaimed, her eyes wide, battered by the tremendous force. Before her, Heinkel was now a sight embedded face down in the ground.

"Sorry, old man, but I can't give the 'Dragon's Blood' just yet. Right now, we can't afford for the 'Divine Dragon's' heart to stop."

"You’re trying to sound impressive or something, but didn’t Lord Heinkel die? Even I might have been finished with that blow?"

'He’s not dead. I didn’t... hold back, but he’s not dead. I always thought the old man was unusually tough, but I see.'

"I haven't really checked properly, but what exactly is the deal with this 'Divine Dragon' who talks like Lord Aldebaran?"

"I’ll explain later. We can’t waste time now."

With that answer to Yae's inquiry for an explanation, Aldebaran crouched down beside the buried Heinkel and attempted to return the unsheathed sword to its scabbard. —It was at that moment.

"Oh."

As the wrist of his extended arm was grabbed, Aldebaran held his breath. It was Heinkel who had taken it, even though he seemed to have received a blow from the 'Dragon' without it holding back. Heinkel's eyes seemed unfocused, but he glared at Aldebaran with an intense expression. Sensing the meaning behind that gaze, Aldebaran exhaled and said,

"I'll keep the promise of 'The Dragon's Blood'. I won't let Reinhard get swallowed by the 'Witch of Envy'. --So, you know, trust me on that."

"――――"

Aldebaran's response was not something he truly believed from the bottom of his heart. However, seeing Heinkel lower his head wearily after hearing it, Aldebaran released his grasped wrist. Then, looking at Yae who had raised her heel to give Heinkel another hit,

"I'm tired, and he's one-handed, so can I leave carrying his father to you?"

"Do I have a choice in this? If I do, I refuse."

"No. It's an order. You carry him."

"Geez, you're so cruel, Lord Al. Fine, I got it."

Sticking out her tongue, Yae crouched down to dig out the buried Heinkel. While Yae was working, Aldebaran glanced at 'Aldebaran',

"Did he say anything about his father?"

'Huh? Oh, nothing much. Just that he's lively and tough.'

"…Given his father's position and personality, that makes his life seem full of suffering, poor guy."

Though he felt sorry for the situation, he hoped Heinkel would live as strongly as possible. Even though it's quite a harsh situation, Heinkel's misfortune is not the worst in the world. Though he didn't expect such a cliché comfort to be acknowledged.

"Besides, relationships where that kind of comfort works have ended now, right?"

He had no right to feel regret or wish to make amends for that. With that awareness, Aldebaran refrained from expressing further sentiments. Instead, he called out to the girl at work, "Yae,"

"Money."

"At first glance, that sounds like the worst line. Here you go."

Yae rummaged through her pocket and tossed a leather pouch to Aldebaran, who caught it. Taking out a gold coin from inside, he flicked it with his fingers――,

"Consider it compensation. Keep it."

He said that and handed what they had exchanged to the silent pub owner who had been watching them. Beside 'Aldebaran' was an empty water barrel, indicating the order had been properly placed. It must have caused quite a bit of stress, but they were able to meet up with a co-conspirator and take a break.

"It's my money, though."

"Shut up. We just got here, but can you move right away?"

"Shinobi training is insane, you know. They make you run non-stop for about half a month from the capital to a village with just one bamboo cylinder of water."

"Your crazy shinobi stories never have a dull moment."

Having gone through such hellish experiences, he probably wanted to say that this much wouldn't wear him out. However, what came across to Aldebaran was the craziness of the shinobi and affirming the exhausting memories of suffering at the hands of the most dangerous shinobi in the empire. Nevertheless—

"Wa-wait a moment! ... No, please wait."

As Aldebaran and company were about to leave, the pub owner called out to stop them. Considering they were such a peculiar group and the violent "dragon" strike just before, it must have taken considerable courage to speak up. As the pub owner swallowed nervously, he turned to Aldebaran and his group.

"Could you... please stop the calamity occurring at the Pleiades Watchtower? You are 'Divine Dragon' Volcanica, aren't you?"

"Ah..."

In response to the pub owner's plea, Aldebaran fiddled with the seams of the metal fittings on his helmet and sighed. Looking around, he noticed the people of Mirula were keeping their distance, casting desperate eyes toward—no, at 'Aldebaran.'

Their eyes bore fear and anxiety, but at the same time, reverence and expectation. They hoped that having witnessed the legendary 'Divine Dragon' Volcanica up close, he might stop the catastrophic battle occurring far away. However—

'Sorry. It's not my role to stop that right now.'

"—"

'The Sword Saint is supposed to stop it by any means, but still, there's no guarantee the aftermath won't reach here. You'd better leave town for a few days.'

"A few days... How long would that be..."

Having received an answer from the "Dragon of Hope" that was different from what was expected, the shopkeeper did not give up and continued to seek the reason that would quell the unrest in their hearts, asking questions repeatedly.

Even if they were to leave the town, for how long would it be?

It was—

"—Seven days."

"——"

"In seven days, I will settle this. In seven days, I will remove the cause of the world's end."

Having declared this, Aldebaran turned his back on the shopkeeper and the residents of Mirula and began to walk away. Following him was Yae, carrying the unconscious Heinkel on his back, and "Aldebaran," who had gotten to his feet with a heavy sound, also started walking.

Aldebaran, who had made the world his enemy, and his "accomplices" moved forward.

Their steps must never be halted.

"I'll continue—so that I can be myself."