With two Single-Digit existences now standing together, they had become a combination unlike any other in the entire Dimensional World.
After accepting the outcome of their duel, Rika gradually began to reveal a gentler side of herself.
In the past, there had never been anyone capable of standing beside her as an equal. She had lived exactly as she pleased, answering to no one.
Now, however...
Everything was different.
After becoming Izumi's partner, the aloof and untouchable Origin of Magic began to display an unexpectedly graceful and caring side.
One could say that her "newlywed wife" instincts had awakened all at once.
...
The two spent some quiet time together, enjoying each other's company after the battle.
Before long, however, several powerful presences appeared outside Izumi's world.
The other Single-Digit beings had arrived.
Their overwhelming auras spread throughout the Dimensional World, announcing their presence without any attempt at concealment.
Sensing them, Izumi looked toward Rika.
"Let's go."
"We should see what they have to say."
Rika nodded.
"I was thinking the same."
The two disappeared from the world together.
...
When they reappeared, they were already standing outside the world's protective barrier.
Several figures were gathered before the crack Izumi had discovered earlier.
Everyone present wore a solemn expression as they observed the slowly widening fissure.
"...What exactly is this?"
"Could it really have been caused by that battle?"
"I doubt it."
"Can a mere fight actually damage the Dimensional World itself?"
"Something doesn't add up."
"And..."
"There seems to be an incredibly dangerous presence on the other side."
"...A Single-Digit?"
"A Single-Digit aura from another dimension?"
"...Interesting."
"So what now?"
"Do we join forces and seal it?"
"Or do we force it open instead?"
...
As Izumi approached, he overheard the discussion.
At the same time, he finally got a proper look at the other Single-Digit beings.
His expression became rather peculiar.
Aside from a handful who still retained humanoid appearances...
Most of them looked nothing like humans.
Some possessed bizarre forms that defied common sense.
...I'm not even sure where to begin commenting on that.
His gaze eventually landed on Hikaru.
The moment he saw him, Izumi almost laughed.
The bruises around Hikaru's eyes still hadn't faded.
He looked like he had two enormous black eyes.
Practically a giant panda.
Noticing Izumi staring at him, Hikaru snorted coldly.
It was obvious he still hadn't forgiven him for their previous fight.
The corners of Izumi's mouth curled upward in amusement.
The other Single-Digit beings greeted him one after another as he arrived.
Even Hongjun was among those present.
...
Izumi turned his attention back toward the crack.
It had already grown noticeably larger than before.
Narrowing his eyes, he asked,
"So..."
"What do you all think?"
"There's clearly something wrong with this fissure."
"And it's continuing to expand."
"I'm sure you've all sensed the pressure coming from the other side."
Silence followed.
Everyone understood exactly what he meant.
They had all felt it.
Although faint...
A subtle sense of danger continuously seeped through the crack.
Which meant only one thing.
On the opposite side...
There was another Single-Digit existence.
Perhaps...
One even stronger than themselves.
The realization caused everyone to fall silent.
If the opposite side truly connected to another Dimensional World...
Then the day this crack completely opened...
Would likely mark the beginning of a war between two dimensions.
Just as everyone was lost in thought—
A terrifying aura suddenly surged from the other side of the fissure.
In an instant, every Single-Digit being present became alert.