The refined senses of a master reach areas that ordinary people cannot perceive. In battle, they can read even the vaguest probabilities—the chances of victory, the likelihood of their fist connecting.

That's why Yuri Lanster and Namgung Cheong-hwi, as they prepared for their final clash, felt it.

"...!!"

"...This is."

A warning from their instincts.

This is no time to play around with this youngster / This is no time to compete with this iron-strong woman.

Just as animals hastily flee when disaster approaches, evacuation takes priority over human competition. Both turned their heads toward the source of the crisis.

There stood the Doppelganger, wearing a mask on his face.

"I know the self-loathing flowing beneath the purple. 'Infinite Play: Purple.'"

Crackle, crackle.

With a burst of static, the mask changed to a familiar purple color. Then, from the Doppelganger's hands, an eerie light erupted.

Light of an incomprehensible color.

Namgung Cheong-hwi could only sense danger without understanding what it was, but Yuri Lanster immediately recognized it. It was the precursor to an attack she knew very well.

The signature technique of the Master of the Purple Magic Tower.

"That's 'Subtraction'... How can this fake use Yuna's Ascension?"

"So what is this 'Subtraction'?"

"It kills 90% of those it hits, so duck your head first!"

Wheeeeee——!!

The colors sprayed out. Beams that erased information shot in all directions. The Mad Magician could be seen rolling on the ground in panic.

We should do the same.

Thud.

"...Whoa!"

Yuri Lanster pushed Namgung Cheong-hwi down and rolled across the floor. "Subtraction" passed through where they had just been standing, and the ants crawling on the ground lost all the information that made them what they were and died.

If it even grazed us, we'd end up like that.

"Th-thank you."

"No need for thanks. I was just taking the opportunity to mount you."

"Huh?"

Yuri Lanster grabbed Namgung Cheong-hwi's hair and lifted his head. Anticipating what would happen next, Namgung Cheong-hwi squeezed his eyes shut.

Bang, bang, bang——!!

Three times against the ground. Leaving small craters in the pavement, Namgung Cheong-hwi was knocked unconscious by an expert's technique.

This is no time to waste here. Whatever's happening, the fact that the fake is using Yuna's Ascension already makes this a major emergency.

Yuna, who had been holding back the onslaught, seemed to have reached the same conclusion. Even if there's collateral damage, dealing with the Doppelganger comes first.

In the distance, a similar but different color was shining.

Tap.

I need to join them. Yuri Lanster sprinted through the middle of the battlefield where "Subtraction" was flying from all directions.

===============================================================

A fragment has no soul.

Without a soul to be colored by emotions, there can be no Ascension.

A car without an engine physically cannot roll, can it? So logically speaking, rather than manifesting Ascension without a soul...

"...He created a soul on his own!"

"Either way, it sounds completely absurd?!"

"I hate this reality too! 'Courting Flame Serpent,' tank it!"

Swish, swish, swish——!

A flame serpent the size of a house emerged to block the path between me and the Doppelganger. However.

Wheeeeee——!

It's erased. As the core information constituting the magic flies away completely, the flames become mere flames, dispersing into their natural state. That majestic form is stripped away in the blink of an eye.

"What kind of overpowered Ascension ability is that!"

"What should we do, Oppa?!"

"He can't shoot indefinitely. I hope not, anyway. Somehow we need to find an opening and try to plant a level 3 Flame Seraph in his head..."

Think, think.

But I wasn't sure if we'd have the luxury of time. What's pouring down now is a barrage of "Subtraction" that puts a disco ball to shame. Compared to the original, both power and precision are clearly lower, but...

The original is so high-tier that even with nerfed performance, it's still terrifying. Whether it's 9999 damage or 999 damage, a unit with 100 health gets wiped out either way.

Yuna seemed to have detected this emergency too.

"'Subtraction.'"

From the opposite sky, Yuna's Subtraction flies in with pinpoint accuracy. How about that, you bastard? Yuna's "Subtraction" is completely superior to yours...

Crackle. The mask's color changes.

"I know the small hope swimming in the blue. 'Infinite Play: Blue.'"

And the Ascension manifesting from the Doppelganger's hand is Roderus's "Mana Hardening"...!

Within a 100-meter radius, Yuna's "Subtraction" takes physical form. The solidified "Subtraction" looked like a white pillar.

But it's merely gained physical force; the nature of "Subtraction" hasn't disappeared. The difference is just between being hit by a ray or being hit by a stone. At this rate, it's a meaningless use of Ascension...

"I know the heroic tales hidden in the gray. 'Infinite Play: Gray.'"

Crack, boom-!

A large blade rises diagonally from the ground. It's Benett's "Vow's Guardian"!

Clang, clang, clang——!!

Yuna's "Subtraction" trajectory is deflected skyward by the Vow's Guardian's sloped armor. I've seen plenty of dodging and rolling to break through, but this is the first time I've seen "Subtraction" blocked head-on.

I understand now.

This is an extension of the "Ascension Blocking" he used.

Because he deeply understands the target's personality, values, and past. He puts that torrent of emotions into his own soul, simulates it, and copies the Ascension.

So, the Doppelganger can use the Ascensions of the people dear to me and him—the session players.

I know this isn't the time to say it, but...

"...I'm seriously jealous!"

"...This isn't the time for that?!"

Actually, I just threw in a joke because I felt a bit overwhelmed.

The ability to recreate a player's emotions and copy their Ascension means he doesn't necessarily need to bring in current Ascensions. And unfortunately, in my memory, there are two Ascensions with disgustingly powerful physical force.

I quickly embraced Selvia and planted my legs into the ground, shouting to everyone around:

"For now, prepare something to brace yourselves against, whether it's the ground or a pillar!"

"'Infinite Play: Heavy Blood.'"

As I feared, here it comes.

Crack, crack, crack——!!

As the Doppelganger draws an arc in the air, space splits along that trajectory, creating a gravitational pull in the area. It's Sissel's former gravity manipulator, "Righteous Grasp."

And simultaneously, fierce winds swirl, tearing the Doppelganger's skin. It's Elaine's Ascension, "Blood Wind."

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh——!!

A deadly combination—get pulled in by gravity, and you'll be shredded like in a blender.

"O-Oppa, I'm starting to float a bit?!"

"I guess planting our legs in the ground isn't enough..."

Then perhaps we should use the speed of being pulled in to break that casting before we get shredded. As I was racking my brain in this perilous situation, someone grabbed our floating bodies and set us down.

"Yuri!"

It was Yuri Lanster, who had finished her battle and joined us. A skillful application of the Thousand-Pound Push technique.

"This has become troublesome, hasn't it?"

"Troublesome? It's extremely troublesome!"

"It's alright, Selvia. MadMa will figure something out."

Yuri smiled refreshingly and tossed the responsibility to me. Isn't that a bit too much faith...?

No, that's right. I just need to do it. I'll save everyone, and then collect the price with interest. No ability is without weakness. There must be a gap to exploit somewhere.

The inverted gravity pulls all projectiles toward the Doppelganger's head. Roderus's "Mana Hardening" is probably still active too, so even if I shoot "Subtraction," it would get pulled in.

I need one arrow that can penetrate all of that.

I pondered. I pondered deeply. At the end of that contemplation—

Caw, caw, caw.

I felt like I heard a crow's laughter.

In the midst of the storm he created, the Doppelganger, bloodied and covered in wounds, cried out loudly:

"Look how powerful I am! I can defeat everyone and even gain Ascensions!"

"......"

"I'm more ruthless and persistent, I don't care about means or methods, unlike the frivolous original who makes jokes when cornered! So, the probability of defeating 'that thing' is higher on my side!"

And I'm prepared for it.

I can risk my life. I have the resolve to grind people down and burn the world to stop 'that thing.' So, the one who can bring happiness to those around me is me!

The Doppelganger asked in a metallic voice:

"Shouldn't I be the real one...?"

To this, Yuri Lanster said:

"Why do you want to become the Mad Magician?"

"Because I... wanted to be not just a clone, but an independent human being!"

"Do you know? The consultation module, or was it 'Heart,' decided to exist independently as 'Heart.' Hmm, judging by your expression, you never imagined that."

"......"

That's right. I let Heart become independent.

If the Doppelganger had resolved this through dialogue instead of causing this chaos, things would have been different. Yuri pointed that out.

"If you just wanted to exist as 'you,' our MadMa would have acknowledged you. Why are you taking such a troublesome and roundabout path?"

"But what I want to be is—that. I wanted to be there!"

In the place of the 'real MadMa' who is with Yuna and Yuri, the people he loves.

To this, Yuri Lanster coldly adjusted her leather gloves and said:

"Then hurry up and be absorbed by him. Then you'd always be with us, wouldn't you?"

"...That's."

"The very idea that you must become someone else is wrong. If you've separated, you should simply exist wholly and live your own life. I don't understand why you're so obsessed. Were you afraid of the unknown?"

"......"

Yuri affirmed his existence but firmly rejected his approach to life.

The Doppelganger gasped as if stabbed in the heart.

And beside him, the Little Evil God who had been standing loosely...

===============================================================

An absolute being who toys with the world, an evil dragon who shakes destinies for amusement on this playground of a world. And herself, a fragment that broke off from him. Little Evil God.

Behind her were thousands of years of evil deeds pushing at her back. The inertia of life. Having walked a certain path for so long, she couldn't easily stop or change direction. Little Evil God naturally thought she should be the 'Evil Dragon.'

That she must return to being the 'Evil Dragon' someday. That living on a leash was humiliating, and she must bite the Mad Magician's neck to become free.

Even now, after learning the path of good deeds.

Haven't I already crossed a river of no return? Isn't it meaningless to change direction now? She kept hesitating, repeating these thoughts to herself.

And now, she had the opportunity to see her own likeness with her eyes.

The Doppelganger originated from the Mad Magician, but he was different. What exactly was different remained vague and ambiguous, but Yuri Lanster's words finally made it clear.

The Doppelganger.

At some point after separating, was he afraid to compete with MadMa for Yuna and Yuri's love? Was he afraid to find his own path in life?

So he chose the easier path of stealing from others?

It's so ugly it's pitiful, like looking in a mirror. Little Evil God bit her lip at the self-loathing filling her chest. Still, a path other than being the 'Evil Dragon' is confusing and frightening. Because she doesn't know what she should become.

Even so.

Moving forward would be more admirable.

It had been a long deliberation. A very long, roundabout journey.

Little Evil God casually said to the Doppelganger:

"...Hey, fake MadMa."

"Don't call me a fake!"

"Why don't you just give up? MadMa would probably forgive you now. At worst, what would he do... gender-swap you? There are no casualties. So, come with me..."

There's still a way back now.

The Doppelganger looked at Little Evil God as if bewildered. He had come this far. After coming this far, was she going to leave his side?

The Doppelganger tried to persuade Little Evil God with a desperate gaze. Don't leave my side, he pleaded. But she just stared at him with sunken eyes.

Little Evil God's "together" and the Doppelganger's "together" diverged in this moment.

Grind. Grinding his teeth, he spewed out his anger:

"You, even you betray me, even you! Fine, I don't need any of it! If you're going to push me into a barren wilderness, I'll turn everything to ashes and at least grasp those remains—!!"

So you're going that way.

Little Evil God frowned at the "Golden Fillet" that began to glow again. Extreme pain ran up her spine, gnawing at her mind. Cold sweat flowed, and her hands trembled.

With the collar tightening, Little Evil God spoke with wheezing breaths:

"About 'Ascension Blocking.' You can use it when you deeply understand the target..."

"You..."

"I know you well. Because we're similar, with just a hair's difference."

"Stop, stop it—!!"

Creak.

Before the "Golden Fillet" fully activated to choke her, Little Evil God lightly moved her hand. By misaligning emotions, she interferes with the Doppelganger's Ascension.

It's not a trivial technique that can be copied at a glance. It's not perfect. But for "interference," it's enough.

Creak, creak, creak—!

Furthermore.

Even if it's an Ascension that copies Ascensions, the trigger is still one's own emotions. The fake MadMa's heart, recognizing the complete separation from Little Evil God, was momentarily filled with emptiness and exhaustion.

That created an opening.

Dissonance rings out from the newly created soul. The fake Mad Magician staggered, coughing blood. "Mana Hardening," "Blood Wind," and "Righteous Grasp" all wavered chaotically.

Then.

The Mad Magician began his incantation:

"The shadow at your feet, the darkness peering through the closet crack, the loneliness of the pitch-black night."

"—Ha, hahaha! Don't you remember? 'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow' doesn't work on me! I can endure it as much as I want!"

A black arrow floated above MadMa's hand. He grinned, then turned the arrow's direction... toward his own head.

"I'm not shooting the first one at you, bastard. 'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow.'"

"...?!"

Whoosh.

The "Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow" hit MadMa's head directly, and he staggered like someone hit with a hammer. Then he began the incantation again:

"The shadow at your feet, the darkness peering through the closet crack, the loneliness of the pitch-black night."

"...!!"

Only then did the fake MadMa understand his intention.

"Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow" is an arrow that gathers the negative emotions and pain of session participants.

If he shoots it at his own head, then gathers that pain into another arrow... with each cycle, the amount of malicious information in the arrow doubles.

It's a means to increase power on the spot without collecting malicious information.

...If he can endure that pain!

"'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow.' Argh, shit..."

Flash-!

For the second shot too, he aimed at his own head. Now it's quadrupled.

"...Impossible. Last time, you collapsed from one of my 'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrows.' That's a bluff. You must have reduced the malicious information in the arrow. There's no way you could endure that much!"

The fake MadMa cried out, but the real MadMa's bulging neck veins, bloodshot eyes, trembling muscles, and flowing blood were unmistakable signs of extreme pain that couldn't be faked.

MadMa giggled while drooling:

"Well, curious how I'm enduring? 'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow.'"

Boom——!

"......"

"Argh, ah... my head, feels like it's splitting. This isn't something I want to do twice."

Eight times.

Crackle. Crackle, crackle.

The black arrow in MadMa's hand had grown in size and ferocity, now looking almost like a stake. The Doppelganger estimated the amount of malicious information in that arrow and trembled with fear.

The Mad Magician mumbled with a loose tongue:

"Hey, the reason I make jokes... is because I'm trying to enjoy myself even in dirty, sad situations. Hardships will always come in life. Life is meant to be fun, so wouldn't it be better if we could laugh even then...?"

"You..."

"Since I'm not you, I can't sympathize with your pain. But I know it's the wrong path. You tried to kill my friends and steal my life. So I prepared this."

It was aimed.

Before the arrow flickering with black flames, the Doppelganger felt a clear sense of death.

"Cleanly, if you endure this, I'll consider mitigating circumstances. You fucking bastard. The shadow at your feet, the darkness peering through the closet crack, the loneliness of the pitch-black night...!"

"Stop, stop...!!"

8x multiplier.

"'Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow'——!!"

————!!

The arrow was shot silently. A writhing blackness that seemed to devour space advances. The fake Mad Magician used every means to block it.

But mental barriers turned to dust and scattered, and even the Ascension abilities that were starting to return after Little Evil God's "Ascension Interference" ended couldn't block it.

The Blood Wind subsides and defies gravity. It neither solidifies nor disperses.

In the final moment before impact, the fake MadMa instinctively turned to look at Little Evil God.

Their eyes met.

"I..."

Would it be a curse for betrayal, or resentment for not choosing him? Little Evil God slightly averted her eyes, fearing the emotions that might come.

Did he feel something in that last moment?

Instead of his previous venomous emotions, he smiled faintly with a touch of softness. Little Evil God could read many things from that gaze.

With this silent last will, the black arrow shattered his soul.

The fog disperses and the chaos subsides.

The commotion caused by the fake Mad Magician ended like this.

===============================================================

What a complete mess.

The fake's final Ascension was massive. Several buildings were blown away, and the pavement that had suffered all day would need to be completely replaced.

The fragment... I absorbed it. More accurately, I was absorbed by it. My information that had been floating in the void naturally returned to its owner.

He had cleanly vanished.

Probably... because of the soul. Creating his own soul actually became his downfall, leading not just to a knockout but to complete annihilation.

I don't know what he thought in his final moment, but somehow, information about the Dark Mage that I hadn't known remained organized in a corner. I decided to consider it repentance.

You should have done that earlier, you bastard. I lightly bowed my head to wish him peace.

Now I'm 100% complete. Since Heart became independent and isn't me, she's excluded from the percentage calculation.

I don't know what happened inside the fake, but it's clear that a soul was born. If I study these traces... perhaps I could reach the realm of soul creation.

I approached Little Evil God, who was crouching beside the shattered remains. Seeing her expression was mixed with emotions, I placed my hand on the crown of her head.

"...What?"

"I'll beat you tomorrow, so be prepared."

I meant I'd let it slide today, so she could relax.

Then I crouched down next to Little Evil God. She flinched uncomfortably at first, but soon relaxed.

Then, thump. As if she felt awkward and needed to say something, she asked:

"...How did you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Enduring the Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow. It had enough power to vaporize the fake's consciousness, but you took three shots to your head for amplification and remained fine... that's strange."

"Ah, that... actually, there's a trick. I created a clone inside my head."

It's a method I thought of thanks to Crow MadMa.

I split my mind to create temporary independent entities. Just as with the separated MadMa fragments, while resources remain constant, divided minds bloom anew, don't they?

So I endured it together with the modules in my head. Even a hundred blows become bearable if shared one by one.

-Stop amplifying! This is enough, crazy original!

I heard the crow's frantic cries.

At the same time, I delegated the process of amplifying the feedback Mystic Heart-Piercing Arrow. I summarized refreshingly while beating my chest:

"The power of bonds and friendship!"

"......"

After a long silence, Little Evil God suddenly said:

"I'm going to name myself. My name."

"...Your name? What will it be?"

"Aisha."

"Will you tell me what it means if I ask?"

Little Evil God... no, Aisha stuck out her tongue. It was a textbook-perfect raspberry.

"As if. You'll just make fun of me."

"What if I said I'd reduce tomorrow's punishment if you tell me?"

"I'd rather die."

What embarrassing meaning could she have put into her name...?

I hear the sound of the city awakening, rustling after being silent. When I think about cleaning up this major incident and getting scolded by Irid, it's overwhelming...

I'll go home after cleaning everything up. And then I plan to have some serious fun. In my warm, peaceful nest, the Academy.

The long journey has ended.