The earth-shaking explosion and the sky-high flames illuminated the dark surroundings like daylight.
The Magi inside the Mystic Eye Collection Train naturally witnessed this spectacle.
Seeing the bright sky outside, Marie couldn't suppress the shocked expression on her face. "This situation… is it coming from the depths of the forest? Is someone fighting the Forest of Einnashe?"
"No, I believe the battle is already over." Rei said with a smile, shaking her head. "This kind of commotion is undoubtedly caused by my Master. With his strength, making such a fuss over a mere plant is honestly overkill."
"Your Master… Mr. Natsukawa!?"
"No way!"
Both Trisha and Marie couldn't believe Rei's words. They were currently inside the Forest of Einnashe, where Magecraft was unusable. Naoki should be in the same situation as them, unable to use Magecraft. How could he possibly cause such a massive disturbance?!
Even if Rei claimed this attack could completely annihilate the Forest of Einnashe, Marie wouldn't find it extraordinary. But this was clearly not a power modern Magi could possess, nor a power ordinary humans could wield.
Even the rocket launchers humans were famous for might not achieve this.
Rei smiled faintly. "My Master's power isn't something you lowly Magi can imagine. Even if you combined the strength of all the Magi in the Clock Tower, it wouldn't compare to a single finger of his. And this level of power is the main reason your father asked him to protect you."
"Are you joking? The foundation of the Clock Tower is far greater than you imagine—"
"With the Clock Tower's foundation that can't even handle a single Servant?" Rei interrupted Marie before she could finish. "I'm not here to argue with you about the difference between the Clock Tower and my Master. You can ask your father about the specifics in the future."
"For now, please stay here quietly and wait for my Master's victory."
Switching to her Manaka personality, she looked at the sky filled with lightning and flames outside the window, as well as Naoki's figure floating in the distance. A faint, unnatural blush appeared on Manaka's face.
A single attack causing such a massive impact—truly worthy of her prince.
(But… that little girl named Ciel is really an eyesore. Does my prince have to hold her?)
[Maybe he's afraid she'll fall. She can't fly.]
(If that's the case, fine. Since there's a reason, I'll forgive him.)
If she could fly but was still being held by her prince, Manaka wouldn't mind secretly cursing her when she returned—though her prince would likely force her to lift the curse afterward.
(Speaking of which, there should be a kitchen on this train, right?)
[What do you want to do?]
(Make some food. My prince must be tired after fighting; he needs to replenish his energy quickly. Otherwise, it'll be troublesome if he can't perform later.)
◆━⊰✧⊱━◆
In the air.
Looking at the scene below, which resembled the aftermath of a natural disaster, Ciel's understanding of Naoki's power was renewed once again.
As she had said, she could achieve something similar. She could even use Magecraft surpassing that power. Roa's knowledge contained a vast array of Magecraft.
But those spells either required excessively long preparation times or demanded immense resources—some even both. They couldn't compare to Naoki's casual attack. Though it involved some initial preparation, a setup time of less than ten seconds was, in some respects, as good as none.
In the end, Imaginary Manifestation was a cheating ability.
After holding Ciel and landing on the ground, Naoki set her down. He then looked at the tree in the distance—the only one within a few hundred meters that hadn't been completely obliterated.
That was the core of the Forest of Einnashe.
According to records, all creatures devoured by the Forest of Einnashe became its nutrients, gathering in this massive core tree. In the end, it would form a dark red fruit said to grant immortality.
But looking at it now…
"Even if there was a fruit, it should've been destroyed by you." Ciel said, glancing at Naoki. "But then again, this time the Forest of Einnashe hasn't absorbed any creatures, so there shouldn't be any nutrients. Maybe the fruit wasn't destroyed but simply hasn't formed?"
"Theoretically, that should be the case."
Standing before the massive tree, Naoki grasped a stone sword that emerged from the ground at his feet. "Alright, we've been in this environment long enough. Let's chop this tree down and finish this job quickly."
"Or would you like to do it? It's your mission's target, so it's only right for you to deliver the final blow."
Hearing Naoki's words, Ciel paused for a moment, then drew three black keys from her cloak. "I owe you a huge debt this time. I'll find a way to repay you in the future, Naoki."
"Huh? What are you talking about? What debt? I just happened to save a random woman who was supposed to die while defending myself."
"You—!"
Ciel couldn't comprehend Naoki's principles at all. But considering his strength, perhaps an enemy like the Forest of Einnashe, which could have buried her here, was truly just something he "handled easily."
Seven years had passed, and Naoki had reached a place far beyond where he once was.
Holding the black keys and standing before the core of the Forest of Einnashe, which could be considered on its last legs, Ciel thrust all the black keys into the tree's trunk. Blazing flames spread from the black keys, engulfing the entire massive tree in an instant.
The Corpse Incineration Ritual—one of the many pieces of Magecraft knowledge from Roa. In terms of effect, it wasn't particularly remarkable, but it was the first of Roa's Magecraft that Ciel, who hated Roa, had learned, and it was also the one she was most proficient in.
Ending her final mission with this attack was the most fitting choice.
"With this, the final mission is complete."
Ciel let out a sigh. The mission that had lasted seven years was finally over. The sense of relief welling up in her heart was unstoppable. But at the same time, a sense of loss enveloped her.
Hunting the Forest of Einnashe—this was the last mission the Church had given her. Over the seven years since receiving it, the Church had unilaterally cut off all contact with her. No communication, no support.
She had been discarded, that much was certain. Perhaps the Church never believed she could survive the Forest of Einnashe. Yet now, she had survived.
After surviving, what should she do next?
(I… what should I do next? Where should I go?)
After a brief moment of relief, confusion began to envelop Ciel.
And at that moment—
"Ciel! Above!"
Naoki's loud shout suddenly snapped her out of her confusion. But when Ciel came to her senses, all she saw was [darkness] filling her entire field of vision.
"Huh?"
*BAM!*
In her moment of shock, the [darkness] crashed down.
A tremor like an earthquake spread across the land!