Walking through the city again, just passing time—

"...Kiyo."

Someone calls from behind.

Turning around, I see a golden-haired girl.

"Ais, what’s up?"

"I went to buy Jagamaru-kun (food)… but the shop was gone."

"Yeah… that’s rough."

"Yeah… it’s sad."

She looks down slightly.

"So what did you actually want?"

"...Come to our base."

"...Huh?"

She means the Loki Familia’s base, ‘Twilight Manor’.

Before I can answer—

"...Let’s go."

She grabs my hand and drags me along.

And just like that, I arrive at the Twilight Manor.

* * *

Around that time.

"By the way, Riveria, there’s something I want to ask."

"What is it, Finn?"

In a room within the Twilight Manor.

The captain and vice-captain of the Loki Familia.

Having undergone Sublimation to level 6 after the great war, the two were speaking alone in this empty space.

Gareth had stepped out for now to train the lower-ranked members.

"That boy… I want to ask about Kiyo."

At the mention of Kiyo, Riveria’s long ears twitched slightly.

"Kiyo, huh."

"I still haven’t heard. His movements when he went as part of the subjugation force during that war."

"Before I answer that, let me ask you—what do you think of that boy, Finn?"

Before giving her answer, she first asks for the Hero’s own opinion.

"Let’s see. If I had to sum it up in one word… ‘abnormal’."

"‘Abnormal,’ huh. I don’t think that’s wrong."

"...

"When we faced the Great Calamity in the Dungeon, he sensed the danger on the 18th Floor faster than anyone, secured footholds, casually handled a rampaging Ais… I could go on endlessly."

"I see… assuming his current level is false, what would you estimate it to be?"

"At the very least, he was level 4 at the time of the war. But that’s a minimum. From what I saw, I believe he’s level 5 or higher."

"Level 5, huh. That’s beyond what I expected."

Even if it was a false level, Finn had estimated level 4.

Even with greater strength, it still falls within expectations.

"How do you view him?"

"At the very least, he won’t have a negative impact on us. For now, there’s no need for unnecessary contact."

For now, Finn decides to leave him be.

"So we observe first?"

"Yes. Unless he approaches us, we won’t make contact."

As he finishes saying that, the door opens.

Standing there is the goddess Loki.

"Ais-tan brought a guest. It’s Kiyo—the one you approved of, Finn."

"...Hey, Finn."

"Yeah, I know, Riveria."

"...He came to us."

"Seems so…"

With perfect timing, Kiyo’s arrival draws a wry smile from Riveria as she leaves the room with Finn.

* * *

The place Ais brings me to is a battle floor used for training inside the Loki Familia base.

There are no obstacles at all, designed purely for contests of strength.

Lower-ranked members often use it to train.

"Gareth."

"Oh? Ais, huh. Rare for you not to go to the Dungeon."

"Yeah. Just today… by the way, do you need the battle floor after this?"

Gareth is usually leading training for the members.

But what I see before me is countless lower-ranked members lying defeated.

This feels less like training and more like bullying.

"I was just finishing. As you can see, no one’s left standing. Use it as much as you want. So, are you going to fight that kid?"

"That’s the plan."

"Then I’ll watch. Do your best, both of you."

Laughing loudly, he forces the members up and clears the field.

Now, in the vast arena, only two remain.

From above, behind glass, are spectators—Finn, Riveria, Gareth and Loki.

Finn in particular watches me with suspicion.

"So, why bring me here?"

"...To fight."

"Why?"

"Kiyo… you said before. ‘When this conflict ends and we’re both alive, we’ll cross swords and talk. I’ll answer within reason.’"

I do remember saying that during the Great Feud.

But I didn’t expect her to remember.

"...Yeah, I did say that. But I don’t have my sword right now. It’s being adjusted."

"It’s fine. You can use one of my spare swords."

She leaves briefly, then returns with a silver sword and hands it to me.

It’s made for her, but since our heights are similar, it’s easy to handle.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

We take distance—about ten meters.

"Alright. Let’s begin."

"Yeah… here I go."

The battle starts.

In an instant, Ais lunges for my neck.

She’s serious from the start.

But with Finn and Loki watching, I can’t reveal too much.

So I make it look like I barely dodged.

"That was close…"

"...You dodged it."

Slightly surprised, she closes the distance again.

Her swordsmanship is clean and precise.

I could win easily—but I can’t move carelessly.

At least a counterattack.

I strike her blade, producing a clear metallic clash.

Her sword arm is knocked upward, leaving her open.

Not following up would reveal I’m holding back, so I lightly push her abdomen.

I have to control the force carefully—too much could kill her.

"...That hurt."

She hits the wall, then immediately stands.

Good. I didn’t mess up the force.

"As expected. You’re back up."

"It’s nothing… but Kiyo, you’re not serious at all."

"That’s not true. I’m using a fair amount of strength."

She sees through it instantly, but I deny it.

"No. Before, you were stronger. Why are you holding back?"

"Then let me ask—aren’t you doing the same? You’re not using magic."

That sounds like admitting it, but denying it further is pointless.

"...I’m not using magic, but I’m serious with my sword… but you’re not."

"Sigh… I do have some reserve, but I am using a fair amount."

"...Liar."

"It’s the truth."

We continue fighting.

To outside observers, it looks even.

That’s because I’m matching her level.

"Haa… haa… Kiyo, you’re not even breathing hard…"

"I’m just not showing it."

That’s a lie. I’m not tired at all.

"Muu…"

She puffs her cheeks, frustrated.

"Alright, let’s stop here. You got what you wanted, right?"

"...I asked, but I didn’t get the real answer."

"I answered seriously."

"...But I think I understand why you’re strong."

"..."

"Your sword has no hesitation. It feels like it follows your convictions."

"What does that even mean?"

"Fufu. You’re strong, Kiyo."

Well, being praised isn’t a bad thing.

That day, I left without any detours.

Then I bathed and went to sleep.

* * *

"He’s strong…"

Watching the duel, Finn mutters.

Someone who can match a level 4—rare indeed.

Even without hearing them, it’s obvious Ais is enjoying the fight.

"I forgot to mention—Kiyo can use extremely short-chant magic. Invisible and wide-range too."

Riveria adds.

"That brings back unpleasant memories…"

Finn recalls Silence’s magic and forces a smile.

"It really resembled Silence’s magic. Almost like he inherited it."

"That’s impossible. A skill like that shouldn’t exist."

Loki laughs it off.

"If it did, the world’s order would collapse. There’d be wars over him."

"True."

"But as long as he’s with Artemis, no one can touch him. Pick a fight with her, and you’ll be crushed."

Gareth laughs as well.

"So, after seeing him, what do you think, Finn?"

"Since he can match Ais at level 4, level 5 seems very possible."

"Agreed."

Even Loki agrees.

The mystery deepens.

Still, they can’t leave him unchecked.

Finn decides they need to investigate further.