CH 5.27

The moment Shīna saw Nozomu rise from the rubble after he blew the burning hut away, She was startled by Tiamat's immense power that suddenly strengthened, and Shīna's field of vision was instantly dyed black.

"~...!"

As her field of vision dimmed, a surge of storm-like power passed through her body. A burst of power hit her which made her entire body feel like it was falling apart. The scariest thing she felt from it was the hatred and condemnation towards the entire world. Her whole body trembled and turned cold. As she felt the enormous embodiment of death, she fell to the floor like a sinner begging for forgiveness.

After a moment, her pitch-black field of vision suddenly turned into blazing flames. The crimson flames that spread out in front of her illuminated the already burnt buildings and some things that were once humans lying around. It was definitely the sight of Arcazam that Nozomu currently seeing.

"Ugh~!"

The smell of burning flesh in her nose made her nauseous.

"T-this is..."

Shīna tried to use spirit magic to help Nozomu get out of the burning hut. However, because she originally possessed the power to respond to spirits, and because she was sensitive to the power emitted by Tiamat, she also caught a glimpse of what Tiamat was showing Nozomu right now. She was taken aback by the sudden occurrence, but at that moment she heard a man's voice in her ear.

"Everyone! Where are you!!"

"No-zomu-kun?"

Shīna looked around in search of the source of the voice. Then, she found him standing a little away from her.

"Nozomu-kun!!"

Shīna raises her voice and heads for Nozomu. She keeps running even though she was out of breath, the burning flames makes her breath stuffy. She could see his figure gradually grows bigger. Perhaps Nozomu felt the presence of Shīna approaching, he turned around and turned his gaze toward her. She was relieved and soften her expression as Nozomu's eyes caught her.

Shīna raised her voice and headed for Nozomu. She kept running even though she was out of breath, the burning flames suffocating her. She could see his figure gradually growing bigger. Perhaps Nozomu sensed Shīna's presence approaching, he turned around and turned his gaze towards her. She felt relieved and softened her expression as Nozomu's eyes caught her.

"Nozomu-ku..."

"...So you want to get in my way..."

However, Shīna's expression froze in an instant due to the bloodlust released by Nozomu in the next moment.

She didn't understand why he was so hostile towards her.

(Why...)

When she reached out her hand to reach him, she was at a loss for words after her own hand came into her sight.

"......Eh?"

Her hands were covered with shadows like the black demon beast.

She immediately checked her body, and she was very surprised. Her entire body was covered with the same shadow as her hands.

"...I don't have much time. If you get in my way, I'll make you retreat by force!!"

Nozomu pointed his katana toward Shīna.

At that moment, Shīna's eyes caught a giant mountain-like shadow with six wings reflected in the shimmering flames behind Nozomu.

"No way ..."

(... Elf, I'll use you as nutrients for my resurrection.)

At the same time as the voice of someone other than Nozomu echoed in her head, Nozomu moved towards her. Seeing Nozomu's crimson eyes, her spine froze.

===============================================

On the other hand, in reality, Nozomu was also glaring at Irisdina and the others with his crimson eyes, releasing his bloodlust towards them.

"~! Nozomu!!"

Irisdina's sorrowful voice echoed in the air where sparks danced.

The worst-case scenario came back to her mind. Her premonition that Nozomu might have been swallowed by Tiamat pierced her heart. Her chest tightened and felt painful.

(That's impossible!)

She desperately raised her voice and kept calling his name.

However, her voice didn't reach the current Nozomu. What Nozomu saw was the revival of the nightmare he had seen since he killed a dragon. Burning Arcazam and voices of people calling for help. And humanoid shadows standing in front of him, and the scent of death that enveloped him.

(I need to find everyone as soon as possible!)

While being rushed by such impatience, Nozomu was desperately trying to find his disappeared companions in that hellish place.

"Oooooooooo!"

Nozomu glared at them with his crimson eyes and moved with his legs.

Blood dripped from his entire body without stopping, dyeing his entire body red. It was due to the accumulation of the backlash from yesterday's and today's battles with the Undead Dragon and the release of ability suppression. No matter how much damage could be minimized, his body's limit was near. Still, Nozomu didn't stop. Apparently, he couldn't see Irisdina and the others in front of him.

This makes sense. To the current Nozomu, Irisdina and the others were not seen as irreplaceable friends, but as humanoid shadows that stood in his way as he tried to find his companions. Nozomu moved towards Irisdina. However, Irisdina couldn't move because she was currently supporting Shīna's body.

"Kuh~!!"

Seeing Irisdina unable to move, Mars used his greatsword and cut in between Nozomu and Irisdina. However, Nozomu had activated [Phantom -Clad-] on his katana blade, and if Mars received Nozomu's attack as is, his entire greatsword would be severed.

As long as he couldn't take the attack head-on, he had no choice but to hit the side of Nozomu's katana and divert his slash. Mars desperately tried to predict Nozomu's slash direction.

"Get out of the way!!"

However, Nozomu's movement was too fast, exceeding Mars' expectations. Along with Nozomu's scream, an explosive sound was heard again from Nozomu's feet, further accelerating his speed.

"What~...!"

Nozomu closed the gap with his instant acceleration. Mars' response was delayed as the distance to the other party suddenly changed. And the current Nozomu wouldn't miss this opportunity to launch his deadly attack. Nozomu's slash approached Mars' nape. The moment when the blade was about to cut through Mars' neck.

"~!!"

*bang!*

A flash of lightning exploded in the air with such a sound. Nozomu's katana was parried towards the opposite direction in an instant for some reason. In the next moment, a single shadow leaped towards Nozomu.

"Te~eiyaaaa!"

A knife was thrust in together with a shout. The one who leaped in was Mimuru, one of the people who had stopped the Undead Dragon earlier.

She saw Nozomu rushing at Irisdina, and she immediately rushed following the thunderbolt that Feo reflexively fired. Feo tried to get Nozomu's attention to help Irisdina and the others who couldn't move.

For that reason, Mimuru made herself stand out by shouting. Sure enough, her knife was easily blocked by Nozomu. Nozomu's murderous crimson eyes were directed at Mimuru now.

"I-Irisdina-san! Immediately, bring Shīna...a, uwa~!"

As her eyes met Nozomu's murderous eyes, Mimuru seemed to back off on reflex.

Nozomu, who saw her falter, tried to push her away at once.

Nozomu pushed her back with his katana. The katana blade enveloped by [Phantom - Clad-]  encroached into Mimuru's knife and tried to slash the blade with her arm.

Mimuru let go of the knife handle she held in her hand and took a distance in a hurry. The next moment, her knife was cut in half by Nozomu's slash and fell to the ground.

Fortunately, Mimuru was able to escape from Nozomu's attack range before her knife was cut. However, Nozomu showed a pursuit stance.

Nozomu tried to activate his [Instant Move] by stomping his legs.

However, in the meantime, Mars, who had regained his posture, swung the greatsword from behind.

"Teyaaa!"

Mars aimed at the belly of the katana so as not to hurt Nozomu, and Mars sent as much Qi as possible into the greatsword and swung it downwards.

However, Mars' attack was repelled by Nozomu's scabbard. Mars was taken aback when the attack that looked like a casual blow sent shock into his arm. Nozomu turned around and swung the scabbard down at Mars' head.

"Kuh!"

Forcibly suppressed the numbness that ran down his arm. Mars quickly pulled back his greatsword and placed it over his head. He filled his entire body with Qi, strengthened his body to the limit, and tried to block Nozomu's scabbard.

"Gah~hhhh!!"

Even Mars' full strength couldn't withstand Nozomu's slash from the front.

*Bam!!*

Along with a roaring sound, Mars' arms were pressed down as if they were weighed down by a large rock falling on him, and he knelt on the ground involuntarily.

"Th-this is too heavy...!"

If Nozomu had swung down the katana with [Phantom -Clad-] activated, Mars' body would have been cut in half together with his greatsword.

But soon Nozomu swung his katana again, trying to slash Mars, who was looking up while he knelt on the ground.

"Ku~…… ga~a!"

Mars desperately tried to escape Nozomu's attack range. However, he was pressed down from above by Nozomu's scabbard and couldn't move. His arms alone couldn't withstand Nozomu's strength, and his greatsword gradually dug into his shoulders.

Nozomu and Mars' eyes crossed, and cold sweat ran down Mars' face as he looked into Nozomu's crimson eyes. The katana that was swung is about to slash Mars.

At that time, Nozomu's eyes trembled, for some reason, the power holding down Mars weakened for a moment.

"~!... Ooo!"

In that short gap, Mars pushed Nozomu with all the strength he put on his legs.

"Mars-kun!"

Next, Tima released [Driving Mass of Wind] from the side to help Mars.

The mass of wind moved like wild beasts running across the ground's surface.

Nozomu who saw the scene quickly jumped back. He immediately cut the orbit of the wind mass approaching him and avoided the wind with minimum movement. Nozomu, who avoided the mass of wind, immediately ran as soon as he landed, and dashed towards Tima, who had just launched an attack.

"~!"

Tima reflexively swallowed her breath due to Nozomu's piercing gaze and bloodlust. In such a feeling of tension, she tried to activate [Sharp Rock Dance]. A huge rock spear gradually formed in the air.

However, Nozomu quickly traversed the distance. He tried to reach her with his katana before Tima completed her chant.

"Uuu......!"

Tima was startled by Nozomu who was heading towards him at an unusual speed. The control of the magic she was trying to cast became unstable, and the rock spear that was still forming in the air stopped.

However, even if she continued to chant, she couldn't make it in time. Nozomu was already swinging the katana in his hand. Originally, Tima who could barely do close combat had no way of escaping from Nozomu's slash.

Judging that the humanoid shadow was an enemy that should be defeated immediately, he pointed his katana at Tima and swung his katana down.

"~!!"

"Eh?"

However, Nozomu's appearance changed again. Nozomu stared at Tima's face for a moment. Along with that, the trajectory of the katana he was trying to swing slightly deviated, and for some reason, the katana just grazed Tima's cheek. Nozomu missed the chance to kill her. At that moment, silence filled the place.

=============================

Nozomu missed his chance to defeat the humanoid shadow. He was confused. He didn't even know the reason himself.

"……Take this!"

He flipped the katana he had swung upwards and tried to slash at the humanoid shadow in front of him again. A half-finished rock spear could be seen beside this humanoid shadow. A huge rock spear that was still not fully formed, but it was already gigantic enough. Considering its size, the magical quality of this humanoid shadow was definitely comparable to an S rank.

No matter how much the ability suppression was released, this humanoid shadow's magic could not be ignored. Moreover, his blood continued to drip. The wound that had been closed had now reopened, and the amount of bleeding increased over time. The severe pain that engulfed his entire body could no longer be felt, and instead, a numb sensation covered his entire body.

(I don't have much time left. I need to find everyone quickly...)

While thinking so, he swung his katana upwards.

However, he felt a sense of incongruity again in his head. While having such thoughts, his katana that was swung upwards only passed through the tip of the nose of the humanoid shadow.

Meanwhile, the mouth of the humanoid shadow in front of him moved as if chanting a spell. In the next moment, the half-finished rock spear exploded and a myriad of rock shards attacked him.

"Kuh~!!"

Nozomu jumped sideways to dodge the large number of rock shards that attacked him at close range. However, the gap gave the previous humanoid shadow a chance to retreat. Furthermore, a shadow with staff in its hand attacked this time to replace the previous one. If Nozomu continued his assault, he would miss the timing. But, on the contrary, he was still trying to head towards the retreating shadow. But the moment he focused his Qi on his leg and activated his [Instant Move], the staff-wielding humanoid shadow was throwing something. Coupled with his own accelerated speed, something was approaching in front of him at high speed. It was a throwing dagger.

"Tch!"

Nozomu immediately dodged the thrown knife with his [Instant Move -Curve Dance-]. The moment he tried to slash the staff-wielding humanoid shadow with the same momentum, a wall of sand emerged from the ground in front of him. It was the [Castle Wall built on Sand] magic that created a barrier made of sand. Probably it was the magic of the humanoid shadow that retreated earlier.

"Haa!!"

Nozomu swung his katana enveloped in [Phantom - Clad-] towards the sand wall that appeared in front of him. The [Castle Wall built on Sand], which was a wall made of sand, was torn apart in one slash in front of Nozomu's katana slash. However, it soon returned to its original state.

Then, he backed away and took some distance. He held his katana and took an archery-like stance. He slammed his katana blade with his extremely compressed Qi and turned it into a shining blade He took aim. The aim was the center of the sand wall. He intended to destroy the humanoid shadows hiding behind the wall with the Qi technique [Core Piercing].

Qi that was compressed to the limit would easily penetrate the walls made of sand. Countless exploding blades would slash through the humanoid shadows hiding behind the sand walls and turn them into a fine dust.

Nozomu tried to take a step forward, ignoring the fact that both of his legs were spewing blood. However, the moment when Nozomu was about to start running.

"~, gah!!"

This time he was electrocuted and felt a thunder-like sensation run through his head. Nozomu's body staggered. He was still able to move his legs forward, but then something approached from behind with incredible speed.

"Kuh!!"

Nozomu turned around and swung his katana intuitively. The katana he swung managed to deflect the thrusting greatsword as it let out a high-pitched sound. It was the greatsword-wielding humanoid shadow that rushed in. Perhaps because the momentum was too strong, it passed through Nozomu's side and his back was left exposed.

"Give me bre-...! Kuhh!!"

Nozomu tried to slash at the greatsword-wielding humanoid shadow's unprotected back, but once again, the sensation of being electrocuted hit Nozomu's head.

"~! This is nothing!!"

Ignoring the headache that kept running through his head, Nozomu tried to launch another slash, but the humanoid shadow managed to dodge and escape from Nozomu's attack range. Nozomu's slash cut through the empty air without reaching the humanoid shadow's body.

Furthermore, a gigantic rock spear was launched into the sky from within the sand wall in front of him.

The [Sharp Rock Dance] that was launched into the sky fell towards Nozomu parabolically due to gravity.

Nozomu tried to quickly escape from the place with his legs, but this time, he noticed that the ground beneath his feet glowed blue, and a bolt of lightning struck him through the ground's surface.

"~!!"

The numbness that ran all over his body deprived Nozomu of his freedom for a moment. Nozomu thought something was wrong, so he looked around. A staff-wielding humanoid shadow was slamming a talisman on the ground with its hand. The numbness that attacked Nozomu earlier was probably due to some kind of talisman technique.

In the meantime, the falling [Sharp Rock Dance] exploded. It became a countless number of rock spears and attacked Nozomu.

"Kuh~!!"

Nozomu decided that it was no longer possible to escape from the rock spears that fell like heavy rain. He sent his Qi into his katana and scabbard, which he held like a dual sword, and confronted the oncoming cluster of rock spears that were falling down towards him.

"Oooooo!"

A katana and scabbard swung at a speed that couldn't be followed by the eyes. The brilliant traces of Qi infused into it ran endlessly in the air, repelling countless rock spears that fell like walls falling from the sky.

However, Nozomu's body was already nearing its limit. His movements gradually slowed down, and it was impossible to repel all the rock spears that fell towards him. The rock spear that slipped through his slash hit his body.

"~!! Aaaaa!!"

With such a loud shout of fighting spirit, Nozomu activated [One Billion Severance] from both the katana and the scabbard in his hand at the same time. Countless blades crushed all the approaching rock spears.

Nozomu further continued to send his Qi into his katana and scabbard, and continuously released [One Billion Severance] towards the rock spears.  Katana and scabbard that swung at high speed, and a myriad of blades that released from it, combined and developed into an offensive barrier with terrifying power. All the rock spears that touched the blades turned to dust.

However, the continuous use of Qi further burdened Nozomu's body. The sound of his muscles tearing could be heard by his ears.

His heart was beating so fast that it nearly exploded, pumping excess blood throughout his body.

The blood that had accumulated in the capillaries of his eyes filled his field of vision in red and combined with the red color of the blazing flames, the scene before him was dyed black.

Eventually, the rock spears that fell like an avalanche disappeared.

Perhaps because the countless rock spears were crushed, smoke was billowing around Nozomu.

"Haa, haa, haa ..."

Nozomu kept breathing roughly. His breathing was more turbulent than ever. The limits of his body due to the release of ability suppression caused constant headaches and it further drained his mind and body significantly. He tried to calm his breathing, but a humanoid shadow broke through the smoke and attacked him.

Nozomu swung his katana to fend off the opponent's weapon that was attacking him. Since Nozomu handled countless rock spears earlier, his body limit was near. Nozomu thought it was still possible for him to defeat the humanoid shadow in front of him. However, the exchange between Nozomu and that humanoid shadow… still continued.

"Haa, haa ... !!"

As he clenched his teeth and endured the pain running through his head, Nozomu felt a fierce sense of discomfort within himself.

(Why do I feel so hesitant about slashing at these humanoid shadows….)

A headache that never went away.

A feeling of resistance and discomfort that can't be erased.

If he were to activate his [Phantom - Clad-] while slashing at the humanoid shadows, he should be able to kill them easily, but for some reason, the current him hesitated to use Qi on his katana.

Something didn't feel right. The questions that popped up in his head grew further at an accelerating pace.

The flash of his katana trembled, and he couldn't control his slashing strength.

(Why, why, why...)

Nozomu kept swinging his katana without finding an answer. The two humanoid shadows joined hands and combined their attacks. Three weapons interlocked at the same time, and it became a fierce battle. However, at that moment, Nozomu saw a humanoid shadow standing at the edge of his field of vision.

The humanoid shadow had not attacked him so far, so he left it alone, but apparently, this humanoid shadow was also going to participate in the fight.

The humanoid shadow slowly wielded its weapon. It had a rapier in its hand. The rapier shone brightly, reflecting the blazing fire.

"~!!"

At that time, he had an unprecedented headache. The rapier-wielding humanoid shadow in front of him. It had a slender outline that is so feminine and something flowed on its back like long hair fluttering in the wind.

"U-uu……!"

While holding his head, Nozomu's field of vision became blurry due to the headache that kept coming like a sandstorm. At that moment, the humanoid shadows in front of him suddenly retreated. The rapier-wielding humanoid shadow rushed towards him as if to take their place. While watching its figure, Nozomu was still able to hold his katana.

Within his raging field of vision, Nozomu felt the discomfort he had felt since earlier spread explosively inside his head.

======================================

"Nozomu! Stop it!! Can't you recognize us!"

Irisdina cried while supporting Shīna's trembling body beside her.

(Even though it was just a little bit more …….)

She thought that they would be able to reveal their true intentions and feelings that they had hidden from each other, make up for it, and walk side by side again…

Sadness and regret brought tears to her eyes.

As he had said before, there was an existence different from himself within him.

She thought Nozomu had been swallowed up by Tiamat, a legendary existence on this Arkmill Continent.

She couldn't stop crying when she saw him pointing his blade at the people who wanted to be friends again with him.

(Why is this happening …….)

Nozomu unilaterally hunted down Mars and the others. Although anger arose due to the unreasonable reality, Irisdina could only bite her lips while crying.  However, at that moment, Nozomu's blade barely grazed Mars and the others...

"...Did what we said reach him?"

At that moment, a question popped up in Irisdina's head.

"...Why? Nozomu's blade didn't hit Marus-kun and the others?"

Nozomu is in the state of releasing ability suppression. And in that state, he can overwhelm Rugato before. At the very least, what Nozomu was currently using was undoubtedly his katana technique.

If Nozomu's will disappeared and was replaced by Tiamat's will, it was unlikely that Tiamat, who was originally a dragon, would be able to use the swordsmanship used by humans.

That's not all. If Nozomu was swallowed up by Tiamat's will and completely dominated, at least one of those who fought him now would have been killed.

Irisdina carefully watched Nozomu's fight.

Nozomu's two consecutive attacks on Tima cut through the empty air, and even when he tried to cut the back of the rushing Mars, his katana didn't hit Mars. Despite the power gap, his blade couldn't hit Tima's body.

"... Perhaps"

One hypothesis came into Irisdina's mind. When she tried to get up to ascertain it herself, she felt her arm was being pulled hard.

"Haa, haa... I-Irisdina-san..."

It was Shīna, who was by her side, who pulled her arm. While staring at Irisdina, she was sweating profusely and breathing wildly.

"~! Shīna-kun! Are you alright!?"

"Y-yes. I'm alright... I just got hit by a bit of Tiamat's power... And more importantly, right now Nozomu is trapped in an illusion created by Tiamat..."

Irisdina supported and helped Shīna who was about to stand up.

However, she frowned at Shīna's sudden words.

"Illusion ..."

"Yes, within the illusion, Arcazam has collapsed and we disappeared. He is now desperately trying to find us in the burning Arcazam..."

Shīna saw the battle unfolding in front of her.

Nozomu used the katana and scabbard in his hand to repel the myriad of rock spears that had poured into him.

Shīna was originally a girl who had the extraordinary ability to connect with spirits. At the same time, because of that ability, she was exposed to Tiamat's power. She caught a glimpse of what Tiamat showed Nozomu, albeit in fragments.

Nozomu's uniform was dyed bright red with blood pouring out of his body, and blood clots formed at his legs.

"Now we can only be seen as obstacles standing in front of his eyes. Our appearances look like shadow beasts, and our calls are also interrupted. He couldn't hear us..."

The current Nozomu's body is so full of wounds that it is difficult to find a place where he isn't injured. At this rate, he would definitely die.

"Tiamat's purpose is probably to resurrect itself... For that reason, it is trying to destroy Nozomu, along with the chains that currently bind it. Both mentally and physically..."

If Nozomu were to be killed, the chains that bind Tiamat will also disappear. Perhaps Tiamat was trying to destroy his spirit by making Nozomu kill his friends with his own hands. If that were to happen, it wouldn't be difficult to kill Nozomu who had fallen into despair.

Perhaps he would continue to use his powers with anger and hatred until he died, or he would commit suicide.

Irisdina once again stared at Nozomu, who was trying to point his blade at them. Certainly, as Shīna said, that was Tiamat's aim. But when Irisdina heard Shīna, she still wondered if she could do something about it.

"...Shīna-kun. He hasn't been completely swallowed up by Tiamat, but he can't see us. In that case, Mars and the others who fight him won't be safe."

“…………”

While listening to Shīna's impatient voice, Irisdina told Shīna about the doubts that she just felt.

"Also, there's some hesitation in his slash since earlier. Maybe we can still make it in time..."

Unlike when fighting the Undead Dragon, Nozomu's movements seemed to be hesitating. If he hesitated even when Tiamat showed him an illusion, that hesitation might be a factor that could break through the current situation. The question is how to get rid of Tiamat's illusion.

"……What should we do then?"

"...We should call out to him"

Irisdina returned a very simple answer.

"That's not possible..."

However, their call couldn't reach Nozomu. That alone rendered that option meaningless.

Irisdina herself understood that, and she nodded obediently to Shīna's words.

"I know. Even so, we should somehow deliver a word to him ..."

Even so, she still told Shīna her intention to deliver words to Nozomu once again. Hearing Irisdina's words, Shīna put her hand on her chin with a difficult expression. She was pondering for a while, but she eventually faced Iridina and opened her mouth as if she had decided something.

"... I understand. I'll do something about it."

Shīna puffed out her chest and proudly declared so.

Looking at Shīna's face approaching hers, Irisdina asked a question.

"What on earth are you doing?"

What spread out in front of Irisdina's eyes, who spoke about her doubts, was Shīna's face.

"……Eh?"

"N~..."

A soft touch transmitted to her lips. Magical power flowed into Irisdina's body along with a rusty iron-like taste on her tongue. The slimy sensation that invade her mouth made Irisdina reflexively leak a shocked voice.

"W, wh, what are you doing all of a sudden...!"

After she regained her consciousness, Irisdina instinctively yelled and distanced herself from Shīna's body. Both Irisdina and Shīna had bright red faces and their bodies trembled.

"D-don't get me wrong! There is a reason to it!"

"Wha~, reason?..."

(Y-you can hear me, right?)

Shīna shouted as if coming up with an excuse. Irisdina listened to it involuntarily, but at that moment, Shīna's voice echoed in her head.

(W-what is this?)

(I-I made a simple contract between you and me. I will become the bridge between you and him, so take this opportunity to call him out.)

(I-I see...)

It was a spirit contract executed by Shīna, the elf.

Originally, she used contract magic to share her magical power with spirits and made a contract to cast spirit magic.

However, because the other party was human this time, she made a contract by kissing and exchanging magical power through blood.

Moreover, since she had not yet made a formal contract, the effects would not last long, especially for beings who had a clear ego like humans and had low relations with spirits. The only thing that can be used by forming contracts with humans was telepathy which conveyed one's will to the other party.

(And I don't know how strong Tiamat's illusion is. I'll try to increase the power of telepathy with magical powers, but the probability of breaking through the illusion with just our calls is… Sorry to say this but I think it's low.)

(I see……)

It was a fact. According to Nozomu's story, dreams seem to have been the main means of interference, but this time, Tiamat probably entrapped Nozomu in illusions by taking advantage of the release of ability suppression. Since the opponent was a legendary creature, they didn't know how much they could interfere with Tiamat's illusion. That was almost impossible. Even so...

"But, if it's him, I think he can do it. I believe him"

Clearly speaking so, Irisdina looked straight at Nozomu. Probably Tiamat hadn't been able to interfere with Nozomu. That was why Tiamat resorted to interfering in a vague way by using illusions.

From Nozomu's behavior, he seemed to hesitate to swing his katana seriously. If they were able to call out to him and disturb the illusion from inside and outside... maybe it's possible...

After exchanging words and confirming each other's intentions, they began to act to fulfill their respective roles.

"...Alright, then, we'll go as we planned"

"I understand."

In front of their eyes, Nozomu, Mars, and Feo fought as their weapons intertwined. Irisdina took a step towards the battlefield.

"Mars-kun, Feo-kun, leave the rest to us."

"Wha~! Are you serious!?"

"Yes, we are serious"

Mars, who was confronting Nozomu, let out a surprised voice.

Irisdina pulled the rapier on her waist and spread magic power throughout her body. Align the tip of the rapier with her eyes and stare at Nozomu's eyes from the front.

"~!!"

As Nozomu and Irisdina's eyes crossed, Nozomu clutched his head in pain.

"~! Back off! Better leave this to the two of us!"

"... Alright! Irisdina, I'll leave Nozomu to you!!"

Nozomu showed more agitated behavior than before. After seeing the situation, Mars and Feo immediately decided to entrust Nozomu to Irisdina and Shīna. They temporarily retreated and joined Tima and the others.

The moment she saw Nozomu holding his head and groaning, Irisdina immediately took advantage of her immediate deployment and moved straight toward Nozomu, while enveloping her own body with strengthening magic. Shīna was a few steps behind Irisdina waiting for her opportunity to come.

(As I thought, Nozomu hasn't been completely swallowed yet!”

With those words in her heart, Irisdina launched a piercing strike at Nozomu.

"Sei!"

Nozomu swung his katana while holding his aching head towards the approaching rapier. The attack was parried by Nozomu's katana. He counterattacked with a reverse slash. Despite using only one hand, the slash was still able to approach Irisdina's torse with enough force to bisect her.

However, just before the katana reached her body, Nozomu's face stiffened and the slash was clearly shaken.

In the meantime, Irisdina lowered her posture and dodged Nozomu's attack.

"Haa~!"

Nozomu's slash passed over her head. It cut and scattered some of Irisdina's hair. She bounced her knees like a spring and pushed forward towards Nozomu with a jump. Nozomu took a step back, twisted his body, and swung his katana. A high-pitched metallic sound resounded once more. Two people collided with each other while scattering sparks and rebounding in the opposite direction.

Nozomu was the one who regained his posture first.

"~!!"

In an attempt to counterattack, Nozomu shot his katana at Irisdina. However, just before his slash hit her body, the speed of his katana slowed down.

"Seyaa!"

Irisdina placed her rapier between Nozomu's katana and her own body and parried Nozomu's attack. Obviously, Nozomu's attacks weren't strong, and Irisdina could sense his hesitation through his attacks. Although Nozomu outperformed her physical strength and swordsmanship, every time Irisdina was in a dire situation, Nozomu's attacks always dulled before reaching her body.

"Ha, hah, hah..."

However, Irisdina was also exhausted. Even if she knew that his attacks would be dulled just like before, it couldn't be helped if she still felt extremely tense.

Following the number of slashes she parried, a large amount of sweat trickled down Irisdina's forehead.  It showed how severe her current situation is.

(I don't want to give up……!)

Even so, she didn't want to give up. Irisdina didn't have the slightest intention of giving up on Nozomu. What returned to her mind was the bright smile Nozomu showed when he tried to confess his thoughts.

At that moment, she finally felt that she could communicate with him. Nozomu was swaying between his desire to be accepted and his anxiety that he might be rejected.

(Once again, with everyone...)

Nozomu was about to confess his thoughts and feelings again. However, Tiamat was using Nozomu's feelings for its own advantage. That's why Irisdina couldn't forgive Tiamat.

"Nozomu! Can you hear me!"

(I have to get him back no matter what!)

With such determination, Irisdina raised her voice and called out Nozomu's name.

"Is this what you had been hiding from us? I see, it's certainly powerful! In front of this power, our strength may look inferior to that of a puppy!"

Irisdina, who stepped forward, thrust her rapier as she charged at Nozomu with her feelings.

"But, you are... kuh~"

However, her rapier was easily blocked by Nozomu's katana, and an immediate counterattack was approached her body. As expected, Nozomu's movement lacked its brilliance just before it reached Irisdina, and Irisdina managed to block it with her rapier. Their weapons were interlocked with each other. The two of them were so close that they could feel each other's breath. Irisdina's jet-black eyes projected inside Nozomu's crimson eyes. Nozomu's eyes trembled.

"Nozomu!!"

"~!!"

The voice of his friend calling his name echoed right in front of him. Even if the current him couldn't hear her voice, at that moment, Nozomu stepped back, perhaps because her words shook his heart.

"Now!"

Shīna's voice echoed behind Irisdina.

She ran straight at Nozomu with all her might.

Shīna moved and leaped at Nozomu. Nozomu tried to confront Shīna, who leaped at him, but Irisdina put more power into her weapon and blocked Nozomu's movement.

"Uuu...."

Nozomu, whose heart was still in shock, couldn't push Irisdina back.

Shīna jumped towards Nozomu's neck and pressed her lips against Nozomu's lips.

"Nn~!"

"~!!"

"U~..."

Nozomu's eyes widened in amazement. Shīna's aim was to use a simple contract to send Irisdina's voice straight to Nozomu's heart.

She didn't know how far Tiamat's illusions affected him, but since he was hesitant to swing his katana at his friends, she decided that Nozomu's heart hadn't been swallowed by Tiamat yet.

The problem was whether Shīna, who would act as the medium, could make a simple contract with Nozomu this time...

"Haaa!?"

"Ehh!?"

"A-ara..."

"Shi-Shīna-kun! What are you doing...!"

The others who were not informed of anything were taken aback by the scene that suddenly unfolded before them. It made sense that they would be surprised if such a kissing scene at such a time was shown in front of them, and of course, she did this for some reason……

"The simple contract is a success! Now he can hear your words through me! Tiamat's influence is so strong that I can't keep it for long! So hurry up... kyaa!!"

"Kuh~!"

The moment Shīna released her lips and spoke to Irisdina, she was released from Nozomu's body due to an explosion. Shīna and Irisdina were blown away by the Qi released from Nozomu's body, but they managed to kill the momentum by rolling on the ground and immediately stood up.

On the other hand, the appearance of Nozomu who had blown up the two of them had clearly changed. He swayed while holding his head, and his eyes were out of focus. Every time his eyes blinked, his eyes were switched back and forth from crimson to black.

Not much time left. According to Shīna's words, the time for her to send telepathy to Nozomu was limited.

"I……!"

Irisdina desperately racked her thoughts for words.

(What should I say? Something that could bring him back?)

Nozomu who staggered in front of her tried to wield his katana again, but in such an emergency, Irisdina's head went blank and no words came out. Nozomu's eyes were directed at Irisdina. His gaze, which had turned back and forth between crimson to black, began to emit bloodlust once again.

"I...!!"

Still, her mind was blank and nothing come to mind.

(I don't have much time!)

"I want you to be by my side"

(I have to tell him anyway!)

The words she spoke were her true feelings and desires.

"I want to protect your back! I also want you to protect mine!!"

It was the scene she had hoped for. She wanted to protect his back and she wanted him to protect her back. Back-to-back protecting each other. But as soon as she put her wish into words, her feeling suddenly swelled up rapidly.

*Ba-dump, ba-dump*

Her heartbeat inside her chest suddenly could be heard, and the words that escaped from her lips were her true feelings.

"That's why……"

The pain running through Nozomu's head reached its climax, and with a *Snap!* sound, cracks appeared in his burning field of vision.

"~ ... U-a~, ~!"

"Please come back! Stay by our side!!"

"U-uu... oooo!"

Nozomu moved towards Irisdina as he couldn't stand the pain. Nozomu rushed at Irisdina with Qi enveloping his entire body while holding a katana in his right hand.

"Nozomu!!"

Nozomu rushed over and tried to slash Irisdina. The moment Irisdina shouted Nozomu's name, cracks appeared on the humanoid shadow reflected in front of him, and parts of the shadow's body peeled off. Jet-black eyes peeked through the peeled gap.

"~!!"

The moment he received her gaze,  Irisdina's figure appeared in Nozomu's mind.

Her jet-black hair swayed down her back, her white skin was like fresh snow, and her dignified, jewel-like eyes called out to Nozomu to "come back."

(Then, these humanoid shadows are...)

Nozomu noticed who he was pointing his katana at now. The next moment, the sound of water droplets falling on the surface of the water echoed in his head, and countless cracks ran through the burning Arcazam. Cracks that spread rapidly filled Nozomu's field of vision like ripples and the burning Arcazam in his vision was destroyed with a cracking sound. The next moment, what appeared in Nozomu's eyes was the sight of his katana approaching Irisdina's neck.

"This is bad……!"

Nozomu hastily reactivated his ability suppression on his body. Invisible chains entangle Nozomu's body, trapping Tiamat's power and trying to contain its power back. However, as his Ability Suppression shut down Nozomu's power, his body, which had already moved, cannot be stopped halfway. Following the momentum of inertia, Nozomu's body moved forward, and his blade tried to steal Irisdina's life by slashing her neck.

"Aaaaaaaa!"

Nozomu stretched out his left hand. He tried to prevent his slash by catching it with his own hands. However, his hand only caught empty air.

"Nozomu-kun! Irisdina-san!!"

Shīna's scream resounded.

In the end, Nozomu couldn't stop the momentum of his body, and the two bodies collided and were thrown to the ground.

===============================

In her faint consciousness, Irisdina woke up due to the weight on her entire body and the sensation of something warm hitting her cheeks.

Perhaps she hit her head while being pushed down by Nozomu, her vision was blurry and unclear.

"U-umm......"

Her eyes opened as she groaned. What her eyes saw was blood dripping from Nozomu's blood-soaked face. Nozomu's body was on top of Irisdina's body. And Nozomu's katana stuck in the ground right beside Irisdina's neck. Nozomu's thrust katana pierced his own left arm, thanks to that, his katana was deviated and did not penetrate Irisdina's body.

"Uuu...."

"No-zomu..."

His face was right in front of her. His eyes were no longer dyed crimson. It was his usual normal face. However, his eyes were shaking irregularly, and his left arm that was pierced by his own katana also quivered.

"I ... I ..."

"Nozomu ..."

Realizing what he was about to do now, Nozomu's expression turned blue.

Nozomu, who was facing Irisdina up close, gradually became more aware, and the voice calling his name gradually became clearer.

"I... to everyone ... this time..."

Nozomu was frightened by the fear that his own power would be running wild and hurt his friends. The feelings of anxiety that struck him now were immeasurable. In fact, his body was trembling like never before, and his complexion was so bad that his face looked like a dead person.

Facing such Nozomu, Irisdina was …….

"Nozomu!!"

"I, I-ris..."

She shouted his name and snuggled against his chest.

"Are you okay!? Do you understand us!?"

Irisdina leaped up, put her hand on Nozomu's shoulder which was covered in blood, and looked straight into his eyes while keeping the body in close contact without worrying that her whole body was wet with blood. She was just worried about Nozomu.

"Iris ... I am..."

Suddenly being hugged, Nozomu was shocked and forgot the anxieties that were starting to arise in his heart.

"I thought you were going to leave me. I was so scared you wouldn't come back to us again..."

The anxiety and relief that came out of Irisdina's mouth echoed in Nozomu's ears. Perhaps she was relieved that Nozomu's consciousness had returned, her body leaning against Nozomu as if she had lost her strength.

Tears continued to flow from her eyes, fell onto Nozomu's bright red clothes, and soaked his shoulders with a different warmth from the blood that was pouring out.

"But you came back to us. I'm glad. I'm really glad..."

"Iris..."

Her voice wasn't loud at all. But Nozomu couldn't say anything and felt her weight on his shoulders. Irisdina always showed her dignified appearance and had always been many people's goal. She is a noble girl who always walks in front without being overwhelmed by the responsibilities of the household she was born into. But now, the girl who was crying in front of Nozomu didn't have that kind of nobility. But the current Nozomu was taken aback by the appearance she showed him.

"Nozomu-kun !!"

"Shīna ..."

Nozomu had just received Irisdina crying in his chest, but then he turned his gaze towards the voice calling his name, he could see Shīna rushing towards them. She came to Nozomu and Irisdina's side, knelt down, put her hands on Nozomu's cheek, and looked straight at his face like Irisdina did.

"Are you alright!? Is your consciousness clear!?"

Shīna anxiously waved her hand in front of Nozomu and touched his body to see the wound. She stroked Nozomu's body without stopping with her thin white hands. When Nozomu saw her face, there was blood all over her. Irisdina's body that was hugging him was also dyed bright red.

"Everyone ... is injured ..."

"I'm not. This is your blood."

Nozomu muttered in shock because he thought he had hurt them. A sense of regret and remorse welled up in his chest.

However, Shīna held Nozomu's face in her hands and turned his gaze towards her, and she spoke so straight in front of his face.

"You didn't hurt anyone. You were caught in the illusion created by Tiamat, but your attacks never reached us even once."

"Didn't... reach?"

She nodded slowly but clearly, to Nozomu, who listened back to Shīna with a surprised expression.

"Yes. You protected us from Tiamat. The proof is that everyone here is still able to stand on their feet, right?"

Nozomu's eyes are directed toward Mars and the others who can be seen behind Shīna. Although all of their appearance walking towards him seemed to be tired, everyone was still able to walk firmly.

Nozomu's eyes were directed at Mars and the others who could be seen behind Shīna. Even though all their appearances were walking towards him looking tired, everyone was still able to walk steadily.

"Everyone... are they safe?"

"Yes, everyone is alright. We're alive and here by your side."

"I'm glad. Everyone is alive ..."

When he found out that everyone was still alive, Nozomu smiled in relief. However, his smile soon became cloudy.

"... But I was"

Nozomu was still concerned that, for whatever reason, he pointed his blade toward Irisdina and the others. For Nozomu, who was most afraid to hurt his friends with his own hands, it was enough to remind him that his anxiety would become a reality if he wasn't careful.

Shīna put her hands on Nozomu's shivering cheek and turned his face towards her.

"You didn't hurt us when you were controlled by Tiamat's illusion. You might have pointed your weapon at us, but you were unknowingly still resisting being manipulated. So please. Don't blame yourself so much ..."

Perhaps Irisdina had the same feelings as Shīna, she nodded with her face still buried in Nozomu's chest. When Nozomu turned to Shīna, she was staring straight at Nozomu. Her eyes stared at him as if telling him that her words were sincere. However, Nozomu's expression was still not good.

"But I... I was..."

Even after hearing Shīna's words, Nozomu couldn't keep looking straight at her eyes. Although the worst situation did not occur, the fact that he pointed his weapon at Irisdina and the others could not be cast aside, and it remained as a wedge in the depth of Nozomu's chest.

"Nozomu! Are you okay!?"

"Nozomu-sa~n! Ane-sama~! Are you two alright?!"

"Norn~! Hurry, treat Nozomu's injuries~!!"

"I know! I know, so please don't pull me so hard!"

Although Mars and the others came surrounding Nozomu and Irisdina, Nozomu still looked down and can't raise his face.

"Nozomu-kun, let me see your injuries ..."

"~ ..."

"a ……"

Anri reached out for him and tried to heal Nozomu's wounds, but Nozomu reflexively stepped back. The indescribable silence filled the place.

Nozomu put his right hand on Irisdina's shoulder and gently tried to release the hug. It was like dealing with treasures that he shouldn't touch.

However, Irisdina did not let go of Nozomu's body but instead stared at Nozomu with her eyes filled with tears. Nozomu tried to pull her apart several times, but each time he did, Irisdina's eyes glared at him.

Even so, he still tried to pull Irisdina apart. He couldn't even turn his face towards Irisdina, who was glaring at him, and he just kept silent.

"Hey, Nozomu. Are we ..."

Mars couldn't stand to see Nozomu's painful behavior and tried to call him out. However, at that moment, a pure white light wrapped around the area.

======================================

"... I see, the worst-case scenario didn't happen. However, no matter how much the elf helped, it was almost impossible to break through Tiamat's interference in such a short amount of time."

The voice of someone wearing a hood resounded in the darkness.

The complex and mysterious magic formations still shone under his feet, and the ball of light floating in the air reflected the figures of Irisdina and Shīna embracing Nozomu.

"But that doesn't make sense. In his current state, Tiamat's resurrection is only a matter of time."

Within the projected ball of light, Nozomu dyed his face dark blue and trembled. Obviously, he was mentally unstable as he blamed himself for what happened.

"Then, do I need to make another move? Originally, this move is to counter Tiamat, but let's use this to test the vessel instead."

The hooded person touched the magic formations under his feet. A number of complex and mysterious magic formations disappeared one by one, and every time the magic formations disappeared, they began to be drawn under the corpse of the Undead Dragon that was projected in a ball of light.

Eventually, when all the magic formations under the hooded person disappeared, the magic formations surrounding the Undead Dragon shone all at once.

"Well then, the current you can't beat this guy without Tiamat's power. Will you fight this guy without using Tiamat's power? Or will you be swallowed up by Tiamat? Or will you stand up once again ..."

As the magic formation surrounding the Undead Dragon shone all at once, the dragon's body collapsed like a sand sculpture blown by the wind. Amputated legs and tail, severed neck, slashed torso and protruding internal organs. Everything disappeared and became grains of sand, leaving only a ball of white light shining in its place.

Only the soul of the Undead Dragon, in the form of a ball with a light that glittered like the flame of a candle, was left behind.

The magic formations moved again.

The surrounding magic formations gathered and merged together. The magic formations overlayed each other and began to emit particles of light. Eventually,  the particles of light gathered together, and contrary to the previous state, a colossal statue was created with the soul of the Undead Dragon as its core.

The hard surface of the statue glowed in white. A body made of metal, not a biological one. On its back, its wings were not like those of dragon's wings, but bird's wings, its feathers are like a bunch of swords made by a master craftsman. Its neck was also covered with metal in white color like the torso, and its eyeballs glowed blue like the blue sky.

"Kiiyaaaa!"

A Metal Dragon that imitated the appearance of the Undead Dragon made its first scream. The roar was like the sound of metal rubbing against each other.

"... Probably this will be an omen. The rest depends on your choice. Choose your favorite one."

The Metal Dragon spread its wings on its back and its eyes locked on the target. Beyond its line of sight was Nozomu. Once again, the Metal Dragon roared and flew into the sky.