Shifter

...Shifters?

Yes. Those who come from worldlines different from ours.

Different in origin, yet the same in essence... Those consumed by their own fate.

You know about them, don't you?

...Of course.

House Stranis allied itself with NOA in the first place because of the [Shifters].

Not all Shifters are evil.

Nor are the trials that befell them their fault.

But... unfortunately, our world...

Lavistar isn't sturdy enough to allow their existence.

Their very existence disrupts the natural order and damages the world.

And the one behind this incident... is especially dangerous, even among them.

If she gets her hands on the [Sword of Aldebaran], we won't be able to stop her anymore.

But you do understand, don't you?

I don't have [Lucula Noctis] with me right now.

All because someone went and registered that girl as a Savior without my permission.

I am... sorry about that, Countess.

But I hope you understand.

It was that child's destiny... perhaps even her fate.

Of course I understand. As your executor and your friend.

But as her mother... I can't comprehend your decision at all.

I never wanted that child to bear the burden of being a Savior.

Again, I apologize. I have no excuse.

*Sigh...*

Well, there's nothing to be done about it now.

But Asherah ran away with [Dawn of Night]...

If I leave the estate under these circumstances, the side effects could become even worse.

No, I'm not even sure I can leave in the first place.

The head of House Stranis is bound to the estate without [Dawn of Night], after all.

I'll find a way around that.

If I use the remaining energy in the Astro Sanctum, you should be able to leave the estate for a short while.

I'll confirm the coordinates and send you there immediately to save time.

...Understood.

Then I'm counting on you.

Oh, and...

Huh?

Um...

What is it? If there's nothing else, I'll be off...

Your skin looks even better lately.

Did you change products?

...

That's what you're curious about right now?

Well... it's strange.

You're a married woman with a kid... yet your skin always looks so radiant...

Did you manage to get your hands on some [Moonlight Cream]?

I bought everything the Morrel Ocean Traders had in stock last month, and even they were sold out...

I'm not married! Most certainly NOT!

I'm a maiden, for starters! You know that!

That... I do know.

A virgin birth... I remember thinking the will of this world had rather peculiar tastes...

Anyway, if you have an extra, could I have one—

I don't! I don't use cosmetics! I wash my face with nothing but water!

I'm ending this call now!

...

"I wash my face with nothing but water," my foot.

...

Her identity is already being disrupted to that extent...

Her power must have diminished considerably.

Is she already nearing her limit...?

...

Lady Alicia! Oh, you're here!

Thank goodness...

I'm sorry, Claire.

I've been away quite often lately, haven't I?

What is it?

Well... did you feel that tremor just now?

At the same time, a massive wave of Voidborns reportedly began falling across Lavistar.

There's nothing like this in the manual.

Well, no, there was. But it was just a hypothetical scenario that was never supposed to happen...

The Divine Barrier...!

Claire.

Yes? Y-yes!

As NOA's First Observer, I am issuing an emergency order.

All reachable Saviors and Savior Parties, except the Voyager Savior Party, are to spread out and engage the falling Voidborns.

Above all else, prioritize the protection of civilians.

This order also applies to the maids of [Candle Square].

What? B-but... if we leave too, NOA will be completely defenseless.

...I'm fine.

So please, Claire.

...

Okay.

I'll do everything I can... to make sure no one gets hurt.

...

If the limit is close... then the end must be close too.

I've done everything I can.

But how it ends... is up to you.

You know that, don't you?

My contractor...

My Savior.