The spark of light of the previous hero.

Kannagi said this in front of the glowing vortex.

Judging from the nuances, it must be some kind of power.

 

"Come on, come on, come quickly, I'll take you."

 

He has a very innocent smile.

I don't know how old they are, but I don't think they look that different from us.

 

「…… What should I do?"

 

The options are limited.

At least staying here doesn't mean you can escape.

However, even if you are taken by Kannagi...... I don't really understand what that spark of light is.

I have a vague feeling of discomfort, but I also know that I shouldn't take the option of not moving here.

 

"Okay, let's go see what comes out."

"Hey, wait."

"Hold on, this bastard."

"Whew!?"

 

Mr./Ms. and I grabbed Koga by the shoulders at the same time.

Rather, he glared at Koga, slightly surprised that Ciel Mr./Ms. held him back in a way that he could not tell whether it was an honorific or a mouth.

 

"Why are you coming with me?" Funny, isn't it?"

"That's right, why don't you know more about the situation than this person? You know it's a child, don't you?"

 

Ciel Mr./Ms. asks and Kira nods nervously.

However, Koga shows no remorse and shows a fearless smile.

 

"Come on, I don't have a choice if I don't follow you here, I know what you mean, but I'm sure Usato will be in trouble. But we don't care. I'm going to have fun watching from behind."

「……」

"Oh? Whoa? Do you want to do it? I'm going to take it, right?"

 

When irritated, Koga gives a belligerent grin.

No good.

Don't get on the provocation. At this point, I don't want to deal with something like this.

 

"Either way, it will follow you on its own, and I can't help it, near Kira, Ciel Mr./Ms.."

"Uh-huh, is that me?"

"I'm sorry, but he's a kid who has little to do with us......

「…… I get it."

 

Mr./Ms. holds Keira's hand in confusion.

Based on what he has said and done so far, he may be in a position close to the Demon King.

Well, wouldn't be a bad person.

 

"——— you're coming, too, hmm, well, okay?"

 

Keira shows a frightened expression to Kannagi, who muttered uninterestedly.

I stepped in between to hide her and stepped into the vortex as carefully as possible.

Then, the surroundings were enveloped in white light, and the next moment I was standing in a different place from where I had been before.

 

"This is ......."

 

Metastasis? It was a vast space that seemed to be half-destroyed.

Overhead, vines grow from plants that I don't know where they grew from, and the floor is littered with rubble.

However, it was not dark, and there were pale shining stones inlaid throughout the room, illuminating this vast space.

In a space that was clearly different from the place she had been in, Keira pointed in a certain direction when she noticed something that was confused.

 

"Usato Mr./Ms. that'......."

"Hmm?"

 

If you look in the direction that Kira is pointing, you will see what looks like a stone coffin.

Kannagi emerges from space and walks towards the coffin.

 

"Come on, this way."

「……」

 

Walk with caution as you prepare for anything that may come.

The stone coffin is tightly closed and you can't see inside.

 

"Come on, open it."

"Oh, no, that...... I don't like it because I'm scared."

 

I've seen this in movies before.

The first person to touch it is cursed with some kind of kettle, and he is the one who gets the best of him.

Kannagi gives me a stunned smile when I am frightened.

 

"There's no corpse or ghost in it, so it's okay.

 

Don't rush me.

At this point, I have no choice but to turn my stomach.

At worst, I put my hand in the gap in the lid of the sarcophagus and lifted it up, intending to throw the spark of light and stuff.

I was a little surprised by the decent weight, but I forced myself to do it.

 

"Wow, that's so powerful, like an ogre."

"It's a monster, after all."

"If I do my best, I ......."

 

I feel like I'm being told something that I don't agree with by ...... demon tribe.

I'll keep an eye on Keira later.

I opened the lid of the sarcophagus and finally looked inside.

 

「……! This is ......."

 

Inside was a girl who looked the same as Kannagi.

Dressed in a kimono-like garment, she closes her eyes as if she is asleep.

However, there was something like a tear of blood flowing from his left eye, which added to the eeriness.

 

"Why ...... this person?"

 

What caught my eye the most was the sword stuck in the girl's chest.

 

"Another swing of the sword that was the source of my gauntlet......?"

 

The sword that emitted a faint light--it was definitely another sword that the hero was wielding.

 

"That's what brought you here."

"Kannagi, this is ......."

"It's me, it's my body that was sealed here just before the previous hero fought the Demon King."

 

The other, Kannagi, sits on the sarcophagus in which he sleeps.

 

"See, the previous hero...... You fought the Demon Lord, you know? I don't know why the Demon King sent me here......"

"Wow, that's getting interesting."

 

Now that I think about it, was it a good thing that Koga on the side of the Demon Lord's army asked me about this?

In some cases, it is likely to escalate into a battle...... Considering this guy's personality, it's better not to be attacked now.

When that happens, I have to move Kira to a safe place.

 

「……」

 

But did the previous hero seal her comrades?

Certainly, in the hidden village of the beast country, I heard from Hayate Mr./Ms. that Kannagi was a friend of the brave, right?

No, there is a problem in the first place, something to be confirmed.

 

"Is this body alive?"

"I'm alive, because time in my body has stopped."

「…… Why did the previous hero seal you?"

"I don't know what you mean, but he sealed me here alive, and it's a surprise, and the thought of being put in this small box all of a sudden makes me cringe, right? I was surprised."

 

I don't know what to look like at such a playful kannagi.

She doesn't care about me, and she talks to me as if asking for consent.

 

"And that's right before the battle with the Demon Lord! Don't you really understand it anymore!?"

"Didn't the hero bring a sword......!?"

"yes, even though you're so strong that you don't need me anymore, I think you're too crazy. Before that, I'll use one of my swords on an evil dragon."

 

Somehow, every time information is revealed, it becomes more and more non-standard......

What kind of monster was it, the previous hero .......

 

"The only thing that can free my body is your gauntlet."

「…… This one, which is based on the sword of the hero, is ......?"

"yes, I think you're aware of it, but it's resonating, isn't it?"

 

It is true that the gauntlet has been vibrating weakly since a while ago.

So we know that the sword stuck in Kannagi's chest is real.

 

「……」

 

I don't know if I can trust her.

As far as I know, the previous hero was not a bad man.

If such a person is the one who has betrayed him, would he suddenly do such a thing to Kannagi, his best ally?

It is possible that Kannagi is actually a ridiculous villain and that it was the hero who sealed it.

 

"For now, let's tie up the kannagi body."

 

Based on the possibilities up to that point, my first conclusion was to block the dangerous movement of the kannagi.

This makes the other Kannagi panic.

 

"Wait a minute! Please, wait!!"

"Excuse me, can you find something to tie me up for a bit?"

"Why do I have to find something to bind for the person who is trying to tie me up!? It's funny, isn't it?!"

 

After all, it's not good.

However, there is nothing here that is convenient to tie up.

There is nothing but rubble around.

 

"He's trying to immobilize someone who can't move."

"Wow, humans are scary...... aren't they?"

"Be cautious with caution...... I see."

 

Passing through the murmurs in the back.

Kannagi hurriedly stood up and jumped out in front of me.

Her expression looked very impatient.

 

"Well, it's natural to be suspicious because of your personality, but I have no intention of harming you! In fact, I want to help you!"

"What...... No, I don't."

"Don't say that! Listen to me first!"

 

I'm starting to feel a little sorry for him, so I'm going to listen to him.

I'm still suspicious, but it may be too early to judge Kannagi's words as a lie.

 

"At this time, Kannagi's body doesn't matter! But I want you to receive the spark of the hero's light!"

"What is that spark of light?"

 

……。 There was a word that clearly bothered me, but should I pursue this?

First of all, let's ask about the spark of light and so on.

 

"The spark of light is the source of the magic of the previous hero, and if you have it, you will be able to use the same magic as the previous hero."

「…… Are you supposed to believe in such a convenient thing?"

"It's not convenient, it's more of an inevitability."

 

Saying this, the other Kannagi puts his hand on the sword that is stuck in Kannagi's chest.

 

"This sword has been used by a hero in thousands and tens of thousands of battles, and it is no exaggeration to say that all the memories of his battles are engraved in it. Naturally, it has his magical memories and some of its powers."

「…… Can't you leave it to anyone other than me?"

 

I'd be lying if you asked me if I wasn't attracted to that kind of power.

But it's clearly disproportionate for me to have that kind of power.

For example, if Senpai and Leona Mr./Ms. can use light magic, they are invincible.

At least he can handle it a lot better than me, who can only punch and kick.

 

"That's impossible, it's a rough job to implant someone else's magic lineage, and an ordinary human can't bear it. Let's see...... It's very similar to the way vampires turn humans into kindred."

 

The one that Nea used to jokingly say was a way to increase the number of vampires.

I don't like it when it's explained that way.

 

"With this power, Kazuki, Suzune, and you can defeat the Demon Lord, and bring about the peaceful world you want, right?"

「…… Peaceful, world."

 

Certainly, if you get the power that Kannagi says, you will be able to help Senpai, Kazuki, and Mr./Ms..

But is it really that good?

I still feel like I'm missing something important.

He casually glances at the Kogas behind him.

 

「……」

"Pull it out, it's going to be funny."

"No, please stop! Why are you overlooking the Demon King's enemies getting stronger!"

"Hahahahaha"

"Hey, stupid Legion Commander! Why, you! Do you prioritize your own personal feelings?!"

 

Mr./Ms. Ciel is kicking a laughing Koga.

Beside her, Kira is sending an anxious glance to me.

I made up my mind to meet her gaze and turned to Kannagi.

 

"——— wake you up for now, and I'll decide after that whether or not I want to receive the power."

"......, yes, that's fine. I want to speak with my own body."

 

Kannagi seemed somewhat relieved by my words.

Hoping that the relief is sincere, I raise my right arm, which has been vibrating for some time.

 

"Well, how do you do it?"

"You can grab it with your right arm and pull it out."

"Should I do it while casting a healing spell?"

"Well, it looks like it's stinging, but it's not. Feel free to pull it out."

 

That said, the appearance is sticking through.

Fearfully, he brings his right hand, which is wrapped in a gauntlet, closer to the sword.

The moment he saw the pale light on the sword change to a light similar to Kazuki's magic--as if he were drawn to a magnet, Gachin! With a connecting sound, the gauntlet caught on to the sword.

 

"What!"

 

At the same time as the smiling figure of Kannagi disappears, a number of rays of light stretch out as if they were flowing from the sword to the gauntlet.

Alarm bells ring in my head.

I feel as if something is being rewritten inside me.

Something is about to happen.

 

●

 

Ask Nea to follow the traces of her magic and make your way through the ruins.

Mr./Ms. will destroy the obstructive walls, but I haven't been able to join Usato's yet.

 

「…… It's funny."

"What's wrong? Nea"

 

I call out to her as she twists her neck while putting her hands on the floor.

Could it be that the traces of magic have been lost?

Her voice was mixed with anxiety, and she turned to face him.

 

"The dense magic in the air is almost gone."

"Well, is that a bad thing?"

"No, I guess it's a good thing because you don't have to worry about magic sickness...... The question is, what was the magic in this huge ruin used for?"

"I wonder if it has something to do with the fact that we were separated?"

 

At Nea's words, Leona Mr./Ms., who had been listening around, spoke to her.

 

"Maybe, but at the point where it takes that much magic, it means that a ridiculous amount of magic or sorcery was used."

"Can you still follow the traces?"

"That's fine, it's easier to chase after it now that the magic in the way is gone. …… For the time being, the remnants of magic continue over there."

 

He begins to move again in the direction that Nea pointed out.

As I walked forward, placing my hand on Bullin's back, I saw the restless figure of Ferm from earlier.

 

"Ferm, are you all worried?"

"Huh? I don't think so."

 

I'm being mean again.

While smiling wryly at the understandable response, I also expressed my honest feelings.

 

"We're worried, but I think we've gotten used to it."

"I don't like it, I'm not used ...... that."

"I agree."

 

Mr./Ms., who was looking forward to hear her, agrees with Ferm's muttering.

 

「…… It's true that I'm not worried."

"Yes."

"But when I take my eyes off them, I'm worried that they're doing something, especially Usato."

"I understand."

 

I was so convinced that I couldn't help but feel my voice.

Nea, who had been following the trail, turned pale and turned to look at us.

 

"In the meantime, I imagine that Usato might continue to make some incomprehensible tricks again......

"No, it's not going to happen in such a short time."

"No, I didn't just make a technique like a healing explosive wave or something like that! When did you make something like that?!"

 

Mr./Ms. talks to Nea, who is so indignant, with a look that looks difficult to say.

 

"Ah, Nea, I think the Healing Explosive Wave technique was created a little while after the Demon Lord's battle was over. He was knitting it while he was working with me."

"So early!? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I didn't want to hide it...... And then there are the healing explosive bullets!?"

"That's ...... Probably during the battle I just had."

"Whoaaaaa!?"

 

Nea holds her head.

Watching from the sidelines, I think that Usato has made a new technique again, but it must be a big deal from the perspective of Nea, who supports him.

The question of what healing-magic is all about in the first place has long since disappeared.

Specifically, from around the time when Usato's healing magic bullet was created.

 

「……?」

"What's up, Amako?"

"Grua?"

 

Sensing a strange presence, he looks back, but there are only ruins of rubble lying behind him.

Just when I was about to call out to Ferm and Bullin, who called out to me, that it was nothing...

 

"Oh! I can finally speak!!"

 

Someone appears with noise in an empty space.

At the sound of the voice emanating from the blurry and distorted figure, Mr./Ms. Leona jumped out in front of us and held the spear of a hero.

 

"Who are you?"

"What!? Nice to meet you! Oh, I'm impressed by a conversation with someone I haven't seen in a long time...... Oh my gosh, I'm going ...... cry."

「……」

 

Mr./Ms. also has a suspicious expression on her face at the unexpectedly bright voice.

As the distorted figure becomes clearer, its golden hair and familiar face are revealed.

He has a neat face and a bandaged left eye.

And when I saw the appearance of a girl wearing a kimono similar to Hinomoto's, I involuntarily raised a voice of astonishment.

 

"Oh! Kannagi!?"

"Oh, nice to meet you! Amako!!"

"Huh? …… Nice to meet you?"

 

What are you talking about?

This is the third time I've met this person, including the time of my dreams.

His left eye is bandaged, but his face is unmistakably the same person.

So why do you ...... react like this is the first time you're meeting me?

 

"I'm sorry, I was distraught after talking to people for the first time in a long time. It's confusing, isn't it?'

"Who are you?"

 

In response to my question, she makes eye contact with me.

Her figure is still vivid but occasionally wavering.

Perhaps it is a ghostly entity that has no substance...... Is this person really the Kannagi I know?

She took a small deep breath and opened her mouth to make up her mind.

 

"I'm a kannya...... Huh!?'

「「「……」」」

 

…… What? Bit? Did you bite at this time?

She presses her lips and blushes, looks at us stunned, and coughs.

 

"Wow, I'm Kannagi, that idiot...... He was sealed by the previous hero and was forcibly entrusted with the mission to see the world ahead......!"

「「「……」」」

 

It's an awkward silence for both of us.

Perhaps he couldn't stand it, but the person who called himself Kannagi looked away and spoke a little quickly.

 

"Ah, well, I dared to warn Usato, who is mentally resistant, by sending a voice, but that was not enough, but now that the magic that binds me has diminished, I have finally been able to make contact with you."

「…… Voice? Maybe he was talking to Usato......"

"Yes, me."

 

Before coming to the ruins, Usat had been sent a warning voice.

Is the owner of that voice the Kannagi in front of you?

She crosses her arms in spite of our bewilderment and begins to nod her head in agreement.

 

"Well, the other one had given up on talking to him, so it's a good opportunity! But he was really too hard-spirited, and it was really hard! After all, you've just broken the curse of that Samariar's rotten outsider!"

 

This person is usually foul-mouthed.

The kannagi in the dream was a hungry person, though.

Even if he doesn't hear anything, Kannagi starts talking more and more, and Nea talks to him curiously.

 

"The other one, you? What do you mean by that?"

"Well, let's talk about that first."

 

She nodded and returned to her serious expression.

 

"The culprit behind this commotion, a fake who deceives my name...... No, let me tell you about the other me.'

 

Another kannagi.

Until now, I had assumed that he was untrustworthy, but now I thought that the person who claimed to be Kannagi in front of me was strangely believable.

_____________________________________________

Q, why didn't Kannagi (fake) come to Usato's dream?

A. Because my mental tolerance was so bad that I couldn't even get in.

 

The previous hero did not take the sword of the hero to fight the Demon King.

And this is where Kannagi (true) comes in.