It seems strange that the Angel Ruins are underground. But I could guess why they exist in such a place.

My reason for saying I’d go this time included the meaning of confirming that.

Well then, Sofia, I’m off, so you be careful too.

You too, Lord Ruon.

After telling her that I was heading to the Angel Ruins, I left the Knights’ Order Base. Sofia still seemed to want to say something, but whether it was because Lefin stopped her, or because they had discussed it between themselves, she didn’t speak.

I’ve already informed Sylvie and the others through my Familiar that I’m going to the Ancient Ruins… so I’m heading straight there using High-Speed Movement Magic. On the way, I confirmed with the invisible Garuku.

Garuku, regarding the Demon King versus Strategy, are there any problems?

None so far.

Then, please continue as is.

Understood… Regarding this matter, there’s one thing that concerns me.

Something that concerns you?

A question regarding Lord Ruon.

Me? As I tilted my head, Garuku mentioned it.

When I mentioned the inexplicable Magic Power, you didn’t react much. Do you have something in mind?

As expected, you’re sharp, Garuku. That’s why I’m heading to the Ancient Ruins, but—

…I have a theory. If it’s confirmed, I’ll talk about it then.

Hmm, is it something you can’t even tell me?

It’s not as urgent as the Demon King. However—

However?

After saying that much, I stopped speaking.

…Well, let’s stop talking here.

Garuku fell silent. I think he probably wanted to ask something, but in the end, he didn’t.

—There’s nothing particularly to say about the journey from there, and I stepped into the Continent’s Northern Region. Even though it’s called the Northern Region, it’s only a little north of the Central Continent, so it’s probably the edge of the place called the Northern Region.

I arrived at Nagutrad, a town near the Ancient Ruins. However, it was already a pile of rubble, telling the tragic story of a Demon Race attack. From there, I tried to go underground, guided by Garuku, but—

Wait.

I was stopped. As I turned my gaze, thinking there shouldn’t be anyone there, I saw a woman clad in a red robe. She was in her early twenties, with red hair and a mature aura—

It’s Feus, isn’t it?

Feus, the Spirit God, in her human version, was there.

Yes, we’ve decided to accompany you.

Next to her was another being. A man with strikingly dark blue hair and clad in armor. He looked a bit like a leader, and the gaze he directed at me wasn’t exactly hostile, but he didn’t seem to have good feelings, as he stood with his arms crossed, glaring at me intensely.

By his presence, or rather, his aura, I realized who he was.

“……Could it be Azua?”

“Do you think it doesn’t suit me?”

Her words were sharp. When I shook my head, Azua gave a self-deprecating laugh.

“I became interested in the magic power that Garuku was curious about. So I decided to accompany him on the investigation.”

“……Is the Demon King’s Magic versus Strategy alright?”

“It’s precisely because there’s no problem right now that I’m here.”

Feus spoke in Azua’s stead.

“I’m spreading duplicates, but the True Self is here. I can’t imagine anything happening to you, but I’m kind of like a supervisor.”

–Garuku is a duplicate, but the Spirit Gods are all gathered here. It’s a situation that would make spirits faint if they saw it.

“……I understand.”

I agreed and headed underground, accompanied by the Spirit Gods in human form.

The place was more like a fissure in the earth than a cave, emitting an ominous aura that made it feel like you’d never get out once you entered.

“……However, it’s a strange story.”

Before the entrance, Azua suddenly began to speak.

“The Angel Ruins exist in places deeply rooted in the earth. In forests, in rocky mountains… Is there a reason why they were built in such places?”

“You’re quite talkative today, Azua.”

When Feus spoke with amusement, Azua frowned.

“I merely voiced a pure question.”

“Oh, really? But I think it’s unusual for you to speak up at all.”

“……If it weren’t for opportunities like this, we wouldn’t be able to talk. If you don’t want to converse, that’s fine.”

These Divine Spirits don’t seem to get along… Is it really alright for them to be doing Magic versus Strategy together?

“Don’t worry so much.”

Garuku’s voice echoed in my head, as if reading my mind.

“Speaking of which, Lord Ruon, there was something I needed to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“I was also concerned about the Angel Ruins. I was planning to investigate a little.”

“Is that so? Then what are you going to do–“

Just as I was about to speak, Garuku’s presence suddenly vanished from my body.

“……Hello?”

“You’ll know in a little while.”

Words from Feus. When I tilted my head, she said:

“We didn’t know they were going to do that until we got here either.”

…What are you talking about? I was about to voice my question, but I stopped and decided to just move forward, entering the fissure.

I created a light and stepped into the cave. It was a bit difficult to walk due to the many slopes, but I could proceed deeper. However, it wasn’t wide enough for high-speed movement using magic, so I moved forward carefully, making sure not to slip and fall.

Eventually, I came out into a slightly wider space. There–

“Hello, I’ve been waiting for you.”

There was a boy. A boy around ten years old, with deep green hair—the dark green of lush trees—and dressed in comfortable clothes.

I was certain. This presence was–

“Could it be, Garuku?”

“Correct. Nice to meet you.”

The boy, Garuku, raises his hand and cheerfully announces.

“Wait a minute, your personality is way too different!”

“Ruon, you worry about the small things.”

He’s calling me by my first name.

“When I’m in this form, I try to change my personality. See, it’s boring if I always respond the same way, isn’t it?”

“…Well, I don’t really mind, but still.”

“You don’t seem convinced, but let’s just move on.”

How should I put it, I can see his impudent attitude shining through… Oh well, the conversation won’t progress otherwise.

I follow Garuku’s lead and proceed deeper. With all the Spirit Gods gathered, there’s no anxiety whatsoever; rather, it feels like I’m sailing on a grand ship.

“So, about what we were just talking about.”

Garuku suddenly brings it up. Is he referring to what Azua said?

“There are various elements that can be inferred, but my theory is this: The Angels built their dwelling in a place like this because they were doing something related to the Magic Power that exists underground… That’s my theory, Azua.”

“Do you know the reason?”

“That part is unknown. However, I did learn one thing while investigating. It seems that when the Angels lived on this Continent, something troublesome happened, leading them to withdraw.”

Correct, I muttered to myself.

The problem I have is purely speculation at this stage. But if this holds true–

From there, we continue to descend deeper into the underground. By the way, according to Garuku and the others, the surface around here was ravaged by the Demon Race and others, but the underground was safe and free from Magic Power contamination.

“So this was just a transit point, then.”

As Garuku stated his conclusion, we discovered some Ancient Ruins ahead.

The stone building, illuminated by light in the darkness, gave off an unreal impression. Upon closer inspection, the stone was blue. Perhaps they thought, since they were underground and couldn’t see the sky, they would at least make the stone blue.

“……Well, shall we enter?”

After informing the Divine Spirits, I stepped into the Ancient Ruins.