The following day, I set out for Tenrei Shrine, located halfway up the Sacred Mountain.
In Hanemiya, the capital of Kyokutou, the festive air of the previous day had vanished, replaced by the steady rhythm of reconstruction. Voices calling out as rubble was cleared echoed softly through the crisp morning air. Steam curled up from communal pots as people shared meals, and workers were already visible on the rooftops, busily replacing tiles. A sense of recovery, distinct from the boisterousness of the festival, now filled the city.
Leaving that scene behind, I began my ascent. My reason for visiting Tenrei Shrine was to investigate the Principles of Magic situated there.
The Principles of Magic were effectively the heart of this world. They acted as the mechanism maintaining the barrier between this world and the Outside World, serving as the foundation that supported the very structure of our reality.
My ultimate goal was to dismantle the wall separating these two worlds and reach the Outside. However, that barrier existed for a reason: it prevented the "Outside World's Mana"—a substance deadly to humans—from flooding our world. If I were to simply tear it down, the world would be filled with poison. Sacrificing the lives of others for the sake of my personal ambitions was out of the question.
I had several ideas on how to reach the Outside without such a sacrifice, but to confirm if any of them were truly feasible, I needed to understand the Principles of Magic.
As I organized my thoughts, a Torii Gate came into view, its paint peeling in several places from years of exposure to the elements. I passed beneath it and stepped quietly into the precincts.
Two figures were already there.
"Good morning, Orun."
"G-Good morning!"
Fuuka was the first to speak. Beside her, Nagisa offered an awkward bow.
"Good morning, you two. Sorry for the early start."
I continued walking toward them as I spoke.
"P-Please, don't worry about it! I was planning to come here anyway to dismantle the Yagura!" Nagisa said, waving her hands flusteredly. Her movements were stiff, and her voice was pitched a little higher than usual.
She’s nervous.
But that was only natural. Currently, I was known as the "Demon King," a man on the International Wanted List. In reality, those were nothing more than crimes fabricated by the Cult to socially isolate me. Nagisa had likely heard the truth from Fuuka, but the weight of such an infamous title wasn't something easily ignored. The fact that she was even speaking to me was more than enough.
"Dismantling the Yagura? That sounds like heavy labor for just the two of you. Why not ask someone else to—ah, right. This is a Forbidden Land."
Entry to the Sacred Mountain was restricted to the Shinonome, Asagiri, and Tendou houses. Except for the final day of the Reibu Festival, only a select few were permitted entry. Technically, I didn't have the right to be here either, but since I had the approval of both Fuuka and Nagisa, I was allowed to stand here as an exception.
"Yes... But it’s not actually that difficult. The Asagiri House has an original magic passed down through generations specifically for assembling and dismantling the Yagura. Once it’s down, we just collect the pieces with a Storage Magic Tool, carry them out, and incinerate them according to the proper procedures."
"I see... So the Asagiri House has its own unique methods."
Nagisa’s expression softened slightly at my reply, though a trace of stiffness remained in her posture. I wanted to build a better relationship with her, but that was something that would simply take time. I couldn't rush it.
"............Um, Master Orun."
Nagisa suddenly spoke up, her eyes cast downward. Her voice held a hint of trepidation.
"Actually... there are two things I need to tell you...!"
"Things you want to tell me?"
"Yes. First... thank you so much for everything you did to save this country! I heard that Philly’s departure was also thanks to your strength, Master Orun. Truly, thank you!"
Nagisa bowed deeply. Her gratitude was palpable.
"There’s no need to thank me," I replied with a wry smile.
This had been Fuuka’s long-held wish. I had simply acted to fulfill a friend's desire. Besides, I had my own reasons for wanting to secure the Principles of Magic as quickly as possible.
"...Even so, thank you."
Nagisa raised her head and looked me in the eye. While I didn't feel I deserved the praise, I figured accepting it would help ease her conscience.
"You're welcome. ...So, what was the second thing?"
"...Well, about the second thing—"
As I shifted the topic, Nagisa hesitated. She looked away, her fingers tightly gripping her sleeves.
"It’s about the Summit Meeting held last month. ...During the meeting, I voted in favor of the proposal to put you on the International Wanted List, Master Orun."
Her voice trembled, but she forced the words out.
The Summit Meeting was the gathering where world leaders and high-ranking officials had met to discuss the threat of the Magic Beasts appearing on the surface. They had agreed to strengthen international cooperation and established Labyrinth Conquest as humanity's top priority.
It was also the place where my status as an international criminal had been finalized.
"It’s true that there was pressure from the Cult. But even so... I was the one who raised my hand. I am one of the reasons you were backed into a corner, Master Orun."
Nagisa bowed deeply again, her back shaking slightly.
"I am truly... so sorry...!"
She remained frozen in that bow. Seeing her like that, I realized I had been wrong. I thought she was nervous because she was afraid of me, but in reality, she was consumed by guilt for her part in branding me a criminal.
I had to clear up that misunderstanding immediately.
"Raise your head. This isn't something you need to apologize for, Nagisa. If anything, I'm the one who should apologize for making you suffer."
"N-No! You have nothing to apologize for, Master Orun...!"
"Actually, I do. Because being placed on that list was exactly what I wanted."
"............Eh?"
"I knew the Cult was watching me. I also knew they would eventually target the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. To protect the clan, I asked Princess Lucila to propose the wanted list during the meeting. By having her bring it up, the Nohitant Kingdom—where the clan is based—could publicly demonstrate that they viewed me as an enemy."
"...Now that you mention it, Princess Lucila was the one who made the proposal..."
Nagisa was stunned, her eyes wide as she struggled to process what I had just said.
"Nagisa, what Orun says is true," Fuuka added, finally breaking her silence.
"Big Sis Fuuka..."
"I was there when Orun and Lucila discussed it. Orun insisted on taking the blame himself. Lucila simply understood his intent and played her part in making him a wanted man."
"............"
"So, there is no reason for you to feel guilty."
Nagisa bit her lip, staring at the ground. After a long silence, a shaky voice escaped her.
"...Even so, I... I can't forgive myself..."
When she looked up, her eyes were filled with frustration and sorrow.
"I wasn't able to defy the Cult's orders until the very end...!"
Nagisa's cry was directed at herself, her shoulders trembling. The feeling of powerlessness, the regret over past failures—they were emotions I knew all too well.
"...Nagisa."
I slowly walked over to her.
"None of us walk a perfect path. If there’s someone out there who never makes a mistake, it’s only because they aren't moving forward. Mistakes and regrets are proof that you’re trying to advance. And once you move forward, you’ll eventually stand at another crossroads. You have to decide then: will you stop, or will you keep walking?"
Nagisa stared at me, her eyes wide.
"The fact that you are admitting your weakness here and now requires much more courage than simply following orders."
"...Courage...?"
"Yes. It’s terrifying to face your own weaknesses. Everyone wants to run away. But you’re facing yours properly. That means you aren't just a puppet who follows orders anymore. From now on, you can walk of your own accord."
Tears finally spilled from Nagisa’s eyes. But the shadow that had darkened her expression was gone.
"...I wonder if I can really change."
Fuuka moved to her side, offering a gentle smile.
"The fact that you want to change means you already have. It’s okay, Nagisa. I know you can become strong."
Nagisa finally offered a small, tentative smile—one that carried a hint of newfound pride.