A little while earlier—
While Orun and the others were at the Phoenix Shrine, Shion and her group were spending a peaceful time at the inn.
Tea and Japanese sweets were laid out on the veranda, with soft autumn sunlight filtering in.
Shion and Fuuka were slowly breaking apart and savoring some nerikiri sweets, while Katina and Terche chatted with teacups in hand.
That was when it happened.
"—!"
Nagisa suddenly stood up with a gasp of shock. All the color had drained from her face.
"What's wrong?"
When Fuuka asked, Nagisa answered in a trembling voice.
"A devil… is approaching. This presence… it's *Incinerator* Luari."
The moment that name was spoken, the atmosphere in the room completely changed. The peaceful mood instantly turned tense.
Nagisa had always been able to sense the presence of devils in this world. But after the god descent incident, the cult seemed to have taken countermeasures, and that sense had been sealed off.
The fact that she could feel it now meant the devil had closed the distance into Kyokuto's territory.
"Halt-san, can you check with **Bird's Eye View**?"
Halt frowned and shook his head at Shion's question.
"…No good. It's too far away."
"Their speed is slow. They are most likely traveling by ship."
As soon as Nagisa made her guess, Halt immediately continued.
"That means there's a high chance others are on board with *Incinerator*."
Shion quietly stood up, her silver hair swaying.
"…I'm the fastest at long distances in this group. I'll go ahead and buy us time. Use that time to get ready."
"You're flying there, right? Then take me with you."
Halt replied instantly.
"From the western trade city of Tsuranami, we should be able to see the enemy's full force."
After a short silence, Shion nodded.
"Understood. Let's go."
Halt turned to the rest of the group and gave instructions.
"Fuuka, Kati, Huey, Terche—head to Tsuranami by land. Nagisa, link up with old man Kiryu and send word to everyone. Once that's done, wait at Tenrei Shrine. As soon as Orun and the others return, tell them what's happening right away."
"Got it!"
Nagisa nodded and pulled out a small magatama from her sleeve. It was engraved with the Asagiri family crest.
"Halt-san, take this. I'm temporarily handing over command authority of the Kyokuto troops to you. If anyone pushes back, show them this."
"…You're giving me one hell of a heavy job."
"It's because it's you, Halt-san. I trust you just as much as I trust Fuuka-neesama."
When Nagisa smiled at him, Halt let out a short breath and tucked the magatama into his pocket.
"Alright, let's move."
Shion called out to Halt and activated her magic.
"—**Flowing Flight Elseria**."
Her feet gently left the ground as her vision stretched dramatically. The earth fell away in an instant.
◇
"U-UWAAAAAHHH!? It's so faaaast!!"
It was Halt's first time flying through the air—at top speed no less—and he let out a pathetic scream.
"Ahaha… You're exaggerating."
"No way! This is seriously scary!"
Light banter flew back and forth along with the sound of rushing wind. A bit of laughter slipped out between the tension.
Before long, the blue sparkle of the sea spread out in the distance. Tsuranami—the western trade city—came into view.
The moment they landed, Halt's knees trembled slightly.
"…Never again at that speed."
"It feels great once you get used to it."
"My heart can't take it!"
Their short exchange eased the heavy atmosphere just a little.
Halt took a deep breath and used his ability. His vision opened up dramatically, overlooking the western sea.
"…I see them. Over a dozen ships—no, warships. The flag… it's the Ruldain Federation."
At those words, Shion's eyes narrowed sharply.
"So it really is the Federation…"
She spoke quietly.
"Halt, I'll go out. With that much force lined up, there's a chance it turns into a fight right away… but we need to probe them first. It'll buy us time too."
"Got it. Here, take this."
Halt pulled out a voice-amplifying magic tool from his storage device and handed it to Shion.
She accepted it with a nod.
She then stepped into the sea breeze.
And activated **Flowing Flight Elseria** once more.
She raced through the sky and came to a stop at the very edge of Kyokuto's sea territory—the boundary line the Ruldain fleet would cross. There, she waited alone and quietly.
With the roar of the tides, her silver-white hair shone in the sunlight. Her eyes stared straight at the approaching shadows.
◇
The wind blowing across the sea rustled her silver hair.
Far beyond the horizon, within the white haze where sky and sea met, multiple black shadows rose into view.
Shion gripped her staff and activated **Distant Sight Vista**.
Her magic focused far into the distance, and the shapes gradually became clear.
—The Ruldain Federation fleet.
This was no mere show of force or reconnaissance. And with a devil—*Incinerator*—among them, it was safe to assume they had clear hostile intent.
She quietly exhaled and swept her staff sideways.
Part of the sea surface froze, and a white line stretched straight out. It was the symbolic border marking Kyokuto's territorial waters.
The fleet seemed to have noticed Shion's presence and slowed their advance.
The distance between them was a little over a hundred meters—too far for voices to carry normally, but the magic tool would be enough.
Shion held the voice-amplifying tool to her mouth.
Feeling the sea breeze on her cheek, she slowly began to speak.
"I am Shion, envoy of Kyokuto. By Princess Nagisa's order, I have come to confirm the movements of your fleet. That is quite the large flotilla. With so many troops, what exactly have you come here to do?"
Shion continued calmly.
"I have just shown the border line between our nations once more. If you intend to cross any further, we will begin preparations to intercept. …However, if your country wishes to avoid pointless losses, I will at least hear your claim. What are your intentions?"
Her voice rode the sea wind, reaching the fleet with a clear tone. Shion's gaze was cold yet composed, carrying the pride of a diplomat.
But—no reply came.
Instead, a deep shadow fell across the sea surface.
Shion looked up to see a single girl standing in the air above.
Her red hair danced in the wind, and the loose hem and sleeves of her top fluttered like flames.
Those crimson eyes looked straight down at Shion.
Even higher above the girl, multiple spheres of light appeared. By the time Shion recognized them as flames, it was already too late.
The moment the massive fireballs touched the sea, they exploded with a roar. Water columns shot up as the shockwave slammed into the ocean.