I was so stunned by the appearance of Iris-san—someone who was supposed to be long dead—that the words simply wouldn't come.
She didn't seem to mind my silence, though. She just watched me with a faint, gentle smile.
(Can you hear me?)
Wait, what? A voice resonated directly in my head, just like when I spoke with Shiro-san. Was this Iris-san’s voice?
(This is a form of magic known as Telepathy. There are certain matters I would prefer to discuss away from prying ears. While you likely cannot respond in kind, allow me to provide a brief explanation.)
It seemed that, unlike Shiro-san, Iris-san couldn't read my mind. Since I hadn't mastered Telepathy myself, this was strictly a one-way conversation.
That was fine by me, but an explanation... I assumed she meant about her current state?
(You must be shocked by my sudden appearance, given that she failed to explain anything. First, allow me to apologize on behalf of that fool. I am sorry.)
Her tone was certainly haughty, but unlike Alice, she felt incredibly well-mannered. She seemed like a truly composed, mature person—especially given how she took the time to explain things in the middle of such a sudden development.
(You have likely heard the rumors, but I am an existence that should be considered deceased. However, as I stand before you now, I have not been entirely extinguished. I suppose you could say my current state is something akin to a Spirit...)
Hmm. From the way she put it, it didn't sound like she’d been fully resurrected. I remembered Alice mentioning that Iris-san had anchored her soul within her Heart Tool and had lived on inside Alice’s heart all this time.
(Currently, I am close to a manifestation of magic power... with my Heart Tool acting as the core and Alice's Split Body serving as my vessel. To put it simply, the "experiment" she mentioned earlier was the process of granting me a physical form.)
I see. So Alice had gone through the trouble of dismissing her other clones to create that "Perfect Split Body" specifically to provide a vessel for Iris-san to materialize.
The experiment had clearly succeeded, and that was why Iris-san was standing here now.
I didn't quite grasp the complex magical theory behind it, but I finally understood why she was here.
(That was a rushed summary, but I'll take it that you understand the gist of my situation. As for why I have come to serve as your Proxy... that was my own request to Alice.)
Iris-san continued, seemingly intent on clearing up my other lingering questions.
(I owe you a great debt for saving my best friend. I have asked Alice many times for an opportunity to repay even a fraction of that kindness... and I decided to seize this moment to intervene. Again, I apologize for the surprise. However, I would be pleased if you could simply understand that I am your ally.)
Yeah, she definitely felt like a sensible adult. She was the complete opposite of Alice—the polar opposite of that massive idiot who never bothered to explain anything important.
Once she finished her explanation and saw me nod, Iris-san turned back toward Agni-san and spoke.
"I apologize for the wait... Now then, shall I measure my level with the crystal ball?"
"No, there is no need."
"Oh?"
Agni-san shook her head slightly as Iris-san moved to touch the measurement tool.
"I can sense the immense strength within your overflowing magic power. That tool is incapable of measuring power of such magnitude... I believe it is only right that we forgo any handicaps. However, if you 'absolutely insist' on one, I will take it into consideration."
"...A handicap is something the strong grant to the weak. You and I are meeting for the first time; our ranks have yet to be established. To discuss who should bear a handicap at this stage is a fruitless conversation, wouldn't you agree?"
"May I take that as a sign of confidence?"
"On the contrary, I should ask you—do you think I would challenge you without it?"
It felt as though literal sparks were flying between Agni-san and Iris-san. They were exchanging words charged with a quiet, intense fighting spirit, yet there was no malice between them.
Instead, it felt like two warriors acknowledging each other's strength and testing one another's resolve.
"I see... You are formidable. Miyama-sama."
"Eh? Yes?"
"Would you mind relocating to the spectator seats? It seems I will not have the luxury of holding back, and I fear you may be caught in the crossfire. World King-sama has placed Defense Barriers around the stands, so please, head there."
"I-I understand."
Predicting a violent clash, Agni-san urged me to find safety. I had no intention of arguing with her, so I nodded and prepared to move.
Just then, Iris-san looked back at me and offered a gentle, reassuring smile.
"Do not worry. I shall deliver you a victory."
"Declaring victory before we've even begun? You should be careful. You'll only find yourself embarrassed if you lose."
"I have no intention of losing. Though... I suppose I should apologize in advance. It has been quite some time since my last real battle, and I may struggle to regulate my strength. I suggest you defend yourself with everything you have."
"I appreciate the warning... but I think I'll respond with this: 'Do not underestimate me'."
The air sharpened as if turned into a blade by the collision of their fighting spirits. This... this was going to be an incredible fight.
"U-Um... Good luck, Iris-san!"
"Indeed. I have received your support. I shall surely bring you this win."
After giving Iris-san my earnest encouragement, I headed toward the spectator seats with Lilia-san and the others.
Dear Mother, Father—After hearing the circumstances from the Proxy who had suddenly appeared, the battle between Iris-san and Agni-san was finally about to begin. Watching the sparks fly before the first blow was even struck, I had a feeling... it was going to be an incredible battle.