A few seconds earlier.
When Clare stepped into the underground palace, she suddenly sensed that something was wrong.
Why had she come here?
It was as though something had just guided her consciousness and body.
Without realizing it, she had bypassed Riful and Dauf outside and arrived here.
Then, the next moment.
Clare found herself in a dark space.
Though there was no source of light, she could clearly see the Claymore Warrior before her, both familiar and unfamiliar.
The former No. 2, later No. 5, and the younger sister of Luciela, the "South Abyss"—Rafaela!
"So this is your mental world. Has my consciousness been dragged in?"
Clare looked at her with an ugly expression.
"Dragged in?"
"That's not right. You barged in on your own—or rather, deep down, you wanted to see me."
Rafaela spoke calmly.
"I no longer have personal emotions. All that remains is a nameless consciousness, and even that consciousness should have quietly faded away."
"But someone touched my slumbering consciousness, and you greatly stirred the consciousness that was awakening."
"No, it should be said that it is the consciousness of this newborn body, because Luciela and I died long ago. Our consciousnesses should have vanished from this world as well."
Clare found it difficult to understand. "What?"
"This form of mine was also created by your memories. Then, with the power of those memories, it reconstructed my former thoughts. Perhaps it was meant to tell you what you need to know."
Clare said in surprise, "What I need to know?"
"My time is short, but please remember the next two sentences well."
There seemed to be a flicker in Rafaela's eyes, but it quickly returned to calm.
"First, do not oppose the World Government. They bear no ill will toward you or this world."
Clare