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See, if we keep unrolling this roll of thread, then we wont have to worry about finding our way back.

So says Alexia while proceeding through the underground passage.

Yay us.

So replies Beta from behind while yawning.

Did you just yawn?!

Nope. But we have been at this for more than half a day already, so how about lets go home? Shes probably not in the underground labyrinth anyways.

I wonder indeed. I got the information from a pretty trustworthy source though

How about lets go back for now and re-confirm the information?

The twos footsteps echo around the underground passage illuminated by Alexias magic light.

The monotonous passage continues into the distance.

Abruptly, Beta senses an enormous magic signature, and stops her feet.

After a slight delay, Alexia also stops, and turns around.

Just now someone used magic. And an incredibly big one at that

Perhaps it was Rose-sama?

By the way, did you sense it even faster than me?

Mere coincidence. I am only proficient enough to protect myself.

Well, whatever. Lets hurry.

The two begin running towards where the magic had come from.

Then they pass through a large, broken door, and find themselves in an old cathedral.

Rose-senpai

There stands Rose, with her eyes closed.

At her feet are several men wearing black who are no longer breathing. Sensing Roses vibe being different from usual, Alexia does not approach any further.

So its Alexia-san

Rose slowly opens her eyes.

That magic, what happened

Power was given to me, and I I will walk the path that I believe in.

So saying, Rose walks past Alexia.

W-, wait a moment! What is going on anyways?! Why did you stab your fianc?!

Rose turns only her head around at Alexias shout.

Alexia-san Im sorry, but I dont want to drag you into my problems.

Then she gazes at Alexia as if looking at something bright.

Just tell me the reason! I cant help you if you shut me out!

Telling you would already be dragging you in.

Alexia glares into Roses eyes.

Inside the Holy Ground we could not do a thing. Not knowing who is right and who is bad, we were there merely as onlookers. I have this really strong feeling that if I remain in the dark, someday something really important to me is going to be stolen away. We talked about this, didnt we?! Thats why we said wed protect whats important to us, all 3 of us, together!!

Listening to Alexias words, Rose seems to be looking at a faraway place.

I really wanted to believe in the words from that day. But in spite of that, why are you looking at me with those eyes? Are you also treating me like just another onlooker?!

Im sorry

Answer me!

Roses smile is tainted heavily with sorrow.

I can no longer return. Thats why Im envious.

I dont get it. Are you saying that youre envious of an onlooker who doesnt know anything?!

Thats not what I meant. I have already lost many things, and surely will lose many more things from here on. Everyone will reject me and curse me as evil.

What is it that you plan on doing?

Im sorry I have to go now.

Rose begins walking, but Alexia stops her with a tongue click.

Stop right there.

So saying, Alexia draws her sword.

Ive had enough. Ill stop you even if I have to use force. I am no onlooker.

Rose also draws her thin sword.

Alexia and Rose gaze at each other. In Alexias red eyes is anger, and in Roses honey-colored eyes is deep sorrow.

Roses sword flickers.

The next instant, both of them move at the same time.

Their reaction is concurrent, the speed of their sword is equal, and their skill is on par with each other.

For the briefest of moments, surprise flashes in Roses eyes. Rose is the strongest in the Magic Swordsman Academy. There should have been a significant difference in skill between her and Alexia. At the very least, thats how things had been when they entered the academy.

However, Alexias sword has grown so much in such a short period of time. Furthermore, Alexias sword bears great resemblance tohissword.

Indeed, Alexias sword is Shadows sword.

The two swords clash.

Magic flashes and stains the cathedral.

Though the two are even, the result is clear.

Alexias sword flies through the air, while the pommel of Roses sword slams into Alexias chin.

Thus Alexia crumples from her knees.

What decided the match was simply the difference in the amount of magic.

If Alexia had the same amount as Rose theres no telling what the result would have been.

Im very sorry.

With a final apology, Rose walks away.

Then she notices Natsume.

Strangely, she had completely failed to sense Natsumes presence.

Natsume-sensei Im sorry, but I have to go.

I wont stop you. I dont have the right to stop you.

So says Natsume with an unreadable face.

The Natsume in Roses memory always had a gentle expression.

Its just Im a bit surprised, I suppose. It seems that the idiot had thought things out in her idiotic way. The three of us are from different countries, different organizations, have different personalities, and have different beliefs. However, we were heading towards the same goal. Perhaps we actually made a pretty good group

Natsume-sensei..?

I bid you godspeed. Our paths will surely cross again. Until then, Ill be babysitting for a little while longer.

So saying, Natsume kneels down and tends to Alexia.

Natsume-sensei, who are you?

You should get going. Shes only unconscious, and will wake up soon.

Natsume flashes a slightly impish smile.

Theres so much to ask.

But both understand that neither are in the mood to answer anything.

Well then

Rose turns around, and vanishes.

Natsume rests Alexias head on her knees and sighs.

So this is your decision, Shadow-sama?

The figures of the three heroes and the tragic demon depicted on the stained glass somehow seem to be hinting at something.