Chapter 42

In the Infinite Prison ---

There, Ruisa and Sakuhana were clashing swords.

"--- There!!"

Sakuhana aimed for Ruisa's opening, thrusting her sword into Ruisa's side. However, Ruisa twisted her body to dodge the attack and, in turn, swung the Dragon King Sword at Sakuhana's head, which was now less guarded.

Snap.

A red line appeared on Sakuhana's cheek, and blood trickled down. Sakuhana tried to pull her head back to avoid Ruisa's strike, but Ruisa was one step ahead. Sakuhana wiped the blood flowing from her cheek with her slender fingers, smiled slightly, and lowered her sword.

"... Hehe, I didn't intend to take it, but you've improved."

"Haa, haa. I have many good teachers."

The two sat down and drank the tea Sakuhana had prepared, chatting casually.

Ruisa was called to this space once every four days to train in swordsmanship with Sakuhana. In the real world, she was also learning sword techniques from Sharo and Ibuki, so her sword skills were improving rapidly.

"By the way, why aren't Tes and Rio here, even though this is the Infinite Prison?"

Ruisa asked Sakuhana about something she had always wanted to know.

"This Infinite Prison is on a different level from the one you were in. This is the 'First Level of the Infinite Prison,' which is closest to the real world. You and the Demon King were in the deepest 'Third Level of the Infinite Prison.'"

"Wait a minute! If that's true, there's still a Second Level that I haven't been to, right? Is someone there too?"

"Yes, that's correct. However, I cannot tell you who is there. It's a rule."

"Is that so..."

Ruisa was disappointed. Sakuhana-san doesn't tell me important things. It seems the hero has put her under a gag order. Damn hero.

"By the way, Ruisa-kun. I heard you met the hero's descendant in the outside world. What kind of person is she?"

"Huh? You mean Sharo?"

It was rare for Sakuhana-san to ask a question. She must be curious about the hero's descendant.

I told Sakuhana-san about Sharo in an amusing way.

How we were initially hostile, how strong she is, and how we are now close friends. And how she is a very good person.

Sakuhana-san's expression changed from laughter to surprise, and she seemed to be enjoying the story. Although she seemed cold at first, I realized she is actually very gentle and kind.

When I finished, Sakuhana-san looked satisfied.

"... Phew. I see. It seems the hero's descendant is living a happy life. That's good."

"Yes. I've been saved by Sharo's brightness too."

As we were having this light-hearted conversation, Ruisa's body began to fade. This was the signal that her time in the Infinite Prison was ending.

The time Ruisa could spend in the Infinite Prison as a spirit was about one minute in the real world, which was equivalent to about six hours in the Infinite Prison.

"It seems it's time to say goodbye."

"Yes. Thank you for today."

"... I don't really want to say this, but..."

Sakuhana said seriously to the fading Ruisa.

"Ruisa, be careful of the 'Creation Church.'"

"Creation Church? What is that?"

"I can't tell you the details, but as long as you try to free the Infinite Prison, you will inevitably encounter the Creation Church."

Sakuhana's face was intense, and Ruisa felt tense. It must be a presence that even the powerful Sakuhana-san is wary of.

"Never try to learn too much about them. But be cautious. Otherwise, they will surely trip you up."

"I understand."

When Ruisa responded firmly, Sakuhana's face returned to its usual gentle expression, and she saw Ruisa off.

---

From the Author:

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