Tasogare-iro no Uta Tsukai:Volume1 Final Play

Tasogare-iro no Uta tsukai: Final Chapter

Part 1

"Say.... Ada...... What do you think that is?"

Classroom 1-B: We are taking refuge in our classroom and holding our breaths. Then Serges comes over and stealthily whispers in my ear. "I didn't see any chimera."

"Open the closed curtains just a little bit."

That girl outside was peaking out from over there.

"What did you say? There's nothing, isn't there?"

"Exchange places with me and look at the thing outside."

The pitch black sky is spreading without end, only...

"You're wrong. Look over that direction!"

Serges' finger is pointing in the direction of the campus.

"Stare in that direction for a few seconds. The sky is wriggling."

"Yes.................."

Finally, I understand what my classmate said.

That isn't the sky. I thought it was the sky, but those are deep blueish purple flames. The campus is burning with night colored flames that are converging overhead.

Our concentration was flowing to the small part of a huge, vortex like, flames. Unaware that a glorious gloomy ChannelRecital Gate was born.I wasn't too worried until he pointed out that it is too big.

What is that, I do not understand that ChannelRecital Gate, It is way too gigantic. I've never seen a channel that big before.

The gate's radiance increased and suddenly burst open.

That is the proof that the Recitation has completed

◊ ◊ ◊

"...........Eh?"

Exhausted, Mio leaned against the railing on the rooftop.

The ChannelRecital Gate's radiance grew. I also understood clearly at that moment that the ChannelRecital Gate had completely open.

High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation invited True Spirits are extremely varied but they all have one thing in common. For example that Hydra, the green disease wyvern, and other first recitation summoned things are said to be absurdly huge.

From that ChannelRecital Gate just what sort of huge thing is coming out? I forgot about the twinkling while staring and, How! even though that ring has burst there nothing is coming out.

No way, did it fail?

Let's try to make sure, because the flames which were illuminating the campus disappeared the campus was plunged into darkness for a second time.

"What just happened....."

The only thing that entered my vision was the gigantic shadow that had broken into the school grounds. I don't know the reason why. But that monster suddenly diverted its direction, it set foot in the campus. If the recital failed then there is nothing that can be done about it. There isn't enough time to do the High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation again right now. The hydra is drawing closer to the center of the campus. The place where Neight was at up till a bit ago. But because of the darkness I couldn't see his figure. I am not even sure if he was able to escape.

Rather didn't see. If Neight is still at that place where the light's being turned on..........

But. with not very ironic timing, the disappearing neon light passed. School again light up. For a second time the campus was brilliantly illuminated.

"————————Please. Somehow don't be there. Please have run away."

my eyelids were in the middle of that scorching radiance, nevertheless I stared at that place ——— and got dizzy.

"......I can't believe it."

He remained standing in place. Furthermore next to him in the hall was her friend's, supposed to be resting, figure .

"Neight, Kululu run awaaaaaaayyyy!"

Mio raised her voice from the rooftop. She cannot be heard. But even then she could not shout. At this rate the three people will be trampled down by that monster....... eh? three people? My eyesight isn't bad. The boy wearing the deep blue colored robe, that is Neight. The girl wearing the white dress, that person is Kleulu. The last person, was standing where at the place where Neight was at.

It seemed like the whole body was wrapped in black cloth, a pitch black person. That is, who?

No. Impossible.

Surely the True Spirit of Night is a large thing or so I thought but, because it is that——

◊ ◊ ◊

As for t-h-a-t... nothing materialized from the ChannelRecital Gate .

In the moment that the ChannelRecital Gate burst, something rose to the surface from the inside of Neight's shadow.

The Three Dimensional shadow slowly extended its height. And yet, it is obviously small. Just the same as me. No, leaving that aside, it has no choice but a short height. height. So in other words it doesn't have length and it also doesn't have height.

From what I know, that which is before my eyes has the figure of a human.

It is Jet black、but it's body gives a transparent impression. Person clad in shadows. Plus that form in some respects is feminine. It was like the girl wore pitch black paint from the beginning————— In short this represents probably the closest analogy.

but, before long while she steadily gazed at it, the boy she was next to suddenly shook violently and collapsed.

"————Neight?"

The boy was on the verge of collapsing backwards. Barely in the nick of time, Kluele supported his right shoulder. No matter how many times she called out there wasn't any reply. Then I closed my eyes. Is he unconscious? Even though the Hydra will soon go back over here, at a time like this—

「That strained feeling loosened up didn't it?」

Kluele looked over her shoulder. When did the True Spirit of Night get next to them?

「But, should I give you praise for doing such a good job holding on I wonder.」

The Shadow was in the shape of a hand. The fingertip of the shadow gently stroke the boy's face.

"Are you the True Spirit of Night?"

「It would seem to be so wouldn't it? Kluele-san」

I was startled after suddenly being called by my name. Anyhow if it is just like the Bird God I recited out, why does the True Spirit of Night know something like my name?

「Fufu, that child taught me.」

The True Spirit turned her face, looking upwards. In that direction...... The starry night sky was being assimilated.Something giant was flapping it's wings overhead.

Gigantic. I only measured it with my eyes but... if only in terms of size it might even be comparable to the hyrda.

The floating silhouette that is the school's illumination is shining on..... is this a dragon?

Causing cracks in the earth, the hydra accelerated. While catching a side glimpse of that, the True Spirit of night looks up at the sky..

「Arma, I'll take that as an opponent. I will give you the task of making Kluele-san and Neight hide.」

『——Understood——』

The «Pipe Organ» with an extremely low keyboard sounded with a heavy like bass tone. Is that truly it's voice? The concussion weighing down on my head made me want to doubt it. No, but more than that...

Arma? Is it not a name that I know?

.....no way, this dragon overhead.....

「I guess you would say he isn't a Lizard. Though I say that we don't have enough free time for this leisurely conversation.」

The Jet Black Dragon alighted right behind us. The wind pressure casually swayed our hair.

『Evhe, I leave over there to you. Young girl, carry Neight and quickly get on』

「Kleulu-san」

For a moment, I saw an optical illusion that a person was behind us. Just like the Bird God of Dawn and Arma, came a voice that wasn't anywhere. The voice suspended in air that came from anywhere was a human girl's voice.

「Thank you very much. Neight by himself would never had been able to call me out. It is surely because you were there that I am now here. In Neight's place, Thank you. If you able to do so, give your help to this child afterwards as well.」

This... Child? That is not the mood of a normal speaking style. Almost like you are speaking with regards to your own child. In regards to the way this True Spirit uses human words isn't it probably inappropriate?

Are you sure you'd like to ask about that? You'll be perplexed before long, Kluele your body is so light. Without any warning, the Night Colored Dragon grabs us in his forefeet and flaps it's wings.

"Wa, Wait, transport us more carefully!"

While still burdened with Neigh, I held onto Arma's name. Because of the speed as well as the very unstable footing, though it was a short distance it felt like it would immediately be the end if we were to fall out. That more than anything, this dragon's way of flying is clumsy. It isn't used to it huh? If I were to compare the way he brought me here to the Bird God of Dawn, it was way worse.

「It has been a long time since he's flown huh?」

She said such a brazen thing with while having such an innocent expression.

I no longer have any doubt. I thoroughly understand that this Dragon is a recited creature.

"....This giant flying lizard"

『Do you have something to say?』

This companion would always constantly return my questions, Kluele shook her head side to side in resignation.

"Nothing. More importantly, If you are big like that then come out in the first place!"

『Myself and the〈Woman of Origin〉are associated type recitations. To recite out one wing is the best of my ability. I can't call out another wing again so soon.』

This was the first time she had heard of such a special type. But besides the eyes still being closed, there is something I must ask.

"......Just who is that True Spirit?"

Below while standing still was the True Spirit of Night. Somehow it was different. What was different I didn't know. However it was a different mood from the Bird God who was there a moment ago and also from this Night Colored Lizard. While temporarily both human and True Spirit a separating line existed, as for that True Spirit it was like she was standing on that line.

"Evhe, you already said that didn't you, is that the True Spirit's name?"

『That isn't a name. Evhe、is the name I personally threw away. As for my daughter, I gave that name to her.』

From the low altitude flying, the jet black dragon suddenly increased altitude..

In spite of being close to one's ears a roar sounded on the wind, this True Spirit's voice retained it's vividness.

『Evhe———〈Woman of Origin〉who brought the Night Colored Recital into this world.』

Night Colored Recitation into this world? With that reply, she fixes her eyes on the boy carried on her back.

"Yes, because isn't that Neight's?"

『It seems you also had heard. The one who constructed the Night Colored Recitations was not Neight, it was his mother.』

More and more I don't understand the significance. Neight's mother should be dead, To say she used Night Colored Recitations I understand but, why because of that is the True Spirit of Night's name Evhe?

Before you inquire about that before, quickly tell the other person what information you want to be conveyed.

『Your ears are closed. I've got things to do』

"....things to do?"

『Roar』

That excessively concise word caused my whole body to shake with fright.
Roar you say, wa... wait a minute! My left hand is injured and my right hand is carrying Neight!

If you can, do it with some moderation because I can't plug up something like my ears——

Her wish is in vain, Kluele lost consciousness for a moment when the Jet Black Dragon let loose it's roar.

One Wing Master (Transient Master) ———— My Name is <Fang Stripping Being (Amadeus) > 『O she saira qersonie Laspha — Armadeus .』

『Lonely Night's Daughter of Darkness attract, invite this legitimate successor. Night's Recital Obey, Furthermore I make that known to the world!』

That voice was not heard just at the school, it extended as far as the extreme ends of the world.

High in the sky the dragon flapping its wings did not give chase, The hydra set their sights on the small True Spirit who is remaining above ground.

I also smell a dangerous scent from that gigantic dragon. But what is really unpleasant is, this small True Spirit that is standing still before my eyes.

It is from this True Spirit for sure, I can sense something threatening us.

The Hydra spits out a scorching hot long breath and the campus changes once again to a sea of flames. The place that the True Spirit of Night was at up until now completely burns up.

There is no evidence, The True Spirit of Night disappeared just before from the place she was standing in. Not enough, the hydra so judged just before.

「Too bad, but this school is also an important place to me」

This hydra heard this voice coming from overhead. The voice's direction was an enemy to rely on, five necks turn while they search, staring at their surroundings.

「Coming along and doing whatever you please, Let me give you the thanks for that!」

Before long. 10 eyes became glued to to the end of the campus. Above ground easily 20 meters in height.

The Jet Black True Spirit was soaring just above the iron light pole established on campus.

◊ ◊ ◊

"Say Miller, are we seeing a dream?"

Zessel forgot to wipe the sweat running down his face, he keeps looking up at the dragon overhead. In the middle of the Night Colored curtain, a jet black dragon flaps its wings in empty air. The excessively gigantic heroic dragon. It shouldn't be a mistake that it is recital creature but, just what color is that True Spirit?

"......I remembered a thing from long ago! A thing from terribly long ago however, you know"

A teacher who wore glasses sighs.

"How unexpected. So did I"

They forgot to blink at the Night Colored True Spirit, Zessel also spilled another sigh.

The half stagnant memories in the innermost part played, the words that have slept for more than 10 years are resurrected.

———What I want to talk about is, Night Colored Recitations.

Elfand period of learning, In the class there was merely one person, a girl was there who had not a single friend that sat at the edge of the classroom. I devoted myself to red colored recitations, Miller to blue colored recitations, Ains to white colored recitations The girl was the only being who was pursuing with strenuous effort for an unacquired color.

However, There's no way, first of all supposing she did complete the Night Colored Recitations, if she did that it should have been alright for her name to be resounded throughout the world. To the same degree that the Rainbow Colored Recitals is.

And...

The Jet Black Dragon howled at that moment.

One Wing Master (Transient Master) ———— My Name is <Fang Stripping Being (Amadeus) > 『O she saira qersonie Laspha — Armadeus .』

『Lonely Night's Daughter of Darkness attract, invite this legitimate successor. Night's Recital Obey, Furthermore I make that known to the world!』

Night's Recital obey————

Lonely night's daughter of darkness—————

No Way......

".....Haa, Ahahahahaaa, how can this be!"

His hand was at his forehead, Zessel let out a laugh with a large voice. From the end of his eyes something overflows.

She only had her self deriding smile. The girl had been treated like a fool. inside the classroom. The girl was neglected by the teachers and the school. In spite of all that, are you saying that she will reach out her hand to protect this school?

Should I praise you? Or should I mourn you? What on earth would be good for me to do.

What have we—————

"I, Just how foolish have I been I wonder"

".....Jessica sensei?"

Elfand period's honored teachers were supposed to give guidance to the pupils inside the school building.

"You....... You were right, weren't you. Evhemary"

Without even wiping his tears, That Head Teacher just wholeheartedly kept repeatedly calling out his former student's name.

◊ ◊ ◊

"S.... Say, why did you suddenly shout!"

Kluele's hand covered her still buzzing ears.... or not, Kluele roared back, "IF I COVERED MY EARS IT WOULD BE A TERRIBLE DISASTER!."

『The girl who knew her time of death. If only that story was rolling anywhere in the world. But humans generally receive that in that place, my daughter hated that fate. I am disappearing with nothing remaining, now for what purpose should I exist? ——— as for the girl, she tried to leave something in this world that could be said to be proof that she existed.』

Compared to the roar just before, the silence was just as long. Arma spoke in a supressed voice like he was speaking to himself.

『What the girl kept her eye on was the Night Colored Recitations. To accomplish something new, so my daughter thought. Studying all alone while her body was said to be whittled away. She half completed the finishing touches of her new Recitation Formula in her own way, but it was already too late because of the disease eating into the girl's body. In the middle of her nightmare, anxious whether it would be in time, the girl met by chance a single boy. That encounter, literally changed the girl's fate』

Lost while choosing the most appropriate words. The blank space really gave me the impression that he would open and continue.

『An chance encounter in their own way, the boy challenged my daughter to a contest. Though would saying challenge be appropriate I wonder. It was a bet to see who learn their own recital formula first.』

"That is, why did something like changing her fate happen?"

『The girl was fulfilled. Until now she had no choice but to be lonely. She knew her time of death therefore she did not associate with another person. She had found a companion who gave approval to herself. The person who gave her approval, that is to say the existence of someone who is remembering her. Then it is no longer necessary for the sake of the proof of her existence to create the recital formula. Hereafter, the girl's feelings began to sway.』

Kluele also knows that feeling, to the point of pain. Also the reason that girl can grow used to that kindness, I understand.

A few days ago, I gathered the same experience myself.

——————Absolutely Kluele-san, I think your recitation domain suits you very well—————

If just one person who gives their approval exists, how much comfort can you gain?

『He gave to me so that I could be healed of my isolation from others、I also want to be healed. That was the conclusion that the girl had arrived at. The world turns, I want to call out to the one who possesses a similar hardship. but even though she wanted to do that, my daughter herself did not have very much life remaining. Was the first priority learning the recitation formula or protecting her promise with the boy, which was her real intention? However no matter how they tried, both parties could not do this simultaneously. Therefore———』

Chatterbox, my swaying crescent moon shaped eyes are hazy.

『For the sake of accomplishing both, the girl threw away her name』

Regret. Indecision. Envy. Lamentation. Just how much many emotions were mixing in those eyes? In spite of seeing it from so close, Kluele did not understand.

『Recitals and my desired "thing" to recite out. Then, could there not a circumstance in which after my death someone could recite me out? Or so my daughter thought. She constructed the recitation formula, to personally become that ruler——— in other words, consequently she became a True Spirit』

Such a thing, is that really even possible? That isn't something that I could immediately believe.

———And yet, why is it.

Coming from a partner who comes and tells you so, that is unpleasant but it is like it makes me believe. No, it makes me feels like I can't "not" believe, it has a cold and beautiful sadness.

"That, was that story in reality.....?"

『Who knows if it is or isn't. I don't have else to say, it is possible that it is merely a fairy-tale. ...........But』

The Dragon's mouth faintly softened. It did not have the skillful facial expressions to the extent of a human. but Kluele understood. Certainly that was a smile.

『The roar just now was that daughter's, the selection was from me.』

That daughter you say. Really before I ask that, this time for sure Kluele shut her mouth.

『Well let's do a clean sweep of those Chimera right now! Hold on tight!』

Right now? Let us take part in?

Don't joke with me. What! Just merely flying is so scary with your awkward aviation, in spite of that you will do air combat after this? No matter how many lives I have, there is no way that I will have enough for this!

『Is this not a good opportunity to prove that oneself is merely a lizard?』

「.....You did not listen reliably. This Night Colored gigantic flying lizard with wings.....」

She was broadly grinning. Her smile before was different, the True Spirit was wearing an expression that was obviously a mischievous smile.

Well now.....

From above the iron pole, the Night Colored True Spirit surveyed the academy. The climbing flames are in every direction. The School building and other buildings also haphazardly been broken. There seem to be a considerable amount remaining of the Chimera's hiding high in the sky. Well how dare those things rampage as far as this place.

————Please protect this school.

That is the That Child'sRecitation Being's wish. The True Spirit had been recited out because of that duty it ought to accomplish. But moreover there was one more thing added. If there is personal feeling / emotion mixed in, it is because this Hydra committed one more unforgivable crime.

「Yes... The, reason, he, broke, his, arm, was, your, fault!」

「Even though it is said to be their first reunion in ten odd years, That crime of doing something that disgraceful is heavy!」

The 〈Woman of Origin〉 kicked the iron pole and floated in the air.

It was a voice filled with anger, but it included a faint feeling of delight.

Part 2

One versus several tens. Although they faced only one opponent, of the original nearly a hundred chimeras, less than half remained. Just when she wanted to confirm the exact number, another one was shot down. Some were knocked down by a sweeping tail, others were batted away by wings. Their overwhelming number didn’t give the chimeras an advantage.

“What is……that?”

It was only a single intruder, a dragon with a midnight-colored appearance. Not counting the hydra, this was Enne’s first time seeing a Recited creature with such a large body. A True Spirit? But what Color is it?

“—Seems like it was in time.”

The close voice made her jump. The voice sounded like it came from directly behind her. It was just between Xins and herself, from a place where their shadows overlapped.

She didn’t reply. Turning her head, she saw a “shadow” the size of a human standing there. Its whole body wasn’t dark like being covered in black paint. Instead, it had a transparent impression and gave off a Night-colored luster. Also, its shape reminded her of the silhouette of a ten-year-old girl.

A True Spirit? It was a First Scale Recitation’s Recited creature, surpassing things like Noble AriaSecond Scale Recitation’s Will-o’-wispsmall yellow life spirit and Salamandessmall red life spirit. Those were generally enormous creatures like a dragon, but it was the first time she had seen a True Spirit with a human figure like this.

“Enne.”

When the Recited creature suddenly called out her name, her body automatically stiffened.

“It’s already too dangerous here. You should know, right? A fight between True Spirits will turn their surroundings into scorched earth. I don’t know when the sparks will start flying, so to take refuge near the first-year school building.”

Her heartbeat became noticeably louder. You should know, right— what did those words mean? This True Spirit spoke as if she seemed to know her.

It was the first time she had seen it. That’s right, this should be the first time she had met the True Spirit. ……But, why did she feel so uneasy?

“Xins and I will draw away the hydra. Those two friends by the first-year school building seem to be getting tired, so you should go help them out.”

The figure of the girl threw at her a leather bag that she had gotten somewhere. As she caught it, a jangling sound rang out from the leather bag. It was filled with catalyst gemstones?

“Now, go.”

“B-but—”

The True Spirit seemd to sigh and crossed her arms.

“Enne Revinesia. Your personality of being concerned about everyone still hasn’t changed.”

“Eh?”

Fourty-first key from the <Goetia seventy-second pillar>, Focalor
—orbie clar, dremre : Goetia : Focalor—

At that moment, the shadow stretching beneath Enne’s feet swelled. A griffon with wings the color of wet feathers floated up. This is, using my shadow as a catalyst?

“Take her with you. When you arrive, lend your assistance there.”

『As you wish.』

A low, heavy voice seemed to resound directly into Enne’s head. Nodding, the griffon began to flap its wings.

“W-why does a True Spirit know my full na-……”

The rest of her words were drowned out by the sound of the griffon’s wings.

Just who are you? Before she received an answer, there was a breath of silence.

The True Spirit’s body that was made of shadow had no eyes or mouth. Her expression couldn’t be read. But strangely, she knew that the True Spirit had winked at her.

“Because I’m your classmate.”

……What’s that supposed to mean?

The griffon picked her up and left the ground. In the split second that she blinked, it had already flown up three stories high. Xins and the mysterious True Spirit who remained on the ground had become the size of her pinky.

“Hey…… Really, who are you?”

She muttered, unable to be heard by anyone but herself. Even if she shouted, they probably couldn’t hear her. An empty feeling like she had been left behind remained in her heart.

If you’re someone I met long ago—

Long ago, just how far back is that? Definitely before I became a teacher. Then before that… When I was still a student?

She thought back. When she was a student, her dream had been to call out a PegasusWinged Horse. Zessel and Mirror were also now teaching students about Recitations. They had also achieved the Recitation they wanted during middle school. Xins had also become the Rainbow Color Reciter recognized by everyone.

Many people had achieved their dreams. They had all become Reciters acknowledged by everyone. Their Recitations were accepted by everyone. Nobody could laugh at their ambitions.

—Speaking of which, hadn’t there been a child who was the complete opposite?

A girl who always sat in a corner of the classroom. A single girl not acknowledged by anyone.

But Enne couldn’t remember her name. Only the Recitation she aimed for still remained in Enne’s mind.

Night Color Recitations. The Recited creature that she was riding on was the same color as the sky overhead. Speaking of which, the mysterious knight that had helped her and Xins a while ago was also the same color—

“No way…… Is it you? Hey, is it you———”

Why? Why?!

Although she seemed to call out in midair, the only thing she couldn’t say was the girl’s name.

***

Night Color Recitations. Moreover, this is a First Scale Recitation, the True Spirit of Night?

Why the girl before his eyes was here, Xins instinctively realized. It didn’t matter who had called her out. As he clenched his teeth at the dull pain that came with every breath, he saw the sudden visitor.

Was this by chance……

The voice of the True Spirit before him was the same as the voice of the girl in his memories. And not just the voice. Her height. Figure. Everything reminded him of the girl. But, how could such a thing happen?

Not even a drop of moisture remained in his parched mouth. Therefore, he couldn’t gulp. Unnoticeably, the pain in his left hand and the noise of his surroundings had faded away.

He felt a strange sensation of floating, as if he had entered into another world.

Just like a world in which only he and the True Spirit before him existed.

“Is your hand okay? It’s fractured, isn’t it?”

All too suddenly, the True Spirit touched his left hand, something that a shadow shouldn’t be able to do. He didn’t consider her to be acting too intimate, because from a long time ago, there was a single person he was this familiar with.

Just one person. In other words, there wasn’t any other person who came to mind. Everything was the same as back then. A nostalgic feeling that he couldn’t put into words filled the crevice in his heart. A crevice that had lasted more than ten years.

“You acted rash, didn’t you? How unlike you.”

A finger that should have been made of shadow traced over his left hand. There was warmth in that finger. There was no way he could accept everything that was happening before his eyes. But, he simply couldn’t deny that warmth.

“……Is it you?”

Amidst his chaotic emotions, something even he didn’t know emerged. An imperceptible fear and awe. Nostalgia and love. Xins put all of these feelings he couldn’t understand into a word.

—Evhemary.

“I kept my promise.”

It was unclear which was the front and which was the back of the jet-black figure. But despite that, Xins certainly saw. From inside the Night-colored veil that the girl wore, she smiled teasingly.

“Are you surprised?”

Her simple way of talking resounded in his chest.

……You haven’t changed.

She was just like before. After a long time had passed, the girl he knew was in front of him.

The rainbow color that expressed everything wasn’t there, replaced by a single color. She was his only rival, the friend who acknowledged him, and possibly above all else, his companion.

Narrowing his eyes, Xins shook his head.

“I’m already used to you doing things that go against common sense.”

From a distance away, the shaking of the ground drew closer.

Don’t you want an explanation? The girl seemed to say.

“You kept the promise. That’s more than enough……”

The girl turned around. So he wouldn’t see. So he wouldn’t find out. She rubbed her eyes.

“But, I still haven’t seen your Recitation yet.”

The girl turned to face the hydra that gradually drew closer.

“He seems unexpectedly strong. Can you be my backup, Rainbow Color Reciter-san?”

He didn’t answer. Simply nodding once, Xins turned around as his coat fluttered.

***

『I’ve disposed of most of them.』

Landing on the rooftop, Arma folded his wings. Rather than saying most, it would be more appropriate to call it entirely wiped out. Looking up at the sky, there was only the pale white moonlight and twinkling of the stars.

“……I’m never accompanying you on flying practices again.”

For the sake of dodging the chimeras’ attacks, he had dived down and swooped up, making Kluele lose her breath. As for the number of somersaults the Night-colored lizard did, she had lost count after ten. Because of all that, Kluele felt like her lifespan had shortened. She envied Neight, who had lost consciousness.

“Hey, don’t you need to help over there?”

“You mean the <Woman of Origin>?”

Shouldn’t this dragon be suitable for fighting against the hydra? The size of their bodies was on par, and he probably wouldn’t lose in terms of strength either. So then why was the True Spirit with the appearance of a girl purposely taking on the monster? That, she didn’t understand.

『Leaving this warm and safe place isn’t an easy thing to do.』

Like always, she didn’t get the point of this Recited creature’s words.

『Those two have already crawled out of their shells. That’s why I’m leaving it to them. There’s no need to worry.』

“Who do you mean by ‘those two’?”

『The girl and the promised boy. Those two have already wasted more than ten years, so it can’t be helped.』

It was useless. Before the lizard had started explaining, he was already in his own world.

Turning away from Arma, Kluele leaned Neight against the railing.

『Someday you will understand as well.』

Kluele turned around at the meaningful words. At the same time, a flash of light burned her eyes. Before she had realized it, the eastern sky had become brighter.

—Dawn was drawing closer.

Part 3

The Night-colored spear that the <Woman of Origin> released pierced the hydra. Letting out an angry roar, the blue head spat out a large amount of water like a sudden rain shower. A second later, it turned into an enormous block of ice. Immediately, the yellow head let out a roar accompanied by lightning.

The red snake spat red-hot breaths at the dodging girl.

—Blue SongRuguz—

Just before the flames hit the True Spirit of Night, they were blocked by a film of water that Xins called out.

……This is bad.

As far as he could tell, the strengths of the two seemed roughly equal. However, the girl was being pushed around.

The disparity was probably because of the difference in their awareness of the surroundings. The hydra was only thinking of knocking down his opponent. On the other hand, the Night-colored girl was restraining her strength to prevent damage to their surroundings.

Xins, who was watching, he had his hands full blocking the attacks directed at the girl from the side. He had no time to go on the offensive with a High Noble AriaFirst Scale Recitation. His catalyst was also running out.

“Is this the last Recitation……?”

Five jewels rolled in his palm. Five colors, a bit of every Recitation. Should he call out five small life spirits with a Noble AriaSecond Scale Recitation and go on the offensive? Or should he respond like was now by defending against the hydra’s attacks? These weren’t the best options, but the only two left after eliminating all the other choices.

That’s right, he had to pick one of these options.

It should be like that, but why did he feel a sense of loathing……?

He held onto the five gems, not letting go. Somewhere, a part of himself stubbornly refused.

—I still haven’t seen your Recitation yet—

The girl’s words repeated over and over in his mind.

Your Recitation. Your……

What is my Recitation?

No…… Deep down, he understood. Even he himself knew. He was the Reciter able to use all five colors. If a master Reciter of each color assembled here, there wouldn’t be much difference.

That would be different from “Xins Airwincle’s Recitation”.

“Xins, let’s keep working hard. We can’t give up at the very end.”

In these ten years, Enne’s heart had become stronger.

“After seeing Kluele-san’s Recitaiton today…… I thought that I should reconsider a bit…… Kluele-san seemed to be having so much fun. Therefore, I thought that I also want to have fun while Reciting.”

The young Reciter reconsidered his lifestyle.

The Night-colored girl was like that. After throwing away everything, she ended up here.

How was he compared to her? Does the fact that he was still the same as before, mean that he hadn’t advanced since that time?

……Could I be the one who was hiding in my shell all this time?

In the setting sun, the place was illuminated by the spotlight from the recital— He searched for the scenery of an unchanging school.

He had continued to deceive himself that he hadn’t changed, relying on his memories of the past.

……Admit it already. The times that he remembered won’t come back. Accept it. Time won’t flow backwards.

“Evhemary, I might not be the Xins you know anymore.”

He couldn’t discard his memories of the past. But even so, he had to change.

If that hydra could use five colors at once in its excitement, he should be able to do it as well. That venomous thing was only haphazardly mixing the five colors together.

That day, at that time. The Rainbow Color he had promised Evhemary wasn’t something like that.

His oath hadn’t been fulfilled yet. I still haven’t shown you the true Rainbow Color Recitations.

—Idiot. You were so late to realize it.—

The wind carried along the girl’s voice. In this battle that was frozen at a stalemate, being distracted for a single instant could be fatal. But even so— even though the opponent was an unprecedented monster, the promised girl looked only at him.

Now, what to Recite?

He asked himself. Hesitation was unforgivable. He understood that there would be no return if he stumbled into the maze of hesitation a second time. Can I really do it? Will what I Recite really overcome this situation? His self of the past questioned him.

—But it’s alright now…… The me of right now is able to cast aside everything.

He closed his eyes. He didn’t need a OratorioSong of Praise. What he was Reciting was himself. A mirror that reflected his true self. It took the form of his inner thoughts. It will be fine if I call out that.

—That’s right, he finally understood what was truly important. He had remembered.

A ring of light formed in his right hand. Closing his eyelids, he could feel on his pupils the radiance growing in his right hand. Rainbow-colored sparkles. Brighter than starlight, more elegant than moonlight.

The gemstones fell from his hand, and he felt something Rainbow-colored be born in his right hand.

“Evhemary!”

In response to Xins’s shout, the <Woman of Origin> snapped the fingers of her right hand.

Underneath the monster’s feet, the hydra’s own shadow entwined itself around the real body. It wasn’t an offensive or defensive maneuver, but simply for restraining. The hydra tried to slip out, but the five necks were all tightly bound. Although they had been struggling until now, the spell did not break.

The True Spirit of Night and the five-headed monster were equally powerful. But if her opponent’s movements were sealed, but if there was no need to worry about damaging their surroundings, the girl could also fight with all of her strength.

“……Or perhaps the one who called you out was me.”

In the very beginning. The first thing was that he had touched the <Egg> located in this school.

Unleashing five colors at the same time— the hydra in which five colors independently existed.

In other words, it was the false “Rainbow Color” he had boasted about in the past.

—That is why I won’t hesitate anymore.

Aiming at the monster before his eyes, Xins threw the gems he was gripping in his right hand.

It was simply a rapid stream of light, without shape or form. A light shining with the seven colors of the rainbow. All of the colors equally and harmoniously mixed together, into a color in a different dimension from the five Recitation Colors.

The flow of light was like a spear that pierced the hydra. The spear shot through the hydra’s body and flew out into the jet-black night. In the instant when it penetrated the infinitely wide black sea.

Black clouds split apart, giving rise to a radiance like the birth of a new world.

The whole world was enveloped in a flood of light, rainbow light that seemed to spread like what was foretold in the gospel—

Around the world, everyone closed their eyes at the dazzling light. It wasn’t simply because of the brightness. Everyone who saw the radiance realized that it wasn’t a blessing for them.

The light was only truly illuminating a single person.

It was for the sake of a girl who hadn’t basked in the sun even once.

“……Thank you.”

Only one person in the world, the Night-colored girl, continued to gaze at the light for eternity.

Part 4

“……Is it over?”

When the radiance had finally ended, Kluele timidly opened her eyes.

The hydramonster’s figure had disappeared, as if it had never existed in the first place.

『It seems that it was skillfully sent back. Because it was originally an irregular existence, we shouldn’t worry about what happened to it afterward.』

Because the crisis was over for now, Kluele breathed out in relief, and turned her eyes to the boy who had fallen asleep with his back leaning against the railings on the roof. Although there had been such a commotion, he had a peaceful look on his face.

“And so, you should turn small as well. It’s tiring to have to look up at you.”

『It’s too troublesome. I’m fine staying like this.』

“Staying like this……”

After it had become dawn, support troops had come. If he continued to stay this enormous, he would undoubtedly cause a fuss.

『It’s fine. Before they catch a glimpse of me, I will have also disappeared. 』

Disappear? No way, you—

She received no response. Keeping his mouth shut, Arma averted his eyes. More than anything, that gesture confirmed her premonition. ……Well, it can’t be helped.

“Fine. But I’ll stay with you until then.”

『……Don’t expect any thanks from me.』

As if he was embarrassed, the True Spirit of Night turned his head away as he said that.

Gradually, the starlight in the eastern sky was concealed by the bright sun.

On the roof of the first-year school building.

Although she had come many times before, it was her first time spending the night here.

『It’s almost time……』

The lizard resting on her knees muttered. Before the sky had brightened, the Recited creature had already returned to the size that Kluele was used to.

“Is this farewell?”

『When a True Spirit completes its goal, it disappears. Even I have to follow such a rule.』

From the way he spoke, Kluele realized. This Recited creature had surely chosen to leave Neight of his own free will.

“Do you have anything you want to convey to Neight?”

『I have nothing that I want to convey. Although there are things I want to say, I can’t say them now.』

“I see.”

『I didn’t expect you to accept it that easily.』

Since Arma seemed to be playing dumb, Kluele replied in an ambiguous tone of voice.

“I just somehow understood.”

『……Well, that’s how it is.』

Seeming embarrassed, he flapped his wings as if he was escaping.

“Hey, you Night-colored flying lizard.”

『……That again, even at the very end?』

Stopping the movement of his wings, the lizard that was called turned around. At his amazed voice, Kluele winked.

“Like that, you won’t forget me, right? The girl who called you a lizard until the very end.”

After a second of silence.

『What a clever idea. But there’s no meaning to it.』

Flapping his wings, his body rose into the air.

『Even without such a thing…… I won’t forget you.』

Leaving behind those words, the Night-colored Recited creature flew away.

***

“I wanted to talk with you for a bit longer…”

On the roof of the fourth-year school building, a coat flapped in the wind.

“I’m only accompanying you because it’s our reunion after so many days. Don’t you think that if we were to meet every day, there would be nothing to talk about?”

You’re still saying that even at the very end? Raising the collar of his coat, Xins secretly smiled.

“Even like that, I think we wouldn’t run out of topics to talk about.”

“Wouldn’t we?”

Gazing at the sun rising above the horizon, the shadow in the figure of a girl tilted its head.

For a little while, there was silence. Although they were about to part, he couldn’t find any words to say.

The sound of someone’s flapping wings broke the silence.

“Arma.”

The Night-colored lizard landed on the shoulder of the same-colored girl.

“Thanks, for a variety of things.”

『It wasn’t much. Anyways, it’s about time.』

After those words, the lizard’s figure was the first to disappear.

In the sunlight, the figure of the shadow-colored girl was the next to fade.

Even though it was the very end, the girl’s mouth was firmly shut. Why was she……

—I see.

Xins finally understood the girl’s intentions. She was waiting. Waiting for him to speak first.

……Really, you have such a bad habit. But it was also the same back then. In the classroom at twilight, when we made the promise, I was always the one speaking.

“Hey, Evhemary.”

Silently, the girl waited for him to continue.

“I wonder if we’ll see each other again.”

“Someday, when Neight becomes capable of using First Scale Recitations.”

Gradually, the girl’s figure faded away. It melted in the sunlight, becoming faint. Both of her hands disappeared, the lower half of her body disappeared, and in the last moment before her whole body disappeared, the girl spoke teasingly.

“But I don’t know. Let’s think of this time as getting lucky. His one in a hundred chance came during the first time, that’s all. This may be the first and last time.”

The morning glow signifying the start of a new day approached.

She teased him even until the end. Before he could reply, the True Spirit that should have been before his eyes seemed to have completely faded.

But instead.

“I wonder why? Maybe I just want to tease you.”

The shadow-colored True Spirit disappeared, and there stood a girl with the same figure and voice; a girl who hadn’t changed at all since that time.

There stood the girl who had been crying in the classroom at that time.

The girl he remembered.

The one difference was— the girl here right now was smiling.

“……Evhemary!”

“Bye bye, Xins. ……I’m sorry, I couldn’t say it even at the very end. I lo—”

The dawn shone behind her back. The girl tried to speak her last words.

Along with her words, she reached out her hands as if seeking for an embrace—

But— their bodies did not meet.

Before that, the girl became particles of the dawn’s light and faded away.

“……I don’t mind.”

Looking up at the sky, Xins hummed to himself. I don’t mind. I don’t need a goodbye.

“Because I will surely meet you again somewhere.”

The Rainbow Color Reciter looked at the place where the girl had stood.

Forever and ever, he hummed a Rainbow-colored song without lyrics or a melody.

He hoped that it would reach the girl who was somewhere far away.