Beginning of the Battle Against Hiroshi.

Mayumi 's House Elfsei

Shouta stamped his foot.

"Seriously? Are we going to help Hiroshi now?" he asked . Shouta annoyed.

Yumi closed her eyes.

"No. She's creating chaos," he said . Yumi .

Filna nodded.

"You noticed that too, didn't you?" he said . Filna .

Alisiya turned around, raising an eyebrow.

"What do they mean?" Yumi asked.

Yumi snorted.

"Don't play innocent. You had Filna write a letter, didn't you? I bet you described the skills of Hiroshi's slaves to Fujimoto 's group in that letter ," he said . Yumi is annoyed.

Alisiya smiled.

"They must have already received the letter," he said . Alisiya .

Filna crossed her arms.

"So all that suffering against Hiroshi was to study his abilities?" he asked . Filna .

— Exactly. That was the first reason. — he said . Alisiya .

Shouta frowned.

"And the other two?" Shouta asked.

"The second is the seal you carry. It consumes a lot of energy and limits me. And the third… is the Elfherinsei system . It restricts all the power of those who live in this world." She looked out the window, the sun reflecting in her eyes.

Yumi bit her lip.

"So that's it. We're stuck with his rules," he said . Yumi surprised.

Alisiya smiled slightly.

"But rules were made to be broken," he said . Alisiya is confident.

Kingdom of Omeron .

"Mr. Grinn , a letter has arrived," said Sebastian, rushing into the hall.

"It's addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Melissa, " said Sebastian.

"Delivered," he replied . Grinn , receiving the envelope.

Melissa looked at the stamp.

"It could be an advantage... or a trap," Melissa said .

Grinn nodded and asked:

"Sebastian, call everyone. They're training in the dueling chamber," he ordered . Grinn .

Shortly after, we were gathered together.

The coat of arms on the letter caught my attention. Signed by Yumi .

"Can I see?" I asked .

— Sure. — he said Grinn , passing the paper.

I opened the envelope. The thin line, the outline of the letters… and a shiver ran down my spine.

"This handwriting... is just like my mother's."

My heart ached.

" Yumi didn't write that," I said.

Melissa looked up.

"We think so too. Compared to her other letters, it's different," Melissa said.

"So it was Alisiya ," I concluded .

"We suspected it, but how were you sure?" he said . Grinn .

"Because she... imitated our mother's handwriting. And only someone harboring resentment and remembering her would do that," I said firmly.

Shana approached.

"And the content?" Shana asked.

"Let's read them all," I replied .

We passed the letter from hand to hand.

The details were precise: the structure of Hiroshi's army, the powers of each slave… even the location.

Koharu was the last to finish.

"Can we trust this?" he asked .

"We don't know. But ignoring it might be worse. We're betting on it," I replied .

Shana crossed her arms.

"So we need a strategy based on this information," he said . Shana .

Grinn nodded.

— Exactly. Tomorrow will be the day. — said Grinn .

Melissa stood up.

"For now, everyone should rest," said Melissa.

Our group split into two rooms, men on one side, women on the other.

In the boys' room.

"So you have an older brother, Grinn ?" Kairo commented.

"Yes. He fled the throne, and I was left with the kingdom," he replied , sitting on the bed.

I looked at him.

"I see... Max, are you in bed already?" I said.

"Of course. Tomorrow is going to be hell. I want to be ready," he replied , covering himself with the covers.

On the other side, in the girls' room:

Cassandra stretched out her arms.

"Tomorrow we will have a great battle," said Cassandra.

Shana snorted.

"I hope it's not a trap," he said . Shana .

"Coming from Alisiya , anything is possible," Koharu smiled wearily and said.

"The important thing is that they come back alive," Melissa added calmly.

And silence fell over the palace.

Omeron 's sky like a golden sword.

I went down to the center of the city, sword at my waist.

Koharu approached, the wind playing with her hair.

"Today is the day," he said.

I nodded, gazing at the horizon.

"Today we will defeat Hiroshi," I replied .

And for the first time in a long time... we both smiled.

After Koharu and I returned to the palace, the atmosphere was one of pure anticipation.

Tomorrow would decide the fate of us all, and perhaps mine.

In the meeting room.

Shana was the first to break the silence.

"We need to devise a strategic plan. According to Alisiya 's letter , Hiroshi formed two teams with his slaves. Three on each team," he said firmly.

Cassandra adjusted her hair.

"There are six in total... if we divide ourselves into two groups of three, the balance will be fair," said Cassandra.

Max consulted the papers with the notes.

"According to the letter, one team is made up of Futaba , Sugito , and Takame ," said Max.

"The other group is Rika , Sahara , and Takagi ," Kairo added.

I looked at everyone.

"I've analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. I think I know what the best division would be for us," I said.

Grinn crossed his arms.

"And what would that be?" Grinn asked.

Sugito 's reflective mirror ?" I asked.

Max sighed.

"I'll only know when I face him," Max replied.

"I'll believe so. Besides, I'm almost certain Takame 's bubble wouldn't be able to contain Kairo , so he'll be the ideal opponent for it," I replied .

Kairo nodded.

"I agree," he said . Kairo .

"And since you two will need to fight at your limit, Shana will be responsible for healing and supporting you," I said.

Shana blinked, surprised.

"Wait... are you really going to send a team with me, Max, and Kairo ?" Shana asked.

"Yes," I confirmed .

Everyone was stunned. Melissa was the first to react.

" Have you gone mad?! You're going to team up with you, Koharu , and my sister?!" she yelled .

I sighed deeply.

"Yes. It's the best group to face Rika , Sahara , and Takagi ," I replied.

Cassandra took a deep breath.

"I trust your decision, but... can you explain?" Cassandra asked.

" Rika can only change an element if she physically touches it. That's why, Cassandra, you're our best option; your hand-to-hand combat skills are perfect for preventing her from touching the ground," I replied.

"I understand... so my role is to stop her from using her power," she said , determined.

"And what about yours and Koharu 's ?" Grinn interjected.

" Koharu can defeat Sahara by creating an air vacuum, something that sucks matter and energy from its surroundings," I explained.

They all looked at each other, confused.

Melissa frowned.

"A vacuum cleaner... for air?" Melissa asked, confused.

Koharu smiled.

Fujimoto and I came from," Koharu explained.

" Koharu , do you think you can create one?" I asked .

"Yes," he replied with a confident smile.

Max tilted his head.

"So you're going to face Takagi ?" Max asked.

I agreed.

"Yes. I believe he won't be able to steal my body. And that's what I'm betting on," I said.

The room fell silent.

Melissa exploded again.

"A gamble?! You're going to put everyone's lives at risk for a bet?!" Melissa shouted .

"Calm down, Melissa," he tried. Grinn .

"Calm down?! He wants to beat chance with luck?!" Melissa shouted again.

Grinn placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Sometimes, taking a chance is the only way to change your destiny, " he said . Grinn calmly.

"And if it were you, what would you do?" she challenged.

Grinn smiled.

"I would do the same. It was through gambling that I became a good king, and I found the love of my life," Grinn replied.

Melissa took a deep breath, her gaze softening.

"I understand..." Melissa said.

She turned to me.

—Satoru​ Fujimoto … even if my sister dies in battle, I won't blame you. That was her choice. And I hope your decisions lead you to victory. — Melissa said , trusting me.

I smiled in response.

"Thank you, Melissa," I said.

She then looked at Cassandra.

— Dolberg Cassandra, you lived as a thief and survived everything. But now you're a hero. And if you die, you'll die as one. — said Melissa.

Cassandra smiled sincerely, beautifully, serenely.

I raised my sword.

Tamarin Desert ," I said determinedly.

They all nodded, the sound of their voices echoing with determination.

At night each group went to their rooms.

Koharu stood up.

"I'm going to the bathroom and I'll be right back," she said . Koharu .

"Okay," said Melissa and Cassandra.

As I walked down the hallway, I heard voices in the kitchen.

It was Max, taking something from the fruit bowl.

"What are you doing?" he asked . Koharu , leaning against the wall.

"Grabbing an apple. I've always liked eating apples... in Seseferin we had many. Apples and corn," he replied , chuckling softly.

Koharu approached, tilting her head.

"So... you really like apples?" Koharu asked.

"Yeah, why?" Max looked at her strangely and asked.

— Because sometimes… I wish you would look at me that way too. — she replied . Koharu with a smile.

He looked away, serious.

" Koharu , I... wanted to talk about something," Max said .

"I already know what you're going to say," she interrupted in a low voice.

"You know?" Max asked.

She simply crossed her arms, a smile of ambiguity on her face.

"You want to break up, don't you?" he asked . Koharu .

Max sighed.

"I overheard the conversation you, Shana , and Fujimoto had with Yumi ... about Hiroshi. And after that, I realized a few things. I don't want to kick Shana out of the group anymore. And I don't want to try to manipulate Fujimoto anymore . I think it's best... if we both end what we had," Max replied .

Koharu 's smile faded.

"I'm not going to give up on getting rid of Shana . You may have changed your mind, but I still have my reasons," she said firmly.

Max lowered his gaze, too afraid to answer.

"So... just promise me you won't tell anyone about us. Especially not Fujimoto ." Koharu approached and whispered in a cold voice.

Max took a deep breath, defeated.

— I promise. — Max promised.

She simply nodded and left, leaving a heavy silence in the air.

(What have I done? I'm becoming what I despise most: Hiroshi, Shana, and Alisiya .) — Max thought to himself.

When I went to the kitchen, I found him still standing there, with his back to me.

— Max, are you there? — I asked .

"Yes. I came to get an apple," he replied , trying to sound casual.

"I just came to get a glass of water," I said , taking one from the shelf.

The silence was short, but dense.

I went back to the room. And I realized that each of us was carrying more than just weapons.

We were carrying heavy loads.

The next day.

Grinn and Melissa were ahead of us. The wind was waving the kingdom's flag.

"I wish you luck on this journey," he said . Grinn .

"May they return victorious," Melissa added .

I tilted my head.

"Thank you for everything," I said.

And with that, we leave the gate of Omeron behind.

The sun was beginning to rise, gilding the horizon.

Tamarin Desert awaited us, silent… and hungry.

Tamarin Desert

The newly erected roof muffled the desert sounds. Drops began to fall like a fine drizzle.

"Am I late, Hiroshi?" Alisiya asked with a half-smile.

Takame 's doing ." Hiroshi raised his chin.

— I understand. Explain the parts. — She scanned the ceiling with her eyes.

" Mouth, eyes, and nose . Each sector has its own circuit," Hiroshi said , explaining how the maze worked.

— Great. Let's get to the plan. — he said Alisiya .

Hiroshi nodded.

"Speak," said Hiroshi.

Fujimoto 's two trios . Yumi and Filna will stay behind for the grand finale. finale . — Alisiya placed her finger on her chin, theatrically.

Hiroshi frowned.

"My slaves are stronger. There will be no end," Hiroshi said .

"That's where you're wrong. Their levels are, on average, lower than Fujimoto 's team's . Not that that will stop you from getting beaten. So I'm sending Yumi after them. No rush. The higher the hope... the harder the fall." Her gaze cut through her.

— Now! — Hiroshi took a step, trying to catch her by surprise:

Suddenly, a water bubble formed in Alisiya 's hands , and a toxic goo rose above it. Hiroshi smiled for a second. The bubble crumbled into white smoke.

—… What? — he said Alisiya .

"You're hilarious for thinking you could capture me. Let's act like we planned." Alisiya appeared behind him. Yumi , Filna , and Shouta followed soon after.

"Okay." Hiroshi gritted his teeth, but gave in.

"Send the trios, I'll coordinate," he said . Alisiya .

Tamarin Desert after an hour and a half of horseback riding. The stone labyrinth, with its sealed roof, resembled a colossus with a sculpted face.

"It can only be turned off if I touch Hiroshi," I explained .

— Then come in. — Shana quickened her pace.

Inside, two corridors led up to the "orbits" of that face.

It's time for us to part ways.

"My chest tightened. But it was the only way."

Left: Shana , Max, and Kairo .

Right: me, Koharu , and Cassandra.

Left Wing.

Two figures and a brilliance: Futaba , Sugito , Takame .

"I support you," he said . Shana .

"Closed." Max clenched his fist; Kairo nodded.

Takame deliberately squirted a thin stream of water at Max. The ground got wet.

"I just wanted to soak you." She smiled. In a snap, the water enveloped Max: a full bubble.

"I expected this." Max focused the Fire of Youth on his chest; the bubble cracked and burst. He advanced with Physical Enhancement and landed a clean cross. Takame collapsed, unconscious.

— Damn it! — Sugito held up a polished mirror: Reflecting Mirror .

Kairo advanced… and vanished—no, he passed through! With Intangibility, he passed through the mirror and Sugito himself , appearing behind him and delivering a sharp kick. Sugito fell, unconscious.

Fujimoto 's hunch was right.) — Kairo breathed.

Futaba took a step back.

She shrunk to the size of an insect and darted down the hallway toward Shana . A shapeshifter emerged from the shadows and… gulp .

— Shana ! — Max and Kairo's eyes widened.

"Calm down, I just neutralized it." The demon gasped, spitting out Futaba , alive, covered in slime, and dazed. "I don't kill innocents."

Footsteps echoed. A familiar silhouette.

"Relax. Hiroshi didn't catch me," Yumi said, appearing coldly.

Max and Kairo let out a gasp of air. In the next instant, Yumi exploded with speed: Kairo tried to kick her using Makukkingu ; she blocked with her dagger, but Max, on the flank, landed a blow—and Yumi fell to her knees, clutching the blade.

"Who forced you to do this?" Shana growled.

— Who do you think? Fedorova Alisiya — Yumi looked up.

"So she really is with Hiroshi?" Max gritted his teeth.

"In my interpretation, she's manipulating everyone," Yumi replied.

"If you're here..." Kairo's expression hardened.

"Yes. Filna and Shouta went the other way," he admitted .

Shana took a deep breath.

Kairo let Yumi pass through with Intangibility, throwing her off balance; Max aimed for her chest and Yumi spun, losing her dagger to Max's flame, and retreated.

"I'm terrible at fighting ... So..." she murmured.

Purple light.

— Reverse Time: go back one minute. — Yumi 's voice overlapped the magical buzzing.

The purple wave swept through the hallway. The world went backward.

Again, the scene fit together again , but now Yumi appeared duplicated: Clone.

— Let's fight for real. — The two advanced.

Max dispelled the clone with a direct hit; the real Yumi scraped the dagger against her shoulder, the blade melting in the Fire of Youth, but Max's energy plummeted.

— Now. I'll erase you without hurting you. — Shana transformed, horns and wings throbbing with power.

"What a racket to knock down three rats!" The voice came like a blade.

Alisiya walked into the hallway like she owned it.

— No… — Yumi paled.

Alisiya squeezed through the space between them, and in one swift motion, slashed Max's throat with a glancing cut.

— MAX! — Shana stepped forward, picking him up in her arms.

No blood spurted; the blow was precise and shallow, meant to knock her unconscious and silence her, not to kill her.

"That's a message. Next time, I won't misjudge the depth." Alisiya put away the energy cord.

Shana growled, her veins throbbing. Kairo trembled with fury.

— Continue. No deaths. — Alisiya tilted her face toward Yumi , low, almost imperceptible.

Yumi nodded, tense.

Right wing.

We were greeted by Rika , Sahara , and Takagi . The latter came rushing in and grabbed me by the hair, forcing my head back.

"It's over. I'm going to steal your body." Takagi placed his hands on my temple.

Takagi 's body trembled, creaking.

"My bet was right." I grabbed his sleeve and threw him against the wall.

"He cannot take over the body of a Guardian of God."

On the side, Cassandra and Rika exchanged blows. Rika tried to take her down; Cassandra intercepted every attack, knee, forearm, palm, whatever it was.

"Give up. You don't stand a chance," Cassandra said , standing there.

"If I give up, Master Hiroshi will stop loving me!" Rika raised her feverish eyes.

Cassandra sighed.

"So the mind control is deep," Cassandra said .

She raised her hand: Mahõkaze . The wind compressed from above and below, bouncing Rika between ceiling and floor two, three times, and she passed out.

Koharu stared at Sahara .

"Surrender. Takagi and Rika have already fallen," he said . Koharu .

"I can't. We tried to leave. It's stronger than us," the girl's voice trembled.

"Then I'll get you out of there by force, without hurting you. Model: vacuum cleaner." Koharu placed her hand on her chest, invoking Feelings.

A translucent cylinder took shape in her palm; the "nozzle" sucked dust and droplets from the air, pulling the residual slime from Sahara without touching her. The slave's eyes welled up with tears.

"I... it doesn't hurt... " she said. Sahara .

"It won't hurt. What hurts is being trapped." Koharu smiled slightly.

Takagi , staggering, lunged again. I turned, grabbed his wrists, and whispered:

Cancel.

The gleam in his eyes faded for a moment. It didn't liberate, but it silenced the technique.

"Hang in there, Max... hang in there, Shana , Kairo ."

"Your fleas are losing weight and you're... reading manga ?" Hiroshi stamped his foot.

— Shhhh . That was good. Now I'm going to play. — Alisiya closed the volume, annoyed.

" Yumi to the left. Filna and Shouta with me to the right," she decided , coldly.

"And you?" Hiroshi scoffed.

"I'll go wherever I want. If Yumi freezes up, I'll go in. And don't annoy me." Alisiya smiled as if savoring a secret.

Hiroshi swallowed hard.

Left wing.

— Kairo , apply pressure! He'll wake up dazed, but alive. — Shana pressed the superficial wound on Max's neck, stabilizing it with demonic healing energy.

Yumi steadied her position, her eyes fixed on ours.

— Go ahead. I'll hold you here. — he said . Yumi .

— I'm not running away. Come on. — Shana flapped her wing.

"Then come forward, you two." Yumi lowered her guard.

And the corridor exploded in a duel of angles, intangibility, and cuts that didn't want to kill.

A flash of light shimmered in the background: Filna and Shouta arrived in our area along with Hiroshi.

"Separated into three? Perfect." Hiroshi smiled crookedly.

— Fujimoto . — Filna whispered, pain glistening in her irises.

— (I know.) — I replied with just a look.

" Koharu ! Sahara is yours," I pointed .

"Cassandra , keep Rika on the ground, far from the ground, actually," I ordered.

" Takagi ... it's with me," I said.

Hiroshi raised a finger, a blue ray crackling—Enslave—but I extended my hand:

Cancel!

The spark died in mid-air, like a candle in the wind. The ceiling vibrated.

" Kazen , if you're listening to me... I won't fall."

The labyrinth roared like a throat.

And the fight, finally, truly began.