As light enveloped the surroundings, I began preparing for my next attack. I sensed its presence again, and Gungnir collided with the Light Bullet, neutralizing it—no, I had the slight upper hand, and confirmed that it had cast Barrier.

“—You—”

Garuku seemed to notice it too, as I heard his voice. Listening to it, I further amplified my magic power amidst the raging torrent of light and magic.

It must have been about a minute… When the light faded, Garuku stood there, unharmed. But his face had become stern.

“To surpass my power, you—”

He couldn’t say anything more. From his perspective—he must have noticed that I was converging new magic.

“How about this?”

I asked. What I was constructing was Light Attribute Magic, just like before. It shouldn’t have any effect on Garuku… but I still intended to finish it with this.

—In the game, magic was divided into low, intermediate, and high-tier, but the most powerful among the high-tier magic… that is, the magic at the pinnacle, was categorized as Supreme Magic. However, now that it’s the real world, most of them are no longer magic that can be easily used.

Why? —For example, the Earth Attribute Supreme Magic is ‘Earthquake,’ which causes earthquakes, but I don’t even know if it can damage enemies by causing an earthquake, and first of all, if I used such magic, the continent would be a mess. As a result of imagining that, I only acknowledged that such magic existed and gave up on acquiring it. Honestly, just having it is terrifying.

The same can be said for Water Attribute. The Water Attribute Supreme Magic is called ‘Aqua Catastrophe,’ and this magic is an absurd spell that causes a huge tsunami and submerges the surrounding area under water. It’s such chaotic magic that it’s hard to believe I used it so casually in the game, and it’s absolutely unusable.

However, there is magic that can be used… that is the Light Attribute Supreme Magic, ‘Ragnarok.’ It distorts the space above the caster’s head and judges the enemy with a giant Light Sword emerging from an alternate dimension—that’s what kind of magic it is.

“Why that magic—”

Garuku was surprised. The meaning of his words could be taken in many ways, such as why I had acquired that magic, or why I was using that magic… but I unleashed the sword of judgment without question.

Even though he nullified light attribute, perhaps because the generated magic power was extraordinary even for Garuku, he poured all his strength into a Magic Barrier—and the sword collided.

“Guoooooooooh!”

Garuku roared. Against my full power, Garuku was also resisting with all his might.

But that didn’t last long. With a roar, the sword broke through the Barrier—and the strongest magic struck Garuku’s torso directly.

—A flash and a roar. It was the same as when our attacks collided, but perhaps because they weren’t neutralized, the forest also suffered some damage, and the surrounding trees were blown away.

“…Did I overdo it? But he wouldn’t have backed down without this much.”

I muttered, gazing straight ahead. There were signs where Garuku had stood, showing he’d braced himself. Garuku himself was blown backward, knocking down trees in the forest, and lay on his back, exposing his stomach to me.

He had no external injuries… As it was light attribute, direct damage should have been nullified. However, the impact couldn’t be nullified, which led to the current situation.

“…The match should be over.”

I told Garuku as I approached him.

“That attack just now… if it had been Darkness magic instead of Light magic, you wouldn’t have gotten away unharmed, would you? I still have reserves. And you couldn’t withstand my full power. Even now, I could unleash magic on you, but I don’t intend to.”

—Since it was Light Magic that would be nullified, Garuku wouldn’t be destroyed, so I could go all out. And by fighting with all my might and making him lose his will to fight, I could bring him to negotiations… This was my plan.

Honestly, I’m surprised I was able to overwhelm a Spirit God on the continent this much, but I didn’t let on and waited for his words.

“What… do you want?”

Eventually, Garuku regained his posture and asked. I shrugged my shoulders and said,

“Listen to what I have to say.”

“A story?”

“I came here looking for someone.”

After saying that, I began to explain to Garuku—

After I had mostly finished explaining… perhaps realizing that I bore no ill will, Garuku finally seemed convinced.

“Hmm, I understand completely. I apologize for attacking you.”

“…No, it’s fine. I wasn’t hurt or anything. Anyway, my companions should be in the forest right now. Could you please instruct the monsters not to harm them first?”

“You needn’t worry about that. I’ve already instructed my kin not to attack unless they are attacked first. And currently, none of my kin are injured. That means your companions haven’t launched an attack either.”

“I see. Then, regarding their whereabouts—”

“Wait a moment.”

Garuku closed his eyes. After a short while, he opened them again and,

Yes, I know her whereabouts.

Are you serious?

Yes. But first, a confirmation. Is it possible that this person has a contract with Lefin?

I never thought I’d hear Lefin’s name from Garuku’s mouth…

Yes, but–

I see. Then I understand why I didn’t notice.

What do you mean?

The Queen of Sylphs must have visited here many times… though it was probably because she was interested in this Sanctuary… I don’t know her personally.

Lefin, you’ve been found out… Oh well.

From such experiences, it seems she can use the Sylphs’ advanced technique, the Ability to assimilate presence with wind and atmosphere, in this Forest. Immediately after crossing the Forest’s boundary, she probably created a wind membrane to薄める her presence so as not to stimulate her fellow Sylphs. That’s why even I didn’t notice her right away.

So, she’s safe then?

Yes.

Just as I thought, “Good…” Garuku said something else.

Precisely because she was hard to notice, I felt that your words about looking for someone were a lie.

Well, I guess it’s fine since she’s safe. I’ll let it slide.

Then, after he told me the location, I thanked him and said,

I’ve intruded enough. I’ll take her and leave the Forest now.

—Wait a moment.

Garuku calls out to me. Ugh, I have a feeling this is going to be a troublesome conversation.

You possess the power to defeat me… Do you intend to use that power to defeat the Demon King?

From his words… does that mean the Spirit God isn’t aware of the Demon Lord’s Barrier either? Perhaps that information is a closely guarded secret on the Demon Lord’s Side.

I hesitate on how to respond. Maybe I should tell him the situation… but as I remain silent, Garuku speaks.

Is the Demon King an opponent that even with your power, you cannot defeat?

In terms of power, I don’t know since I haven’t directly confronted the Demon King. However, according to what I’ve investigated, it’s said that power alone isn’t enough to win. If I were to make a big move and challenge the Demon King… and fail, there’s a possibility that the Continent could be driven into a critical situation. That’s why I’m moving secretly until I can understand the details.

I explained it like this… and Garuku responded with interest.

Oh, that’s news to me… Should I investigate that as well?

Of course, that would be his reaction… However, if he intervenes strangely here, I don’t know how things will turn out.

No, that’s…

Then, I came up with a way to talk him out of it.

The Demon King and his forces are probably wary of you and the other Spirit Gods… And if they knew you were to make a move, the Demon King would also make a big move. Currently, the Demon Race is gradually invading, but if you were to appear, there would be a sudden surge of activity, and the Human Side might not be able to cope.

Hmm.

So, for now, I’d like you to observe quietly… If help is needed, I will contact you. How does that sound?

Garuku falls silent at my suggestion. I waited a little anxiously, wondering if he was alright—

Understood. Very well.

It was probably also due to my overwhelming influence… Hearing his agreement, I was genuinely relieved.