It was a land of eternal snow and biting frost. Even among the denizens of the Demon Realm, this place was feared as the Land of Death. There stood the solitary fortress of the Death King: Isis's Castle.
In a corner of the archive, surrounded by shelves overflowing with books, the master of the castle sat alone. Isis placed the book she had recently purchased—a volume titled The Caged Princess and the Blue Flower—on a small table and turned her gaze toward the scenery beyond the window.
At that moment, the door to the archive creaked open, and a girl carrying a paper bag stepped inside.
"Isis, I’ve come to share some of my new batch with you!"
"……Kuromueina…… Yes…… Thank you…… Just leave it…… there."
The Underworld King, Kuromueina, spoke with a bright smile, but Isis replied in a flat, hollow voice without even turning around. Seeing this, Kuromueina’s expression clouded with a flicker of loneliness. She quietly placed the bag of baby castella on the table.
How long had it been since the warmth had vanished from Isis’s face? Since her expressions had frozen into a mask of cold indifference? Kuromueina knew the cause all too well, but unfortunately, she possessed no way to heal the profound loneliness that Isis harbored.
Frustrated by her own helplessness as a member of Isis's family, Kuromueina could find nothing more to say. She took one last look at Isis's back as she stared out the window, then turned to leave, murmuring as if to herself.
"……By the way, I’m looking for Shaltier. Do you happen to know where she is right now?"
"……I don't know…… She came here once…… about two years ago…… but I don't know…… where she is now."
"I see. Thanks anyway…… Well, see you later."
"……Yes."
Stepping out of the castle without having exchanged much more than those few words, Kuromueina suddenly sensed the magic power of an acquaintance teleporting nearby.
A moment later, trees sprouted from the snow-covered earth as the World King, Lilliwood, manifested.
"Lilliwood, what a coincidence."
"Oh? Kuromueina…… Were you visiting Isis as well?"
"Yeah, just for a bit. By the way, Lilliwood, do you have any idea where Shaltier might be?"
"No, I am sorry. I haven't seen her since the last Hero Festival, so as for her current whereabouts……"
Shaltier—also known as the Phantasm King, No Face—was the only one among the Six Kings who lacked a fixed residence. She wandered the world constantly. Furthermore, as a master of transformation and recognition inhibition magic, she was notoriously difficult to contact. It was common for her to vanish entirely from the sight of the other Six Kings for the full ten years between festivals.
"Hmm, I see…… I’ll just have to ask one of her executives to get in touch with her again. Anyway, I’ll be going now. Please look after Isis for me. She seems a bit on edge lately, but I think she’ll find some peace of mind being with you, Lilliwood."
"I hope so…… It is frustrating that our presence never leads to a fundamental solution."
"……You're right. It’s a difficult matter. Well, once the next Hero Festival is over, we'll have more time. I’d like for all of us to gather at least once before the festival after that."
When Kuromueina said "all of us," she meant the family that now lived apart—the Six Kings. Since the signing of the Friendship Treaty between the three realms, the range of their activities had expanded, and the opportunities for the Six Kings to gather as a whole had dwindled.
"I agree. Though, as usual, summoning Shaltier will likely prove the most difficult part of the plan."
"Ahaha, truly. She disappears the moment you let your guard down."
After sharing a wry smile with Lilliwood, Kuromueina gave a light wave and teleported away.
Meanwhile, in the Human Realm, within the Kingdom of Sinfonia, the scene was quite different. Inside the Albert Mansion in the Royal Capital, Lilia, the head of the house, was poring over documents with an air of profound tension.
The papers detailed the upcoming schedule and procedures for the Hero Summoning in exhaustive detail.
"Good grief. I know it's a massive responsibility, but…… what are you going to do if you're already this worked up?"
"Luna…… Yes, I understand that intellectually, but I'm just so anxious……"
Lilia replied to Lunamaria’s exasperated comment, but her shoulders remained stiff. The sheer weight of her nerves was palpable.
"Well, you are still a fledgling Duke, and this is an excellent opportunity to raise your name recognition."
"Yes. If I can steadily gain influence as a noble, then someday…… I can obtain the Fruit of the World Tree……"
"……"
Hearing Lilia murmur those words while staring at the papers, Lunamaria’s expression turned complicated. However, she quickly forced a bright smile onto her face.
"That said, being this high-string won't do you any favors. Being too serious is a liability in its own way."
"Mmm, you're certainly right, but……"
"For now, I'll go brew some tea. Drink it and take a breath. If you're this tense, even things that should go well will fall apart."
"……You're right."
Talking with Lunamaria seemed to help, as the tension left Lilia’s shoulders ever so slightly. After confirming this, Lunamaria bowed and left the room to prepare the tea.
As she walked down the hallway where the midday sunlight streamed in, Lunamaria was lost in quiet reflection.
(His Majesty the King likely pulled strings to ensure Lilia was appointed as the supervisor for the Hero Summoning. He knows her objective, so this was probably a gesture to help her build her track record as a noble.)
In terms of pure fame, Lilia was already a celebrity within the country—and arguably across the Human Realm. However, that fame was strictly tied to her overwhelming combat power as a warrior. As a noble, she was a complete novice.
At the very least, Lilia currently lacked the financial resources to purchase the Fruit of the World Tree and the connections necessary to obtain information. Building a network was an urgent necessity.
(……But it won't be easy. Being the summoning supervisor is an honor, but next year marks the hundredth Hero Festival. To be honest, it won't be seen as a particularly grand achievement.)
The three nations of the Human Realm took turns hosting the Hero Summoning. Even within the Kingdom of Sinfonia alone, they had conducted the ritual over thirty times since the festivals began. Thus, nearly every noble house of Count rank or higher had supervised a summoning at some point in their history.
(Furthermore, many within the country will inevitably dismiss her success as a mere byproduct of her brother's prestige. Ideally, if she could build connections outside of Sinfonia—in the Arclesia Empire, the Hydra Kingdom, or even the Demon and God Realms—her political standing would truly strengthen, but……)
By the time she reached the kitchenette, she had fallen into a practiced rhythm, preparing the tea. Yet, the gears of her mind continued to turn.
(The wyvern service and her shops are finally on track. Reaching this point in four years is actually a remarkable pace…… but the Fruit of the World Tree and her other objective are still so far away. It might take a lifetime at this rate.)
The situation wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. The destination was terribly distant, and there was no way to know how much time they had left.
Lilia and Sieglinde both harbored deep-seated mutual guilt, making their relationship painfully awkward. For the past four years, Lunamaria had done everything in her power to mediate between them, but even now, she saw no light at the end of the tunnel.
(……How long must this go on? When will the day come when the three of us can laugh together without any sense of debt, just like we used to? ……Perhaps, never again……)
It was only natural that she felt this way. Lunamaria was no mere observer; she was a participant, one of those whose heart had been broken by the incident of the past.
Perhaps that was why, when she found herself alone, weakness would suddenly surge in her heart. The fear that they would never return to the joy of the past tightened her chest.
"……Someone…… please help us."
A tiny voice, no louder than a whisper, escaped her lips. A single tear fell onto her hand. Perhaps if she wailed like a child, her heart would feel lighter, but that was a luxury she couldn't afford.
After standing in silence for a few moments with her head bowed, Lunamaria shook her head and forced herself to refocus.
(……I can't falter here. If I break, the fragile balance we've maintained will crumble entirely. No matter how painful it gets…… I have to keep smiling……)
Lunamaria had been fighting this battle for four years. She wore a bright smile and played the fool, all to support the hearts of her best friends and prevent them from spiraling further into despair.
Precisely because the end wasn't in sight, she could not afford to collapse. Just as she renewed her resolve, a familiar voice reached her ears.
"Isn't the water~ a bit too hot~?"
"Illness-sama!? W-When did you……"
"I just arrived~."
Turning around in surprise, Lunamaria saw Illness, who replied in her usual slow drawl and began inspecting the items in the kitchenette.
"……Are you checking the inventory?"
"Yes~. I intend to go shopping~, so I am~ checking for what we need~."
"I see. Well……"
"Lunamaria~, do you have~ anything you need~?"
Lunamaria couldn't tell if Illness had overheard her earlier murmur, but the older maid didn't seem inclined to press the issue. Feeling a wave of relief, Lunamaria spoke up.
"……Well, yes. Milady seems especially high-strung lately, so perhaps something to help her relax."
"I see~. In that case~, shall I~ buy some aroma candles~?"
"Ah, yes. That would be a huge help."
"Understood~. Well then~, I'll be going now~."
Having finished her check, Illness turned to leave. Watching that small back, Lunamaria reflexively called out.
"……Illness-sama."
"Yes~?"
"Do you think Milady will be able to achieve her goal?"
"I wonder~. I won't say~ it's impossible~, but even so~, it seems~ a long time~ will be required~."
"……I see."
It was the same conclusion Lunamaria had already reached.
"However~, regarding her first goal~, it could also be said~ to depend on a chance encounter~."
"A chance encounter?"
"One never knows~ where a connection might be waiting~. It isn't strictly impossible~ that one day~ Milady might suddenly become acquainted with the World King-sama~."
"……You're right."
"So~, you shouldn't~ think too deeply about it either~."
"……Yes. Thank you very much."
"Not at all~. Well then~."
Her heart felt a little lighter. Lunamaria managed a smile as she watched Illness depart.
Afterward, she loaded the tea set onto a cart and set off toward the office where Lilia waited.
(True, I shouldn't be overly optimistic, but there's no need to be so pessimistic either. It's not impossible for a savior-like figure to appear one day. For now, I'll just do my best with what I can do 'now'.)
Feeling better than she had a moment ago, Lunamaria paused by a window as she remembered something.
(……Come to think of it, I forced Lili to receive the Blessing of the Goddess of Love, hoping for even one good connection…… but we haven't seen a single encounter. Well, these things are up to fate, but wait…… if the effect lasts for exactly one year after receiving it…… then she's still within the effective window for a few more days. It’s foolish to rely on a miracle, but wishing for one is free, isn't it?)
Turning her eyes from the window, Lunamaria resumed her walk, murmuring softly.
"……I pray for a miracle encounter for my suffering best friend……"
Walking through the main streets of the Sinfonia Royal Capital, which were bustling with year-end crowds, Illness went about her shopping with practiced ease. Suddenly, she stopped and turned her gaze toward a side alley.
Then, slipping into the scenery as if melting away, she vanished into the deserted back alley and spoke quietly.
"It has been quite a while~, Underworld King-sama~."
As if in response, the air before her distorted, and Kuromueina appeared.
"Yeah, it’s been a while, Pandemonium-chan. Sorry for the sudden summons."
"No, no~. Please don't worry about it~."
"I'm glad I found you here, though. It saves me the trip to the Royal Castle."
"About four years ago~, my post was changed~. I serve~ the Ducal House of Albert now~."
"Eh? Really!? Then I'm even luckier I bumped into you."
"So~, what is your business~ today~?"
To Illness, who tilted her head curiously, Kuromueina explained her situation with a wry smile.
"I’m looking for Shaltier, but I can't find her anywhere. Could you get a message to her for me?"
"Certainly~."
Agreeing instantly, Illness manifested her magic box and pulled out a rod-shaped magic tool with five sockets.
This was a specialized communication magic tool given only to the Ten Demons, the executives under the Phantasm King, which allowed them to contact their master, Shaltier, directly.
Illness then produced a massive bag from the box and opened it, revealing hundreds of multicolored magic crystals lined up inside.
"……Has the number increased again?"
"It has~. Shaltier-sama is~ a cautious one~."
The communication tool required the insertion of five specific crystals to function. Out of the hundreds of crystals in the bag, the connection would only go through if the correct five were inserted in a specific order. Furthermore, the required combination and order changed "irregularly and frequently."
With practiced hands, Illness selected five crystals, inserted them, and channeled her magic power into the tool.
"Yes, yes, what is it?"
"Shaltier-sama~. The Underworld King-sama~ wishes to speak with you~."
"Oh, Kuro-san? Well, well, I wonder what she wants~."
Hearing the voice from the tool, Kuromueina let out an exasperated sigh.
"Still as difficult as ever, I see. You already know what I want, don't you?"
"Ah~ well…… I suppose so. Fine, I'll finish up a few things here and head over in thirty minutes."
"Got it. Thanks."
The call ended with that brief exchange. Kuromueina let out another long sigh before turning back to Illness.
"……Pandemonium-chan, thank you. Sorry for the trouble."
"Not at all~."
"Really, she knew I was looking for her all along, yet she won't show her face unless I call her through here. She’s so spiteful."
"In a way~, it is very typical of Shaltier-sama~."
"……I suppose so."
After thanking Illness and parting ways, Kuromueina strolled through the area for a while before sitting on the edge of a fountain in a central plaza and opening her paper bag.
"……Want one?"
"Then I'll take you up on that."
Kuromueina held the bag out to her left. The scenery blurred, and Shaltier appeared, clad in the robes of the Phantasm King. Although the plaza was crowded, Shaltier’s powerful recognition inhibition magic ensured that not a single person noticed two of the Six Kings were sitting right there.
Shaltier pulled back her hood, took a baby castella, and sat down beside Kuromueina.
"Honestly, Shaltier, could you please just set up a proper base somewhere? It's a hassle to track you down every time……"
"I’ll take that into consideration and do my best to improve."
"Which means you won't do it, right?"
"Now, now. So, what do you need?"
"There’s some information I want to buy from you……"
"I see."
They exchanged several pieces of intel. When the business was concluded, Kuromueina stared at the people passing through the town and murmured.
"……Hey, Shaltier."
"Yeah?"
"Lately, I feel like things haven't been quite clicking. I don't just mean personally—I mean the whole world."
"Ah~ it's been almost a thousand years since the treaty. It’s that stagnation that sets in after a period of development."
"Yeah. It happened a few times in the Demon Realm, too. I guess you could call it 'stable' if you want to be generous."
The sky was beginning to turn a melancholic red as evening approached. Kuromueina looked a bit lonely as she took in the view.
"……Shaltier…… is the Hero Summoning Magic Circle still in the same place it was in the old days?"
"Hmm? Yeah, the location hasn't changed once."
"……When was the magic power accumulation supposed to finish?"
"It’s already done. They say a year for simplicity, but it’s actually reusable after about three hundred and fifty days. Why do you ask?"
"……No reason. I was just…… a little curious."
"……I see."
Looking at Kuromueina’s pensive expression, Shaltier seemed to realize something…… but she didn't put it into words. She simply sat in silence, watching the same sunset.
A few days later, an excessive amount of magic power was poured into the summoning magic circle by Kuromueina’s hand…… and thus, the 'World's Singularity' was brought forth.
"Twenty-one years old!? Are you certain?"
"Yes. The report came from Pandemonium, so there is no mistake……"
Hearing the report from her subordinate Pandora, Shaltier asked again, her voice betraying a rare sense of genuine shock. It was only natural. For the past thousand years, an otherworlder in their twenties had never been summoned.
The summoning circle had been adjusted by Shallow Vernal, the God of the World. Simply increasing the number of people summoned should never have produced such an irregularity. Because she knew exactly why it had happened, Shaltier fell into deep thought before addressing Pandora.
"……Pandora, I will handle this matter personally."
Pandora, the Head of the Phantasm King's Subordinates, was the only person among Shaltier’s billion-plus followers permitted to act as her proxy. While her personality had its eccentricities—specifically regarding her private life—she was flawlessly competent in her professional duties.
She understood immediately what Shaltier required.
"As you wish. Until further instructions, I will continue to act as the Phantasm King, No Face."
"Yes, please do. And consider this a top-priority case."
"Understood. I will ensure the other executives are given no more information than absolutely necessary."
Pandora required no detailed explanation. Shaltier said only what was needed and vanished. Pandora donned the robes of the Phantasm King and stepped out to begin her role as No Face.
Kuromueina walked the streets of the Sinfonia Royal Capital, a faint trace of guilt on her face. She was here to gather information on the otherworlders who had been summoned—specifically, the extra one she hadn't expected.
She intended to provide the fullest support possible to the person she had summoned through her own selfishness. If necessary, she was prepared to bow her head to Shallow Vernal to ensure they could return home before the one-year mark. Once the confusion in Sinfonia settled, she planned to meet the King and check on the otherworlder’s situation. For now, she wandered the capital, waiting for word from her family members who had accompanied her.
And then, Kuromueina sensed it—the presence of 'a fragment of her own magic power.'
She followed the trail to a nearby plaza. There, sitting in the very same spot where she had spoken with Shaltier just days ago, was a young man. Her initial feeling was guilt toward the boy who harbored a piece of her power…… but that feeling was quickly overwhelmed by something else.
She had once told Shallow Vernal: "Among the fledglings, I get a spark for the special ones. I feel destiny."
At that moment, she certainly felt it. A premonition she couldn't quite put into words…… a feeling that the young man sitting before her was someone 'special' to her.
"Is something wrong? You seem to be in some trouble."
And so, the world that had begun to stagnate found a new gear—a singularity. The world began to turn with renewed vigor, centering around a single story: the story of Kaito Miyama.