Once our conversation had wound down, I turned away from the Main Hall and stood before Tenrei Shrine’s torii gate.
Reaching out toward the gate, I began to manipulate the local mana, using the same technique I employed when touching the Wall of the Principles of Magic. Slowly, the space framed by the torii began to shimmer like the surface of a disturbed pond.
This gate was the sole path to the Phoenix Shrine—the ethereal realm that served as the very foundation for the Principles of Magic. However, that path was not open to just anyone.
One needed mana manipulation skills precise enough to personally breach the Wall of the Principles of Magic and establish a connection with the Outside World. Furthermore, one required a high resistance to the mana of the Outside World just to survive within the Phoenix Shrine.
Only those who satisfied both requirements could become "Transcendents" and earn the right to step into the domain of the Principles.
...And I had already crossed that threshold.
As the shimmering of the gate began to quiet, an anomalous presence—one that seemed to shift the very quality of the air—began to flow toward me from the other side.
"Well then, I’m off."
"Take care."
After calling out to Fuuka and Nagisa, who were watching me from behind, I stepped through the gate.
...It was silent.
There was no wind, no sound, and even the mana was perfectly harmonized. I was enveloped in a stillness that made it feel as though time itself had ground to a halt.
Trees formed of pure white—from their trunks and branches down to their leaves—stood in rows, encircling the area. It was a dreamlike vista that seemed to defy the logic of the physical world.
In the center sat a structure with the silhouette of Tenrei Shrine, standing in quiet repose. While its shape was familiar, the air drifting around it, the density of the mana, and the space itself were fundamentally different. I was forced to realize, whether I liked it or not, that this was the progenitor; the Tenrei Shrine I’d seen just moments ago was nothing more than a pale imitation.
I quietly took a step forward. The ground beneath my feet was white as snow, yet it wasn't cold. The air was transparent, but strangely heavy.
The beginning of all things in this world. The source that shaped the very laws of reality.
So this was the Phoenix Shrine.
Recalling the floor plan of Tenrei Shrine that Nagisa had given me, I made my way inside. When I reached the room where the Divine Mirror would normally be enshrined, I found no mirror. Instead, a magic stone resembling a crystal ball sat there in silence.
I knew without being told. That was the Principles of Magic itself.
"......"
To my eyes, the room looked like a simple wooden chamber. Its construction didn't seem significantly different from the traditional architecture common in this country. Yet the moment I stepped inside, something I felt against my skin told a different story. The floor, the pillars, the walls—everything was meant to be wood, and yet there was a profound serenity here, as if the room had been severed from reality.
『You’ve finally come. It took you a bit longer than I expected, didn't it?』
"......Eh?"
While I was still lost in a sense of wordless awe, a woman’s voice suddenly echoed. It wasn't a voice that vibrated the air or reached my ears. It was Mental Transmission, flowing directly into my mind.
And I knew that voice. I had only heard it once before, but there was no way I could ever forget it.
I immediately scanned the room. Within the harmonized mana of the space, I found a single point where the energy shimmered with a distinct presence—no, a Seirei was there.
"...Titania...?"
『It’s been a long time, Orun. I see you haven't forgotten me.』
"...Yeah. I have a resistance to the effects of time because of the [Time Rewind]. I think that’s why."
『I see. To think that his "wish" would lead to a result like this. I suppose this is the kind of destiny Stella spoke of.』
Titania murmured to herself, her tone one of quiet realization.
I knew the name Stella. She was the Seirei Command user known as the "Saint" in the old fairy tales. Currently, the one who possessed that same ability was Luna. Since special abilities were inherited through bloodlines, it meant Saint Stella was Luna's ancestor.
"Titania."
『What is it?』
I was stunned by this sudden reunion, but there were words I had to say to her. A simple phrase, loaded with every emotion I currently felt.
"—Thank you."
The only reason I was able to stand here today was because of Grandpa and Titania. If it hadn't been for them, I might not even be in this world anymore. Even if I had survived, I doubt I would have had the strength to keep moving forward. I owed Grandpa and Titania a debt I could never truly repay.
『...It wasn't for your sake, Orun. I helped Cavadele because it was what I wanted to do.』
"...I see. But that doesn't change the fact that you saved me. And... I'm just happy to be able to talk to you again."
To be able to exchange words with someone I thought was gone forever—it brought a heat to my chest.
"I'm so glad you're alive. Now Luna can—"
『—No, Orun. ...I’m not "alive."』
The denial was quiet, but firm.
『I sacrificed the majority of the mana that composed my being as a price for the Principles back then. The small fragment that remained wasn't enough to sustain my form, so I was absorbed into the Principles. Right now, I am barely clinging to this shape.』
Titania’s voice remained calm, but a sense of resignation seeped through her words.
『The mana paid as a price can never be returned.』
A brief silence hung in the air.
『I suppose I’m little more than a ghost now, lingering through the dregs of my existence.』
There was no grief or despair in her tone. She spoke with the simple resonance of someone who had accepted the facts.
"......"
I was speechless. Listening to her voice and sensing her mana, I finally understood.
Titania had very little time left.
The Principles of Magic harbored enough power to maintain the entire world. Compared to that, the mana left in Titania was microscopic. Even in this harmonized space, she was like a single drop of ink in a vast, still ocean. Eventually, her mana would dissolve and become indistinguishable from the rest. The very fact that she could still maintain her sense of self was a miracle.
『There's no need to look so troubled, Orun. I told you, this was my choice.』
Her voice was as gentle as ever. She wasn't seeking comfort or offering a lesson; she was merely stating a fact she had already reconciled with. Her composure only made it hurt more.
I couldn't find the words to reply. I felt that anything I said would be hollow. Yet, an urge to say something smoldered in the back of my throat.
『Oh, I know.』
Titania spoke up then, as if a new thought had just occurred to her.
『If you truly feel grateful, Orun, would you do one thing for me?』
"...Anything. Just say the word. If it's your wish, I'll make it happen."
I answered without a moment's hesitation. A long silence followed as Titania seemed to weigh her next words. Then, with a careful but clear intent, she spoke.
『One last time... I want to see Luna. I want to see Ruu-ko.』
My heart tightened at the request. I could feel just how much Luna meant to her in that single sentence. Knowing that made the weight of her wish almost painful to bear.
"—Leave it to me," I replied instantly.
There was no doubt, no second-guessing.
"I'll bring her here. I promise."
If that was Titania’s final wish, then no matter the obstacle, I would see it through.
"So... please, wait until then. I’ll make it in time. I definitely will."
At my words, I felt as though Titania gave a small, faint smile.
Thank you for reading until the end. I would be happy if you read the next chapter as well. Also, today (November 14th), the Audible version of Book Version Volume Four has been released! I would be very happy if you could check it out. Page Link ⇒ https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0F2T9PYS2