espera..

Goldof already knew that. But he still had to search for her.


After finishing his search Goldof continued to run. The Lava Belt was no longer that far away.


"...I understand your situation. But the Princess is more important. What is going on with her?"


"Right, let me explain. After she was beaten by all of you Nashetania swam in the ocean for a day before reuniting with me. That was when Tgurneu's forces appeared. We couldn't do anything but run from place to place."


"...And then?"


"We gathered all of our remaining comrades at the Lava Belt. Then we lured Tgurneu over and launched our final battle. I thought that if I could crush Tgurneu a path would open up to us. But over the past two hundred years Tgurneu has become so strong that I couldn’t stand a chance against him. All of our comrades were wiped out and even Nashetania was captured." After that Dozzu fell silent.


"I have a number of things I want to ask you."


"Go ahead."


"Who is the seventh?"


"...I have a rough idea, but I can't say for certain."


"What are you saying?"


"The seventh among the Heroes is not our comrade. After seeing Tgurneu's plans there is probably no mistaking it. Though it is hard to believe, both Tgurneu and I came up with the plan to have an impostor Hero killing the Six Flowers from within."


"I can't....believe that."


"I feel the same way. Our comrades had searched for you Heroes to check on your situation. And when Nashetania and I heard from them that the Heroes of the Six Flowers had once again increased by one we were at a loss for words."




"...I still have things I want to wask you. Ho Princess possesses?"


"I can't answer that," Dozzu replied flatly.

did you acquire the fake crest that the




"Well, there's something else I want to ask. Do you...Do you and the princess still plan on carrying out your ambitions?"




As far as he'd heard from Dozzu's story, iteseemed lik were in a hopeless situation.

Dozzu and Nashetania




After thinking for a while, Dozzu replied. "Those who hold onto an ambition cannot stop until their lives have ended. Even if the possibility of success is zero, as long as we are alive we have to continue to fight."


That was the same thing that Nashetania had said in the Illusion Fog Barrier.


"You and I are enemies," Goldof said clearly. "But I want to protect the Princess. I want the Princess to live. And I will do whatever I have to in order to stop the Princess from continuing this insane fight."


"Unfortunately that is impossible. Nashetania will continue to fight for our ambitions for as long as she is alive. If you want to protect her then the only option you have is to fight alongside her for those same ambitions."


Goldof went silent. He couldn't think of a response.


"...I..."


"At the moment I'm not going to venture and ask you for a reply. I just hope that you follow the path you believe to be correct. Nashetania said the same thing to you, right?"


Will I protect Nashetania? That's what Goldof was wondering. But in order to do that who would he probably have to fight? Was there another way to protect the Princess besides killing Dozzu to stop Nashetania or killing the Heroes?


Goldof decided to hold off on making a decision. There was nothing he could do about the future just by thinking about it. At the moment he had to rescue Nashetania from Tgurneu's clutch. That was all.


"Tgurneu shouldn't be able to kill Nashetania as he pleases," Dozzu said.


"What do you mean?"


"About a year ago my brethren in the Wailing Demon Territory sent a message to me in the royal palace. They said that Tgurneu wanted to meet with me. I had thought the message was strange, but I answered the call anyway. I changed my appearance and headed to the meeting place that Tgurneu indicated.


"Ah, I'm late in explaining this, but I have the ability to change my appearance. Even the form I have now is not the form that I was born with."


"So?"


"At the location were Tgurneu and Marmanna‐san, the Saint of Words. Tgurneu made a request of me. He wanted me to kill Fremy Speeddraw."




That's strange, Goldof thought. Fremy said that Tgurneu had intended on discarding her from the beginning. If that were the case then tituwraal s unna him to get involved in a contract like that. Either that or Dozzu was lying.


for




"I said I would accept only if I could make another request in return. Up until now I have given a mark of proof to all of my human comrades. I requested that Tgurneu would not kill any person who bore that mark.


Tgurneu willingly agreed and we created a pact through Marmanna‐san. Of course Nashetania is one of the people who bear my mark."


Goldof thought about whether or not his words were true. But if such an event didn't happen then there would be no reason for Tgurneu to let Nashetania live. Why was Nashetania still alive? Why hadn't he killed his captive? There was
no other way to explain it.


"What should the Princess do now?"


"I think perhaps Tgurneu plans on handing Nashetania over to Cargikk. Since I didn't make a contract with Cargikk, he would probably deal withhNeatasnia."


"...Is Fremy the seventh?" Goldof asked.


"I don't have any proof. But I think perhaps she is."


If he were one of the Heroes of the Six Flowers shouldering the fate of the world he should immediately meet up with Adlet and the others and tell them what
dh.e'd hear And then he should interrogate Fremy and confirm whether she was
genuine or not. But Goldof could not stop his advance towards the Lava Belt.


He was going to save Nashetania. That was the sole reason he was taking action.


"The information about Fremy will have to wait. I will save the princess. That’s all I’m going to worry about."


He couldn't completely trust Dozzu. Dozzu was a Kyoma and an enemy of the Heroes of the Six Flowers. However in order to save Nashetania he had no choice but to cooperate with him.


At the very least, there was no mistaking the fact that Nashetania had been captured and was now in danger. His helmet wouldn't have activated if that wasn't the case.


Goldof recalled the time he had been given the helmet. By Nashetania, no less. Perhaps  even  thelmheet was a part of her plans.


Even so Goldof continued to run. Perhaps Nashetania truly had fallen into danger. And if that were the case then Goldof had no choice but to keep on going. Even if it was a trap.


While running, he turned to check behind him. I wonder what Adlet and the others are doing. I hope they leave me alone and just cross the valley. He could accept falling into a trap if it was only him.


Before he knew it, the trees in the area grew sparse. The ground at his feet was covered with dark gray rocks and the weeds were getting fewer and fewer. Goldof had set foot into the Lava Belt.


#


Goldof probably doesn't completely believe what I've said, Dozzu thought as he dangled from Goldof's hand. But that's enough. From the beginning I never thought that I could completely deceive him.

Nevertheless, Goldof headed to the Lava Belt exactly as Dozzu and Nashetania
had anticipated. So overall he iwlliansgfulf their objective.



But now there was another problem.


Will Goldof realize the truth? And if he does, when? Dozzu wondered if he and Nashetania would be able to accomplish their plan. But all of that depended on Goldof.





Chapter Five: Part One


Goldof and Dozzu continued across the Lava Belt. The view in the area was poor so they should have moved cautiously while remaining on the lookout for ambushes. However Goldof and Dozzu continued to run without any concern at all.



As they moved they took outommaany Ky that crossed their paths. And after
each kill Goldof would rip open the Kyoma and search for Nashetania.


"You aren't finding her because she isn't in a place like that," Dozzu said.


Goldof had the same feeling. Nevertheless he had to rip open the Kyoma.



"More importantly uhave yo received any word from Nashetania?"



"I haven't. Perhaps the princess is not in a situation where she can talk," Goldof said and then placed a hand on his helmet. Other than the ringing that notified him of Nashetania’s capture he hadn't heard anything else.


Goldof  already  told Dozzu rthmeaitniofon he'd received from the Helmet of Truth. Dozzu frowned when he heard that Nashetania was inside a Kyoma's stomach. It would be difficult to find out which Kyoma she was in. And without information from Nashetania, it was close to impossible to specify her location.


Goldof and Dozzu continued farther into the Lava Belt. As they climbed a rocky hill, they saw another large trapezoidal one.


"Over there. That is where Nashetania was carried off to."


The two of them quickly scaled the hill's slope and stood at the summit. At the center of the hill was a large basin and in the middle was a large amount of Kyoma corpses. None of them were moving. It seemed like Tgurneu and Nashetania had already moved to a different location.


"Were these your forces?" Goldof asked.


As Goldof descended the slope with Dozzu walking beside him, othmeaKy
replied, "Everyone was brave. If I don’t repay their actions and die, I wouldn’t be able to rest in peace," Dozzu said as he walked about the slope with his nose near the ground. He smelled the ground with an audible sniffing sound.


"Could you wait a moment? I'm searching for where Nashetania headed."


Goldof nodded. He kept a watchful eye on his surroundings, making sure there was nothing to worry about. However with just his rudimentary search, he couldn't find anything. Over and over again he called to Nashetania through his helmet, but in the end there was no reply. While he restrained the panic in his mind, he waited for Dozzu to find something.


"I see. I haven't picked up Nashetania's scent, but I understand which way Tgurneu and his followers went. The remaining Kyoma are heading south. Perhaps Tgurneu is also among them."


"Understood. Let's hurry then," Goldof said then immediately started to run,

Dozzu following behind him. "Tgurneu is going south, what idnokyou th planning?"

he is




"He's going to kill Nashetania after all. Since he can't kill her himself he will hand her over to one of Cargikk's followers and have them kill her instead."


"Is there any other possibility?"


"Or maybe he will take her hostage and use that to threaten you. Those are the only two ways of value that Tgurneu can use her."


"...I see."


Goldof thought about the possibilities as he used both his feet and hands to scale the steep slope. Was Dozzu really telling the truth? Had Nashetania truly fallen into danger?


Regardless there was no way that Goldof could stop. Nashetania might be killed. And if there was such a possibility then he had to head out to save her. If it was a trap then Goldof would only talk about how to cut through it.


After another fifteen minutes Goldof and Dozzu continued onward across the Lava Belt. Eventually Dozzu sniffed the ground and tilted his head to the side.


"What's wrong?"


"It's strange. The Kyoma are moving too slow. If Tgurneu intended on handing Nashetania over to one of Cargikk's subordinates then they should be traveling as fast as possible."


"What are you saying?"


"I don't know. Whatever Tgurneu is planning...at any rate we should soon catch up to him if we keep going at this speed."


Dozzu ran with his head tilted to the side. After they climbed the next rocky hill they could see a slightly open area. But what they found in the area astounded Goldof. There were about fifty Kyoma waiting to attack. It was clear that they had been waiting for Goldof and Dozzu to come.


But Goldof wasn't shocked by the multitudes of Kyoma. What he found astonishing was the fact that Nashetania was at the center of them all. She was playing with her rapier while straddling the back of a giant lizard Kyoma. Her armor was different than before, but she was without a doubt Nashetania.


"Princess!" Goldof shouted.


Wordlessly Nashetania pointed the tip of her rapier at Goldof. Then the Kyoma all at once charged in his direction.


At first he had doubted it, but in truth it was a trap. And from Dozzu's face, Goldof could tell that the small Kyoma also seemed flustered.


"Nashetania! Are you alright?!" Dozzu shouted and rushed over towards Nashetania.


The Kyoma rushing towards the group launched attacks on Dozzu. But jumping to the side and rolling across the ground, Dozzu dodged them all. Then a large amount of blades sprung up from the ground, grazing Dozzu's body and causing
blood to spraytou   from the Kyoma's small body.



Goldof couldn't understand. Even if this is a trap to kill me, why are they even trying to kill Dozzu? Nashetania had said that Dozzu would never betray her and she would never betray Dozzu.



The Kyoma were drawing closer. Goldof readied his spear lalendd repe the Kyoma
heading his way. But those Kyoma were not opponents that he could kill in just one strike. They were clearly different from the small‐fry Kyoma he had fought with in the past. They were upper level Kyoma.


"Princess?! What's happening?" Goldof shouted.


But Nashetania didn't answer. Nashetania's blades just relentlessly attacked Dozzu. Wordlessly, she only continued to fight with a smile on her face.


Goldof's next question was whether Nashetania was an impostor or not. He'd heard from Adlet that there were those among the Kyoma that could freely
change their appearance. Butteven if tha  were the case, they wouldn't be able to
imitate Nashetania's ability to wield blades.


So in other words, the Nashetania before him was genuine.


However, Goldof's helmet was still ringing. Even at that moment the helmet was indicating that the Princess was still captured and still inndgaer.


But Goldof just couldn't understand the situation.


"What are you doing, Nashetania?! We came to help you! Don't you recognize us?!" Dozzu shouted as he evaded the Kyoma's attacks.


Then sparks scattered about from his horn, and with a thunder, lightning rushed about the area. With one strike two Kyoma fell to the ground, dead.


"Nashetania! Why?!"


As Dozzu tried to rush towards her, a blade hit him. It stabbed through his abdomen and jutted out through his back; impaling the Kyoma and making his body hang in the air off the blade. Dozzu twisted his body and wriggled himself off the blade. Then he distanced himself fromtNanaisah.e



With his attention caught by Nashetania and Dozzu, Goldof didn't notice the Kyoma behind him and took a blow to the back. As he staggered from the blow three Kyoma rushed towards him from in front of him.


Goldof swung his spear high up in the air and positioned himself to strike down the Kyoma at the head of the pack. But instead he used the butt of his spear to stab a hole into the ground. Then throwing his weight into the spear, he lifted up his body and leaped high up into the sky. He flipped high through the air and landed behind the Kyoma. Then he charged towards Nashetania.


Of course he did not intend on killing her. After he killed the rock lizard Kyoma, he would hit her in the chin or the stomach to knock her out.


Nashetania giggled as blades sprung up from the ground and attacked Goldof.


His armor blocked the majority of them and the rest he knocked away with his spear. But just one of them went through Goldof's foot.


"Gaa!" Goldof grunted and collapsed to the ground.


The next moment the Kyoma came at him from all sides. Even so, Goldof reached out to Nashetania.


A blade then stabbed through his hand. His blood trailed down the metal and dripped to the ground.


Why? That was the question on Goldof's mind as he picked himself up and rolled to the side, dodging a Kyoma's attack. He could no longer approach Nashetania. The only thing he could do now was go on the defensive and escape.


"Princess!"


Without listening to Goldof, Nashetania smacked the stone lizard Kyoma's head beneath her as it sluggishly began to run, slowly taking Nashetania away from Goldof.


"Goldof‐san! Please follow after Nashetania!" Dozzu shouted.


However a group of Kyoma were blocking Goldof's path while the other Kyoma followed behind Nashetania as they all headed north together.


"Where are you going?! Nashetania! Nashetania!"


Nashetania did not turn around to respond to Dozzu's pleas. She simply continued over a rocky hill until they couldn't see her anymore.


#


Surrounded by formidable Kyoma, it took close to thirty minutes to wipe them out. They couldn't leave earlier, since whenever they tried to chase after Nashetania the Kyoma would persistently hold them back.




Once all of the Kyoma had been killed, Goldof stared at Dozzu with eyes full of animosity.


"...What's going on, Dozzu?"


His Helmet of Truth was still signaling that the Princess was in danger. However, the Nashetania they'd just seen didn't seem to be captured.


"Goldof‐san, is the Helmet of Truth still ringing?"


"Yeah."


"Then...Nashetania is still captured."


"...Explain now," Goldof said, taking out a needle and thread from his armor. Still standing upright, he quickly stitched up his wounds and applied a salve to stop the bleeding.


"Tgurneu's subordinates are called the Dark Specialists. Their fighting abilities are low, but instead, each one of them has a unique ability which cannot be imitated by any other Kyoma. Among them there might be a Kyoma that can control humans. The ability to control humans would be an extremely difficult situation for us, whether the cause is a Dark Specialist or otherwise."


"Are you saying the Princess is being controlled? Do you have any proof?"


"I don't. The abilities of the Dark Specialists are shrouded in mystery. But I can't think of any other possibility."

After hearing Dozzu, Goldof tried to head north and follow after Nashetania, but the pain from Nashetania's stab wound brought him to a stop. He took out a small iron bottle from his armor and drank it all in one gulp. The medicine was one of the Piena Royal Family's prized Saint Instruments that had been passed down over the years. The medicine did not heal injuries, but it made the user void of painhoaruesxtion, forcing the body to fight against its own will. Half of it was a medicine, while half of it was a poison.


"How should we kill that human‐controlling Kyoma?"


"Perhaps it's a Kyoma with an appearance close to a parasite. If we can remove the  parasite  fromsNhaetania's body then there shouldn't be any problem."


"At any rate...there's no choice but to capture the Princess, right?"


It was completely unexpected. Goldof couldn't believe that in order to save the Princess he would need to fight her. However it was still possible to save Nashetania since Goldof was certain that he was stronger than her in a one–on‐ one fight.


Goldof and Dozzu continued running north.


"Can you hear it, Goldof‐san? Someone is fighting ahead of us to the north. I think Nashetania was captured around the basin over there."


"What was that? Who's fighting?"


Goldof strained his ears. The sound from his helmet made it difficult to hear, but he could faintly hear gunfire.


"It's them...I told them not to come..."


The Heroes had followed Goldof. In his mind Goldof cursed Adlet. Why couldn't you have just left me alone and focused on trying to cross the valley?


"The Six Flowers are probably fighting with Nashetania. We have to stop them. If things continue like this she will be killed," Dozzu said.


As they ran Goldof worried about the situation. Adlet and the others would without a doubt kill Nashetania. So in order to save her Goldof would have to fight them too. Goldof knew that they wouldn't forgive her. Even if she was being used by Tgurneu it did not change the fact that she was an enemy.


Ever since they had infiltrated the Wailing Demon Territory Goldof had feared this time would come. The time when he would have to protect Nashetania or protect his companions. The time when he would have to make a choice had finally arrived.  Goldof  stoppednriunng. Since he was unable to come to a decision, he was unable to continue.


"Goldof‐san, what are you going to do?" Dozzu asked. The Kyoma had also stopped and it seemed as if he was concerned, just as Goldof was.


"Nashetania and I both believe that you can't fight your companions. So if that’s true then there's nothing we can do."


"Shut up," Goldof said.


Goldof then placed his hand on his chest. He recalled Nashetania's voice when she had used the Helmet of Truth to ask him for help. The fire was burning in his heart. It was shouting for him to kill all the people that would harm Nashetania.
From the beginning he had known that he would have to completely annihilate all those who would harm Nashetania.


"Let's go, Dozzu. Let's save the Princess."


"Thank you so much. And at the same time, I'm so sorry," Dozzu said as he drew closer to Goldof's feet. "Goldof‐san, how many times have you fought with Nashetania?"


Dozzu's sudden question confused Goldof. "One time at the Fighting Tournament, and the time before would be the second."


"And how many times has Nashetania run away from you?"


"...Why are you asking such a question?"


"...Forgive me. This is not the time for frivolous talk. Let's go," Dozzu said and then started to run.


There was something uneasy about Dozzu's expression. It seemed like the face of a person at their wits' end.


"What are you implying, Dozzu?"


"It's nothing."


After running for about five minutes, they suddenly noticed that the sounds from the faraway fight had stopped. But Goldof's helmet was still ringing, so Nashetania was definitely still alive.


From the distance they heard Mora's voice. "Goldof! Goldof! Can you hear me? Chamo has been attacked by Nashetania!"


Goldof unconsciously stopped.


"Nashetania embedded a Saint Instrument inside Chamo's stomach and if we don't kill her then Chamo will be killed! Nashetania is running! Follow after her and kill her!"


Goldof looked to Dozzu, but the Kyoma's face was twisted in a frown and his fur was standing on its ends.


"Somehow...it looks like the situation has just gotten worse."


#


Goldof was standing about two kilometers from the basin where Chamo was located.


He listened carefully as Mora explained what had happened with her mountain echoes. Due to the Blade Gem Nashetania inserted into Chamo's body, Chamo was slowly being killed. If they didn't kill Nashetania then Chamo would not be saved. Mora also explained that Nashetania was within a kilometer radius of the basin. And there were only about three hours until Chamo died.


Understanding the situation, Goldof gripped his spear tightly and aimed the tip at Dozzu.


"Is all that true, Dozzu?!"


"Wait a second, Goldof‐san," Dozzu said, retreating backwards a step.


"...So your target wasn't me, but Chamo? You used me in order to lure the Six Flowers to this place, and then you activated the so‐called Blade Gem. Is that true?!"


"No, you've got it all wrong. We did not insert the Blade Gem. You know that. Nashetania cannot create Saint Instruments."


"..."


"Tgurneu is trying to use Nashetania as a decoy. He is convincing Adlet‐san and the others that Nashetania is the culprit in order to avert their eyes from the truth."


"That sounds..."


"Nashetania will be killed by Adlet‐san. And in that opening the Blade Gem will kill Chamo. That is Tgurneu's objective," Dozzu said hastily as Goldof pressed him for answers.


"Please try to calmly think about it, Goldof‐san. If Nashetania could use the Blade Gem or whatever then she would have used it earlier. If she had used it while she was running about the Illusion Fog Barrier then at the very least she would have been able to kill one person. Or she could have attacked Chamo‐san before everyone had gathered and been able to assassinate her."


"...but."


"Nashetania didn't use it. And more importantly there isn't any proof, right?"


Still gripping his spear, Goldof stood perplexed. Is Dozzu my enemy or my
ally? Goldof didn't know who his enemy was and who he should fight in order to protect Nashetania.



"In reality it was probably Fremy‐osan wh put the Blade Gem into Chamo. She had
fought with Chamo‐san once before, although she lost. I don't know what kind of method she used, but at that time she must have inserted the Blade Gem into Chamo."



If he thought about it, it made sense. But Goldofncgoeurld      no lo trust Dozzu. The
Helmet of Truth continued to ring, indicating that Nashetania was in trouble. But Goldof had no idea whether Nashetania had truly fallen into danger.


"I know at this point it is absurd to hope for you to trust me. But what I've said is the truth. And if things keep going the way they are then Nashetania will be killed by Adlet‐san and the others."


"Shit!" Goldof shouted and then started to run.


The truth wasn't getting any clearer. However at the moment Nashetania was surely in danger. He had to save her.


At the time Goldof didn't think he was betraying the Six Flowers. He didn't intend on killing his companions. And at the same time that he was saving Nashetania he would be searching for a way to protect Chamo. However Goldof did not answer his companion Mora's call and chose to cooperate with his enemy Dozzu.


From an outsider's perspective, he was already nothing other than a traitor.


Chapter Five: Part Two


Goldof could faintly hear explosions in the distance as he ran through the Lava Belt. It didn't take long to realize that they were Fremy's bombs. So Goldof and Dozzu changed directions and started to head west.


"I will act under the assumption that what you've said to me is true," Goldof said as he ran. "First, we will subdue the Princess. You eliminate the Kyoma that is manipulating her. Can you do it?"


Dozzu nodded. "I can handle it. Nashetania will just lose consciousness, but I can only do that if there are no enemies yin."the vicinit



"If that's the case then I'll handle the enemies. After I've taken care of the Kyoma, you will take the Princess and leave the Blade Gem's range."


"Understood."


"Then Adlet and the others will realize that the Princess is not their enemy. And

after that I willhsearc save Chamo.

for the true culprit who is using the Blade Gem so that I can




"This will probably be...a difficult fight," Dozzu muttered.


He was right. However, Goldof was not afraid. He kept telling himself that no matter what kind of enemy he faced he would win regardless.


But there was a possibility that in order to protect Nashetania he would need to fight with her directly. So before entering into battle there was something Goldof needed to confirm first.


"Dozzu. The concealing ability that the Princess uses. It can be broken by squinting one's eyes or harming one's self, right?" Goldof asked.


Dozzu's expression changed. He stared at Goldof's face with a pensive look. "That's right. You know a lot about it. That's good. Then I can save the time it would take to explain it."


Goldof didn't know whether or not Dozzu was truly pleased of his knowledge. He had no idea what the small Kyoma was thinking about.


"If the Princess isn't removed from the range of the Blade Gem then I'll consider you a liar. And then...I'll kill you. I'll definitely kill you."


"I understand."


After going over a rocky hill they neared towards the range of the Blade Gem. Nashetania was running alongside some Kyoma, and Goldof could see that Adlet,


Fremy, and Rolonia were following after her. However, it didn't seem like there were any other Heroes besides them in pursuit.


The Kyoma were attacking Adlet in an attempt to hold him off. But Rolonia's whip and Adlet's sword were able to take care of them easily. Then Goldof saw one of Fremy's bullets graze Nashetania's head and the muscles in his back grew stiff.


Nashetania was under attack and she was on the verge of being killed. The moment he saw that, the fire in his chest flared up. His sense of reason vanished and the desire to kill Adlet and the others welled up within him. Goldof placed a hand to his chest and desperately tried to suppress the urge.


"I will stop the Heroes. I'll stop the three of them...two at the very least. You subdue the Princess," Goldof said to Dozzu and then he ran.


"Goldof‐san, be careful of that ability," Dozzu called out to him.


"Of course," Goldof replied.


"Please keep at it! Can't you run any faster?!" Nashetania was shouting. Her life was in danger.


Goldof had decided that he couldn't settle things by talking. He didn't have a way with words as Adlet did, and his companions doubted him. They probably wouldn't have even listened to what he had to say.


Goldof removed the chain from his wrist, which was used to prevent his spear from slipping from his hand. Then with all of his strength, he chucked the spear at Adlet as Dozzu rushed off to intercept Nashetania at the exact same moment.


After the spear had missed Adlet and landed on the ground in front of him, he and Rolonia headed towards Goldof while Fremy continued to chase after Rolonia. I have to stop her, Goldof thought and started to run after Fremy.


Fremy produced a bomb in her hand and threw it at him. But Goldof jumped to the side and weathered the explosion. He could feel the wound he received from Nashetania begin to hurt again.


"You think I’m going to allow you to hurt her?!"


Goldof barely dodged Adlet's poison needles, but at the same time Fremy had aimed her rifle at his chest. With his chest plate being the toughest part of his armor, it was able to stop the bullet. Nevertheless he was still flung backwards by the impact.


Goldof had to stop three of the Heroes of the Six Flowers. If he fought them half‐

heartedly, not only would he be intercepted, he bwaobulyld pro been prepared to get hurt, but now he had to fight.

be killed. He had




"Fremy! Rolonia! Follow Nashetania! Leave him to me!" Adlet shouted.


"...I can’t let you go."


Rolonia joined Fremy in chasing after Nashetania. Goldof desperately tried to follow them, but Adlet had attacked him from behind. Even though he was able to block one of Adlet's smoke pellets, Rolonia's whip and Fremy's bullets had relentlessly pummeled him down.


He  was  somehowamnaging to hold off Adlet and Rolonia with just his fists, but Fremy had distanced herself beyond his reach.


"Fremy! Don't worry about us! You cannot lose sight of Nashetania!" Adlet shouted.


Goldof once again tried to charge towards Fremy to stop her. But Rolonia stood in his way. So he was forced to give up on the possibility of stopping Fremy himself.


"I will leave Fremy to you!" He shouted towards Dozzu who was chasing after Nashetania. He had no choice but to entrust Fremy to Dozzu. He would stop Adlet and Rolonia.


"...You're in my way," Goldof said.


Adlet and Rolonia both spread their arms out wide. Adlet pulled the spear that Goldof had thrown out of the ground, assumed a fighting stance, and began to speak.


"Why, Goldof? Don’t you understand what's happened? Chamo is slowly being killed. The only way to save her is to kill Nashetania. Didn't you hear Mora's mountain echoes?”


Of course he'd heard it. Goldof was taking action in response to it.


"Please stop, Goldof‐san. We have to defeat Nashetania‐san. That is the only way to save Chamo‐san."


Rolonia was also trying to get through to him. They are nice people, Goldof thought. Even now he was hesitant about killing them. And just fighting them gave him a faint sense of guilt.


"Goldof, talk to us. You mareehsoow being deceived by someone."


"Goldof‐san, don't you think this is the same as with Mora‐san? Haven't you fallen into some kind of trap and being forced to fight us? Am I wrong?"


Adlet and Rolonia took turns trying to reason with him.


Perhaps what they were saying was correct. Goldof might have just been deceived. Nevertheless stopping the fight was something that Goldof couldn't do.


If he were to let them leave that place Nashetania would undoubtedly be killed. Even if she were an enemy, and even if she were a traitor to mankind, Goldof wanted Nashetania to live.


Discard your confusion, Goldof told himself. If you hesitate, you won't be able to beat them.


"I will not let you go any further."


"Goldof."


"If you plan on going... then you'll have to kill me."


The moment Adlet heard those words his gaze changed. All of the kindness and softness he'd had up until then vanished. He intends to kill me, Goldof thought as he prepared himself for the inevitable confrontation.


He would have to hold the two of them at bay until Dozzu had gotten rid of the Kyoma that was manipulating Nashetania. At the moment it was the only thing he could do.


Goldof was definitely at a disadvantage: it was two against one. Plus Goldof's spear was in Adlet's hands. Nevertheless Goldof was not afraid.


And soon the fight began.



#


Rolonia's shouts echoed through the Lava Belt.


"Traitor, die, die, die, die, the traitor will not live to see tomorrow!"


Rolonia's whip cracked again and again across Goldof's armor. If his actual flesh was touched then his life would be over. Meanwhile as he withstood Rolonia's onslaught, Goldof reached out to his spear in Adlet's hands. Adlet thrust at him with the spear and kicked in an attempt to keep Goldof from stealing back the weapon.


His eyes burned from the smoke pellets. And Rolonia’s whip sent jolts of pain throughout his injuries. Nevertheless Goldof continued to fight.


Perhaps somewhere in their minds Adlet and Rolonia are hesitating too, Goldof thought as he fought. Do they think it’s a good idea to kill me or are they unsure?


Even though he was fighting, Goldof's eyes looked out in the direction to where Nashetania had gone. I wonder if Dozzu was able to do his tasks well. Did he stop Fremy and get rid of the Kyoma that was manipulating Nashetania? Or is Dozzu also in trouble? At the moment Goldof could do nothing but pray for Dozzu's success.


"Adlet, don't kill the Princess," Goldof said while he fought.


Though Adlet had definitely heard what he'd said, it didn't seem like he was listening.


"Why, why, why, won't you die?! Don't touch Ad‐kun! Don't touch Fremy, don't touch Chamo. Die!"



As Rolonia shouted and lashed her whip,at him  Goldof dodged her attacks. His
evasion created an opening, so he moved to steal the spear again from Adlet. In response Adlet took one of his hands off the spear, reached to his side, and took out one of his secret weapons. Suddenly Goldof grabbed Adlet's hand and wrenched the poison dart free from it.


He then chucked the dart at Rolonia's face while at the same time taking back his spear. Goldof recalled what Dozzu had said to him earlier. Fremy was the seventh and she was the one who had put the Blade Gem into Chamo. As the battle concluded, Goldof wondered about conveying this information to the two heroes.


"Listen well. The Princess is not your enemy. Fremy is," Goldof said and then he thrust the butt end of the spear into Adlet's gut.


They probably won't be able to move for a while. So this should be enough to stop them, Goldof thought as he finished the fight. It was good that they didn't interfere with him helping Nashetania. If they did then he would have a reason to kill them.


More importantly he needed to go and back up Dozzu. At the moment he had no clue what was going on with him.


Goldof ran in the direction Nashetania had gone to. After climbing a rocky hill he saw Fremy fighting with the Kyoma that Nashetania had been with before. But Nashetania was nowhere to be found, and neither was Dozzu.


"I couldn’t have wished for more," Goldof muttered.


There were two ways in which he benefited from the situation. Fremy wouldn't be able to move for a while and the Kyoma that surrounded Nashetania would not get in his way. So Goldof proceeded past Fremy and continued to run in a clockwise arc.


As he ran he thought about what he would do when he caught up with Nashetania. First he would render her unconscious. Then he would remove the alleged human‐controlling Kyoma from her body. And after that he would take her out of the effective range of the Blade Gem. If she left the area then at least for the time being she wouldn't be killed by Adlet and the others.


But if what Dozzu had said was a lie and the person who had put the Blade Gem into Chamo was actually Nashetania herself then he would kill Dozzu, restrain Nashetania, and take her out of the effective range. His actions would be helping both Nashetania and Chamo.


"I won't let you die Princess, nor you Chamo," Goldof muttered.


During his pursuit the Helmet of Truth had never stopped ringing. Nashetania was still in danger. After running for about half a circle, Goldof found Dozzu. And ahead of him Nashetania was running by herself.


"Dozzu!"


"Over here!" Dozzu replied.




It took ten minutes for Goldof to catch up .with him being able to catch Nashetania as well.

And he was quite close to




"I was held up, but just for a little while," Goldof said as they chased after Nashetania.


"I knew someone like you could handle them," Dozzu said with a laugh.



Nashetania was scaling up   apseteep  slo of a slightly elevated rocky hill as Goldof
and Dozzu chased right behind her. Goldof was using both of his hands and feet to crawl up the hill. I'll catch up to her around the summit, Goldof thought.


"Goldof‐san, I'll keep her from moving with my lightning strikes. Can you pin her down and apply pressure to her carotid artery to make her fall unconscious?"


"Understood."


They reached the summit and at the very top was a giant basin. Nashetania was standing in the center of the hollow with her sword poised and ready to meet Goldof and Dozzu's attacks. Goldof kicked off the stone hill with all his strength and charged at Nashetania.




But something fffe,lt o side.

and trusting his guts Goldof immediately dodged to the




Lightning struck right where Goldof had been a moment earlier. Dozzu had shot a bolt of lightning at his back and it would have killed him had he been struck by it.



"You missed?" Nashetania asked as she swungrhe  sword.



Goldof rolled to the side and dodged a blade that emerged from the ground. Then he dodged a second lightning strike from Dozzu.


One after another, lightning from behind and blades from the ground came at Goldof.



Goldof wasn’t surprised. On the contrary he figured that aetrap lik   this would
have happened. Everything had been a lie. Nashetania and Dozzu had tricked him and all along they had intended to kill him after they were done using him.


Nashetania had never been captured by Tgurneu. She was the one who had placed the Blade Gem into Chamo. Which meant that the idea of Tgurneu's Kyoma controlling Nashetania had also been a lie.


Nashetania's aim was to lure the Six Flowers to her location. Then she would use the Blade Gem to kill Chamo and after making Goldof lower his guard she would kill him with a surprise attack.


That was the truth and it was exactly what he'd anticipated.


"Dozzu! Don't let Goldof get away!" Nashetania shouted.


Large sparks emitted from Dozzu's horn. The biggest lightning strike yet then lashed out towards Goldof.


I can't dodge it, Goldof realized and flung his spear.


Thunder echoed throughout the area. The lightning struck the spear but did not reach Goldof. However the shock wave from the explosion scorched Goldof's
body. It was the first time in his life   that he'dnbee electrocuted and the pain
knocked him down to the ground, causing him to tumble down the basin slope.


As he fell Nashetania conjured blades to attack him, but they had barely missed his vital organs.


"Guwaaa!" Goldof screamed in pain while tumbling down the basin.


Strangely, he wasn't angry at all. He wasn’t upset about being tricked. From the beginning he and Nashetania had been enemies. So Goldof was more at fault for being deceived than anything.


Goldof saw that Dozzu was preparing a final lightning strike, but before it was released he had been able to grab one of Nashetania’s blades from the ground as he rolled. With blood spilling down his fingers he snapped the blade and hurled it at the small Kyoma. The blade grazed his face, causing the lightning to veer away and barely missing Goldof.


Goldof then charged at Nashetania, but the blades springing up at his feet blocked his path and pierced his sides. Blood poured from Goldof's mouth as his body burned from the lightning. Slowly his entire body grew numb, beginning to lose its ability to move.


Nevertheless Goldof continued to fight. Even at a time like this he couldn't think about killing Nashetania. Protecting Nashetania was the only thing he could ever think about.


Dozzu and Nashetania stopped their attacks. They were both out of breath.


"...He doesn't seem human," Nashetania said among ragged breaths.


"You are still standing, even though you were surrounded by Kyoma, attacked by Adlet‐san and the others, and even ambushed by our surprise attack. You are an unimaginable monster."


Goldof smiled faintly, slightly pleased by the compliment.


"I have a request, Goldof. I was wondering if you would die peacefully for us," Nashetania said with a malicious smile.


"If I kill you and am able to keep running until Chamo‐san dies then we'll be only one step away from victory. And if we can kill just one more person then Tgurneu and Cargikk will become our servants."


"...Princess."


"Die, Goldof, and help us."


For a while Goldof looked to the side. And after staring at his feet, he said, "Certainly. As you wish, my Princess."


"What?"


"Goldof‐san?" Both Nashetania and Dozzu looked shocked.


At the same time Goldof moved. He kicked a rock at his feet as hard as he could, causing the stone to break into pieces and strike Nashetania's face.


"Sometimes..."


It all happened within a moment. Goldof suddenly ran towards Nashetania, somersaulting over the blades as they sprung up from the ground, and then tripped her. Breaking her balance, Goldof grabbed Nashetania's face and smashed her to the ground with all his might.


"...I also lie."


Nashetania took one more breath then stopped moving. He wasn't going to let her die, but he was going to stop her from moving for at least a little while.


Goldof stood up and glared at Dozzu. All that was left now was to kill that last Kyoma.


Within his heart he could feel the dark fire flaring up more than ever before. This was the only Kyoma that he couldn't allow to live.



tStpearrekds                                                                         sca from Dozzu's horn just as Goldof had torn off one of his
gauntlets and chucked it towards Dozzu to divert the bolt. However just that one gauntlet wasn't enough to completely block the lightning. And even though Goldof leaped back his body was still scorched by the sparks.


"Haa!" Dozzu shouted, gathering all his energy into his body. The horn on his forehead then released even bigger sparks. In the next instant the biggest lightning strike yet was released from his horn.


The moment Goldof saw it he rolled to the side. But even though he had been able to avoid the direct strike, the shockwave from the lightning travelled through his armor and burned his body.


Even now, with the battle one on one, Dozzu was not an easy opponent. If Goldof had waited to see the lightning before moving, he wouldn't have been able to
dodge mthee.m in ti So in order to avoid the attacks he had no choice but to get
out of Dozzu's range. However, doing that, he would lose all means of attack.


Common sense told him that he should probably escape, but instead Goldof ran right towards Dozzu.


"...Fool."



As   Goldofddodge Dozzu’s lightning strike, Goldof had kicked a rock towards
him. However the Kyoma easily dodged it.


"I've seen that trick before," Dozzu said. Then without a moment's delay he hit Goldof's body with a string of successive attacks. And when they were done, Goldof slowly fell to the ground.


"You're finished."


To Dozzu it probably looked like Goldof was crumbling powerless to the ground. But just as his face was going to touch the ground, he made his move.


Goldof had both of his hands placed on the ground, and in his right hand he was holding a rock. Using his left hand and both of his feet Goldof then flung himself forward.


Goldof had seen through Dozzu's fighting style. Perhaps if Dozzu had released all of his energy at once he could have produced a lightning strike that would have killed him in one blow. But Dozzu only attacked him with enough force to keep him confined to one place.

Goldof figured that after the Kyoma released its bolt of electricity, hewould need time to gather energy before firing the second strike. And that was Goldof's plan. He was going to strike in the moment between Dozzu’s first and the second attacks. He let himself get hit by the first, wagering both his body and his will on his strategy.


"What?!" Dozzu shouted.


At the same time Goldof crushed the stone in his hand and chucked the fragments at Dozzu. The broken shards pierced Dozzu's eyes. And as he tried to retreat backwards, Goldof reached out and grabbed him. He then picked up the Kyoma's small body and slammed him to the ground with everything he had left.


"U, gaa!"


As he was smashed into the ground Dozzu's legs lifted up into the air. But upon striking the ground his legs bounced back in recoil. Goldof could feel the unpleasant sensation of bones breaking in his hands.


"Uh, uuuu...." Dozzu moaned and Goldof released the small Kyoma.


Dozzu tried to drag itself along the ground away from Goldof as he picked up the spear he'd dropped onto the slope. With the spear at ready, Goldof approached the crippled Kyoma and positioned his spear to give the finishing blow. But something floated in the back of Goldof's mind.


"Dozzu is my comrade." He recalled that when Nashetania had said Dozzu's name, she seemed to have a proud expression.


"The same ambition burns within us and we are fighting together. I will not betray Dozzu by any means and Dozzu would never betray me."


"..."


Goldof lowered his spear. The Princess would definitely be sad if I killed Dozzu. Dozzu can't go anywhere. I should let him go.


"The Princess is more important," Goldof said, turning from the Kyoma and walking towards Nashetania.


Nashetania's eyes had completely rolled back into her head and it didn't seem like she was faking unconsciousness. If he picked up her unconscious body and ran for
just five minutes they would be able toflfeeacvtievethe e range of the Blade
Gem. That would probably save Chamo, which would also end the current fight.


What should I do now? Should I return to where Adlet and the others are, or should I take Nashetania and escape? Although those questions crossed his mind, he had no time to think about what was ahead. For now, he would try and take her away from the effective range.


With that decision in mind, Goldof extended his hand to Nashetania.


"...Goldof." Goldof could hear the Princess's voice coming from the Helmet of Truth.


"Huh?"


She had been unconscious just a moment ago. So why am I hearing her voice from the helmet? The moment he realized the reason, he took a giant leap backwards.


The next instant a number of blades sprung up from the ground and attacked him. If Goldof's dodge had been a bit slower he would have been skewered and killed.


More blades emerged from the ground as he ran about, hitting them away with his spear.


How is Nashetania able to use the power of blades while unconscious? Why am I hearing Nashetania's voice from the Helmet of Truth?


The answer was clear. The Nashetania that was in front of him was a fake.


The blade attack stopped. Then right before his eyes the Nashetania in front of
him   transformedoint a lanky monkey‐like Kyoma. A metamorphosis Kyoma.



But what was strange was that even as the monkey's true form appeared, it still had the left arm of a human.


"Didn't I say before that you are really a monster? Regardless of the fact that you were able to avoid Dozzu's surprise attack, how were you able to dodge my attack just now?"


The voice was coming from the ground and from the earth a thin, long snake‐like Kyoma appeared. Its skin was composed of silver metal pieces and scales. Then the snake Kyoma spoke.


"Ah, I see. The real Nashetania teased people I went too far with my impersonation of Nashetania. The real teased people excessively. She is a truly sarcastic person."


Goldof had heard that tone and way of speaking before. It had been in the Valley of Spilled Blood."


"...Tgurneu?"


"Aah, I've been found out. Well, that's fine. Hello, Goldof‐kun."


The snake Kyoma...Tgurneu stuck its tongue out and flicked it in laughter.


"What do you think? Didn't I make a good imitation? Not only was I able to deceive Adlet and the others but you too."




Tgurneu's words didn't reach sG.oldof's ear impostor made his back grow stiff.

But the fact that Nashetania was an




Even now the Helmet of Truth continued to ring, indicating that Nashetania was in danger. And now Goldof understood the reason. The real Nashetania had been captured and was being held somewhere.


"Where is the Princess?" Goldof pointed his spear at Tgurneu.


"Are you really asking where the Princess is? Well, where do you think she is, Goldof‐kun?"


The metallic snake stared at Goldof as if it were running its tongue all over his face.


"Where is the Princess, Tgurneu?!" Goldof shouted and lunged with his spear.


Tgurneu merely showed an unpleasant smile and easily dodged Goldof's attack.


"Isn't it obvious that I won't tell you? No matter how much of a fool you may be, you probably understand that much," Tgurneu said.


Goldof recalled all of the events that had occurred up until that point. He'd heard
the request from tthe  Helme  of Truth and headed off to save Nashetania.
He encountered Dozzu and finally arrived at the Lava Belt. He'd heard that Chamo was being killed by the Blade Gem. Then he was attacked by Dozzu and the fake Nashetania.



He couldn't understand what was going on. Who   was ihnegbe deceived by, who
were his allies, who were his enemies, he didn't know anything. His mind was confused and he felt like he was about to scream.


"...Kuhuhu, huhuhu, ahahahahahaha!" Tgurneu laughed, his head pointed up towards the heavens. "You really are stupid, huh? I've known you were stupid all this time, but I never thought you could possibly be this stupid."


Flapping his tongue, Tgurneu drew close towards Goldof's face. Then his tongue tickled Goldof's cheek. It was as if he were being petted like some adorable animal.


"You are incompetent. Hopelessly incompetent. I have a hard time understanding why Nashetania trusts you at all."


"...You bastard."


"It was amusing to see you deceived. In fact, you were so extremely easy to fool that I actually wondered whether you were plotting something."


Near Goldof's face, Tgurneu smiled.


"But now I want to tell you the truth. Because if things continue the way they are then I will end up killing Chamo and Nashetania and that won't be any fun for me at all."


"The truth?"


"You should thank me. What I'm about to tell you is the unadulterated truth. It's a rare occurrence for me to tell the whole truth. In fact, it's the first time I've done it in years."





Chapter Six: Part One


When Goldof encountered Tgurneu, Mora was in the middle of the basin packed with Kyoma corpses. She had her hand on Chamo's back and continued to pour energy into the girl's body as blood endlessly poured out of Chamo's mouth. Hans
ran about the basin, cutting oump aany Ky that was trying to get at Chamo.



"Obachan, it hurts so much. Will it be any longer?" Chamo asked as blood spilled from her mouth.


"Don't worry. Soon Adlet and the others will catch up to Nashetania. An opponent like Nashetania will be no match for the three of them."


"Aha, that's right. That's right....so it's good," Chamo said with a smile.


Mora didn't know anything. She didn't know the trouble Adlet had fallen into, nor did she know about the threat facing Goldof.


#


At that time Adlet was about 1.5 kilometers from Chamo's basin. He was fighting the Kyoma alongside Fremy and Rolonia.


The three of them hadn't noticed anything. They didn't know that the Nashetania they were chasing was a fake, nor did they know who the mastermind was behind their battle. They didn't know anything.


#


It was also that at this exact same time Nashetania was inside the stomach of a Kyoma.


It was cramped, hard to breathe, and extremely hot. Sweat was relentlessly being squeezed out from her body. On top of that there was a slimy warm sticky liquid coating her flesh.


Nashetania had been gruesomely injured. Her left arm was ripped off at the
shoulder, and only paesimple ro was used to stop the bleeding of the wound.
Tentacles were wrapped around her throat and crushing her trachea and vocal cords. She could also feel the burrowed out wound in her back where a large maggot Kyoma was wiggling its face into her body.


Nashetania tried to scream. However only labored breaths escaped from her throat .


The only thing Nashetania could do within the Kyoma's stomach was wait for Goldof to come and save her. Goldof would see through Tgurneu's plan and find her wherever she may be.


But if Goldof's help did not come in time, then Nashetania's life would be over.


#


"The truth is quite simple," Tgurneu said quietly. "Dozzu and I are at odds with one another. Nashetania is Dozzu's pawn and the other seventh is mine. Until the Illusion Fog Barrier battle occurred I didn't know Dozzu's plan, nor did he know about my other seventh. That is the complete truth. Well, I should also mention that it's true we established a pact two hundred years ago."


Tgurneu continued with his story.


He talked about how after losing in the Illusion Fog Barrier, Nashetania jumped into the ocean and swam for a day, eventually reaching the Forest of Severed Fingers and meeting up with Dozzu.


At around that time Dozzu had gone off to negotiate with Cargikk. He was going to propose a pact to stop the fighting between their factions. If Nashetania failed then he would need to prepare for the possibility that he could not kill three of the Six Flowers. However Cargikk refused Dozzu's proposal and sent his elite subordinates to go and eliminate the small Kyoma.


"Dozzu and his followers ran around the Forest of Severed Fingers. His followers
uwreerde, inj Nashetania was injured, and in the end they were cornered with no
way of escape. Then this morning they came to me seeking help."


It was then that Dozzu told Tgurneu that he and Nashetania had inserted a Blade Gem into Chamo's stomach. And with those blades they would kill Chamo and then give the point to Tgurneu if in exchange Tgurneu protected them.


Tgurneu accepted their proposal. He too had experienced difficulty dealing with Chamo. So there was no reason for him to refuse the chance to get the point for killing her.


Then Tgurneu killed all of Cargikk's followers that he'd sent. The basin where Chamo was with all of the Kyoma corpses was the site of the battle between Cargikk's followers andnTeguu'rs                                pawns.


Having wiped out the nuisances, they quickly worked out a strategy to kill Chamo and  began making preparations.


"...But..." Dozzu interrupted, dragging his body across the ground before finally pulling himself up. "Tgurneu never intended on protecting us. After killing Chamo‐ san, he planned to get rid of us since we had already served our purpose."


Tgurneu didn't deny the accusation. He just smiled.


Dozzu knew that Tgurneu would betray him, so why didn’t he run? Goldof wondered just as the answer popped into his mind. And when he finally realized what was going on he instantly despaired at how foolish he was for not realizing the truth until the last moment.


Nashetania had been taken hostage and Dozzu had been doing what Tgurneu told him to do. Deceiving Goldof and trying to kill him were both Tgurneu's will.


It was a truly messed up situation. The Kyoma deceived one another, killed one another, and at same time used one another.


Tgurneu continued to explain.


In the beginning, Tgurneu restrained Nashetania and forced Dozzu to obey him. Then one of his Dark Kyoma, number 31, a maggot with the power to block Saint abilities, used its power to block Nashetania's power of Blades.


After that, in order to deceive Adlet and the others he created an impostor.


The deception involved two separate Kyoma. One was a metamorphosis Kyoma that transformed to look like Nashetania. And the other one was a snake Kyoma that possessed the ability to wield blades. The snake Kyoma would then attack

from the ground with its blades and ituwldo ability.

seem as if it were using the Saint




Pretending to be the Saint of Blades was not something a Kyoma could do with superficial abilities. So Tgurneu fed his own body to the snake and increased its strength.


Until just a few days ago the metamorphosis Kyoma had been lurking within the Piena palace so that it would know Nashetania's way of speaking and mannerisms well. It learned to emulate Nashetania so well that it could even fool Adlet and Goldof.



However, the problem was Rolonia. If   she lickedstthoer'simpo blood then it
would be revealed whether they were real or not. So Tgurneu drew out Nashetania's blood and ripped off her left arm. The metamorphosis Kyoma attached that left arm to its body and poured her blood over it. Then it let Rolonia taste Nashetania's blood as it flowed through her genuine left arm. As a result even Rolonia wasn't able to realize that the impostor wasn't the real Nashetania.


"The Princess'...her left arm...bastard...you bastard..."


Goldof's entire body was shaking in rage. Paying him no heed, Tgurneu continued on with his story.



It was simple to lure othweeSrisx. Fl Once captured, the Helmet of Truth would
convey to Goldof that Nashetania was in danger. And exactly according to Tgurneu's plan Goldof came. After him the other Heroes followed Goldof to the Lava Belt. Tgurneu then commanded Dozzu to deceive Goldof, separate the
companions, and manipulate  the  situationduonftil  Gol ended up fighting with the
other Flowers. And after all that was done, Dozzu was ordered to kill him.


Tgurneu placed a Kyoma into Dozzu's body which would transmit information back to him. Which meant that Tgurneu overheard everything that Dozzu and


Goldof had said to one another. So with Nashetania taken hostage, Dozzu couldn't do anything else other than obey Tgurneu's orders.


"So what do you think? Don't you think even a fool like yourself should be able to understand the situation after such a kind and thorough explanation?"


"The Princess, where is she? Speak, Tgurneu."


Tgurneu laughed scornfully at Goldof. "The real Nashetania is somewhere in the Lava Belt. Among my pawns there are Kyoma that can hide things very well." Tgurneu drew his face closer to Goldof. "Where is she? What kind of ability was
used to hide her? Don'tinyoku th I can't tell you that? At the longest I estimate
there are two more hours until Chamo dies, and I plan on continuing to hide Nashetania throughout that time."


"Give her back!"


"I refuse. I told her that if she tries to escape I will kill her. If she deactivates the Blade Gem on her own then I will kill her. If Dozzu tries to take her or even attack me just once, I will kill her. I can kill her just as easily with only a hint of a signal."


"You, will not, kill the Princess."


"That's not true. Isn't it obvious that's not true? Do you even know what you're saying?"


"Give me back the Princess."


"I’m saying no. But I will tell you what I’m going to do next. I plan on killing Nashetania the very instant Chamo dies. But you don't care, right? She is your enemy, after all."


Tgurneu stared at Goldof with the widest smile spread across his face.


"Actually I thought this plan of mine would hurt you the most. But there was a chance you could have discovered the true Nashetania if Adlet or Hans had learned about the information you received through the helmet."


"So I separated you from the Heroes and made it so that you wouldn't be able to combine your information. Really, I didn’t have to even do that much since you willingly broke away from the Heroes on your own."


Goldof was grinding his teeth.


"You were deceived so often, Goldof. In fact I heard all of your conversations with Dozzu, and to be honest I found it difficult containing my laughter. Even though I had ordered him to kill you, I never thought that you Goldof would actually try and kill Adlet and the others."


Tgurneu moved away from Goldof's face, then stabbed Dozzu with a blade that grew out from his body.


"Dozzu, I understand what your objective was. You intended to have Goldof‐kun save Nashetania for you, right?"


Goldof was taken aback as Dozzu nodded slightly.


"I knew that was your plan. After all, if you think about it that was just about the only way all of you could have survived. But, as I expected, Goldof‐kun is incompetent. It is simply impossible for him to save Nashetania by any means.
Chamo is going to die and so will all of you right here. And then that will be the end of it."


Dozzu glared at Tgurneu. However, Tgurneu paid him no heed at all.


"Hey, do you know why I am telling you the truth so candidly?" This time Tgurneu faced Goldof.


"Why?"


"Because even if I talked with you, it wouldn't be a problem. If you were to tell Adlet and the others what I told you, I could just kill Nashetania."


Goldof tensed.


"Of course that would mean I would be unable to kill Chamo. But just the threat is sufficient enough because I understand that you will never be able to abandon Nashetania. Besides, originally I had another method I was going to use to kill

Chamo. So even if this current strategyufladilns',tit wo problems.

cause any major




Plus the seventh will tell me if you talk. So what I'm telling you now is not a bluff. If you talk I will definitely kill Nashetania."


"...The Princess...the Princess..."




"Do you want to save Nashetania? If so, then it would be better yto.

hurr

Adlet

and the others are searching for her. Perhaps they may be able to find her."


"If...Adlet finds...the Princess..."


"Huhuhu. Naturally he will kill her." Laughing, Tgurneu drew closer to Goldof. "Say, Goldof‐kun. Show me your face."


"...What?"


"I like to look at human faces," Tgurneu said and then he once again stared into Goldof's face. "Faces show me various things. Anger, panic, sadness, despair, and even when a person clings to that tiny glimmer of hope."


Goldof didn't say a word in response.


"I like human emotions. If I do a greeting I can connect to their hearts. If I speak with them we can understand one another. If I see their face then I'll be able to figure out what they are thinking. I like to feel the emotions of the people I will defeat. It is for that reason that I fight and for that reason that I am living."


Tgurneu stuck out his tongue and once again he licked Goldof's cheek.


"Now, it wouldn't bring me any joy if I kill you. I want to see your suffering, your confusion, and your regret. I have given you the hope that you can save Nashetania so I would like to see the despair on your face when you are unable to accomplish that feat."



Tgurneu seemed to have abandoned all sense of caution   as hedtaunte Goldof.
And as he looked at his face, the thought of killing Tgurneu crossed Goldof’s mind.


"That's a good face. You...no...all of the Heroes of the Six Flowers are such wonderful spectacles."


Dozzu then spoke, "You must not kill Tgurneu. If you do then Nashetania will be killed at the exact same time as he falls."


Goldof could do nothing but grudgingly accept Dozzu’s words as he put up with Tgurneu’s taunts.


"Say, Goldof‐kun. Do you think that you can save Nashetania? You weren't able to figure out my plan at all. On top of that you're absolutely worn out from your fight with Dozzu. You probably can't fight any more."


"...You..."


"To make matters worse, you are isolated   and helpless.oYuoguhft against Adlet and the others. So if they see you now they will probably come and kill you immediately. You have been truly foolish."


"...Goldof‐san," Dozzu said, in a pained voice.


"Ah, that's a good face. You really are incompetent. And I like the faces of powerless people."


Tgurneu pulled his face away from Goldof. At that time a Kyoma with a crow's head and a yeti's body approached Tgurneu.


The Yeti Kyoma thrust its hand into Tgurneu's throat. And from his throat it pulled
out a fig fruit and bit it. Then the yeti Kyoma became wthe ne Tgurneu. After that
it crushed the neck of the Snake Kyoma, the body that Tgurneu had used up until then. Tgurneu probably had no further use for it.


"Well then, it's about time I ran away. It would be good for you to run as well
Goldof‐kun. Adleteand th   others will be coming soon."


Goldof looked towards the hills. Adlet was surely chasing after him. And if he reached Goldof's location he would find him.


"Dozzu. Scorch this area with lightning. After you're done with that, rest for a while and heal your injuries. I know about your healing abilities. You'll be able to fight after an hour or so, right? After that, go and kill Hans and those with him. I will not allow you to refuse."


"...I have no choice…but to obey."


"That's right. Well, see you, Goldof‐kun," Tgurneu said and left the area.


Goldof stood paralyzed in astonishment. He had come in order to save Nashetania. And he had intended to crush whatever enemy in order to do so.


But in reality he had just continued to dance in the palm of Tgurneu's hand.


Incompetent, the word reverberated through Goldof's mind. But it was not something that he could deny.


"Goldof‐san," Dozzu called out to him.


"Dozzu. Is what Tgurneu said true?" Goldof asked.


"Excluding one point, everything was the truth."


"Just one?"


Dozzu stared into Goldof's eyes and said clearly, "You are not incompetent. There isn't a knight anywhere in the world that’s half as great as you are. It is certainly not impossible for you to save Nashetania.


"...But..."


"At the moment I cannot help Nashetania. No one can, except for you."


"...I..."


"I promise you. If you save Nashetania I will immediately release Chamo‐san. That is not a lie."


"....Is that true?"


"Now please run. If you stay here you will be killed by Adlet‐san and the others. You are our only hope. You are the only chance Nashetania has to be saved."


After that Goldof walked away. He headed towards outside the perimeter of the Blade Gem. His body hurt, and it was even painful to move. The spear he carried in his hands felt extremely heavy.


I will save the Princess. That thought was now the only thing rushing within his mind.


#


Goldof could not run any more. His arms and legs had been pierced by the impostor Nashetania's blades, and his armor had been hit by Rolonia's whip and Fremy's bullets. Also his body had been burned by Dozzu's electricity. And he was terribly exhausted.


He desperately advanced through the Lava Belt, and after distancing himself about three kilometers from Chamo's position his feet stopped. Due to his burns his throat was dry. It seemed like he was going to die of pain and thirst.


"...Princess."


He found a geyser and approached it. For the time being he tried to treat his thirst. But the instant that he tried to drink, a terrible pain rushed through his tongue and nose. Goldof grunted and threw up hot water.


He then fell to his knees, no longer able to move.


First he had to treat his burns. He would not be able to keep on living if he
didn't. Then he would treat the injuries he'd sustained from Dozzu. He didn't have a lot of medicine on hand, but it was better than nothing.


Goldof turned around. He had to quickly return to the Lava Belt and save Nashetania. And he had to do so before Chamo died, or before Adlet and the others found him.


He had a mountain of things he needed to do. Nevertheless his body didn't move. All of a sudden he sensed a presence behind him. There were about ten Kyoma staring at Goldof and licking their lips.


"Did you give up, Goldof?" a Kyoma asked.


"I will...protect the Princess."


Goldof readied his spear and stood to his feet. With a body that felt as heavy as lead, he fought back. Each time he took a break his throat hurt. Each time he moved a limb his entire body hurt.


The pain, the burns, the exhaustion: they were all taking their toll on Goldof and as they ate away at his energy his hopes of saving Nashetania started to fade as well.


"I've got you!"


A giant earthworm Kyoma wrapped itself around Goldof. The knight cut off its head, but even dead it still continued to squeeze his body.


Then a dog Kyoma rushed towards him, aiming to bite Goldof's neck. Goldof dodged it and knocked it away with his fist.


"I...will...protect...the Princess," Goldof muttered.


He said the words in order to encourage himself, but despair was slowly creeping up on him.


I wonder if I can find Nashetania. Tgurneu had said that a Kyoma's power was being used to hide her. And his voice had confidently declared that Goldof wouldn't be able to find her.


Can I see through Tgurneu's plan? I don't have the intelligence of Adlet or Hans. Nor do I have the knowledge regarding the Kyoma as Fremy does. What could I possibly do?


"You, Goldof!"


Goldof shook off the earthworm Kyoma, but the dog Kyoma had bit his leg. Even though he had stabbed it through its core with his spear, its fangs would not detach from his armor.


Aiming for that opening, the remaining Kyoma rushed towards Goldof. So Goldof dragged the dog Kyoma's corpse, its fangs still biting into his armor, and ran.


As he ran he tried to tear off the dog Kyoma's body; however his hands were devoid of energy.


"Shit!"


Adlet and the others saw him as the enemy. If they caught up with him they would come and kill him immediately. And he could no longer expect backup like he'd received in the previous battles.


At the moment Goldof didn't even have the power to fight off the Heroes anymore.


I`ll probably be killed when I get near the Blade Gem's range. I won't even be able to get close to finding Nashetania.


"Run!


"Follow him! We can kill him now!"


Goldof could not hope for Dozzu to help him. He could no longer hear Nashetania's voice, and he didn't have any clues to save her.


Goldof ran from the Kyoma. He cut down one of those that had caught up with him, and then ran again. Once more another Kyoma caught up to him and again he cut it down and ran. Again and again the cycle of slice‐and‐run repeated itself.



Perhaps dozenssof minute  had passed. Yet he could only think of a single solution
to his predicament. Abandoning Nashetania.


Tgurneu had said that if Goldof told Adlet and the others the truth then at that instant they would kill Nashetania. Even though if Nashetania died Chamo would be saved.


After taking down the Kyoma around him, he figured it was best to return to where Adlet was. Then he would tell Adlet the truth and he could beg for his forgiveness. However, even Adlet would probably kill Goldof without waiting to hear what he had to say.


They would fight together against Tgurneu, annihilate the Majin, and then he would go off somewhere. And he hoped that he could forget all the days he had spent with Nashetania; it being nothing more than a dream.


He was just about finished.


Goldof took down a leopard Kyoma, the last of   which hadusrrounded him. Then he headed south and found the direction towards which Adlet and the others were headed.


"...Princess."


Various emotions welled up within Goldof's chest. The shock he felt when he had first encountered Nashetania. The excitement and thrill he felt when he headed to save her with the iron hammer in his hands. And the emotion he felt when Nashetania listened to his request.



The confusionthe'd fel  when he found out Nashetania was an unbelievable
tomboy. The anger he felt when she would play tricks on him. And the love he felt when over the days she became more and more of a woman.


The bewilderment he'd felt when it was suddenly announced that she would become a Saint. The worry he felt when she subjected herself to harsh training without considering her own life. The joy he felt watching over her develop into the Saint of Blades. The regret he felt when he took it easy on her at the tournament before the Goddess and ended up conceding victory to her.


The uneasiness he felt when he found out that he had been selected as one of the Heroes of the Six Flowers. The fighting spirit he had when he determined to return her from the Wailing Demon Territory safely. The slight jealousy he felt
lteotw. ards Ad



And the fact that Nashetania existed and how that fact alone filled his chest with a sense of relief.


"If it were just a dream I would be able to forget it."


A tear ran down Goldof's face.


"How great would that have been?”


The leopard Kyoma's corpse lay at his feet. He picked it up and bit into its neck. Goldof loudly slurped the remaining blood from the Kyoma's body. Perhaps it was the first time a human had tasted a Kyoma.


The Kyoma's blood soothed the burns in his mouth. Then he removed his armor and applied the rest of his medicine to his body. After that he downed the medicine he'd received from the Piena Royal Family in one gulp.



The medicine was strong, close to a poison. Itnmseade inte pain rush through his
throat and his gut. But he withstood the urge to vomit and crouched down.


"..."


Then Goldof stood back to his feet and balled his hands into fists. He swung his spear and moved his body around.


I can still fight, he thought as he quietly walked.


He had decided. No matter how many difficulties come his way he would absolutely save Nashetania.


#


About eighteen hours earlier, Nashetania and Dozzu were hiding in a corner of the Forest of Severed Fingers.

They had been talking with their faces drawn close to one another. In fact, they were so close that it was difficult to tell them apart.



None of their comrades  wereciinnitthye.     vi They had fought with Cargikk's
followers and those were now all dead.


Blood was dripping from Dozzu's entire body, and Nashetania was more injured than he was. She had been stabbed through the chest by a horn with the wound reaching her back. The tendons on one of her legs had been cut deep. Thanks to a Kyoma that had been fused with her body Nashetania possessed otherworldly healing abilities, but even with that the wound was too deep.


Dozzu wondered how many more hours they would be able to continue
running. Cargikk's followers had surrounded Dozzu's nforces agai and again. And
he was unsure whether the two of them would make it to morning.


"Nashetania. I will cut open a path for you. Please use it to escape."


"...Dozzu."


"If you die everything will be over. As long as you continue to live our hopes will persevere. So, please survive."


"No. I can't do anything by myself. If the two of us don't survive then our ambitions will fall apart."


Dozzu was about to say that there was nothing that could be done to prevent that now. However the next moment Nashetania said something that he couldn't believe.


"Let's ask Tgurneu for help."


"...Are you insane?"


"No. It’s the only option we have. We can use the Blade Gem we inserted in

Chamo‐san's stomach to negotiate. We will nheavue Tgur for us. And in exchange we will kill Chamo‐san."

kill Cargikk's followers




Nashetania looked to the west of the forest. From the Kyoma's movements they surmised that was Tgurneu's location.


"I think that Tgurneu will respond to our proposal. He most likely doesn't know
how to handle Chamoi‐lsan. So unt   we kill her, he will protect us."


That was a possibility, but Dozzu could not agree to the idea. Tgurneu was more terrifying than any other person Dozzu knew. There was no way that he would help them.


"If we can get out of this situation then a path will be opened up for us. It doesn't
wmatter ho we do it, we have to survive. And there is no other way we can."



Dozzu knew that, but he still couldn't consent.


"Nashetania. After Chamo‐san is killed, we will no longer be of any use to Tgurneu. It doesn't seem likely that he will let us live."


"We will only join forces temporarily. After we get away from Cargikk's forces we will escape. And we should be able to get away before we kill Chamo‐san."


"You're viewing Tgurneu as soft. It’s unlikely that he will let us escape," Dozzu said.



"If I am captured by Tgurneuetnh the Helmet of Truth with Goldof will activate.
And if that happens then Goldof will come and save me."


"...But he..."


"The Helmet of Truth will only activate if I am captured by someone. So at the moment it can't call to Goldof. But if I am captured by Tgurneu then that is another story. The Helmet will convey to him the danger I'm in."


"Will Goldof‐san really come and usa?v"e yo



"I believe he will come."


Dozzu closed his eyes and thought about Goldof. Dozzu had watched over Goldof when he was pretending to be a pet.


He knew well that his loyalty was absolute. And in Dozzu's considerably long

lifetime he had never seen the likes of theyy'soung bo him feel sorry for the young boy.

loyalty. It actually made




That loyalty was the reason why he hadn't been able to bring Goldof to their side. He did not live in order to fulfill his own ambitions. He probably just fought to
protect Nashetania. And since Dozzu lalonwd ehriss'fo ambitions exposed
Nashetania to danger over and over again Goldof might try to obstruct their goals in order to save Nashetania.


"You betrayed Goldof‐san. No matter what you may think, it would be naïve to not doubt his loyalty."


"You don't understand him, Dozzu. That kid cannot live without me."


"...Nashetania."


"Since the first time I met him, Goldof has been that way. And even now that won't change."


Dozzu could hear rustling sounds behind him. Cargikk's followers were already approaching.


"Goldof will come. He will definitely come to help me. Please Dozzu. Trust me."


"I wonder if he can do it. Can he save you after you're captured by Tgurneu?"


"He can do it," Nashetania replied, and then she smiled.


"Chamo‐san is not the strongest person in the world. Ignoring the likes of a giant fool like Adlet‐san, I believe that the World's Strongest is Goldof when he tries to protect me."


Dozzu closed his eyes and nodded.


Chapter Six: Part Two


Although Dozzu was far at the outskirts of the Lava Belt, he was able to hear Goldof's war cry since his hearing far surpassed human capabilities. From listening to his roar Dozzu could tell that Goldof had still not given up on
saving Nashetania.


The entire situation was proceeding as Nashetania had predicted.


Tgurneu readily agreed to their proposal and killed all of Cargikk's followers. Then he restrained Nashetania and forced Dozzu to obey him. So it was clear that Tgurneu did not intend to let Nashetania live. And Dozzu knew that when she had
servedrhe   purpose he planned to kill her at once as well.



Still, everything was exactly as Nashetania had anticipated.


She had anticipated that the Heroes of the Six Flowers would be lured to the Lava Belt and fallen into a trap. And she had expected Goldof to come to the Lava Belt in order to help her.


But the problem was after these.


If Chamo were to die as things were now then Nashetania would be killed. And there was probably an hour and a half left until that time. It wasn't possible for


Nashetania to escape with her own power, and Dozzu couldn't help her. The only way for her to survive was for Goldof to rescue her.


And if Adlet found Nashetania first then she would without a doubt be killed. It was extremely unlikely that he would allow Nashetania to keep on living.


I wonder if Goldof can save Nashetania.


Dozzu knew how Tgurneu had hidden Nashetania. However if he told Goldof then Tgurneu would have Nashetania killed at once. Not to mention the fact
that Tgurneu raised Dark Kyoma with frightening abilities. It didn't seem like
Goldof would be able tomfatho those abilities. So the possibility that Nashetania
would be saved might as well have been zero.


Nevertheless, the only choice Dozzu had was to trust Goldof. The only thing he could do was hope that he could save Nashetania.


Whether Tgurneu's plan or Nashetania's was carried out, everything depended on Goldof.


#


Goldof came back to the edge of the Blade Gem's range. He laid down under the shade of a rocky hill then peeked his head out to survey the area. There were several plumes of dirt spiraling into the air across the Lava Belt, and not only could Goldof hear explosions in the distance but he could also see the ground crumbling afterwards. However he didn't know exactly what was happening.


Goldof looked over to the direction where the explosions were going off. Rolonia and Fremy were in the dirt clouds and it looked like they were searching for something underground.


Perhaps they are searching for Nashetania, Goldof thought. But they don't realize that the Nashetania they've been chasing is an impostor, right? To them it would only have seemed that Nashetania had suddenly just disappeared. So maybe they are thinking Nashetania is hiding underground.


"...Where did you hide the Princess?" Goldof muttered from his hiding place in the shade of the rocky hill.


Mora had announced earlier with her mountain echoes that Nashetania was within a kilometer of Chamo's location. That information seemed credible. Plus Nashetania told him that she was inside a Kyoma. So if both of those were true then that Kyoma was somewhere within a one kilometer radius. And as long as a special ability was not being used to hide it there was no reason that he couldn't find it.


#


What was that ability?


Goldof's thinking had reached its limits. What kind of ability was hiding her? He simply had no clue. Goldof did not have the knowledge of Adlet or Fremy concerning the Kyoma, and he did not know where the Kyoma that hid Nashetania was.


He was atilal.standst



"I can't give up," he told himself. But although the words cheered him up, they could not make up for his lack of knowledge. As he heard Fremy blowing up the ground, Goldof continued to think silently.


#


"Well, that's shallow thinking, don't you think, Fremy?"



At mthee sa time Tgurneu was flying about in the distance. At the moment his
body was just the head of a crow. After escaping from Fremy and the others' attacks, Tgurneu had taken to the skies to overlook the Lava Belt. And thanks to the bird Kyoma's vision, he could clearly see what Adlet and the others were doing.


Blowing up the ground and then searching under the earth. Tgurneu laughed scornfully at the idea. There was no way he would conceal Nashetania so easily.


Even Adlet was again searching in the wrong place. He was deceived by Tgurneu and now believed in the existence of some imaginary Saint Instrument.


And so Tgurneu believed he had won the contest. It would probably still take more time until Adlet and the others realize that they were mistaken. But by then it would already be too late.


"...Mu."


He found Goldof at the edge of the Blade Gem's range. He was lying on the ground and searching for something. It actually shocked Tgurneu that he still hadn't given up.


Goldof's existence had been really favorable for Tgurneu. He had lured the Six Flowers to the Lava Belt, and through his foolish actions Adlet and the others were confused and had lost sight of the truth. Even now he was trying to save Nashetania alone without telling any of the valuable information he'd discovered to Adlet and the others.


It didn't seem likely that Goldof could save Nashetania. He would just be killed by Adlet and the others before long. Tgurneu also made sure to order his pawns in advance to kill Goldof, but perhaps there was no need for their help.


Remaining calm, Tgurneu looked over the Lava Belt. He was waiting for the look on Goldof's face at the exact moment when all of his hopes fell apart.


#


Goldof continued to think as he hid among the rocky hills. He knew of one Kyoma ability that could conceal things. Nashetania had used it earlier to hide herself.
However according to Fremy even that power would only last ten seconds at most. There was no way she could continue to conceal herself for several hours.


Or is Fremy truly the seventh and there really is a Kyoma that could make someone disappear for a long time?


Goldof shook his head. Adlet said it was impossible for the effect of the hypnosis
to last for several hours. If Fremyewere th   seventh then that meant Adlet was
genuine. Since both of them made the same claim it was hard to consider their words a lie.


So there had to be some other way.


Goldof wondered if there was a Kyoma with the ability to shrink Nashetania's body after swallowing her. If that were the case then no matter how hard they looked Adlet and the others would never find her.


I wonder if there is someone with the ability to expand the effective range of the Blade Gem. If there is then Nashetania could be in a place even farther than we think.


Various ideas crowded Goldof's mind. But without any clues there was no way he could organize his thoughts into a cohesive theory. Eventually Goldof realized that his delusions were only complicating things meaninglessly.


I have no clues. And I have no way of finding any.


Goldof once again looked at Fremy and Rolonia who were still blowing up the ground. Perhaps Nashetania really is being hidden in the ground, just like they thought.


There must be a Kyoma that can dig underground and move at the same time. That kind of ability seems possible, especially since it would be similar to the abilities that even Chamo's Jyuma possessed.

And if that's true then one way to find Nashetania is to wait for Fremy and Rolonia to find Nashetania. The instant they found her he would launch his attack and keep Nashetania safe. Other than that, Goldof couldn't come up with any other good ideas.


But is that really okay? he wondered. I wonder if the Kyoma that ate Nashetania is really underground.


"..."


That wasn't right. Goldof was certain. If that Kyoma were hiding underground then Tgurneu would have tried to stop Fremy. He should want to avoid Nashetania being found at all costs.


Nashetania is not underground. Or at the very least she can't be found by Fremy's methods. Nashetania is being hidden with some other ability.


And I have to figure out how, Goldof realized and then continued to think.


#


There was a Kyoma in the Lava Belt looking up to the sky and staring at the sun in thought.


There is probably about one hour left until Chamo Rosso dies. And no matter what efforts are made to extend that time, it won't be longer than an hour and a half. If I can continue to hide her until that time then my duty will be over. I would have been able to assist with killing the strongest of the Six Flowers.

He was looking forward to experiencing that feeling. The death of one of the Flowers would be the greatest joy for the Kyoma.


The Kyoma was a giant lizard with rock skin. For about two hours he had continued to stand quiet and still about 800 meters from Chamo's location. Nashetania was inside his stomach and his tongue was wrapped about her throat, restricting her movements.


If she tried to say anything he would immediately be able to squeeze and smash her throat as instructed by Tgurneu. But at the moment it seemed that Nashetania was unconscious.


He didn't have a name, but if he had to say one he would probably call himself the Dark Specialist Number 26. He was one of the Kyoma that Tgurneu had raised to have unique abilities.


About a hundred years ago, Tgurneu ordered him to perfect his ability to hide bodies. So over the next hundred years he remade his body and as a result it became brittle and his fighting ability decreased dramatically. However, his ability to conceal bodies was honed to peerless levels.


About four and a half hours ago, he had placed Nashetania in his stomach. And when Nashetania had asked Goldof to help her, he smashed her throat so that she wouldn't be able to speak.


Then about two hours ago the Heroes of the Six Flowers came to the Lava Belt. The lizard Kyoma followed the fake Nashetania Tgurneu created and fought the Six Flowers. He predicted when Chamo would come and attack them and then signaled Nashetania inside his body to activate the Blade Gem.


If Nashetania didn't obey the command she would have been killed immediately.


After the Blade Gem was activated the lizard Kyoma ran from the Six Flowers. Then he finally reached his current location and after confirming that he couldn't see any enemies in the area, he activated his ability and hid his body.


He had been standing there ever since.


Three Heroes had passed in front of his eyes and he had even seen Goldof. In fact, Goldof had come within meters of the lizard's position. However none of them realized he was there. There was absolutely no way for humans or Kyoma to find him if they did not know about hisya.bilit



About thirty minutes ago one of Tgurneu’s messengers sent him a new command. Prevent Goldof from saving Nashetania no matter what. And in the case that he couldn't stop him, then he was permitted to kill Nashetania.



However the lizard Kyoma was not worried at all. No one was nabdle to fi him.



#


Goldof thought about going to another location. He had to find some clues.


He started to move discreetly so that Fremy and the others wouldn't notice him. However, when he finally stood to his feet he sensed something coming for him and dropped back to the ground. A bullet flew right above his head.


"So he was there after all!" Goldof heard Rolonia shout.


With his cover blown Goldof got back up and ran as fast as he could.


This fight was different than before. Fremy and Rolonia's attacks were relentless,

each one with the intent of ending his life. Even if he stooduagnhdt,fo hopes of winning in his current condition.

he had no




Fremy aimed accurately for the openings in his armor, and if he ran straight her bullets would have made contact with his skin. So Goldof dashed from side to side and used the difficult terrain as cover.


"You can catch him, Rolonia!"


"Right!"


He heard the two shouting behind him. Then he heard Rolonia's footsteps drawing nearer. In response Goldof urged his injured body to continue running.


Fremy threw a bomb his way and the explosion hit his back, breaking Goldof's balance. Meanwhile Rolonia advanced within striking distance of her whip and screamed so loud that it echoed throughout the forest.


"You're gonna die! You traitor, I won't, I won't, I won't let you kill Chamo‐san! Show me your insides!"


His armor couldn't stop all the attacks so he had to resort to fending off her whip with his spear. With just instinct he swung his spear back and forth, blocking each of Rolonia's strikes as they came at him from all directions.


However, defending against Rolonia's whip kept him rooted to the spot. There wasn't a single opening where he could approach with an attack of his own. And at the same time Fremy was pulling up close to him. If he were hit with one of her bombs or bullets that would be the end.


Goldof had to make a move. After blocking her whip with her spear, Goldof charged directly at Rolonia and kicked her in the chest. With his strong legs the force of the kick sent her flying back over ten meters, even with her armor on.


"Rolonia!"


Fremy shot at Goldof's face, but the bullets were stopped by his helmet. It jolted his head immensely, and he felt his consciousness start to fade. Goldof turned his back on the both of them and once again resumed his escape.


Rolonia's whip was thirty meters long. He had to avoid that range at all costs.




"If nyo'tu do you!"

release Chamo‐san, I'll kill you, Goldof. I'll kill, I'll kill, I'll kill, I'll kill


As he heard Rolonia's shouts Goldof thought, You don't know how happy I'd be if I could do that. But Tgurneu has captured Nashetania and is forcing her to Chamo. If she refuses then she'll be killed.


Goldof continued to run. I wonder if I can tell anyone about the truth I heard from Tgurneu. After all there's no way I can find Nashetania on my own.


Tgurneu said that if he told the Heroes then the Seventh would inform him. So Goldof wondered if he could secretly speak with someone he trusted without the seventh finding out.


"...Kuu..."


As he ran, Goldof turned to look behind him. He couldn't tell Rolonia or Fremy the truth since he wasn't sure they weren't the seventh. The ones that had a high probability of being genuine were Mora and Chamo. However Hans was right next to them. And Goldof couldn't say for certain that he was genuine either.


So what about Adlet? Goldof thought.


"Run faster, Rolonia!"


"You filthy brute, how dare you run from us. I'm gonna rip all the blood out of you!"


Adlet was no good. Goldof also couldn't say definitively that Adlet was genuine. In fact, he had no confidence that Adlet wasn't the seventh.


The Heroes trusted Adlet all because Nashetania had tried to kill him. However, Goldof knew that the seventh and Nashetania were not allies. And if that were the case then there was still a possibility that Adlet was indeed an impostor.


In short, he couldn't tell the truth to anyone. The reality of his situation was that Goldof had no choice but to fight alone and unassisted.


"Rolonia! Don't chase him farther than that!" Fremy shouted after several minutes.


Rolonia came to a stop and Goldof kept on running.


"Adlet is all alone! Tgurneu or Nashetania might go after him!"


"Ri, right! Let's go back."


That helped, Goldof thought as he leaned his back against a boulder and took ragged breaths. Even though he had to find a way to save Nashetania he wasn't even close to finding any clues.


Looking up to the sky he suddenly thought about Adlet. He too had experienced fighting alone without any assistance within the Illusion Fog Barrier. And yet after that he was able to unravel all the mysteries and win.


But I can't fight like Adlet. He has wit and intelligence. And he has the power to win the trust of others. Goldof didn't have any of that. And now that he had been placed in the same situation he finally understood for the first time just how incredible Adlet truly was.


I can't compare to Adlet. But there's no way I can give in, Goldof thought, even though his mind was still just going around in circles.


#


Meanwhile Nashetania was inside a Kyoma's belly waiting for Goldof to come save her.


The place where her left arm had been torn off hurt. It was hard to breathe and she couldn't move her head. It seemed like she would pass out at any moment. However, she bit her lip and stayed awake.


Nashetania was joined with a Kyoma that granted her a healing power she desperately used trying to fix her smashed throat.


She had to tell Goldof her location. But with the current condition of her throat she could barely produce a sound.


"...Princess, are you well? Where are you?"


Sometimes she would hear Goldof's voice within her head. He was still searching for her. He was still trying to save her. And if that were the case then she wouldn't lose hope.


The only things that Nashetania knew were that she was in a Kyoma which was within the range of the Blade Gem and that it was standing completely still. But she had no idea how the Kyoma was concealing its body.


Within the darkness Nashetania heard numerous sounds. She heard the sound of the Kyoma's footsteps as they all ran at once. She heard the sound of Adlet or Fremy fighting with the Kyoma. And she heard countless explosions going off around her.



From those sounds she could guess thatesh    was above ground. And she
supposed that Adlet or Fremy had passed by her a number of times. However it was still a mystery why no one had been able to discover the Kyoma that she was inside of.


"..."


Nashetania was not moving. She pretended to be unconscious in order to make the Kyoma she was inside of drop its guard. However, she strained her ears, trying to pick up any noise that could help her grasp the situation outside and pinpoint her location. And then she would tell Goldof.


As she listened, Nashetania wondered what she could say to compel Goldof to come and help her. What could she say that would help him find her.


Then she recalled what Goldof had said six years ago. He said that he wanted to save her again, but she still wasn't able to grant his wish.


#


Hiding outside the range of the Blade Gem, Goldof continued to think.


He recalled everything that happened after hearing Nashetania ask to be saved. Nashetania's words, Dozzu's words, Tgurneu's words, Adlet and Mora's words, he wondered if there was a clue within each of them.


But nothing came to mind. Mora only conveyed Chamo's situation. Adlet said that he hadn't found any other clues. Tgurneu had chosen his words carefully so that Goldof wouldn't be able to find Nashetania. And Dozzu was being watched by Tgurneu so he couldn't say anything.


One more time Goldof thought about everything from the beginning. He thought about all the things that he'd seen and heard in the battles up until that point.
Each one he scrutinized carefully.


Nashetania told him that she was at the south of the forest within a Kyoma in the Lava Belt. And she told him to follow what she said and come to her.


But Goldof had questions, with the most fundamental of those being a question he could not answer.


Why the Lava Belt? If they wanted to lure the Six Flowers and activate the Blade Gem then anywhere in the forest should have been okay. Tgurneu distinctly chose the Lava Belt as the battleground.


There has to be a reason, a reason why everything had to happen here.


Suddenly something came to Goldof. He stood up on the rocky hill and stared up at  the empty skyoinugthht. But being so preoccupied with his questions and thoughts Goldof had stopped paying attention to the area around him.


Adlet was walking about 200 meters away from him and Goldof had entered right into his line of sight. Panic rushed through Goldof, but he managed to slowly lower himself to the ground and hide himself from Adlet.


For a while he remained silent. If he noticed me then he will probably call to Fremy or Rolonia. And if that happens then they will surround and kill me. Goldof wondered if he should head out and take Adlet down before he could call to his allies. But that tooswsiabslei.mpo



Please don't notice me, Goldof wished as he waited for Adlet to pass.


After some time, Goldof slowly stuck out his head, and Adlet had moved far away. Goldof then immediately lowered his head back to the ground and covertly distanced himself from the area.


Adlet seemed to be searching for something and his eyes seemed to be giving off a strange light. But he didn't look like he was wandering about without an objective. Perhaps he has found some kind of clue.


What are you searching for? What have found out?



"There is no time," Goldof   mutteredeannd th continued to think.



#


Nashetania strained her ears as she waited within the Kyoma's belly. She could hear explosions going off non‐stop all around her. Perhaps that’s Fremy's power, she speculated, though since she couldn’t see she had no way of knowing for sure.


But she was certain that the others were looking for her, and that it was not just Goldof. If they found her first then they would probably kill her. Nevertheless, Nashetania forced down her fear and continued to concentrate on the sounds outside.


"...It's no use, Fremy‐san. There isn't anything here."


"It looks that way."


The voices were quite close. It was Fremy's voice. She didn’t recognize the other voice but it was most likely Rolonia.


"Isn’t she underground? So... where in the world..."


"Do you think she is hiding even further below? There might be a Kyoma that has that kind of ability," Rolonia replied.


"Even if that were true, there would definitely be some traces left over. It seems unlikely that we wouldn't be able to find anything after overturning the entire area."


The two of them did not notice the Kyoma that had ingested Nashetania. The Kyoma was completely still, probably desperately trying to keep its presence a secret. Perhaps it was unsure of its ability to remain hidden.


"There are still places we haven't checked yet. The basin where Chamo is located....the rocky hills surrounding them.  Let's go and search those places."


"What if it's not there?"


The two's voices were getting farther away and soon Nashetania could no longer make out what they were saying. She wondered where they went.


At the moment Nashetania didn't have any means of pinpointing her location. She couldn't receive any information that she could convey to Goldof.


But she had to try. So Nashetania strained her ears and continued to listen for a clue.


#


"There must be something."


Goldofnmagaed   to evade Adlet and was now staring silently at the area Fremy had blown up. Although he was sure Adlet, Fremy, and Rolonia weren’t around, he still couldn't enter the Blade Gem's range.


He decided that he would only enter after he had found an answer.


Why the Lava Belt? Even though he had no proof to back up his speculations, Goldof was confident that if he could just unravel the mystery surrounding the question then he would finally be able to reach Nashetania.


It couldn't be anywhere else, it had to be the Lava Belt. The area was hot and the heat continuously rose from the ground and through one's feet. He wondered if that heat could be used to hide someone. Goldof pondered the possibility for a moment but couldn’t come to a conclusion


He picked up one of the rocks at his feet. Did the stone have some kind of secret? he wondered, but even if he stared at it until it made a hole, it wouldn't lead to an answer.


Nothing came to mind. He couldn’t think of any reason as to why the Lava Belt was chosen. But there had to be something. The one thing he was sure of was that there was some kind of secret within the Lava Belt.


As he pondered, he could hear the sound of lightning strikes in the distance. They were coming from the direction of Chamo's basin.


"...Is that Dozzu?"


Goldof recalled that Tgurneu had ordered Dozzu to stop Hans. Probably Dozzu's true feelings were to save Nashetania as well. However he was unable to go against Tgurneu so Goldof couldn’t expect Dozzu to help him.


"..."


Goldof once again went over everything that had happened since the beginning of the battles with Nashetania. He thought back to all the words Nashetania and Dozzu had said.


Tgurneu is watching Dozzu and forcing him to obey him. Maybe he can’t do anything to save Nashetania.


No, that isn’t right. If Goldof were in Dozzu's position he would have definitely taken measures so that Nashetania could be saved. And if he didn't then he would have given clues that Tgurneu wouldn't notice.


Goldof thought back to each of Dozzu's actions. After some time his mind stopped
on the aotnly one th could be called unnatural. It had been in the middle of the
fight between the fake Nashetania and the Six Flowers, right before the Blade Gem inside Chamo's stomach had been activated.


"Goldof‐san, how many times have you fought with Nashetania?"


At the time Goldof   had beenncfoused by the sudden question. But thinking about it for a second time it did seem that for some reason Dozzu looked anxious. After that he asked about how many times Nashetania had gotten away from him.


Why did Dozzu ask those questions? Nashetania was captured so my experience fighting with her should not have been a serious concern. And what in the world does her running away from me have to do with anything?


Dozzu was trying to confirm something.


Was there anything else that was odd? Goldof didn't just reconsider his words, he even thought about the slight changes in Dozzu’s expression and even when the small Kyoma shifted his gaze.


After a bit Goldof remembered a time when Dozzu’s expression had changed right
before he was going to fight with Adlet in order to ehelp th   fake Nashetania.



“Dozzu. The concealing ability that the Princess uses. It can be broken by squinting one’s eyes or harming one’s self, right?”


Goldof remembered that Dozzu’s expression changed when he’d asked that. The small Kyoma stared up at Goldof's face quietly, as if he were thinking about something.


Then he replied, "That's right. You know a lot about it. That’s good. Then I can save the time it would take to explain it."


"...It couldn't be."


Had Dozzu been trying to confirm earlier whether or not I knew about the concealing ability?


When Dozzu heard that Goldof understood how to break the ability, the small Kyoma seemed relieved. On the surface Dozzu seemed to have responded in a
brusque manner, but it was clear that Dozzu ehnad be pleased.



The concealing ability. Could that be how the Kyoma was hiding its body?


Just as he hit upon the theory another idea popped into his head. Fremy said that when the concealing ability was used a sweet smell was emitted in the area. And that was why Tgurneu chose the Lava Belt as their battle ground.


The smell of sulfur filled the Lava Belt and if someone were in the Lava Belt for several minutes their sense of smell would grow numb. Tgurneu chose the Lava Belt so that when the concealing ability was used the smell of sulfur would obscure it.


"...I've got you," Goldof muttered. Within the darkness he could finally see a faint light. He now understood the enemy's ability.


Chapter Six: Part Three


Keeping concealed, Goldof ran as fast as he could around the perimeter of the Blade Gem's range. There was still the danger of being discovered by Adlet or Fremy. But he was no longer in a situation where he could think freely about that.


Fremy's bombs were ripping apart the terrain of the Lava Belt. Even from the outskirts of the Blade Gem range he could see the changes in the terrain.


Goldof found Adlet 500 meters away. He was sitting with his head hung and thinking about something. It was unlikely that he would spot Goldof, but it was still probably dangerous to approach him. Goldof stopped moving towards him and started going in a different direction.


Goldof was certain that there was a Kyoma using a concealing ability somewhere in the Blade Gem's range. And Nashetania was within its stomach.


Allegedly the concealing ability was a kind of hypnosis.


According to Fremy, the Kyoma scattered a unique narcotic around the area while emitting a sound that could not be heard by humans.


And Goldof knew how to break through it. If he inflicted a sharp pain onto his body then the effects of the hypnosis would weaken. And if he forced his mind to focus and squinted hard then he would be able to see who was hidden.


In the past the concealment could not last longer than ten seconds, so Goldof did not know how the Kyoma was hiding itself now. But if it were using the same kind of ability then the way to break through it would be the same.


"Uguu!"



As  he ran, Goldofdgrabbe one of his fingernails. He then gathered his strength
and broke the nail off his finger. That should weaken the hypnosis, Goldof thought as he withstood the pain and strained his eyes.


However there was nothing in the vast Lava Belt that became visible to him.


Is it somewhere else? Goldof wondered as he moved and ripped off the rest of his broken nail. He then squinted again and still couldn't find anything.


"...Shit!"


He could no longer hear the sound of the bombs that Fremy had been throwing. Perhaps she had given up on searching beneath the ground and was now searching for another clue.


He had to find Nashetania before Adlet and the others. But he had already looked about the entire area of the Blade Gem's range, and even though he had broken
all the nails on both of his hands he still hadn't been   abledto fin anything.


Perhaps my theory was incorrect.


Maybe pain wasn't enough to see through the concealment ability. Or there is still something else that I need to find Nashetania.


There were less than 30 minutes left. Panic was clouding his thoughts and irritation was chipping away at his concentration.


#



Able eto se   the Lava Belt much better than before, Dark Kyoma 26 continued to
watch the Six Flowers. And all the while Nashetania was still within his stomach.


Adlet, Fremy, and Rolonia were having a conversation about 20 meters away from his location. However the Kyoma was certain they weren't aware of him.


Hans and Mora didn't seem like they were going to leave the basin. So they too weren't a problem.


The only problem was Goldof. He may have realized that Number 26 was using a concealing ability.


"Your concealment ability is weak," Tgurneu had told him 200 years ago.


At that time he could only hide himself for several seconds. But the drain on his strength was intense and so after using it once he would be unable to conceal himself again for a while. On top of that his ability to conceal was incomplete and if the way to see through his technique was discovered then he would be unable to use the ability anymore.


At best, taking the Six Flowers by surprise was probably the only way the concealment could be used. But the warriors that would be chosen as Heroes of the Six Flowers would most likely not be beaten by a surprise attack.


However, Tgurneu had said that the concealment ability had a different possibility. It could hide a body. And as minor as that sounded, depending on how it was used that simple ability could lead to the annihilation of all of the Heroes.
And eso th   Kyoma became one of Tgurneu's specialist Kyoma, called the Dark
Kyoma. He was given the number 26.


But 26 could only extend the effectiveness of his concealment for several seconds. No matter how much his abilities progressed he couldn't change that.



And so he thought, If I can't extendetnheesesffectiv longer than 10 seconds then
maybe it would be good if I repeated the technique back to back. That way I could do it tens, hundreds, or even thousands of times.


But no matter how much his ability progressed he wasn't able to change the fact

that ifdhe use seconds.

the ability once he would not be able to use it again for several


Then he got the idea of separating himself into thousands or tens of thousands of pieces. And that is what he did. He changed his body so that his new form grew ovaries. Then he separated his own core and acquired the ability to produce eggs.



The children born from gthse eg were about one centimeter long and about a
millimeter in diameter. They didn't have organs that could process food, nor could they drink water. Which meant that they would die after only a day.


But the children could use the concealment ability in the same way as their parent. From their bodies they dispersed a narcotic and emitted a specific sound wave which would put the humans in the area under hypnosis. As a result the hypnosis tricked the humans' perception and hid both the children and their parent's body from sight. Number 26 had strewn about 50,000 of his children across the three kilometer area of the Lava Belt.


Even if someone were able to break the hypnosis of one of his children, another would immediately place them back under. And if they could break free from that hypnosis then another child would act. By repeating that again and again Number 26's body remained hidden.


Fremy's bombs had killed a large amount of his children. And even Number 26 had been injured by the explosions. Nevertheless there were still enough of his offspring to maintain the hypnosis.


Goldof had probably already realized that he was using a concealing ability. But the hypnosis placed on him was still quite strong.


And although Number 26 was injured they still would not be able to find him easily. And as long as they did not focus all of their attention on one point or strain their eyes, then they would not be able to break through his concealment ability.



Goldof was running aroundindgo everything he could to find Number 26, but it
was no use. There were only thirty minutes left. He would definitely be able to maintain the concealment for that time.


"...It's Goldof. He holds the key. I can't think of any other possibility."


Right beside the Kyoma Adlet and the others seemed to have finished their conversation. They were foolish. They were about to go search for a clue even though what they were looking for was right next to them.


Adlet and the others then began to run. And at that very moment there were
suddenly two explosions. Hotewr at erupted out from the ground. Most likely
Fremy's explosions from earlier had disrupted the magma currents underground.


It was surprising, but it doesn’t seem like anything major, Number 26 thought.


#


Nashetania had been waiting within the Kyoma's body for the chance when she could tell Goldof her location or rather what she knew about her location.


She pretended to be unconscious and patiently waited to hear something that could help.


Her throat was already healing to an extent and perhaps it had sufficiently healed for her to be able to talk. However if the Kyoma even heard her say one word it would probably strangle her.


She could only say a few words to Goldof.


"...It's Goldof. He holds the key. I can't think of any other possibility."


Nashetania could hear Adlet and the others talking. They were right next to her. She thought about telling Goldof about them, but it wasn't enough.


Isn't there anything Goldof could use to pinpoint my location? Nashetania wondered right before she heard two explosions.

It took Nashetania a while to figure out that the explosions were just hot water shooting up from the ground. But when she did, Nashetania decided that that was the only time she could contact Goldof.


"Goldof, two geysers just erupted right next to me."


The moment she was done whispering, the tentacles around her throat squeezed tight and Nashetania passed out.


#


Goldof was still searching for the concealing Kyoma when he heard Nashetania.


"Goldof, just now two geysers erupted right near me." Her voice was so hoarse that it was hard to believe it belonged to Nashetania.


But it was definitely her and upon hearing it Goldof immediately began to run.


Fortunately Adlet and the others were not in the Blade Gem's range. It seemed like they were searching for something outside of the perimeter. Even so, Goldof figured he would probably be discovered within ten minutes. So before that he had to find Nashetania and save her.


Goldof ran. Eventually he found one geyser. But there was no steam rising up from it nearby. So Goldof continued on and found another geyser. But that wasn't the right one either.


All of the pain in his fingers and all over his body disappeared from his mind. He

just ran and irnakni,ntgh

only about Nashetania.


#


Dark Kyoma Number 26 felt like his blood had grown cold. He had thought Nashetania was unconscious, but not only had that been a lie, but she had also been able to tell Goldof their location.


Goldof would come looking for her right away. So the Kyoma desperately began moving. However he moved slower than a walking human. The Kyoma had exhausted all of its energy on the concealing ability. Plus he had been injured by Fremy's explosions.


Tgurneu had said that Goldof was the only one the Kyoma absolutely could not let find Nashetania. He ordered Number 26   to killhNeatasnia if it seemed like that was about to happen.


Goldof will be here soon. What should I do? Although he was panicked, there really was no choice. Number 26 had to obey Tgurneu's orders. For a Kyoma, not following their master's orders was a pain worse than death.


#


"...What's that? Did something happen?" Tgurneu muttered far off in the distance.


He had been watching over the Lava Belt as he flew through the sky. Goldof suddenly dashed into the range of the Blade Gem. And Number 26 sluggishly began to move.


There's no way. Was their location figured out? From a distance Tgurneu couldn't see what was going on.


"Hmm. I wonder what happened. Should I still trust Number 26?"


Tgurneu understood that Number 26 had fallen into danger. However, the idea of helping him never crossed his mind. If Tgurneu approached carelessly then his body might be placed in danger. He had allowed himself to fall into danger once before. He would not let that happen again.


"Alright, Number 26. I'm going to root for you from here. Good luck, fight hard, don't give up!" Tgurneu said happily as he continued to remain on the sidelines.


#


"Is that it?"


Goldof found two holes lined up with steam shooting out. It had already been five minutes since he'd heard from Nashetania.


Goldof bit on one of his broken fingers, grating the bones together. As an intense
pain rushed through nhgisefri Goldof strained his eyes.


Out of the corner of his eye he saw something move. He then concentrated all of his attention onto that point and again bit hard on one of his fingers. Whatever it was shook and slowly began to take form before eventually Goldof was looking at a single Kyoma. It had its back turned towards him and was trying to escape.


Goldof broke into a dash, but at that very moment a voice called out to him.


"Stop, Goldof."


He heard the voice at the same time as the Kyoma's body became clearly visible. It was a lizard Kyoma with stone skin. And when it turned around, Goldof stopped without thinking.


"...You bastard."


The Kyoma opened its small mouth and inside Goldof could see Nashetania with a sharp fang pressed to her face. Goldof recognized the threat instantly. If he were to advance even just a step the Kyoma was goinghteotkainlliaN.as



There were about 30 meters between himself and the Kyoma. But Goldof simply had no way of closing that distance faster than the Kyoma could crush Nashetania's head.


Goldof understood, although it wasn't entirely clear. Tgurneu must have wanted to prevent Nashetania from being rescued at all costs.


He must have thought that it was better to kill her than to have her be saved. Even if it meant that Chamo would be spared.


"...Don't move another step."


Although the Kyoma's mouth was stuffed, it still spoke skillfully. Goldof could see that the Kyoma was determined. It would not hand Nashetania over. It definitely would not let Nashetania be rescued.


"Just a bit more."


Even now The Helmet of Truth was indicating that its master was in danger. Goldof wondered just how much time was left until Chamo died. She might die at
any time now, and if eshne dies th Nashetania's life will be over.



"...The Princess, I'm going to save her."


Goldof cautiously took a step forward. As he moved the Kyoma's fangs bit into Nashetania's head. Blood dripped down her forehead and to her cheeks. It even sounded like her skull had cracked.




"Princess....please, wake duopf," Gol move an inch.

called to her. However her limp body didn't


But even if Nashetania had woken up there probably wouldn't be anything she could do. Tgurneu said that the so‐called Number 26 Kyoma had a power that prevented the Princess from using her blades.


Just one step is not enough, Goldof thought as he edged forward a bit more. But the Kyoma didn't miss his slight advance and bit deeper into Nashetania's head.


I can't get close.


Can I create an opening? Goldof wondered. However every single one of his moves was being watched so he couldn't do anything.


Well if I can't move then maybe can I throw my spear? Goldof wondered. But he had a feeling that the Kyoma was expecting that and he figured that the moment he moved his hand to his spear the Kyoma would bite into Nashetania as hard as it could. Plus Goldof was sure that if he couldn't kill the Kyoma with one strike then the next instant the Kyoma would crush Nashetania's head. The moment he tried to go for its head the Kyoma would kill Nashetania. And he was unsure if he’d be able to accurately hit the Kyoma’s heart with one shot.


"...I will not hand her over, no matter what."


Sweat dripped down Goldof’s chin and to the ground. The Kyoma and Goldof were completely still as they stared at one another.


Goldof desperately thought of a way to kill the Kyoma in one strike without giving it the time to crush Nashetania's head in its teeth. But the more he thought about it the more he got the feeling that there was no way that he could save Nashetania  with his ownnsgtrteh and the weapons he had on hand.


Still, Goldof didn’t have the luxury of being able to retreat and search for a way to save her. There was very little time left. And the Kyoma would probably hide the moment he left. Now was his only chance.


The Kyoma's eyes narrowed and Goldof could tell it was smiling at him. And then a sense of dread pierced his entire body. He hadn’t taken his eyes from the Kyoma, but Goldof could sense that someone else was at his right. It was Fremy, thirty meters away with her rifle trained on him.


"Goldof. Adlet and Rolonia will be here shortly," Fremy said. She could not see the Kyoma in front of him. "Just in case you’re unsure, I'll say it again, releasing Chamo is the only way to save your life. So what will you do?"


Goldof didn't reply, which he could tell made Fremy slightly irritated. But he wouldn't take his eyes away from the Kyoma.


What idiocy are you talking about? Goldof thought. I want to save Chamo just like you do.


Fremy didn't shoot. It wasn’t that she was looking for some kind of trap; she was just waiting for Adlet and Rolonia. And soon enough the two of them arrived.


From the Kyoma’s expression Goldof knew that it was just going to wait there for him to be killed by the others.


"So you came, Adlet," Goldof said.


"What are you seeing?" Adlet asked, but Goldof didn't answer. "What’s there?"


He doesn’t know, Goldof realized. Adlet hadn't discovered anything, and he wasn’t even aware of the concealment Kyoma.


Nevertheless Goldof ventured to say, "The Princess, did you find her?"


"Ah, we will soon. You've been giving us a hard time, but...that’s all over now."


"...Have you realized the truth?"


"Who are you asking? I am the strongest man in the world."


That was a bluff, Goldof understood immediately. Adlet was surprisingly bad at lying.


"Tell me, Goldof, what’s the story behind that Saint Instrument helmet of yours?"


"...Saint instrument?"


Why does he know about the Helmet of Truth? And why is he asking me about such a trivial thing in a place like this? Goldof didn't know the answers to those questions, but it didn’t matter anyway.


With everything that had happened it didn't seem likely that Goldof would be able to convince Adlet and the others. Even if Goldof tried to say something they would probably just kill him without any hesitation. Goldof could practically feel their desire to kill him emanating from their bodies.


He doubted he could beat them if the all three took him on at once. But perhaps he could hold them off for a minute.


So I have to finish this in one minute.


Goldof brought his mind into focus. He controlled his breathing as his blood seethed and filled his body with energy. I can save Nashetania, he believed.


"We're going to kill you. But before we do I want to know if Nashetania is being hidden by your Saint Instrument."


"There's no point in asking that. Neither for myself nor for any of you."


What they were saying was meaningless. They really don't know anything, not a single thing. He figured that Adlet at the very least would have been able to figure out something.


Goldof glared scornfully at Adlet and the others.


"You failed, Adlet."


"At what?"



"I thought you might have beenaalibzlee      to re what was going on."



Goldof readied his spear and the other followed suit with their own weapons. As they did, Goldof watched Adlet carefully, wary of all of the secret weapons Adlet carried on his waist.


Adlet started to approach and Rolonia started to murmur her curses.


But before the battle broke out Goldof spoke. He spoke to declare his determination and to shake the resolve of Adlet and the others.


"I will protect the Princess."


Goldof crouched down and prepared to charge towards them.


"And I will save Chamo."


Goldof saw a twinge of hesitation in Adlet’s face and in that instant Goldof ran straight for him.


For just an instant they squared off against one another. But the victor was decided in mere seconds.


"Goldof, you filth. I'll scatter your vulgar insides and blood then squish you like the worthless insect you are."


Rolonia lashed out with her whip, coiling the weapon about in order to keep Goldof away from Adlet. Fremy aimed for Goldof's head. And Adlet took out the metallic chain attached to his wrist in the blink of an eye.


The longer this goes on the worse it will be for me, Goldof thought.


So Goldof used his best attack at the start. Goldof dashed, twisted his body and used centrifugal force to chuck his spear. Since the chain connecting the spear to his wrist had already been broken, the spear launched out of his grasp, spiraling through the air as it flew at Rolonia.


The three of them believed he was trying to kill them so they probably didn’t think he would let go of his spear. And in their confusion the spear’s hilt flew right into Rolonia's chest. Since she was wearing armor she probably wasn’t seriously injured, but the impact caused her whip to go awry, leaving Adlet open for attack.


And Adlet was his real target.


Adlet looked a bit worried about Rolonia, but he immediately refocused on killing Goldof. But if Rolonia managed to distract him in any way that was good.


"Ha!"


Adlet leaped directly to the side and launched his metallic chain. It was the same weapon he’d used to restrain Tgurneu before. It moved faster than Goldof could react and wrapped about Goldof’s right hand.


At the same time Fremy shot at his stomach through one of the cracks in his
armor. She probably didn't aim at dhis hea to ensure that she wouldn't miss.
Regardless, Goldof couldn't block the shot so he let the bullet hit him. As long as it didn’t hit bone and shot clean through his body then it wouldn't stop him.


Feeling the heat of the bullet hole in his stomach Goldof broke off into a sprint. But running alongside him, Adlet yanked on the chain with impeccable timing just as both of Goldof’s feet were airborne. Goldof pitched forward in a stagger.


Goldof fell to the ground, holding his stomach where the bullet had shot through. Fremy reloaded her rifle and shot at his face. Goldof figured that if he placed his hands on the ground then he wouldn't be able to initiate his next attack, so instead he slammed his own forehead to the ground.


With his hands free Goldof ripped off the armor covering his right arm with his left hand. He then rolled across the ground with his face nuzzled to the earth. Fremy was aiming at his face so he used his shoulder armor to block thetb, ulle the impact throwing Goldof's body backwards into a tumble.


As he rolled to his feet Goldof pulled as hard as he could on Adlet’s chain, catching him by surprise and yanking his body through the air towards Goldof.


Goldof cast aside his armor and reached out for Adlet's throat. Adlet took out his sword and swung at Goldof's hand in defense. But his hand reaching for Adlet's throat was just a feint. At the last minute Goldof pulled back his hand and dropped his body to the ground. He then aimed for Adlet's waist.


Rolonia finally got back to her feet and resumed her whip twirling. Fremy loaded another bullet into her rifle and charged at him. She was trying to get into pointblank range. And Adlet crashed to the ground face up, but managed to roll with the momentum and pull out some poison darts.


Goldof distanced himself from Adlet while dodging the poison darts. Then all of a sudden he took a giant leap backwards. In his hand he was gripping a nail 20 centimeters in length.


"Ooaaaaa!" Goldof screamed and threw the weapon he’d taken from Adlet. His aim was right at the height of the concealment Kyoma just near him.


The weapon was called the Nail of the Saints. It was one of the four trump cards
that Atro Spyker had entrusted to Adlet. It couldivdeelfyinit in one single strike, in
one single moment, kill the concealment Kyoma. And Adlet was the only person who had such a weapon.


Goldof hadn’t made a move against the Kyoma not because he was petrified with fear, but because he had been waiting. He had been waiting for Adlet to come with the Nail of the Saints, the only thing that could save Nashetania.


"Ga, Gagagiya, Gyagaa."


The nail stabbed into the Kyoma and it immediately started to squirm and convulse in agony. But without missing a beat, Goldof rushed towards the Kyoma, ignoring Rolonia’s whip and Fremy’s bullets as they grazed him.


Fremy and Rolonia seemed confused by Goldof's actions. They looked over to where the Kyoma’s screams were coming from, but for them it just looked like Goldof had suddenly launched an all‐out attack at nothing but air.


"What are you doing?" Fremy asked just as she fired her rifle.


Goldof twisted his body to dodge the bullet, but it still dug into his cheek, ripping off of a chunk of his skin.


"Wait Goldof you filthy traitor. Your blood hasn’t sprayed all over the place yet," Rolonia said as her whip cut through the air.


"Princess," Goldof shouted and stuck his hand into the Kyoma’s mouth.


His hand grabbed hold of Nashetania’s shoulder and his heart filled with joy. As he processed the fact that he’s been able to accomplish his goal, Goldof pulled the Princess' body out from the Kyoma.


"Princess!" Goldof shouted again.


Once he had her in his arms, Goldof leaped far to the side, just barely dodging Rolonia's whip, Fremy's bullet, and Adlet's poison darts.


It’s too early to lose focus, he realized. I have to stop Adlet and the others. I need to make them understand that the battle is over.


"Princess! Chamo! Hurry and save Chamo!" Goldof shouted again and again at Nashetania.


After a few moments her eyes fluttered open and she looked up at Goldof's face.


And then she smiled.



#


At the same time the fight with Hans and Dozzu was reaching its climax.


Hans’ clothes had been burned by Dozzu's electric sparks and he was naked from the waist up. His entire body was red and covered in burns.



Dozzu  on  the otherdhand ha a deep cut in his front legs and there was also a
large gash on his face. Though they had only fought for about five minutes, they held nothing back and fought with everything they had.


However Hans was the one at a disadvantage. He had to take down Dozzu as quickly as possible so that he could go and search for Nashetania. Even though there was little time left.


Mora held Chamo's nearly dead body as she watched the two of them fight. She’d been sending all of her body's energy into Chamo. Mora knew in Chamo’s current state that she would die if she stopped.


"Cat...san." Chamo said, startling Mora. She shouldn’t have the strength to speak anymore.


"Can‐san..." Chamo was smiling and strength was returning to her eyes.


"...Chamo? Can it be?"


"I will help you fight!"


Chamo opened her mouth wide and stuck her finger down her throat. Along with a copious amount of blood, she vomited out a dark liquid which took the form of a Jyuma before their eyes.


The instant Chamo shouted Dozzu moved. He turned his back on Hans and ran away as fast as his legs would carry him. Hans however did not follow him and instead moved over to Chamo's side.


"Chamo! Are you alright?"


"Cat‐san! Don’t worry about me! We will kill Goldof, we’ll kill that small animal, we’ll kill all of them!"


Chamo seemed to have recovered from her weakened state, but there was probably some damage still left over. Nevertheless, Chamo's fighting spirit, even if she were dying, couldn't be killed.


"CHAMO HAS BEEN SAVED! ADLET! CHAMO IS SAFE!" Mora shouted using her mountain echoes.


At that instant Dozzu turned as he ran. And Mora could see what looked like a smile.


#


Something happened. Adlet had been completely confused the entire time he had faced off with Goldof. Then all of a sudden the Kyoma appeared and Goldof was pulling Nashetania's body out from its mouth.


Now seeing two enemies, Adlet blindly charged forward with his attack.


Then Mora's mountain echoes reached him.


"CHAMO HAS BEEN SAVED! ADLET! CHAMO IS SAFE!"


The three Heroes all stopped at the same time.


"...It's over? Why?" Rolonia muttered.


Fremy's eyes were wide. Did all of this mean that Nashetania and her side had surrendered? Who was the Kyoma that had been stabbed and killed by the Nail of the Saints?


Adlet was half overjoyed and half puzzled. He couldn't make sense of what he was seeing right in front of him.


He looked at Nashetania as Goldof held her in his arms. She didn't have any armor, nor was she holding a sword. Her clothes were in tatters, her entire body was covered in injuries, and her left arm was missing from her shoulder. And at
the moment eit looked lik   she was having trouble breathing.



As he held her battered body, Goldof glared at Adlet and the others. It was as if he were saying that if they moved a single step he would kill them.


"...So you saved Chamo, huh?" Fremy asked while slowly starting to lower her rifle. Perhaps she still couldn't decide whether they should continue the fight with Goldof and Nashetania.


"That's great. We did it! We did it!" Rolonia yelped in delight with her voice returning to normal.


Fremy however looked at her and asked coldly, "Did what? What did we do?"


Rolonia couldn't answer.


"Thank you for not attacking," Goldof said. "Don't kill the Princess. She will not cause you any harm. She does not intend to fight anymore."


Adlet thought quietly about what they should do next. Nashetania is the enemy. And so is Goldof. I might not understand the situation, but that fact hasn't changed. Perhaps it would be better if we killed them here.


No, that wasn't right, Adlet thought.


"Fremy. Rolonia. Put away your weapons. Leave Nashetania and Goldof as they are."


"...Adlet, I..." Goldof began.


"I understand. You don't intend to fight anymore, right? Well then first explain what happened."


"I will tell you everything."


Fremy and Rolonia put away their weapons. Nevertheless Goldof didn’t let go of Nashetania.


Though Nashetania was gasping for air, she seemed to be smiling faintly. It was a smile of victory.


"Adlet, is it really alright if we don't kill Nashetania?" Fremy asked.


Adlet didn't respond. He didn’t stop the fight just to hear Goldof's story. At the moment he just didn’t think there was any proof that they would be able to win even if they killed Nashetania. And though Goldof had lost his spear, was injured, and at the brink of exhaustion, it still didn't seem like Adlet could beat him.


Goldof would probably overcome any difficulty that stood in his path if it were to protect Nashetania.


"I have one thing I want to ask you Goldof. What is your objective?"


To Adlet's question Goldof replied, "...I wanted to see her again."


"Is that all?"


"That is all. I have no other objective. I couldn't think of anything other than seeing her again."


Goldof's expression had changed. No longer was it the face of the monster‐like warrior that had stood in their paths. Now it was just the face of a young boy. And for the first time Adlet noticed just how much of a child Goldof still was.


A tear fell from Goldof's eyes.


"...Gol...dof." Nashetania spoke. Her voice was raspy and it looked like her throat had been crushed.


"...I was able to grant the request you made six years ago."


Nashetania smiled and Goldof lowered his head to hers.


"Princess. Truly, thank you."


From looking at the situation it was clear that Goldof had been the one who had saved her. So why is he thanking her?


Adlet didn't know the answer. However it was clear that whatever the reason it had nothing to do with him. It was a feeling that no one except for Goldof and Nashetania could understand.


Epilogue


Eventually night came.


Adlet left the Lava Belt and was now on his way back to the Forest of Severed Fingers. If they remained in the Lava Belt there was a chance that they would be attacked by Tgurneu's followers. Reaching the area, Adlet found his companions in the corner of the forest sitting in wait.


After their fight, Adlet and those with him headed back to Chamo's location.


He declared a temporary cease‐fire on Goldof and Nashetania so that they could get the truth out of them. And though Chamo seemed like she objected to the
ideaesh    reluctantly followed Adlet's command. Even Dozzu who had run away
from the fight with Hans returned and met up with them after he found out that the fighting had stopped.


Chamo removed the Blade Gem in one of her Jyuma’s stomachs then carefully checked the bodies of all her other Jyuma. As for Dozzu, he vomited out the parasite within his mouth that was feeding Tgurneu information. Then he incinerated the Kyoma on Nashetania’s back which was restricting her Saint abilities.


Within the dim light emitted by the Light Gems, Adlet and the Heroes sat with Dozzu, Nashetania, and Goldof. The Six heroes were huddled together with Goldof sitting a slight distance away.


He was still holding Nashetania tightly in his arms. Dozzu sat right next to the Six Heroes and told them the truth about what had happened in the Lava Belt.


He explained the pact Cargikk, Tgurneu, and Dozzu had made. Then he told them about when he and Nashetania had been pursued by Cargikk's followers and how they opted to be captured by Tgurneu instead of killed. And then he detailed how Goldof had rescued them.


Dozzu did most of the talking. Nashetania’s throat had been crushed so she was still unable to speak, and Goldof was devoting all of his energy to protecting her.


"And that's everything. I swear that’s the truth. I hope that you will believe me."


Adlet and Dozzu looked at one another, but both remained quiet. There was no proof that anything Dozzu said was true. Nevertheless, it didn't seem like Dozzu had been lying.


Adlet was shocked to learn just how far he had been dancing from the truth. The Saint Instrument he had been searching for was only a tool for speaking to Nashetania. When he found clues of the remnants of the helmet’s power it had

just been where Goldof and Nashetania had talked.dAdlet ha Tgurneu. No, he had been beaten.

been tricked by




"So in a nutshell the only ones who won today were the two of you and the rest of your forces, right?" Hans asked Dozzu, completely indifferent to how Adlet was taking his humiliation.


"That's correct. Our only objective was for Nashetania and myself to survive," Dozzu said in a clear voice. "We used Tgurneu to escape from Cargikk, and we used Goldof to get away from Tgurneu. It was quite the feat, as was everything all of you did as well."



"We are ntrourleydho to receive your praise," Fremy said.



However Dozzu was not perturbed by her sarcasm.


"Hey, since the conversation is over that means it's alright to kill you all, right? Chamo can't contain herself any longer."


"...Chamo‐san." Dozzu lowered his body to the ground and pressed his nose to the earth. "For so many things I would like to humbly apologize. I know my actions were unacceptable, but still I ask for your forgiveness."


"...Ummm, are you apologizing?" Taken aback by his words, Chamo leaned her head to the side.


"Chamo‐san, it was not our intent to hurt you. It was just the action we had to take in order to survive," Dozzu said, and behind him Nashetania nodded.


"Shouldn't we kill you though? You are the enemy," Mora said.


Dozzu lifted his head and saw Fremy's rifle pointed at him. Keeping one arm around Nashetania, Goldof grabbed his spear and rose halfway to his feet. But Hans had his hands around his swords ready to cut Goldof down if he tried to attack.


"Everyone, please wait. Sure, we are your enemy. However at the moment we do not intend to fight with you," Dozzu said.


Adlet motioned with his hands for his companions to sit back down. Dozzu said exactly what he'd expected. If they had intended to fight then there was no reason for them to bother telling the truth.


"Dozzu‐san, what are you trying to say?" Rolonia asked.


Adlet wanted to know why Rolonia had addressed him politely.


"If I kill three of the Heroes of the Six Flowers then Tgurneu and Cargikk will fall under my control. The fight within the Illusion Fog Barrier had been our way of accomplishing that. But try to understand that killing the Heroes of the Six Flowers is not our objective."


"...So what are you saying?"


"What I'm saying is that it’s most likely impossible for us to kill three of the Flowers with our power.


It might be possible if we were to launch a surprise attack, but if we did that then we wouldn't be able to realize our ambitions," Dozzu said as he looked across the faces of Adlet and the other Heroes.


"We would like to defeat Tgurneu and Cargikk. They are the biggest obstacles hindering our objective. And so in order to fulfill that goal we would like to join forces with all of you."


With a twitch, Mora objected, "Don't you think you're asking a bit much? It’s because of you that Chamo was almost killed."


"And for that I am truly sorry. But that was not our intention," Dozzu answered back. "We wanted to meet up with you earlier to make this proposal, however we weren't able to reach you. You all had already departed when we managed to reach the Eternal Flower. We then followed after you, but you were running about the Forest of Severed Fingers to avoid Tgurneu. So we weren't able to ascertain your whereabouts."


"If we had just stayed at the Eternal Flower a bit more..." Adlet muttered.


"That's right, Adlet‐san. If that had happened then this fight would not have happened. We wouldn’t have had a reason to deceive or fight you."


If what he is saying is true, then everything that happened today was unnecessary.


"Please, I ask that you accept my offer. It should be a beneficial proposition for both parties," Dozzu said then once again placed his head on the ground.


Everyone's gazes fell on Adlet. He was the one in charge of making the decision.



"There's no way Chamo will be satisfied iws.ith th Adlet, can you tell Chamo that
she can beat them to death?" Chamo asked from Adlet's left.


And from his right, Rolonia retorted, "But Ad‐kun, our allies are increasing. That's good."


"However, Rolonia, will they really be our allies?" Mora asked.


"I would never dare to exaggerate our relationship just to get you to help us. The truth is we are your enemy. But we will just join forces in order to take down Tgurneu and Cargikk. After they are defeated we will probably fight with you as enemies once again," Dozzu replied.


"We… well, if that's the case..." Mora began.


"Regardless, I would still like to ally with you."


"What are the benefits of your proposal?" Adlet asked.


"I should be able to help you fight and so will Nashetania when her wounds are healed. In addition we would also be able to offer you information pertaining to the Wailing Demon Territory, the Kyoma, and The Majin."


"Would it be useful information?"


"It should be. You haven't even been able to find a way to cross Cargikk's valley. And on the other side of the valley there are various obstacles waiting for you. Without our cooperation it would probably be impossible for you to reach the Land of Fallen Tears."


Adlet couldn't say anything in response. Everything Dozzu was saying seemed likely.


"There is still information that I can offer. I don't know who among you is the seventh, but I do have some clues. I can assure you that the information pertains to the true identity of the seventh. And I can probably even tell you about the
eorigin of th   Impostor crest."



Adlet and the others were silent as they stared at Dozzu. There was no reason to think about it, they desperately needed the information.


Adlet looked over the faces of his companions and he could sense from their expressions that there was no one who opposed the alliance. Neither Chamo, nor even the deeply suspicious Fremy, seemed to disagree.


"Goldof," Adlet said.


Still holding Nashetania to his chest, Goldof looked up and met Adlet's gaze.


Perhaps Goldof is a genuine flower, Adlet thought. However he also recognized the possibility that Goldof could have joined forces with Tgurneu without Nashetania or Dozzu knowing. Was such a thing truly possible? No, it was extremely unlikely that Nashetania and Goldof were separate enemies when they had such a strong bond.


And in the end Goldof had saved Chamo and crushed Tgurneu's plans. Goldof and Tgurneu were enemies. So it didn't seem like he was the seventh.


"...What is it, Adlet?"



"Do   youeaegr with this alliance?"



Goldof was quiet for a while, but then he spoke. "I want to protect the Princess. So if I’ll be able to do that then I agree."


He is no longer our ally, Adlet thought after hearing Goldof's words.


"Goldof, after we defeat Tgurneu and Cargikk do you plan to fight us?"


"...I...I will protect the Princess. That is the most important thing for me. The victory of the Six Flowers comes second."


He didn't clearly say that he would fight them. But his words were the same as declaring his separation from the Heroes, despite how impossible it sounded to the other Flowers.


A traitor had appeared among the genuine Flowers.


At the moment there were eight humans. Nashetania was Dozzu’s comrade and the seventh was Tgurneu's subordinate. And now Goldof had gone over to Dozzu's side.


Adlet felt dizzy. Three among us are enemies. How are we supposed to fight in a situation like this?


"So, Adlet‐san. Will you accept an alliance?" Dozzu urged.


Adlet wanted to avoid a fight with Tgurneu and Cargikk as much as possible. The Six Flower’s objective was to defeat the Majin. However Adlet needed the information Dozzu possessed.


For the time being they would join forces, but sooner or later he would end it. That was Adlet's decision. Perhaps Dozzu had only made his request after predicting how Adlet would react.


"I'm about to say that I accept, but before I do there is something that I have to ask."


"I will answer your question. Please ask away."


"You and Nashetania said that you will build a world where humans and Kyoma
live in harmony. But how do you   plan onhaicncgomplis that?"



"I cannot answer that. If I do our chance of success will die."


"To me your ambitions sound like nothing more than crazy delusions. And I cannot agree to join forces with crazy companions. Tell me what you can, even if it's just one part of your plan."


Dozzu glanced at Nashetania and she gave a slight nod.


"Understood. It looks like we have no choice but to explain if we are to get your approval."


All of the Heroes focused their attention on Dozzu. Even Goldof leaned forward to hear what the Kyoma had to say.


"Our goal is to substitute the Majin."


"Substitute?"


Adlet didn't understand the meaning of the word in this context. The Majin was the Majin. It wasn't possible to switch it for something else like a king or the Head of the Temples.


"The current Majin....that ugly, insane monster...we're going to destroy it and bring forth a new Majin. The new Majin will love the Kyoma and mankind and it will have a heart that loves peace. If the new Majin doesn't have such a heart then there will be no point in replacing the current one. And under the new Majin's rule all Kyoma would be reborn. Their existence would shift from one where they hate humans to one where they can coexist with them."


"....Such a thing...I can't believe that..."


Instead of replying directly to Adlet, Dozzu continued his explanation.


"Then with the new Majin we will invade the human world. And we will destroy corrupt kings and aristocrats wallowing in sloth. We will unite the world. That is our ultimate objective. And that is all I can tell you at this time."


It was so grandiose that Adlet was at a complete loss.


"Dozzu. What do you know? Tell us. What in the world is the Majin?"


Fremy started to approach Dozzu. Her voice sounded tense. However Dozzu continued to look calmly at the Heroes.


"The Majin, The Kyoma, the Saint of the Single Flower, the crests of the Six Flowers, the opposition between Tgurneu, Cargikk, and myself, and the two fake

crests. All of those things seemrofanctehe su are all intricately intertwined."

to be separate, but in reality they




The Heroes said nothing and waited for Dozzu to continue.


"I will tell you about the beginning of all of this. Three hundred years ago I

encountered a single Saint. We joined forces and tried toeulnrav the world. Her name was Hayuha Pressio, the Saint of Time."

the mysteries of




The Heroes eyes widened. There was no one alive on that continent who didn't know that name. Hayuha had defeated the Majin three hundred years ago. She was one of the Heroes of the Six Flowers.


"The crest Nashetania has now is the first of the fake crests. And originally it had been given to me three hundred years ago by the Saint of Time."


Project Leader and Translator : Zero Ender


Supervisor : Hantsuki


Editor : Eira


Typesetter : Yon Devil Hands


Translation Group : NanoDesu Translations