◇

 

In his fading consciousness, Kagetora saw his back and smiled.

 

Kagetora: “The next generation is growing up… it’s a blessing… an old soldier like me is no longer needed…”

 

Just as he was about to slowly close his eyes, he noticed his body being enveloped in a gentle light.

 

Reina: “Grandpa, you can’t die yet!”

Nagi: “Chairman Kagetora! I will heal you!!”

 

It was Reina and Nagi. Reina, brought to the hospital by Kai, was being desperately treated by Nagi, an A-Rank healing magician. Nagi prioritized healing Reina with her magic power, restoring her enough to at least fly.

 

And she literally flew in.

 

For the sake of protecting their loved ones.

 

Kagetora: “Oh… to die surrounded by grandchildren and young people would be an honorable way to go.”

 

Nagi: “Big brother! Chairman is okay enough to joke around!!”

Kai: “Reina! Aya is also safe. I’m watching over her!!”

 

Both of them shouted loudly to Kai, who was still fighting.

 

A fight between a black knight and a white knight.

Kai heard Nagi and laughed, appreciating his reliable sister.

 

Kai: “That’s right. It’s all over for you now, Merlin!!”

 

Merlin: “Why… why!!!”

 

Merlin desperately clung to Kai’s swordplay.

 

Merlin: “I’m not wrong! It’s all just luck on your side! Everything hangs on a thin thread! It’s just a series of miracles, isn’t it!!!”

 

Kai: “Yes, that’s right. And we fight desperately for those chances, betting our lives.”

 

Merlin: “Damn you!!! Fine, you’ll do! Look at me, Reina Ginno! The darkness──”

 

Reina seemed about to react to his words, but Kai intercepted. He wouldn’t let Reina’s gaze meet Merlin’s, and Merlin’s intentions were clear as day before the Eye of God.

 

Kai: “Where are you looking? Your opponent is me.”

 

Merlin: “I despise you!! I truly hate those eyes!!”

 

Kai: “Then look into my eyes! These eyes! Look straight at them! See what is reflected in them!”

 

Kai’s golden eyes, filled with anger, shone brightly, sealing Merlin’s Eye of Darkness.

 

Merlin screamed, but he was cornered by Kai.

 

Kai: “I have something to ask you. Tell me everything, about the past, about the Empire of Darkness!”

 

Kai deflected Merlin’s sword and pointed his own at Merlin’s throat. Merlin could only glare at Kai, and then he seemed to give up and laughed loudly.

 

Merlin: “Haha… fine! But don’t get ahead of yourself. Knight of God, we will always emerge victorious. Always!!”

 

Kai: “I’ll win every time.”

 

It happened right after that.

 

Merlin: “Die!!!”

 

Merlin screamed, but his Eye of Darkness had no effect on Kai. Kai looked around, wondering who Merlin was targeting, and then it happened.

 

Merlin stabbed himself in the chest with a short sword.

 

Kai: “!? Damn──”

 

It was a curse of suicide, but it was too late to stop it. There was no way to save Merlin, intent on death, and even if saved, interrogation would be futile. The fanaticism wouldn’t be lifted until his death.

 

As Merlin fell, Kai narrowed his eyes and closed them.

 

Kai: “What drove you to this, Merlin?”

Merlin: “You wouldn’t understand… not a Knight of God. Lord Hades… I wanted to see your world… Please forgive me for going ahead.”

 

And with that, Merlin breathed his last. The meaning of his last words became clear when tracing back through Lancelot’s memories. The name of the Black Emperor, the God of Darkness who sought to rule the world.

 

Kai: “…It’s not over yet, is it.”

 

Kai looked up at the sky, victorious. Shibuya, Tokyo was like a ruin, with debris scattered everywhere. The damage from the S-Rank Cubes in America and China must have been enormous, and the casualties uncountable.

 

But the long battle had ended.

 

There was a sense that another battle awaited, but for now, this long fight had come to a temporary close.

 

◇ Kai’s Perspective

 

Kai: “Chairman! Aya!”

 

I immediately ran towards the chairman and Aya.

 

Kagetora: “I missed my chance to die… I even prepared a will to leave everything to you, Kai, if I died.”

 

Kai: “Haha, it looks like the chairman is going to be fine.”

 

Chairman Kagetora was laughing even as he lay there. He was truly a strong person. And there

Reina, carrying Chairman Kagetora and Nagi on her back, flew away hastily. I, Kai, and Aya were left behind, wondering if this meant we should wait here until she wakes up.

 

Kai: “Oh, by the way, what happened to Arnold and Wang?”

 

As if to answer my question, two meteorites fell right next to me.

 

Wei: “Hey, Kai. Looks like we managed somehow. I almost killed him by mistake.”

Arnold: “…”

 

The two were battered, a clear testament to the fierce battle they had endured. Wang looked delighted despite the circumstances, while Arnold seemed extremely sullen.

 

Wei: “This guy, the moment the brainwashing lifted, he started screaming like crazy. Right, Arnold-kun?”

Arnold: “Grr…”

 

Arnold had nothing to retort. Having declared his intention to absolutely annihilate the God-Destruction Cult, he couldn’t face the fact that he had been manipulated. Knowing he was entirely at fault, he clenched his fists in impotent rage.

 

Wei: “Come on, Arnold-kun. You’re the strongest in the world, you can at least say sorry, right?”

Arnold: “Grr… argh…”

 

Arnold, the world’s strongest, looked like he was about to explode. Wang was having fun, holding back only because he didn’t want to push Arnold over the edge.

 

Then, suddenly:

 

THUD!!!

 

Arnold slammed his head onto the ground with full force. The impact created a shockwave, and I, Kai, hugged Aya tightly to protect her. What is he doing?

 

Arnold: “So, so, so…”

 

Kai: “Huh?”

 

Arnold: “SOOOOOOOO!!!”

 

Kai: “Eek!?”

 

Arnold, with a fierce look, yelled at me. I involuntarily stepped back.

 

Arnold: “SOOOOOOO!!!  RYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!… Haa… Haaa…”

 

Kai: “Eh? 『Sorry』?”

 

Arnold: “One debt. I will definitely repay.”

 

Saying so, Arnold flew away, seemingly unable to stay any longer. His last words were probably an apology, I guessed. I understood the meaning through our heart conversation communication.

 

Wei: “Haha, well, he feels bad about it. I’ve got to go too, to protect my country.”

 

Kai: “Ah, let me send you!”

 

Wei: “No need, man. Say hi to princess tsun-tsun-sama for me. Oh, and I fired you from the guild, but if you ever get tired of this country, you’re welcome back anytime. Besides, you’re my brother. Always.”

 

Kai: “Uh, yeah. Thanks. Wang!!”

 

Wei: “Kai, there’s only one way to wake a sleeping princess. See ya!! Shippu Jinrai!!”

 

Then, Wang also left, wrapped in wind and thunder, with a wink.

 

Left behind again, Aya and I wondered why everyone was so considerate towards us.

 

Then, the last words.

 

I looked at Aya.

 

Kai: “…Aya.”

 

She seemed to lift her lips slightly, as if waiting for something. I activated the Eye of God to check Aya’s status.

 

Kai: “…Aya’s status was unconscious, but now it’s… ‘in heat’?”

Aya: “Whaaat!? I am not in heat!!”

 

Aya jumped up at my words, her face flushing red as it became apparent she wanted a kiss. It was a lie, of course, there’s no status like ‘in heat’, but Aya’s face, begging for a kiss, was too cute, so I teased her.

 

Kai: “Really? You don’t want a kiss? (heart conversation activation)”

 

Aya: “I am not that kind of easy girl! (But I really want it!!)”

 

Kai: “Haha.”

 

I couldn’t help but laugh and, feeling a bit guilty, turned off the heart conversation skill. Aya, blushing and denying in my arms, fit perfectly.

 

Kai: “…I want to kiss.”

 

Aya: “──!?”

 

Perhaps it was the continuous battles that had raised my tension. Or maybe it was the survival instinct heightened by the threat of death. Holding Aya tightly, I felt an enormous affection for this light, soft being in my arms.

 

Right now, I just wanted to convey my feelings to the girl I had protected.

 

Aya: “Do you want to, kiss? That means…”

 

Aya looked up at me from within my embrace, her face flushed red. I could tell her heart was pounding even without using heart conversation. So, I said it clearly.

 

Kai: “Aya… I love you.”

 

In the silent, debris-strewn Shibuya, Tokyo, only Aya and I were there. In the heart of the quiet city, I confessed my love to her.

 

At this place where everything began, I confessed my feelings to her.

 

Having inherited the Eye of God from the Golden Cube. Having risked my life to obtain this power, entrusted to protect the world.

 

There had been so many events.

 

But it was always Aya who supported me in my heart when I was in a pinch. Without her, I probably would have died much earlier.

 

Kai: “I learned the strength to protect from you. Without you, I wouldn’t be here now. You’ve saved me so many times. You’re cute, shy, noble, hardworking… there are countless things I love about you. That’s when I realized I had fallen in love with you. So, Aya…”

 

I gazed into Aya’s eyes with a serious expression.

 

Kai: “I will become your knight. So, may I protect you for life?”

 

I conveyed all my feelings to Aya with these words.

 

Aya, trembling, covered her eyes with both hands. I waited for her response, staring at her.

 

Then, Aya wrapped her arms around my neck, hugged me tightly, and kissed me.

 

Aya: “Yes… I… I love you too! I really love you, Kai!”

 

We smiled at each other again, gazing into each other’s eyes, and kissed with our sincere feelings. This kiss was not for any artifact; it was purely a kiss of mutual affection.

 

Kai: “You’ve finally opened up, Aya. Want more?”

Aya: “Don’t tease me! (But I want more!!)”

 

And so, the unprecedented battle that involved the entire world came to an end.

 

◇

 

On that day, the battle ended, and the destruction of the S-Rank Cube was halted. The great disaster that had struck the world was averted by a boy once deemed the weakest.

 

The peace that this unranked boy, who had struggled at the bottom of the world, had obtained was only temporary.

 

Kai continued to struggle to protect this peace he had painfully achieved. No matter the enemy or adversary, he would protect those dear to him.

 

But the true evil was lurking nearby.

 

At the same time, in the deepest part of the World Dungeon Association’s New York headquarters, a woman stood. Although she was over thirty, her stunning appearance showed no signs of aging.

 

She was the president of the World Dungeon Association and also its founder.

 

Woman: “How is it? The status?”

 

Assistant: “Yes, Vivian-sama. The seal will be broken soon. Could you replenish the magic stones again?”

 

Her eyes were dyed pitch black.

 

The staff, manipulated by her gaze, operated complex machinery. Surrounded by magic stones collected from around the world, they extracted magic power.

 

Connected to this machinery was a black Cube, so massive and dark that no one had ever seen anything like it.

 

Vivian: “Merlin was a bit too forceful. But don’t worry, I will take over. What my mentor couldn’t do…”

 

Vivian, with a joyful expression, clung to the Cube.

 

Vivian: “Hades-sama. The world will be yours… I will let you out soon.”

 

◇

 

Kai: “So, let’s celebrate our victory!!”

 

We were on the rooftop of Tanaka-san’s luxurious mansion. A week had passed since then. The world had regained a moment of peace.

 

Tokyo was still dysfunctional, but with generous support from the U.S., it was being repaired. Regarding the Cube, there were rumors that Arnold had spoken up, and the injured explorers from the Kyushu war were receiving support from the U.S.

 

We gathered for dinner after not seeing each other for a while. The initiator was Chairman Kagetora. Despite having a sword pierced through his chest, he was surprisingly energetic.

 

Aya: “Here, Kai. The meat is ready♥ Ahn♥”

Kai: “Thanks, Aya.”

Aya: “Hehe… Is it tasty?”

 

Tendou: “What, the kid and Aya finally got together? Stop being so lovey-dovey.”

Tanaka: “Hey, Ryunosuke, don’t tease them. They’re at their happiest now. Let them enjoy it before they face reality.”

Tendou: “You’re pretty harsh too. But I’m happy for them. Reina, please take care.”

 

Despite the usual teasing, Aya would have denied it shyly, but…

 

She tightly held my hand, intertwining our fingers where no one could see.

 

What is this exhilarating feeling? Aya, now honest and assertive, was almost taking the lead.

 

Aya: “Kai, are you free tonight?”

Kai: “Eh? I don’t have any plans after this.”

 

Aya whispered in my ear.

 

Aya: “I want to be alone with you tonight. Let’s go on a date we couldn’t have that day. And please, don’t let me go home tonight.”

Kai: “Yes, absolutely!!”

 

I was filled with anticipation.

 

Chairman: “Should I pretend I didn’t hear that?”

Tanaka: “Haha, while they’re underage, that’s also a part of being young. As understanding adults, let’s just smile and watch over them. “

Tendou: “Just one thing kid, use protection.”

 

Nagi poured alcohol into Reina’s cup while patting her head.

 

Nagi: “Reina, let’s have a girls’ night, just the two of us tonight. Your turn will come.”

Reina: “Yeah, Nagi. Looks like it’s going to be a lonely night for us. Let’s drink.”

Another: “I’ll have orange juice. But Reina, you’re strong.”

Reina: “Because I’ve transcended.”

 

The party was lively, making one wish for such peace to last forever.

 

Kai had endured, struggled, and protected everything, and it was clearly smiling there.

 

Kai: “…It’s fun, isn’t it, Aya?”

Aya: “Yes!!”

 

But peace is always just a break between battles. The world is often at war, and this temporary peace is fragile.

 

Kai, while casually drinking and looking up at the sky, notices something alarming. Soon, everyone around him, including Tendou, Kagetora, Tanaka, and Reina, stands up and gazes skyward.

 

“What’s that…?”

 

They observe dark clouds engulfing the sky, plunging the world into deep darkness. The moon, once visible, is now obscured by thick clouds.

 

This marks the day when the world loses its light, signifying that the peaceful, everyday life they knew could not last.

 

Immediately after

 

Athena: 『I apologize, Kai. Really… I’m truly sorry.』

Kai: “Huh?

 

Kai hears a familiar voice, unmistakably that of Athena. Athena, who had stayed at the Temple of Eternity with the last message that she had something to do.

 

Without warning, a golden barrier forms around Kai, surprising him. This barrier then transforms into a box, enclosing him completely.

 

Aya: “Kai-san!”

 

The last voice he hears is that of Aya.

Despite his abilities, including Lightning, he finds himself trapped, unable to escape.

 

Confused and unaware of what’s happening, Kai is trapped inside the golden box. However, contrary to his expectations, the box opens relatively quickly, within what felt like a few dozen seconds.

 

As the Cube slowly opens, Kai, with wide eyes, looks around. The sight before him is unbelievable, and he struggles to comprehend what has happened.

 

Because shockingly-

 

Kai: “What the hell… is this?”

 

The world seems to have already ended.