CH 2

PRACTICAL WAR GAME

That day, Think Nirvalen vaguely gazed up into the heavens, her back scorched by black ash—to the point of vitrification.

…Her long ears perked up, but only heard silence. The jewel on her forehead clouded like charcoal. Her eyes that held six diamonds each were murky with no light of their own, only refracting the sparkles of the sky; sparkles of crimson hue that burned away amidst the polluted air. The pale light of the spirit circuits that pass away in a blue death. With every flicker, violent gusts followed as Elven vessels were shot down.

It was like drifting through a dream, with an indefinite awareness…she suddenly thought:

What was the color of the sky, really?

What did this world really look like before the outbreak of war……?

That’s the first time in her life she’d ever wondered that……

——……

—When I was a child, I thought the world would be much simpler. Not because the world was without order, without meaning and without value; but purely because of that unfounded conviction of mine that the world should be that way.

—It deserved to be that way.

An ignorant, overly wise child who knew nothing, thought that. A child with dry, colorless eyes, who saw the world so clearly, thought, and—indeed, the world followed.

Each time the child uttered an idea and put it into practice, the messy, ugly world became simpler and simpler. Magical spells were systemized, making it possible to use large scale magic in groups. Groups formed troops, troops formed ranks, and ranks formed battalions, making organized combat possible. The troops were musical notes, the strategies were the score, and the battles were the melody. Cries of despair, of joy, of defeat, of victory and of war, were to be played in an orderly fashion, like a symphony. To a child who was too wise composing countless victories—the world was just that. There was no point in it. There was no reason to it, much less a purpose. For example, there’s no sense in cleaning a room if it’s only going to get dirty again.

—She was no longer a child, yet the world remained obedient. Until finally, she was presented with personal grace from her creator, Kainas, God of the Forest. She kneeled ceremoniously with her head hung down—lacking that of any emotion.

Thy wisdom, thy dedication to thy race, thy loyalty to me, is thy cause. The birth of such a flower like thee may finally end this war, an omen that the vile gods will be vanquished, and the One True God will be enthroned.

—To end this war? The One True God? Her heart fell as she listened closely to her speech. When did this eternal Great War begin? Not a single soul knew, not even the foolish gods who started it. If it lasted for all eternity, there was nothing wrong with continuing it. The river breaks through the soil, the sea invades the land, the land splits the sea, and the soil fills the river. The stars constantly change their shape. It makes no difference whether we call that which changes its shape the sea or the land, the gods, or the Elves. The seat of the One True God? You can sit on it as you wish. If you do not possess the courage to, then you can sit on a toilet seat…

And with that, she received the most prestigious title among archmages of her day—Gran Magus. However, she did not stop conducting the world and continued to compose with the sensibility she had in her childhood. The world was the only thing that mattered to her, as there was nothing to prevent her from doing so. That’s what she was thinking—today. This day. Until the one moment that changed everything.

——……

—In the midst of an everlasting silence, there was a gut-wrenching blast of sound. With her hearing finally returning, her faint consciousness rapidly surfaced and settled. As she burned herself in the scorching sand and descending black ash, she could not get on her feet. She could only move her eyes freely, which had regained their light. Think Nirvalen witnessed a silhouette casting a shadow down on her. It was a man carrying a huge iron mass several times his size—looking down at her.

“ ”

Not even Think knew what language he spoke in, let alone the meaning of the words that were muttered. Nevertheless, her thoughts settled in her consciousness, and she was able to painfully deduce what had happened.

……Just define and simplify the world as you see fit. Long months of difficult work, leading a battalion of Elves to exterminate the Dwarves…

—They were thwarted.

Encountering a fleet of steel ships in the sky, it was the first time they had ever encountered this power. The ships took fire and…

They were defeated.

……Hmm, me…?

Unfamiliar concepts sprinkled into her thoughts like bits of sand falling into a bucket. Defeated? Defeated by who? Defeated by what? How and why?

—Think, who didn’t even have the notion that she was in a dispute, was bewildered. She crawled out of the crashed levitation ship and sees the man standing before her. Yes. This guy. She was slashed by that same Dwarf with the large mass of iron in his hand, and then…

…And, then…?

Her consciousness still refused to accept what her eyes saw. The man raised the iron mass he carried—revealing itself as a sword.

—That’s right. It was a sword. This sword, with its luminous marks, broke the eightfold spell limit, and then…

—If this sword were to be swung down, your life would be over. Amid a revelation detached from reality, staring at the blade with motionless limbs, the blade’s light rushed along the engraved markings, until suddenly—

The moment he was about to swing it down, it suddenly shattered, snapping into two pieces mid-air. The man was astonished at such a sight and gazed up. Looking up into the grim sky, he laughed hysterically.

——,

—At the time, Think Nirvalen couldn’t grasp what was happening. The sword, which is called a man’s spirit arms—acted as a catalyst for the Dwarves to use magic.

He didn’t know that it was seriously damaged, and broke once it was unable to withstand its overextended use in the battle with Think. At this time, still, she had no idea why the man was laughing so merrily. The two armies falling, the battle lines crumbling, the man had never dreamed that he, too, would witness his own defeat. He didn’t know how fun it was to fight and destroy one another…

Hence, Think Nirvalen only muttered:

“Lóni Drauvnir.”

The man turned his heel in amusement and walked away. The man stopped for but a moment and uttered a phrase in Elf with great difficulty and appalling pronunciation, and then resumed his pace. She listened to the words of the Dwarf, desperate not to bite her tongue.

……Minutes, or even hours passed. Think Nirvalen was left alone in the scorching sand and black ash this day. Putting all of her strength into her limbs that finally began to move, she finally stood up with a realization,

……I see. So, this is the “Great War,” she thought. I hadn’t ever thought about it. I hadn’t ever dreamt of it. I never imagined…I never imagined that this world…it was just like my room—

“I wouldn’t dream of it”—!!

Some disagree with their very own definition; that violation and elimination is called invasion. Is the conflict with those who challenge your ideals called war? I was fighting. I was fighting against an opponent. The one composing the “symphonies” and the “musical score” and—

—I was playing the “game,” and……

And I lost. To a mole. Less than a smelly rat without an ounce of aesthetic sense. Not an ounce of reason, intelligence, or decency, less than a smelly rat.

……Think Nirvalen laughed as she walked out and looked up to the heavens. Death danced across the bleeding sky. She thought that the scene was unsightly, yet at times looked awfully beautiful. In the sensation of Think’s world, which had been colorless and transparent, was now suddenly bleeding with color. The first time she had been defeated, a feeling of frustration and anger rose in her chest.

—She soon came to realize however, that it was just the thrill of imagining the future. This difficult and ugly world seemed more beautiful than any piece of art, and she laughed at the thought of it. Just by picturing the future of an action that had no purpose, no meaning. That is—

—A world without warfare, a world without conflict. A world where all those damn Dwarves were eradicated. A world where they have no reason to fight, where they would have eliminated any element that could cause discord.

A world where we can look up to the true colors of the heavens. Breathe in the air, filling your chest to the brim—ah… That’s what it was all about—

“…I can’t leave such a pleasant thought dancing around in my imagination♥”

—That day, Think Nirvalen was born…or rather—she had finally snapped. She wasn’t even aware of the anger; such an emotion was too distant from her. A genius who found her purpose, with a murderous smile intact, was born—

—Think Nirvalen. The Gran Magus who disappeared without a second thought after her defeat. The time when all the Elves were shaken and bewildered was now long gone. The capital of the Elves, Melruirne, spread out in the vast forest, booming with cheers. To the one ship sailing in the sky above it leisurely, Eva Le Sierra—no.

More specifically…to a young girl—at least in appearance, given the longevity and petiteness of Elves—aboard the ship, wearing vestments that may have been too large for their body, their garments symbolizing the proof of the greatest magician of the race, the Gran Magus. Indeed, she seemed like a fragile little girl, but in reality, she was also the one bearing the slender back of hope the whole race relied on.

“Gran Magus…Again, your instructions were impeccable.”

The fleet commander called out with a salute laced with sincere respect. The dainty genius who inherited and surpassed the title of a legend lost to history replied frankly:

“……I haven’t really done anything. Thank you for your help, commander of the Asëa Aranion.”

She did not boast of her feats, but simply gazed calmly at the capital city below. Her voice was as clear and high as a bell, and she dropped the officer’s praise with a false sense of gratitude.

—Nina Clive.

With the defeat and disappearance of the former Gran Magus, the existence of the Elves was in jeopardy. She appeared like a comet and proved to be nothing more than a trivial and unfounded fear—a young octa caster. She became the youngest person to inherit the title of Gran Magus with a theory that turned existing magic into a classic. She immediately set about reforming the military, succeeding her predecessor—a true revolution. The legacy of Think Nirvalen, once described as a supreme and unique genius, she renewed, improved, and transcended all of it, turning it into relics of the past and showing it to the present. Her influence has led her to have virtually all the Elven troops under her command.

The Admiral narrowed her eyes and laughed at the young maiden, whose rank, talent, and even military merit exceeded her own. You can’t be envious when the difference is on such a great scale. Therefore, the officer just shook her head in silent awe.

“It was me that didn’t help in anything, Gran Magus. You don’t need to be modest about it.”

—From the northern front, an urgent report radioed, “A large, fast fleet of Dwarven ships is approaching.” Nina Clive sailed out with the main Elf fleet stationed in the northern city—the entire state-of-the-art Asëa Aranion Fleet. Furthermore, she showed a slightly excessive response by pulling out two hastily established fleets from the two fronts, east and west. But that decision was unavoidable. When it comes to the sky, the Dwarves had the Elves outmatched. Everyone knew it would be a fierce battle. There would be no defeat. Little damage would be avoided. And with the right amount of supplies to minimize the damage, everyone agreed—

“After all—we could repel any attack from those moles and destroy their fleets with zero casualties.”

That’s right, the result was the destruction of all enemy fleets without a scratch. However, it was not the Elves who shot them down—it was something else. Hence, the Commander was even more at awe…but not for long. That awe became fear, and she couldn’t help but ask, the one that withered and scattered every last piece of the Dwarves’ high-speed fleet to the ashes in the sky—in other words,

“…How…how did you…know the Insein Nebia was going to appear?”

Behind the Dwarven Fleet, she had asked about the sudden appearance of a Phantasma. It was, in fact, an apparition. After all, it is usually indistinguishable from fog.

—The Fog of Death, Insein Nebia.

It’s one of the worst Phantasma known to man, considered as a true calamity. It was capable of expanding into a thick fog that could engulf an entire desert and compress to a single drop of dew. The last thing it does is swallow up things. It makes everything, organic and inorganic, wither, and die in equal measures. There is no way to destroy or repel the writhing death, no way to pierce the core. The core is presumed to be one of many dewdrops within the fog, making it seemingly impossible to identify it. If the Fog was frozen and evaporated indiscriminately on a large scale, it was believed that escape would be possible.

It was such an inexcusable thing that appeared on the back of the high-speed fleet that would be trying to force its way through by itself. The Elven army, which was deployed in a semi-circle, and which had vertical defense—in other words, a “wait-and-see” posture to prevent breakthroughs and flank, if possible, encirclement—had fallen into a panic and shed weakness. The premise of the operation had collapsed—much less the opponent, which was a nightmare to deal with—and the Elves were preparing a retreat. Even the Commander herself was up to her throat in orders to retreat. But in the midst of all this—Nina Clive bit down on her distorted sneer and ordered to capture the Phantasma, their true goal.

—“…Keep the status quo.”

Everyone, even the Commander, questioned the Gran Magus’ sanity as they saw the Dwarven Fleet approaching from the front.

—Of course. Ahead and to the left and right, a large army of Elves. Behind them was the Fog. The Dwarves’ Fleet breaks through single-handedly as planned—there is no way out except from the front. The Elves most elite battalion, Asëa Aranion, has been deployed to intercept them. No Dwarf ship would easily break through them. However, if they engage in combat and the Fog catches up with them—both armies would be wiped out.

………,

—The Gran Magus. The one and only, Nina Clive. If it weren’t for that reedy smile of the greatest Elf in history, everyone would be frantic. Silence envelopes the ship as the fleet and Phantasma come to a standstill, stirring up tension and fear among the crew members.

—The Dwarves’ fleet dispersed. And then, ignoring the Elves, they withdrew from their siege whilst engaging with the Fog, the scene of their withdraw. Everyone, including the Admiral, stared in amazement, not knowing what had happened, except for Nina Clive. After all, it was better to bet on the agility of their vessels than to waste time fighting the Elves and end up victims of the Fog. What no Elf understood was how their leader knew beforehand and, with incredible accuracy, the whole course of the situation including the outcome.

—“General Capture Formula Vessel, triggering the probing rites of the said Phantasma’s core and its capture.” Sounded the cold voice of a woman who was next to the Commander. It was as if…that was the only goal from the beginning—

……Seeing the Gran Magus reserve herself in silence, the Commander insisted on the inquiry made previously:

“Today’s operation was based upon the emergence of Insein Nebia. From the very beginning, there was never any question of a fast Dwarf fleet, and the true purpose of our sortie, which included Asëa Aranion, was to—”

“Gran Magus. I’m here to report to you.”

The Admiral was cut off reluctantly. When she turned around, a woman dressed in black from head to toe stood before her, her face hidden by a black veil.

“The sealing rite for the core was triggered suitably. Its transportation is also being performed without delay.”

—This woman, she was not one of the Commander’s subordinates. No, they don’t even know who she is. But she came aboard with the Gran Magus herself. But even without knowing her true identity, her words answered the officer’s doubts.

—Why was such a large number necessary for the Elves?

Because without the left and right flanks, the Dwarves would’ve been able to escape from the Phantasma.

—Why didn’t the Elves shoot the Dwarves from behind?

To force them to engage with the Fog and induce its condensation, helping to identify the location of its core.

In other words—the capture of the Phantasma was their true goal.

The proof is that they had 20 undocumented “General Capture Formula Vessels” traveling with them. Nina Clive was convinced of the emergence of the Phantasma and wanted to use it to her advantage.

“…If possible, I’d like to know exactly what the purpose of the mission is next time…” said the Commander with a hard smile.

…Nina Clive’s talent is undeniable. She’s more than just a commander with her own commanding officer’s orders. She can now be trusted to handle things without causing any damage. She was expected to live up to the faith put in her. More than any other, she laughed at the age-old pallor and said, “I’d like you to have a little faith in me. When possible, I will.”

“With all due respect, madam, you don’t have the authority to get involved in matters like the present case. I ask you not to overstep your duties.”

More than the Gran Magus herself, it was the woman in black who scolded the officer. Unlike the mild-mannered Nina, she didn’t even try to hide her own electability. Then, ignoring the reaction of the officer who grunted, the woman presented a document and brush in her hand to the Gran Magus and said, “Gran Magus. I ask your permission to have the core transported to Akasha.”

—Akasha ……The Commander had already heard this last term from the woman’s mouth. Akasha was an experiment being conducted in the center of the capital city, directly under the main hall of Lord Kainas, the creator of the Elves. Other than such rumors, nothing else was known. As Nina’s companion rightly said, it would be a matter that a simple military woman did not have the authority to get involved.

The woman let out a relieved breath as the Gran Magus returned the signed document with her petite hand. The Commander let out a small giggle at the sight.

“……Is there a problem, Commander?”

“No problem at all. I was just thinking about wanting to be as young again like you.”

Even that woman, directly involved in the Akasha, feared the genius before her eyes without being able to understand what was going on in her mind; and the Commander, realizing this, resigned herself to the fact that the harsh words were only reflections of immaturity.

……Until a short time ago, engaging in battle with a Phantasma was synonymous to suicide. And even defeating the Phantasma, Insein Nebia—even at the drinking table—was the subject of ridicule. And now…the two

unwittingly looked at the same silhouette. It was of an infant girl, who was more concerned with fixing her vestments than anything, and even “adorable” gestures like that seemed to highlight the fear for her endless genius. Therefore, the boundless talent, which is even eerier, Nina Clive does not say much.

Just because she only hears, only understands, only thinks, and only solves, there is no consultation. Only showing, only answering, only doing, and only arranging; all things follow the freedom and come to fruition. Who could understand what was reflected in the eyes of those who look down on all things from on high?

Seeing her, the Commander and her companion, for the first time, agreed on one thing: they were glad she was on their side. Then they both bowed in reverence and left in accord. With this, no one else who could come to know what the heart of the Gran Magus felt while she saw the image of her own house. Much less, the reason behind her tense face and tear drops in the corners of her eyes. That is, ultimately, “I want to go home soon.”

Nina Clive ducked through the gates of her home for the first time in over ten days. She closed the door, locked it, applied multiple spells of protection, and searched for pre-senses inside the residence. Checking carefully to make sure no one was listening, she finally let out a deep breath and—

“I can’t staaaand this anymoooooore! I’m at my limiiiit!!”

—took out her frustrations on the other person there. Her vestments, heavy with countless medals, were thrown to the floor furiously. The inner workings of her emotions were sullied, and she called out in frustration and tears to the other person in the house.

“Senpai!! I wasn’t aware of any Insein Nebia!! This time I said, ‘Oh, I’m going to die today, aren’t I?’—and I accepted it with a laugh! Are you listening to me!?”

Nina began to think madly, running around her home looking for her senpai, stomping every step she took.

—[A little too modest] ?

I’m not being modest! It’s simply the truth!! It’s a fact that I did absolutely nothing!

—[How did you forsee the emergence of Insein Nebia] ?

What a good question! Too bad I have no way of knowing the answer!?

—[If you can…tell me…what exactly is the purpose of this mission] ?

If I could, I would! But, Commander? That’s exactly what I want to know——!!

Running down a corridor of the large mansion, Nina screamed while crying out:

“You need to teach me a thing or two!! Then, I’d likely know what the hell the ‘General Capture Formula Ships’ are, right!? How can I, the race’s greatest authority, rely solely on Senpai’s instructions!?”

—Of course, as a result, everything came out impeccably. What Nina did in that operation was to hand over her senpai’s orders to Akasha. That was all. All that was left to do was to stand next to the Commander and follow their instructions with a face that said, no matter what, “It’s all under control.”

If I had doubted Senpai and gone against her instructions, the whole thing would’ve been for naught. Maybe that’s how much she trusts me. Anyway, that’s not the point!!

“Senpaiiiiii—!! How does an anonymous messenger from Akasha know more about this project than I do!? Where are you, please respond, Senpa—”

And then, Nina found her senpai that she had been so determined to find and collapsed in shock.

……She was on the dining table in the living room.

To be precise, her Senpai was plopped down on the dining table where she’d been eating, before falling asleep. Her ass was bare—or rather, it was on full display, with everything exposed. This was Nina Clive’s Senpai, as well as her roommate. This was a huge mansion, with no servants to hire, and a secret to all.

“Woah, hey, hey!? Please, don’t tell me you’ve crossed the line of being a civilized being!!”

As soon as Nina, who had passed out from the sight, had woken up, her face turned red and screamed. She turned back swiftly and darted out of the living room as fast as she could—

“Huff, huff…What is it this time!? What in the world happened!?”

She had dashed back to pick up the vestments of the Gran Magus that she had thrown down at the entrance doorway. With a gasp, she covered her senpai’s naked body with the vestments and collapsed on the spot.

—For the sake of truth, situations like this were not rare. Once, her senpai was so absorbed in her research that she forgot to eat and sleep, nearly starving to death, and then leaving behind a note saying: “I had made an amazing discovery, but lacked nutrition”. She nearly drowned while in the middle of a bathing session, lost in her thoughts as she was contemplating an epiphany she suddenly had. There was even a time when she experimented so much with magic that her body and soul crossed the critical limit and she almost died in an unordinary way—

Recalling the redundant crisis’ that have occurred and have been overcome many times before—Nina had dealt with every one of them.

“I’ve provided you with food, a change of clothes, and even a first-aid kit! May I know what—aaaahhh!!”

Nina’s voice of protest suddenly gave way to a high-pitched scream as a pair of tentacles suddenly appeared and caught her.

“……Ninaaa? And I was sleeping so comfortably~ …What nerve……”

On the dining table, her senpai wriggled and wiggled around, the vestments falling off.

“As punishment, I’m going to have your virginity taken by those weird tentacles that expel a mysterious aphrodisiac secretion~♪”

“ Iiiiyaaaaaa!?!? I don’t want to have my first time with something you say is weird! In fact, don’t invoke these things if you know they are weird!” Nina cried out pleadingly as the warm, but wickedly ticklish tentacles swarmed her body.

Needless to say, invoking otherworldly life is undeniably the work of magic of the highest order. Nina’s Senpai invoked such a retched thing in her sleep, half-unconsciously, for mere punishment. In short, there is one thing that is far scarier than any other otherworldly creature, one thing in which was supposed to have disappeared and to be lost to the world. That thing was only the one genius who knew everything about Nina Clive, things that even she herself didn’t know. That thing was, the one and only——Think Nirvalen.

“—Don’t go back to sleep as if I didn’t exist!! Help me, Senpai!! Mgh?!”

As if nothing had happened, she tried to keep Think from falling asleep again twice on the spot. The moment Nina opened her mouth the scream, an obscenely undulating tentacle invaded Nina’s mouth and……Ah, I’m feeling lightheaded… A somewhat obscene smell penetrated the back of her nose, and she became disoriented. In this case, it was a way to keep Nina from resisting, and in reality, she couldn’t do anything about it as she was only a penta caster—

“……? It’s okay to be wild and succumb to the pleasure~……Does this have to do with a girl’s pride~?”

A single sigh escaped from Think, who was still half asleep. She continues to watch Nina, entangled in her tentacles, desperately trying to tie her reasoning together, with a faint look in her eyes.

“Fuu…Ninaaa? A genius is always learning new things. That’s why I, who am a genius, have learned that I need to feed myself and get plenty of sleep. And if you don’t do either, you’ll collapse~♪”

……This wasn’t necessary to Nina at all in the given moment. To distract herself from the aphrodisiac, Nina listens to the profound philosophy the genius spout about.

“That’s where I, the genius, come in. Genius I am, yes, I am a genius~ It’s trivial for my brain, but I’ve realized something that those of mediocre intellect will never realize in their entire lives!”

Think laughs proudly. In addition, her nude butt shook with pride. And that vision was the last straw to rip the rationality out of Nina’s head, but…

“Eh—!? Wha, ah, ahh!! ……Uaaaaa…”

…Apparently, even for Think Nirvalen it was extremely difficult to sustain otherworldly life for a long amount of time. Just before Nina’s reasoning was nearly gone, the tentacles disappeared and she fell to the floor with tears in her eyes. The beautiful woman who called herself the one and only genius reached the truth—her unique conclusion…

“If the food is already prepared—then all you have to do is study at the table!!”

There was already food on the table, ready for her to grab a bite to eat when she got hungry and go to bed when she’s tired. So, isn’t it self-evident that everything is done on the table—!? In the face of this logic, Nina asked, breathing heavily from the aphrodisiac still lingering in her body.

“—So, um……Why do you have to be completely naked then…?”

Logically, there was no real issue with it, but to the average person, it was still concerning and shocking in one way or another. Think sighs deeply at Nina’s inquiry, thinking that Nina was suggesting that she was of “ordinary intellect”.

“Your clothes get dirty, you know~? Then you have to change your clothes? It’s not very efficient… Inefficiency isn’t pretty.”

—Everything in this world should be simple and beautiful, and the genius that commanded the world revealed their simple answer. In that case—!!

“You shouldn’t have to wear clothes in the first place♪”

………,

Is it because she’s feeling overwhelmed? Nina thought to herself.

“Um……well regarding your appearance—don’t clothes also enhance beauty…?”

However, Think only tilted her head in hearty wonder at those words and pointed to herself.

“Are you alright? It’s obvious that I’m ‘beautiful’ as I am♥”

—Yes. A perfect beauty. In other words, Think herself was a complete beauty. It’s obvious to me that the way you carry yourself—your clothes—is nothing more than a meandering stream. The synth is the beauty of perfection, the nudity of it…I’m not sure why. And seeing that naked body, Nina was almost convinced that it was really the most beautiful in the world, but she soon managed to restrain herself by telling herself that such an impression was only the effect of the aphrodisiac. That’s right, it was just the aphrodisiac! And then, she found the reason to convince her that:

“Oh, no matter what you say with your ass bare, objectively speaking, the current state of you, Senpai……you’re just a pervert.”

In a moment’s time, she replied deviously, “Are you calling me a pervert? Oh Nina, you’re the pervert~♥”

“I’m sorry Senpai, your revolutionary ideas are too much for someone as mediocre as me! I just don’t want you exposing yourself so openly to those not worthy, so please, put some clothes on.”

Nina wasn’t aware of the consequences following the divine action she had just committed, along with how the eightfold caster would’ve reacted to it. Realizing this, it immediately resulted in Nina crawling onto the ground and kneeling in a pose of submission. —But…I still had to ask…!!

“Is an unhygienic body still beautiful, Senpai?”

——Senpai, how long has it been since you’ve last had a bath?

Nina’s denseness wrapped round and round. Think reflected in silence for a few seconds, listening to such questioning that it overturned her apparent perfect logic, breaking down her thoughts, then…

“…………♥”

Without a word, she spread her arms with a smirk. For the conclusion she drew was simple: logic never stopped being perfect. There was no breakdown. Why? Because Nina could bathe her while she slept. The smile on her face was so utterly devastating, not just for logic, but for life. Nina sighed, as usual, and replied:

“…Okay, fine…Just do your job when you wake up, alright…?”

Nina Clive sighed exhaustedly—and thinks to herself—Why did I come home exhausted after nearly dying in the war? Senpai’s ass, which I respect and admire, is shown to me raw. I even have to take her to the bathroom and wash her…

—That’s the thing. How did someone of mediocre intellect like me even become a Gran Magus? How in the world did I, of all people, end up taking the place of Think Nirvalen?

“……Ah……it’s really—”

Suddenly, Think, who had been carried by Nina and was mumbling in her sleep on her back, suddenly uttered, “Ninaaa…Welcome home……~”

With that, she had remembered something very important that she had forgotten to say.

“………Yeah. I’m home, Senpai.”

She thought back to the very day her life had changed forever as Nina Clive when Think came into her life—

——……………

……Who is Think Nirvalen, exactly?

Many will respond to that question with whatever answer they can come up with. But Nina Clive would simply dismiss every answer—they were all wrong.

The birthplace of the Elves, Melvolle, is the oldest city covered by a pure white forest. Like a sanctuary, it is home to the Garden, which is also the largest and most prestigious Elf educational center in the forest.

For Nina Clive, who at the time was a student at the Garden, Think Nirvalen was not only her senpai, she was literally a living legend that all the students didn’t even dare to say they were her fledglings. Even if you were to study for hundreds of years in that educational institution, it would still be incredibly difficult to even begin to get the minimum recognition. Think on the other hand had mastered the entire field in just a mere three years and was among the best in it. She was a virtuous and courteous person, never using her talents in vain. She always stood up for her predecessors and strongly supported the next generation. She was a proud and noble woman, blooming with beauty far greater than any other. Finally, she was given the title of Gran Magus, a title that had been vacant for a long time in the history of the Elves.

—Those who claimed they knew Think Nirvalen say that she was a true genius.

A great blue flower; a living treasure; a promise of victory and glory. Of course, Nina never denied any of those claims openly. But deep down, Nina didn’t fully agree despite looking up to her, she thought the opposite.

—It was nothing like that.

That’s not a gift that can be wished upon one by accident. It’s something else. It’s something that sees a different world, and a creates an entirely new one. It wasn’t just some glimmer of hope being tossed around in this war of unreasonableness and absurdity.

—The side that made the world go around. An existence more special than any other—

——And yet, it’s an existence that was critically lacking something…

…Not that they were close.

No—no one—no one was close to Think Nirvalen—absolutely no one. But—that’s why she could determine that with certainty.

Think Nirvalen, in her eyes—“I don’t see anyone else.”

Nobility was indifference, humility was disinterest, and predecessors and fledglings were equally worthless.

The smile that never crumbled against anyone was proof that she was complete and perfect on her own. She was never understood by anyone—neither had she ever expected anyone to.

Therefore…who is Think Nirvalen?

Whoever manages to answer such a question—the truth was—no one knew Think Nirvalen. If you really knew her, which no one did, you would not be able to come up with an answer. So, one day, Nina unpretentiously came up with a hypothesis, her eyes crossing paths with Think. Just that one time. That smile that seemed to come from the heart.

Then—even she herself doesn’t really know, right?

That’s what Nina thought, even if she knew she would never really know the true answer. What is Think Nirvalen missing exactly? Not even she herself would know. Nina wanted to know…she wanted to meet the real Think Nirvalen. She couldn’t stop thinking about it. Because that day, much later…it still bothered her—

——……………

—Think Nirvalen was defeated by Dwarven troops, and it was unknown whether or not she had survived. The news came out of the blue, causing grim, upsetting, and worrisome reactions from the Elven species as a whole. Naturally, the loss of a substantial mainstay of the military, academic, intelligence—and even urban planning was expected to spark a negative reaction among the races. And above all, it was a massive blow to who placed their faith and hope in the Gran Magus symbol…

While the entire Elven species, regardless of city, was plunged into a state of array—Nina, who was a student at the time, found herself in the midst of scavenging information. She was tired of being sent to the pointless task of collecting such info and headed home after a long absence.

—It was that night when she returned home, exhausted, she was there.

The figure that lied on Nina’s bed and read magazines while nibbling on snacks. However, her clothes were cruelly torn and dirty, covered with blood, with wounds and fractures wrenching across her entire body.

“Ah, she’s home at last. Welcome home, Nina, I’m so happy you’re back♪”

Awawawa~ Nina was greeted with a lurid smile and voice, by no other than Think Nirvalen. Nina Clive felt her heart stop almost immediately.

——,

And after taking plenty of seconds to recover herself, Nina replied, “Yep.”

With a small amount of enthusiasm, she told herself to calm down first—let’s calm down. Even if it was just in her head, she was aware that she was lacking in something. If you lack composure and stop thinking, you will simply be left behind in reality. So, yes, you must calm down and sort out the problems one by one. The problem at the moment—as she suspected—was:

“Waaah!! Senpaiiii?! You’re bleeding!? C’mon healing magi — airgh!?”

And at the same time as she thought about the first problem, Think was still injured. In a frenzy, Nina failed to control her healing magic and went into an outburst, proceeding to fall and hit the floor.

“Ninaaa……are you okay~? Well~ Your head and all……”

“—It’s…uh!! That’s…that’s my line……!”

The voice of genuine concern was answered by another totally hoarse voice.

The confusion that accompanied the tragic news of Think Nirvalen’s defeat and the uncertainty of her being alive or not. She, in reality, had returned home exhausted, without a word—Gran Magus, her honorable Senpai! Who, for some reason, was making herself at home in Nina’s bed eating snacks?

Could you at least stop eating so you don’t get crumbs everywhere?—nope.

Her clothes were swathed in blood, or rather, she was nearly naked. Scars and deep gnashes coated her back in a dark crimson hue. The only thing she could say with a big smile on her face was: “Is everything okay?”

“You don’t look well at all! How and why are you in my home!?”

“Hm~? Ninaaa, I came here because I wanted to talk to you~ Are you sure you aren’t the one who isn’t well~?”

Nina felt a chill run down her spine and turned pale as Think approached her with a smile.

—I’m 100% sure I’m well.

There are countless bruises, cuts, stab wounds, abrasions, and more than three fractures as those were the only ones visible. With blood flowing from her head, she must’ve received a pretty severe blow to her skull.

—The most important thing is her smile. It was scary. Nina looked a bit peevish at the sight. Such a vicious smile—it was like looking at a completely different person compared to the ladylike, supernatural, drowning smile of the past. It was to the point where Nina instinctively understood that hundreds of lives would be threatened.

In the first place, why was this monster waiting for me at home? The poor girl asked herself, to which another doubt ravaged her mind: How……how does Senpai even know my name……?

To Think Nirvalen, Nina was no different to the other mere mortals of the world. Nina was certain that she wasn’t even in her Senpai’s memory. At best, a word or two were exchanged—Nina only remembered one side of the story of the smile that was directed at her. It was received reflexively in her head in awe.  However, ignoring the newlywed’s internal conflicts, the invader threw something at her that, in the reflection, she managed to catch, but bowed her head in doubt when she saw what it was. It was a bundle of papers held together via a singular clip—

“Just so you know~ Being a Gran Magus is…a lot of work…”

“Ah…y-yes….and so with Senpai gone, the whole race is in chaos—”

“So…~ Starting today, Nina, it’s your job now! You’re going to take the position as the new Gran Magus~♥”

…………

…………………Phwee, she let out a single sigh.

Finally understanding the situation, Nina giggled.

“Senpai. I’m going to the hospital, please come with me♪”

The Senpai she admired so much—the supreme genius Think Nirvalen—had clearly broken. But even if you were to have broken, even if you were her of all people, would you even say such nonsense?

—Gran Magus? Who, me? What? Hmmm…? …No. No, no, no… Never. My point is—first, I can’t be. Second, there’s no way. Third, because it makes no sense. It’s impossible. At the end of the day, the fourth reason is that there’s no way Senpai would even know my name, as she doesn’t even know me that well. And then, based on my four and counting arguments, I’m overworked, watching a fictionalized version of myself right in front me as an illusion—

“First, I need an expert to explain to me what in the world I’m seeing—”

And then, unintentionally, she wanted to praise herself, carelessly, for her calm, extreme self-analysis, and judgement. Nina took the hand of the hallucination—and in that moment,

“—Ahnn!?”

Suddenly, her hips popped—magical blows to her body caused Nina to scream and drop the bundle of papers. Before she had fallen to the ground—an invisible, unknown force lifted her into the air,

“Huh!? What in the—!? Ow——it hurts!? There’s no way this is an illusion!!”

Plam! Plam! Plam! Nina’s ass was rhythmically purring—bouncing with every slap.

“You must take the position~♥ The position of Gran Magus is very necessary—”

“Um! Okay! Please stop hitting my cheeks!! What else will—eh, what!? Won’t you stop!?”

“I don’t have the…luxury of time to do those ‘chores’ right now.”

Think continued, without hesitation—Nina gasped. Not because of the pain in her bottom, nor for Think dismissing the duties of a Gran Magus as a “chore”. An irreverently twisted smile formed on Think’s face, and an evil scowl fell over her eyes—amplified by the words that followed:

“This world…this simple, free game—the Great War.”

Her deep blue eyes look at Nina intensely, with Nina looking back. Those once hollow eyes were filled with purpose, a purpose that now floats thickly within her pupils. And—the very thing that was missing was found—

“We’ve got to win this thing and get it over with—we just have to get a little more serious♪”

—the soul desire and will to declare an end to the war.

“So, the chores—the ‘superficial stuff,’ is just a bunch of bullshit! I’ll leave everything up to you, Nina♥”

In short, Think had gotten Nina as a replacement—so that she could devote herself exclusively to ending the war.

Nina’s thoughts turned white at the light-hearted way she was treated in this case. The spell that had kept her in a stupor, free of charge, was lifted and she landed on her back. Nina, who forgot that her butt had become very sensitive after being spanked so much, had landed on it, once again. Think shoved the bundle of papers she’d picked up off the floor into Nina’s arms and said with ease:

“First of all, go present this thesis to the Garden and form yourself♪”

—Think Nirvalen’s new thesis. Nina gasped at the sensation of how valuable the paper bundle was, and how heavy it had suddenly become. Next to the title.

The date was just yesterday…no way, even without treatment for her injuries—she wrote this?

Gasping, absolutely stunned. But Nina, as if she’s daring to fall on her ass once again…asks,

“…How do you think you’re…going to win, and finish it…?”

End the Great War—impossible. At least, as far as Nina knew. In the first place—what does it take to win and how does it end? Win today, lose tomorrow, continue into your children’s generation and still persist in your grandchildren’s generation. That kind of thing goes on and on and on—no, forever. The cycle continues like an infinite loop. Even if you were to destroy all the Old Deus, as Lord Kainas wishes, surely the war would still not end—Nina is convinced of that. If the Elves win too much, they’ll be targeted for victory by all races. There is no end in principle—there is no end in sight, and the cycle continues into the future. But Think smiled widely and gave the answer of how to cut off the cycle—that’s right:

“Ah, yes— we’ll just kill the whole planet ♥”

—Basically, let’s destroy the world, was what Think had essentially told her.

“Old Deus, and all other species, will be wiped out with a spell—a spell which will wipe out the entire world~♪ We’re going to wipe out all living things, including those who may or may not be alive, and at the end of the day, if you and I are still standing, we’ve won♥”

—I’m a genius after all~, Think thought to herself, praising herself nonchalantly.

Oh, that’s true, Nina admitted. It’s not the methodology that Think speaks of. Without any hesitation and with certainty—everything. Even the Gods would be surpassed. Not even Kainas, creator of the Elves, has an eye for that—her ever—present will. Think had also been hit in the head—her skull badly struck; broken. It was stopping that talent—a limiter of sorts.

I see. We can prop up the gods, destroy the world—even the stars.

Perhaps Think Nirvalen could really do it. However—there is no room for Nina, who is only one of mediocre intellect, to enter there. Contrary to such thoughts, the question came out of her mouth—but more than anyone else, Nina herself was surprised by it.

“…Why…why me?”

For some reason. she didn’t even think about refusing the reckless invitation. And after vocalizing, she herself tried to know the reason that led her to such a question.

—Are there any other suitable candidates?

No. No one is suitable enough to be with Think Nirvalen.

—Was it because they were particularly close?

No. There is no one close to Think Nirvalen.

To Nina, she was confident that that wasn’t the kind of answer she was looking for. Thus, Think returned with a question.

“…Ehhh~? So, Nina—you’re in love with me, aren’t you~?”

——,

“I was a little afraid since we’re both girls, but…I think that’ll be even better♥”

—Oh, I see. Sure, that makes sense.

The reason I didn’t even try to say no? If someone who is in love with you asks you to do something, how can you say no?

Why do you care about who you are? “Compassion” and expectations, of course. Yes, most of it can be explained simply. There is only one question left to ask.

—Did I fall in love with Senpai? Or rather, since when have I been so brave not to be afraid of someone not even fears the Gods!?

And with that as the basis for that unfamiliar assertion—

“……Do you have some urgent business to attend to in the next life?”

She took Nina’s bewildered silence as rejection. Nina could hear the rumbling of the earth, the lightless, amused eyes of Think.

“Umm, what!? I’m not rejecting you, Senpai! I-I didn’t!! I wouldn’t—”

In hassled denial, Nina cut off her words,

—Let’s put aside whether or not I’m in love with Think Nirvalen. It’s true that I admire her, and I respect her—and more importantly, I feel like I’d die if I denied it. So, I just did this—I asked her one simple question.

“S-S-Senpai…a-are you, fine with that…?”

Well, it turns out that Think Nirvalen liked her, too. After all, it was impossible that she had drained Nina Clive just to take advantage of her feelings and manipulate her at will. If Think herself said that she needed to concentrate to accomplish her goal, it didn’t make sense to waste time with someone who would get in the way more than she would help.

Then why?—Think just looked into Nina’s eyes, pulling her face closer and closer, looking into them.

—So close that their lips touched. Her heart jumped, and Nina—she thought back to a long time ago.

—The day when it was done similarly, just as it was this day. Just like that day when she wanted to know Think Nirvalen. She was looking for something in Nina’s eyes, something Nina would never know she found.

“Mm♪ I want to be you, Nina! …Hmmm? No, actually……”

She nodded with satisfaction, and then smiled just like that day, on her face—

“You know me better than I do—Nina must be there~ Otherwise we can’t win.”

As it turned out, Nina…finally understood.

—As I thought, Think Nirvalen was more than I ever wanted to know.

Nothing to it. Nina had only saw her that day. She’d only seen her that one time—that smile.

………She had fallen in love with her long ago.

The genius who made the world go round, assured me of my power. We’ll destroy the world together; we can win this time…why would I refuse? There’s no way I would. This is a world that has been destroyed for no reason right from the beginning, a world that only revolves around itself. Isn’t it more fun to be on the side of the one who spins it—to be on the side that destroys it?

Nina began to make up her mind to do so, anyway. In the words that followed—she said goodbye to everything.

“And, since I’m going to need a partner, Nina, of course it’s better to have someone cute and my type~♥”

“I’m off to deliver the thesis! I’ll be back soon, so can you please go seek medical attention, Senpai!?”

The world? I don’t know you. Please feel free to rot and perish!

Kainas? This is goodbye. I didn’t ask to be created!

I, I—I will live for love——!!

The world was nothing in comparison, regardless of how many of them perished, her smile was worth more than even the world itself.

Starting that day, Nina was all but a gust of a wind.

—Nina decided to live for love, having no regrets.

For example, putting a sleeping Think in a bathtub, washing her, and dressing her. Just for that. Even on a daily basis like this, using penta caster magic can be exhausting!

Nina Clive’s mansion—a cramped, secret laboratory hidden beneath in its basement. They were now in the middle of a room cluttered with books and other materials, with an imprint on one wall.

“Fuehehe……~ Nina looks great in a collar……say ‘woof’ for me~”

Think was sitting on one of the chairs, drool escaping her mouth as she dreamt happily, a dream Nina would rather not know the context of.

Even after a thousand years of love—I have nothing to regret. I mean, if I throw away my life and become such a failure, can I get any closer to Senpai? Every time I ask myself that, I tell myself— don’t do it .  Or rather, I don’t want to be have to make such a decision…!!

“…Senpai, this is too much…I, I wasn’t prepared for this, at all…!”

“—? Ah, Nina came home~ Welcome back…~ Fua~”

Think finally wakes up at the sound of Nina’s voice, who groans with her head in her hands, and softly squeals. Nina’s cheeks begin to flush almost immediately after she notices Think’s yawning then smiling at her.

“……?”

Think glanced down at herself and tilted her head back. The faint scent of soap, freshly washed clothes, neatly brushed and tied up hair.

—She looked up at the one who had washed her bruised, beaten body, and let out a thin, frightened shriek,

“And a spiritual phenomenon…!? N-Nina there’s, there’s something in this house!?”

“Yes, you won’t be surprised to hear this, right? I actually own this place, and sometimes it has me inside it.”

As one could tell, Think had no recollection of anything from before Nina came home. Or, rather, that she’d been slumbering the entire time, to the usual plea of fact in her voice.

“……So, as I was saying……—”

Nina reports again, tired—with masterful eyes,

“The capture of Insein Nebia was successful…on time for the mission, Senpai.”

Once again, I didn’t have the energy to reiterate my frustration that I hadn’t been able to communicate about the matter of being prepared to die. Nina just puckered her lips and gave up on that explanation—

“Also, with regard to the core of the Phantasma, the head of Akasha has approached me about future operations—specifically about the construction and testing of the magical reactor. A report from the General Staff and Intelligence Division. And from the Staff, regarding the lack of firepower in the capital—”

And then, as Nina sloshed the thick stack of papers on her desk…

“Eh~? I’m still waking up…Did you know that every worker has rights? I’m not obliged to work before experienced hours♪ Not to mention that you can fix all that, Nina—”

Think pleaded, as she laid her face on the backrest, mouth agape like a child.

“I can’t do that!? You are aware that we can’t afford to have civilians seeing you, right Senpai!?

First, Akasha—Think’s new spells were still not known very well to even experts in the field. Not only that, but no one but her could grasp all of the strategy, intelligence, development, etc. Rather, no one else could do what she could. That’s why she’s called the Gran Magus, because she can do things can do things that no one else can do, and on the other hand—

“I’m just a scapegoat—did you forget my major was in magic of divination!?”

“You haven’t forgotten, have you? You were about to lose your whole life to this nonsense of predicting the future, you know~? ……Don’t you think it’d be appropriate to kiss my feet as a sign of appreciation?”

“Yes ma’am! It was shameless nonsense that ended up becoming ‘classical literature’ thanks to your thesis!!”

—Senpai’s thesis.

The thesis that Think herself made Nina submit.

—The Temporal Overlapping of Spirits.

Yes, Nina was talking about Think’s rough draft, given to the Garden so that she could graduate. In short, the thesis discussed the unification of space-time in the same environment of spirits. And, indeed, its content was worth of completion at the Garden. The result—it overturned the existing magic system and started a revolution.

“Do you want to see me suffer that badly!? Besides my graduation prove the ‘Principle of Variability in the Convergence of Possibilities’—a thesis thus denying my own major, I still became the Gran Magus! Can you even imagine how hated I am among my peers!?”

—In other words, the Principle of Variability in the Convergence of Possibilities meant that even a god cannot know the future.

—On top of the continuous harassment I’ve been receiving from my peers ever since—

“Divination was my only skill that I thought could help Senpai, right…?”

The poor girl lamented, her eyes beginning to water—

“Nina doesn’t need Divination, you know?”

Nina didn’t fully understand the true meaning behind Think’s words as she giggled, but she then changed the subject and asked what helped to wake her up—

“Mh~ I can’t think straight when I’m out of bed……I need some stimulation~♪”

—Came from the mouth of the one that invoked otherworldly life while half-asleep, let alone even awake. Nina sighed, teary-eyed, to Think, who encourages that she stimulates her,

“Yeah…I-I bought them. Mhm. It’s…lewd, a-as usual.”

Nina stuttered, holding out a few books in an opaque bag with no visible contents.

—The usual, erm, “books”.

“If I don’t read these, I’m not going to be motivated at alllll~” is what Think would say in her own defense.

……That Gran Magus. That Nina Clive.

How is it that those books—made for men—are seen as a fact of life? Nina thought to herself. She couldn’t help but feel his eyes burning. Think grinned.

“Let’s leave those for later, what I want now is to rub Nina’s little titties, then I’ll have a clearer mind♪”

“W-Whaaa!? N-Nooo!! I-I mean, I-I don’t have—b-breasts—”

“You don’t~? Well~ I’ll just have to lick them instead♥”

—H-Huh!?

“Ah, although I think if I do this now, I might be wasting a lot of fun~ You can repay me later~♪”

And just like a hailstorm, she relentlessly sexually harasses Nina. Not even asking for Nina’s consent—or even the possibility of refusal.

“Well…~ We’re going to have to get serious for a bit~♥”

Think turns to the desk, and snaps her fingers—a sudden bright light rushes across the engraving on the wall—

With that connection—the air changed, literally. Everything changed, from the atmosphere of Think, to the light, to the smells—even time and space. It’s a space where a vast number of Elementals run around, as if they would be crushed by even Nina.

—This is, without a doubt, Think’s laboratory in the basement of Nina’s mansion. However, the space has been expanded and transformed by the magical inscription that glows faintly on the walls.

—It’s as if it was a different world. In other words, this laboratory was larger than that of the Akasha headquarters under the capital. It wasn’t exactly abnormal looking, but for sure otherworldly. But what gave such an impression was not exactly the vastness of the place; it was the space just below in the shape of a giant dome.

—This dome, also covered with magical inscriptions, was formed by eighty-six pillars of thorns, involving an altar inside. The center of it is protected by a fully engraved dome that pulsated as if it were alive. It’s set up as if to be a place of offering—a multi-layered structure as if woven of crystal. Surrounded by thorns and covered by the dome, the buds of the giant water lily sprang to penetrate the light that sifted through its leaves.

The spirit-breaking rites, a new form of magic “officially” developed by Nina Clive. It’s an extremely super-multiple compound spell that works with the divine essence of Kainas. It’s a very simple method of guiding, exploiting, and utilizing the mortar that originates from Kainas’ divine essence to the mark. Thus, the magic induces the self-destruction of spirits, and utilizing said divine essence permits the manipulation of nature to protect its own territory. Kainas even treats it like a fuel—it’s ironic that Think gave it the name “Anse”.

—“Even if it’s rotten, God. I’ve been reviewing it to see if it’s more useful than dusty paper~”

One of them is under development in Akasha, if any mention of it were to be uttered aloud, the individual would receive divine punishment and turned to dust.

……Indeed. This is only one of them—one out of four.

—For the other three were the dome, the thorns, and the water lily sprout. The four spirit-breaking rites, the remaining three of which are, namely, the ones that are out there. It is the best kept secret, one that no one but the true inventors, Think Nirvalen and Nina Clive, even know it exists. The scene was overwhelming no matter how many times one gazed upon it, and Nina asks for the umpteenth time:

“…Senpai, why are you hiding these things, even from Akasha……?”

I don’t fully understand—no. No one could understand it, no one understood it other than Think. Nina, who has received a “that’s how” kind of explanation, can’t help but think that.

—Massive spacial transfer. Disabling magic. Spirit particle decomposition.

—If these were to be mass-produced and introduced onto the battlefields, that would be it. The end.

—Almost all the races would be destroyed without a trace…

“Nina, haven’t you ever played a card game?”

However, Think’s response to that question was still the same as it was many times before.

“You can only say that you have an ‘ace up our sleeve’ if you keep it hidden until the very end, right?”

Think looks down at her with a smile and tells her that even they are—just aces in one’s sleeve. The large laboratory, the equipment, even the spirit-breaking rites are just a mere handful. The true destination Think faces and looks down at is, in a sense, the true other world. That is—a huge table. That’s right, it was Think Nirvalen’s game. A map carved with countless squares and thousands of chess pieces procured on the table.

That was Think’s real world—Nina thought, but almost instantly corrects herself. That shrill smile of hers, those sharp eyes…

“…All of them are as simple and easy to move as ever, except for the Dwarves.”

One by one, a hand carries the pieces incessantly. A face that is no longer the same person as before. The hand of the player who controls the battle situation, the battle station, and even the entire game—in other words—telling us that Think Nirvalen is the world, and the world is Think Nirvalen.

“……Senpai, you should be like this on a regular basis…”

The lamentation that came out knowing that “being under threat of having your breasts licked” was more common than “seeing her working straight”, however, it didn’t reach Think’s ears celebrating the capture of Insein Nebia.

“We’ll have our nukes ready to go…but the showdown is just around the corner.”

However, what made Nina imprint seriousness on her face was not that; she—when she saw the “board”—could not fail to notice the clear and serious disadvantage of the Elves’ forces.

—The capture of the Phantasma and its control was a success. This experiment caused the Phantasma, Cloud Vortex, the previous target of the experiment, to lose control, causing the strong discontent of the heavenly Flügel. The village of Spratool, a spatial phase boundary village of the Fairies, was exposed, leading to an invasion by the Demonia. Forced to expand the frontline and disperse forces in support of the invasion, the Elves are currently in a situation they cannot afford to be in. Capturing Phantasma and perfecting Akasha’s magic rite’s as well—in exchange for a too high price. Nina asked the question that had been on everyone’s mind:

“…Senpai. How did you foresee the emergence of Insein Nebia?”

“Hmmm~? It’s impossible to foresee such things. You know that too, don’t you?”

“…Eh? Ah, well… Yes, of course I know… Wait, but then…—”

—Phantasma. An especially rare species, as it’s extremely difficult to foresee the movements of a self-aware natural phenomenon. And there are many, like Insein Nebia, whose whereabouts were difficult to even identify. And to Nina’s natural confusion, Think replied:

“So, I made the moles bring it to us~! ♥”

………,

……Okay, let’s calm down, Nina Clive.

Knowing that she would only wear herself out for nothing if she was amazed every minute, Nina took a deep breath to calm down and tried to deal with one thing at a time.

One by one, let’s go in order—stay calm, stay cool—

“A D-D-Dwarf brought them here!? H-How did they get—!?”

Think continued to escalate Nina’s confusion, which was still spinning in his mind.

“I don’t know♥ That’s exactly what we need to find out to facilitate future catches~♪”

—No. No, no. Then the story doesn’t add up.

That’s what it was—it must have been a plan that knew the Phantasma would appear. The plan was not to show up, but to know that the Dwarves would bring it in. But…how in the world are we going to do that—!?

—We didn’t even know if we could bring it here. On the premise that it could be brought here, what if things went wrong———!?

“In fact, it wasn’t at all that complicated! Watch out for the line of defense to the north!”

Think said, reaching her hand out toward the table—the chess pieces beginning to move by themselves as if they were text in a backlog. The piece shown moved forward two spaces at a time—the Dwarven fleet that Nina had engaged. Think tilts her head slightly at the sight of them attacking from the east and around to the north, proceeding to comment:

“Such recklessness~ Are they really heading toward the northern city~?”

“——Well, that’s…”

“No matter how advanced their high-speed fleet is, if he were stupid enough to think that this is enough to conquer our northern forces in Helluin…we’d have won this game a long time ago~♪”

If the Elves faced them head on, they could do some serious damage, and could ultimately obtain victory. What about him…!?

“They adopted this strategy because they had a sure plan to beat us. That’s all there is to it~♥”

“He” thought it would be enough to avoid the confrontation. Wait, is she seriously planning on utilizing Insein Nebia…—!?

“Are you out of your mind, Senpai!? Are you seriously considering bringing such a dangerous species like that to the battlefield—”

“I guess I am out of my mind. Because, I have to bring it with me~”

Think interrupted Nina while in the middle of her nonsensical spouting. She pointed to the desk again—to the huge chessboard atop it.

“Why would they waste time attacking Helluin by going around the North Sea?”

It wouldn’t be worth going all the way to the north to attacked Helluin from the east—in other words, from across the ocean. If they came from the east, they should attack “somewhere on the northern front” where they could also take the ground forces.

In the first place, I can’t even think of a reason to attack Helluin so far. A high-speed vessel going at incredible speeds—perhaps a surprise attack? No…definitely not. Nina shook her head. She knew the Dwarves had no intention of hiding from them. On top of that, what would be the point in crossing the North Sea to attack Helluin…? To Nina, who seems to be unable to think of anything, Think smiles—and then tells her:

“There’s no particular reason for the Dwarves to attack Helluin~”

“———Excuse me?”

“In fact~ Just going through the north meant that they have a chance to win~”

—It doesn’t matter where they went. They could’ve been anywhere…!

“That’s why—as long as the North Sea is clear, they can go anywhere~”

That’s right, a hand that can win even against all of the Elves’ northern mainstays. A hand where if they attacked from the sea, they would go unnoticed.

“Those moles somehow know a way to find out more or less where Phantasmas on a similar level to Insein Nebia would appear. But, of course, they wouldn’t be able to control a Phantasma~♪ So, they went to Insein Nebia, provoked it a bit—”

That’s the strength of a high-speed fleet. You have to use your speed to the fullest extent——!!

“And they came running at maximum speed towards the highest concentration of Elven forces♥”

“……………………”

Nina was just…speechless in response to the robust statement expressed by Think, who spoke as if it were self-evident. Certainly…if the Elven fleet identified Insein Nebia, they would normally break formation. But with Insein Nebia as an opponent—escape is highly unlikely. Confused and disorganized, their command would collapse, and at worst, nearly all the northern forces of the Elves would be wiped out. On the other hand, the Dwarves would have no problem breaking the center, and even the empty city of Helluin would be wiped out on the northern front.

But…what if the Elves, whether through the center or through the open air, don’t break their tight formation and are readily prepared? That was the result. Playing with the pieces of a decimated Dwarven fleet, Think giggled.

“Now that we’ve lost our ability to predict the movements of Phantasma’s—we’re giving up♪”

Seeing that wicked smile of her Senpai, Nina finally understood everything and felt her entire body shiver.

—Can’t predict the movements of Phantasma’s? Then listen to someone who can predict them.The previous confrontation was not limited to the defeat of the Dwarves’ fleet and the capture of Phantasma. By uncovering and stealing from the Dwarves; the art of predicting their emergence and movements—

Even more importantly, it was a spell that allowed her to look even further into the future—a single move, unharmed. At this conclusion, which sent a chill down her spine, Nina remembered what Think had said in the past:

—‘Ah yes, we’ll just kill the whole planet♥’

And the mouth that uttered such destruction of the world told her faintly that the one who stood in the end was the winner of the game. The same mouth that told her that even the gods would be surpassed, outsmarted, and killed. But this time, she spun a name that’s dedicated to the path to achieve this absurdity.

“……Áka Si Anse—now all that’s missing is the practical experiment…♪”

Namely—the purpose of Akasha. The name of the final spirit-breaking rite—

Áka Si Anse, also known as the Void Zero Protection……

A magic spell with one hundred and eighty-six layers—a spirit-breaking rite that uses and functions with the divine essence of Kainas. Its effect was to forcefully overwrite the core of a Phantasma, a spirit circuit independent, inducing its self-destruction. The massive number of spirits released by self-destruction would cause a chain of decomposition in all the elementals on which they lean, hence the name for them: spirit-breaking rites. Therefore, it is necessary to guide the war effort and gather the enemy within the area of effect.

—With a single shot, everything would disappear. There would literally be no trace of them. Flügel or Phantasma. Once they’re caught in the area, they would be caught in the chain collapse and become powerful catalysts, and there is no way to avoid it, and—in theory—even Old Deus could be caught in it. If used on a large scale, it really could wipe out the entire planet and decimate any form of life—

“By speeding up the process of discovering Phantasma’s to serve as fuel—we’ll be able to start a mass production and then…checkmate~”

Yes, victory at last—Think concluded, a smile growing on her face as they were on the verge of total world annihilation. Nina couldn’t help but break into an extremely boisterous smirk, causing her heart to beat faster.

—Aha. That’s right, thisis Think Nirvalen——

After reaffirming that that was Think Nirvalen for whom she fell in love, the individual who was part of the “players” team of the game called “world”. If Nina Clive was recognized as being superior to her predecessor—it was not by chance. What happened was that Think Nirvalen outdid herself every day since she decided to take things seriously. At that time, she was already considered unparalleled, and a single concrete goal was enough so that her genius wouldn’t put the brakes on anymore.

She poured all her heart into that single goal, and yet it was still not enough. The honor and status of… Well, no, it wasn’t necessary to go that far. At any rate, she’s finally reached the end of her life by throwing away even her personal affairs—the ultimate goal. She wanted to seek the very limit of the Elves being the very “roof” for her fellow men. However, it proved to be neither a limit nor “ceiling”. In other words—there was no limit. She was now the very embodiment of the endless end. And for this very reason, suppressing the palpitation of the chest, Nina had to ask:

“B-But Senpai… Will he let them…?”

Of course, simple Dwarves were no threat. That is, if you don’t consider the guy of whom they both respectfully refer to as he—their only enemy. He is the only man who could make Think diligently survey the chessboard—this made Nina incredibly worried. An enemy who has convinced Think to “play” with him and has yet to be overcome by her.

—Lóni Drauvnir.

Nina has never met the man, and even Think has only been beaten by him once on the battlefield, even so… They’re both convinced that he is the one who could turn the tides on the battlefield—like Think, he is a de facto leader.

—A distinctive Dwarf who cannot use magic without the use of a catalyst. The Dwarf who gave the catalyst magical inscriptions and made it into a lethal weapon, the spirit arms. The Dwarf who opposes the new theories and tactics developed by Think with similar innovative weapons and strategies.

—The same genius, the same player who taught Think the taste of defeat, is the only one left in this game. In other words…the opponent.

—He’s a terribly intelligent, rational man. Above all else, he’s an enthralling guy, Nina thought to herself.

Think, of all people, admitted that he was the enemy and that she had no chance of winning on her own. The one who, along with Nina, made her think that she would have to use all she could, the whole game even, to defeat him. At the same time, the girl couldn’t avoid feeling a certain respect and a little bit of fervor, amid a deep sadness brewing inside her.

…The horrible misery of being born a dirty, smelly, miserable mole. What sin deserves such a punishment———!? As Nina was reminded of the cruelty of the world, Think smiled delicately and returned to the subject at hand:

“Of course not, it’s only a matter of time until he finds out, right~?”

She turned the log back again, looking gleefully at the Dwarves’ fleet that Nina had engaged and asked:

“…And obviously, why would they aim for this place with such underwhelming strength~?”

“Huh? …Didn’t we just conclude that it was to bring the Phantasma?”

“Yes~♪ And we had the success in capturing it, right…?”

So, Think threw her bitter sneer not at Nina, but at the chessboard; or better, at Lóni Drauvnir who saw through the play that represented her and reformulated the question:

“So, where are their main forces now that they have this information?”

“————————!!!!”

—An invasion with a fleet composed entirely of fast vessels, with the Phantasma in tow. If they were to succeed, they could overrun Helluin and even destroy the northern front with just a few men. But then, if it was such a safe plan, why had they prepared a second wave of invasion aimed at conquering the territory—!?

“It was a diversion!? Their aim is to…oh, no, that’s not possible…”

“Yes♥ Good answer, Nina! Sigh. That indeed seems to be their intention~”

Nina turned pale as she, from what she’d heard so far, came to the realization of their situation. Think smiled pleasantly and pinched a chess piece resembling the black king—Lóni. Moments later she set the piece down on the board once more, this time with an answer in mind…

—Can’t predict the movements of Phantasma’s? Then listen to someone who can predict them.

But then—what if there is someone equally as competent as Think? What would be her deduction then?

—Can’t tame Phantasma’s? Then let someone who can tame them.

A someone who knows the meaning to purge and to capture. A someone to guide objective direction—

“—It can only be the capital♥”

“Wait a minut-… And despite that you slept naked and harassed me with tentacles!?”

Nina’s cry of despair reflected her understanding of the whole situation. The role of the Dwarves’ fleet on the northern front—was a touchstone——!!

If we are unable to react to Insein Nebia, it would destroy our helpless Helluin along with the northern front. But if we react accordingly—and nullify our once failed mission—we could succeed in taking back control of the Phantasma! Looting its control from the capital, which will now be helpless—

—it was a sacrificial pawn…for a double trap———!!!

“Hey, don’t you realize we only have one regiment in the capital!? I need urgent instructions, Senpai!!”

One regiment—five battalions of six hundred high-ranking mages—a total of three thousand troops. Even Eva Le Sierra and Vá Ru Pullum could not measure against the Dwarves’ main forces—!! However, as if enjoying Nina’s despair:

“If your concern is our firepower know that we have plenty! You remember how, right?”

Think continued with a vast smile on her face.

“We got a gift from the dirty moles themselves~♥”

——,

———ah…

“Do you intend to use the Áka Si Anse!? But we still don’t have a decent reactor for the activation!?”

It was true that with the Phantasma’s core, the Áka Si Anse was practically ready for use. But the only reactor that could be used is the proof of concept reactor at Akasha headquarters———

—ah. Aha~ ahahaha.

No no no. No, that can’t be. Right? Well, I think the world should be destroyed, and I’m ready for that day to come, but that’s not it either, right?

Of course it’s not, Nina thought, praying that she had misunderstood—

“—A single bomb the size of the capital. That’s more than enough firepower♥”

—but unfortunately for Nina, Think ignored her prayers and pointed to the board with a fearless smile, full of ruthless intent. Nina looked up to the heavens and reflected on Think’s words, which were more than the opposite of amusing.

…Who am I to dedicate my prayers to now if we’re determined to strike down even the gods…

And then she continued—

“Senpai…enough— what logical reasoning do you even have that justifies why we have to risk our lives!?”

Nina’s teary eyes contested, trying her best to hold onto her conscious for a few more moments.

No, we are not going to die. It’s not a matter of us dying either. The population of two hundred thousand, the palace, Kainas’ dwelling, the entire city—even this entire forest will disappear. That’s right, no amount of Dwarven forces is going to stop us—but!

“But with the damage we’ve sustained—would it even be worth it to compete with a Dwarven fleet!?”

Nina bites back, and Think purses her lips with an accusatory response:

“Mm~ Nina? Whose fault is it that the capital has no strength~?”

“The battle lines are down due to failure in securing the Phantasma—wait, are you implying it’s my fault!? Weren’t you the one who ordered me to, Senpai!?”

“Hmm…~ And who is responsible for the Dwarves attacking the capital~?”

“Don’t say it’s mine because I went there to capture Insein Nebia!? Wasn’t that apart of your plan!?”

“Weeell then~ Whose responsibility is it that I can use the Áka Si Anse~?”

“Thanks to having induced the Dwarves to bring the Phanta…”

Senpai…—

Noticing Think’s grin growing with each banter, Nina self-consciously cut her words short.

Don’t tell me…it was all Senpai—

As her mind finally connected each loose end, she felt an agonizing chill run down her spine, the sensation exacerbating the already present dread.

—Why? Why did the Dwarves have to bring the other Phantasma?

—Why? Were they preparing to attack us in anticipation of being captured?

—Why? Think Nirvalen is hiding the other three Elemental breaking spells!!

No way…no way, nowaynowaynoway—!! No way—it can’t be—the detonation of the Áka Si Anse directly under the capital would be a disaster!

While Nina was fuming with emotion, Think simply unclasped her hands and affirmed. In other words:

“———It’s a showdown, you know?”

Everything. The battles of the last decade or two. The state of the war. Everything at this moment and beyond.

—It was all in the palm of her hand.

Nina was stunned—and then, to her dismay, Think smiled and continued.

“Nina? The proof of concept reactor is critical for the Áka Si Anse…how powerful is it~?”

—Less than twenty percent. Even so, the capital would be extinguished. No—only the capital would be extinguished! Then…it’s insufficient to decimate the Dwarven fleet—

“Nina? Supposing that the opposing fleet is sure that we’ll use the Phantasma…we could also suppose that they’ll attack the capital~?”

It’s obvious. For sure—no. It’s one hundred percent a siege. The goal was to find a way to use the Phantasma. It’s obvious that the capital is abnormally bare—it’s a trap. The only way to attack it would be a mass siege, with the worst-case scenario being an engagement with the Phantasma itself—

“Nina? There are three spirit-breaking rites at your disposal—which are you going to use~?”

Then, looking down she noticed Think had three magical spells spread out below her—

…Senpai, since when…? Nina didn’t ask.

It was all silently telling me the answer. The reason why Akasha’s headquarters were built here was to test the power of the proof of concept reactor and its effects. The capital was left unprotected on purpose. That is, “from the beginning”.

“I’ve prepared five trump cards up my sleeve—these are the only way to kill him and destroy the entire Dwarven fleet—”

Think sneered and turned around. She turns to Nina, and then—

“—Nina, do you think he’ll be able to read this move?”

Nina got closer to her and looked into her eyes, within touching distance of her breath.

“…Not at all. And even if he could read it, there’s no way he could prepare himself against it!”

She shuddered and laughed; pretty much replying no. Think smiled in response.

At best, the capital would be semi-demolished—or, in other words, be left in a state of ruin. There will not be a second chance. This is the only enemy in the world that Think recognized as unstoppable.

—This is the world that two players, who ensure that all is according to plan, have created. Even Nina laughed challengingly: “Read up to five trumps, that is, if you can!” And yet, Nina was still convinced that it was her Senpai who was going above and beyond—wait…aren’t there only four trump cards—the Áka Si Anse and the three magical rites here…?

“…? Senpai, is it just me or did you just say five trump car— kyaaaaa!? ”

“It worked right, didn’t it!? Now you’ll have to let me lick your tits!!”

Nina was about to ask her about the five trump cards when suddenly, she was brutally attacked by the carnivorous animal.

“Squish squish~♥ You really are as flat as a board, Nina♪”

—And so, as a simple form of resistance to the absolute harassment by the octa caster, the upper half of her body was unveiled. With unreasonable liberty, Think mumbles as she nibbled on Nina’s chest. The least she could do was rebel, but with resignation, Nina let her thoughts drift off into the distance…

—This mad war that has lasted for eternity will soon reach its end. Think Nirvalen, the one who truly uncovered the ability to lay waste to even the stars. Her boundless genius allowed her to control the Great War and even the gods, but such a privilege was not only bestowed upon her—but to Lóni Drauvnir as well, who was there to prove that there were others who were not even a single step behind her. No matter who finishes the game first, the end is not far off…not at all.

But suddenly, a vague feeling of unease crossed Nina’s mind—what if…there were someone else that could beat the two of them? In that case…

—A third person; the third player. If such a player exists, then…what would happen? Even so…

……the world will end anyway.

No one can do anything about it. Unilaterally, no questions asked………

—Then, some more days passed.

In a desert, where black ash had accumulated and turned the landscape into a glimmering snowfield, a figure clad in a mask and coat stood idly. Through the gaps in their outer garment, they looked up at the ashes dancing in the blood-covered sky and simply waited. Without any indication; no rendezvous of any sort. In the first place, it is the side that attacks and the side that is attacked. Normally, they should not have even met. There was no way that their intentions could have intersected. And yet—he will surely come. It was a distant day, under the same ground.

—The man who said, “Me and you play again,” and “I kill you with my hands.” He will definitely come. He must come. Otherwise, this game will truly never end.

After how long they waited, a figure appeared, slowly approaching. A large, corpulent figure, also wearing a mask and coat. A reunion after so many years of separation. It was just the end of a series of mutual thoughts. Despite such a miraculous and inevitable meeting, neither could see each other’s face through their masks. However, this was far from being an impediment to one knowing who the other was.

The one that awaited him was—Think Nirvalen. The woman who overturned the magic system twice, sublimated to the realm of art, and threatened to enter the divine realm. She is the greatest octa caster in all Elven history, and the greatest mage of all time. On her back she carried the vast forest that covers the capital city of Melruirne—the domain of the forest god Kainas.

Who approached her was—Lóni Drauvnir. The man who sublimated catalyst and imprinting techniques into the realm of engineering and is finally on the verge of divine achievement. He is the most prolific spirit wearer in Dwarven history, and the most prolific catalyst designer. On his back is a huge mass of iron twice his height—the catalyst for the imprinting spell, spirit arms. On his back, he carried a rugged flying fleet that filled the sky above them.

“……………………”

Already each other, at each other’s pacing. They each hold their own power—standing before one another in silence. Two incomparable talents. There are no words to be exchanged between either of them. All of this is in accordance with the pledge made that day: “Let’s decide this once and for all, I will kill you with these hands.”

Only you will be killed by my hands. I’ll finish it, no matter what…that’s all.

It’s just a game. The more players there are, the more interesting it is. But in the palm of your hand, there is only one world to be destroyed—inevitably, there will be one winner and several losers.

——,

And so, over each other’s heads, the fleets surging into Melruirne were inconceivable. It’s just that—that’s when the gunfire started. The two practical war gamers crossed paths, cowering the world.

—Two geniuses collided, far to the north.

“Sixth Squadron, Second Parallel Protection—deploy.”

At the same instant she gave the order, a blinding gust of light followed by a bang struck the sky just above her. At the same time, a tsunami of iron was surging through the vast forest surrounding Melruirne. It was the pride of the Dwarves, a flying fleet that painted the red-bleeding sky with the color of steel.

“…Seventh Squadron, Sixth Parallel Protection—deploy.”

A regiment of Elves—three thousand high-ranking mages were divided into fifteen battalions, two hundred each per squadron. All of them were blocked by invisible barriers in the void and fail to pour down into the city—the forest. While the sky is torn apart and the earth is shaken by the rumbling of the waves—

“Gran Magus! If we continue like this, we’ll only wear ourselves out—!!”

The battalion commanders’ screams, and exclamations of frustration and desperation were flying around. The overwhelming amount of ammunition firing at them—is the only thing keeping morale up.

“…Eighth Squadron, First Parallel Protection—deploy.”

And so, because of Nina’s calm and composed appearance, she muttered to herself without so much as a glance.

—There’s no way to disperse or counterattack. Everyone was aware. There are too many of them—way too many. Even if we could theoretically prevent them from firing all at once, a squadron of two hundred mages will be exhausted in no time. If we don’t take turns, it would be impossible for us to keep up with their defenses, and fighting back against that many? It’s a drop in the bucket. Moreover, a form I don’t recognize appears in the mass of iron that covers the heavens…The Dwarves “new ship”.

Each time the main gun flashed; an invisible trajectory ran through the air—two explosions echoing one after the other. It crashes into the Elves’ barrier and punctures it, thus forcing the constant deployment of a second barrier. It converges the amplified spirits until they are invisible to the naked eye, turning them into a force that penetrates like a needle.

With all those new ships and all those troops, I’m sure that almost the entire Dwarven army—

“Gran Magus! Enemy fleets spreading to the left and right—we’ll be surrounded!?”

The fleet continues its bombardment advance, passing Nina and the others encircling Melruirne. And beyond that, in the midst of the desperation of a free-for-all that was closing in on the encirclement, there was only one man.

“…Yes. And let them surround us.”

Nina, who knows that everything is at the fingertips of Think Nirvalen, twists her lips in amusement.

Like Think, Lóni will have a trump card to play. I don’t know if it’s that new ship or if there’s something to it than that.

“…Maybe it’s too sophisticated for mere moles, but—”

But whatever it is, whatever you bring up, whatever you hide, it’s useless. As long as it’s spirit-driven—

“…here will be their tomb.”

With a smile, Nina left the scene to her subordinates.

With her bewilderment behind her, Nina used her farsighted magic to look for Think outside the southern forest.

—She was probably in the middle of a battle, but Nina couldn’t see her. It wasn’t that she was so far away that you couldn’t see her. It’s just that—you couldn’t see either of them.

—It was beyond Nina’s comprehension. Nina shook her head, recovering from her momentary exclamation—and rightly so. This is the first time she’s seen Think in a battle where everything is decided on a board—much less at full strength. The only thing that looks like a hail of destruction that keeps blinking is probably a product of that thesis, the temporal overlapping of spirits—Think, who accelerates with the time control made possible by the unification of time and space in the spirit field—and Lóni, who was still following her, is probably the first reason as to why she invented it after her defeat.

And even so, Lóni seemed to be able to accompany the adversary who overcame any barrier as a living being and literally jumped in time. Nina’s mind was racing—

“Good…but in the end, it is Senpai who will win. Please do your best and die.”

One funeral verse. Looking at the shadow of the ship that was steadily encircling the skies of the capital, Nina Clive hurried through the air to her home—ready for the showdown.

—Nina had made a big mistake.

It’s impossible to manipulate time. As long as the creature exists as a “point” in time—no, even if there is a multiplicity that spans “time” as a “plane” like a spirit, interference with the past leads to an infra-red version of the present, and the future cannot even interfere with convergent indeterminacy. Therefore, Think, who merely expands the “point” and pseudo-accelerates her own time dodged the double attack that nearly split the sky; the sword slash that Lóni unleashed and the violent heat wave that generated in alongside it. Such a double attack could tear apart and volatilize the deformed sand giants, as well as the alchemists.

Think, who had barely been able to avoid it with the accelerated time—was impressed. Lóni’s sword—his own invention given the name of spirit arms—is, indeed, a very powerful weapon.

This is art~ A work of art worthy of admiration—it’s splendid~♥

Think thought as she dealt with the hail of attacks from the likes of someone she’d never have dreamed of feeling that way about.

—Dwarf. A lower lifeform, more self-evident than the existence of God, but out of the question. It’s a fool’s errand worthy of a low brow, but it’s not nearly as worthy as those stupid Werebeast mutts. They can’t use magic without a catalyst and are far behind the Elves in multiple spells and even in the number of spirits. In the aesthetics of Think, where half-measures are most despised, the multicellular organism is no better than fungus. The inspiration to imprint the spell on the catalyst beforehand led to—

“————————!!!!”

Lóni’s hand leaves the hilt of the sword as it stabs the ground. As soon as Think realized that his hand had slid to the left and right of the blade, she made a quick decision.

—I won’t make it at this rate.

The two spells that had been rewritten were discarded, and the three compiled ones that had been saved were activated. Lóni’s hands clutched the two daggers that were separated from the blade of the great sword and ripped open the sky, followed by a violent explosion of ice where Think was a moment ago. She saw the whole area in front of her freeze and shatter as it engulfed the atmosphere from behind Lóni.

—If I had hesitated even for a moment to abandon my spell…

A cold sweat broke out on her face as she realized that if she hadn’t demi-shifted behind Lóni, she would have died instantly.

If the catalyst is imprinted with a spell in advance, the activation is instantaneous. Even if Think, who is always changing, outperforms you in terms of numbers and strength—she is still ahead of you in terms of speed.

—So why don’t I just take the second one?

In an instant, Think invoked the three spells. She was going to use the same spells that sent her behind Lóni—and then two more. Just before the demi-shift, the magic left in front of Lóni’s eyes—Material Fracture and Elemental Ray. The twin daggers, which were imprinted with freezing and shattering magic, should not be able to deal with the rites, however—

“——Ha—Hahaaa!!”

Lóni, who was laughing fiercely, kicked the big sword that pierced the ground and gripped the short sword that popped out. In that moment, the two daggers joined into one had already been aimed at Think.

—Think didn’t comprehend that there were two swords coming at her, though. She dodged it as she ducked slightly and tried to follow it up with the reflector she had compiled.

Two in front. One of them from the back—three in total that reflect and amplify the two previous spells. Whatever magic the short sword that Lóni had drawn earlier had, the magic deployed would reflect it as well.

—No defense. Evasion is impossible. Think was convinced of this—however,

“————————!?”

She followed her gut against her own conviction and put the reflector on Lóni’s back instead——!!

The moment she activated it on her own back—she felt a collision of enormous forces ricocheting off one another behind her. The image of Lóni, which should have been right in front of her, had finally caught up and left a faint light, disappearing from her field of vision.

—Demi-shift!? A shifting spell activated to move to the dagger site—!?

He grabbed the two joined daggers that Think had dodged and swung the short sword with his other hand with a ferocious smile. There was Lóni, antagonizing the reflector here.

—Needless to say, magic with magical inscriptions can only be used with imprinted magic. If you use multiple catalysts instantly, then yes, you can use multiple spells at the same time. But that could hardly be considered multiple spells. Compounding of spells—as long as they cannot be applied interchangeably, they can only be used in a certain way. But—

In the accelerated time, Think saw Lóni’s hands moving very fluidly and slowly. The sword is in his hand—a sword that should have been two daggers with the magic of freezing and shattering engraved on it. As soon as they came together, the sword turned into a demi-shift magic anchor—and then it fell apart…

This time, she witnessed it separate into countless smaller daggers. And then, she saw something that shouldn’t have been there, the very thing that should have been stuck in the ground behind him, the very thing that shifted with Lóni,

“—!! In Carrion!!”

In that moment, Think yelled, commanding the engraving spell on her forehead and hands to activate. At the same time, the two rites that had been deployed for time acceleration were instantly reversed—transformed into an action on space. At the collision of the two, an inaudible bang echoed out of the sky, splintering it as black ashes rained down.

——,

It was a spur-of-the-moment, forcible defense with space-warping magic. The impact, which she still couldn’t prevent, bounced off the ground like a ball. Think rolled over in a cloud of ash. As she spun, she tried to look in the opponent’s general direction knowing there was a good chance to receive a follow-up attack.

…But what she saw was quite the opposite: Lóni was also not unscathed, and instead of chasing her, he was leaning on one of his knees. He smiled with amusement at the sight of some of the catalysts being damaged. And Think also smiled in admiration at everything she had seen in this brief intersection.

—In that moment, Lóni’s hands were filled with countless daggers that scattered into the air. With a juggling move, he reconfigured his position and stored it in the large sword. It’s the divine art of chaining and reassembling the marks like a puzzle, and finally reaching the realm of multiple spells. In the end, he even managed to create a spatial effect that defied Think’s spatial distortion—

So—this is the true nature of the “art” that is the spirit arms.

It was a kind of idea that impressed Think Nirvalen—an “art” of sorts. The spirit arms alone would not warrant fear. They were not worthy of being seen as a threat if a filthy mole was using it.

Think’s time acceleration and constant use of dual casting has made her less than an even match for the man. The speed and accuracy of reflexes, judgement, and reading—it was an abnormality that transcended living beings and was therefore defined as “art”.

“It’s nothing short of brilliant…that’s why you’re my enemy♪”

“…? Ha—Hahaha.”

He couldn’t help but respect Think’s words—even if he couldn’t understand her. Lóni Drauvnir answered with a chuckle that clearly revealed that he nourished the same for his adversary; just as he should. The spirit arms were clearly an Elf’s creation—no, rather, a magic system invented by Think herself. This is because it’s the same as compiling a common spell first and then choosing a spell to substitute depending on the situation.

However, the respectful gaze remained intact. Those eyes—the presence of Lóni, who has lowered his center of gravity and wielding his spirit arms, tells her only one thing:

——“I’ll decide next time,” he said.

…Oh. Of course—there’s no way Think can win this fight. After all, Think Nirvalen was the former to Lóni Drauvnir.

I never thought she could win against him one on one—I’ve never thought about it even once in my life—!!

Therefore, at the rear of Lóni, she gazed up at the steel ships that blanketed the sky above the forest surrounding the capital. Since the day he defeated her, she hadn’t forgotten a single second of it, and she’s dreamt about it ever since—like a blueprint of sorts. And now—his position, the position of his fleet, the color of the sky to the smell of the wind—everything. It was as if she was reliving a memory from the past. Think spread her arms and announced with a reigning sneer:

“This is it—our final showdown~♥”

With the declaration of revealing the five trump cards that had been kept hidden, she twisted her smile and ordered the first trump card to “wake up”. Straight ahead—Think’s spell shoots down into the ground below and calls out the first spirit-breakings rites. The one that gave the thorns to the lily—in other words—!!

“——Single-Action Protection, Va Yu Anse———!!!”

In an instant—right below Lóni’s feet, the huge water lily, which let the light shine through as if they were woven out of water, blossomed. Then, with a speed that gave him no time to react, Think wrapped Lóni up and sealed the petals.

—And thus…a man trapped in the world’s most beautiful death row prison saw “everything” all at once——

The steel-colored fleet encircling the heavens was slowly closing in on them with gunfire. On the rooftop of her mansion, Nina gazed up into the crying sky with a smile of shame as everyone else despaired. She gazed at the future foreseen by Think becoming the past.

—Four trump cards. Think says that there are actually five. In any case, Nina already knew the four trump cards. Today, this day, this situation, this moment—no, she stood corrected: they had all been decided a long time ago, and in turn, had been nominated accordingly:

——The only one, Lóni Drauvnir.

——Will be wholly—and utterly—killed.

It was set up as a frontline position along with a trump card built up for the sole reason of killing him.

“How foolish…for me to ask why I didn’t use them before.”

What is a trump card? If it’s not absolutely impossible to deal with—it’s not a trump card then, right? And what are the conditions under which absolutes are possible when dealing with an enemy that is equal to or greater than you?

—There’s no way it can be anything other than a face-down card that kills at first sight…!!

And then, Nina finally witnessed with her clairvoyant magic the arrival of the long await ideal moment. The time for the long overdue showdown was here—and a sign of its arrival had revealed itself. She witnessed Think playing her second trump card.

—Here we go. This game is all about who has the upper hand. Which one of us will be able to beat the other in this game? The question is whether or not you can read these four trump cards. That face of yours, show it to me—Lóni Drauvnir—!!

“——Immovable Second Protection, Ja La Anse———!!!”

That moment—centered in the basement of Nina Clive’s mansion. As soon as she woke up, she heard the horrid screams of the “dome” that was destined to die. It crosses the city, reverberates through the forest, and makes the sky creak—at the same time that the strange cry reaches the outer perimeter of the city, it deafens to complete silence.

—The world went still.

…Everyone who heard the sinister crash must have wondered if the star they were on had died.

It spread from the capital to ten percent of the continent. The absolute—or even desperate—silence made it seem as if time itself had stopped. It’s no wonder, since all the Elementals within its sphere of influence were consumed—

——Ja La Anse, the Immovable Second Protection……

One of the ninety-nine-layer spirit-breaking rites that utilizes the divine essence of Kainas to function. It is, to put it simply—a form of magic that seals magic. The principle is simple. It doesn’t suck the spirits out of the Spirit Corridor, it just creates a widespread magical explosion. As the flames of the explosion temporarily deprive the air—the spirits on the surface of the earth are instantly exploited and consumed.

And so, for a few moments, the wind subsided, and even the glow of the falling black ash was still and immobile. However—caught in the grip of gravity and inertia, the steel-colored sky began to fall——

Yes…magic that removes the spirits from of any form of magic or spell and makes it dysfunctional. In principle, the Ja La Anse itself would explode and break down like a bomb.

—A Dwarf fleet…is crazy enough to send that much iron into the sky—no? Fundamentally, they were already defying the laws of physics as the huge steel bodies couldn’t collapse, so what could? All the spirits—they were the answer to what happens when magic is unable to be utilized.

The fleet was crushed by its own weight, eating itself up like a worm, dying in vain. A semi-transparent prison—what will the prisoner of the bud really reveal to them…?

—Ah, that’s right. This is the face. That’s the face I’ve always wanted to see…!!

The look on Lóni’s face as he bared his eyes and shouted at her made Think smile with a twisted expression on her face. What was he saying? There was no point in even knowing—that face of his was all she wanted. Surprise, astonishment, dismay. That stupid face that confronted the completely unexpected!!

Oh, I knew it. I was sure of it. I didn’t doubt it. I knew it. The look on your face says that you couldn’t read this move——!! The game you’ve decided to hold in your hands, then cower from it!

Think scorched the ground.

—A single click of the tongue. That’s it.

The crash of the fleet and the oncoming Think have not accelerated time in any way. Lóni, grasping the situation that magic was not a viable option, thought he could escape from the confusion. And then, he cut through the prison with only the blade of his spirit arms using own arm strength to escape. After doing so, he fired a shot that Think couldn’t even see, however—

“——Huh!?”

—Unfortunately, it seems he underestimated her, and a feeling of dread reigned over him. Lóni’s bewilderment at the flash of the sword was deepened as Think’s crooked laughter continued.

“There’s no need to be depressed, okay? It was all you could do♪”

A huge, multi-layered bud—normally, you’d think it was magic wrought by Think, as, normally, it would be impossible for an Elf to invoke such a large mass by themselves. Then, now that the magic has been sealed, it has no magic to sustain it, and can be destroyed with a mere blow of a sword.

Yeah—normally, typically! In any ordinary situation, that would be the right answer. However, the very thing that overturned the plausible answer were the thorns buried under Lóni’s feet—something out of the ordinary.

——Va Yu Anse, the Single-Action Protection……

One of the eighty-six-layer spirit-breaking rites that utilizes the divine essence of Kainas to function. The shift magic operates in pairs with the thorns in Think’s secret laboratory. It wasn’t summoned, it wasn’t wrought—who would have known that it was shifted from the laboratory? And even more so, that water lily that she shifted—it was a prison! She said it was nothing more than something he couldn’t understand—there’s no way Lóni could have known—!!

And yet—or rather, that’s why Think was once again impressed by the posture of her imprisoned enemy.

“……………………”

The silhouette of the man who wielded his sword at his waist, leaning his body on one of his knees, concentrating to extract all his strength from himself, revealed what was going on in his mind without hiding: he had been set up, read, defeated, trapped—and yet he knew that if there’s a chance to win in this predicament, it is——

——less than one would hope for. Even the six virtues were not enough for a single chance.

Obviously, Lóni had no way of knowing how long the Ja La Anse would last. But he knew not that it was perpetual or even too long. Therefore, Think ran knowing that as soon as the magic seal was lifted, he woulx try to put an end to her.

Think’s spells, from the start of activation—would certainly be a divine act approaching the six virtues. At the same time as the compilation begins—the divine speed Lóni had could subdue it. It’s a simple and blunt move, but still a very clever one. A tirade that stitches and cuts away at the interstices of time and nothingness—I will show you how it’s done.

The slash was unleashed———

“Magical inscriptions are quite useful; can’t we just pretend it’s my invention?”

—however, it never followed through…

“All you have to do is activate it…since everything else is automatic~♥”

Then, she stopped bluffing and gracefully walked over toward Lóni, who was beaming with mischievous delight.

“…………Ha…Hahahahaha——!!”

Lóni looked down at the sword that had blown up before he released it—he was stunned…and proceeded to laughed. The prison of buds that captured him—the first sentence inscribed on her second trump card…. He realized what it was and what it meant—he shook the buds and laughed hysterically.

He had to laugh, right? He can’t be mad, can he? After all, it’s a prison of buds—the crystal-clear water lily that was slowly trying to bloom again. On the whole surface of one of them, there was an inscription so thin that one could barely see it with the naked eye. It was written in an indigenous language—something along the lines of “well done, idiot.” This was a message from a woman who had been thinking about a man named Lóni Drauvnir for many years. A woman named Think Nirvalen who has been termed as an unprecedented talent in Elven history. She poured all of her passion into it and carved an engraving spell that filled one hundred thirty-seven layers of petals—that is, a gift of flowers made just for him, just for Lóni. The only flower in this world, the only one that bloomed for but a moment—

——Ag Ni Anse, the Everlasting Third Protection……

The one hundred and thirty-seven layered spirit-breaking rite that utilizes the divine essence of Kainas to function. Nina was the first to activate it, but it was shut down by the effects of the Ja La Anse. This is the prototype for the fourth trump card, which will disintegrate any spirits sealed within the closed bud. Yes, any and all—without exception, including the spirits spewed out of the spirit arms—that was the result of the previous. However, the true potential of the flower comes to fruition when it is given to a Dwarf’s spirit, a unique effect to be manifested on Think’s vocal command. A command that symbolized the water lily: the cycle of life and death.

So—from the beginning—there was really no need for Think to run. All she had to do was gracefully approach it, touch its buds, and say the words of the flower. But Think dared to run, forcing him to use and destroy the spirit arms, extinguishing any hope of him to turn the game. She created this war situation out of delusion and madness and used three spirit-breaking rites. What she wanted was for Lóni Drauvnir to be perfect, flawless, and complete. If you describe its glory as trivial, you do not know the value of a man (Lóni) and the craving of a woman (Think).

After a few moments of laughter, Lóni’s eyes caught a glimpse of something. Exactly what he was looking for—a way to control Phantasmas. In other words, the fourth trump card. The Dwarf fleet gathered and crashed into the center of the capital, following gravity and inertia like a dustbowl.

—If they could have contained the magic before they reached the capital, they could have crashed it outside the city. Lóni, who seemed to have figured out why she’d deliberately allowed them to approach, surround, and even advance,

“Many of your friends will be coming down with you, so you won’t be lonely♥”

…You don’t need to know the specifics. Just know that you’ve been defeated, is essentially what Think told him.

—A critical detonation of the Áka Si Anse in the proof of concept reactor. The destruction, which was less than twenty percent of its original power, still obliterated the center of the capital and turned it into a hollow pit. It’s a mere capital city or two, and all the Dwarf ships, even the ones that survived to see the trump card, will be destroyed. It’s too good a deal. If you don’t buy it, then you’re missing out, right?

He had no way of knowing all of them, but he thought he had a pretty good idea of what they were,

“…Ha! Hahahahahahaha!”

Lóni spun his words in an indigenous language, sincerely amused, but not trying to hide his frustration. It was a foul, degrading language that made Think cringe at the sound of it—let alone spoken.

—“Nice work, woman. It was quite a fun game. So, what’s your final trump card?”

If she were to translate it in the most beautiful way possible, it would mean—to hear her last words. Think, who had taken the trouble to learn the vile, vulgar, and indigenous language, replied with a lovely smile.

“——I’m not telling you…I’ll keep my trump card hidden until the very end~♥”

Thinking of the fifth—or rather, the first trump card, Think believes that Lóni is the single biggest reason for her defeat.

—She was overconfident that she could surpass him on her own. Think, the one and only true genius, knew herself.

…I had learned that no one can know themselves. So I didn’t know who I was—and you kept reminding me that I couldn’t know—

I’m not revealing my most prized possession—my cute trump card: Nina♥

Keeping her thoughts to herself, Think touched the Ag Ni Anse—the cycle of life and death. In a single breath, she spun her last words into a flower of true flame that left no losers, not even a trace of spirit—

“——Uapf!”

—Think, who was trying to kill him, and Lóni, who was dying—both instinctively froze. Everyone and everything stopped, glancing toward the source of the voice—a girl who had fallen from the sky. The one who had temporarily lost the ability to fly due to the seal rites, looked around with a bump on her head. It wasn’t even a living thing, to be more exact. It was a weapon of some sort—

“…………………………………………♥”

As for the smiling “out of this world” individual—Aha. More airless than anything else in the forest, that is—yes, the irregularities in the game that no amount of talent could read.

—It was, at least to those two, nothing short of a real calamity————

But, well…… Reality is what it is. No matter how careful you are about your health and how steady your life is, one accident can ruin it. For example—an accident like a disaster that literally fell from the sky. Thinking about the unfortunate accident that was in reality a Flügel, which fell from the sky of the Elven capital without warning—

“Well, there’s always a margin of error in everything, so there’s no point in worrying about it♥”

—was simply dismissed as a trivial error, and she smiled.

—Initially, both the capital and the Dwarves’ fleet were scheduled to be decimated under Think’s plan. There was just a small error caused by some passing chicken. For example—even with the parallel protective magic, the entire capital was destroyed. The fleet that was leisurely hurtling in the sky was casually vaporized by the mere aftermath. The chicken who wandered around, kicking corpses, looted the books and survivors that had been evacuated from the center of the capital, and even left in a cheery mood. It was such a small margin of error!!

Anyway, the result was not too far off from what she was looking for. At any rate, even these are only secondary purposes for the purpose of…

“The main objective—the plan to end the game, is in fullll swing! It’s going without a hitch♪”

“Yes…Senpai, that’s all right…! …B-Because I’ve always believed in you!!”

At the sound of Think’s voice, which resounded fearlessly and cheerfully, Nina was moved to tears.

Yeah, the scale of the damage, the magic systems taken? It’s an error I could care less about! It’s trivial—it’s nothing when you think of the days when you were silent and didn’t speak!

A situation created after so many years of manipulation and building up the war effort! With so many opportunities, so many declarations of victory—!!

—Compared to failing to defeat Lóni Drauvnil—!!

“I’m so happy—this is the first time since the creation of heaven and earth that I’ve seen such a smug face!! I’m in tears over your invincible mental strength to recover after being shut-in for 24 years! I would have died of impetuousness —kyaaa!?”

Thus—on the outskirts of the new capital city of Melvolle, which was moved following the destruction of Melruirne — voices echoed in the hot spring of Nina’s “new” home, built twenty-four years ago, between the two people who had not seen each other for twenty-four years. Of course, there is always that which was unchangeable even after twenty-four years, like Think’s unbridled harassment…and with the summons of the otherworldly tentacles with the same divine power, those endearing emotions turned into a scream and echoed—

——……

—The aftermath of that day’s Heavenly Smite reached the battlefield of Think and Lóni. Throwing everything away with quick precision, Think rushed to Nina’s side with a stack of demi-shifts. And even though she had to fight the monster of nightmares—she managed to escape with Nina. At about the same time she arrived at the new capital city, Melvolle, she had carbonized her gemstone due to an excessive use of magic while risking her life. They received word that Lóni, who had been swept out to sea with Ag Ni Anse, has safely washed up on the beach…

Immediately after, Think retreated to the underground of their new home—never to come out again. She didn’t insult her—but even still, Nina tried to convince her to come out. Just a few times a day, she delivered her meals and daily reports. Later in the day, Nina would retrieve the food tray—and rather than a report, she would receive instructions, and typically nodded along to them.

She said that she would get back on her feet, because she is a good girl! I will continue to be the ostensible Gran Magus and follow orders thoroughly! Such as buying erotic books! And my instructions to wear erotic clothing—I’ve been doing it for twenty-four years—!!

So, considering the courage of Senpai who finally came out, this is the extent of her courage—!!

Think took courage and managed to leave her room, bringing great joy to Nina, even though she had to resist the harassment again with tentacles of aphrodisiac liquid.

“No way, you haven’t bathed in twenty four years, you’ve got overgrown hair that’s become a hairball that smells ferocious, but you’ve got the courage to come out and do this!?”

“It’s been so long since we’ve talked that my ears are out of tune…but now I feel like getting more… involved ♥”

“I’m sorry for my slip of tongue!! Your fragrance is still as beautiful and sweet as ever!! ”

Judging by the accuracy of the tentacles, Think had clearly improved her magical capabilities, which led Nina to correct herself,shaking herself out of her uptight head.

Is she still the same? Is she an unchanging, divine being?

—No way. Her eyes and her magic had been sharpened to an even higher level than before. …It’s going to take me awhile to get my wits about me, which is something not even I would be sure of.

Think plunged her body back into the hot spring and asked the poor girl a question that tried at all costs to neutralize the aphrodisiac effect of the tentacles:

“Ninaaa, did you really think that I would lock myself away…because I was frustrated with failure?”

—I don’t think, I’m sure of it. I’ll kill that Flügel, Lóni, everyone. I will kill them. I will kill them all, no matter how many centuries it takes.

Nina replied silently to Think, with a burning passion, but—

“There’s nothing to worry about~ I’ve never made a mistake in my life—have I?”

Nina gasped at the words that followed, fearlessly and firmly. In other words, the logic that “true geniuses never fail” says only that—

“This isn’t enough—we’ll just have to keep piling on the verification successes indefinitely~♥”

With that, Think generated a small image in her palm and held it up in the air. And then, reflecting on the successes she had verified, she announced what she had been working on in the basement—

“——Eternal Fourth Protection, Kú Li Anse…”

The fifth spirit-breaking rite—Nina understood when she was told of its horrible effects. Oh…Lóni’s survival and the overhead strike. It really was a minor error…

Indeed, it was painful for the Dwarves to know about their four trump cards, which in the first place should’ve been face-down. Both the destruction of the Elves’ capital and the annihilation of the entire Dwarven army were more than just any mere damage. The lack of strength on both sides—it changed the face of the war by making it difficult to take over the war on either side. Each race, each fight—it was enough for make them all seek an alliance. With that in mind, what is the end result?

It’s the future—the future of guiding the battlefield and gathering the enemy within the area of effect. Thus, the conditions for ending the game and fulfilling the victory were in place. Showing the last spell to stand—the Kú Li Anse, Think reiterated her previous statement:

“The plan to end the game is proceeding smoothly—all is in order♥”

Even if the war situation is not out of their thin grasp yet, Nina’s body trembled at the sublime smile that matched Think’s good looks—

“Waa——? Aaa uaaaablub, blub, blub!!”

The tentacles suddenly disappeared, and Nina was thrown into the hot springs, drinking the water through her nose. While nearly drowning—she felt a sharp, chilling sensation seep into her head.

“…There’s something in the house, isn’t there…?”

Nina whispered, instantly changing her mind as she understood Think’s intentions.

—Something was here, in her home. Something that was unidentifiable, something that did not inform Think of its intrusion.

“…Is this about me…or Senpai…?”

Whatever it is, it’s an enemy. The question is, however—whose enemy? The obvious answer would be Nina. After all, this is Nina Clive’s home, the Gran Magus. But with Think Nirvalen lurking in the background, and an enemy whose true identity is unknown to even her—

“……I will go….you stay here.”

After a few seconds of fidgeting—she was told to stay back. Implored, even. Think then became almost any entirely different person, from the switch in her facial expression to her tone of voice, movements, and even gestures—her entire being completely changed, and she quietly left the hot spring. With a snap—Nina nodded gravely at Think, who adjusted her hair and clothes with a single snap of her fingers.

—What is it…no. Who, what, and how. Who is it—and how much do they know. I’m going to find out everything about it, and if I can, I’m going to kill it, Think swore to herself—

“…How do you do? I’m afraid I’ve made myself at home.”

—The it greeted her with a twisted smile, and an eerily flickering black stare.

…Nina still couldn’t believe what she had seen, she was in a state of total confusion.

“S-Senpai! I-I must go after that dirt—no, let me go after it!!”

She popped out of the shadows, following the back of the thing that had claimed to be a ghost. Nina had no idea what it was—she couldn’t possibly know. The incomparably gifted woman ponders in silence, and with murderous intent seems to have taken on mass, and she knew of only one thing.

—He didn’t let her know anything. Think Nirvalen—it was as if she had been treated like a child. Whatever it is—it’s too dangerous—!! However…

“…Ninaaa~ That thing, do you know what it is…?”

“W-What…i-if you don’t know, th-than how should I—!?”

Nina squealed, but caught Think’s gaze and gasped.

—Are we dealing without someone who doesn’t expect to be pursued…?

The reason as to why Nina unknowingly hesitated in her pursuit—in other words, she might as well have lost her life if she had gone any farther. You are the one who has the urge to follow—no, rage, enmity, and humiliation. All of my burning emotions.

The one whose eyes held Nina back with reason bordering on madness waited for her answer. Nina took a deep breath, let her thoughts wander…and opened her mouth.

“…I-it looked to me like…maybe, it was a player.”

She murmured as if she was trying to figure out something vague that she herself did not understand. Nina pondered as Think rested her head on the desk and waited for her to continue. The voice, the gaze, and the gestures of the ghost that was clad in rags and animal skin and whose outline could not be discerned were the same as those seen in Think. The player’s unmistakable—and intense—will. But still, something was…different. That’s what Nina didn’t know…no,

“…But, that thing—was something that no one knows yet—”

This time, Nina asserted firmly, staring back into the eyes of Think, and thought:

—I wonder if that thing had really noticed me hiding behind the pillar. Why would someone who was powerful enough to see through an octa caster be so thorough in hiding his true identity? Why do they choose to—no one should have to—!

Nina finally spoke up regarding the discomfort she felt.

“That thing…is playing a game with different rules from the rest…”

In Think Nirvalen’s case, she intended to conquer victory by exterminating everything on the face of the earth. Lóni Drauvnir was likely no different. No—in this game, where even the gods are engaged in warfare, there are minor differences in the targets, scope, and means of warfare, but at the end of the day, the means and ends are the same for everyone…however—the ghost…

“I-It seems to me that he’s…aiming for a different kind of victory than everyone else…”

While sincerely hoping that no one would die, and yet never doubts his own victory. It was a contradictory thought, but for some reason, Nina was—convinced.

—This was exactly the fear she once had—the reality of a third player. No one can do anything about it. The game will end unilaterally, without question—

“The ghost’s goal itself is simple~”

Nina shivered with anxiety but Think nodded and smiled with satisfaction.

“My plan and his…you could say they’re exactly the same♥”

Think’s plan—in other words, what Nina had just told her: let the major races form alliances and create a grand coalition in front of a common virtual enemy—Artosh. After gathering them all together in one place…they’ll use the Áka Si Anse—and wipe them all out. However, there was only one difference:

“I’m going to play my final trump card—and crush you all to win the war♪”

She now understood what the ghost meant by the E-Bomb—the insanity of detonating such essence is astonishing. If it’s true that it’s already completed, that’s also, frankly, surprising. Above all, the insanity of claiming to have surpassed the Áka Si Anse was the biggest surprise of all. As usual, the crazy mole who doesn’t know his place must be eradicated.

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Ghost—you’ve saved me a lot of trouble♥”

Indeed—aside from the details, the existence of the Áka Si Anse has been leaked. It was obvious that Lóni Drauvnir would prepare something that would come close to its power. That’s why Think was in such a rush to develop the fifth spirit-breaking rite—

——Eternal Fourth Protection, Kú Li Anse……

One of the sixty-seven-layered spirit-breaking rites that utilizes the blessings of Kainas to function. The strongest defense in principle—it’s a seal rite that simply seals the spirits of the boundary plane of action. In principle, no action can break the veil that is created by stopping the temporal overlapping of spirits. There are no exceptions to the rule, whether it’s the Flügel’s Heavenly Smite, the Dwarves’ E-Bomb, or even the Áka Si Anse. There is no contraption in the world that can defeat the strongest shield in the world.

So—shoot each other. The only ones who will survive are us…but—

“Well, it seems…beyond that—there’s yet another person…”

Think mumbled with a wry smile and started to walk away, but then she turned around.

“It’s fine…it’s just one more person I’ll definitely eradicate~♥”

She said, her smile twisting into a provocative, deadly grin.

“There’s still one trump card—the Kú Li Anse.”

But as she hurriedly followed her back, Nina wondered—was it her imagination?

“Let’s see what you’ve got, Mr. Ghost—let’s see if you can keep us on our toes until the very end♪”

Nina, in turn, listening to her partner, had a slight impression that her words did not carry the usual full confidence, so she asked a question:

“S-Senpai! Another thing—you said you have another trump card up your sleeve. Can’t you use that!?”

In addition to the spirit-breaking rite for use against Lóni, there was one more card that was not revealed to Nina. Nina thought she should ask her about the details, however, Think turned around gently. A small—troubled smile appeared on her face—

“I’ve already used it♪ And this time, I’m expecting it to go awry♥”

She smiled mischievously and didn’t tell her, sticking out her little tongue——

And then—Think Nirvalen’s day of destiny came. The sun was warm enough to make her sleepy, and she gazed blankly into the sky.

…Her long ears picked up only the sound of wind and waving grass. It was like drifting through a slumbering sensation. The eyes that held the six diamonds were gazing at the answer to an old, old question—the glow of heaven. It was a light so blue that it could envelope one entirely. Sunlight pouring down—white clouds drifting through the sky. Elves, Dwarves, and all who had fought against them fell to the ground as if they had been let down gently. She chuckled at the giant chess board towering beyond, thinking that it must’ve been an afterthought.

—Apparently, this was the true color of the sky. It seems that now that the long war has finally reached its end, the world has decided to take on a beautiful form…That’s what she came to understand, and with a serene smile, she finally understood……

She was defeated.

……Ah, it seems like I’ve lost, again …

It was neither anger nor surprise that came to her heart as she was defeated once again.

—Yeah, I knew it.

It was a reaffirmation that her “greatest trump card” would not fail her. And yet, such a reliable trump card herself can’t seem to recover from her stupor,

“…Uh, Senpai…? What…what the hell…happened, in the end…?”

She slumped down next to her and asked her with a stupid look on her face.

—I’d like to know what’s going on too, Nina complained inwardly, correcting herself. What had happened, Think had seen it all and knew it all. It was just—

“It seems the game is over—that means…they beat us to it…♪”

In the end, I lost, Think replied shortly, rising from her heels. Then, she gracefully walked away, and for a moment, she faced the horizon, imagining such a ghost. In other words, that self-proclaimed ghost was not a ghost—and rather apart of the monkeys who now seem to be called Immanity. He was able to move everything through to the end with ease, including those Ex-Machina. And thus—

——only “killed” the world… The contradiction of hoping that no one dies, but never doubting victory, is thus resolved. I see, Think was honestly ashamed of her own inadequacies.

—Instead of wasting time trying to kill every single race, it’s much easier to just break the board and end the game, no? Think felt as if she were being told that by the ghost—she couldn’t help but gulp.

…But if I may be so bold as to admit defeat. Think looked up to the heavens, wondering about the question that still lingered after seeing it all unfold. In other words—why did it determine who would be the One True God—

“…I thought that Kainas would be more useful than tissue paper, but it seems I was a fool~”

—I’ve never heard of such a rule… Think cursed herself, as she put it, for being a incompetent fool who couldn’t even get her act together.

—“What are Old Deus…”

If I’m right about that too-late consideration, that hypothesis—

Think sighed deeply and lamented over her biggest loss, an oversight so stupid.

“I should have killed that incompetent bastard Kainas first…”

“—S-Senpai!? Even if it’s true, please keep your grudges to a minimum!! You know you’ll be punished greatly, right!?”

Think laughed at Nina, who hurriedly stopped her, unaware that she had just agreed to be salacious. Yeah, that’s how it’s always been. But, from now on—things will be different. Thinking about the words the cocky little shit who just recreated the world, she continued.

“If it’s reasonable to punish someone for disobeying you just because you created them, can you kill a child who disobeys their parents? For such a small, hysterical no-good failure of a god, a cold toilet seat is more appropriate than the seat of the only god at least, that’s how I feel♥”

In order to clear up the years of resentment—as well as to reiterate a certain point—she lays out all she can say. Before Think walks with Nina, who is confused and flustered beyond belief—she turns…

…to the sight of a man standing over her with a mass of iron,

“—L…Lóni Drauvnir—!?”

Nina gasped and shouted out his name.

—Two players who wanted each other more than anyone else in the Great War, who confirmed that they had found each other—concurrently. Think Nirvalen has refined her magic even further than before. Lóni Drauvnir had likely reached a higher level as well. As if it were natural. As if it were a contract, a pledge. With all their might—they shattered the earth. Two players who promised raging destruction—but faster than they can collide, no questions asked. The power to say “no” to contracts, pledges, promises, and everything in between—in other words:

【 Ⅰ 】 In this world, all bodily injury, war, and plunder is forbidden.

—I’ve been screwed over by these rules, which apparently have really been enacted.

Not only did they try to harm each other—they didn’t even know how to harm each other. The spirits—no, the magic of destroying the Ixseed was forbidden from the very beginning and dissipated into thin air. Elf and Dwarf, the strongest of the two, smiled at one another and snapped back. Words were unnecessary. The Great War—the practical war game—is over. It has come to an end. The two of them, who are merely losers, have no right to argue—if that’s the case…

“Ninaaa? I want all the best children in the world right now—we’re building a country.”

“Right away~♪ …—ehhhh!? C-C-Country!? B-But why—”

When Nina screamed, changing from a striking reply, Think continued nonchalantly. There are no Elves who understand the situation at this time—that’s why it was an opportunity she couldn’t ignore. We’ll take this opportunity to split the Elves—and become independent. And then…

“If we don’t start the game soon, we’ll lose the first move♪”

—That is, the Elves were running the risk of being the idiots exploited by those who were faster to enter the game. She was just about to ask for help—she was going to have to tell him.

So—you lost the game? Then just start the next game.

The settlement of the practical war game was carried over to an abstract war game—to the world of Disboard.

—Perhaps no one will ever know how and by whom the war ended. I have no obligation to tell anyone about this advantage. I’m not even going to record it. It’s also good that we’ve been able to constrain the operation of the Imperial Guard from the ground up—what a convenience. Suddenly, magic was bound…and all races would be in turmoil for the time being. But we are the ones who have already subverted the magic system twice. In that case, it’s time to overturn it once more. If we want, we can do it right here, right now——!! I will kill them. No matter how many hundreds, thousands, or even generations it takes, I swear I will. That filthy mole, the bird, the monkey, that little shit…they’re all mine. I will not give them up to anyone. I’ve got a lot of work to make that happen.

Think giggled, thinking to herself pleasantly.

“…I’m…I’m really tired…I think I need a break…”

But all that came back was the exhausted sigh of a burned-out Nina.

—All those years of work, but in the end—it was all for naught. Even so—she was still told, without a break, “Now, onto the next game”. Even though she wasn’t the only one, she was still a genius, and Think knew herself. If it weren’t for this genius and her indomitable heart—or maybe even a broken heart…

Then…

“Then, by virtue of the Covenants—we will play a game~♥”

Thus—Think Nirvalen became the first person to propose a game since the end of the war.

“If we can establish the country within the time limit, Nina wins—that’s the gist of this game.”

—She proposed a game based on the Ten Covenants.

【 Ⅵ 】 Wagers sworn by the Covenants are absolutely binding.

Nina rolls her eyes as she remembers the new rules of the game but Think continues to smile at her.

“Ninaaa, what should I bet—for you to continue playing with me?”

“…………Ah…Senpai…I…”

Nina gave a small gasp at the thought of Think hidden in that smile.

—I can’t even begin to express my gratitude. But still—I lost. We’ll win next time…and she needs me to do it. So, what do I need? She told Nina that she would accept any request, but what would she say? In the end—

“Th-Then—l-let’s, I, er…please marry me!!!”

…,

……Eh…eheheheh~ As expected of you, Ninaaa~

Think was impressed by such a bold move, which surpassed the assumptions she had made and prepared for, from tentacle payback to subversion.

“…Ninaaa, the first post-war Elf nation to allow same-sex marriage…how liberal of you~”

“——No. I-I! I…is it!? I—”

Nina’s love affair with her was something that she had known about from the beginning. As for Think herself…well, to be honest, she’s not quite sure what love is…but marriage?

Marriage. To become husband and wife. To make a vow to spend the rest of one’s life together.

…Contrary to her relatively calm thoughts—

“A-ah, it’s okay!? I don’t give a shit about traditional conservatism, and I don’t care if it’s with Nina—y-you see, I am a genius, aren’t I? I thought this might happen! I’ve been working on procreation magic for same-sex couples…ah, just give me fifteen minutes to adapt it to the new rule of using Elementals~♥”

Think, strangely buoyant and restless, began to construct the spell.

She didn’t know why her eyes were out of focus and her warm cheeks were forcing a smile, but she didn’t want Nina to notice any of it. And, as desired, Nina didn’t notice, because she said this with the determination and weight of a lifetime—and told her the truth:

“A-Ah…I-I’m, um—I’m a…man…”

——

————

…E-eheheh~ again again again~ she’s obviously joking~♥ I’m not sure why she’d lie about something that can be revealed with a single shot of analysis magic♪ I’m able to use magic very easily, you know. I am a genius after all~!! That’s right~ the Great War was lost, right? But, you see, I’ve read the world to a very fine point.

“NINA CLIVE —HAVE YOU BEEN DECEIVING ME ALL THESE YEARS?”

When the analysis magic answered “man,” Think heard the sounds of her emotions freezing. Emotions that were at the boiling point transitioning to the freezing point. Up and then down… Indeed. In the midst of an unimaginable sadness, her broken heart stopped to defend itself—one step at a time.

—Thank you for everything you’ve done up until now. At the very least, I hope you die in peace, knowing no pain.

Then Nina saw “death” approaching one step at a time, involving an elemental aura capable of charring the heavens and the earth. Therefore, her only alternative was to shout out her justifications:

“I-I’m not deceiving youuu!! Hey!! I never once said I was a woman!”

“You didn’t lie, just omitted, huh…if you have a better excuse, please hurry up with it♥”

“No, don’t you realize that I’ve tried to tell you so many times!? But then you always interrupt me—”

“You dressed like a woman; you washed my body thoroughly to take advantage of every corner of it, but you ‘tried to tell me several times’? …Okay, got it, next♥”

“I didn’t dress as a woman and I didn’t take advantage of it!! I had to endure Senpai’s ‘excitement’—I’d rather get a compliment, wouldn’t you!?”

I shouldn’t have to endure this impending death, Nina complained—regretfully.

“Be honest, are you really telling me that you always acted your natural way, with no intention of hiding or deceiving me, and yet you never made me question that you were a man?”

“————I’m terribly sad to admit that as a man, but…yes…”

Nina was in tears and nodding off, but Think smiled like the sun—and thought:

…Pretty face, thin shoulders, high, clear voice… If, even after the revelation, to my eyes they look like a lovely girl…

A man who, at this very moment, leaves no doubt in Think Nirvalen’s eyes—

“You’re already a girl~♥”

As soon as it was determined, Think compiled the spell with divine speed, however—it did not work and fizzled out,

“…Ah. Is changing another’s sex without consent a violation of the Ten Covenants? …Tsk.”

“Wait a minute!! Did you just try to turn me into a girl without even asking me!?”

Think gave one wry smile in response to Nina’s scream as she received the first protection by Ten Covenants since the war.

“Well~ Nina is Nina, you know. Gender doesn’t really matter.”

Think then looked away from her own unmanageable emotions, and with a sly smile—

“…It’s okay. As long as Nina loses the game—”

…And that’s why, with a smile that would make anyone fall in love with her—she told him:

“I, Think Nirvalen, vow to be Nina’s wife.”

After hearing those words, Nina’s breath stopped for a moment—

“—Ah…r-right! Yes!! I-I’ll make sure to finish building the country on time!!”

Nina was in tears, determined, and overflowing with fighting spirit.

“But if you lose—Nina is going to be my wife~♥”

“Got it! —W-Wait, wh-what!? I-I have to bet as well!?”

【 Ⅲ 】 Games shall be played for wagers that each agrees are of equal value.

“If I want Senpai to be my wife, I bet I’ll be your wife, too—is that really of ‘equal value’!?”

If I lose, I get a sex change, Nina thought to himself as he complained about the unfairness of the risk.

“…Yes~ …I don’t think you’ll want me as a wife if I become a man…”

Smile so self-deprecatingly, he turned to the depressed Think——

“What are, the deadlines…and requirements to achieve founding our nation…?”

The true nature of this new game has revealed itself—bargaining.

Looking into Nina’s eyes as she was asked cautiously, Think began,

“You must rule at least two cities, set up an administration, and set up a plenipotentiary♪ The deadline is—”

Then she murmured, as if to check on him:

“—Two years…”

“T-T-Two years!? Ah—all right!! If I’m going to have it, I’ll give it my all and—”

And this reaction of his was exactly what made him the final trump card. Think giggled inwardly, using her precious trump card once more, and announced with another smile:

“—Less than that♥ Within a year and eleven months! Go for it~♥”

“Wait—ehhhh!? Th-That’s impossible!! A-Are you serious!?”

Ignoring Nina, who had just lost a month, and now declared it impossible, Think continued:

“Well, whatever the results are, we’ll be husband and wife in two years. Here, let me see your hands~♪”

Nina organized the bet—and Think proceeded to lift his hand up.

—He was moved by the fact that she had said “yes” to his marriage proposal, regardless of its duration or his gender. He was terrified of the very serious question whether he could become a man or a woman.

…A game that has already been won or lost. She held up a trembling hand—not quite realizing that it was Nina himself who had made the decision. But that’s as it should be. After all—no one can know themselves. Just as Think Nirvalen cannot know Think Nirvalen.

—Nina Clive also cannot know Nina Clive.

So, you just have to…know someone who knows you better than you know yourself. …Who can believe in someone else more than they believe in themselves?

That is, in the case of Think, for example, the first person to smile sincerely at him.

—“Senpai…why do you try so hard to always smile?”…

The person who made her realize that she was “trying” and “smiling” unconsciously. So, if Nina believes that it is possible for Think, then it is possible. If Think believes that it is possible for Nina, then it is possible. Make it possible. We can make it possible—We will make it possible. On the other hand—if you believe it’s possible, then it’s impossible no matter how it turns out… Such as when I was told that there was nothing I could do in front of the ghost that day,

—Think should’ve dropped out of the game. As soon as you hope to be wrong—you’ve lost the game…

…but Nina doesn’t know that. Think didn’t teach him that. “How can an ordinary person work as a Gran Magus if he’s only been given a pamphlet?”—the thing that comes to mind is… If Nina believed that Think could do it, he would do whatever it took. That’s why, if Think believes it’s impossible—she will make it impossible for herself.

I’ll tell you about it…well. Another time, Think laughs.

A trump card—is a trump card because it stays down until the final moment♥

And so—to the final phrase that signals the end of the practical war game. It is also the opening phrase of a new world, the abstract war game. With Think Nirvalen. Nina Clive. Together, they took a breath.

—Which one will be the wife? It’s a serious matter for all parties involved, but it’s time to start thinking about it. But at the height of their power, they swore an oath to begin a great campaign of dominance that would engulf a third of the land—

“Now—let the games beginnn♥”

Leaving the last word, the two declared a rematch in high spirits. A declaration of war against the new game; a promise of revenge.

“—Aschente——!!”

TRANSLATION NOTES

As ë a Aranion: The Quenya (one of the languages spoken by the Elves) name of Kingsfoil, or Athelas, which was an herb that possessed healing powers. A more direct translation of this phrase would be “Beneficial of Kings”.

Eva Le Sierra: Eva is Latin for Eve, meaning life. Sierra means mountain range. My guess is that, going off of the kanji’s meaning of “Grass Sky Ship”, it’s referring to “Life Among the Mountain Ranges”, which I feel could represent a “grass sky” in some way shape or form. I couldn’t really find anything else other than Eva, so this will have to do.

Awawawa~: The original Japanese is ヘラヘラ～ or “herahera,” which is a written way to describe the sound made when one is in confusion, comedically of course. “Awawawa” fits better in English as it’s commonly used in translated works (from what I’ve seen) to work as a written reaction of confusion.

Helluin: Helluin was the name in Middle-earth for the star known today as Sirius, the “Dog Star”. It was part of Telumehtar, the name the Elves gave to the constellation Orion.

Vá Ru Pullum: Official TL by Yen Press calls it Vá-lu-Plums, but personally that doesn’t sound right, and it doesn’t help that they didn’t leave TL notes. According to another team’s translation of the term, Vár is a Norse goddess associated with oaths and agreements. “Pullum” means pull in Icelandic/Scandinavia/Latin, where Norse stemmed from, so the ship’s meaning is “The Pull of Vár”. However, in the Japanese text, ヴァー・ル・プルム, differs greatly as it’s three separate words having nothing to do with Vár or pulling. Even with those notes existing, I just went for a more literal translation for it, as I can’t determine what is right or wrong.

In Carrion: Carrion refers to the decaying of flesh of dead animals. The kanji is 刻印変式, which means “Engraved Variation”, likely referring to a change in the patterns on Think’s forehead and hands. So, using this knowledge, the furigana could likely be the name she calls it, literally meaning “In the Decaying” or something. I honestly have no clue lol.

Va Yu Anse: All of the Protection/Blessing spells used by the Elves originate from Pancha Bhoota Indian cosmology system of the elements. Vayu means Air/Wind, and since the kana is ヴァー・ユ・アンセ (Vu~ā yu anse), it would be Va Yu Anse.

Ja La Anse: All of the Protection/Blessing spells used by the Elves originate from Pancha Bhoota Indian cosmology system of the elements. Jala means Water, and since the kana is ジアー・ラ・アンセ (Jiā ra anse), it would be Ja La Anse.

Ag Ni Anse: All of the Protection/Blessing spells used by the Elves originate from Pancha Bhoota Indian cosmology system of the elements. Agni means Fire, and since the kana is アグ・ニ・アンセ (Agu ni anse), it would be Ag Ni Anse.

Six Virtues: Originate from a book called Character Strengths and Virtues by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. It attempts to present a measure of humanist ideals of virtue in an empirical, rigorously scientific manner. The Six Virtues are six classes that categorize many human ideals under a specific virtue.