Going back slightly in time—
While Orun and the others were at the Phoenix Shrine, Shion’s group was enjoying a moment of peace at the ryokan.
Tea and Japanese sweets were arranged along the engawa, bathed in the pale autumn sunlight. Shion and Fuuka savored their nerikiri, nibbling at them bit by bit, while Katina and Teruche chatted over their teacups.
That was when it happened.
"—!"
Nagisa suddenly stood up, her voice sharp with shock. The color had drained from her face.
"What's wrong?" Fuuka asked.
Nagisa’s voice trembled. "A Demon... is approaching. This sensation... it's Funshaku, Luary."
The moment the name was spoken, the atmosphere in the room vanished, replaced by a thick, heavy tension.
Nagisa had normally been able to track the presence of every Demon in this world, but that sense had been suppressed since the God Summoning incident—likely due to some countermeasure implemented by the Cult. The only reason she could feel it now was because the Demon had closed the distance to Kyokutou's territory.
"Haruto-san, can you confirm with your Bird’s-eye Vision?"
At Shion’s question, Haruto furrowed his brows and shook his head. "...No. They’re still too far away."
"Their movement is slow. I believe they are traveling by ship," Nagisa speculated.
Haruto immediately followed up. "Which means there's a high probability someone else is on board besides Funshaku."
Shion stood up quietly, her silver hair swaying. "...Out of everyone here, I’m the one who can cover a long distance the fastest. I’ll go ahead and buy us some time. Use that interval to get everyone ready."
"You’re flying, right? Then take me with you," Haruto said firmly. "From the Trading City Tsuranami in the west, I should be able to see the full extent of the enemy."
After a brief silence, Shion nodded. "Understood. Let's go."
Haruto turned to the remaining members and began barking orders.
"Fuuka, Kati, Huey, and Teruche, head to Tsuranami by land. Nagisa, meet up with the old man Kiryu and send word to all our stations. Once that’s done, wait at the Tenrei Shrine and let Orun and the others know the situation as soon as they return."
"Right!"
Nagisa nodded and pulled a small seal from her sleeve. It was a small magatama engraved with the Asagiri family crest.
"Haruto-san, take this. I am temporarily entrusting the command of the Kyokutou Soldiers to you. If there is any pushback, show them this."
"...You sure like to pile on the heavy burdens."
"It's because it's you, Haruto-san. I trust you as much as I trust Big Sis Fuuka."
Nagisa smiled, and Haruto let out a short breath before tucking the magatama away in his clothes.
"Alright, let's move."
Shion called out to Haruto and activated her magic.
"—Flowing Flight: Elceria."
The ground dropped away, and their vision stretched out instantly. The surface receded in a flash.
◇
"W-Woooooah?! So faaaaast!!"
Haruto let out a pathetic scream during his first experience with aerial travel—and at top speed, no less.
"Ahaha... You're exaggerating."
"I can't help it! This is terrifying!"
Banter was exchanged through the whistling wind. Amidst the high tension, a brief moment of levity was born.
Before long, the blue sparkle of the sea spread out in the distance. Tsuranami, the trading city of the west, came into view. The moment they touched down, Haruto’s knees wobbled slightly.
"...I’m never doing that speed again."
"It’s actually quite pleasant once you get used to it."
"My heart won't hold out that long!"
After the short exchange softened the atmosphere, Haruto took a deep breath and activated his Ability. His vision suddenly expanded, surveying the western sea.
"...I see them. Over a dozen ships—no, they're warships. The flag... it's the Ludain Federation."
Shion’s eyes narrowed. "So it really is the Federation..." She spoke quietly. "Haruto, I’m heading out. Given the forces they've lined up, there's a chance it'll turn into a brawl immediately, but... I need to scout them first. It'll also buy us more time."
"Got it. Then take this with you."
Haruto pulled an Amplification Magic Tool from his Storage Magic Tool and handed it to her. Shion nodded as she took it, then stepped out into the sea breeze.
Activating Flowing Flight: Elceria once again, she soared through the sky. She came to a halt alone, waiting at the very edge of Kyokutou's waters—the boundary line the Ludain Fleet was about to cross.
Amidst the sound of the waves, her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight. Her eyes remained fixed on the approaching shadows.
◇
The wind blowing across the sea tossed Shion's silver hair.
Far beyond the horizon, where the sea and sky blurred into a misty white, several black shadows emerged. Shion gripped her staff and activated Long-range Vision: Vista. Her magical focus sharpened in the distance until the outlines became clear.
It was the Ludain Federation Fleet.
This was no mere reconnaissance mission or intimidation tactic. Furthermore, if the Demon Funshaku was among them, their intent to attack was undeniable.
She exhaled quietly and swept her staff to the side. A portion of the sea's surface froze instantly, a white line extending straight across the water. That line was the symbol of the border—the line marking the territorial waters of Kyokutou.
The fleet seemed to notice Shion's presence and slowed their pace. The distance between them was a little over a hundred meters—too far for a human voice to carry, but more than enough for a Magic Tool.
Shion brought the Amplification Magic Tool to her lips. Feeling the sea breeze against her cheeks, she spoke slowly.
"I am Shion, an envoy of Kyokutou. Acting on the orders of Princess Nagisa, I have come to confirm the movements of your nation's fleet. That is quite an imposing armada. With so many soldiers in tow, what is your purpose here?"
Shion continued indifferently.
"I have just marked our mutual border. If you intend to cross it, I will begin preparations for a counter-attack. However, if your nation does not wish for unnecessary attrition, I am willing to hear your claims. What are your intentions?"
Her voice rode the wind, reaching the fleet with a clear, resonant ring. Shion's gaze was cold yet calm, her posture reflecting the pride of a diplomat.
But there was no response.
Instead, a deep shadow fell across the sea. Shion looked up to find a lone girl standing in the sky. Their red hair danced in the wind, the hem and sleeves of their oversized top fluttering like flames. Their crimson eyes looked straight down at Shion.
High above them, several orbs of light manifested. By the time Shion recognized them as fireballs, it was already too late.
The moment the massive fireballs struck the sea, water pillars erupted alongside a thunderous roar as the shockwave slammed into the ocean.