Chapter 781
Not only the equipment made with legion-level magic cores, or their owners.
Those who have faced their fears, overcome their nightmares. They are all my Nightmare Slayers.
All of them had resisted this world's nightmare and were waiting for my call in the outside reality.
And they answered my call.
Flash! Flash! Flash!
At the end of the heroes appearing one after another, a spear knight in dazzling white armor and a knight in black armor with twin swords descended behind me.
"Whoa, long hair! Oh my, what's this, it's our long-haired senior!"
Evangeline exclaimed in shock upon seeing me, and,
"My lord."
Lucas, who saluted me, stretched out his hand to the side.
Cha-rrrr-ruk…!
Then, pieces of light gathered from inside the Sword Coffin, coalescing into the form of a long ceremonial sword.
Lucas, kneeling on one knee before me, respectfully held it out.
"Thank you."
I took this Nightmare Slayer — [Light and Shadow], then drew it in one motion, transforming it into a flagpole.
A dazzling flag of light unfurled in the empty air, raising magical walls around us.
Simultaneously, the armor that only fragments remained on my right hand — [Lord of the High Tower] — also restored to its complete form, covering my entire body like a coat.
We stood atop the fortress, fully prepared.
"…!"
Behind the mask, Crown's face contorted as he looked this way.
But that emotion didn't seem to be anger or dejection.
"Yes, of course…"
To me, that emotion seemed,
"As expected of the final player, you should at least do this much-!"
closer to relief.
Piiiiiiiii…!
With Crown's sharp flute sound, the monsters rushing towards us accelerated even more.
Thud thud thud thud thud-!
Their numbers are infinite.
Truly making the entire horizon boil, an endless horde of monsters surges forward.
We've never faced such numbers in all the previous defense battles combined.
Yet, despite how daunting it should be for all my comrades,
"Let's begin!"
No one is afraid.
In fact, when you think about it, it's only natural.
We are Nightmare Slayers.
Natural enemies of nightmares, masters of nightmares.
Knowing this is a dream, there's no reason to fear the infinite enemies rushing towards us…!
Damien, smiling brightly, fired [Black Queen] without hesitation first.
Boom-!
With a tremendous firing sound, a dazzling magic bullet pierced down, completely annihilating all the enemies in one direction from the infinite monsters charging at us.
"Let's go-!"
Following him, Kuilan, Kellibey, Verdandi, Torkel, Mikhail, Zenis, Evangeline, Lucas… everyone began the battle against the infinite monsters, wielding their weapons.
Each time their weapons are swung, their ultimate techniques burst forth, literally sweeping away the pouring monsters.
Everyone is one against a thousand, ten thousand against one.
In this world of nightmares, the Nightmare Slayers were all exerting near-invincible power.
However.
Thud thud thud thud thud…!
The enemies are also infinite.
Following Crown's rat legion, the army of greed, anger, and ignorance, and the Apocalypse Knights he had summoned in reality, all sorts of unimaginable, tremendous monsters flooded in ceaselessly.
Eventually, a stalemate.
The invincible warriors keep defeating infinite enemies, but the battle situation remains fixed, unchanging.
Moreover,
Saaaa…
The enemy commander is approaching.
The 'Sleepless Lake Princess'.
Even in a dream, she is different in terms of existence.
Because she, too, is a master of nightmares.
Therefore… what we must do has been decided from the start.
"Junior!"
I shouted to the mages gathered preparing magic.
"You've properly prepared the method to dispel the nightmare from within, right?"
End the nightmare itself.
We came this far to use this method from the beginning.
"Of course, Your Highness!"
Junior, Dearmudin, and the other mages all grinned at once.
"We even have an 'expert' in this field with us!"
And so, standing at the center of the continent's best mages drawing a joint magic circle was…
"This development again, again!"
Our illusionist, Violet.
"Stop making an ordinary person like me save the world all the time!"
"What ordinary person? You're already a hero in an epic! Don't try to back out!"
I stretched out my hand forward.
"Tear this nightmare apart, Violet-!"
"When it's an order from you, of course I have to…!"
Grumbling but still perfectly completing the magic as always, Violet shouted.
"Illusion Domain, Maximum Release-!"
Boom…!
A dazzling light burst forth from Violet, and the next moment.
Rumble…
Crash!
The world began to collapse.
The sky cracked and shattered, pouring down, and the earth's axis shook as the ground plunged downward.
Violet is a Nightmare Slayer who has faced her inner darkness and overcome it, and moreover, has swallowed a dragon's orb and surpassed her own limits.
She is one who deals with 'daydreams'.
When the illusion unleashed with full power by such a nightmare slayer collided with the world that is nightmare itself, cracks instantly appeared.
And, in the collapsing and shaking world-
"Found it!"
Junior discovered the source of the spell that created this world by collecting people's nightmares.
"[Elemental Disassembly]-!"
Junior's ultimate technique, fired without a moment's hesitation, detonated.
Clang-!
A halo appeared in the sky and the space began to shatter, and the next moment, the source of the spell was shattered to pieces.
"Ugh…?!"
It was the flute in Crown's hand.
Through that flute, he had been manipulating nightmares, gathering them, and constructing this world within the nightmare.
And, as the flute shattered to pieces and Crown swallowed a groan…
Saaaa…
The world of nightmares began to quietly disappear from beyond the horizon.
Having lost both the spell that gathered nightmares and the means to manipulate them, collapse was the natural course.
"…"
After surveying this now completely collapsing and disappearing world within the nightmare, I looked straight ahead again.
"…"
The 'Sleepless Lake Princess'.
She stood motionless before me.
Gazing at me silently with dry teal eyes devoid of emotion from behind her burned morning veil.
"…"
In this world, and in countless past worlds.
This evil being has always destroyed the mortal world and killed my precious people.
Even though it's a nightmare, experiencing it made me realize how terrifying and fearsome the being before me is.
"Nameless."
But,
Nevertheless.
"I still… want to save you."
My heart doesn't change.
My strategy doesn't change.
"I think I understand your feelings a little better now."
A world already destroyed.
Hope that doesn't exist.
Harsh life and accumulating fatigue.
Comrades who defect one by one, or wear down and fall.
In the midst of all that hell, yet still refusing to give up and lighting a torch…
Your kind heart that willingly tried to shoulder the nightmares of all your people.
Putting myself in your position, I think I somewhat understand how arduous and difficult it must have been.
"I think I truly understand you a little now, at last."
The nightmare is disappearing.
The monsters in the nightmare, too, scatter into light.
To the vanishing illusory enemy, no… to the real Nameless who must still be suffering in the darkness of the Lake Kingdom beyond.
I whispered.
"Wait. I'll save you."
When the world of nightmares collapsed, I found myself standing atop the southern wall of Crossroad.
To my left and right, my comrades stand in neat formation.
And below the wall, on the southern field… Crown could be seen slumped on the ground.
In his bloodied hands, he clutched the shattered flute. This man gazing blankly into space with seemingly transcendent eyes.
"Crown."
I spoke to him honestly.
"Thank you."
"…?"
To him looking puzzled, I smiled gently.
"For giving me the final trial."
"…"
"For making me face and overcome my last fear. Thank you."
Crown, who had been staring at me blankly, let out a hollow laugh.
"…Say whatever you want."
Grumbling, Crown reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
It was a shining key.
"Keep it. You'll need it on your final path."
Carelessly tossing the key to the ground, Crown gazed at me intently.
"Ash."
And, after a long while of fumbling with his lips and hesitating to speak.
"…I wish you luck."
He finally managed to say that.
And the next moment, he scattered and disappeared in a gust of snowy wind.
"…"
After staring blankly at the spot where he had vanished, I turned around.
The nightmare is ending.
My hair that had grown long shortened, and the dragon scales that had covered my body had all disappeared without a trace.
And here, where the world of nightmares had almost completely dissipated, one last trace remained.
"Oh…"
The boy from the nightmare who had collapsed and briefly lost consciousness…
The sixteen-year-old Sid blinked his haggard eyes and looked around.
"Master Dearmudin, Sister Junior, Uncle Zenis, Brother Damien, everyone…"
"…"
"Haha, what's this. Is it because I'm about to die… Have you all come to welcome me…?"
The boy recognizes them, but they don't know who he is.
My heroes looked at me in confusion.
"Your Highness, this child is…?"
"…"
Without answering, I quietly knelt on one knee beside Sid.
I know.
This child is not a real being.
He's just a nightmare, a plausible mix of memories from some long-ago doomed iteration and my fears, a fleeting illusion passing through a night's dream.
Nevertheless…
I spoke to Sid from the nightmare.
My comrades didn't press further about who that child was or what his identity was.
They all would have known, in their hearts, in their souls.
Everyone, with resolute expressions, quietly turned to look inside the city.
Voices and lights were spreading like ripples through Crossroad, which had been as quiet as a mouse while people were swallowed by the nightmare.
The nightmare ended, and people returned to their lives.
The forty-ninth defense battle was over.
We survived once again.
The world has not yet perished.
"Let's go."
And.
It will not perish in the future either.
Because I will prevent it.
Because I promised to do so.
Looking down at the brightening cityscape, I murmured with determination.
"To the final stage."
[STAGE 49 – CLEAR!]
[STAGE MVP – Ash(EX)]
[Leveled-up Characters]
— None
[Injured and Deceased Characters]
— None
[Acquired Items]
— Lake Kingdom Castle Key : 1
[Only the final stage remains now.]
— Prepare thoroughly before engaging in the final battle.
— Good luck, player.
]] Get Ready For The LAST STAGE
]] [LAST STAGE : The Only Path]
Chapter 782
Much time had passed while trapped in the nightmare, and it was now past mid-February.
With the final battle, Stage 50, set to begin at the end of February, the end of this long game was truly near.
Fortunately, the city that had been plunged into the nightmare quickly regained its vitality and returned to normal. They say the paralyzed southern continent also normalized quickly.
People couldn't remember what they saw in the nightmare.
"It just feels like I slept deeply for a long time. My body's a bit stiff from sleeping too long, but…"
At the Ariane Kingdom military camp.
King Miller Ariane of the Ariane Kingdom said, stretching his stiff neck.
I faced him with an awkward smile.
"Is that so."
"Why, Prince Ash. Did I… or the people of my kingdom cause any trouble in that nightmare?"
"Not at all. Rather, the opposite."
I told him that Miller had supported me in the nightmare world.
Hearing my story, Miller waved his only hand.
"That would have been true for anyone else in this front, not just me, Prince Ash."
"…"
"We've all witnessed the miracle you've brought about, and the legend that the people of this front have written. Whatever the outcome of this war, we will all support you until the very end."
Right after, Miller scratched his head sheepishly.
"Haha, it's funny that I'm saying this when I was the first to try to leave the front, but still."
"…Thank you."
I gave a quiet nod, then stood up.
Both Miller and I are busy preparing for the final battle. We shook hands lightly and headed to our respective tasks.
"Oh."
As I left Miller's tent and headed towards the entrance of the Ariane Kingdom camp.
I saw Yun's tent in between.
Thinking I might as well pay a sick visit since I'm here, I peeked inside.
I saw Yun sleeping soundly, and Kuilan sitting silently next to him, knitting.
"…?"
Huh? Knitting?
Looking closely, Kuilan was skillfully weaving a scarf.
The already woven part of the scarf was wrapped around Yun's neck, and Kuilan was carefully knitting the remaining long part.
"…"
Yun sleeping peacefully, and Kuilan focused on knitting. The warmth of the fireplace burning in one corner of the room.
Somehow, the scene looked nice, so I watched for a moment before slowly walking out.
The next place I visited was the Silver Winter Merchant Guild.
The Silver Winter Merchant Guild's Crossroad branch had somehow grown larger than the New Terra branch. It might be because the land is cheaper, but I suppose it's mainly because they're dealing with military supplies in this situation.
"Hmm…"
Right? That's the reason? They're not really thinking of moving the main branch(?) here, are they?
"Your Highness!"
As I entered, Serenade rushed out in her slippers.
I smirked and asked jokingly.
"Serenade. How was it, did you sleep well?"
"What?! Ah, yes! I slept so deeply that all work came to a halt…! I've been sweating to get things back in order."
After briefly discussing the front's supply situation with Serenade.
I looked at the indigo-haired guard standing silently behind Serenade.
"Elize."
It was Elize, as always in her maid uniform, carrying a large sword coffin.
When I called her, she looked at me quizzically, and I gave her a small smile.
"You've worked hard."
"Yes…?"
"Let's keep working hard in the future too."
"Ah, yes sir."
Elize seemed not to understand, but she answered quickly.
I wanted to express my gratitude in my own way to Elize, who had been dedicated to the end in that nightmare.
I smiled warmly, and Elize just blinked, not understanding.
"…Ugh!"
Serenade, who had been looking back and forth between us, suddenly approached me with a slightly sulky face.
"Your Highness! Me, me too!"
"Hm?"
"Me too, um… please! Praise!"
"Ah, right."
I gently took Serenade's hand and smiled brightly.
"Thank you always, Serenade."
"…"
"I'll be grateful in the future too."
"…Hehehehehe."
With her face bright red, Serenade wore a proud expression and rubbed under her nose.
She's always had this tendency to act younger in front of me, but well, it's cute so it's fine.
After finishing our brief conversation, I left the Silver Winter Merchant Guild. Behind me, Serenade waved her hand big, and Elize bowed politely.
The next place I visited was the alchemist's workshop… or rather, Lilly's house nearby.
"Ah, Your Highness!"
A surprised Lilly greeted me.
Inside Lilly's house were several female heroes gathered, including Bodybag, Scarlet and Orange from the Gambler's Club, Violet, and even Evangeline.
I blinked in surprise too.
"Isn't this the Cr… whatever meeting. What are you doing here today?"
"It's not 'Cr whatever', it's the Great Female Hero Squad! And what else? We came to see our Sid while we had a moment."
Indeed, as Evangeline said, everyone's faces were relaxed as they admired little Sid's figure.
"These days all our activities are just Sid appreciation meetings… I wonder if we should change our name from Great Female Hero Squad to Sid Fan Club or something."
Muttering, Evangeline lifted Sid, whom she was holding, high up and played airplane with him. The baby seemed to enjoy it, laughing continuously.
"…"
Evangeline, you're not going to trigger 'Error-Prone' there, are you? Well, that negative trait disappeared a long time ago, but still.
I watched nervously, just in case. On the contrary, Lilly, the baby's mother, seemed used to it now, calmly working on some documents while Evangeline played with Sid.
"Auwa!"
At that moment, Sid, floating in the air, flailed his arms towards me.
Huh, what? Is he asking me to play with him?
I asked Lilly for permission first.
"Lilly, can I hold Sid too?"
"Of course. Who else would be more qualified than you, Your Highness?"
With Lilly's permission, Evangeline reluctantly handed Sid to me. I carefully took Sid into my arms.
"Hello, Sid?"
"Au!"
"Yes, godfather is here. Say 'godfather~', Sid."
Then, the child really said it.
"Dyabu!"
"…?"
I widened my eyes.
After being frozen in shock and amazement for a moment, I asked in a trembling voice.
"Did he just… call me 'godfather'?"
Evangeline snorted as if it was nonsense.
"No, he said 'dyabu'."
"That's the same thing! Sid! You just called me godfather, didn't you?!"
Then Sid smiled brightly and raised his chubby hands to pat my cheeks.
"Dyabu!"
"He really said godfather, godfather!"
"Dyabu~"
"Oh my god, this is crazy. Our Sid must be a real genius…"
I was even tearing up with emotion.
The women around us, whether they were the Cr… whatever or Sid Fan Club, all looked exasperated, but no, this is real! He called me godfather, not dyabu!
"Sid."
To the child smiling brightly with an innocent face, as if he knew nothing of what happened in the nightmare.
I made a promise once again.
"Godfather will take you there."
To spring.
To the world of March.
To a future where you can live as you wish.
Without fail.
The blacksmith's workshop.
This place, reactivated as soon as we escaped the nightmare, was hot with heat even in the middle of winter.
Fortunately, while all the blacksmiths were collapsed, Kellibey kept the fire burning to maintain the heat, or so I heard.
Anyway, equipment was being busily produced in preparation for the final battle.
Basically, since Crossroad might have to endure and fend off infinite monster waves in the final battle, equipment for the soldiers and the entire city wall was the top priority.
But even in the midst of this busyness, Kellibey was producing the equipment I had ordered.
"You had that invisible cloak you weren't using, right?"
"Ah, yes, I did."
There was a piece of equipment I got a long time ago, used once in the Imperial Capital, and then left unused. It had a low stealth level, so it wasn't very useful on the battlefield and was being neglected.
Recently, I gave all my unused equipment to Kellibey and told him to do whatever he wanted with it, whether to melt it or reforge it. I wonder if he did something with it?
"I upgraded that equipment using Parekian's magic core and Parekian's scales."
Saying this, Kellibey pulled out a cloak covered densely with intricately crafted dragon scales.
"The name… how about [Dragon Scale Cloak]?"
"What are its functions?"
"Basically, it's sturdy. And it has inherited some of Parekian's characteristics…"
Inherited?
"You can walk on walls."
"…?"
"It makes 'dragon claws' sprout from the wearer's shoes, allowing them to freely walk and run on walls and ceilings."
I was taken aback by this unexpected function.
Come to think of it, that lizard did climb walls…
"And the effect of the original stealth cloak has been enhanced too. Like this, ta-da."
As Kellibey, who was trying it on, infused it with magic power, the dragon scales all sparkled at once and matched the surrounding colors, like a chameleon changing its body color.
"Wow… excellent camouflage effect."
"That's about it for special effects. Anyway, since it's equipment with dragon heart, you can expect effects like increased magic power and such."
The person to receive this equipment was decided from the start.
It was Violet.
As soon as I called her, Violet came running breathlessly from Lilly's house (which was right nearby) and immediately put on the cloak with delight.
"Ooh!"
Violet, who activated the stealth, shouted.
"I can't be seen!"
She really can't be seen. Only her voice can be heard from the front.
Then, Violet's voice, who had also activated the wall-walking function, could be heard from the walls and ceiling of the blacksmith's workshop.
"Can you really not see me? At all?"
"Nope. Not at all."
"How about this? Lalalala?"
I can't see her, but I can tell it's somehow irritating, hey…
Violet, who had come down next to me and deactivated the cloak, muttered with a furrowed brow.
"…Then maybe, if I wear this and go into the men's public bath… hehe…?"
"With that look on your face…"
By the way, public baths always have stealth detection magic operating. You'll be arrested on the spot, you idiot.
"Aw~ I'm just joking, joking. Hehehehehe."
Violet, who seemed to have been completely serious, wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth, and then nodded with a serious face.
"But you know, this seems really useful for theft and cheating at gambling…?"
…I'll have to take that equipment back as soon as the final battle is over.
As I inwardly resolved this while watching Violet running on the walls and ceiling again, Kellibey beside me brought out and showed me other new equipment.
"And this… I made it simply because we didn't have much time."
It was four pistols.
Magic guns in the form of single-shot loading, capable of firing only one shot at a time.
"I made these with the magic cores of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Knights."
"Oho."
"Since they're pistols, they're only auxiliary equipment and can only fire one shot at a time… but I guarantee their power. They'll be your trump cards."
Four pistols in white, black, red, and blue.
The magic guns were named [Pestilence], [Famine], [War], and [Death].
They fire magic bullets of poison, water, fire, and ice attributes respectively.
"Those will obviously go to Damien…"
As I was pocketing the pistols, Kellibey pointed to the next item.
"This is the item with the magic core of that greed-anger-ignorance monster, being made as you ordered…"
Even though he was the creator himself, Kellibey looked worried, still not quite trusting my idea that brought this plan.
"Will this really move as you think it will?"
"…"
"Not just us, but the stonemasons, carpenters, and alchemists too. Everyone's been working on it whenever they have spare time…"
I grinned and looked up at the large object Kellibey was working on.
"Of course. Just trust me."
After all, even in the game, the greed-anger-ignorance magic core was used for 'this purpose'…!
As I left the blacksmith's workshop, heavy snow was falling.
I thought about calling Lucas to ride back in a carriage, but somehow I wasn't in the mood for that.
I wanted to walk through the city.
Walking along the snow-covered streets, I slowly looked around my city.
Amidst the soldiers from various countries busily coming and going in preparation for the final battle, the city's residents preparing for dinner coexisted in one scene.
The smell of baking bread mixed with the smell of oil, iron, and gunpowder.
The sound of a couple arguing and children's laughter as they threw snowballs mingled with the sound of weapons and iron plates clashing.
As I quietly observed this peculiar scenery.
Slowly moving towards my home, I suddenly murmured a verse that came to mind.
Past the dignified hearts of the people of this village who have been born and died, born and died for generations, past the dull dreams
On an ordinary night when heavy snow piles up on roofs, yards, and well mounds
It was a peaceful evening before the final battle.
Chapter 783
A few days later.
I stopped by the airship hangar. There had been a report of progress in the work.
"Grandma Coco."
I approached Coco as she pulled her large body out of the engine room of the airship La Mancha and asked.
"How's the situation?"
The magic circle engraved with the dimensional movement technique we found on the demon ship.
Coco had taken charge of loading this onto my flagship, La Mancha.
"It's all done. Now we just need to make the final adjustments."
Coco chuckled and tapped the wall next to the engine room.
"Theoretically, this airship can now enter other worlds. However…"
"However?"
"The dimensional technique magic circle itself is unstable. It's extremely deteriorated… so you won't be able to use it for dimensional jumps many times. Use it carefully."
I wasn't planning to use it much anyway. It's enough if it can cross the dimensional boundary once each way.
"…The end is near."
Coco looked south. In the direction of the black lake, where her homeland, the Lake Kingdom, would be.
After a long silence, Coco suddenly asked.
"Are you really not going to defeat Nameless?"
"…"
"In a few days, that child will be completed as a monster, but it's not too late yet. We can still kill her now. But if you don't kill her now, everything will truly be out of control after that."
"…"
"Even so, will you really… leave her be until that child is completed as a monster and invades the mortal world?"
I nodded.
"That's the path I've chosen."
"Are you saying you'll stake everything on an uncertain challenge instead of a clearly visible solution?"
"…"
I kept my mouth shut for a moment at Coco's question.
And I thought.
About the appearance of Nameless becoming the 'Sleepless Lake Princess' that I had seen with my own eyes a few days ago…
A few days ago.
Lake Kingdom Dungeon.
Thud!
I planted the World Guardian Front's flag in the last dungeon.
As the conquest battle was finished and the heroes were cleaning up the surroundings, I stood on high ground and looked over the entire Lake Kingdom dungeon.
This is the 10th area dungeon 'Star-gazing Tower'.
It's where they studied constellations by observing the stars in the sky in the Lake Kingdom. Naturally, it's located at the highest point in the 10th area.
"Haa…"
As I exhaled, white breath scattered.
I quietly surveyed the entire dungeon, sprinkled with light like salt.
Now, except for the 10th area final dungeon 'King's Castle', the conquest of all places in the 10th area was complete.
I retrieved the remaining pieces of Nameless's soul from the conquered areas. I examined her soul fragments swirling in my hand.
"…"
And I looked towards the last unconquered area… the King's Castle.
In the center of the fountain square in front of the castle — a form rippling with darkness could be seen.
Inside that huge dark cocoon, Nameless would be transforming into the 'Sleepless Lake Princess'.
In the game, we attacked before she finished her metamorphosis and descended upon the world as a monster, and fought the final battle with her inside the final dungeon King's Castle.
But this time, I intend to leave her be.
To let her completely finish her metamorphosis, fully transform into a monster, and walk out of the dungeon on her own to destroy the mortal world.
I plan to neglect her and watch.
"My lord."
As I turned at the voice, Lucas, standing beside me and also looking towards the castle, said with a serious face.
"We can defeat her now."
"…"
"If you give the order, I will end it with my own hands."
"No."
I turned around.
"We're going back. We'll leave Nameless alone."
"But, my lord."
"All this time, we've always chosen the difficult path instead of the easy one."
As I tucked Nameless's soul fragments into my chest, I firmly declared.
"There's only one reason for that. Because the difficult path was the more righteous path."
"…"
"Trust me and follow me, Lucas."
Lucas, who had been silently watching me for a moment, slowly bowed his head.
"Anytime, anywhere… as I have until now, and as I will continue to do."
Present.
"Are you saying you'll stake everything on an uncertain challenge instead of a clearly visible solution?"
Towards Coco asking this, I smiled brightly.
"Because the solution that the world has already given up on is not necessarily the answer that my soul can accept."
"…!"
"For the result I truly desire, I'll pioneer a completely new path if necessary."
A path that no one has taken before, or even tried to take.
I intend to advance on that one and only path.
"This ship will be of great help in paving that path. Thank you, Grandma Coco."
"…"
Coco, who had been quietly watching me, finally nodded with a bitter smile.
"I beg you. Please, save Nameless… our princess."
I didn't bother to answer.
I'll prove it with results anyway.
In my spare time, I opened the last reward boxes.
Most of the boxes contained trivial magic cores or unremarkable equipment, but there were a few interesting ones among them.
I selected the new equipment and headed east of Crossroad.
On this wasteland that had been burned pitch black during the black dragon invasion, the huge pirate ship 'Blue Pearl' was docked alone.
The Blue Pearl, which is also the base for the merfolk soldiers, was currently very busy.
Flap! Flap!
Griffins scattering feathers and the people of the Vermillion Kingdom controlling them were busily moving cargo.
Since 'La Mancha', which was originally used as the flagship by the Sky Knights, was assigned a different role in this final battle, they were moving to the 'Blue Pearl', the only remaining airship.
"Ash!"
Mikhail, who was gliding on his griffin in the air, smoothly descended and landed in front of me.
"Mikhail."
I greeted him back and nodded towards the Blue Pearl.
"How's the new ship? Not uncomfortable?"
"The pirates… no, ahem. The merfolk are cooperative, so it's not bad. It's not as modern as La Mancha, of course, but the deck is wide, which is good for the griffins to take off and land."
After asking about the current situation and points for improvement.
I handed Mikhail the gift I had brought.
"Take this. It's a saddle, and I thought it would suit you best in our front."
Mikhail's eyes widened as he received the saddle.
"This is…"
It was an antique-looking saddle with a slightly different style from those here, seemingly made in the Eastern Continent.
The equipment's name was [Ambition Lies in a Thousand Miles].
It means 'the heart is a thousand miles away', and is also used to express the mindset of a fine horse.
As an SSR-grade saddle, it's a rare equipment that affects mounts. Basically, mounts wearing this saddle don't tire easily and…
By saving that conserved stamina, they can gain a momentary acceleration once a day.
Simply put, it's a booster, a booster!
It will be very useful for Mikhail, an aerial cavalryman.
"This is an amazing masterpiece."
As someone who rides a griffin all day, Mikhail, who immediately recognized how good this equipment was, was visibly delighted.
"I'll use it well, Ash. Thank you so much."
I patted Mikhail's shoulder and headed inside the Blue Pearl.
"Well then, prepare well. I have some business inside."
"Alright. See you later."
Inside the Blue Pearl.
King Poseidon and the Rompeller siblings were together on the bridge.
"Ah, Prince Ash."
King Poseidon greeted me with delight as I entered.
"Welcome."
"King Poseidon. And Rompellers. Good afternoon."
As I greeted them, I noticed that King Poseidon's eyes had regained their original deep blue color instead of the golden color of authority.
And I also saw that golden color faintly emanating from the eyes of the Rompeller siblings, who were standing awkwardly.
"I just finished transferring the rest of my racial deity's authority to these two."
After transferring even the last of his authority.
With his once deep blue hair now faded to a pale sky blue, and his body now skinny and gaunt, having lost a lot of weight, King Poseidon actually looked more at peace.
"I've given the authority to young ones who can use it better, but of course, I don't intend to completely withdraw from the front. I'll do my best until the final battle."
"I'll be counting on you."
After paying my respects to King Poseidon, I faced the Rompeller siblings.
"I'll be counting on you two as well."
The Rompeller siblings, who had been eyeing each other, simultaneously scratched their heads sheepishly.
"We're worried that we might just be a burden, since our joining the front was later than other races…"
"Our contribution to the front is low, and our proficiency in fighting monsters isn't high either."
With their late joining of the front, and even crashing once when facing the Apocalypse Knights in the previous battle.
The Rompeller siblings were a bit dejected, feeling self-conscious and having gone through hardships. Moreover, they had to accept the unfamiliar authority of a racial deity.
I approached them and patted their shoulders.
"Whether you join early or late, whether you fight well or make a few mistakes… does that really matter so much? What's important is that we're all fighting together with one heart."
Everyone who once opposed and fought each other now stands shoulder to shoulder, looking in the same direction.
All countries and all races with free will in this world, together.
This alone gives enough value to this front. Sincerely, I was grateful just for them being here.
"King Poseidon will teach you well how to handle the racial deity's authority…"
I put down the equipment I had brought on the bridge table.
"I've brought a few gifts."
"This is…?"
The first thing I took out was a large anchor.
This skillfully crafted steel structure was clearly an anchor, but it had a handle attached so that a person could grip and swing it, and there was magic cast on it to reduce its weight for the user when gripped through the handle.
In other words, the user can swing it lightly, but the attack hits the opponent with its real weight.
The equipment's name is [Weight of the Sea].
It's classified as an SSR-grade blunt weapon.
Among the Rompeller siblings, the female Rompeller, who is in charge of close combat, made an "Oho-" sound and grabbed the anchor.
"Ooh, this feels good…!"
As she held the anchor and posed like a baseball batter, I explained.
"It's fine to use it as a melee weapon, but the special effect of this anchor is interesting… The moment the anchor touches the ground, it allows the user's ship to 'dock' immediately."
The female Rompeller tilted her head.
"Huh? What kind of effect is that?"
"In a situation where the ship is about to crash, if you throw this anchor to the ground at the right timing?"
"…!"
"The ship will forcibly 'dock' in that spot, allowing you to avoid the crash."
The twin pirates' faces lit up.
Having experienced an emergency landing in the last battle, this kind of safety device seemed quite welcome.
"Where did you get such equipment?! As expected, landlubbers have many strange things! Thank you, Prince Ash!"
The female Rompeller rushed towards me, trying to shower me with kisses.
After barely fending off the rough skinship typical of seafarers, I handed the next equipment to the male Rompeller.
"Here, and this is for you."
"This is…?"
What I handed to the male Rompeller was a multi-barrel harpoon gun.
It looked like a large cannon with three harpoons loaded, but its effect is extremely simple. It shoots harpoons to hit and restrain the opponent.
However, its special effect is powerful.
"The enemy hit by this harpoon absolutely cannot escape from this harpoon until you retrieve it."
"…!"
It's equipment for the purpose of binding and restricting the opponent's movement.
Its name is [Sea's Obsession]. It's an SSR-grade throwing weapon.
I was thinking of placing it on the city walls, but it seemed like pirates would handle it well, so I decided to give it to them. After all, their specialty is connecting ships with harpoons and engaging in close combat…
"To give us such a delicious weapon…!"
The male Rompeller's face became moved, and he suddenly started rummaging through the treasure chest inside the bridge, saying he would give a gift in return.
After politely declining the jewel-encrusted skulls and such that he was taking out, I finally brought out one more small piece of equipment.
"And… I'd like to entrust this ring for this battle."
Perhaps sensing the dangerous power residing in the equipment as soon as they saw it.
Both Rompellers gasped at the same time.
"T-This is…?!"
What I placed on the table was [Kraken's Ring].
It's a special equipment that can summon the Kraken, the strongest sea monster.
"I've tamed it well, so if you summon it, it will fight well against the monsters. I'm lending it just for this defense battle, so use it well and return it…"
I stopped mid-sentence.
"It's mine!"
"Don't be ridiculous, it's mine!"
The two Rompellers rushed to claim the ring for themselves, and then they started punching each other and rolling around on the floor.
"Such a pretty ring should obviously belong to me, the older sister!"
"What nonsense! Good things obviously belong to me, the older brother!"
Bang, crash…
The twin siblings, punching each other as they rolled, tumbled out of the bridge.
"Sigh."
I sighed, picked up the ring again, and handed it to King Poseidon, who was laughing beside me.
"I'll leave it to you, King Poseidon."
"Just trust me."
King Poseidon grinned as he quickly put on the ring.
I just laughed too. Haha.
And so, the distribution of new equipment was coming to an end.
Chapter 784
The special equipment manufacturing using the greed-anger-ignorance magic cores I ordered a few days ago was completed.
As I headed towards the blacksmith's workshop, there was something large covered with cloth in the open space outside, and people were gathered in front, murmuring.
Among them, I saw the four production guild leaders gathered together for the first time in a while. I approached them.
"Ah, Your Highness!"
The guild leaders who recognized me bowed their heads in unison. I returned their greeting and pointed to the large shape covered in cloth, asking:
"I heard it was completed, is this it?"
"Yes! Would you like to see it right away?"
"Let's do that. I'm very curious."
The four guild leaders raised their hands towards it with beaming faces.
Then Kellibey, who was standing right next to the cloth-covered object, nodded and vigorously pulled off the cloth.
Flap-
As the cloth was removed.
The identity of the large shape hidden underneath was revealed.
"Ohhh!"
"This, this is!"
All the production guild people present, and the onlookers who had gathered, let out exclamations of admiration in unison.
What was revealed from under the white cloth was… three enormous golems.
Special defense equipment made with three magic cores extracted from the greed-anger-ignorance monsters — artifacts called 'Autonomous Defense Dolls'.
'The final stage of the defense artifact tech tree that can only be made when all four production guilds — carpentry, masonry, blacksmithing, and alchemy — have maxed out their technology research and skill levels!'
Creating a frame with wood and stone, covering it with steel armor, and connecting magic circuits with alchemy to allow this massive body to move.
Not only does it require technical skill, but it's also a special artifact that can only be produced and operated with magic cores of the right aptitude. Even in the game, it could only be made with the right luck.
'I hadn't even thought about it, but fortunately we were able to defeat the greed-anger-ignorance monsters.'
Since the greed-anger-ignorance monsters were golem-type monsters made of statues, their magic cores were well-suited for golem production.
The timing was good, and thanks to that, we succeeded in hastily creating these golems with their magic cores.
"Start the activation test!"
As Kellibey shouted, Lilly, sitting in front of a control panel over there, manipulated something.
Right after that,
Whirr!
Flash! Flash!
Blue light flashed simultaneously in the single eye on the head of each of the three golems.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Then the three golems slowly moved their bodies and spread out around the area.
Watching the three golems walk heavily and steadily, the four guild leaders all shed tears.
"Golems… are the dream…"
"Sniff! I'm glad I recorded all the data from the old golem corps without missing anything. Well done, past me…"
"I thought golem technology was lost in ancient times, but to think we could make them with our own hands like this."
"Now it seems there's no artifact we can't make. Hehehe…"
After three years of me constantly pushing, training, and working them to the bone, the technical skills of the Crossroad production guilds had truly reached the level of masters.
Above all, I made various production workers always cooperate and think together, maximizing the synergy between them.
The giant golems moving freely and striking poses were themselves proof of these production guilds' technical skills.
'We've made moving and transforming walls, repaired and built airships, and now even bipedal robots… ah, no, we've even made golems.'
Suddenly, I was reminded of three years ago, when we first prepared for defense with the production guild people.
Making wooden fences for the kill zone, repairing the dilapidated walls, hastily producing equipment, repairing dusty artifacts piled up in warehouses… our clumsy selves back then.
Three years have passed since then.
Just like the warriors standing directly on the front lines, those who help and support the front have also been trained and grown.
"Thank you all."
Watching the golems strike the same pose simultaneously with precise movements, I quietly muttered.
"You've done amazing things until now."
Perhaps feeling the sincerity in my words.
The guild leaders, members, and others who had worked together for a long time all smiled shyly.
Then the boy watching the golems with sparkling eyes beside me — Kellibey's assistant, Hannibal, asked urgently.
"Then, these golems! Like those greed-anger-ignorance monsters!"
At his following words, all the onlookers turned to me in surprise.
"Can they combine too?!"
"…!"
Everyone present, regardless of age or gender, looked at me with intensely sparkling eyes.
"Combine?"
"Combine…"
"Combine!"
"Is that true, Your Highness?!"
Faced with their fervent gazes, I waved my hand while breaking out in a cold sweat.
"No, that's impossible."
Immediately, the deflated people all pouted or let out sighs of disappointment.
Hannibal looked up at the golems, biting his hand as if regretful.
"Ugh, combination is the pinnacle of golem dreams…"
"…"
I broke out in a cold sweat. Hmm.
Actually, since we have transforming mobile walls on the front, and even the original greed-anger-ignorance monsters combined in their second phase, it wouldn't be technically impossible to give these golems a combination function, but…
In the end, everything is a matter of budget, manpower, and time.
This time, we're in a situation where we're short on manpower and time. If we tried to add a combination function, it would have taken a few more months. It's also questionable whether it would be practical.
"Let's be satisfied with the three bipedal golem brothers. Honestly, isn't this enough to be cool?"
While I was consoling Hannibal, Kellibey came bouncing over, his face full of excitement as he snorted.
"So, Ash! What should we name these friends?"
"Names? Hmm…"
The owners of the original magic cores were Greed, Anger, and Foolishness.
Then, with meanings opposite to those…
"How about Temperance, Mercy, and Wisdom for each?"
"Huh? What's that? That's not cool at all."
Kellibey snorted this time. Oh, damn it!
"Then… taking names from the weapons they're holding. Crescent, Four-pronged, Twin-pole?"
To my second suggestion, this time Evangeline, who had come to watch with the close combat unit, tackled me.
"That's really boring. How about something easier and more intuitive?"
"Give me an example."
"Like, Roast, Steam, Fry. Something like that?"
"Why are you suddenly changing the golems into food…?"
Then the people gathered in the open space started pouring out their opinions about the golems' names.
"Cheese, Choco, Barley."
What are these, dog names?
"Faith, Hope, Love…"
Priests, those are good words, but for golems, it's a bit…
"Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner!"
If you're hungry, go eat something quickly, Evangeline.
"Prince! Your Highness! Hurrah-!"
Lucas? Hey, is that you, Lucas?
And other bizarre names that they just made up as they pleased kept coming out.
After intense discussion, the names I finally decided on, ignoring all suggestions, were as follows:
"Iron Fist 1, 2, and 3. That's final!"
Booooo-!
Intense jeers immediately erupted from the crowd, but shut up, you guys! From the old days, we've never had proper results when we held a public contest on this front!
"Oh, maple fist almighty, Iron Fist 1, 2, and 3! How can there be such cool names in this world!"
Only Kuilan, the martial artist, shed tears of emotion.
"Iron Fist… hmm, Iron Fist. Not bad."
Fortunately, Kellibey, who was in charge of golem production, accepted it. Phew.
This unexpected naming contest was thus concluded.
With the three golems showing off their weapons in cool swings as a finale, the demonstration of the Iron Fist trio came to an end.
The gathered crowd cheered in unison as they saw the Iron Fist trio's cool poses.
"Wooooah!"
"Golem! Golem! Golem!"
"Next time, please make them combine!"
Anyway, I'm glad everyone likes them.
As expected, robots are the dream…
Preparations for the defense were progressing smoothly ahead of the final battle.
Barricades and obstacles were installed at every point along the long road from the Black Lake to Crossroad. Various mines and traps were laid thickly.
Incorporating the know-how from the past 3 years, appropriate defense tools were distributed at strategic points and locations to efficiently take down monsters.
Above all, the defense preparations for Crossroad's main castle were carried out meticulously.
Checking cannons and firing lines, optimizing troop deployments, conducting training to keep artifacts operating non-stop…
Also, in Stage 50, all kinds of monsters pour out from the Black Lake.
In other words, monsters emerge as both ground forces and air forces.
Naturally, our defense line also had to be divided into ground defense forces and air defense forces.
The black dragon wall [Knight Bringer] installed on the outskirts, and Crossroad's original southern wall standing firm after emergency repairs inside it.
Troops, supplies, defense equipment, and artifacts were densely packed on top of the double-layered walls.
"Infinite monsters…"
Lucas, the field commander for this final battle who was watching the installation process, looked at me.
"If it's Your Lordship's order, I will defend until the end of this world."
I smiled bitterly at this sturdy bravado.
But was it perhaps not just empty words to give me courage?
As Lucas spoke, the other heroes and soldiers standing on the wall checking the deployment all smiled and looked at me.
Everyone was sincerely prepared to fight and overcome the endless monsters that would pour out in the final battle.
"…"
Looking around at these wonderful people, the best warriors, I unconsciously clenched my fist tightly.
Then I simply said:
"I'm counting on you. I trust you with this."
The next moment.
As if they had promised, everyone present raised their hands and struck their chests.
Thud-!
Their hands hitting their armor resonated together, making a deep echoing sound.
I too slowly raised my hand and tapped my chest with my clenched fist.
The final stage.
While everyone on the front here at Crossroad holds off the endless monsters.
I will depart alone.
For the one and only strategy towards the true ending.
One week before the start of Stage 50 at the end of February.
At this time when non-combatants should start being evacuated to the north.
A meeting was held before the final battle.
All the kings participating in the World Guardian Front gathered in the banquet hall of Hotel Crossroad.
"I believe everyone gathered here already knows this, but."
After a brief greeting, I looked around at the kings seated and opened my mouth.
"In one week from now, the final battle that will determine the fate of the world will begin."
Everyone is focused on me.
I raised my voice.
"This is truly the last time. If we win this battle, humanity will survive. If we lose this battle, the world will be completely destroyed."
Suddenly, I was reminded of the ruined world I saw in the nightmare.
The frozen earth, the raging firestorms, the blackened sky, the rain of falling ash…
People living in that hell, unable to die.
"…"
I closed my eyes for a moment, then opened them.
I promised.
Not to regret.
To advance without hesitation on the difficult path I chose.
So.
"I want to ask for your understanding in advance."
At this moment.
I become a tyrant.
"As the commander of the World Guardian Front, as the racial deity of humanity, representing the will of all people in the mortal world…"
Looking around at the audience, I declared without wavering.
For the one and only path I have chosen.
"I intend to completely destroy our world."
Chapter 785
I shared with the kings the "strategy" I would use in the final stage of this defensive battle.
When the kings heard this "strategy," they were first shocked, then horrified, and finally let out screams.
"…That concludes my explanation."
After finishing, I looked around at the frozen kings.
"Are there any questions?"
The kings immediately shouted.
"Prince Ash! No matter what, isn't that… going too far?!"
"That method would destroy the foundation of our world!"
"It's unthinkable! It couldn't come from normal thinking…!"
"Reconsider! Even for you, this method is too extreme-"
I listened quietly in the face of their fierce opposition.
In truth, I had expected opposition, of course.
If we use the "strategy" I proposed, some "pillar" that has built up human civilization until now will disappear.
Even if we overcome destruction after the last stage, the world will change into a completely different form from the past.
It's a condition difficult for anyone living in this world to easily accept, not just the kings.
However,
"Then, do you intend to accept destruction?"
When I coldly asked back, the audience immediately fell silent as if doused with cold water.
"Clearly, the loss the world must bear is painful. However, as the price for protecting the world from destruction, it may be a very cheap loss."
No matter what price we pay.
Isn't it better than the world being destroyed and people dying?
"…"
Amidst the silence as the kings just looked at each other, a low question arose.
"Is this the only way?"
There stood my father — Emperor Traha 'Peacemaker' Everblack of the Empire.
He was looking at me with a solemn, hardened face.
I nodded heavily.
"This is the only way."
Amidst the erupting sighs, the Emperor silently looked at me.
Eventually his cracked lips parted, and a tired voice flowed out.
"Ash. Whether you are the world's savior or a mad revolutionary, that judgment will be made not by us here, but by future generations…"
His lips slowly curved into a smile.
"But that judgment can only be made if the world continues to exist for future generations."
The Emperor slowly rose and declared.
"Our Everblack Empire will go along with Prince Ash's path!"
"…!"
"There's no way we can overcome the world crisis before us without any losses. There are bound to be parts we all must give up and concede."
The Emperor pointed to his chest with his one remaining arm.
"When we use this method, when a completely different tomorrow unfolds from yesterday, which country do you think will suffer the greatest loss? It's our Empire. But it doesn't matter. We will accept it."
"…"
"Let's all bear the burden together. Let's hurt together. This is not a matter of choice, but a matter of life and death."
The next moment.
Someone else in the audience abruptly stood up.
"Our Ariane Kingdom also strongly agrees!"
It was King Miller Ariane of the Ariane Kingdom.
The other kings seemed quite surprised at the agreement of this king who had once been at the forefront of opposing the World Guardian Front's path at every turn.
"Miller…!"
"You?!"
"Those who have fought together here until now must know well. That Prince Ash's proposals have ultimately led to the right path."
Miller grinned at me.
"I will support his decision to the very end."
Following that, several people stood up from their seats simultaneously.
Kellibey, Verdandi, Kuilan, and King Poseidon.
Representatives of each race.
They faced me with unwavering expressions.
"We have already decided to entrust the fate of our races to Prince Ash… to the future path of the World Guardian Front here."
"No matter what price we pay, it cannot take precedence over our lives."
"We've come this far anyway, haven't we? Let's go all out to the end!"
"If I can just protect the lives of my people, I can bear that much of a price."
Then Mikhail, Valen, and Hannibal stood up in turn.
"Vermillion agrees as well!"
"So does our City-State Alliance!"
"We'll follow to the end!"
Like a wave.
All the kings who had fought directly alongside me stood up one by one, expressing their support for my "strategy."
Even the kings who hesitated until the end were those who had remained with the World Guardian Front so far, trusting and following me.
It's just that the method I proposed was too radical for them to easily agree with.
But in the end, they too closed their eyes tightly and stood up.
"…Just promise us one thing, Prince Ash."
With one hand gripping his forehead, the king who remained seated until the last — Dearmudin, who leads the smallest independent country in the world, the Ivory Tower — pleaded earnestly to me.
"That even if 'that' disappears from this world… we will be able to live well. That you will make it so. Promise us."
"I promise."
I answered with a grin.
"We'll be fine."
Because I have already lived in a world without 'that'.
And because I know well that that world is beautiful enough too.
I spoke with confidence, and finally, Dearmudin also stood up with a sigh.
"The Ivory Tower will also share its fate with the World Guardian Front."
After looking around at all the kings standing around me.
I nodded heavily.
"Thank you for making this difficult decision."
Destruction is near.
That's why we unite as one.
"With this united will, let's… open the path to tomorrow."
The future is not clearly visible.
But it will be alright.
Because we have it.
The courage to throw away everything from yesterday in order to move forward to tomorrow.
After the meeting adjourned and all the kings had left.
"Ash."
The Emperor approached me, who was left alone in the hall.
"Father."
As I gave a simple bow, the Emperor grinned at me.
"Is there a reason you sought consent for this matter, even though you could have handled it on your own?"
The Emperor was right.
There was actually no need to tell everyone in advance and seek consent. It wouldn't have been a problem if I had taken care of everything myself and notified them afterwards.
No, that might have been safer. The battle was right around the corner, and if there were forces that didn't agree and deserted the front, it would have been another headache.
But…
"If the only goal was to overcome the imminent destruction, that would be fine, but my real purpose includes… properly establishing the world after this battle."
The world doesn't end with an ending. It will continue on endlessly.
And the world will change completely after the last stage. Shouldn't we seek consent from the people who will live there in advance, and also prepare countermeasures together?
"It's not a world where I alone will live. It's a place we all must walk together. Even though I've worn the crown representing everyone."
"…"
The Emperor examined me with inscrutable black eyes, then finally closed his one remaining eye tightly.
"Well, it's all talk for after we get through this final battle well. Right?"
"Haha. That's right."
"This father has become like this, so it's regrettable that I can no longer help in battle. While everyone else is preparing for battle, I'm just killing time alone in the rear…"
To the Emperor who was lamenting, I spoke in a stern voice.
"No. That's not true, Father."
"Hm?"
"In this final battle, you'll need to lend your strength as well, Father."
The Emperor pointed to his own body quizzically. His body missing one eye, one arm, and one leg.
"But I'm in this state?"
"Though your body has weakened, isn't your mind still sound?"
"Haha, not just sound, it's no less than any young person's!"
"That's enough then. Come with me, Father."
In front of the still puzzled Emperor, I grinned.
"There are other warriors who, like you, may not be physically whole but whose hearts are still burning. Please come along with them."
At my words, the Emperor didn't ask anything further, but instead let out a hearty laugh.
And then he said this.
"Very well, let's go and see. To the end of the final battleground…!"
Time passed quickly.
The day before the last stage.
A feast was held throughout the city before the departure.
Heroes gathered for the final defensive battle shared drinks and food.
I personally served drinks and food to everyone fighting in their respective places, from the soldiers in the barracks to the people of the production guilds.
I went around with a glass in hand, toasting everyone individually and wishing them good luck.
And, at this gathering…
"My Lord."
Suddenly, Aider popped up.
It was in the central square of the city. I faced him without even being surprised anymore.
"Aider."
"Huhu. You've finally made it this far."
"It's the result of all our hard work."
Unlike his appearance so far, Aider was wearing a very old formal attire.
After putting a glass in his hand, I handed him something I had kept in my possession.
"Take it."
It was a fragment of Nameless's soul.
The last pieces of her that remained inside the dungeon sparkled and swirled in the air before being sucked into Aider's hand.
Aider, who carefully tucked it into his bosom, smiled broadly.
"I've finished my own preparations as well."
"…"
"Now all that's left is to give them one big hit."
Snap!
Aider snapped his fingers.
Then the [Traitor's Necklace] around my neck flashed once.
"As you may have guessed, the 'achievement points' you've used through that necklace are actually… a concept of consuming the Karma we've accumulated so far."
The endlessly repeated destruction game.
Aider, who participated as a human-side player here, and I, his agent. The karma (業) accumulated as we repeated the regression was burned and manifested as power.
I smiled bitterly.
"Well, the explanation of achievement points wasn't entirely wrong."
"When you built fortresses materialized with magic, or displayed various other miraculous powers, we've been assisting by consuming this accumulated karma."
Aider smiled faintly.
"I've just released that limiter."
"…"
"It's the real final time, after all. There's no need to save the balance anymore, is there?"
The previous player, previous hero, prophet, lord's advisor, director…
This accomplice who plotted with me against the world said so.
"Burn it down to the last point. Without regrets."
"You too, Aider."
To this damned yokai director I've grown fond of despite myself, I sincerely wished.
"Let's face it without regrets. The finale of this long game…"
We clinked our glasses together.
A clear ringing sound of glass was heard.
After conversing with each hero once.
As the night deepened and dawn approached, near the end of the banquet.
"Serenade."
I approached Serenade, who was standing alone by the window in a corner of the darkened banquet hall, looking outside.
Serenade turned around, quickly wiped her eyes, then smiled brightly.
"Your Highness."
"Are you alright?"
"Of course. I'm going to stop seeing you off with tears now. I no longer doubt your return."
"…"
"Come back safely, Your Highness. I'll be waiting here with a smile."
After hesitating for a moment.
I carefully asked.
"Can you call me like you used to, instead of 'Your Highness'?"
"Pardon?"
"Like back then. Like in the Imperial Capital, before we broke off our engagement…"
Serenade, who quickly caught my meaning, blushed and smiled, then took a step closer to me…
She whispered in my ear like a gentle breeze.
"…Come back safely, my lord."
I smiled silently and bowed to her.
…
After kissing in the moonlight, as I was about to step back.
Serenade's long fingers caught my sleeve.
"Tonight."
With her face bowed down, redder than I'd ever seen it, Serenade whispered in a trembling voice.
"I don't want to let you go tonight."
"…"
"Tonight… I want to spend it together."
Instead of answering, I reached out my arms to tightly embrace her waist… and kissed her once more.
The next day.
At the end of a long journey.
Stage 50, the final battle… began.