Chapter 1: Return

Gram’s Month, Luvaphos Holy Calendar 1853.

Day 9. The World Magic Festival canceled. The Imperial Kingdom Summit canceled. The Ritual of the Evil God’s Summoning activated.

Day 10. In the Free City of Milano, a coup d’état against Queen Alicia VII of the Alzano Empire, led by Lord Ignite, erupts.

Day 13. “The Hour and a Half of Flame.” Lord Ignite, dead.

On the same day, an army of the dead, rising from the Rezalia Kingdom, crosses the eastern border of the Alzano Empire. The Imperial Army, sent to intercept them, is annihilated by Elliot《The Sword Princess》.

The capital of the Alzano Empire, Orlando, falls to the army of the dead, The Last Key Legion《Ultimus Clavis》.

Day 16. The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, commanding the army of the dead, led by Powell Fune, formally declare war on the entire empire. No offer of surrender is made, only a proclamation that all imperial citizens face death. This plunges the entire empire into an unprecedented panic.

And then—

Gram’s Month, Day 22, Luvaphos Holy Calendar 1853.

“This is unbelievable. What kind of absurd situation is this…?”

High in the sky, heading toward the academic city of Fejite, inside a floating vehicle towed by a Hræsvelgr.

Glenn, reading a report summarizing the current situation, groaned in exasperation.

“《Ultimus Clavis》?《The Sword Princess》who annihilated an entire Imperial Army division? The capital fallen? A single criminal organization declaring war on an entire nation? And now, signs they’re planning to attack Fejite in a matter of days? This is worse than some third-rate occult publisher’s joke article.”

“…But it’s the truth.”

Eve, sitting beside Glenn with her arms crossed, muttered curtly.

Though her demeanor was as resolute as ever, her expression was visibly tense, her face slightly pale.

“The empire is facing an unprecedented crisis. The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom… this time, they mean business. I can feel their unwavering resolve to destroy this empire.”

“Even so, their execution is way too perfect!”

Glenn crumpled the report in his fist, spitting out his frustration.

“Just when we’re dealing with the potential revival of an Evil God in the south, what’s with this convenient plot twist!? Everything’s unfolding like it was scripted, and it’s just plain creepy!”

“I get it. It’s almost like… someone, over thousands of years, has been meticulously setting the stage, preparing the script… It feels like some kind of artistic performance.”

Eve sighed, responding to Glenn’s outrage.

“Now that I think about it, Jatice… he was always fighting something incomprehensible. Maybe, just maybe, he was the only one resisting this tide of destruction.”

“Keh! Who cares about that lunatic now?”

Glenn spat irritably, glaring out the window at the sky beyond.

The Alzano Empire’s representative team, who had been on an expedition to the Free City of Milano, was now aboard this Hræsvelgr-towed floating vehicle, returning to Fejite.

Thanks to Her Majesty’s arrangements, the military had provided a large vehicle drawn by four Hræsvelgrs.

The representative team, including Sistine, Gibul, Jaill, Rize, Heinkel, Colette, Francine, and Levin, was onboard, along with managers Rumia and Ellen, as well as the support group—Kash, Wendy, Teresa, Cecil, Lynn—and the team’s escorts, Re=L and Ginny.

However, there was one person Glenn wished they could’ve left behind in Milano…

“What!? The capital fell!? Are you kidding me!? What’s going to happen to the ‘Sealed Realm’ in the capital!? I’ve always wanted to investigate those ruins! Should I have just illegally explored them like I usually do!? You think so too, right, Glenn-sensei!?”

…Unfortunately, Fossil had managed to hitch a ride and was now leaning forward from the seat behind Glenn, being as obnoxiously loud as ever.

For now, Glenn silenced the noisy Fossil with a joint lock, knocking him out cold, and kicked him into the rear vehicle’s cargo hold.

Having dealt with the industrial waste (Fossil), Glenn returned to his seat, surveying the tense students around him with a sigh.

Among the students… someone was missing. In a situation like this, that person’s boundless optimism would’ve surely lifted everyone’s spirits.

(…Maria…)

Maria, now《The Pure Maiden of Darkness》, was left behind deep beneath Milano, the core of the Evil God Summoning Ritual. Her fate—unknown.

(I’m sorry… for leaving you behind in Milano…)

—By the way, Sensei! I completed the quota you set for me! You promised to grant me one request, right!? Right!?

—I know, I know! But you don’t get to make that request now! Save it for when it really matters!

—Just wait and see what kind of request I’ll make… Hehe, look forward to it!

Maria’s face and words flashed through Glenn’s mind.

Her once-annoying, high-pitched voice now felt strangely distant and nostalgic.

(…Wait for me, Maria. I’ll save you, no matter what…!)

Glenn clenched his fist, renewing his resolve.

As he returned to his seat and sat down… that’s when it happened.

“S-Sensei…”

A feeble voice called out to Glenn.

Sitting across from him was a girl—Sistine.

“What’s wrong, White Cat?”

“I… I just can’t believe the capital fell…”

Sistine was visibly shaken, her eyes trembling with unease.

Beside her, Rumia gently rubbed her back, offering comfort.

“It’s not true, right? The capital, destroyed…?”

“Unfortunately, it’s true. Stay strong.”

It was harsh, but they couldn’t afford to look away from reality. Glenn scolded Sistine firmly.

“No way… My father and mother work as bureaucrats in the capital’s Ministry of Magic… If the capital really fell, then they…”

“……”

“I-I’m just… so anxious… If something happened to them…”

Sistine squeezed her eyes shut, tears faintly welling as she looked down.

Over the past few months, Sistine had grown tremendously in mental strength.

But she was still a child. It was only natural for her to feel anxious and shaken about the safety of her beloved parents.

In fact, it was impressive she was holding up this well. The old Sistine would’ve been hysterical, screaming and crying in a situation like this.

“…Don’t worry, Sistine.”

Glenn reached out and patted her shoulder.

“Your parents, Leonard-san and Fillyana-san? No way anything could’ve happened to them.”

Glenn had met Sistine’s parents, Leonard and Fillyana, a few times before, and each time, the energetic couple had given him a run for his money.

“That powerhouse duo? I bet they’ve already escaped the capital without a scratch.”

“Do you… really think so…?”

“…Yeah.”

Glenn knew it was little more than empty reassurance, but it was all he could offer now.

“That’s right, they’re definitely okay, Sistie.”

Rumia gently reassured the despondent Sistine.

“Yeah, they’re fine. Leonard and Fillyana are strong.”

Re=L, sitting next to Rumia, added quietly, her tone carrying a hint of care.

“Really…? Yeah, you’re right…?”

“Yup, I’m sure of it.”

Rumia continued to comfort Sistine.

But Glenn caught a fleeting shadow pass cross Rumia’s face.

“…Rumia, are you okay? I mean… I shouldn’t say this too loudly, but don’t you have a sister in the capital?”

At Glenn’s words, Rumia lowered her gaze and fell silent.

Rumia was the former second princess of the Alzano Empire’s royal family. That meant she had an older sister, the first princess. From what Rumia had shared before, she was very close to her sister, who used to play with her often when they were young.

“Honestly… I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried.”

Rumia let out a small sigh as she spoke.

“Renilia-neesan is a university student at Alzano Imperial University. But when the capital fell, the university was apparently heavily damaged… She might…”

Glenn struggled to find the right words to say.

“I-I’m sorry, Rumia…”

Sistine apologized.

“I was so caught up in my own worries… You have someone important in the capital too…”

“No, it’s okay, Sistie.”

Rumia smiled, reassuring the apologetic Sistine.

“For now, let’s pray for everyone’s safety, okay? It’ll be fine… I’m sure they’re all okay…”

“…Yeah.”

Re=L nodded in agreement with Rumia’s words.

“You’re right… Screaming and crying here won’t bring our families back. We have to do what we need to do… We have to stay strong…!”

“Yeah, let’s do this, Sistie.”

“Yup. If we all work together, we’ll figure something out.”

Watching the three girls resolve to stand strong in this desperate situation, Glenn reflected quietly.

(They’re so brave… even though they’re still just kids…)

No matter how much they tried to stay tough, they were still young.

(Damn it… I’ve got to do something…! But what…!?)

That only made Glenn feel more determined.

At that moment, an image flashed through his mind—a certain carefree blonde female mage.

(…Celica…)

Celica Arfonia, one of the《Six Heroes》who once saved the world,《The Witch of Ash》.

The world’s strongest mage, at the pinnacle of the seventh tier, Septende.

(Please, Celica. I know you hate dealing with messes like this… but just this once, lend us your strength… I’m begging you…!)

With that fervent prayer, Glenn gazed out the window.

Below, mountains and grasslands stretched out, with clouds floating at eye level—a breathtaking view of the sky.

In the distance, a majestic castle floated alone in the heavens.

The phantom castle hovering above Fejite—Melgalius’s Sky Castle, glowing in the crimson light of the setting sun.

Due to the airflow, the Hræsvelgr didn’t fly straight to its destination, so the castle appeared perfectly framed in the window Glenn was looking through.

Seeing that castle meant—Fejite was close.

(…Please…)

As Glenn gazed at the sky castle, he longed for a reunion with the female mage who was both his mother figure and mentor, praying for her presence.

——

The academic city of Fejite was in a wretched state.

News of the capital’s fall had clearly spread throughout the city.

An ominous atmosphere hung over the city, thick with tension.

To prevent riots, the Fejite Patrol Agency’s officers were on high alert, constantly moving in formations, with the entire city under strict lockdown.

The northern city gate was overwhelmed with refugees who had barely escaped the capital and made their way to Fejite, flooding the immigration office in chaotic disarray.

Glenn and the others arrived in Fejite at the twilight hour, as the sun began to set.

The students dispersed on the spot, and Eve headed straight to Fejite City Hall, where Queen Alicia VII had established her base.

Glenn, accompanied by Rumia, Sistine, and Re=L, walked through the streets of Fejite, now cloaked in an unsettling atmosphere. Though this was his hometown, it felt strangely distant and desolate.

Pushing through the crowds, Glenn walked with the three girls in tow.

The main street, lined with shops, was packed with citizens frantically stocking up on supplies in preparation for the worst. Shouts and clamor filled the air, tinged with a kind of manic desperation.

“Hey, did you hear!?”

“Yeah, The Last Key Legion《Ultimus Clavis》that destroyed the capital… their next target is here, right!?”

“Damn it… This is no joke!”

Ignoring the citizens’ rumors, Glenn glanced up at the sky.

There, the symbol of the academic city of Fejite—Melgalius’s Sky Castle—loomed grandly, its majestic and otherworldly presence dominating the horizon.

Everything—the events, the situation, the revealed truths—pointed to one thing.

Indeed, it was likely that everything was connected to this sky castle floating above Fejite. The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom’s goals, the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and—the so-called《Akashic Records》.

Normally, gazing at the castle would stir a sense of wonder and reverence for ancient mysteries, but now, bathed in the intense crimson of twilight, it looked as if it were burning.

The ominous sight of the castle seemed to foreshadow Fejite’s future, and Glenn couldn’t shake a growing sense of unease.

“…Sensei…”

Rumia called out to Glenn, her voice tinged with worry as he stared at the sky.

“Right, sorry. Let’s hurry to your house.”

Shaking off his thoughts, Glenn pushed through the crowd, moving forward steadily.

Feeling helpless in this murky chaos, Glenn could only grit his teeth.

For now, concerned for the exhausted Sistine and the others after their grueling journey, Glenn escorted them to the Fibel residence.

——

After delivering Sistine and the others to the empty Fibel residence,

Glenn entrusted Sistine and Rumia to Re=L’s care and set off on his way home.

“Ugh… It’s cold…”

The sun had set, and the night’s darkness had fully enveloped the city.

Fejite’s characteristic nighttime chill seeped into the bones of anyone walking outside.

Glenn pulled his instructor’s robe tighter around his shoulders, raising the collar.

Having spent so long in the warm, tropical climate of Milano, his sense of the seasons was thrown off, but it was Gram’s Month—winter had already arrived.

Glenn walked along Rozanne Street, which ran east-west from Carriage Street in Fejite’s quiet North District 4.

Normally, this time of year would be filled with excitement as the city prepared for the Holy Night Festival, Noel, held on the 24th of Gram’s Month, the day after tomorrow.

The city would typically be adorned with colorful candle illuminations, with Noel songs playing from phonographs.

Families would be buzzing about this year’s gifts, and lovers would be eagerly discussing how to spend the romantic night of the Holy Night Festival—filled with excitement and anticipation.

But—

“It’s so quiet.”

As Glenn hurried home, he looked out at the desolate night streets, swept by cold winds.

There wasn’t a trace of the usual cheerful, festive atmosphere—just a ghostly city, silent as if holding its breath.

“……”

Perhaps it was the season.

At that moment, as Glenn walked home, a memory surfaced.

A memory from his childhood, walking down this lively street with Celica before the Holy Night Festival…

“Hey, what’s up, Glenn? Why’d you spend your measly allowance on such a huge sock?”

“Because, Celica, the day after tomorrow is the Holy Night Festival, Noel!”

“Oh? Now that you mention it, it is that time of year.”

“On the night of Noel, while you’re sleeping, Santa Nicholas puts presents in the sock by your pillow! I’ve been a good boy all year, and with a sock this big, Santa’s bound to give me an amazing present!”

“Hahaha, you’re such a kid, Glenn. Santa doesn’t exist.”

“What!?”

“Besides, there’s no way some Santa guy could sneak into our house with my magical barriers up, hahaha!”

“N-No way!? B-But, last year, I definitely got a present—”

“That was me.”

“Whaaaaaaat!?”

“Anyway, Glenn, for this year’s present… I’m kinda tired of picking something out, so how about I just stuff some cash in that sock? That work?”

“You’re ruining everything, Celica, you idiot!”

“Yare yare.”

Glenn’s lips curled into a faint smile as he recalled the pointless memory.

Whipping his exhausted body and mind, worn from the long journey and fierce battles, he quickened his pace.

Even Glenn, usually stubborn and cynical, could no longer deny the overwhelming emotion welling up inside him.

(…Celica… Please, just this once, lend us your strength…)

As he walked, Glenn let his thoughts wander.

As a child, Glenn had always admired the “Mage of Justice.”

The fairy tale The Magician of Melgalius—a story set in a castle floating in the sky, where the “Mage of Justice” defeats an evil Demon King and saves a princess. A simple tale for children.

Glenn had been captivated by the “Mage of Justice” from that story since he was young.

But why had Glenn held mages and magicians in such high regard?

Tracing it back, it all began with his meeting with Celica.

It was over a decade ago. “He” had been captured by an evil, depraved mage named Henrietta of《The Tower》, subjected to cruel magical experiments, stripped of his memories of who “he” was, trapped in a cold, dark abyss of despair.

In that hopeless darkness, a mage had effortlessly saved “him.”

A mage who had given “him” a new name—Glenn—and a new life.

That mage was Celica.

(Celica… Like I said in Snowria, you probably didn’t think much of it back then, you reckless jerk… But to me, you were the “Mage of Justice.” Wanting to be an amazing mage like in the fairy tale… that was just a process, a means, or maybe an excuse to hide my embarrassment… What I really wanted was to be like you…)

As he walked, lost in these thoughts…

(Heh, how stupid. That’s not why I’m dragging my heavy feet toward the Arfonia residence right now, is it?)

Yes, at its core, the reason he was pushing his weary legs forward was simple.

The true nature of the emotion swelling in his chest was clear.

Stripping away all the unnecessary noise in his heart, it came down to this:

Glenn wanted to see Celica. He wanted to see her face.

He wanted her to say, “Yo, welcome back.”

He wanted her to brew him tea with that snarky comment, “This tea’s too good for your lousy tongue.”

It felt like he hadn’t seen Celica in years since leaving Fejite.

“…Celica…”

Thinking back… ever since leaving Fejite for the World Magic Festival, so much had happened. Far too much.

But Glenn was a teacher. An adult. He always had to be someone’s pillar of support.

Clinging to someone else, seeking comfort—that was never allowed.

Yet, with everything that had happened… even Glenn was utterly exhausted.

And there was still more to come. Challenges greater than anything he’d faced before.

(Of course, I’m going to face them. I have no intention of whining in front of those kids or running away. Not in the slightest.)

But just for now… wasn’t it okay to lean on someone, even just a little?

To rest his heart, even for a moment?

(Hah. Call me a mama’s boy if you want… but right now, Celica… I desperately want to see you. I want you to laugh it off with something like, “Leave it to me, kid!” or “You’re still such a spoiled brat, aren’t you?” I want you to brush off this hardship with that carefree attitude of yours…)

That would surely give him the strength to fight on. To keep going.

That’s why Glenn wanted to see his one and only precious family as soon as possible.

The overwhelming longing pushing him forward, despite his exhaustion from the long journey and fierce battles, was all he had left.

(Just a little further… turn that corner, and I’ll see it… the Arfonia estate… I’ll see her… I probably won’t be able to be honest with her, like always, but still…)

Reassuring himself,

Glenn walked slowly, step by step, moving forward.

A cold wind howled through the street, the chill growing sharper.

The familiar Arfonia estate was just around the corner—

He noticed something was wrong immediately.

Even though night had fully fallen, the Arfonia estate, seen from a distance, didn’t have a single light on.

“…Celica?”

Glenn stepped onto the grounds of the darkened Arfonia estate, crossed the front yard, and stood before the entrance.

As always, he opened the magically locked door with the key phrase and stepped inside.

The entrance hall greeted him as it always did.

Normally, magical lights would be glowing, the chandelier above sparkling extravagantly, but now… it was pitch black.

The estate was eerily silent.

Naturally, the female mage he longed to see, the one he hoped would greet him, was nowhere to be found.

“……”

Something was wrong. Clearly wrong.

Celica had no plans to go out during this time. Even if she did, she would never leave without telling Glenn—it was an unspoken rule that she’d always inform him of her plans.

Even if something urgent came up, she would always leave some kind of magical message for Glenn. That was their agreement.

In that moment, a fierce sense of dread washed over Glenn.

He couldn’t explain why, but it felt as though Celica had gone somewhere far beyond his reach… a chilling premonition ran up his spine.

“Celica! Hey, Celica!”

Glenn broke into a run. Forgetting his exhausted body, he raced through the vast mansion.

The grand hall, the stairs, the gallery, Celica’s study, the parlor, the dining room, the bathroom, the kitchen, the laundry room, the game room… he flung open every door, searching for Celica.

But, as expected, she was nowhere to be found.

The dread in Glenn’s heart grew exponentially.

And then—it reached its peak when he opened the door to Celica’s bedroom.

“…What!?”

The room was empty, devoid of the presence of the housemate who should have been there.

On the bed, there should have been a certain girl, discovered and rescued during the Snowria incident, lost in an endless slumber.

But—she was gone. The bed was empty.

“No way… what’s going on…? What happened while I was away…?”

Eventually,

Glenn stumbled into his own room.

Opening the door, he was greeted by a plain room, its walls lined with bookshelves filled with magic-related tomes.

Naturally, the room was dark, and Celica wasn’t there either.

But instead, he noticed something clearly placed on his desk.

An envelope.

And on top of it, something was placed as a paperweight.

“…Tch!”

Glenn instinctively brushed the paperweight aside, grabbed the envelope, and tore it open.

He yanked out the letter inside and, using the light from a candle on the candelabrum, began reading its contents.

As expected, it was a letter from Celica addressed to Glenn.

“To Glenn,”

“I’m sorry. This is sudden, but I’m leaving. I’m leaving this house.”

“Something came up that I absolutely have to do. I remembered everything.”

“I probably won’t come back here. I don’t think we’ll ever meet again.”

“I’m really sorry for how sudden this is.”

“I wish I could’ve seen you one last time… but no, that’s no good. If I saw you, I know my resolve would waver.”

“So, I’m leaving now… to the Taum Celestial Temple.”

“■■■■” Something was written and scratched out.

“Thank you, Glenn. Meeting you made me truly happy.”

“In my long, pointless life as an Immortalist… meeting you was the only thing that held meaning and value. I truly believe that now.”

“By the way, that ugly Red Magic Crystal pendant you made for me when you were a kid, when you arbitrarily decided my birthday… I was really happy about it.”

“I never said it before, but thank you.”

“But I’m leaving it behind. It would weaken my resolve.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll fulfill my mission properly… for your sake, above all.”

“You probably have no idea what I’m talking about, and you’re likely furious at how abrupt this is, but… my disappearing from your life like this is necessary.”

“Goodbye, my beloved ■■.” Scratched out.

“Haha, that was a bit too sappy for my age. Forget I said that.”

“────”

At that moment, Glenn realized something.

The paperweight on the envelope—it was the Red Magic Crystal pendant he’d clumsily crafted for Celica with alchemy when he was a child.

“…Ah…”

That pendant was something Celica had always kept close, despite grumbling about how “ugly” or “tacky” it was.

He desperately wanted to believe this was some kind of bad joke on Celica’s part, but unfortunately, that hope was in vain.

The fact that she’d left the pendant behind.

The resolute tone of the letter, brimming with determination.

From these, Glenn instinctively understood Celica’s seriousness about this matter.

Yes. Though he had no idea what had happened, Celica had no intention of ever returning here. He would never see her again.

“What… what the hell is this…?”

Glenn’s body trembled violently as he read the letter.

The latter half of the letter detailed Celica’s inheritance—handing over the estate to Glenn, transferring all her assets and bank accounts to his name, and various other legal procedures—but none of that mattered to him in the slightest.

A boiling anger and frustration surged from the pit of his stomach.

Glenn grabbed the pendant, gripping it tightly, and glared at it with a face full of rage.

He didn’t want this house. He didn’t need money or inheritance.

To be unilaterally burdened with such trivial things without explanation, to be abandoned without a word… was that fair? Weren’t they supposed to be family?

For the end of the life they’d shared as family to come like this… wasn’t it just too cruel?

“Damn it! That idiot, what the hell is she playing at!?”

In a fit of rage, Glenn crumpled the letter—

And hurled the pendant against the wall.

Crack! The pendant shattered in two, its pieces tumbling onto the carpet.

“…Ah…”

Seeing the broken pendant, Glenn snapped back to reality, stunned.

Trembling slightly, he approached the pendant, reaching to pick it up.

But just before his hand touched it… he hesitated and stopped.

Then, as if shaking off his lingering attachment, he stood up and shouted the name of the one person who might know something.

“Nameless! Hey, I know you’re watching! Get out here!”

At that moment, particles of light gathered in the corner of the dark room, forming the figure of a girl with strange wings on her back.

A girl who looked just like Rumia—Nameless.

“Glenn…”

Nameless wore an expression as if she were on the verge of tears.

“Hey!”

Glenn stormed toward her with fierce intensity. If Nameless had a physical form, he might have grabbed her by the collar and hoisted her up as he roared.

“What the hell is going on!? Tell me already! What is Celica… what’s her deal!? What does she mean she’s never coming back!?”

“……”

But Nameless remained silent, even now refusing to speak.

“You… you know something, don’t you!?”

Still, Nameless stayed quiet.

“Celica… she said she’s going to the Taum Celestial Temple!? Why, of all times, the Taum Celestial Temple!? Wait, you said something about that before, didn’t you!?”

—Glenn… in the near future… you will visit the Taum Celestial Temple with Celica once more…

“Tell me everything already! Spill it!”

Then, Glenn collapsed to his knees, head bowed in exhaustion.

“…Please… I’m begging you…”

“……”

Nameless looked down at Glenn with an unreadable expression.

After a long silence, she spoke with a bitter tone.

“I’ve said it before… I can’t interfere in this matter at all. I’m just an outsider. So, I can’t tell you anything about the core of this issue…”

“You’re still saying that!?”

“But there’s one thing I can say… this is a turning point.”

Nameless knelt down, meeting Glenn’s gaze at eye level.

“…A turning point…?”

“Yes. From now on, Glenn, you’ll have to think and act based on your own choices.”

Nodding slightly, Nameless continued.

“To put it simply… if you chase after Celica now, you’ll probably still make it in time. You’ll almost certainly see her. It’d be strange if you didn’t. But these next few days are your last chance. After that… you’ll never see Celica again.”

“…What!?”

Glenn lifted his head.

“I can still make it!? I can still bring Celica back!?”

“……”

Unable to contain himself, Glenn sprang to his feet, fueled by urgency.

“No time to waste! I’ll get ready and head to the Taum Celestial Temple right now—”

But then, he stopped mid-sentence.

Glenn realized something. He remembered.

“In this situation… leave Fejite…?”

An army of the dead approaching from the north, the kin of an evil god reviving in the south.

Fejite was facing an unprecedented crisis.

Could he really leave Fejite to search for Celica in a situation like this?

Sistine, Rumia, Re=L… so many of Glenn’s students were here in Fejite.

Was it right to abandon them to go after Celica?

“……”

Glenn thought hard.

Though Celica’s purpose was unclear, her destination was undoubtedly the great planetarium chamber housing the device that opens the《Corridor of Stars》—the deepest part of the Taum Celestial Temple.

The Taum Celestial Temple was a ruin with an internal structure warped by Ancient Magic.

Its interior was unimaginably vast. During their previous exploration, Celica had used magic to create temporary teleportation arrays to navigate it.

Those arrays were no longer active, so there was no shortcut. Reaching the deepest part would take several days at the very least, and if things went poorly, even longer.

But within those few days, the army of the dead and the fearsome《Sword Princess》and《Magister Templi》would likely reach Fejite.

Factoring in travel time both ways, there was no way he could make it in time.

“In this situation…? Abandon Fejite…? Abandon them…? No… no way… but… damn it!”

At that moment, Glenn suddenly recalled.

The earlier interactions with Sistine, Rumia, and the others.

They, too, had family members who were missing. They must have been consumed with worry and anxiety.

Yet, they had bravely swallowed their fears and resolved to focus on what they needed to do.

(Compared to them… what’s this pathetic state I’m in?)

Their situations were almost the same as his.

Yet here he was, shaken and confused.

Unable to decide what to do… unable to resolve himself.

Abandon Celica? Could he really do that?

(What… what am I supposed to do…!?)

To the anguished Glenn, Nameless spoke calmly.

“This is a turning point, Glenn. Think carefully. This isn’t about which path is right or wrong. No mere human can judge the correctness of a choice.”

Glenn suddenly remembered—a line he’d said to Rumia during the academy’s Magic Tournament.

“No matter what choice a person makes, they’re bound to have regrets.”

“That’s why your true feelings matter.”

“It’s just about what you want, Glenn. That’s all. If it’s what your heart truly desires, history will provide the appropriate answer… that’s all there is to it.”

With those words,

Nameless’s form slowly faded away.

“…My… choice…? What I… want…?”

Left alone, Glenn could only stand there, dazed.

Forever.

…Forever.