“So… we were too late after all.”

In the Earthguard Empire’s capital, Valhalla.

A report came in to Road at Supreme Command Headquarters.

It was the moment preparations for reinforcements to Japan had finally been completed.

The report detailed the defeat and withdrawal of the Japanese garrison forces.

It had been a surprise attack from the start, with an overwhelming difference in forces.

Every condition had been stacked against them. If only Road had been able to take command, if only they had more troops remaining, if only Kenya had woken up just a few hours earlier.

But none of that was possible.

Right now, reorganizing the army took top priority, and Road had been handling things with an eye toward the future.

“Yes, Zeke Silfield… fell in battle. He fought on the front lines until the very end…”

“…I see. Good work on the report. Take a break, everyone. You all did great. Thanks to you, the army’s reorganization went off without a hitch. Now we can fight whenever the enemy shows up.”

“We’re sorry we didn’t make it in time…”

“No, this was the best we could do. Thank you.”

Everyone bowed deeply and left the room, leaving Road alone.

Road sank deep into his chair and stared up at the ceiling.

“Zeke…”

Past—right after forming the Nichia Alliance.

“You’re quite the fool for sticking with me. I’m a sinking ship, you know. Why board it?”

“Because I truly believe you’re the one fit to be emperor. Back when I killed your uncle all those years ago, I figured you’d hate me forever. I even thought you might kill me someday.”

“I did hate you—at first. But that’s fine. Once I got to know you, I understood. War is what’s evil, not people. Maybe your uncle felt the same.”

“…Asking me not to resent the man who killed him—that’s a strange thing to say. And even after your mother Scarlett died, you kept fighting on the battlefield. Do you remember what you said when I asked why you fought?”

“…No, I don’t.”

“‘Even if the world calls me a demon, I won’t stop for the sake of true peace. No matter what I have to sacrifice. That’s the final pact I made with the demon who killed my mother.’ That’s no line for a ten-year-old kid.”

“Just some words like that convinced you?”

“Yes. I was certain this man would achieve it. Even if he was just a ten-year-old boy—and I hate to admit it.”

“…You’re the fool here. Following me even after learning my true goal.”

“Maybe so. But I’ve already boarded the ship. So let’s aim for it together—world peace. Even if it means walking the path of Asura, hated by the entire world.”

“…Thank you.”

Zeke grinned and knelt.

“I’ll serve you until the end. Until this life of mine runs out.”

“Zeke, I won’t stop. Just like I said back then.”

Road alone continued gazing at the ceiling.

Otherwise, his tears might spill and stain the scattered documents littering the desk.

…

The next day.

“The World Union has triumphed!!”

Byakuren began her speech, broadcast across the entire world.

The Earthguard Empire received it the same way, the signal echoing everywhere.

Of course, the common folk couldn’t watch. But a select few in the empire could.

“History has reached a turning point! Through the liberation of Japan, the World Union has defeated the Earthguard Empire!”

The 100th Road Earthguard watched the footage from Supreme Command Headquarters.

In the very spot Odin had once used.

Beside him stood the Sword God, Sword Silfield.

The empire’s strongest—the world’s strongest—Road’s knight.

But today, both wore formal attire.

For what was to come.

“Has anyone ever taken territory from that empire before? Won a victory against it? Today, we have triumphed. The World Union has defeated that nation!”

Byakuren repeated the word “victory.”

The voice of triumph rang out across the world, alongside the fact of Japan’s liberation.

“We will not stop. We will surely topple the Earthguard Empire, defeat Road Earthguard, and liberate the world! You who are oppressed, you who have lost family—now is the time to rise! The signal for counterattack has been lit!! I promise you!”

Byakuren declared in an especially resounding voice.

“We will unite the world’s power and liberate every nation! We will annihilate the Earthguard Empire!!”

And the speech ended.

“Road… what now?”

“…Let’s go for now. I need some time to think.”

“…Yeah.”

The two rose from their seats.

Heading to the funeral site—to bury Zeke, whom Kenya had brought back.

A dark sky.

No sign of the sun, dim even in broad daylight.

Under that sky that threatened rain.

Zeke’s body was carried forth, surrounded by over a thousand soldiers.

Beside it walked a silver-haired girl, head bowed, keeping pace with the coffin.

“Captain… why didn’t you… call for me? Me… Aaaahhh!!”

Lamia—one of the Three Heroes—sobbed as she gazed at the passing coffin.

“You idiot… Bet you… fought on the front lines to the end. That’s just like you. More than anyone… up front… You idiot…”

Even Orug Obelisk’s voice failed him that day.

He called out to Zeke’s departing form in a hoarse whisper.

Those who had once admired Zeke, been saved by him, raised by him.

For the death of a single soldier, military personnel from across the Earthguard Empire gathered.

And more than ten imperial KOGs formed a path with the Earthguard national flags in hand.

Like an archway, to see off the empire’s supreme soldier, called the Military God.

At the end of that path waited Road Earthguard and Kenya.

And the grave pit carved for Zeke.

Zeke’s coffin was set down, and the KOGs raised their guns to the sky.

Three volleys of honor, to pay respects to the fallen warrior.

Then Road offered words for Zeke.

“He fought bravely until his final moments. As a soldier of the Earthguard army, I know no man as brave, as kind, as worthy of respect as he.

He fought to the end for what he had to protect, and he protected it fully. He did not lose. He won. Because he always fought to protect. The name of Military God Zeke Silfield will be etched forever as the ideal of a soldier.

And as the 100th Emperor Road Earthguard—and as a single man—I offer my deepest gratitude for his loyalty to our empire. Thank you, Zeke. Rest now.”

Road bowed toward Zeke’s coffin.

At the same moment, every gathered soldier—and Kenya—bowed their heads.

And Zeke was laid to rest.

The Military God was dead, and Japan had been lost.

This pain would leave a great wound on the Earthguard Empire.

At the same time, it would transform into hatred—a tremendous power.

Only one girl, hearing her father’s words, couldn’t bring herself to hate purely. She simply carved a wound into her heart, letting it bleed.

Beautiful blood in the form of tears, flowing endlessly.

The funeral ended, and the people made their way home.

Rain began to fall, hiding the mourners’ tears.

“Kenya…”

“Could you head back first… Road?”

“Yeah. Here. For her, with you.”

Road handed Kenya his umbrella and dismissed his attendant.

“Thanks. You sure about this? You’ll get wet.”

“Yeah. I want to get a little wet on the way back. This rain works perfectly… I thought I’d run dry by now.”

Road looked up at the sky and slowly walked away alone.

Far too lonely a sight for the emperor’s back.

All that remained were a boy standing by the grave and a girl.

Kenya held the umbrella over her so she wouldn’t get wet, standing silently at her side.

Saying nothing, just there, as her shoulder grew damp with tears.

The rain grew stronger, time slipping by.

The girl and the boy simply wept without end.

Until they ran dry. For as long as the rain washed it all away.

…

“Reina… there’s somewhere I want to go with you.”

“…Huh? Where?”

Kenya gently pulled Reina’s shoulder close and told her.

Before they knew it, the rain had stopped, and faint light illuminated them.

“Let’s go to Japan.”