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—Great Labyrinth of the South: Near the Entrance—
At roughly the same time Stieg and Zimon reached the Explorer Guild, Luna arrived at the entrance to the Great Labyrinth of the South.
“…Pixie, we’ve reached the Great Labyrinth. What exactly do you intend to do now that you’ve brought me here?”
Having arrived at the plaza near the entrance, Luna questioned Pixie through their mental link.
This was the "urgent business" the fairy had mentioned earlier. Months ago, the former Count Claudel had abducted Sophia and taken her to Daluane. In her desperation to find her friend, Luna had secured the help of the fairy Pixie in exchange for a single promise: she would grant the fairy any one wish.
Today, Pixie had finally exercised that right by leading Luna to the Great Labyrinth.
“Um... my goal was just to bring you this far, Luna... What happens after this is up to you, I guess...”
“What do you mean by—”
“It's been a while, Ruu-ko.”
Just as Luna was about to press for a more coherent answer, another woman’s voice cut into their telepathic conversation.
“...That voice. Titania?”
Luna recognized the name immediately. Only one person called her “Ruu-ko”: Titania, the Fairy Queen.
“Correct. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“It really has been a long time. The last time we spoke was nine months ago, back when we were in the Regrif Territory on a request from Count Eddington. Time certainly flies.”
“To me, it feels like only a moment ago.”
“Hehe. I suppose a year must feel like the blink of an eye to someone who has lived for centuries.”
Luna’s expression softened as she conversed with Titania for the first time in months. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, she moved to the heart of the matter.
“Titania, were you the one who used Pixie to bring me here?”
“...Yes. Ruu-ko, I want you to bear witness to everything that is about to unfold. Seirei Command is less susceptible to the principles of magic than other abilities. Even if your memories cannot be carried over, your sensations—your impressions—should remain.”
“What... do you mean by that?” Luna asked, tilting her head at the cryptic warning.
“I’m sorry, but it seems there’s no time left to explain.”
Titania offered no further clarification. Instead, she abruptly severed the [Mental Transmission] path Selma had established to keep Luna informed of the state of emergency.
A moment later, a man suddenly materialized in front of the Great Labyrinth.
Luna felt an overwhelming, crushing pressure radiating from him. Trembling, she turned around. Standing before her was a man who looked like a one-armed youth, his right eye hidden behind an eyepatch: Beria Sans.
“...How truly irritating. It’s absurd that I’m the only one forbidden from entering the Great Labyrinth. Don’t you think so, Titania?”
Beria didn't even look at the shivering Luna. His words were directed solely at the fairy hovering near her. His casual tone confirmed that he could perceive the fairy—something that should have been impossible for a human.
“It’s only natural,” Titania replied coldly. “Did you truly think the Master would allow a man plotting the world’s destruction to set foot inside?”
“Hahaha! ‘Destruction of the world’? You’re being dramatic. I’m simply trying to correct it. After all, the very fact that this world exists is a mistake. As a fairy, surely you feel the same?”
“...I have no intention of debating the validity of this world’s existence with you. It is true that, in the past, I didn’t care whether this world perished or survived. But things are different now. I have chosen to place my faith in Orun Doura’s decision. That is my stance.”
“Orun, eh? Well, unfortunately for you, my subordinates are going to kill him. There is no tomorrow for that boy. A shame, really.”
“Wait a minute!” Luna, who had been paralyzed by Beria’s presence, finally found her voice. “Leaving it to Orun-san’s decision? Killing him? What on earth are you people talking about?!”
“...Luna Flockhart,” Beria said, finally turning his gaze toward her. His eyes were devoid of warmth. “Don’t interrupt a conversation between old friends who haven't spoken in centuries—especially when you’re nothing more than Titania’s puppet.”
“I won’t have you saying such things,” Titania interjected. “I have never once manipulated Ruu-ko. She has walked her path with her own strength and her own will.”
“Hoh. Are you suggesting it was a mere coincidence that Luna Flockhart was chosen as the third member of Golden Dawn? That’s quite a stretch, even for you.”
“...The third member?” Luna whispered, the term catching in her throat.
“You really don’t know anything, do you?”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what I said. Golden Dawn was originally intended to be a party that would bind Orun Doura in place while allowing Oliver to conquer the Great Labyrinth. But your presence... you messed everything up.”
Beria’s gaze grew sharp, piercing through her.
“Ruu-ko, don't listen to him. He’s just venting his spite because you were an obstacle to his plans. From my perspective, it was thanks to you that Orun and Oliver were both able to find a better path.”
Beria’s expression relaxed slightly as he listened to the fairy's defense.
“...True, I suppose I am just complaining. In any case, it’s all within the margin of error. Everything can be adjusted. I don't really care that much; I just wanted to voice my grievance.”
“You think this is just a margin of error? You’re far too overconfident. This is a shift significant enough to cost you your superiority. You will all realize that firsthand, starting now.”
“Hahaha! You talk big, Titania. But as I said, Orun dies here. Without fail. And so do you, Titania!”
The moment Beria finished his declaration, the sky seemed to ignite. A light so brilliant it could be mistaken for a second sun illuminated the plaza. It was golden mana, condensed to such a high density that it had become visible to the naked eye.
“—Heavenly Flash!”
The dazzling torrent of golden mana swallowed Beria whole.
As the light subsided, Oliver Cardiff descended, standing firm between Luna and Beria.