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Epilogue

The wizards grew their power by cooperating with the ancient demonic beast to climb up the tower. 

We overcame numerous ordeals together with Metus, the ancient demonic beast, and finally reached the top floor. 

In the center of this hall was an altar with a gem inlaid upon it, just like the jewel-like pearl sitting atop Metus' chest. 

Snow: There’s no mistaking it, that is the Seed of the Demonic Beast.

Suddenly, Metus begins waving its long tail in front of Mithra. 

Mithra: …? Metus?

Akira: …!

The very next moment, a blinding explosion rumbles through the air. Metus swings its tail with all its might toward Mithra.

However, Mithra is unfazed and blocks the blow with one hand.  

Mithra: I have told you numerous times. You are no match for me―

After only those words, he gazes into Metus' jade eyes.

He shares a look with Metus, whose attack he blocked, eyes narrowed in satisfaction. 

It was as if he was exchanging fists with his rival while laughing. 

Mithra: What's with that ridiculous face?

Akira: (Ah...)

Rustica, Snow, and Heathcliff: ...

Mithra laughs softly with an amused look on his face. Everyone seems taken aback, gawking at his expression.

Metus trudges along with its enormous legs, approaching the altar.

Then, standing before the Seed of the Demonic Beast, it stares straight at Mithra. 

Mithra: …

Mithra: …Heh, I see. 

Mithra mutters these words then looks back at us. 

Mithra: I believe this is goodbye.

Akira: (Of course, it has to be the same as the demonic beasts we've seen so far...)

After making it through the tower, the ancient demonic beast is to return to its original form and enter a deep slumber once more. 

It may be sad, but this was the wish of all the prior demonic beasts as well. 

Metus, who continues to gaze at Mithra, is surely conveying that wish to him. 

Mithra: ...Goodness. It was quite a raucous time because of you, Metus. 

Mithra: You would attack me without a second thought, eat anything you could see, even rocks, and you never once listened to me... 

Mithra: I have taken quite good care of you. From this point on, if you dare wave your tail at anyone other than me, I will blast you to pieces. 

Snow: Metus. You were much like a student in need of assistance. You were fickle, and fought me at every turn... 

Snow: But they say the trickier the child, the cuter they are. Next time I see you, I may choose to share my favorite churros with you.

Heathcliff: When I first met you, you went after Mithra, and I was a bit scared of you. 

Heathcliff: But by fighting alongside you to this point, the fear faded away... Now I feel as if I can rely on you as a friend. 

Rustica: Metus, my time with you was quite lively and exciting, like the distinct music of a timpani.

Rustica: I look forward to seeing you again and what new melodies we can play together. 

Akira: You gave me such a sense of security that no matter how strong the enemy was that we encountered, I felt like we could defeat it with you. 

Akira: I will never forget how powerful and cool you were!

Metus roars out. 

We do not understand his words, but his jeweled eyes gaze at me, Heathcliff, Rustica, and Snow.

At last, he looks towards Mithra. 

Mithra: Well, I will see you around.

Mithra:《Arthim》

—

A few days have passed since we retrieved the Seed of the Demon Beast. Snow and White have been taking care of the recovered seeds. 

Perhaps due to the effects of the Great Catastrophe, the seeds have lost almost all of their magic power and dazzling brilliance, however... 

Currently, we may not know how to restore the seeds, but a wizard's life is long.

The twins laugh together, saying how they will meet them again one day.

—

Akira: (Let's see here, put reindeer and semi-ripe large tomatoes into the oven together...)

Akira: (Now that seems better.)

That day, I was working alone in the kitchen making a special dish. 

Akira: (I hope everything turns out well...)

I take a peek inside the oven, thinking of the person who inspired me to make this dish. 

[Flashback]

Mithra: A thank-you for the other day? 

Akira: Yes. During the mission thanks to Mithra connecting his heart with the demonic beast, we were able to retrieve the Seed of the Demonic Beast. 

Akira: So that's why I wanted to do something to thank you. If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know!

Mithra: ...

Akira: Um, if you can't think of anything, it doesn't have to be right at this moment. 

Akira: Take your time, and if you happen to think of it, just come ask me...

Mithra: I do believe there is not much you can provide me. 

Akira: Urgh… I have no words…

Mithra: If you want to thank me, do that thing.

Akira: That thing?

Mithra: The thing that only you can do. Now, come here.

Akira: Wah...!

Mithra: Please continue holding onto my hand, so that I may sleep properly. 

[Present]

Akira:（Even when I hold his hand, he still has difficulties falling asleep...)

Akira: (I remember today, after holding his hand for a while, I could hear him peacefully breathing, deeply asleep.)

When I finally let go, his cold hand had grown warm, and I was completely relieved. 

Akira: (Not being able to sleep must be so hard... At least by holding your hand, you should be able to sleep soon.)

Akira: ...Hm? 

Suddenly, I smell something burning, and I look towards the oven. 

Akira: Wah, smoke is pouring out from the oven!?

I put on oven mitts in a panic, running over to open the oven...

Akira: I-It's turned to charcoal... 

Seeing the object in front of me emit puffs of black smoke brings back fond memories. 

Akira: (I accidentally created charcoal before when I was still getting used to cooking, but I never thought I'd make it again...)

Akira: (I don't have any more ingredients, what should I do...)

Mithra: Something smells good.

Akira: !? Mithra... You're already awake?

Mithra: Ah, I was hungry.

As soon as he says this, he grabs the pitch black substance and tosses it into his mouth.

Akira: I'm sorry, Mithra. It's not the food you asked for, it's charcoal…

Mithra: Did I ask for something?

Akira: Mithra, you asked me right before you fell asleep to cook up some meat for you to wake up to. 

Akira: So I tried to make your favorite sauteed venison, but I failed spectacularly. 

Akira: I don't have any more ingredients, so I can't try to make it again...

Mithra: ...

Mithra appears to think for a moment, turning to me while stretching. 

Mithra: You just need ingredients, correct? Tell me what you need, and I'll retrieve it for you now. 

Akira: Huh, are you sure? Just for reindeer you'd have to--

Mithra: Sounds easy enough. 

Akira: As expected of Mithra! Thank you for your assistance! 

Mithra: 《Arthim》

Mithra creates a Door to Space, then ducks under and disappears inside. 

Akira: Alright, now that Mithra has gone off to get the ingredients, I'll get to work on preparing the sauce!

[Later]

A short while later--

Mithra: ...

Akira: Mithra, how does it taste?

Mithra: It is delicious. 

Akira: Fantastic! We have extra, so don't hesitate to ask for more.

Mithra: ...Thank you.

Mithra slowly nods as he chews on not the sauteed venison, but instead a mysterious giant fish. 

Akira: (But he seems satisfied, and as long as he's happy with it...?)

Mithra: Master Sage, please serve me some more.

Akira: Ah, yes! I'll get some right away. 

Akira: Here you go, more sauteed fish. 

Mithra: Om... Nom nom...

Mithra: More.

Akira: (He finished that quickly!?)

Akira: Ahaha. Mithra, you must have been really hungry.

Mithra: I was, it seems. However, I can fill up with as much delicious food as I desire. 

Akira: Mithra...

I'm so overjoyed to hear that my food tastes so good, I can't help but to smile. 

Akira: Thank you, I'm so glad.

Mithra: Haa, is that so.

Akira: ...That being said, I was shocked when you brought in such a huge fish. Are you sure you wouldn't have preferred venison?

Mithra: Ah, well. I found a lake. 

Akira: Ah... So you were in the mood for fish, then.

Mithra: ...No...

After I speak, Mithra's gaze wanders as if searching for the right words, stroking his chin with long fingers.

Mithra: I wondered if it was there.

Akira: If it was there?

Mithra: Yes. I wondered if Metus was there.

Mithra: That demonic beast used to frolic at the watering hole, splashing water all over, right?

Akira: ...

Words continue to pour out from Mithra's mouth without meaning, making my heart flutter in my chest.

Metus, who had fallen into a deep slumber inside the Seed of the Demonic beast, seemed to still be alive within Mithra's heart.

Mithra: Well, thinking about it, there is no way he would be in a lake inside there... What are you smiling about?

Akira: Fufu, it's nothing. Nothing at all!

Akira: Mithra, do you mind telling me more about your memories of Metus? 

Mithra: With Metus? That is a strange request.

Mithra tilts his head, a questioning look on his face, but eventually he slowly opens his mouth to speak. 

Mithra: ...I remember, on one bizarre occasion, Metus rubbing up against me.

Mithra: The bones on its back felt quite nice... They were strong and firm to the touch. 

Mithra: I think Metus enjoyed having its back stroked.

Akira: Heh...! That sounds nice. I wish I could've touched it too. 

Mithra: Then why not try?

Mithra: If it tires of sleeping, then it will awaken sooner or later.

Mithra: It might wake up hungry. Just like me.

Mithra murmurs while toying with the remaining charcoal in his hands. 

Akira: ...You may be right. Let's prepare many treats to welcome Metus. 

Akira: And then I can stroke Metus' back, too!

Mithra: Please do so, and do try not to forget the charcoal.

End.