Kai: “…About an hour has passed, huh?”

 

The time was already nearing dawn. Normally, I’d still be deep asleep, but the adrenaline coursing through me made sleep impossible. Nevertheless, I couldn’t go without resting for that mere hour, so I forced myself to lie down.

 

Kai: “…Stage 5, I don’t know how long it will last, but it’s probably the last one.”

 

What comes to mind is the Dungeon of Awakening. Those three always appeared right before the final enemy.

And the ones that always followed them…

 

Kai: “Mirage, Lightning.”

 

They were knights of incredible strength.

I remember coming close to death every single time.

The most challenging was Lightning, but the second most difficult was undoubtedly Mirage.

So, who would be the last one here?

If I truly needed the True Awakening, then the last enemy would most likely be…

And if my guess is right…

I stood up from where I lay. I stretched to loosen my stiff body, took a deep breath, and looked at the screensaver on my smartphone.

Previously, it was a photo of my family. A nostalgic picture of my mother, father, and Nagi. During the times when I had nothing else but memories, I would always endure by looking at that picture.

But now, I had to move forward.

It’s not about forgetting the past but cherishing and safeguarding it. So, my current screensaver is this.

 

Kai: “Aya, Reina, Nagi, Tanaka-san, the chairman, Tendou-san…”

 

A group photo taken with everyone in Okinawa. They look like family at a glance.

No, to me, they were family. Not by blood, but by heart. A family I absolutely wanted to protect, a family I couldn’t afford to lose. And I had the power to protect them, a power I had to obtain.

 

Kai: “…Alright!”

 

The digital clock moved forward, and the appointed time arrived. No matter how painful or sad things got, only time would continue to move on.

So, I raised my head and gripped my sword.

I was prepared.

I had gained experience.

I had grown stronger.

Now, all that’s left is…

 

System Voice:『…The time has come. The last stage will now begin.』

 

…victory.

As the voice spoke, particles of light began to gather in front of me.

Slowly taking shape, it was indeed a knight.

A pristine white knight manifested before my eyes.

 

Kai: “…I see, so it’s you after all.”

 

We’ve never met, but I had a vague feeling. I grasped the golden tag around my neck.

My eyes, shining a golden hue, stared intently at the emerging knight.

The light converged, forming a white knight. Pure and flawless, entirely enrobed in white armor.

I called out its name.

The owner of this tag. It was also written in my status.

That name was…

 

Kai: “I’ve wanted to meet you. Lancelot-san.”

 

The knight from the vision when I first obtained the Eye of God. The strongest knight who stood alone against tens of thousands of black knights and continued to fight.

 

Lancelot: 『The feeling is mutual, knight of this era. I am Lancelot. May I have your name?』

 

Kai: “──!?”

 

I thought he would draw his sword immediately, but instead, the knight spoke.

It was clearly different this time. A being I could communicate with.

 

Kai: “My name is Kai. You can call me Kai. I have many questions for you, but since you’ve drawn your sword…”

 

I conveyed my name.

There was so much I wanted to ask this being who could understand me.

But I couldn’t deny the overwhelming sense of an impending battle.

 

Lancelot: 『I see, Kai. First, let me thank you. You’ve woven our lights. I feel the lights of Mirage and Lightning within you, especially their strong influence. And I sense many other white lights within you. Truly, thank you.』

Kai: “I just wanted to become stronger.”

 

He’s probably talking about the full clears of the Cubes and the promotion exams. As I suspected, those were for the purpose of granting me power. The rewards for full clears were always trials that nurtured my growth.

 

Lancelot: 『I see. You have a reason to become stronger. Then I want you to inherit my light as well. But… to do that, you must surpass me by giving it your all. So, I will fight you with everything I have, Kai. I’m sorry to impose this on you so one-sidedly, but──』

 

The white knight readied his sword. I could feel the impending battle from the pressure he emitted.

 

Lancelot: 『──Please defeat me.』

 

I accepted his resolve, took my stance, and responded.

 

Kai: “Leave it to me.”

 

It seemed as though Lancelot, behind his armor, was smiling.

 

Lancelot: 『Hehe, I know you have many questions, but don’t worry. The princess will explain everything to you later.』

Kai: “The princess? But… alright. Then…”

Lancelot: 『Yes…』

 

With that, we both launched forward with all our might.

In an instant, our swords clashed.

 

Kai: “I’ll surpass you!”

Lancelot: 『Surpass me!!』

 

I activated Lightning. Moving behind Lancelot-san at the speed of a lightning bolt, I simultaneously used Mirage, making my electric strike invisible. This was my unbeatable technique. It had never been countered before.

 

Yet…

 

Lancelot: 『An impressive combination technique.』

 

Without even looking behind, he merely held his sword behind him to block it. Lancelot-san wielded his sword as if it were an extension of his limbs. It was a mere moment of offense and defense, but in that brief exchange, a realization hit me.

This man, when it came to swordsmanship, was far above me.

In a competition of sword technique, I stood no chance.

Even so…

 

*Crack!*

 

There are skills in battle as well, a competition isn’t determined by swordsmanship alone.

Yet, even that…

 

Lancelot: 『I can see it all: Mirage, Lightning, even your status itself.』

 

He seemed to see through all my attacks, as if predicting every move. It was the first time my surprise attacks had been so completely thwarted.

I momentarily retreated, then once again focused on Lancelot-san’s status.

 

Kai: “I see, haha… I get it. This power is really like a cheat, isn’t it? I wonder if this is how everyone felt up until now.”

Lancelot: 『Indeed, this power is the mightiest of all. It’s a force that could even have the potential to rule the world. Therefore, Kai, this eye is referred to with a mix of awe and respect as──』

 

With eyes shining golden, I stared intently at the white knight.

And I’m certain…

 

Lancelot: 『──the Eye of God.』

 

We were looking at each other with the same eyes.