The “Earth Shield” I used on my companions only prevented damage; it couldn’t prevent the impact of a direct hit from the rocks. I also took the rocks, and while I wasn’t damaged, I was forced to retreat.

The impact of the spell pushed us back to near the entrance. In the game, you would just get knocked back with each attack, never pushed to the edge of the field… Perhaps this effect was precisely because Beluna used the spell with such intensity.

The spell ended. Sofia and the others, who had similarly been pushed back, were around me. Their injuries –

“…It looks like we’re okay.”

Radi said, then glanced at me.

“Did you use a spell just in time?”

“Since he seemed to be using Body Enhancement, I figured he might be good at Earth Attribute Magic and prepared for it… It seems to have worked.”

As I spoke, I checked on the other companions. They didn’t seem to have any serious injuries. Thanks to my magic and the magic barriers each of them had formed, they seemed to have come through unscathed.

Next, I shifted my gaze to Beluna. Perhaps because we were unharmed, he seemed astonished.

“…This is unexpected. I didn’t think it would be this much.”

Beluna said. Eventually, the surprise vanished from his face, replaced by – a combative gaze.

“But it’s not over yet.”

The moment I heard those words, I realized this battle wasn’t going to be easy – because those words are spoken in the game when a boss’s HP is low.

I regulated my breathing and stared at Beluna… I could consider the battle to be in its final stages.

Nestor and Sylvie attacked simultaneously. Their coordination was perfect until the very end… If the two of them hadn’t fought together, we wouldn’t have cornered him so smoothly.

Sylvie attacked first. In an instant, Beluna’s presence intensified even further. He raised his sword, ready to meet the attack.

This was – a desperate attack, as if he thought he had no other option. If they clashed like this, either Sylvie or Nestor would… While I thought and began an incantation, Sylvie’s Sword Strike landed.

Beluna intentionally didn’t dodge it. Then, he turned his attack towards Nestor, who was about to strike.

Just as I thought, sacrificing a bit of damage to get to Nestor – while I was thinking, Beluna’s sword struck Nestor’s shield.

If it were just a Sword Strike, there’d be no problem since he blocked it – but I was convinced Beluna’s sword had more to it. I activated “Protection” on Nestor.

Suddenly, a shockwave occurred. Like a white light, it enveloped Nestor for an instant, blowing his body away powerfully.

“Nestor!”

Radi shouted and immediately began an incantation. I thought Sylvie would retreat, but she didn’t budge an inch and unleashed another Sword Strike. Her sword repeatedly cut Beluna… inflicting damage, but not defeating him.

Then, Sofia rushed forward. Filling the gap left by Nestor, she closed in and released a sword strike, converging her Magic Power.

It was a blow that might have lacked the power of Nestor’s, but… Beluna couldn’t evade it this time and took the hit. Seeing his face contort in agony, I instinctively knew it was only a matter of time before the battle ended.

“–Wind! Destroy that enemy!”

In an instant, Sofia shouted. Simultaneously, wind generated before her, and it rapidly converged on Beluna.

This is Wind Attribute Intermediate Magic “Dragon Claw”…! The wind becomes sharp, as if mimicking a dragon’s claw, and is a spell that slashes the target. Its power is sufficient. What will become of Beluna with this?

Immediately after, Beluna roared. It was barely understandable as a human-like voice, and I understood that it was meant to embolden himself.

A sword strike was unleashed. It was accompanied by a roar, but it lacked the sharpness of before. Sylvie and Sofia simultaneously raised their swords and blocked the incoming strike.

At the beginning of the battle, it was an attack that could be pushed back even by two people… but now, it seemed there was so little strength left that they couldn’t do so.

Sofia and the others counterattacked. The sword flashes released by the two of them firmly cut Beluna, forcing her to retreat significantly.

“–With this,”

And Radi shouted.

“It’s over!”

What he unleashed with his words was “Blaze Ray.” But compared to what he had unleashed until now, a higher Magic Power could be felt–and his magic and Sofia’s follow-up sword strike firmly hit Beluna.

“……I am,”

She groaned. At the same time, Beluna’s body–collapsed.

Just as everyone thought they had done it, I realized that Magic Power was leaking from Beluna’s body. She squeezed out her last bit of strength, sending Magic Power to the Underground… and then Beluna vanished.

“We won…”

Radi uttered in a dazed voice. I then shifted my gaze and looked at Nestor, who had taken the attack.

The shield he possessed was slightly damaged. But perhaps due to the effect of my “Protection,” he seemed unharmed.

When it was all over, it was a battle with no casualties. There were several dangerous moments, but we managed to deal with them in Capital City. I think it’s safe to say that my defense against Beluna’s trump card, her magic attack, was what brought about the result of this battle.

I let out a small sigh… just then, a faint, spherical light suddenly appeared where Beluna had been.

“What is this…?”

Radi murmured. It was natural for him not to know, so I was about to open my mouth to explain, but the next moment Lefin appeared next to Sofia.

“You needn’t worry. This is likely a power different from the magic that was captured by the Demon Race.”

With those words, Lefin generated Wind towards the faint light.

I wondered if physical interference would have any effect, but the light started to move, carried by the Wind. It seemed it could be manipulated.

“You can manipulate it?”

“It seems so.”

Lefin answered Radi’s question, pulling the light closer to herself.

“A warm power… while not much power remains, this will be important in fighting the Demon Race.”

“Does that mean the Demon Race that established Strongholds possess similar power?”

Radi asked. Lefin then replied, “Probably,” and added,

“They are likely using this power for various malicious purposes.”

“So, can anyone receive that light?”

This time, Sylvie asked. Lefin was silent for a moment, then replied,

“It’s probably not for just anyone. If a judgment cannot be made, then as a Spirit, I will decide who should be entrusted with it.”

“Spirits are more knowledgeable about Magic Power than Humans, so it might be better to leave it to you.”

When Sylvie said that, Radi and Nestor also showed expressions of agreement.

I was worried about what would happen with two Sage’s Bloodlines here, but in the end, Lefin handled it well. Perhaps she had prepared herself to respond the moment the light appeared.

Anyway, with this–Lefin offered the light to Sofia.

“Lady Sofia.”

“Y-yes.”

Sofia responded with a slight hesitation–Lefin blew a gentle Wind, directing the light towards Sofia.

Just like with Redras, I thought it would be absorbed into her body–but something unexpected happened here.

The light was absorbed into Sofia’s body–and came out from her back.

“……Huh?”

It passed right through. I couldn’t help but let out a foolish sound.

“Oh?”

Lefin was also surprised. The light was floating gently in the air.

It’s not being absorbed.

I was somewhat stunned. Wait a minute, it went into my body when it was Redras, so why isn’t the same thing happening now?

Lefin looked back and forth between Sofia and the light. She seemed to be thinking about why this had happened, but then her expression changed as if she had realized something.