◇ ◇ ◇
After freeing Oliver and the others in Tsutrail, I headed straight for the capital of the Nohitant Kingdom. From there, I utilized the long-distance teleportation at the Downing Trading Company branch to return to the Hitia Duchy.
"Are we really back in the Hitia Duchy already?"
Derrick wasn't the only one muttering in shock; Luna and Anneri both wore expressions of pure disbelief. Oliver, however, didn't seem surprised, perhaps because he already knew about the existence of long-distance teleportation.
The reaction from the others was only natural. Just a few hours ago, we had been in Tsutrail. We had just crossed a distance that would normally take nearly a month by carriage.
"This... this could revolutionize the entire shipping industry," Luna breathed.
"I'm using it without restraint right now, but considering the costs, it isn't something we can use lightly," I explained. "More research is required before it can be used for commercial distribution. Anyway, good work, everyone. I’m sorry for forcing such a grueling schedule on you. I'll speak with Chris—the company president—and have him prepare guest rooms. Please, rest well for the remainder of the day."
"Marquis Forgas is moving to have you branded a wanted criminal, right?" Anneri asked. "And since we’re escaped convicts now, we know we can't linger in the Nohitant Kingdom. We’re fine."
"Yeah," Derrick added. "We aren't even that tired. So, what’s the plan? What do we do next?"
Judging by their faces, they weren't just acting tough; they truly seemed to have energy to spare. I had worried that a year in detention might have left them physically weakened, but it seemed my concerns were misplaced.
"I don't need you to do anything immediately," I said. "However, I suspect that labyrinths all over the world will suffer stampedes in the very near future. When that time comes, I want you to work with the Amunzaas Action Units to subjugate magic beasts across the continent."
"Cooperating with Amunzaas..." Luna murmured with a wry smile. "That’s a bit complicated."
To her, Amunzaas was an organization she had considered the enemy until only a few hours ago. It would be asking too much to expect her to shift her perspective instantly.
"It’s true that Amunzaas has killed many explorers in the past. That history isn't going away," I acknowledged. "However, the current leadership does not condone murder. They’re moving to save as many people as possible. Still, Luna, I understand how you feel. Until you've had time to process everything, you don't need to—"
"—No, it’s fine," Luna interrupted, cutting me off. "I’m sorry for sounding weak. I made my decision before I ever stepped foot here."
I had been about to tell her she didn't need to push herself, but the sheer determination in her eyes told me her words weren't a bluff.
"...I see. Anneri, Derrick, are you both okay with this as well?"
"Yes," Anneri replied. "Oliver told us beforehand that there was a high possibility we’d be working with Amunzaas. We settled our feelings on the matter a while ago."
"Same here," Derrick grunted.
"I see. Thank you, all three of you—"
"—Orun, welcome back!"
The door to the teleportation room flew open, and Shion practically burst inside. Her gaze shifted to my side, and when she spotted Oliver, a mischievous smile played across her lips.
"It’s been a while, Oliver. I heard you almost killed Orun during last year's Thanksgiving Festival?"
"Long time no see, Shion," Oliver shot back, unfazed. "Didn't you try to kill him yourself right before that same festival?"
From my perspective, I knew they were just bantering, but the subject matter was dangerously morbid. Though, to be fair, neither of them was lying...
"You two... are you sure those are the words you want to say to a friend you haven't seen in ten years?" I sighed.
"We have to make sure we never forget our past mistakes," Shion said cheerfully.
"...Exactly," Oliver agreed. "If only to ensure I never commit such a folly again."
As the two of them reached a strange understanding, Luna's eyes widened. "I’ve never seen anything like this... so many ice seirei gathered in one place."
Hearing her whisper, Shion turned toward her. She stared intently at Luna for a long moment.
"............By any chance, are you a special ability user with [Seirei Command]?"
"Uh, yes. That is my ability," Luna replied, a bit taken aback.
"Hmm. So it’s you."
Shion kept her meaningful gaze on Luna for a few seconds longer before her expression shifted into a bright, friendly smile. She offered her hand.
"I'm Shion Nasturtium. Nice to meet you."
Though clearly bewildered, Luna took her hand. "Um, I'm Luna Flockhart. The pleasure is mine."
Luna had been the very first companion Oliver and I had gained when we founded Golden Dawn. I didn't know if some higher power had intervened, if it was a total coincidence, or if it was simply fate. However, I knew one thing for certain.
The fact that I had been traveling with Luna was a massive advantage.
Luna’s [Seirei Command] allowed her to perceive seirei and fairies. As a user of [All Creation], I had unknowingly acquired the same ability. That was the only reason I had been able to see Titania and speak with her.
I still didn't know exactly what I had said back in the Regrif Territory that had reached her, but because of that meeting, she had lent me her aid in rewinding the world's time. She had even offered up the majority of the mana that composed her very being as the price.
My grandpa was irreplaceable to me, but his existence alone wouldn't have been enough to pay the toll to turn back time. We only had this present because Titania had cooperated.
Furthermore, fairies—sentient mana lifeforms—would be vital in our upcoming war against the Cult. Having someone who could already exercise [Seirei Command] was a blessing.
"So?" Shion asked, still holding Luna’s hand as she looked toward Anneri and Derrick. "What’s their relationship to Orun? I thought you were only bringing Oliver back."
"They’re members of Golden Dawn," I explained. "They’ve all agreed to cooperate with us."
"Golden Dawn... the Hero Party. Huh. So these are the ones..."
Shion looked over the group with genuine curiosity. "Ah, I haven't introduced myself to you two yet. I'm Shion Nasturtium. If you’re helping us, that makes you my comrades. Nice to meet you!"
She introduced herself to Anneri and Derrick with the same energy she’d shown Luna. After they exchanged greetings and the initial introductions were finished, we decided to call it a day.
◇
Several days have passed since our return to the Hitia Duchy.
Today is April 21st, Four Holy Era Year 630.
In the previous timeline, this was the day Tsutrail was decimated by the Cult.
Fuuka and I stood on the rooftop of the Downing Trading Company, looking out over the city of Celest. We waited for the moment to arrive, our hearts steady and calm. Over the last few days, we had deployed Amunzaas Action Units to various locations across the continent in preparation for the stampedes.
We anticipated that the stampedes would break out simultaneously across the globe. Cities with a high concentration of explorers would be able to defend themselves to some degree. However, regions with few explorers were likely to be overrun without any means of resistance. We intended to use every resource Amunzaas had to oppose that threat and minimize casualties, regardless of where the beasts appeared.
We had done everything we could to prepare. Now, all that remained was to act.
After a while, Teruche-san and Chris joined us on the roof.
"Master Orun," Teruche-san began. "We just received word from Haruto and Luna. They were scouting the uninhabited island and report that Rasetsu and The War Ogre have arrived."
The island they were monitoring housed a labyrinth similar to the "Farm" Shion had attacked earlier this year. The giant cyclops that had appeared during the previous timeline’s assault on Tsutrail was a modified beast, and I was certain they were being manufactured there.
"Have Luna and Haruto-san cleared the island?" I asked.
"Yes. Both have already departed and are currently heading to their next posts."
"Understood. Thank you for the report. Teruche-san, please relay this information to each unit commander through the messengers."
"As you wish." Teruche-san bowed and immediately left the roof.
"Fuuka, are you ready?" I asked, turning to the girl beside me.
Fuuka gave a small, resolute nod. "Ready whenever you are."
She sounded calm, devoid of any unnecessary tension.
"It’s finally here, isn't it?" Chris muttered, his voice thick with emotion.
"Yeah. From here on, the world is going to start moving very quickly. The stampedes might start in less than half a day. Chris, I’m counting on you to coordinate with the Duchy."
"I know. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure we save more lives than we've taken. I don't expect this to count as atonement, but I have no reason to hesitate. ...Don't die, Orun."
I knew Chris probably wanted to stop me, but he didn't say a word to hold me back. Instead, he gave me the push I needed.
"I won't! After all, the future I’m aiming for is one where I can live with a smile on my face!"
As I made my declaration, the makeshift teleportation circle was completed. Once I activated it, the world began to warp and distort.