On the sea surface —5

The keep was attempting to activate magic once more.

Though her body was already in tatters, her magical essence overflowed.

This was the hallmark of one whose body had transformed into a magic stone.

Even without a physical form, she could still wield the magic stone through sheer willpower.

She was, perhaps, the ultimate manifestation of this phenomenon—on the verge of manifesting power without even speaking a word.

Yet, that power would never be unleashed.

Before he could unleash his power, Tōgen pressed his lips against Tenshu's.

Through the kiss, he prevented Tenshu from using magic.

Tenshu's eyes widened, frozen in place.

The fierce battle had completely quieted down.

Unaware, Tenshu had lost consciousness and was now asleep.

Tōgen watched him from just beside, observing his state.

Numerous magical stones appeared around them, moving and flowing toward the ship, gathering in each section.

The space became so dense with magical particles that they seemed to visibly oppose each other.

Green light poured down from the sky through the healing stones, reaching the Tenshu.

In another half-day, recovery should reach a safe threshold.

Incidentally, William and Takagane's battle had just ended moments ago.

William's defeat. Takagane had countered William's powerful fireball by striking it with a high-frequency fist, nullifying the attack and surpassing him in combat skill to secure victory.

Carrying the dazed William, Takagane climbed aboard the ship.

Kisai, who had secretly followed them, observed the healing process from the shadows.

"You're here too, I see."

"Thanks to your dramatic display, breaking in was easy."

"Enough with the nonsense."

Lina steps forward toward the military strategist.

I follow Lina's movements with just my gaze.

"Will you return my poorly performing brother?"

"Hmph, the Silver Witch. Tell me, do you understand the meaning of suddenly attacking me, the military strategist of Japan?"

Lina hesitates, her expression slightly conflicted.

"Are you certain? Lord Toushin is in the hands of the Demon King."

"...Hmph, I don't like it."

William was grabbed by the neck and thrown aside. Somehow Noah caught him? Or rather, they both got blown away together.

"Thank you for your wise decision."

"Corporal, I'm sorry."

"If you have any ill intent, come out at once."

Takagane plopped down right where he stood.

Sitting cross-legged just like Kisai, he began observing the treatment process.

With his worries now eased, he focused entirely on the healing.

Still, the rate at which the body was turning to stone was incredible.

The magical stones inside the body were being continuously replaced.

A membrane of light formed around the keep like a protective barrier.

The ship had been transformed into a jagged, irregular shape, adorned with bizarre magical stone decorations.

The ship slowly progressed and eventually reached the port of the empire—the very port it had supposedly exited from.

The port bustled with activity, but I had no time to worry about it.

Several subordinates disembarked and began explaining the situation.

After a brief moment, William regained his composure and brought over the luggage.

"Got it, Taro-san."

"Perfect timing. Put it right here."

He fetched another liquid mana stone.

The treatment had progressed significantly.

There should be no issues with the room in the back.

"Katahiko, take the Tenshu to the back of the ship. The main part is already done. All that's left is to rest for a bit."

"May I bring them along too?"

At Katahiko's line of sight stood Kisei and the soldier.

"Go ahead."

"Taro-nii!"

William rushes over.

"William, come with us. If anything happens, it'll be your turn to take revenge."

"I understand."

Following behind me, Rin, and William, the sword spirit and two retainers carried the tennō, their movements joyful like dogs.

A private chamber covered in liquid mithril appeared.

We would add more patterns here.

"Good, place him on that bed."

The sword spirit laid the tennō down on the bed.

It's alright. His condition is stable.

"Now, I suppose I should ask. How did this happen?"

Each took a seat in their preferred spot and fell silent.

In the heavy atmosphere, the sword spirit spoke.

"I tried to treat the stone sickness progressing in Sora... Sora is the true name of the keep. I tried to treat it."

I knew what the sword spirit had been trying to do.

"But I couldn't get them to accept it at all—they kept changing the subject. They said it was impossible to lose strength now, with monsters becoming increasingly active. No matter how many times I tried to talk, it was pointless. Yet it was clear their condition was deteriorating, and it was obvious that if they used their power seriously one or two more times, it wouldn't end well. So I decided I had to forcibly take them away, no matter what."

An outcome I had vaguely anticipated unfolded before me.

"I forcibly abducted Sora and quickly pursued you all out to sea. Fortunately, with the use of magic devices, we could catch up quickly, so I managed to get on board the ship. This is the result. What am I putting Sora through, making her suffer like this?

"But Lady Tenshu has been saved. We'll be able to spend time together from now on."

"Yes, thank you... But she'll surely be heartbroken, won't she?"

"Why does Tenshu cling so tightly to power?"

I asked Tōgen, and after a brief pause, Tōgen spoke.

"Mr. Taro, you remember the legend of the Hero, don't you? How he never returned to his original world, but instead settled here..."

"Yeah, I know."