Following me, Ryner and Feydert also come out of the Connection.
After confirming that they've moved, I call out to the nearest 'Magic Stone Man (Jewelculus)'.
''Construction is completed as planned. Put a sign that says 'Southwest Region Residential District 2' next to the Connection that you just came out of.
Yes, I'm home! We'll even check out the city for your report!
The Jewelculus Jewellers, who had been working at their desks a moment ago, started to move at once.
Only by making eye contact can they complete the division of roles, such as the preparation of cards, reports and field inspections, which is a skill that only the Jewelcrussians can have.
They were truly competent, but when they looked beyond the Connection, they stopped moving in agitation.
''----! Ki, where there was nothing until yesterday, there really is ......
There's a city coming up!
'Behold well. This is the miraculous power of Lord Aikawakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker: ......
Seeing the completion of the One-Hour Street, not an overnight castle, each of us shuddered as we spoke our impressions.
However, they soon noticed my gaze and stopped wasting time talking and went about their business.
''Sh, Primarch! I made sure of it! Good job! Let us take care of the rest!
Thank you. ...... Just don't call me that progenitor. I've already left all that stuff to 'her'.
It's hard to call him Aika Wakanami Christ Eurasian Waldhusiers von Walker, but it's even harder to call him the founder.
When you think about how he came to be called the founder, you can't help but associate him with all kinds of failures.
However, the 'Demon Stone Humans (Jewelculus)' were flatly prostrate and shook their heads at my request.
''No, since we know the true history, Kanami-sama remains the legendary founder to us! Besides, if the former Prime Minister of the State of Vieisia, Aide, who is now also the 'Present Man God' and the 'Saint' Tiara, and the savior of us 'Magic Stone Humans (Jewelculus)', is among them, then ...... really! I'd like to call you, the great Savior Kanami, for crying out loud!
I have no ill will towards her.
I guessed that she is a child who wants an 'object to cling to' with experience, even if she doesn't have magic or skills.
Originally, they were the 'magic stone humans (Jewelculus)' who were on the verge of being discarded and were saved by Rustiala. That's why, like me, my affection for Rustiala, who had nowhere else to go, is out of control. Probably even now, when I think that I still dream about the time I was with Rustyala every night and look for Rustyala every morning, ...... I can't be strong.
'...... alright. I'm giving in now, you can call me whatever you want. But in return, good luck with your work.
'Yes, I'll do my best! Oh! With that one word, I'm already ......! I'm done!
Still, I also think I'm too excited.
Next to that twisting and rejoicing 'Magic Stone Human (Jewelculus)', I also heard an even smaller child muttering to himself.
''-- After all, for Kanami-sama to be the founder, Revanism must be united as one ....... In the name of the great savior, the 'Founder'. We, the Levantine 'reformers', will one day get rid of the Levantine 'conservative' guys by the hands of the Levantine 'reformers'...
It sounds rather troublesome.
-- Right now, such stories are being whispered all over the place in the Fusoya's Cathedral, the headquarters of this Levantine religion.
In the end, the Levantine religion created by that tiara remained and continued.
If it were true, after defeating Aikawa Yotaki, the true history that the 'Senate' had kept secret was revealed to the world, and it should have spontaneously disappeared. ...... Rather, it had become more powerful than before, and even created a sectarian faction.
Today, the sect is divided into three groups, depending on who is interpreted as the founder of the Levantine religion.
Firstly, the 'True History Faction', which believes in the two founders, Kanami Tiara and Apostle Diprakra Sis Regacy, equally based on the true history that was kept secret by the Senate all along.
The 'Reformed Faction' wildly concentrates their faith on me alone. Behind the scenes, Mr. Di Prakratla said, "We should actively worship the embodiment of the miracles that exist today.
The 'Conservatives' are a faction that insists on continuing the Levantine religion as it has always been, and basically believes in only Tiara Rastiala.
This place is full of people who don't think well of my very existence and want to maintain their vested interests.
Personally, I wanted to abolish Revanism.
But even if I, as an object of faith, insisted that we should stop it, the number of 'revisionists' would continue to increase, so I gave up on that path.
Above all, the skill 'sensitivity' was a new trend (...) in this revanchism.
'Diprakra-sanme: ......'
It would be difficult to change this trend without a force comparable to "The White Thread" and "The Red Thread".
Or an id.
If he had been next to me, the sects would not have been split up like this. Nor would we have had to rely on 'her' to steer the mixed-up religions.
Thus, after imitating politics for a short period of time and being close to the position of 'Lord' Titi, the 'ruling king' (Lord), I am painfully aware of this.
Truly, the Viceroy of the Vyisian nation, Aide, was a great man.
The design of the city's waterways and the magical stone line, the bargaining with neighboring countries, the way he interacted with his people, and all the other issues made me feel that if the aide were here, we could leave all that hassle to him: ......
Also, if I wanted to, I'd like to have a spacer-focused entity like Tida or Ragne. If Nosfi was there, we could tackle the Levantine countermeasures together. Loewen might be helpful if she stayed, since ...... has been missing the Reapers lately.
--The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the "reason-stealers" who are gone is the two people who are currently remaining and ask the "magic stone man" (Jewelculus) who was nearby.
...... right? Do you have any idea where Maria is right now?
'Is it Mary? If you're Maria, you're out of the Hoosiers' It looks like you're working on the guild 'Epic Seeker'. Lately, they're more popular than Snow-sama!
So, is Serdra at ......?
'Well, I'll finish that Snow-sama challenge and wait for you ahead of time in the 'Senate Chamber' below at ....... As usual, I was 'reading' books from other worlds while walking. No matter how many times I've asked to lend you ......, you've never lent it to me.
Knowing the current location of the "Fire" and "Nothingness" magic stones, I confirm that we are on schedule.
And Feydert, who was listening to this next to me, urges me to join Serdra.
'Hmm. The Acting Commander-in-Chief (・・・・) lord is already in the Senate council room? It's not good to keep you waiting. Shall we head out as quickly as we can?
The Senate Chamber is a room in the lowest level of the Cathedral.
It has been decided that the 'Plan to Secure Fafner Helmina' will be discussed in a room further down than this warp room.
After two months of preparation, the time has finally come for us to attack the "Blood Land (...)" where he is, so this is the final confirmation.
However, it's a little earlier than the planned meeting time.
I look up and answer the questions.
I'm going to have to ask you to go ahead, Feydert-san. I'll go pick up 'her' in the temple and then head over.
"...... Oh. Yes, sir. Well, I'll go ahead and wait for you downstairs.
Feydert didn't reject the suggestion, but agreed with a reverent head nod.
It's probably because he thinks that among the members of the meeting, only 'she' might be late. Satisfied with my reason for picking up and dropping off, I walked alone to the stairs leading downstairs.
Among them, only Ryner seemed unhappy, his mouth agape.
'Christ, don't you have to pick that guy up? If we're late, we can leave it alone and start talking first. He didn't want to come to the meeting too much either.
'Once I did that, I was on the verge of tears, so ....... Besides, I want to make the most of any free time I have. I'd like to take a quick look at the cathedral upstairs if I can.
It's only a few minutes of free time.
Reiner was right, we have only a few minutes to spare. But--
'Lately, I've been restless when there's a blank space, even for a second. So I want to do what I can, as long as I can afford it.
You're working too hard. You're a workaholic, you know that?
Ryner didn't embellish his words, but sincerely cared for me and told me clearly that I was sick. So I nodded back, sincerely and honestly, without embellishment.
'Maybe it's .......'
I tell you again, you can retire. Everything is free and you have plenty of money. You've got power, you've got achievements, you've got a lot of women who like you. You can go to ...... and live in some big house, eat some good food and relax until you die, and no one will complain.
I've known him for a long time, so I know.
Reiner is serious about his proposal.
And I also thought that I had heard this story somewhere before.
I heard the same question from Dea once when I was a level digit and lost in this labyrinthine confederacy.
Naturally, my values have not changed since then.
Even if they were made up values, I shook my head confidently, because they were already 'real'.
It's okay, I'm okay with this. I'm having a great time right now. I'm not going to lie.
'...... Sure, it's probably more lively. Much more so than when we were fighting in the labyrinth and all that.
'This is the kind of thing I like to do by nature. So I really enjoy and am happy with this life of just helping those within my reach. Because you don't have to force yourself to reach for something that is no longer within your reach. I don't have to search for something that doesn't exist in this world until I die. --Everything is already in my chest. So every second is so safe, so peaceful, so comfortable. ......
As I sip, I am overcome with emotion.
It's the feeling of a holiday that hasn't happened in too long.
A sense of relief as if you are playing a second week's game in your spare time.
The feeling of contentment as you lie on the soft sofa and reread your favorite book.
Life in this other world now is just calm and relaxed.
Seeing the look on my face, Ryner withdraws his suggestion.
'...... haha, okay. If it's fun for you, then it's okay to be an addict. It's just that in my experience, when things are going well, you tend to do it. If your Evil Sense skill responds in the slightest, I'll cut off your limbs without mercy and put you to sleep. If you're okay with that, you'll work for every second.
'Thanks, Rainer. Calling out the 'curse' is important, but that's what I expect from Ryner the most.
Above all, my best friend Rainer is watching over me to make sure I don't go the wrong way.
I reaffirm now that the peace of mind I'm feeling right now is also because of him.
That blonde little guy. ......!
"Slay the founder? Tsk. ......
I'm going to kill ....... He's going to kill ...... one day.
The "Jewelculus" who finished putting up the billboard with the superfluous phrase "Saint Kanami-sama's (・・・・・・) West Southwest Region Residential District" were glaring at Ryner as if they were avenging their parents.
It's a good idea to have a good time with them.
It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.
I'm sure you'll be able to find it. Upstairs.
Yeah, go to: ......!
We left the warp room and walked up the stairs to the ground.
We passed through a long, dank stone tunnel and came to a brightly lit corridor with a mural painted on it.
With a sideways glance at a new stone monument being built there, I proceeded toward the temple where Rastiara used to hold a "re-birth" ceremony.
Beyond this, "she" - "Apostle Sis" is there.
In the past, she was carefully sealed with the Distance Mute and Ice when she left the Aide Titty sisters in the mainland Viasia, and now she was working at the Fuzzy Yards Cathedral.
''But Sith or ....... Honestly, I don't like that guy. It's not that he doesn't need to be in this world, right? I'd feel a lot safer if I kept the magic stone on ice the whole time.
...... You say rather horrible things all too easily, don't you? Reiner,
In the spirit of small talk, Ryner wanted to permanently seal the person he was about to meet.
I can't nod to that.
There are many reasons, but first and foremost, the existence of Sith is necessary for the 'Fafner Helmina Securing Plan'.
That's why, about a month ago, I kept patiently persuading Sith to join me.
At first, she was severely shocked by the truth about Yotaki Tiara, whom I had treated as my sister a thousand years ago. It was only natural that she thought they were friends who could forgive each other, but then she found out that it was all a one-man war. But that's where she didn't give in and reaffirmed her determination to save the world again.
She has a tendency to go off the rails in many ways, but I think it was one of the strongest acts of the Apostles.
--I'm not going to be able to say that I'm not going to be able to do anything about it.
As a result, this time, without sacrificing anyone's body, the Apostle Sith was revived in this world with a 'magical body' just like Tiara and Reaper.
The mechanism is the appropriation of magic 《Tiara》 and 《Revan》 (Basically, everything I'm doing now is an imitation of the past greats of the "Original World" and "Other World" (a copycat). That's why I can say that my peace of mind is guaranteed).
Although I've improved the magic formula in my own way, her life force and magic power are in a state of being funded by the 'price' of people believing in Revanism.
Conversely, if she wants to become stronger, she has no choice but to increase her faith in Revanism rather than level up.
-- Considering the hardships of persuasion and magic improvement at that time, it was awkward to re-seal the Sith now.
While reaffirming her situation, we continue to move deeper into the cloister and finally come to the most austere building in the cathedral.
The moment we walked through the doors of the temple, we were blown away by the heat.
In the past, this quiet space was only opened up for sacred events and ceremonies, but now it was crowded with people.
A wide range of visitors, not only well-dressed distinguished guests but also ordinary citizens, were visiting.
On the couches decorated with gleaming magical stones, city children were sitting side by side in harmony.
And out of the gaze of everyone in this space, the woman they were looking for let out a loud laugh.
''--Ahahahahahaha! Hahahahaha! More and more respect! Venerate this me!
The Sith looked exactly the same as they did a thousand years ago, tall and tall, with their hands outstretched on the platform.
In front of her, a woman on her knees was praying and honoring the Sith as she requested.
'Ahh ......, thank you ......!
Next to the woman, there is a stick next to her that looks like a crutch.
Probably, some kind of leg injury had been repaired by the Sith's sacred magic now.
Of course, the magical power gathered by the magic "Revan" has a special effect on the believers, and it goes well with the sacred magic of the recovery system.
In front of that top-tier recovery magic that can only be described as a miracle, people were in awe, fascinated, and praying as they waited for their turn.
Now the Fuzzyards Cathedral is the same as Fania's Seventh Magical Research Institute a thousand years ago.
It also functions as a hospital, and it conducts research and development of magic 《Sith》 in the background.
The temple is just as busy as it was a thousand years ago, and even though the treatment of the severely injured was finished in the first month, the number of people still hasn't tended to decrease.
It seems that people who have been treated here have been so struck by the miraculous power of the temple that word of mouth has spread across the country.
''Apostle Sith-sama! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing that precious miracle, even with someone like me: ......! But what I can offer you, I can offer you: ......
'Oh, don't worry about that stuff. Don't get me wrong. This isn't about you, it's part of saving the world. So, the price is good for faith alone. ...... On the contrary, just don't skimp on prayer! From now on, I am the apostolic representative of the Levantine faith! The Apostle Sith! Worship the name of the Sith, not the Diprakra! Ah-ha-ha-ha!
'Ah, Lord Apostle Sith: ......!
The Sith have suffered multiple disappearances, yet they still tend to be looked down upon by normal humans.
Hence, there are so many voices that want to re-seal the Sith. Per Reiner and Mr. Diprakra, they are so wary of her that every time Sith's name is mentioned, they suggest it.
'...... Hey, Christ. Is that really what we need to attack 'The One Who Steals Blood's Reason'?
'Living magic is one of Helmina Neysha's 'unfinished business', the discoverer of the 'blood power'. Without it, we're in a bit of a bind.
You're a magical creature, so why not the Reaper's? He's much more mature.
The Reaper is based on the fairy tale 'Grim Lim Lim Reaper' ......, so it's a bit off from Helmina's idea of a 'five-year plan'. It's important to me that religion is the source.
...... Huh. I'm worried.
Every time he hears (・・・・・・・・) my buildup of "I'm not a fan of this" (...), Reiner always sighs.
Then, while glaring at the irreverent Sith who are laughing hysterically, he says, "He's the guy who carried out the "World Consecration Camp" a thousand years ago, right ......? You'll definitely do something, I'm sure ......," he mumbles.
I know how you feel.
In the past, I had a similar sense of urgency. But because I know what I did a thousand years ago, I can also say that the Sith of today are "different than they used to be".
For example, it's the difference in the friends next to me.
Where Yotaki and Tiara were once there, now--
Hmm. I'm all right. The muscles aren't going to heal, but with training you should be able to walk. You need to take care of yourself.
There is a one-armed - or rather, a girl, Dia, with one arm and one leg constructed of shining magic power, quietly healing next to the Sith.
The outfit is the same as the Sith, depending on the location and situation.
It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're going to do with it.
''Well ......, the lovely one, Apostle Sith-sama, thank you too ......
The only Sith left is that idiot. I'm just a citizen who lent him a body. I'm sorry to have lied to you all these years. From now on, you can call me Dear. ...... Yeah, the cooler one, Dear.
Ha, yes ......!
After the treatment, the woman bowed her head reverently and then gave Dia a loving look.
Undoubtedly, she would ignore Dia's request and call her "the pretty one" on her head when she returned to the city.
However, she seemed to understand the name part, "You're Dia-sama, aren't you? I've been lending my body to you for a long time, Dear-sama ......," he repeated.
The Sith next to her adds an explanation to that.
''--That means she's a 'priestess'. This I, the Apostle Sith priestess.
As usual, I decided to take Dia's position on the matter on my own, from the top, as usual.
To that, Dia argues back.
'What? I'm not a priestess. I'm just a helper.
I hear they call them maidens. I just heard that rumor and adopted it, so if you're going to complain about it, go ahead and tell the people of the city.
'Ha, ha ......! Crap. ......, tomorrow, do you want to hide your face and fix it?
'Don't be so shy! Without a doubt, you're my maiden, the best in the world! You should be more proud of yourself!
It's your best shot at a title. It's a disgrace, I decline, I decline.
Sis seldom praises others.
She goes on to praise Dia next to her with the kindest look I've ever seen on her face.
'I don't blame you for thinking that, but ......, believe me, it's not just verbal flattery, either. It's not just the missionary help that you're doing now. When we talked about needing flesh and blood to build the magic called Sith that I am, you also agreed to help me. I'm really grateful to you, Diablo.
...... separately. It was the part I didn't need, that feather. ...... Also, what I'm doing isn't helping with missionary work, it's helping with healing.
'Hmph! Having said that, I like you, Diablo, for what it's worth, because all you do is help me! Helping the apostle on his mission to 'save the world'!
I'm not helping the apostle on his mission. I'm just doing what I think I should do, I'm just doing what I think I should do.
'That's (...), that's good (・・・・). That backwards action is so good ....... For me, who wasn't very smart, it's .......
The chemistry between the two of them was even better than they had imagined. Even though they originally had an affinity for souls that could live together in the same body, they were now able to do the same job shoulder to shoulder.
And the main reason for this was undoubtedly the change in Sith's heart.
'I'll thank you again and again, Diablo-chan. Maybe if you hadn't nodded, my ally wouldn't have tried to create magic 《Sith》. ...... Thank you so much.
'Ah ....... Haha ......, it's kind of hard to blow up since it's halfway round. I figured if it came down to it, I could just put it out next time, over here.
I don't want to disappear anymore - or rather, I don't want to have fewer 'friends' anymore. So I'm going to think about things, and I'm going to change the way I do things. In my own way.
...... "I don't like losing 'friends', huh? That's the only part I agree with. That's the only part.
The knowledge of the truth from a thousand years ago has changed the Sith.
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that you have the right information.
Looking back, she was very straightforward when we first met and was quick to recognize us 'gentiles' as 'friends'. She was definitely more flexible and more comfortable with people than Ms. Di Prakula and Legacy.
And at the end of the change, she had finally reconciled with Dia as well.
In the first place, the main reason why Dia had a grudge against Sith was because of her memory that "Apostle Sith had done terrible things to Kanami and Hitaki". But in reality, "Hitaki and Tiara were doing terrible things to the Apostle Sith" was more correct, which softened the way she treated them.
I also heard that Dia had returned home with Sith.
It's a story that clearly shows that this world is moving forward with the happy times that I saw in that Yangtaki's 《Winter's Other World (Wintry Dimension)》 - no, more wonderful times.
''-- And, yes, yes, eh! The only thing I'm not going to change is the apostle's mission to save the world! Be strong in this new body and one day I will take His place! And for that, have faith, hurray, you guys!
You didn't forget that you were going to sacrifice my body for this mission, did you?
That wasn't a bad idea, though, was it? And I still think: ......
Yeah. I knew you'd need me to keep an eye on you. The next time you try to sacrifice your life, I'll put a stop to it. I'll put my hand in front of your head.
I know what I'm doing! So now I'm collecting prayers, not life!
Seeing the two of them arguing is a relief to me.
Because it was exactly like the early interactions between Maria and Diah.
If one day Sis has her "moment to take the Lord's place", she will have plenty of friends around her then. And she will be even more grown up than she is now, and she will be hesitant about her mission, and she will think carefully about the path she should take.
I walk along the edge of the temple with such deviousness in my arms.
Then I walk up to her right next to her and quietly call her name.
'Sissi. It's about time for one last check in the 'Senate Chamber'. If you don't, you're going to be late.
Sith and Dia were open-mouthed and surprised when they saw me nearby before I knew it.
Thanks to the robes and masks inhabited by Tida's 'Power of Darkness', they didn't seem to notice my approach, including the people who were waiting their turn.
''Meh, ally? Uh, meetings, meetings. I remember it well. But do I absolutely have to go? It's always a similar story: ...... It's just a confirmation of the previous plan anyway, right? Now I'm busy gathering my faith: ......
'You're the one ....... To save the world, it's good to collect the magic stones of The One Who Stole the Reason, you promised to help me, right? Don't skimp on this one. Please.
The Sith found the meeting troublesome.
But Dia, who had become her protector, soothed her.
"Sith. Let me take care of this and go. Your promise is important.
I push back on that.
When prompted to attend, the Sith stomped back a bit distressed and happily stepped back.
''Mmm ......, if my allies ask me to go that far ...... it can't be helped! That's it, if you want me here! You Sith! Phew!
The Sith leave the work of the temple to Deah, and move on, though spared by the people around them.
-- Incidentally, Dia is not involved in this "Plan to Secure Fafner Helmina".
There are many reasons for this.
There are a number of reasons for not getting involved in this plan to secure Fafner Helmina.
Also, we have already won an overwhelming victory against Fafner.
In the battle in the Great Sacred City, if it wasn't for Yotaki's intervention, the 'Blood Stealer' could have been secured with just the three person party of Dia Maria Reaper. It has been confirmed that Dia's magic 《Sion》 alone can restrain him, and there is even information that he is weakened now.
I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make the most of your time and money.
The main focus of the battle against the Thieves of Blood is to save two people, Fafner and Helmina, rather than going into battle with the boss.
That's why the 'Primary Attack Team' is assembled with only members from a thousand years ago, and the bloodthirsty faces are turned into the 'Secondary Defeat Team'.
''Ah, Kanami ....... Hold on a second .......
It was decided, but Dia, who seemed to have a thought, stopped me.
While extending her magical arm, she stuttered out her next words.
''Well, um, .......''
Dia wouldn't be worried about the fight.
Still, she's worried about a lot of other things.
I put my hand on Dia's head.
'Dia, don't worry about it. Fafner and I are 'friends', just like Sis and Dia. I've been an equal "friend" since that day (...) when I asked for a tour of the facility ....... So I think we can part with a smile, just like everyone else we've had before.
"Oh--
Being stroked, Dia's eyes narrowed in happiness.
However, she still can't seem to wipe away all of her worry, and she looks a little sad, even as she smiles.
I know she's looking at the soul on the other side of me and I quickly reply.
"'It's okay.' --Dia, smile. I'd love to see Dia's smile.
Dia, too, was very fond of Rustyala.
So for Dia to really feel safe, she would need a word from her, who had been a great support to her heart.
'If Rustyala were here, I think she'd say that. And he's an ...... optimistic guy.
I added, and I laughed.
Dia blushed, surprised at me, but then blushed and confirmed the name in passing.
'Kanami ......? Soooo, that's awesome: ....... Is it a voice imitation, or some kind of vibrational magic? It was like Rastiala was really there now. That Rastiara--
'Not magic, but skills? Actually, my parents are professional actors and singers, and they had training in voice since I was a kid.
'So it was: ....... No wonder.
Why?
I feel like a rather shocking fact is waiting for me, so I won't ask back.
However, I can see that Dia's face has cleared up a little bit with the series of conversations we just had.
I leave Dia for now.
Kanami, I'm sorry. I'm sorry to keep you from seeing me tomorrow. ......
I'll be off then: ....... I'll see you tomorrow.
From now on, if we finish the final confirmation of the "Fafner Helmina Securing Plan" - most of the planned reconstruction work will come to an end.
And for the first time in a long time, we will have solidified free time.
It seems that Dia is looking forward to that vacation period.
Of course, I'm looking forward to it, too. I'd really like to hear the details of the homecoming and all that.
We still have a lot to talk about with each other, but we'll save that for the holidays, and I get off the platform and leave the temple.
As we part ways, Sis waves to Dia--
"My Priestess! I'm asking for the rest!
...... Yeah, I'm on it.
Dia didn't deny that designation of maiden.
Sith then stood in front of me and Ryner, leading the way.
'Come on, let's go! Don't let us both be late, follow me!
To which Ryner replied, "You're the one who was almost late. ......", and from Sis, "Today, you're still this cheeky kid. Tsk," and a tongue lashing and another battering of the tongue.
I walk over and watch as the two of them start a petty fight next to each other.
Inside the cathedral, a mixture of nostalgia and newness--