Chapter 113:You can't climb Quain's Stone by yourself

　My eyes won't open fully, and it feels like my blood circulation is so poor that my blood vessels are clogged.

　But the blood still dripping from his nose and wounds shows no sign of stopping, and he wonders if he's getting enough blood. Maybe letting a little bit of blood out would be just right for his overheated head.

　Subaru shook his head, his perception of the world slowing a little after being hit so hard, and thought to himself.

　Most of the time, it felt like I was just standing there waiting to be punched.

　I had no intention of just standing there, but no matter how hard I punched or kicked, my attacks missed. Every time I got hit, I spat out blood, bit down on the pain, and stood up with a mysterious smile on my face, as if to say that my attacks had no effect. I repeated this over and over.

　There's no way it doesn't work.

　My body was already in a state of disarray, both inside and out, and I even felt as if all my internal organs had exploded and mixed together. I also had the illusion that the bones supporting my body had been shattered into powder, and it was nothing short of a miracle that my four limbs were still able to move according to my will.

　However, none of this is a miracle product.

　Every time Subaru was on the verge of losing consciousness, every time he was on the verge of falling, a scathing rebuke grabbed him by the scruff of the neck, pulling him towards it.

　A sharp, burning pain tingles from within my chest - this overly Spartan approach feels like my brain is being burned.

　Even though it was what he had asked for, his ruthless manner made him grimaced.

　Subaru's loss of consciousness was prevented with some trickery, but Garfiel had plenty of ways of stopping him.

　And yet, it was entirely Garfiel's own decision not to inflict any damage on Subaru, who recklessly rose to his feet, that would completely disable him.

　If Subaru were to receive a direct hit from a perfectly healthy Garfiel, he wouldn't stand a chance. With just one hit, his body would quickly turn into a mushy lump of flesh.

　Of course, the reason this doesn't happen is due in part to the fact that Garfiel has suffered heavy damage thanks to the valiant fighting of Otto and Ram, but Garfiel has come all the way here despite his injuries, and he has fangs that can kill Subaru with one bite, and claws that can slice him to pieces with one swing.

　The reason this isn't the case is due to Garfiel's inability to deliver a fatal blow to others, no matter his own condition.

　In the end, Garfiel is just too kind - that's probably what it comes down to.

　Lewes and the others, Frederica, and even Ram all described Garfiel in this way.

　His heart is so delicate that it is hard to imagine it given his usual rough temperament and rough behavior. Although he uses violent words, his strength has always been nurtured inward, in a protective direction.

　It's something that is unforgivable to me, something that could destroy my "sanctuary".

　Even when faced with such an opponent, he is unable to make the decision to take his life.

"――――"

　Subaru is aware that he is taking advantage of Garfiel's temperament and kindness.

　Of course, when dealing with Garfiel, it was a given that he would use his personality to his advantage. With Garfiel being someone who couldn't be shaken off by his kindness, Subaru had a certain confidence that "he wouldn't be killed."

　Even so, Garfiel was completely injured and he was still being beaten like this.

　Had he been up against him in top condition, it would have been far more than this. For that, he was grateful to Otto and Ram for fighting outside of Subaru's expectations.

　--Could it be that they're both dead?

　Given Garfiel's personality, he is unable to make the decision to kill Subaru, so it is hard to imagine him killing both of them. Even if that were to happen, Garfiel is not the kind of man who would hide it with his attitude.

　Above all, if he had actually killed Ram, there would have been no reason for him to appear in human form to stop Subaru. It would have been natural for him to just accept it and reveal his beast form.

　He didn't deny Subaru's words that he couldn't have killed him.

　If so, that will be the end of the battle between Otto and Garfiel.

"--Ooooooooh."

　Before Subaru's very eyes, Garfiel's body, which was embracing him, changed.

　Its arms and legs grew not just once but twice as big, and its torso also grew in size and thickness. Its claws and fangs became as sharp as swords, and its facial features transformed from those of a human to those of a wild feline beast with a loud noise.

　His exposed skin was completely covered in golden fur, and he braced himself on the ground with his limbs.

　--What appeared before him was a great golden tiger, its pupils narrowing and reflecting Subaru.

　There's no way to stop Subaru unless he kills him.

　After swinging his fist countless times, Garfiel finally came to that conclusion.

　And so Garfiel makes the decision to kill Subaru, whom he must kill.

　Awakening the blood and animal instincts sleeping within himself, he transforms into a great tiger and takes Subaru's life.

　So that he wouldn't have to face the moment of decision in the form of a beast that had lost its rationality.

"But that's wrong, Garfiel."

　Kindness is not being able to kill someone or swing your fist at them.

　The decision to protect a "sanctuary" in order to protect one's own heart and the hearts of those around oneself is also an act of kindness.

　But trying to escape to a place where he won't have to see what he's done in order to kill someone he can't kill has nothing to do with kindness. It's Garfiel's weakness.

　And Natsuki Subaru did not hesitate to exploit that weakness.

「Please, my body. Don't let it get crushed by something like this!」

　Garfiel had transformed into his beast form, and Subaru was now reflecting his fierce hostility.

　The limbs began to flex, a sign that a wild beast was about to pounce on Subaru and devour him.

　Therefore, this was the only time he could make a decision, so after clenching his molars once, Subaru became conscious of the very center of his body - the gate connected to his abdomen, and raised his voice.

"--Shamaaaaak!!"

"――――"

　The moment Otora opened his mouth, the world responded with a shout that was poured out with all his heart and soul.

　An explosion of black smoke erupted between Subaru and the beast, completely engulfing the towering bulk of the beast. Just before he was about to be swallowed, his arm stretched out as if to shake off the smoke, but it vanished beyond the smoke without reaching anything.

　When we are swallowed up by the expanding darkness of the abyss, the forcible unfolding incomprehension drags life towards its end.

"Uh, Ah..."

　Immediately after witnessing this, Subaru felt a shock wave strike his skull, as if he had been hit sideways on the head.

　Subaru felt a sharp pain, as if an awl had been driven into his head from both the outside and the inside, and his vision flashed red and light scattered everywhere. It was an excruciating pain that felt like it was chipping away at his very soul - but he somehow managed to swallow it and chew it over.

　Overusing the gate that I was told not to use.

　Subaru had once again used magic, despite being told by the capital's greatest user of healing magic that he might never be able to use it again.

　He felt an invisible gate burning into him. The gate in the center of his body, its base shook violently, and something far away, separate from Subaru's flesh, was torn apart.

　The pain of being roughly and messily ripped away.

　Along with the sense of irreparable loss, understanding came to Subaru's heart.

"Thank you."

　The line that I have relied on so many times before is snapped.

　It doesn't matter. An option that never existed in the first place has simply been eliminated in a real sense.

　But still, it's thanks to that strength that I've been able to get this far, and for that I'm grateful.

　So this is goodbye.

"――――"

　Look ahead.

　The last of the magic he squeezed out was unable to completely envelop Garfiel's massive body. It only covered the head, which was the most important part, but the right half of his body was still visible.

　Even if I try my best, I can only get so far.

　I exhale through my nose. In the process, the blood clot that had been blocking my nose spills out. I roughly wipe it away with my sleeve and take a step forward, my feet almost collapsing.

　His hand reaches out to his chest. He feels something solid in his hand, and secretly feels relieved that it hasn't broken in the melee so far. If it's gone, there's no chance of victory, no shit.

"――――

　In front of me, the black smoke was gradually starting to fade.

　How many seconds had passed since I had used the magic? Ten seconds? Five seconds? Maybe even less. I really didn't have a shred of magical talent. But right now I'm grateful for that.

　The right half of the giant tiger is visible, a body trapped in a world of incomprehension and unable to move.

　The fact that the magic was currently incomplete deprived Subaru of the need to hesitate about his aim.

　Therefore, you won't be confused about where your feet are heading.

　Right foot, left foot. It's too slow to be called a run. But it's a slow sprint with momentum.

　And then, the giant body approached close enough to touch.

"Come down to my ring. --Garfiel."

　Subaru pulled out a glowing blue crystal from his pocket and thrust it into that thick right shoulder - stabbing it.

　The light overflowed.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"After your contract with Emilia ends, you will return to being a free spirit... right?"

"Well, that's how it is. However, even though I'm a freelancer, my own power is very large. An ordinary person like me wouldn't be able to cover the mana I need to maintain. Besides, no matter who the opponent is, I have no intention of making a contract with anyone other than Leah."

"The mana needed to sustain you is... not enough unless you do something about it?"

"That's right. For example, if Subaru were to try to subjugate me, even if he borrowed the power of the mana in the atmosphere… well, I think he'd dry up within a day or so."

"Hmm...? That sounds more like you than I thought. So, can you even fight?"

"Today's the perfect day to have me with you while I'm not materialized. If I materialized, I'd probably dry up in about 10 seconds. Want to try it?"

"No thanks. But what happened to my story about affinity with spirits?"

"Maybe I should add the disclaimer "with ordinary spirits. And even if it doesn't mean it like that... my circumstances are special. In the truest sense, I am a spirit for Lia."

『――――』

『The plan to surprise Lia by using me as a servant since my contract has expired has fallen through.』

"I didn't bring up this idea to surprise you or do some other prank. But... I see. My guess was wrong."

"I'm sorry. And even if it did work out, there's the issue of the vessel... I mean, I guess it can be managed here."

"By vessel... is it like the crystal stone that Emilia wears around her neck?"

"That thing is quite special, though. Fortunately, there should be something made of the same material around here, so if I borrow a little of it I should be able to do something. Either way, even if you trap me in a crystal, the mana needed to keep me trapped inside is very..."

『--Hey, I want to ask something.』

"Hmm? What?"

"Whether we don't have a contract or not, with your cooperation, will it be possible to keep you inside the crystal? Um, as long as we can supply you with mana."

"That's true. However, it's difficult to get that mana. In my case, it literally sucks it up. It keeps sucking it up until I can't act..."

『――――』

『...Subaru?』

"Hey, Puck."

"Yeah?"

"You mentioned, where can I find a replacement for the crystal?"

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　--The blue crystal stone pierced the tiger's right shoulder, emitting an incredible light.

　The shine of the blade, which has not been polished or shaped but rather appears to have been "carved away," pierces the sharp tip of the blade into the animal's skin, sucking out what could be called the life force from it.

"---!"

　Flapping at the light, Subaru fell backwards as if sensing the wind pressure. As he fell on his bottom and stepped back, the beast engulfed in black smoke was still unaware of the changes occurring to its own body.

　The crystal, small enough to fit in the palm of one's hand, greedily sucked up mana from any living thing it impaled. Just keeping it in his pocket made Subaru feel an unbearable sense of weakness.

　What would happen if that effect were brought directly into the body? The answer was right before my eyes.

"---Ah, ahh!?"

　The smoke clears.

　The black smoke disrupted their vision, and magical power forced them to become blind.

　When he was freed from both, the fierce tiger - Garfiel - had almost all of the beast-like transformation from his body stripped away, and was returning to his original form as a young man.

　The hair on his body fell out, his limbs that had looked like bundles of logs returned to normal size, his fangs and claws shortened, and his entire body began to rattle as he regained its human form.

　The one who looked at the transformation with the most disbelief on his face was Garfiel himself.

　He opened his eyes in shock as he found his body had lost its beast form and reverted to its original flesh, his hands raised, trembling golden eyes fixed on his human palms.

"What the... what on earth is this..."

"I told you, Garfiel. I won't get into a fight I can't win."

　Garfiel glances in the direction of Subaru's words, as if struck by something.

　Subaru brushed his butt off the ground and stood up, laughing maliciously despite his swollen face. Seeing this, Garfiel realized the abnormality in his body, and the fact that it was still under great strain. He turned his head and noticed a foreign object lodged in his right shoulder.

"This... what is it? No, this is..."

"That light looks familiar. You and I both know something about it."

"Where did you get this from... you...!"

"Of course. It's Lewes Meyer's crystal. It's one of the crystals that was stored there to maintain its function."

　--A laboratory deep in the forest.

　Lewes Meyer was the foundation of the barrier that protected the Sanctuary. The crystal that trapped her inside the Crystal of Eternity was dependent on a portion of her clone to maintain its function.

　A replica of the crown that periodically rearranges the power source at the bottom of the luminous crystal. Of course, the crystal stones used for this purpose are not infinite. If it remains within the Sanctuary, it will eventually run out and become unable to maintain its function.

"They would have been brought in regularly along with food and other things. If that was one of Roswaal's supports, there was plenty of opportunity to sneak one in."

"But, just from that... there's no way that just stabbing me would make the strength subside like this... what kind of trick has been installed..."

"Well then... Could there be an incredibly hungry monster inside that crystal?"

　Garfiel was out of breath and his words were staccato.

　He reached out to his right shoulder and tried to pull out the crystal, but the blue crystal seemed to reject his fingertips, digging into his flesh and unable to remove it.

　Taking a deep breath, Subaru relaxed his whole body and turned his head behind him.

　Looking up, Emilia was silently watching the two of them fight. Until just now, even to her eyes, Subaru had likely looked like he was in a hopeless state.

　But even so, she did not try to stop Subaru from fighting. In the past, when Subaru had continued fighting out of a stubbornness that was wrong for both her and herself, she had tried so hard to stop him.

　Subaru also understood that what was there could not be called trust.

　So, what that is is probably something that the two of them cannot yet put into words or put into shape.

　The crystal stone that stopped Garfiel's movements.

　Did Emilia notice something when she saw that glow? I don't know. But it's fine to remain ignorant. Right now, at this moment.

"Look at me, Garfiel."

"Huh...?"

"If you want to stop me, stop me with your own hands. Don't just leave it to the blood in your body that's making you lose all sense. You're the one who's making a fool of people."

　Step forward.

　His whole body was creaking and blood was dripping endlessly from somewhere.

　Life is flowing, but it is not going to stop, and it is not going to be stopped.

"You are trying to stop us, but I will stop you. Emilia will challenge the Tomb. The Sanctuary will be liberated. We do not have time to hesitate."

"Don't just do whatever you want! Who asked you to do this?! Who gave you permission?! It's fine for this place to stay the way it is, like this, unchanged!"

"There's no way things could stay the same, unchanged and stagnant, forever. Someone should have noticed that before things continued like this for hundreds of years."

"I hope that nothing will change! I hope so! There are surely those who continue to hope that!"

"If you could continue to protect everything so that it never changes, and reign as the protector of this place forever, then that would be great... but, no matter how hard you try, there are some things you just can't reach."

　Time and the era will eventually leave Garfiel behind.

　The power to continue protecting the unchanging "sanctuary" will eventually be lost.

"Just like how we're all pushing you into a corner, there will come a time when you can't do anything on your own. Like right now."

　Subaru's walking form arrives right in front of Garfiel.

　Gripping the crystal on his right shoulder, Garfiel was out of breath, but he still glared at Subaru with unwavering eyes.

　We both know now that simply hurling words at each other isn't enough.

　Thenーー,

"Get defeated, Garfiel. Learn the power of numbers."

"There are other ways to say it!"

　Garfiel barks.

　A fist reaches out from below. But it's too late. Garfiel's strength is almost gone as the crystal sucks all his vitality from the roots. He tilts his head with ease - and is hit by a fist on the side of his face, which doesn't move as he intended. His vision shakes violently.

"You're the one who should just go to sleep! After that I'll smash that tomb and keep you and the others inside until you all die."

"You, you planned something like that...!"

　In return, he straightened his knees, about to fall, and thrust his fist upwards. Garfiel couldn't avoid it, so he slammed the punch into his face with all his might. It was the first clean hit from Subaru's side since the start of this fight.

　His punch was clumsy, with his body shaky and his arms not even fully extended.

　Naturally, it wasn't as powerful as expected, but it was still plenty powerful enough for Garfiel right now.

"--Ugh."

　In addition to the damage he had sustained all over his body, the mana that supported his body was drained from his roots. For Garfiel, who was already on the brink of being unable to fight, one blow from Subaru was enough to push him over the edge.

　However,

"It doesn't work, I'll die!"

"Gah!"

　Stomping hard onto the ground with both feet, Garfiel lowered his hips, his elbows digging into Subaru's solar plexus. Letting out a cry of agony, Subaru lowered his head and headbutted Garfiel in the forehead. The force was so strong it numbed their skulls, and they both leaned back at the same time, throwing their heads back and punching each other, killing each other.

　With their fists sunk into each other's cheeks, blood began to overflow from their nostrils.

　Subaru is at the limit of physical damage, while Garfiel is at the critical point of damage, including mental damage.

　The glow of the crystal on Garfiel's right shoulder is gradually becoming more subdued.

　This was proof that Garfiel's own mana was nearing depletion, or in other words, proof that the showdown was near.

"--Gub!"

「What the hell are you looking at?!」

　Right when he relaxed his guard, the fist that had hit him opened and bounced off his face.

　Taking advantage of his carelessness, the blow caused his consciousness to fly away in an instant. He quickly clenched his teeth, and the pain of biting into one of his cracked teeth brought him back to consciousness.

　No more tricks to keep me from losing consciousness. They're contributing in a completely different way. I have no choice but to bear all the pain on my own.

　Carelessness, complacency, foolishness.

　Subaru has always been the underdog, the challenger, and never able to easily assume an advantageous position.

"So...there's no way I could let go!"

"Gah!"

　His left arm swings down, wrapping around Garfiel's neck, and both of them collapse to the ground, unable to support themselves. Subaru's whole body is injured, and he grimaces in pain as he tries to get up. An intense pain shoots through his left arm, which is on the ground.

　Looking down, Garfiel's fangs were biting into his left upper arm.

"Gh, ii!"

"---argh."

"R-R-Right! Let go! It hurts, you idiot!"

　I punched the biting creature in the face and removed its fangs. With a thud, my left arm was freed, but it was pierced to the bone and couldn't move. And then my right arm,

"Grab it...!"

　As he stretched out his right arm to reclaim his left, Garfiel grabbed his shoulder. Though he had lost the strength to swing his arm or kick, he had not lost any grip.

　The grip, strong enough to carve through rock, destroyed Subaru's right shoulder down to the bone.

　A dull creaking sound echoed, and Subaru let out a voiceless scream.

　Subaru's left arm was lacerated from the upper arm, and the bone in his right shoulder was destroyed, rendering him unable to move. With both arms no longer functioning, Subaru's eyes widened as Garfiel kicked him down.

Ley: "It's the end! If it's like this, there's nothing I can do! From the beginning, it would have been better if I'd been reduced to a small fry that could only bounce around!"

　Seeing Subaru writhing on the ground, Garfiel's cheeks contort in joy at his victory. Standing up on unsteady legs, Garfiel looks up at the sky, his throat trembling.

　He let out a beastly roar and sang a song of victory. Then, as he was about to deliver the final blow to Subaru, who was only waiting to be trampled,

"...How many times do I have to tell you that you don't get to decide my end!"

　A headbutt came from below, crushing Garfiel's nose and making him dizzy.

　As he stepped on the bellows and went down, Subaru stood there in front of him, arms hanging limp. It was impossible. It was absurd. It wasn't a question of willpower or anything like that.

"My end, your end... isn't here yet."

"Fuck... Don't mess with me... Don't stand up. Don't stand up... I..."

　Garfiel's face twisted in pain, he took a step back from Subaru, who was still standing there.

　It was as if they were afraid of Subaru, who could no longer use his arms and had no strength left other than to stand.

"What's the point of holding on like that?! All of those people here! They're a hopeless cesspool that can't be helped! They've been rejected outside, and this is the only place they can be! What will happen if we let those people out? What will it accomplish?"

"Go out and be something. Rather than stay here and end things slowly. I'm not staying here much longer anyway."

　No matter how much Garfiel demonstrates his strength or fights, there is a future that cannot be changed.

　With his own strength, he is unable to stop the rampage of the Great Rabbits, who regard the Sanctuary as their feeding ground. Even if he uses his best efforts, there will be some that are missed, and as their numbers increase, he loses strength, until eventually he himself is defeated by their insatiable appetite.

　Or perhaps if I could tell him that future, I could get him to move on from here.

　But that hasn't changed his mind.

　However, the body only moves temporarily. The mind remains locked away in this "sanctuary." And once it realizes that it has passed, it returns to this place, and once again sinks into stagnation, pretending to be in paradise.

　Ignoring the pushing force, the outstretched hands, and everything else, Garfiel Tinsel pretended to mourn the death of his mother and continued to console himself.

"Go outside, Garfiel. There's no wall like the one you're scared of."

"There's a wall! I am it! I am the absolute wall that separates the inside from the outside! Me, Granny, and the others! We've stopped! That's it, it's over!"

　Once, they gave up. Fearing connection with the outside world, the inhabitants of the "Sanctuary" fled into their own paradise and gave up on contact with the world outside the forest.

　That is why Garfiel wants to protect this enclosed paradise. He declares that he will protect it.

　It would be the same as concluding our existence, alone and of our own accord.

"Then we'll break down that wall... right here, right now!"

"And that big bro! Ram is asleep too! I'll put you out of your misery soon too! The "we" you were talking about aren't even here anymore! You and I are finished!"

"Do you think giving up is wise? Of course it's cooler not to give up! Once you give up and stop, that means you're done for! Take a short rest and then start walking! If that was the wind for you, it would have blown over you a long time ago!"

　A "trial" that resulted in fear of the outside world.

　Even after learning of that "trial," Lewes and Frederica still loved Garfiel.

　Frederica chose her path to step out into the outside world and create a place where the people who had lived inside could live when the barrier around the Sanctuary was one day lifted.

　Frederica must have turned around and held out her hand to Garfiel.

　In front of Garfiel, who had stopped dead, Frederica must have held out her hand, ready to walk away.

　Of course. After all, Frederica is Garfiel's older sister.

　If her younger brother stops crying, it's the older sister's job to reach out a hand.

"You said Frederica went out into the world and left you behind. But that's not true. You're wrong, Garfiel. You weren't bound by the barrier. If you had wanted to chase after her, you could have run off at any time. It was you who didn't!"

"...I am-"

"You were the one who let go of my hand first, Garfiel! And now you're still blaming your sister and whining about it! Don't you think it's pathetic?"

　The depths of my chest are hot. I'm starting to lose track of what I'm saying.

　Right in the center of its stomach, there was something wriggling black.

　The supernatural gate deep within his tanden that connected Subaru to the outside world ceased to function.

　So what is this thing that is now beginning to assert its presence deep within this body?

　She screamed, not understanding what was going on inside her head, inside her body, or the man in front of her.

"Always! No matter when! I want to do it! I want to change! The moment I feel that way is the starting line!!"

　I fail, I lose everything, I give up and stop moving, and I crouch down with my knees hugged to my chest.

　Disappointment in yourself, disappointment in others, the loneliness of being abandoned by important people - you may feel deeply consumed by these things and convince yourself that you are no good.

"How can anyone tell me to give up and lift my head again and start walking down the path before me?"

　Give up, quit, crouch down.

　It's all nonsense not worth listening to.

　If you see someone on their knees and you have the nerve to call out to them, then by all means support them.

　Do your best. Go for it. I don't know what's going on, but if you stand up and run, you'll get there.

　--I feel a heat deep in my chest.

"Right, Garfiel...!"

　She called out the name of the small-looking man in front of her, his eyes shaking weakly.

　--The contents of my stomach are on fire.

"That's right, Emilia...!"

　Looking down at Subaru and the others from behind, the girl who seemed somewhere between weak and something else, he called out her name.

　Something is overflowing from the depths of your eyes.

"Hey――isn't that right, Rem!!"

　He raised his head, opened his mouth, opened his eyes wide, and called the name of the person who gave him the impetus to stand up.

　When I gave up and stopped, something taught me that it couldn't be the end.

　Because Natsuki Subaru hopes that the power he received at that time should reach everyone.

"――――"

　A power that did not belong to Subaru stirred deep within his body and let out a newborn cry.

　As if cheering for birth, welcoming birth.

　It connected the world and existence once again, through the medium of Natsuki Subaru.

　The heat overflows.

　The heat that had been welling up and piercing through the center of Subaru's body burst into flames.

　It swirled before Subaru's bloodshot, blood-stained eyes, took shape, and interfered with the world.

"I am――!"

　Garfiel screams and his body leaps out.

　Raising his claws and baring his fangs, Garfiel no longer uses words, but actions to deny Subaru's claims.

　Unable to speak or put his feelings into words, this is the only way he can think of.

　He doesn't know any other way, and so Garfiel reaches out his claws at Subaru.

　He didn't notice the heat gathering in front of him, overflowing from the bleeding Subaru.

　As Subaru prepares to dive, he is unaware that before his very eyes there is a distorted fluctuation in space, a crack appearing in a world that shouldn't exist.

　--He is unaware of the overwhelming power that radiates from there.

　Of course. He can't see it. No, no one can see it except for Subaru.

　Because it was an "invisible hand" that only Subaru could interfere with.

"――――"

　The world seems to be in slow motion.

　Subaru was all too familiar with this feeling: the moment of near death, the moment before receiving a fatal wound, the moment of punishment for uttering a forbidden word - all of these painful scenes made him feel depressed.

　But apart from that, this awakening of consciousness was now coming for Subaru.

　I can clearly see Garfiel leaping towards me.

　It was an open display of hostility - but it looked more like the culmination of a childish tantrum.

　Subaru focused his gaze on the tip of her chin.

　For some reason, I understood. I was convinced before I took action.

　All you have to do is take aim and release something that's been tensed.

　That alone will surely accomplish it.

　--And so Subaru did just that.

「――――!?」

　The unleashed power made him cry out in joy, and Garfiel's defenseless body was shot down from below.

　The torrent of power grew out and took the shape of a fist, then an arm, and struck Garfiel in the face from below as he leapt, sending him flying high into the air.

"--Ah, haah!"

　Receiving a completely unexpected blow, Garfiel is thrown to the ground without even being able to defend himself.

　Seeing the boy sprawled out on the ground, Subaru realized that this time he had delivered the decisive blow.

　At the same time, an enormous amount of something was taken away from inside my body.

"Uh, huh...oh."

　I dropped to my knees, folded my body, and vomited to my heart's content. But not a single drop of blood came out. Not a single drop of saliva or blood remained in my body.

　It was the final blow after exerting all his strength.

　The torrent of power dissolved and disappeared immediately after shooting down Garfiel.

　The source probably still remained within Subaru, but he didn't feel like he could pull it out. At the very least, Subaru couldn't offer anything more than that right now.

　If I were to use those hands more than I am now, I would need to give even more.

　However, now that this battle is over, there is no need for that now――

"Hey hey... you're kidding."

"--- I won't underestimate you."

　My body was collapsing, and I felt like I was about to lose consciousness.

　The edges of my vision are turning white, and I feel so tired I don't know which blink of an eye will be my last in reality.

　Even after giving it all I've got.

　Garfiel Tinsel was still standing, despite a profuse nosebleed.

"You really are just so tough..."

"If I don't give in... it'll never end, it won't end, it won't end..."

　Garfiel was also half-conscious.

　His unfocused vision seemed to be looking at Subaru, but it wasn't. Only his tenacity kept Garfiel's body standing, refusing that final push.

　Surely, just one small shove from Subaru would be enough to send Garfiel collapsing.

　However, Subaru no longer had the strength to land that blow. Far from receiving a blow, it was the same for Subaru, as he would lose consciousness in just over ten seconds.

　The outcome was one in which both sides gave it their all, giving it everything they had.

　Garfiel, of course, and Subaru too, had undoubtedly exhausted all of their plans.

　If Otto and Ram hadn't been whittling Garfiel down, he probably wouldn't have made it this far.

　I was naive to think that the secret blue crystal gem would help somehow. It helped to awaken Garfiel's consciousness, and weakened him to the ultimate extent. Even with all that, it still wasn't enough.

　A blue crystal is flashing on Garfiel's right shoulder.

　It seemed as if he was both encouraging and scolding the defeated Subaru, and he couldn't help but give a wry smile.

　To Subaru, to the crystal, to Otto, to Ram.

　Even with all this power gathered, Garfiel couldn't be defeated, so he is definitely a strong man.

　Let's truly accept that from the bottom of our hearts.

"You, this is..."

"Don't take it badly, Garfiel. We said we'd break down the wall."

"No one else..."

　With unsteady steps, Garfiel approaches Subaru.

　The left arm was unsteadily raised, and at the end of it were blunt, blood-stained claws.

　If that happens, Subaru will be finished.

　Garfiel focused all his energy on that attack.

　So he doesn't notice the sound of the rumbling of the earth approaching.

　--The final push that would drive Garfiel to defeat.

「It's over… right?!」

「――――!!」

　The scream was topped off by a thin, high-pitched cry from an earth dragon.

　The jet-black earth dragon charged headfirst, causing an earth thundering sound, and knocked the defenseless Garfiel flying with all its might from the side.

"--Huh?!"

　Literally his whole body was taken over by the force, and Garfiel's eyes rolled back in his head, as he was blown away like a kicked pebble.

　The half-beast's body bounced on the ground twice, three times, kicking up a cloud of dust, then fell to the ground covered in mud.

　This time, his body couldn't even move a muscle.

　Seeing this, the hero who delivered the ruthless final blow raised his head and let out a roar.

"How about it, Garfiel..."

　As Patrasche loudly shouted in victory, Subaru called out to Garfiel, who was lying face down on the ground, in a voice so husky he wasn't sure if it would reach him.

　What was the favorite that decided the game?

　It's simple.

　The strong Garfiel fought alone, the weak Subaru did not fight alone.

　In other words,

"This is the power of numbers."

"There are other ways to say it... I'm sure there are..."

　Garfiel, unable to move, responds to Subaru's words with resentment.

　Hearing that, Subaru's cheeks relaxed slightly,

"So, it's a victory for the bonds that unite everyone's feelings."

"Waah... So that means you can't climb Quain's Stone by yourself..."

　With that said, Garfiel finally falls silent.

　Witnessing this, and knowing that this was indeed a sure victory, Subaru looked up to the sky,

"Finally, I've heard a proverb that sounds fitting..."

　He muttered this with satisfaction, then lost consciousness and collapsed to the side.