The dragon was sleeping within the ice, as if cradling itself.
That ice extended from the ground all the way up to the ceiling—massive in size.
This must be the seal.
However, just as Horn had said, the seal was starting to break.
When I lightly touched it, I could feel it beginning to melt.
I couldn’t say exactly how long it would take…
But eventually, the ice would melt, and the Purgatory Dragon would be released.
"This is... i-incredible."
It was about twice as large as I had imagined.
Truly overwhelming in presence.
Can we really defeat something like this? I couldn’t help but feel anxious…
But when I looked to my right, Sofia was there.
And on the other side was Horn.
Yeah. It’ll be alright.
I’m not alone.
I have a dependable lover and a senior by my side.
If that’s the case, then I’m sure we can do anything.
"Fate, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I’m fine."
"Good to hear."
Her smile gave me so much courage and energy.
"Well then, I shall break the seal."
"Yes."
Horn stepped closer to the Purgatory Dragon frozen in ice—
"Wait, Horn! Please stop!"
I realized something and hastily called out to stop him.
It was well hidden, but there was a familiar presence.
And when I looked more closely, I saw a figure in the back.
"You’re there, aren’t you?"
"…"
"I’ve already noticed you. Staying quiet won’t help anymore."
"…Tch."
The one who appeared was—
"I thought I’d hidden pretty well… How did you notice? Oh! Could it be… the power of love?"
—Lena.
"Hmm!"
Sofia, having spotted her rival in more ways than one, reflexively pulled me close.
She held me tightly.
S-Something’s pressing against me…
But Sofia wouldn’t let go.
"Grrr! What’s with that? Are you trying to provoke me?"
"Of course not. Fate and I are deeply in love. Someone like you is just a pebble on the roadside—not even worth noticing."
"Grrrgh!"
"Mmmph!"
The two glared at each other, sparks flying between them.
"Um… Sofia? Now’s really not the time for this… We should be questioning why Lena is even here in the first place."
"Ah! Y-You’re right…"
"Though, I already have a good idea."
The seal on the Purgatory Dragon had begun to break.
And Lena—who belongs to the Dawn Alliance—was here at the place of sealing.
I wasn’t foolish enough to think that was just a coincidence.
"So, Lena was trying to break the seal of the Purgatory Dragon, huh?"
"Correct♪"
"You admit it surprisingly easily."
"Well, the circumstantial evidence is overwhelming. Denying it now would be way too obvious, right? So, I thought, for my beloved Fate, I might as well just answer honestly."
"I’m the one who loves Fate!"
—Hey, no competing here.
"Why are you doing this…"
"Ah, don’t get me wrong, okay? I’m not thinking of destroying the nearby town or anything that dangerous."
"How can I be sure? Your nature is twisted. I wouldn’t be surprised if you tried to destroy the town as a little prank."
"No way~ I wouldn’t do something like that. It’s simply… ah, I almost told you my true goal honestly. But it’s troublesome, so I’ll just keep it a secret."
With a cheeky smile, Lena moved deeper into the cave.
"Wait!"
"No way~"
No one waits when told to wait.
As if to say that, Lena disappeared deeper inside.
"Well, I’ll step back for now. Byeee~"
And then her presence vanished completely.
Knowing Lena’s personality, she probably won’t be hiding to watch us.
Most likely, she really did leave.
"Grrr... that thieving cat!"
"C-Calm down, Sofia. I’m surprised Lena was here, but what we need to do is something else."
"…Yes, you’re right."
"Hmm? That seemed like a rival you have some history with. Are you sure?"
Horn, who had been watching the situation, asked.
I nodded firmly in response.
"It’s fine. Our current goal is to defeat the Purgatory Dragon, not to chase after her."
"That’s good… but if you get distracted by other things, it might be fatal."
"I’ll be careful."
Let’s forget about Lena for now.
Focus only on hunting down the Purgatory Dragon.
Sofia also seemed to switch her mindset, adopting a resolute expression.
Feeling our determination set, Horn tightened her expression.
"Then… let’s go."
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